Heart Of Dragon

HEART OF THE DRAGON by Myra Nour (c) copyright June 2003 Mary Nour Cover art by Eliza Black, (c) copyright June 2003 New Concepts Publishing 4729 Humphreys Rd. Lake Park, GA 31636 www.newconceptspublishing.com

Acknowledgments: I’d like to dedicate this novel to my son, Michael, for his enthusiastic love of my story telling.

CHAPTER ONE

Sweat beaded on his sun-darkened skin, then pooled and ran in rivulets of life sustaining moisture. Past discouragement or caring at this point, Eric glanced with glazed detachment at his own agonizingly slow death process. The droplets gathered and ran off his body in constant reaction to the tropical climate. Unknowing tools of the body--the lost moisture spelled his end quicker in these sweltering temperatures. A quick flick of wind whipped through the encampment. He waited expectantly as the wind stayed true to form and a brief teasing rain splashed him with a few minutes of cooling moisture. Opening his mouth wide, his head fell back as far as he could bend it, before it hit the post behind him. Eric gathered all the showering rain he could while it lasted. It was the only way he managed to dislodge his swollen tongue from the semi-permanent position it assumed much of the day and night. He was able to move it sluggishly about only when water was available. “I see you’ve had your water ration for the day.” Eric looked with dull, unfeeling eyes at the short, dumpy man who had come to taunt him, as was his several time daily routine. He was called Captain Rodriguez by his subordinates, “greaseball” by Eric when he still was strong enough to be defiant. The guerrilla commander ran through his regular questioning, “What was his mission? Where were the other special forces soldiers in his A-team?” And so on. Eric maintained a stony silence. Talking might give him the ease of a promised meal and sufficient water, but it wouldn’t stop these creeps from killing him in the long run, and hell if he was going to give away any information which might put his comrades in danger. Not that it could have helped. He was sure Tom and

the others were far away by now, thinking the shot that took him down, had killed him. The guerrillas’ ambush had necessitated the team’s immediate withdrawal. Eric had felt a thrill of danger just before they’d stepped into the clearing, which the guerrillas surrounded, but his premonition wasn’t clear enough for him to do anything about it in time. On many occasions, his “gift” had helped him through tough periods. Time was all he had now. Time to die. Rodriguez left, after throwing a few punches to his sore mid-section. He wasn’t really interested in Eric much anymore; just waiting for his American prisoner to die. Even though the commander had taunted him about getting his water for the day, Eric knew he’d get a few gulps from the filthy cup held to his lips at sunset, prolonging his agony. He’d lost track of time. He knew he’d been tied to this post in the center of the camp for over a week, but whether it was more than that, he couldn’t say. The lack of food and skimpy rations of water, plus the fevers brought on by infection, kept him in a fog of delirium. Eric stared down at the gaping wound on his right thigh. If the putrid smell wasn’t enough to alert him to the danger of gangrene, the red streaks running down his leg since this morning, certainly were. He shook his head in confusion--not because he should have accepted his coming death by now--but because he hadn’t. All common sense dictated he would die soon. He was a prisoner in the middle of an enemy camp. Yet, Eric knew, no felt, it was not his time. Sagging against the ropes binding his arms and chest, he wished for the first time his powers of sight would just leave him alone. Certainly escape was impossible in his condition. God knows he’d tried several times when his strength was still formidable. And he saw no hope for rescue. The pain of deprivation, infection and fevers had taken their toll. He wanted escape in whatever form it appeared. The shadows of evening finally cooled his body, but brought out mosquitoes and other nighttime denizens, who enjoyed taking minute bites from their luckless victim. Eric looked around in confusion as the clearing became suddenly darker. The heavy shadings of its limb-touching, entwined trees allowed not even slight shards of twilight’s last rays to penetrate. A deep thrumming sound vibrated throughout his whole body and he stared upward, wondering for a fleeting joyful moment if a Black Hawk helicopter hovered above, perhaps searching for him. He could spy nothing through the dense growth, nor could the guerrillas that gathered, shouting and pointing toward the treetops. Realizing the overpowering sound couldn’t be helicopter, he slumped against the pole. Yet his vision stayed skyward, curiosity not quite dead within him. He felt neither pain nor fear as a blinding beam of light shot unexpectedly from whatever hovered overhead, picking him out amongst the impenetrable blackness, enveloping his body with its warmth. Wondering for a microsecond if his “second sight” had at last failed him, that death had truly come for him, Eric slid easily into an inky nothingness.

****

“Great gods of the homeland!” Dr. Melat added a few Cromotrie curses under his breath.

Rolan’ shook his head in agreement. Never had he seen a human or non-human in such bad shape. The body of Olga’s brother lay upon the examining table where they had beamed him only moments before. Raw bruises overlay older purplish-yellow ones, creating an odd patchwork of color against the man’s tan skin. Flung over this unpleasant sight, were numerous cuts, fresh and healed. As well there were uncountable raised red bumps, clear markers the human had been swarmed interminably by insects. The man had also been obviously starved, his ribs showing with sharp contrast against the expanse of his still-immense chest. Rolan’ held his breath as he spied the wound on the human’s right thigh, the rank smell vying with the visual sight of the deep wound. He barely held in his nausea at the sight. “Do you think you can save him?” Dr. Melat shook his head uncertainly. “I honestly don’t know. Humans are much more frail than our comrades, the Volarnians.” The doctor gently poked and prodded his unconscious patient. “He is an extremely fit specimen for an Earthling though. Perhaps he will live,” he said softly. Rolan’ was very worried about Olga’s brother, but Dr. Melat completely ignored his hovering nearby.

****

Eric stood at the lounge’s observatory window, endlessly fascinated each time he looked out at the stars, as if every time were the first. Far in the distance, a reddish planet with golden rings circling it, held his attention for a long time. It was the fourth planet in this solar system and the neighbor of Volarn, which the ship would reach tomorrow. Volarn. The warrior run, medieval-style planet. The place his sister had been brought to last year as a captive bride. He still couldn’t believe Rolan’s glib explanation of Olga’s happily married life. He knew his sister. He couldn’t picture her acceptance of being abducted and then falling in love with one of her kidnappers. God, how he’d searched and worried about her this last year, frustration eating at him daily at his seemingly fruitless efforts. Olga had simply disappeared. And now he knew why. But last year he’d not known and was sure as he stepped off the plane onto American soil, he’d had enough bad luck to last him a while. He’d just spent several tough weeks being laid up from a bullet wound to the calf of his right leg, the same unfortunate limb of recent injury. He’d been reported as “missing in action.” Eric shook his head in silent laughter. Call it fate or maybe being struck twice by lightning, but he’d gone missing in action twice now within a very short span of time. Last year, he’d been far more fortunate, being found by an ancient Spanish widow instead of guerrillas. The bullet had gone straight through his leg, but his fall had earned him a bump to the head and a rough roll beneath a heavy growth of bushes. He counted himself very lucky to be found by Senora Sanchez, the village healer. She was a kind old woman who missed her youngest son dearly, the one killed in guerrilla warfare the previous year.

Maybe that’s why she didn’t turn him over to the local guerrillas, or maybe it was because he spoke Spanish and she enjoyed his company. Her small dwelling was isolated from the village and made hiding his presence easier. He’d said a fond farewell to the Senora once he was well enough to make the arduous journey overland to the nearest field base. And, he’d kept his promise of keeping in touch, sending letters routinely, as well as money. Her letters were sporadic and written in barely legible English by a trusted grandson who’d attended some schooling. They were always filled with interesting tidbits of the life led on another continent, one as alien sometimes as the one he now approached. The simple notes always ended with a prayer for his safety. The last letter he’d sent her, before he undertook this recent deployment, was “returned to sender.” A badly written “grndma dead” on the envelope sunk into his heart with a chill. Eric cried that night and repeated a version of her favorite prayer. He’d always missed not having a big family, something he desired greatly in the secret paths of his heart. The Senora had been the grandmother, even if only for a short time, that he’d never known. His sorrow made him miss his only living relative. He’d tried to contact his sister and his grief went deeper still. He and Olga were fraternal twins, but were as close growing up as many identical twins claimed to be. Their first heartbreak had come when their parents divorced, his beautiful mother staying in Germany, his father returning to the United States. Olga was to stay with mom and he to go with dad. They both fought the separation, but it was a battle they couldn’t win. They’d clung to each other desperately, fighting back the tears with pre-teen pride as his dad practically dragged him aboard the plane. They were reunited after graduating high school when Olga was able to come to the United States. Eric shook his head in self-degradation. It’d been he who’d been so very stubborn, causing their final break. He just couldn’t stand the slick city bred Italian man who claimed to love his sister. How could he not notice how the man’s dark lustful eyes followed every attractive woman within his range? Looks his sister was blind to. Now, according to Pulack, Olga had a man worthy of her love. Well, he’d just wait to see about that himself. He turned from his inward thoughts as a familiar voice called out a greeting. He smiled at Jamie and waved a hand in invitation to join him at the window. His pretty new friend was not nearly as interested in the scenery as she was in him. Several of the beautiful women who had been captured had shown an interest in him. Unfortunately, they were being transported aboard this space ship to their new home and awaiting bridegrooms. He knew many of them were bored, just as he was. Without any false modesty, he realized his own masculine looks set some on his track. He’d always been pursued by the opposite sex, but this was one time he was uncomfortable in the situation. One hundred gorgeous women of all descriptions on board this ship and he couldn’t afford to get tied up with any one of them. Lord only knew what the ferocious warrior grooms would do to him, if he were stupid enough to start a relationship onboard. Of course Rolan’ and Pulack kept up a constant, nervous vigilance on him while Doc laughed at the circumstances. Rolan’ had told him everything that had transpired while he was passed out. Apparently the Moyd’s had been planning to track him with their scientific equipment and ascertain if he were dead or alive. It was favor Rolan’ wished to do for Olga. But, upon discovering him in the enemy camp, and his near death, they had decided to rescue and provide treatment for him. From there, things got “thick” as they say. Dr. Melat argued that Eric needed more time to heal properly.

Thus, he did not want to release him to the primitive medical practices on Earth. Rolan’ supported his stand all the way, hoping to win points with Olga by bringing him back for a visit, and Pulack got red-faced with indignation at each confrontation. Apparently, by the time Pulack had been worn down slightly by Doc and Rolan’s combined arguments, the Air Force over South America had picked them up on radar and sent out two F-16 jet fighters to investigate. Pulack had made an instantaneous decision it was okay for Eric to travel to Volarn and see his sister. His thoughts snapped back to Jamie, who had snuggled up against him. He liked her, a lot, but love was definitely not in their future. Still, her soft curves and lovely face were hard to resist. “How do you think I look in this?” Jamie giggled like a little girl as she pulled his Green Beret from behind her back and plopped it on her brown curls in a jaunty manner. He smiled at her silliness. He knew she’d sneaked into his assigned quarters to secure the beret for her teasing surprise. This was not the first time she’d been fascinated with his being a member of the elite forces. Many times she’d begged him to tell her tales of military exploits into mysterious countries. He eyed the beret and then looked down at the poorly fitting clothes created by the ship’s replicating machine. Unfortunately his uniform had been torn and filthy when he’d been beamed aboard, only his beret surviving because the guerrillas had left it at his feet as a “joke”. “Well?” Jamie stared up at him with large blue eyes. “I think the other eleven members of my team would be jealous of that hat.” Jamie had another fit of giggles, which turned to a frown as Rolan made a sudden appearance next to them. For once, Eric was happy for Rolan’s untimely interference. The roly-poly alien made some excuse about needing Jamie to attend a meeting about Volarn culture, but he knew it was to interrupt their tête-à-tête. She handed his beret back, then reluctantly followed Rolan’. He watched her retreating figure briefly, feeling sorry for her and the other women. From the tapes onboard, he’d understood too well the Volarnians’ need for the captured women. The majority of their women being sterile created a real crisis for the planet. But still, he wouldn’t wish to be paraded before a bunch of men so they could choose a wife ... in his case, being chosen as a husband by some muscle-bound warrior woman.

****

Majestic. That word embodied every wondrous vista Eric saw on his short journey from the land-bound ship to the gigantic castle where the King of South Volarn ruled. Lavender skies. Grass, bushes and trees, topped with varying shades of blue, were astounding. The two suns were warm and inviting. The huge, muscular, barbaric warriors who came to escort them were impressive. The large, strange birds called elags, which made him think of a cross between an ostrich and peacock, and then those marvelous yasmirs, unicorn-like creatures used as horse flesh here, were spectacular sights. Later, precious, was the only word that fit he and Olga’s reunion. His stalwart sister cried buckets, more than he’d ever seen her cry her entire life, and even he shed a few tears. They spent the afternoon clearing up the misunderstanding which had caused their rift, then Olga the latter part making him accept

she was truly happy with her present life on another planet. He had to admit he liked the giant who walked in later, her husband, Zares, commander of the King’s forces. Along with the leadership abilities which shone from him, the Volarnian warrior had a wise face and a gentle manner. The love that radiated from his eyes every time he looked at Olga put Eric at ease. The next day, he met with the King, needing to secure his permission to stay for a visit. He found Rhamus to be of a similar mold as Zares, but the characteristics more intensified in the serious young ruler. Thankfully, the King agreed to his visit. He was to go back with the Moyds when they returned to Earth. Eric couldn’t help but laugh at the stricken looks on Pulack and Rolan’s faces as they stood on the sidelines. He had a feeling they’d been severely chastised by bringing him here. Of course, he was thankful they’d saved his life and for giving him the opportunity to see his sister. He was excited the King was allowing him to attend the Tarthra this evening, the official ceremony where the male warriors would choose the woman who would be their life mate. The Tarthra dictated the choosing, not the warriors, matching those who were meant for each other. He still didn’t agree completely with the whole kidnapping concept, but the opportunity for observing the Volarnians in all their barbaric splendor wouldn’t come again, at least not during his stay here. During his visit with the ruler, he’d been introduced to the King’s cousin, Jarvic. They established an immediate rapport and later he entered the throne room with the carefree warrior as his comrade for the evening. Jarvic had readily agreed to be his escort when asked earlier by the King and would fill him in on details of the proceedings. Eric had been shown to a nice room after seeing the King. Jarvic appeared that evening, leading the way to the throne room. The richly dressed throng of Volarnian men and women, plus the hundred lovely Earth women, filled the room with a mixed texture of colorful clothing. The tapestry of beauty and muscular bounty was amazing. All the brawny men wore silky tie-stringed shirts, as the one he’d consented to wear. Glancing around, he realized he was the only one wearing the rezel leather pants instead of the kilt-like docas. God. He couldn’t, ever, say which of the gorgeous woman were more outstanding. But, the Volarnians won his attention by virtue of their unique color combinations, extreme height compared to humans and the muscular limbs seen on most. He’d always been attracted to black hair anyway and found the thick, inky manes of the women fascinating. And where on Earth would one find the wondrous range of lavender to violet eye colors, except via contact lenses, or unless you were Liz Taylor? He glanced down at the baggy leather pants, more than glad he’d agreed not to go native and wear the doca. This gathering of feminine beauty made it almost impossible for him to keep his “little head” under control. The month long sojourn amongst a bevy of beauties, and the hands off policy, hadn’t helped his condition either. Hoping to cool his male lust, he looked for his sister and located her on the dais, close to the King. She waved and smiled broadly, making her face light with joy and feminine loveliness. He waved back and, taking a deep breath, felt his pulse slow. His eyes ranged the dais area, noting the solemn King and his too lovely wife. The next instant, all the feelings he’d been trying to suppress felt like they’d been rolled up into one huge fiery ball as his eyes lit upon a woman standing behind Rhamus. She stood to the side, as if she were trying to hide. He slid his hand into the pant’s right pocket, afraid those around him would see his physical reaction.

As if you could hide from me, he thought silkily to himself, letting his pocketed hand slide for a second. He jerked upright, embarrassed by his own actions. He’d never thought or acted like such a horny dog before. But could anyone blame him? Just look at her, Eric seemed to be arguing with himself. Could a more perfect example of a warrior goddess be found? Her face was exotic, sultry, a siren’s soul mate. It was one that many models of Earth would have envied, with the high, angular cheekbones, flawless beige skin, and wide, luscious lips. The triangular shaped stubborn chin set the framework for her huge slanted eyes. It gave her face a feline look. Thick, silky hair hung in straight liquid black lines to brush the top of her shoulders, softening the rigid set of her features. Eric ran his eyes down her slim form, feeling his own body’s pulsing reaction harden even more. She was short by Volarnian standards, but her figure was well above average, with its slim lines and gentle curves. Her breasts were small compared to busty beauties such as the King’s wife, but their rounded, pert shape caused his thoughts to wander afar. They look like they would be a perfect fit for my hands, or mouth. Shaking himself mentally, he tried to break free of his randy thoughts. He forced his eyes away from her tempting breasts and wandered down her athletic body. Its muscular beauty, like that of a panther, refueled his fledgling attempt at self-control. “I see you’ve noticed my cousin, Kasha,” Jarvic spoke jovially near his ear. “Yes,” he answered cautiously, turning his body slightly away. “She’s quite a beauty, isn’t she?” He turned back to the object of their discussion, staring in response. How could he tell this man he found his cousin the most fascinating woman he’d ever seen? That he’d never wanted to make hot, lustful love with anyone as much as he did at that moment? “Would you like to meet her?” Jarvic clapped him on the shoulder. The handsome warrior turned a cheerful, smiling countenance to him. If Jarvic did realize how much he was affected by his cousin’s presence, he apparently was not insulted, nor intended to point it out. “Yes,” he answered, while his thoughts took a totally different route. I’d like to make love to your cousin until she stares at me with those wondrous eyes, as if I were the last man on Earth. Jarvic started forward and he followed. The Tarthra ceremony had not started yet. The people were still milling and jockeying for better positions, so he and Jarvic had to wind their way carefully through the crowd. As they moved slowly along, his reactions cooled, and he noticed for the first time his psychic powers had been trying to grab his attention. That funny, tingly feeling which crawled about his scalp just before each premonition, caused him such discomfort, he had to reach up and scratch his head briefly. While he continued to follow Jarvic, Eric attuned his inner ear. They stopped unexpectedly and he looked with wonder at the woman he would spend the rest of his life with, who would love him, and bear his children. This he knew, once he’d listened to his psychic vibrations. The ones that never steered him wrong his whole life, not even when he questioned them briefly before being rescued by the aliens.

CHAPTER TWO

Kasha was bored. She’d told Serena over and over, she didn’t wish to attend tonight’s ceremony. But, her dear sister-in-law insisted, stressing Doc had released her from being room bound. And adding it’d be good for her, as well as important for the people to see their princess up and around. She rubbed her scarred thigh. The deep sword wound had nearly cost her life. But she’d killed the enemy soldier who’d slipped inside the castle and tried to murder her niece and nephew. Kasha sighed. She just wished she could have stayed in her room and snuggled with Lor. Her konkol had bitten the soldier to try and protect her while she fought the soldier. It had earned him an injury of his own from the enemy. Her pet had recovered along with her, but still acted the invalid to gain her attention. My bedroom. That’s where I should be. Anything except this tedious affair. The Tarthra had always been the least favorite of the official ceremonies she was expected to attend, more so since she had reached the age where she could take part. No man had ever come close to her idea of a proper mate, nor sealed her lips with a kiss which left her wanting more, or dreaming of what sex would be like. No warrior, for he would have to be a warrior, had ever stirred her cold heart, as Jarvic was fond of telling her. A frown creased her brow as her thoughts flicked to her irritating cousin. Constant thorn in her side and teasing rake, yet a more lovable scamp one couldn’t hope to find. And therein lay her problem. Jarvic was the love of her youth, until she became old enough to understand such things were not allowed. Her love then turned to one of a sisterly nature and acceptable. Her cousin was deadly handsome as well. How could she ever hope to find another Jarvic? No, not another Jarvic she thought, but close. Maybe. Her cousin was too irresponsible by far, in certain matters, mainly his involvement with women. She would never accept a warrior who couldn’t commit to one woman. Kasha sighed. So, she put up with the endless Tarthra ceremonies, knowing none would hold a warrior special enough for her to consider. And, ever since the Earth women had been brought in as part of the proceedings, it made her exceedingly uncomfortable. She hated the fact these women were forced into marriage, even though it meant Volarn’s salvation, and she knew the self-same women would be happy with their mates. Call it a Getra trait, she thought, women should have the right to choose too. As if her thoughts had conjured him, Jarvic pushed through the crowd at the front, then stopped to flirt with a lovely noble woman. She smiled, the first time tonight, but replaced it with a faux frown as he turned toward the dais. Another man kept pace with him. Once they cleared the last Volarnians, Kasha wondered if the hallucinations, which had plagued her for several days after her injury, had returned. She relaxed her face. It was not another fever coming on, but Olga’s mysterious brother. The Earthman. She couldn’t help examining him closely as the pair approached. The human would have drawn attention by himself. But he and Jarvic, so very opposite in coloring and devastatingly handsome, drew all feminine eyes within range. Olga’s brother was short by their standards, yet his broad chest and muscular arms rivaled her fellow

warriors. Kasha’s eyes flitted briefly to the pants covering the human’s legs, wondering if they held the same power and promise as his upper body. His face she examined the longest, while he and Jarvic greeted dignitaries on the dais. Glancing quickly at Olga, she noted the similarity in their features. Yet, he was totally masculine, while Olga was very feminine when she wasn’t scowling. The man’s hair was astounding, being a very pale blonde as the humans described it. His hair was cut very short and close to his skull, showing the hard lines of his masculine face well. His skin tone was different than her own beige, more of a dark golden shade, making the rippling muscles in his arms stand out remarkably well. Kasha had a sudden urge to shove aside his silky shirt so she could feel his flesh. She wanted to see if the rigid lines of his chest, barely visible between the laces, was in fact reality. She couldn’t see his eyes yet, but felt an unexpected thrill at the prospect as he drew closer. “Kasha,” Jarvic grabbed her nearest hand and landed a courtly kiss on her fingers. “Let me introduce you to Olga’s brother, Eric.” She pulled her hand back swiftly when the human took a step forward, and the half-smile Jarvic had managed to elicit from her, froze in mid-twitch. Goreth! He was utterly handsome, totally hard and male. And his eyes. She stared at his pale gray pair for a few seconds, fascinated with their very different beauty than the Volarnians’ violet shades. How well the light color stood out against his sun-darkened flesh. Kasha shook herself mentally. He was probably mean, hot-tempered, or perhaps whiny, a coward. Please, by the sacred crystal, she pleaded silently--let his personality not match his looks. He was far too attractive, a danger for the women of Volarn. Doubly so to her, for he was no warrior. He wasn’t even a native. “I’ve never met a warrior princess before.” Two “dimples” appeared on either side of his mouth when he smiled, and Kasha found her eyes drawn to this phenomenon. This feature was one not possessed by Volarnians, but she found it profoundly attractive on some deeply feminine level. His voice was pleasantly rough, his accent charming, and his knowledge of their language apparently sufficient. Hadn’t she seen him intensely engaged in conversations the whole length of time it took him to reach her? “And, I’ve never met a human male before.” She produced her bored, princess voice. Jarvic laughed loudly, drawing only her own frown of displeasure. No one else paid the least heed to his silliness, not an unusual occurrence when he was her companion. “She’s not nearly as disinterested as she sounds,” he put one hand congenially on Eric’s shoulder. Grimacing in true anger now, she said, “And you’re not nearly the idiot you appear to be.” This time, both men laughed, although more quietly than her cousin’s earlier outburst. A flock of feminine eyes latched onto the two avidly, irritating Kasha even more. “You seem determined to make a spectacle out of us,” she said with disgust. “Oh, dear cousin,” he waved toward some of his admirers. “It doesn’t take my wonderful sense of humor to get their attention. Although it never hurts they wish to stroke away my injuries after our confrontations.” She stepped forward, strongly considering knocking him off the dais ... no, then she’d have to watch the

twittering ladies flock around their fallen hero. An iron-hard body stopped her in mid-stride. Her breasts pressed deeply into the Earthman’s immovable chest when he stepped forward. Her breasts tingled and both nipples hardened. She switched her attention to his height, grasping at anything to distract herself from her body’s betrayal. This close, she noted he was only a little taller than her. “Uh, pardon me,” he said sweetly, the hot look which shot from his thunderstorm eyes belied the honey of his words. Kasha shrugged and gave him a courtly smile, distant and cool, one meant to fend off suitors and court dandies. She had herself under control again. Yet, somewhere in her belly a warm spot had sprung up in reaction to his smile. This was confusing. Concentrating, she imagined ice water in her veins and felt her face chilling into a rigid mask. Eric waved a hand toward the back of the dais where two unoccupied chairs nestled amongst the shadows of the back curtains. “I thought perhaps we could go over there and become better acquainted.” Seeming to sense her withdrawal, he added, “And there’s only room for two.” He cocked an eye toward Jarvic. Kasha hesitated but a moment. The thought of being sequestered in the corner with this dangerously handsome man made her feel edgy. But there was a part of her which was curious about him, and one which wanted to be closer to him in a quiet setting. And, of course she wanted to get rid of her cousin. For a second she wondered at herself. She’d just thrown herself into the ice princess mode, and now she had accepted his invitation to be alone? Shrugging mentally, Kasha led the way to the chairs. They received little attention from anyone. Only Rhamus and Serena seemed to have noticed them before turning back to the ceremony. Once seated, she waited to see the direction of his thoughts, for she was finding it hard to think up conversational tidbits. He smiled. It was something he appeared to do often. “I thought perhaps you could explain this more to me,” he waved a hand toward the couple embraced within an aura of blue power. He hesitated and then added, “The tapes aboard ship explained about the Tarthra, but in a mechanical way. I’d like to hear it from a more human perspective.” “Volarnian.” she corrected. In spite of her hesitancy with him, she was pleased by his broad grin, which erupted from her remark. “You might have found a more stimulating partner for this conversation, if you’d picked one of those ladies.” She dipped her head toward some of the noble women. “I’m afraid I find the Tarthra tiresome.” “Maybe.” His dimples reappeared. “But, you, I’d never find tiresome. And as far as stimulating.” He left his sentence hanging, his eyes heating her cheeks with their intensity. For a second it was as though Jarvic had not been left behind at all, so close was Eric to her cousin in his teasing quality. Shaking off her disturbing thoughts, she discussed the Tarthra ceremony with him. It took a while to explain the choosing to him. The subject was so familiar it gave her an opportunity to examine him covertly while they talked. He was truly interested in their conversation and didn’t seem to notice the quick flicks from her eyes, as she took in more of his physical features up close.

His teeth were sparkling snowy chips against his tanned skin. A mustache grew above his lip. Serena had explained these hairy growths to her one time when describing the differences in their human males. He had hair growing from his arms, only his was a much thicker growth than the Earth women. Brown hairs were visible even on his wide chest, and she wondered idly what it would feel like to run her fingers through the curling mass. Kasha gripped the chair arms. She must get a grip on herself. She was feeling like a girl in the throes of young love. Even while experiencing the first pangs of her crush on Jarvic, her thoughts had never wandered into lustful territory like they were running rampant at this moment. Seeking relief from the heat his presence seemed to evoke, she purposely turned her thoughts to the soldier who had nearly killed her. This fulfilled her objective--not cooling her system, but turning the heat toward anger instead. “Do you mind me asking where you got that nasty cut?” he pointed toward her thigh. She’d been quiet but a brief time, yet Eric managed to throw out a question that raised her heart rate again. Yee gods, did he read my mind! Hesitantly, she replied, “In a sword fight with our enemy.” “Mmm, we almost have matching scars,” he patted his right thigh. Kasha simply stared at him. What was the Earthling’s game? Did he hope to win her favor by striking a sympathetic connection between them? Didn’t he realize she was Getra, a warrior, and he was nothing but a human? Hoping to make him realize the difference in their status, she asked sharply, “Are you perhaps a warrior on your planet?” “Soldier, is the word we use.” Eric paused, seeming to size up her disdain. “We too, unfortunately, carry on wars on Earth. In fact, humans are known for their violent nature.” “Are you comparing our warriors to your own soldiers?” She sneered, wanting him to know how she felt about his remark. He laughed and shook his head. “There is no comparison. Your world hosts wars more on the scale we did hundreds of years ago. We’re more modern and destructive in ours.” Kasha’s lips went rigid, not sure how to answer. She knew from the little history she’d studied about Earth, his statement was true. But why did it make her so angry with him? “Perhaps you are more civilized in your battles than we, but do you think you could beat one of our warriors in hand-to-hand combat?” She knew her eyes and face clearly reflected what she thought. “I honestly can’t say, I know how good your warriors reputations are, but I might be able to hold my own.” How dare he compare himself to warriors trained in hand combat and sword fighting from their youth! “Perhaps you’d like to back those words?” At his inquisitive look, she added, “My patrol group practices everyday. If you’re interested in testing your Earth skills against our warriors, tell Jarvic to bring you to the practice field tomorrow.”

“That might be nice. There’s only so much exercise and practice I could do by myself onboard the space ship. Besides, I’d love to get a look at your warriors’ skills.” She couldn’t fault his answer, so instead turned the conversation back to safer territory, while silently, she thought, “until tomorrow.” The wedding feast was announced and Kasha explained it to her human companion, but refused to take his arm as they strolled into the banquet room later. She was Getra, not some pretty plaything to decorate a man’s arm. She chose to forgo her usual place close to Rhamus and Serena, they seemed far too interested in she and Eric. Instead, she took up her old seat at the end of the long table. Irritatingly, Eric chose to sit next to her. The conversation was lively, the human at the center of many Volarnian ladies attention. He seemed to be a natural charmer and kept the women entertained with Earth stories. It irked her the way some of them hung on his every word. Jarvic had chosen to take his place next to a lovely young maid further down the table, so she was stuck in conversation with the human or the noble women who sat nearby. Eric seemed an aggravating, but more preferable choice. She noticed he had a hearty appetite for what must seem strange fare and drank only sparingly of the rich Volarnian wine. “What is this,” a beautiful lady ran her finger languidly down the muscled bulges on his right upper arm. “It’s called a tattoo.” He flexed his biceps and the dragon seemed to move. She had wondered about the strange markings herself, thinking it was perhaps some native custom. “It looks like our basami, except the colors are different.” The noble woman cooed. She swore the lady’s warm breath fanned across the bright red and gold of the painted basami on his chiseled arm, so close did she position herself to him. “Hmm, yes, I noticed it did resemble your own dragon.” Her slim finger traced the outline of the dragon. Kasha was disgusted. Clearly, it was a ruse to touch his muscular arm. “Does it hold some significance,” the noble woman continued. Eric’s pale eyes turned in Kasha’s direction as he answered. “There was a much admired warrior of Earth, now dead, and he was called The Dragon. He paused as if gauging Kasha’s interest, then continued, “Since I did admire The Dragon so much, and I am known as a fierce fighter, some of my friends nicknamed me ‘Dragon’.” He tapped the tattoo. “I felt it only fitting to wear my nickname’s symbol.” The women giggled in excitement and those around him had to reach and touch the tattoo for themselves. Kasha felt sick. Did these frivolous creatures forget they sat at a table filled with fearsome warriors? She calmed down when she realized that tomorrow he would have to prove how great a warrior he was.

****

Did she have any idea what she did to him? Eric enjoyed the lovely ladies of Volarn, but his regard fell throughout the evening to the planet’s most stellar example of womanly beauty. Kasha’s strength of character, coupled with her determination, intrigued him. The princess seemed very determined to thrust aside his interest in her. Yet, he would hardly term it interest; it went much further than that. Eric casually fielded questions from the noble women as his perusal and thoughts stayed on the object of his regard and lust. Kasha, warrior princess and the most beautiful woman, in his estimation, he’d ever laid eyes on. His future. He’d never really believed in love at first sight, even though he had within his realm of friends, a married couple who swore this had been the case for them. He’d just never personally experienced anything close to it, thus didn’t really believe. Now, he was a believer. It was not just his second sight which nudged him with future truths, but his whole being cried out this woman was his. And, it wasn’t just lust either, although that wild creature pushed at him with a ravenous appetite. He loved Kasha’s demeanor, even when she was trying to be cutting with him, or turned a cold shoulder. He liked the pride he saw shine within her lovely eyes when she spoke of Volarn or her warrior comrades. He admired the love she showed toward her family and friends, and even her testiness about the sad reality of Earth women being abducted as mates for her fellow Volarnians. There were aspects of her personality he knew would take time to discover, yet felt nothing but a building excitement at the prospect. Call it fate, his “premonitional powers,” or something beyond his own experiences--he knew he loved the proud, lovely woman sitting stalwartly through a dinner she found tedious, but necessary. He didn’t know what it would take to win her heart, but win it he would. His and her fate had been entwined from the moment their eyes met. Now, he had to prove this to a princess more used to fighting than accepting love. Tomorrow, he was to meet with Kasha and her patrol group. A challenge if he’d ever heard one, but one which he felt ready to face. If proving his fighting ability and skill would turn her thoughts his way, then he would beat every warrior there if necessary, to gain her attention. Tomorrow was a new day, a new path for him and for Kasha. There was no turning back for him, no other avenue open. It mattered not to him they came from different planets, or that the reality of where each would live in the future would have to be resolved. Eric knew only one truth. Kasha would be his love, his life mate, as the Volarnians phrased it.

CHAPTER THREE

Kasha was irritated at herself, at her cousin, but mostly at the human male. She had spent way too much time thinking about Eric after retiring to her chambers. She seemed incapable of removing him from her thoughts. He even invaded her dreams, kissing her in such a manner she awoke suddenly in the night feeling flushed and feverish. And Jarvic. Leaving her purposely alone with the charming Earthman, hoping she’d be swayed by his attractive uniqueness. How little he knew her after so many years, she scoffed to herself. Eric. The warrior-looking, utterly handsome scoundrel. She had decided during her observation of him during the banquet, he acted the twin of Jarvic’s in many respects. But he was the only human male on the planet. And he was making good use of his differences, too much so, she thought. Lording it over the vulnerable women of this planet. She had even noticed quite a few of the Earth women looking at him with big-eyed attentiveness, following his every move with love-struck eyes. How disgusting. Thank Goreth I am immune from this affliction other women seemed to be suffering. Kasha was confident any small inkling of attraction she felt toward the human, would be wiped out today. Eric would undoubtedly prove just how puny he was when pitted against the formidable warriors in her patrol. Jahum! She might even have a go at him, thereby ridding herself of the source of her frustration. She got ready in the morning with a spring to her step, one that had been lacking during her whole convalescence. Lor picked up on her good spirits, humming a lively konkol song as he rode atop her shoulder on the way to the training grounds. Her patrol mates were already gathered, talking quietly amongst themselves. Perhaps they’d heard of her challenge, for usually there were a few of the younger warriors who straggled in late. Jarvic was most prominently the last in attendance, but even he was already leaning nonchalantly against the chopping post, joking it seemed, with the Earthman. Olga’s brother had chosen the same outfit as yesterday, wearing the rezel pants instead of a doca. She wondered anew what he hid beneath the covering of material. Were his legs scrawny? Did they show his true nature, that of a pampered, untrained, weakling? “We thought you’d never get here,” Jarvic said loudly, eliciting several coughed laughs from her comrades. Kasha chose to ignore her cousin, not wishing to sound petulant in front of the human with the sharp answer she normally would have given. Instead, she drew her sword and took a guarded stance in his direction. Jarvic shrugged and then joined her in the center of the ringed warriors. Swinging powerful strokes at her handsome cousin for several minutes helped Kasha rid her system of pent-up emotions, ones she was unused to, and did not want. Tiring quickly, she changed tactics, bringing finesse and swift legwork into her sparing. Jarvic yawned once during her switch, clearly indicating his lack of enthusiasm for her entire sword playing exercise. Normally, she would have found this irritating, as he well knew. But this time she refused to rise to his baiting, continuing with her fine fencing exhibition, feeling confident the Earthman was properly impressed. And he was. She could tell this by his expression. He also yelled several bravos, words she well knew the meaning of from her Earth studies. A warm glow filled her whole body, and she wondered for a fleeting second if it were Eric’s regard which caused this feeling. She swiftly dismissed that thought. It was simply her intense workout. After she and Jarvic finished, the remaining warriors paired up, sparring vigorously for some time. Her

cousin made comments on tactics to Eric and answered his questions. Kasha chose silence, watching her patrol mates, noting improvements, and mistakes. Also, covertly she watched the human, pleased with how impressed he seemed to be with their prowess and expertise. Finally, she broke her silence. “Care to try your hand?” She held out her own sword toward him. Eric waved his hands and laughed. “I don’t know, looks pretty complicated.” Her comrades had paused, listening to the conversation, some raising questioning brows at the Earthman’ s reluctance. Jarvic took up Eric’s cause, urging him to try his hand, taking up a stance across from his new friend. “Go ahead, I’ll teach you the fundamentals.” Jarvic offered. Shrugging, he took her blade, holding it awkwardly. Raising her eyes and shaking her head, Kasha replaced Eric’s hand on the pommel in the right position. He smiled at her sweetly in thanks, a smile that shot through her being with the same warmth as his large callused hand when they touched. Jarvic spent some time explaining different strokes, offensive and defensive, to his earnest student. Eric was remarkably quick at making the defending movements he’d been shown as Jarvic attacked, and Kasha couldn’t question the strength with which he held her cousin’s sword arm at bay either. Eric tried a few offensive moves, somewhat amateurish in execution, but not totally inapt. All in all, he hadn’t done bad for a first lesson. He might even be comparable to a junior warrior’s abilities. Kasha was surprised at his skill level. Jarvic and Eric approached her, laughing and boisterous. Jarvic clapped the human on the shoulder. “Not bad for a first try, eh, cousin?” Kasha shrugged in a nondescript manner, neither giving nor taking away from the comment. She wondered at his clumsiness when she first showed him how to hold the sword. Was this just another of his “teasing displays” or an attempt to get her to touch him in anyway possible? “Don’t let her fool you, I’m sure she was impressed.” Jarvic’s grin got beneath her very skin. Her reply was a stony grimace. Sometimes she wished she could do as when she was still a girl and tackle him to the ground. She’d won those wrestling matches at times. This was one such occasion when she desired nothing better than to grind his devilishly handsome face into the thick dust. Instead, she replied, “I would have been impressed if he had beaten you.” She made her voice slide out as icy as her features. “Maybe that can be arranged.” Eric flashed her his broad grin, the one that constantly lit up his handsome face even more. “What’s this Earthling?” She planted herself square in front of him, fisted hands on both hips. “Do you humans perhaps have magic on your planet we are unaware of, because that’s exactly what it will take to defeat any one of my warriors, including myself.” The grin never wavered, but if possible became even broader. He waved toward the grouped warriors. “Pick your champion and I’ll pick the fighting method.” She’d forgotten Eric claimed to be some type of expert in hand-to-hand combat. Kasha glanced at her

warriors and chose Yissell, the giant, who was almost eight kreigers tall and weighed over four hundred fifty stones. As she pointed to her chosen champion, Eric’s smile stayed on his chiseled face. While her comrades moved back, forming a circle for the contestants. Kasha’s thoughts flashed back to a similar situation last year, when she’d chosen Yissell to fight Serena. Her beautiful sister-in-law had defeated Yissell easily, but then her huge patrol mate had been unprepared for Serena’s unique style of fighting, called wrestling. Then too, he’d been uncomfortable about fighting against the new Queen. No such luck would be on Eric’s side. He was a man, a human male, and had been challenged. It was surprising he seemed so at ease as he stood across from his large adversary. After all, he’d not yet had the opportunity to see her warriors in hand-to-hand combat. Admittedly, Yissell didn’t have the speed or finesse of most, but they were not needed. Once the giant got his arms around an opponent, the fight was over. Eric strolled over to Yissell, holding his hand out for the handshake with which humans liked to start their contests. The giant hesitated a moment, perhaps recalling Serena’s ruse of throwing him by grasping his outstretched hand. But, the handshake was completed with no trickery, the two men circling one another thoughtfully. Yissell moved first, approaching the human with a slow but gait eating pace. Eric struck at Yissel’s outstretched arm and then the other in rapid succession, his movements so fast, Kasha would have missed it had she blinked. Yissell stumbled slightly. He appeared to be taken aback by the human’s ability to knock his arms awry. The giant changed tactics, taking a power-packed swing with one fist. Eric blocked it easily, following with an open-handed blow to his opponent’s stomach. Yissell clutched his mid-section, shaking his head at the human. Clearly, he was surprised at the power behind the Earthman’s punch. The next few minutes Kasha watched with growing wonder at the way he handled Yissell, striking him continuously with blows from his hands and feet, while knocking aside the giant’s swings with ease. Her patrol mate stopped for a few seconds. Sweat beaded down his broad face as he took in several deep breaths. He barely had time to bring his arms up for protection as Eric unexpectedly attacked him. This time, when Yissell’s arms swung askew, he followed with a jump round kick. It was totally different from the one Serena had delivered to her comrade when they fought, but one which was just as devastating. Kasha stared with complete astonishment at her fallen patrol mate. Then her eyes were drawn back to the perpetrator of Yissell’s complete defeat. He was taking congratulations from Jarvic and several others, seemingly unaware of her perusal. How had he done it? How could he jump up high into the air and then at the same time spin with quick silver speed, his far flung leg rounding in a kick to Yissell’s lower jaw. They had all heard the power of his kick when it made a solid thwacking sound upon making contact with Yissell’s face. She looked back down at her comrade. Poor Yissell. He’d gone flying through the air, landing on his back with a dusty crash. He was just now sitting up, shaking his head warily, while his best friend slapped his shoulder with much laughter. Yissell seemed a little stunned, getting up slowly and shaking his head as though trying to clear it. She wondered if he’d blacked out for a few seconds. Jarvic sauntered over to her, while Eric stayed behind with some of her comrades, who questioned him intensely. She couldn’t help but notice, though, now his eyes were glued to her. He watched her as

intently as she’d done him earlier. “Pretty good, huh?” A mischievous smile lurked around Jarvic’s molded lips and his eyes twinkled with held in laughter. He was just waiting for her biting remark so he could knock it down. So, instead, she replied, “Yes, very good indeed.” She flicked the end of one string tie of his shirt and flippantly added, “Better than even you could do.” He bowed gallantly, grinning from ear to ear. “A truer statement never came from your pretty mouth.” She turned her back on him, walking nonchalantly toward the champion. Jarvic caught up with her in two paces, ignoring her grimace. “I,” he waved an arm toward her patrol mates, “and some of the others thought it might be more fun to put Eric up against more than one of your champions at a time.” Kasha stopped dead in her tracks, trying to think of a retort which would shut up her enthusiastic cousin. But, then, she realized his idea held true merit. She eyed Eric thoughtfully. Would he be able to defeat a handful of her trained comrades? The thought excited her. “You pick the warriors this time?” “Then, I pick Atti, Sarlis, Viczar, and myself.” She eyed him doubtfully. Jarvic laughed, shaking his head. “I know, I know, I’ll probably get my butt kicked. But I couldn’t ask the other men to do that which I am unwilling to face myself.” Smiling softly, a genuine smile this time, Kasha nodded her agreement. After several minutes of joking and throwing “play punches” at one another, the four warriors and Eric faced off, the human taking the center position in the group. To her dying day, she would never forget the action that followed. It clung to her mind like the strong claws of a fierce male alati. At first, her warriors moved in one at a time, trying their luck with the human. But each man’s punches and attempted kicks were thrust aside easily by Eric’s fast blocks. Then, Jarvic taking the lead, the warriors rushed him as a group. Eric’s muscular arms moved with lightning speed as he blocked punches and landed granite hard chops to stomachs. He spun and jumped in astounding kicks which threw his opponents down time after time. She had to give her warriors credit; they tried. Tried hard, over and over, to get in strong clouts to the constantly moving Earthman, but to no avail. It could have been no more than a few minutes, yet the contest seemed interminable with all the action played out between the brawny combatants. Abruptly, they seemed to mutually agree to a halt. Because of his swifter response in staying away from Eric’s deadly aim, Jarvic was the only warrior left standing. The other three groaned and shook their heads as they helped one another to their feet. Kasha found herself strangely drawn to the sweating Eric, approaching him with an admiration she’d felt for few warriors. He turned to her, his grin shining brighter against the background of dust and tanned

skin. She stared, unable to stop her wayward thoughts. By Goreth, he was still utterly handsome, even with his sweaty skin and layers of dirt coating his flesh and clothes. “Not too bad for an Earthman?” Eric’s eyes twinkled as he awaited her response. “Not bad for an Earthman ... or a Volarnian warrior,” she mimicked his question unintentionally. She noticed her warriors had made themselves scarce, even Jarvic walking off with several of her patrol mates. Leaving them alone on purpose. She was glad for their discretion, for she was having a hard time keeping her mind on the conversation. Her eyes seemed to be creatures of their own as they flitted over Eric’s ridged physique. If he noticed her avid attention, he chose to ignore it. Instead, he slapped at the dirt clinging to his pants and said, “Sorry I’m not very presentable for a princess right now.” His downward look flicked upward, watching her face. Kasha smiled, one as pleasant as the one she’d given her cousin earlier. She never minded dirty, smelly warriors, as long as they were in pursuit of warrior training. And, she had to admit to herself, Eric had proven as good, if not a better fighter than her own patrol mates. He was a warrior, Earthman or not. Finally, he seemed to take notice of her interest, or maybe he chose to let her know he knew. Eric’s pale gray eyes locked with hers, sending little flashes of tingly sensations throughout her body. Kasha neither understood nor denied these feelings, she only knew they existed, and it was Olga’s handsome brother who was causing them. “I better go get cleaned up.” He hesitated, giving her another deep stare, one that heated her cheeks. “If we knew each other more intimately, I’d ask you to join me.” She should have been insulted, should have bashed him in the face as she normally would have done to any male who dared say such a thing to her. But she couldn’t and didn’t want to. She turned her eyes to the training field, trying to dissuade the Earthman by her silence from pursuing this avenue further. He continued to dust his clothes as she wrestled with her thoughts. Try as she might, an image of her and Eric splashing in a cool shower and rubbing each other’s bodies with soapy hands kept springing to life at each new thought she sought to pursue. Her imaginings could go no further, for she’d never experienced them. But the ones she could create, caused hot pulsating sensations in her lower body. Breaking into her quandary, Eric cleared his throat. “Well, have you made a decision?” How dare he take such liberty to think she would even consider such a thing. “Don’t be ridiculous. I don’t take baths with my warriors.” Kasha wished she could take back her remark and restate it, for he seemed to glow. Too late, she knew he had noted her mistake of lumping him in with “her warriors”. Seeking to change the topic completely, she grasped at an idea which had been nudging for her attention since she saw his prowess in fighting. “How would you like to train with us?” “Hmm, that has its appeal.” Eric’s eyes snaked lazily up and down her body, clearly indicating where his interest lay in joining her warriors.

She purposely turned away from him, rubbing one hand along the deep gouges on the chopping post. “I thought perhaps you could show my warriors your fighting techniques. In exchange, we could train you further in swordsmanship. That is, if you’re interested.” She waited with bated breath for his reply, letting it out slowly as he responded with a nonchalant “of course.” Her hand unconsciously rubbed up and down the ridges of the hard post while she wondered if Eric’s muscles would be as unyielding. “Having fun?” He had come around the post and stood in front of her, giving her the look that washed her body with an inner fever. “W ... what?” She closed her eyes, hurriedly cutting off her stuttering reply. Gripping the post until her nails dug deeply into it, she opened her eyes to the vision of the handsome Earthman, who filled the whole of it. He was too close, too tempting. She ached to reach across the few feet separating them and run her hand up and down his massively chiseled arm. Thank Goreth she was saved by an unexpected intrusion. Lor, who had been napping beneath a nearby bush, chose that moment to pounce on her shoulder. She jumped herself in reaction, even though she should be used to his sudden appearances. But, at least it gave her a chance to gather herself and change the lustful direction of her thoughts. “Lor!” She scolded, not really meaning it, turning her eyes from Eric to her spoiled pet. “Wow! That’s a big spider.” She laughed. “Not a spider, a konkol.” “Oh, that’s right.” Eric laughter joined hers. “Hey, fellow.” He reached a hand toward Lor. “I don’t know about that,” she said, turning her shoulder slightly away from him. “Lor doesn’t usually like strangers.” “Maybe ... but animals like me, a lot, for some reason.” Kasha stared at him, not finding it hard to imagine at all. “You’re not scared of spiders?” He shook his head. “I’m not particular to them, never had one as a pet back on Earth. But no, I’m not afraid of them.” She shrugged and turned back in his direction, waiting for Lor’s scampering withdrawal as Eric reached his hand slowly toward her pet. He didn’t seemed surprised when Lor tentatively placed one leg on top of his hand, moving it in small nervous quivers, testing his scent and taste with the sensitive hairs on his limb. She was shocked. Never had her konkol accepted a stranger so readily. Lor withdrew his leg, stretched and then made a quick jump onto the Earthman’s shoulder. Kasha knew she must look stupid with her mouth hanging open, but she couldn’t help it. Eric proceeded to scratch behind Lor’s head and gently rub his back. Of course her pet ate up, stretching further to enhance his enjoyment. “You like that, huh, boy.” Eric laughed gently. “Why you ain’t no big hairy monster, nothing but an ugly

pussy cat.” She found his remark offensive. Lor was an outstandingly beautiful konkol. His fur was a silky blue-black, his eyes a cheerful bright red. And he was intelligent too. Lor was extremely smart, had been easy to train, and obeyed her always. Well, almost always, she corrected herself. He hadn’t minded the last time they’d ridden Ziskin, and they had both ended up injured. Lor broke into song, chirping and thrilling for several minutes. Eric looked thunder-struck, his hand frozen in place on her pet’s back as he listened attentively. When Lor finished his serenade, he stretched again, then jumped back onto her shoulder. “Wow, I’d heard konkols sang, but I had no idea.” Eric continued to stare at Lor. “Hmm,” She remained quiet, irritated at him for some reason. She started for the castle at a fast pace. Eric kept up easily. “Can we expect you tomorrow, then?” She glanced at him. “Sure, wouldn’t miss it.” His enthusiastic face looked boyish. “Good evening,” she dismissed him near the back entrance. Before she turned completely away, Kasha couldn’t help seeing his response. He snapped up into a rigid position, clicked his heels together and gave a swift salute to his forehead. “Aye, aye, Capitan’.” Not sure what he meant, but feeling he was making fun of her in some way, she disappeared quickly into the castle’s immense hallway. That human had some nerve. First, he won over her patrol mates by his astounding fighting skills, then he had Lor practically drooling over him. Lastly, he seemed to expect her to do the same. Well, he’d find out differently. Tomorrow they would start training. She would learn his fighting techniques because she desired to do so, and she would aide in training Eric in Volarnian fighting. But, no more than that would she do. She wouldn’t be one of his love-struck followers. Friends. Maybe they could be friends, if he ever stopped getting on her nerves. Feeling better now she’d mulled things over in her mind, she whistled a tune as she entered her chambers. Lor hopped on the bed and picked up the melody, enhancing it with his skill. She pointed an accusatory finger at him, “And you, you little traitor.” Lor’s response was to purr and rub against her thigh. She sighed and petted him. “No more fraternizing with strange men.” She shook her finger at him. As she sprawled on the soft bed, staring thoughtfully up at the ceiling, she wondered if Eric was her enemy, as she had first thought to respond. True, he wasn’t a west Volarnian, but he had pitted himself against her somehow. This she felt, although she couldn’t fathom it just yet. She laughed out loud, a pleased smile lighting her face. “You’ll find out, Eric the Earth man, princess Kasha is as strong an adversary as she is a friend.” Lor sprang onto her stomach, thinking she’d spoken to him. She clasped her hands behind her head, feeling more alive suddenly than she had for a long time, at least before her injury. She was excited by the

thought of Eric and the challenges he presented, and sure not only could she more than meet, but beat him at whatever game he played.

CHAPTER FOUR

The following evening, Eric relaxed back into the Jacuzzi-like tub. The bubbles and hot water eased his sore muscles considerably. He was thankful the Volarnians had given him this nice room, which included the wonderful tub. After his intense workout with Kasha’s patrol group, he needed the soothing relaxation the whirling water afforded. It’d been far too long since he’d had such strenuous exercise. But he enjoyed thoroughly his first full day with the Volarnian warriors, especially the presence of his love interest. Kasha had been involved in every instruction he gave on martial arts and also in teaching him some finer fencing moves. Although he’d learned the basics of sword fighting during his martial arts training, his black-belt skills in the field were minimal compared to the life-long training of the Volarnians. Eric idly rubbed the thickly lathered soap over his arms, recalling special events that day. Of course they would not been special to anyone but him, because they centered around his lovely warrior princess. He admired the way the sun glinted off her blue-black locks. The ease with which she laughed and joked with her companions, changing her face to a beauteous female fatale was charming. How her short skirt molded to her round bottom as she bent over to help a fallen comrade made him horny as hell. But, he received the most joy from watching the interactions between her and Jarvic. Both Kasha’s fiery nature and loving side shone through in her sometimes quarrelsome, often friendly companionable bantering with her cousin. It was clear their relationship was never boring. During these frequent confrontations, Kasha’s eyes sparkled and her full lips were drawn up into a winsome smile or an aggravated frown. Eric wished to be in on the receiving end of such attention--but as a love interest. A platonic relationship would never satisfy the hunger in his heart for the warrior princess. Today had been a start. Eric hoped tomorrow would be as pleasant, and all the days following would edge him toward conquering his alien princess’ heart. His look turned thoughtful as he remembered the King’s words. He had six months before the Moyds returned to Earth and he with them. Six months seemed a long time, but Eric shook his head silently. He knew it would take every bit of that time span to win Kasha’s hand. Easy would never be a word attached to his princess. Smiling to himself, he recalled his conversation with Jarvic after practice today. He’d asked some simple question about Kasha, and the flood gates opened. The warrior told him much of the princess’s personality, desires, and past escapades as children. He found none boring, and stored each piece of information in his memory for future contemplation. Above all else, Kasha admired and valued a fierce warrior spirit and fighting abilities. He didn’t see any problem with these. Except, he couldn’t see himself ever being a great swordsman. Not when he compared himself to the samurai-type skills of the other warriors.

Then, there was horsemanship, or more correctly, riding yasmirs. He’d never ridden a horse, although he ’d always wanted to learn. Tomorrow, she had promised they’d knock off early so she could introduce him to riding. True to her word, the next day the princess pulled him aside after the warriors participated in hand-to-hand combat for only a few hours. The yasmir corral was located some distance away, giving Eric an opportunity to observe Kasha unobtrusively as she answered his questions about the fauna they passed. She was a lively conversationalist, at least, in subjects she was enthusiastic about. She had already explained how a yasmir must be hand-raised as a colt by the rider. Only the very old yasmir could be ridden by the uninitiated such as himself. Still, he was shocked when they arrived at the corral and Kasha pointed to an old yasmir in the corner. The mare’s back was badly swayed, her coat dull and lifeless. She appeared to be snoozing, her nose resting on the bottom fence railing, as if her head were too heavy for her neck to support its weight. Eric shrugged and looked around at the other yasmirs running, playing, and munching grass in the enclosure. They were magnificent creatures, appearing to have pranced from some child’s storybook. The thick horns spiraled to an impressive three-foot length, the beautiful long fur softening their image. The “unicorns” astounding colors ranged from dark red, yellow, and differing shades of blue. “That’s my yasmir, Ziskin,” she pointed to a majestic stallion. His color was dark, one shade lighter than navy blue. Hearing his name, Ziskin flung his head up and whinnied at Kasha, but did not approach them, being too intent on the mare he was nuzzling. The princess smiled fondly at her mount. “He’s in love.”

