The Anialwch Connection
Chapter 11
As it turned out, Pieter asked Beier about following Donte before Donte suffered the embarrassment of asking Rianne. Beier had followed them that day on his own. He had been in Kliffen and heard that Donte and Celyn were not traveling back on the tram. He had been concerned about his daughter traveling in possibly hostile company. Apparently, he had less trust in Nieke than Donte did. Trust was a word that Donte was learning more about. It was often misused. Trusting others explicitly implied little trust in one’s self. As Donte learned to have more trust in his own decisions, he found that having trust in the decisions of others became less important. While the topic of Pieter changing seconds never surfaced again, it was always a possibility.
Regardless of his relationship with Pieter, as a grandson or as a successor, Donte had to consider his plans regarding The Prophesy. It didn't matter if some people didn't believe in it, and therein lay the real issue – making changes that were good for the people regardless of The Prophesy. That brought him back to his discussions with Adriaan.
Both Donte and Adriaan agreed that communication would be vital in the event of an invasion. Donte felt that emergency stations were needed on Purlieu. Currently, a wire message was the most reliable, but that method of communication was only available where the tram lines existed because the wires were inside the tram rail. While tram lines were expanding, it was unlikely that they would ever serve the remote areas. The only way to get a message to a remote area was by foot, equine or camelus. That simply wouldn’t be fast enough in event of an emergency.
Donte had been intrigued by the communication medallions used by the spaceships. The colonists wouldn’t be able to contact the spaceships with them, but they could contact each other in the event of an emergency. The shuttles were able to contact the space ships from the planet. The colonists could use the same technology to build remote emergency stations.
One of the troops, Nieke, had shown interest in communications and thought that it wouldn’t be difficult to do. Adriaan wasn’t keen on that idea. To his way of thinking, the remote stations would only become targets in an invasion.
Even if they were able to communicate an emergency, how would anyone get there in time to help? At that point, transportation became the topic of debate.
The problem with the tram was that the rails were limited to the major population centers and the distance between. The rest of the planet had no emergency route. Donte had suggested emergency transports like the shuttles used by the spaceships. Runways were not required because when the shuttles were on the ground, they traveled on a cushion of air. They could be used on land, water or in the air. Their power source was clean. The factories of Bosvrouwen were capable of building more, and they wouldn’t have to be as elaborate, because they wouldn’t be traveling in space.
Adriaan had concerns about shuttles on Purlieu. He thought they might become too numerous and people would rely on them instead of the rails. They were currently expanding the rail service, so that might help. In any case, it was something to keep in mind.
Celyn stayed with Donte and Rianne for a year with no more than the expected conflict between a teen and adults. Even Donte and Rianne had occasional conflicts. While the weather was warm, they made trips into the mountains and when the weather turned cold, Donte taught Celyn how to ice skate. To Donte’s surprise and delight, Celyn and Rianne even became good friends.
When Andras was born, Donte was on one side of Rianne and Celyn was on the other, cheering her on when she wanted to give up. Rianne’s second birth was more difficult than the first, but then, Andras was a big baby boy. Fortunately, both Andras and Rianne came through it without any serious problems. Both were ready to travel by the time Andras was a month old. The days were warm and the tram lines were completed to the main colony in Lochfowk, so they decided to visit Donica. From there they would travel to Anialwch by tram and ship. They were all looking forward to the trip.
Gone were the days when he could toss a change of clothes in a saddle bag and take off across country. With two women, a baby and a 4-year-old, it was like moving in small hops. By the time he had transferred their things from home to coach and from coach to tram; he was ready for a nap. He put his feet on the opposite seat and slid down so that he could lean his head on the back of the seat. Petra crawled onto his legs and decided to nap with him. The next thing he knew, Andras was in his arms. Rianne and Celyn were giggling and talking. That was how he looked when Kenyon joined them unexpectedly at the stop in Palangana.
Rianne nudged him. “Donte, take your feet off the seat so Kenyon can sit down.”
Donte opened his eyes to find Kenyon grinning down at him. It was impossible to move.
Kenyon laughed. “It looks like they have found a use for you, brother.”
Rianne lifted Andras from Donte’s arms, leaving them free to lift Petra from his legs. He groaned as he dragged his feet off the seat and sat up. His knees felt like they had been bent backwards.
Kenyon chuckled. “I think you’ve been domesticated.”
Rianne gave Donte a knowing smile. “He’s only jealous.”
Donte laughed without humor. “I’m sure that is the case.”
Celyn scooted over and Kenyon sat beside her. He finally sobered. “She may be right. One of these days I may find the right woman and become a…” He started to laugh again. “A child rack.”
Donte couldn’t help but grin. He must have made an amusing picture; his long frame draped across the seats and loaded down with children. He could think of worse things than being a child rack, though – like having no children at all because they had died. Twice before he had reached this point and lost his children. He cherished every moment with his current family. Life was so good that sometimes even he questioned The Prophesy. As he knew well, life could change suddenly and dramatically in a few hours. The laser weapon was in his pocket or under his pillow at all times.
