Tara was forced to stop her bike when several Gothman bolted in front of her. Then she heard the zinging sound of an Eliminator. aYes!a she hissed, eyes riveted to the sky as one of the crafts rippled and burst into flames.

She moved around barricades and soldiers issuing orders until she reached the spot where two warriors stood next to each other, aiming Eliminators at the second craft. Tara stopped again, jumping off her bike to stand as close as she dared to the marksmen, watching the sky the whole time.

The second craft turned to flame.

aI want a report of damages,a Tara continued issuing orders through her comm as she mounted her bike and headed with more speed to the nearest trailer. The ground explosions billowed smoke, and the stench of burning metal, rubber and human flesh turned her stomach. aGet this camp in order and prepare for any further attacks.a Over the next few weeks, the Sea People challenged the Gothman borders, but Gothman and Runners managed to keep them at bay. Tara remained in charge of the Gothman camp, even though many still challenged her command.

Patha and Darius began to bond, as Patha a.s.sumed the role of mentor. Tara knew Patha looked ahead to a time after his death, when she and Darius would rule both races. To this end, Patha considered it his highest priority to train Darius, to help him understand the Runner way.

It was late in the evening when Tara ventured to the front line to see Patha and Darius. The rocky ground jostled her bike, and when she stood after riding, mild st.i.tches shot down her legs from her pelvis. Knowing the discomfort came from overworking the muscles holding her baby in place, she stood still until the bits of pain subsided and she could walk without discomfort.

As she glanced about her at the busy clan site, now turned into a military operation on the front line, Tara saw Patha and waved. Idly, she noticed that he appeared to stop speaking into his comm as soon as he saw her.

Flicking off the device, he waved back, and after saying something to the Runner he was with, began walking toward her, smiling. His smile warmed her.

She narrowed the distance between them as quickly as she could, taking care not to jolt her body as she stepped on uneven ground.

aIt appears weave a break in the action. The report I received this morning showed the Sea People have regrouped and returned to their camp.a Patha looked tired as he greeted his daughter.

aAnd how are you doing?a She slid her arm around his and walked into the camp.

aIam fine Tara-girl, just fine.a Patha chuckled and patted her arm. aDarius and I plan on preparing our next method of attack today. Youare just in time. Come to my trailer.a *

Patha had noticed how his daughteras pregnancy had progressed when head first spotted her. Taraas rounded tummy stuck out, noticeable from her otherwise thin frame. Even with her jacket on and her face covered by her headscarf, he could tell she was feeling the stress of the growing child inside her. She stepped gingerly over the rough ground. He didnat think she noticed how he supported her over the small ditches that had been created from the heavy jeeps driving over the ground daily.

aWeave three more clans arriving from the east, we do,a Darius said, without looking up as Patha and Tara entered the newly converted main headquarters.

Darius sat at the landlink reviewing incoming transmissions from his commanders and a newly arrived clan, the Kill Water clan. He responded with orders, telling the clan where to set up camp. Then he turned to look at Tara. As she tossed her jacket on the back of a chair, he immediately noticed bones showing at the top of her shoulders. He stood and removed her headscarf without asking.

She smiled and stared into his face, and he watched her blue eyes search his features before meeting his gaze. Dark, puffy circles rimmed her eyes in a gaunt face. Her skin looked gray, partially from lack of sleep and partially from dirt and campfire smoke. She smelled of the smoke and anti-inflammatory powder. There was also the familiar stench of dirty clothes, body odor, blood and wet dirt; common smells of warriors during battle.

It struck Darius that he still found her incredibly beautiful. He reminded himself of his promise to relieve her from duty. A promise that now had to be carried out.

aSit, Tara, have something to eat.a Patha guided her into a chair at the round table, which sat to one side of the s.p.a.cious living area.

Tara complied and felt a wave of exhaustion ripple over her. Holding up her head with her hands, she ran fingers through her hair. She was not thinking clearly and guessed fatigue was taking over quickly. A few hoursa sleep and a hot shower and she was sure she would be good as new.

aI can help.a Tara stood again. She started to move toward Patha, who pulled food from the small cold box where perishables were stored.

aSit.a Darius stopped her with a hand to her shoulder and guided her back to her seat.

aThis looks so good.a Tara eyed the sliced meat, smoked boar with the fat trimmed, and cold duck legs. Several chunks of cheese were still wrapped in a thin, almost transparent cloth. She reached for a vine of grapes when Patha put a bowl of fruit on the table.

