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88 Waiting Arms “If Alder says we can do it, he’s got a plan." I assured Carl. “Okay..." Carl shook his head. “If you say so..." He didn’t really believe me. But it was the best either of us could muster right now. I’ll take it. I looked up at Alder. “Buddy and Lila?” “They’ll figure out their own way.” He said confidently. “Remember, they’re designed for this land, Sheeri.” He’s right. I looked down at Buddy who was already starting to whine. We were only a few feet up and already he looked so sad… “Karen!" Carl barked. “Tie yourself to me." “Why?" She queried. “Because you've got the legs of a newborn pony. Mom's a bit more surefooted." “So?" She frowned at him. “Does Clyde look like he can support your weight if you fall?" It seemed that all eyes turned to Clyde. He did look far more fragile in appearance. He looks like a kid that would’ve spent all his extra time before The Shimmer, with a controller in his hand. Whereas Carl was twice his size. Karen groaned like the objecting little sister she was, but dutifully took the rope Clyde offered. Wendy and Karen finished the two rope lines which all joined at Alder. “This rope's pretty thin, buddy." Carl called up to Alder posed a few feet up the dune. We were all starting up it. “Sure, it’s going to hold my big ass?" Carl asked. “Hope so." Alder called back. Not looking over. “I wove steel tinsel through it when I braided it." How long ago was that. I touched the rope as I stepped, feeling the tight weave of it. How long has he planned all this? I was beginning to think he’d been working on things for far longer than I could imagine. I chewed my lip. Feeling minutely better after knowing he'd made it himself. *** We were all climbing on our hands, knees, and toes. More crawling than climbing. It was a painstakingly slow process. We all had to take care of finding our footing, or risk taking everyone down with us. After a few fumbled starts, we learned that we could only take steps as long as the rope to the person behind us. Otherwise, we’d strain the rope, and everyone would begin to jostle. The people in the back learned to move when we did. Watching our feet in order to assure they stepped in unison with us. We were a pyramid of motion. Awkward motion. Still, we were making headway. Even if it was slow-going. Fortunately, the sun had traversed over it, as we worked. Casting us in a shady reprieve from the blistering heat. For now… But those cruel hours in the punishing heat had left my lips cracked enough that I could taste the coppery tinge of blood from everywhere they’d split. My mouth and throat felt like I had cotton stuffed down it. But we were doing the equivalent of mountain climbing. It wasn't as if we could simply stop to drink. If anyone stops right now, we could all fall. There was the chance we'd all go sliding if we tried. If we tug Alder backward, we’re all doomed. “Come on!” Alder roared. Pushing us on. “Forward!” Keep going! I told myself. But…I was dumb enough to glance down. And about shit my pants. We were high. Really high. If we fall, someone could be seriously hurt or crushed. My brain was doing the math on possible trajectories for a fall while we were all hooked together. None of it was coming out well. Shit! On top of that, I could see the backs of a cluster of basters. Twenty or more. Their gray-blue skin gleamed in the sunlight a distance away. Their tall, hairless frames stood out against the tan sand. Their overly long legs and arms made them look like aliens in the distance. Like something that doesn’t belong out here. They looked fragile, from so far away. I knew better though. They’re ruthless, mean, greedy and selfish. They’re awful! And they were entirely too close for my comfort. Though they had somehow managed not to notice the whole string of us dangling off the biggest hill in the dunes. So far… My hopes weren’t high that, that would remain the case. “Alder." I called in a hushed tone. Not really having more to say than that. I just wanted to voice my trepidation. There’s too many of us for this plan to go smoothly. I was afraid. “I know.” He snapped. Announcing to everyone. “Keep looking up. Keep moving." He was trying to be only loud enough for them to hear. His tone level and decisive. But the baters knew his voice. That command was what drew their attention even from half a mile away. They recognized it was Alder and were quick to move our way. Working their way toward us over the dunes. Far faster then we’re getting up this hill. *** Time seemed to slow as I knew the basters were coming for us. I tried to focus only on Alder. His tone was steady. “Up. Up. Up.” He chanted to us, giving us a rhythm to step to. It did seem to help, we were doing better. But the lowest of us was still only about ten or eleven feet from the base of the hill. Less from the nearby dunes. If a baster wanted to jump to try to reach them. I looked back at Karen and Wendy and wished they’d move faster. Don’t fall. I willed them. My hands were shaking as I tried to push them far enough into the sand to get some kind of foothold. Every time I got in too big a hurry, I’d slip a little. Which would remind me that I had to take my time despite the urgency of the situation. I knew they were close when I could hear Tilda’s grotesque voice sing-songing to us. “There you are… All my