****

“Hmm, I can see why.” Eric’s face was serious, but a smile lurked at his lips. She raised one eyebrow. She couldn’t hold back a silly grin of her own. “Really, she appeals to you too?” “No.” He laughed. “But I can understand when a male becomes overwhelmed by some beautiful female.” Receiving no response, he continued, “It can be deadly business, you know.” “What? You make no sense, what deadly business?” “Love and beautiful women.” Those gray eyes flicked over her face. “I thought we were discussing yasmirs.” He smiled softly. Picking up her nearest hand, he stroked her palm gently. “Mares, women, when they’re both beautiful, they’re dangerous to the heart of the male.” “How dare you touch me without my permission.” Trying to pull her hand back, Kasha frowned when Eric didn’t let go. Ignoring her agitation, he continued to stroke her palm, as if calming a wild yasmir. Grinning a wide silly

smile now, he said, “I have a feeling no man has touched you before.” Continuing her efforts to tug her hand loose, she replied, “Don’t be silly, of course I’ve been touched by men before.” His even broader grin got on her last nerve, as she realized the verbal trap she’d just walked into. How irritating, he acts just like Jarvic. Finally, she managed to snatch her hand back. Sighing in an exaggerated fashion, he said, “Why’d you do that, now I can’t read your palm.” “What is this reading my palm?” “Oh, some Earthlings have the ability to see the future,” he replied mysteriously. “What further nonsense is this, Earthman? Are you claiming to foretell future signs as only the most venerable vassi can do?” He shrugged. “Maybe. We do have certain powers in my family. Not only Volarnians have such abilities.” At her disbelieving look, he added, “My grandmother was a Russian gypsy, that’s where we inherited the gift, and who Olga was named after.” His eyes twinkling with hidden knowledge and laughter, Eric held out his large callused hand toward her. “Care to tempt the fates?” She felt like telling him no, turning and leaving quickly his disturbing presence. But, she’d promised to introduce him to riding, and they hadn’t even made it into the corral yet. Neither did she want to seem a coward. “Here,” she thrust her hand out, her tone as rigid as her arm. He clasped her hand in his again, turning her palm upward, examining it as if looking for the ukli worm, which burrows beneath the skin. His other hand rubbed his square-jawed chin. The raspy sound startled her for a second, until she realized it was his hand rubbing against his day’s growth of human hairiness which created the strange noise. “Hmm,” he peered into her palm, seeming to be in deep thought. He ran one finger along the width of her palm, causing a shiver to quiver up her hand, all the way to her neck. She’d forgotten how sensitive her hands were, and briefly worried her lower lip, hoping he wouldn’ t discover her vulnerability. “I see you have a long life line.” He glanced up at her as he gave his prediction. “Hah!” Kasha guffawed. “Everyone knows we Volarnians have long life spans.” “Are you going to let me read your palm the correct Earth way, or make fun of my every prediction?” She was instantly contrite and knew her pale skin reflected her embarrassment. As all Volarnians, she greatly respected vassi and psychic abilities. How callous of her to make fun because his method was different than their own. “I’m sorry, please go on.” Eric grinned, that wonderfully large smile of his which lit up his face with masculine beauty. He touched

and rubbed her palm a few more times, appearing to puzzle over it intently. “Well?” She was getting impatient. And his, she could swear, caressing movements upon her palm, were making her more uncomfortable by the seconds. She was flushed, breathless. Catching her by surprise, he pulled her hand toward him so that they stood almost within each other’s arms. Staring directly into her face, making it impossible for her to pull her eyes from his, he said, “I see a warrior woman, the most gorgeous creature on this whole planet. She is a fierce fighter and comrade. But, I also see loneliness and a sad lack of love in this woman’s life.” “You’re not reading my future!” She tried desperately to pull her hand from his grasp and step backward, but his grip was too strong, too possessive. “No,” he answered softly, his sweet, warm breath moving the wisps of hair at her temple, causing more shivers of reaction. “That was only my summary of the warrior princess.” Continuing to capture her gaze and hold her hand in a firm grip, he said, “My prediction for this lovely woman, is, she will find her heart mate, as you Volarnians say. She will be madly in love with this man and bear his children. In return, he will love her beyond this planet. Why, the measure of his love reaches to the very stars.” “What utter nonsense,” she almost screeched, managing to snatch her hand from him for the second time. He grinned at her wickedly, confirming her own statement. Yet, Kasha couldn’t keep a glimmer of uncertainty from tugging at her heart. At least part of his words hit too close to how she truly felt about her life. And, even though she knew he jested with her, some small part of her believed his other words; she knew he had an intense interest in her. Choosing to change the subject, she said matter-of-factly, “We’ll never even make it into the corral today, if you don’t stop your teasing.” “Maybe it’s teasing, and maybe it’s not,” he stated enigmatically. Then shrugging as if the whole incident meant nothing to him, Eric moved to the gate. “Coming?” She frowned and moved past him, going through the entrance first. “After you, my lady,” he bowed and waved gallantly, after she’d already passed him. “Eric, you’d better be serious now. These yasmirs don’t take to strangers. That’s why I came through before you.” “I’m sorry, my sweet.” He grabbed her hand for the third time before she had time to react. He placed a heated kiss on her fingertips, then dropped it as quickly as he had reached for it. A spasm of electric sizzle curled her fingers in response, shooting up her arm and to her breasts. She held her breath for a moment, confused by her reaction and not sure how to handle the Earthman’s ardent attention. By Goreth, he knew her secret now. She could read it in his sensual, knowledgeable eyes. She couldn’t think of a response harsh enough to make him back off, nor did she feel up to it. Instead, she had a sudden urge to run from his presence, something she’d never felt before with a man. Choosing neutrality, Kasha started at a swift pace across the corral. She stopped near old Daras, the

yasmir she’d chosen for him to learn equestrian skills on. “You’d better get acquainted today,” she waved nonchalantly at the ancient nag. “Hey, girl,” He caressed the mare’s neck slowly, kneading the muscles gently when she didn’t move. Daras awakened, snorting and turning to inspect the strange being petting her. Kasha was amazed at how quickly he won over the old yasmir. Soon, he had her rubbing against his hand and nuzzling his rezel pants looking for treats. Animation appeared to finally hit the ancient mare, for she unexpectedly ran around Eric in a few fast circles, whinnying as he laughed. The other yasmirs nearby looked up, surprise clearly flashing across their intelligent animal faces. She shook her head at the old nag. It seemed as though too many females within the handsome Earthman ’s range were affected by his natural charm. She untied the bridle attached to her belt and handed it to him. “You might as well learn how to put this on Daras, that is, if she’ll let you.” He took it gingerly, acting so unsure of himself, she was agitated with his hesitancy. “Is this what you mean?” He flopped part of the reins onto Dara’s nose, looped one end to the base of her horn, and let the rest drag the ground. The old mare stood patiently through Eric’s fumbling maneuvers. She could swear there was laughter twinkling in the yasmir’s big brown eyes. Not her. She was agitated at the human, as Daras should have been. “You call that bridling?” She could not keep her frustration out of her voice. He grinned, the sparkle in his eyes matching his mount’s look, irritating her even further. Shrugging, he commented, “I thought you were supposed to show me ... remember, I know nothing about horses, or yasmirs.” “Here,” she undid his handy-work quickly, placing the bridle again into his hands. He looked from the reins to Daras, from the yasmir to her, quirking his eyebrows questioningly. “By Goreth, you test a person’s strength.” Kasha jerked the reins from him, placing them in a fast, efficient manner upon the yasmir’s head. “Now, you do it.” “Let’s see,” he slowly unwound the leather, peered at them a moment, then clumsily began putting them on Daras. The bit hung under the mare’s lips and the straps drooped down several feet, past her cheek. The yasmir and she both blew out air at the same time, Kasha in frustration, Daras because the leather tickled her lips. “Can’t you do anything right?” She undid the bridle, holding them out to him. “Oh, I can do lots of things right,” he drawled. “I can pound any of your warriors into the ground.” “Is that right?” She answered in anger before really thinking through the fact he could. Ignoring her remark, he continued. “I can cook a pretty mean meal when I have to. I can eat bugs and lizards if I get stuck in some god-forsaken jungle.” “So, we eat those all the time.”

“Yeah, I’d forgotten.” Eric’s silly grin irritated her further, until she remembered Serena explaining how Volarn’s natural prey animals used for consumption, were seen as disgusting by humans. “Okay, so you’re tough. That doesn’t qualify you for more dexterous work.” He moved closer, to within touching distance. “Oh, I don’t know about that. I have many lady friends who’d argue with you on that one.” She held her breath for one second, partly in agitation at his outrageous remark. But also, when his muscular body was this close, it was perturbing for some reason. “Here,” she drooped the bridle onto Daras head, causing the mare to eye her warily. “Remember, I can’t do anything right.” His teeth flashed white in his tanned face. “I think you’re capable of doing many things right, especially to irritate me!” She grabbed his nearer hand and brought it to the bridle. “Do it this way.” Kasha moved his large hands through the whole process, thinking perhaps it was part of his game, but not sure enough to stop showing him. Eric did have problems with sword fighting, maybe yasmirs were going to be one also. His hands were extremely clumsy, bumping into hers at every step. She quelled more than one shiver at the feelings those innocent touches induced. Eric’s hands were warm, large, hard and callused. A warrior ’s hands. They had completed the process, except for the last metal buckle, when she happened to glance sideways into his too close, hypnotizing gray eyes. The mixture of pleasure and mischievousness she saw reflected there, told her she’d walked right into one of his little traps. Quickly, angrily, she undid everything again. “Now, you do it all by yourself.” He took the bridle this time with a confident air, placing the leather on Daras in a swift, effortless manner. Now, she knew he’d been playing with her. “You think you’re so cute!” She jabbed her finger into his immovable chest, doing it several times in quick succession, feeling some satisfaction knowing she left nicks in his flesh from her nail. He shook his head vigorously, coughing in an effort to withhold his laughter. “I’ve been called handsome, a hunk, a muscle-bound woman’s dream--” “Stop!” She screeched, cutting off any further comments. “I think you’ve had enough teaching today, all I can stand anyway.” She stomped away a few steps, pretending the weed underfoot were Eric’s toes. It made her feel better, but not enough. “I’m really looking forward to tomorrow’s lesson.” She turned swiftly, fisted hands digging into her hips and eyed him scornfully. “You think I’d volunteer to teach you after your ridiculous display today?” “Oh, come now princess, you have to admit it wasn’t boring?”

“Hah!” “Besides, you’re a great teacher.” She knew he referred to her instruction in swordplay earlier, when she’d literally pounded him into the ground, in spite of his superior size and strength. Eric had landed on his muscular backside, laughing uproariously, causing her and the rest of her mates to join in. It took every effort of inner strength to quill her twitching lips. She wanted to laugh so bad at his reference to her knocking him down. Blowing out instead, as if in frustration, she said, “All right, but no more playing the fool or side-tracking me with predictions on my future.” He held up both hands. “Agreed. I’ll leave it up to the fates.” She wasn’t sure what his remark meant, but accepted it as an acknowledgment of her wishes. They were headed for the gate when Eric stopped dead in his tracks, staring in puzzlement at the far end of the enclosure. “What’s wrong with that mare? She doesn’t have Daras’ excuse of old age?” He pointed to a pale blue yasmir, a young mare whose fine lines and beauty marked her as a superior mount. Yet, she stood much as Daras had earlier, except her eyes were open and seemed to be staring at nothing. “She’s grieving.” “Grieving? Did her mate die?” Eric frowned. Kasha shook her head. “No, her warrior companion.” She stared at the ground a few seconds, then brought her eyes upward, catching his thoughtful expression. “He was killed, burned, while trying to help put out a fire in the village our enemy pillaged last month.” “I’m sorry.” She shrugged. “No need for you to be sorry.” “Maybe ... but, just because I didn’t know this warrior, doesn’t mean I don’t think it’s a useless affair when a man gets killed.” His face was expressionless. “Are you feeling philosophical, Earthman?” “Perhaps.” He shrugged and pointed at the mare. “What will be done with her?” Kasha received the distinct impression Eric had subtly changed the subject for a reason. Maybe he didn’t want her to discover he had a sensitive side. Finding the subject uncomfortable herself, she easily slid into his new tact. “She’ll be left here, with her friends, until her mourning eases some. Then she’ll be sent to a breeding farm.” “She can’t be used as a warrior’s mount anymore?” She looked askance at him. He seemed to realize his error, adding, “Guess not. Only a one warrior gal.” He stared at the mare a moment then moved toward her slowly. “What are you doing?” She found herself almost screaming, so great was her alarm. A grieving yasmir

was even more unpredictable than its peers and often angry at the world. Ignoring her, he took several slow steps closer. Reaching into his pocket, he brought forth a gaztor fruit, a favorite treat of yasmirs. “Here, girl, I have something special for you.” He stopped a mere six kreigers away, stretching his hand toward the still somnolent mare. Her ears twitched, as if she’d noticed the human’s nearness. The mare’s head reared up in an instant and she flung it vigorously. Kasha held her breath for a second, afraid to even speak warning to the daring, foolish Eric. The mare’s behavior was flashing alarm signals. The human ignored the warnings as he continued to hold out the proffered fruit. The mare took in a deep breath, scenting both the treat and the human. Stomping her feet nervously, she took a few tentative steps toward the fruit, and then stretched out her neck until it was rigid from the strain. Kasha chewed one nail. Her tension mounted to unbearable as the yasmir’s deadly horn came within easy spearing distance to the Earthman. When the mare delicately nibbled the gaztor from Eric’s palm without taking his hand with it, she let her breath out slowly. The yasmir stared at him for a few seconds, as if puzzling him out. Then she retreated to her corner and her contemplation of space. Eric rejoined her and Kasha couldn’t stop herself, she hit him, a good solid clout on his massive shoulder. “You are an idiot,” she spoke slowly, as if to a child or a person soft in the mind. His grinning countenance but set up her next tirade. “You’re lucky to be alive. At the very least, lucky you didn’t lose your hand.” “And, would you have mourned for me?” He plastered a sad expression across his previous silly one. “Of course not,” she snorted. Anyone that irresponsible shouldn’t be missed.” “Really,” he approached her slowly, drawing her hand up gently, placing it against his muscular tanned chest and proudly beating heart. “Never to feel my presence again. You wouldn’t miss me at all?” He’d sneaked up on her with the hand-grabbing thing again while she was still upset with him over his unnerving feat with the mare. It was unfair. Unfair she did think she’d miss him. That she’d miss his silliness, his handsome face and physique. And, it was most unfair her hand on his iron-hard chest seemed to like its place there. It itched to curl itself amongst the brown hairs, feel them tickle her sensitive fingertips. Seeming to awaken from a trance, Kasha jerked her hand away. “You’re going to be lucky to find anyone who will train you after today’s episode.” “Oh, you’re going to spread it around, huh?” “I certainly am.” She frowned at him. “Be sure and tell everyone how exciting it was, how your heart pounded with my daring feat.” His eyes twinkled at her.

“Eric you talk as much nonsense as you do.” She snuffed her disapproval, then turned to leave and threw over her shoulder, “I will certainly not tell of things I do not feel, only the facts will I convey. “Just the facts, ma’am.” He threw a salute at her backside.

CHAPTER FIVE

Kasha didn’t hold true to her threat, showing up every day to train him further, shaking her head in wonder at his progress with Seya, the mare. The princess continued to call the mare Seya and he, Shelia. At times he could swear the yasmir stared at them as if saying “make up your mind”. Sometimes he felt the princess came to make sure he didn’t get stomped in the ground by the yasmir. At others, he thought by the agitated gleam in her eye, when she got mad at him about some remark he’d made, Kasha wished to see Shelia quarter him with her awe-inspiring horn. For the first few days, though, he trained exclusively with the ancient Daras. He became proficient at putting her reins and stirrups on quickly and mounting her fluidly. Riding was another matter. He was awkward at first, clinging to Daras long mane, even though she paced only a slow walk around the training corral. It might have helped if Volarnians used saddles, but he was learning their way, which meant riding bareback. Although, the broad, heavily fur-padded back of the yasmir helped tremendously. After a few days, he seemed to adjust to Daras gait, even managing to stay astride when he urged her to gallop around the corral. Following every riding session, he visited Shelia in her pen, bringing her gaztor treats, and winning her trust. At least, he thought he must have, for she allowed him to rub her velvety nose and comb his fingers through her long neck hair. In turn, Shelia blew gently against his face and several times rested her head briefly atop one shoulder. At this time each evening, a small crowd of warriors gathered to watch the bonding. He heard their taut whispers and knew they were amazed. Eric could care less whether the Volarnian warriors were impressed with him. He only hoped his progress affected one Volarnian maid. It was the third day, and Kasha joined him within the corral. “Earthman, I think you’ve made a friend there.” Kasha flashed him a wide smile.

“You’re a good girl, aren’t you?” He rubbed Shelia’s neck vigorously, receiving a flounced head shake and whinny for a response. “I am still amazed,” She said thoughtfully. “Only a few days and she seems to have completely bonded with you.” “I’m pretty easy to make friends with. Just blow on my face a bit and lay your head on my shoulder.” He winked at the princess. He could tell by her expression, he annoyed her. He continued, “You were only a lonely little lady, weren’t you?” But it was Kasha he turned his eyes upon and who returned his with a searing stare. A look meant to “debone” him, unman him, but which peaked his interest instead. Just how much heat would a woman with such a fiery stare, hold within her body for a man she desired? The next day when he brought the reins into Shelia’s corral and let her sniff them, familiarizing herself with it, Kasha interrupted. “That’s enough Eric, you’ve got my attention.” She grabbed his nearest arm, tugging him toward the gate. “Let’s go visit Daras.” “Nope,” he kept his head down, concentrating on Shelia’s wary, but accepting touching of the reins with her sensitive nostrils. He set the leather on the mare’s head, unable to stop himself from taking a brief pause, waiting for her reaction. She simply flounced her head, as if to say “go ahead,” so he did. Eric was sweating by the time he finished attaching all the straps and footgear. Shelia hadn’t moved an inch, nor had Kasha. Taking a minute to pet the mare, more to reassure himself than her, he held his breath as he pulled himself up onto her back. The yasmir could have been a statue, so still did she stay. Then, Shelia whinnied and turned her graceful neck to eye him. Again, he had the distinct impression of communication. This time, is was “what are you waiting for?” He was amazed Shelia didn’t throw him even once during his cautious, slow ride around the corral. And if he was surprised, then Kasha and the warriors who watched, were blown away. His lessons progressed surprisingly fast from that point on. For a few days, the mare alternated her gallops with prancing and frisky bounces of her back, as if testing his resilience at staying on. Then today, the mare took off with no warning this time into a fast clip around the track. Eric could swear his hair stood on end by the time Shelia completed the run and slowed to a gentle sway as she neared an astonished Kasha. “I can’t believe you managed to stay on.” He shook his head in agreement, his legs quivering when he dismounted. “She must really like you.” Kasha eyed the yasmir. He rubbed Shelia’s sensitive nose slowly. “Loves me, more like it.” Kasha snorted. He leaned on the railing, facing the princess. “It might surprise you to know there are several ladies who’ ve claimed to love me.” Getting no rise from her, he continued. “I have many lovable traits, I’m told.”

“Ha! Now you’re talking more of your nonsense.” “Is it nonsense to admit one has a physique many women admire?” She frowned in displeasure. “Many Volarnian males also have pleasing shapes.” “Uhuh,” he acknowledged. “But does each warrior have a great sense of humor, a romantic nature, and an overwhelming desire to please the woman he loves.” Pushing away from the fence, she strode away, ignoring his presence beside her, but answering anyway. “A warrior needs none of these ‘traits’ you extol.” “True. But a man can be many things besides a warrior.” Stopping in her tracks and staring at him, she asked, “Like what?” Eric ran his eyes up and down her figure deliberately. He knew it disturbed her. “Oh, let’s see,” he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “How about being a great lover, husband, and a good father--” She interrupted. “These are not needed for warriorhood.” “Nope, but they can’t hurt.”

****

They can’t hurt. Eric remembered his pronouncement with bitterness. One month had passed since that confident, fruitless statement left his mouth. A month filled with training, becoming proficient at riding Shelia, and the constant pursuit of Kasha. The first two he’d come a long way with. He’d learned further intricacies of swordplay and rode well enough Jarvic promised he could go out with them on the next patrol. The princess was another matter. The good qualities he’d recanted to her, hadn’t aided him one iota in getting closer to her. He was sure they’d become friends during all their time spent together, yet she kept him at arm’s length when it came to love. He’d just spent another day by her side, yet no closer to Kasha’s heart. Another night spent alone in his apartment. Eric soaked in the tub, frustration eating at his body as well as his heart. He was glad tomorrow they were going on patrol, he needed a strong physical outlet for his feelings. He needed a way to purge thoughts of Kasha’s full lips and slender, muscular thighs from his thoughts. The princess would be going with them of course, but maybe he could keep his distance from her and exhaust his body through exercise. As if sensing his mood, Kasha did keep her distance, riding beside patrol mates other than he and Jarvic. “She’s giving you jahum, huh?” Jarvic asked, his smile gentle, no humor evident in his demeanor. Eric stared down at his hands clenched upon the reins, shrugged, then changing tactics, said, “Yes. I don’ t know what to do anymore.” Jarvic shook his head in understanding. “Maybe you should tell her how you feel.”

Jerking up from his relaxed slouch, he said, “Have I been that obvious?” “Yes.” Jarvic chuckled. “Then what would you suggest I do?” “You’ve tried impressing Kasha with your abilities, become her friend, and made her laugh, but you haven’t spoken about love to her.” “And how would you know that?” Eric eyed Jarvic. “Oh, in spite of our constant sparring, Kasha and I keep few secrets from one another.” “But I have.” “Uhuh.” Jarvic shook his head in the negative. “With teasing, jokes, and hand-grabbing.” His face turned a dark pink. “I see you do talk.” The warrior thumped him on the shoulder. “Don’t feel bad, my friend, your tactics aren’t so different from my own.” “Then why don’t they work?” He couldn’t keep the frustration out of his voice. Jarvic’s eyes took in the princess riding ahead of them. "Because Kasha is different from other women, but I don’t have to tell you that.” He nodded. “So, you’re saying I should--” The startling sound of many yasmir hooves and metal clanging loudly, warned him of an enemy patrol’s presence. The patrol thundered around the bend just ahead. As usual lately, he’d been concentrating too hard on Kasha. His standard alertness had temporarily deserted him. The west Volarnian’s were already racing toward them, swords drawn, excited yells arising from them. The next instant every warrior in his patrol was engaged in battle, including himself. The swordsman who attacked Eric, knocked him from Shelia with his first blow, then dismounted. The large warrior easily struck Eric’s weapon from his hand after only a few expert moves. He shrugged, keeping a careful eye on the savage warrior as they circled one another. He’d just have to disarm the enemy and fight him as he truly desired, hand-to-hand. He barely managed to stay just out of the warrior’s reach by using quick moves, as well as acrobatic rolls more than once. The Volarnian appeared angered by his inability to strike him. This gave Eric the edge he ’d been looking for, when the man gripped his sword with two hands and swung it overhead for a killing blow to the body or head. A fast forward thrust of his body got him close. He blocked the man’s arms, grasped his clasped hands and twisted roughly. This action broke the warrior’s grip, while he simultaneously slipped one leg behind the Volarnian’s nearest calf and pulled hard. The warrior and his sword plunged to the ground and Eric quickly threw his weapon far out of reach. Eric realized all Volarnians, both southern and western warriors, had dismounted and dropped their swords to a neutral stance. They were avidly watching his bout with the huge warrior. The man attacked him immediately after being thrown to the ground. His expertise in Volarnian

hand-to-hand technique was almost as deadly as his swordsmanship had been. Eric was in a battle for his life. It didn’t help that the warrior was at least a foot taller than he. And his body rippled with battle-hardened muscles. He was no ordinary opponent. Eric landed on his back more than once, barely rolling to the side and springing to his feet before the savage enemy attacked him again. Finally, after many strenuous moments of battle, they stood facing each other, breathing heavily, sweat glistening on their skin. An opening appeared when the warrior’s blocking defense slowed. He downed the man with a kick to the jaw. Not wishing to give the barbarian any further chance, he quickly put a full Nelson stranglehold on his opponent, turned to Jarvic and Kasha and raised a questioning brow. Kasha strolled over to her enemy and firmly stated, “We have won the day.” The man’s angry eyes shot upward. He seemed to recognize the princess, and if possible his features became more enraged. “You have won the day,” he grated out between clenched jaws. She nodded to him and Eric released the warrior, hoping he’d read her signal right. With a rigid body, the man rejoined his patrol. The west Volarnians remounted quickly. Reaching his steed, the warrior turned back and locked eyes with him. “Remember the name, Commander Rorri, for we will cross paths again.” The warriors turned as one, leaving the skirmish area quietly and slowly, in direct opposition to their earlier entry. “Who was that?” “Someone you don’t want to make an enemy of--King Jouko’s Army Commander.” Kasha’s voice bore a thread of anxiety. “Oh,” he quirked a smile, as if trying to dispel Kasha’s apparent concern. “I thought he was already the enemy?” She sighed in exasperation and thumped his chest. “Yes, but now you’ve made a personal enemy of him.” “Hmm, won’t be the first time I’ve made that mistake.” The princess frowned, shook her head, remounted Ziskin and took off at point. Jarvic nudged Shelia with his steed, drawing Eric’s attention. “That’s a good sign.” “What? That she’s mad at me again.” Eric watched her ride away. “You know she’s not angry, just concerned.” Eric grunted. “I know of what I speak,“ Jarvic reiterated. “You think?” He said sarcastically. “I think.” Jarvic grinned, finally pulling a responding smile from him.

****

The next day was a rest day, but Eric couldn’t relax. He’d refused several invitations from warriors as well as Jarvic, for a day of games and drinking. He wanted to think, plan new strategies for Kasha’s affections, and to do that he needed solitude. A long stroll in the gardens gave him no peace, or closer to a solution with the princess. He had started down a side path when he heard a lone walker intrude into the quiet of his selected oasis. A voice stopped him, one he didn’t know if he welcomed or not at that moment. “Eric, wait. I’ve been looking for you.” He felt like groaning, but held it in. “Come to slap my hand again?” He couldn’t keep the sarcasm from his voice. He didn’t mind her concern. But he did her presence, when all he wanted to do was take her in his arms and kiss away those concerns. The princess looked surprised and he understood why. She’d never heard this side of him before. He simply stared at her, his lust and feelings for her pushing at his heart and playing a wild pulse within his lower body. It made him think of the torture of puppy love, but this was far worse. She’d been staring at him too, as if trying to read his thoughts. Kasha frowned. “I just wanted to ask you not to go out on patrol with us for a while.” “What does that mean? Were you ashamed of my performance?” He couldn’t keep the iron-edge of anger, fueled by his pent-up emotions, from coloring his tone. Surprise washed her features, calming him down instantly. “No ... Eric,” she took a step nearer, touched his upper arm gently. “I, and every warrior in my patrol, were proud of your fighting ability.” “Really.” He felt hope wash through him, knocked down the next instant by his skepticism. “Then why the ostracism?” “Ostra.” She stopped in deep thought, clearly puzzling out his meaning, and then she laughed. “What nonsense. I just think it may be dangerous.” “Dangerous?” The princess sighed. “Rorri will probably be searching for you for weeks and have alerted all patrols to do the same.” Eric stared at her for several seconds, then breathed deeply. “So, you are concerned for my safety.” He took a step toward her, close enough to clasp her in his arms, if she but let him. “Of course, as I would be of any warrior in my patrol.” She smiled. “I see.” His shoulders slumped slightly, and he stared at the ground. “What’s the matter with you?”

“What’s the matter with me?” His eyes came up, searching the woman who was at the center of his quandary. Maybe now wasn’t the time, but Jarvic had said so, and he was just plain tired of waiting. Tired of desiring her lovely face, beautiful body, and her unique soul itself. Straightening and taking another deep breath, he plunged in. “What’s the matter with me, is you.” “Eric,” Kasha laughed, an uncertain look on her face. “Just because you’re attracted to me, doesn’t mean we can’t be--” “Friends,” he cut her off. “Right,” her lovely face brightened at his understanding. “But I’m not.” “What?” the princess asked in confusion. Eric thrust his hands in his pockets. “Oh, I don’t mean I’m not attracted to you. I am.” “You’re talking in circles.” She frowned. Removing his hands from his pants, he placed them gently on her upper arms. “I mean that I’m in love with you. The attraction is just a part of it.” He watched her face closely. It went through several expressions, from disbelief to horror, then from a touch of pleasure to one of her iron-princess masks. His hope plunged, sitting in his stomach like an icy rock that had lodged there. “Do you know to whom you speak?” Her face chilled, along with her tone. “Yes, I do.” His voice was dead-pan, his face expressionless. Kasha’s face lost its stiffness, paled instead. “I only meant I am Getra.” “Yes, of course, a warrior woman ... incapable of showing or accepting love.”

****

What have I done with my thoughtlessly flung words? Eric’s strong face hid nothing from her, not when his eyes flickered with sadness. It made her feel like she’d stomach-punched him while his guard was down. This handsome human male, who she admired and cherished as a friend, was not someone she wished to purposely hurt. “I do love you.” He took a quick step closer, his lips but a hand-span away, his eyes sparkling with renewed hope. Alarm flashed quickly through her and she added abruptly, “I love you as a friend.” “Oh.” The depth of disappointment in his face was too much. She turned her back on him, hoping he’d leave. She was upset at herself, at him. Her eyes were threatening tears, a thing she couldn’t comprehend. She never cried, even when injured.

“So, I am good only as a friend.” His hoarsely whispered words fanned her hair, sending reactive shivers down her neck. He stood too close, dangerously close to her back. “No, I’m sure there are many women who’d love to be loved by you.” She felt the awkwardness of her words, leaving a bad taste in her mouth, as if she’d breathed in too much road dust. “I see, but you’re not among them.” Eric’s usually humorous voice was gone. This flat emotionless one chilled her more than if it’d been filled with anger. Should she give him hope? No. That would be wrong. Yet to deny him totally would also carry a cruelty she didn’t wish aimed at her charming companion. What to do? “I didn’t mean that,” she turned to face him, stalling for time, thinking furiously, looking around the garden as if Goreth could help her solve this dilemma. “Are you saying I might have a chance?” He eyed her closely. She could almost taste his hope, small comfort to her heart. Sighing, she said. “You’re such a challenge, Eric.” “And you,” again his breath flowed over her, warm, inviting, scaring her somehow. Taking a step backward to create a little space between them, a thought formed even as she took in his slight smile and still carefully controlled face. “You know,” she tapped her chin, smiling at him now. “A princess takes special consideration.” “Don’t I know it.” He smiled a lop-sided grin, almost laughing, still unsure it seemed, of her feelings. “A challenge should do nicely, I would think.” Kasha clasped her hands behind her back, rocking slightly on her heels, so happy she’d thought of a way out. “A challenge.” His eyes got a far-a-way look, giving her time to furiously think up a good challenge, an impossible one. A sooeul flying overhead grabbed her attention for a second. “You know, in our fairy tales, suitors had to fulfill a challenge to win a princess’ hand--usually slaying a dragon.” “Slaying a dragon.” She mused. “Suddenly I’m glad your basami is extent.” Eric’s humor was back in full-force. “That’s true.” She looked at him, considering. “My challenge will be, when you can fly like a basami, I will speak of love with you.” Would he think her odd challenge totally ridiculous? He looked puzzled. “What a strange challenge.” He glanced skyward, seeming to study the cloud formations, then his eyes moved from the treetops to the clouds and back down to her. His features had a calm expression, making her wonder at the direction of his thoughts. “I will accept your challenge, on one condition.”

“That is?” She couldn’t keep the pleased, relieved tone from her response. “That you change the ending to ‘you’ll marry me’ instead of simply talking about love if I meet your challenge.” His eyes were serious. “Marriage?” She was shocked. He had turned her challenge against her. “Yes, love and marriage do often go hand-in-hand.” His old humor was truly back now, his grin broad and a joy for her to see. Why did he have to meddle with her tightly-woven challenge? “Marriage is impossible.” She snorted. “Impossible! I think that’s what everyone will call your challenge.” He folded his arms, his stance stubborn. “Now, wait a minute,” she held up one hand. “You can’t tell anyone about this challenge.” “Fine. But don’t you think your impossible challenge should be met by my impossible demand?” Kasha clenched her fists behind her back. His demand made her feel very nervous, but her challenge would be impossible to fulfill. She looked at his waiting stance, his eyes and charming face wiped of anything except a bland expression. What were his thoughts? How could he hope to ever start on such a quest? Her eyes followed the sooeul’s flight as it passed by again. That little lizard and his reference to dragons had given her the inspiration for the challenge. She smiled to herself. No Volarnian could fly, nor did they have machines that took them into the heavens. Neither could humans fly. Studying Eric’s handsome face, she knew this was the only way out for her, and even though she didn’t understand his quick capitulation, it made her extremely relieved. “All right, I agree.” “Done on a handshake?” He stuck out his large right hand and she hesitated but a second before pumping it firmly. He smiled gently, seemed to study her face and said, “If you’ll pardon me, I have much to do.” She nodded, puzzled by his abrupt departure. What was he up to? Kasha shook her head at herself, dismissing her self-doubt as quickly. He was probably on his way to drink with Jarvic. Happy she’d guessed his intent, she walked around the hedge, watching his departing figure. Then why did the thought of his voluntarily leaving her so suddenly make her uncomfortable? Eric’s behavior the next few weeks continued to mystify her. He followed her advice and didn’t ride with them on patrol, which was good since she’d heard reports Rorri was indeed on the lookout for the Earthman. But, neither did he seek her out when she returned from patrol in the evenings, as he would have normally done. He seemed intent on some project of his own. She’d heard he’d visited the konkol factory several times and asked many questions pertaining to the production of fabric from the industrious spinners. Kasha shrugged and dismissed his mysterious activities from her mind. She was sure he was simply finding ways to occupy himself while not out with her patrol group. She did look forward to the almost

daily routine of sword and combat practice, which Eric still attended with her comrades. Admittedly, she would have missed him, had he not shown up. Although not distancing himself from her, he was quieter and less intense in his pursuit of her affections. At first, she found this to be a relief. Then she had to be truthful with herself and admit after several days of this “estranged” behavior, she dearly missed Eric’s teasing, too friendly manner. Spying Jarvic practicing with Yissell in the distance, she realized perhaps she missed the Earthman’s jokes and silliness, because her cousin had been keeping his distance the last few weeks too. Frowning, her sense of aloneness disappeared, replaced with agitation as she discerned Jarvic’s intent. He was playing match-maker, a thing she never would have suspected of her cousin. To jahum with the both of them! Her frustration disappeared not an hour later, replaced with concern, when she walked by Jarvic and Eric discussing the Earthman’s return to their patrol tomorrow. She joined the discussion and they argued back and forth for a good ten minutes. She gained no ground with either hardheads. In frustration, she left the practice field soon after, totally disgusted with them both and vowing if Eric had a death wish, she wouldn’t stop him. That night, she could only get to sleep by imagining taking a black head in one hand and a blonde one in the other and bashing them together. Maybe a knock in the head wouldn’t be such a bad idea, she thought as sleep overtook her. When Kasha jogged into the corral the next morning, Eric was already there, talking to Jarvic. Part of her was glad to see him rejoining their patrol, but part still worried over the danger. Everything went smoothly, until she and Eric became separated from her men.

CHAPTER SIX

Kasha rode furiously behind Eric up the treacherous winding mountain trail. Good sense dictated a slower pace, but the patrol of west Volarnians gaining rapidly on them demanded otherwise. She knew she shouldn’t have let him talk her into separating from the patrol, in order to “show her some pretty scenery.” Pulling her yasmir up abruptly, causing it to rear, she waited for him to discover she no longer followed. He'd turned swiftly upon hearing her mount's snorted protest and sped back to her side. "Why have you stopped?" "We'll be trapped at the top of the cliff if we continue. Why don't we try off through those woods? There's a better chance of escape." She pointed toward the sparse growth of trees.

"No," he shook his head. "It's too dangerous. There's loose shale in that direction." She barely had time to wonder how he knew there was shale on this mountain, but matters were too pressing at this point to give it further consideration. Instead, her mind latched onto his other statement. "Dangerous!" She practically screeched. “Have you any idea what my enemy will do if they catch you? You humiliated the commander of west Volarn’s troops. Rorri's never been beat in hand-to-hand combat, and you can bet he's out for blood." "I know, you told me a few weeks ago.” He smiled and then continued. “Why worry? Is he at the head of that patrol?" Eric pointed at the fast approaching group of warriors who were pounding their way furiously up the steep incline. Her heart beat a tense rhythm in her chest as she glanced at him. His pale good looks, so alien on this world, never failed to trigger an unaccustomed arousal in her, joined now by her fear for his life. "You idiot, it's too late now," She worried her lower lip, as she looked around frantically for some magic escape route. Eric shrugged. "I can give them a good fight, once I get past their swords. Besides, I have a wonderful swordswoman at my side." She chose to ignore his compliment. Even she couldn't take down twenty warriors. "We could surrender." "Would you?" One eyebrow shot up, looking comical. She looked back at him without answering. No, she wouldn't surrender. If she were by herself, maybe. It would be embarrassing when the west Volarnian ambassador asked for ransom from the King. That is, if he didn’t decide to hold her hostage as a political pawn. But that wouldn't help Eric, now he'd made such a personal enemy of Rorri. As she placed her hand on her sword, acceptance washing over her face, he stopped her with a wave. Eric gestured toward the mountain top. "Let's go on ahead, there'll be a way out." It made no sense to her. Nothing but a cliff and a perilously steep drop were located in that direction. Even though she'd never personally traversed this mountain, she knew the lay of the land. Kasha was ready to grasp at straws, anything to protect Eric. Turning in unison, the pair slapped their yasmirs' rumps sharply and took off in a burst of speed. Their mounts churned the ground with their hooves, fueled by their urgency. Eric got to the cliff's edge first, jumped off his steed and began to untie a bulky package. When Kasha had asked him about it earlier, he’d grinned and flippantly told her it was his lunch. She jumped off her yasmir as it still moved and joined him. "How can you think of food at a time like this?" "I lied," he laughed as he spilled out the contents. A puffy bulk of material lay upon the ground, thin ropes intermeshed with the gossamer fabric. "What is that, a secret weapon?" She asked sarcastically. "Of sorts," Eric replied as he spread it out, then pulled several of the ropes over his shoulders and

strapped one at his waist. Most of the material rested on his back. She looked glumly down the trail. The enemy was so near now, she could see their triumphant expressions and the killing lust on their faces. There would be no escape. Eric gripped her arm and turned her to face him. "Do you trust me?" His eyes twinkled, exuding a cheerfulness she found strange in such circumstances. At any other time her response would have been a snappy “no.” But she couldn't answer in the negative now, not with his earnest questioning look and death but a hundred paces away. "Yes," she whispered and closed her eyes. He wrapped her arms around his neck and she knew he was going to kiss her for the first and last time. "Hold on. Jump up and wrap your legs tightly around my waist," Eric shouted in her ear, as the yasmirs thundered closer. Kasha had no time to question the insanity of his plea. All she could think of was Eric’s handsome body lying battered and tortured in a dark dungeon. She leapt up as instructed and wrapped her long legs around his waist. Maybe this was some rite Earth people engaged in before death. Eric ran, his legs pumping hard to gain momentum, her added weight easily supported. Her mind blanked out for several seconds as he ran toward the cliff's edge and she knew he was going to hurl them to their death. He jumped off the cliff, his run helping him clear the edge nicely. She heard the enemy on the cliff as their yasmirs' scrabbled to a sudden halt, their loud cries of surprise carried on the wind. Then all she heard was screaming; her screaming, she realized after a moment. Kasha clamped her lips together and fought to control her racing heart. A sharp jerk snapped them both upward. Slitting her eyes open, it took a fuzzy few seconds for it to filter through that they no longer plummeted towards the ground. They were falling, yes, but at a much slower rate. Still feeling like she were caught in the web of a bad nightmare, she looked cautiously around. Eric smiled gently into her eyes and she noticed his hands grasped two of the ropes. Following the cords upward, her eyes widened at the huge billowing canopy, which seemed to float over their heads. It was allowing them to fall slowly, gently drifting. Her eyes trailed back down the ropes to Eric's face. Grinning now, he inquired, "How does it feel to fly? I wish we could enjoy it longer, but we're fast approaching our landing." "We'll be killed!" She trembled as she looked at the trees and ground below, rushing it now seemed, toward them. "Hold tight and let me do the work." At her frightened look, he added, "I know what I'm doing. Just stay loose and roll with me." The next few seconds were a blur of sensation as if a great force reached up to slam them. They rolled over and over, sticks and rocks jabbed her delicate skin. Then the head-spinning rolling stopped abruptly. He lay on the ground face up. He grinned like he'd just finished teasing her at the dinner table. She lay stretched out atop his length, her arms still clasped in a death grip around his neck, and her legs sprawled on top of his.

She was aware of their awkward position as Eric was, judging by his impudent grin, but for the life of her, she couldn't rise just yet. She gasped raggedly from the terrifying experience. Her body felt like jelly flowed through her veins instead of blood. "Now, I'll ask again. How does it feel to fly?" Disentangling her arms, she raised herself on her elbows to look at him. Her arms trembled alarmingly and she was comforted when Eric placed his two strong hands on her arms to steady them. Seeing his sincere, concerned look, she looked for a brief time over his head. She thought of their falling, no, flying, from the cliff's edge. It had been the most horrifying, yet thrilling experience of her life. She remembered the brief patches of landscape she'd viewed from their high position. She'd had a swift glance of a yart on its nest as they floated near the mountains' rocky face. She’d never heard of anyone seeing into the flying lizard's nest before and her chest swelled as she realized she'd experienced something no other Volarnian had before. "So you liked it a little?" "Yes." Her breathing had slowed and the trembling subsided. "Then you admit it was flying?" he prodded. "Of course," She became slightly irritated at his silly question. She eyed him questioningly in return. "It's almost as if you knew we would be trapped on the cliff top." Her eyes slit as she exclaimed, "You planned that whole fiasco, didn't you!" "Naturally. It was the only way I could think of to meet your impossible challenge.” He flashed that heart thumping smile of his. She pushed at his iron-hard chest and sought to dislodge herself from his arms. But he had anticipated her move. His arms were firmly clasped about her waist now, trapping her arms ineffectively between them. "How dare you put our lives in danger simply to fulfill a whim." Oh! She wanted to pummel him. "A whim." His eyes twinkled in merriment. "Don't you remember what you told me, my little alati?" "You can't call me that, only my brother has earned the privilege," she snapped, struggling in his arms. His arms tightened as he said, "You didn't answer my question." "Yes. I remember what I said." He interrupted, "Which was?" When she didn't answer, he added, "As I recall, you told me the only way you would ever agree to marry me, was if I could fly like the basami." "But I thought.” she paused, trying to get a grip on her agitation and alarm. “I wasn't serious--no one can fly." "Ahh, but we just did," he placed a playful kiss on the end of her nose. “Stop,” she frowned. “You must get permission to kiss a princess." He laughed and squeezed her tighter. "Then give me permission, my princess. Or, better yet, why don't you kiss me?"

"Why you conceited." Kasha stopped, at a loss for words. Eric was really too much sometimes, his Earth humor falling short of good sense. Her stillness seemed to inspire her handsome captor, who simply stared up at her, waiting for her next move. Kasha couldn't help but stare in return at his face, so rugged, so different from Volarnian males. His pale gray eyes would melt most women's hearts, especially when they twinkled with ill-contained humor as they did just now. Her eyes were drawn to his lips. Tiny hairs grew on his lower jaw, longer brown ones on his upper lip. So strange this was, the Earthlings hairy countenance. She wondered how it would feel to be kissed by such features. "Is my face not handsome enough? Are my lips not soft enough for a princess?" He grinned, his teeth flashing white against his deeply tanned face. "Oh, you." Kasha laughed. How could she stay mad at such an irrepressible scamp, one who reminded her so much of her cousin? "Would one kiss bring down your kingdom? Besides, I think I deserve something for saving your royal hide." “Saving my.” Her frown turned to thoughtfulness as she remembered their plummet from the mountain. Eric had been so brave, so very strong. True, he'd been an idiot to put himself in such danger just to prove a point, but he had done it to impress her. In spite of her irritation with him, Kasha was impressed. Surely he didn’t take her challenge seriously? She felt pulled by something outside herself as she leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, then drew back, startled by the feeling the innocent kiss evoked. Maybe Earth people too, had a magic of their own. "What a bothersome tickling," she said to cover her confusion. "You can't tell anything from a little peck like that?" he said. "We should at least try it again." His thunderstorm eyes were glued to her lips, causing her lower body to throb. She lowered herself slowly toward his lips. This time his mouth opened beneath hers and she followed his lead. He released her arms and they seemed to have a life of their own as she wound them close to his head, tilting his face to gain better access. Feelings rioted through her body, hot flashes and little electric tingles. Her hands ran through his short hair, evoking new sensations. She clutched his hair in both hands as his tongue played with hers, seeming to command possession of hers. Her blood had never felt so stirred before, except in battle. Kasha withdrew for an instant, gazing into Eric's eyes. His had turned darker, a stormy gray, with flashes of fire behind those thunderstorm colors. Knowing she'd evoked the heat in his eyes stirred something deep in her. It seemed strange feelings of the flesh could feel as powerful as having a good sword arm. Sighing deeply, she bent again to renew this war of the senses. It was as thrilling and exciting, she decided, as a pending battle. The passion flowed between them, blossomed in her body, sending warm shivers of excitement everywhere at once. She pressed her lips, her breasts and hips against Eric, wishing she could melt into him. A groan escaped her lips as he caressed her bottom. He pulled her hips tightly to his and she felt his hardness between them.

By Goreth, if she'd known it could be this wonderful, she would have taken the time to choose a lover long ago. Feeling inspired and knowing she'd found a solution to this growing passion, she withdrew a space and asked, "Would you consent to be my lover?" He chuckled. "Isn't that part of the package?" "What package?" "The ol’ ball and chain." His teasing grin had returned. "Stop talking nonsense. Kiss me again," she poised over his mouth. "You're very good at changing the subject," Eric held her from him. "Why are you spoiling the mood?" She pouted, squirming and pressing against him. He moaned. "Who can argue with a warrior princess?" He grabbed her head and this time it was he who attacked, almost grinding his mouth against hers. A new thrill ran through her at his roughness. Kasha heard a faint noise through the haze which seemed to surround them, but ignored it, too caught up in this new wonder. A moment later she heard a loud chuckle. Looking up from her awkward position, she paled with embarrassment. Jarvic and her patrol sat astride their yasmirs not more than twelve kreigers away. Her cousin’s grin couldn't possibly get any larger as he examined them. "I thought we were looking for enemy quarry today," he said rather loudly. "Very funny," she snorted as she jumped to her feet in annoyance. Eric got up more slowly. He ogled her in front of her fellow warriors until she wanted to pull his hair out, or kiss that look off his face, she added to herself. While Kasha straightened her clothing and hair, Jarvic questioned the Earthman about their separation from the others. His mirth changed to shock when Eric explained about their escape from the enemy with the aid of the thing he called a "parachute". She listened with only half an ear when the warriors gathered around the human and his parachute as he went through a demonstration. All had to touch the marvelous invention and ask the Earthman a multitude of questions. Her thoughts remained on the sensual experience with Eric. She was unexpectedly nervous. Would he accept her offer to become her lover? Kasha was surprised from her thoughts when a young warrior lead Ziskin and Seya toward her. “We found them wandering not far from here.” She nodded happily and took their reins. She was thrilled the yasmirs had escaped. Kasha chuckled when she thought about what a distraction their “suicide” must have been, for she had no doubt that was how it would be reported in west Volarn. After the warriors seemed satisfied with Eric's explanations, they mounted again. He quickly maneuvered his steed next to hers. "You still owe me an answer." He caught her eye, his face serious for once. "As well you owe me one," she tried to keep the conversation light. He looked decidedly displeased. "My answer to you is 'no', since accepting would defeat my ultimate objective." He put his hand up as she started to answer. "Do you think I'm stupid? I know your little distraction game."

"Distraction." Her jaw clenched. He leaned closer between their yasmirs as he said, "If I just wanted sex I wouldn't have to go far. I've had plenty of ladies offer. I guess they're curious about Earthmen's virility." "Hmmph," she scoffed, and then demanded, "What ladies?" Abruptly, she became aware that her fellow warriors had been listening intently. Since Eric wanted to make their affairs public, she would use that to her advantage. "Jarvic, would you tell this stubborn Earth man marriage between us would be impossible." "Why impossible?" Jarvic scratched his head. She gritted her teeth. "I should have known you'd side with him against me. "It's not that, dear cousin, although that has its charms." He smiled wickedly at her angry expression. "It is true I do like Eric, he's a fine addition to our warrior ranks." He shrugged his shoulders as he added, "The Earth women marry our men, so why can't it be the other way too?” Eric slapped Jarvic's back and they both grinned like idiots. She smelled a conspiracy and turned her back on them, addressing Bija', an older warrior. "Bija', would you tell those two a marriage between us would be impossible, since Eric cannot participate in the Tarthra." "That's true as it stands now." The gray-haired warrior nodded. "Ah-ha!" She gave Jarvic and Eric a hard look. "But, these are strange times, with many changes," Bija' interrupted. "Stories abound about a time many years ago when the Getra could conduct the Tarthra as well as any male warrior." "So," Kasha challenged. "It's not something that's done any longer." "Times change, as Bija' said," Jarvic smiled when he moved his yasmir alongside hers. "Times may change but I don't, cousin. Remember that," she turned to catch Eric's eye. "I am Getra and wish no other life." "Isn't it true some Getra are married?" Eric addressed Jarvic, but watched her intently. "It is true. Of course, there are those amongst the Getra who seemed determined to stay a warrior until their hair turns white and their bodies too wrinkled to tempt any man." Eric nudged his mount between them. “You know, back on Earth we don't have the Tarthra. We don't need a crystal ball to help us choose a partner. Sometimes you meet someone, and you know right away you love that person." He turned and looked directly into her eyes. A challenging spark flared in their somber depths. "You go too far," she was angry and sad at the same time. It was very confusing. She lashed out, trying to sink the sadness into oblivion. "Why don't you shut up! You are just providing entertainment for the warriors." And they were watching intently. Some of them looked surprised, others confused, and a few, like Jarvic, happily conspiratorial. "What would it take for me to change your mind?" Eric asked thoughtfully. "You already told me you'd marry me if I flew like a basami. Which I did," he held his hands out as if appealing the fates.

All the warriors turned to look at her, several raising their eyebrows in consternation. One's word was one's honor. “It was but a jest," she said loudly. "Can I help it if he took me seriously?" she looked to each one around her, appealing for understanding. Lastly, she gave Eric a hard, disgusted look. He’d told of the challenge, after she’d asked him not to. "Then what challenge would you honor?" The Earthman pressed her further. She was trapped. Her patrol mates, her friends were all watching, listening for her response, already questioning her word. He asked too much, he pushed too far. Kasha sat lost in thought, her mind muddled with anger and aggravation she had to do this again. That’ll teach me to be so kind-hearted. Finally she smiled. Eric looked wary as she said, "Not your challenge this time, but mine." She paused for effect, wanting it to sink in. She wished she could truly hammer this one into his chiseled stomach or maybe his hard head. "You met the first challenge, let me continue in the same vein. My challenge will be, when I fly, by myself, like a basami--I will marry you. That is, if the Tarthra tradition can be flaunted," she added sarcastically. "Now who's being impossible," Jarvic's voice dripped with even more sarcasm. "At least set the man a reasonable challenge." Eric held his hand up, a calm expression on his face. "That's okay, I expected another impossible challenge.” He stared her in the eyes. I accept your terms." Kasha's triumphant smile wavered slightly at the confident look Eric continued to hold. And how dare he make so light of her challenge? He leaned toward her and said, "A prize won without challenge is worth little." He certainly seemed a changed man from the despairing, sad one she’d met in the garden. Had fulfilling this impossible feat given him hope for the new one? She stared at his serious face, and then galloped to the head of the patrol to temporarily escape his disturbing presence. As they all rode back more quietly than usual, Kasha felt an uncomfortable tightness in her back. This had been a signal to her in the past, a warning of things to come. Were the fates conspiring against her? She shrugged off the feeling and laughed at herself. Her fly? Ridiculous! She was scared of heights, and besides, what other way was there to fly than Eric's method? She wouldn't be caught anywhere near such a contraption again. Slapping her steed and speeding ahead of the others as they neared the castle, Kasha couldn't help seeing his knowing look as she passed. Was he psychic? The tightness turned to a tingle, which shot down her back. She turned at the castle entrance and gave Eric one last fleeting glance. He simply smiled at her, his sexual charisma hitting her like a punch in the stomach. Goreth, why didn't he just agree to become her lover? Why did he have to be such a constant challenge? And, what did he know?

CHAPTER SEVEN

It’d been several weeks since the incident with Eric and the parachute. Life went on as usual. Every day, except the designated rest day, the patrol group practiced their fighting and sword skills. Kasha no longer trained Eric in yasmir riding and found herself wishing he was still an inapt rider. She was angry at times with him for telling everyone of her challenge, but this was overridden by her loss over their friendship. She watched as the Earthman fenced with Jarvic, his attention on the match, not on her as it once had been. She guessed they were still friends, but they didn’t act the part. She was too frustrated with him, barely able to carry on a polite conversation. Eric stared at her with bland expressions, yet she knew he was feeling the rift just as much, if not more than she. How could she repair the damage? She didn’t know, wished she could think of a way, but each day passed with no solution. Eric wanted something from her, she couldn’t give and she wanted something from him that he was unwilling to give. They both were too stubborn, she knew. They were at checkmate. Jahum, if she could see a way to clear the slate for them to start over, or go back to the friends they were before. Today, she watched her warriors fence, only participating in a half-hearted effort. She noticed Eric and Jarvic were talking quietly off to the side during a break. What were they up to? It didn’t take long for her to find out. Eric approached her hesitantly, as if he feared she’d run away. “Kasha,” he said softly. She turned, giving him an inscrutable look, yet a fluttering feeling of joy ran through her frame. “I thought perhaps you would join me tomorrow.” “Where? At another mountain top?” She purposely peered over his shoulders, as if searching for another parachute. His face flushed. “No, I thought since tomorrow is our day off, you--we--might enjoy a day spent at your favorite pool.” “You did, did you?” She stared around his broad shoulders at her cousin, convinced he’d given the Earthman his bright idea. Kasha stared off across the field, as if giving the matter great thought, which she truly was. She and Eric alone at a secluded pool. He would have ample opportunity to hit her anew with his marriage plans, something she didn’t relish. But, she too would be given opportunities she normally didn’t have amongst her patrol mates. A chance to approach Eric about her ideas on romance. “Yes.” She smiled mysteriously. “That sounds like a lovely idea.” He returned the smile, but it was an uncertain stretching of his masculine lips. Perhaps he wondered at her quick capitulation. Then his natural confidence returned, his grin now reflecting that essence.

They made arrangements to meet at the stables, Eric assuring her he would pack a picnic lunch. After he left, Kasha felt a lightness in her heart, a liveliness in her step that’d been missing for weeks now. She sighed and chastised herself inwardly for being so vulnerable. She should not be so dependent on another person for how she felt. But, jahum, she couldn’t seem to help herself, she missed Eric terribly.

****

For the first time in weeks, he felt a lift in his spirits. Eric glanced back at the princess, still not sure why she had agreed so readily to go with him tomorrow, but glad nonetheless. Jarvic had assured him Kasha loved the woodland pool he was taking her to, claiming she was less rigid, less guarded while within its premises. He had no special plans, other than trying to win her friendship again. He would not bring up the subject of love to Kasha, as he was sure she was convinced he would. He had no wish to widen the rift between them further. If Eric could dial up God and ask for a special day, he couldn’t have done better than the sparkling clear day which greeted his arising that morn. The temperature was warm, but not hot. The air was crisp with scents of growing things, carried on the slight wind. It was the kind of day that made one glad to be alive, and he approached their meeting with more hope than he would have thought possible the day before. “Morning.” “Good morning,” she replied cheerfully. Eric’s hopes arose further. Maybe the atmosphere had infused into Kasha’s spirits as well. They bridled their respective yasmirs quickly and efficiently, the quiet between them comfortable. As they rode slowly down the forest trails, each commented on the wildlife they encountered. Their conversation flowed as easily as if just getting acquainted, or as naturally as should be expected from old friends. Eric whistled when they reached the clearing. It was a special spot. A small pool, no more than ten feet by twenty nestled amongst giant forli trees. The immense twisted limbs overhung the sparkling violet colored water. At one end, a waterfall fell in sheets of frothy watery curtains, its height matching the pool’ s width. The sound of bubbling water, a chorus of sooeuls’ in the distance, and the sigh of the gentle wind through the trees, was almost too much for the senses. It was mesmerizing. Eric felt like spreading the soft blanket he’d brought and sleeping away the day. But, no, he had other, more important plans. “How often do you get out here,” he asked as they unbuckled the yasmirs’ trappings. Kasha took a deep breath of the fragrant air and let it out in a deep sigh. “Not nearly enough.” He nodded his head in agreement, understanding completely. Taking the food pack out, he asked, “Are you hungry?” “Starved.” Her energetic agreement and sweet accompanying smile was a surprise, but pleased him immensely.

Maybe his luck was about to change for the better. The princess helped him take the food out and arrange it at one end of the blanket, leaving the other for them to sit comfortably. They spent the better part of an hour slowly consuming the food. Their talk ranged from the mundane happenings in the castle, to humorous incidents in their life the last several weeks. But they never wandered into the territories of each other’s disagreement concerning love, sex, and marriage. They both seemed to realize this was a healing time for their friendship, and let the verbiage of friends rule the day. “I’m sleepy,” Kasha yawned loudly. “Me too,” he covered his own wide yawn. He felt guilty that he wished to give in to this hedonistic urge, when he had other things on his mind. Apparently, she didn’t mind giving in to her urges, as she stretched out on the blanket, wiggling to get more comfortable. Eric turned his eyes from her hips to the waterfall, feeling anything but comfortable at her gyrations. “Come join me,” the princess patted the downy blanket next to her. Her face was soft, her expression relaxed. This was a different woman than he normally saw, one that looked much younger, almost vulnerable. One he found intriguing. Shrugging, he pushed the remaining food and containers off the blanket, making space for his large body next to hers. As much as he’d liked to roll over and take her in his arms, he resisted, knowing this was not the time or place. You have to keep it on friendly terms he kept repeating to himself. His words becoming a mantra, which eased him gracefully into a deep sleep.

****

She was very pleased at the way things had gone so far. They had reconnected as friends, making her feel happy and carefree. Rolling onto her side, Kasha stared unabashedly at Eric’s peacefully sleeping features. She gently stroked his face, careful not to wake him. Thoughts stewed in her mind as to how to push the stubborn Earthman into her arms. She yawned again and stared at the branches overhead. The setting was perfect for a seduction. She would just have to use her womanly wiles, a thing she hardly knew about, to accomplish her desires. First, a nap she thought, as different scenarios ran through her drifting mind. Her nose itched. She rubbed it vigorously, then opened her eyes and stared at the large hand holding a fluffy flower-head beneath her nose. Kasha’s eyes flitted lazily upward, taking in Eric’s grinning face. Mischievous lights caused his unusual eyes lighten to a silvery hue. “I thought we were supposed to be napping?” She made her tone teasing and pursed her lips into a pretend pout. Eric cleared his throat and pointed at the tree line. “We did.”

