Shamara (14 page)

"Get your hands off me, you big oaf!" Lani yelled as one Leor tried to grab her. Gripping his arm with both hands, she jerked him forward. She kicked his knee as she wrenched him sideways. He went down, a surprised expression on his face.

Everyone looked in amazement from her to the massive soldier sprawled on the floor.

"I'm getting my things first," she insisted. "Then I'll accompany you, but your men are not to touch me. Is that clear?"

Gunnar watched the downed Leor struggle to his feet. His gaze flashed to Lani, cold, assessing. "As long as you understand I am the absolute authority on my ship."

"Right." She turned and marched down the corridor, feathers fluttering. She never went anywhere without her clothes and her toiletries. And her reading discs. Just because she was going to be a hostage didn't mean she could become intellectually lazy. She'd just bet Gunnar had nothing but muscle between his inhuman eyes, and wouldn't even know what a reading disc was.

Behind her, Celie again protested, "She can't go. It's my job to take the risks, and my decision."

"Seems to me the decision was made for ya, Celie," Radd answered, sounding totally unconcerned. "Don't worry. Lani can take care of herself."

She certainly could,
Lani huffed silently. And in the process, she planned to teach the obnoxious Commander Gunnar and his louts some manners.

He would be sorry he had ever tangled with her.

It took four cycles to reach Risa. Eirene slept all of the first day of the trip, and part of the second. She had been pushed to her physical limits, and utter exhaustion claimed her.

Now, however, her normal energy appeared to be returning. Relieved to have escaped Vaden, she planned to do the same with Jarek, as soon as the opportunity presented itself. Unfortunately, from what he had told her about Risa, it didn't seem she'd have a chance anytime soon.

She studied the landscape as they flew over the planet's surface. It appeared desolate and stark, no hills or mountains, and only sparse outcroppings of scraggly trees. She didn't see any signs of civilization.

Then they topped a low rise, and suddenly, a breathtaking vista stretched before them. Their ship hurtled over a small forest, then over a carpet of lush, green grass at a dizzying speed. Stately trees interspersed the vivid stretch of green, then fell away as a lake came into view.

Eirene leaned forward eagerly. Travan had been an arid, barren planet, hot and dusty, especially in the women's compound. She'd never seen a body of water like this, a sparkling blue oval reflecting the sun in piercing bursts. She was disappointed that they crossed it so quickly.

Her attention shifted to the sturdy buildings, laid out in an orderly fashion, with neat pathways connecting them to each other. More trees lined the paths, along with brilliant masses of blooms. She thought it enchanting.

"Do you like it?" Jarek asked.

"Oh, yes. It's as beautiful as Elysia. And better, without all the crowds and the marketplace."

He laughed. "Moriah is going to take an immediate liking to you. She masterminded the transformation of this little corner of Risa, and she's very proud of it."

"Was this once barren like the rest of the surface?" Eirene asked in disbelief.

"It was. But Moriah is one of those people who thinks if you dream big enough, and believe hard enough, anything is possible."

Hearing the wistful tone in his voice, Eirene turned to look at him. "You don't believe that?"

He was silent for a moment. "I'd like to believe it. But I've been praying for a miracle for a long time. If one doesn't happen soon, my people face extinction."

She looked away, unsure what to say. Guilt tormented her. She'd been over the Shielders' situation repeatedly in her mind, but she knew she couldn't help Jarek. As well as the known risks of exposing herself as an Enhancer, she couldn't channel her powers with any sort of consistency. Worse, there were horrible consequences when she did try. She thought of Rayna, feeling the familiar pain and regret. No, she didn't dare attempt to use her powers.

A landing site came into view, with a surprising array of ships lining the sizeable pad. Two people stood watching from the ground as Jarek turned on the hoverlifts and brought the ship down. He powered down and unhooked his harness and swiveled his chair toward her. "Ready?"

Strangely enough, she was. She'd braved the world outside Travan, managed to find her way and hold her own. She'd proven to herself that she could survive the unknown.

Standing, she smoothed down her tunic and leggings, grateful Jarek had gotten them cleaned on Elysia and returned them to her. "I'm certainly ready to get off this ship."

