Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 Author: Invid Fan
Title: The Magic of Bells
Summary:Sequel to The Magic of Life.  An obscure prophesy.  An enchanted
compass.  For Sam, these were her only hopes for finding her lost love. --
Keywords: mf, magic

   The Magic of Bells By Invid Fan (c)2013

   Chapter 1



   It was like Sam was traveling through the stars.

   The teen, who no longer considered herself as such, sat on a wooden
barrel near the bow of the ship.  There was no rigging here to obscure her
view.  No swinging sails, no rope netting.  Just the ocean, the stars. 
Stars...  they were bright tonight.  Gone was the storm of the past week.
All that remained was a clear night as far as the eye could see, over
darkened seas.

   Somewhere...  somewhere, up among those cold stars, her father watched
down on her.  Somewhere, up ahead, in lands unknown, her Jack awaited
rescue, enslaved by the Witch.

   Sam sighed.  A year.  A year gone.  A year without word, without sign.
Following some bewitched arrow pointing not to her love, her man, but to
some trinket that might not be with them still.  Was Jack still alive?  Was
she wasting her life, chasing love's ghost?

   Little Jay released her breast, done with his evening meal.  Samantha
looked down at her son, smiling despite her mood.  One night.  One night
with her love had blessed Sam with a baby.  How much more will she be
blessed, once she reunited with Jack?  Nipple starting to get cold, Sam
cradled Jay with one arm while slipping her breast back inside her shirt.
She could no longer be mistaken for a boy, let alone a man, for all she
kept her hair short and wore jeans.  No, she had breasts, hips, and a baby.
All sure signs of womanhood.

   "I think the brat needs to burp."

   And that was the sign of a bitchy fairy.

   Lil fluttered down before Sam, small wings sending a slight breeze
towards her on this warm night, a counterpoint to the much stronger breeze
hitting her back (and the sails above).  The small creature, not quite one
girl's hand high, came to rest gracefully on the ship railing.  She was
human looking, mostly, apart from the clear butterfly wings, and perhaps
the black skin.  It may be humans somewhere were that dark, but Sam, in her
limited travels, had never seen them.  The Witch had the darkest brown skin
she knew of.  Lil's hair, though, was as white as starlight, braided so it
fell between her wings and just past her nude bottom.  The tuft of hair
between her legs was heart shaped, naturally, she insisted.  Her figure was
slim, small breasts tipped with pink nipples which matched her lips.

   The small sword, belted to her waist, was her only adornment.

   Jay looked like he did need a good pat on the back, so as if that had
been the plan all along (which, naturally, it had been), Sam lay him on her
chest and gently coaxed out a burp.  Lil stood, watching, arms crossed.

   "Bored are we?" Sam asked.  Jay let out one small burp, then a half one.
Figuring that was it, she brought him back down, wrapping the blue blanket
back around him.  His eyes began to close.

   "A bit," Lil admitted, eyes staying on the baby.  She reached up and
moved a stray hair that had fallen over her face.  "Kik is reading."

   Sam chuckled at the icy tone on her voice, drawing a frown from the
fairy warrior.  Sam decided she was in no mood for a fight, though. 
Standing, her free hand going to her sword hilt to keep the weapon from
catching on anything, she smiled at her small friend.

   "I'm ready to call it a night."

   ****

   Heather's hand removed itself from the pommel of the dagger beside her
as Sam entered the cabin.  Passenger cabins could NOT be locked, much to
her distress.  She had rarely left the room for this reason, certainly
never when Lady Cathy was there.  To entrust the safety of, not just their
few possessions, but her Mistress herself, to simply a closed door would
not do.  No.  She had a job, and Heather WOULD carry it out.  Whenever she
had doubt, about what could and could not be done by a woman, all Heather
had to do was look at Samantha.

   Sam, door closed behind her, crossed the room with little Jay.  The teen
was thin, wiry, arms muscular yet still with a feminine grace.  Compared to
her, Heather felt like a buxom ox, her curves and ample flesh signs of
weakness, not beauty.  Sam was even graceful putting her son in the small
basket hung by the beam near Sam's hammock.  She was the ideal.

   Heather bit her lip, eyes lingering on the flickering shadows on the
girl's face.  Ideal, in more ways than one...

   She tore her gaze away, chastising herself.  Sam was married, damn it!
That's why she was HERE!  As Heather served Lady Cathy, so Sam served her
Jack.  As it should be.  Any other thoughts, of, well, any kind, were... 
distractions.

   "Cathy asleep?"

   Sam's voice jerked her eyes back to the teen.  The fifteen year old was
sitting on her pack, leaning against the post which shoved itself through
the middle of the cabin.  Her male shirt, not quite buttoned properly,
showed the swell of her breasts, even as her jean clad legs spread most
unladylike.  Heather blushed a bit, nodding up towards a filled hammock.

   "She bedded down not long after you went out."

   Heather's eyes stayed on the sleeping Cathy as Sam nodded distractedly.
Her brother had told her, before she had been sold into the service of the
Duke, that royalty and commoners were one and the same.  That it was
accident of birth, not inherent special qualities, which separated the
classes.  Cathy...  defied that logic.  The nine year old princess was so
much smarter, braver, kinder, than any human Heather had ever met.  It was
this that had bought her loyalty, this that made her accept the role of
guardian for the girl.  For her, Heather was prepared to give up all.

   Had, in fact, given up all but her life.

   If needed, she would gladly give that as well.

   A kick to her foot brought Heather back to the here and now.  There was
a faint smile on Sam's lips, her leg drawing back to its original position.

   "Any of that stew left?"

   "Oh!  Yes!" Sam's face smiled thankfully as Heather rose to her feet,
moving to a copper pot in the corner.  This was a good aspect of the ship,
she had to admit.  While, naturally, cooking itself wasn't allowed in the
cabins, you could raid the galley and stock your rooms.  Maybe they hoped
to keep the rats away from the storage holds through this, Lil having
already killed four in her defense of the cabin.  As she scooped some of
the still warm stew into the wooden cup, she noticed the female fairy
standing behind her mate.  Heather's eyes flicked to Sam, seeing she, too,
was watching, amused.  Quietly, Heather brought the younger woman her meal
as they observed their friend.

   Lil's full attention was on the nude male sitting, legs crossed, on the
half sheet of paper on the floor.  He, like her, was a fairy, wings more
golden than clear, perhaps one knuckle taller than his female counterpart.
His form was impressive, slender, yet powerfully male, each muscle well
defined under his black skin.  Kik was hairless, in a way hiding his
nudity, as his male member was not highlighted as Lil's sex was.  Even
Heather had to admire this view of his back, the oil lamp illuminating the
male like some work of art.  He was hunched over, fully focussed on the
large letters before him.

   Lil's face was...  soft.  So unlike when she dealt with the humans. 
There was love there, admiration, unguarded.  The fairy seemed to sense, or
remember, that she was not alone.  Her body straightened, face hardened. 
Wings fluttering with agitation, she walked up beside her mate, hands on
her hips.

   "Why are you still doing that?"

   Kik didn't even bother looking up, hand tracing a letter.  Lil seemed to
growl.

   "It's just a stupid prophesy.  You know they're meaningless.  Even if
they're true, they're written so you can't interpret them until after the
fact!"

   Heather had to agree with this.  She trusted her compass, much more than
the mumbo jumbo Cathy got from that elf.  Still, CATHY believed, so...

   Kik looked up, eyes sparkling, lips in a half smile.  Reaching up, he
touched Lil on her bare hip, just below her hand.

   "You believe in dreams."

   She scoffed.

   "Naturally.  Everyone knows you have to follow your dreams."

   ****

   The humans were asleep.

   Lil sat on the cooling oil lamp, staring at the bundled forms gently
swinging in rhythm with the ship.

   Humans.

   It's not that there was anything wrong with the giant beasts, as a
species or with most individuals.  Yes, for the best chance of survival it
was good to stay hidden, to not attract the notice of such creatures, but
that was true in most predator/prey situations.  Those who were weak, or at
least weaker, survived either with numbers or stealth.

   There were not many fairies.

   Her hand went to her belly, even as her eyes shifted to her mate.  Lil
wanted to believe.  Needed to believe.  What her love had said.  Had
promised.  For this, she would tolerate the humans.  Help them.  Protect
them.  For, if it was true...

   Pushing off, she fluttered down to the floor.  Kik had rolled the paper
back up, hefting the scroll back into Heather's bag.  As he stepped back,
Lil came up behind him, pressing herself up against his warm body.  Her
arms went around his waist, as her head rested itself between his
shoulders. Kik's wings, growing from his shoulder blades, angled back
around her, as if protecting her from the world.

   "Is that really telling you anything?"

   He stood still, letting her feed off his strength.  She could sense him
nod.

   "Some.  You're right, of course, alone it is rather useless.  But..."

   "But what?" Her hands rose, covering his hard nipples, his own hands
rising to cover hers.  "From the ruins of the acorn of knowledge, the path
to the bells of destiny shall grow.  That's meaningless, you know."

   He was silent.  Turning her head, she kissed his skin.  It was salty,
musky.  She breathed in, letting his scent infuse her.

   "I had another dream."

   Lil's breathing stopped.  She felt herself pressing against him harder,
his words flowing back and forth through her mind.  Lil bit her bottom lip.

   "The same?"

   Pulling her hands off him, Kik stepped away, launching himself upwards.
He circled once, eyes locked on hers.  Even as she bent her legs to push
herself after him, he broke off, flying towards the open porthole in the
wooden hull.  She followed.

   ****

   Lil found him on the very bow of the ship, not far from where Sam had
held her own vigil.  The rigging creaked above, giving the clear night air
an unnatural sound.  She landed beside him on the wooden railing, hand
seeking his.

   "I saw you," he said, eyes on the unseen horizon where water and sky
met. "I saw you as mother to a new clan, queen to a new people.  I saw you
populate a new land, unknown to any we now know."

   "Are you king?" She asked, unable to keep her eyes off his face.  "Are
you father to my children?  I want no people, no kingdom, if you are not at
my side..."

   His expression became clouded, uncertain.

   "I...  yes, I think, for I see no other at your side." Her hand squeezed
his.  "But...  I see someone else.  Gold.  I..." Kik turned to her,
troubled.  "I see myself founding a new race."

   "New...  race?" Lil shook her head.  It made no sense.  He shrugged in
agreement.

   "It makes no sense, I know.  I just see...  gold.  Love, and gold."

   "I see love, too," she said, stepping close to him.  "You do not need
dreams to see it."

   "But you are more beautiful than any dream." He smiled, all doubt
vanishing from his eyes.  Hands going to her waist, he pulled her against
him.  Her own hands sought out his head, drawing it down to hers. 
Trembling with need, she kissed him.  He was hers.  That was all that
mattered.  Dreams, prophesy, nothing mattered beyond the two of them now.

   ****

   Cathy awoke to find the others already starting their day.

   She was not proud of this.  Having others around her working, while she
was not, had always disturbed Cathy.  Playing with her toys, or sitting and
reading, while maids cleaned and cooks cooked, had never set right with the
girl.  When she had told her mother this, the woman had only laughed,
patting her head, telling Cathy that such was just the way of the world. 
She would get used to it, accept her place above the petty workers. 
Besides...  she was a cripple.  Cathy could do nothing.

   Cathy sat up in the hammock, careful not to lean too far to the left or
right.  It would do her ego, let alone her somewhat fragile body, no good
to tip over and roll off onto the floor.  Again.  She rolled her head,
rotating her shoulders.  Cathy was one to move a lot at night, rolling
around her large bed back at the palace, or across the field when in a
sleeping bag.  Sam had jokingly suggested using stakes to secure her in
place when they camped near a stream.  Cathy had, in fact, woken one night
to find she had rolled ten feet towards the water, carefully rolling back
before anyone noticed.  A foolish thought: the next morning, she had found
a large rock on the bag just below her useless feet.

   You could not roll in a hammock, as her cramped muscles attested.

   "Lady, you're awake."

   Cathy yawned as Heather appeared at her side.  Her lady in waiting was
fully dressed, long blonde hair neatly braided.  Perfect, as always. 
Pushing the blankets off of herself, Cathy prepared for the first indignity
of the day.  Carefully, as if she was some sort of porcelain doll, Heather
put her arms under Cathy's small body and lifted her up.  Cathy's arms went
to Heather's neck, helping take some of the weight off of the woman's arms.
She could do that much, at least.  As Heather slowly walked across the
cabin, Cathy couldn't help but curse her useless legs.  Again.  Every day,
she was reminded how useless she was.  How...  fragile.  She wanted to be
strong.  Independent.  She wanted, some day, to walk, yes, walk into her
father's throne room.  Wanted to stand, head held high.  Look her mother
and father in the eye.  And...

   And, what?

   That, of late, had become the question.

   "Here we are.  Watch yourself, my Lady." Heather placed her gently in
her chair.  Cathy nodded to her, not quite in a smiling mood yet.  Heather
knew her well, though, not taking the lack of such niceties as a rebuke. 
"Let me get your breakfast together."

   Cathy hated being served.  That it was all she knew did not change that
fact.  She didn't hate Heather, though.  She loved her.  Heather was
mother. Sister.  Friend, even, although the woman would not allow herself
to treat Cathy as an equal.  Cathy had stopped trying to get her to do so,
long ago, but she did her best herself to act as a friend would.  Not that
she had much experience there...

   "So, how are feeling today, Cathy?"

   Sam, though, had been the first commoner to ever call her by name. 
Looking over at the teen, sitting on her pack giving her son his breakfast
even as she held her own half eaten loaf of bread, Cathy couldn't help but
feel better.  There was a roughness to her that was exhilarating.  It was
rubbing off on Heather, definitely, and Cathy too reveled in it.  She
smiled.

   "I'll let you know after I've eaten."

   Sam laughed, adjusting Jay in her lap.

   "Know what you mean.  A fully belly does wonders for a person."

   ****

   The air around the travelers was filled with the cries of seagulls and
the shouts of sailors, as well as the smell of fish and sewage mixed in
with the familiar salty sea.  Cathy adjusted herself a bit on the bale of
cargo Heather had found for her to sit on.  It was a bit low for her to see
comfortably over the side of the ship, but comfort was never a concern of
hers.  Small hands on the railing, she pushed herself up the extra half
inch needed.

   Land.

   The port city of Bel spread out before them.  The harbor was a half
moon, the city spread out over almost the entire shore.  The buildings were
low, three or four stories at most, apart from a few she guessed were
temples of some sort.  One, well away from the smell of the sea, had to be
the local palace.  She recognized the...  arrogance.

   A weight rested on Cathy's right shoulder, the flap of wings almost
hitting her ear.  As the boat rose on a swell, a small warm hand grabbed
her ear for support.  She wondered if their small friends knew how much
effort it took to not automatically swat away the cause of such touches.

   "Check the compass." Lil's voice was dry, obviously not all that excited
about the next stage in their journey.  "If it moved, we should decide what
to do before even leaving the port."

   "Oh," Sam said, "if it's pointing back over the ocean, I'm tossing it
overboard."

   Cathy dug the small, two inch diameter wooden box out of her bag.  It
was her treasure.  Proof, if proof be needed, that magic worked.  Proof,
more, that the magic she quested for WAS there.  That she had not abandoned
family, honor, and now homeland in her quest, for naught.

   She WOULD walk.

   Lifting the now worn lid, she held the compass up where all could see.
For a moment, the loadstone shavings kept their random form in the liquid.
As always, a moment of doubt struck Cathy.  Was the enchantment now...  at
which point, as always, the shavings coalesced into an arrow.  Heather took
the compass from her hand, bringing it over closer to Sam.

   "Still West.  Inland, I suspect."

   "Naturally.  Did you really think we'd find them this easily?"

   ****

   The decision to bring their horses had been an agonizing one.  It was
expensive, horribly expensive, to transport animals on a ship which also
accepted human passengers.  The quest had gone on long enough that money
was most definitely an issue.  However, their current beasts were all
trained to their individual needs, particularly Cathy's Rhea.  The black
mare could be guided by the girl without the use of her knees, responding
just to her hands on the reins, or her neck.

   Sam watched as Heather carefully helped the girl mount.  The change that
came over Cathy as soon as her bottom settled in the saddle was wonderful.
Her back straightened, head held high.  Now her royal heritage was clear,
to those who knew to look.  Sam hoped the plain clothing helped mask that.
None should be looking for the girl this far from home, but to stand out in
a strange land was never good.

   "All set, Lady?" Heather asked, one hand still on her thigh.  Cathy
beamed down at her.

   "More than set.  Thank you, Heather."

   The buxom blonde seemed to blush a bit at the complement.  Giving first
the girl, then the horse, a final pat, she turned to Sam and the two
fairies.  Her dress was male, practical, dark brown leather pants with a
thick leather tunic.  Her breasts kept it from fastening, so they had
punched holes in the armor-like covering and ran thick leather thongs
across the gap.  Her tan undergarment kept any extra flesh from showing. 
Sam wore a similar outfit, without the modifications.  That the older woman
was copying her had not really registered with the teen.

   "So," Heather asked, "What's the plan?"

   "Plans are over rated," Sam replied with a chuckle.  She enjoyed the
dirty look Lil gave her, hovering by her brown horse Brownie.  Kik actually
had a hand on his mate's arm as if to restrain her.  "But, we do have one.
We'll walk the horses through the market, pick up anything we need, maybe
get some information on the surrounding country, then head out." She looked
up.  "If we can be on the road by noon, we can get some good traveling in."

   Heather nodded, moving to grab the reins of her mount.

   "Let's do it."

   ****

   Through the luck of timing, the market was not that busy as Sam led them
though the winding streets.  This allowed easy travel for the horses, but
was offset by the more desperate cries of the merchants.  Every stall
offered the best prices ever on everything the city had to offer, loudly.
Sam's excitement at being off the ship and back among people was quickly
replaced by a desire to get into the wilderness as soon as possible.

   The selection was impressive, though.  Cathy's mount now carried three
bags of vegetables, and a sack of smoked meats.  They could hunt at their
leisure, not out of immediate necessity.  As they passed a furrier's stall,
there was definitely a difference in what beasts existed here.  She saw
what looked like a rabbit pelt, but with black stripes on brown fur.  Red
foxes.  Most unusual of all, what looked for all the world like a giant
squirrel, tail easily over a yard long.  For some reason, looking at it
made Sam uneasy.  As if...  there was evil behind its story.

   Lil dropped down, landing on her shoulder.

   "Wait!  Stop!"

   Sam paused, the others doing the same.  Kik fluttered down to land on
her other shoulder, looking across her face at Lil.

   "What is it, Love?"

   The fairy's face looked startled, upset, wings flapping as if part of
her did not, in fact, wish to stop there.  Lil raised a black skinned hand
to point at the furrier stall.

   "That...  that large fur.  The squirrel.  Kik, what's the prophesy? 
'From the ruins of the acorn of knowledge'?  Do...  do squirrels eat
acorns?"

   Cathy's black mount suddenly surged forward, the nine year old pulling
back on the reins hard as she brought her to a stop in front of the stall.
The man behind the counter fell back, eyes wide with surprise and fear. 
Tossing her own reins to the surprised Kik, Sam ran forward, the two
startled fairies jumping off her as the baby on her back began to cry.  As
she reached Cathy's side, the child pulled the compass out, lid off.  She
held it out before her.  Then, slowly, she lowered it.  As Heather joined
them, Sam looked.

   The magical shavings changed shape, first pointing to the fur, then up
the road towards the West Gate.



   Chapter 2



   "So...  Giant squirrels."

   Sam looked around the campfire.  It felt good to be back on land, in the
wilderness, away from civilization and all that it created.  Back in
control, somewhat, of her destiny.  She only wished Jack was there, sitting
next to her.  His hand on her leg, strong fingers writing secret words
meant only for her.  Someday...

   "I will be honest," Lil said, "now that the damned compass has, finally,
done more than just point...  I'm scared." She hugged herself, despite the
closeness of the fire.  Kik, perched next to her, held her close.  The
fairies sat on a wooden cross, shoved into the dirt between Sam and the
other two humans.  Sam had made it for them a month before their ocean
journey, crossbeam padded to protect bare bottoms.  Kik looked over at
Heather and Cathy, seated on a log.

   "Did either of you...  sense something?  About the fur?"

   Heather nodded.

   "It felt wrong.  As if it was a human skin hanging there."

   "But it's an animal skin," Sam pointed out.  "It's odd, but..." Her
shoulders slumped.  "Yeah, it's freaky." The fact they had bought it was
even creepier.  What the hell were they going to do with an oversized, evil
squirrel skin?  The first sign of bad luck, Sam was going to burn it.  At
least it was on Cathy's animal, and not hers.

   "And the damned compass likes it," Lil sighed.  "Where the heck did you
get that thing anyway, Heather?"

   Cathy and her servent exchanged a glance.

   "We've told you this story, haven't we?"

   Sam saw the reluctance on their faces.  She didn't blame them.  The
past...  well, should be the past.  Her own part had been that of
bystander, but in a way wasn't that itself a choice?  Youth, she now knew,
was not an excuse.

   "Did you?" Lil frowned.  Sam couldn't help but chuckle.  The old saying
that the little people could only hold so much in their heads before it was
pushed out to make way for the new was a sore subject with the black
skinned fairy.  At the thought, Sam's expression hardened.  The Witch had
done that to her Jack.  The Witch Wendy...  Shaking her head to clear that
from her mind, she looked at Lil.

   "I think we started the story, before that pack of wolves interrupted
us. Never got back to it."

   Heather's eyes widened with the memory, bringing the smile back to Sam's
face.  The larger girl had tripped, sword flying off into the darkness, as
the wolves advanced.  Sam had literally stood over her, defending the woman
until she managed to get to her feet and grab Sam's dagger from her belt.
Fun and exciting, in that way brushes with death tend to be after you've
survived.  As for why the blonde teen was now blushing as her eyes lowered
away from Sam's...  well, Sam had never been a good one for reading other
women.

   "It's a long story," Cathy said.  Her eyes were downcast.  "Maybe,
another night..."

   "I'll tell it, Lady." Heather glanced once at Sam, her expression
conveying something the teen could not interpret, before looking at the
fairies.  "If things are coming to a conclusion, one way or another, the
stories must be told now, while we have time." She took a deep breath.  "I
probably should start when I took service with the Duke..."

   ****

   It seemed weird, to Heather, that now that she was a slave she was
dressed in better finery than she had ever come close to owning.

   Well, actually, slave was too harsh a term.  She had been sold, yes. 
Sold by her mother into service of the Duke.  Not as a sex slave, no,
although it had been made clear that her body was not hers, and "no" was
never to be uttered in response to ANY order or request.  She probably
would be raped, eventually, by some guard or cook.  Not by the Duke,
though. While Heather's fourteen year old body would be considered
incredibly desirable by any who held interest in the female form, the
Duke...  at least, so the rumors said...  tended to favor those not so
feminine (so far as actual gender went, at least).  That he had a daughter
did not disprove those rumors, although it did create others as to the
actual origin of the Princess.  The Duchess was certainly not one to ignore
her own needs if her husband was not satisfying them.

   Heather paused before the nursery door.  Her first day.  Her first
introduction to the royal brat.  And, if the girl did not approve of her...
she swallowed hard.  Then, it probably would be a merchant's bedroom, or
some brothel, for her.  Mother needed money, more money than brother could
bring in.  Heather's wishes were, well, not important.  She didn't hate Mom
for this.  No.

   Pity, maybe.  Hate would only come if things went bad.

   Composed, smile on her face, the girl reached out a hand still smooth
and unaffected by work and opened the door.  The castle nursery was large.
A canopied, four post bed stood against the opposite wall, its pink sheets
and white lace standing out against the smooth stone walls.  A large
fireplace stood to her left, warming the room.  The floor was wood,
polished to a shine, while hangings tried with mixed success to cover the
walls and make the room more friendly.  Toys and books were scattered in
piles along the floor.  In one corner, a small table and chairs, where the
girl took most her meals.  In the opposite corner...

   The six year old sat in a large stuffed chair by the window, a book in
her lap.  She was dressed in a long gown, dropping past her feet.  Almost,
Heather thought, as if to deny their existence.  Her brown hair was long,
neatly brushed.  Gathering herself, Heather closed the door behind her and
slowly walked up to the girl.  There was no reaction.  Stopping five feet
before her, as she had been taught, Heather curtsied.

   "Miss Cathy.  I am Heather, your new lady in waiting.  I am pleased to
meet you."

   There was a moment's silence.  Heather stood, hands clasped in front of
her, head bowed.  What happened next, would determine her entire life.

   "I don't need a servant.  Go away."

   Heather's throat went dry.  She licked her lips.

   "Your mother, the Duchess, she hired me..."

   "I don't NEED anyone!  Go away!"

   Her mind raced.  She had to do something, fast.  There were other girls
who could be brought here, others to take her place at a moments notice. 
She was nothing special.  Heather's eyes darted around the room, looking
for something she could use.  She noticed the books.  Many books.  The
girl, for all she was only six, seemed to love to read.  Not children's
books, either.  The one in her hand, for example, was one Heather's brother
had read.  An adventure book, about an exiled child Prince and his knight
protector, roaming the countryside.  Fighting bandits, monsters.  Not
something you'd expect a young girl to enjoy...

   "My Lady."

   Heather bowed, low.  A male bow, a knightly bow, one hand on her chest
while her other swung behind her back in a gesture of respect.  She held
that pose.  Eyes peeking upward, she saw the Princess drop the book in her
lap, eyes wide in surprise.  Good.  Maybe this would work.

   "My Lady, I apologize.  I know a strong, intelligent girl like yourself
does not need servants, or ladies in waiting.  However, perhaps I can be
more.  Might I humbley suggest, you accept this poor woman as your loyal
knight?"

   "My knight?" The Princess giggled.  Not a mocking giggle, but a
genuinely happy one.  Heather stood up.

   "Yes, my Lady.  Your knight, servant and protector, sworn to your
service."

   "You don't have a sword."

   Heather looked around.  It was forbidden to move without permission, but
she ignored that.  Moving across the room to the fireplace, she grabbed the
iron poker.  She turned to the girl, rod held in front of her as if it was
a sword, legs shifting as she had seen her brother do when he played war
with his friends.

   "This is my sword, my Lady.  I dedicate it to your service and honor!"

   Cathy laughed, clapping.

   "A knight of my own!  Oh, but we can't tell Mother, or Father!  They
won't like me having my very own knight!"

   "Then," Heather said, coming up before the girl and kneeling down, "we
will not tell them.  I pledge myself to YOU, my Lady.  If...  if you accept
me."

   The girl drew herself up, bearing becoming royal.  She reached her small
right hand out, leaning forward and placing it on Heather's bowed head.

   "I accept you into my service, Sir Knight."

   ****

   "No, no.  Straighten that arm!  That's it!  Yes!  Just like in the
picture!"

   Heather held her pose, sword held out before her.  It was a heavy sword,
like all of them tended to be.  Not the largest they had, no, but the
biggest she could comfortably smuggle back to the nursery.  How she had
been talked into swiping it from the armory, she still didn't know.  As her
muscles strained, her eyes peeked over at Cathy.  The girl held a large
book on military training, eyes completely focused on whatever instructions
were in front of her.  Heather hoped the next instruction came soon...

   A slight noise came from beyond the nursery door.  Cathy bolted up, book
slamming shut.

   "Places!"

   Heather ran for the bed.  One hand, attached to an arm much stronger
than when she first came here, lifted the edge of the large feather
mattress.  She shoved the sword in, far enough that the pommel left no
indication of its position.  Hurriedly, she redid the bedspread, smoothing
the silk and lace.  She finished just as the large wooden door creaked
open.

   Heather turned, curtsying to the Duchess.  Her Highness was beautiful,
naturally.  For all the question as to the male involved with the birth of
the Princess, Cathy was clearly her mother's daughter.  The same long brown
hair, the same lovely eyes.  The spark behind them was different, though,
and if Heather had to guess she would say that was where the male influence
lay.  Those eyes regarded the lady in waiting for a long moment, as if
trying to find fault.  Cathy came to her rescue.

   "Mother!  Hello!"

   Cathy was sitting up straight, book hidden away somewhere, a cloth doll
now on her lap.  Her eyes were wide, happy, her body moving to the edge of
the chair.  The Duchess's expression became a weary, almost pained smile.
She slowly moved to stand before the chair.  Cathy wrapped her arms around
her torso, hugging tight.

   "I missed you, Mom!  Are you going to stay?"

   "No, no, I'm afraid I can't, my dear." She placed one perfect hand on
her daughter's head.  "There's a dinner party tonight, and I'm afraid I
must prepare for that." She saw Cathy about to speak, and shook her head.
"And, no, you can not attend.  It is in the main hall, and I will not have
you carried in like some peasant cripple.  I will have Heather bring you
your dinner, as always."

   Even from across the room, Heather could see all life leave her
Mistress's eyes.  Cathy pushed herself back in the chair, hands folded in
her lap.

   "Yes...  Mother."

   ****

   "I hate my body."

   Heather said nothing.  She stood next to the small table as Cathy picked
at the roast chicken and carrots.  The almost eight year old girl dropped
her fork, the silver utensil clattering on the china.  Looking into her
lap, she began frantically pulling her dress up, the silk bunching in her
lap with no concern for wrinkles.  Her bare legs thus exposed, the Princess
glared down at them.  They were thin, white, wrinkled.  Never had they
supported her weight, or been exposed to a sunny day.  Balling up her fist,
Cathy slammed it into her thigh.

   "I want to walk!" She began hitting herself, again, and again.  Heather
bit her lip, at a loss.  If...  if only...

   "Mistress...  have...  well, have the Duke and Duchess tried magic?"

   Cathy's fist froze mid punch.  She looked up, surprised.  To Heather's
amusement, the girl bit her own lip before answering.

   "Father does not LIKE magic.  Says it is evil.  The books say it is
evil."

   "Not all magic," Heather said.  Bowing her head to the girl, she sat
herself down in the chair nearest her.  Heather reached a hand over,
covering Cathy's fist.  "My brother, for awhile, ran errands for a man who
did magic.  A Warlock.  He...  Paul said he was a good man, an honest man."

   Cathy's eyes widened as she listened.  She swallowed, fist relaxing,
fingers intertwining with Heather's.

   "Oh...  Oh, Heather, do...  do you think he could do something?  Heal
me? I'd do anything!  Pay anything!"

   "I do not know." Which was true.  She had never met the man.  Did not,
in fact, know if he was still there.  She took a deep breath, knowing what
she was doing could go horribly wrong.  But...  wasn't she the girl's
Knight Protector?  She smiled.  "I can find out, though."

   ****

   Heather was allowed one day free every fortnight.  She had earned this,
after a year of service without once attempting to flee.  She was still
required to be there for the Princess for breakfast, and be there again by
dinner, but the between time was hers.  Usually, she just wandered the
city. Avoided places her mother might be.  Not because she hated her, no.
No, not because of that.  It was more...  seeing the woman, and not seeing
the emotion in her eyes that Heather needed to see, WOULD make hate rise up
in the teen.

   Thus, best not to see her.

   She had contacted her brother, through another maid who knew a thief. 
He had sent her an address, and a name.  The man she sought should be
there. Paul also warned her to be wary.  To agree to nothing quickly.  Time
was of the essence, though.  For Cathy.  The Princess...  she was nearing
the breaking point, for all she had been sheltered in her young life.  Not
knowing real distress, this was becoming too much.

   The room her brother directed her to was inside a building in one of the
more tidy, but not rich, parts of the city.  A dozen rented residences were
contained in the three level structure, which allayed some of her fears. 
After all, an evil warlock would pick a more isolated home.  So she hoped.
Gathering herself, she knocked on the wooden door at the end of the
hallway.

   The man who answered the door was normal.  Unnaturally normal, at least
compared to what the teen expected.  He was thin, of average height, with a
nose not quite pointed, as if it had been sanded down at some point.  Sandy
hair was neatly trimmed on his head, his clothing simple and functional. 
Literally, nobody special.  He blinked, brown eyes looking her over in wary
confusion.

   "Um...  can I do something for you?"

   She had the wrong address.  That had to be it.  This...  this could not
be a powerful magician, able to bring life to dead limbs.

   "I...  ah, I'm looking for a man called..."

   "Timothy!"

   Heather whirled at the woman's call behind her, almost dropping into one
of the combat stances Cathy had been drilling into her.  Given the lack of
any weapon, this would have just looked incredibly foolish.  Instead, she
just stood there, mouth open in surprise.  The newcomer was just a few
years older than her, curly black hair falling to her shoulders.  Her body
was shapely, breasts full.  Her clothing, though, seemed a bit un-tailored,
too big for her frame.  That seemed wrong, for a woman this beautiful. 
Only when she was closer did her mind recognize what her eyes were seeing.

   The woman was hiding she was with child.

   Heather stepped aside as the woman came up to them, blushing as the
newcomer put a hand on the man's flat chest, raising herself on her toes to
give him a gentle kiss.  She then turned to Heather, brown eyes
questioning.

   "And who do we have here?"

   Her voice was musical.  Heather blushed a bit more.  She thought of
Cathy, mind focusing on her mission.  She straightened.

   "My name is Heather.  My brother once ran errands for a man he says
lived here a few years ago.  The one I serve at the Palace wishes to ask a
favor from that man, if he is here."

