The woman felt his forehead and bid the boy bring her something.
“My wife.” Comron remembered calling Vaush that, in hopes of gaining more sympathy for their condition. “Where is she?”
The woman looked curiously at him for a moment then seemed to understand. She smiled and pointed over to another corner of the room. His eyes adjusted to the darkness and he made out Vaush’s form sitting up in her own cot, while a young girl fed her soup.
He breathed deeply and closed his eyes in supplication. Thank you. He opened them and looked at the woman. “We are in your debt.”
Just then, the door opened and someone bound in heavy clothing entered. The woman and the boy approached, helping him with his thick fur coat and the bundle he carried. Comron recognized him as the man who’d originally greeted him at the door.
He gazed at Vaush, who was now staring back with mutual relief. She was wearing a simple oversized tunic, obviously one of the host’s garments. “Comron,” she mouthed the word and attempted to get out of the cot. But the girl cautioned her to remain in bed and after Vaush’s head swayed, she saw the wisdom of the child’s advice.
The older woman unraveled the bundle, revealing some sort of furry animal, limp and lifeless. Right away, she took a cleaver to it and began preparing it for their meal.
The man approached Comron. With great effort, Comron propped himself up on an elbow. The man put out his hands to keep Comron still and began to speak in a pleasant tone.
His name was Nacum. This was his family and his home. Nacum asked him for his name. Comron hesitated for a second, fearing that they would be recognized, but he knew these people were disconnected from the world beyond—intentionally so. Still he chose to err on the side of caution.
In his best Arcanese he replied, “My name is Cristof and she is my wife, Terra. We both thank you for your kindness and hospitality.”
Nacum looked over at Vaush, smiled, and nodded. His face then became creased with concern. He asked how it was that he and his wife happened to arrive at his door.
It was a perfectly logical question, but Comron remained wary. “We were traveling on our way to visit family when we experienced engine failure and were forced to land.”
Nacum nodded.
Comron knew his host didn’t believe him, probably because he’d entered their home with the two high-powered rifles on his back and, no doubt, he’d seen all the scars that marred Comron’s flesh.
He wondered if word of the bounty had spread to the village. While lying there, he surreptitiously searched the room for their belongings. Spotting them in a corner of the room, he satisfied himself that he could get to them quickly if circumstances necessitated it.
“How long have we been asleep?”
Nacum indicated they had been in his home for twenty-four hours. Comron shot up in bed, attracting Vaush’s attention. Nacum motioned him to remain as he was.
“Please, I need my clothing.”
Nacum and his wife exchanged curious glances. He told Comron that they were both too weak to travel. Besides, just after they arrived a blizzard set in, making it impossible for travel, even for the local villagers. The storm would likely not lift for another day.
Comron’s head throbbed with pain. They were trapped here. But hopefully the storm would bury their cruiser along with any trace of them. For now, it would be best to regain their strength. He suspected that no one in this village possessed a space-worthy craft. When they were well enough, they’d be forced to travel to the nearest town to acquire transportation.
He peered over at Vaush, who stared back expectantly. He wasn’t certain if Nacum and his family understood any language other than their own, but he had to talk to her. “We’ve been here for a day already but with the storm I think we’ll be safe.”
“I agree, but Laka said the storm won’t lift for another day. Can we afford to wait?”
“We don’t have a choice. Nacum said that even the villagers can’t travel now.” The family seemed to be curious about what the strangers were saying, but there was no sign that they understood. “If no one can get out of this village, then no one can get in.”
“But what about information?” she asked shrewdly.
That was the true fear. What would this kindly family do if false stories described him and Vaush as dangerous fugitives on the run? Comron wouldn’t put it past Recaban.
“Get dressed,” Comron told her. “We’ll stay here and regain our strength, but we need to be ready for anything.”
That evening, Vaush had made her way over to Comron’s side. She knelt next to his cot and stroked his face. His eyes fluttered open, and he smiled weakly.
“How are you feeling, Cristof?” Vaush asked with a smirk.
“Alive.”
“We both are, thanks to these good people.” She glanced at the family reclining around a small iron stove. “And thanks to you.” She took his hand, and lifted it to her face. “They told me how you carried me through the snowstorm, left yourself exposed so you could keep me warm in your coverings. Darling, you nearly died.”
He breathed deeply and held her gaze. “I thought you were dying. Nothing else mattered.”
She kissed his hand tenderly, and brushed her cheek against it. “Your love carried us through that storm, nothing else could explain it.” She looked down the length of him. “You’re recovering well. Nacum’s wife is a gifted healer and managed to stave off the frostbite that was taking hold.”
He looked at his hands and wiggled his toes. “So I still have all my parts.”
She chuckled softly. “All the important ones anyway.” She gazed lovingly at him and gently stroked his hair. “Are you hungry, my love? Elya has made a hearty stew.”
His stomach grumbled as if on cue.
“Ah, I’ll take that as a yes,” she rose from his side. “I’ll just be a moment.” She returned with a steaming wooden bowl and brown bread. She set it aside and helped him to a seated position. “Easy there, I’m convinced that the medicine they’ve given us is one part healing agent and two parts hard spirits.”
