The Anialwch Connection
Chapter 5
Nieke looked up as Donte and Kenyon stopped in the door of the commons. She motioned to them to join the group. Nieke knew nothing about Kenyon other than the fact that he was Donte’s brother and Mai’s friend. That was enough to warrant her trust. If Donte thought Kenyon should be there, she certainly wasn’t going to question his judgment. Having him as a commander on the Moeder had convinced her that she would never meet a more honorable person. He had worked hard for all those badges on his uniform, and he had given everyone more than an equal chance to best him. They all knew he earned them because he was willing to work harder than anyone else. According to The Prophesy, he was supposed to lead the colonies to freedom. If he didn’t, it wouldn’t be because he didn’t try his best. Unlike some, she believed in The Prophesy. The events that lined up with The Prophesy were far too consistent to be coincidental.
Donte and Kenyon pulled two tables together and they all sat down.
Nieke addressed Donte. “We wanted to talk to you before we went home. Mai said that if we observed any unrest, we should let you know. Bram has something to tell you.”
Their attention turned to Bram. He rubbed the stubble on his chin. “I had saved my leave, so I was home a couple weeks ago. I live near the border of Vlaktes and Lochfowk and I heard some colonists talking about Bergen and Lochfowk working together to have total Mascot control of the government. They were discussing the possibility of forming a militia of only colonists – no Mascots.”
“Do you know these colonists?” Donte asked.
Bram nodded. “Yes, but I’d rather not give their names.”
Donte smiled. “I’m not asking you to reveal their identity. I wondered if you might be able to arrange for me to talk to a group including these people.”
Bram looked uncertain. “Maybe.”
Kenyon looked at Donte and then at Bram. “Does Damian know about this?”
Bram shot Donte a guarded look. “I don’t want to get anyone in trouble. It was just talk, so far.”
Nieke watched Kenyon. He was looking at the situation like a typical Mascot – go tell a Mascot about it. He didn’t understand. Sure, it was the correct chain of command, but these colonists had no military experience. They were isolated. When something needed done, they worked together to accomplish it. Considering The Prophesy; that was likely to be the way it all started.
Donte leaned back in his chair and looked at Kenyon. “I think we need to keep this quiet until I can visit. If I can’t talk to these people specifically, maybe I can start a little word-of-mouth information.
Kenyon nodded. “Don’t put yourself in a situation where you might get hurt.”
Donte smiled. “Kenyon, this is a serious situation. I cannot operate from outside. Danger is inevitable.”
Bram looked at them. “No one would hurt Donte.”
Donte sat up in his chair and looked at each of them. “I have many friends, but as this thing develops, I will have enemies. As I taught you, sometimes the enemy is the one you would least expect.”
Nieke looked at Kenyon. “Sometimes it is someone in your own home.”
Kenyon smiled at her. “That wouldn’t be me. I don’t have a lot of experience at this, but I’ve already made a pledge to stand behind Donte to the death.”
Donte looked from one of them to the other. “It would be strategic to trust no one, but it would also be inefficient. I must trust someone. Which of you people do you think I should distrust?”
Anouk spoke for the first time. “I’m a Mascot, but I agree with Donte. You have to trust someone.” She looked at Donte. “But there are some people you should not trust.”
Donte studied her a moment. “Do you have a specific name in mind?”
Anouk looked uncomfortable and remained silent.
Donte smiled. “You all know me well enough to realize that I will take your information and evaluate it without divulging my source or letting that person know.”
Anouk looked at Kenyon.
Kenyon lifted his hands in submission. “If it will make you feel better, I’ll leave. You know Donte wouldn’t tell me if you didn’t want him to. But I could protect Donte better if I knew where to watch.”
Anouk shook her head. “I’ll tell everyone here, but remember - it’s just my opinion.”
They all nodded and leaned forward.
Anouk leaned toward them and spoke in a quiet voice. “Beier.”
Nieke felt relieved. It wasn’t who she thought she was going to name and it wouldn’t have been her first suspect.
Donte nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you for sharing your concern. Is there anything specific that gives you cause to distrust him?”
Anouk shook her head. “Nothing I wish to discuss.”
Nieke visually caressed Donte’s face. He was the kindest, bravest man she had ever known. How could anyone betray him? And yet, he accepted the idea with complete calm – as if he expected it to happen. The Prophesy said that he would lead them all to freedom. It didn’t say he would live through it. Knowing Donte as well as she did, it was difficult to think that he hadn’t considered that idea. Yet here he sat, ready to accept the responsibility.
