The Anialwch Connection
Chapter 21
Donte felt ashamed. Rianne had to turn to someone else because he was so busy thinking about his own needs. Kenyon had to take time out of his busy schedule to set him straight. Donte had refused a wheelchair because he had been afraid he would end up like his grandfather. Yes, afraid. As a result, he had forced more work on those around him. There was no reason he couldn’t get out of the bed by himself and into the wheelchair. Instead, he had insisted on walking, which not only caused others more work, but had made him an emotional burden as well. As Kenyon had so aptly put it, he had become a nuisance.
He glanced down at his children napping on the bed with him. He had been so determined not to put them at risk that he had kept them at a distance. He couldn’t spend the rest of their childhood in fear that someone might hurt them trying to get him. He had overreacted and they had suffered – he had suffered, and so had Rianne.
He was no longer a lone agent. He had an entire colony to consider. He couldn’t do that by focusing on one problem, no matter how urgent it appeared to be at the time. He wasn’t the only one who could handle a situation. Others might not handle it in the same way, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t do it effectively. As a commander on the Moeder, he knew these things, but as soon as his feet touched Purlieu, he had become single-minded.
Last, but certainly not least, he needed to show trust in his subordinates. He had denied Nieke a place in rank because she was infatuated with him. Fortunately, she had found the satisfaction and appreciation for her skills in another way. He had humiliated her for something she couldn’t control. He had been embarrassed by her devotion. He should have been flattered.
Donte had sent Beier a message outlining what he wanted done. Beier would get back to him. In a few weeks he would be able to go back to Bergen. If he had to get around in a wheelchair for a while, he could do it with dignity the same way Pieter had. He could rule from his back on the bed. There was nothing wrong with his brain – nothing a good lecture from Kenyon didn’t cure.
Adriaan’s concern about possible assassins had warped Donte’s thinking. Yes, there could and probably would be other attempts on his life. He couldn’t hide on the Moeder his entire life. Of course, Adriaan’s concern was drawn from the fact that Donte was unable to defend himself. That was no longer the case.
Two weeks after Kenyon’s visit, Donte and his family returned to Bergen. He walked – slowly, but on his own. Their arrival had been intentionally unannounced, so the lobby of the tram station had the usual number of people at the station. Even so, they were pleased to see the happy faces as they stepped off the tram. It was nice to come back home and realize people had missed them and they were glad to see them return. Donte was in full uniform and had a new laser weapon in his pocket – both at the insistence of Adriaan.
Saskia wanted them to move to the Groot Thuis. She didn’t want to be alone and felt she could assist Rianne. It had been a long time since babies had lived there. Within hours of their arrival, news had spread throughout Bergen. They had more assistance in moving their things than they could use. Rianne took care of organizing that part while Donte prepared Pieter’s office. It felt strange using Pieter’s things. The strangest things put a lump in is throat. There was a magnifying glass in the desk drawer. Donte had seen Pieter examining things with it so often that it had a personality of its own. There was a mug that said Papaw on it and a badge from one of Donte’s uniforms. He never realized how much it meant to Pieter.
Beier walked in as Donte was examining a high shelf. Beier gave him a broad smile. “Good afternoon, Monomi. It is good to have you back.”
“Thank you,” Donte said. “It’s nice to be back.” He started to get up from Pieter’s chair but Beier shook his head.
“No, Monomi. You relax. I’m here to assist you in any way you wish.”
Donte sank back into the chair. “Please, just call me Donte.”
“Yes, Monomi.” Beier grinned.
“I appreciate all your help, Beier. I’m sorry things didn’t work out for you.”
Beier frowned. “What didn’t work out for me?”
“The vote. Pieter wanted you to be the ruler.”
Beier’s smile was wry. “No he didn’t. He wanted you to be the ruler. He just wanted you to do everything his way.” He shrugged. “Everyone knows he wasn’t in his right mind there at the last. The ruler has the right to name his or her second, but the people must agree. They agreed it should be you and they disagreed with Pieter when he named me. Frankly, I’m glad it worked out that way.”
