Chapter Nine.

Several cycles pa.s.sed with no indication of an attack by the Sea People. But, they were out there. Landlinks detected them in vast quant.i.ties just beyond Gothman borders. But since their arrival almost four cycles ago, the Sea People lingered.

Darius sensed the uneasiness in his soldiers. They did not like sitting and waiting when they were geared up to fight. Head agreed to send scouts out to visually detect the Sea People using viewers, a long cylindrical tube that magnified items in the distance. They had been provided by the Runners.

After waiting so long for an attack, the Gothman began circulating rumors doubting the accuracy of Runner landlinks. Still, scouts verified thousands of Sea People with large amounts of artillery. No one could say for certain why the Sea People just sat there, apparently doing nothing.

aI wouldnat be surprised if the Sea People have discovered the Runneras presence and are waiting for reinforcements,a Tara spoke to a small group of men a.s.sembled around the table in Pathaas trailer.

aAnd who would they be waiting on?a Geeves, Dariusa personal a.s.sistant, stared at the Gothman map spread over the table and didnat glance up at Tara.

She finished slicing a block of cheese, although she didnat take it to the table. She would be d.a.m.ned if she would wait on these men. She left the sliced cheese on the counter and plopped a piece in her mouth as she moved to stand behind Darius.

aThey could just be waiting for more Sea People to arrive,a she offered.

aI say we attack now, I do.a Darius. .h.i.t the table with his fist, and Geeves grunted his approval. aGothman wonat tolerate our borders lined with Sea People, no.a aRunners do not attack unless attacked first.a Patha didnat raise his voice and glanced at Darius as he spoke.

aTension builds among the men, my Lord,a one of Dariusa commanders spoke from behind Tara as he leaned against a wall by the trailer door. aThey are ready to fight, they are, and we have them sit like women.a Tara cleared her voice, to show the commander she didnat like his comment.

aI canat justify leading any Runner clan into combat at the moment.a Patha paid no attention to his daughter. aThe Sea People sit on Freelander land. They are not in violation by being there. Everyone knows the Freelanders allow anyone free rein to their land.a aSo Gothman will sit and do nothing?a The same commander behind Tara raised his voice a bit with the question.

aI donat like it anymore than you do.a Darius pushed his seat from the table, almost backing into Tara. She moved toward the counter as Darius faced his commander. aBut I daresay in all of Gothman history, no attack has occurred before the enemy crossed Gothman borders.a aWe shall wait for the Sea People to make the first move.a Patha didnat bother to stand.

Both Darius and his commander turned to study the Runner leader.

The commander released a few expletives, apparently feeling Taraas presence didnat prohibit such language, and left the trailer, not bothering to shut the door.

Tara chewed her lip as she followed Darius from Pathaas trailer. She felt irritated that the men couldnat agree, and frustrated because she wanted more of the cheese and had left it on the counter. Needless to say, her mood was as sour as Dariusa.

One morning, Tara lay on her mat working to pull her pants over her hardened belly. This had become a routine, trying to get her clothes to fit, but this particular morning she realized the pants just werenat going to go on without her making the conscious decision not to breathe. She absolutely could not fasten her pants. Runner women often wore black, loose-fitting dresses over leggings when they were pregnant.

Tara groaned at the thought that she might have to concede to wearing such clothes. She stared at the ceiling of her tent, her hands still gripping b.u.t.ton and b.u.t.ton hole of her pants, and her fingers burning from trying to pull the material together over the growing bulge of her baby. Shead be forced to obtain some temporary clothing while her child grew within her, even though such articles would hamper her ability to climb on a bike and perform military maneuvers.

Tara decided to drive over to the Blood Circle Clan site and say h.e.l.lo to Balbo, her stepbrother. Shead been too busy with planning and training to have visited him before. Now that Darius and Patha had decided to create a better fighting mechanism by having the two culturesa"Gothman and Runnera"learn from each other, Darius had gone out daily with a party of scouts comprised of both groups. This left her the opportunity to leave the camp without any questions. Besides which, Balbo might be able to help her with the clothing issue.