He’d had a hard time dragging his eyes from her mouth before turning away. Clearly he was affected by her performance. Kasha was thrilled at the results of her first flirtation; imitating court ladies who she’d seen do the same a hundred times. Eric was correct. The sun was shining much lower than before. They must have slept several hours away. No time to waste. The temperature was still wonderful, but she wanted full daylight to aid her cause. Jumping up, she purposely skipped and laughed her way to the pond’s edge. She glanced back and saw he was shocked by her childish behavior. Good. He was in for more surprises. Flinging her jewelry carelessly to the side, she plunged into the pond with joyful abandon. Coming up for air, she stayed hunkered down, only her dripping face showing. “Come on in, it’s great.” Eric approached the water’s edge slowly. “Isn’t it cold?” “No,” she shook her head vigorously, sending sprays of droplets flying. His eyes followed her wildly flung locks and from his look, she was sure he found it stimulating. Good. One point in her favor. She wanted to get him stimulated and keep him that way. He stuck a toe into the water, surprise lighting his face. “It’s warm.” “Of course it is. The pond sits on a hot water source.” “Then shouldn’t it be hot?” He looked puzzled. Kasha giggled at him and hugged herself underneath the water at his shocked reaction to her giggling. Priceless. Keep him off-balance. “It would be Eric, but the pond is fed by a cold water stream.” She spread her arms gracefully through the wetness. “Thus, we have the perfect environment for a swim. Now, come in!” She purposely used her best princess demanding tone. He grinned in response and then shrugged. Quickly divesting himself of the silky shirt, he looked down at his pants, hesitating. Goreth. That hard-packed masculine chest was as beautiful as she’d anticipated, his abdomen ridged with sinewy strength. Kasha licked her lips, glad the next instant he hadn’t seen this action. She didn’t want to scare him away. She laughed to herself, seeing the humor in their situation. The shoe was on the other foot, as the Earthlings were fond of saying--with Eric now the skittish one and she the huntress. “What’s the problem?” He tugged at the pants. “I was just thinking how unpleasant a wet pair of pants are going to be.” Yeah, I just bet that’s what you’re worried about. “Take them off, then.” “Off?” Was that fear she saw on his face? This was getting better and better. “You do have a tanla underneath, don’t you?” She stared at his groin. “Of course.” “Then, that’s perfect. Most warriors swim in their tanla anyway.”

Eric shrugged and began unbuttoning his pants. His eyes shifted uncomfortably towards her, then back down. If she didn’t know better she’d think he was shy. But she knew it was because he was worried about such an abbreviated clothing item--all that would be between them. Kasha sucked in her breath as his pants were kicked off, mentally chastising herself for ever doubting him. Those brawny thighs matched the rest of him, and his rippling calves as well. A light furring of hair covered them, but their blonde-brown color left his corded muscles in bold relief. Maybe not quite as noticeable as a Volarnian male with their lack of hair, yet still very striking. He did wear the Volarnian tanla. A nice sized bulge beneath the material impressed her.

****

As Eric kicked the tanla to the side, he couldn’t help notice how sultry Kasha’s face became. How she examined him as if he were fine horseflesh up for auction. Before his body could betray his reaction to this new sensual princess, he quickly waded waist deep into the refreshing pool. Splashing the delicious feeling water onto his shoulders, he watched in delight and wonder as Kasha swam around him, purposely sending sprays of water to his front side from her kicking feet. Who was this mystery woman? Woman-child with a sexuality heretofore unseen and unknown? Jarvic had told him the princess was different within the confines of the hidden pool, but this he hadn’t expected. Before stepping into the pool, she’d been funny and relaxed. While eating, she’d been an entertaining conversationalist, now she exuded an animalistic sensuality he found hard to ignore. Eric became convinced Kasha was up to something and the objective of her actions perturbed him greatly. His dream for weeks had been to see the princess responding in such a manner, to allow him to wrap his arms about her and kiss her silly with passion. She wanted him at her mercy. Wanted him panting with desire so strong he couldn’t resist her offer of becoming her lover. The feeling of impending doom which overhung his head, was almost as strong as when he’d been dying in the guerrillas’ camp. Clenching his biceps beneath the watery cover, Eric determined the princess would not shake his resolve. “Come on,” she splashed his face. “Haven’t you ever played in the water?” Seeing a temporary reprieve from his problem, Eric picked her up quickly, unexpectedly, and then dumped her several feet away just as swiftly. He didn’t give her a chance, grabbing her again when she reappeared, sputtering and pushing heavy strands of hair from her face. Up she went again. Bunching his muscles, he threw her a good ten feet, close to the pool’s end. “Ow,” she staggered upward, rubbing her bottom. “Hey,” she threw her hands up in a defensive block as he moved closer. “You made me hit bottom that time.” “Yep, I noticed,” he purposely stared at her hips. “Very funny.” She threw him a sour look. “I thought you wanted to play?” He smirked. “I do, but maybe we can try something else.”

“How about you throwing me around?” “Oh, right, that’d really work.” Kasha laughed. She ran one hand through her wet locks and chewed her lower lip. “Got it,” Eric snapped his fingers. “My favorite water game as a kid, Marco Polo.” “Marco ... what?” He explained quickly, glad for the princess’ quick agreement. What harm could there be in a simple child ’s game? He volunteered to be “it,” exaggerating a lumbering monster-walk through the liquid, following her eruptions of giggling laughter. She was quick as an eel and it took him a few minutes to finally pin her against the rocks near the waterfall. Eric’s hands bumped against firm breasts before falling away quickly. Kasha’s lovely face was but a few feet away when he opened his eyes, her body bent backward over the large rock behind her. He couldn’t help the swift perusal of her sleek figure, the black dress molded firmly to her flesh. Sucking in his breath, he closed his eyes, then reopened them, looking only at her face. “Now you’re it.” He watched as the princess gave him a dissatisfied frown, then complied by closing her eyes. He plunged quickly to the other side. He had to admit she was good at this game. She followed the sound of his movements swiftly and unerringly, giving him bare seconds to escape each near capture. With inspiration, he plunged beneath the surface and reappeared quietly behind the waterfall’s cheerful, noisy veil. Eric called out “Marco Polo” and quickly dove beneath the waterfall, intending to bypass the princess as she turned his way. His resurface maneuver brought him face to face with a giggling Kasha, who gripped one arm before he could duck away. Her eyes were still closed, a pleased expression riding her lush lips, as her other hand explored the rigid planes of his chest. “You caught me, okay.” His stomach clenched when her hands wandered over his flesh. “I had to be sure it was you.” She opened those lovely eyes and slanted them upward, her expression languid. They reminded him of a satisfied cat, especially with those lovely feline eyes of hers. “Like there’s any other man here?” He couldn’t keep the laughter from his voice or seem to control the tightening of his chest muscles when her hand continued to caress gently in circular strokes. He took a tentative step back, but she still had a tight clutch on his arm. “I had to be sure this was the same Earth man who has pursued me so diligently.” Her brilliant violet orbs challenged him, made him rock hard. “What’s the matter, you don’t like me anymore?” She purposely made her voice drip sadness while her lips quirked in a mischievous smile. “You know I do.” His frustration, both emotional and physical erupted in his rough-edged tone. She abruptly loosed her grip and stepped back into the waterfall’s edge. Sprinkling drops of water bounced off her body, drawing his eyes unwillingly to different parts of her anatomy. The iridescent drops sparkled and then crept in slow motion down her satiny skin. “Don’t you think I’m attractive anymore?” Kasha raised both arms gracefully, smoothed her wet hair into

an attractive fall behind her and slowly lowered her arms. He didn’t know if she planned it, though he couldn’t fathom how, but one strap of her dress slipped down her upper arm, baring too much of one lovely breast. The brilliant sun shimmered off her water-kissed skin, the diamond drops trailing in agonizingly slow paths down the sleek curves of her luscious breasts. The edge of one dark pink aureole called to him as strongly as a siren’s alluring song. “Well?” Her question gave him a brief reprieve when he dragged his eyes from her chest to her wickedly questioning face. Eric swallowed, forcefully and croaked out, “You know I do.” “Maybe,” she shrugged. As his traitorous eyes re-glued themselves to her, the material crept a micrometer lower by his estimation, increasing his torment. “But, then you’ve never seen the whole package.” With that statement she purposely wiggled out of her dress. He knew on some far off level she had pushed the black dress off her lower body as well, but all he could see through the haze of his erupting hunger, was her gorgeous body from the waist up. The lower parts were hidden beneath the water’s secret cover. She was superbly beautiful, as he had suspected, her breasts rounded curves of perfection, her supple waist delicately curved and toned. He had such an ache in his heart and such an increasingly painful erection, he felt more tortured than ever he had been back in that South American jungle.

****

It took all the nerve in her body to act the full-blown temptress. She wasn’t shy, just unused to acting in such ways, so still very unsure of herself. What if Eric didn’t react like she desired? She’d be left looking the complete fool. Seeing Eric’s agonized features, she realized her fears were for naught. He was a man tortured. His beautiful gray eyes had roamed her figure as she wished, washing her with almost a worshipful heat. Now they were molten gray pools of hunger, mirroring the thrusting hardness she glimpsed briefly as the water calmed around his perfectly still body. For a brief second, when she stood trapped in his fiercely hot stare, Kasha felt a tremor of uncertainty strike her. Had she gone too far? Did she even know what she was doing? With her natural aplomb, she shook off any feelings of doubtfulness, putting it down to her innocence in the sexual realm. Even she knew lust when she saw it, and the Earthman exuded raw power, his brute passion kept under tight control. But could she make him lose control as she wished? It could have been no longer than a few seconds they stood gazing at each other. Her thoughts ran rampant with questions and doubt. His. She wasn’t sure what ran through his thoughts, but hoped it was

longing for her. Eric moaned, a low passionate note that resounded through her like a magnet, drawing her one step closer. Acceptance was in his tortured face as his eyes grazed her body with flashes of burning passion, returning to capture her eyes with a fierce look. He caught her head in such a hard, abrupt grip she was surprised and stumbled back for a second. He pulled her against his firm body with one swift tug, bending her face upward, his lips posed just above hers. “Is this what you wanted, my warrior princess?” His voice was hoarse, causing a responding tremor within her. He descended on her in one swift swoop, capturing her lips in a feverish kiss that made her wonder briefly how she had thought their last encounter passionate in comparison. One hand held her to him, as if she’d try to escape his kiss, while the other roamed her breasts. He squeezed and rubbed her flesh until she thought surely the water around them must heat up into a bubbling stew. “And, is this what you wanted?” He withdrew from their kiss, let her see the molten heat of his eyes, then ran one thumb up and down and in circular motions upon one sensitive nipple. “Yes.” She moaned her own tortured response. Feeling emboldened by her wanton body and his intense actions, she grabbed both his hands and brought them to her hips. “But, I want more.” “One must do what one can to satisfy a princess’ desires.” He whispered at the corner of her mouth. Then he sucked gently on her lower lip, playing havoc with her senses. Their kiss deepened, tongues coming into action, Kasha was tentative at first, then more bold as she followed Eric’s lead. His hands slid down her slippery hips, caressed her bottom several strokes before he jerked to a sudden halt. His mouth left hers, then his breath whispered huskily near her ear. “It appears you’ve lost a piece of your clothing.” She moved her face, placed her mouth next to his ear. “I know exactly where my tanli is, in that rock crevice where I crammed it earlier.” She nodded her head toward the rocks near the fall. “Naughty princess,” he groaned against her sensitive lobe and caught it in a tiny nip. “I wanted nothing between us.” She wiggled her hips against him, “But, there is still something.” She moved back a pace, fumbled with the fastenings on his tanla, then flipped her hand away quickly, divesting him of the last barrier between them. Now she was pressed skin to skin with her lovely Earthman, leaving no doubts as to his virility. His engorged cini pressed against her lower lips. Her raslus was hot and moist. The next few minutes were full of new discoveries as Eric lapped and swirled his tongue around her ear, driving her mad. She pulled his ear to her mouth and experimented on him with the same treatment. They

both emitted more than a few moans as the heat between them built to an unbearable level. “I want.” She groaned. “Yes, whatever you want, my princess.” A silvery, joyous thrill ran through her whole body at his response. “I like the sound of that Earthman,” she breathed into his ear. His next trail of kisses worked downward, taking in each breast in succession and her sensitized nipples as well. He licked his way back up to her lips. Her raslus throbbed as their kiss deepened. It felt so delicious. “Eric, I--” He interrupted her with ravenous attacks on her lips. They felt puffy when he broke their kiss. “You wanted?” His voice was rough-edged with lust. She looked at him in confusion for a second, realizing she didn’t know what she wanted, except more. She ached, her breasts and lower body felt swollen, needy. “I want you,” she finally answered. “Oh, God help me, but I want you.” He moaned.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Eric picked her up into his arms, taking careful steps toward the bank. He laid her gently onto the blanket and stretched out atop her. She was amazed his weight did not suffocate her, but then noticed how his powerful biceps bulged as he held himself above her. She stared into his lovely eyes, feeling devoured and cherished at the same time. Her hands gripped, then rubbed into the sinewy muscles of his biceps, making her feel feminine, delicate in comparison. “What now?” Her voice came out in a husky, breathless manner. How could one even think when his callused hand played havoc with her upper thighs so? “Why, now you get your wish princess.” With that, Eric forged full-steam ahead, licking, nibbling, kissing, and caressing her mouth and body until she was as mindless as an alati female in heat. His callused hand skimmed down her sides, making her shiver. Sliding upward, he kneaded her breasts. Kasha sighed when his head descended and she felt his mouth on her breasts. Her nipple was sucked into the warm wetness.

Her raslus throbbed fiercely. She lunged, shoving her flesh toward him. Eric chuckled around one nipple, then flicked it swiftly with his tongue, watching her face as he did. “You like that?” His hoarse whisper thrummed against her sensitive skin. “Yes. Don’t stop.” She pushed his face into her yielding breasts. “Anything you wish, princess.” With that Eric suckled hard on her nipple. Moistness gathered between her thighs, and Kasha had a strange aching need spring up there. Eric moved to her other breasts and at the same time, one hand slid down her stomach. Her abdomen quivered at his touch. His hand continued, slipped down to rest atop the curls at her groin. Using his palm, he pressed gently, then released. He repeated this action several times. Kasha moaned and moved her hips upward to meet his hand. That hand slid down into her folds, massaging the wetness. Then a finger slipped inside her channel. “What are you doing?” She panted, while moving her hips in rhythm to the stroking inside her. “Preparing the way.” Eric answered, shifting from her breast to her mouth. His finger slid in and out as he kissed her. It felt so good, but Kasha wanted more. What, she didn’t know. “Oh.” Eric positioned himself on top of her and she spread her legs wider to accompany his body. She knew what was supposed to come next, but nothing had prepared her for the explosive sensation as his large cini slid slowly inside. His hard flesh plunged into her wet softness with ease. “Ah,” Eric groaned. “You’re so hot.” She shoved upward, impelling herself to the hilt. A moan erupted from her own mouth. Her hands kneaded his back, trailed marks down his skin as she pulled him to her body. “Eric, it feels so good.” Her voice was husky, and a savage thrill ran through her. She wiggled her hips, enjoying the hot look that flicked through his eyes. “Hard.” She demanded, slamming her hips against him while she pulled his head down for a kiss. He answered by plunging into her with force, matching her primitive urge for something beyond gentle body rubbing. Her raslus was going wild with a chaotic throb and she ached for him to continue his onslaught. But the blood boiling feelings couldn’t go on forever. She felt as if she rode a wild yasmir, that it plunged toward a precipice, with her in tow. A building pressure shot through her whole frame. She moaned as the force was relieved by spasms that ripped through her in waves. Flinging her head backward, Kasha arched her body upward, clenching Eric in a tight hold.

Hearing his soft groan, she opened her eyes and watched as he reached his own peak of enjoyment. His neck was stretched taut and his jaw clenched hard. Never, would she have thought lovemaking would be so stupendous. She glanced around. Evening shadows had begun dappling their entwined form. When their bodies had finally joined, Kasha was not disappointed this coupling could bring such wondrous sensations, each new discovery as thrilling as the one before. How long, she wondered, would it be before they could make love again? Kasha knew it could not be immediately, so she settled into Eric’s arms. She enjoyed this strange lulled feeling of closeness and contentment. Only three men had ever held her in their arms; her father, Rhamus, and Jarvic. And only then when she was small and still needful of such tenderness. She snuggled closer, tangling one hand through his chest hairs, pulling gently upward, fascinated at how they sprang back into place each time. Eric chuckled. Then began telling her the story of when he first attained hair on his chest as a youth. She half-listened, her thoughts caught up more with him as a lover. She knew he must be a spectacular one. Her years of eavesdropping on the court ladies had paid off. Squashing a guilty pang, she reasoned that sometimes the court was just too boring, especially when Hartoos started a syllogism of current affairs in the state. The experienced women’s descriptions of their lovers various techniques fit well within Eric’s actions as a lover. Shrugging mentally, she realized she didn’t really care what the others thought, she knew a good thing when she saw and felt it. Kasha disentangled from his arms, pushed Eric onto his back and climbed on top of his steely body. “You talk too much, Earthman.” Goreth, she loved watching as his eyes caught fire, and closed hers in self-satisfaction as his hands stroked her bottom, lighting her own fire it seemed. Somehow they ended up back in the pool and under the waterfall, her suggestion she thought later. Their entwined forms were encased in the sheathing of warm liquid, the delicate drops grazing their bodies, adding to the excitement she already felt in her lover’s arms. When they joined as one, Eric held both her legs supported by his muscular arms, her thighs wrapped around his waist. She leaned her head back into the tickling spray of water and laughed deep in her throat simply from the joy she was experiencing. He joined in her laughter, but then moved his lower body in such a fashion that soon she was moaning instead.

****

Eric thought the first session with Kasha was wonderful. But once they entered the pool for another, the sexual heat between them was sizzling. Kasha was a fast learner, moving her bottom up and down on his cock as they made love standing up. She was so hot, so tight, he felt ready to explode any minute. She plunged onto him. Her body was slippery, making it an easy passage. She stayed still for a moment, her face flushed with passion. Eric’s breath hitched when he felt her inner walls massaging his cock with her muscles. He knew she had a deadly sword arm, but who could have thought the warrior princess would be just as much an expertise

in the sexual realm? He knew this was Kasha’s first encounter with intercourse. Her natural sensuality seemed to be guiding her moves. Quickly, he pulled her off him before he could climax. He liked the suctioning sound it made when they disengaged. Taking Kasha into his arms, he walked to the water’s edge, then slid her down his body. Then he stretched out along the sandy bottom, his arms spread out on the bank. From the waist he was covered with water. His cock pierced the liquid, its dark pink color engorged with blood and desire for his princess. Kasha licked her lips and his dick jumped. He waited. Let her do what she wanted. With a grin she straddled his body. Eric fixated first on the pouting pink lips between her black curls, then ran his eyes slowly up her body. Her nipples were pebbled into beige pink nubs. He stopped at her face. The desire in her eyes made him ache. She sank slowly toward his cock and he held his breath, letting it out in a rush as her warm flesh made contact with his. Closing his eyes, he enjoyed the exploration her hands made of his cock, before she adjusted her body and slid gently onto him. He shoved upward without thinking, increasing the pressure between their joined flesh. Hot woman sheathed him to the hilt. She rocked back and forth as she found her own rhythm. Opening his eyes, Eric watched Kasha’s sensually expressive face. It was too much, seeing her wanting him so bad. He grasped her waist and plunged her onto his cock. His orgasm shot through him with force. “Ah,” he groaned. Kasha fell forward, her silky hair shielding their faces as they locked in a steamy kiss. She continued to rock gently as his orgasm pumped into her. He was gratified to feel the spasms around his cock and the soft sigh she moaned into his mouth.

****

Her climax this time was in synchrony with her low-toned moan. It was a slow, ecstatic release, matching the leisurely feel of the waterfall’s atmosphere--mysterious conspirator of the senses which imprisoned them within its warm-wet, constantly caressing movements. Afterward, she glanced at the deepening shadows, aware speed was needed in returning to the castle. Neither had brought a lantern to light the trail, and only she knew the way through the dense growth surrounding the hidden pool. Kasha wasn’t sure whether even she could find her way in the dark. They ran laughing, then shivering, toward their pile of clothes, getting dressed in record time. Eric thoughtfully placed the blanket around her shoulders and followed as she led Ziskin, weaving through the thick bushes as quickly as possible. Once attaining the well-worn path, they mounted quickly. They arrived at the castle’s outer fields just as the last of the far-flung coral and golden sunset was overpowered by the deepening purple dusk.

After they settled the yasmirs for the night and made their way to the castle’s back entrance, Kasha intended to ask him to join her for supper in her room. The thought of having her handsome Earthman alone within the cozy confines of her room excited her immensely. She had placed her hand on one of his muscular biceps, and he turned to her with an inscrutable expression. “Eric, would you--” “Princess!” A young warrior ran up to her. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” “Well, what is it?” She couldn’t keep the irritation from her voice or frustration from her features. He cleared his throat uncomfortably. “The Queen sent me to look for you.” He glanced quickly away toward the dark woods, as if wishing he were within their borders. “Out with it man,” she practically screamed, tired of his skittish behavior. “It’s the princess Sasha, she’s sick.”

****

Kasha was gone in a flash toward her brother’s suite. The warrior’s hand went up fruitlessly as if to call her back, then he turned to the Earthman and shrugged. “It was only a tummy ache, I was told.” He grinned. “Doesn’t matter, you have no idea how crazy that woman is about her niece and nephew.” As the young warrior took off in a brisk walk toward the barracks, Eric added to the air around him, “You have no idea how glad I was for your interruption.” He’d had an extremely uncomfortable feeling when the princess touched his arm earlier. He was sure she was on the verge of asking him to her room. He had already tromped many of his self-promises into the ground today, no need to grind his own face into the dust of his self-defeat. Let me count the ways, he thought with irony as he made his way wearily to his own suite. Not giving in to any suggestive behavior she might display. Do not put your arms around her. Do not kiss her. By all means don’t see her nude. Last, definitely do not make love to her. He’d broken every last one of them. Eric threw his damp clothes into the automatic cleanser. He felt warmer after getting clean clothes, but not better. No way could he go back, take away the acts of love they’d indulged in today. Hunger gnawed at his belly, a far different beast than had chewed him up earlier, and spit him out a changed man from that which had approached an innocent evenings outing with so much hope. Self-defeat made a bitter taste in his mouth. Sighing, he rummaged through the pack of left-over food he’ d thrown on the bed. The dry bread and meat roll was as exciting as his spirits. He chewed the food like an automation, his thoughts caught up in self-flagellation. If he didn’t get himself under control from now on, he’d end up Kasha’s love slave, something he desired only if wedding vows were spoken first. Somehow he’d have to keep his distance and remain friends, a difficult task he didn’t relish. Every fiber of his being wanted the princess in his arms again, but he could never attain his goal of making her his bride by giving into his urges and her wishes.

CHAPTER NINE

She was glad her niece had only a stomachache, probably from consuming too much of the sweet candies she’d given her yesterday. Kasha felt a momentary twang of guilt, but then this was overridden by her frustration. She’d been unable to complete the evening’s events as she had hoped. Shrugging to herself, she approached the training field the next day with anticipation, daydreaming of tonight and how she and the handsome Earthman would spend it together. At first she was taken aback by his behavior. He acted as always, friendly, teasing, and helpful in pointing out new tactics. But, at no time during the fencing or martial arts practice, did he try to kiss her or touch her in any manner but that of a comrade. She tried a sultry smile just for him, when the others backs were turned, and even a saucy wink, but to no avail. Eric chose to ignore her suggestive ploys. She thought he must be putting on a good show in front of their fellow warriors. A warm glow spread inside her at his being so considerate. Frankly, she didn’t care if the whole patrol knew they were lovers. After practice, she tried to corner him and arrange a tryst, but Jarvic and he had already made drinking plans. Then, she smiled to herself, realizing he must be trying to throw Jarvic off their trail. Kasha laughed to herself. She must make Eric understand she did not care who knew about them, including her nosy cousin. It took the whole of the next day for it to sink in that the Earthman was avoiding her, and it took only the evening for her to work up to a royal rage. How dare he refuse her! How dare he ignore her after the heated time spent in the pool. She refused to attend the supper banquet, convinced she’d tear his head off if given half the chance. Instead, she spent many hours pacing her room, cursing at him and herself. Lor hid between two pillows, watching her throw her arms wildly about as she spewed her hurt into the air. By nightfall, uncertainty began to edge into her anger. Had she not been good enough? Was she so inapt as a novice to displease the more experienced human? Was her body not pleasing enough? These self-doubts made her even angrier with him. She was no fool. She knew she was beautiful, even though she’d never used this to her advantage before. She knew Eric wanted her, and their lovemaking had been hot and lustful. “Of course,” she spoke aloud, hitting one fist into her palm. “It’s that idiotic notion of his about marriage.” Gradually, she began to calm down and was able to eventually sleep that night. She was frustrated. Her lover had stepped back again into the friendship mode of their relationship. Well, she was just going to have to find ways to push their friendship again. Everything she tried the next few days failed. No matter how sexy she acted, or how unthreatening,

nothing would push him into acting other than a friend. Kasha was near her wits end when she spied Lor scampering up a tree near the practice field. She’d forgotten his mate had a nest in that particular tree, and he spent most of the day with her and a nest full of younglings. Poor Lor, it was the only time she saw him deliberately defy his fear of heights so dramatically, by climbing up and down the tree every day. She thought about how much Eric loved animals and how they were drawn to him also. Perhaps winning him over in different ways would work to her advantage. Appreciation for a gift could spill over sometimes into other areas. She approached the practice field with anticipation. Jarvic and the Earthman both raised their brows in questioning wonder as she passed them whistling a tune. She’d had enough of throwing disappointed, disapproving frowns their way the last few days. Let them wonder what she was up to. She called Lor down from the tree and explained her plan to him. He thrilled, calling his mate to communicate with her. She’d forgotten just what a pleasant creature Tazi was and must congratulate Lor on his tastes, later in private. Kasha left her meeting with the two konkols happy with the arrangements a few days hence. She approached Eric the last day of the week and asked for him to meet her at the practice area the following day. It was a rest day. She had the feeling he was about to refuse, so added he could bring Jarvic if it made him feel safer. This made him appear irritated. Good, she thought, I’m tired of being the one who’s aggravated. “You said you had a surprise.” Jarvic commented immediately once they reassembled the next day. If she didn’t have other things on her mind, she really would love to take him down, maybe mess up his striking locks, or put a bruise on his handsome face. Feeling better suddenly, she casually replied, “I do have a surprise, but not for you.” She turned to Eric, disappointed somehow to see an inscrutable look on his face. Would he even be interested in her surprise? She whistled and Lor practically galloped down the trunk, Tazi following slowly, hesitantly. “Oh, hi, Lor,” Eric struck out his hand and her pet jumped onto the Earthman’s arm without any hesitation. After a few minutes of greeting, Lor pounced onto Jarvic’s shoulder. “Can’t you control your beast, it’s not like we don’t see each other every day.” Her cousin couldn’t keep laughter from infecting his deliberately sarcastic tone, as he rough-housed a few minutes with the enthusiastic konkol. “He has a reason to be excited.” “It’s that time?” Jarvic asked. At her nod, he said thoughtfully, “Lor does have a reason for his excitement.” Then looking at the huddled form of the female konkol, added, “Poor little thing, no wonder she’s sad.” Eric had a totally confused look on his face by now. “What are you two talking about ... why should Lor be happy and her so sad? What’s this all about?” Kasha smiled. “It’s the time of new bonding--when the young konkols must leave the nest and choose a companion.”

“I think I understand,” he pointed at Lor, then Tazi. “She’s his mate. They have a bunch of baby konkols, and he’s happy for some reason about them leaving, and poor little mom’s broken-hearted, right?” “Right.” The cousins chimed in together. He shook his head. “Would somebody please explain to me why everyone here is so all fired happy, except her, of course?” He nodded toward the still form of the mother konkol. Kasha patted his arm. “Well, Tazi is happy too, it’s just she’s overwhelmed with the parting that must happen when a child bonds with another.” She squatted next to the mother and gently stroked her head. The konkol responded by gently touching her hand. Kasha looked up, into his eyes. “She wants only the best for her children, just as Lor does.” She looked back down. “No happier konkol exists, then one who has bonded with a Volarnian.” “Whew, I guess that’s a relief, then.” He glanced between the two cousins. “Which one of you gets to chose one of her babies?” She stood up and faced him. “Neither. This was the surprise. I thought perhaps you’d like a konkol of your own, that is, if one chooses you.” “I.” Eric stopped in apparent confusion. “I hadn’t really thought about it, but I really like Lor.” Her pet puffed up, and then preened his front legs intensely. “And he likes you, the very reason you’ve been allowed to be considered for the bonding.” She smiled gently. “I guess I should feel honored,” he spoke slowly, glancing at her pet in puzzlement. “But, can you please tell me what this bonding thing is?” Kasha sat down on a soft grassy spot, indicating he should do the same, while Jarvic sat gingerly on a knotty root nearby. “The bonding, the best I can explain it, is similar to when we Volarnians choose a mate.” “Really?” She didn’t like the directions of his thoughts--back to marriage again, her fault this time though. “What I’m trying to get across, there’s a bonding between the two. Both feel it, but only the konkol does the choosing.” “Kinda like a konkol is a Volarnian warrior, which makes me a Volarnian female.” Eric’s twinkling eyes and her cousin’s abrupt laughter got on her nerves. “I think you understand well enough,” she frowned. “So, what’s your answer?” “What?” “Do you wish to have a konkol as a companion?”

****

He wished he could have a certain gorgeous woman as his companion, but knew that was a fruitless pursuit right now. Besides, the princess was trying to be kind by making this offer. Maybe she sought peace between them again. “What do I do?” “Nothing. Just sit there and I’ll let them know you’ve agreed.” She spent a minute speaking quietly to the two parents. Tazi abruptly chirped two sharp sounding notes. The leaves on the bottom branch rustled furiously, then three small bodies hurtled down the trunk and nestled up against their mother’s side. Eric examined the three small konkols curiously. Well, small for the Volarnian version of a spider. Of course the babies were approximately the size of an Earth tarantula. Two were a shiny black like their parents, while one was a lovely royal blue shade. The mother konkol purred and stroked her young ones, then gently pushed them in his direction. All three approached slowly in a grouped huddle and paused at his feet. Finally, the two black konkols leaped onto his pants legs, spent some time testing it with their sensitive hair legs, then began to tumble and fight amongst themselves. The blue konkol skittered quickly past its siblings and stopped at his thigh. Its antenna quivered, seeming to examine him as well. The bright red eyes at the end of the stalks looked like ruby dots flitting here and there as the antenna waved about. It tested his pants as well, trembled, then its body moved up and down in a jerky motion. Suddenly it executed a grand leap upward to his chest and stared up at him unblinkingly. Eric couldn’t keep a queasy feeling from lancing through him, as well as a slight tremor. The baby facing him too closely resembled Earth’s spiders, and such a predatory jump fazed the bravest of humans. All three konkols froze in mid-twitch, then the two black ones squeaked and ran back to their mother. The one on his chest went totally immobile, not even a hair on its furry body moved. “What’s wrong?” he whispered. “You shivered or something,” Kasha noted thoughtfully. “Were you thinking bad thoughts?” “Well, I.” He quirked on brow at her and cleared his throat. “I may have had thoughts about creepy spiders.” “Great. That’s how you pay back this honor they’ve bestowed you, comparing their child to a--spider.” “Sorry, I couldn’t help it.” He glanced at Kasha. “Relax and clear your thoughts. Maybe, then, she won’t run from you too.” “So, it’s a girl. How can you tell?” His eyes were drawn back to the huddled form on his chest. “Simple. The female has a distinctive stripe on top of their head.” She pointed downward to the frozen

konkol. “Oh, yes, I see it’s a very pale blue.” Eric took a few deep breaths and then addressed the baby. “You’ re a very pretty girl, why I’ve never seen a prettier konkol.” He intentionally made his voice soft, soothing. “Your hair is longer than your siblings, I see,” he glanced toward the others, then returned his eyes to her. He was heartened to see the konkol’s antenna moved slightly, as if following his speech. “Your hair looks soft too. Would you let me touch it?” He moved his hand slightly toward her and let it glide gently to her back, as she remained quiescent. Eric couldn’t believe how downy her fur really was. “Soft as a Persian kitten.” He couldn’t keep the surprised, pleased tone from his voice. The baby arched her back and purred loudly. He looked up at Kasha while still continuing with his petting. “You’d think she understood me.” “She does.” Kasha smiled. “What?” “I thought you knew by now, konkols understand much of what we speak.” “You’re not kidding, are you?” His hand paused. He was floored by her statement. “Nope. They’re also experts at reading our body language. Did you know they have a rudimentary sign language, which we understand as well?” “But, she’s only a baby. How can she understand me?” His hand caressed the blue fur again as he stared at the konkol. “Simple. The konkols verbal and sign language is passed to their offspring through their genes, as well as their understanding of our language.” “Gene memory. Boy, do I feel dumb all of a sudden.” He laughed and hoped this action didn’t frighten the konkol, who twitched her antenna in several solid jerks. “What’s she doing? I’m not scaring her again, am I?” “No,” the princess laughed. “She’s giggling.” Eric stared at the baby thoughtfully. Here was an alien creature with sapient qualities he hadn’t expected. He’d stereotyped it because of its close resemblance to spiders. He realized he was going to have approach this situation with new eyes and totally delete preconceived ideas from his thinking. “So, what now little girl?” He smiled gently at her. The konkol abruptly took another large leap, onto his shoulder this time, near his left ear. He purposely took a few deep breaths and concentrated on “Persian kitten, Persian kitten”. “I think you did that on purpose, didn’t you?” He turned his head slightly and she backed off a few inches, so they were eye to eyes so to speak. Her antenna did the funny jerking action again. “Is she laughing at me, Kasha?” “Uhuh.” The princess chuckled.

“A sense of humor, I like that.” Unexpectedly, the konkol ran up the side of his head and started jumping up and down in his hair, chirping loudly. “What’s that mean?” “That she likes you.” Kasha grinned. He reached up and flipped the baby over with one gentle finger, then tickled her stomach. “I hope her mother taught her proper bathroom etiquette.” “Eric!” Kasha’s face was most displeased. Lor and Tazi drew themselves up, increasing their dimension almost one size by fluffing their hair until it stood on end. He could feel the konkol’s body trembling beneath his finger and then she burst forth with several croaking sounds. He eyed the princess and the parents jovially. “I wanted to see if she liked my sense of humor as well, and it appears she does.” The grown konkols turned to each other and suddenly their antenna jerked spasmodically. “Wow, I’m impressed,” Kasha said slowly. “You understood she was laughing verbally, even though I hadn’t explained that to you yet.” He shrugged and brought his hand back into his lap. “I don’t know what happened, but I ... just knew she thought it was funny.” The princess turned to the parents, then nodded and caught his eyes. “It’s because you two bonded.” “Really? Now what?” He looked from Kasha to the two konkols. “You’ll see,” Kasha said softly. He felt a stirring in his hair and resisted the urge to scratch the immense tickling sensation. The baby konkol ran in an eye blinking second down his neck and arm, plopped herself on his chest, then began to sing. The old statement “singing ones heart out” came to mind, as Eric listened entranced to the vibrant serenade. Speechless when she finished, he simply smiled. The konkol then walked slowly, almost sedately up his chest, stopping at his down-turned chin. She stretched her two front legs upward, gently touching the skin at the corner of his lips on each side. She purred. Not the purr he was used to hearing from konkols, but a deep, almost inaudible note. It shot through his lips, causing them to tingle with a pleasant sensation. After she loosed her hold and kept her twinkling, intelligent ruby eyes glued to his face, he spoke aside to Kasha. “Am I wrong, or was that a konkol kiss.” “Yes.” The princess jumped up and clapped him on the shoulder. “Congratulations, you now have a companion for life.” He eyed her in surprise. “Just how long do they live?” “About the same as you humans, seventy to eighty years.” The princess walked around in front, eyeing them both speculatively. “Now, it’s time to complete the ceremony by naming her.”

“Hmm. She really is pretty.” He stroked the konkol’s back, noting the richness of her coat. “Blue girl doesn’t sound right.” Snapping his fingers, he said, “I know, Belle.” “You want to name her after something that makes ding dong sounds?” Kasha looked confused. Eric laughed. “Not quite, Belle in French means beautiful.” The baby jumped up and down quickly, bumping into the underside of his jaw. Then she leaped onto his shoulder and started chirping loudly. Without turning he said, “You like it, huh?” The chorus of croaked sounds coming from his new companion confirmed her acceptance. It took several minutes for Belle to say her farewells to her parents and siblings, even though she could visit them everyday Eric came to the practice field. After heading for his suite alone, he had to constantly reach up and pet the sad konkol, who rode atop his shoulder. They spent the rest of the evening getting acquainted, mostly with him trying to understand and interpret the konkol’s body language. It was an interesting time and bonded them closer. Belle’s first night was easier, once she cuddled up on his chest. He didn’t get much sleep, worried he’d roll over on top of her in the night. Tomorrow they would have to make new sleeping arrangements. For tonight, he spent many hours thinking about the lovely woman who gifted him this special being who snored lightly, almost in synchrony, with the rise and fall of his breathing. When his thoughts drifted in the nether region, which was neither sleep nor wakefulness, he remembered her words “life companion” spoken earlier. Surely Kasha would not wish to cause Belle anguish? So why even try the bonding between them, unless she thought he might be on Volarn for more than a few months? Happy at the path his thoughts took, he finally floated away to a deep sleep.

CHAPTER TEN

Kasha was pleased to watch the growing affection between Eric and his konkol. Every day Belle came to the practice field, scampering off to spend part of the day with her family. But many hours she sat atop a bush, watching the Earthman. He in turn, would stop at intervals and pet the konkol, talking to her intensely. The other warriors smiled or threw their looks heavenward. They thought it funny the human was so enamored with his new companion. She wished he’d pay her as much attention. “Jealous?” Jarvic startled her with his abrupt question. She hadn’t even noticed his approach. “Don’t be silly.” She frowned at him. “Eric has every right to be so enraptured with her. After all, no human has ever experienced a konkol’s bonding.” “Oh, I agree completely, as do the others.” He picked at one nail. “I just wondered if you felt left out.” “Why should I feel left out? Didn’t you know Eric and I had become lovers?”

“I think you did mention it. Let’s see,” he thrummed his fingers against his square jaw. “That would’ve been about two weeks ago now.” She shrugged. “What’s a few weeks between--” “Friends.” He interrupted, laughing. “I can see you must be really bored, you’re trying to dredge up the slightest excuse to annoy me.” “Just trying to look out after you, cousin.” He flipped a piece of hair on her shoulder. He grabbed both her arms and made her look at him. “Face it, Kasha, if he wanted you as his lover, he’d be all over you right now.” She thrust her arms up between them, throwing his hands from her. “Why don’t you just mind your own business!” The field became quiet, so much so, you could hear the wind rustling the leaves. Her voice had been loud, strident, she realized too late. Turning, she headed for her suite, disgusted with her cousin, and herself as well. Her eyes didn’t even swerve to the side as she passed the Earthman. Him, she was the most disgusted with. She’d offered him her love, well, physical love anyway. What did he do? Ignore her. Act like they were still merely the best of friends, and attach himself to Belle, when his attention should be on her. They could have been making hot, passionate love every night. Instead, she was alone every night, wondering when he would acknowledge their status as lovers. “No more.” She exclaimed as she paced her room. Lor watched her curiously from atop his favorite pillow, now well-used to her nightly behavior. “If he doesn’t want me, then to jahum with him.” She attended the castle dinnertime that evening, like she had every single night since the one occasion she had refused to go. She would not give him the pleasure of thinking he affected her composure so. She spent most of each meal with an expressionless face, or a faux smile plastered on, when others around her caught her in conversation. Rhamus and Serena gave her mysterious looks and she wondered what they knew, or thought they knew. The few noble warriors, who were also in her patrol group, gave her puzzled glances. She knew most of her fellow warriors wondered what was wrong, but were too polite to ask, and for once Jarvic hadn’t gossiped her secret away. Him. Just look at him. Sitting several seats away, as had become his habit lately, chatting with the ladies and warriors around him as if he didn’t have a care in the world. Every once in a while, he’d glance her way and smile sweetly. Once, when she’d returned his smile with a cool expression, she thought she saw guilt flit across his handsome face. The next morning, Kasha determined to end this farce. One way or the other, she wanted it straight from his mouth, where their relationship stood. When the patrol took a well-deserved break from fencing, it gave her the opportunity she sought. “Eric, I haven’t seen much of you lately.” He shrugged, his broad shoulders gaining her attention for a second. “Been busy with Belle, you know.” He petted the konkol who perched atop a thick bush next to him, then turned a humorous look her way. “But, I have been here everyday you have.”

“You know what I mean.” She couldn’t keep the anger inside her in complete check and was sure it shone from her eyes in fiery blasts. He sighed. “I’d hoped we wouldn’t have to have this conversation again.” “What are you talking about?” She snapped. “You know Kasha, I want you to be my wife, not simply my lover.” “Why are you being so stubborn?” She fumed. “Why are you,” he echoed back. “You should know a princess is used to getting her way,” she tried levity to lighten the mood. “I understand,” he paused thoughtfully and smiled gently. “But, humans can be stubborn too. Have you heard the saying stubborn as a mule?” She sighed. “Yes, from Serena.” She reached toward him, as if to touch him, then changed her mind. “What can I do to change your mind?” “Nothing.” He caressed Belle, not looking at her. “Then, it’s a stalemate, as you Earthlings say.” “I think that about sums it up ... except, I hope we will remain friends.” Now he eyed her, his face expressionless. “I guess,” she shrugged. “But, whether it will be the same or not, I can’t say.” She felt sad and knew her face reflected it. “We shared something beautiful, something I never knew I could with anyone.” She stopped speaking, the tight feeling in her throat choking off any further comment. “I agree, and I understand,” he touched her arm for a second, and then let it drop slowly to his side. “It was special for me too, but I want more.” He stopped, giving her a confused, unhappy look. “If only we could agree on the same outcome.” “If only,” his voice was low, without conviction of any kind. “The others are coming back.” Kasha nodded towards his back. “Guess I’ll see you later.” “Yes, later.” That afternoon, she recalled their conversation and realized how lame the ending had seemed--it couldn’t end this way, she wouldn’t let it. In the evening she visited with her family, enjoying the tussling twins. Rhamus and Serena’s efforts to keep them from injuring one another was hilarious. A warrior interrupted the family group, bringing news of a problem in a far village, one that gave her a different direction for her thoughts. She volunteered for the mission, giving Rhamus but brief pause. He quickly agreed after she assured her brother she would gain assistance in the quest. Rhamus was aware she was restless, had commented on it earlier and asked if she were unhappy. Even Serena asked if she’d like to talk. They both seemed relieved she’d be occupied in a far off territory,

with an exciting adventure to fill her thoughts. She knew they must at least suspect the friction between she and Eric, so were trying in their own way to redirect her into safer territory. Safe. That was funny. She grinned to herself. An alati hunt was never safe, but then that was not the true objective of her volunteering for the job. She’d been trying to come up with different scenarios to get the handsome Earthman alone again. A hunt would give her just such an opportunity--if she could but get him to agree. The next day, Eric acted skittish when she cornered him at the yasmir corral. “I thought you might be interested in the fact I’ll be gone a few days.” He quirked one brow questioningly at her “Where are you going?” “On a very dangerous alati hunt.” He quit fiddling with Seya’s reins and faced her, a serious look on his features. “Who else is going?” She shrugged and picked at a splinter of wood on the fence rail. “I don’t know, maybe I’ll ask Azre.” “That boy! And who else?” His voice was clearly worried. She stared at him, purposely keeping her expression blank. “You mean that’s it.” His voice rose. When she didn’t respond, he frowned then added. “I get it, you’ll probably have the whole patrol trailing far behind you. Azre and you will ride point position.” “No, two warriors are all that typically goes on such a hunt.” He threw the reins down, faced her, and crossed his arms. “Explain. I’ve heard nothing since I arrived here except how deadly those felines are. They travel in packs, and even patrol groups have been attacked before.” She smiled sweetly. “Oh, didn’t I mention it is only an old rogue alati?” “No. You did not.” Eric spoke each word with emphasis, clearly irritated. “But, aren’t they still dangerous?” “Oh yes, I thought I said it was a dangerous hunt.” He threw her an agitated look. “Then why only two warriors?” “Because a lone alati is very sly and will not be easy to track. A patrol or large number of warriors could never hope to come close to one.” She looked out across the field, as if searching the thick underbrush for the feline. “It has been discovered over the many generations, one warrior to track and the other to watch the tracker’s back, is the most efficient way to hunt one alati.” “What about the kill?” “Why, both warriors attack. We have special stout spears we use for such close contact.” “Would you call Azre particularly skilled in spear chunking?” His tone was deeply sarcastic. “No.” She leaned on the rail, watching the yasmirs play. “But, he has to learn sometime.” “For Pete’s sake, woman,” Eric ran one hand through his short hair, ruffling it to an attractive standing

position. “Would you at least give me peace of mind by taking Jarvic with you.” “I would,” she gave him an innocent look. “Unfortunately, he left today to train some young warriors in another patrol group.” “What about a more experienced warrior? Yissell would be great.” “Yes, he could almost kill an old alati with his bare hands.” She laughed at the image and shrugged. “My warriors are getting ready right now to go on patrol. Yissell will be needed. Something about Jouko’s warriors harassing a village.” “Why haven’t they asked me?” He frowned. “Oh, I think they’re about to.” She nodded her head behind him. Eric turned swiftly. He strode as quickly toward several warriors coming their way. The group stopped and conversation ensued for a few minutes. Bjaja waved hello to her from a distance, nodded to the Earthman, then they headed back towards the barracks. “Going with them?” she asked casually. Just as casually he replied, “No. Apparently I’ll be going with a hard-headed princess to keep her from getting mauled alive.” “Ha!” She took several quick, angry steps toward him and stabbed one finger into his rock-hard chest. “I have you know I’ve been on ten alati hunts since I first reached puberty. Count them--ten.” She stuck both hands in the air with fingers spread, and then clenched them into fists, her lips drawn into a flat line. “My, it’s easy to ruffle your feathers.” He laughed. Kasha abruptly made a half-turn away, as victory shot through her in a stunning quicksilver revelation. He ’d agreed to go and she was arguing with him. She kept her side to him, trying to control the smile that threatened to erupt, keeping her body rigid as if still angered. When she got herself under control, she turned to face him. “What about you?” “What do you mean?” He looked puzzled. “You’ve never been on an alati hunt, nor used the hasa.” “The spear.” He shrugged. “I’m not worried, it’s probably similar to stabbing with a sword.” “Not exactly.” She put a worried frown onto her face. “Then show me some of the techniques.” “When?” His actions answered for him. Eric entered the corral and quickly divested Seya of her trappings, speaking over his shoulder. “How about right now?” She’d noticed a young warrior in the next corral, who was trying very hard to act like he was not listening to their conversation. She caught his eye and waved him over. He trotted away after she explained her needs.

As they awaited the warrior’s return, Eric talked to Seya and stroked her long fur with a thick-handled brush. The mare’s antics charmed Kasha and she found herself laughing more than once. He joined in, making her feel as though they’d stepped back in time for a few moments, that they were simply friends again. She shook off the sad shroud which suddenly attacked her. Friendship was not what she wanted. The warrior reappeared as her thoughts stewed, trotting up to her carrying a heavy spear in each hand. Eric exited the corral and took one from the warrior. He threw it up and down a few inches on his hand, feeling its balance. “Hefty, all right.” He turned it up, poked at the metal-tip with one finger. “Sharp too.” He quickly withdrew his finger and stuck it in his mouth. “Here,” she reached for his finger, grasping it and examining the tiny cut. “It’s nothing.” He tried to pull his hand back, but she didn’t let go. “You know tiny nothings can be deadly here.” She maintained her grip as she fumbled with the pouch hanging on her belt, removing a small container of cleansing solution. He shrugged. “If you insist, but you know your naci germ doesn’t kill us humans.” She dabbed at the cut firmly, then dropped his finger and gave him a chastising look. “True, but it can still make you very sick. You should go see Doc and have him give you a shot.” Eric grinned. “I already received my inoculation. Unlike you Volarnians, we can ward off the germ ahead of time.” She looked at him thoughtfully. “I hadn’t realized that. Then why let me cleanse it?” “I so enjoyed your concern.” He leaned on the railing, his smile teasing and eyes mischievous. She frowned, then realized she welcomed the return of his teasing manner, but kept up her pretense of irritation. Better for him to think she was none too happy with his going along on the hunt. Switching back to the matter at hand, she said, “If you’re ready.” She threw herself into a defensive stance. It seemed as though Eric had been right, his thrusts and parries were as effective with the spear as the sword. He appeared to be a natural. After some moments of strenuous action, she lowered her spear and took several deep breaths. “I think it’s time to practice thrusting into a target.” She pointed to the end of the field. “A practice dummy is set up in that area.” They trotted to the practice area. Eric immediately attacked the stuffed figure, making loud challenging yells, and causing her to laugh until her ribs hurt. Soon the poor dummy was riddled with long rips, grass sticking crazily from its clothing. “Your turn,” he stepped back as she attacked. Kasha stopped after a few minutes. The dummy’s head was barely hanging on, its grassy guts spilled over the pants and onto its feet in a messy heap. “What do you think, does that alati have a chance against us?” Eric grinned.

“Not likely,” she laughed in pure pleasure, enjoying the moment. He poked at the figure’s remains. “You never did tell me why we’re hunting one cat. I thought they always traveled in packs?” “They normally do. But, if they live to a very old age, they are cast out.” “Kind of sad.” She shrugged. “I guess. The problem is, they are unused to hunting alone, thus they must seek smaller, more vulnerable prey.” “They kill Volarnians?” He frowned. “Yes,” she sighed. “Several days ago, an old male was spotted near the village. The next day the feline was seen carrying off a small child.” Eric stared at the woods nearby. “Then, I’m glad we’re going after it.” As they walked back toward the castle, he asked, “Don’t get me wrong I want to go, but doesn’t the village have any warriors who could hunt this beast?” “No. It’s a very tiny village, and all are farmers, or else the retired warriors too elderly to undertake such an enterprise.” She glanced at the woods, wondering if the old alati was killing more villagers as they discussed the issue. “I see. When do we leave?” “In the morning at day break. I’ll meet you at the corral.” He gave her a wave as they departed. His thoughts seemed to be elsewhere.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Eric was nervous. The thought of being alone with the princess for several days was disconcerting. Could he keep the promises he’d made to himself? He had to. There was no getting out of this mission, and quite frankly, other than his concern about the problems between them, he was looking forward to such an adventure. The village was at the far reaches of south Volarn, close to where the wastelands took up much of north Volarn. He hoped they did get to see the alati in the wild. All he’d seen so far were a few cloaks made from the big cats’ spectacular fur. The felines coat pattern was similar to a tiger, but the background color was a deep blue, the zigzag stripes a rich black. Jarvic had told him the alati was huge. The males stood as tall as the average sized Volarnian warrior and the females were only slightly smaller versions. The meager number of fur cloaks owned by Volarnians was due to several reasons: one they were just too dangerous to hunt as a group animal; the cloaks he’d

examined were mostly from rogue alati who had been hunted down; lastly, the great cat was much admired. The Volarnian people didn’t see it as a brave act to hunt down such an extraordinary creature, simply in order that its wondrous fur be made into clothing. Eric was curious about the part of Volarn they were about to venture into. The few people he’d questioned knew very little about the region. He did track down a warrior who’d gone with the King and Queen when they’d made their trek to see the elders last year. What he found out made him question his quick acceptance of the princess’ mission. It would take almost a week to get to the Zanzai mountains. The village they sought was on the other side of the mountain range, being located at the fringe of north Volarn. Had Kasha tricked him? He didn’t know, but it was too late to back out now. The next morning, the first thing he discussed with her was the distance. “You know, I had no idea it’d take so long to reach our destination.” He watched her face closely. They were getting the yasmirs ready, the sun barely warming their shoulders. “Why would you have any idea how long it’d take?” She gave him an amused look. Was she hoping to embarrass him into not worrying about the details? “I was asking around last night. Someone told me about Serena and Rhamus’ journey to the elders.” “I see.” Kasha tightened Ziskin’s cheek buckle. “No need for you to be concerned, we’ll be cutting off a day or two.” “How so?” She pulled a rolled up map from her side pack, unfurled and spread it on the soft grass. “Here,” she pointed to a mountain range. “Is the area where the elders reside, but we’re going to the west, where there’s a pass directly through.” He examined the detailed map. “So, why is it a shorter route to go around instead of straight through?” She shook her head. “A good question.” She ran one finger along the border between south and west Volarn. “There are few forested areas, so we won’t have to go cautiously slow through alati territory.” Eric plowed one hand through his hair. “Then why did your brother go the other way?” “Because the route we’re taking is directly along the border between west Volarn and south Volarn.” She pointed to a river marked on the map. “See, this river marks the border. Jouko has many patrols along the border, so it can be dangerous.” “I take it that two people can escape their notice much easier than a patrol?” Kasha grinned. “That’s right, usually.” “I’m surprised Rhamus would allow you undertake such a dangerous journey.” She laughed. “He knows he cannot stop me when I’ve made up my mind. Besides, I know the territory well.” At his questioning look, she continued, “Jarvic and I used to sneak off quite often when we were teens and scout the area. We learned much of our enemies routine.” “And Rhamus appreciated your information.” He frowned, picturing a young, reckless princess riding swiftly through enemy territory. Again she laughed. “He did later, but it was several years before our activity was discovered.”

“How did he curtail this activity?” Personally, if it’d been Olga who pulled such a stunt, he’d have felt like throttling her. She shook her head vigorously. “He didn’t ... once he discovered how well we knew it.” She shrugged. “After that, it lost its thrill, and I haven’t been back since.” Hmmm. Volarnians certainly had a different attitude when it came to danger. Belle made a chirping noise while she snoozed, drawing Eric from his thoughts. He glanced at Belle. The konkol was perched atop a nearby fence rail, next to her father. “I feel guilty. I told Belle I’d only be gone a few days.” Kasha’s look took in the konkols, then him. “I already explained it to Lor. He’s going to stay behind to comfort her.” “Could she come with us?” Would she be frightened to ride a yasmir like her father? “It wouldn’t be a good idea. She’s so young, and there’s many dangers.” Kasha strolled over and petted Lor softly. “That’s why my guy here is being so cooperative. Normally he goes with me.” He walked over next to Kasha, stroked Belle gently, and addressed the larger konkol. “You take good care of her.” Lor briefly touched his hand. Eric stuck his hand out, his signal for Belle to jump onto his palm. “I’ll miss you, sweet girl.” He placed a quick peck to the top of her downy head. The konkol extended her two front legs and he brought her to his face so she could return a konkol kiss as she wished. He smiled at the tingly sensation, and then gently returned her to her father’s side. They mounted and waved to their respective konkols. His last view was of the two remarkable creatures, their front legs entangled affectionately. They’d traveled for some distance, in a direction he’d never gone before, when he had a thought. “Kasha, you said the child had been taken a few days ago, yet it will take us five days to reach the village. I know the Volarnians don’t favor such technology as phones, or even telegraphs, so how did you hear about it so quickly?” She yawned and he suspected she’d been dozing as they rode along. “You’re right, we don’t favor anything to do with technology, except a few things which make life a little more pleasant.” “Like the automatic clothes cleanser?” He was fond of that one himself. “Uhuh.” She covered another yawn. “We send messages through trained sooeuls.” “Oh,” he glanced skyward just as one of the flying lizards swooped by overhead. “They are speedy little devils.” He glanced at the princess, who stifled yet another yawn. A grin hovered around his lips. “You’re going to be real handy if we meet the enemy.” She blinked at him with bleary eyes. “I didn’t get much sleep last night.” “Anything I can help with?”

