aWe are going to make it through this,a Tara said more to herself than to her children. She gripped the steering wheel with one fist, fought to secure the blanket with her free hand, and dared to turn the jeep just enough to delay either guard from boarding her.

Tara wouldnat risk shooting behind her, but had no problem eliminating the guard next to her. Now there were only two guards. She didnat see others pursuing her and was a little put out that this was all the fight Darius would make for her.

aYou really didnat know me that well, Darius, did you?a Tara spoke into the air as her gaze darted from the two mirrors on either side, allowing her to see behind her, and to the side of the jeep, where one of the Gothman drove in plain view. aNot only did you think I could easily be deceived, but you think four of your guards are all it takes to capture me.a The guard behind her boarded the trailer and began climbing toward the jeep. She wasnat sure where he thought he was going to go, but if he crawled any closer, head be on top of the children. The second guard also mounted the trailer, letting his bike slide on its side to a stop. He successfully detached the trailer from the jeep and held on as the trailer slowed to a stop. Had Darius given orders to retrieve her bike if they couldnat retrieve her?

She was able to move a lot easier without the trailer attached and curved the jeep around quickly. The guard hanging on to the back of the jeep slid as she spun the vehicle around. When he was on the side of the jeep, she aimed her small laser, and the man propelled from the jeep, rolling along the ground for quite a distance.

aI think we might have pulled this off.a Tara smiled at her children, who both acknowledged her voice with frowns. Ana let out a shriek, which Andru quickly imitated. aJust a little bit longer, sweethearts,a Tara rea.s.sured them.

Now for her bike. She drove head on toward the remaining guard, who was struggling to start her bike. The bike was still strapped to the trailer, and he used it as a shield while he watched her approach. If he guessed she would not shoot at her bike, he was right. She stopped the jeep within shouting distance from the bike and got out, carrying her laser by her side. aWhat are your orders, Gothman?a she asked as she walked toward him.

aYou need to come back with me, my Lady.a His voice was shaking as he spoke.

Tara could tell he was young. aYou wonat be successful today in capturing me. Do you realize that?a The guard peeked at her from behind her bike.

aAre more coming?a Tara pointed her gun straight at his head. He ducked down again behind her bike. She was close enough that she could hear his breathing. aIall give you only one more chance to save your life, Gothman. Are more coming?a aMy lady, if we arenat back in an hour, Lord Darius will send out the next group of guards.a aI see. Well, if you start running now, you should be seen by them before it gets dark.a Tara altered her aim by a fraction, and laser fire bounced over the field, causing several large rocks to fly.

The Gothman shouted his surprise and then hunched farther behind her bike.

She walked up to the bike and stood over the guard.

The guard backed away from her and slowly stood up. He quickly raised his gun.

She shot the gun out of his hand while hardly moving a muscle in her body, then she c.o.c.ked her head and gave him a small smile.

The guard turned and ran back toward Gothman territory.

Tara let out a laugh as she let the man go. aWell, my loves, I think we might have won round one.a Andru and Ana must have realized there was a break in the action, because both of them simultaneously let out screams of protest over the experience they had just been forced to endure.

aItas okay, babies,a Tara cooed as she climbed over the seat and grinned at their outraged expressions.

Both children wanted out of their car seats and reached for her as she spoke to them.

aAre both of you okay?a Tara pulled the blanket from their squirming bodies, which resulted in tiny legs kicking even harder. aIt appears so,a Tara said with a laugh, feeling almost shaky as adrenaline pumped through her.

Tara reached behind the seats securing her children and pulled a cloth bag free. aWe donat have time to get out and play right now, my dears, but how about a snack while I get us ready for another ride.a The children fussed, showing their disapproval, but calmed a bit when she produced crackers and an apple, which she peeled and diced before giving them their portions.

It took a long time for Tara to hook the trailer back up to the jeep. The children were fussy and wanted to be held, but Tara knew she couldnat waste time preparing them to drive again.

Tara took each child from their seat and checked diapers then calmed them with bottles after re-securing them. Darkness approached when she finally resumed her trip. While the jeep and the trailer left an easy trail in the tall gra.s.s for someone to follow, it was soon obscured by darkness as night fell.

If Tara had known the turmoil going on at home, she might have been calmed.

Pathaas comm beeped as he parked his bike.

aThe less gossip about this matter, the better, Iam thinking,a Darius said as Patha listened through his comm. aWeave accomplished a lot in bringing our two nations together, and if word spreads, it will reverse everything weave tried to achieve, it will.a aAgreed.a Patha decided he could wait until later to lecture the man. aI will come get you.a He left Reena at the house and took off toward the back hills.

aMake sure Hilda is quiet about this,a Patha instructed Reena, before he left her at the Bryton house and headed south to gather his son-in-law.

aHilda, are you here?a Reena let herself in the back door and moved through the quiet house.

ah.e.l.lo?a Syra walked into the kitchen with a white rag in her hands.

aAh, itas a good thing youare here, it is. Call your papa, child. Heas worried about you.a aHe knows Iam here.a Torgo walked through the back door at that moment and froze in mid-step.