   The couple exchanged a quick glance.  The woman paused, seeming to be
calculating something.  Smile returning, she held out her hand.

   "I'm Polly, and this is my husband, Timothy.  Please, come inside."

   ****

   The apartment was clean, although one glance was enough to tell the teen
the "wife", Polly, did not in fact live here.  She moved around as if it
was her domain, yes, going to a small kitchen to make some tea, but this
was a male place, with none of the niceties any woman would insist on. 
Books were everywhere, ordered but not neat.  The man showed her to a
wooden chair, before settling himself in an old but obviously very
comfortable stuffed love seat.  He leaned forward, eyes bright with
curiosity, arms resting on his knees.

   "So, what is this favor?"

   Heather gathered her thoughts, wishing she had that cup of tea in her
hands.  From the sound, the stove hadn't even been on, so such things would
not be quick in coming.

   "My Mistress...  well, she can not walk.  Has never been able to walk,
her birth being a hard one.  She, we, are willing to pay, handsomely, for a
cure."

   "And you think I can help."

   "I do not know.  My brother, Paul, talked about you in such a way that,
well, I have hope."

   Timothy furrowed his brow.  He wasn't throwing her out.  That, at least,
was something.  Heather bit her lip, willing the answer she wanted.  Polly,
the tray in her hands NOT holding tea, but instead a bowl of freshly cut
fruit, offered the solid refreshment to the girl.  Heather took a slice of
orange, grateful.  Leaving the tray on a small table next to the chair,
Polly sat down next to the Magician.  One small hand moved to his knee.

   "Can it be done?"

   "Can is usually not the issue, my Love.  Should, and at what cost, are
what I'm considering."

   "We will pay anything." Heather spoke confidently, although how this
would be done was beyond her.  She had no money, and Cathy had no concept
of what things cost.  Timothy's eyes suddenly widened.  He looked Heather
in the eye.

   "You said this was for someone in the Duke's family." Well, actually,
she hadn't.  But, it was true.  She nodded.  The couple before her
exchanged another glance.  "The girl," he went on, Heather wincing a bit at
the accuracy of his guess, "her father does not approve of magic.  I know
this for a fact." His voice was dry.  Heather nodded.

   "Yes.  But...  if you do this..." She left the rest unsaid.  Always
good, when you have nothing to say.  Timothy suddenly stood.

   "I need to look in a few of my books."

   ****

   "He needs a lock of your hair," Heather said, her brush moving swiftly
through its appointed task.  "Also, two small vials of your blood, one from
each leg.  In payment...  he wants a meeting with the Duke, and permission
to work openly within the city walls, as well as a hundred good pieces."

   Cathy was practically vibrating, eyes alive with hope.  Her hands, on
her useless knees, squeezed tightly.

   "Do it.  Promise it."

   "But..."

   "DO IT!" Her head whipped around, expression fierce.  "It's an order,
Sir Knight!  I'll deal with Father!  Once..." Her eyes became distant. 
"Once it is done, I'll walk in on them, in the throne room.  Walk...  show
them.  They'll be so happy...  happy...."

   Placing the brush on the vanity, Heather stepped around and knelt before
her Mistress.  Cathy threw herself into her arms.  Her tears were those of
joy.

   ****

   "It's going to take longer than I expected," the Wizard apologized,
regret clear in his voice.  He placed the small round box with the hair
clippings on the shelf, next to two perfume bottles now containing drops of
blood.  Turning back to Heather, he sighed.  "You can't believe how much
energy this is going to take.  To make it long lasting, and not just a
trick that will wear off." Hand going to another shelf, he brought down a
cheap necklace and locket.  "When I'm done, so long as she wears this,
she'll be normal.  Able to walk, run, skip, trip, and stub her toe.  Take
it off, and her legs will be useless again."

   Heather nodded.  She looked around the room.  He was alone, "wife" gone.
She could see the feminine touches, though, ones she had been too nervous
to see before, or were in fact new.  The woman was making a place for
herself here, one square foot at a time.

   "There...  might be a slight problem, though." Heather whirled at his
words.  He held up his hands.  "Slight.  I may not be able to keep these
apartments.  There are...  issues."

   "What issues?"

   "The what isn't important.  What is, is that I can't contact you, and
you can only come to me once a fortnight.  We need a way for you to locate
me if...  I have to, temporarily, relocate for a bit.  If you can stay
another hour, until Polly gets here, we can sort this out."

   ****

   Heather had her fist in her mouth, holding back a scream.

   Timothy's dagger left his wife's arm, blood spurting from the wound.  It
writhed and squirmed, rising upwards, alive, horrible.  The Warlock had
chanted words, in an unknown tongue.  Had...  slit his own wife's arm open.
As the serpent of blood became tendrils, searching outward, Heather fled
the room.

   ****

   "Take this."

   Polly handed the wooden box to Heather.  The teen was almost afraid to
touch it.  To touch...  her.  The scar on the woman's arm still pulsed red,
one of a half dozen.  Evidence that this had not been the first.  That she
stayed...  that she LET that monster...

   Would Heather submit, if Lady Cathy asked?

   Her fingers, of their own volition, closed around the wooden box.  Polly
smiled, a tired smile.

   "Now, that is nothing.  Just a box, with a clear oil, and some shavings.
Do not spill a drop.  Once Timothy casts your spell, though, it will awake.
It will point you towards the locket.  You can come to whichever of us has
it." Heather nodded, unable to speak.  Polly hesitated, reaching out to
touch the teen's hand.

   "What we do for love, Heather, is never what we expect."

   ****

   The birthday had been a disaster.

   Heather tried to find some positive point as she carried the laundry
basket through stone halls.  Cathy had tried.  That had been clear, at
least to her.  She had held her tongue at every pitying remark from
relatives and officials.  Had resigned herself to being seated for hours,
while others danced and played around her.  The gift had been the last
straw, though.  A doll.  A little girl's doll, with bad legs.  A "sister",
the Earl's wife had said.  Throwing the thing back in the woman's face
probably hadn't been the best thing for the newly eight year old princess
to do, but what was done was done.

   The next few weeks would be interesting, spell or no spell.

   She came out into sunlight, the shadows short in the laundry courtyard.
Other girls were already at the fountain, gossiping as they cleaned the
garments of those better than them.  Not in a talkative mood, Heather moved
around to a vacant side.

   "...and he never returned to the barracks!"

   "Well, can you blame him?!?  I'm glad he did it!  They shouldn't punish
him!"

   "I heard he cut his head off!"

   "And gutted him!"

   "He wouldn't do that!  Not with his daughters there!"

   "What, do you know him?"

   "He bought me a drink one night...  and THAT'S ALL."

   "The prick deserved it.  Evil warlocks..."

   Heather's head shot up, eyes wide.  The three maids regarded her
curiously.  Shaking with dread, she drew closer to them.

   "What happened?"

   "Oh," the oldest replied, eyes softening, "were you one of his lady
friends too?  Well, they haven't caught Gary yet, so that's good."

   "What.  Happened."

   "Some evil magic using freak was with his daughter, that's what
happened! Impregnated the poor girl, and was using her!  Imagine!  Gary
went over there and killed the fucker!"

   Heather's mind went blank.  The spell.  Cathy's hopes, dreams.  Gone. 
Gone, in an instant...

   ****

   "Heather!"

   The cry that greeted the teen as she entered the Princess's chamber was
ecstatic, jubilant.  She was bouncing on the chair by the window, hands
held together before her.  Her eyes were wide.

   "Heather!  There's an arrow!  There's an arrow in the box!  He did it!
My necklace is ready!"

   Heather froze, shocked.  What...  how...  was the tale a lie?  Or,
perhaps, this was a fluke, some magical reaction to the death of the
caster?

   "Lady..." Heather advanced, slowly, as if delay was her friend.  "Lady
Cathy, Timothy the Warlock is dead.  Killed, they say, by the enraged
father of his wife Polly." The girl's expression was uncomprehending. 
Heather licked her lips.  "Lady, it is over.  We tried."

   "No..." Cathy looked down at the compass.  Heather, now, could see
inside the round wooden box, see the iron shavings forming an arrow pointed
south.  As she watched, mind still searching for some response, some way to
sooth her mistress.  the arrow moved, slightly, now a bit more east than
south.  Her eyes snapped up, catching Cathy's in the same act.  Maybe... 
She knelt, one hand going to her Lady's knee, the other to the wrist
holding the compass.

   "Lady Polly has it, perhaps," she whispered.

   "Where would she go?" Cathy's reply was soft, caught between hope and
despair.

   "Fled...  with her father?  By choice, or not?"

   Cathy closed her eyes, the eyes of a child.

   The eyes that opened were old, haunted.

   "My Knight, we must follow."

   ****

   Heather looked into the fire.

   "It took us three days to be ready to leave the palace, another two to
get out of the city.  By then, we were far behind." She was tired.  The
telling, yes, the dredging up of memories, that was some of it.  The
lateness of the night, the ache of muscles after a month onboard ship. 
Those, too, were a cause.  But, mostly, it was all of it.  The quest.  So
long...  so long on the road...

   "We will find it," Cathy told them.  The girl's eyes were set.  "I WILL
walk..."

   Chapter 3



   Sam always enjoyed herself on watch.

   She was a naturally early riser, always had been.  Like her father in
that regard, as in most others apart from the nature of her sex.  Up just
before the sun, even when night was at its shortest, it hadn't taken much
to train her body to wake earlier, allowing her to easily and comfortably
take the last watch of the night.  Usually she would be the one to relieve
Heather, only rarely needing to be woken for her turn.

   Heather was now asleep, a quick walk around the camp told her.  She was
settled next to Cathy, sword at her side.  She took her role as protector
seriously.  More seriously than she should at times, it seemed to Sam. 
Life was pointless if you did not allow yourself a moment's joy, or
pleasure.  She was good in a fight, though.  Damned good.  More hacking and
slashing than finesse, but whatever got the job done.  That's what her Dad
had said.  Style points matter little to the dead.

   She completed her circuit of the camp.  The horses were asleep, two on
the ground and one standing.  They obviously sensed no danger.  The fire
was just embers.  She'd stir it up in an hour, have some hot coffee ready
for them as they woke up.  The fairies were somewhere, up in a tree
probably.  They always took first watch, Sam suspecting that was when they
got romantic.  Then again, she could just be projecting her actions onto
them.

   With a sigh, Sam found a comfortable tree and moved around it.  Hidden,
mostly, from view of human eyes, she slid down the bark and sat herself on
the hard ground.  Her sword got stuck, awkwardly, so she paused to remove
it from her belt, placing it at her side as she wiggled to get comfortable.

   A slight breeze rippled through the spring leaves.  At least, she
thought it was spring.  Sam had heard the seasons were different in some
parts of the world, which had always confused her.  Had they meant the
seasons happened at different times?  In different orders?  Or, hell, new
seasons she had never considered?  This, though, had the feel of spring. 
Spring...  the beginning of life.  Of romance.

   She closed her eyes.  Jack.  Jack, her love.  Husband.  He might not
consider himself such, she accepted.  Only one night together, and a year
apart, she might find him married somewhere, or, worse, his memory gone
through some evil of The Witch.  She thought not, though.  Jack...  Jack
was...

   Nimble fingers undid the buttons on the front of her pants.  She didn't
bother undoing the belt.  That, when the danger was unknown, was unwise. 
And, unneeded.  An opening created, she slipped thin fingers inside, moving
aside her undergarment.  With a shudder, Sam touched herself.

   Pleasure.  Life was nothing without pleasure.  It could not rule you,
no. But, it was part of being human.  Of being sane.  Slowly, her
forefinger moved over her lower lips.  She remembered Jack.  He had touched
her.  Fingers, gently, tracing letters on her bare skin.  His eyes, so full
of sorrow.  She remembered that first kiss, standing under the night sky.
Raising herself to place her lips on his, hands gently touching his bare
arm...

   Sam, rarely, brought herself to completion.  It wasn't about that. 
Wasn't about the release.  Jack had been the first, the only, to take her
there, to that place where love and pleasure and beauty reside.  She wanted
him again.  Wanted the next first time, to be as her first time.  Wanted to
save herself, not just from others, but from herself.  She did indulge at
times.  When the need to feel became too great, or when the moment overcame
her.  It was never the goal, though.  Tonight, she would just ride the
line. Finger wet, she slid it around her slit, over the bump that brought
so much joy.  Nothing would enter her but Jack.  Jack...

   A fluttering broke her mood.

   She didn't have to look to know who it was.  Kik's wings beat with a
much stronger sound.  This was Lil.  There was always the chance,
naturally, that she had guessed wrong, and that some stranger had landed
beside her.  With a groan, Sam opened her eyes.

   Lil stood in the faint moonlight on Sam's sword.  Her bare black feet
blended in with the black grip, eyes staring at the now still human hand
with amused interest.

   "Wouldn't it be easier to do that without the silly clothing?"

   "It's a human thing." Sighing, knowing she was now done for the day, she
removed her hand.  Sam regarded the wet fingertips for a moment.  She
sometimes had the urge to taste them, or at least smell them.  That was...
weird, though.  She especially wasn't going to try that with someone
watching.  Which, reminded her.  "Why are you bothering me?"

   "I wanted to watch."

   "Couldn't you do that from a distance?" Sam wiped her fingers on a patch
of grass next to her sword.  Lil's eyes followed.

   "So...  spying on you is better than this?"

   "No, but...  ah, whatever." She buttoned herself back up, but stayed
sitting.  She was too comfortable to move at the moment, and what pleasure
she had gotten still soothed her.

   Lil walked down the sheath of the sword.  She was graceful, Sam had to
give her that.  Be it in the air or on the ground, the fairy moved with
inhuman beauty.  Her mate, too, although there was a difference between
male and female grace.  Coming to where Sam had wiped her hands, Lil jumped
off onto the ground.  She leaned over, sniffing.  Sam raised an eyebrow.

   "You are doing...  what, exactly?"

   "Smelling." Lil looked up, surprise clear on her small face.  "You smell
good!"

   "Um...  thanks?" The question of if she should feel complemented or just
weirded out battled in her mind.  Lil took another sniff.

   "You're welcome.  It...  it's an interesting scent.  Full, yet delicate.
Feminine, definitely." She looked up, eyes sparkling.  "I think Kik would
like it.  I may have to use it as a perfume sometime!" A thought seemed to
come to the small woman, and her expression became the frown they all knew
and loved.  Sensing what the problem was, Sam let out a soft laugh.

   "Worry not, my friend.  If your husband comes by and becomes entranced
by my bewitching scent, I shall turn him away.  He may be the only male,
but I can resist his charms.  Nobody in this camp interests me that way,
just as I interest none of them."

   The fairy's wings fluttered, the creature lifting off the ground.  She
came to hover before Sam's face.

   "Really..." A slight smile touched her pink lips.  "I shall keep that in
mind."

   ****

   Cathy was worried.

   They had been traveling for almost a week, since leaving the port.  The
path, as defined by the magic arrow, had been due west.  This had not
changed.  The land they traveled through, though, was changing.  Gone were
the small towns, built up at crossroads or where bridges crossed small
rivers.  Villages were now becoming sparse.  In their place, far from the
road, were what she could only describe as fortified farms.  A main
farmhouse, barns, surrounded by a wooden stockade.  Workers in the fields
were always accompanied by at least one male armed with a bow.

   The girl didn't know, or want to know, what they were afraid of.

   Her friends were armed, at least.  Both had bows of their own, along
with swords.  Her Knight had the bow that belonged to Sam's father.  It was
a bit too big for her, true, but she could draw it, and practice had made
her rather good to Cathy's eye.  Sam was better, but had the advantage of a
smaller bow she had made herself, fitting her perfectly.  The fairies,
naturally, were also armed.

   She wished she could help.  That was the main thing.  Cathy hated being
helpless.  That was the whole point of this quest.  Yet, when danger
struck, all she could do was grab the horse's reins and run away.  She had
asked to be trained with a sword, but Sam had nixed that.  Any blade she
could use from the horse would be so short, anything she could reach with
it would have already killed her mount.  A bow was a possibility, but Sam
had yet to make her one.  Something about not having the right wood.

   Sam's horse slowed, the dark form of Kik flying off down the road. 
Cathy and Heather rode side by side, Sam falling in on the other side of
Heather.  The girl nodded up ahead.

   "Our scout reports a crossroad up ahead.  We'll stop, rest the horses."

   "Sounds good.  I need to stretch my legs." Cathy felt no slight at
Heather's remark.  Not after all this time.  Besides, she, too, needed to
get off the horse for awhile.  Pee.  She had tried doing that on the horse,
once, when stopping had not really been an option.  Never again.

   ****

   It was not so much a crossroad, as a cross path.  Their road, well
traveled and built up with stones and dirt, intersected a similar road
traveling north to south (and south to north).  On the other side, however,
the way west appeared to be by way of two ruts in the grass, old and
overgrown.  In the distance, forested hills rose up, with snow covered
mountains beyond.  It was as if this, here, was the end of civilization. 
Beyond, travelers would be on their own.

   Cathy bit her lip.  She was not the pampered girl who had fled the
palace.  She slept on the ground, had gone hungry.  Still, always another
town had been no more than a day away, always travelers had passed them
traveling back where they had been.  This...

   "Heather," Sam said, dismounting, "let's go over the supplies before we
move on." That sounded like a good idea to Cathy.

   ****

   They came upon the boy in the early afternoon.

   Sam gently pulled back on Brownie's reins.  The mare came to a stop at
the top of the slight rise, the wagon trail continuing on through the
spring grass.  Putting her hand up, trying to get some of the lowering
sun's glare out of her eyes, she peered ahead.  Someone was walking up
ahead, maybe a hundred yards, maybe less.  Depended on their size.  They
had seen no one that day, nor evidence that the current "road" had been
used recently.  She had not looked hard, true, as it really didn't matter.
This was still a surprise.

   "Who is it?" Heather drew her mount Xena up next to Sam's, Cathy
stopping just behind them.  Glancing back, Sam saw the two fairies resting
on the girl's shoulders.  Obviously, their last forward patrol had stopped
just short of seeing the stranger.  She looked ahead again.

   "If we know whoever that is," Sam replied, chucking, "I'd say it would
be the coincidence of a lifetime." She undid the strap on her sword. 
"Let's take a look."

   ****

   The boy stopped in the center of the road as Sam rode up behind him.  He
was young, perhaps ten, somewhere around there.  Thin, with curly brown
hair.  His dress was simple, tan pants tied with a cord, a pull over white
shirt, both worn but in good repair.  His dirty feet were bare.  In his
hands, he held a wooden staff as tall as him.  He did not turn to greet
them, but held his ground.  Sam pulled up five feet behind him.

   "Hello, traveler." Sam kept her voice light.  She always expected the
worst from these situations, but that didn't mean she shouldn't be cheerful
at the start.  "Hope we didn't startle you, coming up behind like that."

   There was a pause.  From her high vantage point, she saw his young hands
grip the staff tightly, before his body seemed to relax slightly.

   "No, no.  I'm...  used to be taken by surprise."

   "Well that's not good," Sam replied.  His voice had been a bit high,
although not enough for her to suspect this was not in fact a boy.  She was
good at determining those things.  "We, personally, like knowing who's
around us.  Could you turn around, so I can get a good look at you?"

   There was another moment's hesitation.  Slowly, he turned to face them.

   Sam heard both Cathy and Heather gasp.  She kept her own reaction in
check, eyes making sure she was seeing everything clearly.  The boy was
blind.  A white film covered his eyes.  Beyond that, he was handsome, well
nourished with tan skin.  He leaned forward on his staff, head moving back
and forth.

   "I hear horses, and assume you're on one of them.  Either that, or you
are very, very tall."

   "I could be a centaur," Sam said cheerfully.  "You can't rule that out."
His eyebrows raised in a very cute manor.

   "The female part is supposed to be nude!  Wow!  Can I pretend you're
one? It will make this conversation much more fun!"

   "Ha!" Sam turned to the others.  Heather was grinning, hand coming off
her sword hilt.  Cathy seemed to be...  blushing.  Knowing it would remain
secret, unless the boy was tricking them, Sam gestured to Lil and Kik.  The
two nodded, refastened their swords, and flew off to patrol either side of
the road.  Returning her attention to the boy, she leaned forward, hands
resting on the saddle pommel.

   "You can picture me however you like, although any attempt to confirm
your image will get you a sword through your throat.  I'm Sam.  Short for
Samantha," she added, before he could question her gender.  He nodded.

   "I'm Ben."

   Sam started to nod, then realized how foolish that was.  Just like with
Jack, she had to adjust her actions.  The thought of him, as always,
sobered her.  She sat up in the saddle.

   "So, is there a reason you're alone in the middle of the road, blocking
honest, for the most part, travelers?"

   "Are you lost?"

   Sam looked back at Cathy, frowning.  The girl had the good grace to
blush at her outburst.  Shaking her head at the folly of youth, Sam again
turned to the boy.

   "That was one of my two horse borne companions, Cathy.  The other is
Heather." Ben nodded to them.

   "No, I'm not lost.  Well..." His smile became rueful.  "I know where I'm
going, if not where I am.  Or," he corrected, "I know the direction I'm
going in is the right one, even if I'm unsure about the destination."

   "I think he's hit his head a few times," Heather commented.  She looked
at Sam.  "We should go.  There's still light, and we can still get a few
miles in before camping."

   The boy nodded in agreement.

   "Yes, please, go on your way.  I am of no interest to you."

   Sam frowned.  This...  made no sense.  A blind boy, wandering on his own
down an abandoned road, with no apparent supplies.  She didn't like it. 
But, then again, she wouldn't like it if the stranger was begging to come
with them.  If he wanted to be left alone...  well, she would be happy to
oblige.

   "We'll do just that." Sam turned to Cathy, hand held up to stop the
protest already forming on the girl's upset face.  "We have our own path,
and he wants to be left alone.  Let's go." Kicking the side of Brownie, she
maneuvered her mount around the boy.  Heather turned to her Mistress, face
patient.  It took a few moments, but with a disgruntled sigh Cathy started
forward herself.  Her eyes stayed on the boy for as long as possible.

   ****

   Fast moving clouds came from over the distant mountains.  Before an hour
had passed, rain began falling.  Gentle drops quickly threatened to be much
more.  With practiced speed, the travelers picked a high point just off the
road and made camp.  Heather and Sam unfolded a tarp, fastening one side to
the ground while tying the other two corners to some trees to create a
canvas lean-to.  Both fairies zipped along the ground, gathering dry tinder
and kindling, which were delivered to Cathy.  The girl, now protected from
the wind and rain, arranged stones into a fire pit and brought out her
flint.  A secondary tarp was set up quickly, providing some shelter for the
three horses.  Sam braved the now stinging rain to gather larger logs,
guided by Kik who had scouted out the closest sources.  Heather set up
their tent, its entrance poking under the tarp.  Within twenty minutes,
they were settled in front of a roaring fire.

   Lil loved fire.  It was, really, the only thing Humans had contributed
to the world at large.  Standing on Cathy's outstretched arm, her drenched
body quickly warmed, then dried.  Lil turned, fluttering her wings in the
heat.  The girl giggled.

   "Hey!" Sam looked over at the pair, scowling.  "No giggling or being
happy!  It's not allowed!" Cathy's grin got even bigger, and not even Lil
could resist joining her.  OK, Humans also gave the world little girls.

   Sam stood, moving around the fire to the edge of the tarp.  She held her
hand out, feeling the rain.

   "It's pretty warm, actually." She paused, as if considering something of
great import, then began removing her clothing.  Lil's eyes immediately
went to Heather.  The older teen's eyes had doubled in size, every fiber of
her being focused on the black haired youth.  Lil smirked, as the human
attempted to talk.

   "Ah...  what..." Heather's face reddened.

   "I need to get clean," Sam said, pants dropping to the grass.  Her
underpants followed.  Nude, she stepped out from the shelter.

   She did, Lil had to admit, have a good body.  Boyish, yes, compared to
hers, or even Heather, but it fit her.  She was strong, lean.  Eyes going
again to the blonde, her crush was so obvious it was painful.  Or funny,
depending on Lil's mood.  Heather's eyes seemed to drink in Sam, lingering
on first one feature, then another.  When the girl bent over, bare milk
filled breasts hanging down, Heather's eyes closed.  What she was thinking,
Lil could guess all too easily.  Humans were so predictable when it came to
simple things like sex.  When Heather looked again, Kik was there before
her.

   "I think Jay needs changing." The baby began to cry a moment later.  As
the human quickly stood to go help the child, his gaze turned to meet
Lil's. His expression was scolding...  although, once she smiled and
shrugged, it became rueful as he laughed.

   Humans.  They were so funny.

   ****

   The rain was still coming down hard as evening turned to night.  Lil sat
on Cathy's right leg.  The girl made a wonderful place to rest, all warm
and comfortable, and never moved as much as the two older humans.  The
fairy looked at the slowly dying fire.  Not much wood had been gathered,
and finding anything dry would be hard.  She'd have to look, though, scout
so the humans could bring logs back.  Not a pleasant thought...

   Cathy's finder ran down her bare back.  Lil purred.  OK, three things
humans were good for.  She wiggled her shoulders, the large warm digit
again traveling up and down between her wings.  Mmmmm...  Kik was getting a
similar treatment on the other useless leg, straddling her pants covered
limb as the girl rubbed his back.  It was good he was getting all relaxed.
Lil was going to be in a frisky mood come their turn for the evening watch.

   The finger on her back stopped.  She felt Cathy shift, sitting up.

   "What's that?"

   Lil looked out into the rain.  Something was moving down by the road. 
She stood, wings fluttering.  Sam and Heather followed suit, weapons moved
to be within easy reach.  Lil squinted...  and pushed herself up into the
air in surprise.  She turned, hovering before Cathy, eyes wide.

   "It's that boy!"

   "What?!" Cathy leaned forward, Kik now in the air as well.  Both teens
came to the edge of the shelter.  Sam frowned.

   "You're kidding me."



   They could now see him, though, in the last of the daylight.  His head
was down, staff held in both hands as he struggled against the wind and
rain.  His bare feet were slow to come out of the mud, each step an effort.
Heather just shook her head.

   "He's an idiot."

   "Or in a hurry," Sam suggested.  A tug on both teen's pants made them
look down.  Cathy's expression was pleading.

   "Please!  Invite him over!  He can't stay out there like that!"

   Lil didn't see why not.  Sam was right, only an idiot would be out there
in the rain, when all he had to do was stop and take shelter somewhere. 
Even behind a tree would do.  Humans, though, at least some, were kind
hearted to a fault.  Shaking her head, Sam cupped her hands around her
mouth.

   "You!  By the road!  Come over here!  We have shelter and a fire!"

   The boy stopped, head cocked.  His dark, blurry form turned in their
direction.

   "Following strange voices," he yelled, "tempting you off the path in a
storm is rarely a good idea!" Lil's eyes widened.  With an extra push of
her wings, she fluttered onto Sam's shoulder.

   "Oh, I like this one," she said.  "He's smart for a human."

   "You like him, you go get him," Sam replied.  Lil nodded.

   "I'll do just that.  Kik, could you find some more wood for us?" She
felt his strong hand on her arm as he hovered beside her.  His expression
was concerned.

   "Be careful."

   "Always." Her lips moved out to touch his, the briefest of kisses saying
all.  With a push of her legs, she was off, swiftly flying through the
rain.

   ****

   She couldn't take the direct path.  Wind and hard pellets of water
prevented that.  She stayed low, using what trees and small plants as were
available to thwart most of the elements.  Lil came up on the boy from the
side.

   "Boy!"

   His staff swung towards her, the strike delayed as mud held the end
trapped for an extra second.  Lil easily dodged, moving around behind him
out of the wind.

   "Boy!  Ben!  We're the people who passed you earlier!" He spun.

   "You're not the centaur!  I don't know your voice!"

   "I didn't speak!  I'm Lil!  A fairy!"

   Ben froze, both hands gripping his staff like a quarterstaff.  White
filmy eyes widened.

   "You're kidding."

   "Nope." She buzzed his head, swinging around close to his ears.  "I'm a
real, live, very wet fairy." Lil settled on his arm, wings continuing to
beat in case a quick retreat was needed.  The boy's shoulders slumped.

   "Well I'll be...  is the centaur real, too?"

   ****

   Cathy almost couldn't breathe.

   A boy.

   A boy around her age.

   She never had friends.  Never.  Visitor, sometimes.  Sons and daughters
of other nobles, or officials.  But, never...  He was cute.  Very cute. 
And, helpless.  Well, no, not that.  He seemed to be able to take care of
himself.  Even sitting there by the fire, dressed in just a pair of drying
undershorts as his clothing hung on a line, he seemed confident and sure.
Yet...  Cathy wanted to mother him.  Take care of him.  Help him...

   She felt a touch on her shoulder.  Heather slid down next to her, legs
crossed.  She didn't say anything.  Instead, she handed a cup of hot broth
to Cathy.  The girl turned, holding out out with both hands.

   "Here.  It's a cup.  It's hot."

   His hand came out slowly.  She moved the cup closer, until one of his
fingers touched hers.  Cathy bit her lip.  Holding the cup still, she
trembled as both his hands came over, sliding over hers to take the cup. 
He smiled.

   "Thanks."

   "Y-you're welcome." Her hands withdrew slowly.  Looking around, she saw
neither Sam nor Heather were laughing at her.  Their eyes were... 
understanding.  Sam sat down on the other side of Ben, a dagger on her
belt. She waited for him to take a few sips, then spoke.

   "OK.  Something is going on here.  You don't walk in a straight line
blindfolded, so you damned well can't do it blind.  Where are you from?"

   "Home." He took another sip.  Lil, perched on Cathy's shoulder, let out
a groan.

   "OK, Boy, Ben, whatever.  I like your answer, and the fact it's pissing
Cathy off, but that's because I still don't care if she carves you up for
tomorrow's dinner.  Now, it's magic, I assume, right?" She looked around,
surprised at the looks she was getting.  "What?  Blind kid follows us, and
you think there's any other answer?  It's magic.  We just have to know if
the magic has anything to do with us."

   "It has NOTHING to do with you," he said, voice cross.  Ben put the cup
down between his legs.  "I'm following a sound, OK?  A sound.  It gets loud
and painful if I go in the wrong direction, and soft and soothing if I go
the right way.  It tells me when to stop, and when to go.  That's why I was
walking in the rain like an idiot.  OK?" His sightless eyes gazed around.
"That good enough?"

   "What's the sound?" Sam leaned forward.  Something in her eyes made
Cathy hold her breath.  "What do you hear?"

   "Bells..."

   Chapter 4

   The rain had slowed to a faint drizzle.

   Kik sat himself on the "fairy perch", as the humans called it.  They
probably saw some humor in the name, something not quite demeaning, yet
mocking, a bit, of he and his wife.  He didn't mind.  After all, they did
the same with the humans, laughed at their actions and follies.  There was
respect, though.  On both sides.

   Lil fluttered down next to him.

   "Nothing moving out there, at least that the silly giants have to worry
about."

   Well, HE had respect for the humans.

   Lil snuggled up to him, arm going around his waist as her head found a
use for his shoulder as a pillow.  Her left hand found itself in his lap,
gently fondling his half hard cock.  The fire, although low, still gave off
enough heat to warm the fairies.  Her heat, though, outshone it by
infinity. Lil obviously felt the same, as she snuggled closer, rubbing
herself against his side.

   "Mmm, comfy."

   Kik chuckled, putting his own arm around her slim waist.  Why she had
picked him, among all the males of their hive, he didn't know.  There were
many stronger than him, better fighters, better mates for one of the
daughters of the Queen.  He could hold his own, yes.  Had, many times. 
But, still, given her own...  aggressiveness, that she submitted to him was
a mystery he did not want solved.

   Another mystery was the boy now asleep below them.  Ben lay in the grass
between the fire and the tent, blanket clutched around his small form.  He
looked harmless, or as harmless as a human could look.  Which was not
saying much, truth be told.  Kik gave Lil a squeeze.

   "Bells.  He said he heard bells."

   "It has nothing to do with us," Lil said, quietly.  She moved, turning
her upper body to face his side.  "'Bells' can mean lots of things."

   "From the ruins of the acorn of knowledge, the path to the bells of
destiny shall grow.  We found the skin of a creature that eats acorns, and
now a boy who hears bells.  Don't tell me it's not the prophesy."

   "I can tell you anything I want," she replied, voice turning stern.  Her
eyes flashed as Kik just grinned.  Almost growling, she squeezed his now
hard cock.  "Remember who's the one destined to birth a new clan.  Who is
to be Queen here."

   She was so cute when she got Royal.  With one swift motion, Kik pulled
her into his lap.  Her hand let go of his maleness without a fight, legs
parting to it could spring up between them as her cute butt passed over it.
Lips joined effortlessly with his, not so much a kiss as a merging of
souls. Kik kept one hand around her waist, pulling her tight, even as his
other slid over smooth black thighs to her entrance.  His gentle rubbing
was rewarded with gasps.

   "I'm only here because of you, my Lil," he muttered.  "Only because of
you." Finger now wet, he brought it up.  Her scent.  Her wonderful...

   Kik's eyes widened.  He drew his head back, eyes on the wetness before
him.  Lil looked at him, confused, as he brought the finger right under his
nose, sniffing deeply.