Patha had had two wives although Tara only knew one. His first had died in battle. His second wife, Cloya, raised Tara but died giving birth to twins when Tara had seen fourteen winters. One of the twins died with Cloya, and the other twin was sent to Cloyaas family to be raised. Tara also had a half-sister, Tasha, and Balbo, a stepbrother. Balbo was Pathaas son by marriagea"a son of his second wife. He was older than Tara, but since he was not of Pathaas blood, was not heir to Pathaas clan. Balbo was a good man, though, and had always been someone Tara could confide in. Right now she needed a favor.

Balbo hugged and kissed his sister on the cheek as she entered his trailer. Then, looked confused as he listened to her request. aYou want what?a aI need a pair of pants, mine donat fit anymore.a She privately begged that he wouldnat ask why.

aEating to much of that Gothman food, are you?a He laughed and then looked at her closely. aTara, your face is gaunt. And why are there dark shadows under your eyes? Have you been to a doctor recently?a aNo, and I feel fine. I just need a larger pair of pants.a Balbo left the room for a moment, returning with a pair of pants. As he handed them to her, he gave her that brotherly look she had hoped not to see. aTara, Iave never interfered with your life, and I wonat start now. But, whatas the harm in stopping in and seeing Dr. Digo while youare here?a aWeall see.a She hugged her brother and thanked him for the pants. aI wanted to say h.e.l.lo to a few people I havenat seen in awhile. Maybe, I can see the doc, too.a Tara no longer had any doubts as to her condition, but she decided to pay heed to her brotheras advice and see if Dr. Digo was busy. Head been her doctor all her life, or as long as she could remember. Head tended her first laser wound and set more bones than she cared to remember. He was a good man, and she didnat mind stopping in to hear the latest stories.

aTara, child, how youave grown. Why, youare not even a child any more, but a beautiful woman. Iave heard the stories about youahow you started a revolution. Doesnat surprise me a bit. Here, have a seat, tell me a good story.a The old man patted the chair that was reserved for his patients and a.s.sumed his doctorly position, leaning on the examination table.

aOkay, hereas a story.a She squirmed in her seat. aThis young girl has reached the Age of Searching and is drawn to places sheas never been. She enters into a culture unlike any shead experienced. Doctor, I tell you, she is exposed to a way of life she had only heard about in many exaggerated stories. An old lady takes her in and teaches her about the culture and provides her with clothes so she will look like one of them. It was harder to give up her way of life than the girl thought it would be. Then, one of the men in this culture takes an interest in her. He knows her for what she is, but she doesnat know this. She thinks she has him fooled. She comes to discover later that he not only knows her for what she is, but he knows more about her than she knows herself. I guess it was inevitable, fate some may call it, but she falls in love with this guy.a aAnd, this man, does he love her too?a Dr. Digo looked interested.

aYes, he tells her this, and then proves it by his actions again and again. Itas just that their cultures are so different. Sheas not sure they define love the same way.a aSo, what happens next?a The old doctor had already moved over to the cabinets along side the wall of his trailer and started opening drawers.

She ached from the tight pants she wore and tightened her grip on the pants in her lap. aI donat know.a Dr. Digo pulled a syringe out of the cabinet and moved over next to Tara. aShall we find out?a Tara didnat answer but took off her jacket and pulled up her shirtsleeve.

Dr. Digo smiled as he drew the blood. Head seen this look of concern and worry on many young womenas faces. They always approached him with the obvious staring him in the face and telling him they didnat know. He never argued and always let them be the first to know or to admit it out loud.

Tara remained quiet as the doctor took the blood over to the equipment on the table.

He turned the monitor so Tara could see the results as soon as they were available.

aTara, youare definitely pregnant. Would you like an examination?a She consented and it was done.

She left the office wearing the pants her brother had given her. They fit much better but she knew they wouldnat work for long. Dr. Digo told her shead have a baby in five cycles, right before the New Winter. Only five cycles before her entire life would changea"she would be a mama!

She drove away slowly, lost in thought, which is probably why she didnat pay much attention to the young Runner standing outside Dr. Digoas trailer.