Kenyon leaned toward Rianne. “Give me a look at the little stinker. I haven’t seen him yet.”
Rianne pulled back the blanket to reveal Andras’ little face. He stretched his arms all the way up to his ears and yawned. She looked at Kenyon. “Doesn’t he look like his daddy?”
Kenyon looked at Donte. “He looks like a baby to me.”
Donte laughed. “That’s what I told her.”
Rianne pulled the blanket over Andras’ face. “You two think enough alike to be brothers.”
Celyn looked at Kenyon. “He has black hair and dark blue eyes.”
Kenyon shrugged. “Dark blue eyes sometimes turn out to be brown.”
“Are you trying to say he could be yours?”
Kenyon’s brows shot up. “What is this preoccupation you have with my sex life?”
Celyn’s face turned pink. “I’m not…preoccupied with…anything about you.”
Donte looked at Rianne. The conversation between Celyn and Kenyon was getting inappropriate for a 15-year-old girl and an adult male. He didn’t know what to say, but fortunately he didn’t have to say anything.
Kenyon directed his conversation to Donte. “How are things going in Lochfowk?”
Donte welcomed the change in subject. Maybe Kenyon was simply trying to get Celyn to think before she opened her mouth. For some reason, the two didn’t get along well. He turned his attention to the new subject.
“We’re not hearing much out of Lochfowk. Donica’s messages are infrequent and brief.”
Kenyon frowned. “When are they having their election?”
“In a few weeks, I think.”
“Have you heard from your connection at Vlaktes lately?”
“I haven’t heard anything from Nieke since she rode with us that day. Why? Have you heard something?”
Kenyon nodded. “I’m headed to Cuna. Dad got word that there is some concern there about the elections in Lochfowk.”
Donte glanced at Rianne. “We’re on our way to Lochfowk to see Donica. His attention returned to Kenyon. “I wonder if it’s safe to visit. Donica didn’t mention any problem when we told her we were coming. She said she was looking forward to seeing us. I would think that if there was a problem, she would know.”
“I think so.” Kenyon looked at Celyn. “How is the training coming along? Are you two getting any better at communicating?”
Celyn’s eyes questioned Donte if she should discuss the matter with Kenyon. Donte nodded and she turned back to Kenyon.
“We can transfer our visions and senses to each other at will now.”
Kenyon smiled. “That’s amazing. Are you going home soon?”
“Yes, when we leave Lochfowk we’re going to Anialwch.” She sighed. “I didn’t get to see Nyumbani, though.”
“I’m working on that.” Kenyon leaned back in his seat and looked at Donte. “I’m sure it comes as no surprise that Halisi is the hang-up.”
He was right. It was no surprise. Halisi was the queen, so any visit would require her approval. Donte shrugged. “I did kill her father.”
“I know. I think it’s easier for her to blame you for all the unpleasant things than it is to accept that her father was an insane tyrant. Kafil would make a better king, and he’s a colonist.” He shrugged. “All of which is neither here nor there. Kafil wants you to visit, as does almost everyone there.”
“Don’t worry about it. As long as they accept a representative, it doesn’t matter if it is me.”
“They do that willingly enough.”
They arrived in Cuna late at night and went directly to their rooms, exhausted. The tram going to Lochfowk wasn’t due to arrive until mid-morning, so Donte promised to show Celyn around the little town after the morning meal. Kenyon ate with them, but since his business was in Cuna, he didn’t have to wait on a tram.
During the morning meal, Donte and Kenyon were talking when a man approached their table. He stopped beside Donte.
“I don’t mean to interrupt, but aren’t you the Prince of Bergen?”
Donte stood and offered a hand. “It’s been a while since I’ve heard that term. I’m Donte.”
The man shook hands with him, but never offered his name. He glanced at the others. “Could I speak with you for a moment…privately?”
Kenyon shrugged. Donte followed the man into an empty hallway. The man was a Libertad colonist, so it was odd that he singled Donte out to talk to him.
The man wasted no time. “You are the chosen one that The Prophesy names.”
It wasn’t asked as a question, but Donte had the feeling the man wanted confirmation.
“Yes.”
“I didn’t know you were going to be here, but when I saw you, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to talk to you.” He glanced around to confirm that they were alone and lowered his voice. “I have heard that someone wants to assassinate you.”
“Who…why?”
“I don’t know who; someone from Lochfowk – a Mascot. It is said that you are organizing the colonists to fight against the Mascot rule.”
“That isn’t true. I am trying to encourage peace and equality between Mascots and colonists.”
The man shrugged. “I can only tell you what I have heard.”
“I appreciate the warning.”
