Harsh Light of Day (chapters 9-13)
 S. Thompson

9. Delusions

The next morning the three women continued their journey to Arandile. Kathryn wasn’t feeling well. She had started shaking and sweating continuously. The hot sun wasn’t helping either. Her skin was red and angry from sunburn.

"Why is it always so damn hot?" she asked angrily at everything and everyone around her.

Naomi noticed Kathryn’s irritability but passed it off as a reaction to Kami’s death and the physical exertion. She looked at Kathryn and felt accusation in her brown eyes. Quickly she looked away. Naomi felt there was something important she was missing. She let Kathryn’s statement go unchallenged and continued her own trek.

Why was Kathryn blaming her? She had done everything she could.

Kathryn saw the frown appear on Naomi’s face and was angry with herself as soon as she closed her mouth. It wasn’t their fault she was suffering from lack of alcohol. But how could she tell them she was a drunk? They wouldn’t even know what she was talking about. Even if she could make them understand, they were sure to think even less of her. She just couldn’t stop her scathing tongue.

Every time she glanced up she caught Naomi or Anikka watching her surreptitiously. Why do they keep watching me? Do they think I’m going to grow two heads or something? As the day wore on, Kathryn began to wonder why she cared about their opinion. What did she really know about them anyway? Just what they had told her.

And how did she know they were telling the truth? It was pretty far fetched now that she stopped to think about it. Just look at how Naomi had killed Kami. She had done it without hesitation, her own sister!

It had been obvious Naomi had a lot of practice at killing. That was quite an act of compassion she had going! Kathryn began watching her companions a lot closer. She had no intention of becoming the next victim.

She began seeing hidden meaning behind every gesture. At noon Naomi called a rest. There was no shade, but if felt good just to stop walking. Naomi and Anikka sat next to each other talking quietly and sipping from their canteens.

Kathryn sat about ten feet away facing them. There was no way she was going to sit with her back to them. For all she knew they would sneak up behind her and slit her throat. After all, Anikka hadn’t exactly stopped Naomi. In her delirium she began to think this was all some elaborate charade for her benefit. How had she gotten here anyway? She had never really questioned it closely. She had just taken it as something like Alice in Wonderland. Now she was beginning to wonder. Was she really in another dimension or had Connie set all of this up somehow? Something really twisted to get at Kathryn and make her look stupid. So what if it was a lot of work; Connie was a vindictive bitch. She would stop at nothing.

Kathryn sat quietly watching the women while sipping from her own canteen. Was this the Arizona desert? Had they flown her here after she had passed out on the beach?

That would explain a lot!

God, that seemed so long ago. Well, one thing for sure...she knew their game now!

"Let’s get moving." Naomi said tiredly. "I, for one, am ready to get home. We should be there by tomorrow evening."

"Thank the goddess." sighed Anikka, struggling to her feet.

"Kathryn, are you all right? You’ve been unusually quiet today."

"Fine, Naomi." Kathryn lied. What do you care? Oh yes, you’re good. You’re very, very good. Her eyes narrowed slightly with her thoughts. As they continued walking, Kathryn kept her eyes open for any avenue of escape. The day was infernally hot. Sweat ran down their faces and backs. Rings formed under their armpits. The sand was powdery fine and the women sank to their ankles with every step. When the sun finally began to sink, Naomi began to look for a spot to camp.

"Shouldn’t we continue?" Anikka asked worriedly. "Since they usually come at night...and we’ll get home sooner, too." There was almost a note of pleading in her voice.

Almost,

"I understand your eagerness, my friend. I am anxious as well to be home. But, we are exhausted. We must rest."

Naomi felt as though she had grit in her eyes. She was fighting to keep them open. As much as she didn’t want to stop, she knew it was for the best. Anikka’s shoulders slumped with the knowledge that Naomi was right. She could see the dark circles under Naomi’s eyes and she knew that same look must be mirrored in her own.

She looked at Kathryn and noticed her shivering and sweating. Her heart went out to her. She didn’t want to like the other woman, but found that in spite of herself that was exactly what was happening.

"I’ll take first watch, Naomi. You two get some rest."

After a brief supper of ration bars, Anikka began looking for wood and kindling for a fire. She knew as soon as the sun was gone the winds would pick up. After all of the deaths that were on her hands, she felt an almost obsessive need to protect the two remaining women.

"Come, Kathryn," Naomi urged, "let’s get some sleep."

Naomi and Kathryn began laying out their blankets and sleeping bags. They had lost their sleeping pads and most of their supplies at Trafalger Springs. Naomi had barely managed to retain the blue sword. She was aware that their exhaustion stemmed partly from hunger due to ration shortages. It was important they rest as much as possible to help compensate. Naomi knew she would have to make a concentrated effort to make Anikka sleep later and store up her own energy reserves.

Naomi was asleep as soon as her head touched the ground. Kathryn stretched out on the blanket facing Anikka and the fire. She feigned sleep waiting for her opportunity.

She could hear her moving around gathering what kindling she could find in the immediate area. She was watching the willowy woman through slitted eyes when Anikka dropped an armload of scrub and scrawny twigs, and turned to continue her search for kindling.

Kathryn slid quietly from her resting place and crept to the wood supply. She didn’t find anything that would work. Then she saw it. There; a nice heavy rock the size of her fist.

She glanced quickly toward Anikka, who was just past the glow of light given off by the fire. Quickly she hefted the rock to test the weight. Perfect, Kathryn crept up behind Anikka as she knelt gathering brush. Suddenly sensing that someone was behind her, Anikka swung around. She never saw her assailant. Kathryn brought the rock up high over her head. As the blonde turned, she brought it down with all the force she could muster. It connected solidly with the top of her head. Anikka toppled wordlessly to her side, Kathryn looked to see if she would have to do the same with Naomi. She hadn’t even moved!

Kathryn felt an insane urge to giggle as she heard Kami’s voice in her head. "Very good dear, now hurry."

She dropped the branch and knelt over the meager camp supplies. She took two canteens of water, all the food that was left and her own blanket. She kept her eye on Naomi the entire time.

When she finished packing she began considering the best way to retrace their path. Since they had been heading steadily east, she would go west. That way she could keep the moon and sun to her back as she traveled. After all, they were sure to have gone in a direction to avoid any roads so she would go the opposite direction.

Kathryn struck out, keeping the moon at her back. She no longer felt her blisters or sunburn. She was free! She walked stumbling all night. She didn’t notice when she began giggling from time to time. With Kami’s voice for company, she had encouragement to continue when she faltered to urge her forward.

As dawn began to break Kathryn started looking for a place to sleep that would hide her from prying eyes. She piled brush together and secured it in place with rocks, creating a rough den. She crawled inside with her meager supplies. Kathryn fell asleep with no qualms of her conscience.

10. ARANDILE

Naomi woke to the sensation of sunlight against her eyelids. She sat up blinking in confusion and began looking around the camp. Kathryn was noticeably absent as was her sleeping blanket. Then she saw Anikka crumpled into a heap beside a pile of firewood.

"Anikka!" she yelled feeling her heart begin to hammer in her chest as she scanned the area for Kathryn. Naomi ran to the blonde and gently eased her onto her back. She was dismayed to see her hair matted with blood and a trail of it that had run down her forehead and encrusted one eye shut. Her face was the color of week old ashes.

Anikka cracked open her right eye with a groan to see Naomi supporting her with a worried look on her face. "Were we attacked? Is everything all right?" she asked weakly.

"Did you see who hit you?"

"No." she attempted to shake her head and stopped with a moan of pain. "I didn’t even hear anything." she continued softly. "I was gathering wood for a fire and the next thing, lights out."

Gently, Naomi helped her to her feet and steered her over to her blanket. She knew they had all been tired the previous evening, but for Anikka not to have heard someone behind her she must have been exhausted indeed!

"Let’s get you comfortable, then I’ll look around and see what I can find."

"Naomi, they may have attacked just to get Kathryn. If they’re worried about the prophecy...maybe she really is the one."

"There now, try to rest. It doesn’t do much good speculating until I look around. I’ll try to rustle up some breakfast while I’m at it."

Anikka gratefully lay back and closed her eyes. Her last conscious thought was are you supposed to go to sleep with a concussion? Some time later, Anikka awoke to a bright, cheerful fire and a rumbling belly. She raised a hand to her aching forehead and realized Anikka must have washed her face while she had been sleeping. Her hair was still a little crusted, but at least she could open her eyes.

She saw Naomi sitting by the fire with both hands wrapped around a coffee mug. She was staring into the fire lost in thought. She had an expression that, for Naomi, was quite unusual. Despair.

"That bad?"

Naomi gave a slight start at the sound of Anikka’s voice. She looked at her with an ironic grin. "How are you feeling?" she asked, trying to change the subject to no avail.

"I’ve been worse. What’s our situation?" She rolled slowly to her feet and shuffled over to the fire while Naomi was considering her reply. Surprised when she made her destination with very little staggering.

"She took all of the food and most of the water and supplies. Not that there was much to begin with. I guess you were right all along, I’m sorry." Naomi couldn’t meet Anikka’s angry gaze.

"She? Kathryn did this? Damn her! We save her life and this is how she repays us?"

She paused to take a steadying breath as she squatted by Naomi. "Are you sure it was her?"

Anikka had begun to care for the strange woman against her own better judgment, and now felt unaccountably betrayed and shocked.

"I can find no sign of a struggle. We’ll find her. Here," Naomi held out a stone mug. "I made you some tea. I also scrounged around and tried to make you something to eat. It’s not much, but it is something in your stomach." she said apologetically.

Anikka accepted the plate of boiled tubers. Naomi was right, it didn’t look like much but she had eaten worse. She winced as she bit down, her head aching with the act of chewing. But she knew it was important to keep up her strength, so she forced herself to eat the entire portion.

"Do you feel well enough to travel?"

At the other woman's slight nod, Naomi said, "Good, we should be home by late afternoon. Then we’ll get a decent meal and have your injuries checked out. You’ve gotten pretty beat up during this mission." she added with a chuckle.

"I’m fine." Anikka said with a slight growl. "What I really want is a bath, and to get my hands on that traitor. I knew she was working for him."

They finished packing their camp and headed east one last time. Suffering from exhaustion, injuries, and hunger they still had a renewed hope as they realized they would be home soon.

