The Gothman camp appeared large and well-organized. All around the edges of the encampment stood Gothman soldiers. A row of tanks had been parked along the northern boundary. Tara saw two towers constructed from wood logs with a ladder rising to a platform where a soldier was posted. From that vantage point, Gothman could see far past the hill they were on. Toward the middle of the camp stood a large circle of tents with their entrances facing each other. Each tent stood well over six-foot tall and had to be fifteen by twenty feet in diameter.

Tara guessed the Gothman soldiers were organized into groups of fifty or so. Tara, Darius, and Patha pa.s.sed by each group of soldiers on their way to the tents. She noted how the soldiers ceased their target practice to study the two Runners driving by them. She wondered what these individual men thought of their presence here. How many now knew she was claimed to their lord? Did they know it was this union that brought the Runners in to fight the Sea People? She also couldnat help but wonder if they knew they wouldnat stand a chance in this war if the Runners werenat here.

Darius pulled his bike alongside the tents and parked it. The two Runners followed as he made his way to the largest tent in the circle.

aSo, Tara has asked you to come, and youave agreed, I see,a Darius said after they were inside.

Two large screened windows allowed sunlight to fill the interior. A drape divided the tent into two rooms. The one they currently occupied contained a large table in the center. Maps and outlines spread across it. Several chairs surrounded the table, and Darius sat in one while waving his hand for the other two to sit also.

Tara couldnat see what was in the other room, although curiosity had her wondering if it were the bedroom, and if so, how big the bed was.

aYouare the son of Lord Jovis.a Patha sat back in the chair and rested his hands on his large stomach. He stared at the young Gothman warrior. aI had dealings with your papa many winters ago. He didnat care much for Runners. I see you donat share those feelings.a Tara sat very still in her chair and was glad for her headscarf so neither of the men could see her blush at Pathaas implication. Obviously, Darius liked Runners very much.

She wondered what Patha intended to say. She hoped he would keep the conversation on the topics of the pending war and not on her relationship with Lord Darius. It suddenly dawned on her that he might mention Reenaas belief that Tara was pregnant. That was certainly not something she wanted brought up right now. She knew both men would quickly agree that war was no place for a pregnant lady.

aIam aware of your a.s.sociations with my papa.a Darius looked very relaxed. aThat was a long time ago. I know youare Taraas papa, and Reena is her mama.a Tara stared, certain shock clearly registered on her face regardless of the scarf. How long had he known this?

He continued, aAll soldiers in this camp have families. They keep their personal issues at home and are here to fight a war. Thereas no room for thoughts other than the strategies we need to prepare.a Darius leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms, and stared at Patha. Darius didnat want to discuss his personal life with the Runner leader. Patha would accept him as a warrior. That was all that mattered at the moment.

aIf there are no thoughts other than strategy and combat, you turn your warriors into machines,a Patha commented.

aThey would become machines if they quit thinking,a Darius countered. aAnd machines break down.a aVery true.a Patha rubbed his chin and focused on the floor while he gathered his thoughts. He returned his gaze to Darius. aSo, you allow for emotions and personal feelings to be integrated into your strategy?a aWe fight for Gothman. Our nation is powerful, and we are proud of who we are. That is an emotion.a Although Darius sounded as if he spoke from his heart, his expression remained neutral and controlled. aAnd as for personal feelings, a good warrior is always affected by war. I wouldnat fight next to a man who wasnat affected by the blood and death around him.a A slow smile crossed Pathaas face. He stood and walked around the tent, looking out the windows. Turning, he removed his scarf from his head and gestured for Tara to do the same. aVery good, young man. Weall review your strategies. I will have one thing made clear first.a Darius did not change his position or even bat an eye.

Tara had no idea what could be going on in his head at that moment. She was impressed by his manner, though, and hoped Patha was as well.

aDo you want the Runnersa help in this war?a Patha walked to the table and leaned his fists against it.

aPatha, I will accept your a.s.sistance in defeating the Sea People.a Darius leaned forward and looked Patha straight in the eye. aNow, Iall ask you a question.a Darius got up and moved behind the chair on which Tara sat.

