Jeanne G'Fellers - Sister Lost, Sister Found (12 page)

“Stop!” Terry pulled her great-great-grandson’s black ponytail.

“Stars!” Sallnox knocked her hands loose, retook his position. “I’m only helping!” He pushed the pillow harder. “She won’t hurt this way. It’s for the best.”

“For the best?” Jewel slid her headscarf noose-like around Sallnox’s neck. “Maybe
your
dying is for the best.” She jerked him backward, adding enough of a pain phase to emphasize her point.
Sorry little man. Have you learned everything wrong? It’s love your family, not murder them.
Sallnox wheezed and collapsed at her feet. Jewel was strong for her slender build, her body tight from hard work. She shook him in disgust then released the scarf, her phase more than enough to keep him in control.
I should kill you, but I was taught better
. She shoved him to the door and turned his head so he could see his cousins bound to the hanging tree. Kaelan was removing the noose from Archell’s neck.

“Rankil okay?” she called.

“Sleeping. Terry’s with her.” Jewel pushed Sallnox down the steps, dropping him at Kaelan’s feet, where she released her mind hold. “Meet Sallnox, Rankil’s brother. He was smothering her.”

“Shall I finish him the same way?” Kaelan looped the noose around his neck and began to tighten.

“No, he’s not worth the effort. We’ll rearrange his memory like the others.”

“What memory, white witch?” seethed Sallnox between rough jerks of the rope circling his neck. “How you planned your attack? How you stole Granny Terry and Archell for slaves?”

“Slaves?” Jewel laughed acrimoniously. “Attack? You stupid, shortsighted, snot-nosed brat! How dare you lie about the Taelach in our presence. We only want to be left in peace. We ask and take nothing other than our own. Taelachs defend. We never initiate an attack!”

“What about the ones you eat? You gonna hack us up for your fires?” His remark disturbed Kaelan so completely that she threw down the noose and walked into the house.

“Is that what they’re saying about us now?” Jewel took up the rope and cut lengths for Sallnox’s hands and feet. She passed the bindings to Archell. “Tie him tight, Archell, and we’ll carry his useless hide inside.”

“Archell will, lady Jewel.” He followed her instructions and carried Sallnox into the house. “Sit.” He tossed his cousin into the broom corner but remained by his side, looming, menacing, registering Sallnox’s every breath. “You won’t hurt my Rankil dankle again.” Archell bore his teeth, gnashing them until Sallnox was certain of Taelach mind control. “Do and Archell might just eat you.” Sallnox gulped and sat in silence.

“Now what?” Jewel joined the other adults at the low dining table.

“Terry and I were just discussing the options, or lack thereof.” Kaelan took her gentlewoman’s hand. “The children can’t stay, that’s a certainty. I guess they’ll have to come with us back to the clan.”

“What’ll Recca say? She’s thrown others out for less.”

“It’s a possibility, Jewel. A real one. If it happens, she may take Myrla from us.”

“Not our baby. Not our girl.”

“I know, Jewel of mine. There’s only one other choice I can think of.” Jewel grew anxious as Kaelan explained. “Terry has agreed. Rankil and Archell will get what they need. It’s the only option I can think of.”

“But to live clanless?” replied Jewel. “By ourselves? Alone?”

“You’ll have to be your own clan,” said Terry. “There’s enough strength in this room to handle most anything. Those children need a life. This is for them. Kaelan assures me there is a safe place you can build in, a bowl of some kind?”

“The volcano bowl?” Jewel cast her mate a puzzled look. “But the clan will be there next spring.”

“If we leave the clan by choice it gives us time to teach the children Taelach ways. Then, when the Serpents arrive, we’ll be prepared, and Recca’ll have to accept the additions.”

“And if we’re thrown out there is no return,” muttered Jewel. “I see the logic. We must retrieve Myrla and our things straightaway.”

“I’m going in a moment.” Kaelan then motioned to Archell, who was appreciating the newfound power he wielded over his cousin. “Archell, could you help Jewel and Granny Terry collect Rankil’s things? Be sure to include all the lesson scrolls and slates. We can’t have them in the wrong hands.”

“Archell is a good packer,” he replied. “Good packer and better stacker. We’ll be ready by dawn.”