****

If only you knew, she thought. It was his fault she’d slept hardly a wink. She’d spent many hours creating different scenarios in her mind, various ways in which to convince the Earthman to once again be her lover. Five whole days in which to tease, entice, and seduce him, then who knew how many days tracking the alati. Then five back. She would wring her hands in glee, but that’d make him suspicious. Four days later she remembered her happiness at the beginning of their journey. Jahum! The relentless west Volarnians had more patrols out nosing around the borderlands, then she would have thought they had at their disposal. She cursed again silently. Jouko seemed even more paranoid than his brother Xarath had been. It’d been much easier to slip past the patrols when she was younger. There were just too many, and they spent too many precious minutes hiding in thick foliage as yet another group of savage-faced West Volarnian warriors passed by. It gave her not even one opportunity to put her plans into effect. She had to be ever on guard, guiding them past guards posted at strategic points, her eyes and ears tuned to the enemies’ approach. Even nightfall gave her no reprieve. They couldn’t chance a fire, so ate dried auk meat and preserved fruits. They had to choose their resting spot carefully, one surrounded by bushes. Being only two, they had chosen not to take turns standing guard, but nonetheless, both slept restlessly. The situation set them both on edge, not a good atmosphere for romance. Time. Kasha had been really irritated the first day at the slowness of their pace. Even though stretching the days out would perhaps work to her advantage, another child might lose its life in the process. Eric had questioned their speed too. In frustration, she told him if possible, they must not delay. A rogue alati moved into a new territory every few weeks. Thus, it was a mutual decision the second day, when they came across a meadowland, which stretched for miles, to race their yasmirs across it. It was risky, but Ziskin and Seya were magnificent steeds, and she thought they could outrun any west Volarnian patrol. Their fast flight across the many meadowlands worked perfectly, gaining them much time lost to Jouko’s patrols. Only once were they spotted by a group of warriors, who they easily outdistanced once they plunged through one of the infrequent forested areas. Kasha knew this discovery would make their trip back perilous, but it couldn’t be helped. The warriors stayed on their trail for hours. Luck held with them and they outran the patrol once through the forests. The end of the fourth day, they camped near a boundless crespassno field, its interior cut by many animal trails, indicating its popularity. “I’ve been meaning to ask, but what kind of creature makes those trails?” Eric pointed to the field as they munched on dry auk meat. “The wide paths we used to traverse the crespassno fields are made by all the animals which inhabit this region.” She pointed to an overgrown trail nearby. “The smaller ones are used almost exclusively by wild yasmirs.” “Really. Why?”

Kasha laughed. “Because yasmirs are very territorial. Their horn combined with an attitude and a tiny path, can put off even an alati from trespassing. Also, mares make their nests in such areas.” “Hmmm. Such trails always bring out this exploring feeling in me.” He stared across the field. She eyed him thoughtfully. “I don’t think that’d be a good idea.” “Maybe not by myself, but if I had a knowledgeable guide.” “I don’t particularly care to get speared today.” She replied sardonically. He quirked one eyebrow at her. “Oh, come on, aren’t you bored by just riding for four days?” he offered her a chunk of cheese, as if trying to win her approval for his adventure. Darn Eric, he knew how much she loved blue cheese and she’d eaten the last of hers yesterday. Taking the whole hunk, she nodded. “You drive a hard bargain.” Eric stared down at his empty palm. She knew how he loved the cheese too. “You might not feel that way if we run across an irate mother.” He laughed, jumped up and took off at a fast pace toward the field. She plunged past him at the edge, gaining lead by pushing his large body aside. “Do you always have to be first in everything?” he asked. His ready smile and chuckle elicited a return grin from her. “It’s not bad to be first ... always. Seriously though, I need to look for signs of wild yasmirs, something I don’t think you’re an expert at.” “Nope, you’re right.” He waved a hand in quick agreement toward the winding trail ahead. Rounding a thick hedge that overgrew the pathway like a luxuriant arched entryway, they came across a cleared space amongst the heavy bushes. The leaves and flowers of the crespassno bushes looked trampled down and formed a hollow ball beneath the covering of foliage. “A yasmir nest, I presume,” he said quietly. “Yes,” Kasha whispered, tugging at his arm, urging him back the way they’d come. “Now, wasn’t that fun?” He stated once they made it back to camp. “Yes,” she sniffed at her arm, “but we won’t be able to sleep like this.” Eric sniffed his own arm and shook his head vigorously. “Whew! Talk about too much of a good thing.” He thumped unsuccessfully at tiny petals clinging stubbornly to his arms. “I’ll be back shortly.” He took off at a trot before she had time to question him. She shrugged and then began to set out dried auk meat and fruit. After fifteen minutes, she was beginning to worry. A trip to dispose of ones bodily wastes couldn’t take that long. Maybe he’d gotten lost? Kasha had jumped up when he appeared suddenly at the campsite’s edge. His hair was wet. “You sure you wouldn’t prefer some fresh meat?” Eric swung his sword off his shoulder and plopped a large auk at her feet. “How?” She couldn’t keep the puzzlement from her tone. “It looks like you went bathing.” “I did, and you’ll find a great little pool in that direction. I noticed it when we rode in.” He pointed behind

him and poked the auk with his sword tip. “This fellow was taking a drink.” “Fresh meat will be wonderful, and no need to worry about enemy patrols on this side of the mountains. Would you mind getting the firewood?” Kasha took off without waiting for a response, but still overheard his pathetic sounding tirade that followed, one she knew was meant for her ears. “Hunt the beast, gather the firewood, start the fire, cook, clean. That’s all a man’s good for when a princess is around.” She couldn’t keep the smile from erupting, but the next instant tempered it with a frown. He hadn’t even asked her to go swim with him. Of course she knew why, but still he could have asked.

****

The fifth day found them at the distant village. Luckily, no other Volarnian had suffered the alati’s attack, but neither had it been spotted the last week. After sharing a refreshing meal with the grateful people, she and Eric took up the arduous task of tracking the beast. They circled in widening routes, outward from the village. No track was visible, nor was an old kill discovered. Nightfall found them both disgruntled and taking to their bedrolls without much conversation. The next morning she and Eric disagreed about the direction for tracking. He wanted to head towards one of the ancient cities they’d spied after topping a high hill, while she wanted nothing to do with such a ghost-filled place and argued the other direction was just as good. His untimely discovery of alati paw prints heading toward the haunted city sealed the decision. Even though the tracks were days old, they couldn’t afford to pass them up. The closer they came to the border of the wastelands, the more edgy Kasha began to feel. Shivers skittered up and down her spine as they escaped the heavy foliage of the forest. They trotted into a meadowland, which edged a crumbling stone fence. Huge, pitted, blackened holes cut a jagged line along its length. It made her think of a battle-scarred warrior, with teeth missing from his many confrontations. The wind howled eerily through the gaping holes, seeming to sing disjointedly of past misdeeds and sorrows. The wind also brought smells to their senses, ones peculiar and unpleasant. An odor of mold and musty damp rooms filled with discarded clothing. Also, a mixture of dust and a mineral, earthy smell. Eric started forward slowly, rounding a large stone tumbled area of the fence. He cautiously urged Seya under the looming arch of an ancient crumbling gateway. She followed even more slowly, reluctance in every fiber of her being. Thankfully, once past the imposing barrier, the wind mixed the timeworn smells with fresh flowery scents and the strong fibrous odor of vines and bushes. A jumble of stones commonly used for buildings, were scattered in disarray, as if a giant had flung a handful of golden dice. No discernible dwelling or structure was detectable amongst the heaped rubble of a city destroyed by war. Kasha could stand the odors, the eerie sounds, and even the chilling sight of past destruction. But the sudden riot of quivers that flapped over her body in waves of sickening psychic vibes, was almost overwhelming. She clapped her hands over her ears, as if this would shut the wailing and cries of a hundred dead voices, which sought to be heard, from her senses.

On and on they beseeched and screamed. She felt feathery touches upon her arms, as they pulled against her for attention. Flinging her hands down to her reins, she whirled Ziskin in a panic-stricken lunge back through the archaic gate. Eric followed immediately, concern written across his handsome face. “What’s wrong?” Through trembling lips, she told him of the ghosts and psychic vibrations emitting from the old city. There was no way she could enter its premises or even approach its perimeter again. “I understand.” He shook his head, looked her over as if searching for signs of injury and said, “I hope you won’t mind if I explore, then?” “No, go ahead. I’ll take a break under that shady tree over there.”

****

He gave her a last fleeting glance, and then directed Shelia through the gate once again. He was concerned about the princess. She’d gone pale and looked like she was going to pass out back there. He understood though. She and other Volarnians had explained about their ability to feel ghosts. Their uncanny psychic skills made this an easy task, one which they did not wish for. He walked Shelia slowly around rubble, through wider pathways that once must have been roads. He too felt something in this solemn place of dense shadows from the past. Felt shivers along his spine. On more than one occasion as he rounded a prominent stone, he heard a rock fall from a wall just ahead, or the echoing soft footfalls of someone treading lightly behind him. Several times he even heard sighs, moans, and a scream so light, it sounded like it came from a far distance. He discounted none of these. He too had psychic abilities, although they were almost dull compared to the Volarnians’ capabilities. Hence, he thought that the sounds, which were almost inaudible, just might be ghosts. Spirits who rallied against their fate, seeking attention and acknowledgment from the living person who had dared trod into their forlorn paths. “Then, again, it might just be the wind howling around a stone, or seeping through some crevice.” He spoke aloud for comfort, but found it even more unsettling to hear the hollow echo his voice as it slipped through the cold shadows of ancient walls. Far ahead, he saw the jagged outline of tall buildings jutting against the lavender sky. The same ones he’d seen atop the hill as they approached the wastelands earlier. He was determined to see this adventure through, spooky place or not. Besides, he’d seen a few fading paw prints scattered in the dust strewn over the ancient highways. The sheen of golden particles flung across the road’s hard surface, softened its stark plane and left the alati’s tracks in bold relief in places. The winding trail he followed cautiously, once past the roadway, was treacherous. Its surface was pot-marked with large holes or jumbled piles of dislodged stones. More and more of the large stones became scarred with the blackened ruin of a war long since over. Kasha and other warriors had told him of the weapons energized by the arj’ak crystal, reminding him of ray guns. The weapons sounded like laser-powered firearms. Those alone couldn’t have caused the amount of raw destruction displayed.

Then he recalled their awed description of the sacred crystal and explanations of how the powerful object had been wrongly used by the west Volarnian sorcerers. The incredible power of the largest crystal on the planet could neither be contained nor properly directed by the vassi. Its force lashed out at west and south Volarnian people alike, killing millions and destroying the cities in the now defunct wastelands. Lands once occupied by both sides. Tumbling shells of houses and blackened hulks of public buildings greeted each turn he made down a tightly overgrown path. Rounding a profusion of tiny stones, he admired the rocks, which sparkled like lovely golden-brown nuggets. They nearly blocked the trail. Eric stopped Shelia in sudden wonder. What once must have been a town square stood almost in pristine condition amongst the tangle of fallen stones. The buildings were arranged around the courtyard, and a tall, elegant white stone fountain sat at its center. No running growth of vines or algae was discernible along its snowy sides. It was almost as if the usually virulent plants lacked the courage to attack the only still unsullied man-made artifact left standing. Eric shook his head ruefully at himself. His imagination was running wild in this place. There was no magic or mystery here he realized. He’d seen no foliage of any kind for nearly a quarter of a mile, since he’d entered the more ruined sections of the city. Some after effect of the crystal, maybe like radiation, he thought. He pushed on past the unspoiled courtyard, reluctant for some unfathomable reason. Guiding Shelia past a clutter of stones and fallen walls that reeked of mayhem, he realized three things at once. One, his mount had been acting more and more resistant to moving forward, pulling against the reins at intervals. Two, the buildings and roadway ahead were a mass of debris and would be deadly to traverse. Three, any tracks of the alati had long since disappeared on the path behind him. Eric also realized a fourth thing, but this one he was more reluctant to give life to, by acknowledging it. Once he stopped and faced the most devastated part of the ruins, sounds bombarded his ears and flitting sights pried at his eyeballs. The sighs and moans had increased in volume, clearly audible as they whisked past his ears. It gave him the impression of a succession of lost souls, taking turns at whispering desperately to the sole entity capable of hearing them. Feeling a physical tugging of his clothes, Eric looked down with growing discomfort. His shirt was pulled in sharp tugs and his pants rippled with the invisible hands that ran over them. Alati or not, he was turning back, his explorer’s lust as defunct as the long-dead Volarnians. He turned Shelia slowly. She whinnied, happy it seemed they were leaving this desolate place. Taking but a few dainty steps, his mount froze, as Eric did too upon her back.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Facing them and stretched completely across the path, even covering the rocky heaps on either side, were the transparent forms of the deceased city dwellers. Beautiful women with outstretched blackened stumps, where delicate arms used to be, wailed and reached for him. Children of various ages clung to their parent’s, their tiny frames savaged by the dark harbingers of the crystal’s power. Scattered among the others were tall warriors, their visages twisted with grief, their bodies brutalized. Torn flesh, missing limbs, and blackened flesh adorned one and all. “I’m sorry,” his voice came out a mere whisper, something inside him hesitated to speak louder. He urged Shelia gently, at first afraid she’d not comply. He had no desire whatsoever to turn and head further into the devastated landscape, where there were surely more ghostly apparitions awaiting them. Shelia frisked her head nervously, but bravely trod stolidly forward. She needed only his steadying hand upon her neck and light prodding of his knees to plunge straight through the unearthly group blocking their path. For a few seconds his body was encroached with numerous hands tugging and pulling. Not even his hair escaped ghostly fingers running faintly through it. Shelia’s fur rippled with invisible yanks. Her flesh quivered violently in reaction, making her fur shimmer and dance with the twining of the two forces. An icy blast of ethereal matter flushed through his body as they broke through the phantom barrier. The howling of multitudes faded with each step. He had to clamp down firmly on his mount, feeling her urge to run as clearly as if she had spoken her request aloud. He too felt the need to run, to clear his senses of the sadness and despair clinging to this bleak place. But, the path was still too narrow and hazardous to allow such luxury as a quick escape. When they passed through the last of the tumbled stones and reached the clearing between them and the fence, Eric sighed a great breath of relief. Shelia shook her head and stomped her feet. “Feels good, huh girl?” He patted her neck affectionately. He was grateful she’d been such a stout companion. As they started towards the long fence line, he shook the last vestiges of ghostly sounds from him. Eric expected to find Kasha asleep, but she jumped up as soon as they passed through the crumbling gateway. Biting her lower lip, she left the welcoming shade of the large tree and approached hesitantly as he dismounted. He glanced at her, then bent his head to fondle Shelia. He caressed away her remaining nervousness. He could feel Kasha’s presence near his back as strongly as the ghosts earlier, and her anxiety, a palpable force that pushed for his attention. Sighing, he turned to her and shrugged. “You were right, I shouldn’t have gone.” She cocked one eyebrow at him. “I never said that.” “I know,” he grinned. “But, your unspoken words were clear on the matter.” “Was it bad?” Her eyes had darkened to a deep purple. Either fear or worry apparently changed their hue.

****

“Terrible.” He stared into the landscape behind her, back toward the ancient city. His expression was serious and thoughtful. She felt awful for him. Eric looked pale, almost sick. “Come,” she tugged at one arm. “Let me serve you a snack.” She gave him the last of her fruit ration, noting he made no teasing comments about her serving him, a clear indicator that his thoughts were tied up with more somber matters. Finally, after chewing his food in a distant manner, he turned to her. “I’m afraid the alati has taken off in another direction, the tracks within the city were old.” She nodded her head absentmindedly. “I thought as much too. Now what?” she offered him a slice of auk and he took it in the same abstracted way in which she presented it. “I guess we head back toward the village tomorrow, see if we can pick up its tracks elsewhere.” He threw an uneaten bite of auk to the ground. “This looks as good a spot to camp as any.” “No!” Kasha paled in embarrassment at her sharp tone. Shrugging, she pointed to the wastelands. “We’ re too close to the city for my comfort.” Eric stared over her shoulder, nodded, and pointed toward a thicket of short growing trees nearby. “I think I remember passing by a small, pleasant meadow on the way here.” “Sounds good to me.” She sighed in relief. They led the yasmirs down the winding trails, coming upon the clearing some fifteen minutes later. Far enough away that she no longer felt any edginess or even a remote whispery presence from spirits. The lavender-tinged twilight was already upon them. They set up camp quickly and efficiently. A cheery fire brightened the atmosphere, chasing away mysterious shadows and the sudden chill that invaded this far north at night. They had just finished their evening meal and were speaking in quiet voices, when a strange sound broke into the tranquil setting. Kasha shivered. “What kind of animal was that?” he asked. “I don’t know, I’ve never heard it before.” The odd noise came again, and she found herself peering into the flickering shadows edging their cozy oasis. “Could that be one of the dead?” She whispered, fright gripping her limbs with unaccustomed quivers. Eric shook his head. “Doesn’t sound like what I heard back in the city.” He paused and listened as the distant scream floated through their camp again. “You know, it’s really odd, but it almost sounds like a goat bleating.” “What’s a goat?” Her eyes flicked to the deep shadows of the forest. He explained quickly. They both were more puzzled afterward, for they had no creature on Volarn that sounded or looked like an Earth goat. “Maybe I better go check it out.” Eric stood up and turned in the direction where the sound emitted.

“No.” She grabbed his arm swiftly, tugging him down to his log seat again. “Please, not tonight.” For once, Eric chose not to tease her about her frightened, womanly plea. He quietly prepared his bedroll and she followed suit, comforted by the familiar activity. Thankfully, the pathetic sounding screams and grunts continued for only a short time after they were abed. Kasha had forgotten to ask if they should keep watch, she was convinced she wouldn’t sleep a wink anyway. Regardless of her intentions, soon her eyes became heavy, and she was glad to note Eric’s vigilant look, as his eyes surveyed their camp periodically. The next morning she awoke feeling groggy and disgruntled. Even though the strange sounds had stopped, her sleep was restless and pitted with dark images that flitted through her dreams. They had consumed yet another boring meal of dried auk when a loud, piercing scream erupted onto their ears. “Was that closer?” Kasha trembled and moved nearer to her human companion. “Don’t think so, just sounded louder.” Eric rose and walked to the yasmirs. He began saddling Seya and she sucked in her upper lip. Surely he wasn’t going to investigate. He gave her a gentle look and smile. “Why don’t you break camp while I go see what demon kept serenading us last night.” “Demon.” She screeched, grabbing him by both brawny arms. “Kasha. Calm down. I was only kidding, I’m sure it’s just some unlucky beast that has been wounded.” She followed him to his yasmir. “But, I told you, I’ve never heard an animal like that.” He placed the back of one hand softly against her cheek. “I know, but I’m curious. Aren’t you?” She blew a strand of hair from her eyes and gave him a grudgingly accepting look. “I guess, or I would be ... if we were anywhere else but here.” He mounted Seya and gave her an encouraging smile. When he spoke, he emphasized each word, “It’s not a ghost, believe me.” She patted his knee. “I’m sure it’s not. Be careful anyway,” she called after his departing figure.

****

He’d never seen the princess so unnerved, almost hysterical. He hoped to find a logical explanation for the cries, thus calming Kasha’s fears. Heading in the general direction the screams had been coming from, he became frustrated when some minutes passed with no sound. Then, jarringly a bleat broke into the serene woodland path, letting him know he was headed in the right direction. The trail abruptly ended at a section of the huge stone wall, rearing up in front of them like a craggy-faced, giant guardian. The going was tough, the distance between the trees and the fence barely large enough to accommodate he and Shelia. He could have backed out and tried to pick up the trail at a place clearer of forest growth,

but he didn’t want to chance loosing the faint auditory track he had on the mysterious beast. Finally, they broke through a stubborn patch of bushes, the yasmir stumbling slightly from the sudden release of resistance. A small irregularly shaped clearing stretched before them, a Goliath sized gateway unmistakably discernible along the wall’s rambling course. A long, drawn out pitiful howl wrenched him from contemplation. Whatever it was, it was close. Eric clucked softly to Shelia, who was slightly nervous, but not nearly as much as when they’d traversed the haunted city. She walked with delicate steps, just as he wished. He had no desire to alert a potentially dangerous animal to their presence. He eyed the gateway as they passed through, puzzled by its appearance. It had indeed fallen into disarray as he expected, but many of the large stones appeared to have been pushed outward by something wider than the passageway. The wall to the left and in front of him had collapsed, leaving only an immense opening to the right. He urged his mount carefully through it and came out into an ancient courtyard, reminding him of the unsullied one back in the city. Only, this one didn’t contain a lovely fountain or artifacts of any kind, only an oddly humped hill on the far side marred its clean lines. A sorrowful whimper came from the direction of the hill, and Eric looked closer, and then blinked his eyes. Were his eyes playing tricks on him? The humped area was nestled in deep shadows, but he could swear it looked like the outline of a large beast, maybe a slumbering dinosaur. He dismounted stealthily and flipped Shelia’s reins over a protruding rock, then gave her a reassuring pat. Taking cautious steps, he approached the still form, continuing to blink his eyes, thinking he’d clear his vision. He knew Volarn had no dinosaurs. Closer now, he realized it was not any such creature, but something very different, yet having a kinship with dinosaurs nonetheless. A long neck stretched along the ground ending in an elongated head and snout. The eyes stared into nothingness, a purple tongue lolled from the gaping mouth, and the stout body ended in a long tail. A dragon! Eric shook his head silently, finding it hard to believe the evidence his eyes presented. These were creatures of legend or fairy tales, not real. Then he remembered the Volarnian version and looked with new wonder at the basami, the supposedly extinct dragon of Volarn’s lore. The beast was perhaps twenty feet long from head to tail, somewhat smaller than the mythical dragons of Earth, but still formidable. Eric took several soft-trodden steps closer. The dragon was clearly dead, he was not worried about that, but the unexplained source of the screams was still at large. Perhaps the mysterious animal was some type of scavenger he reasoned, studying the dragon with curious eyes. He’d always loved dragons, devoured every tale he could find as a youth involving them. He sighed inaudibly. Here he had one in front of him and it was dead, its decaying flesh gagging him now that he was closer. Surprisingly, the dragon wasn’t covered with scales as Earth’s legendary ones, but with soft feathers. The whole body was a dark navy blue color, shining in iridescent splendor where the sun peeked through the trees and highlighted irregular patches upon the large back. Only a small area of the underbelly was visible and it was a pale lavender shade. Shaking his head, he wished he could stroke the magnificent beast, feel the downiness of its plumage. Unfortunately, he must be alert for the other beast roaming here, and there was disease and alien bacteria

to be considered too. Unexpectedly, a whimpering moan emitted from the area near the dragon’s tail. Eric trod quietly, walking in a wide circle around the head, coming around the other side. A dark, blue gloom lay strewn across the beast’s hindquarters and tail. A loud rusting sound erupted from the shadows and some type of animal scampered swiftly around the body. It moved so fast, he didn’t get a good look at it. He only knew it was big, but smaller than him. Whatever it was, it was scared of him. Trotting around the tail, he managed to spy a fleeting movement near the gate, where crumbling rocks were piled in scattered heaps. Drawing his sword, he stopped behind the largest rubble. Peering over it gave him a good view of the cleared circular area created by the fallen stones. A jumble of smaller, irregular shaped rocks massed at the far corner, composing a pocket of protection for the creature hiding in its dimness. A long narrow tail was visible in a gap in the rocks. The tail was dark. That was all he could surmise. He walked slowly a few steps. The tail didn’t move. But, when he stopped just at the edge of the beast’s barrier, a flutter of movement preceded its scurried flight into the corner, its back pushed into the rigid wall. My God, a baby dragon! He couldn’t believe it. It was about six feet in length, but an exact duplicate otherwise of the huge beast who lay rotting nearby. Eric rubbed the back of his neck, not sure what to do. The tiny basami stared at him with huge, frightened golden eyes, unblinking and watchful. A sudden noise behind him, and he spun around quickly, sure another dragon was about to snatch him up for a snack. It was Kasha, near the gate. Keeping an eye on the diminutive dragon’s temporary lair, in case it tried to run, he strode swiftly to her side.

****

She peered over Eric’s shoulder, wondering what he’d been watching behind the heaped rubble. Clearing her throat she said, “I couldn’t stay at camp.” She shrugged, “Acting like a frightened female doesn’t sit well with me.” “I agree completely.” He grinned widely, reassuring her somehow. “Did you find out what made those awful sounds?” “Sure did, want to see?” He crooked one finger at her, inviting her with a wiggle of his appendage to follow him. He stopped behind the barrier, pointing over the heap. She stared in astonishment. This was impossible. A basami and a baby one to boot. “That’s impossible,” she spoke her thoughts aloud. “Appears as though your dragon is not extinct after all.” “Where did it come from? How?” “Go look over there,” he pointed to a large humped form. “I’m going to stay here and keep my eye on

this little fellow.” She took a step and paused. “How do you know it’s a boy?” “I don’t want to call it an ‘it’, and I refuse to say he/she constantly. So, it’ll be a boy until we find out different.” Kasha was gone about five minutes, returning with a bemused expression on her face. “I wish we could take evidence of the dragon’s discovery back with us, but it’s too putrid.” Eric grinned and thumbed toward the baby. “We’ve got the real thing, we don’t need a trophy.” She took a mutinous stance in front of him. “You can’t be serious, we can’t take a baby basami back with us.” “Why not?” Throwing her hands in the air, she began to pace. “Why not?” She started counting on her fingers. “We don’t know any thing about it. Two, it might decide to eat one of us for dinner.” Almost choking on a laughing cough, he held up both hands. “Now, wait a minute. That little guy couldn’t chew one of us up.” She eyed the small shape staring at them fearfully and shrugged. “Perhaps he couldn’t eat us, but he probably bites.” “Maybe, but I think he’s more terrified than dangerous.” “All right, you hard-headed mule,” Kasha poked his chest with one finger. “Let’s say he’s harmless. What do you know about caring for a baby dragon?” She threw her hands skyward, “and what do you know about feeding one, huh?” “Absolutely nothing.” He stared at the dragon thoughtfully, and then back at her. “But, I’ve got to try and save it.” She touched his arm briefly. “Look, I know you love animals, but this is different, we don’t know what we may be getting ourselves in to.” “You’re right,” he ran one hand briskly through his hair. “But, if we don’t attempt to save him, it’d be a crime, and the most unethical thing I’ve ever done in my life.” At her hesitant look he pointed one chiseled arm toward the basami. “For pity sake, look at him, he’s just a baby. And he may well be the last dragon on Volarn.” “What if he’s not?” She blew a strand of hair from her eyes. “That’d be great, then.” Kasha sighed. “No, that’s not what I meant.” She glanced upward. “What if he does have a father or relative, and they come looking for him.” Eric too, looked skyward thoughtfully. “I don’t believe so. The mother, or father, lying over there, has been dead at least several days. If any relatives were searching for him, they would have already found him.”

She smiled. “That’s true, he is a noisy little thing.” She glanced at the now quiet basami, then back at him. “So now what do we do?” He rubbed his chin and stared over the heaped stones. “Well, since he’s so small, I’m sure he’s not able to fend for himself yet, so you can bet he’s starving.” Right on cue, a low rumbling sound issued from the dragon. “I hate it when I’m right.” “Sure you do.” She sought to bring levity into the situation. The dragon’s plight and Eric’s insistence on putting himself into unknown danger made her feel edgy. “Got any ideas what it might eat?” She shook her head. “No, the last reported sighting of one was over one hundred years ago.” She grinned at him. “Of course, there are tales of them swallowing men whole.” “I know.” He nodded. “Somehow I just don’t believe those stories.” “Fine.” She crossed her arms. “What do you suggest, offering him gaztor fruit or perhaps candy.” “You know, you’re cute when you’re trying to be funny.” His eyes sparkled. Clearly, he was thrilled with the dragon’s discovery. She felt like sticking her tongue out at him, as she used to do to her cousin Jarvic when they were younger, but suppressed the urge. He’d get a real kick out of that. Kasha turned toward the gateway, barely holding back the smile of pleasure she felt deep inside her. How silly, she thought, to be so moved by Eric thinking she was funny. But then, no one had ever told her she had a sense of humor. Sure, she got “a wonderful swordswoman, loyal companion, fierce warrior.” But somehow his simple statement affected her more than any of the other statements ever had. Kasha shook her head at her own internal meandering, and turned to watch as he pulled dried auk from his side pack. “Since this is the only food on the menu, thought I’d try it.” He waved the hardened meat in the air. The baby’s head reared up, but whether from smelling the meat, or because Eric’s movements alarmed it, she couldn’t tell. He paused briefly at the barrier’s opening, talking to the dragon in a slow, soothing voice. The little basami tilted his head, looking comical, as it listened. Eric threw a long strip of auk ten feet from the baby, who jumped as it landed, but didn’t bolt. The basami sniffed the air delicately and took in several deep breaths. It sneezed and blew moisture from its nostrils in a billowing puff. It seemed to eye the offering doubtfully. “I’m not sure he likes the scent.” “I’m not sure I like it either.” He stuck a piece under his nose and sniffed. “It smells kind of old.” Kasha snatched a piece from him and took a bite. “It’s not that old, it’s just you don’t favor dried auk.” The dragon took a hesitant step closer to the meat and took another sniff. This time a misty breath exhaled from its snout, surrounding its head in a vapor that hung heavy about it for a few seconds. Finally, it took the proffered auk in its mouth, gingerly wallowed it around and then swallowed it in one gulp.

“I don’t think he likes it.” She frowned. “I think you’re right. But, at least I know what to name him now.” He chuckled. “Huh, we’re already naming him?” “People and beasts need names.” “Who said?” She challenged. He sighed and threw another chunk to the baby, who observed them with sad eyes. “Do we have to argue right now?” His tone was clearly chiding. She paled and stumbled over her words. “No ... I just thought it might be premature.” “You want the little guy to die?” Eric turned a critical eye to her, as if trying to pry into her very thoughts. “No. I just didn’t want you to get too attached, in case, you know, things don’t work out.” He grinned broadly. “You sound just like my mother used to when I dragged some stray home.” “I’m not your mother.” She folded her arms, annoyed with him. “Baby, don’t I know it.” He tickled her under the chin, withdrawing his hand swiftly before she could strike it. “If you chuckle me under the chin one more time, I’ll throw you to the basami and see if he prefers human toes to auk.” Ignoring her remark, but grinning to show he heard, he said, “Look, the little fellow wants more.” He threw another piece. The hunk landed just in front of the dragon this time. He eyed it unappetizingly. “He probably was watching your antics,” she said sarcastically. Still ignoring her remarks, Eric broke into a low-toned song. She had to admit, the Earthling had a melodious voice, and the baby seemed to think so too. It was standing staring at Eric with an enraptured expression on its “dragony” face. “Why are you singing to it?” Sometimes Eric did the oddest things. “Haven’t you heard music soothes the savage beasts?” He stopped to answer quickly, then returned to the song. Of course she hadn’t heard that saying. It was apparently an Earth wisdom. Just how smart it was, she wasn’t sure. But when Eric started walking slowly toward the basami, she had to clench her hands to keep from snatching him backward. He sang that silly, childish sounding song as he stepped forward. Something about Puff the magic dragon. Kasha bit one nail as Eric squatted down in front of the basami, holding out a long strip of the auk. The dragon shuffled forward a step, keeping its eye on the human as it sniffed the proffered meat. This time it didn’t sneeze, as if it were now used to the smell. For five long agonizing minutes, he kept offering the baby bites, which it took cautiously from his outstretched hand. Suddenly it burped loudly. Eric waved his hand across his face and turned his head,

speaking to her. “I think he’s had enough.” “Me too.” She couldn’t keep annoyance from her tone. The stubborn Earthman wasn’t through. He spent more nail-biting moments singing softly to the dragon, until the creature actually let him pet it. This activity went on for some time. The basami rubbed its snout against the human’s side after a while. He stood up and plopped his arms on the fence next to her. “Now what?” she asked sarcastically. “Hmmm. I thought maybe I could cajole him to our camp, if I can just get a rope around his neck.” Kasha flicked her eyes behind him, so that he spun to look. The baby had followed him, stood a mere foot away from his pants. “Maybe I won’t have to rope him.” Later, she couldn’t believe they’d accomplished it so easily, Eric continued to sing, drawing the dragon further and further away from its home. She followed behind them, handing him pieces of meat to offer the basami whenever it appeared to lose interest in the journey. What had taken fifteen minutes by yasmir, took well over an hour by foot. Leading a still weak, baby dragon down the winding forest trails was exhausting. Kasha flopped on the ground when they arrived. Jahum. She’d already packed everything up. She watched as those two continued to play and get acquainted. Her thoughts wandered afar as yawns overtook her. Puff! Couldn’t he think of something more dignified? Basami’s were feared, respected. The little dragon would grow into a fierce beast. Was this what he deserved? Kasha unpacked her bedroll and settled in for the night. Soon afterward, Eric unrolled his sleeping bag as well. Her last frustrated thought was Puff! That’s how the legendary basami, which was rediscovered by an Earthman, got its unusual name.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Kasha’s head pounded unmercifully and her mouth tasted like the basami had tramped across it during the night. “Puff,” Eric said loudly.

A horrible retching sound was a precursor for the sour odor that seemed to saturate their campsite. “By the sacred crystal,” she screamed, “can’t you two be quiet?” Eric strode quickly to her bedroll and gave her an exaggerated bow. “Sorry, your Royal Highness. Puff just threw up half his guts last night, but I’ll be sure to inform him to keep it to himself from now on.” Sarcasm dripped from his tone, washing her in a humiliating feeling of embarrassment. She stretched, ran her both hands through her hair to straighten the knots, and then splashed water from her flask onto her face. “Well, what’s wrong with him?” He eyed the drooping dragon, whose sides clenched spasmodically as dry heaves shook its frame. “I guess auk jerky is not what baby dragon’s are fed.” “You look awful.” She noted his tired eyes and dirty, rumbled clothing. He shrugged and tugged at the yellow splotches patterning his pants. “You can’t be concerned about how you look or smell,” he grinned as he took a big whiff and wrinkled his nose in disgust, “when you’ve got a sick baby on your hands.” “Sounds like you’ve had experience.” She couldn’t keep amusement from her voice. Eric squatted down next to her, keeping an eye on his charge. “I’ve always loved kids, and there were a few times I helped friends out with little sick ones.” “Imagine that.” She immediately regretted her flat joke, when his handsome face reflected his irritation. She touched one chiseled arm, but withdrew it quickly when her fingers ran into some dried grainy material. “I’m sorry, I’m sure you’re wonderful with children.” She nodded toward the basami. “You did a great job with Puff last night.” He gave her a puzzled look. “I thought you were asleep.” She squelched the frustrated remark she was on the verge of making and said, “I woke up each time you did, but of course you were attending to Puff.” Eric ran one hand through his hair, paused as he eyed his palm, then swiftly scrubbed it through the grass underfoot. “Don’t feel bad, a burping, vomiting dragon is not everyone’s cup of tea.” She smiled gently. “Speaking of tea, there’s a yoli plant over there.” She nodded behind him. “If you’d like to get washed up, I can have tea made from its leaves by the time you get back.” “Sounds great. Thanks, princess.” He grinned broadly. “We did pass a wonderful little stream yesterday.” She followed him, nearly bumping into his back as he abruptly stopped, then turned. “Can you keep an eye on him for me?” “Of course.” What? Did he think she’d let the stinky thing slink off into the bushes while he was gone?

“Would you give him some water? I’ve been trying to get him to drink as much as I can, but I’m afraid he ’s dehydrated anyway.” He pointed past the basami. “I made a makeshift watering trough you can use.” Kasha retrieved her flask and watched his retreating figure thoughtfully. Then she went straight to the trough and poured all her water into the vessel, filling it half-way. She shook her head in silent wonder. When had he had the time to scrounge around the camp last night and come up with a small hollow log? It had clearly been cut in half and both ends were plastered with a mud, twig and leaf mixture. She called to the basami, splashing her fingers in the water to get its attention. A few dragging, stumbling steps and it reached the trough. With a great sigh of exhaustion, the baby slumped to the ground, turning its great golden eyes to her. “Come on little guy.” He didn’t move. “Come on Puff, I’ve got some delicious water for you.” His feverish orbs continued to hold her in its grip. She broke from his glazed eyes and stared at the dragon’s body, and wished she hadn’t. Beneath the downy feathers, his ribs stuck out, while his once lovely plumage was spotted with yellow and green bile. At the rate he was deteriorating, she didn’t think he’d last another night. Mistiness fuzzed her vision. She swiped at her eyes clumsily, disbelieving her reaction. Kneeling with head down, she splashed the water and called to him again. Kasha heard his weakened approach, yet still jumped in surprise when a long purple tongue lapped the water beside her hand. She removed her hand, but grabbed the trough when it started tilting. She balanced it with one hand at the edge, keeping her eyes on the tongue. When the basami had slurped up most of the moisture, she moved back, but not before the tongue flicked forward, giving her a quick lick. She jumped back. Images of her hand disappearing beneath a gaping tooth-lined snout, and a dark tongue dragging her arm toward its opened maw, made her shudder. A quick glance at the subdued basami and a flush of shame impaled her. “This is getting ridiculous,” she spoke her thoughts aloud. “I’m embarrassing myself at every turn, with you around.” She stared at the baby. His innocent jewel-toned eyes never left her, its overly long snout resting heavily upon its two clawed forelegs. The smell was horrendous. It was a disgusting mix, the rank odor of his sickness vying with the fainter smell of decaying basami that still clung to his feathers. Nevertheless, she couldn’t move away. There was something completely innocent, needy and forlorn in his expression. Something that held her as solidly as if she were staked to the spot. The minutes ticked by, and Kasha became lost in her thoughts, preferring introspection to the reality of the motherless basami they were trying so fruitlessly to save. “Eric, where are you?” she spoke aloud, causing Puff’s head to rear, as if he were but waiting for her call. The Earthman stepped abruptly from the bushes at the far edge of camp, running one hand through his damp hair. She quickly crossed the campsite. “What took you so long?” Eric cocked one eyebrow at her. “I was trying to scrub dragon vomit off me, remember?” He smiled gently. “Why are you so upset?” “Upset! Who said I was--” she cut off her own remark, realizing too late her heart-felt worry had been

released with an angry tone. She sighed and waved to the basami. “It’s him, of course.” She turned and examined the baby again. “I don’t think he’s going to last another day.” “And, he’s so pitiful, isn’t he?” He caught her eye in an unspoken agreement, one she knew she couldn’t hide from him. She chose conversation instead of dwelling on the obvious. “What are we going to do?” Eric smiled sweetly and Kasha realized she’d paired herself alongside him. But neither would she take back this joining forces, for it was a feeling that she’d been nudging toward ever since she’d awoke this morning. His eyes took on an even more worried air and now he sighed, then shrugged. “Keep giving him different foods, I guess.” He stared off in the distance. “I saw auk tracks, thought I’d see if fresh meat might interest him more.” She sat on a log and pulled at a scraggly strand of grass underfoot. “Would you like to bath before I go hunting?” His voice was gentle. Kasha looked up at him, grateful for his thoughtfulness, then shook her head. “No, you better go track the auk before it goes too far.” “Did anyone ever tell you, you have a kind heart?” His bright smile washed through her with a warming sensation she found alarming. “Don’t be silly,” she scuffed at the clump of grass with her foot. “Well, Princess, since you can’t freshen up just yet, here’s a little something to sweeten the air around you.” He fumbled in his side pack, then brought forth a crumbled, but still very sweet-smelling bunch of crespassno flowers clutched in his large hand. He waved them in front of her nose teasingly. She took several deep breaths, washing away temporarily the foul odors permeating their camp. Abruptly, Eric stuck the whole wad behind one of her ears, wreathing her head in the flowery scent. Normally, she didn’t chose to use crespassno or any perfume for that matter, nor stick flowers behind her ears. Today, she would make an exception and be glad for their strong odor. A bellow broke their exchange, causing them to turn in surprised unison toward the basami. He was standing on trembling limbs, his eyes so wide they seemed to take up the whole of his “dragony” face. He screeched. Took a few stumbling, ungainly steps, then lurched into a shambling gait that threatened to pitch him onto his long nose at any second. “What the--” Eric took one step, his arm outstretched as if to stop the baby dragon in mid-flight. The basami pushed past him quickly, his bumbling progress knocking the Earthman to the ground as he passed. Kasha could only watch in growing horror as the basami steam-rolled his way toward her. Inertia left her abruptly as the stinking odor the basami wore about him like a death shroud, hit her full-force. She scrabbled on the ground like an auk in backward flight. “Agh!” Now it was she who screamed, as the baby literally jumped the last few steps, landing on her in a full-body, ground grinding, crunching thump.

That awful, putrid smelling tongue slobbered its way across her face and got caught temporarily in her hair before moving on. “Eric, help.” She knew she was screeching like a mad woman even as she pushed, or tried to push the offensive creature off her. Right this minute, she didn’t care what the Earthman thought of her. The basami’s body lifted mere inches several times. She knew Eric was attempting to manhandle him off her. That horribly stinky, wet tongue was tangled in the hair at her temple, pulling and tugging until she knew she would have a bald spot later. The tongue abruptly released its clutch from her hair and Eric must have been heaving on the baby at the same time, because they both went pitching backward. The basami landed upside down on top of the Earthman. “Help,” Eric tried to sound pathetic, but it was an inadequate plea when pierced by coughing laughter. Kasha sprang to her feet and towered over them, thoroughly disgusted with them both. The basami was determinedly crunching on something, probably her hair, ignoring Eric’s efforts to shove it off. She leaned a little closer, surprise overcoming her. There were trails of long black hair hanging from his mouth, but the look of ecstasy on the dragon’s face came from the crespassno flowers he munched and wallowed about in his elongated mouth. “Eric, you’ve got to see this.” “I can’t see anything.” He laughed. “Oh, all right.” She grabbed a fallen flower that had gone unnoticed, waving it in front of the basami’s snout. With a scream that couldn’t be anything but pure pleasure, he flopped off Eric in an untidy heap, then stumbled upward. That long tongue flicked out, while his body didn’t move an inch. The dark appendage flicked the petals from her hand in one swift movement and they disappeared down his mall just as quickly. Wiping at dragon goo on her uniform, Kasha scrunched up her mouth and said, “Don’t say I never did anything for you.” “Oh, I won’t.” Eric laughed. On his feet now he watched the basami with a wondrous expression. “By god, we found the secret.” “Yes, at great cost.” She placed a hand cautiously against her scalp. He came closer, peering at her head. “It’s not too bad.” “You call having a bare spot, not bad?” She couldn’t keep the frustration from her voice. Although she didn’t count herself as vain, she did not like the idea of having a chunk of hair gone from her head. “It’s not bald, a little thinner, maybe, but hardly noticeable.” “You say,” she snipped. “If you don’t believe me, go take a look in the stream.” “I will.” She headed toward the water swiftly, very tired of smelling like putrid dragon spittle. He had to pick my head. If it’d been my feet, at least the smell wouldn’t be so overwhelming, she fumed. Kasha was to remember this thought for days to come, wondering on some strange level if she’d forecast her own future.

It didn’t take very long to reach the stream. A careful examination of her head before she plunged into its shallow depths, revealed just what Eric had described, a thinning of her temple hair only. Cursing her stupidity, she realized she’d forgotten soap. There was no way she would be able to scrub that odor from her head otherwise. Her frustration began to dissolve after she spent a long time soaking in the luscious wetness. Springing to her feet in surprise when she heard a crashing noise in the bushes edging the stream, Kasha was glad it was only the Earthman who appeared. She smiled silently. Maybe he’d changed his mind about sex. Her lips went into a flat-line as he looked off in the distance and flipped a piece of soap in her direction. “Thought you might need this.” “How thoughtful of you.” Her tone conveyed anything but gratitude. He turned and looked at her directly. “I’d love to stay and chat,” he purposely drew out the last word. Clearly he understood where her thoughts had strayed. “But, I’ve got a more important mission.” Eric left with no further words. Kasha was furious. How dare he! More important! More important than her. More important than making hot, sweet love? She scrubbed hard at her body, not noticing she punished her own body with miss-directed anger until her sore head cried out with the rough treatment. She flung her clothes on, and then sniffed her hair carefully. “At least I don’t stink,” she mumbled. Then in a loud voice called after him, “Not like some people I know.” She knew it’d be impossible for him to hear since he had to be far away by now. It made her feel a little better, but not enough, not nearly enough. As she stomped back to the camp, Kasha wondered if there was a way to get the basami to maul Eric’s head. She noticed immediately that he’d not made it back yet. Good. Time enough for her to think up something. He shouldn’t get away with being so callous. The basami gave her pause. It was stretched out, snoozing it appeared, maybe at peace for the first time since they found it. Why had Eric gone off and left the sick dragon all by itself? Truly, he was being more callous than she had called him silently. He appeared at that moment, dragging his blanket. Its ends were clasped in one hand, thus making a bag. Kasha was puzzled. The next instant she was shamed, contrite, and paled in embarrassment. Eric dumped the blanket’s content, spilling forth a large load of crespassno bushes, heavily overgrown with fragrant flowers. The basami’s head reared up, as if pulled by a puppeteer, and its tail started trembling. The tremors ran through its body like a secret signal. The loudest scream it had emitted up to this point left the baby’s mouth in a great bellowing cry of joy. It stumbled to its feet, belched loudly and made it to the offering in a few trots of its clumsy limbs. Kasha backed up several steps as flower petals were flung into the air by the dragon’s joyful attack. Teeth ground, jaws crunched, and those great golden eyes closed in ecstasy. It looked like someone had taken a machine to the bushes as petals scattered. Delicate limbs were flung aside by the fast-thrusting tongue, and the larger branches stripped bare in mere minutes. She looked at Eric and he looked at her. There was pleasure on his face and astonishment, as she knew was on hers as well. The basami belched, a great gushing wave of relief, one that thankfully smelled much better than his earlier explosive breaths.

“Those flowers make a pretty good mouth wash.” Eric chuckled. “Thank Goreth.” She agreed, watching the baby in wonder. It finally finished the last flower petals and let out a huge puffy sigh. It sank slowly to the ground, its eyes closing in complete contentment. “Didn’t you say something about tea?” He wiggled his eyebrows at her. Kasha drew her eyes from the basami and looked in confusion at him for a few seconds. “Oh, I forgot.” “It’s not like you had anything to distract you.” He grinned widely, pulling a responding smile from her. “Won’t take long,” she strode quickly to the patch of wild yoli she’d spied earlier, grasping all she needed in one handful. Dumping the dark blue leaves into a small pot fetched from Ziskin’s pack, she picked up Eric’s flask, which he’d refilled from the stream, and filled the vessel half-full. Soon, the fragrant tea wafted through the camp. She took several deep breaths and noticed Eric did the same. Even Puff’s head reared up and she muttered, “You’re not getting my tea.” She felt silly once his head lowered and snores followed suit. Sharing the quiet time that ensued over a steaming cup of tea, was pleasant, soothing, something they’d both dearly needed since encountering the baby dragon. In-keeping with the mood, she whispered, “Do you think he’ll be all right now?” He spoke in a hushed tone as well, “Maybe.” He looked at the basami thoughtfully. “I think if we stay here a few more days, build up his strength with those flowers, then perhaps he’ll make it.” “A few days.” Her voice rose and she immediately lowered it as the basami grumbled in its sleep. “Have you forgotten our mission?” He looked her straight in the eye, his expression completely serious. “No, I have not.” His eyes wandered back to the basami. “I figure the villagers are still on alert and I have the feeling the old alati has taken off for new territories.” “Maybe you’re right, but what if he’s headed back to the village?” She couldn’t keep the worry from her voice. She hadn’t forgotten the recent loss of a child to the beast. “Would it make you feel better if I ride out tomorrow, check with the villagers? If I ride hard, I can make it back here by nightfall.” “It’s a good plan, but I think it makes more sense for me to go,” she commented. “More sense. It’s far too dangerous for you to go alone,” Eric snapped. She grinned, waving her hand in a pacifying gesture. “Eric, who knows the lay of the land better? Who is more familiar with the alati’s stalking strategies?” she paused, “and who is better at taking care of Puff?”

****

He didn’t like it one little bit. The thought of the princess riding through the heavily forested trees with a huge slinking alati trailing behind her, gave him inner chills. “Why don’t we go back to plan A.”

“Plan A?” She looked puzzled. “We both stay here, fatten Puff up, then all three of us will head for the village in a few days.” He thought it was the most reasonable plan and best for her. “And within that time span, another child could be killed.” He opened his mouth, sighed, “Kasha, I--” He hadn’t meant to sound unconcerned about the slain child. She interrupted and patted one chiseled arm. “I know you’re concerned for my safety, but you forget I am not an Earthwoman. I’ve been trained to defend myself, and I can ride like the wind.” “I know, and fight like the devil.” He examined her brilliantly dancing violet eyes, full of life, so open to danger and challenge. Wasn’t that part of the reason he loved her so? He sighed, resigned to the inevitable when it came to the princess and dangerous situations. “You know I ’ll be worried the whole time.” Kasha stood, stretched, and started gathering necessary items for the trip--her sword, flask, and food. “I ’m sure you will be, but also you will have much to keep you occupied.” He couldn’t argue that point, so gave in mentally and helped her to get ready for the trip.

****

She glanced back at the Earthman just before his sculpted figure disappeared into the shadows of the overhanging tree limbs. He looked worried, stalwart, and so delectably handsome, she wished she could race back and plant a wet kiss on that rigidly set mouth. Kasha shook her head in silent reprisal. He would not welcome such a show of affection right now and neither did she feel it the right time or place. She set a fast pace for Ziskin, but kept ever alert. The rogue alati was probably far away by now, but he could have backtracked. And though alati groups were rare in these mountainous ranges, they occasionally passed through while on their way into new territories. The frequent meadows and crespassno fields provided her mount a swifter gait and an opportunity to let her thoughts wander. Her well-planned, she had thought, adventure would offer opportunities to seduce Eric into becoming her lover. All chances had been spoiled by the enemy, and now, the basami blocked all attempts she might have made toward the Earthman. How could one act the seductress with a belching, vomiting dragon in the background? Could she even sway his attention from his sickly charge? She was shocked when she broke through heavy foliage and came out onto a virulent growth of vegetables. She had reached the outskirts of the village. A quick glance at the two suns descent confirmed she’d been riding for many hours. It was astounding how thoughts of Eric had occupied her through much of the way, but it was also perturbing. Her attention must have strayed many times. The villagers met her at the gated entry, happy to see her, but disappointed the old feline had not been found and destroyed. She was sharing a delicious meal with a charming farm family, when a child entered excitedly. His discourtesy of not knocking first was dismissed when he announced the arrival of a messenger sooeul.

Everyone gathered outside the cottage. It seemed as though the whole village was present. An elderly man held the lizard gently and was unwrapping the message as she approached. “Thank Goreth!” the old man exclaimed. “What? What?” Several children jumped up and down in excitement. Their parents hushed them with gentle reprimands. The old man’s hands held steady, even though they were knotty and arthritic. “A rogue male has been spotted near Surase.” “Surase,” the crowd passed the village’s name around. “It is so far,” others whispered. The elderly man cleared his throat and everyone quieted. “It says that an old woman was attacked.” He paused as several onlookers hissed and talked in anger, punctuated with fierce gestures. He rumbled the paper, quieting them once again. “They drove it off. The woman sustained only minor injuries.” Sighs and grateful smiles shot around the grouped Volarnians. Kasha knew there was a special camaraderie among the people who populated far-flung villages. Life could often be dangerous, whether from the marauding enemy or roving alatis. To injure one member of a village caused the neighboring villages to feel as if the injured person were one of their own. She knew what happened once news of the child being killed got out. Other villages, even those of great traveling distance would have sent their sorrowful messages of comfort. Probably, some even pledged their support, if needed. Only a responding message that she and another warrior were coming to track the alati would have halted the others from helping. “Is there anything else,” she asked respectfully. “Yes. They have several retired warriors who are still strong and capable of tracking the beast.” The elder looked around the circle of concerned faces. “In fact, they have already discovered its tracks and are on its trail.” Smiles went around, a communal sharing of happiness. Suddenly several faces fell in sadness and women gathered around one weeping woman whom they led away. The mother of the child, she was sure. “Do you think it is the same alati?” She addressed the elder, recognizing him to be a figure of authority and wisdom in the village. He shook his head. “The chances of having two ravaging felines at the same time, would be a rare thing indeed.” “It must have taken off toward Surase before we even tracked it into the wastelands,” she muttered aloud and then sighed. “We did nothing but follow an old trail.” He smiled and patted her arm. “You came when we asked, traveled a great distance and tried to find it.” He paused. “One can never guess what the wily alati will do. Let’s just thank the sacred crystal it has been found and will soon be killed.” “You’re right, of course. I just feel kind of useless as far as the hunt goes.” She smiled. “But, there is one good thing that came of this journey.”

She told the remaining villagers about finding the baby basami. Soon exclamations of wonder and joy made the rounds, and all were talking in animated tones, so that one could barely hear the other. She received many pats on the back and had to retell her tale to many individuals before she could leave its premises. When she waved good-bye to the charming people, she felt better. As the elder stated, the far different ending of their quest seemed to be fated. A sad note had ended with a miracle discovery.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Although Eric was always glad to see his princess, he never was as happy to see her, as he was that evening. He’d worried all day, picturing a huge alati attacking Kasha, the princess putting up a valiant but fruitless fight. He could only stop these nagging thoughts by looking after Puff. Now, here she was, her tired face and form approaching him slowly. When she dismounted wearily, he asked, “How did it go?” He helped her with Ziskin, rubbing him down briskly. “Good, overall.” She smiled, a puzzling lop-sided stretching of her luscious mouth. He waited, surprised nonetheless with the story she told. He ran one hand through Ziskin’s mane thoughtfully. “So, we can head back home once Puff’s strong enough?” “Yes,” she paused and peered at him quizzically. “I hope you are not too disappointed we didn’t find the alati?” “Are you kidding,” he grinned. “We found something much better.” They both turned to survey the dragon. He lay stretched out, but wide awake, lazily nuzzling a heaped pile of crespassno flowers by his side. His sides bulged, even though the ribs were still visible beneath his colorful plumage. “Do you think perhaps you’re feeding him too much?” She laughed. “I don’t think a fat basami will look very legendary.” “Ah, he’s just a baby. Besides I’m building his strength up.” “Hmm, but if he starts throwing up again, I’m not cleaning it up.” Eric held his peace. It’d do no good to remind the princess she hadn’t helped in that department earlier. Anyway, her smile was so whimsical, her tone cheerfully jesting, he didn’t want to spoil the mood. Even as they watched, the dragon fell onto its side and Kasha started forward, a worried frown creasing her brow. He grabbed her arm, tugged, and then pointed. Puff was sound asleep, his snores gaining volume with each breath.

Multicolored petals stuck to his gums and several flew into the air at each exhalation. “This has been an on-again, off-again show all day,” he whispered. Kasha covered a giggle, which he found delightful. He motioned her to sit by the fire, where they shared the relatively fresh auk he’d killed yesterday. Afterward, he boiled the pleasant yoli plant and they relaxed over a cup of hot herbal tea. He looked at her over the roughly hewn metal cup. “You know, I got something else out of this trip.” “What?” “A chance to explore the wastelands.” She shuddered. “Did you have to remind me,” her whisper was forceful. “Hmm. Something else too.” He paused, waiting for her sighed question. “I found out there’s something the undefeatable warrior princess of south Volarn is afraid of.” He held in a chuckle. “Eric.” She turned a dark, flushed beige, indicating anger and threw her cup to the ground. Puff snorted and she lowered her voice, “I really don’t appreciate you bringing up this subject like that.” He threw his hands up in mock surrender. “Just telling you why I enjoyed this trip so much.” She eyed him fiercely, and if he’d been an alati, he’d have a spear piercing his side right now. God, how he loved this wild warrior woman. And how he loved verbally fencing with her. Said warrior woman got ready for nighttime, ignoring him completely. He guessed he’d miffed her pretty good. He didn’t mind though, she was back safe and sound. He prepared his bedroll with a whistle and a jaunty stride that he knew irritated the hell out of the princess. She kept punching her bedding and he could guess who she wished were beneath her blows.

****

The next morning, Kasha awoke in a perfumed haze. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear she was in a Jacuzzi filled with crespassno flowers. Some dream she thought and opened her eyes to twin golden orbs staring her directly in the face. The dragon puffed, letting loose a huge flower-scented vapor, which wrapped around them both. It was wet, clingy, and hotly steamy in consistency. Her nose itched crazily as a host of offensive odors shot through the pleasant one, hitting her full-force. “Eric!” she screamed, loudly. The basami stumbled backwards and let loose another steamy exhalation. “Here, boy,” he tugged on the baby. “Don’t you know not to bother a princess first thing in the morning.” The basami jumped up and down in excitement, bumping against the Earthman’s stout legs. “He seems to be in a much better mood today.” She couldn’t keep the cutting tone from her voice. No one ought to awake in such a manner. “Better than some I could name.” Eric grinned.

“Very funny. I don’t suppose you’ve got anything for breakfast?” He nodded and waved a hand toward the cheery fire. “Thrice warmed over auk.” At her groan, he added, “I also have some yoli tea, and I found arsla berries.” “Arsla berries. I could almost kiss you, Earthman.” His smile broadened, he knew how much she loved those particular fruits. Taking a sip of tea, she eyed him over the rim. “Can’t you do something about his smell?” “Oh my god, you read my mind.” His attempt at humor didn’t set well with her, not when the object of that humor was nothing to laugh at. Smiling sweetly now, he said, “I already planned to take Puff to the stream after breakfast.” She cleaned up the camp quickly while Eric took Puff for a dip, leaving time to sit and contemplate the coming week. Would they be able to haul a baby basami through all the enemy patrols safely? She shook her head silently. The prospect seemed ill-fated before they even began. Puff could scream or belch loudly and give them away, and his gait was slow and ungainly. The idea of seducing the Earthman on the way back, now seemed totally out of reach and ludicrous. Later, a loud hiccup at the edge of the clearing alerted her to their presence. Puff crashed past a bush and pitched forward onto his long nose. Eric picked him up, petting the little dragon gently. Several wet sneezes followed and she could swear they were meant as a sort of gratitude. She smiled wryly to herself, hoping Puff kept all his thankfulness for the Earthman alone. She stood. “Well?” His grin would have given her the answer she sought, but he said, “He loved it.” “Thank Goreth.” “Come on boy, show mommy how good you smell now.” Before either took a step, she put one hand up forcefully. “I’ve been called many things before, but I refuse to let you name me that things mommy.” “Jeez, you’re going to make him feel bad.” “Are all Earth people as insane as you?” She said with annoyance. “Naw, only about half.” His silly grin almost pulled a smile from her. Eric sighed, a great big exaggerated exhalation of air. Then he looked down at the basami, an overly sad expression plastered on his handsome face. “It’s okay boy, I’m still your daddy.” He poked one finger into his chest. Puff gazed upward with adoring golden eyes, his tail wagging back and forth so fiercely his whole body swayed from side to side.