She ate the food put in front of her with a vengeance.

aThe Blue Horn clan reports all units are ready for battle,a Darius said with his mouth full and a duck leg in his hand.

aGood. I want all clans to report in before the end of the day.a Patha used the silver utensils head brought to the table and sliced his boar, then added a chunk of cheese. aSomething to drink, Tara-girl?a Patha leaned back to a wooden counter with stone top, which divided the living area from the kitchen. He grabbed a ceramic pitcher, then poured iced grape juice into a mug.

aThank you,a Tara said between bites. She took the mug and sliced a thick chunk of cheese from the block Patha had unwrapped.

Darius still pondered how to bring up the conversation he needed to have with Tara. He was not looking forward to the fight he would have on his hands when he relieved her from duty. And head had time to think about it. Patha had broached the subject when he contacted Darius upon seeing Tara arrive at camp earlier. Head told Darius it was his duty to take her out of the fighting and made it clear he needed to do it now.

Darius felt head learned more from this old man than his papa had ever taught him. Indeed, Lord Jovis had never instructed him in much of anything. In return for his tutelage, Patha demanded a loyalty that he was glad to give. Now, the old man had more or less given him a direct order, and it was not a pleasant one.

aDonat let those clans dawdle in getting their updates to you.a Patha waved his silver eating tool, a gift Tara had given him when shead been a child, and then he pointed it at Darius. Its silver tip, similar in style to a knitting needle but with a sharper end, had remnants of cheese on it. aIf all clans havenat reported in within the next few hours, send them notice they need to have all pertinent info relayed before sundown, or theyall receive the last available slots when I position everyone for battle.a Patha slid his chair from the table, then stood and patted his belly.

aAre you leaving? Iall walk with you,a she said, grabbing a vine of grapes and starting to stand.

Patha chuckled. aNot this time, girl. I can tell you arenat done eating. And when youare done, enjoy a shower. I know living out of that tent youave been in all this time has denied you such luxuries.a *

aA shower would be nice.a Tara relaxed and plopped a grape in her mouth. She took several more bites after Patha left and then stopped when she noticed Darius staring.

aIall put this food away.a She grabbed what was left of the meat and cheeses and wrapped them. Darius followed as she moved around the counter to the cold box. aYour Gothman leaders still have trouble acknowledging my authority.a Tara didnat understand why she suddenly felt shy. She was alone with the man she had dreamed of being with every night since they had parted for battle.

aIt will take them time, it will. I daresay a culture doesnat change overnight, no.a Darius slid her hair across her shoulders and kissed the back of her neck. aGo enjoy that shower now, my lady,a he whispered, sending chills through her body.

She walked down the hallway, noticing it seemed narrower than it had in the past. The water was hot as she stood in the small cubicle surrounded halfway by a white plastic cover, and Tara let it spray over her body, praying it would revitalize her enough to impress her claim when she was done. She hurriedly scrubbed off the dirt, knowing water was rationed and not wanting to use all of it for her own comfort.

Tara stepped out of the shower long before she wanted to and wrapped herself in a large towel. There was no way she could talk herself into putting on the clothes shead removed to shower. They were stained, and they smelled. She would have to send for fresh clothes. The large bulky towel wrapped around her accentuated the size of her growing tummy.

aYouave got to come out sooner or later.a Darius leaned patiently against the wall at the end of the short hallway as Tara opened the bathroom door and turned the other direction. Nothing but that white towel separated her from Darius.

She couldnat rid herself of shyness, although she had a feeling that being alone with her claim made that towel an endangered species. She gripped it around her growing b.r.e.a.s.t.s and padded away from the eyes she felt sure devoured her.

Pathaas trailer had three bedrooms. She knew the first door led to Pathaas bedroom and behind the second door were supplies he might need on his journeys. The third door led to a spare bedroom, although before Tara had her own trailer, this had been her bedroom. She opened this door and saw Dariusa clothes hanging in the closet.

