The guards encountered a major challenge as they cleared a path through the crowds for Patha, Tara, and Darius. The leadersa motorcycles were brought to them, and once they were on them and surrounded by guards, they were able to move through the crowd with more ease. They rode slowly down the main street toward their home. Some of the crowd followed them, cheering their allegiance.

The party would continue through the rest of the day. Tara and Darius planned on joining them after a private family reunion.

Tara entered the house through the front door this time. She was nearly attacked by Reena and Hilda. Syra and Torgo were not too far behind. Hugs and kisses and tears followed.

Then, of course, there were the twins.

Tara collapsed to the floor and gathered her children into her arms. She felt immediate panic and dismay when the two did not respond as eagerly and, in fact, pulled away.

aDonat worry, child.a Reena patted her shoulder. aYou did the same thing to me when I had an opportunity to see you at times, you did. Theyall learn who you are once again, Iam certain. It wonat take you long to gain their trust, yes. Syra, be a good la.s.s now, take them upstairs. Tara can come see them privately in a short while.a Syra reluctantly led the two toddlers by their hands and slowly climbed the stairs. aI miss out on everything,a she mumbled.

aI canat believe youare alive!a Torgo cheered.

He had grown a good six inches in the past six cycles and stood taller than Tara. He was as skinny as he was tall, but his muscle structure indicated he would soon look just like his brother.

aI couldnat believe I was dead either.a Tara laughed, feeling happier at that moment than she could ever remember.

The boy stood next to his brother. aYou were incredible today. Iave never seen anyone fight like that before.a aIt was an incredible show,a Darius added.

aMore like unbelievable.a Tara faced her family, beaming from ear to ear.

aUnbelievable is right.a Patha entered the room. aLeave us everyone. I wish to talk with Darius and Tara alone.a The tone in his voice quickly cleared the room.

Patha stood in front of his daughter with his hands on his hips. aAbsolutely unbelievable!a Patha walked to the other end of the room and then turned, glaring at his daughter.

She looked at him blankly, her smile fading. She glanced at Darius and then at her papa. aI canat take all the credit, Papa.a Patha walked quickly to his daughter and slapped her across the face with his glove.

She stood frozen; not able to remember the last time Patha had struck her.

Dariusa muscles tightened, but he didnat allow his facial expression to change. Gothman were taught as children to respect their parents and their rulers. He remained silent.

aThat was an incredibly stupid stunt you pulled. You almost started a riot. And why? Your pride and that d.a.m.n ego of yours. What were you trying to prove out there?a Patha snapped. Then he turned to Darius. aAnd you? You knew she was here. You probably thought this was all rather amusing. You two are pathetic!a Patha turned and paced across the room again. He walked back and forth as the two stood there, motionless and expressionless, like two children waiting for punishment. Patha stared out the window, down at the town, which was lit up for the celebration. aHow long have you been here?a aI arrived yesterday, Papa. But I didnat do any of this out of pride or ego.a aEnough. Youare my heir. The Test of Wills did not need to happen. Why didnat you contact me and let me know you were alive?a aI didnat have a landlink. After crossing the border I came across a clan, and they took care of me. Papa, all their stories were about the Test of Willsa"the glory it would bring them, the triumphs they would have. If I announced that I was alive, Runners would have been in an uproar. All those who entered the Test of Wills had attracted followers, individuals who believed, for whatever reason, that their applicant would be the best ruler for the Runners. I saw such turmoil in this one clanaI was sure all the other clans would be in a similar state.a aAnd you wanted all Runners and Gothman to follow you unconditionally. Well, Tara-girl, you have that. They will! But you could have sacrificed everything if youad lost. Those were not good odds. It was foolish.a Patha was still in a rage. He turned on Darius, aYou went out to see if the written test came from Tara and came back and lied.a His glare burned like hot coals. aIf you were my son, Iad flog you for that. As my son-in-law, I believe I still have that right.a Patha stared at one and then the other. After a moment of silence he spoke, his voice slightly quieter. aIam very happy that youare alive, my child. I simply will not tolerate being lied to. Is that understood?a Both of them nodded silently.

aI fear your thinking is still too reckless to rule two nations,a Patha continued and at this both Tara and Darius stirred.

aThatas not truea"a Darius began but didnat finish when Patha raised his hand.