Eric’s silver eyes came back up to her. “Look, he acts just like a faithful hound.” She frowned in concentration, then recalling some of her Earth studies, remarked sarcastically, “I hardly think he looks like a dog, and such a legendary beast certainly doesn’t deserve comparison with such a lowly animal ... one from Earth at that.” “Hey now,” he held up one hand. “There’s a lot of folks who’d find that plain insulting.” “Who cares, we’re on Volarn now.” She shrugged nonchalantly. “You’d be great at winning friends on Earth.” She didn’t need to see his wide grin to know that remark was sarcastic even though toned with a humorous voice. Changing the subject, she said, “I’m going to take my bath now.” Kasha couldn’t help but hear his mumbled reply. “I still think he acts like a dog.” Based on her knowledge of Earth and a few videos she surveyed, she had to agree. But it still irked her that he found a way to compare Volarn’s spectacular, legendary beast to a lowly animal from Terra. Without any further comment she headed for the stream. Later, when she reentered the camp’s perimeter, she had to pause in astonishment. Eric was throwing a small, thick limb that had been denuded of leaves and tiny branches. It flew across the campsite, landing near her. A movement on the other side drew her attention. The basami was stumbling joyfully toward the stick. He skidded to a stop so suddenly all four limbs shot outward and he landed on his belly in an unsightly heap. It took a few struggled seconds for Puff to regain his feet, whereupon he launched his body at the stick and quickly reappeared with it clutched tightly in his mouth. His purple tongue hung lax down one side, as if he knew not what to do with both stick and tongue in the same vicinity. “Good boy, now, take it to aunt Kasha.” “Hey!” She didn’t have time to finish. The basami had stumbled the few steps to her side and stood staring up at her happily. Something dropped onto her bare feet. Something thick and oozy. Looking down with fatalistic knowing, Kasha screwed her mouth up in disgust. Both feet were covered in dragon slobber. Opening her mouth, she was on the point of screaming when she looked at the little basami. His golden eyes were so joyful, so adoring--how could she scream at him? Even as she examined his “dragony” face, more drool pooled on the tongue’s dark surface and dripped in large plops onto her feet. She turned her eyes to the Earthman. “Eric, would you mind getting Puff?” Her words were barely a whisper, but spoken with such strength of purpose, the baby eyed her with a worried expression. The dragon was gently coaxed to the fire, and the Earthman looked at her innocently while he fed Puff little handfuls of flower petals. Not saying a word, afraid she would explode at them both, Kasha turned and headed back for the stream. It was not the baby’s fault. The Earthman was trying to recreate his own species here on Volarn. That was her opinion anyway. Puff wouldn’t have drooled dragon goo on her if Eric hadn’t been playing that stupid game. How dare he! Teaching a wondrous beast to be a “fetcher” of sticks.

Becoming thoughtful as she scrubbed her feet in the refreshing water, Kasha was grateful for one thing--Puff did smell nice now. She’d been too upset about her feet to notice at the time, but the odor of crespassno flowers had been strong. It smelled like a vat of it cooked and simmered for the local perfume maker. She laughed out loud. The basami must have given the Earthman a hard time bathing. He probably kept trying to eat the soap. In a better mood, she reappeared in the camp to another surprising scene. Eric lay stretched out, his back resting against a tree, while the basami lay along his side. Its elongated head took up much of the Earthman’s lap. Lazy snores rose into the air and it took her a few seconds to determine who was making the noise. Both were. Kasha made her way quietly to the fire, taking another cup of tea. She examined Eric’s handsome face, looking almost boyish in his peacefully slumbering state. Poor Eric. He really had a hard time the last few days. Eric had been up most of the first night with the sick basami. She sighed softly. She hadn’t made his job any easier. Guilt washed through her and she determined to be more helpful with Puff, and more gentle toward him. When they awoke an hour later and blinked their eyes at her in surprise, Eric immediately said, “Look there’s your aunt Kasha.” She gritted her teeth and smiled at him. His face turned thoughtful and she knew he wondered what game she was playing. Let him wonder she thought with satisfaction. Time to turn the tables. “Here Puff, aunt Kasha has something for you.” She held out a fresh flower head she’d plucked on the way. The baby approached slowly, as if still unsure, then gingerly took the flower from her outstretched hand. He wallowed it around slowly, staring at her curiously. She waved her fingers at him, coaching him closer. Soon he was rubbing his head against her body as she stroked his downy side. She looked at Eric. His face was surprised, pleased, but had it been her imagination--the flash of jealousy that shot through his beautiful gray eyes for a second? They spent the rest of the evening in a companionable manner, talking of mundane things. At times they discussed serious matters, such as getting a baby basami through the enemy’s borderlands. All the while, they took turns feeding Puff, laughing at his comical antics. The next day was spent in much the same manner, except somehow they ended up at the stream most of the day. Lounging in the sun was most enjoyable, and plunging in for playful swims when it got too hot, delightful. Kasha stretched out atop a moss-covered flat rock, watching Eric and Puff. They splashed and swam almost as if it were two boys at play, instead of a muscular Earthman and a tiny dragon. She realized a sudden truth. Eric had kept at the basami all day, teasing him into play after short rest periods. He was building up the baby’s muscles for the long trek. She remembered his silly throwing of that stick yesterday and felt contrite. Again, he’d been working on strengthening the basami, not simply bent on silliness. Puff’s tail dragged as they made their way back to camp in the evening. Even she felt tired. Eric disappeared for a short time, reappearing with fresh flowers and a fat auk at the end of his sword. She

would have loved to lounge back, act the princess and wait for him to do everything. Instead, she jumped up immediately and started a fire. Supper was an enjoyable, relaxing affair, with the Earthman telling jokes. Once, he tickled the basami causing him to bray in “dragon laughter” that surprised and pleased them both. But nothing compared with the twilight filled evening that followed. The baby had snuggled up against Eric’s side. He gently caressed it and began telling it a story. Some tale about a knight from Earth who killed dragons for a living. “Don’t you think that’s inappropriate?“ He chuckled. “I don’t think Puff will mind, as long as I’m talking to him.” She realized how silly her statement had been, but it was too late to take it back. “Tell you what,” he addressed her. “I’ll tell you both wondrous fairy tales from my planet.” She shrugged, acting nonchalant, but inside she waited with anticipation. She loved stories, when she could get them. With her parents dying when she was so young, stories became precious jewels to be treasured when they came her way. Rhamus was busy learning to run the kingdom. Jarvic was usually too keyed up at night to bother, although occasionally he shot a fierce battle tale her way. She could only depend on Zares for the infrequent story, but looked forward to them with as much anticipation as she did now. The Commander had been a wonderful storyteller. The first story Eric shared, was full of magic, fighting, and of course love. A beautiful tale she enjoyed. The hero was so very brave to hack his way through the enchanted vines and fight his way to his beloved. She sighed and wished real love could be so simple. The next story was just as amazing. A sad tale of a man who had been cursed into a beast. The heroine was a lovely maiden who had the fortitude to see through the beastly disguise and fall in love with the man beneath. She clapped her hands in glee and Eric smiled in response. He spoke for well over an hour. He seemed to sense her pleasure in the storytelling. Eric yawned widely and Puff immediately stretched his mouth too. “We should go to bed.” Kasha stretched. “I second that.” Eric looked sleepy, while her whole body felt alive. Eric and Puff stretched out full-length on his bedroll, and soon the baby’s wet-tinged snores arose, as well as the Earthman’s gentle breathing. She couldn’t sleep, no way, the stories still running through her mind, firing her imagination. Some time later, in a dreamy half-asleep state, one of tales gripped her, wrapped around her with its magic until she became a part of it. She was in a tower, small and circular in circumstance. A tiny stain-glassed window opened upon a lovely vista, one stretching far beneath her. Glancing around she saw there was no door out of the room. Only the window gave access to the outer world. Peering out the small window, she noticed the rough-hewn stones plunged in a straight shot to the ground some thirty feet below.

Turning to survey the room once again, she admired the elegant bed that took up much of one side, its intricate metal curves overlaid with gold. Gauzy white material draped from the four posts, creating a secluded feeling within the bed’s interior. A petite chair with delicate lines sat beside the bed, its softly padded bottom and back covered with exquisite embroidery. On the other side of the bed, a grand mirror with heavily carved scrolling reached for the tall ceiling, almost touching it. She was drawn to the mirror for some reason and started forward. An abrupt tugging motion around her head, gave her a puzzled pause, until she saw the reason. Holding her breath for a second, she ran one hand down the thick mane that stretched below her breasts, ran down her body and pooled in a mound of inky blackness behind her. Bewitched, bemused, yet still pulled by a force outside herself, she tugged at the hair, then pitched her body forward slightly against its heavy weight. Reaching the opulent looking glass, the girl who was Kasha and yet not her, stared in wonder at her reflection. Same face and lavender eyes, but the hair of course was extensive, outrageous in fact. Her eyes went up and down her body’s length. She was covered from head to toe in gossamer material so delicate it was breathtaking. She held out a handful. There must be yards and yards of sheer cloth in the skirt alone. She shook her head at her reflection. Never had she worn such a “confection” and neither had any Volarnian or Earthling. Of course Queen Serena had brought long dresses into fashion, but they were form-fitting, not full-bodied as the one she now wore. Still there was something to be said for the costume. Together with the overlong hair, it made her feel feminine, fragile, a precious jewel to decorate the top of a scrumptious birthday cake. At that image, she giggled. She was aware she had plunged into a dream of her own creation, and though some of it made her very uncomfortable, she was far from ready to leave. She knew better things were ahead, but did not know exactly what this entailed. Shrugging philosophically, Kasha, transformed fairy-tale princess, struggled over to the small chair and sat down. Waiting for my prince, she thought, and then grinned at her silliness. Her eyes took in the room’s circumference again, looking for escape routes, even though she did not wish to leave at this time. How had she, or the princess in this tale, gotten here? How was she ever to get out? It was a true puzzle. If she had a rope and was dressed in her uniform, not this body-dragging creation, she could climb down out of the tower with no trouble. Eyeing the sheer cloth draped around the bed, she wondered if they would hold her weight. But, the thought didn’t feel right. The longer she sat and contemplated the confined room, the more the magic and luster of it wore off. Soon a feeling invaded her body, tore through her mind with fierce jabs of pain. She was infinitely lonely. Such agony lanced through her system, it was almost unbearable. “I’m so alone,” the fairy princess whispered. Tears, sparkling like priceless clear arj’ak crystals, fell in slow trails down her satiny cheeks and plopped in sad little puddles into her open hands. She stared at the water gathering in her palms, flung them to the side and shook them vigorously. Reaching up with a trembling hand, she swiped at the wet paths marking her face, drew her hand away, and stared in confusion at the iridescent droplets.

A loud snorting noise outside drew her up like a puppeteer pulling his toy. She lunged toward the window, frustrated at the heavy hair that threatened to trip her at every step. She was astounded upon peering downward, to see a man and yasmir below. He waved, his handsome face split by a charming smile. “Can you help me?” She called. He walked around the tower, came back into view, and frowned up at her. “There’s no way in. Do you have a rope?” “No,” she threw a handful of heavy hair from her shoulder, but then clutched it in sudden inspiration. “Wait,” she said, gathering the mane into a puddle at her feet. She pulled long strands upward, feet by feet, trying to find the end. In frustration she leaned down, grabbed an armful and dumped it out the window. It took several more armloads before all the thick mane hung in free-fall down the tower’s side. “What the--” The man scratched his head and stared up at her. “Use my hair like a rope.” A smile overtook his worried face and he grabbed the hair in both fists, glanced up at her one more time, waiting for her nod before he started upward. Pain! Explosive, mind-shattering. She ignored the torture, gritted her teeth and pulled with all her body weight in the opposite direction. The unexpected release of her mane drew her eyes to the window. He sat on the sill, staring at her with wonder and admiration, as she did at him. He was wearing only a doca, exposing much of his muscular, chiseled body. He was beautifully male in every part. His handsome square-jawed face was set off by the pale blonde hair that flowed in gentle waves to his shoulders. His lovely gray eyes shone in the dusky darkness of the room. “Now, my princess,” his deep voice washed over her, set up tremors within the very fiber of her being. “Come to me.” He gently grasped a handful of hair, then started wrapping it around his wrist, and soon filled his whole arm with the mass. She stepped to within arm’s length of him, her hair a twining rope that drew them together. He reached down, drew up the end of her locks, and flung them over his shoulder. “Now, we can never be parted.” “Yes,” her husky whisper filled the tiny room, with desire, with love, with a feeling of never being alone again. She picked up the trailing ends of her mane off his shoulder and wrapped them in a slow caress about his neck. “You will never leave me, my jicha.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Kasha awoke suddenly and completely, glad to throw off the dream-state. She shifted on the bedding and laid one hand under her cheek, removing it immediately. It was wet. She stared at the dying embers of the fire. She had cried in her sleep. Was her dream more than a dream? Volarnians believed in omens, psychic readings, and even strange dreams were analyzed for their content. She lay for a long while, puzzling out the hidden meaning of her dream, if there were one. Each time her mind latched onto the truth, it shied away and sought new avenues. But, no matter how many times she ran from the truth, it came back, begging for entrance, for acknowledgment. She sighed quietly and bit her lip in frustration. Was this what her life amounted to--a lonely princess who pined for her prince to save her? No. That wasn’t it. She was a princess, yes, and she was lonely at times. But she didn’t sit around, wasting time away, waiting for a man to rescue her from her life. Yet there were glimmers of truth hidden in the haziness of her dream. She did often feel alone. Rhamus and Jarvic too caught up in their own lives to give her the attention she ashamedly admitted she craved at times. She knew the early deaths of her parents accounted for much of this. And it was her fault as well, isolating herself from others, refusing to make close ties with anyone. Until the Earthman stepped into her life, bigger and bolder, and certainly more aggravating than any prince would have the nerve to be. She smiled; a secret softening of her lips meant only for him. He was something else, Eric of Earth, martial arts expert and former member of an elite fighting force. Ah. But, he was so much more too. Rascal and teaser extraordinaire`. Handsome devil disguised in a brawny body. And today, she’d discovered he was a fabulous storyteller as well. Oh, and I mustn’t forget marvelous lover, she added. Was this the secret? That she knew from the beginning he would be returning to Earth, so felt safe in becoming his friend? A chill ran through her body. How obtuse of her. How utterly stupid. The sudden thought of Eric leaving Volarn sent a riot of shivers down her spine. She was queasy. He couldn’t leave. She wouldn’t let him. If she thought the head-pulling in her dream had been painful, she was mistaken. The very thought of him leaving Volarn, caused a stab of pain to pierce her heart, as if the enemy had plunged a sword into her center, seeking to gouge out the vessel wherein her secrets lay. I love him. Goreth help me I do love him. Now, her body flushed with warmth as realization hit her full-force and the last barriers broke from confinement. She could no longer deny, fight, or defend her stance. “I am the lonely princess waiting for her true love.” She whispered aloud, as if voicing it would confirm what her heart already knew. For a minute her thoughts soared, dreamed of she and Eric, entwined in some far off castle, married, living out a dream life filled with happiness. She did want him in her life. The symbolism of the hair they wrapped around them, didn’t escape her. He was not meant to leave. The fairy tale hero had brought no rope to help the princess out of the tower, just as Eric was meant to stay here on Volarn with her. Reality slapped her in the face as she remembered other secrets. “It cannot be,” she mumbled. Rhamus’ rule could be endangered, perhaps Volarn thrown into turmoil, if others knew of her secret. She could not let her guard down, could not marry. Could not let love into her heart and life. She was lonely, but

not selfish. She wouldn’t put the kingdom at risk for her own happiness. Kasha was pulled into a disturbing sleep, unaware she continued to mumble aloud.

****

He’d awakened in a hazy fashion some minutes ago, not sure what had drawn his attention from slumbers grasp. Blinking his eyes, he surveyed the camp. All was safe. Then he noticed the princess, who shifted several times on her bedroll and mumbled in her sleep. A sob tore through the quiet of the camp. Eric’s heart beat faster in response. He sat up slowly and listened carefully. Another almost inaudible sob, along with groaned words of entreaty were wrenched from the slumbering princess. Kasha appeared to struggle to withhold her sleep-drugged words from the world of wakefulness. He wanted to ignore her phrases and slip back into sleep’s peaceful embrace, but something held him back, perhaps the sheer sorrow in her voice. Instead, he listened. She said something about love and a princess. He grinned, thinking she was but reliving one of his stories. But then she spoke his name and mumbled “It cannot be.” At those mumbled words, a lance of alarm flushed through him. She was thinking of him. Was he about to discover why she continued to refuse his love? Again, he almost lay down, not wanting to intrude on her privacy, but by God he couldn’t. Her next words, “secret, endangering Rhamus and Volarn” made no sense at all. What great secret could the princess be hiding that could possibly cause horrible consequences to her brother and the kingdom? And how did any of that fit in with her refusal of his love? Eric sighed. He knew he shouldn’t have eavesdropped because his mother had always preached against it. Thoughts of his mother warmed him for a bit, then turned as sad as Kasha had appeared earlier. He’d missed his mother terribly after his parent’s divorce, one of the many reasons he wanted a family of his own. He drifted into a troubled sleep.

****

She didn’t remember all her dreams, but enough that she worried that something might have slipped out during the night. Watching Eric carefully after awakening, he gave no indication of anything amiss. In fact, he looked as groggy as she felt. She was sure his night had been just as restful. “Was Puff okay last night?” she asked, observing his features unobtrusively. He grimaced. “Fine.” His eyes twinkled. “If you’re referring to the fact that I look and feel like crap, I had a very unpleasant night.” “Oh, anything I can help with?” She watched him cautiously. “No, just bad dreams.”

She took a deep breath, relieved he didn’t seem to have heard anything during the night. She knew that sometimes she mumbled in her sleep when disturbed by thoughts. They shared a quiet breakfast, only Puff making noise as he tossed around the limb, which he now played with constantly. She stared at the basami. His golden eyes were bright and he practically bounced around the campsite. He’d been the only one who got a good night’s rest it seemed. When Eric started gathering their gear, she stopped him with, “Are you sure he’s ready to start the journey?” “Not sure, no, but I’m hoping we can make a few miles this first day.” He turned and stared at the dragon. “I wish he had the same energy level as when I found him.” Kasha stared at Puff. “That’s right. You said he ran so fast, you couldn’t tell what he was at first.” “Must have been fear and adrenaline,” Eric said. He shrugged and started gathering supplies. She helped him pack, then secure the supplies and equipment on the yasmirs. He made a quick trip into the trees, returning shortly with his blanket stuffed. He fed the dragon a good helping of flowers, and then tied the rest to Seya. That evening she was weary and ready to stop for the night, as she’d never been before. Keeping the baby interested in a long trek through the heavily thicketed forest was a tough job, and took both their efforts. There was also the duty of keeping alert for alati signs. Who knew if the felines considered a baby basami a tasty meal or not? Besides, she’d been exhausted before they ever started. Puff flopped down immediately once they called a halt, and even the stalwart Earthman looked bedraggled. The next day progressed faster and smoother. She had slept deep and dreamlessly, and Eric looked as if he’d rested better as well. Puff was more used to the routine and cooperated more readily. He was also stronger, so they traveled further. They set up camp early because the clouds were heavy and threatening. Neither had a desire to be caught unawares beneath a thunderstorm, but a fine drizzle chilled them just as they set up camp. Eric quickly strung a waterproof tarp over a small area. The yasmirs and the dragon squeezed companionably under one side, glad for the shelter it seemed. “I better replenish supplies before it pours,” he slung his blanket over one shoulder. “I’ll help.” She followed him. They had spied a small crespassno field to one side and headed in that direction. A long, narrow pool of muddy water blocked their path from the field. “Better go around if we don’t want to get muddy.” She agreed, shaking her head and stepping carefully. They filled the blanket in no time, although Kasha wandered if Puff was going to like soggy flowers. On the way back, striding down the small hill cautiously, Kasha’s feet slid in a patch of mud. She flung her arms out, trying to regain balance. Eric grabbed one arm, then his feet struck slippery earth, and suddenly they both were cartwheeling their free arms. She was sure they looked like clowns.

Both went down hard, then tumbled in an ungraceful heap into the violet-muddy pool. She sat up, wrinkling her nose at the dripping goo that clung to her hands. “Yuck!” “Ditto.” He laughed, flinging mud from his hands, several sticky clots hit her uniform and clung like some strange alien ameba. “Thanks,” she said sarcastically, then smiling impishly, threw a handful onto his shirtfront. A clump hit his jaw, hung for a few seconds before dripping in small plops onto his chest. She should have known better. He picked up a handful of mud and she tried to duck his throw. A large mucky blob hit the side of her head. Peering between her up flung arms at his laughing countenance, she retaliated with a barrage of mud. Later, she couldn’t remember who really started the war, but soon palm-sized lumps of oozing mud were flying between them, fast and furious at first, then slower as they tired. Kasha swiped the area around her eyes, glaring at him when her vision cleared. He held two handfuls, ready to launch. “I surrender,” she screeched. He opened his hands and plopped the mud nonchalantly back into the water. She was trying so hard to maintain her aggravation, but how could she? Just look at him, she thought. He was covered head to waist, all she could see of him above the water, in slimy earth. Scattered clumps of mire stuck out oddly. It gave him the illusion of some troll-like creature. Even his hair stuck up in strange spikes. She abruptly laughed. It came on her so strong she had to hold her ribs. Eric joined her, his laughter booming in loud bursts. Regaining her feet gingerly, she reached down and scrubbed at the mud caking her arm. It smeared, leaving watery tracks of organic material. “I think we can do better by taking a shower under mother nature.” He trudged slowly onto the level ground at the other side of the pool and she followed suit. He stood with head back, scrubbed his face with one hand and let the drizzling rain wash his face clean. She did the same, feeling immensely better once the slime was cleansed off her face. “Here, let me help,” she rubbed at the clinging earth on his chest, truly intending to aid in denuding his body of the stubbornly clinging particles. But, her intentions changed after her hands made contact with his firm flesh. She clenched them unconsciously, wishing she could dig them into his taut chest. She had no wish to injure him, but she wanted to touch him, deeply, in a way that went beyond mere caressing. Kasha did not understand this savage urge that overtook her, but she refrained from carrying it out. Instead, she ran her hands in gentle circles on his brawny front. He cleared his throat. “I think it’s clean.” “Hmmm,” she purred, “but I need help too.” She turned her back to him, knowing he would have refused to wash her front side in the same manner. Swiping her hair to the side, she waited for his touch, a weak-kneed reaction firing through when his large hands started scrubbing the mud from her. He stopped abruptly and she knew, without turning and facing him that touching her had aroused him as well. She pivoted gracefully, shrugging one shoulder unobtrusively, causing the dress to slip down one arm.

“Your back’s done,” he swallowed and she could almost hear his dry throat clicking together in a painful reaction. “I’m still dirty,” she shoved the uniform off her completely, standing under the chilling rain with only her tanla covering her lower parts. She half expected him to turn away immediately, but his tortured eyes stayed glued to her body, just as his feet stayed planted in the wet ground. She slowly ran her hands over her chest, caressing, not scrubbing the last of the muck from her form. Her hands played the part of lover, moving gently, pulling at her flesh in sensuous circular strokes. Even her nipples did not escape her attention, receiving soft touches that made her groan as she watched his face. It was the heat lighting his handsome features that caused her reaction, not her own touch. It felt as if the flames leaping from his gray eyes licked her body with fiery strokes. She dared more, emboldened by her body’s response. Picking up one of his callused hands, she laid it on one breast, then moved it in strong strokes upon her flesh. “Don’t you want to help me?” She groaned again as his hand moved on its own, gripping her breast in a tight clasp. She removed hers from atop his, now that it needed no further guidance. Instead, she moved her hand to his muscular chest, caressing him gently. His chest clenched in reaction and she dared a sultry glance upward. His grasp on her breast was hard, almost painful, raw as the emotions she saw flit through his lovely pale eyes. The misery combined with a burning need almost stopped her. She didn’t want to hurt Eric. But then she remembered her own life, her own deeply buried needs. She must find happiness wherever she could, and felt sure she would eventually convince the Earthman he could be just as happy without the seal of marriage between them. She put the other hand to good use, unclasping her tanla, letting it slide unseen onto the ground. Then she moved forward, rubbed her lower body back and forth hard against him. Eric sucked in his breath, looked down, closed his eyes and groaned. His eyes reopened to stare into her own, fierce, torrid, and agonized. “Why do you do this to me?” “It is not only you, but I suffer as well,” her throaty voice brought her own torture into life. “God, help me woman, I love you.” He gently grasped her face in both hands, bringing his lips to within a handspan away. “Do you love me too?” His look captured hers, entreaty written as plainly across them as if a pen had scrawled it there. “Does it matter?” She whispered, trying to turn his serious thought. She firmly rubbed his biceps, hoping to sway him toward the physical instead of the emotional side of their relationship. “It does to me,” he whispered back huskily, his gray eyes more distressed than ever. “Is this what you want?” His grip hardened on her face and he turned it sideways, swooping down in one fierce move. His kiss was an attack on her lips, a plunder of her tongue and senses. Goreth help her, but she was hot, a helpless fledgling in his hands. His kiss was meant to repel her, but it did nothing but make her want him more. He withdrew a space and searched her eyes. “Is this how you want it between us?” “Yes, haven’t I been saying that all along,” her tone was light-hearted.

It did no good, seemed to have the opposite effect in fact. Eric’s look turned dark and angry. Mixed with the heat in his eyes, it was disturbing, slightly frightening, but at the same time extremely exciting. “Are you telling me, you’re just a bitch in heat?” His voice was ugly, his face flushed with anger. She didn’t like the way things were heading. “I never said that.” Her voice came out incensed and she gave him a disappointed look. “I don’t think you know what you want.” “Yes, I do ... I want you to make love to me.” She didn’t try to keep the annoyance from her voice. “Make love. Is that what you call it here on Volarn?” His voice dripped with sarcasm and barely contained rage. “What does that mean?” Now she was truly infuriated. “It means, little girl,” he gripped her chin so she couldn’t pull away. “That when one ‘makes love’ without vows, without feelings but those of physical lust, or without words of love spoken--then it’s just fucking. There’s nothing of making love involved in the process.” “I don’t like that word, I don’t agree with you, and how dare you speak to me like that!” She brought forth her fading anger, feeling anything but that, perhaps even a little sad, which she couldn’t fathom right now. “You want me to fuck you.” He stated flatly. “Let me go!” She struck at his hand. He shook his head, his eyes still angry and his grasp firm. “I think you need to be shown the difference.” He let her chin go, placed both hands at her waist, picked her up and carried her several feet backward. She couldn’t see behind her and didn’t like this new game at all. Her back slammed rather forcefully against a tree. The bark dug into her soft flesh. “How dare you,” she screeched. “Seems that’s all you know how to do, provoke a man, then fall back onto your princess rights when it suits you.” She was speechless, knew her mouth hung open, astonished at his disrespect. “You know, you’re nothing but a bitch and deserve to be fucked.” His twin pools of thunderstorm gray swirled with both hellish anger and anguish. She knew he didn’t mean it, couldn’t mean those words, not to the woman he loved. Eric was a romantic at heart. But she’d pushed him too far. Kasha struggled against his hold, knowing that such an act would but distance him further from her, that he would be disgusted at himself later. “Let me go, please,” she pleaded, bringing a sweet tone to her voice, hoping to calm the wild beast she’d aroused. Instead, his grip tightened and he brought her wrists upward, so that she was stretched against the tree, her back arched slightly from the trunk’s curvature.

“Stay there,” he commanded, his deep voice sending chills through her. And she did stay for a few seconds, unbelieving of his actions. He was tugging at his shirt, tearing his pants so they ripped off. Her arms came down, crossed her breasts in a protective gesture. “Oh, no you don’t.” He grabbed her wrists again, brought them above her head, then stepped back and examined her body with his scorching eyes, never taking his steely grip from her. “That’s the way a bitch should stay, stretched out and ready for her man.” “Eric, please,” she tried reasoning one more time as his mouth descended toward her, then her thoughts were lost in the maelstrom that followed. He changed positions. Grasping a wrist in each hand, he leaned into her, sandwiching her between the tree and his inflexible body. Although she was aware of the tree behind her in a vague way and that bark was digging into her flesh, none of that mattered, only he was a reality. Only his kiss that made her pant and moan mattered. The feeling that his hard flesh pressing against her soft skin mattered. And the stony reality of his arousal mattered. He moved her hands slightly wider and they bumped against something. Glancing upward after he broke their kiss, she noted there were two small but sturdy branches to either side. Staring at her face, he moved her fingers, wrapping them around the limbs. She grasped them, feeling so excited, her hands trembled before she got a good grip. His mouth moved to her ear, did a marvelous dance of seduction against her earlobe. “You can consider them tied, if you desire,” he whispered huskily. She’d never thought of such a thing. But the intrusive statement and sudden appearance of it in her mind, made her flush with heat, weak with the desire that ripped through her. Next, he attacked her mouth, and attacked was the correct word. After a few minutes he withdrew from her, stared at her again with those pain-filled, fiery orbs, and then said, “That’s enough, bitch’s don’t usually deserve to be kissed.” His head plunged to her breasts, and he pillaged them as well. No tender lover was he today, but a ravaging beast who squeezed and sucked hard and furious. Nonetheless, her breasts ached to fill his rough male hands, felt swollen and hot. Her head worked back and forth against the unyielding trunk, scattering bark in with each wild fling of her head. She bit her lip, trying to still the loud moan that escaped anyway. She skimmed her tongue against the puffed lower lobe, knowing it was Eric’s kiss that caused the swelling, not her bite. She grasped the branches tighter, afraid she was losing her grip. Then thought, I am losing my grip on reality, as his assault on her sensitive flesh continued. He moved lower. When his mouth and tongue descended into her raslus, Kasha didn’t know what to think. She knew of such things, of course, but they had not engaged in this activity the first time they had sex. Nothing should feel this good, hot, and wild all at the same time. It was too much. She ceased to think, could only feel, her body the clay beneath which the master molded her shape and form. As from a far distance, she was aware of her increasing moans, the fact that her tongue ran in sensual unconscious motions upon her lower lip. She felt a woman possessed--possessed by currents running through her so strong, she felt on the verge of bursting.

That marvelous warm tongue swiped up and down her raslus, making it ache. Unconsciously, she moved her hips toward him. Eric’s head moved faster, his tongue flicking at her flesh. She throbbed wildly where he stroked. Kasha could feel an immense orgasm building. She wanted to shove his face into her deeper, but couldn’t seem to loosen her grip on the branches. “Oooh,” she screamed, long and loud, like an alati who’d made a kill. Her body jumped, fell back into the supportive trunk, and her knees trembled. Eric moved slowly up her body, looking like the feline stalking its prey. He examined her face and she felt vulnerable, exposed, but couldn’t move if her life depended on it right now. “What have you done to me?” she asked hoarsely.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“Not nearly enough.” His simple statement set up quivers that resounded through her whole frame. Was she wanton that she wanted, desired, for him to continue? Her hands miraculously still gripped the limbs above her head. He patted them and stated, “Stay right there.” Stay there? By Goreth, she wouldn’t choose to move, even if Rhamus came up to her and promised to show her the biggest crystal discovery of the century. His hands slid down her hips, caressed them briefly, then he gripped her thighs and lifted her. Eric paused, his cini bumping against her swollen raslus. She groaned louder. How could something so slight, feel so wonderful? Without warning he plunged into her, a swift movement that left her breathless. She was completely filled with his male member, stretched, and her lower body throbbed around this alien invasion. He moved back and forth slowly and another loud groan squeezed past her lips. Shoving away from the tree, she wrapped her arms around his neck, found new pleasures in the up and down movements as Eric thrust himself into her while pulling her hips in counter strokes. She reveled in his power, the strength in those brawny arms that could hold her so easily while thus engaged. After a few minutes, he eased her down onto a grassy knoll nearby, never withdrawing from their contact. From this position, she could stare into the storms turbulent activity. Thick gray clouds piled on top of one another, as if vying for space. She stared into the eyes that reflected the clouds’ violent nature. Blue lighting flared, sizzled in silver quick flashes that lit his eyes with eerie moon-washed colors. Those eyes were cool and hot at the same time, reflecting his feelings she was sure. A sudden burst of crackling lit up the sky, made the hair on her head move. There was an

electric-charged tingling to the very air. This current ran through her, tempered her sexual feelings with more excitement than she thought possible. Her muscles clenched, toes curled, and her breath squeezed out in frenzied pants. She and Eric moved faster, as if in conjunction to the storms roiling rhythm. The tempest moved inside her, reverberated with a peal of electricity coursing through her veins. Thunder boomed and she screamed. The next instant he groaned loudly and threw back his head in a parody of pain and pleasure. Then, he relaxed on top of her, yet held himself so that she did not feel his weight. Kasha placed one hand softly on his back, smoothed it gently over his ridged muscles. Abruptly he raised himself, looked a little confused and seemed on the verge of speaking, then simply leapt to his feet. He stood beneath the now heavy downpour, letting the rain wash his body briefly, then gathered his clothes, shaking his head silently at their state. He half-turned toward her. “Let me help you,” he stated flatly, sticking out one hand without looking at her. “It’s very slippery.” She knew this would happen, it had begun, his shame and guilt. She was going to stop this right now, if she could. “You were right, I was being a bitch.” He continued to stare ahead. “I don’t want ... can’t talk about this right now.” Eric grabbed the flower-filled blanket and started for camp. She sighed. Maybe she did need to give him a little space first. She called after his retreating figure, “However we started out, I very much enjoyed making love.” He stopped and she could see his shoulders tighten up, but then he trudged ahead, being careful where he set his feet. She watched his nude figure, admiring its masculine beauty, the way his finely wrought muscles worked in conjunction. Large muscles bunched up with each step, while smaller ones rippled in fluid definitions just beneath his tan skin. Those broad brawny shoulders deserved to be caressed and petted, the taut waist that flared into a v-shape, invited exploration. And that cute, round butt. It, most of all, cried out for her touch, to be gripped, pinched if you will, like the cheeks of a charming baby. She wanted to lie abed all day with her Earthman, longed to make love countless times on konkol-spun silken sheets, to know every inch of his gorgeous body. Ah, he was a worthy catch, if only he were more agreeable, less stubborn. She sighed, let the drenching cold rain wash away the dirt and sex odors. She wished her confusion and aggravation could just as easily be rinsed away. Shivering, she dressed rapidly and ran for the campsite. Eric already had a fire going under the tarp’s far end. Luckily, he had secured firewood earlier into his side pack, when they noticed the threatening sky. He ignored her shivering form as she stood across from him. Kasha sneezed and took a seat on a log near the blazing fire. He concentrated on the rip he was repairing on his pants, but stated, “Better take off your uniform and dry it, that fire won’t last long, and that’s all the dry firewood we have.” If she hadn’t just completed an inner conversation with herself on his skittishness, she might have thought he wanted her naked for a reason. But his down-turned head as she undressed, spoke otherwise.

She flung the dress over a bush growing nearby, standing so close to the blaze, she was sure her skin would be reddened in spots tomorrow. She didn’t care, she was cold, she was hungry, and she was frustrated with him. Again. Suddenly, she laughed at her own thoughts. He looked up in surprise, then quickly back down to his sewing. “Need any help?” she asked softly. “No.” “Sure.” “Yes, I’m sure.” Now he paused and stared at her with an expressionless face. “Besides, what would a princess know about stitching?” His words were a statement, biting and cold, his pronunciation of princess exaggerated. “Be that way then. But really Eric, don’t you think I might have to repair my uniform on patrol occasionally?” “I’m sure you have a slew of servants ready to jump at your royal orders,” he jabbed at the material like he was spearing an auk. “Probably male servants,” he mumbled. She had warmed up completely and her hair half-dried by the time he completed his sewing. He dressed quickly and she regretted his covering of that magnificent body, the fire had high-lighted it in such a tender fashion. She smiled at her own silly mental ramblings and examined his handy-work. It wasn’t such a bad job. She probably would have botched it anyway. She was too impatient. A loud snuffle made her jump. She’d forgotten all about the yasmirs and basami. Kasha stepped carefully over Puff who lay stretched out full-length, his long snout pushed into a pile of soggy petals. He sneezed just as she passed, showering her lower legs with the flowery scented moisture. “Yuck,” she grumbled, swiping at the drops. Shaking her head, she petted Ziskin, talking quietly to him. Seya nudged her shoulder and she used her other hand to soothe the mare. Both yasmirs always got nervous during heavy thunderstorms. Now she felt guilty. She’d been too intent on her own pursuits, and not thought about the faithful steeds at all. Turning back to watch Eric prepare the evening meal, she saw that the baby basami had awakened and watched her with sleepy, but eager eyes. “You silly thing, you need a pet too?” The dragon responded by bounding to her and stepping on her feet. While she hopped on one foot crying “ouch,” Puff imitated her by jumping up and down a few inches on his clumsy feet. “Stop it,” she screeched, feeling that the dragon was making fun of her. At the very least he made her look more the fool. Sure enough, taking a peak at the Earthman’s figure across the fire, she saw that his shoulders were shaking. The next instant he was laughing uproariously. “See what you started,” she whispered in an irritated tone. The basami sat upright at her feet, gazing up at her with a worshipful expression. She sighed. How could she stay angry at either of the idiots? Unexpected wetness hit her feet and she looked down slowly, already knowing what it was. And yes,

Puff had deposited a large blob of dragon drool to both her feet. All her toes were covered with a mixture of thick saliva and chewed-up petals. “Eric! If you don’t come do something with your dragon, I’m going to cook him for supper.” He called the basami over to the fire, petting him gently, as if he were the one injured. Eric’s low-toned words were too quiet for her to hear. Kasha gritted her teeth. She just bet he was complaining about her. Grumbling, she went to the edge of the tarp, held onto a tree nearby and stuck a foot out into the cold rain one at a time. It took a few minutes for the goo to wash off, and she was really cold by the time she ran back to the fire. It fizzled and sputtered and she along with it. She just hoped there was time to warm up before it died completely. She accepted the proffered warmed-over auk Eric held out with silence Bedtime was peaceful at least. Puff seemed to realize he’d committed a wrong, slinking around with his head and tail tucked into his body. “You are great at making others feel guilty,” his deep voice shot across the quiet campsite. Kasha started to respond with some sharp retort, but thought better of it. Eric apparently was wrestling with his own inner demons, best not to add to his burden tonight. They needed to get a restful sleep. Tomorrow would bring another hard day’s journey. Her consideration led to thoughts of her behavior with the basami. “I didn’t mean to scare Puff,” she whispered. “But, have you ever had huge globs of his drool land on your feet?” “Nope, but he has deposited a considerable amount of vomit to my body.” She felt the stir in the air, an almost physical one, the humor striving to drive out the bad feelings between them. But, it didn’t quite live, sputtering away, finally fading as they both continued in silence. The next day was misery for them both. Kasha was exhausted from a toss-and-turn filled night, and he looked drawn, with slight bags beneath his eyes. Puff was the only one who looked cheery, making her feel like bashing him, but she refrained. Their downed spirits and tired bodies made the job of watching for danger an added burden. And, the basami’s romping, playfulness made it very dangerous indeed. Her eyes were heavy, gritty. She glanced sideways. Eric’s shoulders sagged and his head drooped onto his chest. She giggled slightly to herself. Some minutes later she chided herself after jerking awake from a doze. Kasha struggled to keep alert, but found her lids closing easier with each passing minute. Unexpectedly, there was a loud thrashing of bushes, a high-pitched screech, and Puff’s distinctive bellowing cry. Her heart lurched downward, lodged in her stomach as she nudged Ziskin into a trot, the groggy Earthman right beside her. They broke through the forests dense lower cover into a small open meadow covered in crespassno bushes. The baby basami stood facing an enraged alati. Puff’s stance was fearless unless one failed to see the terrified orbs that shone like twin suns from his face. He shook his body and his feathers ruffled, making him appear much larger. The huge feline was but six kreigers from Puff, his paw half-raised, claws fully extended. She knew the only thing that had saved the basami thus far, was the nervous nature of the Alati. It’d probably never

even seen a dragon before. A deep, harsh cry erupted from Eric and he slapped Seya hard, making her leap forward in alarm. Ziskin responded with a large jump of his own without her urging. The usually fierce feline glared at them, then ran swiftly into a thicket of bushes. Eric leaped off his yasmir. Puff ran to him, as the baby konkol runs to its mother when in danger. He caressed the basami soothingly, speaking in soft-toned whispers to him. Kasha circled her mount around the area, searching for further alati signs. “Oh, my god!” “What is it?” She jumped off Ziskin, landing next to the Earthman. She didn’t have to ask then, nor did he respond. The big cat had left several deep gouges along the bridge of Puff’s snout. She put a gentle hand on his jaw, turning it toward her to get a better look at the injury. “Poor baby,” she whispered. The dark violet tongue flicked out and wrapped around her wrist. She didn ’t move, simply kept repeating soothing mindless words as Eric had done earlier. “He seems to need a mother’s comfort, so I’ll go get the first-aid kit.” There was no sarcasm in his words, only concern. He returned with the cleansing liquids and it took all of their persuasive powers and love to convince the little dragon to hold still for their ministrations. A short time later, they sat sprawled out, the basami between, as they alternated feeding him flower petals. “It’s my fault,” he said angrily, “I nodded off.” She shook her head. “No, both our faults, I was dozing too. Poor baby,” she stroked Puff for the hundredth time. A feeling of great sorrow overwhelmed her. She had failed the baby dragon and she’d failed the handsome Earthman who professed his love at every turn. Tears shimmered in her eyes and she buried her head in Puff's downy feathers to hide them. “Hey, don’t smother him, you don’t want to turn him into a mama’s boy.” His words rippled with humor. “What?” Her head shot up, tears dry now. He explained and she snorted. “You are just worried he might get more attached to me.” “Maybe,” he grinned, and then shrugged. “Anyway, I don’t care right now, as long as it gives him comfort.” She caressed Puff’s feathered neck, staring into space. “What if we’d lost him, due to our neglect?” He regarded her for a second, his look serious, thoughtful. “Then, I guess we would have committed one of the greatest crimes in the animal kingdom--allowing perhaps the last dragon to be killed because we were sleepy.” “Eric, I don’t want to make such a mistake again.” “Neither do I.” They both looked up at the same time, their eyes suddenly locked in silent communion. She knew in that instant that she would gladly give her life to keep the little dragon alive, as would Eric.

His brows drew together in a frown. “I’ve been so busy with Puff, I forgot about the alati.” He peered toward the forests perimeter. “Do you think his pack is out there, just waiting for us to enter their territory?” “No. While you were checking Puff’s injury, I scouted the area for tracks, there was only the one.” She shrugged, “Besides, it was a young male and they are driven from the pack at adolescence.” “Really?” He looked confused. “I thought the pack was made up of males and females.” “Oh, they are.” She laughed softly and waved at the woods. “That young male will find a new group that will accept him, once he’s fought his way into the hierarchy.” He nodded. “There are similar animal behaviors back on Earth.” He stared at the deep gloom under the giant trees. “Are you sure he won’t have friends ready to pounce on us?” “Pretty sure,” she paused. “But, to be safe, keep that spear ready and I’ll keep my sword handy.” The basami’s abrupt snores broke into her thoughts, and she smiled. “We’d better let him get that nap out first. Did you see how his legs trembled when he tried to stand earlier?” “Yes, I did.” Eric ran one hand slowly down the baby’s downy back, stopping at the stunted wings. He looked up at her as he pulled one wing out to its full-spread, which was only about two kreigers. “You know, I’ve been meaning to ask, but we’ve been so busy with this little guy.” He let the wing flop back down as Puff grumbled in his sleep. “How can Volarnian’s dragon fly with such small wings?” “I really don’t know.” She stared at his back as well. Eric rubbed his chin, the sand-papery sounds sending a shiver up her spine. “All the paintings and sculptures that I’ve seen depict the basami with tiny wings, even the full-grown beasts.” She shook her head in acknowledgment. “There are so many mysteries about our great dragon,” she smiled at the tiny one sleeping so soundly at their feet. “So many elders were lost in the great war, so much knowledge destroyed,” she paused. “That no Volarnian is sure what is true or simply legend concerning the basami.” “Well, now they’ll have a chance to rediscover those truths. Thanks to us.” His smile was smug. “If we can manage to get him back safely.” “Nothing’s going to happen to this little fella,” he caressed the silky head. “I won’t let it.” “And neither will I,” she spoke softly, but felt their words entwined in an unspoken bond that was as strong as the hardest Volarnian metal. Eric’s head came up. His features and eyes sealed the pledge with human feeling and tenacity. After Puff awoke, they fed him more flowers, then coaxed him to his feet. She was happy when he jumped around them playfully. He almost seemed to have forgotten the incident and his strength had returned. Holding out a large flower-tipped branch, Kasha turned quickly as Eric laughed loudly. The basami had all of Eric’s hand in his mouth. “Look, he’s playing with me.” Puff spit out his hand, then sneezed, covering the Earthman in a perfumed mist.

“I guess that’s his way of saying he likes you.” “Yes, sure, now I’ll smell like a shop-girl all day,” he grinned in response to the giggles that erupted from her. “And we, I mean you, thought he might devour us.” She shrugged. “Wasn’t me, was those twisted myths.” “I should have realized,” he scratched his head, watching the baby’s antics. “Why?” “Haven’t you ever looked inside his mouth?” He glanced at her. Kasha tightened Ziskin’s reins, patted the bedroll into place on his rump. “Sure, with all the pleasant things he’s been throwing our way, I just love looking down his throat.” “It’s true he’s got a way with that mouth of his.” Kasha snorted. Brushing at his shirt, Eric said, “At least smelling like a two-bit whore is better than reeking like an ol’ drunk.” “Two-bit whore?” Ignoring her questioningly remark, he continued, “As I was saying, Puff has a mouthful of cow-like teeth.” “What?” “Teeth like a yasmir then,” he waved a hand at the grass underfoot. “Eats vegetation, not flesh.” “Ah.” She shook her head. “That’s one myth we can dispel.” At that moment, Puff spied a tiny sooeul perched on a low-growing bush. He fluffed up, his wings expanded to their full capacity and he ran pell-mell at the small lizard, which flew swiftly away without a backward glance. “Guess he’s gotten over his fright.” Kasha laughed. “Yep. Seems to be practicing his cat-scaring techniques.” Eric finished packing supplies on Seya. “I sure wish I could figure out the mystery about flying, though.” She mounted her yasmir. “If all goes well, maybe we will discover that one day.” He fell in beside her, turning to make sure Puff followed closely behind. “His mother made her nest inside that courtyard where we found him, and she had to get in and out somehow.” “She had to fly then,” she mused. “Remember how dense the forest was around the ruins? There was no evidence of her pushing through any of the growth.” “That’s true.” He nodded. “The gateway looked like she’d pushed through it. Maybe she was checking the area for danger. But there’s no way such a huge creature could have traveled through those forests without it showing.” Neither one of them had any trouble staying awake after they restarted their trek. Puff’s near mishap had shaken them. The rest of the day went fairly well, Puff minded well and gave their minds ease. They

spotted no other felines. Not even a sooeul crossed their path. Their only problem was tugging the protesting basami from every crespassno field they traversed. His belly was getting round by the time evening fell, but at least his strength continued to improve. Maybe the journey won’t be so bad after all, she thought as sleep overtook her.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Three weeks! It took them three long, agonizing weeks of coaxing, constant feedings, and hiding to gain the edge of her father’s land. She’d never been so glad to see a trip end, nor so exhausted in all her twenty-one years. Kasha became furious every time she remembered her thoughts that last night before their travails began. Maybe their journey wouldn’t be so bad after all. What an utterly blind fool she’d been. Thank Goreth she’d sent a messenger sooeul to her brother before leaving the village that day, informing him they’d made an unusual discovery and it may take them longer to return. Otherwise, Rhamus would have had patrols scouting for them weeks ago. With the increase in enemy patrols they’d spotted on their way, she would have been terribly guilty to take away patrols from their more important duty of keeping Jouko’s warriors under surveillance. By hiding, they’d managed to evade most of the dangerous warriors. Only once, had they come near to being captured. A patrol had spotted Puff feeding at the edge of a crespassno field and had given chase. Eric had tested the limits of the little dragon’s love by swiftly grabbing him round his belly and placing him on his lap atop Seya. Only once safe inside south Volarn’s borderlands, did she breath a sigh of relief. But, their perilous journey abruptly turned into one of annoyance when they were halted by every southern patrol group along the route. Each warrior had to look with wonder at Puff and asked a multitude of questions. The braver in the first group petted the dragon first, until finally all twenty warriors had given him attention. Each patrol followed the same pattern. So it was, they traveled the extent of her peoples’ land, being stopped at every turn. Their progress seemed almost as slow as when they’d been surrounded by the enemy patrols. Nearing the castle, the well-worn and much familiar trail they traveled down, marked the conclusion of their journey. Its end broke through the thick bushes growing beneath the overspreading forest giants, into the clearing behind the castle. Kasha knew immediately that messages had been sent of their impending arrival, for thousands of Volarnians were scattered over the meadowland. It seemed as if half the kingdom had gathered, yet the crowd was far too large for even a princess’ welcome home. Word had spread about the basami. As they paced their mounts slowly toward the people, the crowd consolidated, packed together as if for

comfort. Maybe it was her imagination, but that was the weird thought that flickered through her mind as she watched the throng shift into a compact group. This mass of humanity quickly split as they neared, forming a long, wide corridor, within whose confines they sent their yasmirs. Ziskin and Seya looked to one side, then the other, whinnying nervously, as if they too sensed something amiss. “I don’t like this,” Eric spoke in a low, hoarse whisper. “Me either.” She examined the wide-eyed stares of those they passed. "This looks like a situation that could turn into mass hysteria.” They glanced behind them quickly--feeling assurance once they saw Puff meandered along quietly behind them. Even as they turned, the dragon bellowed and their heads flipped back toward the baby basami. Kasha saw immediately what had disturbed him. A young woman nearby had a large crespassno flower stuck in her hair. Eric leaped off Seya, reaching the dragon just as Puff stopped at the girl’s feet and stared up at her with his dripping tongue protruding from his snout. The girl was screaming shrilly in terror, while several soldiers on either side of her had withdrawn their swords. Kasha was right behind Eric, and placed a soothing hand on the now confused and frightened Puff’s head. The Earthman faced the warriors, his body rigid and features threatening. “No need for the swords gentlemen, he’s harmless.” “Put them away,” Kasha spoke quietly. The warriors stared at the petrified girl, at each other, but didn’t move otherwise. “I said sheathe them.” Now she used her most commanding voice, one laced with anger as well. Quickly, the men put their swords away. Reaching into his side-pack, Eric withdrew some flowers and fed them to the basami. Using more petals, he coaxed Puff into following them. They bypassed the yasmirs and continued on foot. Well-trained as they were, their mounts walked slowly behind. She smiled to herself. They had a rear guard of sorts, something they needed right now. Apparently the warriors they’d met along the way had passed on information about the basami. It seemed they had not impressed upon the listeners that Puff was benign, or perhaps the people didn’t wish to hear this, but chose to believe the old myths. Fierce people gobbler! The sudden thought of that made her chuckle aloud. Eric gave her an odd look, and she whispered, “I was just thinking about our ridiculous legend ... the one about basami’s swallowing people.” He didn’t smile. Instead, a more worried look overcame his face. “That myth may cause us problems.” He nodded toward warriors on both sides who kept their hands on their swords, while the women stared with terror-stricken eyes at the oblivious dragon. The smell of fear and excitement was in the air, a feeling akin to vibrations just before plunging into a battle. “I’ll take the lead,” Kasha said quietly as she passed in front of him. He nodded understandingly. She

stared down fierce warriors whose hands twitched upon their sword pommel, and made anxious looking women turn away, or slide behind those in front. The last thing they needed was a panic run amuck. She breathed a sigh of relief when the end of the long line appeared, bright daylight at the end of a tunnel. Clearing the last of the human restriction, they found a small gathering of officials awaiting them. At its head was her brother. Kasha ran the last few kreigers and gratefully snuggled within his welcoming embrace. “I was worried about you,” his deep voice stirred the hairs on her crown, sent pleasurable shivers down her back. She loved the fact that Rhamus, King and brother, loved her so dearly. “I missed you too,” she placed a quick kiss to his chin. He nodded toward the Earthman. “What have you brought back with you from the wastelands--trouble?” He whispered, so that the others wouldn’t be privy to their conversation. She backed out of his arms, smiled widely and waved at the pair behind her. “No, not trouble, but something glorious. A basami!” Eric moved aside and Rhamus stared at Puff. “So, it’s true.” “Your border patrols don’t know how to keep a secret.” She laughed. He smiled gently at her. “They keep well secrets they should.” He waved at the dragon. “This, I couldn’t expect anyone to keep that to themselves.” He peered at Puff thoughtfully. “Is it dangerous?” She laughed hard, slapping her knees, causing those around her to stare in confusion. “No. Puff, why he’ s the most lovable, harmless, goofy basami you’d ever hope to meet ... except for one bad habit.” Rhamus raised one eyebrow at her. “He doesn’t like to eat royalty does he?” Kasha punched his arm. “Oh, brother, it’s been a long time since I saw your sense of humor be so awful.” “Well, if he did attempt to devour you, he’d spit you back out.” He looked her up and down, as if searching for injury. A burst of giggles rolled from her, and she covered her mouth. Even Eric was staring at her like she’d lost her mind. She coughed and slipped one arm through her brother’s elbow. “Come meet your guest of honor.” The King spoke to the Earthman for a few minutes, gathering details of their journey, eyeing the basami the whole time. Puff stared in turn at Rhamus, fascinated it seemed with his glittering jewelry. “Can I pet it?” “Sure,” Eric pulled a large flower from his pack. “Give this to him and he’ll be your friend for life.” Her dignified brother was soon enamored with the basami, petting his head and watching in wonderment as the purple tongue plucked petals from his hand. Rhamus turned to her. “You never did tell me what bad habit he has.” Just then Puff exhaled a large

breath, covering all three with perfumed droplets. “I think I just received the answer.” The King flung his hands this way and that, managing to sling some of the sticky goo off. An official ran forward and offered his handkerchief, which Rhamus gratefully used to wipe his hands and face. He looked shame-faced at them. “Sorry, this cloth is soaked.” “No worries Your Majesty, we’ve gotten kind of used to getting showered with dragon vapor.” Eric chuckled. Rhamus glanced at the Earthman, then examined her face. His face split with a grin. “Been a hard journey, huh?” Kasha sighed. “You have no idea.” She noticed that Puff was sitting at her brother’s feet staring up at him with an adoring golden gaze. “Umm, there’s one other bad habit I forgot to mention.” She nodded downward and her brother stared at his feet. His look came back to her and it was the funniest expression she’d ever seen on his face. A mixture of horror, laughter held in check, and a touch of annoyance. Now you know how I feel, she thought. “It washes off pretty easy, after you soak in a shower.” Kasha couldn’t have contained the giggle that erupted, not even if an enemy warrior held a sword at her back. “Well, your basami.” “Our--Volarn’s basami.” She interrupted him. “Our dragon is lacking in etiquette, but he is a magnificent beast.” Rhamus caressed Puff’s head. “Yes, he is, I just wish he didn’t have such a penchant for royalty.” Rhamus smiled in response to her humor, then glanced behind her. “I think perhaps we’d better take him inside. Our people don’t seem to realize Puff is sweet and lovable.” Eric urged the basami into moving with more offers of flowers, the officials tagging along some distance behind. The King led them to the throne room, whereupon it began to fill with others who had followed as well, soon bulging with bodies vying for space. “What do we do with him?” Rhamus declared to the room at large, but eyed her and the Earthman. “We,” Eric waved in her direction, “planned on raising him.” “Your Majesty,” one of the rich merchants stepped forward quickly, his jewel-bedecked clothing proclaiming his personal wealth. “I’d be willing to take him off your hands, for a tidy sum of course.” “And what would you do with him Dazra, display him in some tiny cage for the public good?” “Yes, just so.” Kasha noticed Eric draw himself up, a flush rising in his face.