The young boy leaned along the backside of the trailer watching her as she mounted her bike and disappeared into the camp. As soon as she was gone, the boy reached up and turned on his comm.

aI found her. She just left Dr. Digoas trailer.a *

As Tara entered the Gothman camp, mulling over how she would handle a pregnancy, a war, and being claimed by a Gothman, Darius and Patha slowly pulled up in front of Dr. Digoas trailer.

aCome in, Patha, youare not hurt, are you?a The doctoras smile lessened as Lord Darius entered the trailer behind Patha. He looked at the tall blond man, as the lord stood expressionless, returning the gaze.

aDigo, my friend, Iam not hurt.a Patha accepted Digoas extended hand and shook it with both of his. aIad like you to meet the Lord of Gothman. Lord Darius, this is Dr. Digo. Heas cared for my family as long as Iave had one.a Darius appraised the stocky older man, guessing his age to be closer to Pathaas than his. And the doctor was definitely nervous. Darius decided he didnat really care as long as the doctor told them what they wanted to know.

aDigo, we wonat take up much of your time. I imagine youare quite busy.a Patha crossed the room and sat in the chair behind Digoas desk.

Dr. Digo stood to the side as Darius moved as far as the middle of the room. He could sense the doctor studying him, but could only wonder what Tara had just told the man.

aWeare here to talk to you about Tara, we are.a Darius didnat want to waste time on civilities. He wanted to know what happened between the doctor and Tara.

aPatha, youare an old friend, but you know I canat talk to you about my patients.a aAs Patha said,a Darius interrupted, looking down at the doctor. He didnat like speaking to the doctor and then having the doctor address the answers to Patha. aWe wonat take much of your time.a aWhat can I do for you?a The doctor looked nervous, but held his ground and continued to focus on Patha.

aWhat did you find out while Tara visited you?a Darius used his tone that had a quiet, unquestionable authority.

aI canat tell you that.a The doctor rubbed his hand through his hair and sighed deeply. aThis is a very sensitive situation.a aHow pregnant is she?a Darius knew in his heart that the child was his, but he had to hear it from the doctor. He had to make sure Tara didnat arrive in Gothman already pregnant.

aAnswer the question,a Patha ordered when the doctor hesitated.

aAbout four cycles,a the doctor sighed again. aSheall give birth before the New Winter.a aThank you,a Patha said and stood.

Darius knew it had been a good idea to pay the Runner lad to follow Tara after one of his men had reported that his claim had left camp. Tara would learn soon enough that the Lord of Gothmanas claim would always be watched. She may view a claiming as demeaning, but to Gothman, she was a valued woman.

When the lad reported that Tara had gone to the Runner doctor, Patha had told Darius he would go with him when he learned why the Gothman lord wanted to see the doctor. Darius had accepted Pathaas offer, knowing the Runner leader would play diplomat. Still, Darius guessed the older man wouldnat have wasted words if the doctor had shown reluctance in offering what Darius wanted to know.

Dr. Digo showed Darius he did have a backbone when he turned and gave the lord his attention. aShe shouldnat be in this environment. Itas not good for the baby.a He then turned and looked at Patha. aWhile Tara has always been good about ordering ladies in her command to step down when field maneuvers become dangerous for the unborn child, I detect confusion in her. I fear you will have to remind her itas time to remove herself from the battlefield.a Patha and Darius looked at each other and left the trailer. Neither one looked forward to implementing the doctoras advice.

Tara awakened the following morning and realized Darius was not next to her. Theyad made love most of the night, and shead overslept. She had hesitated the night before in telling Darius about her visit to the doctor. And head appeared to be preoccupied. Now, he had left without waking her, and she had no idea where he had gone.

She lay there a moment trying to convince herself to get up. She felt absolutely exhausted and merely wanted to sleep several more hours. Tara knew the time had come to remove herself from the battlefield, but she had responsibilities here. Of course, several good candidates existed to take over her duties. But d.a.m.nit, she wanted to be amidst the action.