babies in one place…How convenient!” God, I hate her voice. There were so many people I had hoped would not die out in the elements, so many people I had tried to help. Since we’d been free and when we were out foraging. I didn’t want anyone to die. But I had evolved from my time outside the Warehouse. I no longer believed that every life was precious since the Shimmer. The basters are evil. Tilda is the embodiment of it. I couldn’t have imagined someone so evil, if I’d tried. She needs to die. I wanted to kill her myself. I’d never wanted something so much in my life. I didn’t believe she’d ever stop hunting for Alder, and probably me. As long as she’s alive. Because of her morbid desire to become immortal. No one deserves it less. My anger motivated my strength. Despite the steaming heat wafting up through the dunes and the cruel glare of it which had already burned my skin red, I pressed on. Digging my hands and feet into the sand to push myself higher. Every so often I’d lose a foot or two and remember to slow down. Then I’d make it four or five. Then slide. Then slow down. It was hard not to try to go faster when I knew the basters were coming for us. And they’d love nothing more than to drag us down this hill, and lock us all in that scrap of a warehouse. I went higher. Pushing upward despite my aching shoulders and the gritty sand pushing under my fingernails. Higher. Then I could hear them at the bottom of the mountain of a dune. Shouting up to us from the base. “There you are!" Tilda screeched triumphantly. I could tell she was trying to croon to us, to gloat victoriously. But she just sounded shrill and hawklike. Her voice makes my ears ache. "I have been looking for you.” “Serpent…” She called in that arrogant tone. “You really thought you could just scamper off with our slaves and that pretty snippet of yours, and not have to pay for it?" Alder concentrated on ignoring her. Moving methodically upward. He has to be afraid. I thought. But I watched the careful way he moved, the strength in his back, and didn’t see a single tremor of indecision. He sure doesn’t look like it. I was beginning to freak out. Worried that Karen or Wendy might still be low enough for the basters to reach. If they can get ahold of them, they can bring us all down. Fear had my heart racing. The sound of the basters shouting was dulled to a hum beneath us. Still, I caught bits of words here and there. "Come down here, Serpent!" Tilda demanded. Her attempts at a sweet tone were rapidly dying. "Right now!” Alder was ignoring her, working further up this damn endless mountain of sand. I glanced around below and was saddened to see that Lila and Buddy had gone. I’d almost hoped that the animals would’ve sank their teeth into Tilda and ripped her apart. Alder was right. They're probably circling around to the other side by now. "Fine, Serpent!" Tilda shrieked wrathfully. "Have it your way. You'll all be down here soon enough. Then you will be fulfilling your duty." Those words sickened me to death, since I now knew what they meant. She wants him to give her a child, so she can kill it to make herself immortal. Gross. That thought gave me the strength to pull harder. But just as I began moving like a machine, strong and powerful, Karen at the very back lost her footing. It was a little thing really. A slight catch of her toe sliding through sand loosened by all the people that had pulled themselves up behind her. But that tiny motion rattled sand further down loose until it had dislodged a sheet that made it impossible for her to stop herself. Her cry was a warning call to Clyde. Clyde heard the desperate, terrified shriek of his baby sister. He’d heard the shouts of the basters from the bottom, the same as I did. And I realized in that moment, that he had the same fears I did. But Karen was in a horrible freefall. All her weight carrying her down toward the basters waiting arms.

Chapter One Hundred Ninety-Eight Yours, Always “I’ve no idea!” He was too stunned at this unexpected onslaught to recall. “Too many to count?” She sneered perceptively. Not in the way you mean. He floundered. “I was swimming, not loving.” “Is there a difference?” She demanded, seething. Of course, there is! “Yes! I don’t swim with you!” Wrong thing to say. He guessed from the livid expression on her face. “I am well-aware of that!” She raged. I’m losing whatever this is. He realized. Badly. “Can we just…Calm down?” He put his hands out in a staying gesture but found it hurt since her hands were still embedded in the muscles near his shoulders. “No!” She said firmly. Forcefully shoving him back. His hips caught on the edge of her bed, and he tipped back until falling roughly. Gasping in surprise. When did I get here? How’d she… “Elsabet…I’ll ask again…What have I don’t to anger you?” “Why don’t you tell me!” “Tell you what!” His voice was raising. He was utterly baffled at her abrupt change. She had been more on hairpins lately than usual. But she’s also been sweeter. He was willing to take one for the other. She opened wide and leaned back to bring her teeth down violently into his shoulder. Teeth narrowing to piercing tips that sunk in sharply. Ow. Ow. Ow. She was merciless. Drawing her claws out slightly to rake them down the length of his chest and abdomen. He drew a hissing breath. Ouch! He glared at her. Eyes flashing gold in his irritation. “There