aIt is true. What would you have done if someone had started to win over her? Would you have shot them? That would have started a war. And a b.l.o.o.d.y one at that.a aPatha, I knew I wouldnat lose.a aAnd how did you know that? Are you returned from the dead? Can you no longer be killed?a aNo, thatas not it. Itas Crator. He told me I would win, if I had faith.a aCrator? Is that what you said? And what do you know about Crator?a aDo you know about Him?a Patha didnat answer. Instead, he moved over to the couch and slowly reclined. He looked up at his daughter with raised eyebrows, and Tara thought he seemed concerned. aSo has the dog-woman come to you?a Tara sat across from Patha. aYes, sheas come to me. Iad never have made it home without her.a aAnd now you believe, you have faith?a aYes, I do.a She looked up and reached for Dariusa hand, and he moved to her side. aDarius has seen her in his dreams, too.a Patha looked up at Darius. aIave also seen her in my dreams,a he told both of them.

aSo Crator has spoken to all of us,a Darius said. aWe now have an ent.i.ty guiding us and protecting us. Tara, we can claim all of Nuworld!a aI think Crator has always been guiding and protecting us. Weare just now figuring out He exists.a Tara looked first at Patha, then at Darius. aIf we plan to claim every nation, I fear weall work very hard to do so.a aBut it will be possible.a Darius grinned at the thought, completely putting the reprimand out of his head. aLook at what happened in that arena today.a aAre you saying I couldnat fight like that on my own?a aAccording to you, youave never fought on your own. Crator has always helped you.a aIt was an incredible fight, wasnat it?a Tara grinned.

aI donat think this Crator would have stopped you from making a fool of yourself, though.a Patha still scolded. aYou need to start acting like a ruler, child.a aI can rule.a Tara felt challenged.

aThen no more running away from your problems!a Tara was taken aback by this.

Darius suddenly looked awkward.

aYou will prepare a report for me outlining everything you know about the Neurians.a Patha slowly stood. aIn six cycles, both of you will perform the Runner wedding ceremony. In front of all Runners and Gothman, you will take your vows to rule these two nations, remain with each other atil death, and be loyal to each other from this day forward!a He looked at them fiercely, then walked to the kitchen door. aNow, prepare yourselves for the celebration.a Tara went to the nursery after shead showered and changed. The twins delighted in the attention, although Tara was no more than a friendly face to them. She sat on the floor and let them show her their favorite toys and bring books to her. But if one of them got hurt or wanted a toy the other had, they ran to Syra, and then to Darius, when he entered the room. They did not honor Tara with this attention.

aThey donat remember me at all.a She was overwhelmed with sadness as she stroked the soft curls falling past Anaas shoulders.

aGive them time.a Reena had stuck her head in behind Darius, and now entered. aTheyall be demanding all your attention before you know it, my child, they will.a Tara affectionately hugged and kissed each child before she left the room. They were absolutely beautiful children, and she vowed that she would focus all her time on them starting tomorrow. They had a mama who loved them, and she wanted them to know it.

It was bitterly cold when Tara and Darius left the house. There were more people on the streets than had been there earlier that day. They cheered and waved as the two drove by. A few children who had been allowed to stay up late chased after them down the street.

The valley at the end of town was consumed by activity. Hundreds of Gothman and Runners flooded the area. Three bonfires were obvious from the distance. The closest one appeared to be a good fifteen feet up into the air and was eight to ten feet in diameter. A small crowd, all in black or dark brown leather, stood around the ma.s.sive fire, laughing and talking loudly.

The crowd parted to allow Darius and Tara close to the fire. Tara accepted a mug of ale and soon lost sight of Darius as she mingled with the crowd, moving from conversation to conversation.

Several drunken Gothman standing nearby were loudly making jokes about the female Runner who defeated all rivals in battle that day. Their comments insulted her gender, but she knew she would have to let the two races work out their differences. If shead ordered their silence at that moment, they wouldnat be any closer to accepting the equality of men and women.

She watched with interest as several Runner women approached the men and began challenging their accusations. The Gothman humbly begged forgiveness but continued to insult the women with their suggestive lewd comments.

aI must say I like the way these Runner women look in all their leather.a A large, drunk Gothman grabbed one of the Runner women.

aI wish I could say the same about you.a The Runner woman smiled as the Gothman grabbed her then sent a hard blow straight to his stomach.

The two other Gothman laughed loudly and slapped their legs as the first Gothman stumbled backwards and slid on the packed snow. aLooks like someone needs to teach you some manners,a he said, working to gain his balance on the frozen ground.

