The man who owned the ferry seemed nervous about something, but Tara was too worn out to worry about him. She walked onto the ferry and down a hall with several doors on each side. The farthest door on the left was slightly open. She peeked in and saw a bed sprawled in one corner. A table with two chairs pushed under it filled the other corner. An old dresser stood next to the door. One half-open window provided dim light blanketing the wooden floor and walls. She left her bags in the room and carried her children out to watch the crew bring her jeep and bike on board.

Taffley drove the jeep with attached trailer up a large plank and parked them on the back of the ferry. His hands shook as he worked. That s.e.xpot head been drooling over was a Runner. He recognized the symbol of the Blood Circle Clan. The motorcycle matched the clan as well. The most dangerous race in the world. That clan called themselves that because they didnat hesitate to draw blood. Head heard all the stories.

Why was she dressed like that? This was not the way a Runner traveled. For some reason, she didnat want anyone to know who she was, he guessed. This bothered him even more. No doubt about it, she definitely had to be trouble.

He looked at Tara briefly and walked off the ferry, muttering something about being right back.

A few moments later, he entered the wooden building. aSaffle, dayou see that lady that come this way with those babies?a Taffley spoke to the wiry man.

aYeah, she had gold.a aSheas a Runner.a aTaffley, youare going daft, she wasnat dressed like no Runner.a aI tell you sheas a Runner. I know that accent, and she had the sign of the Blood Circle Clan around her neck.a He scratched his whiskers and turned to look at his ferry.

aIf what you sayas true, youave a problem on your hands.a Saffle pulled a piece of paper from under his desk. aThis came through with all the mail today. Theyave been pa.s.sing aem out, from what I hear.a Taffley took a wrinkled piece of paper from Saffleas bony hand. His face fell as he looked at the contents of the paper. The top of the page said REWARD and a description followed. Oddly enough, it was Gothman writing, and the reward was Gothman currency. It was large: ten thousand Gothman gold coins offered for the whereabouts or return of a lady and two babies. The woman was described as a Runner, but it was said she might not appear in Runner clothing. The babies were twins, a boy and a girl, seven cycles old.

aThatas a lot of money.a Taffley scratched his beard.

aWhat are you going to do?a aIam going to take her to the border. Sheas a Runner. Iam not going to cross her.a Taffley smiled. aYou put a wire through and let them know our destination and where they can pick her up. You say I expect payment in full before I turn her over.a *

Inside her room, Tara pushed the table in front of the door and began exploring. She found a small, connecting bathing rooma"with only one door. Relieved, she realized she wouldnat have to share the facilities with another pa.s.senger.

Fatigue was taking over, so she decided to wash herself and the babies, and change clothes. Perhaps the activities would revive her. She left her gun on the bathroom counter and began filling the tub.

The children splashed the water as Tara scrubbed the dirt and grime from all of them, using a washcloth and soap shead brought along. She rinsed herself after cleaning the babies, letting the water cascade over her head and back.

Suddenly, the water in the tub splashed to one side and her babies slid off kilter. She grabbed them as she realized the barge had just pushed off from the dock. The ferry rocked as it slipped into the river currents. Tara held her infants close to her body until the movement slowed.

After dressing the rambunctious babes in matching one-piece outfits, she put on a clean dress. A bell sounded, and the large man shead encountered earlier yelled that supper was ready.

A long table was set up in the open area of the ferry. Tara was obviously his only pa.s.senger. There was a chair set at each end of the table and to her delight, two highchairs were set on either side of one end of the table. The menu consisted of fried fish, new potatoes, and a leafy green vegetable on each plate.

aI donat really have food for the babies.a Taffley sat at his end of the table. aI found some bread and squash. You can feed them that, if you want.a aThank you.a She sat after putting the babies in the highchairs. She quietly smashed the squash on two plates and tore tiny bits of bread to feed Andru and Ana.

The babies made a mess, and the man ate loudly. Tara didnat mind either. The hot food gave her energy. She enjoyed every bite and willingly accepted a second helping of fish. The babies also ate well and contentedly sucked on bottles of juice after the meal was over. Tara sat back as the man lit several torches and cleared the table. The large wheel rotating under the ferry made a soft swooshing sound in the water. It was peaceful, and Tara began to relax for the first time since shead left Gothman.