   "Kik...  what is..."

   He closed his eyes, shuddering.  Time.  It was time.  He breathed deeply
again.  Her scent.  Her incredible scent.  His cock grew harder, longer. 
Larger than it had ever been.  Lil felt it, her head jerking down in
surprise as it pushed her thighs apart.  Both watched as his cock's
mushroom shaped head flared.  Lil leaned down, unsure, only to jerk her
head back, nostrils twitching.  Her eyes closed, she breathed in deeply.

   Grabbing her tightly, Kik let himself fall off the stand.  Before he had
dropped the length of his body, flapping wings halted their decent.  With a
growl, Kik flew off into the night.

   ****

   Lil couldn't think.  Didn't want to think.  Her body was limp, senses
overwhelmed.  The maleness of his scent pulsed through her.  Rain fell
against her body, but all she felt was him.  His strong arms, his heart
beating beneath a powerful chest.  They were high.  Above the trees.  She
knew that.  In the heavens, where a god like him belonged...

   His hands shifted, moving her body.  Lil's arms went around his neck,
clutching madly.  Long, bare legs wrapped around his waist, ankles crossing
behind his back.  There was a pause, and Lil felt an emptiness she had
never had before.  She needed, needed...

   Lil was suddenly filled with Kik's manhood.  She screamed.  It felt
twice as thick, twice as long.  He rammed it in once.  Twice.  She could
feel it.  Feel it swell, feel...

   Hot, boiling wetness exploded into her.  His seed.

   She was fertile.

   "YES!!!!"

   She could feel her body.  Feel it accepting her man's tribute.  Feel
passages, closed until now, open, sending his essence to her waiting eggs.
Eggs.  Her eggs.  Their children...

   "I love you!" She cried.  Cried with joy.  Cried with life.

   They were mated.

   ****

   Heather pulled herself out of the tent, dagger in hand.  It was late. 
Her internal clock knew that.  She hadn't been woken for the start of her
watch, and that worried her.  Not enough to wake Sam, as this could just be
one of those things, yet...

   The boy was still asleep, chest moving up and down.  That relaxed her.
The fire was down to red coals.  Cautiously, stepping into the boots she
had left outside the tent, Heather stood and looked around.  The rain had
stopped, but there was still a wind blowing behind and around the shelter.
Quietly, she moved out into the open.

   Lil and Kik were asleep, limbs entangled as they lay in the curve of a
white birch tree branch.  Their black skin almost glowed.  Shaking her
head, Heather went back to stir up the fire.

   Fairies.

   ****

   "Who's a good little boy?  Is it you?  Are you a good little boy, Jay?"

   Sam brought the giggling infant up, her nose rubbing against his.  Small
hands reached out, grabbing whatever short hair was in reach.  Fingers
touched her ear, and, laughing, she shook her head to frustrate his
attempted attack.  Jay was lively today, definitely attentive and aware of
all that was around him.  Even as she watched, his eyes darted over her
shoulder, blinking fast.  Something very interesting was probably happening
behind her horse.  Should she look?  Yes, she should.

   Heather rode a horse length behind her, Ben perched in front of the
blonde.  The boy, dressed in the same outfit from the day before, looked as
uncomfortable at the closeness as Heather did.  He clutched the pommel of
the saddle with both hands, the heels of his bare feet trying to find
purchase on the smooth hide of the animal.  Cathy had held that position
before, when the trio had been reduced to one or two beasts of burden.  Now
the princess rode next to them, failing to hide her total infatuation with
the boy.

   A small hand grabbed the edge of Sam's ear.  Laughing, she turned,
pushing her nose again into her son's face.  He had tricked her!  Such a
smart boy!  She kissed his little nose.  Sam hoped the boy behind her
wasn't tricking them as well.  He had not wanted to come with them.  That
was his claim, seemingly eager to leave after an early breakfast, smiling
away Cathy's earnest plea to join their company.  The girl had sulked, but
Sam and Heather had barely put their heads together to discuss how to
handle a crush suddenly broken when Ben had cried out in pain.  The
"bells", he had said.  They were silent when he was with them, but
unbearable if he walked in any direction.  Sam wasn't sure she believed it,
really.  And, if she did accept it, that didn't make letting him come along
the right thing.  Meeting strange magic on the road could never be trusted.

   But, it was done.

   "Where did you live?"

   Cathy's question seemed almost unnatural.  They were a quiet group,
normally, when on the road (or, well, faint wagon trail).  After all this
time, talk was left for camp, for around the fire.  In spite of herself,
Sam found her attention fully focused on the answer, even as her eyes
stayed on the path ahead.

   ****

   Cathy watched Ben nervously, biting her bottom lip.  She was bad at
this. The question had come out wrong.  She should have said something
different.  Made a joke.  Done anything but...

   "A farm."

   A farm.  He was from a farm.  She had seen many farms in the past year,
after a lifetime of stone walls.  Seen the children laughing, playing,
working.  Rhea, between her legs, gave a small neigh, peeved at her rider's
nervousness.  Cathy jerked the reins a bit, keeping them beside Heather's
Xena.  Quickly, while she had the nerve, she asked another question.

   "What was it like?"

   "Dark."

   Cathy's heart stopped.  No.  She'd said the wrong thing.  Said something
that made him hate her!  God, what could she...!

   "Sorry," Ben said, quickly, "sorry.  Habit.  I make fun of myself, so
they couldn't do it." He turned towards her, smile on his face.  Hers
turned hot.

   "It's OK!"

   Silence.

   "So...  what was the farm like?"

   Still facing her, Ben gave a shrug.

   "It was...  home.  I don't know what else to say.  Before two days ago,
it was all I knew.  I knew where every stone was, every piece of uneven
ground." White, unseeing eyes seemed to sadden.  "I knew every voice.  Even
those I didn't like, who didn't like me, I knew them."

   He fell silent.  Cathy just stared.  To be blind.  Her life, her curse,
was as nothing compared to what this strange boy had endured.  Her eyes
rose, finding Heather gazing at her.  Her servant, friend, family.  The
blonde nodded.  So encouraged, she went on.

   "I had never left home, before this, either.  Never even left the
palace. Or my room, most of the time?"

   "Why?" His expression was confused, which hers then mirrored.  How could
he not see...  oh.  Cathy blushed at the obviousness of it.

   "I can't walk.  My legs don't work."

   "Oh!" Ben's white eyes blinked.  "I didn't know!  Wow...  so, what
happened?"

   "I was born like this," she shrugged.  "The damned things just don't
work."

   "Same here.  I've never been able to see.  I'm not even sure what the
idea of seeing means, really." Enthralled, Cathy unconsciously edged her
mount closer.

   "How do you know what things are like, then?  Do you know about colors?"

   "Colors, no," he said, smiling.  "Having a color explained to me doesn't
really tell me much.  That the sun is yellow is meaningless.  But, I know
it makes things warm, that when a cloud passes over it I feel cooler, that
it goes away at night, making things cold.  I learn everything by feel.  I
touch it, and remember that touch.  I can tell you what my mom's face is
like, the shape of her nose, her smile." He seemed to sadden a bit, even as
Cathy blushed at the thought of him running his hands over her face. 
Heather took a hand off the reins, placing it firmly on his head.

   "There will be no touching of Cathy, or any of us.  Understood?"

   "Understood," he nodded.

   Cathy stayed silent.  Nothing had been said about her touching him...

   ****

   "I'm sure," Ben explained, between sips of not broth, "that my parents
were only doing the right thing by planning to sell me.  I mean, I can't
really do farm work, and Mother was pregnant again.  I was a mouth to
feed." He paused, a hunk of something bumping up against his lips.  Opening
wider, he let it enter, tentatively tasting.  It was meat, which was good.
Possibly deer, but he wasn't sure.  He chewed, happily.  He was happy by
nature.  You had to be, really.  The world could be cold and cruel, so best
to make your own fun.

   Heather's voice came from a bit to his left.

   "Mom sold me, to the Duke.  It was to keep me from being a whore
somewhere, so I know she was trying to do the right thing." There was a
touch of bitterness in that voice, which Ben filed away.  Being happy did
not mean he was trusting.  No.  Cautiousness was a key to happiness.  He
nodded, though, in uderstanding, swallowing to empty his mouth.

   "I heard Father talk about taking me into the city, to try and sell me
there.  At the worst, begging would be easier there.  You can't beg in a
town, or on a farm, really.  I didn't WANT to beg, or be sold, you
understand.  So, that's why I decided to run away."

   "How did you EXPECT to get anywhere, blind with no food?" Sam asked from
his right.  The faint sound of a baby feeding from her breast was also
heard, something he had heard often around home.  He shrugged.

   "Hey, I'm a stupid kid.  The bells in my head came just as I was
thinking of actually leaving, and, no, don't sake me why.  I honestly don't
know, which isn't an answer, but it's all I have.  The food part, I
honestly didn't think about until I was far away, and I was kicking myself
about it when you came up on me.  And, after you left, I was kicking myself
for not asking for something to eat.  Drinking, I was able to do that once
the rain started."

   Something warm, soft, touched his left hand.  Fingers, belonging to
Cathy, he assumed.  She reminded him of his older sisters, now married. 
They were always touching him, comforting him.  Her voice was as soft as
her touch.

   "We would have given you food, if you asked."

   "Maybe," Sam said, firmly.  "No, I'm not being cruel, Cathy, just
realistic.  Food is going to be an issue now.  I'll have to go hunting in
two days, if we stay in the wilderness, and an extra mouth eats into our
supplies."

   All good points.  He also might not have trusted food freely given by
strangers.  No reason to say that, though.  No reason to volunteer too
much. Just smile, be friendly.  He turned his head towards Sam's voice.

   "I may not be with you long.  I have no idea where I'm going, and at any
time the pain could come back, telling me to head off in another
direction."

   "And you still have no idea WHY you're hearing this?" Cathy's disbelief
was clear.  Again, he shrugged.

   "Nope."

   He didn't think they believed him.

   ****

   Sam reined her mount as Kik came flying back towards them.  His movement
was swirly, sign that something up ahead needed to be dealt with.  Lil,
resting on her shoulder, stood.  She had been tormenting the baby on Sam's
back, touching the back of its head, then moving away from the small hands
that came for her.  That the infant had been giggling, and thus probably
wasn't exactly being tormented, apparently wasn't something she was paying
attention to.

   Sam held her hand out.  Kik, graceful as ever, slowed, coming to a hover
above it.  With one final flap of his wings, he settled in the center of
her palm.

   "You're not going to like this," he told her.  Sam let out a laugh.

   "That tells me nothing.  What's up ahead?"

   "We're losing our path."

   ****

   Sam looked at the rocky hillside before them.

   "Lil, Kik, could you cover little Jay's ears?  I'm about to say some
words he probably shouldn't hear for another four or five years."

   The wagon ruts they had been following continued for another twenty feet
beyond her, then...  vanished.  Why wagons had come here, when nothing was
around, she wasn't sure, nor was it a mystery she cared about.  All that
mattered was the ground quickly rose before them, rocks and bushes
replacing the level ground they had so far enjoyed.  She shook her head.

   "Are you SURE that fucking arrow still points this way?"

   "Yes," Heather sighed.  Sam turned her head, saw the woman had the
wooden box held before her, and sighed as well.  Her eyes flicked up,
judging the time.

   "What do you think?  Keep going, or..."

   "Sam!" Cathy's cry brought all their attention to the girl.  She was
pointing to the left, south of the trail.  "There's a wagon over there! 
And a tent!"

   Sam leaned a bit, as if the extra few inches would improve her view. 
She saw it.  A covered wagon, not much different than her father's, half
hidden through the trees.  Looking down, she saw very faint wheel tracks
branching off from the trail.  Well, that answered part of that question.
Heather's horse pulled up next to her.

   "What do you think, Sam?  Stop, see what they know about what's ahead?"

   She nodded.

   "Might be a good idea.  Maybe trade a bit, especially if there's nobody
between us and those mountains." She undid the strap on her sword.  "Plus,
we don't want strangers behind us.  We'll be exposed for a bit climbing the
hill."

   Lightly kicking her heals into Brownie, she moved her mount off the road
towards the camp.  Lil left her shoulder, striking out ahead.  Kik took her
place, resting.  The fairies could, if needed, travel far in a day, but
frequent rests increased their stamina by quite a bit.  Sam saw Lil enter
the clearing, pause, then bob up and down.  She kicked into her mount.

   "Come on!"

   ****

   Her eyes didn't have to be told where to look.  A person hung, head
down, gutted, from a tree.

   No...  not a person.  An animal.  A human sized animal.  Woman.  With
human breasts, her body cut open between them like some deer.  It swung
slightly, body turning.

   It was a squirrel.

   ****

   Kik pushed off from Sam, moving a few feet in front of her.  His heart
was cold.  This was wrong.  The same wrong they had felt back in the
market, at the sight of the large squirrel skin.  That was not an animal
before them.  No.  Even from here, its dead eyes told him they once held
life, thought, dreams.  Only humans could do something so...

   He saw the flash of metal.  Saw the launch of the arrow.  He didn't
think.  Either he died or he didn't.  With instinct born from a thousand
childhood games, he launched himself at a point five feet from Sam's head.

   ****

   Lil saw her love, her mate, flash forward.  His body struck the crossbow
bolt in the shaft, near the tail.  The bolt continued on, now tumbling,
striking Sam in the temple with a thud.  Her body jerked, stirrups keeping
her on the horse as her eyes closed, body slumped.

   Kik...  fell, wings motionless.

   "KIK!!!"

   Her sword was in her hand in an instant.  She knew where the evil had
come from.  Saw the form behind the bushes.  Even as she heard Heather let
out a cry of surprised distress, Lil flew as fast as love towards the
enemy. Cathy was saying something, but it didn't matter.  This, only this,
mattered.

   He was ugly.  Even for a human.  Hairy face, unkept clothing.  A second
arrow was already in his crossbow.  With a cry, Lil flew towards his eyes.
He saw her, raised the bow to ward off the attack.  She went around it,
striking his hand as she passed.  He let out a curse, startled fingers
triggering the weapon, sending the bolt up into the air.  Suddenly, Heather
was there, sword in hand.  Even as Lil landed on his face, slashing at a
hairy cheek, the human's blade came down into his chest, then neck.  The
male fell back, then down.  Lil took one final stab at eyes already losing
their life...  then paused.

   She looked up at Heather.  The woman was breathing hard, sword held
limply in her hands.  Her face...  the two women stared at each other in
understanding.  Someone had hurt their love.  That someone had paid. 
Nothing more need be said.

   Chapter 5



   Sam shook her head, eyes opening.  Her temple throbbed, which was never
a good sign.  That she noticed that fact was good, though, as that meant
she was conscious.  She was also upright, something very unusual if she
had, as her confused mind suspected, been unconscious.  She was still on
horseback as well.  Hands, someone's, were on her leg and belly...

   "Sam!"

   Heather's worried voice brought her farther into the land of the living.
She turned, blinking.  Heather stood on the ground beside Brownie, both
hands on Sam.  Something had happened.  Something...  Her eyes widened.

   "Jay!" Sam whipped her head around, a wave of nausea replacing the
throbbing.  Heather grabbed her tighter.

   "Jay's fine!  Don't worry, Sam!  Jay's fine!  Just...  stay still." For
the first time, Sam noticed Cathy had her mount close to her left side, a
hand she had assumed to be Heather's third holding her shoulder.  Her head
slowly turned that way, blinking, as Heather talked around her.  "Cathy,
take Jay, so we can get Sam down here."

   Letting the two arrange her as needed, Sam felt the weight of Jay lift
from her back.  He appeared in Cathy's arms, fussing.  She blinked more...

   "Gotta feed..."

   "In a bit!  Here...  lean this way, Sam..." Strong arms grabbed the
slender teen.  As she felt her feet release the stirrups, darkness claimed
her again.

   ****

   Sam awoke to twilight.

   She also awoke to Jay suckling away happily on her right breast. 
Instinctively, her hands went to him, fingers lightly caressing the back of
his head and body.  He seemed happy and OK.  Satisfied, Sam tightened her
grip on him with one arm and pushed herself up into a seated position.  She
was on a sleeping roll on the ground.  A blanket had been put over her,
then partly pulled down to allow access to dinner for the baby.  She was
still dressed, thankfully.  Waking up nude in a strange place would not be
good.  Her head throbbed a bit.  Placing a hand to her forehead, she felt a
wet bandage.

   "You're awake!"

   Heather's excited voice brought Sam's attention to the fire burning
brightly near her.  She must really have been conked on the head, to not
have noticed that first thing.  Heather was quickly kneeling at her side,
one hand on her back.

   "Don't move too quickly.  Do you feel dizzy?" Her hand went to Sam's
forehead.  Sam paused, considering if she was, in fact, dizzy, but decided
no.  Tired and hungry, yes, but not dizzy.  She shook her head.  Heather
smiled, hand dropping down to lightly caress Sam's face.  "Good.  It didn't
look like too bad a hit, but I was worried."

   The hand felt nice on her skin.  Sam was about to comment on it when it
jerked away, Heather suddenly standing.  Her expression was hard to read.

   "Do you want something to eat?  Drink?"

   Sam nodded, twisting her body a bit to stretch her muscles.

   "Water, then food...  then, what the hell happened."

   ****

   Sam stood over the body of the mystery creature.  Two torches had been
placed into the ground next to her, the flickering light adding to the
already dreamlike quality of the moment.  She held her hands cupped before
her, a bandaged but very alert Kik sitting on her fingers taking in the
scene.  Lil sat beside him, both hands on his body as if he was in danger
of falling off.  For the briefest moment, Sam wished Heather was holding
her.

   It was definitely a giant squirrel.  Four feet tall, from foot to head,
with a bushy tail almost three feet long.  Its female features, though,
where HUMAN features.  At least, Sam had seen no real squirrels with
breasts like this.  They were the size of apples, larger than her pre-child
breasts of the year before.  Tentatively, not wanting to drop her friends,
she knelt down.

   "Was this the only one he had killed?"

   Heather, standing next to her holding the blanket they had covered the
body with, nodded.

   "It must have been the start of his hunting trip.  There were no other
skins, or fresh meat." Just the thought of eating an obviously intelligent
creature made Sam want to throw up.  Her eyes went down to its claws again.
A silver ring adorned one finger.  "We did find what she was probably
wearing, a dyed white dress, two pieces, front and back, tied at the
shoulders and waist." Heather knelt down beside her.  "What do you think we
should do?"

   ****

   Lil wished Kik would sleep.  She could do the first watch of the night
herself.  He needed rest.  Oh, nothing had been broken, thank the spirits,
but he had been bruised and hurt.  She would be able to keep her mind on
her surroundings much better if he was safely asleep with the humans...

   Oh, who was she kidding.  She'd spend the entire watch hovering over
him, waiting to rush to his aid at the first groan of pain or distress. 
You'd think she was her sister, the way she was acting.  Lil had always
been the strong one, but one sign of pain from the one she loved and she
fell apart.  Pitiful.

   "I know what you're thinking, Lil." She looked, his smiling face
reassuring her.  "I'm fine.  Thanks to you."

   "You're an idiot, that's what you are." Her voice was gruff.  His eyes
told her she wasn't fooling anyone.  "Why, damn it, did you have to do
that? The damned arrow was bigger than your entire body!"

   "I had to try," he shrugged.  "Better two hurt than one dead."

   "Not if..."

   "LIL!" She jerked back at the venom in his voice.  Her love's eyes were
hard, unforgiving.  "You will NOT think like that.  They are our
companions. Friends.  How many times have they saved us?  Helped us?  It is
THEY who are allowing us to travel with them for our own selfish needs, not
the other way around.  I've abided your snide remarks, because I know that
is just you, and you do not mean it, but there are lines I will not allow
you to cross."

   Lil's eyes widened in disbelief...  then softened.  Tentatively, the
reached out, touching his bare shoulder.

   "You...  consider them friends?"

   "You do not?"

   Did she?  Well...

   "Maybe..." she said, softly.  Her eyes closed, as his strong hand ran
down her back.  "Maybe..."

   ****

   Heather crawled out of the tent, even as Lil was flying over to wake
her. The night was warm, which was good.  Summer was coming in this strange
land.  Holding out her hand, even as her feet found her boots, she greeted
the fairy as she came to a soft landing on her palm.

   "Morning.  How's Kik?"

   Lil turned, glancing over at a nearby tree, sighing.  She looked tired,
more so than usual at the changing of the watch.

   "He's OK.  I think he'll be able to scout tomorrow, at least some."

   "Don't worry about it.  If he needs a day or two's rest, we'll just go
slower, so you're not strained." She couldn't decipher the look the fairy
gave her.  Boots now on, if unlaced, she walked over to the fire.  Putting
her palm up to her right shoulder, Heather waited until Lil gently
transferred to her new perch before holding both hands over the coals.  "We
did shitty yesterday, Lil."

   "...yeah." Lil let out another sigh, grabbing Heather's ear.

   "If there had been two of them," Heather went on, "or more, we...  we
just abandoned the others, left them unprotected, to go after that guy.  We
were lucky."

   "And stupid."

   "And stupid." They were silent.  Bending down, Heather picked up a
branch Sam had been using earlier and stirred the coals.  The two watched
the sparks slowly rise in the night.  "We have to do better.  Protect them
better."

   "I know."

   "I love her."

   A small hand caressed her earlobe.

   "I know..."

   ****

   With morning, came decisions.

   "Why can't we just bury her?" Heather looked at Sam, hoping her friend
was kidding.  The slim teen, baby already strapped onto her back, just
shook her head.  "But WHY?  She's going to start smelling soon!"

   "She already is," Cathy chimed in.  Heather was glad she wasn't the only
one not happy about this.  Sam came over and put her hand on Heather's
shoulder.

   "It's..." She searched for the right word.  Lil, busy turning a satchel
tied to Brownie's saddle into a nest for Kik, chimed in without turning.

   "It's stupid."

   "It's just something I feel is right," Sam said.  Her eyes were serious.
"We wouldn't leave a human here, if we thought their family was just up
ahead."

   "The hell we wouldn't," Lil countered, turning.  "We'd bury them, mark
the grave, and move on.  Do that here."

   "No.  We're nearing, if not the end, then a waypoint.  Can't you feel
it?" Heather broke her gaze away from Sam, catching the eyes of the others.
Yes.  Sam was right, and they did feel it.  Something was up ahead. 
Something...  important.  Not since they entered the fairy forest, all
those months ago, had signs been coming this fast.

   That fact told them nothing about how close to the end they were,
though.

   "OK, OK, whatever you say, Sam." That got Heather a smile from the teen.
"However, I'm going to insist Jay ride with Cathy.  No, don't object. 
You're still a bit woozy, and if there's trouble up ahead you can't fight
with him on your back.  I'm also putting Ben on one of the hunter's wagon
horses.  We can tie a rope from it to Cathy's mount.  And, no Cathy, he
can't ride with you while you're dealing with Jay.  Ben won't have a
saddle, but with a blanket over the horse and the harness he should be
fine."

   Sam looked at her, then around the camp, considering.  Heather and Lil
had talked about it, before the fairy had gone off to bed.  They needed all
the warriors free to act.  Reluctantly, Sam nodded.

   "Fine.  Actually...  yeah, makes sense.  Put Kik's nest on Ben's mount.
He'll be rearguard." She clapped her hands together.  "Let's do this!"

   ****

   It was still early morning when they set off up the rocky hillside.  The
body was slung over the remaining horse taken from the hunter's wagon, as
well as what few supplies they could find worth taking.  He had apparently
planned on living off what he caught, plus a sizable amount of booze.  Sam
had taken one keg, the only one she considered drinkable.  The rest fit
scum like him.  The man's body had been left where it lay.  It would be
gone in a few days, bones scattered.  Sam doubted he had friends who would
miss him.

   There was no path for them to follow.  The horses picked out the easiest
route, the humans trusting their instincts much more than their own. 
Heather kept the compass out, making sure they stayed on course.  It stayed
due west, only moving when their path took them a bit more north or south
than the magical arrow liked.

   Noon found them on the crown of the hill, an open plateau of long grass
and rocks.  The unmarked path beyond took them down into a forested valley,
then up into the mountains.  Sam looked, and despaired.  She did not want
to climb up that.  Nothing good would come from taking horses up into the
mountains.  Arrow be damned, she'd look for some pass around them, pick up
the trail on the other side.  She wasn't taking her baby up there.

   ****

   The feeling started as soon as Ben felt the horse begin to descend the
hillside.

   At first, his mind ignored it.  He was good at ignoring things.  Most
things came and went with no regard for his thoughts on them, so there was
little need to pay them much heed.  Getting excited, or worried, about that
which would vanish from his limited worldview was pointless, and never led
to good things.

   After the first half mile, though, it began growing.  It was related to
the bells.  He somehow knew that.  Their opposite, in fact, his senses told
him.  Ben was experiencing...  pleasure.  Pleasure, not pain.  Almost as
if...  he was being rewarded for following the right path.  There was no
way to test this, naturally.  With his mount linked to Cathy's, he could
not turn it to see if going elsewhere made it vanish, or brought the loud
bells back to torment him.  Actually...  the feelings were making him feel
uneasy.  While still faint, there was something wrong about it.

   Should he tell the others?

   ...later.  He'd tell them later.

   If it didn't just go away.

   ****

   "Stop...  stop!"

   Ben's quiet cry startled Sam enough that she did, in fact, rein in her
mount.  Only as she was turning her head did the question of what, exactly,
he could be seeing to give warning about occur to her.  The blind boy was
sitting up straight on his mount, white eyes looking past her.  Even as she
opened his mouth, he motioned them to silence.

   "Quiet!" he whispered.  "Listen."

   They did.  Sam heard nothing.  Just the usual sounds of the forest, the
horses breathing and fussing.  It was just...  quiet.

   Kik appeared before her, white bandage almost glowing against his black
skin.  His face was worried.

   "Lil hasn't reported.  She's over do."

   ****

   The fairy looked down in wonder.

   Animals were animals.  Creatures with fur had no souls, no intelligence
no matter what they could be taught, what they displayed.  But, this... 
this...

   A half dozen four foot tall squirrels gathered around bushes, picking
berries.  Fur ranging from white to black to brown, they wore simple white
outfits died brown and green, identical to that of the dead creature. 
Baskets at their feet held the collected food.  Four others, slightly
bigger but still female as the rest were, stood guard around them.  They
were armed with spears, metal tips tied to wooden shafts.  Metal.  These...
animals had metal.  How?  As they worked, the females sang.  It was a quiet
song, full of sadness, devoid of hope.

   Lil sat up on the maple tree branch, too stunned to do more than keep
watching.  The creatures were as nothing she had ever experienced.  Like
something out of children's tales, with their stories of talking rabbits
and noble birds.  As nothing else had, the truth of the magic they were
dealing with was now driven home for her.  If this was possible, then
anything was.

   Dark movement in another tree caught her eye.  Kik.  Anger boiled up in
her.  How dare they!  How dare the humans send him out, when he was
injured! And he should not have gone!  The idiot!  Lil gathered herself,
ready to fly over there and give her mate a good bitch slapping.  Before
her muscles could even tense, his arms moved, signaling.

   "Boy heard noise.  Came to see."

   Anger was replaced with embarrassment.  Lil hadn't reported, so they had
no choice but to send him up.  Stupid, stupid...  as he signaled again, she
at least was relieved to see his bandage had been removed.  He now blended
into the shadows as she did.

   "Stay.  Will report."

   With that, and a blown kiss, he was gone again.

   Lil sat back down, legs straddling the branch.  Nothing to do but wait,
see what the silly humans did next.

   ****

   "Hail, bushy tailed creatures!  We come in peace!"

   Sam's cry startled Lil as much as it did the squirrels.  She leapt to
her feet, aided by a strong flap of her wings, even as the creatures below
scrambled into a defensive formation.  The six berry pickers huddled
together, boxed in by the spear wielding guards.  She could see their eyes
taking in every inch of the forest, every tree hiding possible danger. 
Sam's voice came again, from seemingly the same distance.  The others must
be holding position nearby.

   "Please!  We mean you no harm, but must talk!  We...  we have news of
your fallen friends!"

   One of the six, who had not been cowering as much as the others, stepped
out of the protective formation.  Her fur was grayish brown, her bearing
proud.  Motioning one of the guards over, they conferred.  Then,
cautiously, even as Sam yelled out another greeting they walked towards the
humans.

   ****

   The humans watched with awe as two squirrel creatures appeared on the
path before them.

   Sam's eyes flicked up to a nearby tree.  Kik's form bobbed up and down
twice, confirming only these two had come.  That was fine.  If their own
band had been larger, she would have left Cathy, Jay and Ben with a guard
somewhere back there, not risked them.  First contacts were always a
danger. The newcomers paused about forty feet away, eyes wide.  The guard
visibly trembled.  The other, obviously the spokesman, stood her ground,
head held high.  Her lips moved, though, perhaps in prayer.  Sam nudged her
mount forward a few feet, just enough to focus them on her.  Releasing the
reins, she held out her open hands.

   "Greetings.  I am Samantha, also called Sam, daughter of Gary, wife of
Jack.  We come in peace, on a quest of family and honor."

   The lead squirrel regarded her for a long moment.  Finally, she, too,
took a few steps forward, open hands held out.

   "I am Paza, One Who Failed.  Are...  are you...  humans?  Human... 
females?"

   "Yes," Sam nodded.  "I am a human woman, as is she on the horse behind
me.  A young girl and two young males are behind her."

   "Humans..." The woman closed her eyes, shuddering.  "Humans, after all
this time..." She straightened, shoulders back.  "You said you had news of
our fallen." Sam nodded, motioning to Heather.  The blonde dismounted,
moving back to the pack animal.  A moment later she slowly carried the
blanket wrapped body forward.  Sam marveled at her strength, at the grace
with which she could hold such weight.  Moving half the distance between
the two groups, she carefully set her burden down.  Next to it, she placed
the bundle of fur bought in the city.  Standing, she bowed, turned, and
returned to the others.  She stopped next to Sam's mount, placing a hand on
the teen's leg.

   Paza and the guard moved forward slowly.  Reaching the blanket, the
guard knelt, pulling back the edge.  Her head dropped in sorrow as the face
was revealed.  Paza's hands clenched in prayer, lips moving silently.

   "We found her in a hunter's camp," Sam said, softly.  "Over the hill. 
We killed him.  The bundle next to her is...  well, we found it among the
furs of common animals, in a shop stall.  We are sorry.  You are unknown to
us, and those hunting you have passed you off as simply large beasts."

   "As they should," Paza told her, looking up.  "As we deserve.  Where do
you quest to?"

   "We quest for my husband, and sister, lost a year ago.  We follow a
magical trail, leading west.  Have you seen sign of a witch, with a teen
male and a woman who must have given birth by now?  They magically
teleported, and I know not where."

   The two creatures glanced at each other, the guard standing.

   "A...  year ago, you say?" Paza looked troubled.  Sam nodded.

   "Yes.  It was far away, over the ocean, but as I said the trail has
brought us here.  It most likely takes us over the mountain, as much as I
would like to find my love just behind those trees."

   The woman regarded Sam for a long moment.  Sam returned the gaze.  This
creature was strong, proud, intelligent.  That, she could tell.  Questions
of good and evil would have to wait.  Finally, Paza bowed her head.

   "Lady.  It would be our honor if you came to our dwellings this day. 
Evening is upon us, and we will reach it just as the sun touches the
mountains.  There is someone you should meet."

   Sam frowned.

   "Who?"

   "Our Mistress.  She Who Saw."

   Chapter 6



   Cathy could not stop looking at the creature.

   The clothing wearing squirrel walked next to Sam, bushy tail gently
swaying back and forth as the two led the group through the woods.  Sam had
dismounted, leading her horse, as had Heather.  This was not, so much, out
of courtesy, but to rest the animals in case speed was needed.  Cathy,
naturally, stayed on Rhea.

   A human sized, talking squirrel.  It was out of a story book.  One of
those children's tales where creatures of the forest protect the lost
princess and hide her from an invading king.  That she was, in fact, a
princess made it all the more weird.  It wasn't like when they entered the
Fairy forest.  Everyone knew fairies were real.  But, this...  what next,
talking monkeys?

   Lil fluttered down on her shoulder.

   "Keep alert, Cathy," she muttered, hand going to the girl's ear.  "At
the first sign of trouble, ride back this way as fast as you can."

   "I can't exactly kick her into a gallop," she replied.  Lil petted her
ear.

   "I know, but I don't think they're built for running so it's just a
matter of you three getting out of the way so the four of us can fight our
way out without having to worry about you."

   Cathy turned, looking at the basket fastened behind her.  Jay was
asleep, well used to the sway and bounce of horses.  Eyes lifting, she
looked at Ben riding behind them.  He looked...  distracted.  What could
distract a blind person?  She bit her lip.

   "You OK, Ben?"

   "Huh?" His white eyes swung to her.  They still looked so weird to her.
Not giant squirrel weird, but...

   "Just don't fall asleep on us," Lil told him.  Cathy turned her eyes
back to the creature leading them on.  She frowned.

   "Keep an eye on him, Lil..."

   ****

   The mysterious feelings in Ben's head were growing.