“First, the basami is his own creature, he belongs to no one. But if claims can be made by virtue of love and care, Kasha and Eric have earned that right. Second, I will not see such a legendary beast submitted to such indignities.” The King’s voice was firm, commanding. “I only thought of the people.” Dazra held his hands wide-spread, an innocent look on his face. Rhamus stared at the merchant until he unceremoniously withdrew behind his cohorts rimming the crowd. Sometimes actions truly are better than words, Kasha thought smugly to herself, proud of her brother for his kingly stance. An excited youth bounded to the front. “Your Majesty, you must allow us to have the basami for study.” “You’re one of Dr. Melat’s recruits, correct?” “Yes,” the young man bowed gallantly, pleased it seemed by the King’s acknowledgment. “One of the few scientist being trained by our esteemed doctor.” “And what would you do with him?” Rhamus gave the man a suspicious look. The youth’s excitement became even greater. “Why, we’d make tests on him. By the end of the year, I could guarantee we’ll know all the inner workings of the basami.” “Yes, by the end of your scientific experiments, I’m quite sure he’d be driven wild or perhaps be dead.” The King frowned. “No, Your Majesty, they’re just tests.” “You’d put him in a sterile environment, worse than even Dazra’s cage, poke and prod him with needles, probably feed him ungodly substances to test his endurance.” Rhamus gave the young scientist time to reply, and when he didn’t, he said, “Am I right or not?” At the King’s tone, which had been both commanding as a leader and fierce warrior, the young Volarnian’s enthusiasm waned and he fidgeted. His reply was barely above a whisper. “You’re pretty much on target, Your Majesty.” As they listened to the exchange of conversation, if Kasha thought the Earthman had looked threatening when they’d walked through the restless crowd outside, she’d been mistaken. His body was rigid, his face a stony visage, on the edge of exploding with emotions she understood only too well. She laid a cautionary hand on one arm, giving him a little nod, sending a silent signal to wait. Rhamus stood abruptly. “I will discuss this issue with my council.” As he walked toward the judgment chambers, Kasha caught up with him. “Don’t Eric and I have a say in this?” He laid a comforting hand on her arm. “I will defend both your positions, for I think I understand them well enough.” “Thank you,” she hesitated, then added, “you know I’ve not asked you for much--” she paused at his raised eyebrow, understanding instantly that he thought of their long, drawn-out argument years ago, when she’d worn him down about entering the Getra. He nodded, a tight-lipped look on his face.

“But, I ask this of you, no, I beg that you win them to our side.” “He means that much to you?” Rhamus pushed a strand of hair from her temple. “He does,” she looked where Eric held the little basami in check, feeding him petals to keep him calm. “I don’t understand it, especially since he has such atrocious habits.” She smiled a lop-sided grin, then turned back to him. “I love him. And, if the council votes for anything but what we wish, I will fight them on this. I just wanted you to know.” He sighed. “My lovely, warrior sister, I knew that before you said it.” “You know me too well,” she placed a hand upon his, which he’d laid comfortingly on her shoulder but a moment ago. Rhamus’ carriage was ramrod straight as he left her side, almost as he were set to lead a battle. But then I guess he is, she thought to herself. If anyone could defend Puff and his place in their society, it was her honorable brother. She relaxed slightly, but couldn’t keep the edgy feeling at bay completely, not until she knew justice had been served. Just as the journey here had seemed to be the longest in her memory, the hour she awaited the councils’ decision, was the most agonizing stretching of minutes she ever hoped to live through again. She knew Rhamus well, and took a deep breath when he reappeared. He gave no visible smile, nor wave in her direction. But something in his eyes and the spring to his step told her everything was all right. He came immediately to where Eric and she stood vanguard over the basami, smiling at them both. He reached down and gave Puff a few affectionate pets. “The council, in their infinite wisdom, has decided that you will raise Puff together.” He turned to the Earthman. “You have an apartment with a large walled garden behind it, and our thought was, the basami can be kept there.” Rhamus paused and looked at them seriously. “At least until he begins to grow larger.” At Kasha’s mutinous look, he turned to her. “I realize you could keep Puff in your walled garden as well, but I’m a little concerned since you’re next door to our suite.” “Why,” she asked angrily. He laughed. “I’m not concerned about the twins safety, but the fact that they’d wish to spend every waking moment at your place, playing with Puff.” “Oh, I guess I can understand that,” she mumbled. “Will that be agreeable to you?” He turned toward Eric. “Sure, I’d love to have Puff living in my garden,” he chuckled. “Are the rumors true that he only eats crespassno flowers?” “Yes,” they both chimed in together. “Then I’ll assign a servant to bring you bags of them every morning and evening,” Rhamus said.

“That’d be great.” Eric smiled happily. Kasha turned to survey the room and the peoples’ confused, puzzled, and even frightened looks. “Rhamus, I’m still a little worried about them,” she waved at the crowd. “What do we do about their views?” “I thought about sending out a proclamation. Perhaps the best thing would be to gather together the biggest gossips in the land, including my cousin Perris, of course. Then introduce them to the basami, and they’ll spread the word quickly enough.” His look took in the crowd. “Of course I will still send out an official proclamation concerning Puff, and state that no harm will come to him. If someone were foolish enough to kill him, they would be exiled just as if they’d murdered a child.” Eric and Kasha looked at each other, a little astonished, but pleased nonetheless by the King’s support. Eric glanced down at the basami, who by this time, was snoring loudly, clearly worn out from all the activities. “Excuse me, Your Majesty, but I think it’s time to tuck Puff in for the night.” The King grinned, nodding his agreement. It took much pushing and prodding to get the sleepy dragon down the long hallway. Finally in frustration, Eric picked him up and carried him the rest of the way to his apartment. “You need any help?” she offered. “No. He really doesn’t weigh much.” Puff’s long snout drooped over the human’s shoulder, and of course slobber drooled down his back in constant drips. Upon entering his suite, they both saw immediately that Belle was snuggled down in the center of his bed. "“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I forgot about Belle.” Eric looked shame-faced. At the mention of her name, she awoke instantly, started to skitter across the bed towards them and stopped in mid-step. Her body posture clearly spoke of her astonishment. “We forgot how she’d react,” Kasha said quietly. “Do you think she’s going to like this arrangement?” “I don’t know. I hope so.” He shifted Puff’s weight. “Would you open the garden door please?” Kasha complied, and Eric barely squeezed through with the now chubby basami. She walked quickly in front of him and arranged some large fronded bushes into a nest, and Eric placed Puff on it. He didn’t even stir, but snuggled down into the bushy bed. They reentered the apartment and Eric looked at Belle with an uncertain expression. “Well, I think I’ll leave you two to sort this out.” Her last peek before closing the large door was comical. The burly human was holding his hand out toward the konkol, who stood in a stiffened posture and stared at the wall behind him.

****

Belle was angry and it took some slick coaxing to make her listen to him. After he finally got Belle to accept his apology for bringing another animal into their home unannounced, she settled into the softly-padded chair, clearly indicating she was still peeved at him. Eric plopped on his bed, his thoughts going back to he and Kasha’s last sexual encounter. He was embarrassed he’d treated the woman he loved so callously, yet at the same time he was angry that she continued to be so stubborn. What was her problem? He was sure she cared for him, perhaps even loved him? Why couldn’t she admit it? And why was she so dead-set against marriage? He was determined to find out. He would ask the one person who he figured knew everything there was to know about the princess. A messenger sooeul had flown in today from Jarvic. He’d be arriving in a day or two. His bone-weary body begged for sleep and he accepted the invitation.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Eric finally made it to practice the next day, even though he was very late. His hair stood up in disarray, not something normal for the organized Earthman, and there was an agitated swing to his gait. “I didn’t know if you’d make it in today.” “Wild horses couldn’t have kept me in that room one minute more.” He ran one through his hair, not helping its arrangement a bit. “Tough morning?” She couldn’t keep the smile that quirked her lips from showing, but he was staring off across the field anyway, his eyes taking in two warriors who swung in expert strokes at one another. She was sure he wasn’t really looking at them though. “Tough morning, rough night, you name it,” he sighed and flopped his arm over the nearby fence rail. “I just don’t know if those two are going to get along.” “Hmmm,” was all she could manage. She couldn’t think of one comment that was helpful. He turned, eyeing her with frustration. “You never told me konkols could be so jealous.” She smiled gently, understandingly. “No orders this morning, no telling me how I ought to be running my life.” Frustration laced his voice. “I’ve never told you how to run your life.”

“Hmmm.” She didn’t appreciate his obvious imitation of her. “You’re just taking your frustration out on me.” “Oh, now the princess speaks.” He pulled a sliver of wood from the rail and chucked it onto the ground. Her lips flat-lined. “You know, I don’t think I like your company very much this morning.” She trotted away from him, toward her patrol mates. “Kasha, wait, I was being an ass.” She ignored his words and his presence as he drew near. In fact, she continued to shun him through the whole sword session. Finally, after several hours, she couldn’t take his drooping spirits any longer and approached him as they readied for the martial arts practice he taught. “Where’s Belle?” She questioned in a neutral tone, as if nothing was amiss. He shrugged. “Don’t know, she took off as soon as I opened the door this morning.” Kasha shook her head. “You can’t really blame her. She just got used to having you all to herself, then you bring in this large, bumbling creature without warning.” “I know.” He pitched a rock at a flower, crushing its beauty with his deadly aim. “You wouldn’t want to reconsider keeping Puff with you, would you?” He cocked one eye at her. She sighed. “I wouldn’t mind, but you heard what Rhamus said.” “Got any ideas?” “Give Belle lots of extra attention, I guess.” She chuckled, “course it’d help if you could locate her first.” “I swear, I think she was eavesdropping,” he whispered and nodded his head toward a clump of bushes nearby. The konkol was perched atop one bush, watching the other warriors, effectively snubbing them both. “My advice,” she whispered in his ear, “is to ignore her in a friendly fashion, you don’t want her to get the upper hand.” “I think it’s time to start practice,” he announced in an overly loud voice, hitting Kasha’s shoulder in a friendly slap. They started forward, passing Belle’s bush on the way. “Hi sweetie,” Eric waved and continued on. Kasha knew the konkol loved that endearment. Belle’s antenna drooped. Clearly she was feeling neglected. Usually, Kasha was intensely caught up in the training, but today found herself distracted by other players on the field. Belle kept inching closer, until she perched atop her favorite post nearest the practice field. Her antenna waved back and forth as she followed the action.

****

Later, she was talking to Bija when she noticed that Eric was leaning on the post, handing Belle a treat. In less than a minute, the konkol had taken up her familiar vantage point on the Earthman’s shoulder. Kasha made her way casually over to them. “Hey,” she stuck out a finger and slid it over the konkol’s downy coat. Belle didn’t jump onto her arm, as she normally would have to give her a proper greeting, but clutched Eric’s shoulder with a possessiveness that was hard to miss. “Belle’s agreed to give Puff another chance.” He gave her a secret smile, but doubt lit his face. “That’s very kind of you,” she spoke gently to the konkol. Eric needed all the assistance he could get. Clearing his throat, he said, “I’ve got to go feed the Puff. Want to tag along?” It was apparent he wished her help, and she did feel like she’d abandoned him the night before. “Sure,” she shrugged. “I haven’t anything better to do.” Boy, would she regret those words later. When they reached his suite, Eric stepped in ahead of her, blocking her view for a few seconds. His sharply in-drawn breath should have warned her. She nudged past him and gasped in astonishment. The room was in complete shambles. Clothes and bed linens were strewn everywhere. A large stuffed chair was overturned, and a crystal pitcher lay shattered into pieces, its contents of wine-red juice soaking into the exquisite carpet underfoot. “By the sacred crystal! It looks as though you were ravaged by thieves.” She turned to him with a sympathetic air. He took a step, almost slipped, and then grimaced. A string of curses poured from him, surprising her with its vehemence. “Not thieves. I should be so lucky.” “What?” Kasha was confused. Eric held up one foot, a very familiar sticky substance oozed off it in large plops. “Simply more gifts from our dragon friend.” “Oh, Eric, I’m sorry.” She couldn’t help it, a belly laugh, rich in depth leaped from her. Kasha grabbed her stomach, as if that would help, but still the chuckles rolled from her in idiotic glee. “I’m glad you can laugh so freely at my expense.” He frowned. Kasha swiped at a tear gliding down one cheek. “Truly, my friend, I’m laughing for the both of us.” She patted his cheek affectionately. “Surely you don’t think I’d leave you with this mess?” “Why would you do otherwise? You are a princess.” She grabbed his arms and shook him slightly. “Yes, but we’re Puff’s parents, of a sort, aren’t we?” “Yes,” his look was suspicious, as if she but set a verbal trap for him. Thinking back to earlier thoughts of Rhamus, when he took action, and how well that stood up against mere words, Kasha pushed Eric gently aside and picked up a soiled shirt. “Auto cleanser?” “Auto cleanser,” he repeated numbly, still unsure of her it seemed. She pitched the filthy shirt into the cleanser and grabbed another shirt as well on the way, then gingerly

picked up a pillow casing by one corner. It hung in shreds. What material remained dripped with flower encrusted saliva. “Unsalvageable, wouldn’t you say?” Now Eric stared at her in dawning realization. A silly grin spread across his face, in response she knew, to the one she had plastered on her own. “Uh, aren’t we forgetting something important?” His statement was confusing, as she stood in the ruin of his apartment. Then slapping her head, she exclaimed, “Puff.” “Where is the perpetrator?” He turned this way and that, searching the room with his eyes, as did she, but the basami was nowhere in sight. “How did he get in here anyway?” She wrinkled her forehead in thought. He pointed behind her, and Kasha saw immediately upon pivoting, that the garden door was open slightly. “The servant must have left it open.” He shook his head. “She will have to be warned.” She nodded and added, “He had to do some major squeezing through that small opening.” Eric began systematically searching the room, picking up clothing and linens, looking underneath, and pitching them aside. She joined him and they met at the far corner, where a heaped mound of dirty clothes hid a familiar shape. Puff’s tail curled from beneath a pair of pants. She grabbed the topmost shirt, revealing a sheepish-eyed dragon. “Puff.” They both chimed in together, making their voices severe. Kasha was doing her best to keep her giggles in-check. Eric pointed one muscular arm at the basami. “Bad boy!” Unexpectedly, Belle ran down his arm and perched precariously on his hand. She pointed one of her multiple limbs at Puff, in plain imitation of her master, while a shrill call emitted from her in an impressive volume. The basami trembled, clothes shaking from his body like leaves from a wind-blown tree. He sat straight up and stared at Belle with fearful golden eyes. “Would you look at that.” Eric’s tone was filled with surprise. “Yes, strange indeed.” Kasha laughed. “You,” Eric pointed, “get back outside.” His voice was firm and brooked no argument from Puff, who tucked his tail between his legs and slunk toward the door. “Can you open the--” Before he could get finished, the basami pushed through the door. “Whoa, now I know how a mouse squeezes through a crack.” When he turned back toward her, Kasha picked up a grimy shirt and pitched it at Eric. She giggled as Eric pealed the sticky cloth from his face. “Thanks for your help.” He grimaced, then grinned widely as he threw a drenching pillow case toward her.

Kasha managed to sidestep that, but got hit in the chest with a shirt the next instant. She didn’t understand what came over them, but suddenly the room turned into a mad melee as they threw clothes back and forth. “Stop.” She screeched, holding up both hands. Her hair was soaked and a thickly lathered shirt was wrapped around her neck and chin. “I thought we were supposed to be cleaning up this room?” “We are,” he waved at her. “Most of the clothes are on your side.” “Very funny.” She blew a strand of hair from her eyes. Eric scooped down swiftly, grabbed an armload of material, and headed toward the cleanser. She kept a suspicious eye on him until he dumped his load, then she followed suit. Soon they really did have the room picked up. Fortunately, most of the dragon drool had landed on the clothes, only small puddles spotted the carpet and wood floor. Shaking his head, Eric gathered the bundle of clothes pooled at the bottom of his closet. Apparently Puff had dragged every piece down and scattered them across the room. There wasn’t one item of clothing still hanging, only hangers that barely clung to the rod. “When I leave, I’ll send a maid to clean your floors.” Eric ran a hand through his hair. Stopping at mid-shove he examined his hand, then grimaced. “I hate to give her that job, but I’m afraid I don’t have the equipment.” “I think we’d better worry about cleaning ourselves up,” she laughed. Kasha held out both arms and shook her head in disgust as drips of slime plopped off along their length. Eric eyed her. “You’re going to leave drool trails for the poor maid if you leave like that. Why don’t you shower off here?” “I think that’s a great idea.” She started for the bathroom, paused with her hand on the knob and turned back toward him. “You’re welcome to join me.” They stared across the room at one another, their emotions surfacing for the first time since their journey. Those molten gray eyes licked her body with heat before his posture became rigid and she knew he once again controlled himself. “You go first,” he turned away, beginning straightening items on the table that had become jumbled. She sighed inaudibly. Would she ever sway the stubborn Earthman to her way of thinking? Taking a shower in Eric’s tub gave her an unexpected sensuous sensation, more so as she imagined him joining her. Scrubbing the soap into her skin, she managed to remove Puff’s saliva, but failed to remove the thought of his hands running over her body as did her own hands. Is that why I started another fight? One, which eerily, reminded her of their last such encounter. The mud fight had led to a sexual experience that she still dreamed about. Consequently, when she reentered the bedroom, she had only one thought on her mind. But Eric hurried past her in record speed, keeping his head down as he watched his step carefully for dangerous wet puddles. Thus, he effectively missed her purposely seductive pose and the scant towel. It was all that covered her. Even though she thrust one thigh seductively forward, baring her limb all the way to her groin, he didn’t glance at her. So much for a quick seduction, she thought sourly to herself.

Kasha retrieved her uniform, which Eric had thoughtfully put into the auto cleanser while she was bathing. Redressing, she smoothed her hair, listened to the shower running, and placed her hand on the doorknob. Should I join him? Only one thing stopped her from that intent, Puff began bellowing out in the garden. She closed the door quickly, but he pressed his snout up against the glass and peered at her with hungry golden eyes. She realized he’d not been fed this evening. Regretful, she threw a backward glance at the bathroom door and then entered the garden in resignation, gathering a load of flowers from the stash kept in an overhead cabinet. By the time she got through feeding the basami his ration, Eric had reappeared in the room, a towel wrapped around his well-developed abdomen. He grabbed the clean uniform he’d run through the cleanser earlier, then went into the bathroom to dress out of her sight. She frowned in disappointment. “Thanks, for feeding him.” Eric appeared at the door, his hair slicked back. He looked manly, muscular and totally delicious. They settled Puff down for the night and she said, “We might as well go eat supper ourselves. I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry.” It was comical when Eric’s maid stuck her head inside the room just at that moment, her shocked face taking in the bare-stripped room and puddles of wetness. “You should have seen it earlier,” Eric said solemn faced. Kasha laughed and waved the girl inside, explaining the situation to her. “Don’t worry about a thing,” the maid ushered them out. “Just be sure and not open the garden door,” Eric called as they left. The dining area was a welcome sight. The table was filled, as usual that night, with noble people. Rhamus, Serena, and the twins made it a jolly affair. But there was an uncomfortable air between her and Eric, as there hadn’t been since their return. She found herself giving him minuscule glances from beneath her lashes, and sometimes found him staring at her. His look told her that he desired her, but that stubborn control was still in place. Fortunately, an unexpected surprise gave them reprieve from their dilemma. Jarvic appeared with several other warriors and everyone welcomed him back, especially her. She jumped up and gave him a big hug. She’d missed him more than she thought. Eric stood up and shook his hand, and they talked a few minutes about the group of young warriors Jarvic had been training while they’d been gone on their journey. Much social talk and chatter went on for a while. Finally, the mention of the basami came up, as she knew it would. Jarvic looked around, from her to Eric, to Rhamus, and then to others he knew. “Rhamus, what is this? Has Kasha brought back a new myth to tell us about the basami?” “No,” she laughed. “We brought back a real live dragon.” “You’ve got to be kidding! She’s joking, isn’t she?” He turned to the King. “No, she’s telling the truth.” Rhamus smiled happily.

Jarvic bounded to his feet. “I’ve got to see this wonder.” Serena tried to wave him back down. “Please, at least finish your dinner.” He kept standing, an excited look on his handsome face. “Oh, no, I can always eat later, but a basami. I’ve never seen a real one in my whole life.” Everyone at the table laughed, neither had they until she and Eric had brought one home. Kasha had finished except for dessert anyway, so jumped up to escort Jarvic to the suite, Eric trailing behind them. Once her cousin entered the apartment and he got a look through the glass at the now sleeping Puff, he stopped in complete astonishment. The basami must have heard a noise or smelled them, for suddenly his great golden eyes opened. He leapt to his clumsy feet and bounded to the door. Kasha and Eric stepped back as Jarvic entered the garden. Why should they get dirty again? They’d already showered. Soon the little dragon was bouncing around her cousin’s feet. You could tell the warrior was really enjoying their time together. He spent quite a while petting Puff and feeding him bits of flowers, which they’d told him about earlier, even wrestling with him at one point. Finally, the basami yawned largely and Jarvic peered questioningly at them through the glass. She and Eric entered the garden and helped bed Puff down again. When they reentered the apartment, sure enough her cousin was covered in spots with drool. But he just grinned like it was the grandest thing. As they walked back to his suite so Jarvic could shower, all he could do was talk about Puff and ask them question after question. They promised him that tomorrow he’d have more time to get acquainted with the basami. They reached her suite first. Eric said goodnight to her somewhat awkwardly. Kasha had to admit she didn’t feel as comfortable with him either, as had been her experience previously. Still, she’d enjoyed the evening.

****

Jarvic and Eric walked on together. After some jokes and comments on how the warriors were proceeding in martial arts training, Eric plunged right in, asking his companion, “Do you know why Kasha is so adamant against marriage?” The man eyed him devilishly, a crooked smile making him look even more impish. “Finally, the boiling pot is ready to explode.” “Are you going to help or just egg on her cause?” “Eric, don’t be so sensitive,” Jarvic slapped his shoulder. “I know how much you care for her.” “Do you know the answer, then?” he pressed. “No,” Jarvic’s lips settled into a straight line. “Afraid I have no idea why she’s being so hard-headed.”

They strolled toward the barracks, where Jarvic usually slept. Eric kicked at a stone underfoot. “Am I being blind? Does she really care for me only as a friend?” “No one can say for certain except you two. But as far as men go, you’re the closest thing to a love interest that I’ve seen her express toward anyone.” “That doesn’t tell me much.” Eric exhaled in frustration. “I know. Kasha’s still young. I’ve seen several men show interest in her. One nobleman even asked Rhamus if he could go through the Tarthra with her.” “And?” “Oh, she refused of course. Wouldn’t even consider someone who wasn’t a warrior.” Jarvic chuckled. “Sounds like an excuse.” Eric frowned. “Mmmm. Maybe your best bet is to go to the source.” “My thoughts exactly.” His thoughts flashed to the princess and the chaotic, comical day they had spent together. “I’d love to be there, but I don’t feel it’s my place.” “I appreciate your discretion.” Eric laughed.

****

The next morning at practice, Jarvic and Eric showed up together laughing and talking, and spent some time in conversation before they started working out with everyone else. Kasha joined them during a break and this time answered questions from her cousin concerning the trip that took them so close to the wastelands. The Earthman picked up the tale. All the warriors stopped, even though they’d probably heard the story countless times already, and listened closely as Eric retold the story of his journey into the haunted city. The rest of the morning was spent in what she called leisurely exercise, sessions being interrupted frequently by discussions concerning the wastelands and the basami. The warriors wanted to become better acquainted with the dragon, something Eric mulled over as they approached the castle. “Maybe I could make him a leash.” “Sounds like a good idea,” Jarvic said, “as long as you have a pocketful of flowers in case he gets stubborn.” Her cousin gave the Earthman an enigmatic look, a wink, and strolled off. They were effectively alone on this side of the field. “I’d like to ask you something.” Eric’s tone of voice and serious expression warned her that she wouldn’t like what he was about to ask.

“Can’t it wait?” He had a determined look and she cringed inside. Oh no, here we go again. “No. For me, it can’t wait any longer. I want to know why you’re so opposed to the idea of marriage?” His question was not that unexpected, but still unwanted. She tried silliness to deflect his line of thought. “Can’t a girl wish to stay single and care-free?” Eric stepped closer, caught her eyes and trapped them with the intensity of his. “You know I love you, and I know you care for me, so why can’t we at least discuss marriage? Long engagements have been known to happen.” He smiled tentatively, putting some humor into the situation. But, she no longer felt thus. Her thoughts wheeled and she grasped at an answer. “You forgot the challenge.” “Ah, yes, the challenge.” He folded his arms and gave her a hard stare. “That ridiculous, impossible challenge.” “You didn’t think it was so ridiculous before.” She was getting angry. “Didn’t I?” An urge to hurt him hit her. Perhaps it would back him down. “Maybe it’s simply that I don’t wish to marry an Earthman.” She put emphasis on the last word, as if it were something distasteful. She turned and headed toward the castle. “I’m starving and I’m not going to stand here and discuss this any longer.” “You’re a liar.” She ignored his statement. “And you’re a coward,” he said softly. She didn’t know if he meant for her to hear that remark, but she acted as if she did not. She turned at the door. Jarvic had rejoined Eric and they were headed for the corrals. Let the boys play. All she wanted was a quick bite, refreshing shower, and then a long visit with her adorable niece and nephew. Maybe his interest in creating a workable leash for Puff would take Eric’s thoughts from pursuing her about marriage. She didn’t see either of them until the next morning, and sure enough they were leading a reluctant Puff on a leather leash. It was a harness affair, with straps going around his chest and neck. “He doesn’t look too happy,” she observed. “Don’t worry, he’ll get used to it.” Eric smiled reassuringly. Her fellow warriors were charmed by the little dragon, hence, they accomplished even less training than the day before. All the attention seemed to convince Puff that maybe being on a leash wasn’t such a bad idea. At least that’s how she saw it, the manner in which the basami settled into letting himself be led around with the harness. After that, Eric brought Puff around to visit for a short while everyday, but would then return him to the garden. The warriors couldn’t afford to be distracted for protracted periods. In the evening he would take the basami for strolls around the castle grounds and usually either she or Jarvic went with him.

Things had changed. Where once fear had ruled the peoples thoughts, now adoration reigned supreme. Puff had become a celebrity, sometimes making it difficult for them to finish his walk. Quite often they were interrupted so people could pet and “oh” over him. Eric had received permission to take the dragon into the gardens in the evening, letting him loose to run and eat to his heart’s content. Only one place was off limits to Puff--King Rhamus and Queen Serena’s private garden, which they cherished.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Kasha couldn’t believe it’d only been two months since they first brought Puff to the castle. He was so much larger now, doubling in length. His weight increased too and his belly stayed round. Yet when Kasha had lifted him recently to remove him from her bed, she was surprised at how light he was. His weight fit in with one of Eric’s theories, that Volarn’s dragon might have hollow bones like birds on Earth, thus making flight feasible. She stretched out one of Puff’s wings and shook her head. It was still so tiny, barely growing at all. How he would fly one day was a mystery to them all. It caused many discussions and arguments among the scientists, as well as the populace at large. One other thing they had discovered. Puff was a male, his “family jewels,” as Eric termed them, clearly visible now. They’d spent so much time on rearing the little basami there wasn’t time for further confrontations or sexual encounters between them. Or maybe it was just that neither of them pursued their individual agendas while playing parents. Puff was still very popular. People had gotten used to his appearance it was true, but he never ceased to receive frequent pets and offerings of flower petals as he made his rounds. Eric had officially “deleashed” the basami some weeks ago. Puff had become very well behaved, tagging along behind the Earthman, she or Jarvic. Even his sneezes and drooling had come under control. He only splashed someone unexpectedly when he truly sneezed at a strange or new odor. Although the funny thing was, a rumor had spread, that to be sprayed by the legendary dragon was considered a blessing. Now that Puff blessed people less often, Volarnians would stand for minutes at a time, feeding him flowers and hoping for a shower. A few smarter ones had begun bringing strange flowers for the basami to sniff. At times this method got the results they wanted when he let out huge steams of scented vapor. “Been giving you any trouble?” Eric surprised her by appearing quietly at her door. “No, he just decided to nap on my bed.” “Yep,” he grinned and eyed her bed. “I can see that.”

Kasha began pulling the cover sheet off, which were filthy and covered with drool. Puff still oozed uncontrollably when asleep. Eric grabbed the pillows and withdrew them carefully from their coverings. “Look mom,” he held up one hand, “no dragon spit.” “Very cute,” she blew hair from her eyes. Her armload of linens had netted no such luck. Stickiness wet both her underarms. Clapping her hands, she awakened Puff and shoved him off her bed. Kasha watched Eric covertly while they remade her bed. His tan had darkened even more, due to his spending so much time under Volarn’s two suns during practice. The deep color highlighted the fineness of his muscles and the rippling effect as he moved. She bit her lip. How she longed to run her hands once again down those brawny biceps, sleek her hands along his cut abdomen. They were friends, very good friends, but nothing more. Eric ignored all her efforts at seduction or suggestive remarks. Frankly, lately she’d given up on approaching him in such a manner.

****

He watched her watch him as they straightened the covers. The princess was a hard woman to ignore. And while he didn’t exactly ignore her, he tried to pretend he didn’t see or hear when she played the seductress. He didn’t know how much longer he could withstand her lovely presence without giving in to what she desired. They exchanged some friendly banter, but he soon returned to his suite, Puff lagging behind. Eric flopped in the stuffed chair, his thoughts circling, not even caring that the basami plopped his long snout on top of his feet. What to do? He just didn’t know. It appeared Kasha would never come around to his way of thinking. What did she have against marriage? He didn’t really think it mattered to her that he was from Earth. Did she fear marriage or men? He shook his head silently. No. She didn’t fear anything, except the wastelands. Yet, she absolutely refused to discuss the possibility of tying the knot. Other Getra were married. So why did the princess have such a problem with it? There was the Tarthra thing, but he didn’t really think that was it. Her flinging the choosing in his face felt like an excuse. As he’d told her in the past, Earth people didn’t use Tarthras or crystal balls to make their life choice. There was some mystery here, something he hadn’t discovered about her. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but he just had a feeling that there was something she wasn’t telling him, the real reason behind her refusal. He knew she cared for him. He thought, hoped that she loved him. They were a good match, Tarthra or not. Eric laid his head back and stared at the ceiling. What would it take to finally win his princess. Oh, there was that ridiculous challenge she’d turned on herself, but he didn’t really believe she meant it. The terms were too far-fetched. It just felt like another excuse. Sure, he was aggravated when she’d thrown his nicely

thought out and executed challenge back in his face. But, then he’d never thought it would be that simple to win her hand anyway. He’d simply fulfilled her challenge to see what she’d say, but pushed her to think that he did expect acceptance. Of course he would have been thrilled if she had acceded readily, but he didn’t expect it. The question was, what do I do now? He mulled over his present life, how much he enjoyed spending almost every day with his love interest. How much he liked that they were raising Puff together. Eric looked down, ignoring the wetness coating his boots. The basami was snoring, content and happy. He wished he could feel the same, but knew he couldn’t, wouldn’t, until he held the princess in his arms as his bride. They’d drawn closer and closer as friends. But their disagreement about marriage caused a rift that sometimes led to uncomfortable silences. “Maybe I need a change of pace,” he spoke aloud. Puff snorted, grumbled in his sleep and resettled into a new position. A change of pace, a change of scenery. He didn’t know where this thought came from, but suddenly it had great appeal. What was that old saying, “distance makes the heart grow fonder.” Maybe, if he left for a while, Kasha would come around. He shook his head ruefully. He doubted his own thoughts, yet, the more he pondered it the more it appealed to his restless spirits. Part of him was always joyous at being around Kasha so much, but part was also miserable--that half of him wanted to be anywhere but around the source of his misery. Maybe they both needed a little time apart. His thoughts circled and he remembered Jarvic’s interesting discussions of his recent journey. He’d gone to train a group of young warriors near the eastern border, something usually reserved for Uliki, famed swordsman of Volarn. Uliki had been ill, thus Jarvic had filled in for him. Eric knew Kasha admired a fierce warrior and a skilled one above all else. Her eyes shone when she watched him in martial arts matches when he taught her patrol mates. But, when it came to his sword skills, there was only negligible acceptance from her, at times, laughter when he made a particularly bad blunder. “That’s it,” he hit one fist into the other palm. The basami yawned and looked up at him with sleepy eyes. “Would you miss me too much boy, if I took off for a time?” Puff lazily laid his nose onto Eric’s lap, his golden eyes turned upward. Eric rubbed the downy feathers on the dragon’s head. “I’d miss you. But, I don’t know if people would like it if I took you along, especially Kasha.” He stared into space. “Just think of it Puff, I could be improving my swordsman’s skills and practicing with Uliki, the greatest swordsman on Volarn.” The basami yawned again, stretched, then got down and ambled into the garden. His eyes focused on the disappearing dragon, but his thoughts were elsewhere. Maybe, if I came back with good swordsmanship, I would win Kasha over a bit more. He smiled, a crooked pulling of his lips. I doubt it, his thoughts echoed back. He spent the rest of the day in routine matters, yet his thoughts wouldn’t let go of the idea, until finally he approached Jarvic for his opinion. Not surprisingly, the King’s cousin was all for the trip, and volunteered

to go along to keep him company. Secretly, he thought the warrior had a girl in that part of the country he wanted to visit. But he gladly accepted Jarvic’s offer, such cheerful companionship would be salve to his sore spirits. Eric still hadn’t made up his mind the next day, but a turn of events took the decision from him. He was instructing several younger warriors how to perform a round kick, followed by a spin heel kick, when a bellow interrupted them. “Where are the Earthman and his dragon?” His mouth went dry and a rock took up lodging in his stomach. It was the King. And he was furious. Kasha started toward her brother before he could take a step. She was trying to calm Rhamus down by the time he reached them. “What’s wrong, Your Majesty?” The ruler’s lethal violet eyes raked him. “I thought you were keeping the basami under control?” “We are,” he and the princess chimed in at the same time. Rhamus clasped his hands behind him, taking a steely stance as if a rod shot up his back. “Do you know where Puff is right now?” “Why,” he stopped, cleared his throat of the croak that threatened to erupt. “He’s in my garden.” “Whose garden?” The King stepped closer, spearing him with a purple lightning stare. Comprehension shot through him. He glanced at Kasha and saw that she had the same sick realization, her clear skin paling in reaction. There was only one garden the basami could be in that would have the King ready to murder the only dragon on the planet. “He’s in your garden?” the princess asked in a soft voice. Rhamus turned his clenched-jawed face to her and nodded. “We’ll go and fetch him, Your Majesty.” He trotted past the King, the princess beside him. “What makes that garden so sacred?” he asked in a confused voice as they moved along swiftly. “It’s hard to explain, but it has special significance to Rhamus and Serena.” They slowed as they neared the gated entrance to the garden. “Something about being the first time they realized they really cared for each other, I think.” “Your brother has a bad temper.” “Uhuh.” She nodded. “Just think if I did something really horrible, like stealing his sister away from him.” He grinned at her, tried to lighten the mood. “This is not the time for your jests.” Her voice was gentle, not sarcastic in the least. It was simply a fact she stated. They entered through the arched stones at the same time and by their in-drawn breaths they spotted Puff

at the same time too. The basami looked like he did when they’d first found him, defenseless eyes peering at them with fear, his tail and hindquarters squeezed up against the wall behind him. But this time he was trussed up. Ropes bound his limbs and wrapped around his body several times. A guard stood on either side of him, staring straight ahead. “How dare you!” Kasha strode to the largest guard, staring at him until his eyes went uncomfortably to the hostage. “It was the King’s orders.” “This is outrageous. Puff is a gentle soul.“ Kasha stood nose to nose with the guard. Eric grabbed her arm and spoke in a low voice. “It may not be as ridiculous as it looks.” When she jerked away, he grasped her shoulders, and turned her toward the gardens behind her. He’d had time to have a look while she attacked the guard. “By the sacred crystal.” She glanced from one side to other several times, and then turned back. “Puff, what were you thinking.” It was a statement, a demand, not a question. “That’s the problem, he wasn’t thinking,” Eric grumbled. “That’s right, defend him,” she said sharply. “I’m not defending his actions.” Eric shrugged. “Maybe he’s not a baby anymore, but he’s still just a dragon.” Kasha fisted her hands on her hips, her stance as rigid as her brothers had been earlier. “Great, now what do we do?” Eric looked around at the devastation. The large walled garden had once been covered with elegantly flower-tipped crespassno bushes, except for trailing paths of hexagon-shaped small stones that wound their way through the maze of flora. There were also strategically placed benches along the path at intervals. A collection of water fountains with artistically sculpted statues perched on top, graced stretches of the pathway. Now, every bush was completely denuded or else lay trampled in the dirt. One bench lay awkwardly on its side, as if it were a drunk that teetered over from its own weight. Another bench had suffered worse treatment, being shattered into several large pieces. All fountains, except one, were pushed over or broken into large chunks. Puff must have been very excited to run amuck, knocking down the heavy water fountains. The solitary fountain that stood unscathed was near Eric. He noticed that it was bone dry. Puff had licked every drop of moisture from its bottom, for he’d left a telltale pool of slimy residue sticking to its stone sides. Not even the exquisite hexagon stones had escaped the basami’s rampage. Many were ripped from the soft grass on which they had rested. Eric had been examining the damage again before answering. “I’m not sure what we can do. We can’t rebuild it.” He smiled softly at her, “I don’t know about you, but I don’t have one green thumb on me.” She seemed to ignore his attempt at humor. “Has he gone mad?” Kasha’s voice trembled slightly, which she covered with a quick cough.

He sighed. “I believe, if I had to make a guess.” “What, what?” She sounded impatient. “That he’s growing up, showing his spirits, his independence.” “That’s your reasoning?” Now her voice dripped sarcasm. “Best I can come up with on such short notice.” Their banter was interrupted by the abrupt appearance of Rhamus at the gate, the Queen standing slightly behind him. If he thought the King had been mad, whew, his consort was another matter. Her red, swollen eyes attested to her upset feelings, her rigid body language to the amount of anger she suppressed, just barely. Eric had a feeling that neither were people one wished to tangle with on an individual basis. Together, they appeared deadly. He had a warrior princess by his side, but the King had a warrior Queen by his. They approached the royal couple slowly, offering their individual apologies. “I’m not good with plants, but I’d be glad to help rebuild your garden anyway I can,” Eric said softly. “That’s not the point,” the King stated flatly. He surveyed the destroyed area. “It can be rebuilt,” his look turned to the dragon. “But what are we going to do to prevent Puff from doing it again?” Eric was so glad that Rhamus said “we” instead of “I,” indicating he and Kasha would have a say in the matter. “Your Majesty, I don’t even know how he got out of my garden.” “I do. You’ll see once you go to your apartment. He busted through the wall.” “The wall.” He repeated, feeling idiotic somehow. “I had no idea he’s gotten so strong.” Eric turned and eyed the sad-faced perpetrator. “I guess none of us did, but he has gotten rather large for your garden.” “That’s true,” he shook his head in agreement. “He doesn’t have room to run around any longer. Maybe I could move with him to a larger place?” “Hmmm, wouldn’t be but a temporary solution I’m afraid.” “What?” Kasha asked, a confused look passing over her lovely face. “Didn’t either of you notice that Puff has decimated the flowers in the royal gardens?” They looked at each other. Eric was embarrassed and the princess paled. “Not only that, but he’s almost eaten through the only crespassno field nearby,” the King added. Eric cleared his throat. “Your Majesty, I ... I don’t know how that escaped my notice.” “I imagine your thoughts have been elsewhere.” For the first time today Rhamus smiled. He felt even more uncomfortable than ever. If his shirt had a collar, he’d be pulling on it. “Where are the nearest fields?” “About a day’s ride. Too far to send servants back and forth.”

Eric’s spirits sank. But abruptly an idea shot through him. “Your Majesty, I may have a solution.” He stopped at Kasha’s sweetly eager look, the King’s face reflecting doubt. “Isn’t it true that eastern Volarn has many huge crespassno fields?” “Yes,” Rhamus’ features flashed with a thoughtful look. “The eastern borders,” Kasha scoffed. “That’s too far away to send poor Puff all by himself.” “Who said anything about sending him alone.” Eric almost stopped himself from finishing, the princess’ suddenly distressed expression a deterrent. He purposely turned from her and faced the King directly. “I’ve been considering, Your Majesty, moving there so I could learn better sword fighting from Uliki. That is, with your permission.” “That does sound like a perfect solution. And I did promise that you could stay on Volarn until Puff was an adult.” “A perfect solution! For who?” Kasha’s voice was shrill, surprising them both. She flapped her hands against her sides, clearly frustrated. “If you take him to the eastern borders, I’d never see him again.” “Nonsense, dear sister,” the King laughed gently. “You can go visit. I admit, it’d be difficult for Eric and Puff to travel back and forth, but there’s no reason why you can’t.” “No reason.” Her jaw clenched and she stepped closer to her brother. “Can you guarantee that Jouko’s forces will leave us in peace so I can take leisurely trips whenever I wish?” “You know I can’t.” “Then Eric’s idea is ridiculous.” She pivoted, strode through the gate, not even acknowledging Serena. “I’m sorry,” Eric apologized for her behavior, feeling responsible somehow. The King shook his head, while his eyes followed her trim figure. “She’ll cool down.” He turned and looked him directly in the face. “You know that Puff is not the real, true reason she’s so upset?” His face must have looked silly, for he just knew a stupid, hopeful look was plastered on it. Waving his arms somewhat aimlessly toward Puff, he said, “I guess I better take care of him.” After untying the basami, he turned. “I, uh, don’t know where to take Puff, Your Majesty. I could have taken him to Kasha’s garden, but I guess I’ll have to wait a bit to do that.” “He can visit me until you get things ready.” Jarvic stepped forward. Eric hadn’t been aware he’d slipped into the garden and apparently had listened on the last few minutes events. It never ceased to amuse him, the way Jarvic always seemed to be around when things got interesting or downright embarrassing. He and Jarvic both bowed respectfully to the King. Eric kept a hand on the basami’s neck, but the frightened dragon stayed nailed to his side, to the point he almost tipped over several times. He gave Queen Serena a nod as they passed, unable to squish the flush that rushed up his neck. She looked so distressed. Luckily, Jarvic had a small suite with a walled garden in the castle, which went largely unused. It didn’t take long to settle Puff into his new quarters, and it didn’t take much time to gather the supplies he needed for the journey either. The hardest part was finding a wagon that the basami could ride in. The road was too long and Puff’s gait too slow for him to walk it.

The other hard part was saying good-bye to the princess. She acted like she didn’t care, but clung to Puff’s neck with fervor and a smattering of tears that she quickly swiped away. He received a handshake good-bye, but her clenched jaw and glistening eyes told him she did care that he was leaving. He almost changed his mind, but then, who would look after the dragon? He and Kasha’s fates were about to change drastically, all because a silly dragon had ravaged the King and Queen’s precious garden. For the moment, his thoughts were sidestepping the fact that he’d already been thinking of visiting eastern Volarn. That’s how Puff, who wasn’t a magic dragon, was exiled from a fairy-tale kingdom to a land far, far away.

CHAPTER TWENTY

The journey took two weeks, a slow ambling and difficult trip due to pulling a wagon with a disgruntled dragon inside. Jarvic’s company helped relieve the boredom, and he was always willing to lend a hand with Puff. Once they arrived, Eric agreed the barracks were lacking some of the amenities of the previous one. But the warriors he met in various patrol groups were pleasant and eager for his offer to show them martial arts basics. Fortunately, Uliki was well by the time he arrived. He was truly astounding as a swordsman, and Eric knew he had much to learn. Before beginning the long trek, he had thought to visit Kasha a few times, but the reality of dealing with the basami stuck in a wagon all day for several weeks, changed his mind. He hoped she could make the journey instead. They quickly established written communication via sooeuls, their correspondence flying back and forth on a weekly basis. The days, then weeks passed, and he wondered when he would get to look upon his princess’ lovely face again.

****

Kasha missed Eric and Puff terribly. Of course nothing would compare with his actual presence. She often found herself wandering into his quarters. The wall had been repaired long ago, but no one had taken up residence in his suite. Sometimes she thought Rhamus left it empty for her sake, a welcoming influence and reminder that Eric would return one day. She was there now. Strolling around dreamily, she slid one hand down his carefully made-up bed--done by himself of course. Eric never left his room in disorder for the maid. She picked up odd little objects he

’d collected, things most Volarnians ignored. There was a wilted and dried crespassno flower head; a small irregularly shaped golden stone, probably fallen from some wall; an alati claw; a jewel encrusted dagger a dignitary had bequest him because he’d brought the legendary basami back to its people. She smiled. Eric had thought the gift frivolous, something one certainly couldn’t use in battle. But he’d liked it nonetheless and admired its beauty. A few seconds later, she shook herself from a haze. She realized she’d been clutching the knife to her chest, her whole being concentrating on the Earthman’s handsome face. She chunked the thing down, but her steps lagged when she neared his dresser. She didn’t know what drew her, but something did, as if a cyreel sang to entice her into its deadly arms. Just as the tabletop had held an assortment of odd objects, so did the dresser. Of course there was the normal ones you’d expect to see--a hairbrush, cologne, toiletry items. A heavily carved wooden jewel case drew her interest. Eric never wore jewelry. But he’d been given pieces by various people, including Olga, the Queen, and other grateful people of the kingdom. She started to close it, but her hand paused at the velvety material making up a pocket of sorts underneath the top. A hidden area. Pulling it open, Kasha almost didn’t see what lay nestled inside, a small bundle of cloth made of the same material as the pocket. She withdrew it carefully, feeling guilty for a microsecond, then shrugging, unwrapped the cloth. On her opened palm rested the velvet red fabric, and on it, curled a long strand of hair that had been braided from three pieces. She picked it up by the thick end and stared at it, studying it with interest. What could it mean? It was black hair, certainly southern Volarnian by the blue shadings. But why was it here, hidden in Eric’s jewelry box? Unexpectedly, the truth hit her. It was her hair. She didn’t know how she guessed this. She knew with every ounce of psychic power she possessed, that the Earthman had been keeping a strand of her hair as safely tucked away as if it were the greatest of treasures. She felt nauseated, elated, and angry. How dare he. And where on Volarn had he acquired the strands? Kasha paced the length of the room several times, her anger overwhelming all other feelings. She held the braid out in front of her, as if it were some vile thing. The nerve of him, keeping some small part of me hidden away from the world. It felt so personal. It made her feel violated. What was he thinking? Round and round her thoughts flew. Her thoughts latched onto a memory of his discussions concerning Earth and the time period of knighthood. She stared at the black hair spilling from her fist. He had told her that medieval ladies sometimes bestowed favor upon their chosen knight by gifting them with personal items, such as silk scarves or locks of hair. Was this the answer? Yes. She knew just as firmly as she’d known this was her hair. This was the purpose behind Eric’s braided keepsake. She still felt invaded, but less so. How silly. How utterly sentimental of him. Yet, so very Eric. Finally, a smile broke through her frozen features. He knew she would never have given him a symbolic part of herself if he’d asked, so he’d taken one quietly, unobtrusively. “Then why didn’t you take it with you?” she spoke to the air, frustration eating at her again.

Would she ever understand him? Would he ever understand her? She replaced the keepsake, really determined to leave this time, but something in his closet drew her. It was empty except for one shirt. She touched the silky material hesitantly, and then tugged it loose, held it away from her. There were several small rips marring its black surface, perhaps the reason Eric had left it. “You’re getting careless, my handsome Earthman,” she whispered. She stroked the edges of the slits, remembering one of their last lessons. Recalled how she’d cut his shirt here and there to make a point about defensive moves. He’d laughed and rubbed the ruined fabric. Usually he was very meticulous about repairing his own clothes. He must have been in too much of a hurry the morning he left. She became angry at the thought of how easily he had left her. The soft shirt called her back, made her think of the magnificent chest beneath the silk. She caressed it again, remembering how steely he had felt beneath her inquisitive explorations. Without realizing it, she brought the shirt to her nose and took several deep breaths. When reality hit her, she heeded not her inner warnings, but buried her face in the softness, drew in his essence. It smelled so good, slightly dirty it was true, but captured the very essence of Eric’s masculine odor and cologne. Kasha rubbed her face against the slippery fabric, caught up in memories that swirled and tore at her heart. Her knees weakened and she sagged to the ground, posed in a penitent fashion. Feelings of remorse and sadness gripped her, made her rock back and forth in their harsh grasp. She was alone. Had been in a way, ever since her father died. Rhamus tried, but he couldn’t give her the attention she craved, nor could Jarvic fill in for father or lover. But, then an arrogant, teasing, irritating, charming Earthman stepped into her life and changed it forever. At least changed the way she thought about love. Continuing to rock, she pressed her face into the folds. All he wanted was to give her his love, and she’d run from the very beginning, rejecting him, causing him to finally run from her. “I can’t love him,” she whispered against the satiny cloth. I can’t, she repeated silently. For to love Eric, would mean betraying my brother, putting the crown at risk, perhaps throwing the kingdom into chaos. It’s not fair. Why should he have to suffer, why should I? Her hands floated to her lap and gripped the shirt with sweaty palms. Her head fell backward, her eyes turned upward. “I admit it, I love him. I’m on my knees, me, Kasha the warrior princess.” Silence returned her plea. “Goreth help me,” her words staggered out in jerks. Kasha closed her eyes, wasn’t surprised to feel wetness slip down her cheeks and plop off her jaw. Her hands clutched the fabric anew as pain pierced her heart as if someone had thrust the jeweled dagger into it. She was surprised when a shaking of her chest brought forth huge sobs. Kasha tried to hold them in, even threw one hand over her mouth. Still, the tears and great sadness welled up from her very soul. She might as well try to stop a flood. Putting her head into her hands, she let the release come, her tears wetting the shirt. Kasha didn’t know how long she stayed thus, only that eventually the wails stopped, and her reserve of tears was gone as if they’d never been. Getting shakily to her feet, she went into the bathroom to wash up, too embarrassed to assess the damage by peering into the mirror. Afterward, she went into the garden and spent some time staring into

space. She blanked her mind to all thoughts, occasionally watching sooeuls playing in the trees. After some time had passed, she did check herself in the mirror. She wanted no evidence of her ravaged heart to show. She appeared normal, maybe looked as if she’d sneezed from allergies that attacked some people this time of year. As she made her way back to her own apartment, Kasha thought about one important fact--that Eric had been gone three months and had given her no indication he would visit anytime soon. Jouko’s forces had been on a rampage, thus curtailing any trip she might have wished to make. With her “falling apart,” she was glad she would not see the Earthman for a long time. She was terrified to think what her reaction would be if he showed up unexpectedly. A week passed, necessitating many patrols with her group. They rousted one of the enemy patrols from burning a village, then stayed for a day and helped the people replant trampled crops. Sometimes a warrior’s duties were not made up exclusively of fighting. She enjoyed the peaceful day spent with the simple, kind villagers. Her heart was light, her spirits lifted when they returned to the castle, tired but strangely content. A good thing too, she realized later. “Princess, come quickly.” An excited warrior greeted her at the corrals. “Is something wrong with the twins?” “No.” “My brother, Serena?” Her instant worry was turning to frustration. The young man grinned widely and shook his head no. “What is it, out with it man?” Her voice rose. “It’s a surprise princess.” “Whatever it is, I’m sure it can wait until I’ve had a bath and supper.” She jumped off Ziskin and began to undo his leather. “Let the stable boy do that for you. Believe me, you’ll not want to miss this.” His tone was mysterious. Snorting, she threw the reins to the stable hand. “You better not be wasting my time.” “Over here, near the practice field.” The warrior trotted in front of her, as if he had to guide her to this well-known spot. She realized he was as excited by the surprise, as he was trying to infuse into her. Kasha’s curiosity overcame her and she ran alongside the messenger. They ran all the way to the edge of the field. The loud murmur of many voices and exclamations hit her senses as they rounded the castle. At first she saw nothing, except the practice area was surrounded by a huge crowd. People were talking so loud she didn’t know how they could hear one another. This made it impossible for her to decipher their conversation. Finally, she noticed many pointing skyward. A gigantic object was circling the field, and with one sun glaring into her eyes, for a second she thought it was a huge, misshapen bird. Shading her eyes, Kasha held her breath. It was Puff. He was much bigger

than when he’d left, but it was definitely him. And sitting astride his back was Eric. The basami’s large shadow passed overhead, blocking both suns with his wingspan. Then with an ethereal grace, he landed in the middle of the field. Everyone rushed forward, asking Eric excited questions before he even slid down Puff’s side. There were many hands stroking the gentle giant, who purred and sprayed a few for good measure. Kasha shook her head. You’d think people would be more cautious. Didn’t they realize Puff may have changed as he grew more mature? Drawing closer, she examined the basami’s golden gaze as he looked around. No. Same sweet, loving temperament. His eyes swung back to her, picking her out among the scattered crowd she shoved through. His wings shot straight up and he shook them fiercely. Puff bellowed loudly, his neck stretched out toward her. And she thought he might have forgotten her. The crowd parted. She reached him quickly and stopped a few kreigers distance. “Hello, you silly basami.” His long neck shot forward and she reached with both arms at the same time, circling part of his large neck in a tight hug. Stepping back, she examined him. “He’s so big now.” “Yes.” Eric stepped close and rubbed the long snout affectionately. “He started growing dramatically after we left.” Her eyes ran up and down Puff’s length, at least the part she could see. “He looks as big as his mother.” The Earthman shook his head. “I believe he is, which leads me to think he will be much larger.” “How have you been?” She turned slightly toward him, social politeness the only thing that kept her from plunging into his arms. Puff had given her a reprieve to collect herself, saved her from making an utter fool of herself. “Fine, and you?” Their chitchat went on for a few minutes, then fell into silence. She turned back to the dragon. “Have you missed me?” The basami had been watching them intently. When she asked that question, she swore he understood, because he lowered that great head of his and rubbed her chest. A rumbling purr reverberated through her whole body. “Oh my.” “Quite a sensation, isn’t it?” Eric chuckled. A sudden wetness on her wrist made her look up. That long, purple tongue had wrapped around her limb and of course saliva dripped in huge splats, splashing her boots and lower legs. But she didn’t care. His dragon face was split with an ecstatic look and those sunny orbs stared at her with complete adoration. “I missed you too, now detongue me.” She fluffed the feathers on his snout. Puff withdrew his appendage, but not before he slurped a quick kiss to her cheek. She giggled and turned to eye Eric. “How on Volarn did you get him to let you ride?” He laughed and patted Puff’s nose. “You probably expect me to say it was hard, but it wasn’t. He was

already used to the walking harness, remember?” She nodded. He shrugged. “I just made up a larger harness, and added stirrups and reins. He never even grumbled the first time I climbed on his back. In fact, he seems to enjoy the company.” “I see.” She stretched her neck and tried to peer around the basami’s sides. “Where did his wings go?” He grinned. “I’ll share that magic secret with you later.” He took her arm companionably. “Right now, I’ d like to spend a little time with you alone, catching up.” Magic. Did he really mean that? Kasha furrowed her brow, but then forgot her wonder as Eric slid his hand down her arm and clasped her hand in his. Warm, tingly sensations shot from her hand, all the way through her body. She didn’t withdraw as she normally would have done in the past. The dearest thing she wanted was to be close to him. No matter if he treated her only as a treasured friend, she would accept it, for now. Eric headed for a tiny garden nearby and pulled her down on a bench beside him, never letting go her hand the whole time. She’d forgotten how the mere touch of their skin could set up tingles in her flesh. It took her a few minutes to get a mental grip on herself. Eric’s enthusiastic stories helped calm her senses. After a few minutes, she interrupted him. “Eric! I just realized--where’s Belle?” “She seems to have inherited her father’s fear of heights. Riding on Puff was just too much for her, so she stayed behind.” “Poor thing, she’ll miss you.”

****

“I know,” he shook his head, examining her boldly, wondering just how much she had missed him. He didn’t know how he did it, but he managed to not pull her into his arms while they conversed. He enjoyed sharing his experiences with the princess, but her presence was very distracting. To top it off, she was being uncharacteristically sweet and attentive to his every word. Had she changed her mind even a tiny bit about marriage? Dare he kiss her deeply and show her the love in his heart? He had made up his mind to do just that when a loud rumbling interrupted their verbal exchange. Kasha placed one hand over her stomach. “Sorry, I just got back from patrol. I haven’t eaten yet.” “Silly,” he shook his head. Eric jumped up, pulled her up as well. “Come on, I’m starving too.” They headed for the back entrance, swinging their hands gaily like children, laughing and chatting the whole way. They stopped hesitantly at the entrance to the small dining room next to the castle’s kitchen, where people could come anytime of the day and receive a salad, sandwich, or fruit.

Her hand relaxed within his grasp, she was telling him without words to let go. He sighed in an exaggerated fashion. “I guess it’s still too early to announce our engagement.” Something flickered behind her eyes, slipped over her features, as if a shutter had flitted down. Eric’s chest tightened. There was his answer. She still refused to consider the possibility of marriage. Their lunch was quiet, less cheerful than it had been in the garden. He didn’t know if it was because he’d brought up the forbidden subject again, or because he didn’t feel very chatty all of a sudden. Kasha was pretty withdrawn as well. Eric escorted her back to her apartment because she needed to get washed up. They parted with that invisible, uncomfortable wall once again in place. Dinner that evening in the grand hall was pleasant. He enjoyed speaking with friends he’d made. Jarvic had returned a month past, and was entertaining as usual, what with his constant flirting with every female within his reach. The King and Queen had allowed the twins, Vork and Sasha, to stay up with the adults. They were set up in high chairs of sorts, next to their parents. Vork was quiet, a true little gentleman, while his lively sister chattered to every individual within her tiny realm. Eric found himself watching the infant princess more and more. Something about her reminded him of the grown princess, but Sasha was more outgoing, less reserved. Maybe, he thought, that’s what Kasha was like when she was little, before her father was murdered. His thoughts made him feel sad, but even turning his attention back to the warrior princess didn’t help, only made it worse. She didn’t seem to be enjoying the dinner much either, picking at her food, barely talking to those around her. Several times he found her eyes on him, but she had turned quickly aside each time. This gave him some small hope, but not enough. He was frustrated by the time the meal concluded, and decided not to stay through the entertainment that followed in the throne room. He excused himself, went to his suite to think and mull over his life. But, no great discoveries were uncovered by his conscious or unconscious mind. He was at a stalemate with Kasha, as he had been countless times in the past. Eric really did not know what his next move should be.