Later, she sat on the edge of the bed rocking her two children until their bodies grew limp in her arms. Shead taken two of the drawers out of the dresser and filled them with blankets. Her babies looked beautiful, as they lay asleep in their makeshift cradles. She admired them in the moonlight, and for a moment, her mind went to Darius.

A noise on deck forced her to push him out of her thoughts. She reached for her laser and held it low as she walked down the hallway.

Creaking boards told her someone was there. She stood very still using the shadows in the dark hallway to hide her position. Taffley was leaning over the front of the ferry, apparently fishing, as a pole extended out over the water. She heard another creak coming from above the doorway which set her instincts to humming. Whoever was there chose that moment to jump down onto the main floor with his back to her.

The noise startled Taffley, who turned around as the intruder raised a gun.

Tara didnat hesitate, she shot the intruder in the back. The sound of a yelp followed by a splash alerted Tara to the presence of another, much less brave, attacker. She chuckled when she thought of his shock when he hit the cold water. Tara stepped out of the shadows.

The large man approached the dead body. He reached down, picked up the limp figure and dumped it overboard. aMuch obliged.a He looked wide-eyed at her as he walked to the other end of the boat, evidently making certain no one else was in the water. ad.a.m.n thieves.a Tara walked to the edge of the ferry and listened. She was satisfied they were now alone and turned to look at the man.

He didnat say anything, but sat at the end of the table, leaning over to stir a fire burning in an iron stove.

Tara turned to go back to her cabin.

aStay.a It was more of a suggestion than a command.

She turned and looked at him.

aI wonat hurt you. Heavens knows Iam no match. Iall admit you scare me to death.a He smiled and showed off dirty teeth and several dark holes where teeth had once been. aNameas Taffley. Sit and tell one of your stories.a aOne of my stories?a aCome now, all Runners have stories. Iave heard some good ones in my time.a aWhat makes you think Iam a Runner?a aSeveral things, la.s.s. You wear the Blood Circle Clan symbol around your neck. Your motorcycle is a Runneras bike, and youave just shown me the skills of a Runner.a He pointed to the chair shead used during dinner. aSit.a Tara did so and looked up at the stars. Her fingers instinctively played with the telltale necklace. Why hadnat she taken it off? She watched as the man got up and went over to a cabinet built into the wall of the ferry.

He opened it and pulled out a large bottle and two clay cups. He poured some of the contents into each cup, then set one in front of Tara. aThe Sea People make an excellent wine. Itas become quite rare lately. Their economyas crashed, you know.a He offered the information as if it were common knowledge and leaned back down in his chair.

aYou said youad been south of the border.a She took a sip of the wine.

aYeah, Southland.a He took a large drink and made a face, then took another drink and set the cup on the table. aWhy dayou want to go there?a aI havenat been there.a aA true Runner response.a He laughed and then drank the rest of his wine. He offered Tara more after pouring some in his own cup, but she shook her head. aWhatas your name?a aTara. Tell me what the people are like down there. Are they warriors?a aWell now, some of them are. None to match you Runners, thatas for sure. They were doing pretty well for themselves, had lots of money to spend, atil the Sea People started that war up north. From what Iave heard, they lost pretty badly. They didnat know them Gothman would go and hitch up with you all Runners. Strange people the Sea People are.a Taffley stopped to wet his mouth. aEver met one?a aNo, not personally.a Tara wanted to hear about the south, not the north, but she decided shead have to be patient.

aThey come across nice enough, gave me a fair bit of business there for awhile. Not very trusting people, though. Southland is real good for growina this opiate plant. All I did for the longest time was haul the harvests across the border. Thatas all done now. The towns down there are hurting pretty bad. No reason to grow their crops, because thereas no one to buy them.a aThe Sea People donat want it anymore?a aIam sure they want it. They just canat pay for it. Theyare broke, you see. Plenty of money they owe me.a Taffley poured more wine into their gla.s.ses.

aWhat should I expect when I get to the border?a She swooshed the purple liquid around in the cup but didnat take a drink. aHow far to the closest town?a *

