aLetas get a move on. You can drive with me at least as far as the border.a Tara was anxious.

Syra walked over to join Torgo on his bike.

aYouall ride with me,a Tara spoke over her shoulder as she climbed into the jeep.

aWhy? I want to ride with Torgo.a aI can see that.a Tara gave Torgo a hard look, and he quickly stared at the ground. It dawned on her that the two of them had more than likely been together all night. aYou want to work for me, then get in the jeep.a *

Syra sulked as she climbed into the pa.s.senger seat. She knew her aunt would be justified to lecture her. Shead left without telling anyone. She was with Torgo. And, shead followed Tara, who had every bounty hunter in Trueland after her.

Syra glanced back at Torgo who followed closely behind the jeep. He smiled and she faced front. So far, this was the best adventure shead ever had. It was actually disappointing that theyad found Tara already. Riding with Torgo all morning, rubbing against his body, her arms wrapped around his youthful musclesaher mind drifted to the night before.

Theyad driven south, following the only map she could find on her landlink. They knew they were driving south but that was about it. Once theyad found tracks that resembled those a jeep and trailer would leave, theyad followed them to the river.

After driving for five hours or so, theyad decided to take a break.

She remembered Torgo kissing her. The moonlight had made everything mystical. When shead unb.u.t.toned his shirt and slipped it off his shoulders, every one of his chest muscles were outlined with moonlight. His hands had been all over her. He never even hesitated with his exploring. Maybe he wasnat as inexperienced as shead thought. Everywhere head touched her had set her on fire. She couldnat remember how theyad moved from standing to lying. Theyad rolled around on the ground and greeted each otheras bodies with excitement and antic.i.p.ation. While she hadnat been aware of hurting herself at the time, the bruises on her body indicated theyad gotten carried away with their exploring.

And then there had been theathing shead done to Torgo. Syra never would have known to do it, except shead caught her aunt doing it to another clansman one night. They hadnat realized shead caught them. But, shead never forget it. It looked like fun, so shead tried it last night with Torgo. Head seemed so surprised when, after making him hard as a rock with her hand, shead put him inside her mouth.

It was bigger than shead expected, and she wasnat able to make much of it fit; not like her aunt had. Shead done something right though. Torgo had almost flipped her when suddenly head arched his back and howled. Shead held on tight and was surprised when head soaked her face with his white fluid. It had been salty, but she liked the taste.

Torgo had then laid her down and spread her legs so far apart shead thought head split her in two. When his tongue entered her soft sensitive folds, shead gone over the edge, l.u.s.t spreading through her like a wildfire. Head sucked, nibbled, licked and kissed. It was more than shead ever dreamed it would be, and head brought her to an o.r.g.a.s.m so quickly she was dizzy for the next twenty minutes or so. Thinking about it burned her crotch. After another quick glance at Torgo, she shoved the thoughts out of her head.

It wasnat easy driving through the trees with the jeep and attached trailer. Every time Tara thought they were coming to a clearing, they would run into another group of trees.

aIt would be a lot easier if we ditched the trailer, and you let me ride your bike,a Syra suggested after driving for a while in silence.

aSyra, I canat let you go with me. Believe me, I wish I could. Youare right, I could use the help. But, I just donat have the right to take either one of you from your parents.a Syra reached down, opened Taraas landlink and started to log on.

aWhat do you think youare doing?a Tara grabbed the landlink from Syraas lap.

aMy papa said I could work for you over the summer,a Syra started to explain.

Tara tried to stay calm and took a deep breath before she spoke, aIf you log on with my landlink, it will instantly tell anyone who is watching exactly where I am. Trust me, theyare watching. Iave got the heirs of the Gothman and Runner nations on board.a aOkay. Iam sorry.a Tara was startled by the sincerity of Syraas apology.

Syra met her gaze and her youthful energy pulsated in her green eyes. aDid you love him, Tara?a Tara didnat answer, but she fought the stinging in her eyes from tears that wanted to come. Had she loved him? She still loved him.

She needed to keep herself alert and thinking about this would get her nowhere. She turned her attention back to the direction they traveled and still didnat answer.

