Lycan Alpha Claim 3 (105 page)

Clara hated the need for divers. Sometimes these men held their breath to a depth of over forty feet. For what? A pearl to satisfy the Queen's need for yet another strand about her neck? Foolhardy was a word she assigned to the Queen more often than not.

Clara gazed toward the middle of the lake. Small sphere-dwellings surrounded the deepest trenches of the lake. By week's end, she would take the pungy to meet with the pearl divers to inform them their services would be needed again. That would also mean a meeting with Ada. Clara supposed she could not avoid the Queen all the time.

Russel leaped back into the pungy, making it rock chaotically to and fro. Clara's footing remained true. He reached for the basket and dragged it inside, placing it on the floorboards. Clara looked at the biggest of the oysters. She grabbed her glove, and using her left hand, held the oyster tightly. Grasping her oyster knife, she worked the tip in at the most open part by the hinge, moving back and forth until she finally flipped the knife vertically, breaking the stubborn shell open. She let the muck drain while pressing the knife against the creature. Russel handed Clara the oyster fork so that she might search for the pearl.

There! It was in the interior fold closest to the back of the shell hinge. She moved it forward with her fork. The creature seemed to be trying to suck it back into its crevice.

Clara plucked it out and gazed at it, holding the fat, pea-sized gem above her face. Both men eyed it critically. She studied it. The size was perfect with the classic baroque “pinch” just off center. This field was cultivated for a perfect cream color and size, but as with any organic thing, this oyster was not cooperating by yielding that butter color with a hint of pink. Clara brought the pearl down beside her and raised her eyebrows at the brothers.

“Pink,” Sydney said.

“Aye, it be pink, Princess,” Russel agreed.

She nodded. The Queen would wish the crop to yield that which was commanded, but Clara knew that these results could be tipped. Perhaps it was the item placed in the oyster that had caused it. She asked the brothers.

“Glass, Princess. We use it always. It is what the Guardians instructed for uniformity,” Sydney said.

It was confounding. Clara couldn't explain the color.

“It is not overly pink,” Sydney said.

“Just a sheen, is all,” Russel said.

“She will not like it.” Clara’s stomach became tight as she thought about the Queen's displeasure.

No one asked who She was.

The remainder of the day was spent thus. Each field was checked, and all but the pink were in order. Each field represented different colors at different levels of maturation, but only the first field had a mysterious color result.

Drat
.

After lunch, which was quite late, Clara used the fresh water bucket that she found in a dim corner of the pungy to rinse her hands of the sticky juice of the tangerine. Russel was not bothered a bit and indelicately sucked it right off his fingers.

Clara laughed. “You enjoy the tangerines more than I!”

“Aye, ʼtis true, Princess.” Sydney chuckled at the two of them with their tangerines. He was not a bit fond of them.

Clara saw through the thick air of the sphere how the sun had descended from its highest point. “It is time to get back.”

Clara looked at her timepiece... half past four o'clock. Ada would most definitely demand an audience with her, wishing to know how the fields faired, or rather, what they yielded.

Sydney, who read her well said, “Let us return to the pier.”

Clara nodded, wishing very much that she’d had the forethought to fetch a flat stool upon which to sit. Her legs were tired from standing the entire day. Tomorrow, she would not be in the fields. Instead, she would attend Trading Day and see what wares the Royal Manse might need. That brought her round to thinking of Charles. Where must he be? She wondered if he was busy in the other fields. Just as she thought it, there he was, skippering his own pungy.

“Hail Princess!” Charles called with a shout and a wave. His breeches were tucked into supple leather boots of the deepest chocolate, tied in the front with laces wound like Xs up the front. His shirt billowed behind him, and his forearms bulged as he manned the pole. His younger brother, Alex, worked the stern as he worked the bow, only ten and two years and already a deck hand.

She raised a hand in greeting. “Greetings, Charles and Alex!”

Charles’s good will for her was plain on every angle of his face with Alex a smiling mirror behind him. They pulled beside the starboard side of her pungy, the brothers fixing large hands against the boats to keep them from hammering the sides together. Alex steadied the stern to anchor it.