They didn’t cover ground as fast as they would have liked. Anikka’s injuries slowed them down considerably. Naomi called many rest stops and insisted her companion drink as much water as she could. For her part, Naomi went without.

Late in the afternoon, despite the numerous breaks, they were beginning to slow up. Naomi knew they would not see Arandile until well after the moon was high. Anikka stumbled in the waning light and the effects of a mild concussion. Naomi slipped an arm around her narrow waist for support. They stumbled and shuffled along until the moon was about a quarter of the way through the sky.

Naomi was feeling the effects of not enough food, water or rest, and Anikka’s weight was becoming unbearable. Naomi was beginning to despair that they wouldn’t make it, and her breath started to come in hitching half sobs.

Anikka was barely coherent. Naomi was convinced she didn’t know where she was and her legs were moving simply out of habit. At times Naomi had to drag her a couple of steps before Anikka’s legs began moving again. It would have been faster if Naomi could carry her, but she hardly had the strength to keep her own legs moving.

Naomi saw the blasted boulder that marked the outer perimeter of Arandile and thought she was hallucinating, until she placed a hand on it for support.

Not far now; another half-mile. Please, only one more half-mile. Naomi’s shoulders felt as though they were being pulled from the sockets. The strain of supporting Anikka was taking a massive toll on her.

"Halt! Identify yourself!"

Naomi’s head snapped back at the sound of the familiar voice. "Jonru? It’s me, Naomi with Anikka. Please, we need help." Naomi could hear the pleading not in her own voice and was vaguely surprised, but too exhausted to care. A lean red headed woman and a young boy appeared beside them from the darkness.

"Micah, go get Danna and Sami. Tell her the scout party has returned. Run, boy!" Jonru yelled as he hesitated.

Naomi watched as the youth scrambled away. She felt dazed, like she was floating in a fog and she felt her body swaying slightly. Now that they had reached their destination, her body was demanding rest and would not be denied.

"Here, Naomi. Let me take her."

Naomi started at the sound of the voice. She had almost forgotten she was there. Jonru slung Anikka over her broad shoulders like a sack of potatoes. Then she placed a strong hand under Naomi’s arm and guided her toward their underground village.

"Looks like you’ve been busy. What the hell happened out there? Where are Kami and the others?"

Naomi simply shook her head at the older warrior’s questions. She was too exhausted to answer. The next thing, there were torches and faces everywhere. The whole village must have been there. Naomi saw the looks of curiosity, fear and concern. No doubt due to the decidedly reduced size of the scouting party, She saw Sami walking toward her. Even in the middle of the night she looked as regal as ever. In her purple robes and salt and pepper hair she was breathtaking. Then her arms were around Naomi and she felt the weight of the world lift from her shoulders.

"Jonru take Anikka to the infirmary. Danna will meet you there. Naomi and I will be there shortly." Sami said gently.

Addressing the crowd, she lifted her voice only slightly. "Go back to bed everyone. We’ll talk about everything at tomorrow night’s meeting. Give us time to find out what’s happened."

The villagers wandered away in groups talking excitedly among themselves. Sami looked at Naomi and took in the desolation of her gaze. "There’s always time for talking. We need to get you to the infirmary. You need food and rest."

She saw the tears in Naomi’s eyes. "What is it? Why are you crying?" The concern was evident in her voice as she placed a hand to Naomi’s cheek. Naomi buried her face against Sami’s neck as the sobs tore from her throat. How could she explain everything? They had failed! The confrontation with Cross...Kami’s death. How could she describe the shortage of rations and forced marches? The fact that they hadn’t even tried to use the magic sword? And most of all, how could she explain her reaction to seeing Sami again? How her heart had leaped, and her wonder at realizing just how much she had missed this incredible woman?

Sami held her until the sobs quieted. She lead her to the infirmary to be treated, the patches of night moss illuminating the way as they walked through the familiar tunnels of home. On the outside, Sami was quiet and in control. On the inside, her thoughts and emotions were in turmoil. What could possibly have happened? Naomi was always firmly in control and never let her emotions show. Sami had always known she was extremely sensitive but hid her true feelings. Not that Sami wasn’t happy to have the incredible woman in her arms, but for her to cry openly, something tragic must have occurred. But she knew that now was not the time to ask. As they walked into the infirmary, Sami was surprised to see Danna as well as Sirak and Katlin in attendance.

"What are you two doing here? Come to get the dirt first hand, Katlin?"

Danna led Naomi into an examination chamber while Katlin stammered for a response. "Sami, I’m shocked!" the young bard joked with a convincingly pained expression.

"I just came to lend a hand. But now that you’re here, I know everything is in good hands. Well, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll leave you to it." Katlin bolted out the door.

They watched Katlin’s less than gracious exit with amusement.

"You know she means well. She just can’t help but let her curiosity take over." Sirak laughed.

"Well, I guess she wouldn’t be a very good storyteller if she didn’t." Sami stated diplomatically. I guess it just bothers me that she never seems to take anything seriously. And speaking of serious things...how is Anikka?"

Sirak’s eyes turned grave as she focused on the change of subject. Her left index finger began to explore the old scar that ran from the corner of her right eye to her upper lip as she gave her report. Sami recognized it as a nervous habit and decided Sirak must have been worried about Anikka. "Danna says she has a mild concussion, some bruised ribs and a wagon load of scrapes and contusions. The worst thing seems to be mild malnutrition and dehydration. She says she should be her old self again in a week or so."

"Good luck getting that woman to sit still for a week." the smaller woman interjected with a laugh.

Danna came out of Naomi’s cubicle and approached the council leader. "She’ll be all right. Exhausted, scrapes and bruises, but I don’t see anything serious."

Sami breathed a quiet sigh of relief and then voiced what they were all wondering. "I wonder what happened to Kami."

She noticed the cold narrowing of Sirak’s eyes. Wonder what that’s about? Stop imagining things, she quickly chastised herself. She’s just as upset as any of us. But silently she wasn’t sure.

"Danna, when can I talk to Naomi?"

"Not until morning, Sami. She really needs her rest. You’d be lucky to get a coherent statement out of her. I’m going to keep her here overnight so I can keep an eye on her."

Danna saw the brief look of disappointment before Sami carefully masked her emotions.

"I see." Sami said in a neutral voice. "Well, I guess we should all get some rest. Tomorrow promises to be very interesting."

Sami and Sirak bid Danna ‘good night’ as they left the infirmary together.

"I’ll see you in the morning, Sirak. I’m going to make my rounds."

"You exhaust me just watching you. Always full of energy."

"Well, I’m full of something, but I don’t know if its energy." she joked in return.

"Good night, Sirak. Sleep well."

Sami had told Sirak she was going to make her rounds. What she didn’t say is that she wandered the underground tunnels frequently when she couldn’t sleep as well as just making regular rounds before retiring. And it was often she couldn’t sleep.

Sami carried a heavy burden on her small shoulders; the weight of the entire village. It was her responsibility when someone didn’t return from a mission. Maybe she should have trained them better. Maybe then they wouldn’t have died. Maybe she should have been the one to attempt the mission to destroy Cross. Logically, she knew her strengths lay in her mental abilities, not her physical combat skills. She found her wandering steps had led her to the main gathering chamber. She looked around taking comfort in the familiar surroundings.

Night moss was glowing softly in sconces scattered at intervals throughout the large fairly circular chamber. The soft slightly green glow made the smooth cavern walls look damp in the reflection. A large fire pit was centered in the middle of the dirt floor. The only floors that weren’t dirt were the infirmary and the kitchen. They were carved from the stone walls themselves.

When the original founders of the village had roughed out the tunnels and meeting chambers, they had used a lot of the stone for forming those floors. That was generations ago and the floors had been worn smooth by use.

Surrounded by stone and earth, with natural fissures in the ceiling, it always felt cool in these tunnels and chambers no matter how hot it was outside. With the ceiling of the cave systems being over one hundred feet in height, the citizens of Arandile didn’t have to worry about claustrophobia as so many others in different villages did.

Sami stood lost in thought for a few moments. We’re trying so hard to get rid of him, she thought. His invasive, perverted evil. Yet, what will we do when he is gone? If winters return, we won’t be able to live here. It will be too cold. Yet, how can we not try when he murders hundreds?

Sami looked at the various tunnels leading from the main chamber. The tunnels were lit with night moss, too, but not as well lit as the main chamber. Hard to believe there were almost two hundred women and men within these walls, many with children. In fact, most of the mountain had been hollowed out for chambers and roads.

They even had a huge marketplace where one could barter for goods. It boasted a natural spring in the center of the marketplace. It was the main source of water for their village and always ran full and clean. Other villages were not so lucky. Yes, she thought, they had a lot to be proud of.

She wandered through the mess hall chamber. It was almost large enough to feed everyone at once. She was content here, but it was time to move back to the surface. People were not meant to live underground.

Her thoughts turned to the meeting scheduled for the following day. They would make a plan and hopefully, finally be victorious. She felt a painful ache in the pit of her stomach as she thought of Kami. What had happened? And what would it mean for Naomi?

Sami knew she couldn’t dwell on such thoughts until she had the facts. It would do no one any good. She finally walked to her own chamber. As she walked through the stone door, a feeling of peace settled over her. She always felt comfortable within these stone walls. When they finally moved back to the surface, would she find the same sense of peace? She leaned against the door, closed her eyes and inhaled all of the familiar smells. Cloves, chicory...her favorite perfume.

She entered the main room and saw that Micah had been there. The sweet little boy had lit a fire for her. He was always so thoughtful.

Micah had been orphaned when his mother, Loli, was killed in a scouting party. Another death she felt responsible for. Micah had been only eight years old and had been severely traumatized by the ordeal. The whole village had practically adopted the boy, but everyone knew that Anikka was the one he was devoted to.

Only natural, she thought, since she had been his mother’s love. She deeply regretted everything Anikka had been through since Loli’s death. She was so different now.

She had been such a positive, outgoing young woman then. Sami wondered if her newfound bitterness would lead her down a dark path one day.

Sami breathed a deep sigh and began getting ready for bed. She knew she should try to get a few more hours of sleep, but she couldn’t get Naomi and Anikka out of her mind. Suddenly, she needed to see Naomi again and make sure she was all right. She walked back down the dim corridors that would be lit during the day with glow tubes to rival the noon sun, instead of the dim light of the night moss.