So, Darius had moved into her old room.

She was pleased that even though she hadnat been able to see Darius for less than a cycle, he had slept in her old room every night. It made her feel she had been close to him after all, although, she thought with an audible grunt, Darius probably hadnat given a thought to the fact that she had slept in the same bed many nights.

Darius came up behind her. As she turned to face him, he grabbed the towel and pulled it off her.

aWoman, youare so beautiful.a He gazed at the growing bulge between her quickly disappearing hipbones. aLook at you, I should have you at home, with plenty of servants to see to your needs, yes.a He stroked her hair, pulled her to him, and rubbed her stretched tummy. His child grew within her. And that child would be healthy and strong if his mama didnat carry him through battle. She must return home, to a safe environment, nurturing the babe so his strength would be a.s.sured.

aWeare warriors, I donat need to be taken care of,a Tara said, but she made no attempt to move away from his strong hands. She did want him by her side, helping her through this strange transformation she was experiencing.

aI love you, and our child,a he whispered in her ear as he picked her up and shut the door with his foot.

He laid her on the bed and caressed every sore muscle.

Darius kissed each bruise with lips that seared her skin. She found strength in her weary limbs to reach up and run her fingers across his muscular chest. She barely touched him, allowing only her fingertips to experience the pleasure of his virile skin.

She had no idea how her gentle exploration drove him to a state of madness, but simply enjoyed the sensation of feeling him, exploring the body she had dreamed about, and letting the downy hair on his chest tickle her sensations.

As exhausted as she was, she felt her body kindle with excitement when Darius lifted and spread her legs as he kissed her inner thighs. The heat between her legs grew unbearable, and the slight contraction as she lifted her hips to meet his lips seemed oddly pleasant when surge after surge of o.r.g.a.s.m followed.

When Darius entered her, she felt the velvety roundness and long shaft as her soaked muscles clung to him and saturated him with greeting. She did not want their lovemaking to end. But after shead hit that point of ecstasy to which he carried her with little effort, she collapsed.

Darius leaned on his arm next to her, enjoying the half-smile on her face and the glow in her sapphire eyes.

Shead let him have her, going limp and not instigating a thing. Her body slowly relaxed as he watched. Contented peace of mind crossed her face, an expression that hadnat been there before. This is how he wanted Tara; satisfied with his love for her, and looking relaxed instead of stressed and overworked as she had appeared when shead entered the trailer. He wouldnat have his claim seen in public again showing such extreme signs of battle fatigue, no. This beautiful woman would carry his child and glow in satisfaction that she belonged to him, needing nothing and not entangled with worries.

aWhat?a Tara asked, trying to suppress a small delighted grin at the attention he was giving her. aWhy are you staring?a aYouare glowing. Pregnancy suits you very well. We should have lots of children.a Darius traced his index finger along her cheekbone and down to her mouth, allowing her to suck on it while her wide blue eyes stared up at him.

Tara pushed his finger out of her mouth with her tongue. aOh right, that way you can order me to my room as soon as I start to show.a aTara, you know you canat stay here. I donat need to tell you that, no.a He lay next to her and tightened his grip when she tried to pull away. aIam going to rea.s.sign youa"but your skills wonat go to waste, I think. The Sea People have attacked Bryton as well. They flew over and have caused fires and much confusion.

aI have warriors a.s.signed there, but I daresay I donat have to tell you thereas mostly women and children in the town, there is. I need someone to take charge of the men in Bryton, I do. Youall stay at the house and set up camp there. Hilda and Reena can see to your needs, yes, as well as any other la.s.s you wish to have help you, Iam thinking. Iave stationed soldiers around the house, but I need someone for them to report to whoas there, yes.

aSo far theyave answered to me, but they need a constant presence to keep them in line. Iam thinking you can do that and then report to me directly, yes. Youall keep me informed of any potential attacks on the town, you will.a aHow long did it take for you to think up that one?a She smiled at him, pleased she would still have responsibilities, although shead be out of the heart of battle.