   It was better than pain, or music.  Not better than nothing, though. 
Yes, it felt...  good, but it was a strange good.  As if...  his body was
not ready for it, could not process it.  He tightened his grip on the
reins. He had to stay focused.  Something was trying to distract him...

   ****

   Sam walked out of the forest, and into another world.

   A beaten, but somewhat new, dirt path ran through the spring grass
towards a collection of buildings.  Lining it, for over a hundred feet,
were two rows of the squirrel women.  They stood tall, proud, all dressed
in the same simple garment, just a sheet, front and back, tied at the
shoulders and waist.  Some were died brown and green, but most were pure
white.  All were within a few inches of four feet tall, colors ranging from
light brown to black, with some blues and reds thrown in.  Most seemed to
have chest and tail of a different shade.

   Sam paused, taking in the scene.  Heather, next to her, just shook her
head.

   "It can't be real."

   "Does it matter?" Sam's eyes lifted.  The town beyond was a hodgepodge
affair.  She could see that, even from here.  Over a dozen buildings, built
around a central circle with some sort of green table.  It had the look of
a mining town, or a trading post which has grown beyond one building but
has yet to build structures intended to last more than the coming winter.
She couldn't tell what they were built with, but much of it didn't seem to
be wood or brick.  Stepping a little closer to Heather, she ignored the
look their guide Paza gave them and leaned her head in.  "Don't relax."

   The teen nodded.

   "That will not be happening..."

   ****

   A woman was waiting for them in the village center.  She was old, that
was obvious.  Her fur was grey, the grey of age, seeming to hang on her
bones as if muscles had faded to almost nothing.  Her eyes, though, pupils
of bright blue, showed a mind sharp, clear.  Younger women stood on either
side, just a step behind, attendants ready to help their leader, compensate
for any failing.  Sam just marveled.  The relationship was so...  human,
one she had seen countless times.  The three stood before the strange
table. It was made of painted thin wooden planks, as were a pair of benches
attached on each of the longer sides.  Sam stopped, just outside a grassy
circle that seemed to mark the center of the community.  Handing her reins
to Heather, she took a step forward onto the grass.  She could feel every
eye on her.

   "Greetings," she said, bowing her head slightly.  "I am Sam, Daughter of
Gary, Wife of Jack."

   The woman before her bowed low, both attendants moving to her side.  She
waved them back with irritation.

   "Greetings, oh Holy One.  I am she who is called She Who Saw." She held
herself like that for a moment, then stood.  Her eyes were bright with
tears, body seeming to tremble.  Sam noticed her gown, unlike that of the
others, was not white, but seemingly an unending rainbow of thin threads
running its length.  One hand rose to wipe her eyes.  "Forgive me, Lady. 
I...  I never thought I'd see one of your kind again.  It's almost too
much."

   Sam frowned.

   "If you will forgive me, Ma'am, but...  you are surrounded by humans,
and quite frankly it doesn't seem like your encounters with them have gone
well."

   "Yes, those." She Who Saw waved her right hand dismissively.  "They are
not the right humans.  Real humans.  We know this.  My daughters have tried
to shelter me from this truth, but it is obvious.  You, though...  although
female, I sense in you what I sensed so long ago.  Come!  Sit!" She
motioned to the grass at Sam's feet.  "All of you, sit!  Ester, bring
lights!  And water!  We will talk!"

   Sam turned to Heather, who shrugged.  She shrugged back, then returned
her attention to the woman.

   "Certainly.  Give us a moment."

   One of the squirrels appeared at her side.  Her fur was brown, breasts a
bit larger than Sam's own and apparently covered with white fur.  Her hand,
clawed, was open, and with a moment's hesitation Sam handed over the reins.

   "Keep them here," she said, hoping it didn't come off as rude.  "They'll
need some water."

   "Yes, Lady." The creature bowed, before signaling to someone else.  The
other squirrels were beginning to gather around the edge of the circle as
Sam moved back past her mount to Cathy's.  She patted her leg, nodding up
at the girl, before reaching Ben.  She touched his leg.

   "Ben." He jumped a bit.  "Sorry.  Let me help you down, then I'll lead
you to where we're going to sit." He nodded, seemingly a little hesitant.
Well, he had to get bored up there, without even the scenery to look at. 
Her hands on his waist, he swung his right leg over next to his left,
dropping to the ground easily.  He was getting better.

   "Can the Lady not walk?"

   Sam turned to see a dozen of the creatures in a half circle around
Heather as she assisted Cathy down and onto her back.  She quickly stepped
forward, bringing Ben with her as she kept ahold of his hand.

   "No, she can't.  Our companion's legs do not work.  Also, our friend
here is blind.  Please, give them some room." The women nodded, backing up,
eyes alight with concern and sympathy.  Their gazes, especially, were on
Ben.  Sam thought she heard a few whispers of "male".  Given she had yet to
see any men among the group, or at least any that did not dress the same as
the females, she filed this away in case it became an issue.  Reaching up
onto Cathy's horse, she pulled Jay out of his travel basket, holding him
with one arm as her hand returned to Ben's.  One of the squirrels pointed,
eyes wide.

   "A baby!  A human baby!"

   "QUIET!"

   She Who Saw's voice rang out from the village center.  Every creature
dropped to one knee, head bowed.  The humans swung their gaze around,
unsure.

   "You will all," She Who Saw went on, voice firm, "treat our guests with
respect.  They have traveled far, I think, and the day draws to a close. 
We will talk, eat, and talk some more.  Your questions will be answered,
maybe, later.  For now, I will have silence unless I, or they, speak
first."

   Sam bowed her head in thanks.

   "Thank you."

   "No, thank you." The woman paused, then motioned to someone.  "Bring a
chair out for the girl.  No reason for her to sit on the ground."

   "No," Cathy said, shaking her head violently.  "I'm not sick or
anything. I sit on the ground all the time.  If they're not in chairs, I'm
not in chairs."

   Sam laughed, adjusting her son in her arms.

   "Do you have chairs for all of us?"

   ****

   The chairs were metal.

   Heather couldn't help but run her hands down one of the legs.  Metal. 
Wasted on...  chair legs.  Not on weapons, or tools, or something
important, but...  chairs.  The seats themselves were some sort of fabric,
although nothing she could identify.  It was smooth, seemingly without
threads.  The frame, though, was made of metal rods, attached with some
sort of fastener that let the chair fold up flat.  Amazing!  Almost as
amazing as the buildings around them.  They, too, had metal.  Large sheets,
along with other materials she could only guess at.  They had the look of
structures made from the ruins of some fantastic building, existing pieces
combined as best they could.  Yet, this was not a village of poor serfs. 
There was skill at work here.  Pride, as well, in a job well done, even as
there seemed to be a humility as evident by their dress.

   The humans each sat on one of the strange chairs, Jay even getting one
of his own next to Sam.  Blankets had been brought to form a bed for him,
although he was now feeding.  The lucky kid...  Heather shook off that
unfair pang of jealousy, eyes going to the crowd around them.  It was a
toss up as to which of them was drawing the most attention.  The two
fairies, perched on the heads of Sam and Heather's horses, were virtually
ignored.  Perhaps it was their size, or maybe they had met the flighty
creatures before.  Jay, though, excited them, drawing oohs and aahs from
the women.  So, to, did Ben.  The only visible male, apart from Kik and
Jay, even blind he seemed to cringe from the glare of the throng.  His
hangs were clutched between his legs, head down.  Heather placed a hand on
his knee, reassuring him.

   About what, exactly, she wasn't sure.

   She Who Saw sat down on her own chair before them.  Drinks were brought,
water, the humans taking the strange colored cups off a smooth colored
tray. After they'd all had time to take a sip, the woman leaned forward,
clawed hands clasped together.

   "So...  My Ladies, and Lords," she nodded to Ben and Jay, "what brings
you to us?"

   Sam leaned forward herself, Jay suckling away happily.

   "We come on a quest, your Ladyship.  I follow the trail of a Witch, who
fled after...  a mistake." She let out a sigh.  "Partly my fault, I now
admit.  I scared her.  However, her enchantment took with her my love,
little Jay's father, and my sister.  I search for them, not her."

   The woman frowned.

   "No humans have come through here."

   "I am not surprised," Sam said, "although I would have liked it if they
had.  No, we follow a trail to them, not the trail they took.  The Witch
cast a spell, which took them...  well, who knows where.  In the year since
they vanished, we have traveled far, across land and sea."

   "A year ago?"

   This was the second time that had drawn a reaction.  Heather nodded.

   "Yes, a bit over a year.  Her sister was pregnant at the time, but
surely has given birth by now, as Sam has."

   "I was right!!!"

   A brown furred squirrel leapt to her feet, a half dozen around her
following suit.  She clenched her fists in front of her.

   "I was right!  I did see them, Sisters!  We did see them!  And you all
mocked us!"

   "Judit!  Sit back down!"

   "WHAT DID YOU SEE?" Sam bolted to her feet, her cry drowning out She Who
Saw's admonishment.  She took two steps towards the furred girl, drink
dropped onto the grass as her free hand went to her sword hilt.  The
standing squirrels flinched back.

   "I...  I..." Judit swallowed hard.  "I saw...  we saw," she waved her
hand at the circle of companions, "three humans.  A male, yellow hair,
woman, red hair, and a dark haired woman large with child, blood flowing
from her..."

   ****

   Wendi missed clothing.

   She missed many things.  Good food, for one.  Bread.  Meat with gravy.
Corn.  She missed corn.  But, clothing was one of those things that she had
come, for a week or so, to link with freedom.  To now be nude once again,
as she had been as an apprentice to her Mistress...

   She sighed, hands nimbly weaving the grass in her hand.  She missed not
working.  That had been the entire point, to her, of studying to become a
witch.  Of magic itself.  To get away from slaving away for her family. 
Now, that her training had started with her slaving away for the witch
Quinnia had not been a good sign, but on her escape the future had looked
bright.  She had found a small group to take her in.  Had found not one,
but two sources of magic!  Had found a man...

   Her head bowed.  Wendi missed Gary.  Missed his smile.  His touch.  His
laugh.  She could have saved him.  Could have!  If only that idiot Sam
hadn't spent the night with Jack!  Hadn't drained him, drained the magic
that could have saved the stupid girl's father!  Goddess damn her!

   A small insect landed on her arm.  With a growl, she slapped it,
squishing the red and yellow creature against her dark brown skin.

   She missed clothing.

   Oh, they still had their original outfits, stuffed in a woven leaf bag.
They were in rough shape, having been abused horribly in the first month of
their exile, so it had been decided to save them until they came near
civilization.  It was warm enough, where they were, that clothing wasn't
really needed.  Which was good, because Polly's attempt to cure furs had
been a disaster, the results smelly and horrible.  If winter ever came, who
knows what they'd do.  They could use leaves, yes, and had for hats, but
those itched like hell, and never lasted.  No, nudity was better.

   Wendy looked down at the work in her hands.  The bed mat was coming
along well.  That was good.  They had slept on some piled leaves that
night, with the bugs.  Their last mats hadn't fared well in the last river
crossing, and it had been decided a shelter on the bay coast was more
important than a good sleep.  Now that they were all set up, though, there
was time for luxuries.  At least, she thought so.  She wasn't a hunter, or
fisher.  She wasn't even really a weaver, but she had learned it easily
enough.  She was a good student.  If nothing else, she was that.

   She caught movement down by the shore.  Polly was rounding the large
rock on the right edge of the beach, carrying netting that seemed full and
bulky.  Seafood for dinner again, then.

   Yay.

   It was better than starving again, true.  She was not complaining, much.
The walking and not eating had taken their toll on the heavy teen, and the
larger meals were definitely an improvement.  Now she at least had the
luxury of bitching about the lack of variety.  To herself, at least.  One
who does not hunt nor gather has little right to bitch about the food
selection.

   As Polly came closer, Wendy's eyes went to her full, hanging breasts. 
Maybe.  someday, Polly could be convinced to share some milk with her.  In
a glass, naturally, or maybe make some cheese out of it.  It seemed a shame
to waste it all on the brat.

   "Looks like a good haul," she yelled out, as Polly closed on the high
tide line.  Wendy took a quick glance over at the sleeping Tommy, making
sure all was right there before mommy reached them.  She was in no mood for
yet another fight.  The boy was sleeping comfortably, wrapped in Polly's
old dress.  A flimsy lean-to with a leaf roof, toy version of the larger
one Jack had constructed up on the other side of the ridge out of the wind,
protected him from the sun.  Wendy adjusted her hat a bit, the sun having
moved.  Polly, her own hat on the verge of falling off with her hands too
full to save it, came up next to the pair.  With a sigh, she let her burden
drop onto the grass, body gracefully sitting next to Wendy.

   "This is a good spot to stop for a week or so," she said, body relaxing.
"The easy pickings will last at least that long, and we can smoke enough to
last us awhile when we move on." She turned her head to Wendy.  "If we move
on."

   Wendy groaned, letting the mostly finished bed mat fall into her lap.

   "We're not settling down.  *I* am not settling down.  There have to be
people somewhere!  And there are always settlements on the coast!  If we
keep going north, we're going to find them!"

   "If we keep going north, eventually we'll hit winter.  We must have been
far enough south to have missed the last one, obviously, but..."

   "Where the hell IS everyone?" Wendy stood, eyes scanning the horizon. 
"Where did we go?  Where the hell did that spell take us?"

   ****

   Jack sat on the thick branch, leaning back against the tree trunk as he
ignored the deer-like animal drinking at the small stream.

   It wasn't a deer.  It had three eyes, for one, and one horn.  Tasted
like deer, not that he had been able to sample often.  Hunting with spears,
spears sharpened with rocks, or with rock tips, was damned hard.  In the
past year or so, however long it had been, he had learned to build snares,
trapping the smaller animals, but to kill one of the deer-ish animals he
had to have the luck to come upon when they were injured, before one of the
sharp tooth creatures got to them.  He had admitted such to the others,
lest they come to expect such things.

   Given how Polly had butchered the hides, maybe it was good he didn't
bring many home.

   Today, though, he wasn't hunting.  He was tired.  The shelter was done.
Wood was gathered, so with luck they'd have a fire that night.  Cooked
seafood.  If Polly had found something, but he suspected she had.  Freed
from the handicap of another creature inside her, she was nimble and had a
quick eye.  Neither of which described Wendy.

   Jack closed his eyes.  He didn't want to think about Wendy.  Never
wanted to think about Wendy.  That her magic now seemed incredibly weak,
and thus her hold on him likewise was weak, did not change his hatred of
her.  She didn't think.  Didn't think of consequences.  Didn't think about
others.  Didn't...

   She wasn't Sam.

   Jack tried to picture Sam.  Picture her, not as he last saw her, sword
in hand, screaming in anguish as she faded from view, but as she had lain
with him.  Her thin, strong body, so warm.  Hands, tender, callused.  Her
skin, so soft under his fingers, trembling as he wordlessly spoke to her,
told her secrets.  He felt himself stir.  Wendy could force him to
hardness. Could force the essence from him that fueled her magic.  Only
Sam, though, could willfully draw pleasure from him.  Only for Sam did he
harden, with just her memory.

   Her touch.  Her kiss.  She had kissed him, down there.  Had taken him
into her mouth.  Bringing his hand up, Jack spit into it, before wrapping
it back around his cock.  It wasn't the same as a mouth, but now it was
closer.  He slowly pumped.  Sam.  She had given herself to him.  He had
found blood, her blood, on him when it was all over.  He had been her
first, as she had been his.  His first, his only...

   Jack opened his eyes, looking up through the branches.  He could barely
see the blue sky, the patches looking like large starts in a green night
sky.  Like the night sky when Sam and he...

   Something large, slow, moved across the sky, blotting out the sun.

   ****

   Wendy looked up, mind almost too overwhelmed to even consider thought.

   It was large.  Huge.  And...  not an animal.  It couldn't be an animal.
Even the largest dragon would not be that size!  And it had not head, or
wings, or...  A shadow fell over them on the grass, her body becoming
chilled.  It was smooth.  Looked smooth, although there were lines on it.
The sound...  was there a sound?  Yes, but it was...

   The shadow was gone.  The thing was now well up the coast, to the north.
There, it...  stopped, it seemed, paused...  and lowered.

   Polly, baby in her arms, stood next to Wendy in shock.

   "What the fuck is it?"

   "I don't know..."

   Chapter 7



   "We are not from this place.  Not from this land, this world...  this
universe."

   She Who Saw's words flowed over Sam, like a flood over drought parched
crops.  She leaned forward, body almost vibrating, little Jay held in her
lap.  Nothing else mattered.  Nothing except this woman's words.  They were
the key to her lost love.

   "We are Seekers.  Seekers of Truth, of Truth beyond what is know, what
is unknown.  I Saw.  Saw the Truth.  Sought to spread that Truth.  Sought
to bridge the void between us...  and the Gods."

   That...  sounded dangerous.  Or stupid.  It depended, in Sam's mind, on
whether those gods existed.  If they did, no one in their right mind would
attract their attention.

   "They came to me.  Sisters.  The Sisters you see around you, and oh so
many more.  Sisters who believed, believed in what I Saw.  Believed we
could achieve greatness." She paused, smiling at those gathered.  They
smiled back.  "We built a temple.  A temple, on an empty paradise world at
the edge of reality.  The universe was thin there.  We could work in peace,
away from all distractions..."

   She Who Saw's expression clouded.  Her head dropped.

   "I failed.  We failed.  That is all I can think of, to explain what
happened.  The gods...  rejected us."

   "How?" Sam felt Heather's hand on hers, warm, reassuring.  She tried to
restrain the urge to yell for the woman to just get to the point, to tell
them about the vision of Jack, and Polly.  That's all she wanted.  The
mystery of these creatures was just a distraction...

   The woman took a long drink of water.

   "They removed us from reality."

   ****

   The Holy Place was filled, overflowing with white clad sisters.

   Gilala was pleased.  From her place behind the central altar, the one
who had taken the Holy Name 'She Who Saw' reveled in what they had done. 
What SHE had done.  From nothing, she had built up this faith.  From
nothing, she had created this Temple, designed the machinery surrounding
them.  Created the tools that could bridge worlds, universes, realities. 
Women from all over had flocked to her, desiring what she desired,
providing the hands, hearts, and minds that had made all this possible.

   And today all that bore fruit.

   Maybe.  Gilala was a realist, when it came to experiments, and for all
the others were saying everything was proven this was, in fact, still an
experiment.  Nothing might happen.  Again.  That would be embarrassing. 
You don't call every sister away from job and home lightly.  But, none
would want to miss being here if it did work, and they would need all their
prayers and energy if it indeed was to have any chance of success.  The
risk was worth it.

   The risks were always worth it.

   A grey furred Sister shyly came up to Gilala, bowing low.

   "We are ready, Lady."

   There was a time when Gilala knew every sister in the Temple, by sight
and name.  Now, with them spread all over nearby systems, and even a far
Temple on the verge of being completed, it was not possible.  Such was the
downside of success.  Nodding her head, she smiled at the young woman.

   "Thank you.  Please ring the bell."

   Gilala closed her eyes.  Time.  It was time.  The bell rang, silence
falling over the Temple instantly.  In self imposed darkness, she raised
her arms.

   "Sisters!  The machinery is complete!"

   "Complete!" Half a thousand voices rang out in reply.  Half a thousand
souls encircled her, encircled the picnic table altar where the daemons
would appear.  Where...  where...

   "Sisters!  The spells are cast!" She didn't even hear their answering
chant.  Time...  it was time...

   The bell rang again.

   "NOW!"

   Silence.

   The whirl of invisible machinery.  Of colliders, of Boson reactors and
Quantum untangles.  The chanting of spells, from the edges of the Temple
chamber.  Louder.  Picking up speed.

   Soon.

   SOON.

   *BRAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW*

   Sound exploded into the chamber.

   ****

   A brown furred woman stood to the human's right, head bowed.

   "I saw it.  We," she gestured at those around her, who rose as well,
"saw it.  Saw..."

   "I saw a tree," the woman next to her said, eyes firmly on Sam.  "I saw
a tree floating in space.  I saw Humans, real humans, male and female,
around the tree.  I saw them.  Saw them, and was afraid..."

   "I saw it," came a voice from behind them.  Sam turned, eyes wide, as
another group of the creatures rose.  "We saw it.  Saw the walls dissolve.
Saw letters.  Huge, glowing red letters floating before us.  Human letters.
Five letters spelling out...  BELLS."

   "I saw it."

   It was the young woman from before.  Judit.  She stood tall, surrounded
by others edging her on.  Her eyes focused fully on Sam.

   "I saw them.  Three humans, expressions startled, scared.  Blood flowed
from and around the pregnant woman.  Then...  then..." Her expression fell,
tears coming to her eyes.

   "Then we died."

   ****

   It all happened at once.

   Darkness exploded into the temple.  The structure shuddered.  The
screams had barely started when half were suddenly silenced.  Light burst
into the chamber, through ornate ceiling windows.

   A solid rock face now ran through what had been the central chamber.

   ****

   "The Temple vanished from our world, appearing in yours.  Appearing...
half inside the mountain."

   Cathy's hands flew to her mouth.  She had read tales of magic.  Tales of
magical travel.  The idea of vanishing and appearing half inside something
else had haunted her childhood dreams.  She Who Saw nodded, sadly.

   "Yes.  Half of our sisters were taken from us, never to be seen.  They
are up there, still, in the mountain." She sighed.  "The Temple jutted out
from the mountain like a knife thrown at a tree, but it was not built to
exist as such.  It only took a few moments for the walls to snap, for it to
fall, with us inside, onto the mountain side, the Holy Place now open to
the sky, our screams rising to Gods who had rejected us."

   ****

   It took all of Heather's diplomatic skill to refuse the squirrel's
offers of hospitality for the night.  Something about their...  enthusiasm
disturbed her.  In the end, she accepted use of the chairs, an ample supply
of fire wood and drinking water, and a promise to attend another mass
gathering the next day.  Lil found a good clearing a ten minute ride from
the village, and with torches blazing Heather set up camp.

   Sam just sat on one of the chairs, leather armor discarded, Jay sleeping
in her arms.  Heather let her be.  Her friend needed time.  Time to digest,
accept, what they had heard.  Maybe not believe, but...  accept.  Ben and
Cathy helped with the tent, holding the poles and ropes as needed.  Once
the fire was going, she set the two youngsters on vegetable peeling duty.
There was much giggling, Ben's distracted mood gone, for now.  As Heather
stood off out of the firelight, leaning against a tree, Lil fluttered down
onto her shoulder.

   "Have you ever heard of a story this silly?"

   "Not outside of a book," Heather sighed.  "Poor Sam."

   "I say we assume they lie, and go on.  Keep following the arrow."

   "And if it turns around and points back here as soon as we ride west of
the village?  What then?"

   "We worry about it then.  I don't want to stay here."

   Heather turned her head, regarding the small creature.  Her dark form
was silhouetted against the firelight.  So beautiful, although no the same
way Sam was.  Lil was getting fat, she noticed.  Her formerly taut stomach
now showed a slight bump.

   "You're free to leave any time, my fairy friend."

   Lil gave her a look, one that said more than words could.  Heather
acknowledged it, sighing again.

   "I know, I know." With a grunt, she pushed herself off the tree.  "Come
on, let's get dinner going.  I want to see how little potato is left after
a blind boy uses a knife on it."

   ****

   The ale wasn't helping Sam's mind blot out the singing.

   The music was faint, coming from the village, through trees and down
into a dell.  Faint, yet it overwhelmed the night air., beat and melody
combining to disturb all thought.  And Sam had to think.  Had to reason her
way through this.

   They were saying her love was...  gone.

   Not on this world.

   That's what the story was hinting at.  That, somehow, the Witch's spell
and theirs...  crossed?  and both went wrong.  And where did the flying
tree come in?  Or the word Bells?

   Bells.  Bells was the key.  That was the word from the prophesy.  'From
the ruins of the acorn of knowledge, the path to the bells of destiny shall
grow.' The temple.  That had to be the ruin.  So, the path...  was it Ben's
bells?  The ones in his head?  But he no longer heard them.  No.  The path
was TO the Bells, not the path itself.

   Life was so much simpler, when she was just a father's daughter.

   "Hey."

   Heather's voice was soft, worried.  Sam's eyes stayed on the fire, half
empty mug dangling between her legs, as the sound of one of the metal
chairs creaked as it was moved over next to her.  A moment later a presence
that could only be the long haired blonde settled next to her, shapely
thigh pressing against hers.

   It felt good.  Comforting.  Heather always felt comforting.  Always made
Sam feel welcome, happy.  Content.  Sam would have given up long ago if not
for her.  She...  she was her rock.

   "Don't think about it," Heather's voice said, soothingly.  "Leave it for
morning.  The children are asleep.  We should join them." Her hand, gentle,
brushed some of Sam's hair aside.  Raising the wooden mug, Sam took a long
swig.  The dead hunter's ale went down rough.  She let her arm fall back
down.

   "A year, Heather.  A year." She could feel tears coming.  "A year
gone... and for what?  Why?"

   "But we're close, Sam."

   "Are we?"

   There was a pause.  Heather's arm moved, over and around Sam's
shoulders. She felt herself pressed against Heather's body.

   "You know we're close, Sam." Heather's voice had a strange catch in it.
With a groan, Sam let her head fall over onto her friend's shoulder.

   "It's just...  maybe I should have settled down, somewhere.  Raised
little Jay in a little village.  This..."

   "You're doing good.  You're a good mother.  We can do this.  I'll help
you do this." Heather's hand began running up and down Sam's bare right
arm. It felt good.  Unthinking, she nuzzled her head against the
comfortable shoulder.  As her body shifted, Heather's hand moved to keep
pace...  finding itself touching the side of Sam's breast.

   There was a sound that could have been a gasp.  Sam paid it no mind. 
She just wanted her arm rubbed some more.  After a few long moments, the
hand began slowly running its fingers along the side of Sam's breast.  They
traced where the mound met her chest, the thin material of her shirt
offering little resistance.  Tentatively, that up and down path began to
move up the side of her breast, short nailed fingertips lightly massaging
as they traveled.  Sam let out a relaxed moan.

   "I like that..."

   "...do you?"

   Silly question.  Of course she did.  It had been so long.  So long
since...

   "...Jack..."

   The fingers stopped.  Slowly, they retreated to her arm.

   "W-we'll find him, Sam.  We'll find him..."

   ****

   "Oh, that was a brilliant seduction there.  Is that how humans do it?"

   "I should squash you like a bug."

   "Try it, lover girl."

   Heather sat on one of the chairs by the fire, a tired Lil on her
shoulder.  Kik lay on a nearby branch, either asleep or not wanting to get
involved.  He tired easily now, it seemed.  Heather glanced over at him,
speaking softly.

   "He holding up, Lil?"

   "Yeah." Her voice didn't sound that confident.  "The mating tired him
out, then that stupid arrow...  bad timing, that's what it was."

   "Mating?" Heather's eyes went to the female fairy's figure again, eyes
widening.  "Oh!  That's fast!  How long?"

   "Depends," Lil groused.  "Day or three.  Depends on how many eggs are in
there.  He's strong, so I could easily push out a few dozen."

   Heather blinked.

   "So the thing about you starting a new clan..."

   "Yup.  Baby machine." Lil yawned.  "One reason I don't want to stay
here. It doesn't feel right.  I don't want to set down roots here."

   Heather nodded.

   "Agree with you there.  Hmm...  Assuming you need some sort of nest, is
it something we can put on the extra horse?  Hang off the side?"

   Lil looked at her, startled.

   "You'd...  do that?"

   "Naturally.  Stay with us as long as want.  You're one of us."

   ****

   It was the middle of Heather's watch when the noise came.

   She rose quietly from her chair, outside the circle of firelight.  She
always kept her sword unsheathed, having had a nightmare about being unable
to draw it in time to save Sam.  Slowly, as the rustling increased, she
grabbed the weapon from against the tree.  It could just be an animal,
or...

   Three of the squirrels entered the small clearing.  Seeing the low
burning fire, they stopped, looking around.  The middle one, Heather
thought, was the one with "visions" of Jack and Polly.  Deciding there was
nothing to be gained by just leaving them be, she walked noisily into the
light.

   "We were told we would not be bothered."

   The intruders did not scream, although from their expressions it was a
close thing.  They did jump back a few feet, the middle one holding her
ground the best.  Heather rested the flat of her blade against her right
shoulder, eyeing them coldly.

   "Well?  Judit, wasn't it?  What do you want?"

   Judit bowed her head low.

   "We are sorry to bother you, Lady.  Truly sorry.  But, this...  this
would not wait until the morning." She raised her head.  "You did not tell
She Who Saw how you came to this place, what lit the path you travel. 
Might...  might we see it?"

   Heather frowned.

   "Why?"

   "Yes, why?"

   Lil landed on Heather's shoulder, small, but deadly, blade drawn. 
Glancing over, Heather saw Kik behind them.  He made a circular flying
motion, showing no others were behind them.  Behind her, she sensed Ben
awake in his blanket near the fire, although not moving.  The squirrels,
too, seemed to sense Ben.  Judit's eyes went to him, then focused squarely
on Heather.

   "We think we can show the Lady Sam the way to her Love."

   The last word had barely been uttered when the tent flap shot open.  Sam
appeared, as sober and awake as Heather had ever seen her.

   ****

   "Yes...  yes..."

   The three creatures fussed over the compass.  Heather would not let them
touch it, naturally.  She kept a firm grip on their most treasured
possession.  Indeed, the squirrels did not seem to want to touch it.  They
held strange objects in their claws, rectangular and circular items with
glass that glowed, reflecting things that were not there.  They waved these
strange things, looked at them, touched them, waving them some more.  Sam
looked on, impatient.  Heather, sword now sheathed, reached over and
touched her shoulder, stroking it.  Sam took a deep breath, letting it out
slowly.

   "OK, Ladies.  What's going on?"

   Judit looked at them excitedly.

   "We were right!  Well, we think we're right.  It's hard to tell, magic
not being real and all, but..."

   "Excuse me?"

   "...but we can do it.  We think.  But only if we go now.  NOW."

   "Do WHAT?" Sam let out an exasperated sigh.

   "Use this to open the path." The humans, and fairies, regarded her with
incomprehension.  She quickly went on.  "You see, She Who Saw doesn't care
about the old machines, apart from the Mate Bait." Judit's eyes flicked to
Ben before quickly looking back.  "We, though, have played with the
systems. Gotten some of it back online.  And, we THINK we can open a door,
just for a handful of seconds you understand.  We have no desire to stay
here.  But, we have no way to decide WHERE that door leads!  But, if we can
somehow use this compass, pointing straight to your friends..."

   "We can go to him." Sam's voice was a whisper.  There was such longing
on her face.  Such hope, yet fear that once again it would be dashed. 
Cathy, sitting at their feet, had almost the same expression.  Her hands
clutched at Heather's legs.

   "We have to go, Heather.  Have to!"

   Heather's eyes went to Lil.  The fairy nodded.

   "Break camp.  Let's go."

   ****

   Dawn found them slowly leading the horses up the base of the mountain.
The going was rocky, but not that bad.  The horses had no problem picking a
safe trail.  Lil kept her eyes on the squirrels.  She didn't trust them,
naturally.  It was way too soon for that, and with luck they would never be
around long enough for it to even become an issue.  However...

   "Ok, Squirrel," she told one of them, facing her as she flew backwards
in front of the creature's face.  "Why the hell do you girls keep looking
at Ben?"

   The furry woman was one of a second group of squirrels they had hooked
up with.  One of the original three had stayed at camp, keeping the fire
going, with orders to douse it come morning.  More squirrels were already
at the temple, getting things ready.  A large group, not sanctioned by the
high priestess.  Something was up.

   The woman didn't answer.  Instead, her eyes went to Judit, as if
pleading for help.  Lil was about to get serious with the bitch when Ben
suddenly let out a cry of pain.  Both hands shot to his head, his small
body wobbling unstably on the horse.  Cathy reined in immediately, moving
her mount back next to his.

   "Ben!  What's wrong?"

   The boy grimaced.

   "Don't know.  It just hit."

   "It's the Male Bait." Judit appeared next to him, one hand stroking his
pant leg.  She looked up with sad, understanding eyes.  "You heard
something, yes?  Something drawing you here?"

   "Bells," he said, nodding, as another bolt of pain went through him. 
"And there was this weird feeling the closer we got to the village.  What's
happening?"

   Judit shook her head.

   "It's She Who Saw's great idea.  It's too dangerous for us to go out and
find males, so this machine was suppose to draw a young virgin to us. 
You're just younger than she planned for.  Younger than can accept.  The
pain is to keep you from leaving."

   "WHY?" Cathy, hand protectively holding Ben's arm, just stared at her in
disbelief.  Judit shrugged.

   "We have no males.  We need to mate.  If Ben here stayed, he would be
treated like a God.  Our women would fawn over him, please him in every
way, and have hundreds of children with him."

   Pain left Ben's face.  As his unseeing eyes turned to her, he looked
down with an expression of...  disgust.

   "Ugg.  Who'd want that?"

   "Exactly," Sam said, moving up next to Judit and speaking quickly.  "One
reason we have to get out of here.  I assume," she asked Judit, right hand
resting idly on her sword pommel as her right touched Ben's leg, "the pain
will go away once we're far enough away?"