Donte met her steady regard. He knew how she felt about him. How could he help but know when he had caught her drooling over him so many times? It wasn’t as if she expected anything from him. Even if he didn’t have a mate, he wouldn’t exchange vows with a colonist. It wasn’t because he thought he was above her. It was because he would outlive her by a couple hundred years; and because he wanted children. Propagation was impossible between Mascots and colonists. But most of all it was because he loved Rianne. Seeing them together tonight had made that painfully obvious.
Nieke stood. “I think Donte is expected to join their guests this evening. We don’t want to take all his time.”
Everyone stood and Nieke extended her hand to Donte. “We’re all leaving early tomorrow morning on the tram. We wish you luck and we’ll contact you if we hear anything we think you might need to know.”
He shook each of their hands and wished them well. She watched as the two men left the room. She wasn’t sure what she could do, but she wanted a part in freeing the colonists, whether that freedom was from Mascot rule or The Fontalo.
***
Celyn had felt annoyed when Donte walked away with Kenyon. He didn’t care about her at all. He didn’t believe her vision. He’d find out in the next five years. He shouldn’t have exchanged vows with Rianne. He had put Rianne in danger. If Rianne didn’t get tired of him, or he of her, then something would happen to her.
Kenyon had said he and Quade would show them around, but Donte wasn’t going to go with them. He had been away for three years and he wanted to be with his family. He could be with them anytime. She was only going to be there a short time. Surely he could make the time. She hadn’t seen him for four long years.
“Celyn.”
She looked up to find her father watching her with a stern expression. She released a heavy sigh and followed him. “I’m coming.”
They all went back up to Saskia and Pieter’s living quarters. Petra was their main source of entertainment until she fell asleep. After that, Rianne, Sima, Mai, Akira and Saskia talked about some fabric samples they had spread out on the table between them. Damian, Pieter, and her father were in the other room, discussing the latest tram routes. She was nodding off with boredom when Donte and Kenyon returned. Suddenly she was wide awake. They had everyone’s attention.
Donte looked around the room. “I’m sorry. Some of the servicemen and women wanted to talk to me tonight because they are leaving early in the morning.”
If they wanted to talk to Donte, then why did Kenyon go with him? It wasn’t that she thought he was lying. She couldn’t imagine Donte lying about anything. She simply didn’t think he was telling the entire truth. Judging by the look on his face, Pieter thought there was more to it as well.
“Three years wasn’t enough to say everything?” Pieter was obviously upset with Donte for leaving their guests.
Donte looked at him. “I suppose you build a lot of companionship in three years. It’s difficult to let go.”
Damian looked at Pieter. “It was only a few minutes. Surely we could spare our servicemen and women that much time after they gave us three years of their lives.”
Quade smiled at Damian. “Well said.”
Pieter shrugged. “I suppose so.’ He nodded at a chair. “Sit down Donte. It hurts my neck to look up at you. I think you get taller every day.”
Donte took a chair beside Quade and grinned. “It could be. Everything has looked smaller on Purlieu for the last three years.” He turned his attention to the women. “Why don’t you ladies come in here and join us? We need something to brighten the room.”
Of course, by “you ladies,” he meant Rianne, but they all took their chairs in and joined the men. Donte would have something more interesting to talk about than tram routes and fabric samples.
Donte looked at Sima and Mai. “I understand the tram rail is almost complete to the main colony of Lochfowk. How is that going?”
Oh Donte. What had they done to him? They discussed tram routes again until she was ready to kick Donte in the shin. Finally, he looked at her father.
“Dad said he was taking you and Celyn on a tour.” His gaze briefly touched Celyn before returning to her father.
Neirin nodded. “We saw quite a bit of country from the tram today, but we would love to see more. The mountain scenery was breathtaking.” He looked at Damian. “Is there any restriction riding the tram from one colony to another?”
Not the tram again. Traveling on it was fine, but if they had to talk about it for one more minute; she was afraid she would scream. Their conversation became blah, blah, blah when she realized Donte was watching her. When Damian finally stopped talking, Donte spoke to her.
“I’ve been trying to talk to you all evening, Celyn. You’ve been pretty busy.”
Warmth flooded up her neck. Everyone was watching them. She shrugged. What was there to say?
Donte looked at Rianne. “What do you think? Are you up to a little traveling?”
Rianne looked confused. “On the tram – with…them?”
