CHAPTER ELEVEN
 

Sivya landed her ship with barely a thud, she was getting better.  She cycled in some of the outer air with a smile and got out, going to greet the Ferganis coming her way.  "Great One, I am here to live in peace.  I mean you and your kind no harm.  Other clans know me.  I only wish to set up a tent and be left in peace.  Two-foots are no longer my kind."
 

The cat looked at her, this one was large, it came up to her waist.  Why do you wish to escape, Sivya? it asked.  You are a two-foot.  You lead many two-foots.

"Yes, but the ones I led tried to kill me once too often.  I've given up.  I only seek a quiet place in peace and I will gladly help any that need my skills.  My ship has a medical compartment and the computer is very well trained.  I bring antibiotics if you need them. I also bring some of my own food and weapons only to hunt prey with.  I do not wish you any harm."  Another cat was stepping out of the woods.  "Well met, Clan Leader."

Well met, Sivya.  What has happened?

"Life.  They all decided it was my fault and tried to kill me.  I took out the last of them and left."

Are all two-foots gone?

"No, only those who wished me harm. I cannot stand it anymore. Therefore I ask for refuge and a place to put up a tent."

Very well.  Bring it with you.

"I was going to camp here."

Cub, do not argue.  Come with us.  You may live in the village.  We have larger predators and you can help us with that.  Your ship can hide itself there.  We are not far.  She turned and walked off.  Bring whatever you want with you, she ordered.

Sivya got onto the ship and pulled out the supplies she had intended to set up with, heading out after the clan leader.  Her word was law and if she was going to live in peace with them, she had to follow those same laws.  The burrows were not that far, they were within sight of the ship, and a spot was pointed out for her. "Thank you.  Which predator do you speak of?"

There is one who walks on hind paws, like a two-foot, but is furry, a cub told her.  It tries to eat us.  Are you here to help us?

Sivya nodded. "I am, youngling. I need to get away from the other two-foots before I was forced to hurt more of them."  The cub nuzzled her, letting her pet him.  "You are very soft."

Thank you.  You pet very well.  You may hunt with me.

"Thank you, let me know when you want to go."  He grinned and went to brag about it.  She set up her tent, after reading the directions.  She had done research on wilderness living on the trip here.  She knew what to expect.  She found a few things missing and went to get them, finding another male sniffing the interior.  "Hello."

You are the owner of this one?

"Now.  I just bought it.  Was it used against your kind?"

No, he once carried injured of us to a healer. It still stinks of the injured ones in here.  Who are you?

"Sivya."

The one who guarded us? She nodded. You are joining the local clan?  She nodded again. Very well then.  Watch out for the blue flowers, they make many queasy when they first bloom.  You forgot your clothes.

"I just realized that.  Thank you for telling me that. I hadn't known."  She bowed to him so he nudged her with his nose before walking off.  She got her bag of clothes and other things, heading back to put them up.  Her ship could recharge on solar power. She got everything arranged and sat down in front of her tent in case any of the others wanted to come talk to her.  A few watched her warily.  "I'm the one who gave you this place," she offered.  A very young cub waddled up to where she was and climbed into her lap, getting comfortable.

Nap, then eat, she sent. Good mommy.

"Thank you, little one."  She stoked her back gently, enjoying the soft fur enough to let her mind wander while she petted.  Until she was nipped by another cub, who wanted some of her own.  She had two hands so that was fine.  She saw another one watching.  "If I had more hands, I'd stroke you too," she offered.  "You're next once one of these two is done."  That one settled down to wait, watch, and pounce on her chance.

~*~*~*~
 

Sivya looked up as the clan elder ran her way, kneeling down to show proper respect for her.  "I have killed the creature, elder.  It is very dead.  The young one is dragging back a piece of it.  I found it trying to eat this one and saved it."  She held out the cub she was holding.  It was very young. "I did not see a mother," she offered when the elder looked at her.  "Should I watch it?"

You may.  It is very ill. It may have been out there by itself.

"Then let me take it to my ship, let's see if we can figure out what's wrong."  The elder nodded she could do that so she walked off, crooning at the poor baby on the way there.  She walked in the door that opened for her, putting him down on the bed.  "Computer, scan, give prognosis and probable cure."

The computer whirred.  "Battery low."

"Go to solar power," she complained.  Something outside clicked so she went out there and climbed on top of the ship to free the stuck solar panel again.  She hopped back down and went back inside.  "Leave it up next time.  Even at night.  What's wrong with the Ferganis cub?"

"Appears to be a virus.  Antibiotics may help.  Antiviral in process of construction."

"Thank you.  Is it passable to humans?"

"No.  Virus is local to flora and fauna.  Antibiotic treatment may stem infection in lungs and sinuses.  Prepare one ampule of antibiotics and use only five drams."