Tara jumped to her feet when a sudden large explosion rent the air, causing the very ground beneath her to quake. Screams and the sound of running footsteps permeated her tent from every side. Instinct took over, and Tara dressed in a flash, hobbling to the entry as she shoved the second boot on her raised foot. Another explosion rocked the ground before she got out of the doorway.

aDarius,a Tara shouted, struggling to wrap her comm around her ear. aWhere are you?a She left the tent and jumped on her bike. as.h.i.t,a she howled as another explosion shook the ground.

Tara slowed her bike when she reached the middle of camp, joining several soldiers squatting behind large barrels of water. aReport!a she yelled through the noise and understood when none of her Runners looked at her. Their eyes were on the sky.

Taraas comm beeped, and she slapped at the small b.u.t.ton to activate it. aYes,a she yelled over the dim.

aThe Sea People sent five aircraft out about twenty minutes ago,a one of Taraas commanders shouted in her ear. aWe got one of them, but the others should be flying over you within minutes.a aI can see two now.a Tara squinted at the dark gray cylindrical objects in the sky. She didnat see the other two.

aTheyare coming back around,a the Runner next to her yelled, as she jumped behind the Gothman who squatted with an Eliminator resting on his shoulder. Both Gothman and Runner soldiers were equipped with the powerful Runner weapon, which was more than capable of destroying the aircraft flying overhead.

aOn my mark, fire,a Tara ordered. She quickly moved aside to give the Gothman s.p.a.ce, knowing what kind of kick the Eliminator had. She waited for the two planes to come within range.

aFire!a Tara yelled.

The Gothman pushed the large b.u.t.ton on the side of the Eliminator, and then fell backwards as a zinging sound pierced the air. Tara didnat focus on the Gothman, but turned her attention to the sky and the two dark gray crafts now shadowing the ground.

aTake cover! Take cover!a Someone screamed, but the advice wasnat needed.

aItas a direct hit!a The Gothman next to her let out a whoop of excitement then immediately ducked.

aExcellent,a Tara whispered as one of the crafts suddenly rippled with fire, distorting as she watched. Burning fragments separated from the craft and began twirling to the ground. The second plane wasnat hit, and it fired on the camp.

The ground exploded around them.

Tara grabbed the Eliminator from the Gothman, who had let it go limp in his arm and aimed at the craft as it hovered over them. She fired and the plane exploded. She couldnat tell if there were more planesa"the flames and smoke from the multiple explosions around her made it difficult to breathe and see.

aTara! Whatas going on?a Dariusa voice came through her comm.

aTwo crafts are destroyed. Where the h.e.l.l are you?a Tara coughed as charred metal hit the ground burning, and black smoke filled the air.

aHelp!a someone screamed.

Tara stood quickly and then balanced herself as a wave of dizziness consumed her. This is no place for a woman in your condition, a little voice chided her. She couldnat do anything about that now. Runners with spray packs on their backs began hosing down the isolated fires. The water turned the black smoke to gray as it filled the air.

aWhere are you?a She put her hand over her mouth and nose as waves of smoke consumed her.

aWeare at the edge of the Blood Circle camp. The Sea People have attacked down here, but weare holding our ground, we are. But what about you, woman? Patha tells me the landlink shows you took some hits. I donat want you in the middle of that, no.a aWe brought down two crafts. All is under control. And Iam fine. But what about you? Are you okay?a Tara coughed again and ignored the curses she heard through her comm.

Her comm beeped again, and she reached for the thin wire that ran along her cheek from her ear to her mouth. aStand by Darius,a she said.

aWhat?a he barked. aLike h.e.l.la"a But she cut him off with a sigh, regretting that when she saw him next his first words would be a reprimand. aTara here,a she said as she acknowledged the new call.

aFrig here, Tara,a one of the Runner soldiers she had known since childhood responded. aWeall have these fires out in no time. Iave got a medic team reporting only three wounded.a aThanks, Frig.a The attack only lasted a few minutes, but it seemed as though hours had pa.s.sed. Even though casualties had been few, the soldiers were shaken, and the campsite was partially burned, but functional.

aDarius, were you hit hard?a Tara waited a long minute before his deep baritone swam through her senses. She wanted to know if he was injured, and if Patha was okay, along with the rest of her family. Darius would view that as a sign of weakness, however. So Tara kept her comments pertaining to the issue at hand.

aA few casualties. Prepare yourselves. More crafts have been spotted!a He sounded stressed.

