Page 9 of Sol Survivor

A deafening silence settled in the home he had shared with his sister and father.The night winds battered the walls but didn’t intrude on his thoughts.Mating Larya before the challenge was frowned upon, but Drafe didn’t care what the elders said.For tomorrow, he would die, or Osnir willing, fly the stars.

Chapter Four

Draferanhisgirdastone along the shimmering blade of his father’s sword—a slow hiss, a flick of his wrist, and repeat.The suns had yet to crest the Ki’irinzi Mountains to the east, bringing with it the unbearable heat.This day, he would make his ancestors proud.

His symbiotes hummed with anticipation, thrilled at the impending match.He was ready, having practiced with his father’s sword since he could wield its ungainly weight.His nose twitched as Larya stirred in a fresh batch of tulsig.Bitterness saturated the air.He paused and drew in a long inhale, filling his chest to maximum.The sunbaked soil merged with his sweat, the sweetness of water, and the salt cakes she was frying in garak lard.

Her shadow fell across his outstretched legs.He flicked his gaze to hers while he sharpened the sword.His muscles knew the back-and-forth glide without endangering his fingers on the razor-sharp blade.

“Morning, Drafe.”She lifted her face to a stray breeze.“It is a good day for dying.”

“Morning.You have your mate to see to.”Although, he was grateful for the meal she prepared.If this was farewell, it would be the last meal she ever made him.

She met his gaze, her yellow eyes so like his.“Come, break your fast.”Pushing off the rock wall, she dusted her pant legs and entered their home.

The smooth pale rock had been carved with water in a time long gone.The little rooms now served the Meorri.Their home was on the outskirts of their village and received the brunt of the heat.Mating Kael hadn’t improved her status by much, but the male adored her, and that was all Drafe needed to bless their union.

He pulled himself to his feet with a grunt.Yesterday’s adventure had taxed him, and his muscles were stiff.While he slept, his symbiotes had healed his burns and grazes and eased some of the pain.

“Morning, Drafe.”Kael appeared at the door, carrying a rack of drying meat.The sprinkle of salt crystals showed the meat had been spiced.“The elders wish to see you.”

Drafe grimaced, then bit into a hot salt cake, relishing the savory flavor.

“I will deliver this to our home,gevatia.”Kael winked and was gone.

“My heart?Endearments already?”Drafe couldn’t resist teasing her, especially when her cheeks paled to gray.

She shoved two cakes into his hand, held out his sword, and gestured to the door.“Best see what they want.I will clean up and follow.”

He trudged to the village well where they held court.Many were gathered, obscuring the older Meorri seated on smoothed stone blocks.As Drafe neared, the crowd parted.Smiles, frowns, and a few glowers greeted him.

“Elders.”He bowed his head as soon as he stepped into the small clearing.This was it, his punishment announced, all symbiotes recording this moment to be remembered for an eternity.

“Young Drafe, primary male, we have much to discuss.”Elder Bavu rose on wobbly knees to stand in the center.“You mated Larya without seeking our permission.”

Kael growled, shouldering his way to stand beside Drafe.

Bavu’s cheeks paled, but he cleared his throat to continue.“This can be forgiven in the light of recent events.For an absent primary male cannot serve his family.”

Foq, they were going to exile him.Drafe snuck a glance at Kael.He had done well to mate his sister so quickly.

“Bringing a vasquva to our borders is beyond foolish.Helping the guards to kill it and in doing so supplying this village with food for a year, impressive.”

Drafe frowned.Wait, what was the old male saying?

Bavu continued, “The Ivoyan aldermen are en route for this year’s rite of Uhann.Are you prepared to challenge this day?”

Drafe jerked back and bumped into Kael, who nudged him forward.“I am, Elder Bavu.”

“So am I.”Ulvus thrust his way into the clearing.“This is garak shit, Elder Bavu.Had I lured a vasquva, you would have skinned my ass.”He folded his massive arms across his chest.

“You would have run and hidden behind your mother’s skirts,” someone called from the crowd.

“Who said that?Face me.”Ulvus spun, his face darkening as his eyes paled.

“Challenges happen in the circle, Ulvus.Confirm you wish to challenge Drafe for Qaldreth training.”Elder Bavu stared him down, his gaze unflinching.

“By Kreta, yes.I will show this son of a—”

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