As she entered the infirmary she held her breath as though sensing something evil. She chided herself for being a foolish old woman and entered Naomi’s room. Sami drew a chair up beside the bed and sat gazing at her friend. She was sleeping with the innocence of a child, her lips slightly parted. How glad Sami was that Naomi had made it back safely. She stroked under her eyes where the dark circles of fatigue were beginning to fade.

Strands of blonde hair had fallen over her eyes and Sami absently brushed them aside. She took Naomi’s right hand into both of hers and leaned forward to rest her head against Naomi’s shoulder. One day, when she was sure of the other woman’s feelings, she would tell Naomi how she felt. She was asleep in seconds.

Sami didn’t see the figure emerge from behind Danna’s equipment and slide out the door. She didn’t see the quiet look of rage and frustration from her interruption.

11. CROSS MOUNTAIN

Kathryn crawled out of her burrow and surveyed the landscape with her hands on her hips. She let out a little self-satisfied bark of laughter. Ha! They haven’t found me yet, she thought smugly. Now that she was onto their game, they had probably given up.

Man, would I love to be a fly on the wall when they tell Connie!

Well, it was time to get moving. She gathered her meager supplies and resolutely headed west. The first thing she needed when she got home was a drink! Then she was going to find Connie and have it out with her.

She didn’t feel as sick anymore, but she was still shaking slightly and wasn’t completely clear-headed yet. As she walked throughout the day, she rested and ate frequently. Kathryn was quite surprised when she realized she was out of water. She wasn’t even halfway to Trafalger Springs!

"Oh well. Aren’t cacti supposed to be full of water? You’ll just cut one open when you need it." Kami spoke in her mind.

Indifferently, she struck out again for the springs. Kathryn looked at her watch at 7:30 that evening. I should be there pretty soon. She tried not to think that she’d better be there pretty soon.

She hadn’t seen any sign of the water filled cacti and was getting pretty thirsty. It wouldn’t have done any good anyway. She didn’t have a knife! What a fool she had been to guzzle all of her water.

"Should have conserved..." then shook that thought away as sounding too much like Naomi.

"Oh, there it is!" She could barely make out the greenery of the scraggily trees in the distance and the reflection of the sun glinting off the water. About an hour later, she stumbled into the oasis, dropped her gear into a pile, and fell on her knees at the water’s edge. She slurped greedily at the water, much as she had the first time she had been there. After satisfying her thirst, she re-filled her canteens. She’d have to be more careful in the future. Kami’s advice didn’t seem very reliable, water filled cacti indeed!

She dug through the stolen bag of supplies for fire starting equipment. Then she began gathering sticks and kindling. This was going to be a pretty meager fire!

As she was gathering fallen twigs for the fire, she saw the blasted tree trunk where she had been attacked by the fake nua. She remembered being in Anikka’s arms, the smell of her skin, the deep blue of her eyes. She felt a fluttering in the pit of her stomach and angrily pushed the feeling away.

"Damn her! Damn her for being part of this and for being so cute!"

She found the remains of Kami’s pyre. Tears slid down her cheeks as she remembered the younger woman’s tenderness.

"You weren’t part of this, were you? They had to get rid of you." Kathryn felt even more angry and vengeful as she convinced herself of Naomi and Anikka’s duplicity.

She continued gathering firewood, lit a meager fire and snacked on dry camp rations. Afterward, she spread her blanket and stretched out by the fire. She was deeply asleep in minutes.

The night began to pass quietly in the dismal world. The moon floated, casting shadows on the shifting surface of the water. The ground began slowly eroding inches from Kathryn’s face. Quietly, without hurry, the earth began slowly crumbling. Grain by grain, with infinite patience.

Something was working its way up. Soon, a black finger with a sucker at the end emerged through the dirt. Kathryn stirred and rolled over on her side, away from the questing hand.

The nua was interminably patient. It spent hours enlarging the hold so it wouldn’t awaken Kathryn. At last the hole was large enough. The nua slid through to the surface like a shadow. The slimy black demon squatted next to Kathryn and placed the needle against the side of her neck.

Kathryn’s eyes sprang open at the contact, but it was too late. The drug was already entering her bloodstream. She fought ineffectually with her waning strength. As the blackness girdled her vision, she saw a tokar emerging from the same hole. Then everything was dark.

The demon effortlessly lifted Kathryn’s limp form and placed her across the tokar. A length of vine securely anchored her. The nua climbed atop the tokar, beside tiny woman. They would have to make the return trip above ground. It was slower, but they couldn’t chance damaging their prize. The master had strictly ordered no injuries to this human.

The tokar was much faster than humans were, even above ground. They traversed the distance to Cross Mountain in seven hours. It had taken the warriors two days to get to Trafalger Springs from Cross Mountain. Of course the demon and the annelid had no need to stop for food or rest, but they could not travel during the day since the sun would destroy them.

**************************************

Cross’ trusted apprentice, Firelake, met them at the entrance as they had been instructed that she would. She was a noble looking woman of Indian heritage. Her broad face observed the lowering of the unconscious woman from the tokar, and although her expression was passive, her thoughts were anything but.

So, this is the one? Maybe I was right in defecting. Surely this frail slip of a woman couldn’t stand up to Cross!

"Lash her to the pole." She roughly ordered the drone nuas. The nuas stood blankly like robots until ordered to do something and then they would not stop until they were destroyed or completed their assigned task.

Two of them took Kathryn’s arms and two grabbed her legs. They carried her face down for a few feet until Firelake yelled for them to stop.

"If you carry her like that you’ll break her back! Cross isn’t going to gut me because you damaged his toy! Turn her over." Kathryn groaned in frustration as they obeyed the warrior.

"Why couldn’t he invent something with a brain?" she grumbled as she followed them to the blood stained pole in the center of the gathering room. Firelake calmly watched as Kathryn was lashed upright. The vine was around her chest and thighs to keep her from slipping down. Her hands were secured tightly behind her and her ankles were firmly bound.

"Oh boy. Now I get to report to him!" For the first time since Kathryn’s arrival, an emotion rested briefly on her face...fear.

Firelake squared her shoulders preparing to march into the lion’s den. She still had a mission to accomplish and cowering down or shirking her duties would do little to help the cause. She was the leader of the renegade band of humans that ‘served’ Cross.

The nucleus of twenty -five humans had infiltrated the group of malcontents and power mongers that had submitted to the control of a madman.

The traitors had defected for promises of rewards once Cross’ domination over the land was complete. But Firelake’s group of fighter had a different motivation. They had no love of possessions, power or corruption; they fought to free the land and save their world. They chose to do so in the most dangerous location, the heart of the enemy’s camp. If their friends and family thought of them as traitors, it was a small price to pay although it cut bitterly into their hearts.

Firelake turned on her heel and walked down the tunnel to Cross’ chambers. The darkness in this tunnel was absolute. She ran her fingers lightly on the tunnel walls so as not to lose her balance or run into something. The only thing to let her know she had reached her destination was the strip of light at the bottom of the wood door. She hesitated briefly before tapping on the entrance.

At the gentle rap on his door, Cross stopped mixing the ingredients of his latest concoction and folded his hands into the sleeves of his robe. "Come in, warrior." he grated sarcastically. He already knew Kathryn was there. He had felt her arrival.

Firelake entered the room slowly with her eyes on the ground submissively. That was fine with her, she didn’t like to look at him unless she had too. "She is here, sir."

The tone was so low he barely heard the words, and he smiled leisurely at the trembling in her voice.

"Did I ask you to say anything?" he grated meanly. He took great pleasure in seeing the trembling start in her hands. Oh there was such great power in evil.

"Look at me." he commanded. He wanted to see the fear in her eyes. Slowly she raised her face to meet his gaze. She held it for a few seconds and had to avert her eyes slightly to the right, focusing on the great fireplace behind him. She could still see the perversion in his black, soulless eyes. He was right when he thought she was afraid of him but that wasn’t why her hands trembled. They trembled with anger. Firelake was a proud woman, even after serving this vermin for years. She did what she had to for him, but that didn’t mean she enjoyed it or enjoyed being demeaned by him.

"I know she is here. Make sure all of the other traitors are in the gathering room tonight. It will be our greatest victory. Her death will once and for all quell the resistance against me."

He turned back to his spell in obvious dismissal. Firelake’s eyes scanned the room quickly, out of habit before she turned to leave. She wondered at the large plastic box on the table in the corner. It had a smaller square box sitting on top of it and looked out of place in this chamber of old books and cauldrons.

Firelake bowed her head as she slowly backed from his presence. She ran to pass his orders. If everyone didn’t show up tonight she would likely find herself in Kathryn place.

Cross continued adding ingredients to the cauldron on the fire. He was working on an antidote for the sword. He wasn’t quite as impervious as he would have everyone believe. His power stemmed from a very old, quite human ability. He was telepathic and had a slight ability for telekinesis. He had enhanced it all with magical spells contained in the tome beside the cauldron. But the metal in the sword could defeat him. It was the antitheses of Cross. The same as water could douse a fire; the metal counteracted the spells Cross used to keep him alive.

Because of his greatly advanced age, without the magical spells, he would crumble to ancient dust.

He turned his light frame toward the box that Firelake had just been looking at. He lifted a light cover off and pressed a button. The monitor came to life and he began punching a series of buttons on a small, flat board. His lips were twisted into a permanent sneer, and the feel of corruption oozed from his presence. He finished his task, turned off the monitor and covered up the board.

"Time to go play with the bait." he said, as he dusted his hands together. This puny one wasn’t anything that concerned him. Cross was more concerned with the sword and finding the warrior that carried it.

"Wake up!" he commanded with his mind.

Kathryn’s eyes fluttered open. "Where am I? Oh my God, I’m paralyzed!" She almost panicked until she felt the ropes binding her. Curiously, she looked around. She was in a huge underground chamber. It looked large enough to hold a city block and was cut into a rough circle. She noticed the walls were about thirty feet high to the cave ceiling.

There were darker spots about five feet from the ceiling. Tunnel accesses, set about twenty feet apart around the chamber.

Had Naomi and Anikka found her? Where was Kami’s voice? Then she realized, "That tunnel must be where Anikka was when she saw the man killed."

Realizing the implications of that thought, Kathryn felt the sweat break out on her forehead and upper lip. She felt like a stone was sitting in the middle of her stomach, and was truly afraid for the first time since leaving the warriors. And she knew what she hadn’t wanted to acknowledge before, they had been telling her the truth.