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

The next day he’d just returned from riding with Puff for his morning feeding, when Kasha grabbed his arm once he hit the ground. “I thought you’d left.”

He shook his head. It surprised him that she seemed distressed. “Is there a problem?’ “No,” she shrugged. “I just didn’t want you two to leave without saying good-bye.” This was getting better and better. She seemed to notice that she was acting “womanly,” for the princess abruptly changed the subject. “You were going to show me Puff’s magic wings?” “Just watch.” He waved at the dragon, who had his flying limbs extended, stretching in a wide expanse. Puff shook his whole body, and then started drawing his wings toward his back. They folded in on themselves several times, until all that was left were tiny wings once again, compared to his large body. “That was--” “Magic,” he interrupted. She punched his shoulder and laughed. “No, amazing.” Kasha strolled to Puff’s side and peered at his wings. “I never would have imagined.” “I guess none of us could. Care to take a ride, it’s quite fun.” She shook her head vigorously. “No way, you know I’m cautious of heights.” “Cautious, huh?” He grinned. She appeared grateful for the unexpected interruption of her cousin, who cleared his throat to gain their attention. “Our group wondered if you’d come lead them in training. They claim to have progressed since you left.” Jarvic laughed, his brilliant teeth shining against his sun-darkened skin. “And they asked that you show them more advanced moves.” “Sure.” He and Jarvic exchanged jokes along the way, while the princess tagged along quietly. Eric shook hands all around. He spent some time filling the warriors in on his training and Puff’s progress into adult “dragonhood.” Kasha stood on the sidelines with the crowd who had gathered to watch. He could tell she was as impressed as always when he performed his Tae Kwon Do moves. That word gave her difficulty, so she preferred to call it his dragon moves. Eric had grinned widely the first time she coined the phrase. She knew he liked it.

****

When her troop started practicing their sword fighting sometime later and the Earthman’s turn came, she was very surprised. His skills had improved dramatically. Perhaps his idea had some merit she admitted to herself, although she’d never voice it aloud to him. The rest of the day was spent in drinking and exchanging warrior stories. Eric had a few new tidbits about Uliki none of them were aware of, and they filled his ears with exploits against the enemy. All in all, it was a very enjoyable evening.

She loved watching him light up when he told a story, or how his sexy mouth stretched in that oh so familiar grin when someone told a joke. She wanted him all to herself and wandered how to accomplish this feat. He was still acting standoffish, ignoring her attempts at sexual banter or behavior. Dinner seemed the best chance to get him alone, but then her brother appeared to want an audience with him. They strolled over to a more private room. Rhamus must be gaining a detailed report of the eastern troop activities. She sighed, wished her brother had chosen a more opportune time for his own royal duties. Serena approached, looped an arm through her elbow. “Come on while the men talk, the twins have been wanting to see you all day.” The rest of the evening was spent playing with Sasha and Vork, something she normally enjoyed thoroughly, but tonight seemed nothing but distracting. They’d put the children to bed and were sipping glasses of fruity wine. They were sitting quietly, companionably, when abruptly Serena broke into her thoughts. “You really like him, don’t you?” “Huh, what?” she stuttered. “The only Earthman we have on the planet, of course.” Serena’s grin told her that the Queen had seen through her “unaware” act. Kasha changed tactics. “Doesn’t everyone like Eric?” Her hostess swirled one finger around the glass lip and smiled at her mysteriously. “I don’t know, you tell me?” She gapped a huge yawn, then groaned and stretched. “Boy, I didn’t realize I was so tired. You know we practiced a lot today. I think I’ll head off to bed.” Serena blinked, her lovely blue eyes twinkling with hidden knowledge. “Well, I’ll excuse you tonight.” Her sister-in-law called after her, “If you happen to see a certain handsome gentleman, ask him if the twins can come see Puff tomorrow?” Kasha cringed inwardly. There were still too many people up and about. No telling how many nosy ears heard that loudly voiced question. She was too weary to go searching for Eric, besides she had a feeling he and Rhamus were still tied up in heavy discussions. Sleep that night eluded her, until a grumbling Lor sang one of her favorite melodies, sending her into a dream-filled slumber. She overslept the next morning, something she rarely did. Luckily, it was a day off, so she didn’t have to be embarrassed by trailing in late to practice, nor listen to her cousin’s glib teasing. Grabbing a quick breakfast consisting of gaztor fruit and a bun, she rambled through the gardens. Finally she found Eric and Puff in a garden at the edge of the immense grounds. Serena and her babies were there too, getting reacquainted with the basami. “Good morning, sleepy-head,” Eric said way too cheerfully. Mumbling back at him, she trotted over and picked each twin up in succession, then tossing them in the air. This was a regular routine whenever she

visited, but today the babies kicked their feet and flayed their arms. “Down,” Sasha stated, imitating a queenly tone, a pout dragging her cute mouth down when Kasha didn’t obey right away. She laughed, lowered the tiny princess and watched with amusement as she ran fearlessly on chubby legs beneath the giant towering over her. Sasha hugged Puff’s leg in a fierce grip. Vork, who’d been holding his mother’s leg with one fist, turned loose and ran the few steps to join his sister. Puff lowered his head, gave them eye-to-eye stares, and then blew out a small whiff, showering them. The babies raised their arms and laughed gleefully. “Want a ride?” Eric asked. “No,” Serena shook her head quickly, her brow furrowed with worry. “They’ll be fine, I’ll sit behind them. Besides, we’re not going to move an inch.” The Queen looked at her for assurance. She smiled, nodded, and moved to Eric’s side. “Puff’s as gentle as ol’ Daras.” At Serena’s alarmed look, she remembered how frisky the yasmir had been with the Queen at times, and restated, “I mean more gentle than a very ancient mare.” Ignoring her sister-in-law’s still hesitant features, Kasha held out her hands to Vork, who was nearer. Sasha’s face contorted, ready for a royal blowout. “Whoa, little lady,” Eric swept the princess into his arms and handed her to Kasha. His teeth flashed. “Does she always have to be first?” “She thinks she does,” she spoke over the tiny red-head. “Family trait.” He cocked one eyebrow at her. She ignored him. Eric shrugged and turned to the basami. “Puff down.” The dragon lowered his body until his belly flattened against the earth. Eric mounted him quickly and reached for Sasha. The prince watched with a solemn look, holding his arms up once his sister was settled. “You’re a good boy,” he commented. The prince cranked his head up at the Earthman, gave him a serious look, then turned and started patting Puff, speaking baby talk to him. Kasha was amazed at Eric’s patience. He kept the babies entertained for at least an hour on top of the basami, letting each twin in turn grip the reins and pretend to guide the great beast in flight. Puff played along by beating his wings gently, stirring baby fine hair with his efforts, causing squeals of joy to erupt from them. The prince and princess apparently thought they were really flying. Once yawns and grumpy behavior appeared, Serena handed the twins to the nanny who stood nearby. They all waved good-bye to the cherubs. Serena stayed behind, and Kasha was curious as to why her sister-in-law hadn’t followed to bed her children down for a nap. “You know, Your Majesty, I was surprised you came with Vork and Sasha today,” Eric said.

“Because of the garden incident?” “Yes. I thought perhaps you hadn’t forgiven Puff,” he said hesitantly. Serena laughed and stared at the basami. “I admit, I was very upset at the time. But sometimes a bad thing can lead to something better.” “You mean you like your new garden better?” She smiled. “I stayed behind, so I could show you around my new and improved garden, that is, if you’d like to see it.” He bowed and offered his elbow. “I wouldn’t miss it for all the tea in China.” She giggled and took his arm. “Oh, Eric, I haven’t heard a phrase like that in ages. It almost makes me home-sick.” Kasha stared askance at Serena. Giggles were something she rarely heard from her relative. “Would you mind keeping an eye on Puff?” “Course not.” She watched them leave, disgruntled for some reason. No reason for it, the Queen wasn’t interested in anyone but Rhamus, and she’d already been through the garden many times before. Kasha idly fed Puff flowers as her thoughts rambled. A flash of anxiety hit her as she remembered Serena ’s obvious interest in she and the Earthman last night. “Oh no,” she groaned aloud. What was her sister-in-law up to? Was she going to play matchmaker?

****

He noticed Kasha’s unsettled expression when they left. Why was she so worried? Shrugging mentally, Eric decided to see what developed. When they stepped through the familiar arched gate, he was astounded. The garden had been transformed once again into a scene of almost unearthly beauty. Serena dropped his elbow, but strolled quietly along beside him as he walked up and down various winding trails. All the exquisite stones underfoot had been re-laid, looking as if nothing had ever disturbed them in the first place. The area had been replanted with crespassno bushes that filled almost every space. Only secluded spots remained, that one ran across unexpectedly, decorated with a bench and bubbling fountain. Surrounded by the tall plants, these lovers nooks were private and mysterious. The flowering bushes had been planted with purpose and design. Those that edged the golden-stoned pathway were tipped with deep blue flowers. While each hidden nook reflected a different color scheme. Some flowers were pink with a matching fountain and bench, other areas sported red, coral, violet, and yellow crespassno flowers with matching “accessories.” Also, natural-looking waterfalls that spilled into narrow streams had been added in several nooks. All along the pathway miniature chimes hung from the bushes, tinkling merrily in the slight breeze.

The fountains and benches Puff had destroyed were all white. Eric thought the new choices were much more cheerful. And the careful selection of color arrangement gave the garden a much more elegant look than the previous one. Before, nature’s mixture of flowers had been scattered in a confusing splash of color. Only the benches set along the pathway were white, but the coverage of blue algae of Volarn, gave them a hint of that famous planetary color, and matched beautifully with the flowers lining the stone trail. “What do you think?” “It’s breathtaking.” Eric took a deep breath of the fragrant air. She smiled happily. “Rhamus and I come here quite often, especially after the twins have been put to bed.” “Maybe Puff did you a favor, then?” He put a hint of humor in his voice. Serena cocked her head and gave him a mischievous look. “I believe so, and you, did he do you a favor also?” “Yes.” He nodded. “I’ve really learned a lot from Uliki.” “Mmmm, and is that all you received from being gone?” “Your Majesty, let’s cut through the chaff. Why don’t you just ask me whatever it is, you wish to know?” He paused. “After you finish, I have a question to ask you.” She laughed. “Sorry, I just know how much Kasha means to you.” She plucked a blossom, stuck the violet flower into her deep red hair. “And, I was wondering if being gone helped?” He stared across the bushes. “I thought it would, but I see no difference.” The Queen sighed. “Kasha can be very stubborn.” “Yes, but that doesn’t explain her reluctance to consider marriage. That was my question. Do you know why she has such a problem with the subject?” “I’m in the dark as much as you, and I’ve questioned her behavior myself.” She gathered handfuls of flowers as they strolled along. “Every time the topic of eligible young men comes up, she shies away, and Rhamus acts withdrawn.” She turned to face him. “I do believe there’s a mystery here, but only Kasha and the King can answer the riddle.” “Do you think he’d mind if I approach him about it?” “Quite honestly I’m not sure he’d like it, but then again, I know he wishes Kasha would find someone.” She nodded behind him, indicating the princess who was fast approaching. “Why don’t you come in the afternoon tomorrow, we’ll be in our chambers. I’ll make sure you get some time alone with Rhamus,” she whispered. He nodded slightly, then addressed Kasha, “What happened to Puff? Have you let him loose to ramble the King’s gardens again?” His merry chatter seemed to throw her for a moment, allowing the Queen to escape with a quick good-bye.

“What was that all about? And Jarvic is watching the basami.” “Can’t I have a conversation with two beautiful women? Thanks for not leaving him alone.” His discordant words stopped her for another few seconds. “Quit changing the subject.” “I wasn’t, I answered your question and thanked you.” “What were you drilling Serena about?” She gave him a suspicious look. He laughed. “Truly nothing important, no deep secrets were revealed to my ears, simply gardening tips.” She plucked a large flower, twirled it nervously. Perhaps his reference to “secrets” set her inner alarm off, as he’d wished to do. She needed someone to push her, off the edge if he had anything to do with it. A bellow erupted nearby. Startled they looked toward the gate and were surprised to see Jarvic poke his head around the barrier. Puff’s much larger one loomed overhead. “Can’t you baby sit for five minutes?” Kasha said, clearly aggravated. “Been more like ten,” Jarvic answered after he joined them. He shrugged and patted the basami’s nose. “Besides he got lonely and I got bored.” “Goreth forbid you should become bored.” Kasha’s voice dripped sarcasm. He and Jarvic laughed uproariously. “Come on Puff, we’ve got better company we could keep,” she said sharply, clearly irritated with them. She grabbed a handful of dragon neck feathers and urged Puff to follow. “I’m not sure if I’ve been that effectively snubbed before.” Jarvic changed subjects abruptly and he asked, “Did you find out anything?” “No. But Serena invited me to see the King tomorrow.” Jarvic chuckled. “This just keeps getting better and better.” Eric managed to avoid the princess the rest of the day. He didn’t wish her to dig further into the discussion between he and Serena. After he spoke with the King, then he’d hunt her down. Puff was raring to go the next morning, his stomach rumbling loudly. Eric chewed thoughtfully on the pastry he had grabbed on the way to the basami’s temporary stall. Breakfast while riding on the back of a dragon wasn’t bad. The wind was crisp, ruffling his hair and shirt with the mild breeze Puff stirred in his gentle flight. Puff might be clumsy and trip over his own limbs on the ground, but the basami was elegant once afloat. It only took an hour flight time to find the crespassno field Jarvic had described to him earlier. Eric figured Puff had eaten through enough of the King’s gardens during their short visit. Of course Rhamus and Serena’s private garden was strictly off limits. The only field he’d been aware of, and they’d been flying to every morning, was several hours away. Then his friend had told him about this one, a much closer field bordering the enemies’ land. After he told Eric about the area, Jarvic had seemed perturbed, as if he shouldn’t have mentioned it. But

he had assured Jarvic they’d be cautious. Once they reached the field, he directed Puff to circle the area several times, until he was sure it was safe. As usual, the basami started in happily, grabbing whole bushes and stripping them clean in no time. He guessed it was the combination of Puff’s noisy chewing and his wandering thoughts that caused his big slip up. Hearing a slight snapping of branches, he spun to discover a patrol group facing him. Their reddish-tinted black locks marked them as west Volarnian. There wasn’t time to mount Puff, so he did the only thing he could, charged smack into the middle of them. These warriors weren’t used to his fighting tactics and he knocked many of them down. Some lay where they’d fallen and groaned with broken limbs from the deadly blows he’d given them. The others backed off. He didn’t touch his sword, knowing his was more deadly with his hands, nor did any of the enemy facing him choose to draw their weapons. He had the feeling they wished to pit their own hand-to-hand skills against him. Several husky soldiers faced him. He jumped up in the air, between two warriors, and kicked them in the head at the same time. He landed very swiftly and kicked a warrior with an axe kick to the head. Then he spun around quickly and performed a jump spin side kick to the last warrior’s chest. The odds were looking better. Eric thought he might have a chance to gain Puff’s back. Most of the patrol were down and many not even attempting to regain their feet. The few left standing were watching him warily. Then a scream cut through the air. Eric turned quickly. A lance of alarm shot through him. The basami was facing two warriors with drawn swords and one had apparently sliced poor Puff while the other kept his attention. Thick red blood streamed down one of the dragon’s forelimb. A momentary pride flushed through his body. His usually pacifist-natured dragon companion was valiantly trying to defend him. A warrior yelled and he turned back, not seeing another who sneaked up behind him on the other side. A blow to the head knocked him to his knees, but it took several warriors reigning repeated blows to his body before he passed out.

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

Kasha was really aggravated with Eric. First, the incident with Serena, when she was sure he was discussing her. She still hadn’t found the opportunity to have it out with him about airing their affairs to everyone. Then, this morning she finds out that he and Puff had traveled into dangerous territory. She was sure Jarvic’s ears were still burning from the screams she’d laid on him. Now, they were late, very late. She was worried.

Kasha was in the practice field, trying to occupy her mind by throwing spears at the dummy. It wasn’t working. She’d barely hit the target a few times. “It’s them,” a warrior near her shouted, pointing overhead. Shielding her eyes, Kasha felt a wave of relief wash over her as Puff circled the field. He made an abrupt and very clumsy landing, surprising them all. “Where’s Eric?” Jarvic asked. It took a few numb seconds for it to sink in that the basami’s back was bare. He took a stumbling step toward her and bleated pitifully as he’d done when he was a baby. “Puff.” She ran forward, knelt and examined the angry-red wound. “Go and get Dr. Melat,” she said sharply. A young warrior sprinted off, while the others gathered round, petting the dragon and asking questions. No one but Puff knew the answer, and he couldn’t tell them. Jarvic ran one hand through his hair, mussing his thick locks. “It’s my fault, I never should have mentioned that place.” She gave him a hard look, too angry to voice her thoughts. But he knew. Kasha moved aside quickly when the doctor arrived some moments later. He knelt beside her, his face contrary and concerned at the same time. “You do know I’m not a doctor for animals.” He grumbled to himself, clearly expecting no answer, giving his attention to the wound. Puff tried to rear back several times as the doctor examined the cut. But she kept a calming hand on him and a soothing tone to her rambling words. After dressing the cut, Dr. Melat stood, clucking and shaking his head at his filthy knees. “Nicole’s going to have a fit. She just made these pants for me.” “What about Puff’s wound?” Agitation lanced through her. He was worrying about his pants? Dr. Melat eyed her, clearly displeased with her snippy tone. “Oh, I’d say it was made by a sword, went pretty deep too.” Kasha waved those words away impatiently. “Is he going to be all right?” “I believe so, he’s always been a healthy, magnificent animal.” The doctor petted Puff’s nose affectionately. “Course I’ve never treated a basami before.” He gathered his medical supplies and placed them carefully into the bag. “To play it safe, I’d have someone stay with him through the night.” Doc gave her a serious stare. “But no waking me up in the middle of the night unless he’s running a fever.” “I’ll be back tomorrow to change his dressing,” he said quietly as he walked away. “Thanks Doc.” Jarvic’s voice was charming, ingratiating. He turned to her. “Do you think you could have been a little more rude?” “I don’t have time for politeness. In case you haven’t noticed, we have a badly wounded basami and a missing warrior to consider.” She put a soothing hand on Puff’s snout. “Come on boy, we need to get

you back to your stall.” Jarvic followed slowly behind. After settling Puff down and piling flowers in front of him, she pulled her cousin to the side. “Can you take a few warriors and scout out the area you sent Eric to?” Jarvic paled and nodded. “My thoughts exactly.” He gave her a quizzical glance. “I thought you’d be coming along.” Kasha bit her lower lip. “As much as I’d like to, I better stay with Puff.” They turned and watched the dragon. He was morosely chewing a crespassno branch. His head sagged onto the pile of flowers. Puff’s eyes flitted to them, sadness clearly written across his face. “You’re right of course.” He gave the basami a quick pet good-bye. “We’ll find him, if he’s to be found.” Jarvic’s words weren’t reassuring. Part of her wanted to go with him, but something inside her cringed at the thought of stumbling across Eric’s dead body. It was a good thing she stayed. Soon after Jarvic’s departure, Puff began to bleat pitifully. At times a loud bellow that literally shook the ground erupted from him. Only her quick caresses and soothing words quieted the large basami. Warriors and civilians kept wandering out to question her, peering at Puff with sad expressions to match his own. She was sure by now everyone had heard of the Earthman’s disappearance. Kasha was somewhat surprised when Jarvic strolled toward her later. Glancing at the descending suns, Kasha realized she’d been so intent on pacifying Puff, the time had slipped quickly by. She knew by her cousin’s face, the news was not good. “You didn’t find him?” She whispered hoarsely, her voice seemed incapable of coming out any louder. Jarvic laid one hand on her shoulder. “There was evidence of a fight, a big one by the trampled bushes. From the tracks, it looks like a patrol jumped Eric.” He turned quietly and eyed the sleeping basami. “We could tell Puff put up a fight because there were two warriors footprints around the blood spill.” “Are you sure it was Puff’s blood?” Her voice trembled. He massaged her shoulder comfortingly. “Positive. His body left a large imprint next to the blood.” Kasha ran one hand through her hair. “Of course, I should have realized that.” “I think maybe you have other things on your mind.” Jarvic’s tone was gentle. She took a deep breath and let it out shakily. “Could you tell whether Eric was injured?’ “There was no blood where the battle took place, if that’s what you mean. But, I’d say he gave them jahum before he was captured.” “You think they took him?” A shaft of hope shot through her heart. “What do you think, based on what we know about Rorri?” She nodded. “He’s been taken prisoner.” She didn’t add, nor did she need to by Jarvic’s worried

expression, that Commander Rorri probably planned torture, perhaps even an execution for the unfortunate Earthman.” “Why don’t you take a little break, I’ll watch him,” Jarvic said softly. “But you just got back.” Her shoulders sagged. The news had sapped something inside her. Jarvic sat down next to the basami, who had awakened and flopped his head onto the warrior’s lap. “Is there anyone but you, Eric and I, who can keep this big guy quiet when he’s upset?” She shook her head. A sad smile played across her face, and then disappeared just as quickly. "Thanks." He was right of course, the time Puff had eaten something disagreeable to his stomach, it’d taken all three of their efforts to keep him quiet through the night. No one could sleep when the basami bellowed. She wandered aimlessly into a small garden, grateful no other citizen frequented its soothing interior. But no amount of beauty would calm her restless spirits. Her thoughts circled and circled. She wanted to be gone, wanted to rescue Eric, but knew that was impossible. The patrol had tracked the enemy to the borderlands, the signs indicating they traveled to the center of West Volarn’s territory. The largest and most heavily garrisoned fortress lay in the center of Jouko’s kingdom. Jarvic was sure this is where the Earthman had been taken, and she agreed. Eric would have been stashed in the dungeon or a tower, chained, deprived of medical care, food, and water. Rorri was famous for his cruelty to imprisoned warriors. His own people often suffered his wrath because of some personal vendetta, as well as the occasional captured southern Volarnian. Flashes of Eric beaten and tortured seared her mind. She had to do something. But what? Kasha sank to a bench. For the first time in her life she felt helpless. He would be beaten, cut, and burned before succumbing to death--these were Rorri’s trademarks. Kasha knew Eric would face torture and death like a true warrior. He would probably spit in the enemies ’ face. But she also realized his worse fate would be, never knowing that she loved him. She knew with everything that was in her heart at this moment, that lack of knowledge would bring him the greatest pain. “What have I done to you, my jicha?” She said aloud. Something inside her broke. Tears streamed down her face and wet the ends of her hair with their intensity. It was not the same level of pain as when she’d first truly admitted her love to herself while kneeling in his closet. It was a cleansing flood, carrying with it the guilt, loneliness, fear, and hopeless feelings she’d locked up inside for so long. She stood abruptly, brushed at her skin, a resolve coming over her face that was piercing and fierce. She didn’t know how yet, but she would go to Eric. If she but got to him in time to whisper words of love to him on his deathbed, so be it. If going to him meant her own untimely death, then so be it also. Kasha could not live out her days knowing what she’d done to him, and not doing all she could to bring peace to Eric’s unique heart. Escape seemed an impossible dream, only gaining Eric’s presence seemed reasonable. If her thoughts had been less caught up in her suddenly fierce need to be with him, she would have realized how impossible even that prospect seemed. She went to the barracks, talked at length with older warriors who knew somewhat the lay of the land around Rorri’s fortress. In the past, when Xarath ruled, there had been a few forays into the enemies’ territory, but his brother Jouko’s insane, paranoid rule made such a venture foolhardy and impossible.

She came away from the barracks more frustrated than ever, yet strangely more determined than ever to find a way. She strode angrily into Puff’s stall, relieving Jarvic, but not before she pumped him for any valuable information he might have. “I’ll relieve you in a few hours.” He patted her shoulder. “No need, I’m going to bed down next to Puff.” Jarvic hesitated, as if he were going to argue, then sighed when he viewed her determined face. “See you in the morning, then.” He ran one hand down her hair and gave her a quick peck to the cheek. Normally, she would have been irritated with him, because such a display would have been a teasing ploy. But, it was simply his way of showing his love and concern. She touched his cheek briefly in exchange before he turned to leave. The night creaked along on crippled wings. There was no rest for Kasha. She didn’t close her eyes the entire time. Most of the darkness was filled with her worried thoughts, other moments with tending to Puff. His grumbling sleep seemed interspersed with nightmares, and she wondered if his thoughts were centered on Eric too. Thankfully, the basami ran no temperature during the night. Dr. Melat showed up bright and early the next morning. After he unwrapped the dressing, his expression was one of amazement. “Come, take a look.” She was stunned as well. The deep, ugly wound had almost closed up. “How can that be? It looks as thought it’s been healing for weeks.” The doctor shook his head, his eyes puzzled. Puff stared back at him, then flicked a quick lick to the doctor’s blue-skinned cheek. The usually austere doctor chuckled. “Okay boy, that’s enough kisses.” “I guess Volarn’s dragon has recuperative powers that are miraculous.” Dr. Melat seemed to be speaking to himself, as if he’d forgotten her presence. He touched the forelimb gently, probing, stopping when Puff flinched. He efficiently cleansed and wrapped the wound, then stood, turned to her with a curious gleam in his black eyes. “This will have to be studied, extensively.” Waving her hand in a random motion, she said, “Sure, Doc, but not until Puff is well and Eric is back home.” “Do you think it wise to be that hopeful?” She almost exploded in anger at the doctor, but curtailed her sharp tongue, knowing he spoke from a reality that was different from her own. “Without hope, I could not go on.” Dr. Melat pierced her with his intense eyes. Then he smiled gently, stating, “I will put in a prayer to the Cromotrie gods for Eric’s safe return.” She couldn’t answer his kindness, nodded and turned away before the doctor spied the glistening of tears in her eyes. “I’ll be back in the morning, but I have a feeling he won’t need a dressing any longer.” “Thank you,” she said, her hand on Puff’s nose, stroking. His golden gaze provided just enough of a distraction to get a grip on herself.

Jarvic appeared a few moments later, practically pushing her out of the stall, insisting she go sleep. She didn’t want to, couldn’t see how rest would come to her, but went to her suite to satisfy her cousin. She flopped on her bed, ignoring her dirty clothes and stared at the ceiling. She awoke groggy and disoriented. She had slept after all. It felt like the sleep of the dead. She’d been unaware of dreams, bad thoughts, or even the normal castle noises that often disturbed day sleepers. Kasha washed her face, and stared in surprise at her reflection. She looked haggard. There were dark circles beneath her eyes and even her usually brilliant hair had no luster. She showered quickly and changed into clean clothes. She felt fresher, but no less tired. After her shower, she found a tray of lunch choices on her bedside table. She stood stumped for a moment, then realized her thoughtful cousin had probably instructed a servant to leave it for her awakening. A choking sensation gripped her throat. “You’re turning into a baby,” she whispered aloud, then wolfed down the food, shoving past her constricted windpipe. She had planned on questioning warriors she’d not gotten to yesterday. But once she stepped outside, the ground was shaking with Puff’s pitiful, terrified cries. She trotted to his stall, skating to a quick halt. Jarvic had his arms around the basami, as if trying to restrain him. “What are you doing to Puff?” Jarvic let go his grip on the dragon. A frustrated grimace overcame his features as the basami stumbled over to her and plopped his snout over her shoulder, almost knocking her to the ground. Kasha dug in her feet, balancing his heavy head. “What have I done? He was trying to leave. I’m guessing to find you.” She shoved Puff’s head backward, placed her nose on his and caressed his jaws. “Poor baby, you missed me?” After the basami settled down at her feet, chewing on a flower branch, she turned to Jarvic. “Thanks for watching him.” He nodded. “Looks like you needed a longer nap.” She frowned and observed the now contented dragon. “Have you come up with any ideas?” “No. Have you?” He frowned. She shook her head slowly, that choking feeling overcoming her once again. “Go on, do whatever you have to do.” “Baja came by earlier, they need me on patrol.” He paused by her side, touched her arm briefly. “Kasha, I’m sorry.” Clenching her jaw, she swallowed past the lump in her throat. “I know,” her words barely came out a whisper. “He’s a man, he made his own choice.” Her voice was strong once again. Jarvic hesitated, his face sad, then turned and left swiftly. She had hoped to get Puff settled down enough to leave and question fellow warriors about a possible rescue Unfortunately, every time she tried to leave, the basami’s bellows shook the ground. She resigned herself to another day and night spent pacifying him. Jarvic returned late that evening, tired, but nonetheless insisting she take a long break. She spent her time

away from the stall questioning every warrior she ran across, but no one had any idea how to mount a rescue into such heavily guarded territory. The next morning she and the doctor were surprised and pleased by Puff’s progress. His wound was but a faint cut and he walked on his foreleg, placing his weight carefully with each step. After Dr. Melat left, the basami seemed in good spirits. When Jarvic appeared, she left him in her cousin’s care for the better part of the day. Kasha managed to catch Rhamus before he went into a council meeting. Her brother was distracted. Jouko’s forces were out in full force, harassing the borders, as if they guessed a rescue might be attempted. Although her brother had stopped in to check on Puff the last few days, he’d had no good news to give her, only encouragement. Today was no better. He flat out refused to place any warriors into danger by sending them on a rescue mission. She knew as well as he did that taking a few well-trained warriors and attempting to break into the fortress wouldn’t work either. She was agitated when she left her brother’s side. Even though she had received information which she expected, some small part of her had hoped Rhamus could come up with a brilliant strategy. She spent the rest of the day cornering every warrior and dignitary she could find, to no avail. Exhausted, she went to her suite, didn’t even inform Jarvic he could spend the night with Puff if he wished. She awoke the next day feeling surprisingly good. She laughed heartily when she entered the stall and saw the shape her cousin was in. His hair was mussed and filled with flower petals. While his uniform was rumbled and filthy. Jarvic rose slowly to his feet. “It’s a thankless job.” He grinned, offsetting his sarcastic remark. She kissed his dirty cheek and flicked a flower petal off his strong jaw. “You seem in a jolly mood this morning.” He eyed her with a puzzled expression. She shrugged. “I slept like a stone.” She stared up at the pale violet sky. “I don’t know why, or how, but I just have a feeling today is going to be a good day.” Jarvic gave her a confused look and excused himself, promising to give her a break later. Puff acted his old self, ate until his sides bulged, and sprang around her clumsily several times. He didn’t even seem to notice his injured limb and she wondered if it had healed completely. Her question was answered when Dr. Melat showed up, removing the bandage to expose a faint pink scar. The doctor hung around a while, playing with Puff, remarking on his amazing healing abilities. Finally he said his farewells. She’d been thinking the whole time, and her thoughts were wild she knew, probably impossible, but she couldn’t shake them. She stoked Puff’s snout. “Feeling okay, aren’t you boy?” He stared into her eyes, giving her that happy dragon look of his. Then just as quickly his golden gaze shifted, became cloudy. He bleated softly, putting a lilt on the end of his note, one which was his signature call for Eric. She watched in disbelief as a large drop leaked from one eye and rolled down his long nose. She caught it in her open palm, stared at the rainbow-hued dragon tear, a thing whispered to be sacred. Kasha laid her head against his nose, knew her own eyes shimmered with held-in sorrow. She caressed his jaw with the one hand, cupping the gem-like wetness in her other, and rubbed her head gently against his feathers. “Please don’t cry Puff, I can’t take it if you do,” she whispered.

She dared to glance up. His eyes glimmered in the suns’ rays, but no more tears fell. “Can you read my thoughts? Am I crazy?” She didn’t know what to do with the dragon tear. It was a thing not to be thrown away. The basami licked the side of her cheek and she realized he had flicked up a tear of her own. Inspired, Kasha opened her palm and sucked the huge drop into her mouth. It tasted like a tear, slightly salty, perhaps with a tinge of flower flavoring. “Will this give me power?” She felt silly after asking that question, especially when Puff cocked his head mischievously at her. He bleated several more times, that special call for the Earthman. “Are you trying to tell me something? Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Kasha watched in amazement as he spread his wings to their full length, beat them gently, refolded them, then lowered his body into the position he assumed when Eric mounted him. Puff looked at her, blinked several times, and then bleated again. As plainly as if he had spoken, he was agreeing with her thoughts--that they should go get Eric.

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

She’d already made a trip to the main kitchen and her apartment, had in fact finished packing everything needed for the trip when Jarvic reappeared. “What are you doing?” His voice startled her. Kasha jumped in reaction and turned to face him almost guiltily. “You weren’t planning on riding Puff?” Disbelief flushed over his features. Her jaw clenched. It was hard enough for her to make this decision, now he was here questioning it. “It is not any of your business,” she snapped. “By the sacred crystal, I’ll make it my business.” He slapped a hard hand on top of hers where it rested on the leather straps along the basami’s side. “Why? Are you worried I’ll fall off?” She tried a smile, but he wouldn’t let go of his serious expression. “Well, maybe. Regardless of what adventure you’ve got planned, who do you think is going to have to inform Rhamus?” She patted a bag into place and adjusted a strap. His eyes went to her packs and swung back to her in astonishment. “You’re not going on a joy ride. Goreth, you’re going after Eric!”

“When did you learn to read minds,” she quipped saucily, feeding Puff some blossoms. He grabbed her arms, forced her to face him. “You can’t do this Kasha. It’s too dangerous.” She sighed. “When did that ever stop me, or you?” “But this is different.” “Yes, you’re right, it is. I’m going to rescue the man I love.” “Jahum.” Jarvic eased down onto a nearby stump, as if his legs had given out on him. “What? No more trying to talk me out of it?” She chuckled. “How can I argue against love?” His eyes were sad and knowing as he stared at her. “Then don’t, give me your support instead,” Kasha said quietly. “How?” “Wish me well.” She cracked a wide smile this time, one meant to reassure. Jarvic stood slowly, examined her face, as if trying to gauge her determination. “Goreth go with you.” He enveloped her within his brawny arms, squeezed her hard. “Do you think there’s room for two up there?” A smile quirked his lips. She turned to her cousin and patted his cheek. “Perhaps, but this is a one warrior mission.” She read his expression correctly and knew he guessed her thoughts correctly too. This was very dangerous. One more warrior wouldn’t sway the outcome one way or another. “You’re hoping Puff will turn the odds in your favor,” he spoke softly, as if he were talking to one of the twins. She could only nod. That choking feeling was back. It hit her that this could be the last time she saw her dear cousin. “You know, he’s not the only man I’ve ever loved?” He picked up her hand, placed a gentle courtly kiss to its back. “I know, but there’s only been one woman who’s stolen my heart.” Puff bellowed his Eric call, thankfully interrupting their somewhat silly, very sentimental banter. She stroked the basami’s snout. “You ready to go boy?” He responded with a low-pitched bleat. “Eric rescued you, maybe it’s time for you to return the favor,” she spoke softly, as if she were alone. Spinning around quickly, she started toward a far field, one infrequently visited on rest day. The basami followed of course, as well as Jarvic. She stopped in the center, giving Puff a few more strokes, more to get her nerve up then soothe him. A sudden wetness covered her body as Puff sneezed. “Umm, if you’d like to take a quick shower, I’ll stay with him,” Jarvic observed, held-in laughter quirking his lips. She shook her head. “No, maybe I should be blessed before parting on this journey.”

He glanced from her to the basami. “I think you’re right.” They gripped each other’s hands momentarily, a solidarity written across their faces. Even though Jarvic wouldn’t physically be with her on this perilous journey, his love and spirit would ride with her. Kasha spent a few minutes getting settled on the basami’s back, then with an anxious-laden voice commanded him to go. Those magnificent wings unfolded, beat several times, then Puff ran a few clumsy steps and lifted into the air with effortless ease. She squeezed her eyes shut and grasped the reins with sweaty palms, finally cracking her lids for a quick peek around. They were already above the gigantic trees, which loomed near the field. As she peered fearfully below, Kasha saw that Puff circled the practice area. Taking a grip on herself as well as the leather, she pulled to the left, directing him toward the enemies’ territory. Sweat trickled down her spine even though Puff’s flight created a very pleasant wind that ruffled her hair and washed her body in a cooling action. She was terrified. Mindlessly, she kept him pointed in the right direction, unaware for sometime how long she’d been sitting rigid upon the basami’s broad back. But, gradually factors in the environment pierced her numbing fear. The suns descent told her they’d been riding for hours, and Puff’s rumbling stomach told her they needed to stop for refueling of their bodies. Refusing to look down, Kasha looked ahead, spotted a break in the immense forest, and guided the dragon toward it. They circled a large meadow laden with crespassno bushes. Puff pulled against the reins, clearly indicating his anxiousness to land. Ignoring his insistent behavior, she made him fly the circumference of the area, until she was satisfied no enemy lurked nearby. At least none that she could spot from above. Kasha directed him toward one end of the field, jumping off immediately after landing. She kept one hand on her sword and a watchful eye on the forests’ edge as Puff began devouring flower blossoms. She didn ’t dare eat, even though her own stomach had begun protesting loudly, until the basami burped in a satisfied explosion of sound. “Stand watch for me, boy.” She hesitated delving into her pack until she met the basami’s bright eyes. They were serious, as if he understood her. He turned, his long neck swaying from side to side as he surveyed the meadow. She paused, her hand grasping a sandwich as she watched Puff’s careful surveillance. Did he truly understand her? Had the tear she’d ingested given them a connection, a method to transmit information? She surely hoped so. There would be much need to communicate if they were to succeed in this mission. Kasha ate methodically, barely tasting the delicious auk sandwich the cook had prepared just the way she liked it. A gaztor and fruit drink followed, just as ignored for their unique flavors as had been the sandwich. Throwing the gaztor core into a bush, she said softly, “Puff, lay down here, you need to rest a bit before we take off again.” The basami settled quietly under the overgrown underbrush she had indicated, while she leaned against his hindquarters, keeping a watchful eye on the meadow. Allowing him a short nap, Kasha gathered handfuls of petal heads for his awakening. Puff always enjoyed a snack after a nap, and he had great need for strength right now. Returning quietly to his side, she sat on a log and picked off the larger branches entwined in the gathered flowers. She shook her head at herself.

“You’re spoiling him,” she whispered aloud. She tugged at an ugly, dark purple-green growth twined between the flowers’ branches. It was a yuklu plant, a weed that usually overgrew other types of underbrush, but occasionally chose crespassno bushes as its victim. Twirling the nasty looking plant between her fingers, she stared thoughtfully at it. The yuklu was commonly boiled down and used as a poison against the nysks that infested the castle. She glanced at the sleeping dragon. It’d been several of these plants that Puff had accidentally ingested the time he’d reacted violently with an upset stomach. She grimaced. The basami had sprayed she, Eric, and Jarvic with stinging saliva that had been almost unbearable. They’d rushed to the watering trough and scrubbed at their exposed skin, gaining some relief from the itching, painful welts that sprang up. Unfortunately, they were unable to stop scratching at their skin until Dr. Melat brought a soothing salve for them. The doctor thought the plant irritated Puff’s stomach, but reacted in his system, mixing with his saliva in a stunning manner. Dr. Melat had joked at the time that the basami could use it as a defense weapon. None of them took him seriously. Why would Puff ever need to defend himself in such a manner? Besides, he’d never willingly ingest the yuklu plant again. Or would he? If she hoped to succeed in getting to Eric’s side, they needed a distraction. She was very worried about the warriors while they would be circling above. Would they shoot arrows at Puff? Or would they be too scared? Although her enemies’ ancestors had run in cowering fear from the legendary dragon which had helped retake their land, she had a feeling the present warriors wouldn’t be so intimidated. They would have heard of the basami after his discovery. They would know that he was harmless and lovable. She looked into those glowing golden orbs as Puff blinked into wakefulness. Would he understand her? She held out the plant. He snuffed loudly and backed up a step. “I was thinking ... if you could eat some of these plants, you could shower the warriors below, maybe give us a few minutes to look for.” Her voice trailed off at the horror-stricken stare the dragon gave the offensive plant. She sighed, her shoulders drooping. The weed hung listlessly from her fingertips. Puff’s heavy steps alerted her to his presence, then he gave her a gentle nudge on the shoulder. She placed one hand on his snout and rubbed softly. “I can’t expect you to understand,” her voice was a whisper, laced with sadness. Her other hand dripped with wetness. She glanced down quickly to see that huge purple tongue had wrapped around part of her hand and the yuklu. Surprised, she opened her hand. The weed was quickly flicked up into the basami’s maul. Kasha stood and watched in utter amazement as Puff made a funny face, then swallowed in obvious distaste. “You understand?” His great golden eyes blinked slowly, then lowering his snout, Puff tugged at a nearby bush. He came up with a yuklu laden crespassno branch clutched in the twirling grip of his long tongue. His purple appendage extended as he held the branch toward her, as if offering a gift. It was special she realized, her eyes tearing. Puff’s token of understanding. She took the proffered

branch gently, laid it to the side, then rubbed both hands up and down his jaw line. “You would do that for him, wouldn’t you? Eat something despicable to you, a plant that will make you have a terrible stomachache.” He puffed a soft sigh and she knew he truly understood her. She didn’t know how or why, unless taking his jeweled tear inside her had given them a priceless communication. She only knew she treasured this great gift they’d been given in their common cause. “I can do no less for him,” she whispered against his downy snout, thinking of her fear as she soared into the heavens upon Puff’s back. Shaking herself mentally, she grabbed her pack and plucked the yuklu plant from the branch, stuffing it into the bag. Kasha hurriedly gathered more of the repulsive weeds, only slightly surprised when Puff nudged her, a clutch of trailing plants dangling from his dark tongue. She took the yuklu from him with a quick pat. Between them, the bag was filled in a few minutes. She didn’t have to command the basami to kneel, he’d already positioned himself by the time she had gathered her supplies. She remounted, nervous but determined to keep a stiff upper lip. If Puff could put himself through physical agony for Eric, she could put herself through a mental one for him. The quicksilver ascent upward was no less frightening, but surprisingly some minutes later, she found the journey a bit less intimidating. Repeating Puff’s devotion to herself every few minutes helped her relax somewhat, to the point she could look at the scenery ahead without cringing. This was a good thing. She needed to search the forest and meadows in their path and be on the lookout for the enemy. Several times she spied an enemy village far in the distance and only had to direct the basami away from the first one. After that, he seemed to sense they should not approach peopled places. They flew for many hours, until both suns blazed in a last effort to shower the landscape with their golden-orange warmth. Kasha scouted ahead, found a likely meadow, small and surrounded by forest giants. In fact, the space was so compact Puff lifted his wings upward and fluttered them furiously, taking them down in a swift, straight shot. She trembled on his back. It hadn’t looked that tiny from above. Once aground, her legs threatened to give way. Gripping the leather on the basami’s sides, she got her fear under control. Kasha walked stiff-legged to a log and dropped heavily to its welcome steadiness. Puff nuzzled bushes nearby, clearly dissatisfied. There were no crespassno bushes in this tiny clearing. “Sorry, boy.” She used her knees to push herself upward and strode with a mere wobbliness to the packs on his side. Untying the large pouch, she threw the contents on the ground. Puff gave a gleeful cry and quickly gobbled up the flower heads she’d packed away before starting their journey. She thought she wouldn’t sleep well that night because her thoughts centered on Eric as she settled against Puff’s silky side. But, she awoke the next morning feeling surprisingly refreshed. She patted the basami’s leg with affection. “You make a pretty good pillow.” His maul opened in a huge yawn, then his stomach grumbled in protest, filling the small glade with its burbles. She laughed and retrieved another pouch she’d taken from his back last night. “Lucky for you, I’m aware of your appetite.” She watched in smiling contentment as the basami devoured his breakfast, only then did she fish her own repast from her side bag, so they both finished at the same time.

Kasha packed the measly provisions left. “We’ll have to replenish the next meadow we come across.” She mounted Puff with deep trepidation this time, staring upward at the straight and narrow route between the huge trees. Closing her eyes tightly and gripping the reins with rigid fear, she tapped the basami’s sides with her knees, and then dug them into his softness. He didn’t move his body an inch, just beat his wings furiously, whipping her hair into a mad frenzy as they descended slowly between the crowded space. Kasha took a deep breath of relief once they cleared the trees, even daring swift glances below. Anything was less fearful than what she’d just experienced. She estimated they had approximately a half day journey left before reaching the fortress. Thus, it was at mid-day and Puff’s stomach protested in a loud clamoring, before she circled him above a likely field. She was more wary than ever. Not from their descent this time, for it was a wide-open meadow filled to overflowing with a fresh crespassno feast for the basami, awaiting them below. It was their close proximity to the enemy territory that set on her edge. She couldn’t rest nor eat as Puff plowed through mounds of flower petals. Noticing that the dragon was slowing down, she grabbed a pack and swiftly filled it with flowers. He burped loudly, then ambled over to her, giving her a strange look that was baffling. “Maybe you should grab a quick nap,” she spoke quietly, giving him a few caresses to his silky snout. Puff simply stared at her a few seconds, then crouched down. She knelt in front of his long nose and stared into those knowledgeable eyes, clearly understanding his look now. “You want to go get him?” Those lovely golden orbs closed briefly in a slow blink. Kasha rubbed her face against his snout and jumped up quickly. Securing the side pack, she mounted without a qualm of fear, feeling only a sense of urgency running through her veins. The basami’s body felt stiff beneath her as they flew along. He too was tense. Perhaps he sensed time was running out for their beloved Earthman. Several times she spotted enemy patrols ahead, but Puff listed swiftly to the side to avoid their being sighted. She patted him gratefully, wondering briefly how he knew this, but glad for his amazing ability to know things without being told. Perhaps he was picking up on her thoughts? Kasha threw off pondering on their new-found communication. A sprawling fortress loomed up ahead. A small meadow nearby grabbed her attention and she directed Puff to land at its edge. After landing, she undid the yuklu pack with quicksilver speed, turning with hesitation toward the basami. Puff glanced around the meadow as if he too sensed the danger around them, then flicked his tongue out in several hasty attacks on the plant. His jaws bulged. The whole bunch they’d picked was crunched and grimaced over in one mammoth effort. It reminded her of when Rhamus used to try and get her to take bitter medicine when she was small. True, it’d been for her own good, just as Puff’s nasty mouthful was for a noble purpose. He swallowed in several painful gulps, his tongue protruding in obvious distaste. She quickly fetched crespassno flowers and held them out to him, watching the more pleasant look that overcame his dragony face. “Now,” she whispered as she caressed his soft nose, “we wait until the yuklu takes effect.” They didn’t have long to wait. After a few minutes Puff’s stomach began making gurgling noises that

indicated its upset state. Grabbing her water flask, Kasha extended her hand. “We have to test it, boy.” The dragon gave her a searching look, then took a breath and let out a gentle puff that floated only to her hand. “Ouch!” She poured the water over her limb, threw the flask down and used the end of her uniform to scrub at the reddening skin. Then she dumped all the water over her swelling hand. It helped some, but she continued to scratch, unable to stop herself. “Wished I’d thought to bring some of Doc’s lotion.” Puff rubbed against her gently, concern flashing across his jeweled eyes. “I’ll be fine,” she patted him with one hand as she rubbed the irritated one against her thigh. “At least we know it works.” And how, she thought to herself. She fetched her flask and said, “Let’s go get Eric.” The flight upward went unnoticed as she gave her inflamed hand attention, then even that was ignored as they neared the large fortress. All her attention was centered on the sprawling edifice, looking for ingress to its hidden secrets, and watching the milling soldiers below who had just spotted them.

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

A rivulet of alarm coursed through her veins as they flew overhead. More than a handful of patrol groups were gathering, some with swords drawn. A few had already fetched bows and arrows. Further reinforcements poured from every doorway, soon filling the large courtyard in front of the immense gate. This is what she’d anticipated, and the large numbers below would mean less resistance when they reached Eric. Taking a deep breath, she nudged the basami to fly lower. Her eyes flitted across the warriors and she whispered fiercely to Puff. He in turn, stretched his long neck in the directions she indicated and let loose with huge billows of dragon steam. The warriors, who held bows pointed in their direction, were quickly covered in Puff’s sticky saliva. The reaction was instantaneous and even more spectacular than she’d expected. The fierce men threw their weapons to the ground, began rolling frantically in the dust, scratching hard at their skin as if a nest of eki were attacking them. “Let’s get the rest of them.” She ordered. The basami followed her direction beautifully, spraying large clumps of men with his blessing, hitting those who ran for the fortress’ protection first. A few circles and many large puffs resulted in a mad melee of bodies gyrating upon the ground. Curses and screams floated up to them, but no weapon was raised against them. Not a single warrior was capable of anything but reacting in agony to Puff’s deadly sprays. She almost felt sorry for them. Almost. Once every warrior was put out of action, Kasha studied the garrison for a few seconds, and then directed the dragon toward a tall tower on the east side. It looked sturdy and imposing, just the type of structure perfect for detaining an important prisoner.

They circled the cylinder stone building several times. A scattering of small square windows pockmarked its surface, but not even a door was discernible. The entry for the guards must be within the structure below, she thought. “I’m not sure where he is,” she spoke her worry aloud, unsure where to start. Puff breathed in deeply, veered to the side and flew near the window at the very top of the tower. He circled around, then headed straight for the window as Kasha held on with a death grip, sure the dragon was going to crash into the building. He shifted the position of his wings upward and beat them furiously, slowing them to a crawl. They jerked and Kasha peered around his neck cautiously. Puff was perched upon the tower walls, his front claws dug deeply into the window’s ledge. She dared a dizzying glance downward. His back limbs clung to the stony protrusions in a precarious manner. The basami turned, eyed her with one golden orb, the only one visible from that angle, then turned back and plopped his nose onto the windowsill. “I guess that’s an invitation to get going,” she mumbled to herself, releasing her feet from the leather straps. Clutching a handful of Puff’s feathers, she hauled herself up swiftly and over his neck. Crawling the short space along the top of his head to the window was unnerving. There was nothing between her and immense depth below. Kasha fell clumsily into the room, springing up immediately in case a guard waited inside. A quick survey confirmed there was only one occupant of the cell, the one they’d come for. She ran the few short steps, her knees hitting the cold stones with force as she knelt next to him. Eric was unconscious, his hands and feet chained to the wall behind him. He looked bad. His usually tanned skin was covered in splotches of yellow-purplish bruises, as well as lacerations and circular burned spots. He had been tortured as she guessed. She gripped his head gently, turned his face upward and sucked in her breath. His dear, handsome face was no more; it was one huge swollen bruise. Those sweet lips were chapped and distended, with a cut marring the tender center of his lower lip. A deeper cut slashed across his mustache, looked and smelled infected. Her eyes went over the rest of his body, stopping in horror at his right leg, the same poor thigh that had been injured just before his journey to Volarn. A long gash ran from mid-thigh to kneecap, an ugly red slash that marred his muscular limb. Seared flesh at the edges of the wound indicated it’d been cauterized to keep Eric from bleeding to death. The evidence of his blood loss ran in dried streaks down his leg and lay scattered in pools around his slumped body. Kasha fumbled for her flask, held it up to his lips, but received no response as the water dribbled from his lax mouth. “Eric, Eric.” She shook him gently. This time he mumbled like a sleeper awakened and managed to swallow a few precious drops. His head slumped back down as soon as she released it. Jumping up, she withdrew her sword, steadied it with two hands and came down hard on the chain binding his nearer leg. After several more forceful blows, she examined the steel with satisfaction. It was ancient looking and slightly rusty, her whacks had bitten deeply into the metal. She was sweating profusely by the time she broke Eric free from his leg chains. Even though they were old, the metal didn’t give up its captive easily. Suddenly cries of alarm broke through her concentration. She bounded over to the window, squeezed into a tiny space between Puff and the aperture, and

became alarmed by the activity below. Warriors with buckets were washing their companions off, and several soaked looking individuals were staring at the dragon clinging to the side of the tower. Kasha leaped across the room and chopped at the remaining chains binding the Earthman’s arms. Her heart pounded fiercely as adrenaline pumped into her body. In half the time it’d taken her to strike the leg chains from him, she had hacked through the arm chains. Removing the metal bracelets would have to wait. She placed a shoulder beneath Eric’s arm, braced herself and lifted upward in a Herculean effort. He was dead weight. An echoing clatter erupting from the tower’s stairwell ignited her. She spoke furiously to Eric, shook him sharply and tried to arouse even a tiny semblance of response. No dice as Eric would have told her. Unexpectedly his weight shifted, he toppled forward, and she barely managed to keep his head from striking the hard stone flooring. Frustrated and worried beyond reason, Kasha grabbed his arms, grunting like a woman in labor. She dragged him over to the basami. Kasha stood in a paralysis of indecision. How would she ever heft his heavy body onto Puff’s back? Ponderous, but fast approaching footsteps on the stairs alarmed her further, but gave no help in her cause. Her terror twisted into shock as Puff’s long tongue flicked out and wriggled beneath the unconscious man. It flattened to a much wider width, then twirled around Eric’s midsection. The Earthman was tugged upward with one flick of the dragon’s purple tongue, only a moan from the basami indicated what an effort it’d been to lift the burly man into his maul. Kasha screamed, staring in petrified horror at the scene. Eric lay face up within the basami’s huge mouth. His arms and head flopped out one side of the dragon’s mouth, his legs out the other. “Have you gone mad,” she screeched, tugging at Puff’s upper and lower lips. They didn’t even budge. Something drew her eyes up his snout, landing with reluctance on his golden eyes. Lovely eyes. Truly mirrors to the soul. They spoke of love and caring. She was pulled into his gaze, felt as if she were sinking into golden sunlight. A presence nudged for entrance into her mind and Kasha opened her psychic being. A vague image flashed onto her inner eye, a memory, but it wasn’t hers. A large basami flew against the backdrop of a purple twilight evening. Within its long mouth rested a tiny figure--a baby dragon. Although the infant was almost completely encased in the huge creature’s mouth, Kasha sensed it was resting, content and safe. The memory withdrew in a sharp pang of psychic breakage. She rested her hands on either side of his jaw. “Your mother?” She said softly. Puff sighed and blinked those great eyes in joy. “I’m sorry I doubted you,” she added, embarrassment paling her skin. Wetness coated her hand as drool dripped unchecked. Kasha drew it back sharply, held it up and stared at it. “The yuklu plant’s effect is gone.” She glanced quickly at Eric, his arms dripped with slow streams of saliva. “But, what if it hadn’t been--” A gentle puff covered her abruptly, interrupting her tirade. She stared up at the basami’s knowing look, not needing to say a thing. He never would have put his beloved Eric through such agony unless he knew

the deadly substance was gone from his system. It seemed as though she’d been standing in thought for several minutes but knew it was only seconds. Shouts and the hollow echo of many footsteps tramping up the stairs cut through her haze, gallivanted her into action. Kasha crawled quickly onto Puff’s snout. Moving with lightning speed along his neck. She clutched a handful of head feathers, flipped her body around and slid down his back. Her actions were mindless, spurred by her fear for Eric’s safety. The numbing terror saved her from being gripped by a paralyzing fear until her feet almost slipped past the harness. Only thoughts of Eric kept her moving. Grasping two handfuls of feathers, she hauled herself into a more secure position, and sighed audibly when her feet slipped firmly into the stirrups. A loud burst of voices and the heavy cell door crashing forcefully into the stone wall, told her they had no time left. Startled voices raised in alarm indicated their confusion at discovering a large dragon gobbling a man alive. It gave she and Puff a temporary reprieve as the fierce warriors stopped in their tracks. The basami twisted his head. With Eric firmly embedded in his mouth, Puff worked the Earthman carefully through the longer length of the window. Kasha watched in astonishment, she hadn’t even thought through this part of the escape. “Get them!” Several voices hoarsely shouted. “We better.” She stopped in shock as Puff abruptly released his grip on the stones. They plunged backward and downward at an alarming rate. Their plunge down the side of the huge tower was halted in a flurry as the dragon beat his wings so swiftly they were a blur of movement. They righted in a quick jerk and hovered in mid-air. She hyperventilated. Kasha was convinced her heart was going to burst through her chest. She hadn’t even noticed Puff had extended his wings and positioned them upward before letting them free fall. He suddenly shifted his wings downward into a stationary position and they fell for throat-clutching seconds before an upward draft lifted them again. Warriors in the courtyard and two crammed into the window’s width screamed and pointed bows in their direction, but already they soared far above the immense tree line. Safe. At least for now. As they drifted gracefully over the forest below, Kasha realized that was another important item she’d forgotten to question--how they were going to get off the tower walls. It took some time for her to compose herself mentally, chiding herself at every turn for being dense and not thinking things through completely. What if the window had been too small for Eric to be squeezed through? What if Puff hadn’t been able to maneuver as magnificently as he had? “What ifs” made her tremble in reaction. After sometime had passed, she looked around, thankful Puff was headed in the right direction. He was unerringly backtracking the straight path she’d mapped out on the way here. Home. Safety. These were the two things most prevalent in her mind. That, and worry about Eric. By sliding her body to the side, as far as common sense dictated, she could see his feet dangling on one side, his fair head on the opposite side. She wondered if he were as uncomfortable as he looked. There was no help for it, they had to keep going, fly as fast and far away as they could before night fell.