“Are you heading back to pier?”

She nodded. “I am.”

“Excellent, I will accompany you.”

Sydney gave a glower, failing to hide his displeasure at Charles's interruption. 

Clara sighed and thought that her life was unduly complicated.

They moved alongside one another with Charles at their stern with Alex still aft. “What say you, Princess? What of your yield this day?”

Alex was a dear. “Yield is as expected, however...”

Charles glanced her way then back ahead of him, keeping the boats separated as the pier came into view. “What is it?”

“A cream field that has a pink wash.”

Charles made a disgusted noise. “That will not be good.”

“Yes, I know.”

The brothers kept their own council, not willing to add to her anxiety. Charles didn't bother. He knew the Queen would discuss the color. She would have to place blame somewhere convenient.

Clara stood straighter, squaring her shoulders. “In all truth, I cannot control the oysters. It is inexplicable why there be a color wash.” She shrugged. There was no more she could do.

They pulled up on opposite sides of the pier where the Pier Keepers took their lines, tethering them to the brass cleats on the deck worn smooth from a million tethers.

Otis, a lean specimen of a man who was lead Pier Keeper, helped Clara out of the pungy, and she turned, waiting for a brother to hand off her lunch pail. Russel did so with a wink and a grin. “I do adore tangerines, Princess.”

Clara smiled, turning back to Charles, who was already on deck. “Let us walk together.”

She gave a small wave to Sydney, who looked forlorn.

Charles turned to Alex and dug around in his breeches pocket, finding his time piece on its copper chain. “You have the pungy and one hour until supper. Do not be late, or Mother will have your hide!”

Alex ducked his head, and Clara realized that the admonition must be warranted.

Charles whispered, “He does tend to dawdle.”

She understood completely as she could be a champion dawdler when so disposed.

He, of course, knew that about her and his look caused a bubble of laughter to escape from Alex.

Charles frowned. “Dear Clara, do not encourage him.”

“Yes, I mustn’t encourage his dawdling.”

Alex giggled behind them as Charles swept her down the pier and away from the bad example she was apparently setting. The evening was shaping up nicely. Sarah would come calling at seven or so this evening, and she had managed to poke at Charles. Marvelous.

They walked quietly together for a time, looking at the houses, some with candles glowing as the supper hour drew closer.

“She will be angry, our Queen,” Charles said.

“I know. I cannot help that, as well you know.”

“Let me accompany you as you explain the yield, the pink pearls.”

Clara thought about this. She mustn’t give him opportunity to avenge her in a fit of emotion. No, she would hope something else would assist her this evening.

“I think she may be deep in her cup. This will be the case each day that King Otto and Prince Frederic dawdle here.”

A huge grin broke free across Charles's face. “Yes, they may dawdle about, but I do not care for their dawdling half so much as yours and that of my dear brother.”

Clara had made a joke at the neighboring monarchsʼ expense, and it felt like a small blight was erased from her mind. She had only her mother's love of wine to possibly give her grace. With Frederic here, she was not sure how things would come to pass.

They had passed Sarah's school, and this was the fork where Charles needed to split from her to continue to his own dwelling. “I do not require safeguarding this night, Charles.”

They stood underneath the street lamp, which came on as dusk approached with a soft hissing.

Charles reached out a hand and pressed his palm to her face. She loved the warm, dry hand that had helped shape games when they were young, guidance as they grew older, and tenderness when there was no one else. “You seek to protect me from myself, Your Highness.”

Clara lowered her eyes. Was she as transparent as all that? Could she not better contain her expression?

“Do not self-recriminate, Clara. It is who you are to think of others first. But think on
this: what friend would I be to you if I allowed you to go to the Royal Manse unescorted, to face certain persecution for things that are not of your making?”

Clara did not have a fair rebuttal. She knew if their positions were reversed, she would not leave his side.