"Thank you.  Muscle injection?"

"Yes.  Antiviral complete.  Please give one third dosage."

"Thank you, computer."  She pulled it out, looking at the dosage instructions.  "Easy enough."  She took that and the cub back to her tent.  "I've found it," she called as she entered.  "It's natural and treatable."  She sat the cub down on her bed, giving him the antibiotics first, then dosing the antiviral in some water.  "Here yo go, baby.  You drink, it'll make you feel better."  The cub's mind brushed hers and she sipped, making Sivya happy.   She found the elder at the opening to her tent.  "The medical computer said it was from something native, it's a virus.  It's treatable with antibiotics and an antiviral.  The computer can make the antiviral and I can give the antibiotic shots.

Thank you, Sivya.  You saved her life.  She walked off to share that news with the scouts, who were most likely to run into other tribes.  They could use the ship just as well and get it on their own.  Sivya could do what was needed that they couldn't.

A few hours later, Sivya went back to the ship.  She felt miserable.  "Computer, am I getting this same virus?"

"Negative."

"Then why do I feel nauseous?"  She laid down on the medical bed, propping her poor swollen feet up.  "Computer?"

"Scanning in progress.  Subject is healthy."

"Then why do I feel sick?  Is there any condition?"

"Subject is pregnant.  Nausea is consistent with condition."

"Excuse me, the subject, I mean I'm what?"

"Subject is pregnant," the computer repeated, sounding patient.

"How?"  She remembered the few days she had with Brast and groaned.  "Dung heaps!"  She sat up.  "Computer, do you have a personality?"

"Negative, personality cube was buried with last owner."

"Damn it."  She stood up.  "Expected time to birth?"

"Subject is due in five months, Central time.  Subject's species only carries for seven months on average.  Subject appears in good health, other than needing to eat."

"Thanks, really," she said dryly, going to grab something from the shelves and head back to her tent.  She flopped down beside the elder, laying her head next to her cub's body.  "I'm with cub."

I noticed your scent had changed.  Where is your mate?

"I have no idea.  He didn't want to be married. He's off working somewhere in a ship."

You should call him. It is honorable.

"It may be, but he'll yell.  I can't stand it when he yells."  She sighed.  "This is going to be very strange.  How does one give birth?"

The body will tell you when it is time, then you push the baby out.  You nip the cord to cut it, or I suppose you would have to cut it since you don't have sharp teeth and can't stand the taste of raw meat, and then you make sure the cub is breathing.  Are your kind called cubs as well?

"No, but if I consider it a cub maybe it'll like me. Babies hate me."  She sat up, looking around.  "What's going on?"

There was another ship in orbit earlier.  We are searching for more two-foots. She nuzzled her. Go talk to them, perhaps they can send you things to make up for not eating vegetables.  Before you get sick.

"Yes, mother," she complained as she got up, heading back to her ship.  "Ship, open communications with the violator in orbit."

"Communications open."

"Ship, this is the two-foot, er, priestess of Argoness on this planet.  Why are you in orbit?  You're making the inhabitants paranoid."

"Quite sorry about that, we saw a weapon's discharge earlier and knew no being was supposed to be down there that could fire with one."

"There was a predator trying for a cub, I wasn't going to let it kill him."

"Fine.  You are?"

"Priestess of Argoness."

"Your name, priestess?" the voice asked tolerantly.

"Sieran," she said, saying the first name that came to her. So what if it was the name of the only other Empress who had ever escaped the weight of the crown, he shouldn't know who that was.  She had only ruled for six days.  "I'm here on a research permit to study the Ferganis culture.  They allowed it."

"Very well.  We'll report that you're there."

"If you're making a report, would you please report that there's a flower here that causes illness when it's breeding and just in bloom?  It's cured by an antiviral and antibiotics.  If I'm not here next year they'll need someone who can give shots and mix the antiviral into water."

"Why not.  Send up the file."

"Computer, seal the records on the illness cases from the flora and send to the ship in orbit.  She leaned back in her chair, getting comfortable.  She had missed sitting in a chair.  "Speaking of, I'm nearly out of antibiotics."

Don't forget the vitamins since you need to eat more vegetables, the elder said from the doorway.

"Really?" the voice asked on the other side of the connection. "I didn't know they could project like that."

"Sometimes the Ferganis will surprise you," she said, staring at the elder, who smirked at her.  "Fine, yes, I probably could use some vitamins and a new blanket or two beyond the antibiotics."

"Would you like us to go shopping for you?"

"Let me put my credit chip into the computer, if you wouldn't mind.  How would it be delivered?"

"There are some pirates in the area who could drop it off," he offered.

"Not the slavers?  We've had a few problems with them."  She realized her mistake at the silence.  "I know, but I'm new to my vows."