“Well, that would explain why I feel like I’ve been in a tavern all night.”
“They’ve been so kind to us, Comron,” she said as she fed him the stew. “They live a very humble life but offer all that they have for our comfort. If we make it to Novoxos, I’d like to do something for them and their village to repay their kindness.”
He glanced over at them and nodded. “I’d like that too.”
She grinned. “You see, I’ll make a philanthropist out of you yet.” She fed him another bite. “But first, we need to get you well so that we can travel once the storm lets up.”
“There’s no telling what information, if any, the Forrel fighters were able to transmit before they went down,” Comron said with a look of concern. “But I’ve got a sinking feeling that by now Anchorii is crawling with hunters seeking us.”
She shook her head slowly and gave him another bite. “We have no transportation and Novoxos seems further away than ever.”
“They haven’t found us yet, Vaush. So don’t lose heart on me.” He stretched, arching his back. “Look, I’m already regaining my strength. When I’ve finished eating, I’ll get dressed. We’ll get one more night’s sleep, and then we’ll be on our way at first light.”
“If the weather permits.” She shuddered out the idea of going back out into the frozen wasteland.
“I’ll inquire about ground transportation. As primitive as it likely will be, we won’t have to travel on foot again. We’ll find the closest city and find a space transport there.”
She stared at the empty wooden bowl and scraped absently at the sides.
“Hey,” he said, tilting her chin up to look at him. “A little faith here. What will it take to restore your confidence in me?” His eyes narrowed. “Shall I wrestle another crogodan for you or perhaps a saber tiger?”
She laughed despite herself. “You enjoy teasing me.”
“I enjoy doing a lot of things to you,” he said in a sly voice as he pulled her closer.
“Comron, stop it,” she giggled and glanced over her shoulder. “They can see us.”
He climbed out of the bed, wrapping a covering around his waist. He reached past Vaush and pulled the partition shut.
“Sure,” Vaush said dryly. “That won’t raise any suspicions.”
“Let them suspect. You’re my wife; it’s the most natural thing in the world that I should desire to be with you. Nacum’s a man who understands that. Why do you think he gave us the corner with the partition?” He led her to the cot.
“Com, you can’t be serious. We’re both not going to fit on there.”
“True.” Without hesitation, he removed the bedding and placed it on the floor. “Much better. No tell-tale creaking cot to give away our every move.”
She clamped her hands over her mouth and shook her head no.
“Please, love,” he said sweetly, offering his hand. When she reluctantly accepted it, he led her down to the floor next to him. Slowly, he brushed her hair back off her shoulders and drew tender kisses along her neck and shoulders. When all resistance had melted away, he looked deep into her hazel eyes.
“Who knows what dangers tomorrow brings? But, as for tonight, I’d like to spend it making love to my beautiful wife.”
CHAPTER 52
Comron awakened that morning with Vaush lying warm and naked at his side beneath the soft blankets. He smiled inwardly, his body still reverberating from the night’s exertion. Again and again, they lost themselves in each other. Even when he’d been self-conscious about the ugly scars covering his body, Vaush had tenderly kissed each one of them, calling them badges of honor. She was the heavenly realm he never wished to leave.
But he was equally aware that by now their enemies would’ve found their transport and tracked them to this vicinity. If last night had been heaven, today might very well mark their descent into hell.
He sat up and noticed a water bowl and two clean towels folded next to the partition. Clearly, their host’s keen sense of hospitality hadn’t changed, which meant the search had not reached their door yet. The smell of burning wood and cooked meat indicated that they were already up and about their day. He left Vaush undisturbed as he quickly washed and dressed, and sought out Nacum to arrange for their transportation.
When Vaush emerged into the small living area in the hut, she wasn’t surprised to find Comron conversing with Nacum as the small home buzzed with activity. Laka, Nacum’s young daughter, was the first person to notice Vaush. The girl’s cheeks were pink against skin white as snow. Her dark brown eyes lit up at the sight of Vaush. Laka made her way over, holding out a steaming cup of spiced liquid.
“Why thank you, Laka,” Vaush said. She accepted the cup and sipped its contents. “Mmm,” she said. “Did you make this?”
“Yes.” Laka nodded enthusiastically. Strands of her shiny dark hair fell forward into her face before she hooked it back behind her ears.
“Well, it’s delicious.”
“Thank you,” Laka beamed, but then glanced wistfully at her father and Comron. “The storm has died down. Does that mean you must go?”
Vaush glanced up at Comron and Nacum. “Yes, I believe that’s what they’re discussing.”
“I wish you could stay longer.”
Vaush smiled warmly at her. “That is very sweet of you, Laka. But I’m afraid we have no choice in the matter. However, if you’d like,” she inclined her head at the young girl, “we could come back to visit you someday.” There was much Vaush would like to do for these kind people as a show of her gratitude for their generous hospitality.
Laka’s eyes lit up even more. “Yes, I’d like that very much.”
Comron approached and Laka politely retreated.
“How are you feeling this morning?”
Vaush glanced back at the partition and blushed. “Incredible.”