Tara could guess that any warrior would be anxious under pending attack, but she couldnat help but hope he wanted to be at her side as much as she wished she were with him. aAcknowledged,a she said simply and shut off her comm after hearing the termination on Dariusa end.

Tara left the minimal protection offered by the water barrels and moved her way through the active camp. She tapped her comm again and addressed Frig. While she could see him instructing several Gothman, he stood too far away to hear her without the device. aWe have more crafts headed our way.a Frig indicated he understood, and she watched him gesture to several soldiers surrounding him. aSeveral of my best warriors are armed with Eliminators,a he told her. aWeall have the Sea People out of the sky before they are able to attack this time.a aMake sure of it.a Tara felt a wave of energy surge through her from the enthusiasm in Frigas tone. Well-trained warriors lived for the battle. They fought for a just cause, and Runners and Gothman would be triumphant. Tara held her head high as she continued working her way through the camp toward her bike.

Daylight could not penetrate the smoke and dust swirling around them. By mid-afternoon, the sky remained a dark gray, and black clouds created from burnt rubble and campfire smoke, hung heavily.

Visibility was so poor, Tara could barely distinguish forms of the people around her. The trees outlining the camp were completely obscured. She was forced to guide the soldiersa movements with the aid of her landlink, which shead found in her tent, unharmed and lying on tossed bedding. Absentmindedly, shead noted that although the tent interior remained dark, she could see about the s.p.a.ce with far more clarity than she could see outside.

Tara spotted a group of Gothman soldiers through the murk and approached their leader. aWhat are your orders?a aPreparing to search the surrounding area, themas the orders.a The Gothman only half-turned to acknowledge Tara, an act to which shead grown accustomed with many of the Gothman.

aThe area surrounding the camp?a Tara wondered if someone had picked up movement, and she hadnat yet been told. aWho gave you your orders?a aLord Darius.a This time the Gothman didnat even turn when he answered, but instead signaled his men to begin their search.

aDarius?a Tara asked after tapping her comm.

aWhat do you need?a Are you okay?a The concerned sound in his tone made Tara want to tell him she would be better if she were at his side.

aHave you spotted movement surrounding the camp? Why wasnat I notified?a She heard mumbling through her comm and surmised Darius was speaking to someone with him.

aYour landlinks show no activity,a Darius said after he finished talking to whomever he was with.

aThen why did you order men to search the area?a Tara waved at the Gothman leader to halt his men.

He only appeared mildly interested in her gesture, and didnat stop his men.

aTo make sure the area is secure.a aTara, weave spotted the crafts!a Frig waved frantically from several tentsa distance, and then turned to acknowledge several soldiers approaching him.

Taraas comm beeped in her ear. aDarius, order your Gothman soldiers to cease their search. Itas a waste of manpower.a Tara barked the order, suddenly frustrated with the man for not trusting Runner equipment and belittling her authority by issuing commands she didnat know about.

She hit the small b.u.t.ton on the silver stem of the comm to acknowledge the next call, cutting Darius off in mid-reb.u.t.tal.

aEliminators are ready,a a Gothman yelled in her ear.

Tara ran back to her bike, ignoring the st.i.tch that ran from her lower abdomen down her leg. She started the bike with one hand and moved it slowly while attaching her landlink to the handlebars. aWhen you have them in target, fire,a she ordered, deciding to monitor the attack inside one of the nearby Runner trailers.

An explosion shook the ground, and people flew from a location not too far from Taraas right.

aOne of the crafts has a different type of artillery on it,a one of her commanderas reported through Taraas comm.

aGet those blasted things out of the air!a Tara yelled over the growing confusion around her.

Another explosion shook the ground.