“You didn’t want the position?”
Beier thought about it a moment. “I guess I wanted it, but I felt that you were more qualified.” He shrugged again, and smiled. “I like being able to come and go as I please.”
Donte nodded. “I liked that as well. I’ve thought about being the ruler of Bergen since I was about fourteen.” He smiled at Beier. “I didn’t have any idea how much responsibility was involved back then.”
Beier looked uncomfortable and Donte finally found his manners. “Have a seat. How is the militia coming along?”
Beier settled in a chair as he spoke. “They’re all in Anialwch, training." He tipped his head to the side and looked at Donte. "Gerritt is commanding the Bergen militia now, at the cabinet's request. Did you know that?"
Donte shook his head. "No. I think he's an excellent choice, though."
Beier nodded and continued. "Every colony but Lochfowk sent militia members. No one trusted them after the assassination attempt.”
Donte couldn’t blame them for that. It was going to be tough enough facing the Nyumbani raiders without having to watch for traitors in their midst. He might feel that way himself. Something still troubled him about Ness. What motive did he have? He said he did it because Donte was leading a revolt. It wasn’t true, of course, but did Ness actually believe it? He would never know, because Ness had been quickly executed. Donte had no doubt that Ness ordered his assassination, but Ness had little to gain. He doubted if Chait had anything to do with it either. Who did that leave? The only other person he could think of who would have anything to gain was Beier. He had been in Lochfowk. Someone had convinced Pieter that Donte was inciting the colonists. Maybe that same person had convinced Ness.
“When do they plan on confronting the Nyumbani raiders?”
Beier shrugged. “I don’t know if they have set a date yet.” He watched Donte a minute. “You would like to go with them?”
Donte gave him a wry smile. “I would only slow them down.”
“Perhaps speed isn’t the most important element of this battle.”
“I can barely walk across the room on my own.”
Beier nodded, his gaze fixing on Donte’s stomach. “Of course. If you don’t feel up to the mission….”
Was Beier trying to bait him into going on a mission he wasn’t well enough to handle? If he died doing something stupid, that would make Beier look better. On the other hand, if he lived, it would make Donte look like a fool.
Donte shook his head. He was letting Adriaan’s suspicions affect his logic. He slowly stood, careful to keep his arm close to his side as the doctors had instructed. “I need to talk to the cabinet. Could you have them meet me downstairs in the commons?”
Beier stood. “Yes Monomi.” He tipped his head toward Donte in a slight bow of respect and left the office.
Donte slowly made his way to the lift and went down to the commons. He took a seat in the corner and pulled the laser weapon from his pocket before he sat down. He was exhausted and he had done nothing. When they left the Moeder, he had been feeling better than he had since the attempt on his life. He leaned his chair back on two legs and dozed while he waited for the cabinet, trusting instinct to alert him to the presence of anyone in the room.
“Donte?”
Rianne’s voice awakened him and he opened his eyes, bringing the chair down on all four legs. She was standing in the doorway; her expression concerned.
“I’m waiting for the Cabinet. Beier went to get them.”
She looked relieved as she entered the room. “Then you probably won’t mind if your mate talks to you while you wait.”
He smiled. “I can’t think of anything more pleasant.”
She pulled out a chair and sat across the table from him. “Saskia took the children to look at the anatidae on the pond. I think the children are all happy to be home.”
“I know I am.” He set the laser weapon on the table.
She looked at it and frowned. “Were you expecting trouble?” Her concerned gaze met his.
“I don’t know what to expect. I simply don’t want to be caught off guard again.”
She searched his eyes. “What is it, Donte?”
“I don’t know. Some things don’t add up.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “How do you feel about Beier?”
She looked confused. “I don’t know. He seems to be competent and trustworthy. You let him handle things in your absence and Pieter trusted him enough to name him as his second.”
“I know, but Papaw also thought I was inciting the colonists. I wonder where he got that idea.”