Tara froze, wondering what the question would be. She couldnat be sure, but she thought she saw a hint of amus.e.m.e.nt in Pathaas eyes. Tara guessed her papa enjoyed the way Darius reacted to Patha, as if they were equals. Patha didnat have many people who made that a.s.sumption around him. But Tara would have to agree that by rank, the two men were equal.

Darius put his hands on the chair.

She could feel his fingers on the back of her neck.

aWhatas your opinion of the Gothman, Patha?a Patha looked the young man square in the eye. aIave worked most of my life to incorporate a belief that a person should be judged by their actions and not by their race. We are all of Nuworld, Lord Darius. I see before me a man who rules a race of people, but has little knowledge of the world around him. Thereas a law in this land stating if Runners enter Gothman territory, they are to be shot on sight. You intentionally broke your own law. I believe you had a glimpse at the world outside your own through Tara and it intrigued you.a Patha paused, looking from Tara to Darius. He had their undivided attention.

Tara could guess Darius wasnat missing a word.

With a sigh, Patha sat back down and rubbed his forehead. aTara has shared her feelings with me, now I must hear yours. What are your intentions here?a Tara suddenly realized how old he looked.

Darius placed his hands on Taraas shoulders. aPatha, I love your daughter.a Tara trembled inside. She felt a quiver go through her body and wondered if Darius felt it too. Head just said he loved her. Did he mean it, or was he saying what Patha wanted to hear? She had seen affection in his eyes, but she would have been inclined to think of it as possession more than love. Maybe, this was his culture showing through. After all, claiming a woman and owning her without concern to her thoughts or beliefs was the only way of life head ever known.

aI hope the two of you have the same meaning of love.a Patha smiled gently at his daughter. aIall accept that answer. Now, when you unite, youall bring together two cultures. Itall be hard on both of you. I want this uniting to be more official than a marriage, or claim, as the Gothman call it.a Patha reached inside his jacket and pulled out some papers that were clipped together. He dropped the papers on the table and looked at Lord Darius.

aThis is a treaty of peace between the Gothman and the Runners. It will state officially to Nuworld that our two races have united. There will be no race stronger, or larger in numbers, once our signatures appear on this treaty. It states that youall continue to rule Gothman, and Iall rule the Runners. When I die, Tara is my next in line. Sheall be leader of the Runners and the Blood Circle Clan. The two of you will rule almost half of Nuworld. While I am alive at least, that rule will be a fair one. Read through this treaty carefully. The Runners will not help you with this war until this treaty is signed.a Patha got up and headed to the entrance of the tent. aIall be waiting for your response.a He pulled a comm out of his pocket and handed it to Tara. aContact me when itas signed.a Patha walked out of the tent, leaving Tara and Darius alone. She turned and looked up at him.

He returned her look, moving his hands to her head and stroking her hair.

aHow long have you known Patha and Reena were my parents?a She didnat know why that was the first thing out of her mouth with all the issues at hand.

aA good ruler must know what is going on in his kingdom.a He smiled at her. aI remember hearing about it when I was a boy. My papa was furious when Patha took you. You were claimed to my brother, did you know that? I didnat know you were the girl Iad heard about as a child until you told me your papa was Patha.a aI just found out myself. It appears Iam only half-Runner.a She suddenly felt very seriousa"the rush of excitement was gone.

Darius grinned. aWhen did you find out that I loved you?a aJust now.a He laughed and pulled her out of her chair, sat and set her on his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her so tightly, all air was forced from her lungs. She felt very lightheaded as he released his grasp and stared into her eyes.

What a man he was! She was proud of his conversation with Patha. Head been put on trial as a leader during that brief conversation. Patha had tested Lord Dariusa knowledge, and all the answers had been delivered without hesitation. She hadnat known how excellent a leader he was until that moment.

aMy lady, weare meant for each other. You took me on by the horns, you did. I thought I could break you at first, but then I found I didnat want to. Itas the excitement in your eyes when youare challenged that I love, yes. I wouldnat be happy with a pa.s.sive woman. I tried to make myself think I would, but as they were presented to me, they disgusted me. Then, you came along.

aOh, I knew you were a Runner. Patha was right. I broke my own laws. There was no way I could let you go, though. Weare an excellent team, you and I. What do you say to that?a She smiled. aIall challenge you, thatas for sure, Darius. Weare equals, and I have no problem with accepting the challenge of teaching you that. Neither of us surpa.s.ses the other in any way I can see. Iall say this much, you proved your worthiness to lead this country to Patha. He was impressed, and so was I.a Tara wrapped her arms around him and kissed him pa.s.sionately.

