The Alien Library (16 page)

“Much larger,” she replied. “And it’s a working bay. Full of fishermen, the occasional sightseeing group and research vessels. It’s a protected marine sanctuary, so there isn’t any real industry lining the coast. Other than one power plant that was there long before it was given that distinction. The people are very protective of their bay.”

“A sanctuary?”

“Extra protection from polluters, serious fleet fishing, that sort of thing. It’s very rich with sea life, even whales migrate around it. Though that can be dangerous for the calves as great white sharks also appreciate how much food it holds.” She grinned wickedly.

“I remember sharks.” He shuddered. “You smile?”

“I am the victim of many campaigns to protect them from extinction, and anthromorphize them to friendly and even humorous creatures. Though I’d like to think I’d still have the common sense to avoid one if I saw one.” She shrugged. “They were slaughtered for the delicacy of their fins and the bodies tossed back into the water. It’s dangerous to kill off a primary predator. Disturbs the ecological balance of the world.” Pausing, she glanced at him. “No difficulties like that here?”

He shook his head. “It’s a big world and we are small compared to it.”

“Oh, with so few children it’s likely to stay that way. Good.” She turned her face back to the sea. “Too many people poison the world.”

The somberness of her mood surprised Daniel. He lifted her hand and kissed it. “Some children would be nice.”

“Of course, but within reason. The Earth is reaching a breaking point with its population, Daniel. I would think it’s hard for you to imagine, but it is.”

“Perhaps that is why Ix is here,” he temporized. “I just don’t know. Now, see the walls some distance in front of us? That is Thandin’s home. The surf grows rougher there and heavier. If you have the opportunity to swim, move to where there is more sand than rocks. The fishing fleet is at a second bay, just around the curve.”

“Sure, don’t swim near rocks.” She followed the curve of the bay. “It looks like a very open home.”

He understood her comparison. “Yes. Tendar’s estate is very closed in. It is a small compound and easily infiltrated since there are so few settlements nearby to warn off strangers. Granted, few are truly strangers, but the walls are for protection. There are fierce storms where he is. We may be back before storm season begins.”

She suddenly went still, causing Daniel to spin back toward her. She stared at a point not far from where they stood. The sun broke through some light cloud cover and the water shattered with light refraction. It was impressive. Daniel smiled, then he caught at his breath. From the brilliant bit of surf, a form rose.

“Oh,” Cameron gasped. “Tendar?”             

She recognized him first. Daniel sighed loudly. “Oh, Tendar.”

His body gleamed, water dripping down his long form. He shook his head and it sprayed everywhere. Cameron laughed, dropped Daniel’s hand, let her dress fall into the water and splashed toward the Kharmon with Daniel following her closely.

The longing inside of him caused an acute ache, and had been radiating for some days now. He felt drawn to taking an extended swim, wanting to lose himself in the sensation of clean water on his skin. News of his father’s death had been a sad thing, so close upon learning he’d been using a sexual enhancer. The thought had made Tendar feel unclean. The swimming helped.

He heard her laughter and thought he imagined it. Then he saw her, with Daniel just a few steps behind. He opened his arms, as the distance fell away. She wrapped herself around his torso and hugged him, the water nearly at her breasts. Tendar bent to kiss the top of her head, and extended a hand to Daniel. “You made good time.”

“Yes, Tendar, we made good time.” Daniel smiled brightly. “You look healed.”

“I am healed, and ever better now with the two of you here.” The Kharmon almost staggered as a wave hit him just as Daniel added his embrace to Cameron’s.

“Quickly, to the sand. Cameron, you don’t want to get your office tunic wet, they can take too long to dry.” Tendar pushed the pair of them toward the shore. The resistance surprised him and he stopped when knee deep.

Cameron softly cried, while Daniel couldn’t stop smiling. At meeting Tendar’s eyes, Daniel’s smile faded. “I am sorry about Jefarin.”

“Thank you. How he fell so low is a real mystery,” Tendar replied, stroking Cameron’s hair at the same time. “Why is she…?”