“Alright, you may come with me. But I implore you, say nothing. Do nothing. Promise me.” Her aqua eyes focused on his dark ones, hooded by the approaching twilight. He nodded once.

He had meant it when he agreed. Some promises a person could not keep, even if his life depended on it.

CHAPTER 10

Bracus, Matthew, and Stephen slowed as they broke into the clearing. The clan fire burned brightly, a beacon of welcome after their long journey.

Members of the clan were gathered at the fire, but it was members of the Band whose eyes Bracus sought. There they were, their height and throat slits obvious markers of their status within the clan, noticeable even in the dim light. Bracus thought of how much the clan would benefit from additional Band members. But a strange twist of genetics made the choice for them. With only eight members, they protected the clan. Other, neighboring clans had near the same number, which led Bracus to think that it was not sheer coincidence. His thoughts traveled to the Evil Ones. They were somehow mixed in these processes. There was no record of this manifestation of physical differences before the Days of Ash.

Philip was even taller than Bracus and had a way of standing that made him unique amongst them. Philip turned and saluted. Bracus nodded in return, then realized he might not be seen in the dim light and gave a short wave. Philip strode to Bracus, clapping him on the shoulders. “How goes your scouting?”

“Very well,” Bracus said, grinning. This was his childhood playmate, the one Bracus spent much time beating on and winning and losing battles with—practice for real war. Philip's hands fell away. The callouses of his dominant hand scraped slightly against the bare skin of Bracus's shoulder. Years of archery had beaten their hands into submission.

Matthew and Stephen walked toward the fire, shifting their weapons in preparation for disarming for the day.

Philip's broad shoulders blocked the light of the fire as he walked in front of Bracus, barring his words and expression from onlookers. “What of the female?”

“Can you not wait, brother?”

Philip grinned. “I cannot. I must know... what does she look like? Different from our females?” he asked, his head tilting to include the few that drew warmth from the fire.

“Much.”

Both men turned to look at the lone pair of females near the huge community fire, its crackling presence flickering on the faces of all who were close. Bracus appraised them. Jack Blythe’s mate leaned in against Jack, the newest member of the Band. His forearm wrapped protectively around her collarbone, and he stood behind her with his chin touching the top of her head. His eyes met Bracus’s, and he nodded, watching Philip and Bracus closely. The Band was protective of their mates. But only one of them was mated at present. Lillian stood in Jack's embrace, relaxed in the knowledge that her mate was a superior fighter. She had a skilled protector, a good thing for a woman of the clans.

The other female, Anna, stood apart from all. She had escaped a clan she would not name where a male had tried to force her affection—an abomination. Anna glanced warily at the two Band members, acting as if she might flee if they moved in the wrong direction.

Months
she had lived here with his clan, and still she did not trust.

Philip sighed, sensing his brother's thoughts. “She wants no one. But there are ones who would want her if she was so inclined.”

“She is not yet ready.”

“Agreed.”

“Her fear is a terrible thing to see.”

Philip looked at him. “Yes, it is. But there are some males...” He let his voice trail off. Bracus was well aware that some clans were not run as uniformly as theirs. President Bowen wished to gather the clans together and institute a Police of sorts, unifying the Bands of all the clans as a universal protector.

Much to consider. It was a matter of priorities, the current one being the clan's sustainability, It was threatened by the dwindling numbers of females.

Philip and Bracus walked side by side to the fire. Bracus felt reluctant to disarm. He wished to take a bath in his dwelling. He would lay his weapons down at home. Matthew and Stephen's quiver and bow lay at their feet as they sat on a log.

Matthew watched their approach, his backside tight against the ground and his feet crossed at the ankle, arms resting on the log. “Tell us. Our weapons finished... our day done.”

Stephen gave a sour look, obviously tired of being left out of the immediacy of the president's inner circle.