He picked her up and carried her toward the adjoining room. A blanket served as a door, and he pulled it to the side so they could pa.s.s. There were no windows in this room, and when the blanket fell, the room became dark.

Taraas eyes adjusted and she could see a large down mattress on the floor with several quilts thrown over it.

aIf there were time, I would ravish you right now,a Darius growled as his arms slipped around her. He began slow kisses up her neck toward her ear.

aIf there were time,a Tara began and ran her hands up his chest until she clasped them behind his neck. She stood on tiptoe, leaning her head and allowing him room to continue his path of kisses. aI would demand you satisfy the fire youave lit in me.a Darius chuckled.

She could feel his body tremor.

aAnd if I refused?a he asked.

aI would have to take you by force,a she whispered and then captured his mouth when he turned to look at her with pure amus.e.m.e.nt on his face.

Darius growled and deepened the kiss, until Tara was mad with need. But now wasnat the time. Troops waited outside, and both of them had work to do. She sighed and loosened her grip.

Darius kissed the tip of her nose before releasing her. aI do want to know when you planned on telling me that youare pregnant.a He walked out of the room.

aWhat?a Tara yanked the blanket to the side and stormed after him.

Darius sat at the table, the treaty in his hands. He glanced up with a mischievous grin on his face.

She glared as she slammed down her fist on the table. aHow could you possibly know if I am pregnant?a She snapped at him so hard that he raised his eyebrows in surprise.

aI told you I know everything that goes on in Gothman.a He was still smiling but quickly looked back down at the treaty.

She walked over and pulled the treaty out of his hands. aI donat know that I am pregnant and nor does anyone else.a She had begun yelling but quickly lowered her voice to a snarl.

He leaned back in the chair and looked at her. aI know that a true warrior eagerly takes on the challenge of battle. The look in your eyes over the thought of defeating the Sea People matches the feeling in my soul. Our battle will begin soon, and the satisfaction of their blood on our hands will be yours as well as mine. Youare an outstanding warrior. Youave proven your abilities, and I need your skills. As a good warrior, I know you respect the chain of command. But the plain simple truth is, I outrank you. I am lord, you are not. Therefore, I a.s.sure you, my lady, the second you start to show signs of carrying our child, the future ruler of the greatest nation on this planet, I will see to it that you are taken from the battle.a His voice was so low and calm, she knew there was no way she could argue. His was a very sensible statement. If she knew one of her warriors were pregnant, Tara would remove her from the line as well.

Suddenly, she was outraged. Hilda or Reena had obviously gotten word to him, there was no other way he would have this knowledge. No proof her pregnancy existed other than a look noticed by an old woman.

Tara turned and stormed toward the bedroom, then turned as if to leave the tent. The thought of not being in control of her own body, of something else taking over, was new. She was not one to be owned, and she viewed this as a loss of her freedom. Having a child wasnat a top priority for her, but then, neither was falling in love. She was a warrior!

She stormed outside and plucked her landlink from the bike, then returned to the inside of the tent and flung herself into a chair at the table, desperately trying to discipline her thoughts. She couldnat and slammed down her fists on the table, causing everything on it to bounce.