“He fell because he tried to leap to the library window!” She raised her face to his. “He was crazy, Tendar. Oh, hell.” She pushed away from him, wiping at her tears. “I’m sorry, he was your father. I am sorry for you loss.” The formal words sounded wrong, but she felt compelled to say them.

Tendar tilted his head at her. “He tried to leap to the library window? From where?”

“It’s a long story.” Daniel sighed as he touched the Kharmon’s smooth chest. “We have missed you.”

Tendar fought the impulse to force the story out here and now, then gave it up. He smiled at Daniel. “I have missed you with a depth I didn’t know was possible.” His gaze shifted to Cameron. “Thank you for the sentiment regarding my father, but tears aren’t necessary.”

“Oh, I’m not crying for him.” She looked away, feeling very clumsy. She let him direct her face back to him and met his eyes. “I’m just so glad you’re okay. I was so worried you would still be weak. Because of me.… Thank you for saving my life, Tendar. I never really got to say that, before.”

“Ah, you are welcome, Cameron.” He examined her face, then lifted his hand and eased the tunic away from her shoulder. He touched the scar, barely visible. “Much better.”

“Yes. I’m still scared sometimes, but it’s getting better.” Her breath caught as he let those fingers trail up her neck and touch her lips. She kissed them, her heart suddenly racing with desire.

Tendar took a deep breath. “There has been a change.” He sank to his knees, bringing his face to Cameron’s level. As she stood, frozen, he kissed her. The kiss went on longer than she knew possible. Daniel moved to Tendar’s back, his hands busy touching and caressing both faces.

The kiss began sweetly, a welcome of lovers reunited. Then it flared to a level she’d never experienced. Her body caught fire. Tendar’s hands pushed the sodden dress away, rose to touch and stroke. She grew acutely aware of his nakedness and when he pulled her legs up around his waist, filling the boiling cauldron at her center, she clung fiercely to him. Daniel groaned and she knew he was an involved as she.

The experience soared, heady and wonderful. This was the insanity she’d known before with the two of them, but with a new level or involvement. She felt everything, her body knew when Daniel slipped through Tendar into her. She could feel them both, Tendar’s sheath stroking both from the inside and outside.

The kiss went on, his breath mingled with hers. Divine.

“Stop.” The voice came from the shore. “I am sorry, nephew, but you must stop.”

Cameron cried as the kiss ended, a potential left undone. She clung to him, feeling his cock’s determination to finish its mission. Daniel sobbed and as he emptied himself into the pair at his chest, she felt herself rise with it. Tendar spoke to his uncle, even as his cock crested.

It was done, she knew, and it was glorious. What was Thandin saying?

“…Teemin insists. They will be well cared for, but kept isolated. I am sorry, it was the best compromise I could reach. Until Saphiri arrives.” Thandin’s face froze, somber.

“They did not kill Jefarin!” Tendar protested. He was slowly releasing Cameron. “Daniel, help her, please.”

She all but stumbled, her legs grown weak. Daniel helped her out of the small surf. They both fell in the sand and held each other. “Oh, Cameron!” He whispered to her, “Be calm. Stay strong. I will make sure there are nettle pods available.”

“What?” she asked, finally able to put a question together but received no answer.

Tendar stood in the water, suddenly bereft as the two humans got to their feet and were gently led away. He focused on his uncle. “She is fragile. Keep them from her!”

“I will. They will not be badgered, I promise.” Thandin smiled briefly at his brother. “I saw. I understand.”

“Wait! Thandin! Wait, I must talk with Thandin!” Daniel ran back. “She has been having Harvest Fears and she needs nettle pods. Don’t isolate her without them.”

Thandin looked confused. “Harvest Fears? Now?”

“Please, just believe me,” Daniel pled. He shook at Tendar’s nearness, but stood his ground until Thandin nodded. Only then did he surrender to the two Kharmon that had been escorting him. He had heard them, understood they would be separated and he feared for Cameron.