She twisted her wrists to slip her restraint. She kept working the rope to free her hand until her wrist was abraded and bloody. Ohgodohgodohgod. I’m in deep shit now! She saw movement out of the corner of her eye and realized it was a nua. It had come to check on the captive.

"Please help me! I won’t tell anyone. Please!" Kathryn sobbed and continued to try to twist free. "Damn you! If you’re not going to help then go away. You don’t have to stand there and watch!"

Kathryn froze. What was that noise? It was a clicking sound. Very rhythmic, It sounded like someone walking in a pair of boots, but the floor was dirt and it was so loud! As the sound got closer, the echo was so loud it hurt her ears. It sounded like it was booming inside her skull!

Kathryn knew who he was as soon as he entered the meeting room. From the perversity emanating from this man, it had to be Cross. Naomi had described him perfectly. Kathryn realized in her heart, he had always believed the warriors. Her mind felt clear for the first time in days.

Cross’ head had been shaved clean, but Kathryn could tell by the fuzz that he would have had dark hair. His eyebrows were thick and drawn into a permanent frown.

His nose was flattened as though it had been broken and badly set at some point. Although he was thick set, Kathryn could tell he was powerful. There was something about him that seemed timeless. She couldn’t tell how old he was by looking. He could have been 50 or 150.

"So, this is the great hero." He said nastily. "Show me your power, o' great one." he snorted derisively. "This is their great messiah?"

Cross stood close enough for Kathryn to smell his putrid breath. He reminded her of the bum that had pulled the knife on her. She tried to look away but his black gaze held her transfixed. She saw the reflection of firelight on his scalp through the dark crew cut. Saw the sneer of hate on his lips.

"I see you only have a nodding acquaintance with a toothbrush." She was horrified to hear the words in her own voice.

Cross’ head rocked back in stunned disbelief. He threw his head back and laughed uproariously. "You don’t fool me. I can see into your soul. I see the fear and sickness."

She watched as he took a small filleting knife from a fold in his dark robe and felt her heartbeat pick up. "You’re scared of me. You should be, because hero or not," he held the knife tip against the corner of her right eye, "you won’t leave here alive." he said conversationally.

She felt the sting as the tip of the knife was pressed against her flesh. She felt the hot blood slide down her face and neck. Kathryn ground her teeth together in an effort not to cry out at the pain and felt tears sting the back of her eyes.

"Don’t worry, this is nothing. Just my little calling card." he informed her as he drew the blade against her skin and sliced his way to the corner of her upper lip. "All my new apprentices get this."

Kathryn screamed from the pain and knew it was only the beginning. ***************************************

Firelake watched the blood run from Kathryn’s ruined face. She had seen enough of his cruelty to know he was just getting started. She hid in the overhead tunnel directly in front of small redhead. Unknowingly, this was the same tunnel Anikka had been in. She heard his threats and watched him score Kathryn at random with the little knife, places that wouldn’t kill her, but where the pain would be the most excruciating. She felt the nausea in the pit of her stomach and wondered why she was watching this. Firelake knew this wasn’t the main show. That’s why Cross wanted everyone gathered at the fire that evening, so they could watch him kill her, or convert her.

Firelake wondered at her own actions. Was she so blood thirsty that she couldn’t wait for tonight? Or was she waiting for an opportunity? Why should she watch the pre-show torture?

She knew she hated Cross. She only followed him out of fear and because she had never believed the legends. Now here she was. Their savior? And she had been wrong all along. Now it was time to stop wallowing in self-pity and do something about it. But she would have to be careful and pick her spot.

"Please stop." Kathryn begged weakly. "You’re wrong. I’m not the one. I don’t know anything. I don’t have any power!"

How long had he been torturing her? It felt like forever. Blood ran in streams over her face and arms. Her shirt hung from her in red streamers and she sagged weakly against her restraints.

"Oh, but that’s the beauty of it." He taunted. "You are the one. I just got to you before you learned how to use your talents. That means you’re no more than bait for the real target. It’s really quite ironic. You’re still a sniveling little alcoholic coward." he saw the look of surprise and reveled in it.

"Yes, my dear, I know alcoholism. I’m much older than I look. You know this little knife is amusing, but it does become tiresome. Wouldn’t you agree? You look all worn out, would you like a drink of water?" he asked solicitously. "Can’t have you die of dehydration just yet."

Kathryn thought she must have lost consciousness briefly because suddenly Cross had a flask of clear liquid in his hands. He took a long, slow swallow as Kathryn watched. Her tongue appeared to moisten her parched lips as she watched.

"I’m sorry, my dear. Did you want some?" He held the flask to her lips.

Kathryn swallowed convulsively then pulled her head away in shock. It was straight vodka! She gasped and almost vomited as the alcohol hit her stomach. Tears ran in streams to mix with the blood on her face.

No! I don’t want this anymore!

"Suddenly I tire of this game." Cross said, surprising her. "I had hoped you would be more of a challenge. Until tonight then, I leave you to contemplate your very brief future and your wasted past." He turned and strode abruptly away.

Kathryn put her head back against the pole and sobbed quietly. What a fool she had been! She had been safe with the other women and had thrown everything away. She knew she would die later at Cross’ hands, but Anikka was all she could think of now. If she could be granted one last wish it would be to hold the younger woman in her arms. To kiss her gently and tell her that now she understood.

Kathryn felt the fire of the multiple wounds on her body, and felt the edges of darkness beginning to creep in on her consciousness. Her head sagged forward as she faded in and out.

She wasn’t sure how much time had passed when she felt someone behind her. She started and almost cried out. A hand suddenly clamped over her mouth.

"Quiet. I have come to free you." Someone whispered.

Kathryn felt the bindings give way. Her arms and legs were numb and she almost fell on her face when they were severed, but strong arms held her upright. Firelake slung Kathryn’s arm around her neck and all but carried her from the chamber.

"It’s day. They are sleeping. He will awaken them when he realizes we’re gone, but maybe we’ll have a few minutes."

Kathryn looked at the woman through slitted eyes. Her breath came in weak little gasps. "You’re a warrior. Are you from Arandile?" she asked hopefully. The feeling was starting to return painfully to Kathryn’s limbs. She felt thousands of needle pricks in her hands and feet. Soon she was able to carry more of her own weight while she waited for the woman’s reply.

She had given up on a reply, when she heard quietly, "I was. I got tired of watching my friends die."

"You’re one of the traitors! Why are you helping me?"

Kathryn felt the woman flinch, then she was pushed roughly away. "You can walk now."

"Why are you helping me?" she asked again. "You’re on his side aren’t you? Or is this a set up?"

"Are you always so full of questions? I will answer you, but right now we need to get out of here!" Firelake led them down a tunnel with a sharp left turn. The tunnel floor angled steeply upward. She checked every opening against the possibilities of ambush.

"We’re about a mile from the surface. Keep you voice low and I’ll answer your questions."

"Why are you helping me?"

"Because I’m sick of death. If you are the one, then our world has a chance. Maybe this will help make up for what I’ve done. My name is Firelake. Listen, I know the legends. I know you’re ill and don’t believe as we do, but I saw his face when he was taunting you. I’ve never seen him afraid before."

Well he sure hid it well from me, Kathryn thought sarcastically.

Firelake turned and grabbed Kathryn by the shoulders trying to press her point. "It is you, you are the one or he would not be so afraid. Look into your heart, and find your courage. No one can do this but you. If you fail our world is doomed!"

A sudden commotion in the tunnel interrupted them. They had been discovered!

"Run!" Firelake bellowed as her eyes widened in terror. She sprinted ahead of Kathryn, leading the way through the maze of tunnels. The horde behind them was rapidly closing the distance. With a half a mile still to the surface, Firelake didn’t know if they would make it. If they reached daylight, they would be safe from the nua and tokar, but the renegade humans were another story.

She turned down a passage and doubled her efforts. Firelake cast a quick glance behind to see if Kathryn was still with her. Weak with pain, the older tripped over a stone in the dimly lit tunnel and would have fallen if Firelake hadn’t grabbed her.

A blood-curdling scream came from behind Kathryn. Firelake shoved her out of the way and was suddenly fighting a heavily muscled man that seemed to come from nowhere. Absently, Kathryn noticed he was only wearing buckskin trousers and boots.

His eyes were glazed as though in a trance, but he fought in a frenzy.

"Get out!" Firelake grunted, bringing Kathryn back to reality. "I’ll try to hold them off!"

Kathryn knew Firelake had just sacrificed herself to aid in her escape. She didn’t question her decision as she ran through the tunnels as fast as possible. She concentrated on keeping to the tunnels that angled upward, feeling a stitch in her side from the exertion. She tried to push herself harder, but the wounds inflicted by Cross were beginning to sap her strength.

Kathryn took a right turn into another corridor and found herself in a small chamber. Realizing she had gone the wrong way, she started to turn around and then froze. She stared in disbelief at the large computer core taking up most of the wall in front of her.

Colored lights blinked at various points across the mainframe, and she could hear the whirring of the central processing unit as the machine continued its task uninterrupted.

Firelake’s scream of frustration in the tunnel behind galvanized Kathryn. She didn’t have time to surf the net; she had to get out of here! She turned and ran down the opposite tunnel. She could see light, now.

As she burst out of the tunnel she had to blink back tears as she tried to force herself to adjust to the brilliance of the sun. Blindly, she struck east following the same trail she had before, toward the warriors of Arandile. She knew the brave woman behind her would never survive the overwhelming odds. She intended to make the sacrifice worth it by getting away. It wouldn’t be long before she was prey for Cross’ sinister army.

Kathryn ran for as long as she could before the pain in her side forced her to slow to a shuffle. Eventually, the shuffle became a fast walk. She continued walking through the night for fear of being recaptured. Although night was the most dangerous time to be out, Kathryn was terrified of stopping.

She could feel the wound on the side of her face leaking fresh blood, and knew she must have reopened it during the escape, but the flow seemed to be ebbing. It was burning and throbbing. She could feel infection setting in. It was the worst of the injuries he had inflicted. Even with the pain, she knew she would survive, if she could reach the warriors in time.