“Good.” Kaelan turned to Jewel. “A litter will leave too obvious a path so Rankil will have to be held. Think we should wake her for it?”

“It’ll be easier for her if she remains asleep. You hurry back with Myrla.” Jewel drifted to the door, anticipating a quick kiss before they separated. “Don’t forget one of Myrla’s dolls. She says she’s too big for them, but a change this drastic may have her wishing for the security.”

“I’ll bring two. I’m sure Rankil has never had the privilege.” Kaelan bent down, drawing Jewel into a passionate kiss.
Change can be good. It can heal old wounds and give new hope for the future
.

It can at that. You’d best go. The sooner you return the sooner we’ll be making love in some exotic locale.

You fire mind you! Kaelan pushed back and smiled. “Convincing
argument. I’m off!” And Kaelan disappeared in the quick and silent manner Taelachs were known for.

“Well,” Jewel turned back and stared somewhat perplexed at Sallnox, who was now convinced of his fate in the cook pot. She pitied the cowering boy as much as she detested him. Autlachs would never understand—the fear was too twisted with lore and religion. The Taelach would always be running, struggling for existence as long as the circle of lies remained unbroken. But, Jewel considered as she looked upon Rankil’s swollen face, the task wasn’t up for her to accomplish.

“Archell?” She reached for Sallnox. “It’s time we take care of a few loose ends.”

A Sister is never alone.

—Taelach saying

“Kaelan, where in the Mother’s name have you been? And where’s Jewel?” Recca blocked the narrow escape tunnel as she toyed with her gold-handled blade. “I don’t care one bit for this.” Her seasoned brow rose. “Smells like conspiracy, and I know you wouldn’t do that, my friend, so what gives? You switching your affiliation to the Tekkroons? I know they’re more liberal than I choose to be, but I never figured you for this.”

“No, Recca. It’s nothing like that.” Kaelan leaned against the wall, inappreciative of the delay. “Put that blade away, and I’ll be happy to tell you what’s going on.”

“Good.” Recca sheathed the blade, but continued to block the entrance, arms crossing her chest. “Does this have anything to do with the misplaced sister? Are you leaving the clan for her?”

“Her and another child, a winnolla with the gift of music. They need us.”

Recca let a snorting laugh, shaking her age-streaked head against the foolishness she perceived. The stringent Serpent belief system had cost her people before, but she’d never lost anyone to living alone, much less an entire family. Normally, she wouldn’t have allowed a child to be taken into peril, but Kaelan had been a long-time friend and could be trusted, even though Recca questioned the idea.

“You’re going rogue? Wasting everything you’ve built here? Your station? And Jewel is willing to follow with so many single broadbacks willing to take her and Myrla in? You’re a damned fool, Kaelan, an idiot extreme. I’m tempted to keep the child with us until you’re sufficiently settled.”

“We’re doing what we feel is right.” Kaelan eyed the way Recca’s hand returned to her blade. On impulse, Kaelan’s palm grasped her own knife handle, fingers tapping warning on the handle. “And I know my blade as well as you know yours, so don’t threaten my family. Myrla will go with her raisers.”

“No offense intended.” Recca pulled her hand back. “I was only trying to figure your rationale. This is highly unusual. You of all people should know.” Recca stepped aside but followed Kaelan through the interior corridors, dissatisfied by the manner in which she had retreated from another’s challenge. But, dammit, this was Kaelan, a valued member of the community, and though Recca would never admit it, someone whose swordsmanship topped her own.

“At least tell me where you’re headed.”

“The volcano valley.”

“Good choice. It’s close to the Tekkroon, so it should prove safe enough. But you’ll need winter stores, milk for the children. How, pray tell, were you planning to obtain these?”

Kaelan kicked a loose stone in her path. “However I can.”

“Spoken like a truly desperate individual.” Recca caught Kaelan hard by the elbow, turning her about. “My friend, I have a proposition you might just like.”

“Whatever it is, make it quick.” Kaelan turned toward her grotto. “Jewel and the children are waiting.”

“It’s simple.” Recca released her hold, and they continued down yet another darkened passageway. “You need time to teach your new family. I need someone to map out the bowl’s caverns. You willing to trade?”

“My services for what?”

“What do you suggest?”

“My clan affiliation.”