   "Yes.  It will be gone once you're through the portal.  It's a sound,
and he won't hear it there."

   "Good." Her hand slapped his leg as she turned.  "Let's get going."

   Heather moved up on the other side of Cathy, motioning her head down
close.

   "You have two," she whispered, "maybe three years to wrap Ben around
your finger before he realizes what he just passed on.  Work fast."

   ****

   It wasn't until they came before the temple that Lil believed.

   They had tried to camouflage it, that was obvious.  There were large
swaths of paint or dye over what must have been a brilliant white outer
wall.  From ground level, it was hard to see until you were a few hundred
yards away.  But, once seen, the sheer...  otherworldliness of the
structure overwhelmed you.  It had been oval, at least in part.  A massive
dome, towering up into the sky.  Now it was collapsed, laid out at a severe
angle down the mountainside.  Smaller domes jutted out from it, in somewhat
better shape.  Up above, in the rock face itself, un-natural shapes jutted
out.  She could almost imagine it formed the outline of the original
majesty of the temple.

   Kik dropped down beside her, on Cathy's head.

   "I must say, I'm impressed."

   "It is something." Lil suddenly frowned.  "Um...  by what was probably
the main gate.  Are those giant..."

   "Dicks," Cathy said, giggling.  "Giant dicks!"

   "Cool," Ben said.  "It'd almost be worth this pain to see those!"

   Lil's hand went to Kik's member for a moment, rubbing it.  He chuckled,
then frowned.

   "Um...  I'm no human, but I don't think the horses will be able to walk
on smooth floors at that angle."

   "No need," Judit said.  She motioned them to stop.  From the structure,
three more squirrels were swiftly moving towards them.  Looking behind
Ben's horse, back down the mountain, Lil saw the female left back at the
camp swiftly moving up towards them.  She pushed off to fly over to Sam,
landing on her right shoulder.  Her hand gripped the teen's ear.

   "So, furry ones, what exactly is going on?"

   "One moment." Judit scampered over to the newcomers, as did the other
squirrels.  They conferred, with frequent glances back at the travelers. 
Lil frowned.

   "I sense a trap."

   "Hmm." Sam motioned Heather over.  "Take Jay and put him on Cathy's
mount.  Make sure everything's ready for quick action." Turning her back to
the squirrels, she tightened her saddle straps, before taking her bow from
its protective sleeve and stringing it.  Lil turned to continue watching
the others as Sam slung both bow and quiver over shoulders.  Heather
rejoined them a few moments later, her own bow ready.

   "I really hope we're over reacting," she told Sam.  The dark haired girl
nodded in agreement.

   "Better safe than dead."

   ****

   It was almost five minutes later when yet another group of women came
towards them from the temple.  They pushed a large contraption, all black,
and silver, and white, with colored lights and strange shapes all over it.
It wasn't on wheels, that the humans could see.  It...  no, it couldn't be
floating.  There was just something under there they couldn't see.  It
trailed behind it long black ropes, reaching all the way back into the
temple entrance.  They brought it to a stop at what appeared to be the
extent of the ropes.  It settled to the ground, a strange hum coming from
the object.  Judit came over to them once again.

   "OK!" Her eyes were wide, excited.  "This will work, I think!  We'll
take your compass, bring it to the quantum controller, and let the two
systems interface!  With luck, a portal will open near us!  Now, we will
only have a few moments to go through it!  It will close in half a minute
or so, and there's no going back or trying again!  The system will destroy
itself in the attempt!  So..."

   "WHAT!?!"

   Cathy almost fell off her horse.  Her head felt like all blood had
drained from it.

   One way.

   The trip was one way.

   Her father.  Mother.  Her city.  Home.

   It wasn't supposed to be like this.  She was going back.  That was the
plan.  She would get the necklace, walk, and go walk into her father's
throne room.  Walk, walk up to her parents, and...  and...

   She felt something on her dead legs.  A hand.  Heather's hand.  Cathy
looked down at her companion.  Her knight.  Her...  friend.  Heather looked
back with understanding that brought even more tears to her eyes.

   "If...  if you want, Cathy, I'll go home with you.  We can go home."

   Home.

   Home...

   Home was where you were loved.  Home was where you were with friends. 
Home was where you were with...

   With family.

   This...  this was her family.  Sniffling, she shook her head.

   "N-no.  No.  Thank you, but..." Her hand quickly wiped her eyes.  "I'm
going.  I'm with my family."

   Heather nodded.

   "That you are, Cathy.  That you are.  OK," she said, loudly, turning
back to Sam and Judit.  "Let's do this!"

   She went back to her horse.  As everyone hustled around them, Cathy
turned, fussing with little Jay.  He was awake in his basket, smiling.  She
smiled back.  No.  No, she belonged here.  She'd miss her parents, would
think about them, hope they were well.  But...

   They had their chance.

   ****

   Heather handed the compass to Sam, who handed it to Judit.  The
squirrel's eyes lit up.  Her clawed hands caressed the wooden box for a
moment.  Slowly, she turned towards the others...

   The box leapt from her hands.

   Blue lightning shot from the compass.  One streak connected with the
strange Squirrel contraption, which let off an almost deafening hum. 
Another shot away from it, at a point five feet in front of Sam.  The
compass itself floated in the air, spinning.

   Sam forgot to breath.  There...  in front of her, something....

   It was a sphere.  A sphere of...  space.  Ten feet tall.  Through it...
through it, she saw...

   Sam's eyes widened.  In one fluid motion she leapt onto her horse, bow
instantly in her hand.

   "Heather!  Take the Right!  Cathy to safety!  GO!" With a jab of her
foot, Cathy sent her mount forward even as she grabbed an arrow from her
quiver.  She vanished through the portal.  Heather wasn't even a moment
behind, Cathy urging her horse after her.  In seconds, the humans and
fairies were gone.

   ****

   None of the squirrels moved.  They watched the scene through the portal.
It stayed open almost a full minute, the compass spinning wildly.  Finally,
the blue light vanished.  The inter-dimensional rift maker powered down, as
smoke began emanating from various seams.  Still the women stood there,
silent.

   Judit blinked.

   "Well."

   "Yes," Bitya said, shivering.  "That was..."

   "I," Jezebel said, "am so glad nobody else went through there.  I mean,
did you see...?"

   "So, what do we do now?" All eyes went to Judit.  She bit her lip.

   "Hmm...  Bitya, since we now know the Male Bait actually works...  can
you rig up a portable one that can double as a locator that will lead us TO
the virgin male?  I think it's time for us to go start our own colony."

   "And fuck."

   "Oh yeah.  We're going to find a male and fuck till we can't stand."

   Chapter 8



   "We remember.

   "We remember those who we have lost.  We remember those who have lost
us. We remember the names, the faces, of friends and family left behind. 
We remember our home, the cities, nations, worlds, that formed us.  We
remember all, that they never be forgotten.

   "Let us remember."

   Daium closed her eyes, Anthony's words flowing through her bowed head.
She stood with the others, hand in hand, circled around the Sacred Tree. 
Justin held her left hand, her cousin Rinda her right.  They were her
family.  Her...  people.  Gone were the Orang.  Gone.  Her father was dead.
This, she knew.  She had seen him, on the floor of their home.  Had said
the rites over him.  Was her sister still alive, somewhere, out there? 
Rinda's father?  Were ANY Orang out there in the universe?

   Justin squeezed her hand.  His family was back on Earth.  All the humans
had left, unwillingly, loved ones.  Friends.  They were alone in a universe
nothing like where they were born.

   They were together.  Human and Orang.

   Daium's eyes opened.  A granite stone marker sat on the ground before
her, a carved ball with the continents of Tanah etched in.  Next to it, a
brown stone with her father's name.  A stone with Justin's parent's names.
And so on.  A memorial, Melinda had called it.  A memorial to the dead, and
the lost.  They ringed the Sacred Tree of her home world.  Someday, someday
far away, she hoped, she would have a marker here.  Her children would
come, with their children, and stand in remembrance.

   Humans amazed her.  Daium had talked to Chuck a lot of late, about
religion, faith.  About the faith of the humans.  The fact that there were
so many on Earth, that the humans here were themselves so diverse.  Chuck
had said humans adapted.  They adapted to the land, adapted the land to
them, and most of all adapted their faiths to the situation.  When beliefs
no longer served the needs of a group, what was good was kept, with new
rules and rituals added to help the community survive.  And so they had
started to do here.

   Remembrance Day.

   The first new Holy Day of this world.  The humans had kept some from the
old world, adapted to the new 371 day calendar: Christmas, Thanksgiving,
Maulud Nabi, and 4th of July.  Daium and Rinda had given the group Hari
Kebangsaan.  More would come, as their families grew.  As...  their new
race grew.

   Justin squeezed her hand once more, releasing it.  Daium looked up,
surprised.  His eyes were wet behind his glasses, but he smiled at her.

   "'Amen' means it's over."

   "I didn't even hear it." Daium shrugged, apologetically.  Alicia,
stepping around their husband, rolled her eyes.

   "At least it was short.  I never was one for church."

   As her wife took one of her hands, leading her towards the collection of
waiting infants, Daium glanced once more at her father's marker.  What
would he think?  Would he be happy, that she had found love?  Found love,
not just with two mostly hairless aliens, but with a woman as well as a
man? Would he love her son, who had two eyes instead of four, with only a
trace of hair on his body over brown human skin?  Alicia's hand released
hers, her bare arm instead going around Daium's waist, pulling her close.

   "Come on, Daium.  It's time to focus on the now.  We've done the ritual.
For the next year...  we can live."

   ****

   Anthony thanked Jesus he made it through the prayer without fucking up.

   He wasn't the most religious man, nor the most respectable.  He was, to
be quite honest, the most average store manager you could get for $30,000 a
year, plus bonuses.  A public speaker?  If it was a lighthearted talk on
how to deal with bitchy customers, yes.  Marriages?  Well, he had performed
a half dozen or so, the whole Daium/Justin/Alicia thing requiring three to
get them all sorted out.  Chuck, Melinda and Rinda had tied the knots as
soon as Mr.  Stud had knocked them up the first time.  Glancing over at the
trio, Chuck holding both kids, he could see the baby bumps prominently
displayed on both women.  The still somewhat chubby Chuck was going to
provide most of the world's genetic material if they weren't careful. 
Scary.

   Hannah touched his arm.  His wife held their son, Paul., who was
desperately trying to pull the neck of her shirt down, as if trying to get
to the milk inside.  Didn't blame him.

   "So, did I mangle it too badly?" He grinned at her, hand going out to
distract Paul.  The kid let go of the shirt and grabbed at the offered
fingers.  Strong grip...

   "Oh, you'll never be a Rabbi, but none of us want to do it." Her eyes
sparkled.

   "That's how most tyrants first get the job," he agreed.  "You going to
join us, or are you going with the kids?"

   "Oh, I'm coming," Hannah said, turning to motion to Mary.  "There's no
way I'm going to miss this." The almost fifteen year old came over, taking
her baby brother Paul with a smile.  Anthony saw the other parents pass
their children to the other two teens.  He spoke up.

   "OK.  Everyone who wants to take part in the fun, let's get this over
with."

   ****

   The two squirrels stood at the base of the hill.

   Anthony sighed.

   Squirrels.

   He thought they were rid of them.  Oh, Chuck and the others had laughed
at his opinion, but he had seriously thought they were done with the human
penis crazed religious nuts.  After all, the temple was gone, vanished,
leaving just a large patch of dirt they now had planted with this year's
crops, and Sarah SEEMED to have gotten over the whole thing.  Seemed, when
last they saw her and the other one leaving in the small spacecraft, to
have understood there would be no mass breeding between humans and
squirrels.

   So, why then had a honking big spaceship landed yesterday evening?

   Good question.  And he wanted answers.

   Anthony walked slowly down the stone steps cut into the hill.  They were
a little steep, with no railings.  That would probably be the next project,
or at least a project.  So much to do, colonizing an empty world.  He had
never thought about it before, and here he was doing it.  It would make for
good resume filler.  They had, the first summer and fall, built all the
main buildings they thought they'd need: residences, dining hall, storage.
Winter had showed the need for enclosed walkways.  They were from Buffalo,
and well used to snow, but letting everyone gather easily without shoveling
was more important than proving how tough they were.  They hadn't figured
out what to do about that yet: Alicia's suggestion of moving two of the
houses could be the most sensible, although Chuck's tunnel idea was cool.

   As he came to the end of the steps, and the start of a brick path
leading towards home, Anthony took a look at the two visitors.  He wasn't
going to say all Squirrels looked the same.  After all, you had your
different fur coloring, the size of the ears, and other differentiating
marks.  However, he still considered them...  alien.  Not like Daium and
Rinda.  No sir.  For all the four eyed, furry monkey-like women were, yes,
monkey-like aliens, they were family.  You looked at them as you would any
other human.  Same with all the half human's now here.  Not just the
babies, naturally, but furry Goldie, walking as she usually did on all
fours with her human head held high, and older brother Danny with his snout
nose and half circle ears on top of his head.  They were...  well, no
different than Justin's brown skin, or Alicia's blonde hair.  Quirks.

   Squirrels, though, were still squirrels.

   Anthony stopped before them.  Sarah was wearing the same white dress she
had before, its simple two pieces tied at the shoulder and waist, baring
her sides and black fur.  Her tail had a tinge of grey, as did her chest,
her eyes brown and sparkling.  She bowed, low.  Her companion, with light
brown fur and a white tail, bowed even lower.  Anthony got a good look at
that one's breasts, her white dress being rather loose.  He nodded to them.
The two women, not the breasts.

   "Sarah.  Good morning."

   "Good morning, Anthony." She didn't call him 'Lord', which was good. 
She raised her head, hand indicating her companion.  "You remember Hedva."

   "It has been awhile, but yes.  Morning, Hedva."

   "Good morning." Her voice had some of the old awe in it.  He sighed. 
That wasn't good.  As the others came down the mountain behind him, Anthony
folded his arms across his chest.

   "I think we have some talking to do."

   "Or, at least," Chuck added, arms around both Melinda and Rinda's
waists, "you two do.  Shall we go to the dining hall?"

   ****

   Chuck took a sip of beer.

   They were calling it beer, at least.  It wasn't, though.  The last real
beer had vanished down their throats well over a year ago, as well as the
pop, fruit juice, even Kool-aid.  Even the water now was alien, although
luckily it tasted about the same as Earth water.  The beer...  well, it
tasted good.  Different, but good.  As Tammy and Nona passed out the cups,
he glanced out the large picture window towards the fields.  Half their
seeds for the fruit and hops needed for this drink was now in the ground.
That was his goal, so far as planting went: only risk half the seeds,
whatever that amount might be.  If this year's crop went well, they could
hold even more back next year.  Build up a good surplus, for the droughts
and blights that were sure to come.

   Until then, there was still the beer from last year.

   Anthony stood at the end of the dining room table, mug in hand.

   "OK everyone, sit down.  Let's do this."

   "Who died and made you manager?" Melinda snickered.  Reaching under the
table, Chuck squeezed her thigh in appreciation.  The mustached manager
just shook his head.

   "The last person to make that joke.  Now," he said, turning to the two
squirrels standing beside him, "first, thank you for letting us put this
off till today.  You arrived at...  well, an inconvenient time."

   That was putting it mildly.  The stupid ship had shown up, unannounced,
as they were having Remembrance Eve dinner, swapping stories of the old
life.  Creating tradition.  Squirrel timing had never been good.

   Actually, that wasn't true.  It was too easy, Chuck thought, to go off
on the squirrels.  Humans, and Orang, seemed to need an "other" to consider
inferior, and since they weren't around the furry tailed race had come to
be it.  It was unfair.

   But, then, so was life.

   Tammy and Nona pulled two chairs over behind Sarah and Hedva, indicating
they should sit.  Hedva did, smiling nervously at the couple as they made
their way to their seats.  Sarah remained standing.

   "So," Anthony said, taking his seat, turning the chair to face the
newcomers, "what brings you to our little planet?"

   Sarah took a breath, slowly letting it out.  She then turned her almond
shaped brown eyes on him.

   "For the past year, I have traveled through many nearby star systems. 
With the ship you so graciously gave us, I contacted the other acolytes,
those of us not in the temple when it vanished.  I told them of all that
has happened, that the order is no more, that we will NOT be attempting to
bridge the gap between universes, that it just brings pain, death."

   Chuck looked first at Melinda, then Rinda.  They returned his skeptical
expression.  He had a bad feeling about this.  He leaned forward, elbows on
the table.

   "What's in the extremely large ship, Sarah?"

   She glanced at them, suddenly nervous.

   "My sisters..."

   Hannah put her head in her hands.

   "They aren't all on the ship, are they?"

   ****

   Jack sat nude on the beach while the Witch and Sam's sister fought.

   They always fought.  Big things, little things.  Didn't matter.  Two
strong willed women forced to stay together, because to part would mean
death.  Wendy because, while smart, she was not the most resourceful or
active person in the world.  Polly, because with a baby, first inside her,
now outside and crying, she needed a support system.  As for Jack, he'd be
fine.  No problem.  Loneliness would be a factor, true, but as it was he
mostly survived on the memory of Sam.  He'd leave Wendy, if not Polly, in
an instant.

   If it wasn't for the whole magical binding thing.

   He looked down at his soft cock.  Stupid thing.  It was its fault he was
a slave.  Something in the white substance inside him was a source of magic
for those with ability, and he had been taken, modified.  Brain stuffed
with spells, memories tossed out to make room.  Wendy owned him.  If not
"used", the power in him built up to a painful level.  Thus...

   Jack glanced over at the two.  The pain, now, never got that bad.  It
was as if magic was lessened in this part of the world.  Maybe...  maybe he
COULD leave.  Learn to live with what pain there was.  It would mean
leaving Sam's sister, and nephew, but maybe they could leave together. 
Abandon the Witch.

   No.  She still had some command of his mind.  Could still force him to
obey, even if his ability to resist was stronger now.  They were stuck
together, like flies in sap.

   Which meant he had to keep listening to stupid arguments.

   "I am NOT going north!  Did you SEE that thing?!"

   Wendy did have a point, as loath as Jack was to admit it.  Whatever had
flown over them the day before had been, well, scary.  Big, unknown.  Very
possibly dangerous.  That it seemed to have landed a day or three's walk
away made it something they couldn't ignore.  While the plan had been to
stay here for a bit, rest and restock, that was too close.  Either they
went to discover what the hell it was, or they got the hell away from
there. No real middle ground.

   "Did you see the glow there?  It was like there's a town!"

   "You could hardly see it!  And it went away not that long after full
dark!  Damned small town!  It could have been just that monster burning
things!"

   Very true.  On both counts.  There HAD been a glow, the like of which
they had never seen in all their wanderings.  That, in itself, made even
the hint it was man made more believable.  But...

   "You're the one who's in a hurry to find others!  Well, you can't
explore without going into the unknown!"

   "You're the one with the crying baby that will kill us all if there IS
any danger!"

   Jack closed his eyes.  The sound of a slap did not need any visuals.  He
was glad, in a way, he could not speak.  Could not take sides in this
pointless argument.  Nor did he care to try and get between them.  It had
never done any good, and would not now.  The sound of a returning slap
forced a sigh out of the teen.  Stupid women...

   He stood, turning.  The girls growled at each other at the high tide
line, baby in a wicker basket at their feet.  Wendy, with her light red
hair, dark brown skin and heavyset frame, looked the visual opposite of
Polly, tall, slim, lightly tanned with long curly black hair.  Thanks to
pregnancy their breasts were almost the same size, although Wendy still won
in that department.  Polly's face showed the slap mark.  Should he stop
them?  Or let them fight it out nude on the beach?  Polly's eyes caught his
movement.  Frowning, she seemed to back down from her aggressive stance.

   "Why don't you ask an oracle?  See if there's danger in going?"

   Now it was Jack's turn to get pissed.  Polly saw nothing wrong with
magic.  Saw nothing wrong with Jack being USED.  So she had been used like
that before, while pregnant.  Providing female life magic for her husband,
the baby's father.  She had ASKED for that to happen!  Had volunteered her
body!  Did the fact Jack never had any say in this mean anything to her? 
Oh, she felt sorry for him, sure.  Wished he hadn't lost his memory.  But,
when abusing him would be useful...

   Wendy frowned as well, folding her arms over her ample breasts.

   "You know that drains me, now.  That spell isn't that accurate,
anyways."

   "But it would settle things." Polly extended her arm, hand resting on
Wendi's bare shoulder.  "Look, if it says no, we don't go.  I won't press
things.  I don't want to put the baby in danger, any more than you want to
put us in danger."

   Jack's eyes shot to Polly, but her eyes stayed on the witch.  Oh, the
witch never WANTED to put them in danger.  She just did that as an
unexpected byproduct of not thinking, of consequences unconsidered.  Wendy
sighed, arms dropping.

   "OK, OK.  It's a good idea.  Jack, come here."

   There was a pull at his mind.  A tug, gentle.  If he resisted, it would
become pain.  If she insisted, it would become agony.  Jack paused a
moment, took a breath...  and went to stand before the witch.

   She didn't even ask.  Her brown hand went to his cock, fingers marking a
shape on its flaccid skin.  With an almost painful tightening, Jack
exploded into full hardness.  His body froze, mind lost the ability for all
thought.  She dropped to her knees in the sand.  He felt, barely, her soft
hand wrap around him.  Shapes and images, un-comprehendible, flowed
through, and out of, his mind.  Her voice was faint to his ears.

   "Let's see...  oh, fuck, he's been playing with himself.  It's going to
be weak, weaker even than what it's been recently."

   "Don't blame him for that."

   "I'll blame anyone I...  ah." Her hand adjusted itself around him. 
"Here we go.  I'll let you ask the question."

   Strange syllables came from Wendy's mouth.  Pleasure, painful pleasure,
exploded in Jack's mind as magical essence ejaculated from him.  He could
feel it's path, from his balls, up through his cock.  The white liquid
seemed to swirl in the air, glowing.  Polly knelt down next to the witch.

   "Should the four of us travel north, if we wish to be safe, live well,
and find other people?"

   There was a pause.  Wendy suddenly released him.  He instantly softened,
control returning to his mind and body.  Only with great effort did he stay
standing, legs trembling.  Wendy rose, cursing.

   "Fuck.  What does it know."

   "It knows what we should do, at least to start.  We go north."

   ****

   "A colony."

   Anthony shook his head, even as Sarah nodded hers.  He didn't even have
to look at the others to know how they were reacting.  He put a hand to his
forehead, a headache coming on.

   "Yes, Lord Anthony," Sara said.  She quickly corrected herself. 
"Anthony!  Yes, Anthony!"

   "Why?" He didn't expect a coherent answer, but it was always worth a
try. Sarah's hands clutched together in front of her.

   "We have nowhere else to go, Anthony.  We gave up all life with our
people when we joined the Temple.  Yes, the Temple is no more, but we are
still us.  Still are different.  There is room here!  An entire planet! 
Surely we will not bother you if we set up a community nearby!  And, we can
help you!  Provide things!  Serve you!"

   "I hope," Justin said, looking around the table, "I'm not the only one
who objects to the very idea of a servant race." Anthony chuckled, shaking
his head.

   "No, you're not.  It would be too easy to get used to such a thing, and
that's how evil starts."

   "We do have room, though," Tammy offered.  She leaned forward, eyes on
Sarah.  "What did you have in mind?  How many of you are there?" Sarah
bowed her head towards the woman.

   "We are one hundred and twenty three, Tammy.  This is every one of us
who is not at the aborted second temple.  We have made no contact with
them."

   "We'll worry about them later," Chuck said.  "One crisis at a time.  You
didn't answer as to what you planned on doing."

   "What do you need?" Sarah's eyes met his, not a hint of defensiveness
there.  Anthony chuckled.  He was about to speak when Hannah's hand touched
his arm.  She spoke.

   "Sarah...  do you know anything about fishing?"

   "Fishing?" Nona looked over the table at Hannah, frowning.  "You want
them to fish?"

   "The cove on the coast is beautiful, and would make a great harbor and
fishing village.  We're not going to be able to do anything like that for a
couple generations." She looked back at Sarah, who was confused.  "What do
you think?"

   "What is...  fishing?"

   "As you know," Hannah told her, "humans and Orang eat both plants and
meat.  We also eat the fish that are in the sea, as well as other
creatures. They add variety to our diet and make us healthy.  Whole
societies back on Earth would be based around sending ships out onto the
oceans, catching fish, and bringing them back for the people to eat.  It's
hard work, and can be dangerous."

   Hedva leaned forward in her chair, eyes wide.

   "We'd get to live on the sea?  Sail in boats?" Hannah nodded.

   "Yes.  You can create the town any way you like, and we'll trade with
you for the fish."

   Anthony suppressed a groan as the two squirrels exchanged a look.  He
knew what they wanted to trade for.  Others obviously did as well.  Chuck
rose, both Rinda and Melinda giving the squirrels the evil eye as they each
put a possessive hand on the closest part of his body.  They were forced to
stop as he walked away from the table to a set of wall shelves.  Daium
regarded Hannah, adjusting her four lens glasses.

   "You want to...  give them the bay?  Are you sure?  There's an entire
planet, after all."

   "Exactly.  It's a couple hour walk away, at least.  Far enough away to
let both of us have our privacy, but put a road between the two and
communication and trade will be easy.  As I said, it's not like we were
going to be using the place for quite some time, and later we can just use
another harbor.  There's actually a bigger, better one a little farther
south we can reserve for ourselves."

   Chuck returned, putting a paper map on the table.  Hedva stood and came
over to stand next to Sarah, both looking down intently.  Hannah stood as
well, moving over next to them and pointing on the map.

   "Here.  You can have this area, to do what you want.  There's land over
here for whatever crops you need, or we can clear some land and grow them
to trade for the fish."

   "We probably," Melinda said, thinking, "should send some droids into the
ocean to see what's down there.  If there's some intelligent life, we don't
want to catch them."

   "I agree," Nona said.  She glanced around.  "Do we even know the fish
are edible?"

   "We'll have time to find that out," Chuck said.  He was sitting back in
his seat, playing with a computer pad he had also grabbed.  Anthony
recognized his expression.

   "Find something, Chuck?"

   "Well," he said, finger hitting the screen in a few places, "I had a
droid look over the ship last night, just out of curiosity.  Now that I
know it's a colony ship, some things might need further explanation."

   Sarah's eyes narrowed.

   "Such as, Lord Chuck?"

   "First, is it armed?"

   "Yes." No hesitation.  Anthony liked that.  So long as Sarah wasn't
evasive, all would be well.

   "That's what I thought.  No problem there.  Is the damage I see to the
port side from combat?"

   Now Sarah hesitated.  Anthony sighed.

   "Sarah, what happened?  You haven't been spreading word about us, have
you?  We want to keep this world isolated, our existence unknown."

   "No!" Sarah looked shocked, Hedva mirroring her.  "We would never risk
Humans!  Never!"

   Rinda suddenly jerked forward, eyes wide.

   "You haven't mentioned Orang, have you?"

   ****

   Goldie lay in a patch of grass, babies crawling all over her furry body.
She felt like a stuffed animal, the children alternating between hugging
her limbs and pulling or eating her hair.  One was starting to go for her
breast, and with a laugh she pushed her away.  Her brother, seated on the
ground nearby with Mary, just shook his head.

   "You should cover those if you don't want them attacked."

   "You don't cover your nose when they attack that!" Everyone always
wanted her to cover her breasts.  Well, they were covered with fur.  Wasn't
that enough?  Nobody was looking at them.  And if someone did...  well, she
kind of liked Chuck's glances...

   "We should all go topless," Mary said, grinning as she held Daium's
little one in her arms.  "It can be the new fashion here!  What do you
think, Danny?" Goldie saw her brother's face turn red.  He had yet to see
their friend Mary undressed.  She was waiting, she had confided in Goldie,
for her next birthday.  If he remained a good boy...

   "Ow!" Goldie grimaced, Jeli biting into her arm.  Danny was there in an
instant, pulling the blue furred boy off of her.  He instantly reached for
Danny's long snout, his four eyes wide with excitement at the new toy. 
Danny held him at arm's length.

   "Oh no you don't!  I am not a toy!"

   "Oh?" Mary reached out, pinching his leg.

   "Hey!"

   The sky suddenly exploded.

   ****

   Danny felt himself hurtled through the air.  Instinctively, he brought
Jeli in, arms wrapping around the child as a shield.  He hit the ground
hard, rolling in the grass.  His arms lever loosened.  He came to a stop
after about ten feet, Jeli safe, but crying in his arms.  The fifteen year
old half human looked up.

   A ship.  A spaceship, suddenly there above them.  It was long, tapered,
with curved wings.  Almost bird like.  Smoke and fire rose from countless
seams in its skin, half of one wing missing.  A door opened in its side,
winged creatures pouring out.

   Ludzie.

   The people who had destroyed the Orang's home world.

   Chapter 9

   Mary ran for the babies' lives.

   Rodger and Paul had been dropped haphazardly in the double stroller,
crying as the wheels bumped and jarred down the uneven grassy slope.  She
fought to keep them going, going at speed, knowing one wrong move would
send the not yet year old infants spilling onto the ground.  Danny was to
her left, with the other stroller.  He held half Orang Jeli, with one arm,
the boy clinging to his neck as if he knew what was at stake, all sense of
play gone.  Danny's free hand pushed his double stroller, the front wheels
coming up off the ground more often than not.  Goldie ran a bit ahead of
them, sprinting on all fours, calling out obstacles.

   Above...

   ****

   Rinda burst out of the dining room door, skidding to a stop, eyes unable
to accept it.

   Ludzie.

   A Ludzie ship.  Above their homes.  There was no fleet here.  No Orang
warships to aid them.  They...  they...

   "Rinda!"

   Chuck's voice broke through all fear.  Turning, she reflexively caught
the Orang rifle her husband had tossed to her.  Hands which had not touched
a weapon in a year automatically checked the safety, the clip.  She saw the
others pouring out into the path.  Alicia had a second rifle.  Chuck held
the third.  He gestured, voice firm.

   "Rinda, Alicia!  Help the kids!  Nona, medkits!  Everyone else, arm!"

   Her hopes soared.  A plan.  That's all she needed.  A plan.  With no
further thought, she was off.

   ****

   Daium despaired as she ran home.

   The weapons were scattered.  Every home had some, so they would never
foolishly be unable to reach them if some native beast entered the town. 
Non-native dangers had never been considered.

   Ludzie.

   The ship was a small one.  A scout, or destroyer.  It was damaged. 
Heavily damaged.  How much from some earlier fight, how much from stupidly
coming out of hyperspace inside the atmosphere, she couldn't say.  Smoke
and fire came from the rear.  As she watched, two streaks appeared in the
sky, coming from the landing pad.  The white trails met the Ludzie ship.  A
fireball erupted.  A split second later, the sound wave hit.

   The squirrels.  Fighting back.  The stupid, fucking...  there had been a
chance this wasn't an attack.  That it was, yes, a damaged ship.  That
those leaving it on feathered wings were abandoning the craft to its fate.

   Now...  now...

   ****

   The ship was falling.

   Danny could see that.  It was going to come down, inland, to the west.
On the other side of the crops, it looked like.  There was fire.  A dozen,
two dozen, winged creatures were gliding down, green wings spread wide. 
They were huge.  He knew that.  Over eight feet tall, with talons and
beaks...  the lowest one split off.  Had spotted them.  Was dropping
lower...

   Golden fur flashed before him.

   ****

   Goldie was not useless.

   She knew that now.

   Her body, for once, had a use.

   She could not help with the babies.  Could not carry one, could not push
a stroller.  She could not work a weapon.  Her hands were not nimble enough
to work most tools, her legs no good at keeping her upright for any length
of time.  She was not the most technical person in the village.

   She could do one thing, though.  One thing, that could save her friend.
Her brother.

   With a running jump, the golden teen leapt up at the incoming alien.

   It tried to veer.  Too late, it saw her as a threat.  With a roar her
throat had never given, Goldie grabbed a feathered wingtip.  There was bone
in that wing, bone that snapped easily as gravity captured her body again.
The creature screamed, a taloned claw futilely reaching for her.  Goldie
held on tight as she hit the grass.  Her free hand grabbed another paw full
of feathers, even as her legs pushed her up and onto the body of the thing.
With a roar, she went for its neck.

   ****

   Chuck picked a spot next to a tree, firing up into the sky.

   He was trying to hit them, naturally.  That was the goal when you used a
weapon.  At this range, up into the wind, he knew he had little chance. 
No. He wanted them to come this way.  To come towards him.  Away from the
children.  The first clusters of bird people were landing, between the
fields and the town.  Between him and his babies.  All thoughts of
demanding their surrender ended as projectiles hit the tree, splinters
ejecting from the thick trunk.

   Chuck lowered his aim.

   He had their attention.

   ****

   The door to their home did not so much open, as cower back in fear. 
Hannah was in before her husband, rushing to the far wall as she had never
moved before.  Eyes hard, her hands gripped the rifle on its mount.

   She had never known true fear.  Never been in true danger.  Even in the
first encounter with the Ludzie, there had been a sense of un-realness. 
This new universe still had not exerted its permanence deep into her being.

   Now...

   Now, she knew this was life.  This was all she, her husband, her
children, would ever have.  There was no going back.  They would live, and
die, here.