Tendar turned back into the surf and reentered the water. Thandin didn’t object, his nephew would need time to collect himself after that claiming. He hurried after the guards to make sure there were pods available for Cameron. What a mess.

Cameron began to cry as they approached the broad walls of the estate. “I don’t understand! Where is Daniel? Tendar?”

“Charges have been laid at your feet, Librarian. That you conspired to murder Jefarin. You will be kept safe until this is sorted out,” one of the guards told her. “We are not here to hurt you, but to protect you.”

“Protect me? From…” Her eyes widened as she saw Teemin, glaring at her at the top of a short flight of stone stairs. Behind him stood his four uncles. They were grim. She swallowed her question and literally shrank toward one of the guards. “Oh. Good.”

“Yes, exactly.” The guard set his hand at her shoulder. “I was told you had never seen our ocean. You will have a view from your room.”

“My cell,” she murmured. “Okay, will I be fed? Is there a shower?”

“It is a simple room, but yes, there are bathing facilities. And you will be fed.” He turned from the steps and they went a different direction, toward the ocean.

Teemin called out, “I have the right to see her!”

She heard Thandin answer. “You do and you have. She will be left alone until the others arrive. Daniel also.”

Pindari ran past Cameron, sparing her but a single glance and a quick smile. “Thandin! I have something she needs.”

What do I need?
Cameron thought to herself.
Other than to have this farce done with.

An hour later, she stood at the window, looking out as the sun set. The aquamarine water glowed and she tried to take comfort in the beauty before her. The guard had left her in the room, gesturing toward the window. “Do not attempt to climb out of it. The fall is steep.”

“I won’t,” she agreed.

Her bag arrived some minutes later. She had so little, but she cherished what was hers. She stroked the carved box and took out the gaba seed bracelet. She showered and wrapped herself in a towel, hoping she’d receive dry clothing to change into. When a meal arrived, she recognized the smell of a favorite dish that Pindari made now and then. Alongside the bowl lay a small drawstring bag. She gingerly opened it and sighed. “Nettle pods. Oh, thank you. Hope I don’t need them.” She placed the string over her head and ate. She simply didn’t know what else to do.

As she enjoyed the meal, her mind wandered to the last few hours. Tendar had been different. She had never really examined the attraction he held for her. Old rules about sex staying within species simply didn’t exist on Ix. Once he’d touched her, the very first time with Daniel, all of those concerns disappeared. She’d never tried to understand what she felt.

Hell, she’d only recently addressed the question in regards to Daniel. His admission of love had surprised her. He cared, she knew that. Empathy ran deep within him, when he wasn’t being pedantic. In retrospect, he’d grown more distant the longer she knew him, until recently.

Tendar was always attentive, when present. She recalled how he’d been, striding out of that ocean. Like some alien Venus, she smiled to herself. The water had matched the tint of his skin and his frill had been wild in disarray. He’d been magnetic. Her eyes closed as she recalled his hands, stroking her hair…sliding down her shoulders to her back.

With a groan, she pushed the food away and jerked to her feet. The breeze from the window provided some relief from the fire suddenly roaring in her body. She touched her breasts, heavy with need. Her nipples were painfully erect. She brushed then, seeking some release. The climax such a simple gesture brought her came as a huge surprise. She gasped and sank to her knees; the sensations from the interlude in the surf filled her. Her nipples strained against the shift she’d put on; the muscles of her belly flexed with the pull of deeper desire. She remained on the floor for several minutes.

Cameron moaned as she slowly recovered from the orgasm and pulled herself back to her feet. She stood, trembling, muttering to herself, “Oh, God! What have they done to me?”

“It isn’t your fault,” Thandin said from her doorway. “Or theirs.”

She spun to stare at him, fighting to recover some dignity. She grimaced at him, “Knock!”

“Of course, I apologize.” He nodded before he formally presented the charges Teemin had laid on her. “Librarian Cameron, Teemin has conceded your office is properly rewarded. With that put aside, the charges of colluding with Doctor Daniel to murder Jefarin have become paramount. As soon as the rest of the delegation arrives, a conclave will be held to ascertain the facts.”