Darius knew the temper of a warrior should be treated with its due respect. He thought his words out carefully and spoke very gently. aMy lady, do you not want this child?a She glared, not softened by the gentle look. aDarius, how could you possibly understand?a She didnat completely understand herself. aNowas not the time for this. Thereas so much to do. The crisis before us is great, and we must be careful in order to win the day. Thisapregnancyawould only be a distraction. It canat be true. Thereas no proof. We canat rely on some womanas knowledge about a supposed pregnancy.a aTime will be proof enough, it will. Iam sure there are doctors in your camp that could ease your mind, if you wish.a He smiled and cautiously covered her hand with his. He was seeing a side of her that was new. Tara had an incredible temper.

aI have faith in Gothman doctors and their ways, my lady. I know some Runner ways are different from ours. Iave heard stories of how Runners try to control when they have a baby, yes. And there are even tales told how you will decide not to be pregnant, even after you are that way. If you donat want this right nowaa he paused and looked at her, knowing the seriousness of what he said was written on his face. aThis time, I will allow you to choose not to be pregnant, I will. But hear me, I wonat allow it a second time, no.a *

Tara knew what he was implying, and she gave him an odd look. This wasnat the way of his culture, to consent to abort the pregnancya"if there was one. She leaned back in the chair and stared, studying the radiant gray eyes and the curly dark blond locks that surrounded his face. He was quite easily the most handsome man shead ever laid eyes on. What appealed to her most was what she saw in his eyes. He possessed something shead not seen in other Gothman. He didnat take things for granted because of tradition. Darius challenged life. Laws and social expectations didnat faze him. The man existed by what he saw as right in his heart.

Tara saw a lot of herself in him. It tied their spirits in a bond she knew could not be reversed.

aNo, if I am pregnant, I will stay that way. Such things wonat be reversed, if they do in fact exist.a Tara knew a pregnancy would bind them together more so than a Gothman claim could. She felt her stomach tighten at the thought.

aI knew that would be your answer, but the choice exists for Runners, and I will not deny you your heritage.a He squeezed her hand, and she looked up quickly. aWe conceived the first time we were together, Iam sure of it! We were meant to be together, my lady.a He leaned over and kissed her gently.

aPromise me our child will know no prejudice, not over race or s.e.x. If there is a child.a She needed to add this one last point.

aIall do my best, my lady.a He took the treaty out of her hands and pulled her chair next to his. With his arm wrapped about Tara, he set the treaty in front of them. The two read it together.

Patha put a lot of thought into the papers. It was full of the necessity of equality among all men and women. It emphasized that the Runners and the Gothman were setting a standard they hoped the rest of the world would meet. Nuworld would need to become one united nation. It stated this would be the only way all war and hostility could end. The treaty stated all cultures should always be honored and respected for their diversity. No race should ever be asked to give up its traditions or religious beliefs to adhere to the beliefs of another race. If two cultures chose to unite, it would be their responsibility to peacefully combine their cultures.

The treaty was very idealistic, Tara thought, after having read through it. What a wonderful world it would be if it could actually be enforced to the last letter. However, she feared that when Runners and Gothman started to follow its instruction, it would be a difficult paper to honor.

Darius shared her concern as they mulled over different sentences and argued certain points. The day was well over when they finally emerged from the tent.

aHere.a Tara stopped him outside of the tent and put the comm around his ear. aYou will need to learn how to use one of these.a She adjusted the device so it would reach his mouth then secured it.

aWhat is it?a aItas similar to your walkntalks. You can choose who you wish to talk to, however, and the main landlink will secure your line. We call them acommsa.a He felt the mouthpiece and blew into it.

aThereas a switch right here.a Tara showed him. aFlip it on and tell the landlink you want to speak to Patha. You donat have to speak loudly. Its microphone is very sensitive. A whisper can be detected.a Darius pushed the switch and requested to speak to Patha.

Tara watched the look of fascination on his face as he listened.

aWe will go down to the Blood Circle Clan and meet him there,a Darius stated after head finished talking with Patha. aDo you think we can get more of these?a aIad think they should be supplied to all the Gothman army. I can confirm with Patha, but Iam fairly sure we have an ample supply. It would be difficult to fight a war without them.a Tara climbed onto her bike. aI guess weare already incorporating part of that treaty. Our cultures are uniting.a *

aOur cultures are still very different.a He stared across the meadow at his army as the men prepared for nightfall. Yes, very different. He had found the woman for him who came from a very different culture, and he was willing for their cultures to learn and grow together. But Darius had to admit to himself that he wasnat willing for their relationship to become a bonding of cultures. He thought about his own urges to demand obedience from Tara. Shead accepted his claim, was pregnant with his child, and it was all happening so fast. He needed time to a.s.sume control over her.

aWeall have to be the example of equality in a couple,a Tara said, as if she sensed his thoughts and wanted to differ with them.