Although they would greatly outdistance any patrols that could be mounted, Commander Rorri would undoubtedly send messenger sooeuls to wide areas ahead, in hopes of intercepting them once aground. “We must keep going as long as possible,” she whispered more to herself than to her companion. Unfortunately, Puff didn’t have good night vision. She’d seen him stumbling around in the dark many times. Flying at night would be deadly. The lavender sky deepened into a dark purple haze before she began to search for a campsite. Puff headed for a small meadow, but she guided him toward a larger one further ahead. A tiny enclosure had been ideal when she and Puff’s presence was unknown to the enemy. Now it would only serve to aid anyone looking for them. They circled the miles-wide crespassno field, Puff tugging against the reins in his excitement. She knew he was starving. He’d not eaten since noon. Satisfied no patrols lurked anywhere nearby, she directed the basami to the center of the field. Once safely landed, Puff gently dislodged the man from his mouth and gave him a quick lap of his tongue. He turned to glance at her and then started snatching mouthfuls of flower petals next to the Earthman’s still form. Kasha was weak from hunger and stress, but she knelt by Eric, taking his heavy head into her lap. His lovely gray eyes opened several times as she slowly dribbled water into his parched mouth. But there was no recognition in their somber depths. She didn’t even try to offer him food, he slipped in and out of unconsciousness too quickly. Such an endeavor would be too dangerous. After all he’d been through it would be utterly senseless for him to die choking on a piece of auk. This thought made her smile slightly, because Eric would think such a thing ironic and probably get a big laugh from it. That is, if he were conscious. She smoothed his soft, short hair and ran her hand gently down his abused face. Her hand ran down one arm, checking for breaks, stopped in reaction as she wrinkled her nose in disgust. Yuck! Dragon goo galore. “Puff, you really outdid yourself this time,” she shook her head and flung her hand, shaking some of the stuff off. Eric’s body was saturated in sticky wetness, only his face escaping the dragon’s blessing. Lowering his head gently to the ground, she fetched the clean clothes she’d brought in her pack for him. She wasn’t about to wrestle with an unconscious man to put fresh clothes on him, so instead swabbed down his body with the material. Afterward, she pitched the soaked doca and shirt to the side. At least now he was less slimy looking. The basami burped behind her and a purple tongue lopped over her shoulder, coating the Earthman’s face with a kiss. “Goreth.” She turned, gave Puff a disgusted look, then used the end of her skirt to scrub Eric’s face clean. Turning back to the basami she flipped her forefinger up and down in his face. “That’s enough of your blessing for today.” His dragony face took on a hurt expression, making her feel guilty. To cover her sudden embarrassment in front of a silly dragon, she washed her hands with the flask water, then fetched dried auk from her pack. She choked on the first few bites, being in such a hurry to fill the hole in her stomach. She finished the rest of her ration more slowly, never taking her eyes from the still figure of her beloved.

She shivered. There! She’d said it, admitted her love in her heart without a qualm or hesitation. Kasha resettled Eric’s head into her lap, while Puff thankfully moved into position behind her. He made an excellent bed and pillow. Nestling against his downy feathers had kept her warm when they camped without a fire. A sudden trembling in Eric’s limbs alarmed her. Of course, he was in shock, his body felt cold. She rubbed his arms briskly, but it seemed to help little. Puff shifted position, moved his limbs closer to them, sealing them within a soft warmth. Silkiness caressed her cheek and she realized he’d moved one wing over their bodies enclosing them in a tent-like cover. In a few minutes the basami’s makeshift lodging warmed to a cozy temperature, and the Earthman eased into a more restful slumber. A loud gurgling, growling sound under her ear woke her the next morning. Kasha patted Puff’s side and cautiously peered past his bent wing. The meadow was empty except for waving branches of flower blossoms. At least as far as her view allowed. Springing to her feet, she surveyed the whole area, seeing no indication of sly movement. She stretched, the released kinks in her back feeling good, then turned to the basami and sighed. “You are too comfortable as a bed fellow. I should have stood watch last night.” The dragon’s ears twitched back and forth, rotated around the circumstance of the field. Clearly, he conveyed that he’d been listening even as he slept. She’d momentarily forgotten just how acute Puff’s hearing was, and that they’d never been able to sneak up on him, even at night. Giving him a quick peck on his sensitive nose, she received a gentle bleat in return. Kasha dug a fresh flask from her pack and knelt beside Eric while Puff ate breakfast. His eyes opened immediately after she called his name. She was thrilled when he drank several deep gulps, but shook his head weakly when she mentioned food. Packing the supplies took only a few minutes. It took much longer to get her injured companion aboard the basami. Eric gazed at her with confused, feverish eyes, but she managed to get him up with verbal encouragement and the strength of her arms. She supported much of his weight as they lurched in stumbling steps to Puff’s side. The dragon lowered his body even more than he normally did for her, his full belly squashed against the ground. This helped immensely in pushing and pulling Eric’s heavy body into position in front of her. Although she was sure Eric was much more comfortable traveling this way, it was difficult in the extreme on her. Eric kept slipping into unconsciousness, his body sliding sideways precariously each time. By the time they stopped at midday for a break, her arms were trembling with fatigue, her back aching in agony. Nevertheless, after she got him aground and he took much needed fluid into his system, as well as a few bites of pastry, she was happy. This was short-lived when she noted his sweaty, hot skin and looked into his feverish eyes. Thank Goreth they would arrive back at the castle by nightfall, Eric needed immediate medical attention. She rested against Puff’s side while she ate slowly, smoothing her love’s clammy brow, and speaking nonsensical words of comfort. He was out cold again, mumbling and flailing his arms about as if he fought off an imaginary enemy. “You’re going to be okay,” she whispered gently, her voice edged with a teary-tone. She shook him slightly. “You can’t leave me now. I love you.” Kasha blinked back tears. Jumping up, she prepared Puff and herself for the final leg of the journey.

Taking a deep breath, she managed to arouse Eric once again, but this time his drunken lurches were more pronounced and she feared they wouldn’t make it to Puff’s back. But they did. The last few hours were agony. Her arms felt as though they would fall off from his deadweight and her chest burned with the fever that emitted from his body. Mostly, it was mental torture. Would they make it in time? Would Dr. Melat be able to pull off another miracle? When the two suns lit the landscape with a breathtaking golden-coral glow, her brother’s castle was a dark shadow in the background. A welcome and most beautiful sight.

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

“How’s the patient?” Kasha asked. “Why don’t you ask me.” Eric smiled and patted the bedside. “As you can see he’s feeling much better today.” Dr. Melat stood next to the headboard, strange instruments protruding from two pockets. She sat down facing him and took his nearer hand into both of hers. “Doc says I’m a miracle.” Eric chuckled. “Is that right.” She smiled gently, glad to see his sense of humor returning. She glanced questioningly up at the doctor. The alien physician shook his head absentmindedly, and then shifted his look to her. “Yes, logically with his injuries and the naci germ which infested his system, he should have died before he reached medical intervention.” “But he didn’t.” She squeezed his hand, felt happiness radiate throughout her whole body. She knew her being and smile glowed with joy. “It was her love that saved me.” “Nonsense my boy, that’s not what I told you.” Dr. Melat snorted. Eric sighed. “Doc doesn’t have a romantic bone in his body.” “I disagree.” Nicole entered and stood next to her husband. She turned her lips upward and waited for Dr. Melat to lower his lanky body. He laid a swift peck to her full lips. Kasha laughed and held up both hands. “You got me curious, what was this mysterious miracle cure?” “It was Puff.” The doctor’s wife exclaimed.

Doc frowned at her. “Of course I haven’t finished all the tests I’d like to run on the phenomenon--” Kasha interrupted impatiently. “How did Puff save Eric?” Dr. Melat stared at the Earthman, examining him intensely as if were a new specimen of interest. “It appears that the basami’s saliva acted as a healing stimulant.” “In other words, I was saved by dragon slobber.” She was delighted with his broad grin and giggled at his words. “You look awfully good for a man who was almost dead a few days ago.” “Come on dear, I think these two want some time alone.” Nicole elbowed her doctor husband. “But, I--” The doctor fingered an instrument in his pocket. “Nonsense,” Nicole pushed his broad back, edging him toward the door. “I’m sure Eric’s quite sick of all your examinations. Besides he’ll still be here when the princess leaves.” “Gee, thanks for reminding me,” Eric mumbled. After the couple left, Kasha said, “Just imagine, at first I was worried that Puff had gone mad and was going to eat you. Then I was concerned about your comfort while he carried you in his mouth.” His brow creased. “I thought that was a nightmare.” “Hmm. And then because he carried you like his mother used to do him, you became coated with his saliva.” “That I remember.” He laughed, his pale eyes twinkling. She loved it when he smiled. Kasha stroked his cheek gently. “With Puff’s intensive blessing, you’ve had a miraculous recovery rate in three days.” She caressed his lower lip. “I’m so glad you didn’t die.” “Really? Why?” His eyes moved to her lips, as if he were thinking of kissing her. Kasha paled. “You shouldn’t have to ask. You’re teasing me.” He stroked her hand. “That’s true, but I still want to hear it.” She leaned against his chest, but held her weight off him. His poor bruised body needed gentle attention. “Shall I tell you that I love you, or how much? Or to what great lengths I’d go to prove it to you?” Eric placed one hand at her nape, lifted the hair and let its mass slide down her back, making her shiver in reaction. “I know to what lengths you’ll go.” She smiled happily, admired the way his eyes changed to a dark storm cloud hue, and the manner in which his hand played softly with her hair. She rose above his lips, waited until his eyes turned murky, and then in an agonizingly slow movement lowered her lips upon his. It was a gentle kiss, barely grazing the surface. She withdrew and he moaned in an exaggerated fashion. Her look turned upward, her mouth posed above his as she spoke in a hoarse whisper. “I love you, Eric the Earthman, my stalwart warrior with the heart of a dragon.” Now he truly moaned, a sound born of pleasure and hidden desires. She made contact again, a firmer

approach that made him grasp her head in one hard hand, holding her to him. As if she’d try to withdraw she thought. Soft, yet firm. His lips drove her crazy with their texture. Then his tongue came into play, caused her to groan aloud. It was he who withdrew contact this time, pulling her head gently backward. “Since you’re in the confessing mood, do you admit that you have met your own challenge?” “How can you question my loyalty now, my jicha?” Her tone was slightly hurt she knew, but she couldn’t seem to hold it inside. His determined look and gentle massage of her scalp drove her irritation into oblivion. She laughed and shrugged. “I admit it--I met my own challenge.” The love that shone from his steely eyes was overwhelming in its intensity. “Those are the words I’ve waited far too long to hear.” Feeling playful and cherished, she circled one finger sensuously around one of his ears. “And what are you going to do with these treasured words?” “Make a princess own up to them.” His hands gripped her upper arms. “Marry me Kasha.” Her eyes gave her answer, yet her words were hesitant. “I want nothing else my jicha. But yet, I cannot perform the Tarthra.” “Then we’ll do it the Earth way.” His voice was firm and brooked no argument. She did not wish to disagree with his logic, but let her eyes dip downward to cover her feeling of loss and fear. Eric would never fully understand the Tarthra’s importance to her people, and thus its blessing in a sense, of a mated couple. She would take him in whatever fashion that entailed, but many Volarnians would question their union. Of course there was the problem of her secret to deal with, one she had no solution to, other than moving to Earth. That thought caused a knot in her stomach and more fear in her soul than when she’d first ridden the basami. Earth was big unknown. “Do you already regret saying yes?” His voice was concerned, perhaps a tad nervous. She felt the shimmer of tears as her look swept upward again. “No, never my love.” She plunged downward and latched onto his delectable lips, a desperate appeal to her senses and his love. If I must fight every unbeliever on this planet than so be it. Am I not a warrior princess? And indeed her senses did take over, until she was a mindless puddle of desire and wanting. A small groan and wincing movement alerted her that she leaned too heavily on Eric’s chest. She withdrew quickly. “Why’d you do that, just when it was getting interesting?” She stroked his ribs and watched the flicker of desire ignite from her gentle touch. “You know why.” He sighed in an exaggerated fashion. “I’m going to need so much nursing attention.” The emphasis Eric put on the word nursing said his thoughts were far afield from medical care. She propped herself above him carefully again. “What can a princess do for a patient that Dr. Melat can’t?” “Ho, that’s a loaded question if I ever heard one.” He chuckled.

He grabbed her head, brought her ear near his mouth. He whispered wild, passionate phrases that made her pale with embarrassment and pleasure. Then he showered a multitude of quick, warm kisses to her lips, the corners of her mouth and her entire face. They were not passionate pecks, but ones borne of happiness. These she stored away in her memory as special kisses to be savored. The deeply felt joy he expressed was priceless, as was the matching joy the kisses brought forth within her heart. “Hey.” He withdrew abruptly, his hand still holding her hair underneath the nape. “Something’s different.” She giggled, guessing immediately what he’d just realized. “Could it be our kisses are less ticklish?” He rubbed his upper lip. “Woman! You shaved me when I was unconscious and helpless.” Kasha giggled more heartily and shook her head slightly. “No, Doc instructed Nicole to do the deed.” At his aggravated expression, she relented in her teasing. “Eric, there was no choice, you lip was badly infected.” She stroked his upper lip slowly. “In fact, if Puff hadn’t licked your face and slopped some of his blessing onto your face, we wouldn’t be able to kiss yet.” “One more reason I love the big guy.” She grinned. “Me too. Besides, it makes you look--” “Weird?” He frowned. “No, silly, more handsome, I think.” “Is that right,” his look turned thoughtful. “The kisses are more pleasant too.” She stared at his lips, then his face, so Eric would know exactly how she felt. Now his eyes turned darker. “Then perhaps I’ll keep this baby-bottom smooth look. Anything to please my princess.” Laughter bubbled inside her and escaped in another giggle. She shut if off midstream. She was becoming quite silly. Caressing his cheek, she said, “You will never look like a baby my jicha. You’ve the look of a man, albeit a strange one.” He tweaked her nose. Kasha said, “I’ll make you live up that promise of pleasing your princess, once you’re well.” “It’ll be my pleasure.” His words were teasing, but his look far from it. “One thing you can do is answer a question for me,” she said softly. His look was both curious and cautious. She plunged in, “Why do you have a braid of my hair in your room?” He flushed a pale pink, something she’d never witnessed him do. He sighed. “I wanted a memento from you, in case things didn’t work out between us.”

“I thought as much.” She pulled a few chest hairs lightly. “But, you should have asked.” He shook his head. “That’s right, but would you have cooperated? “Probably not,” she answered. Although her response would have been a firm “no,” she could see by his expression, he thought the same. She caught his silver eyes with her look. “Where did you get the hair?” He cleared his throat. “I, uh, slipped in your room when you were gone and pulled hairs from your brush.” “Eric.” She couldn’t keep the irritation from her voice and thumped him lightly on the chest. His slight winch of pain made her relent her anger. “You really went too far this time.” “I know.” Humor crept into her voice as she asked, “Then why leave your memento behind?” “I didn’t want to chance losing it.” Unexpectedly, he pointed toward the closet, “Take a look in my the pant’s pocket.” She did just that, and was completely surprised when she pulled a matching braid from the side pocket. She turned with it clutched in her fist. “How on Volarn did you manage this?” He grinned, one of those typical Eric smiles. “I spent a lot of time sneaking into your room.” She wanted to be angry with him, but a bubbly feeling inside pushed out the negative ones that fought for dominance. “I should have locked my door.” “Yes, you’re much too trusting.” He grinned widely. His utterly ridiculous statement pushed her last button and she erupted into genuine laughter. She strolled casually over to the bed and plopped the braid onto his chest. “What am I going to do with you?” “Love me, like nobody else can.” His statement made her even happier, which she wouldn’t have thought possible a moment ago. But, it also brought her back to the subject she needed to discuss. “Eric, I must discuss something serious with you.” She hesitated, not sure where to begin. He sighed. “And we were having so much fun.” “I must explain to you why I have been so stubborn about marriage.” “Oh, really?” His look turned sharp, alert, and interested.

****

Rhamus stood a few feet outside the sick room door. He’d

arrived a few moments earlier to visit Eric, but didn’t want to interrupt the couples’ kisses, which were clearly audible even in the hallway. He certainly didn’t want to interfere in the marriage discussion that followed. He was shocked but pleased by the giggles that erupted from his sister. Serena approached, a lovely smile on her face. He placed a finger on his lips, took her hand and pulled her further down the hall. “What’s up?” She whispered. “I didn’t want to interrupt. They were in the middle of a romantic moment.” “Oh, how sweet.” Serena’s voice was excited. “Kasha is divulging her secret.” “Oh,” her look turned knowing. “I’m so glad you finally told me several months ago.” “It’s time for the truth to be told, to all.” His eyes were troubled, his thoughts turned inward. His look shifted to her and grabbed all of her attention with the intensity of his stare. “Serena, I know you’ve gotten used to a certain way of life and that what I’m about to share with my people may change all that.” He paused. “I just hope you can understand, even if you don’t agree with my decision.” “My love,” she placed one hand gently on his cheek and turned his eyes to her own. “I was not a Queen for most of my life.” She smiled softly. “And I do agree completely with what you’re about to do. I love Kasha and I like Eric too. I’d like to see them happy.” He smiled. “I’ll meet you back in our suite, after I announce a gathering of the people and an emergency council meeting.” Rhamus was back in a short time, stating that Hartoos was confused by the rushed order. But the councilor had followed through by sending guards to gather the council members and announce the general meeting. They were to convene in an hour in the throne room. They spent that time getting dressed in ceremonial garb while Rhamus mulled over what he was going to say, practicing aloud to Serena. The throne room was packed with the populace when they arrived and the austere council members were sitting in places of honor behind his throne. The people looked confused and whispers of “Eric and the basami” made the rounds, probably the only reason anyone could fathom for a meeting of such short notice. Rhamus rose and took Serena’s hand as they moved to the center front of the dais. “My people, I have important, disturbing news to announce. Something that should have been shared with you long ago.” His subjects’ faces shone with confusion. “First, many of you have guessed that my sister and Eric share strong feelings for one another.” He paused, noting the overwhelming bewilderment that overtook the Volarnians at this odd way to begin a serious announcement. “It may have been simply stubbornness that caused Kasha to avoid the Earthman in the beginning, but there is a deeper reason she has avoided his pronouncements of love. The princess did not wish to cause me pain and embarrassment, nor the kingdom to fall into chaos.”

He paused again, giving them the time to absorb his words, which didn’t help if their puzzled features were an indication. “I broke one of our laws by allowing Kasha to enter the Getra, when she is fertile.” He announced abruptly. Gasps erupted. People turned to one another, stared in disbelief. He noticed a few who paled in embarrassment and their eyes turned downward swiftly. It was going as bad or worse than he predicted. “I make no excuses for my behavior,” his voice rose above the whispering cries of alarm. “I wish to announce this so that my sister can marry without worrying about consequences to me.” Silence reigned once again. “I called this general meeting of the people because I thought you should know of my crime as well as the council. I hand myself over to the council for judgment.” He paused again and waited for the swell of excited whispers that erupted at his words to settle down. “I only ask one thing of the people and the council,” he turned to look at Serena, then returned his solemn face to the crowd. “Whatever punishment the council metes out to me, I ask that Serena and my children not be included in the ruling. And further, Sasha remain as heir apparent, with an advisor of the councils choosing to govern at her side until she reaches maturity.” He took one step backward, the Queen along with him, which signaled his speech was ended. It was time for the people to speak. The crowd was a mixture of merchants, warriors, elegantly dressed nobles, and common folk. Heads converged in fierce conference and more than one argument ensued. Suddenly the people near the dais dispersed as a tall figure pushed his way to the front. It was Salis, one of the elite commanders serving in the army, a legendary warrior and well respected. Salis nodded to his daughter, one of Rhamus’ personal guards, who left her post and joined her father. They turned to face the crowd. “Fellow Volarnians,” Salis spoke in a clear, loud voice. “I will speak for the King that which went unsaid. He is well-loved by his people.” A shout went up and several swords clanged against the ground sharply. Known for his oratory skills, the people listened attentively to the commander. “There is no excuse for this crime.” A hush settled over the previously boisterous group. “Every Volarnian heart wept when our beloved King Vork died, as each rejoiced that our king left us with such a wise son to rule in his stead.” Salis pointed dramatically at Rhamus. “Every citizen of south Volarn also knows the deep love King Rhamus has for his sister and how he took over her care.” Again, shouts erupted. Salis paused until they quieted. “And every citizen old enough, remembers the arguments that erupted when Kasha started nagging her brother about the Getra.” This time there were more than a few laughs. “I say to you, can a man be completely guilty who gives in to a loved one, in spite of his best judgment?” Some heads nodded in agreement and several shouts of right were heard from the back. “If this be a crime, then I must plead as guilty as my beloved King.” The commander waved aside a flurry of questions and remained on course with his speech. “My daughter,” he held their clasped hands aloft, “is a guard elite, Getra, and she is fertile.” Pandemonium reigned, but Salis quieted the crowd by the mere presence of his straight-faced will. “How could this be?” A youthful vassi questioned, clearly confused.

The commander gave him a kind glance, then returned his severe warrior-face back to the crowd. “Many of you remember Galliha.” It was a statement, not a question. “Our much loved vassi who helped his people for more years than I have lived.” He paused briefly. “Before his death, Galliha gave the psychic reading for determining my daughter’s fertile state.” “He was too old and his reading was incorrect.” The young man offered. Salis shook his head. “Galliha was persuaded to lie for our family.” Gasps of disbelief rose. Harsh words spoken by several onlookers were interrupted by the appearance of Yousa, a well-known, rich merchant. He took up a position beside the commander. “I too have committed this crime of love.” The large room went totally silent. Unexpectedly, a stir within the crowd shifted its mass, as openings appeared when several people pushed through to the front. The small group included a retired foot soldier, decorated for bravery, a noble woman and her Getra daughter, and a young vassi. Each in turn admitted to committing the same crime as the King. The youthful healer had lied for his sister, the retired warrior had also talked Galliha into lying for his family, and the noble woman had paid a sorcerer to lie. The last confession caused many surprised curses and an explosion of loud conversation. Rhamus watched it all with just as much shock as his subjects and a touch of warm appreciation for their loyalty. A sense of personal betrayal on his part flushed through him, as if he’d led each one into this path. The paid conspirator would be easily tracked down, punished beyond what was meted out for this crime. A vassi’s duties were sacred and honored. Galliha was beyond retribution, perhaps only his reputation would be sullied, but Rhamus doubted even that would be much affected. The old vassi had been so loved and respected. Also, there was a vast difference in lying to help a family out of love, than taking pay for such a deception. “Yousa, you haven’t said who helped you out in this?” Someone shouted from the crowds’ interior. The rich merchant grinned. Rhamus could almost imagine him rubbing his hands in glee. His countenance conveyed the same thrilled look you’d expect to see when he won at some particularly lucrative trade deal. “I used the modern method. I had Dr. Melat check my daughter’s fertility rate.” “But those results are irrefutable.” The physician stepped forward out of the crowd. “I know,” Yousa grinned ear to ear. “I, uh, had an accomplice switch the blood vials with a relative’s blood, one who is confirmed infertile, while I engaged you in conversation.” “Confound it man,” the doctor exploded in anger. “That would take another accomplish to draw the blood.” “Just so,” the merchant laughed. “Money purchases many friends.” Rhamus sighed inwardly. Another accomplish would have to be tracked down, one of Dr. Melat’s medical trainees. Several people at the group’s fringe looked up at him. Rhamus knew their thoughts. They were wandering who had helped him in the lie. He didn’t want to tell, felt his loyalty was important

for more than simply face-value. He should have guessed, but still was surprised when Dr. Melat sprang onto the dais and stood beside him. “I changed the truth for the King.” The severe-faced alien doctor stared down several disapproving faces at the crowd’s edge. He turned to the King. “I’m sorry if this has caused problems for you, Your Majesty.” He turned back to glare at the dissidents. “I’d do it again too. Your King is a most brilliant ruler, one I have come to consider a friend.” Rhamus placed one hand on the doctor’s shoulder. “I alone bear the burden in this. Dr. Melat felt this was the King’s wishes and who was he to question his judgment.” The doctor looked as he was going to argue, but Rhamus squeezed his shoulder gently. Then the blue-skinned physician stepped forward and Rhamus thought his silent plea had been ignored. “Volarnians I had thought to wait for the announcement I’m about to make,” he halted, waiting for the eruption of whispers to die. “What I’m about to share with you may change the ruling you make here today. At least I hope it does.” He turned and gave Rhamus an inscrutable look, making him rage with curiosity, as much as his people, by their faces. “I have test results on the fertility rate that are astounding.” An absolute silence fell over the people at this statement. “As I’ve reported each year, the rate in the young women coming into ventyl has been slowly improving, but only an infinitesimal amount.” He paused for effect it seemed, his dark eyes making the rounds of the crowd. “This year, the rate made a jump, so to speak, improving by over a fifty percent increase.” The large room stayed quiet for a few seconds, then as if on cue it erupted into riotous noise. Screams, swords banging against the floor, shouted questions, and whistles mingled in an ear-ringing cacophony. It took some time for a question and answer session to finish with the doctor. Rhamus only understood two clear facts. The women of his planet were becoming capable of producing children again, and Dr. Melat didn’t know why at this point. After all queries from the crowd were satisfied, he suggested the council meet to discuss the crimes and any punishment to be handed out. The crowds’ demeanor, as they left, was far different than when he first announced his law-breaking activity. Many were kind and understanding. Some citizens even stopped to assure him they were on his side and numerous people chatted with him excitedly about Dr. Melat’s news, as if his law-breaking announcement was now nullified. He knew the wise council members would not forget, whether they would be swayed or not remained-to-be-seen. He escorted Serena to their suite to await their decision. They played a board game, both too nervous to really get into it fully as they usually did, turning anxiously when a knock resounded on the heavy door but an hour later.

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

Hartoos himself brought the news. All the council members were pretty much in agreement. With the new developments the doctor had announced, the feeling was that the perpetrators should be given pardons--including the King. The intense discussion, which took up the bulk of the time, had been in agreeing on a just punishment. Although a pardon was to be given, everyone thought the law breakers should pay back society in some fashion. It was finally decided that money would be put into the Retirement Fund for warriors permanently injured in battle, each according to his ability to pay. Serena and Rhamus hugged fiercely. He couldn’t believe his good luck. He tenderly wiped away his wife ’s tears, kissing her until she laughed. They’d forgotten the councilor’s presence. Rhamus shook his hand and escorted him to the door. “We’ve got to tell Kasha,” Serena said, her whole face lit with excitement. “Wait, I have one more important mission to accomplish first.” He kissed her swiftly. “I’ll be back soon.” It took him almost an hour to complete his task. He was smiling happily when Serena met him at the door, and he quickly filled her in as they changed into more relaxed clothing. “You’re so considerate. I hope Kasha is pleased.” “Let’s go,” he grabbed her hand and they almost ran down the hall to the doctor’s sick room. His sister was still keeping Eric company, telling him some ridiculous story that made the Earthman hold his sore ribs as he laughed. “I hate to interrupt, but I’ve got important news.” Rhamus announced in an official voice. Kasha twisted round on the bed, and then switched positions so she faced them. Belle was flopped on Eric’s stomach as he caressed her gently. He turned his look from the princess to them, curiosity shining from their depths. “I just made a public announcement of my crime, in allowing Kasha to join the Getra when I knew she was fertile.” His sister gasped, paled, and her eyes opened in a wildly alarmed expression. “You didn’t!” She seemed to read his expression and added softly, “You shouldn’t have.” “Yes, I should have long ago, once I realized how you and Eric felt for one another.” She turned even paler and Rhamus worried that she might faint. Swallowing hard, she asked, “What’s going to happen now?” “Nothing, basically,” he shrugged. “I have to pay a fine to the Retirement Fund.”

“What! What are you talking about?” Her eyes widened. He took her hands in his and explained from the beginning what had happened in the throne room. Afterward, Kasha sat in stunned silence, while Eric’s grin practically split his face. “So, all’s well that ends well,” the Earthman stated cheerfully. “Not quite, there’s still the matter of the Tarthra,” Rhamus said. “Oh,” Eric waved one hand. “We’ve already discussed that. We’re just going to do it the Earth way.” “I know, it’s difficult for you to understand, but if a way can be seen for the Tarthra to be performed, it would mean the world to Kasha.” “Hey, wait a minute.” The princess jumped up and faced her brother. “How do you know what we’ve been discussing?” “I was passing by to check on Eric, didn’t want to interrupt your, uh, visit.” He purposely ginned broadly at his sister’s suddenly furious expression. “So now you know everything, or you think you do.” Kasha’s statement was sarcastic, her brows drawn into a frown. “Pretty much,” Rhamus said. Eric grabbed her arm. “I want to hear what else he has to say.” “What do you mean? I thought he’d covered just about all of our business.” “Sweetheart, can’t you tell when a man’s left words unsaid?” Eric said softly. The princess turned and stared at Eric. “I guess not.” They turned and looked at Rhamus. Kasha waved one hand dramatically toward him. “Please continue.” “I talked to Darseth about you using the Tarthra.” “Who’s Darseth?” Eric asked. “The family vassi,” Kasha answered, then asked Rhamus, “What good would that do, it took you years to learn to control the power.” “That’s true, but I had an idea, something I put to Darseth. He thought it might work too.” “What?” Kasha and Eric said at the same time, her voice impatient, his curious. “If someone you trusted could stand with you at the Tarthra, use their control of the power to help you.” “You, mean you,” she said. “Maybe, or you could choose Jarvic.” He eyed her thoughtfully. “Of course it would be extremely invasive. I don’t know if you’d want your cousin to know your every thought.” “Or you,” she added. Kasha ran one hand repeatedly over the bed cover. After a few seconds, she glanced up at him. “Let me think about it.”

He shook his head. “Now, Eric, tell me more about Rorri’s stronghold.”

****

Rhamus had definitely changed the subject in an abrupt manner, meant to give her the space she requested. The rest of the visit was pleasant, Rhamus even told several jokes, easily making Eric laugh. It took the whole of a restless night for her to agree to Rhamus’ idea, and another few weeks for it to come to fruition. It was two weeks before Dr. Melat would release Eric from medical care, and during that time Darseth trained her in some basics of tapping into the crystal’s power for the ceremony. In two weeks there was also a Tarthra scheduled. Nothing grand, only a few couples wishing to match and marry by the tradition. During those endless fourteen days, she became nervous in a way she’d not experienced since riding upon Puff’s back the first time. One day, the cook handed her a pastry-filled treat. The bread tasted as if it were made the day before and she snapped at him as if he’d committed a crime. She tore into Jarvic on a daily basis, until he abruptly left to visit a maiden who lived miles away. Even Eric suffered her anxiety. Arguments erupted continuously. She finally realized they were not arguments at all, but one-sided spewing of harsh words, with her speaking them and Eric usually laughing in response. Or else, he looked at her with kind, understanding patience that irritated her even further. Would this waiting never end? She paced her room, rode Ziskin for hours and pampered Puff for as many. The other hours were filled with caring for Eric, usually ending with her stomping off for some imaginary affront he’d committed.

****

God, he loved that woman who just crashed the door back on its hinges as she left his room. But her case of nerves was getting on his nerves. He was so utterly tired of being poked and prodded by the good doctor, loved and fussed at by the princess. Thank goodness Dr. Melat was finally letting him return to his suite this evening. About time he thought ruefully to himself, for tomorrow was his wedding day. That night, sleep came fitfully to him for the first time in days. Now he was feeling nervous. Would Kasha be able to do the Tarthra thing? Would she back out at the last minute? What if it didn’t work, would she still marry him by Earth’s traditions? Eric spent the morning by himself, except for Belle. She stroked and sang to him continuously, apparently sensing his nervousness. Kasha had gone along with the Earth tradition of not seeing one another before the ceremony. Had she agreed too readily? He shook his head silently at his own case of nerves. He prepared himself carefully. He’d thought long about what to wear, deciding on the basic Volarnian shirt and consenting this once to wear the doca for Kasha’s sake. Dr. Melat had peered at him with raised eyebrows when he sunbathed for several hours the past few days in the sick room garden area. Pale legs showing below the doca, in contrast to his tanned arms and face would look silly.

Instead of the regulation black, he chose green to represent Earth. He felt blue would be disrespectful to the royal family. Eric decided he had to wear something to represent Earth though. Settling the Green Beret on his head at the proper angle, he examined his appearance in the mirror. The beret looked odd, otherworldly connected with the almost medieval apparel. Somehow it seemed fitting. Besides, the dark green hue of the beret offset the lighter green of the shirt and doca. Would Kasha still think him handsome? He’d just have to wait and see.

****

She spent so much time pacing and in useless pursuits to keep her mind occupied, that she forgot about her wedding apparel. Two days before the event Kasha tore through her closet, throwing dresses across the room, pulling each one out in succession and pitching it. Fortunately, Serena came to her rescue. The Queen found her on her knees surrounded by scattered uniforms and colorful togas. “Need some help?” “I can’t find a thing to wear.” Kasha was horrified at the wail that erupted from her mouth and the tears that threatened to fall. “Come with me,” Serena gripped one hand gently, pulling her up with a strong tug. “There’s only one person who can help a princess wed in the right fashion.” She knew where they were headed, to Jidroon the royal tailor. Normally she would have balked, but this was not a normal occasion. Jidroon was jittery with excitement at getting to serve her. On a normal day this would have set her last nerve on fire, but today for some reason his irritating, placating actions soothed her. She went through his dress sketches in no time, throwing them on the floor. Thus, she spent too much time examining Jidroon’s balding crown as he bent hurriedly to gather his precious drawings each time she threw a handful. “I told you there was nothing.” This time her voice sounded hopeless. “Show her my personal sketches,” Serena commanded. Yes, she thought, her sister-in-law did own some very lovely dresses. Up until now Kasha had no desire to emulate her style. Flipping through the many drawings she was excited by the very different designs of her human relative, many borrowed from Earth’s expression of dress. She paused at a floor-length dress, simply cut with long draping sleeves. The picture looked archaic and had been ripped from an Earth volume. “That’s a Renaissance dress.” Serena spoke over her shoulder. “I put it there for future reference.” The Queen patted her arm. “It would look lovely on you.” When the dress was completed the next day and covered her body with its pale lavender shade, Serena remarked with awe in her voice, “You truly look like a princess.”

She bit her tongue to keep from asking What am I then, Swiss cheese? It was one of the many silly sayings she’d picked up from Eric. Standing in front of the mirror, she had to admit, she looked really elegant for the first time in her life. The color made her eyes sparkle like the truest lavender crystal. The necklace, earrings and matching bracelet she’d chosen with the royal arj’ak blue crystals, set into lais with a basami design, looked exceedingly expensive. And they were. Would Eric still think her beautiful, dressed in such a different style than her normal uniform? She’d just have to wait and see. It seemed but minutes after dressing, a servant slipped in and announced it was time to leave. The throne room was jam-packed, bringing her nerves up to a jarring level. The four couples who were participating in the Tarthra, were already lined up in front of the dais. Kasha took up the position on Rhamus’ right side. Serena was already standing on his other. Her brother had planned the ceremony. He wanted the couples to participate in the Tarthra first, then she and Eric would do it alone. She wished she’d argued this point with him earlier. The thought of them being the stellar attraction in the Tarthra made her uneasy. She felt like bolting, but the solemn-faced King beside her kept this intent in restraint. Two couples had already performed the ceremony. Where was Eric? She chewed her bottom lip. Had he decided at the last minute the Tarthra was silly? Or, had he decided marriage wasn’t for him after all? I’ll kill him! Kasha’s grim frown turned to a soft welcoming one as her beloved, irritating Earthman entered the room. Goreth, he was gorgeous. She quickly noted the flutter of feminine activity around Eric as he made his way to the dais, and she wondered if she had time to knock a few noble women on their lovely butts before their particular ceremony started. Eric paused for a few seconds, getting his fill of her visually, as she was doing to him, before he bounded up the few steps to take his place beside her. He wore a doca! He actually wore one without her begging. How utterly sweet. Kasha’s nervousness vanished as she stared into his lovely gray eyes, replaced by a warm glow of feelings that washed through her in a flood. “You look ravishing.” He whispered, his eyes sweeping her form swiftly, and then returning to her lips. “As do you.” She couldn’t help the languid journey her eyes took down to his brawny thighs. “You should wear a doca everyday,” she whispered, then remembering the fawning women, she said, “maybe not.” He grinned and she knew he was aware of her thoughts, but she didn’t care. “Uhum,” The King diplomatically cleared his throat, drawing their attention back to the ceremony. The couples had completed the Tarthra and were lined up exchanging the marriage vows. Kasha’s heart plunged to her stomach. A haze seemed to appear around her, and she wondered if she’d remember any of this later. The next thing she was aware of, Hartoos had positioned them; her right hand lay along Eric’s cheek. What was next? She couldn’t remember. A strong hand gripped her left shoulder gently. She took a deep breath, grateful for brother’s loving support. Hartoos’ instructions came back to her and she concentrated. A vibrating tingle shot from Rhamus’ hand, flowed through her body, opened up her psychic senses to vistas she’d never known. She could read some of Eric’s thoughts, disconcerting enough on its own, but then she also edged into

Rhamus’ mind, seeing herself as if through his eyes. Invasive? He’d been very right about that and she wondered just how deep he saw into her own thoughts. Unexpectedly, she felt a “pull” as described to her by Hartoos. They kissed, a deep emotional experience that bonded her to Eric, as she’d never thought possible. The air thrummed with power and she vaguely felt Rhamus’ withdrawal. The atmosphere continued to crackle with psychic vibrations as a blue aura surrounded them. A roar went up from the crowd and she pulled back abruptly from Eric, feeling dazed. His look was ecstatic and joyful. They clasped hands and turned to face the happy Volarnians. The marriage vows that followed were repeated with little thought. She knew them by heart long ago. The wedding feast was another event that flew by on swift wings, punctuated with well-wishes and food barely touched. Her mind cleared only when they entered his suite, Eric closing the door jovially on the enthusiastic few who lingered outside. “Alone at last.” “Yes,” she ran one hand hesitantly down the silky gown. “No need to be nervous.” He smiled gently. “Who’s nervous?” She bit her lip, squelching the screech that shot out. He took her hands and squeezed them. “I know, it’s unnerving, baring ourselves like that in front of all those people. But, hey, it’s your tradition.” “Yes, but I’ve never participated in it before.” “Ah,” he moved his arms about her waist, drew her closer, until their noses almost touched. “But we know how to participate in our own private ceremony.” “I’m not sure as a newly wed, demure maiden, if I should allow you liberties, Earthman.” She smiled sensuously, softening the seeming harshness of her words. “Then, I’ll just have to take them.” Eric descended on her lips in a fast swoop. Her heart fluttered madly and her cheeks flushed with heat. And she thought they’d kissed previously. The feelings that flowed between them were indescribable. She only knew that love was in the mix, along with lust and a longing that couldn’t be thwarted. He withdrew so suddenly their lips made a smacking sound in parting. “Feeling hot?” “What?” His hands ran along her sides, up and down between her waist and breasts. “Isn’t this gown hot?” “Yes, scorching.” She flipped her hair over one shoulder and turned so he could assist her. A weak-kneed response overcame her as his deft hands undid each tiny button. He slowed below the curve of her waist. One hand reached inside and stroked her back in swirls. “Naughty princess, no underclothes again,” he breathed against her ear.

She shrugged out of the dress, kicked its clinging volumes across the carpet and stepped backward into his embrace. Her body moved back and forth across his front side. Her naked flesh goose-bumped from contact with the satin texture of his clothes. “Aren’t you hot as well, my jicha?” He groaned in response to her throaty question. Eric moved back slightly and she waited, rewarded shortly by the warm contact of his hard form. Her body seemed to have a will of its own as it rubbed in caressing movements, their parts grazing in aching rhythm--back against chest, thigh against thigh, and bottom against groin. She whirled, taking a few agonizing seconds to run her eyes slowly up his masculine form, coming back down to stare in sweet wonder at his cini. It was erect, ready for her, and as magnificent as he was. Their first encounter had been for the most part, beneath a misty veil of water, their bodies alternately hidden and exposed within sheaths of fluid. Their second sexual experience was a violent, yet pulse-pounding ride. Neither gave time for slow perusals. Now, she gave full reign to her lusty nature, examining his muscled frame from head to toe. Eric gave as good as he got, running his storm colored eyes up and down her body. She shivered. It almost felt like little shocks of lightning shot from those eyes, lashing her body into a frenzy of wanting him. Unexpectedly she laughed and pointed. “Thought you might like to remove it yourself.” Eric patted his Green Beret, which perched jauntily atop his head. “Hmmm, maybe later. Leave it on for now, it makes you look even more sexy.” Her throaty response made his eyes turn hotter, something she didn’t think possible. “Come here woman.” He reached for her in one swift movement and pulled her forcefully into his muscular arms. As his head bent toward her, Kasha ran her hands into the hair at his temples, touching the beret briefly as if teasing him. His lips were a sweet succulent treat. She sucked on his bottom lip, almost jumped when he gently drew her upper lip into his mouth at the same time. This was a new, wondrous feeling. She pulled on his lip more fiercely. Eric groaned and responded in kind. Their kisses intensified, tongues playing with one another in a battle of strokes and parries. Feeling breathless, she withdrew a space, took the opportunity to stare into his darkened eyes and stroked his bulging biceps. “God, I love you.” “I know my fierce dragon,” she caressed the tattoo on his shoulder. “And?” He looked at her expectantly. “Hmmm,” she purred. “More than gaztor fruit.” He growled and she giggled. “I think, being a princess, I need more than mere words." “Is that another challenge?” “Perhaps.” She shrugged, her breasts gliding against his chest hair, causing a delicious sensation for her, a

clench-jawed look from him. He stroked one breast, and then squeezed gently. “So, I have to prove my love, then?” She didn’t answer, let her body speak for her. She gave him a lusty glance beneath half-lowered eyelids, her body sodden with desire. She knew he read these signs perfectly. “So be it,” he whispered as he lowered his head slowly, his kiss capturing her lips with a message of love that spanned planets and cultural differences. He proved his love magnificently over and over that night, leaving her exhausted but completely sated.

****

Two Months Later

“Good morning my jicha.” Eric sat up and stretched. “What a sweetheart, bringing me breakfast in bed.” She chuckled and laid the tray onto his lap. “I thought you might need some strength after last night.” “Keeping up with a princess’ demands does take a lot of energy.” “Demands!” She stood with hands on hips, displeasure lighting her face. “Orders?” He tapped one cheek. She hit his shoulder, causing him to grab the tray when it threatened to spill. “Okay, how about desires?” He laughed. “I’ll accept that.” She watched him eat. “When you get through, we’d better visit Puff.” “Why, has he done something wrong?” he asked between mouthfuls. “Oh, no, he was just disturbing the other half of the castle with his bellows,” she quipped. He sighed. “Poor fellow, he really misses all the attention he used to get.” “I know,” she mused thoughtfully. “With Jarvic being gone so long, there are not too many companions he’s really fond of, to play with.” Eric waved a piece of toasted bread. “You know, I miss Jarvic myself. Do you know when he’s returning from his adventure?” “No,” she shook her head. “And curse him, he wouldn’t even tell us where he was going.” “Mystery man. Maybe he’s gone to find a wife.” She laughed. “I doubt it.” Kasha took clothes from the closet while he washed up. Normally, seeing him

look so deliciously nude in the morning, she would have initiated some body contact, but Puff really was causing quite a commotion. She threw his clothes at him and Eric dressed quickly. As they strolled hand in hand down the hallway, she remarked, “Lucky for us my brother decided to build us a castle, and it’ll be complete in less than six months.” Eric glanced around the stone walls. “I love this place. But I guess between Puff’s bellows and him knocking down our garden wall, uh, a few times, Rhamus decided it’d be safer for us to have our own abode.” He shook his head. “We thought he’d gotten over that bad behavior when he was an adolescent.” She smiled. “I guess loneliness does strange things to man or beast.” “Speaking of aloneness, I’m glad Rhamus made sure our castle isn’t too close by.” She laughed. “Puff can make quite a noise.” “Not my thoughts exactly, but you’re right.” “I agree completely, I don’t want to be under everyone’s noses either.” She squeezed his hand. When they reached the corral where Puff was housed, the basami's neck was stretched across the rails as he disinterestedly sniffed the flower blossoms the stable boy held up to him. His nostrils flared and he turned toward them swiftly, bleating pathetically. “He won’t eat this morning.” The young boy looked worried. They entered the corral. Eric went to pile of crespassno bushes, withdrew a large branch and held it toward the dragon. Puff lumbered over, tripping on his front forefeet. Eric glanced at her, struggling to keep the laughter inside. The large creature immediately flicked the branch from him and crunched down happily. The stable boy shook his head and walked away in confusion. “Guess we need to spend more time with him,” Kasha said as she rubbed his neck. Eric gave her a guilty glance and she returned one just as pensive. They spent an hour petting and feeding the great dragon. He was frolicking and playing by the end of their visit. They were getting ready to leave when a commotion at the far end of the field drew their curious stares. Warriors and citizens alike were walking, some running, toward a group of warriors on horseback. “It’s Jarvic,” Kasha said happily.

****

He recognized Jarvic’s proud figure atop his magnificent mount. They waved and he waved back. Jarvic was already headed in their direction. He led a caravan of sorts. About ten mounted warriors rode with him, plus a large wagon being pulled by two stout yasmirs. A large box-shaped object rested inside the open-sided wagon and was covered with a large cloth. Shrouded in mystery. The group paused near them.

“What have you got there?” the princess asked. “Well, it’s--” Jarvic’s reply was interrupted by a huge bellow from Puff, then strangely by a questioning bleat from the box. “It can’t be,” Eric shouted above the exchange of dragon calls that continued unabated. The warrior shrugged, then nonchalantly leaned over and quickly flipped the cloth off. A large cage was tied with ropes to the wagon bed, and inside it crouched a very frightened basami. Its great golden eyes stared at them with unblinking intensity. It was young by its size, but much larger than Puff when he was found. “How?” Kasha asked. “I explored near the wastelands, a little more north than what you described to me, and we just ran across her.” “You went to the wastelands.” She shuddered and stared at him in disbelief. “Why?” He laughed. “I noticed how lonely poor Puff was since you two got married, and I’d been having this itch to explore the wastelands ever since I heard your adventures.” “How do you know it’s a girl?” Eric asked. Jarvic grinned. “Not positive, but I see no family jewels.” He eyed the caged basami beside him. “She’s not as big as Puff was at that age, but she appears to be an adolescent to me.” Eric and Kasha turned to examine the bleating dragon. He thought maybe the warrior was correct. There was something familiar in the dragon’s appearance, something that reminded him of Puff just before he reached full dragonhood. “What was your plan?” Eric asked curiously. “Isn’t it obvious. Put them together.” Jarvic grinned. “I don’t know about that,” Kasha’s voice sounded cautious. “He’s so much bigger than her, he might hurt her.” “Yeah,” Eric said humorously. “This is the same lady who thought Puff was going to devour us.” Jarvic laughed and slapped his knee. “We could at least put her in that far corral until we figure out how to introduce them.” She pointed. “I think Kasha’s right,” Eric agreed. It only took a few minutes to trundle the wagon to the fenced area. The empty corral in-between would keep the two from touching, or more disastrous consequences such as biting. It took a handful of men to move the cage down and place it inside the corral, and more than a few minutes before the frightened basami ventured out. The young basami seemed disorientated and peered around the large area fearfully. Then her eyes lit

upon Puff in the distance. She bleated loudly and Puff let out a sound that he never had before. “That sounds almost like an elephant trumpeting,” Eric shouted above the volume of noise exchanged. “When do you think we should let them--” Kasha stopped in astonishment and Eric turned. Puff was already aloft, his wings flapping in that furious rhythm that caused him to hover like a helicopter. Before he could blink, Puff had landed in the center of the female’s corral. “What’ll we do,” she gripped his arm. “Watch and hope they don’t kill each other.” Eric tried humor, but it fell flat. Now that both dragons were in the same corral, they went totally silent and simply stared at one another. Then in an extremely nonchalant manner Puff turned his back on the smaller one and plodded over to one corner. He hitched his leg and sprayed the weeds, then proceeded to do the same in each corner. “What’s he doing?” “Isn’t it obvious, he’s marking his territory.” “Oh, is that what you do next to the toilet,” Kasha said flippantly. “Hey, that was an accident.” Eric laughed. He was relieved the dragons appeared to be getting along, at least so far. “A triumph.” Jarvic clapped him on the shoulder. He eyed Kasha’s cousin wickedly and said, “I never would have placed you as a matchmaker.” “Ha,” the princess interjected. “He did plenty of that on your behalf.” The warrior winked at him. “Some people just don’t know what’s good for them, until someone comes along and proves them wrong.” “You want me to prove I can still beat you in hand-to-hand combat.” Kasha fumed. “Hey, you two,” Eric said loudly. “I thought we were dragon watching.” His wife paled in embarrassment and Jarvic coughed to hide a laugh. “Just look at them, they’re getting along splendidly.” Eric waved at the corral. The female dragon had been tagging along behind Puff and sniffing at each spraying he left. He continued around the circumference of the corral several times, the little dragon trailing close behind. “Maybe that’s what you need,” Kasha turned to her cousin. “What, a basami of my own?” “No,” she said sarcastically. “A mate.” He held up both hands. “Don’t do me any favors.”

EPILOGUE

Four Months Later

Eric yawned widely, felt contentment shoot through him when a still sleepy Kasha snuggled up against him. “Morning sleepy-head.” “Mmm, morning handsome.” She rubbed his chest softly and stretched like a cat. They showered together and shared a wonderful, languid time by participating in a rousing session of slippery sex. Afterward, they both jumped back into bed, cuddling and sharing nonsensical lover talk. “Do you remember what you promised me when you were sick?” “What?” He was totally thrown by his wife’s change of subject--from chatter to dredging up a memory. She leaned above him, her inky locks forming a sensual backdrop for her exotic face. She circled one of his nipples with a finger. “Remember, you promised to please your princess in any way you could?” “Oh, that.” He felt relieved. That was a request a man would look forward to fulfilling. "Of course. I thought I had been.” “Oh, you have.” She arched downward and flicked his nipple into a peak of excitement with her tongue, then stared into his eyes. “It’s just that you may need to hold onto that memory for days to come.” “Kasha, what on Earth are you talking about?” He didn’t know what the heck she was getting to. “Look into my eyes.” She commanded. “I am.” “No, I mean look deeply.” Her voice was husky, so seductive his cock hardened immediately. He didn’t understand, but complied. Eric saw things he hadn’t noticed a moment ago. Her lovely eyes had a pale red ring rimming the edges of her iris, and her face, oh god, it was more sultry than he ever remembered seeing it. Her full lips were parted in a sexual smile that promised to eat him up. Eric’s cock twitched in response to her sensual aura. The odor washing off her was indescribable. A mix of spices, flowers and musk all churned together. He only knew one thing for sure, that aroma made him want to eat her up as well. “What’s happening to you?” He ran one hand down her silky locks. “Can’t you guess? I’m in cycle.”

“Were you earlier?” He was confused. “No,” she laughed huskily. “It can come on quite suddenly.” “I’ll say.” He smiled hesitantly. “Kasha, you’ re already a sexual dynamo, I’m wondering if I can keep up with you.” “Hush, my jicha,” she placed one finger over his lips. “That’s why the vassi came up with a drink to improve stamina long ago. We’ll send for it in a few hours.” “I don’t know--” She kissed his worries away, then pulled back and said, “Just think, when we get through making love this week, we’ll have a baby.” “That’s right, you’re guaranteed to get pregnant.” A flush of pleasure washed through him. Children. “Having second thoughts?” Her inquiry was not serious. She knew how much he loved kids. He grabbed her waist and pulled her whole body atop his. “Come here and let me show you what kind of second thoughts I have, and third, and.” His words were interrupted by her abrupt kiss, one that burned his lips with the heat of her longing. His hands caressed her arms, then her whole body. “I can never get over how soft your skin is--like velvet.” “Hmmm, and I how hard you are, my Earthman.” Her hand stroked his cock, her thumb playfully caressing the sensitive tip. “Oh, feels too good princess.” He shoved against her hand while he began unlacing her shirt. Their sensual play was rudely interrupted the next instant. Sneeze. “Puff!” Eric looked up in disgust. There he was, sitting not ten feet away, eyeing them balefully. And Belle, the culprit, was riding on top of his head. “You left the door open?” Kasha sounded very irritated. He glanced at the entry to the garden. He thought he’d closed it. “What are you doing here?” She addressed the basami. “I thought you were supposed to be helping your mate sit on your eggs.” “Ah, give the guy a break, he probably needed a breather.” “He can breathe somewhere else. Just look at him, he has that look in his eye!” She screeched in his ear. “Don’t you dare bless me,” she shouted. “I just took a shower.” “Out, out!” Eric said in a firm voice. Sneeze. Puff. “Puff!”

THE END

Read an excerpt from

The Princess and the Barbarian

Sasha was disoriented for a few seconds after the beam released her. She hadn’t expected the sudden grasping of her body by the powerful ray. This was only the second time she’d experienced being beamed somewhere and she didn’t like it anymore than the first time. She stared upward. Jahum! The ship which had beamed her below was hidden behind a sullen cloud. Still no clue as to who her kidnappers were. After a week locked up in a small gray room, she was more then ready to stretch her legs. Ready to find out who dared kidnap a princess and heir apparent to the throne of south Volarn Glancing around sharply, she didn’t see any immediate danger. Yellow sand stretched into an endless horizon. The only break in the boring landscape was a clump of brown boulders several hundred feet away. Heat washed over her body in shimmering waves. Sasha squinted at the enormous sun, at least twice the size of the largest sun on her planet. The sky was a dull orange. Definitely not Volarn. What godforsaken planet had her kidnappers dropped her on? And why? A sharp pang of homesickness hit her. What she wouldn’t do to see Volarn’s lovely lavender sky and cool blue grasslands. Taking a deep shaky breath, Sasha coughed and blinked tears from her eyes. The air was heavy and the sun’s rays skin-hurting hot. Fine granules of sand swirled at her feet. The slight wind stirred their mass but didn’t cool her cheeks, serving only to aid the sand in finding its way into her lungs. She coughed hard into her hand, and then spat. Mineral tasting. A humming noise drew her eyes upward again. The silver beam shot from the hidden space ship. Sasha watched in frustration as the ship sped away after the beam shut off. There’d be no identifying it. Shifting her attention, she stared at the beam. It was but a dozen feet from her, and a shape was becoming clearer by the seconds.

Had the kidnappers sent down a fellow Volarnian to keep her company? God, she hoped so. An image of her warrior aunt filled her mind. A reassuring picture. Please, let it be Kasha. The next instant she flushed in shame. No one should be wished into captivity. Sasha blinked fiercely, and rubbed at the sand lacing her eyelashes. It was a man. He was a giant, well over eight feet tall. The muscle bound physique could easily match Yissell’s, as did his height. His thighs were ripped and thick, looking more like tree trunks then a man’s limbs. The silk shirt strained across his broad chest, the bulky ridges of his muscles clearly discernible between the opened laces. His skin was darkly tanned, defining the musculature of his physique even more. All his limbs were laced with old wounds, white markers of past injuries. A few were long and wide, indicating severe cuts, while a scattering of smaller scars crisscrossed his body, as if someone had tried to slice him to pieces. A dark scowl lit his face. Sasha stared at that expressive face. Her eyes latched first onto a dark pink scar that ran from his left eye to his lip. His square jawed face would have been handsome, if not for the scar and the savage expression. Raggedly cut hair flowed over his immense shoulders, its red glints shining like bronze beneath the sullen red sun. Volarnian all right. West Volarnian. Her enemy and the worse kind of barbarian. The warrior had copied her earlier action, staring around cautiously before his eyes found her. Sasha sucked in her breath at his expression. Surprise of course, but was that recognition? No, couldn’t be. Then a soft smile of pleasure pulled at his lips. The flash of white teeth against his dark face was surprisingly sexy. Sasha was shocked at the transformation. The barbarian was gone, replaced by a dangerously handsome warrior who’d seen too many battles. He took a step forward and asked, “Who are you?” Her heart thudded in her chest. He was huge. She wouldn’t have a hope against him. Stiffening her body and stilling the shiver that ran down her back, Sasha drew her sword. Thank Goreth her kidnappers had left her a weapon. His mouth opened. But whatever the warrior was going to say was interrupted by an ear shattering roar. Sasha whirled and faced a creature even more frightening than her enemy. It was a large reptile, at least ten feet in length. It stood on two muscular back legs, its rather small, clawed front limbs tucked close to its chest. The beast crouched at the bottom of the piled rocks. Perhaps its lair was hidden there. The reptile examined them with an unblinking stare, giving Sasha time to look it over. At first, her mind had supplied “dragon,” but it only looked somewhat like Volarn’s basami. She remembered pictures in her mother’s books from Earth. Dinosaur. The three inch long fangs filling its maw, marked it as a carnivore. The warrior had edged closer to her while she eyed the beast. His sword was drawn and pointed at the reptile. Sasha was glad for his presence, at least for the moment. She would be torn to pieces in seconds beneath the dinosaur’s immense jaws.

“Truce.” The warrior’s deep voice made her jump. She glanced quickly at her companion. “Truce.” She answered after a few heartbeats, taking a sideways step toward him, at the same time he did. A moment ago, the warrior’s visage had terrified her. Now, having his large body but two feet away provided her with some small sense of protection. The dinosaur roared again, then bounded toward them with powerful hops of its brawny back legs. Sasha raised her sword and was satisfied to see the warrior do the same. He looked deadly. Maybe, together, they had a chance of survival.