12. JOINING FORCES

The next morning, Naomi awakened feeling hot and uncomfortable. There was a heavy weight pressing on top of her. Confused, she looked down to see Sami sleeping there, and her expression softened considerably. She couldn’t help but smile. This was a little out of character for the conservative, diplomatic village leader. What would people say?

She was startled a moment later when Sami opened her eyes and stared into Naomi’s own. Neither woman could seem to break the gaze. Sami felt a blush creep up her neck to her cheeks and abruptly looked away.

"Good morning, sleepy head. I thought you’d sleep all day and I’d have to wait to use the bathroom."

If possible, Sami blushed even harder and sat up. "Sorry," she grinned sheepishly.

Danna entered the cubicle as Naomi went to relieve her aching bladder. "I thought I heard voices. When Naomi gets back, you can tell her she’s cleared from the infirmary. There’s no reason she can’t finish recovering in her own quarters, especially if you intend to keep utilizing her as a pillow."

"And Anikka?" Sami asked ignoring the comment.

"Oh, she left about a half hour ago. You know her, stubborn. Won’t say anything about what happened, either. Says to ask Naomi. She tell you anything?"

"Not yet."

"So what’s up with you two, anyway?" Danna asked with a glint in her eye. "I didn’t know you two had a thing."

Great, Sami thought, the biggest gossip in the village sees me sleeping on top of Naomi.

She took a deep breath and fought to keep another flush from creeping up her neck. This wouldn’t do at all. She was acting like a teenager!

"We didn’t and don’t. Don’t you start Danna. That’s all I need right now, rumors." For all her denial, Sami knew she was wasting her breath. Once Danna got hold of something, she wasn’t going to let go, especially something this juicy.

"Can’t blame a girl for trying. Besides, it wouldn’t hurt you know. You’ve been single for as long as I’ve known you. What’s the matter, don’t you like girls?" Danna squealed and ran out the door as Sami hurled a pillow at her.

"What’s wrong with her?" Naomi asked as she entered the room.

"Just being a mischievous child." Sami said with a smile. "She says you can go home."

"Good, I hate being cooped up in here. When did you want me to debrief you?" She asked suddenly changing the subject.

Sami could see from the wary look in her eyes that it wasn’t something Naomi wanted to discuss. Still, they needed to get it over with. "Well, from the look of things, I’d say as soon as possible. We have a town meeting set up for tonight. Why don’t you go have breakfast and meet me in my chambers in about two hours? Have a bath and freshen up." she suggested.

Sami wished she could bury her head in the sand and not ask. She was afraid to know what had happened, and right now everyone’s nerves were at the breaking point. The last thing they needed was more bad news.

She watched Naomi leave, thought how she would feel if it were Naomi that hadn’t returned and suppressed a shudder. She couldn’t bear the thought. They had been friends for twelve years. She had watched Naomi mature into a wonderful woman and a creative leader. She had also watched her go from relationship to relationship even as their friendship grew stronger.

Sami hadn’t been with anyone for years and knew Danna’s instincts had been right. She realized she had fallen in love with Naomi, but how do you tell your best friend that kind of news? Did you run the risk of throwing away what you had? What if Naomi didn’t return her feelings? At the least there would be awkwardness between them.

Besides, Sami was old enough to be her mother. No, she decided. It just wasn’t worth the risk.

Sami decided it was time to quit brooding and get on with her duties. She needed to see Anikka before she debriefed with Naomi.

She turned right leaving the infirmary walking toward the main tunnel. Someone had replaced the night moss with the glow tubes, and the passages were well lit. With the coming of day, people were everywhere.

Sami saw Micah playing in the dirt in the meeting chamber and asked if he had seen Anikka.

"She’s home taking a bath. Told me to get lost so she could think," he said dejectedly as his bottom lip started to quiver.

Sami’s heart went out to the brunette boy and she took a moment to reassure him before heading for Anikka’s quarters. She paused slightly before reaching for the knocker on the stone door.

I hope I didn’t come too early, she thought. I don’t want to catch the curvaceous blonde in the tub! Just then, the young blonde opened the door. She looked and smelled freshly bathed. The only sign of fatigue were the fading shadows under her eyes.

"Was wondering what took you so long, but you did look pretty comfortable in the infirmary," she said with a glint of humor in her eyes.

Does everyone know about that? Sami thought in embarrassment. "I came to talk to you about the mission." she said feeling her cheeks burn.

Anikka grinned at her attempt to change the subject. "When are you going to tell her?" she pressed.

"Tell her what?"

"Oh come on, Sami. Everybody knows except Naomi."

"Well, if everyone knows, why do I have to say anything?"

Anikka raised her hands in self-defense. "All right, all right, put your hackles down. I’m sorry I brought it up. I just think you two deserved to be happy."

She couldn’t deny that a small part of her would be happy if Naomi’s attention were diverted from Kathryn. Not that she ever expected to see her again.

"Why is everyone so concerned about me being single, lately? Oh, never mind. Anikka, I really need to know what happened. We’re having a meeting tonight to decide what to do next. What happened? What did you see? Where’s Kami?"

Anikka's expression went blank at the mention of Kami’s name. A mask seemed to slam into place over her face. Sami drew back with a gasp at the sudden change and unconsciously held her breath as though awaiting a blow.

"She’s dead. She died at Trafalger Springs." she said flatly.

Sami closed her eyes as her worst fears were confirmed. "How?" she rasped through the blockage in her throat.

She told Sami about everything that had occurred on their failed mission. She told her about Cross Mountain, finding Kathryn, the attack at the oasis and finally how they had been abandoned by the stranger they had found.

"I don’t believe anymore that she works for him. I don’t think I ever really did." Anikka concluded. "I think she’s lost and confused." Her voice was low as though talking more to herself than Sami. She didn’t tell her how she felt at Kathryn’s betrayal. How her heart felt like it was torn from her chest. She didn’t understand it herself. Why should she care except for how their hopes of unfulfilled prophecies. But she knew it was more than that. She had started to care for Kathryn personally. Just shows what a bad judge of character I am, she derided herself.

"Even if we had gotten close enough to use the sword," she continued, "I don’t think it would have worked. I think Kathryn is the only one who can use it, but it doesn’t matter anyway. She’s gone back to wherever she came from and we really don’t have a choice."

"You’re right." Sami said softly. "Someone else has to be chosen to strike against Cross. But we need to attack in force. We need to see if the other villages will join us, combine forces."

"Do you think they will?"

"I don’t see why not." Sami reasoned. "They have as much to lose or gain as we do."

As they talked it became apparent that there was a lot Anikka wasn’t saying about the stranger they had found. Sami wondered at that, but knew if she pressed, the younger woman would become withdrawn. I’ll have to remember to ask Naomi about this person.

After all the defeats, this Kathryn might be the good news that would turn things around, if they could find her.

Sami took her leave of the other woman and made her way to her own chambers. She would just have time for a cup of tea before Naomi arrived.

**********************************

She had just put the kettle over the fire when a knock sounded at her door. Her heartbeat accelerated slightly as a slow smile crossed her face. She was early...as usual. "Come in, Naomi."

Although the doors were made of stone throughout the village, they were well hung and swung open easily. Sami was surprised when Naomi entered with a tall, lean and muscular man.

"This is Rondelle, Sami. He is a messenger from Alcoser Village."

Sami greeted him warmly while silently assessing this individual. His blue eyes met hers squarely and he bowed slightly. A shock of blond hair fell over his eyes. He brushed it back absently as he straightened.

"How may I help you?" Sami inquired.

"Madam," he began politely, "we have heard of the bravery of the Warriors of Arandile. We want to let you know you do not fight alone. I have been sent to pledge our support. We will proudly join you in battle and together defeat this menace."

"Thank you." she said sincerely, taking both of his hands in hers. "I am curious, however. How did you know we would ask?"

"With respect, we have seers, too." he said lightly.

"Of course. Tonight is the council meeting. Send your militia leaders and maybe we can come up with a plan."

He bowed again before leaving, assuming their meeting as at an end.

"He showed up about a half hour ago." Naomi explained as he shut the heavy door.

"Ummm." Sami replied absently, removing the heated water from the fire and pouring tea for both of them.

She handed Naomi a cup and said, "Anikka told me about what happened. I’m so sorry about Kami. Of all the losses, I think this will be the hardest. You know I am here for you, if you need to talk." At Naomi’s nod she continued. "She told me about Kathryn, too. What do you think of this person?"

"Sami, I don’t know what Anikka told you, but I believe Kathryn may be the one in the prophecies. You know how uncanny Kami’s insight into people was. She was convinced. I’m willing to bet my life on her judgment." Naomi hoped Sami wasn’t think she was being biased just because Kami had been her sister.

"Well," Sami said reasonably, "I guess it’s really a moot point as she isn’t with you any longer. The fact is we still need someone to wield the sword. And to be blunt about it, I’d like you to do it."

"Me? I don’t have any special powers! Why me?"

"Because you are one of the bravest people I’ve ever known. You are also one of the kindest and most compassionate. And more than any of these, people trust you. That is a special power in itself. Naomi, you know more than anything that the people need someone they can trust."

Naomi flushed at the compliment, but didn’t respond. Now was not the time for false modesty. She took a breath considering her next words and looked up to meet Sami’s gaze. Something of Sami’s true emotions must have shown in her eyes. Naomi froze and stared intently at her for several long seconds. Sami held her breath hoping she hadn’t caught on.

"All right, I’ll do it." Naomi finally said.

Sami quietly let out the breath she had been holding. Well, if she had caught on, she had decided to ignore it. Sami continued as if nothing had happened. "Here’s what I propose...Jonru will lead an initial strike team. You will be part of it, but will stay to the rear. Jonru’s forces and the following teams will keep Cross’ crew busy for you to attack him directly. You will have an inner core of warriors who will accompany you all the way in. They will keep you safe. But, you will have to confront Cross on your own. Any ideas how we deploy the others?"

They talked for a long while, discussing various strategies. It was decided the Alcoser village troops would stay to the rear of the initial strike force to control any captives and ensure against a sneak attack from the rear. They knew Cross had the advantage of the mountain fortress and had to allow for every contingency.

Finally, the time had come for Naomi to say what was on her mind. "Sami, there’s one thing that needs to be made clear. You’re not going."

"But..."

"No! You are the leader. If we fall, the survivors need someone to come home to. Someone they can count on." And I can’t lose you, too, she added silently.