She studied his face. “But if Beier wanted to eliminate you, he would have had numerous opportunities to do so before now.” She smiled. “Adriaan’s suspicious nature is rubbing off on you.”
“Beier has saved my life and he has come to my aid many times. Still, I can’t think of one of those times when it wouldn’t have cast suspicion on him if he had done otherwise. Today he seemed to be encouraging me to go with the group to Nyumbani.”
Her expression became concerned. “You think he was behind the assassination attempt?”
He shrugged. “It’s possible. He was in Lochfowk. He also knows I can detect the presence of people, though. When we were in Nyumbani, I had trouble sensing the raiders. It was as if they were hiding in caves and behind rock formations, knowing the heat maintained in the rocks would throw me off.”
“Is that what you want to talk to the Cabinet about?”
He smiled and shook his head. “No. I simply want to get them together and see what needs to be addressed.”
She sighed. “I won’t open the door to anyone while you’re asleep. You need someone you can count on.”
He met her gaze. “I’ve got someone. You’re as qualified as anyone I know and I trust you with my life – and our children’s lives. How would you like to be my second?”
She caught her breath. “Are you serious?”
He nodded. “Think about it. The council is coming.”
She glanced around at the door and shrugged. “I don’t have any special skills.”
“Don’t you?” He leaned forward and kissed her lips.
She smiled. “I don’t think I could manage a colony with those skills.”
He laughed. “Don’t bet on it. In any case, I was referring to your ability to work with people. You’re always there for me and you always know the right thing to say. It isn’t only with me. You’re that way with others. You keep your head when chaos is all around you. You are my mate, my best friend and my confidante. Why wouldn’t you make a great second as well?”
The members of the Cabinet began entering the room. Rianne stood. “I’ll talk to you later.” Without further comment, she left the room.
It was a big decision, one she apparently had never considered. She might not want that responsibility. It would put her in a position where she would have to choose between Bergen and Bosvrouwen.
Donte stood and put the weapon in his pocket. He greeted each member and when all twelve were present, they sat at the table. Donte looked at each of them.
“I won’t take up a lot of your time, but I did want to talk to all of you and let you know I’m back and available. I’m sorry for the problems I caused with my absence.”
“It couldn’t be helped,” Cariel said as he placed his hands on the table. “We’re glad to see you are doing much better. We had quite a scare.”
Donte smiled. “As did I. When we start thinking we’re invincible, we can be taken by surprise.”
Marit laughed; her voice soft. “All young people think they are invincible.”
Donte smiled at her. “I’m not all that young. Maybe I’m simply immature.”
She sobered and shook her head. “No. You’re mature enough. Age is all relative. I don’t think any of us realizes how vulnerable we are until something happens to bring it to our attention.”
That was certainly true. He glanced at each of them again. “Is there anything we need to address right now?”
Yara cleared her throat. “I think it would be a good thing to meet with you on a regular basis. Pieter didn’t want to do that. He thought we were contesting his orders. We wound up trying to play catch-up every time he called a meeting.”
Had Pieter always been that way or was that something recent? Donte nodded. “That’s an excellent idea. I was unaware that meetings weren’t routinely scheduled.”
Marit looked at Donte. “With all due respect, I think you were intentionally kept unaware of many things.”
Donte lifted his brows. “By whom?”
She looked at the table, suddenly reluctant to talk.
Donte glanced at the others. “If there is someone you feel uncomfortable about, I would appreciate your candor. I won’t make any judgments on your opinions, but I will certainly take it into consideration. I won’t hold it against you if you’re wrong.”
Marit lifted her head and looked at him. “I don’t know for sure, of course, but….” She glanced around to make sure no one was in the room who could hear. “Sometimes I wonder about Beier.”
Donte gave her an encouraging smile. “If it makes you feel any better, you’re not the only person to express concern about his loyalty. I will keep it in mind.”
Landric nodded his head. “I said something to Pieter and I thought I was going to lose my place on his Cabinet. He was furious.”