Reena ignored the boyas reaction and persisted with Syra. aTara has left, child. Your papa was scared you went with her, he was. Call him now.a aI still donat understand why I have to check in with him every few hours.a She stomped over to the landlink set up in the corner of the living room.

aWhat do you mean, Tara has left?a Torgo walked over to the counter, and grabbed a cookie from a plate that had several more on it. He watched Syra as he stuffed the entire cookie in his mouth.

aI think Lord Darius should explain the situation. All I can say is that Tara and the babies are gone.a aThey went out to say goodbye to some of the Runners.a Syra said, her tone indicating she thought the old lady was confused.

aIs Hilda upstairs?a Reena wasnat going to explain anything to the children. She didnat feel it was her place, and she knew Lord Darius would be quite angry if he came home to a household apprised of the situation.

aHilda, may I come in?a Reena tapped on her friendas bedroom door.

aReena?a Hilda was working on a sampler for her grandchildrenas bedroom wall. aIs something wrong?a Reena entered the bedroom and shut the door. aI do believe Tara has left Darius, I do.a Reena pursed her lips.

Hilda let her sewing fall to the floor. aWhat?a Hilda asked in disbelief. aWhy would you say such a thing?a aShe caught him, Hilda. I daresay he should have known Tara wouldnat stand for that behavior, no.a Hilda gathered her sewing and then stood to face her lifetime friend. aHow do you know she is gone? Where are the babies?a Reena kept her tone to a whisper as she told Reena about Taraas visit. She stopped talking every time she heard a noise from somewhere in the house, and both women would look toward the closed door.

aAnd Iam thinkina she took our grandbabies with her, Iam sure,a Reena concluded. aPatha went to get his Lordship. I daresay they will be here soon.a Hilda just looked at her friend. aMy son has more power than he can handle, I fear. His actions have surprised me more than once, they have.a Her words sounded strained, and Reena knew she referred to her two dead sons.

Torgo and Syra tried to talk to each other in the kitchen, awkwardness threatening to overwhelm them, oblivious to the conversation taking place upstairs.

aSo after my clan leaves, I will be staying here and helping Tara with the babies.a Syra leaned against the counter and studied the golden hair on Torgoas arm. aOf course, Iam sure I will have plenty of time for other things, too.a Torgo had just put another cookie in his mouth and almost choked on it. aLike what?a he asked with his mouth full and then slapped at the crumbs that he spit on the counter.

Syra shrugged. aWhat do you do around here for fun?a Torgo had a hard time looking at her face and not her rather large b.r.e.a.s.t.s. She looked soft and curvy. He wasnat too sure what head do, exactly, if he had a chance to be alone with herareally alone. The opportunity to find out might be nice, though.

aI dunno.a He shrugged. Torgo tried desperately to think of one thing he did at his house, just so he could impress Syra. But his mind saw b.r.e.a.s.t.s, his groin hardened, and he knew he couldnat move from where he leaned over the counter. aI could do something with youauhhaI mean, maybe I could show you aroundaa Torgo jumped as Patha and Lord Darius walked through the back door, wondering if head permanently injured himself when his hardened d.i.c.k banged against the cupboard door beneath the counter.

aTell Reena to come here.a Pathaas tone implied that he didnat care which teenager jumped to his request.

Syra ran from the room.

Torgo looked at the blood on his older brother. aWhat happened to you?a aNot now.a Darius waved his hand for Torgo to come to him. aHelp me get upstairs.a One look at his brother and all thoughts of large b.r.e.a.s.t.s and personal injuries left Torgo as he became a human crutch for his older brother.

Once Darius was in his room, Reena had Syra on the run gathering necessary items to mend his wound.

Torgo loitered in the hallway, catching bits and pieces of the very alarming news.

aSend out four of your fastest riders,a Patha said into his comm, as he shut Dariusa bedroom door behind him. aSheas not to be hurt, you understand? Those babies are with her, and I want them all back here before nightfall.a aI canat believe she didnat take me with her,a Syra whined several hours later as she joined Torgo. The house had settled a bit, and they stood in the upstairs hallway, leaning over the banister that opened below into the front entryway. Torgo wanted to suggest they go to his room, but didnat have the nerve and couldnat imagine what he would say to her once they got there. At least she was talking to him, so all he had to do was nod and watch her. aMy clan is leaving. Now Taraas left, and Iall be stuck here.a aI donat mind you being stuck here.a Torgo blushed so deeply he looked down at the ground. He was grateful for the deep shadows in the hallway. aI mean, I get really bored most of the time. Itall be nice to have someone my age to talk to, uh, sometimes.a Great, now he was talking like a b.u.mbling idiot. He glanced sideways at her, hoping she hadnat noticed. Just being near her raised his body temperature.