He didnat return the smile, but his eyes twinkled.

aIall leave in the morning,a she said. She snuggled up next to him, as she began thinking how she would have the entire town of Bryton under her control. She would organize the armies and make sure the women worked to supply the troops with food and clean blankets. Her mind tried to churn with the many tasks that would be under her power, but sleep overwhelmed her.

Darius listened to Taraas gentle breathing. Life couldnat be this good if head planned it. He ran his finger up and down her outer thigh. Shead been so submissive during their lovemaking. Agreeable even when he rea.s.signed her to home, where she could rest and let the warriors tend to the duties of battle.

Just thinking about how shead obeyed his orders caused him to harden again. Maybe shead realized that he could direct her activities and offer her a life where she could do as she pleased, and not have to work so hard. Could it possibly be that shead accepted the fact that he was in charge, sooner and not later? If he succeeded in convincing her to submit to him completely, head rule Gothman and all the Runner clans.

He ran his hand up her body and fondled one of her exposed b.r.e.a.s.t.s. She was so exciting. Darius knew that Tara wanted to be in charge, too. But, there could be only one leader. She would advise at his side, and he would control both nations. Darius smiled at the thought as he played with her nipple and delighted in her quickened breathing even though she remained sound asleep. Head captured a beautiful Runner, and now she walked proudly at his side. He would keep her there. Head see to that.

When Tara awakened, she was once again alone. She got up and noticed an outfit folded on the chair next to the bed. It was a Runneras maternity dress. Tara held the dress in front of her for a moment, then pulled it over her head. It slid down her body with such ease, she smiled, already liking the fact that she didnat have to struggle to make her clothes fit and then feel cramped in them. She ran her hands down the black material and then turned to the full-length mirror that still hung next to her door from when she was a child.

Tara wrinkled her nose at her knees and bare feet. She turned and searched the room and then noticed black leggings which had been folded underneath the dress. Of course, she had seen women dressed like this many times. The leggings were easy to slip into, and Tara decided the end result was tolerable. She slipped her laser into her pocket and decided to find food.

A plate of sweet rolls and fruit sat on the living room table. Tara relished the easy movement allowed her by the new clothes as she grabbed her landlink from where she had left it on the counter the day before. She sat and ate while clicking through the screens, catching up on communications and strategies she had missed. After saving several maneuvers to review later, she began consuming a second roll. Suddenly, she heard a jeep outside the trailer.

She waited to see who would come through the door, a.s.suming one of Patha or Dariusa commanders had arrived with news or questions, but instead she heard the sound of a motorcycle being started. Tara stood and opened the door, curious as to why no one came to the door, and noticed one of the soldiers sitting on her motorcycle. No one touched her bike without prior consent.

aIad get off of that right now and find your own,a she said, walking out of the door with her laser pointed.

The soldier froze and slowly moved off the bike. aLook, Iam just followinga"a aI can see what youare doing.a She shot the gun at the ground next to the soldieras feet, and he jumped off the bike before running like his life depended on it. Good thing too, since she was a crack shot.

Laughter caused Tara to turn quickly and there stood Patha and Darius. The longer Patha stood there, the harder he laughed until he was holding on to Dariusa shoulder to keep from falling over. Dariusa baritone chuckle only annoyed her further.

aThe poor lad.a Patha shook his head as he wiped his eyes.

aWhatas so funny about someone trying to steal my bike?a Tara turned her attention to both men and glared, wanting nothing more at the moment than to slap the large grins off both their faces.

aMy lady, the man was following orders.a Darius must have sensed her anger, because his smile disappeared, although slowly. aWe asked him to drive your bike up to the shed behind the house.a aWhy?a aYouall drive this jeep.a He walked over to the jeep parked next to her bike.

aYouare taking away my bike?a aItas doctoras orders, girl.a Patha still smiled as he walked over to her although he tried to stifle it when he saw her expression.

aAnd you asked the man to bring the jeep to me?a Tara was quiet for a moment and then smiled at her own mistake. aThat poor man will never come near me again.a Tara slipped her laser into her dress pocket and patted her bike. When Darius approached her, she smacked his chest. aWell, what are you waiting for, man? I canat very well drive both of these into town. You need to get someone over here to drive my bike to the house.a Darius moved before she could stop him and wrapped an arm around her, pulling her back against his chest. aIs that an order, my lady?a aYou bet it is,a Tara said, as all anger disappeared, and she fought to suppress a giggle. aNow let me go. Iave got a town to organize.a Darius watched his claim drive away from the campsite and hoped his town would survive her onslaught.