   Dying was not on the agenda.

   "Here!"

   Whirling, she tossed the heavy weapon to Anthony.  He grabbed it from
the air, briefly dropping the butt to the ground as he finished belting on
a pistol belt.  Hannah took a belt of ammo from a peg, tossed it on like a
sash, grabbing the remaining weapon down.

   "Ammo!" She turned, tossing a second sash to her husband.  He caught and
dropped it over his head in one motion.  As she moved past him, he grabbed
the back of her head.  She paused, eyes closing as his lips touched hers
fleetingly.

   Then they were moving.



   ****

   Mary screamed in pain as a Ludzie bullet pierced her shoulder.

   She fell, legs tangling under her.  Hands still gripping the stroller,
her body pulled the cart over with her.  The distressed cries of the babies
became screams of pain.

   Her unfocused eyes could see Danny.  See him ten feet, fifteen feet,
further towards home.  He couldn't stop.  Couldn't risk the other babies.
Couldn't help her.

   Two of the creatures were descending towards her.

   She'd failed....

   Failed...

   Mommy...Daddy...

   Light flared to her right.

   An orb.  An orb of glowing blue light, easily ten feet tall.  It stood
there, in the grass.  Humming.  Drowning out the cries of the babies.

   All other noise stopped.

   The world stopped.

   Mary's eyes widened.

   From the sphere, appeared a brown horse, with a rider.

   She was a teen.  Short black hair, small breasts under thick, tan,
leather armor.  In her hand was a wooden bow, arrow already nocked and
drawn.  With a shout that told the universe to beware, she released the
bowstring before the mount's front hooves even touched this world's soil.
Another arrow was nocked even as the rear hooves met the ground.  The
contact sounded like thunder to Mary's ears.

   In an instant, horse and rider were gone, bounding away out of view.  As
quickly as they were gone, another sprang from the mist.  The horse was
tan, its rider majestic.  She was all curve and muscle, blonde braid
whipping behind her head as she entered this world.  Her own bow was large,
her muscles straining as she held the string taut.  Leather clad legs
directing her mount, the pair bolted opposite of where the first went.  Her
arrow let fly as she passed out of view.

   Mary then saw the others...

   ****

   Cathy pulled back hard on the reins, Rhea almost rearing up as she tried
to comply.  A girl was on the ground before her, right hand clutching her
left shoulder, red blood trickling from between her fingers.  Next to her,
some sort of baby carriage, upturned onto the ground.  Two infants were in
the grass, yowling in distress.  One of them seemed...  lightly furry.  She
turned her head.  Both hunter's horses had come through.  Ben, unable to
see the strangeness of it all, looked around from his mount unconcerned.

   "Did it work?"

   "You're human!"

   The stranger was on her feet, legs shaking, eyes wide.  She was in a
light dress, arms and much of her legs bare.  Lunging forward, she grabbed
up for Cathy's hand.

   "The babies!  We have to get the babies back!"

   Cathy looked up.  Ahead, she could see wooden buildings, maybe a bit
over half a mile away.  A man was pushing another cart towards it, two
people from the town running to meet him.  One of them looked...  blue and
furry.

   She blinked.  That couldn't be right.  A sound overhead jerked her head
up.  Something large was falling, burning.  The stranger tugged harder on
her hand.

   "Please!"

   Yes.  Of course.  She had to help.  To not help would be evil.  Cathy
nodded.

   "Give me one, give the other to Ben.  He's blind." The girl nodded,
letting go and dropping down on one knee next to the crying babies.  "Ben!
You're going to be handed a baby!  Hold on to it hard, we'll be galloping!"

   "Sam's?"

   "No!" The girl was beside her again, holding up a white diapered child.
She was using both arms, pain written all over her face.  Taking the reins
with her right hand, Cathy took the baby with her left.  A smudged red
handprint on his back sent a chill through the princess.

   Lil dropped down onto her shoulder, sword in hand.

   "What the hell is going on?"

   The stranger paused, lifting the lightly furred baby into her arms.  She
looked up at the nude fairy, blinking once.  That was all the reaction, as
if she had seen her like before.

   "We're being attacked!  Anything with wings is bad!  Please, help us!"

   Lil let out a snort as the girl rushed behind them to hand the second
kid to Ben.  She waved her sword in front of her a few times, as if testing
the balance she knew so well.

   "So, it's that type of world.  Just our luck."

   "I have him!" Ben yelled.  Cathy took a look behind.  The girl had
fallen to her knees, hand again trying to stem the bleeding.

   "Go!  Please!"

   The horses bolted towards the town.

   ****

   Sam had no idea what was going on.  All she knew was arrows killed
flying things, and killed them well.

   The last of the creatures in the air that she could see dropped, her
arrow embedded into its chest.  The rest had landed, were taking cover. 
They had weapons, some of them, strange devices with a stock like that of a
crossbow, but not a bow.  They were birds, yet seemed to glide rather than
fly.  That was good.  It meant now she could focus on the ground, ignoring
the air.  Ignore that huge burning thing falling behind her.  To her left,
she saw three creatures behind a small rise in the earth, their back to
her. They were shooting their weapons at a large tree just before the town.
Well, she could change that.  Kicking her heals into Brownie's flanks, she
charged, another arrow notched.

   ****

   Goldie was losing.

   The raptor-like Ludzie was on top of her.  Its clawed feet had ahold of
her legs, preventing her from pushing off the ground, from getting any
leverage.  Both her hands were on its neck, keeping that beak away from her
face, those short arms away from her body.  But...  she was losing
strength. The damned thing wasn't choking fast enough.  Its weight was
fully on her arms, her elbows slowly bending.

   She was going to die.

   Her Mommy was dead.  Her beautiful Mom, with golden hair so much like
her own fur.  Mom would be proud of her.  Had always said she was proud,
had always told her how good she was, how much she loved her little baby.
Maybe...  maybe she would go to see her Mommy...  maybe dying would be OK.

   The beak came closer to her face.

   Maybe...

   Something black flew between their faces.

   Squawking in pain, the Ludzie reared its head up, blood coming from its
left eye.  Its grip on her loosening, Goldie didn't hesitate.  She rolled
the thing onto its back, hands going to its left wing.  With a growl, she
snapped the limb.  The creature howled again, now somehow having both eyes
gone.  She saw a rock at their side.  Grabbing it, she lifted it up above
her head with both hands, bringing it down on the bird's head.

   It made a crunching sound.

   All movement under her stopped.

   Goldie sat up on her haunches, the dead thing surprisingly comfortable.
She looked around, fearing another was about to attack her.  But, no.  She
was alone.  There was the sound of shouting, of gunfire, but, here, it was
just her, and...

   She saw him.  A man, small man, human, skin as black as night.  He was
bald, hairless, nude, hanging before her face on golden wings.  A silver
sword was in hir hand, a brown belt around his waist.  His eyes were
looking at her, as if she...

   ****

   Kik couldn't breath.

   Her.

   He knew her.  From dreams of prophecy.  Knew those eyes.  That mouth. 
The golden hair.  She...  she was the one.  The one...

   She jumped off of the dead bird, coming to stand on four legs.  He could
see her shoulders rotate, muscles working out aches.  He could also see her
breasts, the golden fur over them lighter, sparser, than that over the rest
of her.  They did not so much hang, as firmly thrust themselves downward.
Her eyes met his.

   "I'm Goldie," she whispered.

   "Kik." Tearing his eyes from her, he looked around.  "Tell me, what..."

   The world to their right exploded into fire.

   ****

   Sam almost dropped her bow at the sight.

   The forest out beyond planted fields was ablaze.  Huge chunks of
whatever that flying thing had been towered above the trees.  What, in the
name of all the gods and goddesses, could make fire like that?  Never had
she seen something burn that bright!  Entire trees were aglow already,
flames higher than the highest branches.  It...  it was beautiful, and
horrible.

   "Stranger!"

   She whirled.  A man was running towards her.  He was stocky, in
bluejeans and a light blue shirt, hair short and brown.  In his hand was
one of those strange weapons, but he held it casually, the front pointed to
the ground.  Figuring he was not in the best of shape, she lightly shook
the reins, moving her mount towards him.  Behind him, in the town, she saw
others moving.  Saw Cathy ride into town, a half dozen people around her.
Coming up on the man, she pulled back on the reins.

   "I'm Sam, daughter of Gary, wife of Jack.  Who are you?"

   The man came to a stop, eyes lighting up with humor.

   "Chuck." He gave no further titles.  "We can exchange histories later.
Is it just the four of you?  Is anyone hurt?" Sam looked around.  Heather
was riding towards her, bow put away, but sword drawn.

   "I think we're OK, although two of our companions are very small so
we'll have to wait for them to report in."

   "OK.  Not surprised." He paused a moment.  "I need you to go into town.
Find Anthony, tall guy with a mustache.  Tell him I'm going to start with
the fire.  We have to keep it away from the fields.  Tell him to send every
droid we have to me.  Got to dig a fire line, or something."

   She frowned at the stranger, Heather reining in her mount next to them.

   "What's a droid?"

   "Don't worry about it.  Just tell him.  Please.  And let my wives know
I'm OK."

   Wives.  He said wives.  Plural.  That...  well, she'd think about it
later.

   "I will, but, do you know anyone named Jack?  Blonde hair, can't talk?"

   "No," he said, shaking his head, "but then all sorts of people are
popping in today."

   ****

   Rinda reached the Mary the same time Goldie did.

   "Mary!"

   The girl was very pale.  She sat with her back to the overturned baby
cart, a powder blue blanket wrapped around her shoulder.  A dark stain
shown through.  Rinda dropped to her knees beside her.

   "Oh, no..." She put her hand lightly on the wound.  Mary grimaced, but
the blood stain was mostly dry.  "We have to get you to Nona."

   "Is she gonna be OK?" Goldie sat down behind her, eyes full of worry. 
Rinda frowned.

   "With luck.  Shoulder wounds can be minor." On Orang, at least.  She had
no idea about humans.  She shook her head to clear it.  "Forget about going
to Nona.  I don't want to move her, so bring Nona here.  I'll stay and
watch her."

   "I'll go.  Goldie should rest."

   Rinda looked at the source of the strange male voice.  A...  small man
was sitting on Goldie's shoulder.  A small black man with wings.  She
stood, a bit unsteady.

   "On second thought, I'll go, you two watch her.  I..." Shaking her head,
she turned and ran back the way she came.

   Could the day get any stranger?

   ****

   All five children were with their mothers.

   Well, Melinda had both Jeli and Carol in her arms, but that was close
enough.  The newcomer Sam also had her child in her arms, taken from the
back of the young girl's horse.  Anthony shook his head.  Squirrels,
Ludzie, and now horseback amazon warriors.  And the planet on fire.  Can't
forget that.  Remembrance Day was one to remember, no doubt about that.

   Anthony saw the other newcomer riding up, the one adult among them.  Not
counting the little fairies, and one must always count fairies.  He shook
his head to clear it.  There was too much to do for him to think silly
thoughts.

   "Anything?" He asked the woman as she reined in.  Heather gave a shake
of her head.

   "If more are still alive, they're in hiding."

   "I don't like that," Anthony said, frowning.  "We'll have to set up a
security watch."

   "The...  'droids' are with Chuck now.  He said to pack what you can, in
case we have to retreat to the ship."

   "Great.  Hannah..." He turned, stopping.  Marching up the long road from
the landing pads came an army of squirrels.  They were all dressed in their
ubiquitous white dresses, a sea of thin young women in a rainbow of colored
fur.  The first few had rifles, but the rest carried shovels and other
implements of destruction (as the old song went).  Sarah was at the lead,
answering the question of where the hell they went to.  The girl Sam came
up beside him, eyes wide.

   "Squirrels are HERE?"

   Anthony looked down at her.

   "Ah, so you've met them.  That explains so much.  This is their fault,
you know.  It's always their fault." He raised a hand to the closing army.
"Come to help, have you?"

   An awed murmur went through the throng.  Anthony put the hand to his
forehead.

   "If anyone asked you if you're a god, Sam, just say 'yes' for now.  It
gets complicated otherwise."

   ****

   Chuck thought they were going to be OK.

   They hadn't planted fields right up to the forest edge, giving them a
nice buffer.  Some wreckage had fallen among the crops, but that was minor.
The trees were all green and healthy, which in addition to the rain two
days ago was keeping the spread to a minimum.  The fire line he had the
droids and squirrels cut was damned wide, he hoped, and he felt confident
having them start to work their way around to try and contain the back of
the blaze.  Already two dozen trees had been felled, trunks pulled out
towards town.  With no way to dump water on the thing, all they could do
was try and make it a controlled burn.

   Hedva stood at his side, apparently liaison between him and the furry
girls working hard around him.  And work hard they did.  He had no
complaints there.  All problems with them started at the top, with what
they were taught, not the women themselves.

   Hell, he was even starting to like Hedva.

   There was a shout from the northern edge of the line.  Hedva's eyes
widened.

   "They found a survivor!"

   Chuck's eyes narrowed.  That...  complicated things.  What do they do,
if any lived?  Killing someone unarmed or wounded would not be right. 
Grabbing his weapon, he quickly followed Hedva, almost hoping to hear the
sound of gunshots.  It would make things so much easier.

   A crowd of squirrels were in a small circle, shovels and picks motioning
threateningly.  Chuck almost thought they were growling.  With a harsh
shout from Hedva, a path opened.  Moving confidently, Chuck passed through
it.

   There, on the ground, was a Ludzie.  She was small, close to his height,
wingspan maybe half of those he had been fighting.  Her feathers were a
light blue, small human like breasts on her chest between short arms.  Her
eyes were wide, frightened, as she cowered against an old log.

   Chuck let the stock of his weapon rest on the ground as he held the
barrel.

   "Hedva, go get Daium, and Nona if the others don't need her at the
moment.  It looks like we have a guest."

   Chapter 10



   Daium looked at the bird girl before her.

   All she could think of was her father.  He had died for these creatures.
Betrayed his own kind for them, and been betrayed in return.  Tanah had
burned because of them, the Sacred Forests lost forever.

   That was not this one's fault.  Even if she had been on one of the
ships, it was not her fault.  It was...  the universe's.  Or ...  something
quantum.  That was it.  Something quantum was always to blame.

   Daium sat on a hastily brought out chair, up on the hilltop near the
replanted Sacred Tree.  The Ludzie girl sat on the ground before her, legs
folded under her, wings at her side.  Her head was a bit lower than
Daium's, those eyes full of hate.  Alicia stood behind her, weapon
holstered but with her hand near the grip.  Daium hoped that, with just the
two of them, the girl wouldn't feel like a prisoner.

   Even if she was.

   "What is your name?" she asked, using the Common speech.  She had not
been off planet in months, so was a bit rusty.  The girl just stared at
her.

   Daium looked off to the west, to the still burning fires.

   "We didn't want this.  None of it.  I saw Tanah burn.  Burn..."

   "Dom burned..."

   The girl's voice was high, chirping.  Her yellow eyes locked with
Daium's.

   "The bombs came down on the nesting grounds.  The rookery's burned, our
chicks screaming in terror.  Orang fired on every ship that tried to leave.
We...  we..." she shook her head.  "We couldn't stop you!"

   "And we couldn't stop you," Daium said, sadly.  "I fled my people before
the counterattack.  Fled, never wanting to see Orang, or Ludzie, again."
She let out a sigh.  "Why did you come here?  With all the universe to flee
to, why here?"

   The girl looked over at the burning ship, expression going from hate to
hopelessness.

   "Father didn't say."

   "Are there more ships?"

   "No," she said, shaking her head.  "No more.  Not with us." Her
hardening eyes returned to Daium.  "So you are safe.  I am not needed.  You
may kill me."

   ****

   "We're not going to kill her," Anthony said disgustedly, running his
hand through his hair.  "I don't know what we're going to do, but killing
isn't on the list.  We have enough bodies to bury as it is."

   Daium tried not to look, as a droid carried a fallen Ludzie to be placed
with the others.

   "Do we send her away, then?  With the squirrels?"

   "Squirrels..." He shook his head, as if trying to loosen his brain. 
"Tonight.  We'll all talk about it tonight."

   ****

   "She'll be OK?"

   Cathy looked at the teen lying on the wood frame bed.  The dark haired
girl was asleep, her left shoulder heavily bandaged.  She looked so... 
fragile, yet she had been so strong.  As strong as Heather, or Sam. 
Cathy's gaze went to the light brown skinned woman standing beside her. 
Nona nodded.

   "Mary should be OK.  The bullet came out easily, which is good.  I wish
I had blood to give her, but...  yeah, she should be OK." She looked down
at Cathy, eyes speculative.  "How's the chair working?"

   Cathy once more looked down.  She sat in a metal chair, large wheels on
either side.  By putting her hands on the tops of the wheels, she could...
move herself.

   "I never imagined something like this," she said, softly.  "It's... 
magic." Nona smiled.

   "Chuck made it when Mary here broke her leg.  If you're going to be
staying with us, I'll have him make one that fits you better."

   "Oh, he won't have to!" Cathy looked up at the female doctor, smiling.
"Once we find Sam's sister, I'll be able to walk!"

   ****

   Heather watched as Sam buried her face in her hands.

   They sat against the wooden log wall of some building, activity all
around them.  In the distance, the sun was setting behind the wall of still
rising smoke.  Their weapons were discarded next to them, leather chest
armor undone and on the grass.  Heather could hear the anguish in her
friend's voice.

   "...not here.  He's not here..."

   "Shh..." Heather put her hand on Sam's back, rubbing.  "We'll find him.
The path led to this world, so..."

   "The compass is GONE!" Sam's hands became fists.  pounding downward. 
One hit the grass, the other Heather's thigh.  She didn't notice.  "What
the hell am I supposed to do now?" With a groan, she got to her feet.  "I'm
going to look after the horses.  This place doesn't even have a stable."

   Heather stayed where she was, watching the teen walk away.  Sam was
right.  They weren't here.  Had never been here.  There was no trail. 
There were no other people on this world, even, if she understood right. 
They were exiles, with no way forward, no way home.

   And who's fault was that?

   Hers.  This was all her fault.  All of it.  She had gotten Cathy
involved with the wizard, which had gotten the poor man killed by Sam's
father.  Sent Sam into exile with her family.  Then she had not stopped
Cathy from leaving home, had HELPED the girl flee a family that, yes,
didn't understand her, but they loved her.  In their own way.  And, now...

   "I know that look."

   Heather looked up.  A thin, athletic woman looked down at her, dressed
in tight bluejeans and a white blouse.  Dirty blond hair was pulled back
into a ponytail, tied with a blue scarf.  She smiled, a good, honest smile.

   "I'm Tammy.  May I sit?"

   Heather nodded dumbly.  She had not, as yet, paid too much mind to those
living in this small village, actually little more than a farming
homestead. This one she had only seen briefly, helping the medicine woman.
The stranger slid down next to her, long limbs graceful in a way she had
only seen with Sam.  Tammy sighed.

   "Tiring day."

   "We were up at midnight," Heather said, body now feeling the ache as if
mention of it removed her ability to ignore it.  "The squirrels woke us."

   "Yes, they do that."

   There was a resigned sense of humor when these people talked about the
creatures.  Heather didn't know what to make of it.  She pounded the ground
between them.

   "We shouldn't have come here."

   "You're looking for her husband?" Tammy's voice was soft, understanding.
Heather nodded.

   "And sister.  And they're NOT here."

   The woman nodded.

   "And neither were you.  Let's give it some time before giving up hope.
The universe is...  well, this universe, at least, tends towards unexpected
coincidences.  Don't ask why."

   "We've survived for a year on hope," Heather muttered, body limp, eyes
looking up at the darkening sky.  "I don't know how much longer we can do
it."

   "I think love was involved as well." Heather looked at her, surprised.
Tammy gave her a sad smile.  "I said I recognized that look.  That's why
you're still with her, right?"

   "Cathy..."

   "Yes, because you love her, too, although not the same way.  Two loves.
And you're helping the one to find someone else." Tammy shook her head.  "I
could never do that."

   A door opened down what passed for a street here.  Cathy, in that
strange metal wheeled chair, was pushed out by the nurse.  Heather felt
Tammy's hand take hers.

   "That's my love, Nona.  It took over a year for her to understand her
feelings, longer for us to be together, but it has been bliss.  Not
perfect, no, but I wouldn't change a thing."

   Heather watched as the pair moved to where Ben and the two half human
teens were, saw Cathy easily talking to them.  Saw Nona smile, and to her
surprise felt a reaction inside herself at that.  Tammy squeezed her hand.

   "We've had to change, here, isolated from all other humans.  Adjust. 
Marriages are no longer just two lovers.  They are three...  and can be
more." Heather's head swiftly turned, eyes wide.  Tammy nodded.  "We will
help you find those you seek.  Whether you do or not, all of you are
welcome here.  Welcome to join us, love us, and be loved.  Open yourself to
what can be."

   "Sam..."

   "It took a year with Nona," Tammy whispered again.  "Never give up
hope." She squeezed Heather's hand again, before pushing herself up, as if
getting ready to stand.  "I need to finish dinner for this mob.  Care to
help?"

   Heather let herself be pulled to her feet, eyes once again going first
to Cathy...  then to where Sam had vanished.

   "Yes...  of course..."

   ****

   Lil sat on the shingled peak of the human building, looking down at
Cathy and the others.  Actually...  just the furry one.  The human faced
four legged girl.  Goldie.  Kik was at Lil's side, arms around her, one
hand on her swelling belly.  She spoke without looking at her mate.

   "Her?"

   "Yes," he said, sadly.  They both looked on in silence.  "But...  you
are my queen.  My love.  My mate.  This will not change."

   "I know," she said, voice uncertain.  "I know.  We will fill this world
with our children.  but...  her?  How is that even possible?"

   "Have dreams ever lied, Love?"

   "No..."

   "And I do feel something, when I look at her.  She...  look at her,
Love."

   Lil did.  The creature...  the girl, looked sad.  Alone.  Alone, among
the humans and monkeys, and squirrels.  None were like her.  Even the one
who was her brother.  And there would be no mating with him, if she
understood these things.  The question remained, though.

   "Kik, my love...  HOW do you expect to mate with her?"

   "Carefully," he laughed.  "Very carefully!"

   ****

   The fire was contained.

   Chuck looked at the wreckage, exhausted.  Seven hours.  Seven hours at
least, doing something he had no experience with, trying to save the home
he had spent the last year building.  Some spots still smoldered, black
smoke still rose into the sky, but...

   A clawed hand tentatively touched his bare arm.  Chuck turned to Hedva.
Her eyes held an admiration very different than the religious devotion he
had seen before.  This...  this emotion, he knew, respected.  She smiled up
at him.

   "We did it, Chuck."

   "Yup," he nodded.  The others were gathering around, shovels and axes in
hand.  "The fire is out," he shouted, fist raised into the air.  "Three
cheers for us!  Hurrah!"

   A hundred squirrel women raised their fists as they cheered, bringing
him the joy of the absurd he knew so well.  He honestly was coming to like
them.  One, Annot, he thought, began singing, the others joining in.  Hedva
laughed, her hand still on his arm.

   "It's a song of joy, joy that the day's work is done."

   "I like joy." Turning to her, he placed his hand over hers.  Hedva's
eyes widened.  "Sit with us during dinner."

   "Ch-chuck?"

   "It's been awhile since we had a new friend."

   ****

   Sam was annoyed the horses were OK.

   Mostly it was her care that was keeping them happy.  She knew this.  The
teen had gone over their hooves, rubbed them down, made sure that they had
some oats from their precious supplies to supplement the grass here, and
generally did the normal end of day routine.  There was no reason they
would be showing distress.  Yet...  if they WERE unhappy, she could use
that as an excuse to leave.  Grab up little Jay, call over Heather and
Cathy, and be gone over that hill.  Ben could be left with these fine
folks. They seemed eager to have them join this community, so they could
have the boy.  Goddess knew she wasn't that attached to him yet...

   "Beautiful horses."

   Sam looked at the intruder.  She was blonde, busty, like Heather, yet
totally unlike her.  Her curly hair fell to her shoulders, blue eyes
regarding Sam with unashamed interest.  What drew Sam's eye, though, was
the scar.  It was red, evil looking, running up her right cheek.  The wound
was obviously old, the story behind it one of a young girl, not the woman
standing before her.  Moments passed before Sam realized she had been
staring, and that the woman had just stood there, waiting for her to
finish. She felt her cheeks heat.

   "What is it?" Her voice sounded harsh, harsher than she intended.  The
woman folded her arms before her.

   "I just thought I'd see if you needed anything.  Tell you we'll be
eating soon.  Your friend Heather has been helping in the kitchen, which is
good as Melinda's been in a state since this morning.  Almost had to
restrain her from going out to the fire, especially since she was going to
take Carol with her.  Had to convince her it was either stay with her
daughter, or go to Chuck." She looked at the nearby basket.  "Is that your
son?"

   "Yes," Sam said, eyes following hers.  "Jay."

   "He looks not much older than Daium's"

   "Do you ALL have babies?" The question had been nagging at Sam.  The
woman smiled.

   "All that have a man, and as you may have noticed we have been forced to
share.  Well, not forced, as it was all quite romantic." Her eyes became
serious.  "Anthony told me about your quest.  I'll help any way I can."

   "Why?" That was the real thing bugging Sam.  Yes, gratitude for the help
she had given them that day, but they were so...  eager.  It wasn't right.
The woman came closer, halting only a few feet away.

   "You can't understand," she said, brushing back a few strands of hair
that had fallen over her scar.  "We have not seen another human in so
long...  Anything we can do, anything, we will.  We know what is ahead of
you, know it won't be easy.  Especially with a beautiful son like him..."

   "What's your name," Sam asked quietly.

   "Alicia.  Come, you can sit with Justin, Daium and me..."

   ****

   Chuck watched Hedva leave to talk with Sarah, as the army of
firefighting squirrels filed into town.  He was tired.  Bone tired.  He saw
the tables set up, the kids, including the two new ones, setting up the
plates and glasses.  He probably should change before eating.  Maybe wash.
Looking down at his arms, he could see he was covered in black soot and
ash. God knew what his face looked like.  Yawning, he made his way to his
house.

   On opening the front door, he was attacked.

   "Chuck!"

   Melinda was on him, kissing his face desperately.  Her hands were all
over him, as if reassuring herself that he was, in fact, there.  He managed
to close the door as Rinda joined them.  She was more restrained, but no
less passionate.  She grabbed the sides of his head, turning him from
Melinda and down to her lips.  He closed his eyes, enjoying the relief in
knowing both were safe.

   "You taste like a fireplace."

   He laughed, looking down at the faces of his two loves.  Both,
especially Melinda, now had black smudges on their skin and fur.

   "Not my fault, my loves."

   "He needs a bath," Melinda said, looking at Rinda.  The blue furred
Orang nodded.

   "Good thing we have the tub filled."

   Laughing at their foresight, Chuck let himself be led into the bathroom.
He passed the living room playpen, both children napping in it.  He had
saved them.  Saved them all, his family, his house...  some of the ache
lifted from his bones.

   Which was good, given what his wives had planned.  Positioning him by
the tub, they stripped Chuck of his clothing, tossing it disgustedly into a
nearby hamper.  Looking down at himself, he was surprised how much had
gotten into his clothing.  He had expected the skin of his belly to be
white, compared to his arms, but, no, it was a brownish grey.  Melinda
slapped his bare butt.

   "In!"

   He stepped into the tub, sitting in the warm water.  It was large, and
round, built for three.  As he sank down up to his chin, he saw the others
strip off their clothing.

   Chuck never tired of looking at his companions.  Never tired of seeing
their trim bodies, sparkling eyes, mysterious smiles.  Fate, not love, and
joined them at first, but love was now there in all ways it could be. 
Melinda, his old stalker, removed her glasses, setting them on a shelf. 
Her bare belly swelled slightly, their third child within.  Rinda, all four
eyes on him, placed a hand on her own belly, child four growing slowly
inside.  He could not help but smile up at the pair.

   "Are you joining me?"

   "Not until you're clean," Melinda said.  Kneeling down beside the tub,
she grabbed soap and a washcloth.  Rinda knelt beside her, doing the same.
Directing Chuck to sit up, they began to slowly wash him.  He sighed, eyes
closing.  Their soapy hands felt good against his skin, washing away the
day's cares.  Rinda pulled one of his legs up, placing his foot on the edge
of the tub, soaping up the long limb.  Melinda did the same with an arm. 
She leaned in, letting a breast brush against his fingers.  Taking the
hint, he gently circled the firm nipple as the washcloth caressed his skin.

   "There's lots of news," she said, softly.  Chuck nodded.

   "I expect there is." He looked at them both.  "I asked Hedva to eat with
us."

   Six eyes regarded him.  Rinda sent her soapy hands up his leg, down into
the water to his half hard cock.

   "I do like her more than Sarah," she said.  Chuck nodded again.

   "We worked well today.  I think we can be friends."

   Rinda cocked her head at Melinda, a half smile on her face.

   "Friends are good."

   "Yes they are." As Chuck watched, amused, his two friends and lovers
kissed, lips gently nibbling.  Friendship was a wonderful thing...

   ****

   Anthony looked out over the gathered throng, their bellies full.  Never
had the meadow held so many.  Never had he spoken before so many.  Nor did
he want to.  He had offered the job to Chuck, or Hannah.  Even Daium.  They
refused.  Something about him being in charge, yadda yadda yadda.  They
were just smart, that's all.  Smart enough to give him lots of advice on
what to say, and have no desire to say it themselves.  This...  this was
going to be interesting.

   He stepped up onto a chair, then the table.  Most of those before him
were seated on the ground, the squirrels not having brought chairs and
tables from their ship.  They HAD brought food, for which he was grateful.
Feeding the new humans was one thing, feeding a hundred and fifty nut
eaters was another.  He looked over them.  The captured Ludzie sat, alone,
on the grass, a sentry droid beside her.  As he watched, Daium gave both
Justin and Alicia a kiss, watched expressionlessly by Sam, and walked over
to sit beside the prisoner.  She had her baby with her, little Rodger
having his own meal from her breast.  "Rodger".  Justin had wanted to name
the little guy after Roger Waters, but Daium had liked that version of the
name.  Anthony hoped the next one was named "Wilco".

   Deciding there was no point postponing this, he raised his hands.

   "Can I have your attention!"

   Anthony saw Daium lean her head next to the Ludzie, translating.  The
squirrels all dropped what they were doing, silencing instantly, all eyes
on him.  The humans were a bit more relaxed about it.  He saw Cathy and
Hannah focus on him, nodding in return.  He lowered his hands.

   "Thank you.  First, I want to welcome everyone.  Some of you did not
expect to be here today, and, quite honestly, we were not expecting any of
you." His friends chuckled at that, Hannah giving him an encouraging smile.
His expression became more serious.  "I would also like to welcome our
Ludzie friend, who has not given us her name.  We are sorry for your
friends and family who have died today, and we are sorry for our part in
that madness.  Please tell us how we can honor your fallen, and we will do
so tomorrow to the best of our ability."

   He could not read her expression as Daium's translation reached her. 
Best to just go on.

   "Let me start by telling you about us, about this world.  We, eight
human adults, three men, five women, came to this universe against our
will. Friends, family, city, nation, world, all left behind.  Today was a
holiday for us.  Remembrance Day, when we remember those we miss.  Some of
you, too, have left loved ones behind, never to be seen again.  We grieve
with you.

   "In our travels, we met two Orang.  They, too, had lost their people,
but where ours were just beyond our reach, theirs...  had been decimated.
Their planet destroyed.  We welcomed them into our family.  Four of our own
did more than that: they created families with Rinda and Daium, producing
beautiful children.  They are our pride and joy." Anthony saw Daium blush
at that.  The Ludzie was looking at little Rodger, suckling away happily.

   "We traveled across the galaxy fleeing the war between the Orang and the
Ludzie.  Fleeing the hate that had destroyed both people.  As we neared the
edge, we discovered those responsible for our exile.  Those responsible for
ripping not just us, but unknown others, from our world, causing death,
heartache.

   "Their temple was on this world."

   The squirrels looked at each other, wondering what he was getting at,
their confusion and distress evident.

   "We came here to stop them.  To do everything in our power to stop the
madness.  Fate, however, as she sometimes does, intervened.  When we
arrived at this world...  the temple vanished.

   "We now know what happened to it."

   ****

   Hedva sucked in a breath.  Melinda, sitting on her right, took her hand.
Chuck took her other one.  The former temple acolyte gave him a hard look.

   "Do you know, Chuck?"

   "I was with you all day," he said, squeezing her paw.  "The girls did
give me a bit of it, though.  Just listen."

   ****

   From the midst of the squirrels, Sarah rose.  She walked through the
seated throng of her sisters.  What had the humans found...  What had they
not told her...

   ****

   Anthony waited for Sarah to come to a stop before his table stage.  She
looked up with large, almost human eyes.

   "Where is She Who Saw?"

   Sam, sitting next to Alicia, stood.

   "She is alive, as are about half of those who were with her."

   ****

   Bedlam broke out.

   Anthony had expected this.  It confirmed some of his thoughts about the
ship of colonists, for all he had spent little time considering the matter.
They were the same as they always had been.  Sarah had modified it a bit,
probably, changed direction from bringing humans to dealing with the ones
here, but the underlying philosophy was probably the same.  A year wasn't
long enough to change that, if she had even tried.  He saw the newcomers,
Sam and Heather, cringe at the sudden religious fervor.