"You’re right, of course." Sami conceded unhappily. "I’ll stay."

"We’ll work out the fine details tonight at the meeting. I’m sure the other council members will want to make some suggestions."

"I’m sure everyone will want to make suggestions." Sami laughed. "What are you going to do the rest of the day?"

"I think I’ll go see how Anikka’s doing. She was beat up pretty badly. I really don’t want to implement this plan until she’s recovered. I kinda like having her at my back if you know what I mean."

"Naomi, you know if we’re going to do this it has to be soon. While he’s not expecting it."

"I know. She’ll be ready. We’ll be ready."

Naomi had turned to leave when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Sami looking at her intently.

"What is it?"

"Naomi...I don’t know how to say it." she hesitated.

"Say it, Sami." she encouraged quietly.

"Don’t.... get hurt."

"Oh. Don’t worry. I won’t." Naomi said with a forced smile as she left.

As she walked down the tunnel she tried to sort out her feelings. She had thought Sami was going to say something else. What did she expect? A declaration of undying love?

Naomi stopped abruptly in the passageway, causing the person walking behind her to bump into her.

"Sorry." she mumbled absently. What was she doing? There were no guarantees that she would be alive after this campaign. They had lost so many people already. If she didn’t take this chance to tell Sami how she felt, she might never get another chance. Even if Sami didn’t return her feelings, she had to know.

Making her decision, Naomi turned and went back to Sami’s chambers. She didn’t know what she was going to say, but she knew instinctively that there was something between them. You could feel it when they looked at each other. Like chemistry.

Sami opened the door before Naomi finished knocking, as though she had been waiting.

"Naomi, what are you...?"

"Sami, I’m sorry." She said as she pushed the door shut. Then Sami was in her arms. Naomi lowered her head and brushed her lips with her own. Sami was impatient from years of wanting and waiting. She locked her hands behind Naomi’s head and deepened the kiss hungrily.

Naomi pulled back and rained kisses over Sami’s eyes, cheeks and forehead. She couldn’t believe how wonderful this woman felt. Why had they waited so long?

"Are you sure?" Sami rasped. "Decide now because I won’t have the strength to let you go later."

"I’ve never been more sure of anything." Naomi said as she pulled Sami to the bed and lovingly began removing her robes.

**********

At seven the villagers began gathering in the chamber hall. The council members took their places at the huge stone table. They were arranged from left to right in order of seniority with Sami, lead council member, in the center.

First was Chaundra, the ebony hued amazon with steel gray hair. Next was Toni looking frail as ever. She was dedicated to justice and logic. Then came Miranda, one of the youngest members of the council at thirty-five, but extremely intelligent. Sami’s seat in the middle was noticeably vacant. To the right of her place was the only male member of the council, Marcus. Last but not least with her fiery temper was Moraine.

The last of the villagers were squeezing into the large meeting chamber. All of the seats were filled and it was standing room only. The only people excused from attendance were those on sentry duty. Not that anyone would miss this! Everyone knew they were ready to make a stand. At the same time, it was a somber meeting. The entire village had heard of the losses encountered on this expedition. A sense of anticipation filled the air. The militia from Alcoser village drew quite a few stares as speculation circled the chamber.

An expectant hush filled the room as everyone waited for the leader to begin the meeting. Suddenly, Sami rushed through the private entrance reserved for the council members. As all eyes focused on her, she blushed to her roots and tried to smooth her hair with her hands.

"Wonder what happened to her?" Danna whispered with a smile as she elbowed Anikka while the blonde's arched eyebrows did their best to crawl off her forehead.

"Bet I can guess." she offered. "Naomi’s late, too." she observed as the warrior in question slipped in the back door.

"Uh, let’s get started, shall we?" Sami stammered trying to buy time to compose herself. "Before we get down to brass tacks, let’s begin this meeting in a traditional way. Katlin, why don’t you entertain us?"

Surprised, but elated Katlin took the center of the open floor. Her eyes became serious as she began an old well-remembered tale. The audience was rapt with attention. Sami sat down gladly as Katlin began a story about a fire-breathing dragon, a maiden in distress and a heroine on a steed. Sami needed the time to quiet her thundering heart and concentrate on the issue at hand. It was difficult when all she could think about were Naomi’s hands wandering her skin and the taste of the strong tongue inside her own mouth. She felt her nipples harden in response to her thoughts, and determinedly brought her thoughts into focus.

Anikka had heard Katlin’s story before and her thoughts began to center on Kathryn. Something she had steadfastly refused to let herself do before. She realized that they had kept the magic sword with them during the mission. Even though Kathryn hadn’t been aware of the sword, it should have been aware of her. When anyone came into contact with the magic item, their eyes had invariably turned blue. Anikka realized Kathryn’s hadn’t. They had remained the most intriguing shade of stone gray.

The stoic woman’s eyes were closed tightly in pain and her hands were fisted tightly at her sides. She thought of Kathryn’s betrayal. Her heart burned with the memory of the hope she had hesitantly embraced for their delivery from Cross only to have it snatched away. She had a harder time admitting how she had let Kathryn steal her heart.

Admit it, she thought. You don’t care if she’s the one of the prophecy or not, anymore. You want her to be here for yourself.

With her grudging admission, the blonde drew a deep shuddering breath and opened her eyes. She realized Katlin’s story was coming to an end and forced herself back to the present. Anikka took all that she was feeling and compressed the pain into a tight ball in the pit of her stomach. She could deal with this. She would force herself to feel nothing. She couldn’t allow her own feelings to put others in jeopardy and if it caused her to withdraw into herself even more, well, so be it.

Katlin ended her tale to thunderous applause and shouts from the meeting hall. Sami stood and began filling everyone in on what had occurred during the failed mission. She told her own tale of hope and loss, finally ending with, "Now a stranger is in the land. She was found by Kami the gentle, who gave her life in the protection of this stranger. The stranger was lost on the journey, but she will be found again. She will finally stand with us and rid us once and for all of this plague we call Cross!"

Sami didn’t know if they would find Kathryn or not, but she knew these people needed some hope right now. As soon as she finished speaking, shouted questions filled the chamber.

"Sami, where is this mystery woman?"

"Yeah, why is this the first we’ve heard of it?"

Sami had to shout to regain control. "Stop! Please, we will answer all your questions."

Gradually the room quieted, with the crowd anxiously awaiting an explanation. It was Naomi’s turn to speak and she said what Sami had hesitated to share. "I don’t know where she is now. It may be that the prophecy delivered her here only to give us hope. To give us the heart to defeat our foe, You have to admit nothing has ever stated that Kathryn would fight Cross, herself. Only that her presence would signify the end of his reign."

"Are you saying we could have beat him ourselves years ago?" Danna shouted.

"Then why did we wait?" Sirak yelled fueling the fire that was brewing.

"Ladies, please..." Sami implored raising her palms toward them. "Please. What Naomi says has merit. We do have hope and a belief that hasn’t been present for some time. We also have help. The Alcoser Village has sent representatives. They will join us in the final fight."

Applause once again erupted in the hall at this announcement. As it quieted, Sami began again. "It is time now to make a plan. Please, no interruptions from the floor. Wait until you are recognized. We will hear from the council members first. Moraine please begin."

Everything went smoothly for the rest of the meeting. The only tense moment was when it came time to nominate who would lead the attack. Sami wanted to make sure it was Naomi that was nominated, but knew there would be some who could cause a problem.

Miranda voiced the question Sami had been dreading and murmuring broke out again in the crowded hall.

"Sami, may I speak?" Anikka said as she raised her hand for acknowledgment.

Sirak’s eyes narrowed at these interesting developments. Who indeed? she thought. As if this hadn’t been arranged.

"Anikka you are recognized." Sami stated calmly. They needed a neutral party to make the nomination. Sami was confidant who Anikka would nominate and that it would be seconded.

"I would like to nominate Naomi. She is the leader of the warrior clan. She is trusted. Who better to lead us into battle?"

"I second it!" shouted Danna.

"Wait a minute!" Katlin yelled. "I nominate Sirak! She’s the most veteran soldier. She has the most experience, and she has first hand experience with Cross himself!" she shouted, referring to the scar that had been inflicted on Sirak’s face.

Oh dear, this won’t do at all. Sirak thought. She’s going to ruin everything!

"Quiet!" Sami ordered, her patience at an end. "Katlin, I’ve already warned you about waiting to be recognized. Don’t make me throw you out!"

Katlin could see she was serious and decided to comply.

"Excuse me, Sami." Sirak raised her hand.

Here it comes, Sami thought before acknowledging Sirak. What would she do?

"I’m sorry, Katlin." she began. "Thank you for the nomination, but I believe Naomi is the best choice. I would like to volunteer, though, to be in the initial strike force. It’s obvious that is where Naomi will have to be. She needs to get in first to use the sword. It’s equally obvious there will have to be a nucleus of warriors dedicated to keeping her safe until she gets close enough to use the sword. I would like to volunteer to make sure she reaches her target."

She finished as she was slapped on the back for her bravery by the people closest to her.

"Well..." Sami began in surprise, "we have a nomination, and second and a third. All those in agreement signify by saying ‘Aye’. Sami thought she would go deaf as every voice in the room shouted at once.

"I guess there’s really only one more question, Sami." Chaundra said. "When?"

The meeting lasted long into the evening as the final details were worked out. It was decided they would leave in five days time. Time for everyone to prepare and rest. Anyone capable of fighting would be going. And hopefully allow enough time for Anikka to heal.

Sometime around midnight, people began drifting away to make their individual preparations. Naomi met Sami as she came through the council door into the tunnel. "Hi." she said with shining eyes. "Can I walk you home?"

Sami laughed as she reached to take Naomi’s hand. She didn’t care if anyone saw them. They had waited too long as it was. They were quiet as they walked to Sami’s chamber.

"What are you thinking?" Naomi asked as she closed the door behind them.

"Oh, so many things." Sami sat on the sofa in the living area and removed her sandals as Naomi sat next to her. "I’m wondering what it will feel like to live on the surface. Opening the window to let the breeze in. Watching children play outside without having to post a guard..." her voice broke.

"Sami, what is it? Why are you crying?"

"I’m wondering what I’m going to do if I lose you." She said as her eyes overflowed. "I just found you."