The two drove slowly through the camp and observed the men, who appeared quite ready for battle. Campfires were lit, and talking and laughter could be heard. Cheers and whoops, and just a few catcalls rang out as Darius and Tara moved among the men huddled in groups around the fires.

The small Runner clan they approached next was much quieter. Trailers and vans were parked in a circle with motorcycles parked around the edge. The Runners watched with curiosity as Tara and the Gothman lord drove through the camp. Tara knew that through transmissions circulated among them, the Runners probably already knew of the treaty. Patha would have made an announcement about it upon his return.

Darius saluted the Runners they pa.s.sed, and the Runners acknowledged the deference with raised arms of greetings.

This was promising, Tara thought, although she knew the Runners would face less change with the treaty than the Gothman. The Runners were not opposed to change. Their nomadic heritage had provided much opportunity for them to adapt over the winters.

The next clan they approacheda"the Blood Circle Clana"stood and cheered the second Tara and Darius were spotted, outdoing the noise the Gothman had made. Several of the younger Runners ran beside the motorcycles encouraging the two along. Tara pulled up alongside a large trailer and got off her bike.

aWell, Tara, you sure have brought the crowd out tonight.a The pair turned to see a young woman approaching them. Her Runner outfit showed every curve of her female body, and the black headscarf didnat conceal a sneer.

aTasha, I didnat know youad returned.a aHow could you when you were off playing house with some Gothman lord? Although why you chose such a primitive race is beyond me. I never took you to be the submissive type.a The young lady eyed Darius and flashed a flirtatious smile. aSo tell me, did you have to beat her terribly to get her to obey?a aNot terribly.a Darius let his gaze wander over the young Runner.

aLord Darius, I would like you to meet my sister, Tasha.a aNo, she wouldnat like you to meet me.a Tasha sashayed in a circle around Darius before coming back around to face him. aBut, I wouldnat miss this for the world. From what I hear, it sounds like the two of you are trying to rule Nuworld.a aCome on.a Tara took Dariusa hand. aPatha is waiting.a aIall say this,a Tasha continued as they walked away. aHeas much better looking than Kuro was.a aWhoas Kuro?a Darius growled.

aHeas a guy I dated when I was a teenager.a She waved her hand, dismissing the comment her sister had made. aTashaas trying to start trouble. Itas her nature. You arenat jealous, are you?a She looked up to see if she could read his thoughts.

His face was expressionless, and he looked straight ahead.

They spent several hours with Patha, going over the details of the treaty, discussing military strategy, and explaining the comm along with other military equipment that the Runners were willing to supply to the Gothman. When finally the two left the trailer, it was quite dark, and the Runner camp had settled. All was quiet.

When they returned to the Gothman camp, Darius informed the guards he wanted his men a.s.sembled so he could speak to them. Thirty minutes later, the soldiers gathered in the meadow, looking curiously at Tara as she stood next to their lord.

Tara listened quietly, with her eyes on the crowd of men as Darius explained the treaty and the new equipment to be provided by the Runners.

aToday is a great day in Gothman history, it is.a Dariusa voice boomed through the speaker. aThe Runners presented a treaty to me today, asking Gothman to form a truce with them, and to exist as their allies. I daresay Runners are a race different from many since they have no land, and move about from place to place to support themselves. They have learned about many races on Nuworld and know Gothman are the strongest and most powerful, yes. So, they come to us seeking allegiance, and I have granted it. This is an excellent move for Gothman, it is, since the Runners have obtained knowledge that will now be readily available to Gothman. We go down in history today for discovering this race and seeing the abilities they can offer us.a His speech was moving and the Gothman cheered loudly when he was done.

aVery soon you will all receive a new communication device.a Darius held the comm up in the air. aThe Runners call it a comm. You will be instructed in its use. It will become your princ.i.p.al way to contact others, it will.a Darius took it upon himself to show those leaders who reported to him, how to wear the comm and how it worked. Not once did he ask Tara for a.s.sistance. She stood next to him silently. When he was done with the demonstration, he walked to his tent.