She swallowed. “Oh, win some, keep fighting others. This is ridiculous! He attacked me!”

Thandin held his hand up. “I understand there are multiple perspectives regarding my father’s death. You will have ample opportunity to address them in conclave.” He moved into the room and sat at the small table where the remains of her meal sat. “Messages have been sent, it will only be a few days before everyone is here. The rest will hurry. Until then, there will be no contact between you, Daniel and Tendar.”

She nodded. “Is Tendar charged with anything?”

“No, but his loss will be the greatest, should this hearing fall foul of the two of you. What you are feeling is his essets. The healing he accomplished with you made it inevitable.” Thandin shook his head. “My brother has surpassed himself.”

“I don’t…what is an essets?”

“The soul level connection to Ix, to all we can be. What makes us different than the backalongs and everything else. But it is also forges the bonds between individuals. Specifically, his is reaching for you. As you reach for him. The same for Daniel.” His expression was one of wonder and some fear. “It is written in ancient scrolls. Your text speaks of it simply as love. The path to Daniel is already established, but now that deepens.”

She pulled out her chair and sat, pushing the platter of food away. “There is nothing simple about love, I think. Oh, hell. It should be simple, shouldn’t it? But nothing is simple here, is it? So, my body is lit from within, because of Tendar and Daniel?”

“Yes. The mingling of essets isn’t complete, so you are full of longing. Daniel suffers also, as does Tendar.” Thandin sighed. “I stopped you at the beach, because I care for my brother and should this hearing see you guilty, I don’t want him to suffer. But I realize it is too late, regardless. It may have been more merciful to allow the essets to flower.”

Cameron didn’t understand the flowering, but she got the worry bit. She stared at the tabletop, finally asked the question that mattered more than her understanding. “How do I help? What do I do?”

He smiled at her. “Hold it close. If Teemin sees this, he will redouble his efforts to see you and Daniel parted from Tendar, one way or the other. He refuses to accept the place humans hold with Ixian evolution. Or what the promise the future will hold for both species if we are able to reach essets together. Practice calm. If you truly feel the need for the nettle pods, use them, but be circumspect. They will open you to the deeper longing.”

Taking a long breath, she nodded. Her eyes rose. “Tendar suffers?”

“Yes, but he contains it well. Teemin doesn’t suspect. I know what I saw, so the signs are apparent to me. Teemin is a shallow being and can’t see what he is incapable of accomplishing himself.” Thandin stood up. “I will attempt to win a concession to allow walking on the beach or swimming, if you’d like.”

“Yes, that would be nice.” She sniffed. “Books?”

“There are few here, but I will see you have what there is to bide the time.” He moved toward the door.

She spoke up again, “Is there anything I can do to help myself with this hearing?”

“Speak the truth when you are asked.” Thandin paused. “Cameron? Teemin has a book of your writing. Consider how he would use it.” With that pronouncement, Tendar’s brother left her.

She stared at the door, her mouth slightly open. Her journal? How did he get her journal?

*****

Daniel paced back and forth in his small room. His window faced the sandy bluffs, the shadows lengthened as the sun set. Pindari had come to inform him of the charges. She promised to attempt conversation with Cameron, to make sure the woman was all right.

“Thandin has Leon, you know. He isn’t as medically knowledgeable as you, but he can assist her if the Harvest Fear rises again.” Pindari watched him pace. “Daniel, there is nothing else to do.”

“I know! I know.” He shook his head and paused, slowly stepping closer to Tendar’s aunt. “Pini, we are on the edge of essets. All three of us.” He spoke very softly. “I
ache
.”

Her eyes widened, then the corners of her lips rose, very slightly. “Oh, not very auspicious timing.” Her gaze lingered at his crotch, noting the distention his tunic partly hid. “You must see to your needs, Dani. And be patient. This may be a blessing. I will see that your menu offers you some relief.”

