Love Never-Ending (12 page)

“If all that is true, perhaps you should,” he agreed.

“I took the ideas from things that Mama and Papa talked
about. None of it is that startling.”

He just shook his head. “I foresee many changes coming to
the valley. Bathing rooms all across the valley will look like indoor gardens.
Before you know it, women will be demanding plant shelves in the kitchens for
their herbs,” he predicted.

She cleared her throat and began to hum as they reached her
porch. Ban stared at the hanging plants and wind chime with an odd little
expression on his face. “I see that you have not confined yourself to changes
indoors. This is lovely.”

“Yes, well, wait until you see the kitchen.”

He laughed heartily at that. “Then let us go inside at
once!”

* * * * *

As Arturo walked along the wooded path to the pottery shop,
he mulled over the information he was able to glean about the tall man who
spent the day with Samara. From what he overheard of the discussion between Alf
Campbell and Dai, the man was one of the head archivists at Talking Wall. Alf
referred to him as
Ban
and from something in his attitude, Arturo had
the idea that Ban was
garzhan
. What did Alf say? Oh, yes. Ban had been
lonely since he lost his covenant mate, Daveen, in an accident. Now why did he
think Daveen was male?

Then he remembered. Alf referred to Daveen as
he
. He
fell from a scaffold at Talking Wall. Arturo smiled as he recalled how very
attractive Ban was. Tall with broad shoulders and long tawny gold hair. And the
way he moved was pure
grimahr
in motion.

Arturo walked out of the woods, spying Panther and Llynx
glumly seated on the pottery dome steps exactly where they were supposed to be.
Time to put away thoughts of Ban the archivist and deal with his two
recalcitrant siblings. As he approached them, they stood up and waited for him
to greet them. “Well, gentlemen? How was your day?”

“Fine,” Panther replied.

“Boring.” Llynx kicked a stone out of the way.

“That is why you are in trouble, Llynx. You’re bored too
easily,” Arturo observed. “I have talked to Papa about your boredom. Beginning
on the first day after the gathering, you will report to Dan Miller. He has
agreed to apprentice you, even though you’re a bit young.”

“What!” Llynx rounded on Arturo with both fists raised.

“Stand down!” Arturo bellowed.

Shaking with rage, Llynx dropped his fists and stood
silently with his eyes lowered.

Arturo turned to Panther. “You may go, Pan. Clean up for
dinner and report to the kitchen. Ask if there is anything you can do to help.
Go.” Panther ran toward the house, more than happy to escape the uncomfortable
scene.

When Panther was out of sight, Arturo turned toward the
school and said abruptly, “We will walk.”

Llynx trudged along beside him, waiting for Arturo to start
yelling at him or
something
. Instead Arturo continued to walk in
silence. When they reached the path that ringed the central village green,
Arturo took it without a word so Llynx followed him, uncertain of their
destination. The tension in Llynx’s body wound tighter and tighter as he waited
for Arturo to speak.

Finally Llynx could bear the silence no longer. “Aren’t you
going to yell or something?” he burst out in frustration.

“Why?” Arturo’s reasonable tone enraged Llynx further. “I am
not angry. You are.”

“Well, it’s not fair!”

“Perhaps you should tell me what is not fair.”

“Everything!”

“I see. That’s a pretty comprehensive statement. Perhaps you
should tell me
one
thing that is not fair,” Arturo suggested.

“I was going to tell the truth and—”

“You were cheated of the opportunity?”

Llynx kicked another stone out of the path. “Yeah.”

Arturo clasped his hands behind his back and nodded. “I
suppose that could make you angry. My question is why you didn’t tell the truth
earlier. There were many opportunities.”

“I dunno.”

“Don’t you?”

“Well, Panther was so mad! He was crying and yelling…”
Llynx’s voice trailed off and he swallowed hard. “He never gets mad, Arturo,
never.”

“So you thought you would fix it, eh?”

“Yeah.”

They walked in silence for a while. Then Arturo said, “I
will tell you a story. A healer lies to his patient and tells him that he is
very sick. If the man wants to be healed, he must buy this special salve that
costs many credits. Now the man is very poor so he steals the salve from the
healer. Tell me. Who was wrong?”

Llynx didn’t make the mistake of answering immediately.
Arturo’s stories had a way of leading to tricky answers so Llynx considered the
circumstances before he replied. “Well, the man was wrong because he stole the
salve.”

“True.”

“And the healer was wrong because he lied so the man would
buy the salve.”