Chapter Ten.

aSheas here,a Reena yelled from the living room. aOh, goodness, old woman, hurry up. She is here, she is!a aIam coming.a Hilda waddled down the stairs as fast as her plump legs would carry her.

Torgo galloped past his mama and flung open the front door. aWow, you look pregnant, you do!a He ran down the front porch stairs to greet Tara.

aAnd h.e.l.lo to you, too.a She smiled at the young boy as she got out of the jeep. He greeted her with a big hug and a smile that went from ear to ear. aMiss me, did you?a aIt was awful boring with two old women picking on me all the time, it was.a Torgo peered into the back of the jeep at all of the landlink equipment. aEspecially with a war going on. Whatas all that for?a aIam in charge of the soldiers in town. I need this equipment to help me survey what the enemy is doing. Iall set up camp in my bedroom.a aLook at you, will you?a Reena stood on the porch. aNot going to come in and say h.e.l.lo?a aOh, Reena, look how big she is.a Hilda clasped her hands to her mouth.

aOf course sheas big, sheall have that baby in a couple cycles, she will.a Reena sounded sure of herself.

aI wish I had only a couple cycles to go,a Tara said with a laugh as she kissed the woman on the cheek. aBut the baby wonat be here until around the New Winter.a Tara hugged both women and instructed the guards standing in the driveway to unload the equipment and take it up to her room. She was forced to indulge in social chitchat with the two women before politely excusing herself so she could get to work. She begged forgiveness as she told them the guards would get lazy with a woman in command if she didnat show them her intention of running a tight ship.

aIall be wanting to do a thorough exam, la.s.s.a Reena rubbed her chin as she studied Taraas belly. aIam wondering about that fancy doctor of yours, I am.a Tara doubted it would do her any good to argue. aIall make sure you get to do your exam.a aAnd soon,a Reena said, and wagged her finger. aDonat be putting me off.a aAs soon as I have everything in order with the troops,a Tara promised.

The women hovered a bit longer, but bored quickly when Tara began arranging her landlink and left her to her business with promises of a warm meal as soon as she was settled.

aCan I help you?a Torgo stepped to the side as the women left, and then hovered in Taraas doorway. aOr I could just watch if youall let me.a aCome on.a Tara smiled at the young boy and he joyfully leapt to her side.

aIam a quick learner, youall see.a He watched her plug in cords and attach adapters.

aYou watch and see what you can figure out. Once I know all is in order, we might have time for a lesson.a Torgo learned quickly. Over the next few days, Tara organized shifts for the soldiers, established military tactics, created a layout of the town on the landlink, and discussed procedures with Patha and Darius. Since the schools were closed for the safety of the children, Torgo had plenty of time to learn. He was careful not to get in the way, and although Tara didnat say so, she enjoyed his company and eagerness.

aTomorrow morning Iam going to drive into town and take a look at the damages.a Tara leaned back and scratched her stretched-out belly.

She was one of the most unfeminine women Torgo had ever seen, and he decided that was what he liked about her. She didnat snap at him to sit up straight or tuck in his shirt. In fact, she didnat even seem to notice when he plopped down in her room with dirty shoes or food on his face.

aI can show you exactly where the bombs. .h.i.t.a He wanted so much to be part of it all. aSome of the buildings downtown are all the way gone, they are.a aDid many families lose their homes?a aUh, Iam not sure, my mama wonat let me wander too much. I saw the buildings downtown though, theyare rubble on the ground, they are. Thatas why Mama says I have to stay near the house.a Torgo looked at her, hoping she wouldnat make him stay home too. aPlease, canat I go with you?a aI guess that would be up to Hilda.a *

Needless to say, there was an argument at the breakfast table the next morning. Not only did Hilda not want Torgo to go, neither Hilda nor Reena thought Tara should go.