Donte looked at him. “That’s something I would like to make clear. You are not my cabinet. You have all been elected by the colonists and I expect you to represent them, not me. At the same time, Beier has been very helpful in my absence. I have no proof that he is anything but completely loyal. I would not endorse criticism of any of you without justification. He deserves the same respect.”
Cariel looked relieved. “That’s comforting information.”
Donte looked at Marit. “Thank you for bringing that to my attention.” He looked at the others. “I hope all of you know that you can come to me with any concerns and it will be kept private.”
Landric looked at him. “Pieter wanted to add members to the cabinet. He thought it should have Mascots.”
Pieter thought it should be all Mascots. Donte nodded. “You confirmed me and I’m a Mascot. Would you have chosen someone else because they were a colonist?”
Landric looked at the others and they all shook their heads.
Donte smiled. “Thank you for that. It seems to me that twelve members should be enough. That is the way our government was set up. Thanks to the plague, colonists outnumber Mascots a hundred to one, at least. It is no surprise to me that the cabinet consists of all colonists. I’d like to see a few Mascots in the cabinet simply because the Mascots may feel they are not being represented. However, a person should be elected to the cabinet on their merit, not their status. I’m not opposed to change, though, and I’d like to remind you that the ruler is a servant of the people, not the other way around.”
Donte leaned back in his chair, feeling suddenly faint. He felt as if something had sucked the energy from his body.
“Are you feeling ill, Monomi?” Landric stood, his expression concerned. “You look pale.”
Donte nodded. “It hit me suddenly. I’m not accustomed to the excitement, I guess.”
Yara stood. “I’ll go get Rianne.” She hurried out of the room.
Donte leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. Little flecks of light were flashing in his eyes. “I don’t think….” His arms gave out and his head plunged to the table as he lost consciousness.
When Donte regained consciousness, he was laying on his back on the table; a doctor over him. Concerned faces surrounded him. He remembered what Kenyon had said about ripping something loose. He looked up at the doctor.
“I haven’t felt this way for almost a week. I haven’t been that active today.”
The doctor smiled and patted his shoulder. “The atmosphere and gravity are a little different here than on the Moeder. A healthy person might simply feel a little more tired, but in your condition, it could be much worse. You seem to be doing well. I recommend a lot of bed rest for the next couple of days until your body has time to adjust.” He patted Donte’s shoulder again. “I’ll drop by to see how you’re doing, but I think you’ll be fine if you take it easy for a while.”
Rianne leaned over him. “I’ll see that he rests.”
Donte smiled at her. “I promise to behave.”
Landric laughed. “There’s nothing like a mate to keep a man in line.”
Donte tried to sit up and instantly several sets of hands were helping him. Rianne rolled a wheel chair in front of him. He looked up at her. “I think I can walk now.”
Her eyes expressed humor that her lips refused. “I thought you said you were going to behave.”
He accepted the hands that helped him into the chair. He looked at Marit. “Let me know when you want those meetings to start. I’ll be there.”
Rianne lifted a brow. He smiled and amended. “As long as it is a few days from now.”
They all laughed and Rianne wheeled him away. He looked up at her. “Here I am, back in the chair again.”
Her eyes expressed humor. “Oh hush. You’re lucky to be alive.”
He laughed. “I suppose you’re right – as usual.”
He wanted to talk to the cabinet about Nyumbani and the militia, but that could wait.
***
Gerritt had heard about the proficiency of the Anialwch militia, but training with them gave their reputation validity. Nothing he had learned in the service came close to their battle techniques. He learned all he could, not only for the campaign to root the raiders out, but to teach the Bergen militia in preparation for The Prophesy. No doubt, Anialwch wasn't teaching them all their techniques. That would be foolhardy. Gerritt wanted to recruit some Anialwch troops. Of course, he didn't ask them directly. He talked to King Neirin about recruiting for the spaceships. King Neirin was no fool, though.