They drove on in silence for quite awhile. Tara was growing frustrated with their inability to pick up speed due to the terrain. Andru and Ana both watched with wide gray eyes as objects pa.s.sed the jeep, and she praised them mentally for being such good babies.

Several hours pa.s.sed, and still nothing but forest around them.

aWe should have hit desert by now, according to what Taffley told us.a Tara looked up at the sun. aWeare definitely driving due south. Something is wrong.a aCould we use my landlink to see if thereas anywhere to log on?a aYou brought your landlink?a aYes, itas on Torgoas bike.a aIam willing to give it a try. For all I know, we could have already pa.s.sed the border.a Tara stopped the jeep, and Torgo pulled up alongside her. Syra jumped out and brought her landlink to Tara.

aWhy donat you get the babies out and let them crawl around in the backseat?a Tara felt sorry for her confined children. aHopefully, this wonat take too long.a Tara searched for a local connection, and the landlink found one within a matter of minutes.

aWell, thereas life out there somewhere,a Tara commented as she started to explore the transmission shead just found. aI found a map. Here it is. There are several cities that appear to be twenty miles or so from the border. And I see two roadsaone of them leads all the way to the border. We must be farther east than we thought. According to this, if we head west, we should pull out of this forest faster than if we continue south.a She studied the foreign screen providing this information and wondered what culture shared the technology.

aSounds good to me.a Torgo squinted toward the west.

aLetas keep moving. Syra, why donat you explore what these cities have to offer while youare back there, and Iall drive. Whatever you do, donat change connections. Hopefully, no one will be searching for us on this link.a Tara started the jeep, and they began heading west.

The drive continued to be difficult as the trees grew closer together and cliffs and rocks appeared. The terrain almost appeared mountainous, and Tara noticed some of the rock formations appeared to lead into caves. At times, Tara would turn her head and listen, or quickly glance behind her. No one would stop them, she would see to it. Determination pumped through her, the success of their journey riding on her warrior skills.

Torgo noticed this and although he would look in the same direction as she did, he never saw anything out of the ordinary. The more time pa.s.sed, the more often Tara checked their surroundings. Her actions began to spook Torgo. Although nothing around him appeared to be out of the ordinary, Torgo began believing they were being watched or followed, just by Taraas actions.

After driving for a time, Tara stopped. While the two teenagers watched, she got out of the jeep and stood, listening. She walked a short distance away from them and then returned quickly. aSyra, I want you to turn this jeep around and take it back to one of those caves.a She reached down to the floor of the jeep and grabbed her suitcase along with her landlink. aTake these and put them on.a She handed comms to both teenagers. aSet them to channel three.a aWhatas going on?a Syra looked confused as she watched Tara guide her bike off the trailer.

aGet this thing turned around, and go hide in one of those caves we just pa.s.sed until I tell you itas okay to come out.a aWhy?a Syra persisted.

aWeave driven into an ambush. Head back toward those caves, and you and the babies will be safe.a Taraas tone froze the expressions on both teenagersa faces. aNow move.a Syraas eyes widened. She obeyed and drove off in the jeep.

aTorgo, a good warrior always knows when heas outnumbered.a Tara flipped open her landlink and turned it on. aIad say at the moment we are grossly outnumbered.a aTara, I donat see anyone anywhere, I donat.a aTrust me.a aI do.a He looked around nervously.

Tara fastened the landlink to her handlebars, pulled out her Eliminator, and hooked it to a strap on the side of her bike. aDo you have a gun?a aOf course.a He pulled out one of the nicer Gothman guns head used for target practice.

She tossed one of her small laser guns at him. aYou might need this too. Itas a little more accurate. Aim it the same way you do yours. Letas go.a *

They took off, picking up speed as they darted around trees and rocks. The terrain was slightly similar to Gothman, and Torgo kept up with her nicely. She knew the loudness of the boyas bike would draw attention to her quickly. Glancing repeatedly down at her screen while navigating her bike, Tara quickly logged onto the main Runner screen.

Help was nearbya"Patha and the Blood Circle Clan were less than a mile away.