Taffley thought about how to answer. He imagined what she would see when they got to the border. Saffle had sent that wire, and she would be picked up the second she got off the ferry. A twinge of guilt ran through him. Shead saved his life, and now he was turning her in for the money. He focused on the reward. It would clear all the debts head created when he still thought the Sea People would pay him for his services.

aThe first town is Semore. Itas about ten miles from the border. Thereas Pixley, which is about fifteen miles in, but you have to drive a little west to get to it. And there arenat any roads nearby. The roads starting at the border go to Semore. After Semore are Highton and New Hanger. All those towns are under the same government and use the same money. Theyave got some good ideas down there. It makes sense to have the same rules and money. I guess youad have to see how they live to understand.a Taffley wondered if she would ever be able to go there.

aAre they all the same people?a Tara tried to picture what head described. Her excitement grew at the thought of being the first Runner to explore a new land. aWhoas their ruler?a aWell now, thatas where they are real different. They donat have a ruler.a aWhat? That would be complete chaos!a She took a drink of her wine and pulled her legs up, getting comfortable in her chair.

aYouad think, but itas not. They have a bunch of people in charge. I canat remember what they call it, but all the people get together every five winters and vote on who the people in charge are going to be.a Taffley got up and pulled a blanket out, shook it, then walked over and wrapped it around Tara. aCanat let it be said one of my pa.s.sengers got sick on my ferry.a aPeople say who their leader is going to be?a Tara adjusted the blanket around her, pondering the concept. aWho is in charge right now?a aThe main guy is Gowsky, I think. Never met him. Donat have cause to, you see. Heas got a mess on his hands. They were all accustomed to money coming in, you see. Except now, there is none. Money I mean.a Tara sat quietly for a minute. Shead never thought how their war could affect so much of the world. People who didnat know her were struggling to keep their towns going because of decisions she and Darius had made.

Tara suddenly came to the conclusion that a ruler would indeed be great if he or she were aware of all of the people around him or her, and not just familiar with a little corner of Nuworld. Darius had never been out of Gothman. Would he ever know what life was like outside his kingdom?

aWhat you thinking, Tara?a Taffley c.o.c.ked his whiskery face at her.

aAbout everything youave just said. I look forward to meeting these people. It sounds like they need help getting back on their feet.a aWell now, how would you help them?a Taffley sounded curious.

aI donat know. It sounds like theyare farmers. You said they grew something the Sea People needed. Maybe there is something else they could grow that someone else could use.a Tara was anxious now to continue her journey and meet these people. aLike I said, I donat know. Iall have to wait and see what their land is like and what theyare like. What do they think of strangers?a aAnyone can come and go through their towns. Thatas something everyone knows. Though I donat know what theyad think of a Runner. They kind of blame you all for their turn of fate, you see. People say the Sea People couldave beat Gothman if it werenat for the Runners. Iave heard that the Gothman king got trickedaa *

Taffley stopped talking, and his mouth fell open. Now, head never been accused of being a real bright man. He liked what he did and tried to keep peace with everyone with whom he did business. Still, head learned many things sitting at this table with his pa.s.sengers. Head almost said that head heard about a beautiful woman, who turned out to be a Runner, and had tricked the Gothman king. Thatas what he was about to say, but then he figured something out.

aYouare the one, arenat you? No wonder thereas so much money on your head!a Taffley quickly covered his mouth, knowing head said too much.

aWhat did you say?a aOh, Iam as bad as an old woman.a Taffley hung his head and pulled a piece of paper from his shirt pocket. He tossed the paper across the table.

Tara picked it up and held it by the lantern. A look of shock crossed her face.

Chapter Fourteen.

aI canat believe this. The notice makes it sound like Iam his property.a Tara began to fume all over again.

aGothman women are property.a Taffley said with a shrug.

aIam not Gothman!a Tara slammed her fist on the table.

Taffley jumped and realized head hit a nerve. Had he made the right move by showing the paper to her? It crossed his mind that if this made her angry, what would she do when she realized she was being led into a trap?

A loud shot caused Taffley to jump again. One hand went to his heart and the other grabbed his bottle of wine.

Another loud shot rang through the air.

Tara adjusted her laser to scan for life-signs. She pointed the laser toward the woods along the river, judging that was where the shot had come from. She could hear people yelling, and although the red beam on the laser targeted the attackers, she didnat need it. She could have detected them from the noise they were making.