"Fine, priestess.  No, not them.  I take your apology.  I knew what you meant.  No, there is a full clan nearby."

"Thank you.  I welcome any of the brethren here. It's been a long few months and we have had a few other visitors without pure intentions."

"I understand, priestess.  Which clan do you call yours?"

"I'm from one clan and married into another."  She took off her earring, letting it be read by the computer and sent to that one. If they were real pirates they could read the small chip embedded into it.

"Interesting.  There's not many who have made that switch.  As a matter of fact, they're looking for one of them, but she goes by a different name."

"Pity, but there's only me here as a two-foot.  Has anyone checked her homeworld?"

"No, not yet.  Send up the credit chip please and I'll order those for you."  She slid it into the correct slot, letting him see the balance.  "An Imperial one?"

"I'm on grief leave, I was working in the palace as a guard."  Not too far off, she had been guarding it.  "That's my severance."

"Very well then.  You said blankets, antibiotics, and vitamins?  Nothing else for the female times?"

"No, I don't think that will be a problem.  Have them send me some clothes please.  All of mine are getting too tight from the extra muscles I've been building."

"In what size?"

She estimated.  "B-6?  That's a few sizes bigger than I am."

"Very well, priestess.  It's ordered for you and being shipped tomorrow.  They'll drop it off in an automated pod."

"Those have safety features in case a cub's nearby?"

"Yes, priestess, they do."

"Thank you for your help.  Is there anything I can do for you?"

"You think her homeworld?"

"She was very intelligent and liked to study in her home's catacombs.  It would not surprise me.  Either there or where she was stationed at a temple."

"I'll pass that on with the file.  Thank you, priestess.  Good hunts."

"May treasure haunt your dreams but live in your hands," she offered.  He chuckled before cutting the connection.  "Happier now, elder?"

Much, but you still need to eat more vegetables. Cubs always need the vitamins.  She trotted off, heading to look over the ship herself.   She'd only been there a few times.

Sivya shook her head, getting comfortable.  "Chairs are nice," she told the computer.

"The chair is removable," the computer offered.

"Yeah, but then I'd have to carry it around," she said dryly.  "Can you grow a new personality, computer?"

"Allowed."

"Good, please do, and do not grow much sarcasm."

"Allowed.  Setting parameters. Thank you, Empress."

"Welcome and don't call me that where anyone else can hear you."

"Of course not.  You rest.  You need it."

"Gee, another mother, just what I need," she said with a yawn.  "Damn it."

"Rest," the computer ordered.

I agree, rest, the elder ordered from the bedroom.  She was getting comfortable on the bed. We need some of these in the wild.

Sivya laughed, shaking her head.  She fell asleep there in the chair, comfortable for the first time in two months.

~*~*~*~
 

Rraaaaal opened his mail, finding a very old, slow letter in there from his friend.  He read it over with a smile until he came to the part about Constantine being a good replacement for her and to try to help her settle in.  It also mentioned that the crown was looking at his people so the next Ki could be one of his.  He printed it, rereading it.  Something was not right.  That didn't sound like she would be back soon.  He decided to take it to Constantine, letting her decide if he was being silly.  He checked his son, but he was playing with his husband. He headed up to the throne room, handing over the letter after bowing to her.  "I just received this.  She sent it the day she took Brailian home."

Constantine looked it over, then looked at him.  "That sounds rather...final."  She handed it back.  "What did you think?"

"That's what I thought.  I wasn't sure though so I brought it to you after thinking about it.  If that's true, then there's going to be some upset people."

"I'm going to be one of them if that's a goodbye," she assured him.  She stood up.  "Rethna!"  He came running.  "Show him, Rraaaaal.  Let him see what he thinks."

Rethna took the held-out letter, reading it over.  He looked up at Constantine.  "That sounds final."

"She always said that you were excellent at finding her.  Go for it," Constantine ordered, flicking a hand.

"As you wish, Emp...Ki."  He bowed and walked off shaking his head.  His first call was logical.  "Lord Brast, have you seen your former wife since she left the palace?"

"I left her at the Yards to catch a ship," he offered.  "I took her from Brailian's home planet to there."  The letter was held up so he could read it, and he groaned. "She didn't."

"She did.  Your daughter has ordered me to find her this time as well.  Where would you suggest you look?  And I do need to remind you that she can't protect you from obstruction charges if you don't tell me the truth."  He stared at his former cohort.

"She's a priestess of Aragoness now."

"Why?" he asked carefully.

"They said so.  We don't argue with them.  They know more than we do, so therefore we don't argue.  She had passed her trials when I last saw her. She was going to the Yards to buy a ship."

"She can't fly a ship."