The first shot ringing through the air came from behind them. Tara continued to drive at high speed but turned and shot at a vehicle closing in from behind.

Torgo did the same.

She saw an old car crash into a tree out of the corner of her eye and knew theyad hit their target. She faced forward and quickly sent a message.

aWhat are you doing?a Torgo spoke through his comm.

aWeare too outnumbered. Iam detecting fifteen to twenty people to the north of us, about ten people behind us and there are three coming straight at us. Weall see them here in a minute. We need help, or we wonat make it.a Three men in a jeep appeared in front of them. As one of them drove, the other two leaned out, hanging onto the bars. They aimed large guns at Tara and Torgo.

Tara pulled the Eliminator faster than Torgo could even react.

The first shot coming her way caused a tree to fall in front of her. She could hear the men whooping and yelling in the excitement of almost hitting her.

Did that reward announcement say dead or alive? She wished now that shead read it a bit closer. From the sheer numbers around her, she could tell enough people had gotten wind of her location to turn the situation into a crazed hunt. There was no way she and Torgo could take on this many opponents. Who was to say how many more were on their way?

And they were River Peoplea"a crude people with no laws. That was the worst kind of adversary to take on in battle. There would be no pattern, no order, no way of predicting their next move.

Tara aimed the Eliminator and shot the jeep. The explosion caused several surrounding trees to catch fire. If there was any fool out there who was not exactly sure where she was, they certainly knew now.

aHelp,a was all she was able to type without crashing into a burning tree limb directly ahead of her.

aIave got you on my scanner.a Tara saw the response to her plea and sighed with relief. She would deal with the wrath of Patha after all of this was over. Right now, she knew her clan would not let her down. She hadnat done them wrong, and they knew it.

Tara and Torgo continued to drive as fast as they could through the woods. A shot from the north exploded through the air, and Tara turned her head in time to see Torgoas bike slide.

She slowed down quickly and turned around. If the boy got hurt, shead never forgive herself. Relief surged through her as she approached Torgo and saw that only the tire had been blown out. He had slid through the brush and was getting up slowly from underneath the bike.

aClimb on.a She pulled up next to him. aTell me youare okay.a aMy bike.a He looked forlornly at his prize lying on the ground.

aCasualty of war, son. Itas what you get for following me.a She grinned at Torgo as he held on to her tightly and pulled his leg over her bike. They both noticed blood on his leg at the same time.

aIam okay.a Tara took off again, but was not able to go far. At least ten men on motorcycles were driving straight at them. They were well-armed, Tara noted as they spread out and around her, forcing her to stop.

One of the riders in the middle, obviously their leader, had been gesturing to the others. Now, he spoke. aOkay, lady. I know youare a Runner, and Iam sure youare well-armed. Slowly, and I do mean slowly, I want you to get off that bike.a He raised his gun and pointed it at her head, just in case she didnat think he was serious. He was very nervous, Tara observed. This man was no warrior. A simple diversion would send all of them into a panic. She could tell they had a plan by the glances they kept giving their leader, as if waiting for a signal, but she guessed there was no backup plan.

She slowly got off the bike. She could easily pull the Eliminator and take out at least half of them. But, it would take just one of them to fire back, and she or Torgo could be hurt. Or worse. There would be no brave attempt to escape this time. Her babies needed a mama, and she would not risk Torgoas life.

aI can take the guys on the right, and you take those on the left,a Torgo whispered at her shoulder.

aNo. A good warrior knows when heas outnumbered. I told you that already. Thereas always time to escape. Right now isnat the time.a aSilence!a The leader on the motorcycle sounded worried. aBe careful, boys. Runners are s.a.d.i.s.tic warriors. They keep a calm look on their faces, but their minds are scheming your death.a He gestured at Tara as if he were using her as an example while teaching young warriors. aGet away from the bike!a He curled his lip as if her looks repulsed him.