The man nodded and walked away. Donte returned to the table and began eating his food in silence. He found the information particularly disturbing because he was traveling with his family. Any attempt on his life might include them. It wasn’t the first time his life had been threatened, but it was the first time he didn’t know who to suspect. If it was someone from Lochfowk, were they in Cuna?
“What is it, brother?”
Donte looked up to find Kenyon watching him with a concerned expression. He didn’t want to frighten Petra, but both Rianne and Celyn should know. Petra was watching him with an intent expression. She knew something was wrong. She wouldn’t know what assassination meant.
“It was an assassination notification.”
Kenyon studied Donte. “For you?”
Donte nodded.
Kenyon’s concerned gaze went from Celyn to Rianne and back to Donte. “Who?”
“He didn’t know. Someone from Lochfowk.”
“Why? Because of the captives?”
“Apparently there is a rumor that I am organizing an uprising of colonists against Mascots.”
Celyn caught her breath. “That isn’t true. How could they believe such a thing?”
Rianne watched him; her eyes wide. “We should go back home.”
Donte smiled. “Rianne, if someone is looking for me, I am easy to find.”
“True, but red hair would be easier to spot anywhere but Lochfowk. Everyone in Lochfowk has red hair.”
Kenyon pushed his empty tin away. “I don’t like it, Donte. With the unrest in Lochfowk, it could be someone who knows Donica and knows you are going to be there. It could be someone on their council.”
Donte shrugged. “Or someone who wants to be on their council.” He had an idea about how to handle the situation, but Rianne might not like it. “I could take Rianne and the children back to Dad. The tram should be here soon. If I took the tram back to Cuna and rode to Lochfowk colony on equine, I would detect their presence.”
Rianne shook her head. “Don’t go in there alone. If you get hurt, no one would know where you were.”
Kenyon nodded. “That’s true. While you’re taking them home, I could wrap up business here and go with you.”
Celyn sat up in her chair. “I’ll go with you. We could work together and you would be safer.”
Donte shook his head. “No Celyn. I’m not going to put you in danger. You will go back with Rianne.”
Celyn looked into his eyes. “I am not going back. I’m going with you. You can’t make me stay there. I’ll follow you.”
He couldn’t deny that Celyn would be a big help, and he knew she would follow him if he didn’t take her. “Celyn, don’t make this more difficult than it already is. I promised your father that I would do nothing to endanger you.”
She stood. “I’ll send a message to my father. If he says I can go, then I will go.”
Donte glanced at Kenyon, who was watching Celyn with some degree of amusement. Neirin wasn’t going to agree, so her idea of messaging him was probably a good idea. He looked at Celyn.
“You message him. If he says no, though, you’ll stay with Rianne.”
She nodded. “Agreed – but he won’t say no.”
Celyn left to send her message and Donte finished his meal. He left Rianne and the children with Kenyon long enough to send three messages. One he sent to Quade, notifying him of the problem. One he sent to Pieter, telling him what was happening and what he was going to do. The third was to Donica, telling her he would not be arriving on the tram that afternoon. He didn’t mention the reason, but told her he would be coming in by equine through the lake country instead.
He didn’t want this thing hanging over his head for months or years. If they were planning on assassinating him, then he would decide the place and time. If they showed up, he would be pretty sure it was someone Donica knew. He wasn’t about to let a threat keep him pinned down.
As he finished, the tram to Libertad colony came into the station. He gathered the women and children and said goodbye to Kenyon.
“I plan to take the midnight tram out of Libertad colony and be back here in the morning. We can start out then.”
Kenyon shook his hand. “Be careful, Donte. He could be anywhere. He could be watching you right now.”
Donte nodded. “I know. I’ll feel a lot better when I get Rianne, the children and Celyn in a safe place.”
Kenyon grinned. “Brother, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if Celyn comes with us.”
“Neirin isn’t going to agree. She’s been gone over a year now. He’s been patient up to this point.”
Kenyon sobered. “Never underestimate that girl, Donte.”
Their trip back to Libertad colony was tense, but otherwise uneventful. Donte was careful not to sleep or hold the children for long periods of time. When they pulled into the station at Libertad, Quade was waiting for them with a message in hand for Celyn. She read it and grinned, handing it to Donte.
“You have my permission to ride with Donte and Kenyon into Lochfowk. Tell Donte I understand the risks as well as the gain.”
The rest was personal, so he didn’t read it. He handed the message back to Celyn. “I hope you both understand how dangerous this could be.”
“We understand.”
“What did you tell him in that message?”
She smiled. “Only the truth, Donte.”
He gave her a wry smile. “I hope it was the whole truth.”
Whatever she said, it was done now. He couldn’t say he didn’t like the outcome. She could definitely make the trip not only safer, but more successful. A plus for Celyn would be seeing new country. Kenyon was familiar with the country, so that would be another benefit. It would be a two-day trip at least, so they would need to pack some food. The circumstances were not good, but with a little effort, they could make this trip not only educational for Celyn, but enjoyable as well.
Soft Science Fiction