“Also true. So. Which one should I punish?”

After a while, Llynx said in a hushed voice, “Both. One
lied. And one stole.”

“What is another thing the man could have done instead of
stealing?”

Llynx scratched his chin and thought about that. It hadn’t
occurred to him that there might be alternatives. “Well, he could talk to
another healer?”

“And then what would have happened?” Arturo asked.

“The second healer would have told him it was a lie.”

“Uh-hmm.”

“If Panther had told you he didn’t take the picture, then he
wouldn’t have been punished,” Llynx muttered. “So part of it was his fault.”

“Exactly.” Arturo turned up the walkway to the bakery where
Dan Miller waited in the doorway. It was nearly dark so there were light stones
in the windows. The scent of fresh bread swirled around them on the late
afternoon breeze. He offered his hand to Llynx. “Come, let us go talk to Dan
about your apprenticeship.”

Strangely relieved, Llynx placed his hand in his big
brother’s and willingly went in to talk to Dan.

Bishop’s Acquiescence

Dinner at the Llewellyn house was a huge pot of vegetable
soup that had been simmering all day, and fresh bread from the bakery. The
youngsters had eaten and gone to bed, leaving the adults to share a peaceful
meal. As Dancer and Eppie dined with the family, Dancer reflected on the universal
truth that a day spent out-of-doors worked up a powerful hunger, whether in the
valley or out. Conversation was minimal as everyone consumed soup and bread as
though it would be their last meal.
It was good soup
, Dancer admitted as
he poked at the vegetables in his bowl. Very good soup, even if the vegetables
were strange.

Eppie frowned as she looked at the group gathered around the
table. “Where are Hawke and Bishop?”

“They are out exploring the valley,” Dai replied easily.

Startled, she stared at him with all sorts of questions
tumbling in her mind. “In the middle of the Midsummer Gathering? Isn’t that a
strange time to go exploring?”

Dai shrugged. “Sometimes, these things cannot wait.”

Dancer tapped her arm to get her attention and when she
looked at him, he shook his head.
All right.
Obviously, this wasn’t a
topic for discussion right now.

Merlyn spread butter on a slice of sunflower bread. “How did
your discussion go with Rebaccah and Hamilton? How did she take the news about
your parents?”

“How did you know she knew my parents?”

“Dancer. We knew both the McCrorys and the Taylors before we
came to the valley. Actually, Jade and I met your parents a long time ago.”

“Well, it was awkward,” Dancer answered bluntly. “The first
thing she asked about was my parents. Having to discuss murder right off the
bat was a bad way to start a reunion.”

“Murder is always awkward,” Jade pointed out. “The murder of
family members is also painful. You have had two years to absorb the worst of
the horror. For Rebaccah, it happened this morning.”

Thinking about what she said while he slowly chewed his
bread, Dancer finally nodded. “I don’t see what I could have done differently
given the circumstances. Suddenly we were face-to-face and I was totally
unprepared.”

Eppie snorted genteelly. “That is what’s actually bothering
you. You weren’t in control. You can’t always be in control, Dancer.”

“Since I arrived in this valley, control hasn’t even been in
my vocabulary except when I tie you to our bed!”

A deep silence fell over the kitchen. Merlyn fought to keep
the smile off his face. Then losing the battle, he laughed so hard tears rolled
down his cheeks. Soon, everyone but Dancer was laughing. At last Merlyn stopped
and cleared his throat. Brushing the tears away with his hands, he observed,
“Interesting technique. Does it work?”

“Not very well.”

“So you wouldn’t recommend it, eh?”

“It has its moments,” Dancer admitted.

Eppie decided it was a perfect time to change the subject.
“Who was that very tall man escorting Samara around at the gathering?”

“Banisher Ewell,” Arturo replied abruptly. “He’s an
archivist up at Talking Wall.”

“Really? He looked familiar. I wonder why he came to the
gathering this year.”

Dai cleared his throat. “I believe he hopes to convince the
council to set aside credits for permanent housing at Talking Wall. They’re
still living in
hurkas
.”

“What?” Eppie’s appalled expression was echoed around the
table. “But the archivists have been up there more than thirty years! There
should be a complete village at Talking Wall by now!”

“There are no permanent buildings at this time,” Dai
reiterated flatly. “I, for one, will support his cause. I believe there are
about a hundred and twenty people at Talking Wall still living out in the open.
Winter is especially hard on them.
Hurkas
cannot be heated. As for
cooking and research, those are all done in pavilions. The only concession to
bad weather is hanging the side coverings. But that certainly doesn’t keep out
the cold and wind.”

