Page 41 of Yasmin and the Yeti
“Yes. Including another human.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Isabel is mated to Baralt, the head of law enforcement in Port Eyeja. He heard about your mate’s rather public declaration and informed me of it.” His amused smile faded. “And another human female lives with us here. I do not know if she will choose to visit you, but if she does, be kind.”
“Of course. But please, can you tell me anything about Rhaal? Has there been any word?”
Njkall’s expression grew serious. “Not yet. He follows the Sunken River to its source, deep in the mountains. It is a difficult journey, even for one as skilled as he.”
“But why? What’s happening with the river? Something about the fish”
The Elder exchanged a glance with Cera before answering. “Sothiti comes from a parasite that lives in a certain species of cave fish. For months, the fish have been dying and the parasites with them. Our supply dwindles.”
“And without it, I…” her hand moved instinctively to her stomach.
“Without it, many will suffer,” Njkall said gently. “You are not the only one who needs the medicine, though your need is perhaps most urgent.”
“And was there something about the Empire?”
“Yes. They protect us from offworlders in exchange for a regular supply—a supply we could barely meet this quarter.”
“Rhaal will find the answer,” she said, trying to sound confident.
“I hope he will.”
A movement at the cave entrance caught her attention. A small figure lurked in the shadows—a pretty human woman with pale skin and long dark hair. She was naked except for a Hothian style harness.
“Polly,” Njkall called softly, his tone changing to something gentler, almost tender. “Come meet Rhaal’s mate.”
Polly flinched at being noticed but didn’t flee. She took a hesitant step into the light, her eyes darting around the cave like a cornered animal’s. Yasmin suddenly understood why Njkall had asked her to be kind.
“Hello,” she said softly. “I’m Yasmin.”
Polly didn’t respond, but her gaze fixed on Yasmin’s face with nervous intensity.
“Polly came to us last season,” Njkall explained. “She chooses not to speak of her past, but she is clan now.”
A wave of sympathy swept over her as she looked at the other woman. What had happened to bring her here? What horrors had she fled?
“It’s nice to meet you, Polly,” she said, smiling at her. “Maybe you could visit me again? It would be good to talk with another human.”
Polly’s eyes widened slightly. She glanced at Njkall, who gave an almost imperceptible nod of encouragement.
“Maybe,” Polly whispered, the word barely audible. Then she retreated back into the shadows of the outer cave.
“She has been through much,” Njkall said as he watched her go, an expression she couldn’t read on his face. “But she is stronger than she knows.”
“Is she…” she hesitated, unsure how to phrase the question.
“My mate,” he said quietly. “Though she may never be ready to accept it fully. I am content to protect her, whatever she chooses.”
She nodded, thinking of Rhaal and his patient care of her when she first arrived. These fierce warriors had depths of gentleness she never would have imagined. But she’d also been aware of his desire for her from the beginning as well.
“Completely content?” she asked tentatively and he shrugged a shoulder.
“Perhaps not completely,” he admitted. “But content enough. Rest now,” he added, moving towards the exit. “I will return tomorrow. Perhaps Polly will join me.”
After he left, Cera brought Yasmin another bowl of broth. “Drink,” she instructed. “You need strength.”