King Neirin gave him a wizened smile. "I'm sure my militia could learn something in three years, but I think the greatest benefit would be to the spaceships." He shrugged. "It would ultimately be for the benefit of Purlieu."
Warmth crawled up Gerritt's neck. "I was thinking about preparation for The Prophesy. I know our militia has learned much from yours."
King Neirin nodded. "If you would like, I could send some of my best troops to train with you for a few months."
Gerritt lifted his brows. "That would be most gracious on your part and welcome on ours."
King Neirin watched the men train for a few minutes before speaking again. "I have been told that Peiter treated you badly. It will be different now that Donte is Ruler."
Gerritt could learn more than battle techniques from Anialwch. Donte could learn a lot from King Neirin as well, but Donte probably knew that. There was never any doubt that King Neirin was in complete control in Anialwch, but he didn't do it in an imperious way. Donte didn't either, but he didn't have the experience that King Neirin did. He had a comparable temperament. They were both destined for greatness. Of course, Donte had been raised with the influence of Quade.
Sometimes Gerritt felt intimidated by the magnitude of great leaders he had met since he became friends with Donte. He hoped he could become one of them some day. It was a lofty ambition for a mere colonist, but knowing Donte, Quade and now King Neirin gave him the courage to try. These great leaders treated colonists the same as they did Mascots. What a contrast they were to Pieter.
***
Donte spent the next few days in bed most of the time. Gradually he began to feel stronger. When he finally started more activity, he felt even stronger. Within a week he was even walking outside. That was where Beier found him one day to deliver a message from Kenyon.
The militias had completed their training and were ready for action, but Kenyon had been unable to get permission from Queen Halisi to allow any militias in Nyumbani. Kenyon wanted to know what they should do next.
Beier looked at Donte. “What are you going to do?”
Donte headed for the Groot Thuis. He thought it might come to this. He had already talked to Adriaan and they had come to an agreement. He looked at Beier.
“I’m going to Nyumbani and talk to Halisi.”
Beier stopped, staring at Donte. “But she won’t see you.”
Donte continued and Beier ran a few steps to catch up with him. “Donte, you can’t go in there without permission.”
“I have permission.”
“What?”
Donte continued without responding. He went to the message center and sent two messages – one to Kenyon and one to Adriaan. Kenyon was to meet him in Playa tonight.
Beier watched him with an anxious expression. “Monomi, you’re not well enough to travel yet.”
Donte smiled. “I’ll be fine. I’m not going to be fighting any battles.”
Actually, that wasn’t entirely correct. More than likely, it would be a battle with Halisi, but it wouldn’t be physical. The first thing he needed to do was let Rianne know what he was going to do, and he didn’t want Beier present.
“Could you get the cabinet together for me?”
“Yes, Monomi.”
Rianne was sitting at the table talking to Saskia when Donte arrived. He sat in a chair and looked at Rianne.
“I got a message from Kenyon saying that they are ready to go into Nyumbani, but Halisi isn’t cooperating. I’ve already discussed this possibility with Adriaan. I let him know what is happening and I’m leaving today for Playa. Dad has given me permission to take a Libertad ship to Nyumbani and it will wait for me. I’ve asked Kenyon to meet me in Playa tonight. I’m going to settle this problem with Halisi.”
Rianne listened to him and when he stopped, she met his gaze. “Are you feeling well enough to travel?”
He nodded. “I’ll be fine. Kenyon and I each have laser weapons, but I don’t think we will need them.” He hesitated. “While I’m gone, could you initiate a process where my messages are delivered privately? I don’t like the fact that Beier knew what was in the message before I did.”
Rianne smiled. “A simple envelope should do the trick.”
“I’m getting the cabinet together to talk to them before I leave. They need to know what is happening.” He put a hand over hers. “Have you given my request for second any thought?”
She nodded. “I doubt if the cabinet would approve me, but if it will make you feel more secure, I accept – for the time being.”
He frowned. “What does that mean?”