Syra guessed from Torgoas actions that he hadnat been around many girls. Boy, could she teach him a thing or two. It brought a smile to her face that she could make him blush and feel awkward. He was so cute, already pretty developed. And, he was a lot taller than she wasa"that in itself was a bonusa"especially since she was taller than most boys her own age. aMy papa and I travel around a lot, and there arenat many people my age to hang out with either.a There were boys her age in the clan, but she didnat want Torgo to think shead been with a whole bunch of them. And she hadnat, really, just a few.

aHeas really lucky she just shot him in the foot,a Syra continued, dropping her tone so as not to be overheard. She wanted to keep their conversation going.

aI know. If she shot his foot, that is what she was aiming for.a They were quiet for another minute or two, trying to figure out what to say to each other.

aMaybe you could show me,a Syra began, but stopped talking when footsteps sounded on the stairs.

Patha approached them and pa.s.sed, not seeming to notice they were there as he entered Dariusa room. It was easy to overhear the conversation beyond the partially open door. aThey found her, but she easily got away from them,a Patha said.

aIam not surprised. She isnat going to get caught unless she wants to. Still, I canat let her get away from me like this.a aYouave made a mess for yourself, son.a aNo lectures, please. Things are bad enough as they are.a aI suggest you let me look for her when we leave tomorrow. We know she headed south, and sheall probably pa.s.s through one of the towns to restock. Iall be able to find her.a aAh, but will you be able to bring her back?a aSon, youare going to have to do that. Youave made a terrible mistake, and sheall not forgive you easily. Iall find her for you, but youall have to do the convincing.a Patha came out of the room, and Syra and Torgo tried to look as if they hadnat been eavesdropping. Patha still seemed uninterested in them, but he paused and turned to address them before he reached the stairs. aSyra, I guess you should come with me, and Iall take you back to your papa. Thereas no reason for you to stay here.a He disappeared down the stairs.

aGreat, more time alone with my papa,a Syra groaned. aI wish I could have gone with her. This isnat fair.a She stamped her foot on the ground before following Patha.

They didnat leave right away, however. Hilda insisted Patha and Reena stay for supper, as it was about ready. Darius hobbled downstairs with his wrapped foot and endured the looks his mama gave him as she set the table.

She finally started to cry over the loss of her grandchildren and the woman who had taken them. Torgo didnat want to hear his brother yell at his mama, so he slipped out into the backyard. His brother had made his mama cry one too many times, and it was more than he could handle right now.

When Syra saw the opportunity, she followed him.

aYou know, youare complaining that you have to leave, and I wish I didnat have to stay.a Torgo leaned against the shed staring at the star-filled sky. He switched his gaze to her as she approached him.

aIs this yours?a Syra ran her hand over his bike.

aYeah, and it was Tara who taught me to ride.a aThatas why I was here, to earn money to buy my first bike.a The two were silent for a minute then Syra had an idea. It was really awful, and she didnat want Torgo to get the wrong impression if she brought it up. Head started shining his handlebars with his shirt. His blond hair was a ma.s.s of tousled curls and his gray eyes were lighter, and not as deadly as his older brotheras. Head be nice to have as a boyfriend, she decided.

aDonat take this the wrong way or anything,a she began and looked back toward the house to make sure no one else had come out. aWhy donat we go find her ourselves?a aWhat?a Torgo whispered the word. aThereas no way we could get out of Gothman. Both of us together donat have half the skills Tara has.a aItas not like they are going to hurt us if they catch us. It would be an adventure, and Iam going to be bored to death if I have to spend another minute with my papa.a Syra looked at Torgo slyly. aAre you scared?a aOf course not!a he declared. aIam just not going to take off running without a plan. Let me think about it. We also shouldnat leave before supper.a aCan you get out of the house tonight?a Her mind was already scheming.

aI guess so.a aIam sure Iall have to leave after supper with Patha and Reena. Leave half an hour after we do and meet me at the edge of the clansite, on the west side. I bet we could be gone for at least an hour before anyone missed us. Maybe longer.a She smiled at him to see what he thought.

Torgo couldnat think of anything better. He nodded and headed toward the house. There was no way he would back out or give her any indication, but he was scared to death to take off on his own. Head never been outside Gothman territory, and the stories head heard did not make him want to leave.