“Good. The storm provided some cover for us, but I fear we’ve already stayed too long. There’s already talk of search vessels being spotted in this area.”
“What arrangements have you made for our transportation?”
“Unfortunately, Nacum’s only form of transportation consists of six dogs and a sled. But he was able to contact a neighbor who owns an enclosed motor-sled. He just left to see if he could trade one of my tolkoth buttons for it,” he said, showing her the vacant place at his waistcoat.
Taken aback, she said, “You could have bought 1,000 motor sleds in exchange for the tolkoth in that button.”
“Well, what else do we have to bargain with? These people don’t deal in credits or depository accounts.”
Glancing at their host, she smiled politely, but spoke to Comron, “We’re going to need a little more than a motor sled to get us to Novoxos.”
“Ah, beauty and humor this morning. The motor sled will get us to Monteras, my dear. Once we’re there, we can acquire an interplanetary craft. According to Nacum, Monteras is fifty kilometers south, and it’s the closest town.”
She gave him an apprehensive look.
“It shouldn’t take three quarters of an hour to commute the distance in the motor sled. It won’t be like before.” Taking her face in his hands, he kissed her brow. “We’ll be fine, I promise.”
After a meal of dried fruit and boiled meat, Comron and Vaush expressed their deep gratitude to Nacum and his family and offered payment. Much to Nacum’s credit, he refused to accept anything for his hospitality, explaining it was the custom of his people to exercise such kindness to strangers. To insist any further would’ve been a great insult to his family.
When Nacum’s neighbor arrived shortly thereafter with the motor-sled, they all went out to see it. For a moment, Comron and Vaush just stared at the gray and white dilapidated eyesore. The hull of the vehicle was rusted, the paint was flaking, and patched holes were everywhere. The tractor treads were worn bare thin. It looked like it wouldn’t travel a meter, much less fifty kilometers.
“It will do,” Comron said. He moved to open the door, nearly pulling it off its hinges. “My lady,” he said, turning to Vaush.
She plastered on a smile and climbed into the cabin, sweeping the trash off the bench seat. Comron followed. After taking a moment to familiarize himself with the controls, he pressed a button, firing the ignition.
The rusty beast rumbled to life and the exhaust pipe belched dark gray smoke. Comron clutched the throttle, shifting it into gear, and the tractor lurched forward.
“Strap yourself in,” he said while he adjusted the mirrors. He grabbed an old rag and wiped the glass on the gauges clean. “We’ll be in Monteras before you know it.”
CHAPTER 53
Fifteen minutes in the rickety vehicle felt like fifteen hours. Every bump in the path threatened to shake and rattle the sled to pieces, which left them with the ever-present danger of being forced back into the freezing elements. The sled’s small cabin afforded them a bit of warmth, but all that could change in a split second.
Comron had concealed his dismay at seeing the condition of the contraption. Discovering that it had no automatic guiding or piloting system was equally disquieting. He’d only seen such archaic machinery in museums. He silently willed it to hold together.
Comron peered up into the gray overcast sky, looking for search vessels flying overhead. Thankfully, the sky had remained empty so far.
He returned his attention to the wintery landscape and saw the first flakes drifting down over the rolling white plains. In the distance, tall conifers stood out in stark contrast against the white canvas, like dark hulking spies bearing witness to their passing. It seemed the whole world conspired against them. With such a large bounty on their heads, he tried not to think about how abysmal their chances were of acquiring a ship in Monteras without being discovered.
Vaush sat in tense silence.
“You doing all right over there?” Comron asked, sparing a glance at her.
r /> She sighed. “I’m just thinking about how radically my life has changed over a matter of four weeks. I meet and fall in love with my family’s nemesis, marry him, start a war, discover I’m not Bastionli after all and oh, by the way, I’m also the long lost daughter of Emperor Sorren and heir to his throne.”
He looked at her, pleased that she could maintain her sense of humor in the midst of the chaos. “All things considered, you seem to be taking it all in stride.”
She pinched her fingers together. “I’m about this close to having a nervous breakdown.”
“No, you’re too strong for that.”
“Everyone has their breaking point.”
“If you reach yours, I’ll be there to catch you and put you back on your feet.”
Her eyes set upon him. “You know, if I’m taking it all in stride, it’s because I have you to walk this path with me. Really, Comron, it’s too much for one person to bear. I couldn’t do this without you.”
He turned and gave her a warm smile. “You don’t have to.”
“Imagine if you hadn’t rescued me from Larrs. He would see me enthroned only to smother me with his controlling ambitious nature. Then there’s the fact that he killed my mother and my personal guard when he discovered that I had eluded them.”
His brow furrowed. “That’s horrible. I’m very sorry for your loss.”
“How could I reign wisely and justly with such a ruthless man acting as my High Chancellor? I’d merely be some figurehead he’d trot out at official events while he wielded the true power of the throne.”
He cocked a brow appreciatively. “I’m pleased that you drew those conclusions on your own.”
“Yes, and it serves him right that his nefarious plans should be defeated by his arch enemy. Let him live every day with that knowledge as revenge for my mother and my guards.”