As they came down the ramp, a woman and a man moved forward to greet them. The woman was stunning, tall and statuesque, with long coppery hair and golden eyes. Slightly taller, the man offered a handsome contrast, with his ebony hair and eyes. Their attention was focused on Jarek, and Eirene stepped to the side as the couple descended upon them.

"Jarek! It's good to see you," the woman exclaimed, her voice low and melodic. "I was worried when you left Chase's ship way too soon to be recovered. But you're looking much improved over the last time I saw you." She hugged him tightly.

"You're looking pretty good yourself." Grinning, he splayed his hand over her abdomen. "You've got that special glow."

She shoved him away. "Cut it out! You
would
rub it in."

Despite her reaction and her words, Eirene sensed the woman's genuine affection for Jarek. But her emotions had sisterly overtones, rather than carnal ones.

The man stepped forward, his expression stern. "Yeah. I don't need any help from you, san Ranul. You always like to stir up trouble." His wide smile belied his accusing words, and he shook Jarek's hand heartily and hugged him.

Startled, Eirene realized she could pick up none of the man's emotions, as with Jarek.
Why?
she wondered, studying the two men. They were about the same height, and both had similar builds—lean but well-muscled. Both had high cheekbones and well-chiseled features. Were they brothers? Or…were they both Shielders? She tucked the question away for future investigation, as Jarek turned toward her.

"Moriah, Sabin, this is Eirene. Eirene, meet two of my best friends in the universe."

They studied her, their expressions guarded, and she wondered what Jarek had told them. But then Moriah smiled and stepped forward, her hand outstretched. Sincere warmth and friendliness engulfed Eirene. "Welcome to Risa. If you're a friend of Jarek's, then you're part of our family."

Eirene took her hand, and knew immediately that Moriah was a woman of valor. She sensed something else—a second life force emanating from Moriah, another soul. The woman was pregnant, which explained Jarek's teasing behavior.

She returned Moriah's smile. "Thank you. I'm glad to be planetside. I'm not so sure space travel is for me."

"Especially if you're cooped up with san Ranul," Sabin said. "He's far too serious, not nearly as interesting as I am."

Moriah rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. Don't listen to him. He's full of himself."

"As far as I can tell, all men are that way," Eirene said.

Moriah laughed. "I like you already. I hope you'll get to stay a few cycles." She sent Jarek a questioning look.

"That depends," he said. "I have some damage to my ship from a little run-in with Turlock. Is Radd back yet?"

"Turlock? That son of an Antek," Sabin muttered. "Damned shame we didn't finish him off on Saron. How bad is the damage to your ship? Radd's not here. He's with Celie and Lionia, and they ran into some trouble with the Leors. They're on the way back and should arrive tomorrow or the cycle after, at the latest."

"The damage isn't too bad, but I can't go to Aldon until the repairs are done. If you don't mind, we'll hang out here."

"Don't be silly. We love seeing you." Moriah linked her arm with Eirene's and turned her toward the group of buildings. "I'm glad you're staying a while. We'll get quarters ready for you. You can have something to eat and drink at the main hall while you wait."

Sabin and Jarek hung back to talk, and Moriah moved toward a large building set back from the landing pad. "Let's go meet the others."

Eirene felt like she was being swept away in a whirlwind as Moriah led her into the largest building, that was apparently the main hall. The huge room bustled with activity. Two long tables flanked by benches lined one side of the room. The tempting aromas of cooking food wafted from an open panel behind the tables, so Eirene assumed that this was a dining area.

Groupings of comfortable-looking chairs and smaller tables occupied the middle area, where two adults sat, watching a handful of children playing. More tables and benches lined the opposite side of the room, with some large pieces of equipment situated next to them. Cloth was piled on one of the tables. Two women were working there, apparently replicating clothing. More people were sitting at other tables.

"This is the heart of our settlement," Moriah explained. "We eat our meals, replicate our clothing, teach the children’s lessons, and spend much of our free time here. There's a galley on the other side of that wall." She pointed to the open panel near the first set of tables. "Let me introduce you to everyone."