Syra left with Patha and Reena and headed back to the Runneras camp. She didnat speak to either of them, but then she never did very much. They were so old and never understood! Instead of sulking however, her mind was making a list of things she would need. She walked back to her trailer with her bag that already had her clothes in it. Quite convenient, she thought.

aAh, there you are, my girl,a Balbo said, as Syra entered their trailer. aHard to believe you could be missed after being gone only a day.a aNo one to show you how you are always wrong?a Syra rolled her eyes at her papa, but couldnat help smiling.

aI felt lost without anyone to argue with.a Her papa returned her smile and reached to pull at her headscarf.

She ducked past him and headed for her room. Syra grabbed the portable landlink her dad had given her a few cycles before. Stuffing it into her bag, she thought about how she would get food.

aSyra, Iall be back shortly.a aOkay, Papa.a This was perfect.

In the kitchen, she took things she thought would not be missed immediately if her papa were to look. She did most of the cooking, so she hoped he didnat know what was there. She filled a bag with food, grabbed her bag of clothes, and left the trailer.

Torgo was on the west side of the clan when she got there, looking nervous as he sat on his bike. He had side bags into which she stuffed her belongings. Then she climbed on behind him. Her heart jumped as she edged her legs along his and then slowly inched her hands around his waist.

aI thought youad never get here.a He slowly drove them away from the clan.

Chapter Thirteen.

aThis isnat on the map.a Tara clicked from screen to screen on her landlink as she spoke aloud to herself. Shead driven all night and halfway through the next day. The babies were grouchy and so was she.

The Runners werenat familiar with the southern part of Trueland. They knew of scattered towns, but that was it. All morning long shead been traveling through uncharted land, having already crossed the prairie of the Freelands. Now, a wide river blocked her path.

The river flowed from the west and curved in front of her, heading south as far as she could see. Shrugging, she determined that her only choice was to ride alongside it. There wasnat any way to cross. She added the river to the landlink map, taking it upon herself to chart the area.

After traveling for more than an hour, Tara spotted a barge moored at a small port. Several buildings stood next to the river, and she saw a handful of people. She pulled up to one of the buildings and parked.

Tara put Andru into the back carrier then shrugged into the shoulder straps. She lifted Ana into her arms, and the three walked to the dock. A large man ambled off the dock and tossed several bags onto the ground. He didnat look at her until she cleared her throat.

aWhere does this ferry go?a aSouth all the way to the border, if you have money.a He took a good look at Tara and her babies. aBeen travelina a while, have you?a aLong enough. How much does it cost?a aSix Dorsels a person, no matter their age.a He eyed the babies.

aI have gold.a aChange it over at the building, that way.a The large man rubbed his hand over his unshaven face and studied Tara. He couldnat quite figure out her accent but knew head heard it before. Shead been traveling awhileaand so prettyaodd she didnat have a man with her. Those two babies would turn most men away, but with her looksahe scratched his whiskers some more.

aI need Dorsels,a Tara said, dropping several pieces of gold on the counter in front of a small wiry man.

He handed her a stack of paper and she studied it, not familiar with the currency. The sheets were thin, dyed red, and there was a numeral two in each corner of the rectangular shape. She counted the papers by two and came up with twenty.

aAre you sure this is right?a She looked as if she expected him to shortchange her.

The man grunted and handed her three more pieces of paper.

aHow much to haul a jeep and bike?a aTen apiece.a aHow far will you take me?a aTo the border. The ferry donat go past the border.a The wiry man tapped the counter with a bony finger. aYou pay to come back, too.a aAnd meals? Theyare included with this outrageous price, I a.s.sume.a aYeah, but I donat know that the cook will be fixing food they can eat.a He aimed his longer finger at the babies.

Tara gave the man the gold he needed and took the Dorsels. She returned to the large unshaven man now loading bags onto the ferry.

aWhere you heading?a He took her money and rubbed his whiskers as he stared at the jeep and bike Tara pointed to.

aSouth.a aThereas a lot to see down that way.a aHave you been south of the border?a Tara could stand for some good stories, and as unappealing as this man was, he was the first adult to whom shead spoken in over twenty-four hours.

Taffley studied her once again. She was quite browned from the sun and in dire need of a shower. Her hair was stringy from sweat, and her dress hung on her. She was beautiful, though. In fact, she was quite s.e.xy. He liked dirty women.

He didnat entertain too much hope of catching her eye. Women like her seldom had much of an interest in men like him.

His thoughts returned to her accent. It bothered him when he couldnat tell what race a person was. You knew a lot about a person when you knew where they were from and what their people were. Then he noticed a necklace around her neck. It was a circle with a very nice looking ruby in the middle of it.

aYeah, Iave been to a town or two south of the border.a He looked at the necklace one more time, and then it dawned on him. Panic attacked his entire body. aYou can take the cabin on the left side of the hall.a Taffley spoke quickly, unable to look at her and afraid his fear would register through his words.

Runners could smell fear.