Taffley was on top of the ferry, and he had started shooting.

The darn fool was going to get killed. Head made himself an easy target. She quickly shot at three individuals on the bank. A splash in the water and a howl let her know one of them had fallen in. She saw another fall from a tree. The third jumped in the water of his own accord and started swimming toward them.

Taffley aimed his gun at the person in the water, and a loud bang ran through the air. The man in the water let out a bloodcurdling scream. His arm floated away from his body.

Taffleyas gun had such a kick she could see him lurch back after firing. For a second, she envisioned Taffley falling down the stairs, but he steadied himself and looked around at the now calm waters.

aSure are a lot of thieves lately,a he muttered as he came back down the stairs. aWe live in a land of no laws. Take care of your own, thatas the River Peopleas law. Iave learned to protect my property. Keeps one on his toes. They say a government will stop all this but I donat see it happening.a Tara could hear the babies beginning to cry and hurried to them.

Taffley walked to the edge of the hallway, but respecting her privacy, talked to her without coming to her door. aIall keep a watch tonight. You donat worry none about them babies. Iall keep them safe. Ainat no thief going to board my boat tonight.a Tara doubted Taffleyas ability to keep them safe, but she thanked him and pulled the children up on the bed. Within moments, the three of them were sound asleep.

It seemed like just minutes later when Tara opened her eyes to see the sun streaming through the open window of her room. Ana lay cuddled next to her, sleeping soundly, while Andru played with his feet. He smiled broadly at her when she looked at him. The smile looked just like his papaas.

Tara lay there, holding both of them tightly, feeling pain from the loss of the only man shead ever loved. Tears came to her eyes and she let them flow.

It wasnat long before both babies were fully awake and ready to play. Tara had to put her own thoughts aside and focus on her children. As she sat on the floor of the small room, tickling and playing with the babies, she could hear Taffley walking around on the main deck preparing breakfast. Every now and then he groaned; she imagined he might be hung over from the wine.

The bell announcing that food was ready came shortly, and Tara picked up the babies and headed out to the table. She was surprised to feel how warm it was outside.

aWeave had someone following us through those trees over there,a Taffley said as Tara secured the babies into the highchairs. aIf you want to eat in your room, I can set the table in there.a Tara looked over to the trees and could hear the low sound of a motorcycle. She squinted from the sun and was able to tell two people rode on the bike. They were matching the pace of the ferry and staying just out of view through the trees.

aIf youad help me push the highchairs to my room, Iad appreciate it.a She walked back to the room, pushing Ana in the chair. Taffley followed with Andru, who talked gibberish all the way.

She could see the bike through her window as she fed the babies their breakfast. Why wasnat its rider attacking like the others? Still, she had to acknowledge it was a strategy she would use to flush out her prey: wear their defenses down by stalking them. Then bring them out in the open and nail them. It was a Runner strategy, but that wasnat a Runner bike.

aTara?a A voice shouted her name.

She jumped, startled, and moved quietly to the window. aI donat believe it!a She ran out of the room and onto the deck.

aStop the ferry,a the voice called.

aNot on your life.a Taffley raised his gun to fire.

aTaffley, no!a Tara yelled, but it was too late.

Taffley fell to the ground as laser fire shot across the water and knocked him off the deck. He yelled loudly and looked at his smoking leg. Dark blood started soaking through the torn material of his pants.

aPut that laser down now!a Tara yelled to the sh.o.r.e.

She ran over to Taffley and propped him up against the deck.

aTara, youave got to make him stop the ferry,a Torgoas voice yelled to her. He and Syra were now visible on the sh.o.r.e of the river.

aWho are they?a Taffley was grimacing from the pain.

aA couple of kids. What theyare doing here is the question!a Tara looked back at the two sitting on Torgoas bike.

aTara, can you hear me?a Torgo yelled.

aYes, I can hear you.a aYouare floating into a trap. Thereas a mob down there just waiting for you. Theyall turn you in for the price on your head.a Tara looked at Taffley, who kept his eyes pinned to the deck. aHow do we stop this thing?a He got up slowly. Holding onto his bleeding leg, he limped to the back of the ferry. It took him a few minutes to climb the stairs.