Donte smiled at her. “Yes, Rianne; on the tram with Dad, Akira, King Neirin, Princess Celyn and…” he looked at Kenyon “Kenyon?” He concluded.
Kenyon nodded.
Rianne smiled. “And Petra. That would be delightful.”
It was strange how a word that had been boring a few minutes ago could become so exciting. It was the difference between talking about it and acting on it…and who was included or excluded.
Donte looked at Sima. “How about you and Mai?”
She shook her head. “No, I’d better get back.” She looked at Mai. “But don’t let it stop you.”
Quade stood. “I’ll send a message to Dylan. He can meet us in Libertad and escort you back.”
Quade left the room to send the message and Akira turned to her sister. “Dylan is another one of his sons. He is a sweetheart. You’ll like him.”
Donte stood and helped Rianne to her feet, as if she needed any assistance. “I think we’ll go home now. It’s been a long day for everyone and I’m sure you’d like to get some rest before the trip in the morning.”
He and Rianne went to the bedroom to get their daughter. It shouldn’t take two people to carry one three-year-old girl, but then, it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, either. Gag.
By the time Quade returned, Donte and Rianne had gone home. He announced that he and Akira were going to their room.
“I’ll show the rest of you to your rooms when you’re ready.” Kenyon said.
Everyone stood and said goodnight to Pieter and Saskia. Kenyon took them downstairs past a big room with tables and down a long hallway. He assigned a room for each of them and took Sima to the last room. As Celyn was going into her room, the last thing she saw was Sima grabbing Kenyon by the arm and jerking him into her room. He didn’t look like he was fighting.
She shut her door and rolled her eyes. What was this, some kind of love inn? Her attention was quickly distracted by the beauty of the room. It was simple, with only a bed and a nightstand, but the warmth of the lamp light was absorbed by the golden wood of the walls. Her luggage was sitting on the floor next to the bed. She removed her dress and pulled out a fresh robe. Picking a book up from the nightstand, she stretched out on the bed to read.
***
At the cottage, Rianne put Petra in her bed while Donte fixed them hot drinks. While the water heated, he removed his uniform jacket, hanging it on the back of his chair. He didn’t know which subject to address first with Rianne; the romp with Celyn or the information Gerritt had disclosed. He was leaning on the back of the chair, staring at the table when Rianne returned.
She smiled at him and walked to the counter, removing two cups. “So, explain to me what you hope to achieve traveling with Celyn.”
He stared at her, trying to realign his thoughts. He should have known she would direct the flow of the conversation. There was no planning a conversation with Rianne. He pulled his chair out and sat in it, scooting up to the table. She joined him, waiting expectantly for his response.
“I’m not sure. I simply thought it would give me more time to talk to her.” He smiled. “And it would give us some time together.”
Her smile was wry. “Good save on that last part.”
He shrugged. “Well, the way you worded the question didn’t actually leave room for it.”
“Why do you need to talk to Celyn?”
“For one thing, I need to understand her response to the romp tonight. She knew every step I was going to take; no matter how frequently I altered them.”
“Oh, so that’s what was happening. I wondered…so why were you challenging her?”
Why was he challenging her? What did he expect to achieve, except to establish that he was superior? No, that wasn’t it. He shrugged again. “I guess I wanted to know the limits of her power.”
Rianne nodded. “And did you determine that?”
He laughed and leaned back in his chair. “No. I don’t even know why she was doing it.”
Rianne smiled. “Because she could. She wanted to make it clear that you had no control over her.”
“Why?”
Rianne laughed. “I suppose because she is a thirteen-year-old girl and you were supposed to wait for her.”
This wasn’t going at all like he planned. He sighed. “Rianne, I have to establish a working relationship with her. We can’t suddenly start working together to save the colonies. It doesn’t happen that way. It took three years to form a bond with the people in my command. Our working relationship was nothing like what will be required for Celyn and me.”
Rianne laced her fingers together; her elbows on the table. Placing her chin on her fingers, she studied him reflectively. Finally, she lifted her head.
“Why don’t you invite her to stay with us for a while? We could take her on treks through the country on equines - and camp.”
It was the last thing he would have expected her to say. “A rebellious teenager with a grudge against you would hardly be an atmosphere worth coveting.”
Rianne smiled. “No, I suppose not.” She stood and walked to the counter, deep in thought as she prepared their drinks. She carried their drinks back to the table and sat in her chair. “I think our relationship is strong enough to weather it, and it is about saving the colonies.”