Naomi wrapped her arms around the smaller woman. "My love, I just found you, too. You are not going to lose me. As a matter of fact, you’re going to have a hard time getting a minute away from me once this is over."

"I don’t want a minute away from you, Naomi. Don’t you know I love you?"

"Yes, Sami." she said in a relieved voice. "I’m just glad you finally know it, too."

Sami laughed as Naomi led her to the bedroom.

"All I need is fifteen minutes to get ready." Naomi stated. "I intend to spend the next five days and nights convincing you of my intention to return."

13. TOGETHER AGAIN

Kathryn traveled as rapidly as she could with the ever-present fear of being recaptured by Cross. She hadn’t had any food or water for almost two days now. She was foot sore, weary, and growing extremely fatigued.

The night was half over and she hadn’t detected any signs of a pursuit so maybe Firelake had held them off longer than she thought. Maybe by the time a pursuit of Kathryn had begun, she had been out of sight. After all, Cross had to have one of his demons present before he could find out where you were, didn’t he? So all she had to do was keep moving and keep out of sight. And there was no question about where she was going; back to Anikka and Naomi… if they would have her.

After everything I’ve done, I’ll be lucky if they don’t hand me over to Cross themselves. I know I would if the situation were reversed, she thought grimly. She was vaguely aware that she was doing the warriors a disservice by assigning her own actions to them, but she was just too weary to fight her own internal demons right now.

She was roughly following the same trail that she had followed before, and thought she should arrive at the springs in the next few hours. Kathryn thought about the cool water there, and her stomach rumbled.

She knew Arandile was due east from the description Anikka and Naomi had given. The only question was how long she could hold out without food, and if she would make it in time.

Kathryn shuddered to think about her behavior with the women. The whole time she had been with them, they had offered her friendship and support. Every time they had made a welcoming gesture, she had slapped it back in their faces. Even Anikka had supported her in her own way. Kathryn could see now that her initial anger and hostility had stemmed from fear.

The young woman had loosened up in the few days they had traveled together. After all, wasn’t it she who had kept Kathryn from falling on their way to Trafalger Springs? Wasn’t it Anikka who had rushed to make sure she was all right after the battle at the same oasis? Kathryn hoped she wasn’t overcompensating, trying to unrealistically assure herself of the warrior’s feelings toward her, and prayed she wasn’t trading one delusion for another.

Still, she remembered the feel of Anikka’s arm around her and the scent of her skin. She wondered what it would feel like to have the press of those sensual lips against her own. She knew she had wanted Naomi to kiss her, but that had been loneliness, and Naomi had been so kind. Anikka was different. She made Kathryn’s heart pound.

Not that she’ll want anything to do with me, Kathryn thought. Anikka had never shown the slightest interest in Kathryn, except from demoralizing her. Typical, she thought, that’s what all women do to me. I wonder if there’s something I do that just begs for that treatment?

As she forced her legs to keep moving, she let her mind wander with fantasies of loving Anikka. After all, she reasoned it kept her from thinking about how thirsty and tired she was.

Finally she reached the oasis and fell to her knees by the water edge to greedily assuage her thirst. After feeling like she had been pursued most of the way, her arrival was almost anticlimactic, and all she wanted was to drink as much water as possible, rest a moment and be on her way.

After drinking her fill, Kathryn scooted back and lent against a tree trunk. She pulled her knees up and rested her head against them, closing her weary eyes. She jerked abruptly, realizing that she had almost fallen asleep. The last time she did that she had ended up with Cross!

Time to get moving. Kathryn forced herself to her aching feet with a groan and began walking again.

Dawn finally began to break in the east. The moon had completed it’s decent long ago and Kathryn had wandered a little off course before the sun began to rise so she adjusted accordingly. She was beginning to stumble over shrubs and every little rise and fall in the ground.

Kathryn knew she had to sleep, if only for a little while. Who knew how much farther it was, and it was turning daylight. She should be safe for a little while under the blazing sun of mid-day.

She gathered a small pile of brush, just enough to protect her from the sun, and gratefully crawled underneath, asleep instantly.

Kathryn awoke around noon. She was still exhausted, but knew she had to continue. Something was driving her. She didn’t know why, but knew it was imperative that she reach the warriors.

She continued in the same manner for the next two days. Walking continuously, stopping to rest only when she absolutely couldn’t force her feet to move anymore. With no food or water, her lips were dry and cracked. Her throat felt like sandpaper, and her eyes were heavy and gritty from the constant glare of the sun. Her alcohol withdrawal had relented, but in its place was the steady throb of a headache from exhaustion, hunger and sun exposure.

Coherent thought became sporadic. She thought she was more exhausted than she had ever been in her life as the noon sun beat down unmercifully on her unprotected head. The small redhead tried not to look ahead because the reflected shimmer of the sun off the sand made her headache worse.

Exhausted, she tripped on a root in the ground and couldn’t prevent herself from falling, impacting heavily with the unforgiving desert sand. Kathryn coughed the dust from her lungs and pushed herself determinedly back to her feet. The second time she fell, she didn’t attempt to stand, but continued on her hands and knees, abrading them unmercifully.

Where am I going? Oh yeah, Anikka.

After awhile she couldn’t remember where she was going. Her face was so swollen with infection from the cut Cross had made that her right eye was almost closed. She could feel the burn of the fever in her body and knew she was almost out of time.

The pain from her other injuries paled in comparison to that in her cheek. Finally the sun began to drop in the west and it began to cool off. The evening desert breeze began blowing, lifting Kathryn’s sand-caked auburn hair from her heated brow.

The cooling wind helped to rejuvenate her slightly and with a burst of renewed energy the determined woman pushed herself awkwardly to her feet. What was that in the distance? It looked like torches flickering in the gathering gloom. Great, now I’m seeing mirages. Other people at least get to see an oasis, but no, I see torch lights?

As she got closer, the lights didn’t disappear as she expected them to. In fact they seemed larger and more brilliant. She was beginning to think that maybe she wasn’t hallucinating after all.

"Stop!" Came a rough male voice out of the darkness. "Put your hands where I can see them or I’ll shoot you through the heart!"

He seemed to materialize from thin air as Kathryn slowly raised her trembling hands. Cringing in fear, Kathryn thought she had stumbled blindly back into Cross’ clutches.

"Who are you? What’s your business?" He demanded.

Kathryn gathered enough courage to open her eyes. She was face to face with a short, dark man in buckskin. This was the same type of clothing the warriors had worn. Curious, she thought dazedly, that he wore no headband. "I’m Kathryn. I’m looking for Anikka and Naomi. Do you know them?" She rasped thickly.

The little man eyed her suspiciously for a moment. "Jonru!" He suddenly bellowed without losing eye contact.

Kathryn started slightly from this unexpected outburst, watching as a lithe, middle-aged woman ran up beside the man. She looked at Kathryn as though she recognized her.

"What do you think?" he asked quietly.

"Very possible," she said in an excited whisper that Kathryn easily overheard.

"She asked for Naomi and Anikka."

"Keep her here, Alex." she said appearing to come to some sort of decision. "I’ll find out."

The woman bounded away and Kathryn was left in a staring contest with the nervous little man.

"Can I at least put my hands down?" she croaked thickly. Then clearing her throat added, "My arms are tired."

Looking slightly abashed, Alex nodded. "Just keep your hands where I can see them. Here..." he offered her a canteen, finally noticing her disheveled appearance and raspy voice.

Kathryn upended the canteen, intent on draining it.

"Hey, not so fast! You’ll shock your system." He sounded honestly concerned, but didn’t close the distance between them.

Regretfully, she conceded he was right and stopped to take a breath. Kathryn heard muffled voices approaching as she handed the canteen back to Alex. The lanky redhead with the short, spiked hair cut, Jonru, was returning with company. It was Naomi and Anikka.

With a small sob Kathryn threw herself into Anikka’s arms and buried her face against the long neck. She hadn’t thought about her actions, simply responding to the urge in her heart, and reveled in the feel of the long powerful body.

"I’m sorry." she sobbed. "I’m so sorry. I was so stupid. Please forgive me."

Naomi and Anikka’s eyes met in surprise over Kathryn’s head. The taller woman also noticed not a little bit of amusement in her companion’s gaze.

"Tell me why we should trust you." Anikka said huskily, even though she couldn’t resist putting her arms around Kathryn and pulling the smaller form tightly against her.

"I didn’t know. I thought you were making it up. Like some big act. Now I know different."

She abruptly pushed Kathryn’s warm body from her and walked stiffly away. At the redhead’s anguished expression, Naomi placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Give her some time to sort things out. You need to see a healer, have some food and rest. The healer and the meal, I can help you with, but the rest has to wait. We need to talk."

Alex returned to his post while Jonru walked part of the way back to the village with them. "Naomi, I’m going to check in with the other sentries." Jonru explained as she walked into the night.

"That was Jonru, one of my lieutenants." Naomi stated by way of explanation.

Kathryn stumbled slightly and Naomi’s strong arm shot around her waist to support her.

"Healer first, I think." Naomi said suddenly feeling the burning of Kathryn’s skin and seeing the blood stains on the ruined shirt. It had been hard to see in the darkness, and Naomi felt guilty for not noticing it in all the excitement.

Naomi helped the weakened woman stagger to the infirmary. They passed several of the village members who made moves as though to help, but Naomi waved them away. Danna met them at the stone archway, and Naomi realized someone must have run ahead and informed her that her services were needed. As was indicative of a truly expert healer, she didn’t question the identity of her patient.

"Help me get her onto a bed." Danna ordered roughly. "I’ve seen these types of wounds before. She’s been with Cross."

A hundred questions went through Naomi’s head. How had she survived? How had she gotten away? Had someone helped Kathryn? If they had, who was it? If they hadn’t, how had she escaped? But now was not the time for questions and she helped Danna lift the smaller woman onto the bed.

Danna had to lance the wound and draw the infection from it before she was able to begin a healing treatment. The ragged, bloody shirt looked horrible, but the multitudes of other wounds were nothing in comparison to the one on her face.

Kathryn began mumbling in a half-unconscious state, her mind and body finally giving up the fight that had sustained her for days on end. Naomi could barely make out the words. "Please don’t hate me," she pleaded desperately over and over.

"Sshh. It’s all right." Naomi reassured her brushing her fingers over the burning forehead.

Kathryn seemed to press into the contact and turned fevered eyes on her friend. "Anikka," she whispered, "please don’t hate me."