Tara complied, walking several steps toward him. She seriously hoped Patha would arrive very soon. He couldnat possibly be that far behind all these goons. She took several more steps, and every gun instantly bristled in her direction. She was less than a manas length away from the leader.

aLet the boy go.a She looked straight at him. aThereas no price on his head.a She paused. aLet him go and then fight me like a true warrior. Iall show you how a Runner does it. Then you wonat have to make up stories.a She glared at the leader and tried her best to let the fury in her eyes shine through. He was scared, and she knew it. All she needed was one small distraction.

He responded, aThe boy is Gothman. Iam sure their leader will pay for him just as he will pay for you. The way they treat their women, Iam sure he wouldnat care if we had a little fun with you first.a The leader laughed, and the men around him joined in.

This was all the distraction Tara needed. As she raised her Eliminator to fire, the singing of lasers resounded through the woods in all directions.

She shot the leader.

Lasers fired from the woods, taking out the other men before they knew what hit them.

Chapter Fifteen.

Tara turned quickly and got back on her bike. Torgo scrambled to climb on behind her, tripping several times before Tara grabbed his arm and almost pulled him onto the seat behind her.

He held on tightly as she bolted from the circle of dead men. aWhat happened?a Torgoas voice shook.

Tara felt his legs shake against her body. aWe had help. I would like to think Patha has arrived, but we arenat going to take any chances.a She spoke calmly, knowing good and well how scared Torgo was.

aSyra, are you okay?a Tara spoke into her mouthpiece.

aWeare fine. Can we come out yet?a aIall let you know in a minute.a Tara paused, suddenly aware that more motorcycles approached. She pulled her gun and aimed it toward the oncoming bikes.

Torgo pulled his gun out as well. His hand was shaking as he held the gun and he pulled it back, bracing it against his body.

Tara pretended she didnat notice.

There were four bikes driving toward them and three coming from the side.

This time, Tara pulled behind a group of trees and jumped off her bike. She leaned over a low branch and aimed her gun at the closest bike.

A familiar laugh caused her to lower her gun.

aIs that any way to thank an old man who just saved your hide?a Patha pulled up in front of the tree.

The other Runners pulled up alongside Patha.

Tara came out from behind the tree to greet them. aI could have handled the situation.a She tossed her hair and tried to hide her smile of grat.i.tude.

aAh now, thereas appreciation for you.a The old man laughed again as he looked at the other Runners.

Tara recognized all of them, most of whom shead grown up with. Balbo was also among the group. They joined in the laughter. Tara looked at each in turn, smiling broadly at their grinning faces. aThank you.a She bowed gallantly.

aWhereas my daughter?a Balboas smile disappeared.

Torgo sheepishly came out from behind the tree, and he looked downright fearful of the oncoming punishment as Balbo glared.

aSheas a mile or so back, in a cave with the babies.a Tara flipped the switch on her mouthpiece. aSyra, weare coming to get you. Flash the lights on the jeep when you see the Runner bikes.a aI must say, this will be the best story for quite a long time. I canat think of many Runners that could have made it as far as you did, Tara-girl.a Patha sat with his grandchildren around the fire later that evening. aAnd you did it with two babies as well.a Tara accepted another piece of apple pie from Reena, who was smiling at her.

aIam just glad youare all alive and okay, I am.a Reena sat next to Patha and took Ana from him. aThis is no life for my grandbabies, it isnat.a aMy grandchildren, too.a Patha bounced Andru on his lap. aSheas right though, Tara. What are your plans?a aI know. Youare both right.a Tara looked at her babies as they giggled in their grandparentsa arms. aPatha, there are five towns south of the border. Iave heard some things about them, and they sound fascinating.a She proceeded to tell her parents about the governmental structure and elections held in the towns.

aWhoad have thought of such a thing, Iad say?a Reena looked up from the pie she was feeding to Ana, appearing to be sincerely surprised.

aYes, the Neurian government. Iave heard of them,a Patha nodded. aGowsky is the head of their council. Heas a young man with lots of ambition. I believe heas just been reelected by his people.a Tara was surprised. Patha seemed to know everything.

aDid you know their main export was a crop to the Sea People? When we won the war over the Sea People, this Neurian government lost its main form of income.a aOh, so you want to go down there and help these people, do you?a Patha looked at his daughter.

aYes. Thatas exactly what Iam going to do.a aHow do you propose to do this, child?a Patha looked at her seriously. aYou donat know these people. They are nothing like any of the nations on our land. They live a very different life. You wonat be able to waltz into their country, change your clothes, and fit into their culture.a Tara smiled at Reena, remembering her first days at Gothman. aI realize that, Patha. But Iam going to try to do exactly that. Itas time I find a new life for myself.a Both Patha and Reena looked up at her quickly as she said this.

aTara, Iaa Patha started.