   Deciding it had gone on long enough, he raised his hands.

   "Quiet!"

   They quieted.  Anthony took a deep breath.

   "They are alive.  In another universe, on another world.  Much as we,
humans, came from beyond your reality, so the temple and those you knew now
live in yet another realm.  Our new friends come from there...  and there
is no way back."

   He motioned everyone to sit.  Again, they did so.  Godhood did have its
advantages.

   "To all of you, who followed the temple.  You came here, with Sarah, and
Hedva, who we know, with the intent of living on this world.  Of joining
us, us humans and Orang.  You did not ask.  Yet...  we welcome you.  You
may stay.

   "But there are rules."

   He had them unsettled now.  Probably not the best way to handle things,
but what can you do.  Worst case, they all just left.  Or was that best
case?

   "We know of your interest in humans.  The interest created by She Who
Saw, by those who led the temple.  We know you still have it, that it is
why many, maybe even all, of you have come.

   "If you are here to mate with humans, you are unwelcome, and must
leave."

   That stirred them up.  He raised his hands again.

   "We do not want sex slaves.  We do not want to father uncounted
children. We, at least those humans here, want friendship.  Love.  Family.
We mate with those we love, love those we mate with.  Any who think that
life revolves around baring one of our babies will die old and unfulfilled.

   "However!  That said...  you are welcome.  Welcome to join us.  To live
with us.  To be our friends.  There is a harbor to the east.  If you wish,
you may have it, to build homes, learn trades.  We, humans and Orang, would
trade with you for fish caught from the sea.  Would help you, and ask for
your help, in creating a new paradise on this world.

   "The rules would be simple:

   "One- no other of your kind would be allowed onto this world.  We do not
want to be a minority in a sea of Squirrels.  By coming here, you would
abandon all hope of finding husbands of your own people.  This would be
your home, for all time."

   He saw some unhappy about that.  Good.

   "Two- you would agree to never attempt to seduce someone against the
will of their current partners.  Out of necessity, and love, we have
created families with more than one partner.  However, there is love and
friendship between all members of that family.  It is not a male and two
wives: It is three people who love each other, who make love to each other.
As time passes, some of you may, as friendship grows, join some of these
families.  That is good.  However, any attempt to seduce me without
involving my wife will get you sent away.  We will not, CAN not, have any
of that."
A number of the young women were leaning forward, nodding, taking in

every word.  He smiled, receiving smiles back.

   "And...  those are the only rules.  Think about them.  Think about what
life here would be like, could be like.  We will give you a full day or two
to decide."

   Chapter 11



   "Why are we doing this?"

   Polly regarded Wendy.  The surly witch sat on a large rock, eyes on the
red glow to the north.  Her top, new a year ago but not worn for months,
contained her large breasts reasonably well.  Until the next button came
off, and that most likely would be soon from the looks of the fraying
fabric.  Luckily, modesty mattered little among the three.

   That probably shouldn't be the case.  Jack, after all, was a teen male,
one attracted to women if his attachment to her sister had been any
indication.  Yet, he had shown no interest in either of them.  Wendy, she
could understand.  After all, she had enslaved him, and that did tend to
put a damper on how you thought about someone (unless you were into that).
Polly was a little insulted that he had not come to her, though. 
Especially after she'd given birth to little Tommy.  She...  well, damn it,
her love was long dead.  She could use some companionship.

   The male in question was squatting next to the fire.  He, too, was
dressed old clothes, worn bluejeans and a shirt.  It had been decided,
given the possibility of meeting actual people, they should be dressed for
the occasion.  Walking all day up the beaches and through the grass while
not nude was a change Polly, for one, didn't like.  The fabric...  well,
what had been silky and comforting while new was now rough against her
skin. Plus, she had been pregnant when she fit her current dress.

   "If nobody has an answer, why are we doing it?"

   Polly saw Jack's eyes regard Wendy coldly.  There was a lot of coldness
from him, of late.  Some morning, she knew, they'd wake to find him gone.
Wake to find he had left the three of them to struggle on the best they
could.

   What then?

   He stood, blue eyes hard.  Walking over to Polly, he reached down to the
back of her hand.  Slowly, she felt his callused finger trace letters.  The
sentence wasn't complete, as if it was not worth his time to write his
thought out fully for them.  Why did he hate her?  What had she done? 
Clearing that thought, she looked at Wendy.

   "He says getting eaten by a dragon would be an improvement on present
company."

   As Wendy's expression darkened, as if her brown skin could get much
darker, Polly looked again to the north.  They had traveled far that day,
as far as could reasonably be expected with a baby.  When smoke suddenly
erupted on the horizon, they had paused, reconsidering.  There had been a
sound a moment later, faint yet loud.  Thoughts that the strange, wingless
thing they had seen had been some sort of dragon returned.  Now that night
was here, the sky before them had a faint glow over the trees.  They were
close, very close.

   Maybe too close.

   The wind shifted.  She could almost smell it.  Thought she could, in
fact, smell burnt wood, and other horrible things.  Maybe Wendy was right.
To take her baby north, into untold danger...  yet, the oracle had said to
go.  Oracles were to be followed, even weakly cast ones.

   "I think..." Wendy started.

   Jack's head snapped to the north.  The witch frowned.

   "What?"

   Polly wondered, too.  Jack, eyes wide, took a few steps north.  His body
almost seemed to...  vibrate.  As they watched, his blue eyes widened even
more, mouth dropping open in astonishment.  His head turned to them, yet
Polly knew he wasn't seeing her or Wendy.  With a sudden jump, Jack was
between them, reaching down for one of the full fresh water canteens.  The
woven container was barely in his hands before the boy was sprinting to the
north.  His blond haired, tanned form vanished into the night.

   The two women looked at each other.

   "What the fuck?"

   ****

   "Stars of the summer night

   Far in yon azure deep,

   Hide, hide your golden light

   She sleeps my lady sleeps"

   Heather fell in love again, as Sam's voice filled the air.

   A bonfire roared behind the short haired teen, illuminating the night
even as the fire to the west was starved down to coals.  They sat before
her on the hillside, humans, squirrels, and others, as she sang.  It was an
old song, one Heather had heard countless times before.  Often, in their
travels, they had depended on Sam to sing for their supper, her voice
bringing appreciative listeners in taverns or fairs.  Never had it seemed
this lovely.  Sam's voice was...  was love.  It was love, and friendship,
hope and life.  She sang loud, her notes clear over their clapping beat. 
Heather barely noticed her own hands helping, her mind captive to her love.
One kiss, that's all she wanted.  One kiss...

   "Moon of the summer night

   Far down yon western steeps

   Sink, sink in silver light,

   She sleeps my lady sleeps"

   Chuck, a few feet away, was on his feet, cheering the instant the song
ended.  The others of these strange people were only a moment behind,
clapping and whistling.  She, too, stood.  Sam's eyes fell on her.  Did she
smile wider, on seeing Heather?  Grinning, Heather raised her hands over
her head and clapped.  Cathy, in her metal chair beside her, did the same,
yelling.

   "More!  More!"

   The squirrels, too, reacted.  They cheered, squealed, and made other
noises of approval.  Or, most did.  Not all...

   ****

   Hedva reluctantly followed Sarah away from the others.  Annot had her
guitar out, Oma ready to sing for the humans.  Hedva had always liked Oma's
voice, and the girl.  She really should be there to ease her likely
anxiety.

   Hedva couldn't say no to Sarah, though.

   The two stopped around the corner of one of the wooden human buildings.
Just before passing out of sight, Hedva looked back.  Chuck was on the
hillside, talking to Rinda.  Melinda was on his other side, listening
intently.  Between the two...  the space where Hedva had been sitting. 
Melinda had not scooted over, erasing the gap.  They...  they really were
waiting for her to return.  Enjoyed her company.  As she turned to look at
her oldest friend, Hedva blushed.

   She was falling in love.

   The temple had been a refuge.  A refuge from a world too complicated,
confusing.  Hedva was not like Sarah, who was so smart, so good at school,
at life.  She needed someone to tell her all was right with the world, that
there was a goal that needed her.  She Who Saw had provided that.  She may
have joined the temple with Sarah, but the two had quickly followed
different paths.  Sarah had proved her worth, been given plumb assignments
with higher sisters.  Hedva...  was made a receptionist at a small office
on an unimportant world.  She hadn't minded.  She was part of something
bigger, part of a world that said she was needed.

   When the temple vanished, when Sarah had shown up in that small deserted
office and told her she had humans with her, Hedva moved all her loyalties
to her.

   In the month she had lived with the humans, as they first set up their
settlement on this holy world, she had stood back from them.  Looked on in
awe as Sarah talked to them like a favorite follower.  She had gladly
become the first disciple of She Who Knows, following Sarah in her quest to
gather the rest of the scattered sisters.  Sarah Knew, and, Knowing, she
told Hedva what to do.

   And she followed.

   Today...  Chuck had talked to her as an equal.

   So had Rinda.  And Melinda.  They...  Chuck had not ordered her, as they
fought the fire.  He had suggested, requested.  He had asked her opinion,
and listened.  Told her to take charge of this task, or that.

   He had said "thank you", and meant it.

   Sarah came to a stop next to a darkened glass window.  Her arms crossed
before her chest, mouth frowning.  Hedva stood nervously before her.  Her
friend gave a disgusted sigh.

   "Have you learned anything useful?"

   Many things, to be sure, but what was her friend...  ah.  Right.  She
had been tasked with getting close to Chuck, who Sarah felt was the most...
likely to break away from the others, to have sex with aliens just because
he wanted to.  The most likely to be the breeding partner they needed.

   She Who Knows...  did not, Hedva had that day discovered, Know all.

   "No," she said, shaking her head.  Sarah gave another disgusted snort.

   "This isn't working out.  Not working out at all."

   "Why?" Hedva honestly didn't understand.  Sarah gave her an annoyed
look.

   "You heard Anthony!  They know what we intend!  We're not to stay if all
we want is to breed with the Daemons!  If we stay, it's to be..."

   "It's to be friends," Hedva said, softly.  "Friends.  Companions."

   "Yes." Sarah's bushy tail shook agitatedly.  "We would be 'friends'.  By
all that She Who Saw taught, what would be the point?"

   "To not end up like She Who Saw."

   The words were out of her mouth before she could even consider them. 
Sarah's eyes widened.  Hedva braced herself.  Braced herself for the anger
that would come, for...

   Sarah took a deep breath, slowly releasing it.  Her shoulders slumped.

   "I know," she said, softy.  "I know.  It's...  it's just..."

   "We knew one thing, before the temple," Hedva told her friend.  "We knew
another at the temple, and yet a third once the temple was gone.  Now... 
now, this is the final thing.  A choice, based on reality, not fantasy. 
Leave, or stay."

   Sara reached out, her clawed hand gently touching Hedva's bare shoulder.

   "You're staying?"

   She nodded.

   "And you, my oldest friend?"

   Sara's eyes closed.

   "Tomorrow.  I'll decide tomorrow."

   ****

   Jack knew he had imagined it.

   That had to be it.  Sound could not, he thought, travel that far.  Even
on the wind, there was no way he had heard what he thought he had heard.

   Yet...

   He had heard her voice.  Heard the voice of Samantha.  Sam.  The girl
who had given herself to him.  Who had cared for him.  Who...

   Jack ran through the night.  There was a moon, half full, providing,
along with the stars, some light as he traveled barefoot across sand and
rock.  A song.  She had been singing a song.  One he had not heard before,
but he had heard her sing.  Heard her voice bring forth beauty and joy into
the world.  Through song, her soul had touched his mind, and heart, long
before her lips and hands touched his body.

   His legs ached.  They had walked all day, and now he ran as if his
sanity demanded it.  Slowing to a fast walk, he took a sip of warm water.
An hour.  He could run maybe another hour, before collapsing.  A hill rose
in the distance.  A forested hill, trees thinning at the top.  There, it
seemed in the starlight, one tree, different than all around it, rose up to
the sky.  Jack thought he heard music, now, music and singing in an unknown
tongue.

   His Sam...  he just wanted his Sam...

   ****

   Mary woke from a dream.

   It had been a strange one.  Her father had taken her to Darien Lake, to
ride the roller coasters.  She had been terrified, afraid the cars would go
right off the track.  She wanted to hold on to him, hold her father, so he
could protect her, but she couldn't.  Her hands could not let go of the
metal bar before them.  The car kept going faster and faster, and,
seemingly, her father got farther and farther away.  Mary need him to stay,
needed him to protect her, yet she could not let go for even the moment it
would take to reach out to him...

   When her eyes opened, in the darkened room she immediately knew was the
sickbay, her mind only had a brief second to consider the dream.  Consider
what it might mean.  Consider...  before she had even blinked once, it was
gone.  Replaced by more pressing dread.  She tried to rise, pain jabbing at
her shoulder.

   "Whoa!  Don't move!" A shadow against the far wall rose.  Lights came
on, her eyes closing at the brightness.  "Sorry!" The lights went out
again, replaced, after the sound of some bumping and fumbling, by a desk
light on the other side of the room.  Danny stood there, expression
sheepish.  "Sorry about that."

   Mary blinked a few times, still recovering from the blast of light.  Her
head fell back onto the pillow, face turning to her left.  Danny crossed
and pulled up a chair, sitting right where she could see him.  She wet her
lips, or tried.  Her mouth was dry.

   "Here," he said, bringing a straw to her lips.  Her eyes closed as she
swallowed.  It was water, cold, good.  Releasing the straw, she looked at
him, smiling.

   "Am I going to live?"

   Danny nodded, setting the water bottle on the small table next to the
bed.

   "Yup.  And everyone's OK.  The kids are all safe." She closed her eyes
again, letting out a long breath.

   "Good."

   Music, slightly muffled, came to them through the wooden walls.  Mary
looked at Danny, puzzled.  He grinned, taking her hand in his.

   "It's a party out there.  Turns out that one of our new guests is a
singer, and she's alternating with some of the squirrels who can play and
sing."

   Guests...  so, she hadn't imagined the horse riding amazons.  That was
good.  His hand squeezed hers.

   "Do you need anything, Mary?  Want me to go get Nona for you?"

   "No," she said, squeezing back.  "Thank you for being here."

   "There's no place I'd rather be."

   Closing her eyes, she let the music flow into her foggy mind.

   "When I'm better," she whispered, "you're totally going to get to see me
nude..."

   ****

   Jack paused, panting.

   A hill rose before him.  Tall, imposing.  At least, it was to his
exhausted body.  Dropping the empty water flask to the ground, he squatted.
Immediately, he knew that had been a bad idea.  His body did not want to
stand again.  Worse, it wanted to lay down.  To rest.

   No.

   With every ounce of his will, Jack forced himself up again.  The other
side.  He'd rest on the other side.  Legs quivering in protest, he grabbed
the nearest tree and began the climb.

   ****

   Daium could not keep her eyes off the Ludzie girl.

   Justin had thought, maybe, that forcing the prisoner to listen to their
songs, their entertainment, would be cruel, inhuman.  That it might be
rubbing the deaths of her people in her face.  When asked, however...  the
girl had said nothing.  Thus, there she was.  Sitting near Daium, a droid
beside her.  What she was thinking, Daium had no clue.  She did not clap,
did not, it seemed, smile, or laugh.  During a slow, sad song sung by the
newcomer Sam, Daium could have sworn she saw her sway a bit.  Saw her
react. The words might be unknown, but...

   There was a break in the entertainment.  Hannah and Tammy moved through
the crowd, refilling drinks, as a few of the squirrels passed out fruit and
nuts.  Daium stood.  Justin and Alicia looked up at her, questioningly. 
She smiled down at them.

   "I won't be long."

   The Ludzie turned her gaze to Daium as she walked the few yards that
separated them.  Stopping a bit below her on the hill, Daium sat. 
Carefully, she formed her words in the common tongue.

   "Do you wish to sing?"

   The girl's eyes seemed to pulse with hate.

   "Are you asking if I will entertain you?"

   "No," said Daium.  "We sing because we made it through another day,
because life goes on.  If you would like to sing to your fallen, to your
people, we will listen." She paused, a wave of shame passing through her.
Her eyes fell to the ground between them.  "Of all those here, only me, and
my cousin, have cause against your people.  All the others know nothing,
only know of the attack today.  Direct all your hatred towards we Orang. 
Not them.  Please."

   "You...  thought we attacked." Her voice was sad.  Daium met her eyes,
nodding.

   "Yes.  Provoked by the squirrels, who knows, but...  yes.  We thought we
were defending ourselves."

   "Maybe you were," she sighed, wings slumping.  There was silence between
them.  The girl looked around.  "They will not understand my words, will
they?"

   "No," Daium said.  "Only the emotion behind them."

   The Ludzie stood.

   "My name is Ewa.  I will sing."

   ****

   Ewa stood before the gathered creatures.

   Her kind was gone.  Her family was gone.  Her father...  was gone.

   She sang for him.

   Hej, tam gdzies z nad czarnej wody

   Siada na kon kozak(ulan) mlody.

   Czule zegna sie z dziewczyna,

   Jeszcze czulej z Ukraina.

   Hej, hej, hej sokoly

   Omijajcie gory, lasy, pola, doly.

   Dzwon, dzwon, dzwon dzwoneczku,

   Moj stepowy skowroneczku (Dzwon, dzwon, dzwon)

   It was an old song, a traditional song.  One her father, her shipmates,
hand sung late into the night, strong drink making all right with the
universe.  They would clap, in time with the music, the sound unifying them
in...

   Ewa looked up with widening eyes.  The creatures...  were clapping. 
Clapping to the beat of her song.  Of the song of her people.  There was no
sense of mocking.  No sense of pity.  Their hands came together, matching
her rhythm.  She, in turn, tried to match theirs.  She moved to the second
verse.  A few, to her shock, sang with the chorus.  More did so on the
third verse.

   Who in the name of the eternal wind were these creatures...

   ****

   Jack came to the top of the hill, legs dead.

   He could hear the sound clearly now.  It sounded like a bird, singing
human words, although no words he had ever heard.  A large host clapped a
beat, as if it was a fair day, or the solstice.  Moving purely by the power
of his will, Jack stumbled across the field before him...

   ****

   Sam shook her head as the deafening applause carried on around her.  The
bird girl was incredible.  Such...  emotion.  Passion.  Sam had never heard
a song like that before, nor one sung with such heart.  As the monkey girl
Daium came out to lead the shocked singer away, Sam found herself vowing to
go talk to the feathered girl.  Someone like that was worth knowing.

   "Hey, Sam!"

   The mustached Anthony called to her.  His face was grinning, the mug in
his hand obviously almost drained.  The brown haired woman at his side had
her head on his shoulder, as if half asleep.  Or drunk.  To not outdrink
your man was a sign of weakness in Sam's book.

   "I think we're about done here," he said, loudly.  "Have one more song
in you, before we call it a night?"

   She nodded, standing.  Yes.  She had one more song.  Moving across the
now worn path to the grassy stage, she turned to face them.  She clapped,
setting the beat.

   "Sing all ye joyful now sing ye together

   the doubt of future foes will come now not ever

   the merry are dancing the children play in heather

   the river is flowing with love and joy forever"

   "Dance happy people and join with this glory

   we are as one and this is our story

   what of our sorrows when we were in torment

   now we are blissful and misery is dormant!"

   Sam's eyes lifted above the crowd.  Joy...  she sang of joy, but only
one thing could bring her joy.  One thing could bring her love, and joy,
forever...

   ****

   A figure stood at the top of the hillside.

   ****

   Sam's voice died in her throat.

   Her heart stopped.

   It wasn't possible.

   ****

   "J-Jack...?"

   It came out as a whisper.  Jack...  Jack...  her Jack...  Ignoring
Heather's cry, ignoring all around her, Sam raced through the crowd, up the
hill.  He wasn't moving.  He was just standing there.  Swaying.  As if
something held him to that spot, preventing him from entering the valley.
Feet slipping, she fell forward, outstretched hands hitting the ground. 
Sam didn't slow, hands and feet sending her crawling up the hill.

   The figure moved.  He was coming down to her.  Down.  And...  it was her
Jack.  Jack.  His blue eyes were wide, shocked.  Blonde hair long, shaggy.
His skin was darker, tanned.  His clothing tattered.  Feet bare.  He was
almost falling down the hill.  Falling...

   "Jack!"

   Earth gave way under his feet.  Jack dropped onto his bottom, sliding a
few feet down the hills.  Sam lurched forward, and...

   She fell onto her love.

   "Jack Jack Jack Jack Jack!"

   She felt his arms close around her, as she cried into his chest.  Felt
his body tremble under her.  Felt his heart beat, his lungs breath.  Her
shirt rode up, baring her back.  Sam felt a finger, a rough, calloused
finger, move against her skin.

   It traced a heart.

   Chapter 12



   It was the most romantic thing Hannah had ever seen.

   Jack sat on the Gathering Room couch, right hand on the bare back of the
woman he loved.  His fingers moved slowly, tracing words, pictures,
emotions.  Sam leaned forward, shirt discarded onto the floor, giving him
room.  Her eyes never left his face, tears still glistening in the overhead
lights.  Jack's wondering, loving gaze moved between her, and the son she
had given him.  Little three month old Jay lay in Jack's lap, held
awkwardly, tenderly.  The babe slept, unaware he now had a father.

   Hannah looked around the room.  The squirrels had been sent back to
their ship.  The prisoner was in a storage room.  Mary slept.  The rest
were here, quietly watching the newcomers.  Waiting for the answers...  but
not willing, yet, to disturb the new family with questions.

   Except for one.

   The warrior woman, Heather, slowly left the side of the wheelchair bound
girl and walked to the couple.  She knelt down before them, placing a hand
on Sam's knee.  The teen looked at the older girl in a daze.  Heather
smiled, not quite forced, not quite natural.

   "Are the others with him?" She asked.

   Hannah watched Jack and Sam exchange a wordless glance.  Sam nodded,
turning back to Heather, and the rest of them.

   "My sister Polly, her baby, and the witch Wendy are maybe an hour's run
south of here."

   "Do they have the necklace?" Jack's expression became confused.  "The
spell books, then," Heather asked, voice strained.  "Do they have the spell
books that belonged to the warlock?"

   He nodded.  Heather's shoulders sagged in relief.

   "Thank the goddess." Standing, she turned to Anthony.  "I'm going to get
them.  I don't want to wait until tomorrow."

   "Understood," he nodded.  "Need anything from us?"

   "No.  I'm going alone."

   "But!" Cathy rolled forward, eyes wide.  Heather smiled.

   "Stay here, Princess.  Let your Knight do this one final task for you.
Our quest will then be complete."

   ****

   Heather took a half dozen steps into the night.  On the seventh step,
she stopped.

   Sam had her man back.

   She...

   The idea of her, and Sam, had been foolish.  Stupid.  Heather was a
peasant.  Daughter of a drunkard.  Owned by the Duke.  Sam...  Sam was a
strong, brilliant woman.  She had crossed two continents.  Crossed between
worlds, by pure will, and the love for this man.  And, he...  he had
survived on this world, the only man, for a year.  He was strong.  Heather
could see that.  He was a fitting companion for a woman such as Sam.  They
would be happy...

   She almost dropped to her knees.  Almost cried.  Almost did everything
that proved she was unworthy of Sam.

   Almost.

   Heather still had a task.  A quest.  A promise unfulfilled.  Princess
Cathy WOULD walk.  Petty thoughts of love were just a distraction.  A
weakness to be discarded.  She was better than that.  HAD to be better than
that.  To be otherwise would be to again prove she was unworthy of Cathy.

   And Sam.

   Forcing one foot, then the other, she walked towards the waiting horses.
A door opened, then closed, behind her.  She ignored it.  Coming to the
animals, she grabbed her saddle from its resting place, heaving it up onto
her mare.  A form moved up beside her.

   "Here, let me help you with that."

   Tammy bent down, fastening the saddle straps.  Heather paused,
conflicting feeling rising in her.  Anger came up first.

   "I can do this."

   "I know," Tammy agreed.  Her voice was soft.  "You can.  But I think
some backup wouldn't hurt.  We don't let anyone go anywhere alone." She
stood, tugging on the saddle.  "There.  It's been awhile, but it looks like
I remember most of it."

   Heather wasn't in the mood to be reasonable, but that comment distracted
her.

   "You can ride?"

   "In theory," Tammy chuckled.  "I did horseback riding for a few summers
in Girl Scouts.  It's been a couple years, though.  With luck, remembering
how to ride isn't like falling off a horse." The woman looked at Heather,
smiling apologetically.  "Sorry.  Chuck has corrupted most of us, humor
wise." She looked around.  "You have four saddles, right?  Good.  Let's get
moving."

   Heather watched as Tammy grabbed Sam's saddle, moving towards Brownie.
Was her inability to stop this woman a sign of weakness, or...  a sign of
growing friendship?  Or were they one in the same?

   Later.  They had things to do.  Gathering herself, Heather grabbed
another saddle.

   ****

   "Where are they riding to?"

   Kik put down the collection of leaves he'd gathered, moving over next to
Lil.  He followed her gaze down.  Two of the human women, one of them
Heather it looked like, were riding away with two extra horses in tow.  He
shook his head.

   "No idea, Love."

   He did know, actually.  Kik had swooped over and had a quick talk with
Heather as they mounted up.  Now was not the time to bother his mate with
such things, though.  More important matters were at hand.

   Lil sat back in the nest, trying to get comfortable.  Kik had done his
best with the structure, using strong sticks for the frame and the softest
leaves to line it.  He had never built a nest before, never had to deal
with the intended results of a mating.  His instincts were good, though. 
Lil, belly large, soon sighed as she settled in the exact center of the
bowl.  He handed her a few more leaves.

   "Do you need more?" he asked, voice worried.  "I have the tree marked.
It's a bit far, but..."

   "These will do," she replied.  Taking them, she lifted up a touch and
added them to the mass under her nude bottom.  Her sigh was even more
content as she sat back down.  "Mmm...  Mother never told me how good a
soft seat felt."

   "Think the Queen would approve of this location?" Kik looked around the
roof.  He had wanted to keep them close to the humans, not trusting himself
to be the sole defender of the nest on this strange world.  The leeward
side of the dining hall chimney had seemed a reasonable spot, keeping his
new Queen out of the wind, and much of the rain.  They lacked the cover of
branches overhead, but perhaps he could talk to the humans about making
something if the sun became too much for his love.  Lil let out a slight
groan of pain, then chuckled.

   "Anything within a day's flight of humans would be unthinkable to her.
Our offspring will be raised differently."

   Kik reached in, placing a hand against the stretched black skin of her
belly.  He could feel them, the rounded shapes of the eggs.

   "Tomorrow, you think?" he asked, softly.  She closed her eyes.

   "Tonight.  Before day break.  Stay with me?"

   Violating an eternity of tradition, Kik stepped into the nest, dropping
down beside her.

   "Always..."

   ****

   Jack closed his eyes as Sam closed the door to the small bedroom.  To
say he was confused, disoriented, and unsure what the hell was going on
would be to overlook how bone tired he felt.  That, more than anything,
fogged his mind.  The rest, he was sure, could be comprehended in the
morning.  It couldn't be THAT complicated.

   "I don't know," Sam's voice said, coming closer, "how long it will take
Heather to find the others.  I'll want to be there when Polly arrives."

   He nodded.  The mattress under him was soft.  The first soft thing he
had felt since the Witch had torn him from...  had he heard right?  This
wasn't their world?  They were trapped here, never to see any of the cities
or towns from their old life?

   Someone climbed onto the mattress.  Opening his eyes, Jack saw Sam
kneeling beside him.  She was nude, body slim, muscular.  The triangle of
black between her legs beckoned, his hand reaching up to touch the silky
hair.

   He had Sam, and a son.  Who needed that other world?

   "Oh, Jack..." She was down beside him, on her side, his own body turning
to match hers.  His hand moved up to her soft cheek, her own touching his.
They had known each other for...  a week?  Had it even been that long? 
Yet, he had known her a lifetime.  Every space in his mind wiped clear of
memory by the witches, she had filled.  Jack moved closer, his nose
touching hers.

   "Jack..." Sam's voice was low, husky, cracking.  "I never looked at
anyone else.  I never want anyone else.  Just you.  You.  I want to give
you more sons.  Daughters.  I want to be your wife, forever."

   Wife.

   His wife.

   Slowly, he traced out his reply on her cheek, taking his time with each
letter.  Her eyes widened with each stroke.

   "You are."

   ****

   Sam lowered herself onto her husband.

   If pleasure had been the goal, she could have waited.  Given Jack time
to rest, allowed both of them the time to slowly make love.  This...  this
was the re-consummation of their marriage.  This was the act that made them
man and wife.

   Slowly, she began to move.  He filled her, completely, emotionally as
well as physically.  Each upward stroke brought a half sobbing sigh from
her, each downward push a groan as her body reclaimed its mate.

   "Never leave me, Jack...  never leave me..."

   Jack's body shifted under her.  His hands shot up to her head, drawing
her down into a fierce kiss.  Their bodies rolled, Sam finding herself
under him.  Her legs shifted, making room, wrapping around him as he began
thrusting wildly.  The thrusting suddenly stopped...  and she felt it. 
Felt him.

   He was giving of himself to her.  Giving her life, life that could lead
to a child.  Their child.

   "Jack..."

   They fell asleep in each other's arms, and hearts.

   ****

   Tammy thanked whatever gods were on this world, or even in this
universe, that her mount was a calm one.  It had, indeed, been years since
she had ridden.  Already her body was protesting a bit, muscles bitching at
being used at angles they weren't used to.  If she had been hetero, maybe
years of riding on top of a guy would have helped here.  She and Nona never
found themselves in that position, however.

   The half moon and the stars gave the pair some light.  She had grabbed
some flashlights, just in case, but was wary of using too much tech in
front of the newcomers.  So far, they were adjusting well.  There was no
need to frighten them.

   "What, exactly," she asked the back of Heather, "does this necklace do?"

   "It will allow Princess Cathy to walk."

   Tammy frowned.  That...  did not seem possible.  Not the magic part. 
Who was she to bad mouth magical spells and impossible acts.  No.  She had
picked up the girl, put her in the wheelchair.  Those legs...

   "Wait." Heather reined in her mount, one hand held up in warning.  Tammy
did the same, eyes scanning the beach.  It was about the same as the last
few small coves, divided from the others by an outcrop of rock and forested
land.  She looked up past where sand became dirt and grass.  Something
glowed faintly.

   A fire.

   Heather rode a few yards inland, both hands held up in a sign of peace.

   "Polly!  Wendy!  I come in peace!  Jack has found us!  I am a friend of
Sam!"

   There was rustling in the bushes.  A dark haired person rose.  They
stared at the pair of riders for a long moment.

   "I know you," the woman said.  She walked forward.  Tammy could now see
she held an infant.  Seemingly reluctantly, another shape rose behind her.
Heather's knees flexed, her mount moving towards Polly.  She nodded,
lowering her hands.

   "Yes.  I'm Heather.  I came to you, and your husband, for a spell to
help my Mistress.  We used the compass to track you.  Tell me, do you have
the enchanted necklace?" A hint of desperation entered her voice.  Tammy
dismounted, trusting the her horse and the two others to stay put.  She
walked towards Polly.

   "My name's Tammy.  There is much you have to be told, but it can wait
until we get back home."

   Heather's mount moved forward two paces.

   "Do you have it, Polly?"

   Both of the new women paused at that, Tammy herself wincing.  The
warrior woman's voice was hard, cold.  Quickly, she walked past her
companion, moving to Polly.  Her head moved into the woman's eye line,
forcing her attention onto her.  Tammy gave her best smile.

   "You have a beautiful son.  Your sister will be overjoyed to see him,
and you." Reaching out, she lightly touched the infant's arm.  Polly only
moved back slightly, confusion evident on her shadowed face.  Wendy spoke
from ten feet away, staying near the tree line.

   "How do we know she's with you?  That Jack isn't dead?  Why should we
trust you?"

   Tammy laughed.

   "A woman's lost husband stumbles into her arms after a year, and you
expect her to be anywhere but his side an hour later?  If it wasn't for
Heather, we would have left you here until morning, so we'd all be rested
and in good moods for a first contact."

   "What was that flying dragon?" Polly asked.  Tammy chuckled.

   "A flying ship, but that's one of the things best left till morning."
She turned, looking up at her fellow blonde.  "Dismount.  Let's get them
and their gear onto the horses.  We'll dig through and find the necklace
back home."

   "It's in with the books," Polly said, softly.  She looked up at Heather.
"They're the only memento of poor Timothy.  The necklace is yours, of
course, but I'm not sure what good it will do.  Magic is...  weak here."

   Heather sat up straight in her saddle.

   "But she is strong."

   ****

   Cathy had never been left alone with strangers.

   Her mother, naturally, would never have allowed it.  Never have trusted
others with her crippled baby, nor have wanted them to see her daughter in
such a condition.  Heather, too, would never have left her alone.  Left her
to go off somewhere, trusting strangers to be able to protect her Princess.

   Yet...  she had.