She followed. aYou were rather impressive out there.a She secured the tent flap once they were inside.

He sat in one of the chairs and kicked off his boots. aI have to be confident in front of the men or theyall have doubts, they will. You know that. Your equipment may be different than ours, but itas not complicated to understand, no. I agree all our forces should be using the same means of communication.a He leaned back in his chair and stared. aYou may think weare more primitive than you, you may, because we donat use these landlinks or have your advanced technology. But just because we are different doesnat make one of our races better then the other, no. I have a tight rule over those men out there. I know how to speak to them, yes. This war will be won, and Gothman will remain strong because of its leadership.a He paused and studied her face.

aDonat let the words of my sister affect you. Just because she referred to you as primitive, donat take it personally. She was out of line, as she usually is.a Tara sat next to him and took off her boots as well. aShe doesnat speak for the other Runners, or they wouldnat be here.a She draped her long legs across his and leaned back in her chair. aYou best believe she doesnat speak for me, or I sure wouldnat be here.a Darius stared at her legs, while running his hand along her inner thigh in a stimulating caress, then without comment he moved her legs, got up and went into the other room.

She sat there, leaning back in the chair completely exhausted. She had almost fallen asleep right there in the chair when he returned to the room. She opened her eyes and saw him standing in front of her. His shirt was off, and his bare chest distracted her out of her sleep.

Tara moaned as she studied the different shades of golden curls that covered hardened chest muscles. She didnat bother to wake up enough to talk, nor did she see reason to lift her eyes to his face. The view she had at the moment pleased her, and she allowed her eyes to follow the chest hair down to the top of his drawstring pants.

Darius must have noticed that she enjoyed the view, because he didnat move.

After a minute, Tara looked to his face and met his gaze. She noticed the interest in his eyes and smiled slyly.

He said, aI have something for you. Come here.a aWhat?a She followed him and then stopped as she noticed a small box sitting on one of the pillows of the bed. aWhat have you done?a She opened the small box and pulled out a delicate chain with a small gold circle on it. In the middle of the circle, a tear-shaped ruby was fused to the side. The deep crimson of the ruby glittered in the dim light.

aItas the symbol of my clan.a Tara smiled brightly and turned to look at him. Tears welled in her eyes, and she quickly looked down. She couldnat remember the last time shead cried for any reason.

He sat next to her and lifted her face, wiping the tears and smiling gently. aI had it made for you shortly after I first saw you in town. I tell you, my lady, it was love at first sight. You and I were meant to live this life together.a Her tears flowed freely.

He laid her back on the bed, wrapping his arms around her. He slid off her coat and lifted her shirt over her head. She slid out of her pants and he quickly slid out of his clothes. He gently laid down on top of her naked body, and his flesh on top of hers excited her so much she could hardly contain herself. She wrapped her arms and legs around him, and he leaned on his elbows and stared into her face for a moment.

His kisses were soft and caressing. Once again, he moved slowly and pa.s.sionately. Several times she tried to roll over and take charge of the lovemaking, but he pinned her and continued to make love slowly to every inch of her body.

She fought to control her soaring pa.s.sions, but he controlled her destiny. He entered her, and she attempted to thrust upwards and bring him to a climax. He reached down for her legs and carried them upwards until he was able to rest her feet on his shoulders. She refrained from screaming as he penetrated deeper than he had before.

He seemed quite pleased with himself as he watched her face and slowly brought them to a mutual o.r.g.a.s.m.

She rolled over on top of him and dared him to make love to her again.

His smile filled her heart with warmth, and he sat up with her facing him on his lap. aWeave affairs of a nation to tend to, my lady. We need the rest.a His hands caressed her back. aIall accept that challenge later.a He laid her back down, then stretched his body out beside her. aSleep well, my lady.a With a kiss to the tip of her nose, he pulled their bodies close, and they fell asleep.