Eirene first met Marna and Tyna, crusty older women who had grown tired of delivering supplies and now took care of the cooking and laundry. Then there was Roanne, a shy dark-haired woman with a stutter, and her mate, Ardon. They had two children, and Roanne replicated clothing for the settlement's inhabitants. Valene, a pleasant young woman, assisted Roanne with the clothing production.

No hostile or anxious emotions bombarded Eirene. All the women radiated well-being and contentment. Their feelings toward Eirene were welcoming and warm. They appeared to know Jarek well, emitting excitement and pleasure that he had come for a visit.

An elderly man and woman sat in two of the overstuffed chairs in the room's center. They were apparently in charge of keeping an eye on the four active children playing nearby. Even through the moderate emotional melee in the room, Eirene sensed a commanding power in the old woman as Moriah led her to the couple.

The woman raised clear gray eyes as they approached. Her gaze locked on Eirene. She felt a strong surge of energy reaching out and engulfing her, but it was well controlled, almost muted.

"Janaye, this is Eirene. She's traveling with Jarek san Ranul, and will be our guest for a few days," Moriah said. "Eirene, this is Janaye. She's our beloved matriarch. Just don't cross paths with her, or that yarton club she carries might accidentally connect with your head."

"Go on with you!" Chuckling, Janaye held out a hand gnarled with age. "Pleased to meet you, child."

Eirene gently took the crippled hand and returned the woman's perusal. Janaye's snowy hair was gathered into a loose, silky bun, the escaping wisps framing her lined face. Despite her years, her eyes were sharp and wise. She was so like Rayna, tears pooled in Eirene's eyes, and emotion clogged her throat. She had to clear it before she could speak. "Lady Janaye."

"Just Janaye, my dear. I'm so old, the title has worn off." Janaye smiled warmly and Eirene returned the smile. Janaye turned to Moriah. "I can tell this child is weary. Pull up a chair so she can sit and rest."

Moriah laughed good-naturedly. "I will do that. But first, let me introduce her to our other elder." She gestured to the old man in the chair next to Janaye's. "This is Elder Gabe. He's from Jarek's home colony, and he's graciously offered to help us create a tracking and defense system for Risa."

"I thought his mission was to pester me," Janaye scoffed. He spends more time in his chair than at that command center you built."

"Don't need to spend much time at the center, Jannie," the old man retorted. "I can work circles around these young starsnappers." He offered Eirene his hand. "Greetings, young lady. My, you're a looker. I'm allowed to say that 'cause I'm too old to do anything about it."

"You're too old to do anything," Janaye interjected tartly.

"Eh, what's that? I can't hear a thing you say, woman!"

Thoroughly charmed, Eirene took his hand. "It's nice to meet you, Elder Gabe."

"Would suit me fine if you'd call me Gabe." He gestured to the chair Moriah pulled up. "Sit down and make an old man happy."

Eirene sank gratefully into the chair. Already tiring, she let the emotions of the group drift over her. The children put out a different sort of energy from the adults, one that was exuberant and innocent, without any real fear or concerns.

She could also sense the feelings of all the women in the room, with the exception of Janaye. She wasn't surprised by Janaye's ability to block, because of the woman's obvious psychic power. Now she had to worry about Janaye discerning the truth about her being an Enhancer. She'd have to guard her own energies very carefully around the astute old woman, assuming she could.

The odd thing was she couldn't sense anything from the two men in the room. She knew it wasn't a male/female discrepancy, because she'd always been able to read the men on Travan; had picked up on many males on Saron and Elysia.

It might somehow be related to the Shielder race, only Eirene didn't know for a fact that all the men on Risa were Shielders. She didn't dare ask, because from what Jarek had told her, Shielders didn't usually reveal their identities to outsiders. It was too dangerous, just as it was for Enhancers.

Janaye reached over and took her hand. "Tell me, child, where are you from?"

Eirene felt the power subtly probing. What could she say, without giving away information or making Janaye suspicious? She struggled to come up with an answer, but was saved by Jarek’s and Sabin's entrance.

Jarek's arrival created quite a stir. Everyone but Janaye and Gabe rushed to greet him. The women hugged him and fussed over him, while Ardon shook his hand and slapped him on the back. Even the children vied for his attention, tugging on his flightsuit until he swung each of them up in the air, amid squeals of delight.