The warrior leader felt a mild flicker of surprise at Kathryn’s words. She had thought Kathryn disliked Anikka, or at the least was afraid of her.

"She’s delirious." Danna informed her. "It’s the fever. The medicine should bring it down in a couple of hours."

"Are you sure?"

Danna stopped to glare at Naomi. Like any doctor, she didn’t like her diagnosis questioned. "Yes, I’m sure. She’ll be fine. Now why don’t you go get some rest? I’m sure tomorrow will be a big day, and I really don’t want you hanging around bothering my patient. Come back in the morning."

Naomi hesitated looking at Kathryn, until Danna felt compelled to encourage her.

"Naomi, I promise I’ll keep watch on her." she said in a slightly gentler voice.

The lanky warrior finally conceded, knowing there was nothing she could do. She informed Danna she would return at first watch and left the infirmary.

************************************************

Naomi was as good as her word. She walked through the infirmary archway just as first watch began and the night moss along the tunnels was being replaced with light sticks.

"Hey, how are you feeling?" she asked, seeing Kathryn perched up and awake in her bed.

The smaller woman tried to smile, but her face was still a little swollen. "I’ve been better," she admitted. Then rushed to continue as she saw the worried look cross Naomi’s face. "I’m fine, really. Still a little tired, and I could eat anything, even that awful stew."

That earned a relieved laugh from Naomi. She was glad her friend was feeling better, and she had a ton of questions. "Let me see about getting you released and we’ll find some food." she consoled.

Naomi learned from Danna that the fever had broken a couple of hours after the treatment, and that Kathryn had slept soundly the rest of the night. In fact, she had only been awake a few minutes before Naomi entered. Danna extracted a promise from the warrior not to overtax the smaller woman and for the next few days, she was to do nothing but eat and rest. Naomi gave her word and went to collect her charge.

She was surprised to see Kathryn already out of bed and partially dressed, holding her ruined shirt while examining it with a look of disgust.

"Well, you can’t wear that." Naomi observed.

"Well, I can’t go naked." Kathryn countered sarcastically.

Yes, Naomi thought, definitely feeling better. "I’ll get an extra shift from Danna." she promised walking away once more in search of the healer.

Kathryn was finally dressed in her jeans, sneakers and a buckskin shirt that Naomi thought was extremely flattering on the redhead. She led her to the main cooking room for breakfast, and although the hall was very busy many eyes found their way to the warrior and her charge. Conversation took a decided break before resuming at a frenzied pace. The room was about thirty feet long and twenty feet wide. Long stone tables were set up throughout the room, surrounding the various cooking fires.

"Don’t worry." Naomi said amused by the villager’s reactions. "They’re just curious."

Kathryn chose not to respond as the food was making more of an impression on her than anything else at the moment. Kathryn heaped together a plate of food and some water from the main cooking fire. She felt like she was starving and loaded up as much as the plate was capable of holding. Then she followed Naomi to the outer glow of light from the fire. She sat on a large, fairly flat bench to eat her breakfast as Naomi straddled the bench beside her with a cup of chicory. They had chosen a fairly unoccupied bench so they could speak privately.

Naomi sat quietly as Kathryn consumed her meal, composing her questions. The woman ate fervidly. When she had finally finished and placed her dishes on the table, Naomi took her hands in both of her own.

"Kathryn, why did you leave us?" She inquired gently.

"Because, I thought you were lying." She answered honestly, facing her duplicity head-on and willingly accepting any consequences. "Who would believe such a tale? Magic? An evil magician? I thought someone was paying you to get even with me. I realize now that I was wrong."

She thought for a moment before continuing. "I met your fellow, Cross, you know. He had me tied to a pole and played a little game with a knife." her voice broke as she fingered the partially scabbed, swollen wound on her face, and her eyes filled with tears. "He ruined my face. I’m sure its gonna scar, but that’s probably what he wanted."

"Don’t be surprised if it doesn’t. Danna can perform wonders." Naomi sat looking at her for a moment trying to think how to voice her next question.

"Kathryn, how did you escape?"

"A warrior, one of the traitors you told me about I think. She untied me and gave me time to get away. Her name was Firelake."

"So, Cross’ people aren’t quite so happy with their master." The tall warrior surmised aloud.

"But, it was just her. When we were trying to get away she was fighting other humans."

"Yes, but even that one person wouldn’t have helped you if there weren’t discontent brewing. I’m sure she helped you because of the legend. If that’s true, then we’re probably going to start seeing other defectors. Kathryn," Naomi said, "I’m leaving you in Arandile while we continue with out attack."

"Is that what you’re going to do? You’re attacking him? Are you crazy? He’ll kill you!"

Naomi’s temper flared as she struck her thighs with her fists. "Kathryn we have to do something! Maybe to you this earth is a waste of time. But this is our home! It’s time to fight for it!"

Kathryn thought carefully for a moment about her response. "Naomi, you’re right. It is worth fighting for. Maybe my world has what yours has lost; rain, the opportunity to live above ground...But yours has something mine has lost; unity. We’ve lost the ability to trust our fellow human being. If there’s a chance of righting things here, however slim, it is worth it. But you will not leave me. I’m going with you, but you’re going to have to give me a knife or something because I can’t fight with my bare hands."

Naomi contemplated her friend for a moment, an idea taking shape in her mind. "I have a better idea. Wait here." Naomi walked away leaving Kathryn to her thoughts. Shortly, she reappeared holding something wrapped in soft cottony material.

She laid it on the bench Kathryn had been sitting on and began unwrapping it. "This is the sword, Bluestone. You’ve heard us talk about it. It’s time you met it."

She hefted the sword proudly with both hands. The light from the fire glinted off the double- edged blade. Kathryn was surprised to see that the weapon was fairly short. The blade itself was only three feet long, and the hand guard curled majestically toward the blade from each side of the handle. The handle was cast from solid gold and held a single lump of blue tri-virilium stone in the center. It had been lovingly and exquisitely carved. The entire sword seemed to glow faintly of blue.

"Hold it." Naomi ordered quietly.

Kathryn reached to awkwardly accept the weapon.

"Careful, now."

It wasn’t as heavy as Kathryn had expected. Most of the weight was centered in the handle for stability. A vague hum issued from the sword as though charged with energy, and she found that it was a perfect fit for a user with a small, delicate hand. "It’s beautiful." Kathryn breathed. She grasped the handle in both hands and twisted the sword to the right to get the feel of it, but didn’t have a very good hold and almost dropped it.

Naomi rescued Bluestone from Kathryn and began re-bundling it. She kept glancing at Kathryn curiously, until finally reaching some sort of conclusion and shook her head slightly. Kathryn wondered if she had failed some sort of test.

"Well, let’s get you settled. You can stay in my quarters for the night. We’ll have to get you some equipment since we leave day after tomorrow for Cross Mountain. Do you think you’ll be rested enough by then?"

"Oh yes, I’m sure I will." Kathryn answered distractedly. "But I don’t want to crowd you."

"Oh, don’t worry. I’ll be staying somewhere else."

Was it her imagination, or was that a blush on Naomi’s face? If she didn’t know better, Kathryn would say Naomi had been busy since the last time she saw her.

Naomi led Kathryn to her quarters, giving her a general tour of the village on the way. They stopped by the supply depot and got all the equipment Naomi felt their newest warrior would need. She made sure Kathryn was comfortably installed in her makeshift quarters before leaving her. Kathryn assured her she would be fine. All she wanted to do was fall asleep in a soft, comfortable bed and sleep for the next two days. After sleeping on the ground, it sounded like such heaven, that she couldn’t wait for Naomi to leave.

As soon as she was gone, Kathryn stripped and climbed under the soft furs. She was practically asleep before her head hit the pillow. Her dreams were filled with a tall, gruff, beautiful blonde with cobalt blue eyes.

******************

Kathryn and Naomi met briefly with Sami and the other council members the next day. Kathryn explained what she had seen while trying to escape Cross Mountain. "I’m sure it was a computer bank," she said. "And if what I saw is accurate, Cross uses it to control the weather on this planet via satellite up-link."

Sami shook her head suddenly, as though this was entirely too much information. "Could you say that again?" Morgan requested. "In English?"

Kathryn took a deep breath, reminding herself that these people wouldn’t know what a computer was. "It’s like this," she explained. "A computer is a box of metal, plastic and electrical circuitry. In the late 20^th century, computers were used to monitor weather on a global scale. They were linked to a series of satellites, or small probes if you will that were in orbit around the planet. Now you must understand that satellites were used to monitor weather, but with the right modifications they could be used to change weather."

"This is all very hard to believe." Chaundra pointed out as the others nodded their heads in agreement.

"You think this is hard to believe, what about magic?" Kathryn said. "It was just as hard for me to believe in that. Science is a little more my thing. That’s what I used to do, program computers."

"Kathryn," Naomi interrupted, "what do these computers look like?"

Kathryn squatted down on the dirt floor in the council office and sketched a rough drawing of the computer bank she had seen. "Keep in mind that this is what a main controlling bank looks like." She said beginning another drawing. "This, is what a command terminal would look like."

Kathryn sketched a smaller computer monitor complete with the central processing unit and keyboard.

"I have seen this before." Naomi whispered in an awed voice. All eyes in the room focused on her and she met each glance unwaveringly. "In the Sister Hills, Kami found a small chamber with strange devices inside. She showed them to me. They looked like this."

"Was the computer working?" Kathryn asked.

Naomi looked at her in confusion and Kathryn tried to clarify. "Where there any lights on? Did you hear the machine make any noise?"

"Not that I can remember." she answered.

"Well," Kathryn said, "we have to assume the computer there doesn’t work. But, if Cross is using the computer to change weather patterns, he’ll have a working terminal somewhere inside the mountain. He may use magic for everyday things like conjuring demons," Kathryn said sarcastically, "but he has to use good old fashioned technology to change the weather. That’s something we can fight. Get me inside the mountain, and I can take care of the computer."

The rest of the day was spent planning how to get Kathryn close enough to employ a shut down procedure of the satellites. It was decided that only one other would know of this secondary plan. That someone would have to keep careful watch on Kathryn. No one would know except the council members, Naomi and Kathryn herself.

And Anikka,

TBC

Back to Part 2                 On to Part 4                Email Susan here

Home                                Back to  Uber Stories