“They also need a healer. It was our thought that perhaps
Wolfe might consider that post when he completes his apprenticeship. Of course,
they will need to build a clinic for him.” Merlyn left that thought hanging
while he helped himself to another piece of bread.

Wolfe’s brow wrinkled in thought. “Who takes care of them
now?”

“If it’s serious, Henry from Rebaccah’s Promise travels over
there. Otherwise, there is a bonded couple with minor healing talent that deals
with emergencies.” Dai pointed his spoon at Wolfe. “Neither of them have a
tenth of the healer talent that you have already. And of course, there is no
healer at Jump Stag Spring, either. You would have a large number of patients
if you choose to take the position. In any case, you will have time to decide,
as part of your training will be a weekly clinic at Talking Wall.”

“When will the council consider it?” Llyon asked quietly.

“Two more days. It would help if the Llewellyn family shows
a united front,” Dai pointed out.

“We’ll be there,” Tyger announced.

“All of us will be there,” Dancer agreed. “I haven’t been in
this valley more than a few eight-days and even I can see that this must be
done.”

“Who’s the closest builder?” Eppie’s words fell in a pool of
silence as everyone considered her question. “Summer building time is short.
Perhaps we can also urge them to requisition builders to start immediately.”

Finally Dai reluctantly answered. “Stefan Cowal, here in
Lost Market. If he goes to Talking Wall, the villagers here will have to do
their own building until he completes the project.”

“Are there enough people here who know how to do that?”
Dancer frowned at Dai. “Eppie mentioned at least two projects that are planned
here in the village.”

Merlyn shrugged. “The villagers will have to pitch in and
finish those projects if Stefan goes. That’s what we did before Stefan came to
Lost Market. We’ve just been spoiled because he’s taken over the planning and
organization but certainly we know how to do it.”

“Stefan has agreed to apprentice Panther after the
gathering,” Arturo reminded them. “It’s my thought that this might be a good
thing if we can arrange his tutoring.”

Dai squinted in thought as he considered the inhabitants at
Talking Wall. “There is a retired schoolteacher there. He was an excellent
teacher. And he could no doubt use the extra credits. What was his name? Marc,
Marco—no, Markus. Yes, that’s it. Markus Bell.”

“As soon as the council makes a decision, I will write to
him,” Merlyn said. “Actually, I think that I might talk to Ban about
apprenticing Falcon. If he agrees, then Markus could tutor both boys.”

“The house would be very empty,” Jade said unhappily.

“No, I don’t think so. Dancer and Eppie will be here with
their baby. There won’t be time to build new domes until next spring. And I
expect that Trav and Wrenna will also be bonded soon.” Merlyn clasped her hand
in his. “We will barely have room for another generation of children by
Midwinter. Our new babies will be here by then. Llynx will be here in the
evenings. It’s also time for Cougar and Gazelle to take more responsibilities.
You’ll not be lonely, sweetheart. Not at all.”

* * * * *

As sunset neared, Bishop stumbled to a halt and wearily
dumped his burdens on the ground. There was nothing to distinguish this flat
arid spot from any other around him. No stones, no trees, no water—just grassy
barren open plain.

He didn’t dare sit down. Almost certainly, if he sat down he
wouldn’t get up again. Numbly, he picked up the rolled hurka and opened the
fastenings. It required willow whips to support the dome and there were none
available but he planned to use it as a ground cloth to sleep on. He spread it
out, carefully stacked his other belongings on one side and spread out his
bedroll on the other side.

Then he sat down on his bedroll and sighed.
First things
first
, he thought. He needed to check the blisters on his feet. Then he
would dig something out of the pack to eat. After that, he suspected he would
sleep like the dead.

When he removed the sandals and socks and partially unwound
the bandages, the blisters didn’t look bad at all. He decided to leave them
alone for the night and change the bandages the next morning. He wrapped them
up and pulled the socks back on.

In the pack, he discovered some carefully wrapped bars that
resembled energy bars from out-valley. They weren’t his first choice for dinner
but choice wasn’t on the current menu, it seemed. Hungrily he devoured one,
finding it surprisingly tasty. Then he washed it down with a couple of cautious
sips of water. Tomorrow he would have to find fresh water. He stared off into the
distance at the dark rock which was his target. It seemed just as far away now
as it had this morning. He fervently hoped it was within a reasonable walking
distance for tomorrow. Crazily, he had weird visions of walking toward an
ever-receding destination he never reached. Shaking his head, he repacked
everything and stretched out on his bedroll as the sun finally went down.