She smiled. “Donte, I think there are other people more qualified, and I think you will eventually come to that conclusion. I am always willing to help you in any way I can. This is no different. I think there are some who would believe I became your mate with the sole purpose of becoming the ruler of Bergen.”
He met her gaze. “I don’t think that, Rianne.”
“I know that Donte, but…” She looked down. “If something happened to you, I’m not sure I could function the way you would expect.” Her gaze lifted to his. “I would accept the position and do it to the best of my ability, but I would rather be named an interim successor – until the colonists found someone suitable.”
He squeezed her hand. “I understand. This last attempt on my life has given us both reason to rethink our mortality.” He patted her hand. “I will tell them to consider you for an interim second should something happen to me.” He stood. “Could you pack a uniform for me?”
“Sure. You give Halisi a tough time. She’s becoming a problem for everyone.”
“I’ll be back in a little while.”
When Donte arrived at the cabinet chamber, they were all waiting for him. He shut the door and sat at the table.
“I wanted to let you all know what I’m going to do, but first I have a suggestion for my second that I would like you to consider.”
The cabinet members waited for him to continue.
“I would like to name Rianne as my interim second should something happen to me. However, I don’t want my choice made public. If something happens to me, you have my suggestion and you can go from there.”
They looked at each other. Each of them individually stated that they had no objection. He expected to be ruler for a long time, but life could change a person’s plans. He left that subject and brought up the reason for the meeting.
“Kenyon sent a message that the militia groups are ready, but Halisi will not agree to let them into Nyumbani. I have talked to Adriaan about this possibility. If the colonists cannot settle this among themselves, he wants to make an air strike on the area. I don’t think any of us want that to happen. I’m leaving tonight on the tram to Libertad. Kenyon will meet me in Playa and Quade is providing a Libertad ship to take me to Nyumbani, where it will wait for me. I’m going to talk to Halisi – whether she wants to talk to me or not.”
Around the table, eyebrows lifted. Other than the captive situation, none of the colonies had interfered with another. Donte wouldn’t have done so now except for Adriaan’s intent.
Landric shrugged. “If anyone can make her understand, I believe you can.”
Donte shook his head. “Nyumbani has had three months to settle this problem and as far as I know, they have done nothing. The raider situation is like a festering wound. If we don’t do something about it, it will spread poison to all of us.”
Cariel looked at the others. “If you want to know if we support you in this, you have a great big yes from me.”
All the others agreed.
Donte stood. “Rianne is working on a way that I can get my messages in a private way. I have requested this and I don’t want you to think it was inspired by distrust in any of you. As the cabinet, you have my permission to open any messages in my absence.”
“We’d all like our messages to be private,” Landric said.
Marit looked at Donte. “I have one more question.”
Donte looked at her. “What is it?”
“Are you well enough to make this journey?”
Donte smiled. “Would you believe that two other people have already asked that question?”
She smiled. “And the answer is?”
He laughed. “I’m well enough; and thank you for your concern. I’m feeling fine.”
They all wished him luck as they left the chamber. Donte stopped by the message center and picked up a message from Adriaan.
After he left the cabinet chambers, Donte picked up his uniform, kissed everyone goodbye and took the tram to Libertad. There he caught the next tram to Playa, where Kenyon was waiting for him.
Kenyon treated him to a handshake and a sardonic smile. “The ship will be here in the morning. I haven’t prepared Halisi for your arrival. Are you sure you want to do this?”
“I don’t want to, but I think it’s necessary.”
“How’s the wound?”
“I’m getting around fine now - almost as good as new.”
They ate their evening meal and shared a room for the night.
In the morning, Donte bathed and dressed in his uniform. Kenyon lifted his brows. “Making this formal, are you?”
Donte nodded. “I think it’s the only way to do it, don’t you?”
Kenyon shrugged. “You’re the peacemaker.”
Donte grinned. “What does that make you?”
Kenyon smiled. “The assistant peacemaker.”
Donte clamped a hand on his shoulder. “Let’s get this done, brother.”
Soft Science Fiction