“Still intact, provided the children know our language and customs when we arrive.”

“They will.” Kaelan’s brisk pace slowed for a second, and she smile back at Recca, dissolving all tension between them.

“With you and Jewel guiding them they’ll be quoting the Mother’s parables.” Recca laughed. “Go wake your daughter, Kae. Tell her of your expanded family while I have your supplies packed.”

“I’m in a hurry.”

“Aren’t we always when we move?” Recca shoved Kaelan toward the living cavern. “Supplies will be waiting for you in half an hour. Go get your daughter.”

Myrla proved an efficient packer when Kaelan woke her with the news. She chose her favorite two dolls, leaving the remaining three for the youngest clan members. “After all,” she declared while rolling her bedding, “I’ll be awfully busy with my friends.”

“Got your winter cloak?” Kaelan placed their few pieces of jewelry and Autlach currency into her belt pouch.

“Yep, I’m ready.” Myrla stood by the doorway. Late night or not, she was wide awake. “Never thought I’d live outside the clan. Isn’t it dangerous?”

“Not where we’re going.” Kaelan folded the divider curtain and tucked it under her arm. The material had cost them several pieces of jewelry, and she had no intention of parting with it. “Let’s go, daughter. Time is wasting.”

Recca waited by the smoldering remains of the evening fire. She had three nassies packed for travel, two laden with food, the other with everything from cooking utensils to replacement arrows. A small, calf-heavy milker was at the end of the line, quite content to be chewing her cud. Archell’s stolen nassie stood nearby, the Autlach saddle replaced by a Taelach riding pad.

“It’s all here.” Recca strapped a sword to Kaelan’s back. “There’s a second in the packs. Teach the lost sister how to defend herself. I expect to see you come spring with a stack of detailed maps. You’ll receive prime quarters for your efforts.”

“We’ll be waiting.” Kaelan lashed the last of their belongings on the packers, climbed onto her mount, and pulled Myrla up behind. “I’m expected back around dawn.”

“Then get going!” Recca passed the lead line to Myrla and waved them away. “Keep safe, my sisters and good luck.”

“Same to you.” Kaelan whistled for the pack line to follow, ignoring the sleepy faces poking from the cavern opening. Recca would explain away their leaving, she was sure.

Progress proved slow with such a long lead line, but they arrived at the cabin just after sunrise, Myrla’s excitement having faded enough for her to doze against Kaelan’s back. At the sight of them, Jewel rushed out and pulled Myrla into her arms, startling her awake.

“No problems?” she asked between quick kisses on her daughter’s forehead.

“What do you think?” Kaelan pointed to the snorting packers.

“I think Recca was either very generous or you stole the clan blind.” Still clutching Myrla, she examined the supplies. “Everything we could want is here. What prompted the generosity?”

“I’m to map the volcano bowl’s caverns. The supplies are part of my payment.”

“See?” Jewel smiled. “This was part of the Mother’s plan.” Archell trotted up the hillside as they spoke. He’d deposited his unconscious relatives in a small shrub knot down the road, roughing their appearance to match the planted memory of a vicious robbery by Autlach bandits.

“Nassies are packed and loaded tight. Let’s get Rankil and ride until night.”

“Jewel,” a delighted Myrla said in broken Autlach, “he is winnolla! Will you teach me songs, Archell?”

“Will the pretty Taelach teach Archell to read?” He said with a mischievous smile.

“Love to.” An instant bond was formed between the youths, a friendship blind to their differences. They chattered back and forth as the adults ushered them inside Terry’s cabin, the merriment coming to a screeching halt when Myrla spied Rankil. “How will she ride?”

“With assistance.” Jewel knelt to help Terry wrap Rankil in a new quilt.

“The patchwork was going to be her gift for the Pass End Feast.” Terry lowered her grandchild onto the pillow. “But she needs it now.” Terry’s tense expression had settled into a reflective glow as her sightless eyes moved from Kaelan to Jewel. “She’s yours. I’m too tired to provide what she needs. Give her the love she’s been denied. Hold her through the coming nightmares. Listen to her fears and help her overcome them.” Terry slid her grandchild’s hand into Jewel’s then reached for her grandson. “Archell, come lead your great-great-grandmother to her rocker and sit with her a while.”