you are…” She purred. Tilting her head to look into them. “The dragon…” She stepped far enough away to lean down and grip the bottom of her red skirt. Catching it between her hands she tore it up the side. Catching the underskirt to do the same. As she began to crumple the bottom between her hands to hike up her skirts his eyes widened. Ohh… Scratch away. He leaned back while she climbed atop his hips. He slid further up the bed while she leaned on her knees so she could access his belt and waist. She ripped his belt free, tearing a seam on his pants and turned a finger to use the hook of a brown talon through the laces up the front of his breeches. Wincing, he closed his eyes. Hoping she’d be steady. He was unwilling to watch. Don’t miss. He hoped. Fighting the urge to set her aside and unlace himself. She severed the strings in a single movement and ripped his garments off him. He had no idea what was happening at this juncture but was willing to suffer through to find out. Hopefully her violence cools as her desire heats. When she positioned herself atop him and began lowering, sliding him into her hot, wet, softness. Her whole body eased. He thought perhaps his hopes would be fruitful, but she curled her claws to rip through his torso again. A pleasured moan escaped him. He had to fist his hands next to his shoulders to keep from touching her. It was clear that it wasn’t what she wanted tonight. She wants to be in control. He was willing to give her that. She twitched her claws into his skin. Making him lurch up, hissing in pain. Though it did nothing to cool his ardor. Her passions, whether in anger or desire, were deeply arousing to him. Watching her feel anything was always hypnotic. Especially when he considered what a cold, dark creature she’d been when she arrived. Now she’s full of passions, good and bad. “What you deserve.” She whispered acidly next to his ear. “For leaving me as you do.” And he was very afraid of where this evening was going to lead. But as she used that grip as leverage and began pulling her body over his, stroking down onto him with a raging rhythm, she began to focus on things other than causing him pain. Her soft breaths touched along the side of his neck. She was starting to tremble, her body began to sweat. So was Sebastian. Not touching her was excruciating despite what she was offering him. As good as it felt, he wanted more than a physical motion. He wanted to connect with her. But right now, she was possessively loving him. Riding him as if he was hers, and hers alone. I am. If that was what she needed, then he’d wait for what he needed. She moaned more loudly. One of her clawed hands detaching so she could reach around his neck to pull herself up. Her fingers wound into his silky hair. Holding on as if she was trying to keep him there with her through sheer brute force. After a time, she gave a long drawn out breath. Her hand shook against his neck, her legs quaked around his thighs. He felt her shuddering around his length, solidly inside her. Her rhythmic clenching revealed the depths of her violent climax. It soared over her. Pouring like the sweetest water. She threw her head back and her face was pure rapture. A look which he thought suited her. Her long slender neck reminded him of a swan as it glided over midnight waters. She was sheer beauty. Raw and untamed. As ugly as her fury was, the undeniable beauty beneath it drew him like a moth to a never-ending flame. He knew in that moment that he would never get enough of her. That he would give her all he was, mind, body and twisted, scarred spirit, and pray it would be enough to calm her restless soul. After a few rapturous moments she slumped over. Tears streaming down her face and pouring warm droplets on his chest. She dropped her forehead against his wounded chest. Sensing she’d released her anger with her climax, he put a hand around her shoulder blades and the other along the back of her head. Flattening them against her to pull her in tight. He was very still until he felt all the tension leave her. “I love you, Elsabet. Only you. There will never be another that could possess every part of me the way that you have.” It was true, she was all consuming. A darkness to bleak to see into and light to vibrant to gaze upon, all in the same complex body. She had infested him like some cruel parasite that unfurled long tentacles through every corner of his being until he was operated entirely by thoughts of her and the dark, yet beautiful feelings he had for her. She’s unlike anything else in all of this world or the next. “There you are my sweetheart. I am happy to be home and back in your arms.” He told her. “Angry, as they may be.” That was pure truth. She has to know it. Sebastian held her. Sensing she needed that even more than she’d needed the joining. When she eventually began to move again it was tender. Warm. And surprised him. He’d hoped to hold her like that until all her pain was washed away by her tears. But she wanted more. His chest was still smeared with tears and as he felt others running over his skin. He felt the sting of the wounds she’d caused healing beneath the power of those drops. The skin whispering closed. Healing through layers of nerves, muscle and tissue until there was no remnant of the damage she’d done. Gone as if it had never been… “I’m yours, sweetheart. Always.”