But Tara lifted her hand. aNo, Patha, please, I canat go back to Gothman. Darius isnat going to change. His definition of love is very different from mine. Thereas no way we could be compatible. I wonat put my children through a life in which their parents donat love each other.a aItas a little late to be coming to these conclusions.a Patha studied his daughteras face. aYou canat walk away from your problems. They will still be there when you come back. You need to place a time limit on this adventure of yours.a aI donat know how long Iall be gone. Now that Iave heard about these people, Iave got to check them out. They live so differently from anything Iave ever seena"and apparently theyare doing it well; or they were until the war ended their lifestyle.a aSheas living her culture, Patha,a Reena pointed out. aSheas doing what Runners do: she is seeing Nuworld.a Patha looked grave. aIs there a message youad like to send to Darius?a aI would think he would have a message to send to me.a Patha shook his head. aI believe heas sent you messages, but it appears they are deleted before theyare read. Iam sure heas sorry.a aSorry means you wonat do it again. Tell him to call off this hunt. I wonat have my children chased around the world.a Tara picked up Andru, who had been sleeping in Pathaas arms.

Reena got up with Ana, who was also asleep. She followed Tara into Pathaas trailer to put the babies to bed.

aIam not accustomed to offering motherly advice, Tara. And I know your mind is set. But I want to say something to you.a Reena paused until the children were down. aLord Darius has done you wrong. I donat blame you for your reaction, I donat. In fact, I will say, I look up to you. There are many women who would forgive and do their best to forget, yes.a aI know. And they would look the other way when it happened again and again. I canat do that, Reena. I would kill him.a aI believe you.a Reena smiled, but it didnat cover the sadness in her eyes. aI think what Patha wants you to see, and what I want you to see as well, is that you started something in Gothman. It was you who brought Runners and Gothman together, it was. Youare the one who insisted women should have rights. Youave started something and have walked away without finishing it, you have.a aThatas not fair.a Tara sounded wounded. aI was willing to walk with Darius and lead his country with him. He said things to me, made promises. He lied to me. I canat make those changes without him, and he canat be trusted. Heas the one who quit without finishing, not me.a Reena looked down without saying anything.

Tara watched her. For some reason it dawned on her how much she wanted Reenaas support. She sat at the table across from Reena and waited for the older woman to say something, anything.

Reena opened her mouth to speak and then shut it again. Finally, she spoke. aTara, Iam Gothman, I am. I always will be. I have no choice but to be loyal to his lordship.a She lowered her voice and continued. aI canat help but say that I feel youare more of a man than he is, so to speak. You might just have to make the first move, I fear.a aI donat know that I could ever trust him again.a Tara felt defeated.

aHow long will you be gone?a aI donat know.a Tara got up and moved to the door. aPatha said head let Torgo sleep in the spare room tonight. Iall fetch the boy so he can go to bed.a She paused in the doorway. aYou know, that child has been loyal to me. He would make a great lord. But I doubt heall ever have the opportunity to prove that.a She sighed. aIam leaving tomorrow, Reena. Tonight, I look forward to lying under the stars. Itas beautiful out there, and I think sleeping in the night air might help my outlook. Good night, Reena.a aGoodnight Tara-girl.a Reena hugged her daughter. aDonat you worry yourself none about those babies. If they wake in the night, Iall be tending to them, I will.a A short time later, Tara threw her bedroll on the ground next to the fire by Pathaas trailer. The stars glowed larger than usual and filled the sky. She didnat have a chance to enjoy them, though. Sleep overcame her the second her head hit the pillow.