Page 44 of Infala: Her Alien Protector
Darla and Shalia shared a look, marveling that Zepharos had played the hero, putting himself on the line in a selfless waythat was utterly unlike the man they’d known. They kept that bit of the conversation to themselves for later. There was no need to rib the poor man in front of his woman, though they were both astounded to even think those words.
Maria sat down with grace, a big smile on her lips, squeezing his hand as he pushed her chair in. “Thanks. It all smells incredible. Is this normal? I mean, the smell thing? Everything seems to smell stronger.”
The two older women looked at Heydar, who was joining them, having arrived just after Maria. He nodded his greetings to Shalia and Valin, said his hellos to the elder and village ruler, and, of course, gave his woman a tender kiss. He shrugged as he sat.
“Don’t look at me,” he said. “Her body is very reactive to the pigment. It was not my doing. I have no idea what her runes might be capable of.” He turned to Zepharos, his former rival, but since then a man he considered a friend. “I thought it would be wise to check the comms traffic after your little stunt. It is still all very hush-hush, but beneath the benign I believe more is stirring. You kicked the nest, Zepharos, and while they are keeping the scale of their response under wraps to shield the elites from further humiliation, you should know they most certainlyaresearching. And they are getting closer.”
“How much closer? We saw ships, but they were still traveling far off.”
“Very close. I would estimate they will visit the village within a few days.”
Zepharos seemed shocked by the news, his jaw flexing as his racing mind processed the news. This was home. This was safe. But Maria wasn’t safe here, and worse yet, their presence put the rest of them at risk. There was only one thing to do.
“Then we must go,” he said, the decision and consequences weighted and decided. “I will take Maria far from here.Somewhere they will not find us. I will do everything in my power to keep her safe.”
Rohanna seemed shocked. “You will essentially be banishing yourself. You do realize that?”
“I do, and it doesn’t matter. This is not only the only thing to do, but the right one, no matter the cost.”
Heydar nodded, admiring the man’s newfound courage. “If that is the case, allow me to arrange for a ship to?—”
“No, but thank you. They will be running scans of anything in the air if what you say is true. It’s not worth the risk. We will flee on foot, and in so doing we will remain all but untrackable.”
Maria had an alarmed look on her face. “But what about Ziana? She’s still stuck back there.”
Heydar’s eyes flared with anger at the mention of another human almost certainly given faulty runes. “Do not concern yourself. I will personally visit her to ensure her safety.”
“I’ll come too,” Valin offered, the massive beast of a man ready to do whatever was needed of him.
“Thank you, my friend, but you are half Dohrag, and while I know you to be an honorable man,theydo not. And given your people’s, uh,reputation, you will only draw more attention and possible conflict, whereas I am a Nimenni prince, and a general at that. The games are a spectacle of elites, and I will be able to go where you simply cannot.”
“I just want to help.”
“And you can. If they track Zepharos and Maria here, there could be trouble. I’m counting on you, Valin.”
The former Dohrag commander’s chest puffed up, fierce and ready for a fight. “I will protect the villagers with my life, you have my word.”
Given the carnage he’d left in his wake to get there, no one doubted either his skill or resolve.
Darla wrapped her hands around Heydar’s arm, a wry grinon her lips. “So, you’re gonna play the royalty card, eh? I thought you tried to avoid all that.”
“Normally, yes. But if leaning into it is to our advantage, it is worth it. And besides, I thought my love would enjoy an outing to the games.”
Darla smiled wide. “Oh, I very much would.”
Heydar turned his attention back to the newcomers, a serious look passing across his face. “Hear me on this. The people hunting you now are motivated, but only by currency and obligation. That is to your advantage. But once the games are over the elites will send their heirs to join in the search, and for them it is personal. Be well hidden before that happens, Zepharos. It will be your only hope.”
“We will be. And thank you for your help.”
Rohanna held up her hand. “Just a moment, before you go galloping off into the wilderness. First, we will outfit youproperlyfor the excursion. You arrived in something of a state from your time outdoors, and for a son of the Oraku, that just will not do.”
Zepharos chuckled warmly. “I would not dream of offending you, Rohanna. Your offer is accepted with many thanks.”
“Good,” the woman said, pushing back from the table. “Well, that’s settled then. Let’s get you set up for your travel. And I may just have the perfect parting gift to see you on your way.”
“What is it?” Zepharos asked.
“Patience, my boy. Patience.”