The Runner knocked the man back to the ground before he could stand. She lunged at the other two Gothman but they, too, backed up. aWe donat want to hurt you. Weare just having a little fun.a aOh, please, hurt me.a The Runner woman mocked the men as she followed them, grabbing the back of their pants. aYouare too cute to leave alone.a Disgusted, the men walked away.

The Runner laughed as she turned to face Tara. aNot bad, huh, sis?a aTasha, is that you?a Tara looked dumbfounded.

aDonat tell me youave forgotten your own sister? Although I guess Iam not as exciting as you are with all your adventures. Whoad of thought youad show up for the Test of Wills?a Tara noted disappointment in her sisteras words. aI take it you were cheering for someone else?a aWell, Kuro, of course. Heas wanted to lead the clan for so many winters. If you hadnat broken his heart the way you did, head be leader, now.a aI think he wanted to lead the clan more than he wanted me, Tasha.a aIt sounds like you just donat know how to keep your men happy.a Tara didnat like the tone in her sisteras voice.

aItas a shame, thatas all,a Tasha continued. aKuro had everything worked out so well. Considering how intelligent the Neurians are, who would have thought theyad turn out to be so superst.i.tious.a aWhat did you say?a Tasha hesitated for a second, then smiled again. aYou should congratulate me, you know.a Shead quickly changed the subject.

Tara was processing her sisteras words about Kuro and didnat respond to her last statement.

aFine, donat congratulate me. Youare not the only one who can provide grandchildren, though. Iam pregnant!a she said triumphantly.

aCongratulations,a Tara said simply. aDo you know who the papa is?a aOf course I do. I wonat upset you with such details though. I just hope it grows up to look and act just like its papa.a Tasha smiled. aIam sure weall see each other again soon.a Tasha walked away, leaving Tara still sorting through what shead heard. What did she mean by her comments on the Neurians? And when had her sister become so loyal to Kuro?

The snow was starting to fall again, and slowly the crowd thinned. Tara found herself near the makeshift hospital that had been set up for the wounded of the Test of Wills. She didnat feel obligated to see each and every contestant shead injured. That would insult them. However, she wanted to see how Kuro was doing.

After politely listening to the opinions of several older Runners on how the navigational training should be taught to the next generation, Tara excused herself and entered the large tent.

aNow donat tell me youave discovered an injury.a Dr. Digo smiled as she entered the sanitized environment.

aIam sure Iall be sore in the morning.a She smiled back and rubbed her arms.

aIad be surprised if youare not. So, Tara, what can I do for you?a aI thought Iad see how Kuro is doing.a aOh?a The tone in the doctoras voice told Tara he remembered their steamy teenage romance.

aYes, is that okay?a aI donat see why not. Heas behind the first curtain.a The doctor hesitated. aTara, you should know, heas badly hurt. If we get him through the night, he may survive.a Tara nodded but didnat respond.

The large tent had cubicles with walls made from animal hides. The thickness of the hides added to the warmth in each room. However, a generator had been set up to provide forced air heat into the pseudo-hospital.

Kuro lay on an elevated, thin metal bed. It was collapsible, and therefore could easily be set up, torn down and moved, as needed. He had a bandage wrapped around his head with visible red stains on it. His chest was bare, thickly wrapped with white bandages. Several tubes sent fluids into his body. Tara glanced at them, wondering how coherent he would be.

aHey, beautiful.a Kuro opened his eyes and smiled at Tara. aWe put on quite a show out there, didnat we?a aI got a serious reprimand for it.a Tara smiled back at Kuro. aHoware you feeling?a aItas not as bad as it looks. Howare you feeling?a aMy bruises are well covered,a Tara lied.

aIad love to rub salve on them.a He smiled wickedly and then winced as he shifted position in the bed. aSo, how did you like the Neurians?a Kuro struggled with a short chuckle.