“Little relief to be found in nutrition, but thank you.” He turned away from her. “We knew,” he whispered. “I was preparing her, but there is still much she doesn’t understand. And doesn’t know.” He shuddered. “How is Tendar?”

“Blissfully worried. And now I understand why.” She sighed. “It will be kept from that nuisance, Teemin. Daniel, Thandin and I will see that this incarceration isn’t miserable. Is there anything you specifically would like?”

“Other than Cameron and Tendar?” He laughed bitterly, then thought aloud, “A journal.”

“No, he already has one to use against both of you.” Pindari raised a hand at Daniel’s enraged expression. “Cameron’s, stolen. What of a sketch pad?”

“Stolen! Hell…” He shook his head. “All right, a sketch pad. Yes, that would be better than nothing.” A sudden thought occurred to him. “Stolen? Pini, does Teemin have Jefarin’s dragon scale?”

“I don’t know.” She studied the doctor’s face. “You think the thief…? Oh, taken before Ix embraced him totally! What has she done?” Pindari stormed from the room before Daniel could ask who the
she
was.

A wry smile crossed his face as he considered what breaking that taboo could mean for the thief. With death so rare, death rites were sacrosanct. He suddenly hoped the
she
in question was roasted over a slow fire.

Cameron’s journal? What might she have written that could be used against them?

*****

Tendar stood in the great hall of his brother’s house. He remained placid, memory ripe with the passionate surf. He held the threatening eruption inside, well-schooled in hiding truth from Teemin, which was sad, but his brother persisted in being blindly stupid. Given quiet and no interruptions, Tendar was confident of completing the essets bond even with Daniel and Cameron shut away.

The old scrolls held more than the rest understood. He glanced down at the journal Teemin had produced as proof of Cameron’s complicity in luring Jefarin into danger. Tendar had read it and found only the human woman’s confusion, as well as the paths she used to leave the confusion behind. Teemin’s claims were absurd and the rest would see that.

Tendar’s eyes glowed for a scant second, then he pulled it all back inside. To hold and caress. To prepare.

Daniel and Cameron would not be taken from him. He abruptly left the great hall and sought out the keepers of the backalongs. All avenues would be prepared. If flight proved necessary, he would make certain that path would be available.

As he walked, he considered the rest of the evidence Teemin claimed. Letters from his father to the seamstress, Honi, expressing concern over the sexual attraction Cameron held. His father was a subtle man. The letters reeked of subterfuge.

How did I harbor a thief in my home?
He wondered about Honi. The news of the aphrodisiac may shed light on her desertion.

“I must ask Leon to examine her for the poison,” he muttered to himself. “They will never let Daniel be involved.” Pindari could ascertain how Daniel made the discovery and pass the information onto Leon.

As he neared the backalong holding, Tendar smiled. The reunion of male and female was always appreciated. They paired up and entwined their necks, as the youngsters played in the nearby lake. He approached the shepherd and held out his hand. “Larbra, you did well. Made very good speed.”

“They were inspired, Tendar.” The broader backed Kharmon examined Tendar. “I heard you were ill.”

“I was stretched too thin, but am recovered. I must speak to you of desperate measures, old friend.” Tendar bent his head as the two eased away from the rest.

Larbra nodded his understanding. “I was aware of Jefarin’s death, but not of this absurd charge of murder. Daniel is incapable of such treachery. And from what I saw of your librarian, such artifice is beyond her. She is transparent.”

“It serves her well, generally. She hides well. We may need to hide. I will not see them destroyed on the horns of my brother’s blindness.” Tendar sighed as they neared the lake. “Who carried them?”

“Ughly.” Larbra pointed out to the deeper part of the lake. “Daniel saw him take the great dive. He arrived quite excited.”

The backalong in question suddenly looked their way, with a loud thrum, he began to swim to them. The two waited, unafraid. Tendar examined the young beast as it clambered from the lake, lowered its head and inhaled deeply at his frill. All the while, he hummed. Tendar scratched the skin above the nostril. “Yes, they were with me.”