All the while, the babies wailed. As Tara listened to their fussing, she realized that this was no life for them. They deserved warm cribs and their own bedroom, not this swaying barge.

Taffley called down, aBetter get back to your room and hold onto those little ones. When the anchor catches, it will cause quite a lurch.a She returned to her quarters and sank into a chair between the two high chairs. The twins sobbed loudly as they reached for their mama. She quickly gave them each a small piece of banana, which they simultaneously put into their mouths. She gripped the sides of the highchairs and braced her feet as the ferry lunged to a stop.

The paddle wheel became silent, and it was very quiet on the ferry for a second.

Tara tore up more banana. Then, she grabbed a first aid kit and returned to the deck.

aWord is traveling all over the place that you are on a ferry headed to the border,a Torgo yelled to her.

aI wonder how they found out.a Tara looked at Taffley.

aIam sorry, Tara. All I knew was that you were a Runner. People around hereas scared of Runners. Iad already let you on my ferry when I saw the reward being offered.a Taffley looked sincerely forlorn as she stared at him. aI donat know why youare wanted, but I canat imagine whatever you did was all that bad.a aI didnat do anything wrong.a Taffley looked at the two kids sitting on the bike on the sh.o.r.e. He nodded in their direction. aIf things are as bad as those two say, the thieves attacked us to get to you.a He shook his head. aThereall be more. Probably soon. Youad stand a better chance if you get off on the other side of the river.a Tara studied the water. The river was wide, and she could see a few sandbars ahead of them. aHow far to the border?a aHalf a day, if you drive. Weall get there tonight on the ferry. If you drive straight south, youall cross the desert. After several hours, head west and youall hit the road.a aWe need to get the jeep and my bike off this thing.a She started yelling instructions to Torgo and Syra, aCross the river up there by the sandbars. Torgo, give it some speed when you hit the water.a Taffley was obviously feeling the pain from his wound, and he moved slowly.

Tara loaded the babies into their car seats in the back of the jeep, much to their dismay. They hadnat gotten over being in them all yesterday and immediately started to cry. She hugged and kissed them and rea.s.sured them the running would stop soon. She only wished she could believe it. She now understood why Runner families had trailers. As bored as she had been at times growing up and traveling across country, shead at least been able to move around in a trailer, instead of being confined to a car seat.

aWhat can we do to help?a Torgo lifted himself out of the water onto the deck. Head parked his bike on the sh.o.r.e after driving to the other side, then the two had swum out to the ferry.

aYou can start by telling me what the h.e.l.l youare doing here.a Tara showed her rage. aThis isnat a game.a aYou promised me a job.a Syra shrugged with despicable arrogance as she wrung water from her hair.

aYou canat stay with me. Youall both get killed.a Tara wasnat in the mood for a mouthy teenager.

aYouare not so great you couldnat get killed yourself.a Syraas eyes flared. aEspecially with two babies. You need help.a aI can make it to where Iam going,a Tara responded. aYour papa would never stop tracking me if I brought you along.a Torgo spoke up. aMy brother isnat going to stop looking for you, or his children, no matter where you go.a aaScuse me. I hate to break up this family feud, but are you all getting off my boat or not?a Taffley shifted his gaze from the dripping teenagers to the irate Runner.

aYes, we are.a Tara continued to glare at both of them. aOkay, you want to work? You got it. Syra, take the bike off the trailer. It will lighten the load when we drive the jeep through the water. Torgo, you help Taffley lower the ramp.a Everyone got to work, and within minutes Tara was in the jeep, going through the water. The splashing on either side of the vehicle quieted the babies as they watched the spectacle with awe.

aBe careful, Taffley,a Tara said after theyad secured the trailer to the back of the jeep.

aIt wonat be a welcome committee when I get to the border, thatas for sure.a Taffley let out a laugh. aDo me a favor, though. If itas ever brought up, tell them you shot me while escaping. I donat think I could live it down if they knew I got shot by some kid girl.a aDeal!a Tara smiled. aIall ask a favor in return. From now on, you be friendly to Runners. Weare good people, and no Runner will attack you unless you attack first.a aDeal!a Taffley waved, then started the paddle wheel. The ferry slowly glided down the river.