Anna watched the group of huge men come together near the fire. The Band. She scooted back a few steps, giving up the warmth of the fire for the feeling of security the distance gave her. The captain, Bracus Goodman, was the only one she might trust—might —
and one other,
her mind whispered
. Bracus was their leader and had earned respect through his treatment of others. He even took time with the children, a true and decent thing. Memories of her clan hovered near her, threatening to suffocate her with sheer terror. She had prevailed, narrowly escaping. Anna forcibly relaxed her shoulders. Near a half year she had been here. She would not be able to keep her clan of origin secret forever. Possibly, the one who had abused her would find her and kill her.

He had told her so.
She shivered, remembering.

*

Anna felt his body pressing into hers, filthy hands groping at her clothing while one hand covered her mouth to quiet her. She remembered the trees that night as she lay upon her back, their swaying a black outline against the moonlight, the forest her witness. She kicked with all her might, bucking and fighting. His hand left her mouth and backhanded her across her face. Anna saw stars. Stunned, she lay still, and he continued his onslaught. He was a member of her clan's Band, one sworn to protect the clan, protect the females... yet he did not.

She felt her mind leave her body. This could not be happening to her. Just as he would have his way with her, a figure loomed above them, an older female, small boulder raised above her head. Anna's eyes bulged. The male saw her reaction a moment too late. The rock fell on his head, and he slumped over, off Anna's body. She sat up with a hiccupping sob. Relief washed over her in a sickening adrenaline surge, overwhelming her limbs, numbing them. She opened her mouth to say something. Della put a finger to her lips to silence her.

The two women turned to look at Anna's attacker. “Go now, far away. Before he awakens.”

“But what of you? He will hurt you,” Anna said, her body quaking.

Della
smiled grimly. “No, he will be occupied with explaining himself. However, this one is of a mind to not be remorseful. He will try again. You must go.” Della's stout body and dour face
were
set in purposeful lines. She held out a pack with odd straps that wound
around one
’
s arms.

“This has what you need for a journey of this length.”

Anna peered inside: jerky, dried fruit, and nuts. More food than she would need. She gave Della a confused look.

“You need what is here and more than I can give you. Follow the cobbled road until it ends. Head west.” Della rifled through the folds of her skirt, producing a rough map. “There are rumors that the mid-western clans are governed more fairly.” Della gave Anna a significant look. She meant that the males were true, without criminal transgressions.

That was how the Clan of Ohio had found Anna: dirty, delirious, and half-starved. Her fear was not as awesome as her desperation.

*

Anna started when a male spoke to her. “Anna?”

She instinctively backed away, then stopped, steeling herself. She must be brave. Not all males were as the one she had escaped from. Joseph  looked at her, eyebrows raised, waiting for a response. She usually just nodded in return. But this night, still in the grip of her memories and out of the warm shelter of the fire, she wished to have
some human contact, even if male... especially male
.
She purposely stepped closer, regaining the steps she had given up. She needed to start to believe.

To trust.

Joseph regarded Anna in surprise. She did not run off as she usually did. He watched as resolve formed in her eyes, and he fought not to show his shock. He had been greeting her from the very first when she’d come to them a starved, filthy thing, delirious from dehydration, asking over and over,
Is this the midwestern clan?

He had watched these months and seen her shyness was for males, but females, she trusted. That had given the Band pause
.
They considered her to have been a victim of some kind. But when questioned she just shook her head. Even Bracus, who had found her and established some trust, could not extract the reason for her state upon arriving. What clan did she hail from?

A mystery.

One Joseph wished to solve.

“Yes, Joseph,” she croaked, her voice unaccustomed to being used.

The remaining Band around the fire looked up sharply at the rare sound.

She immediately noticed their attention and faltered, but Joseph said, “Please, tell me what you think upon.”

Anna stood stupidly before him, all thoughts gone save one. “I am cold.” However insignificant the statement, it was what she
could
say.

Joseph smiled,
that
he could fix. He extended his hand, sweeping it toward the fire. “Join me by the heat then, Anna.”

She gave the barest of smiles, and Joseph's heart soared to see this quaking female regain a semblance of who she was and giving him the slimmest regard.

They walked toward the fire together, a man of the Band and a female hanging fiercely on to a grain of hope.