He stared at her. “You’re not serious. I don’t know if her father would allow it, and if he did, I don’t know if she would consent.”
“She would jump at the chance to be near you.”
Donte grimaced. “Maybe, but not for the right reasons.”
Rianne shrugged. “Not in the beginning. What was it you said about it taking time to bond? If it doesn’t work out, you can always send her home.”
Donte studied Rianne’s face. “Why would you want to do this?”
Rianne lifted her brows. “Do you mean; what’s in it for me?”
“No, I mean; why would you want to take the risk?”
“What risk - that she might take you away from me?”
Donte frowned. “She isn’t going to take me from you. She’s just a kid.”
“True, so why are you worried?”
“I’m not worried. I simply don’t want to risk…to put that kind of strain on our relationship.”
“Donte, either she is right about the vision or she is wrong. If she is right, it will happen and there is nothing we can do about it. If she is wrong, we have nothing to be concerned about.”
There was plenty to be concerned about, but Rianne did have a point. This wasn’t about trying to tame a teenager. This was about building the bond necessary to save the colonies. Leaving Rianne behind while he tried to achieve that would be far more destructive to their relationship.
“What are you afraid of, Donte?”
He met her steady gaze. “Losing you.”
She put her hands over his. “Don’t you know that I’m afraid of that too?”
“Then why.…?”
She placed a finger over his lips, silencing him. “Because it has to be done.” She gazed into his eyes. “Because I’d rather have you for six more years the way things are than a hundred wishing we had done the right thing.”
He stroked her cheek. “I love you, Rianne.”
“I love you too.”
She took his hand and drew back, totally composed. “Now, tell me what that meeting was all about and what Gerritt said.”
He told her about his talk with Gerritt and the meeting with the servicemen and women, leaving out the warning about Beier.
Rianne nodded. “Of course, you will have to go to Vlaktes and talk to them. You need to take Celyn with you.”
He didn’t say anything. He would decide if he went and who went with him. He appreciated her input about Celyn, and had no doubt it was a good idea. Taking Celyn from one colony to another in the company of her father and on a tram was one thing. Dragging her into a volatile situation was another.
Rianne looked uncomfortable. “I didn’t mean to tell you what you should do. I was merely thinking out loud.”
“I understand, but it might be dangerous for her.”
“But you don’t think it would be dangerous for you.”
“I’m an adult. She’s only thirteen.”
“Almost fourteen. Have you discussed this with her father?”
Of course, King Neirin was the man who had raised her. He was the one who would decide whether she could go, but he wasn’t her biological father. Beier was. Donte knew that, but for the first time he thought about the warning with regard to Celyn. How did Beier feel about Celyn? Would he try to take her from Neirin?
“Donte?”
“No. I haven’t had the opportunity to talk to him about anything yet.”
Rianne lifted her cup with both hands and sipped on the hot liquid, her gaze distant. Finally, she spoke in a quiet voice.
“Of course, you could wait until she is more mature.”
“When would that be?”
Rianne gave him a wry smile. “Maybe never.”
He laughed without humor. “Sometimes I think I’ll never mature. Just about time I think I’ve matured enough to face Papaw; we have an argument and I get emotional.”
Rianne studied his face a moment. “Are you concerned about discussing this latest thing with him?”
He nodded. “He’s the ruler. He has every right to make the decisions.” He sipped his drink. “I wish that, for once, we would see things from the same perspective.” He made a face. “Maybe I don’t know how to compromise.”
Rianne’s eyes twinkled over the rim of her cup. She sat the cup down and spoke in a sarcastic tone. “That must be the case. So far you have negotiated with an insane tyrant; negotiated the release of captives that were held for thirty years; brought reluctant colonies together and inspired colonists to serve on spaceships. It sounds like you’re the problem.”
Donte smiled. “You make it sound a lot better than it was.”
“I don’t think so. Pieter isn’t trying to work with you. In fact, it sounds like he is trying to work against you.”
“He thinks he is doing the right thing.”
“Everyone is wrong sometime.”
“Maybe I’m wrong.”
“Do you think that is probable?”
He slid his chair back and stood. “No. I’m sure he’s wrong. But he’s sure he’s right.”
Rianne stood and took their mugs to the counter. Turning, she surveyed him from toe to face. When her eyes met his, she gave him a seductive smile. “I think we’ve pretty much talked this thing out, don’t you?”
Soft Science Fiction