Before the stars began to twinkle in the twilight, he slept.

In the predawn darkness, he slowly clawed his way free from
dreams that haunted him with never-ending chase scenes. Faceless men pursued
him through unfamiliar dreamscapes with strange plants and odd animals stared
at him from black corners. With a strangled shout, he sat up, heart pounding
and abruptly wide awake. He shivered with cold and damp, realizing belatedly
that he’d fallen asleep on top of his bedroll.

“Is all well, Uncle?” a quiet voice inquired from the dark.

For long moments the dream returned as terror roared through
his mind. His heart pounded so loudly he could hear nothing other than the
thumping in his chest. And then he recognized his nephew’s calm tones.
Cautiously he ventured, “Hawke?”

“Yes?”

“What the hell are you doing here?”

“Surely you didn’t believe I would send you off to explore
on your own?” There was a hint of humor in his nephew’s voice. “There are many
dangerous pitfalls, Uncle. My father wouldn’t forgive me if my banishment
killed you.”

“I’m not so sure about that. He wasn’t very happy with me
this morning.”

There was a pause. Then Hawke observed, “This valley is my
father’s home. But for many years he has been here without any family of his
own. Mama has Rebaccah but Papa had no one. Is it so strange that he would want
you to stay? Instead, you make no secret of your desire to leave as soon as possible.
And so he is angry and hurt.”

“Then why isn’t he around?” Bishop demanded in frustration.
“I’m sick of all the weird shit. When I ask questions, the answers don’t make
sense. What the hell are they doing in those bonding cottages that is so frigging
important?”

Hawke sighed. “Sex is not so very different from out-valley,
I think. But reproduction—creating a child is very, very different in the
valley. The effects of pregnancy on the mother can be quite serious. It is the
male bond mate’s primary responsibility to be there for her. Mama is pregnant
with two babies and that means that her well-being is even more important.
Would you have him abandon her to her fate so that he can be with you?”

“Of course not!”

“It will only be a few more eight-days. Then they will
return to the family dome. In the meantime, if you decide to return to Lost
Market, Dai or Llyon will explain the entire process in vivid detail.”

Bishop snorted at Hawke’s sarcastic wit. “Not a fan of the
process, I take it?”

“No, just not particularly worried about it at this time.”

“No female in your sights?” Bishop asked curiously.

“Do you remember how it was with Papa and Mama? How they
were bonded from the time Mama was a little girl?”

Shifting on his bedroll, Bishop peered at Hawke in the dim
light of dawn. “Yeah, I remember.”

“Well, it is the same with my mate. She is very young so it
will be a long time before our bonding ceremony.” Hawke shrugged. “In the
meantime, there are many other things to do.”

“Like leading your hopeless uncle around by the hand?”

“Or perhaps simply spending time getting to know a new
relative,” Hawke said softly. “Shall I look at those blisters on your feet
before we start the day?”

Smiling at his own foolishness, Bishop nodded. “Why not? I
can’t feel any sillier than I do now.”

* * * * *

As the last stars faded into dawn, Jiph silently passed
Bishop’s encampment, furiously avoiding the sleepy men as they packed up. Jiph
had been within arm’s length of Bishop when he woke, heart pounding from the
nightmare. Even then, Jiph was prepared to carry out his plan but Hawke’s soft
inquiry in the dark stayed Jiph’s hand. He was quite sure that his life would
be forfeit if he continued with his plan. Angry at the delay, he slipped away
to his own camp, swiftly packed up and headed for the water hole. He needed to
be there and gone by the time Bishop and his companions arrived. As for
Bishop—there would be other opportunities.

* * * * *

Early morning sun filtered through the trees, lighting the
front garden and poking through the living room windows at Samara’s house. Ban
silently watched the furnishings and objects in the room take on shape and
substance as the sun rose. He considered Samara’s words from the evening before
and smiled at the evidence of genetic stubbornness. Clearly, he was his
father’s son.

Looking back over the years, he wondered when he moved from
teenaged rebellion to hidebound willfulness. It wasn’t as though he didn’t keep
in shape and maintain his warrior skills. Every single day he performed the
difficult graceful moves that made up the
Grimahr Dance
. He had infinite
respect for the warriors among his friends, so why did he resist taking the
vows? He didn’t know.