   To be fair, Sam had been here when she left, so it was she who was being
derelict in her duties.  Yet Cathy could in no way fault the woman for
wanting to be with her man.  The girl now knew what loved looked like. 
Books, if anything, understated the emotion.  Would she ever be looked at
like that?

   "Wow," Ben's voice came to her, "your fur is soft."

   Not by Ben, obviously.

   And, just as obviously, she wasn't really alone.  Cathy just didn't
consider him a protector.  Heck, she was HIS protector!  Looking over
across the room, she saw him sitting on the long couch recently vacated by
Sam and Jack.  The bear girl Goldie was next to him, laid out on her tummy
like a dog.

   Cathy suddenly felt very jealous.

   Hands going to the large wheels, she pushed herself across the room to
the pair.  All around, the strange people and monkeys talked in groups of
two or three.  Waiting.  Music played, from where she had no idea.  Maybe
small creatures lived in the walls, with tiny instruments.  She could
believe that.  The light, coming from behind glass plates in the ceiling,
she didn't believe.  It was like no candle flame she had ever seen.

   Goldie looked up as she came up before them, smiling happily.

   "Hi!  It's so nice having others here to play with!  The babies are too
little to play games with, and Mary and Danny are often off working with
the others.  Do you want to play a game?"

   "Like what?" she asked.  The idea of playing a game shoved all other
thoughts from her mind.  Goldie thought a moment.  Her eyes widened.

   "Do you play checkers?"

   ****

   Sam slipped out of the bedroom, closing the door softly behind her. 
Jack was asleep.  He was thinner than when last they were together. 
Taller. But still Jack.  Even leaving him now, knowing she would just be
yards away, had her fretting and worrying.  Every instinct told her to go
back into the bedroom, curl up in bed with him, and stay there till
morning. To never leave his side again.

   They also told her to deal with the witch without him present.  Nobody
ever said instinct was logical.

   Going down the short hallway, the wall to her left opened up, a wooden
railing taking its place.  She overlooked the large eating and gathering
area, far larger than these people needed.  They had built, the dark
skinned man had told her, for the future.  For when their children were
having children.  The room Jack was in was one such luxury, a bedroom for a
need that did not exist.  It had been used a few times, before all the
houses were built, but became useless afterwards.

   Until now.

   If she stayed, they'd build a house for them.  Welcome them into this
small community.  Help them raise Jay.  Raise all the babies she would give
him.  The children of these people would be Jay's friends, mates.  She
would work beside them, in the fields, or the forest.

   Did she and Jack have a choice?

   No.

   Conversation died out as she made her way down the stairs.  They looked
at her, mostly smiling.  The scar faced blonde, Alicia, she thought her
name was, came to her.  She held out a mug.

   "Drink.  After days like this, it helps."

   "Is it tomorrow yet?"

   "Haven't bothered to look."

   Sam took the mug, sipping the fruity ale.  She had downed a few before,
enough that it was best she not overdo it now.  She'd need a clear head to
deal with the witch.

   And how would she deal with her?

   It would depend.  These people had their own laws, their own customs. 
Killing her on sight wasn't an option.  She'd talk to her sister.  See what
her take was.  Then ignore it if Sam felt her sibling was too soft.

   "They're back."

   The tall mustached man stepped away from the window, nodding to one of
the others.  Sam felt her stomach knot.  Her hand went to her waist, only
to realize she was unarmed.  Well, that got rid of a few options.  She
noticed Alicia's eyes flick down to her hand, the woman smiling.

   "Don't worry.  I'm sure if you two get into a fist fight most of the men
at least will just stand back and watch."

   Exactly what that meant, Sam had no idea.  She saw Cathy push herself
back from a round table, where a game of checkers was set up.  The bear
girl had been opposite her.  Cathy rolled into the middle of the room.  She
seemed to...  vibrate, eyes wide with excitement.  Sam sent off a brief
prayer that her quest would end well.

   ****

   Cathy's breath stopped as the wooden door opened.

   Heather stood there, tall, proud.  Her servant.  Her knight.  Her
friend. Heather's right hand was clenched.  Three other women were behind
her, one with a baby, but Cathy had no use for them.  She sat up, shoulders
straight.

   "My Knight...  do you have something for me?"

   Heather walked towards her slowly.  Her armor was leather, coat of arms
nonexistent, but still she moved as one who had taken the oath.  There had
never been, Cathy thought, a knight who had served a princess more loyally.
She swallowed hard, burning every moment into her memory.  Tales would
forever be told of this quest...

   Heather stopped three paces from Princess Cathy.  She knelt, head bowed.

   "My Lady.  I have quested across land, sea, and space.  I have found
that which you seek."

   "Show me," Cathy whispered.

   As she trembled in anticipation, Heather held out her closed right hand.

   "Open it, Lady Knight."

   The hand opened.  Inside, lay a plain silver locket on a silver chain.
It was tarnished, cheap.  Yet to Cathy it seemed to glow.  Without a
thought, perhaps unable to think, she reached out her hand.

   "Give me the necklace, my Knight." The woman's arm stretched out. 
Cathy's fingers touched warm silver.  Did her legs twitch at the contact?
Did she feel life flowing into them?  Her hand withdrew, now holding the
chain.  She didn't look at it.  There would be a lifetime for that later.
Trembling as she never had before, Cathy undid the clasp.  The chain opened
easily.  Swiftly, she put the chain around her neck.  It seemed to fasten
by itself, the silver hot against her skin.

   "Thank you, Heather...  thank you..." Her knight made a move as if to
rise and help her, but the Princess forestalled that with a gesture.  "No.
I must do this myself."

   Her hands went to the padded armrests of the chair.

   This was it.

   She would walk.

   Teeth clenched, Cathy pushed upwards.  Strong arms lifted her behind up
off the chair.  With a grunt of effort, she began to move her left leg off
of its footrest...

   She began to move...

   She tried...

   Water filled her eyes, eyes that lifted to an increasingly distraught
Heather.

   "I...  I..." With a cry of anguish, Cathy's hands released the chair,
body falling back.

   "I CAN'T MOVE THEM!"

   Chapter 13



   Wendy barely noticed the freaked out crippled girl.

   A man stood, not five steps away.  Tall.  Lean.  Wiry, almost.  His hair
was dark, the same black as her lost Gary, cut short.  A black mustache
stood above lips set in a firm, strong expression.  His eyes...  He was
obviously the leader of this group.  One look showed that.  He had the
bearing of leadership, strength of mind and will, if not hands and limbs.
Yet there was strength there, too.  She could see it.  Wanted to feel it.
Feel those arms hold her...  those hands touch her...

   "WENDY!"

   The furious face of Polly's little sister shoved itself in front of her,
a face she had hoped to forget.  Wendy's mind focused on what was
important. The girl was livid.  To Wendy's shock, her hands grabbed her
shirt, a button popping off.

   "What the fuck did you do?" Sam yelled into her face.  It was a stupid
question, from a stupid little girl.  She obviously hadn't changed.  Polly
was there, arm going around Sam's waist, pulling her back before Wendy
could do more than blink in surprise.

   "Sam!  She did nothing!  Magic is weak here!"

   As the girl released her, Wendy stepped back.  Maybe she should call
Jack to her.  Use him to flee, the way she had fled the last time Sam had
threatened her.  Yes, that resulted in a year's exile, but wasn't that
better than dealing with this psycho?  Not to mention the yelling crippled
girl.  What sane person would not want to flee...

   "QUIET!"

   It was the tall stranger.  He stood there, a brown haired woman at his
side, looking first at the seated girl, then at Wendy and the others. 
Wendy inhaled sharply as his eyes found hers, almost whimpering as they
left.  All went quiet at his command, apart from Polly's brat who began to
cry.  Polly released her sister to fuss with her baby, which did quiet him
some.  The man nodded to Wendy.

   "First, welcome.  I'm Anthony."

   "Wendy," she said, meekly, getting a sharp look from Polly.  He smiled.

   "And I assume that's Sam's sister with the child.  Greetings." He turned
to a brown skinned woman nearby.  "Nona, see if there's anything you can do
for Cathy.  The rest of you...  I think we should call it a night.  Show
everyone where they can get some sleep.  We'll deal with everything in the
morning."

   How could Wendy sleep, having seen the god named Anthony?

   ****

   Nona had no idea what they expected her to do.

   She knelt down next to Cathy, hands trying to comfort the poor girl. 
She was not alone in this.  The blind boy, whose name escaped her, knelt on
the other side, hands on her bare arm, saying her name, trying to get some
response.  The amazon knight knelt before her, confused and angry.  And,
Cathy...

   "Why why why why why..." Her hands were clenched fists, eyes shut so
tight you'd think she was trying to deny all reality.  Nona looked at the
knight, feeling bemused.

   "What the hell was supposed to happen?"

   "The necklace," a voice said from above, "was to let her walk." Polly
knelt down beside her, baby still in hand.  Nona just shook her head.

   "A magic spell?  Really?"

   "My husband cast it." Her face clouded.  "It was a difficult spell.  It
took weeks to write, with signs and words from a dozen books.  He was
brilliant.  It SHOULD work!"

   "But magic is weak here?" Nona shook her head.  "I suspect there's more
than that involved."

   "It is weak," Polly agreed, "but, even still..."

   Cathy opened her eyes, her tear filled gaze still not seeing.

   "I just want to walk...  that's all.  Just walk...  is that...  DAMN
YOU, LEGS!" Cathy's right fist slammed into her leg.  Nona blinked.  This
was a...  strong willed girl.  Cathy sent her fist down again, hitting just
above the knee.  The attached lower leg and foot jerked.  Cathy began using
both her fists, punishing legs that refused to work.

   Or did they?

   "Stop...  Stop!" Nona shot her hands out, grabbing flailing fists. 
"Cathy, stop!  I think it did work!"

   The girl froze instantly.  Her eyes opened, fear in them.  Fear to once
again hope.

   "What do you mean?" she whispered.  Nona gently lowered the girl's
fists, placing them in her lap with no resistance.  She smiled, using her
best bed side manner.

   "Just let me check, Cathy.  I'm a Doctor."

   Or, at least, she played one in this reality.  Not sure, exactly, what
she was doing, Nona placed her hands on the girl's right leg, just below
the knee.  She could feel the withered limb under her pants.  Running her
hands down, even not seeing she could tell there as almost no muscle there.
Just bone, covered by skin.  Coming to her feet, Nona gently slipped off
her shoe, then sock.  The foot was normal, but pale, a bit wrinkled.  There
was some red, though, in the toes.  Gently, she touched them, running a
finger nail over the bottom of the big toe.  Cathy let out a gasp, the toe
moving slightly.

   "Oww!  What are you doing?"

   "You've never walked, have you?" Nona lifted the foot some more,
touching the girl's sole.  All five toes moved.  "You were born like this?"

   "Yes...  oww.  What's going on?"

   "Have your toes ever moved?"

   "No, nothing can move..." Cathy's eyes widened.  Heather gasped as well,
moving closer.  Nona pinched a bit of skin, the whole foot jerking away,
just a fraction.  She nodded.

   "Magic isn't enough," she said, looking up at the amazed girl.  "You
have no muscle.  No strength.  If you could stand now, your legs might snap
under the weight.  We have to build you up.  Make you strong.  The magic,
maybe, is bringing your legs back to life, but we have to help them grow."

   "How long?" she whispered.

   Nona shook her head.

   "Months?  Years?  I've never done anything like this.  We'd both be
learning.  But you'll get stronger every day, gradually improve.  It will
be hard work..."

   Cathy's hands shot out towards Heather, face suddenly a mass of emotion.
The older woman grabbed her, half pulling the girl out of the chair.  Nona
sat back on her heels, the two friends crying, sobbing.  She could barely
make out the words.

   "Thank you...  thank you...  thank you....  I'm gonna walk..."

   ****

   Anthony stood outside the door to their home, looking up at the sky. 
There were clouds, up there, blocking the stars.  Black clouds, from a
forest still smoldering.

   "The day," he said, "had started out so well.  So...  quiet.  What will
tomorrow bring?" He turned to Hannah, smiling an almost sad smile.  His
wife took his hand.

   "We'll find out come morning.  Come, let's go look at the baby...  then
try and make another."

   "Oh, really." He cocked an eye at her.  "What about today has you
thinking about babies?"

   Something flew overhead, yelling.

   "Thirty eggs!  She laid thirty eggs!"

   Anthony closed his eyes.

   "I just want to sleep..."

   ****

   Mary grimaced slightly as she opened the sickbay door.

   Her shoulder still hurt, naturally.  One day wasn't going to heal her,
especially given the rather primitive knowledge Nona had to work with. 
Still, she was awake, nobody was around, and she wanted to see what the
hell had happened the day before.  One day in bed was quite enough.

   She stepped out into the pre-dawn air.  There was enough light to see,
if barely.  Enough to see the remains of the previous day's activities were
still about.  Tables and chairs from a dinner she had missed, scattered
plates and cups she knew had not come from the dining room, and thus must
belong to one of the groups of strangers.  There was a general look of...
well, a party that went late, and everyone went to bed not wanting to deal
with the cleanup.

   Well, she wasn't doing it.  She was hurt.

   She didn't see the stranger until she had walked barefoot past Nona and
Tammy's home.  Her hair was light red, an amazing color, one she hadn't see
before outside of a cartoon.  It contrasted with her dark brown skin.  The
teen looked to not be much older than Mary, although MUCH more endowed. 
Those breasts could almost be used as a flotation device.  She sat at one
of the tables set up outside the dining hall, a glass held on the table
between her hands.  Her eyes looked up, saw Mary...  only to drop back down
to her drink.

   Curious.

   "Mind if I join you?" Not waiting for a reply, Mary sat across from her,
only wincing a touch.  The teen's dress was old, tattered, ill-fitting. 
She, though, looked in good shape, not hurt.  Mary smiled.  "I'm Mary."

   The girl looked up at her.

   "Wendy."

   "You do not know," Mary said, still smiling, "how long it has been since
I've seen someone new.  Especially a girl!  Did you come through the
glowing thing with the girls on horseback?"

   "No," Wendy frowned.  "I...  walked." She closed her eyes, shaking her
head.  "Wait.  I did ride the last bit, when they came to get us." She put
a hand to her forehead.  "Goddess, it's been a long night."

   "You haven't slept?" Mary looked at her closer.  She didn't look that
bad.  Wendy shook her head.

   "Been thinking."

   "About what?"

   "Everything.  It's..." She sighed, looking back down at her drink. 
"I've made mistakes.  Sort of.  I didn't mean to, I was just doing what was
best, but..."

   "Nobody's perfect." Mary reached her hand out, touching the top of
Wendy's.  The teen looked at the point of contact, expression bemused.  Her
mouth opened, then closed.  Her gaze went off into the distance, as if
having decided ignoring the contact was best.

   "All I wanted," Wendy said, "was to not work as a slave any more.  Not
to do all the cooking, cleaning, ever again.  Was that so wrong?  So, I had
to have power.  The power to be above others, as to be under them was to be
their slave.  That's what my Mistress said, as well.  Those who do not
command, serve.  So..."

   "So you did things." Mary gave her hand a squeeze, then released it. 
Wendy looked at her, confused.

   "Um, yeah...  things.  Things that...  well, I might do them again, as
the bad things weren't my fault, and maybe this time everything would turn
out OK, and I could save him..." her eyes dropped for a moment, then she
looked up.  "What is this place?"

   The change in topic caught Mary off guard.  She considered.

   "It's...  a place to start over.  None of us came here by choice. 
Well," she corrected, "I did, but I didn't understand what I was doing.  I
just saw Mom, and ran to her.  If I was able to go back..." She shrugged.
"I'd probably still do it, but I'd say goodbye to Dad first."

   "Starting over..." Wendy took a swig of her drink.  Mary nodded.

   "Yeah.  Most of us liked our old life, but have created a new, better
one here.  It's not perfect, but we're friends, enjoy each other's
company." She smiled.  "You'll like it here."

   Wendy gave her a look that was hard to decipher.

   "Some of those who came yesterday...  well, they don't like me.  Nobody
likes me.  Gary did, but..." She took another drink.  "I have no friends."

   "You could."

   Wendy's eyes met hers.  The redhead bit her lip, then shook her head.

   "No.  Not as I am.  I can't stay here as I am.  Sam will not allow it, I
think.  Not..." Her voice faded.  Mary waited.  The strange girl was
looking off into space.  After a few moments, Mary cleared her throat. 
Wendy looked at her, eyes lost in thought.  She blinked, refocusing, hand
pushing her cup to the side.

   "Some of you are pregnant?"

   Now Mary blinked.

   "Um, yeah.  Two, now.  I'm sure more will be soon, the way things work
here.  Daium wants another one, so does my Mom.  Everyone does, really."

   "The place where you're from, you said you'd like to contact it?  Is it
far?"

   "It's in another universe!  There's no contacting it.  We're stuck
here."

   "But you want to, right?  To tell them you're OK?  To pass a message,
even if only once?  That would mean something?"

   ****

   Anthony could feel the headache coming already.

   "So.  Wendy.  You're a witch.  A real witch.  A witch that practices
magic, using...  sperm and pregnant women."

   He looked across the breakfast table at the young woman.  She was
pretty. He had to admit that.  A little heavy, yes, but given how trim
everyone else was here (when not pregnant), that was almost a welcome
change.  So were those breasts.  He kept his eyes on her face, though.  A
face that was nervous, but determined.  She nodded.

   "Yes."

   "And our friend Jack here is your..."

   "Slave."

   More headache.  Anthony rubbed his forehead.

   "You realize we can't have that." He saw Sam practically growling at the
girl, arms holding Jack protectively.  So much that was confusing last
night was becoming clear.  In a way, he had preferred being confused.

   "Yes.  Which is why I want to ask something."

   "Oh, ask away," he said, waving his hand magnanimously.  "And, thanks
for waiting until we were done with breakfast.  Dealing with this kind of
thing needs a full stomach."

   It looked like she blushed at that.  Standing up from the table, Wendy
looked around the room at the humans and Orang.

   "Jack is my slave.  I can not change that.  I can not release him.  He
is bound to me, to my magic, until I die." She swallowed.  "Or...  maybe,
until my magic dies."

   The woman Polly leaned forward, eyes wide.

   "Oh Goddess, it could work!"

   "What?" Sam barked.  "Tell me!" Wendy shot a glance at Anthony, who
nodded.  She took a deep breath.

   "I have cast spells, while here.  Using Polly, when she was with child,
and with Jack.  Using magic now...  drains me.  I can feel it.  We witches
and warlocks use others to power our spells, yet now some of the energy
comes from me.  Making me weaker.  If...  if I was, I think, to cast a
large spell, an enormous spell, it would drain me.  Maybe...  drain all
magic from my being."

   Anthony saw Sam rise.  Her eyes were wide.

   "It would kill your magic..."

   "And, with luck, free him," she nodded.  Sam slowly shook her head.

   "Why are you offering this?"

   "Because," Wendy said, shooting a glance over at Mary, "I want to start
over.  Magic is useless here, and I can't fit in while I have it.  I
want..." her eyes went to Anthony, quickly moving away again.  Anthony felt
his wife dig her nails into his thigh.  He let out a sigh.  Great.  Another
thing to complicate matters.  He leaned forward, elbows on the table, hands
together.

   "And what spell do you want to cast?"

   "I...  think I can open a one way portal to Earth, so your loved ones
can see you."

   ****

   Chuck walked through the charred forest, the remains of the Ludzie
spaceship all around.  Melinda and Rinda walked with him, hands holding
his. They were quiet.  Thinking.

   He didn't like his wives quiet.  They should be talking, joking, full of
life.  This was a grave, though.  Some of the crew had still been on board
when it finally crashed.  That others from the ship had attacked him, that
Chuck himself had killed at least two, did not matter.

   That was then.

   A nearby droid sent out a short burst of fire retardant.  Once all the
coals were cool, the danger would be over.  This danger, at least.  There
would be more.  There would always be more.

   "Do you believe her?" Rinda asked.  Chuck shrugged, eyes going to a
local blue jay sitting on a twisted hunk of metal.

   "Is there anything we shouldn't think is at least possible?  The
question is, do we do it."

   "To tell Dad I'm OK..." Melinda squeezed his hand.  "I want that, Chuck.
Want that with all my heart.  So long as our baby isn't hurt, it will be
worth some pain and a scarred arm."

   "I wouldn't," Rinda said.  She turned her head to them, all four eyes
full of sadness.  "I don't want to know if Dad is dead or alive, so I can
believe he's alive.  Remember Nona.  Do you really want to know?"

   "If ignorance is bliss," Melinda agreed, "tis folly to be wise.  But,
when have we all been wise?  I want to do it."

   Chuck slowed, letting the two women get ahead of him.  Smiling, he
joined his wive's hands in front of them, their fingers intertwining as he
moved around and took Rinda's free hand.  The Orang kept her gaze on their
dark haired lover.

   "I'll let her cut me, for you, and Chuck.  But I don't want to know."

   There was crunching behind them.  The three stopped, turning.  A band of
squirrels approached, all of which Chuck knew from the firefighting the day
before.  He let go of Rinda's hand, raising his own in greeting.

   "Good morning, Hedva.  What's new?" They stopped, bowing slightly. 
Hedva came towards him.

   "Good morning, Chuck, Melinda, Rinda." The two girls moved up to greet
her, giving the furry woman a welcoming hug.  Chuck could not help but
smile at her dazed expression.

   "I usually have that same reaction, Hedva." He looked over at the
others. "I think everything is under control, but, please, go over it
again. There's no such thing as being too careful about this, at least
until we get a good rain."

   They nodded in agreement, moving off.  He looked back at Hedva.  She
smiled at him, shyly.

   "We took a vote last night, before the drink wore off."

   "Always the best time," he agreed.  She nodded, eyes sparkling.

   "Only four are leaving.  The rest of us...  want to stay with you."

   There was a tone to the 'you' he knew well.  He knew Melinda and Rinda
heard it as well.  He took Hedva's clawed paw.

   "Well, if you're staying, we really should get to know one another
better.  Tell us about yourself."

   "Well," she said, as the four began walking, "my parents own an
orchard..."

   ****

   Heather looked down at the nest, amazed.

   "All those eggs, came out of you?" It didn't seem possible.  Lil was
such a small little thing.  Yes, they were small eggs in the rooftop nest,
but still!  The fairy grinned up at her.

   "It wasn't easy, let me tell you!  I think my mother kept that from me
on purpose."

   "Mothers sometimes do that," she agreed.  Heather sat down on the
shingled roof, the top ridge resting between her legs in a way that,
actually, felt kind of good through her jeans.  She looked to her left, at
Cathy seated in her chair on the ground.  "Want to come up and see?" she
yelled.  The girl shook her head, smiling.

   "No thanks!  I'm not breaking my legs now that they might work!"

   "Smart girl," she said, looking back at Lil.  The fairy smiled back.

   "For a human."

   ****

   Daium stood next to Ewa, as the Ludzie girl looked at the covered bodies
of her fallen companions.  They were laid out next to the road leading to
the landing field, around two dozen corpses.  Droids stood on four sides,
tasked with keeping away scavengers.  Another stood next to Ewa.  Daium
thought, perhaps, that one would no longer be needed.

   "We will do with them whatever you wish," she told the girl.  "We Orang
bury our dead, planting a tree over them.  Human bury them with markers, or
burn them, the smoke traveling up to the heavens."

   "We leave them out," Ewa said, her high voice soft.  "Let the lesser
birds ingest them, that their essence may help our brothers and sisters."

   "Here it would be the mammals, predators, fighting over their bones."

   "That is OK," she said, nodding.  "Smaller birds would come,
eventually."

   Daium sighed, hand going to her feathered shoulder.

   "Alright.  We'll take them to a place away from here, leave them in a
field."

   "Thank you." Ewa turned to her, eyes wide.  "You...  you are not as we
were told Orang were."

   "Nobody is ever, really, as you are told they are.  Come, we have to
figure out what you're going to need to live here, before the ship leaves."

   ****

   Anthony watched the large spaceship unload itself onto the landing
field. The entire side opened up, lowering down into a ramp down which
squirrels and droids were hauling boxes and barrels.  It was very
impressive...  and, in a way, depressing.  He had so hoped the squirrels
would just leave.

   "I sent a dozen girls to walk the path to the harbor," Sarah said,
watching the activity beside him.  "They'll mark out a road, then look over
the site.  By the time we get back, the town site should be cleared."

   He nodded.

   "Remember when you're looking at boat designs to try out, they have to
be fishing boats, useable by both you and us humans.  Get some others, too,
but those are the important ones.  At least one submersible, too."

   "I know."

   "I know you know."

   "I don't know you know I know."

   Anthony raised any eyebrow at the young furry woman.  She looked back,
expression all innocent.

   Maybe they would fit in.

   ****

   Every one of Polly's magic books were out on the tables, opened to one
confusing page or another.  Every page had been written by her husband, the
result of new, brilliant research, or copied from other books.  Every line
reminded her of her love, of his brilliance, his skill.  Timothy could have
done this, she knew.  Could have done it easily.  Could Wendy?

   "Two women isn't going to be enough," she told the witch.  Wendy nodded.

   "I know.  Five, at least.  More would be good.  We can at least get the
spell ready, wait for more of them to get knocked up.  It's going to take
awhile to do this, anyway."

   "It could kill you."

   Wendy didn't answer.

   "Magic is life," Polly went on.  "Drain your magic, and..."

   "And the problem is solved.  Either way, Jack is free, and I'm not
hated."

   Polly nodded.

   "If that's what you want."

   Chapter 14



   "Wake up...  wake up..."

   Four year old Karen woke.  A voice.  A voice had been in her head.  A
person, too.  She had never heard the voice, but knew the person.  Had
never met the person, but still knew and loved her.  Loved her
unquestioningly the way all little girls love.  So, naturally, she had to
do what she said.

   Karen slid her feet over off the bed, dropping them down onto the rug.
It was dark out, still, but her My Little Pony nightlight was more than
bright enough to keep her safe.  Her feet sliding into pink fuzzy slippers,
she grabbed her favorite stuffed doll and quickly moved to the bedroom
door.

   The hallway was quiet.  A small nightlight, NOT a My Little Pony one,
glowed softly near the floor.  It lit the path to the bathroom, which she
was very proud to say she had been using alone for a LONG time now, as well
as to her parent's room.  That was where she had to go.  But, first...

   Moving quickly, Karen went to the end of the hall and into the living
room.  There, in the basket Mommy had bought just the other day, were the
puppies, Fred and Wilma.  Those were funny names!  Karen bent down, keeping
a firm grip on her dolly, reaching out to wake her new pets.

   "Fred!  Wilma!  Wake up!"

   They did, like good puppies.  Fred raised his head, eyes opening slowly.
On seeing her, though, he sprang up.  Wilma was just a moment behind. 
Knowing there was little time, even if she didn't know HOW she knew that,
Karen quickly ran back into the hall and down to her parent's bedroom.  The
puppies followed.

   "Mommy!  Daddy!  Wake up!"

   As Karen burst into their bedroom, she saw her parents were ALREADY up!
They sat up in bed, eyes widening as she entered.  Karen stopped at the
foot of the bed, hopping up and down.

   "Mommy!  I saw Mary!  She spoke to me!  Said everyone had to get in the
same room with Daddy, so I brought the puppies!"

   Daddy looked at Mommy, eyes wide.

   "She heard it too.  What..."

   Light burst into the bedroom.

   It was a mirror.  But not a mirror.  It didn't show Karen, like a real
mirror, but another person.  A girl...  her sister!  It was her sister
Mary! It was her!  She looked just like in her pictures!  Karen jumped up
and down, excited.  She had always wanted to see her sister!  She wore a
pink skirt, and a white shirt.  Her belly was a bit big, as if she had
eaten a HUGE meal.  Mary held her right arm near her hand, as if she had
hurt it, but smiled a big smile.  A large sign hung from her neck, with
writing on it.  Karen knew her letters.  Had learned them last year.  She
didn't know words, but she knew the letters:

   "Dad, I am alive and well.  And happy!  Can not see you.  I love you. 
Door will close in 30 seconds."

   Before she knew it, Daddy was picking up Karen, holding her tight.  His
eyes were wet.  He was crying!  She looked back for Mommy, and saw her out
of bed as well, fingers moving swiftly over her phone.  Daddy turned as
well.

   "Are you sure, Honey?"

   "You know what we always said!  I'm texting my sister, so they'll
know..."

   "Hurry!"

   "Done!"

   Mommy was now there, beside them!  Karen looked down.

   "The puppies!" Mommy dropped down, scooping up Fred and Wilma.  Daddy
looked at Mommy, put a hand on her shoulder, as her hands were full of
puppies, quickly kissed her... ...and led them through the portal.

   ****

   They circled the sacred tree.

   Nine humans stood in front of stone markers.  Nine humans, holding or
wearing signs.  Before each of them, behind the markers representing family
and friends...  nine glowing portals hung in the air.  They pulsed, red,
green, blue.  Thirty seconds.  That's all the time they would exist in this
world.  In those seconds...

   ****

   Chuck stood before the glowing door.  They didn't know how much time had
passed for those left behind.  It did not flow evenly.  They knew that.  It
sped up, slowed down.  Days may have passed since the time Mary had come
through, or decades.  Who could say.  He knew who to contact, though.  His
little sister.  If he parents were still alive, she'd pass the message
along.  Little Jenny...

   The doorway before him flashed.  From it, a half nude thirty year old
woman ran into his arms.  Bruises, fresh and old, marked her bare arms and
back.  A two year old boy was in her arms, crying, a four year old held by
the hand crying as well.  She said his name, over and over, as he held her
trembling pregnant form.  Jenny...  his little Jenny...

   ****

   Melinda picked up the crumpled ball of paper.  Opened the hastily
scrawled message that had been thrown through the portal.  Read the message
from her father, saying he loved her, her and little Carol.  Tears flowed
from her eyes.

   "Wave, Carol!  Wave to Grandpa!"

   Carol waved.

   ****

   Alicia watched as the portal faded.  She imagined her family all there,
all looking at her, her bleeding arm, and the brown skinned child with her.
What they thought, she did not know.

   But she imagined they were happy.

   ****

   Tammy had not spoken to her parents for a year before she had vanished.
She was disowned.  No daughter of theirs would ever be gay.

   At her feet, now, was her Grandmother's jewelry box.  The box that sat
on the dresser next to her mom's bed.  The box that contained everything
that was to be passed down to the next oldest daughter.

   A paper airplane came flying through after it.  The kind her father used
to make, when they were bored in church.  Tammy caught it, opening the
folded message.

   "We would come, if we were worthy."

   She looked up, shocked.  No.  NO!  She waved, frantically.

   "Come!  Come!  Please!" Let there be time!  Let there...!

   The portal flashed...  and vanished.

   Standing in the grass, dressed in flannel, were the two she loved almost
more than Nona.

   ****

   Nona stood, holding a sign.

   Her parents were dead.

   Her family...  scattered, distant.

   Whoever was her closest relative would see this.  Would see the sign,
telling who she was, although not why they should care.  Her family was
here.  Everyone she loved was here.  There was no one on the other side
of...

   An eight year old boy and girl ran out of the portal, throwing
themselves at her.  The girl buried herself into Nona's chest, crying.

   "Nona!  Nona!  You're alive!"

   The boy turned, waving back into the doorway!

   "Goodbye, Grandma!  We're staying with Nona!"

   As the portal vanished, she looked down, incredibly confused.  The boy
looked up, grinning

   "Hi, sis!"

   ****

   Anthony looked around as every doorway vanished.  Some of his friends
were alone, crying.  Others were with strangers, new members of his
community.  He looked at Hannah.  She was staring at Mary, at the man
hugging her.  Her husband.  With a sigh, Anthony moved behind his wife,
arms wrapping around her waist.

   "It will take a little time, but we'll adjust.  They'll fit in."

   "I know," she said, softly.  "But...  what do I tell him?"

   "Blame something quantum."

   ****

   Wendy lay on the ground where she had collapsed.

   Weak...  she was weak.  She could feel every magical doorway.  Feel it,
draining her every moment they existed.  Her heart was slowing.  This... 
was this it?  Was she all magic?  Would it all be drained from her, like
water from a sieve?

   Cheering.  She heard cheering.  And crying.  Voices.  Strange voices,
familiar voices.

   She no longer felt the doorways.

   "Hey...  are you OK?"

   A familiar voice.  Sam.  Sam sounding...  concerned.  So, not a familiar
voice.  Hands touched her.  Turned and lifted her head.  Opening her eyes,
she saw them.  Saw Sam and Jack kneeling, looking down at her.  Polly stood
behind them, with Cathy beside her with that metal walker thing.

   Her eyes went to Jack.

   The connection was gone.

   "You're free," she whispered.  Wendy saw his eyes widen, saw joy there.
She closed her own eyes.

   What was she, without magic?

   "OK, everyone, give her room."

   The voice as strong.  Masculine.  Hands touched her gently.  Eyes
opened.

   Anthony stood above her, eyes twinkling.

   "You're not leaving us, former witch Wendy."

   No...  how could she leave, when her love was here?

   ****

   Humans.

   Orang.

   Fairies.

   Squirrels.

   Ludzie.

   One people, under any and all Gods.  Indivisible, with Liberty and
Justice for All.

   That, is the Magic of Bells.

   ****

   The End

   ****

   Edited by SciFi Nut

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