Chapter One Hundred Ninety-Seven Sent to Her Den After Bast sent Alazar off with much of the exported goods, he took what he’d had unloaded in another cart and ordered his first mate back to the Isle of Wight for another load before he began the long trek back to WaterRose with the remaining cart. It had a lone mule pulling it. He didn’t need to touch the horse for it to nuzzle the back of his neck and clop along behind him. He chuckled and rubbed its neck. “You are a good lad, I see that.” The mule was one that Alazareth had loaned him for the job but during the trek, Bast was growing rather fond of the thing. Though Sebastian was happy to be taking a cartload of gifts and fine foods back to WaterRose with him, he couldn’t help but be disappointed by the time it was taking. It was nearly dark that night by the time he arrived. He found himself growing increasingly excited to return knowing she was there. If I hurry, I may make dinner with her. Another chance to see her pretty face. Thusly it was a great relief when he was able to have Timus and his unload the goods into the WaterRose storehouse. Directing that some of the finer items be taken straight in to the kitchen pantry for Elengard to sort through at her leisure. Entering WaterRose he caught the first lulling whiff of dinner and turned to Elengard. “It smells fantastic.” He grinned approvingly as they set down the first load of crates in the kitchens. Elengard shook her head. “What?” He asked. “I didn’t make it.” His brow furrowed. “Your bird.” She said in her minimalistic way. Gesturing toward the dining hall. “Elsabet cooked?” “She has been.” “When’d she learn to do that?” “I’ve been teaching her at her behest. Well, it was more of a directive then a request.” Her lips twitched at the statement. “You’re on speaking terms?” He reared back shocked. “On occasion. When she is pleasant. Or relatively so…” “Whyever, did she want to learn to do that?” “Because My Lord.” Elengard gave her a pointed look. “She seems to be constantly hungry.” Meaning? *** WaterRose, Meadow Mountain, Grier Country Sebastian was a bit disheartened to find that by the time he arrived in the Dining Hall, Elsabet was concluding her meal. She was sending him looks that were nearly longing. Something I’d thought never to see. But when she was done, she bid him a good evening and rose. Tipping her head before she went upstairs. He twisted to watch her, utterly confused. But because she hadn’t seemed interested in touching him, he felt that she was telling him in the nicest way she knew how that she wanted some time alone. He sighed, guessing that meant she wanted to be left alone. He wandered forlornly into the library to pick up his current book. Rhyers materialized in the door of Sebastian’s Library. “Your valkyrie is asking for you.” Asking is likely a generous word. Sebastian gave him a wary look. She doesn’t ask for anything. “She wishes to speak to you.” He cleared his throat as he repeated it more urgently. “She does?” Bast tossed aside his book and clambered to his feet. It felt it had been countless days since he’d last had an opportunity to touch her, he was excited even to be around her. He smiled in anticipation as Rhyers quickly passed him in the foyer, heading out. Odd. Not even a goodbye? Bast was grinning as he went upstairs, but when he drew near her chamber and felt her rage, his confident step slowed. Perhaps I should go back down? This is a trap. It was clear Rhyers had baited him and sent him into the den of the beast. I should not go in there. He turned with hunkered shoulders and began easing toward the stairs to retreat back to his library. Perhaps Rhyers was mistaken, and she does need some time alone. “Sebastian! I know you’re out there.” He cringed. Too late. What’d I do now? Everything had been fine for a few days. The answer came instantly. That’s her pattern. I get close. She finds a reason to get angry. I guess I knew that…He sighed. Saddened that they were so quickly going back to fighting. He stepped into the chamber, and she met him. Stalking across the room while he stood just inside the doorway. His brows lifted at her obvious fury. She reached around him and shoved the door closed. What’s she doing? He glanced over his shoulder. She caught the neckline of his tunic and sent talons jutting from her fingertips enough to snag the fabric and rip it free at his shoulders. She tossed it aside and he watched the movement a bit morosely. This is going to hurt. “That was a fine linen.” He objected faintly. “I don’t care.” His expression was worried as he peered at her. She sank claws into the top of his chest. Making him wince and his shoulders draw forward instinctively. Latching on, she led him around and backed him further into the room. “Elsabet…” He asked slowly. “What did I do?” “You’re-you…You are…you.” Last I checked. “Care to tell me what this anger is about?” “You...” I have had quite enough of this suspense! “You really must tell me what this is about!” He straightened his shoulders and forced her claws deeper into the span of his chest. Jaw ticking. “Is this about women? I’ve told you there’s no other women. I’ve told you a hundred times!” “What about Calisto?” His eyes widened and he reared back. “Calisto?” She was holding him in that room, ensuring that there was nowhere for him to go and no immediate concern to draw his attention from answering her. She really needs this answer. He knew to tread carefully. “I never-” “Swam naked with her?” Elsabet finished. How the hell- “Half-naked, actually. My breeches were on.” “I’m so comforted by that.” “You should be!” Can do very little with my breeches on! “How many times did that happen?” Countless. It was a race. Play. That was all it was. Nothing more. But explaining that to her was going to be less simple. It always is…