aThey werenat that friendly.a Tara moved closer to the bed. aHave you been down that way?a aAh, now, arenat you the tricky one?a He waved a finger at her. aYou already know everything, donat you? I never doubted you were the best leader, you know. I knew I would work at your side better than Lord Darius will. Heas so jealous. You two would do nothing but try to control each other. It would be such a distraction for you. You and I would have ruled as a team, though, just the way we planned it when we were kids.a aBut weare not kids anymore, Kuro. Why donat you tell me exactly what you were doing in Southland?a aExploring, just like you were.a Kuro got a far away look in his eyes. aIf they werenat so superst.i.tious, everything would have worked out just fine.a aWhat would have worked out, Kuro?a aYou were supposed to return after I was ruler. Then we would fall back in love, and you would rule with me. It was planned so carefully.a Kuro shrugged. aThey needed to reestablish trade. No one wants that opium of theirs. Although I hear it makes s.e.x fantastic.a aAnd you pointed out trade could be established with their oil.a aYes, once I was leader.a Tara looked at Kuro in disbelief. aAnd so you devised the plan for me to be drugged?a Rage ran through her body. She looked at him coldly, her fists clenched. aHow did you convince the Neurians to put me to sleep for six cycles?a Kuro made another attempt at a chuckle, and his hand reached for his bandaged side. aSix cycles? Gowsky was supposed to keep you under a full winter. It just goes to show what kind of effect you have on men, sweetheart. I knew he wouldnat be able to do it. It made him crazy not to go help you in that burning building. I knew that.a He looked at her, smiling. aI told them if I ruled the clans we could negotiate a contract to buy their oil. I told them it would never work with the current leaders of the Runners and Gothman. They trusted me. But they trust that Crator-G.o.d of theirs more,a he said these last words with disgust.

Tara pulled her laser and aimed it. aYour lack of faith in Crator has resulted in your own demise.a aYou are so beautiful when youare angry.a Once she would have melted in his arms if head smiled as he was now.

aYou wonat shoot me. I know you still love me. I can see it in your eyes.a Tara aimed her weapon straight at his face.

The laser streamed through the air. Kuro died instantly.

Tara gasped in surprise. She hadnat shot him! Who had? She turned quickly and watched as Darius lowered his laser and returned it to his pocket.

Instead of looking at her, he turned and disappeared.

She looked back at Kuro, lowered her head and stood quietly for a long moment. Then, slowly, she walked out of the makeshift room and left the large tent.

The snow and wind had stopped. A heavy, gray sky showed patches of deep, rich black where the clouds had pulled away.

Most of the party had disappeared into the Runnersa trailers when the snow had resumed falling. The lights from them lit her path as she followed Darius, who walked several yards before her, heading for their bikes.

aI would have killed him,a she said as she straddled her bike.

aI felt I deserved the honor.a He looked over.

Tara looked up at the sky. The moon appeared through a black tear in thick gray clouds, although the clouds threatened to obscure it at any moment. She studied it for a minute, remembering the lady in the burning building who had talked about the Lunians colonizing the moon.

aDo you think there are people living up there?a She turned and looked at the rugged features of Dariusa strong face.

aI donat know.a aI was told thereas a colony living up there.a Darius looked surprised. He stared at the moon for a moment. aIam sure if there are people up there, youad see to it that they follow you unconditionally, you would.a He started his bike and slowly took off on the packed snow toward the house.

Tara took one last look at the moon and followed him.

About the author.

All my life, Iave wondered at how people fall into the routines of life. The paths we travel seemed to be well-trodden by society. We go to school, fall in love, find a line of work (and hope and pray it is one we like), have children and do our best to mold them into good people who will travel the same path. This is the path so commonly referred to as the areal worlda.

The characters in my books are destined to stray down a different path other than the one society suggests. Each story leads the reader into a world altered slightly from the one they know. For me, this is what good fiction is about, an opportunity to escape from the daily grind and wander down someone elseas path.

Lorie OaClare lives in Kansas with her three sons.

Lorie welcomes mail from readers. You can write to her c/o Elloraas Cave Publishing at 1056 Home Avenue, Akron, OH 44310-3502.

Also by Lorie OaClare.

If you are interested in a spicier read, check out her erotic romances at Elloraas Cave Publishing (www.ellorascave.com).

Cariboo Lunewulf 1: Taming Heather Fallen G.o.ds: Jaded Prey Fallen G.o.ds: Lotus Blooming Fallen G.o.ds: Tainted Purity Full Moon Rising Lunewulf 1: Pack Law Lunewulf 2: In Her Blood Lunewulf 3: In Her Dreams Lunewulf 4: In Her Nature Lunewulf 5: In Her Soul s.e.x Slaves 1: s.e.x Traders s.e.x Slaves 2: Waiting For Yesterday s.e.x Slaves 3: Waiting For Dawn The First Time Things That Go b.u.mp in the Night 2004 anthology Torrid Love: Caught!

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