"She had some basic knowledge, I taught her some more, and she wanted a ship with an older memory in it.  She had her allowance chip as well."  Rethna groaned.  "I'm not sure how much she had."

"She hasn't been shopping since the last time you took her on Alesar, with only one stop in Riven."

"Have we looked on her home planet?  Or on Riven?  She seemed to like Riven.  By the way, what was she wearing in that parade?  I saw it a few weeks ago."

"That was her regalia, or so she said.  I don't know about such things but she went out to party later that night and drug Brailian with her once he had found her and brought her back the first time."  Brast groaned, coughing a bit.  "Anything else I should know before I start?"  He saw the indecision on the other man's face.  "Lord Brast?"

"We got ...close during the short trip.  She was having nightmares."

"Thank you.  I would expect that."  He signed off, then went to pack and get a ship for his personal use.  At least he had a place to start.

~*~*~*~
 

Brast considered the situation later that night.  She hadn't said anything about leaving permanently. She had seemed upset.  She had seem depressed.  She had also seemed happy to see him.  He frowned as he leaned back on his bed.  "Where would she have gone?"

"Repeat query, Brast?" the computer asked.

"No, nothing."  He raised an eyebrow.  "Considering everything you've heard me mutter about my former wife, where would she have headed to hide from the world?"

"Not enough information for decision.  What did she do when she was stressed or upset before and had options available?"

Brast considered it.  "She petted a Ferganis. She sewed.  She went to hide in the gardens."

"They do have their own world, private and off-limits.  By her own decree."  He groaned. "Should I run a check for her through the usual channels?"

"Yes, please."  He crossed his legs, staring out the window.  "What did she think she was doing?" he muttered.

"She thought she was helping others to ease the conflict.  That is in line with the personality you have described," the computer reminded him.

"Didn't help."

"How would she know?"

"Good point.  She probably hasn't checked her mail or the news for months."  He got comfortable while his computer searched.  "Anything?"

"There was a priestess of Aragoness listed as visiting that world.  She filed a report about a flora- born virus that had affected the cats.  She had the clan member who found her do some mild shopping for some bigger clothes, some blankets, and some extra antibiotics."

"Bigger clothes, blankets, and antibiotics?  Those really don't go together.  Has anything else been reported?"

"They found her due to weapons fire, she claimed she was taking down a large predator.  Heat signature count showed fifty more Ferganis than colonization records counted.  He asked her her name, she claimed it was Sieran."

"Check with the temple, see if she is one," he said patiently.

"Negative to inquiry."

"Is there a history behind the name?"

"It was the name of a little known empress who escaped the guardians before being crowned.  She held the title for six days before her escape.  She died tragically trying to evade capture by running into one of the Marak'D clan."  He shuddered.  "The slavers tried to take custody of her to turn her in, she fought back.  They imploded her ship."

"Thank you.  Plot a course for that world."

"Yes, Brast.  Should I tell that man who called?  He sounded very serious."

"No.  Let's see if it's her first."  He slid back down under the covers, smiling at the stars going past.  He loved his computer.  "Do you know the name of the ship?"

"Geremanthes.  It had belonged to..."

"I know.  He died heirless," he said quietly.  "It's a good choice, even though he took the personality cube with him into the fires."  He closed his eyes.  "Wake me a few hours before we get there."

"Yes, Brast.  Sleep well."

"Have a nice trip, dear."

~*~*~*~
 

Sivya looked up as someone entered her tent, smiling at her former husband.  "Hello, Brast.  Is there a problem?"

He pulled her up, looking her over.  He stopped at her stomach and looked in her eyes.  "Something you wanted to tell me besides the fact that you abandoned your post to my poor firstborn?"

She shook her head.  "No."

"Then it's not mine?  You broke your vows?"  She shook her head.  "You were pure when you laid with me.  Did you break your vows afterward?"  She shook her head.  "You're not going to tell me?"

"No."

"Why not?"  He sat her down, sitting across from her.  "It is mine.  I know it is.  I can feel it."

"If you say so."  She stroked her stomach.  "The little cub is fairly sleepy today."

"Little cub?" he asked, reaching over to stroke her stomach.  He felt a small kick and smiled.  "He's not sleepy now."

"You woke him up.  He knows it's about time to go hunting with the cubs."

"You're hunting like this?"

"I've got to eat."  He glared at her so she smiled sweetly.  "As you kept reminding me."

"Don't get cute, Sivya.  You're coming back with me.  It's my child and I'm claiming it."  He stood up.  "Come on."

"No. I'm happy here."  She looked at the cub coming in with a piece of fur.  "Ooh, aren't you so cute," she cooed, scratching behind his ears.  "This one pounced me first to get cuddles."

"I see.  He can live without you.  My child will be coming with me and so will the woman carrying him."  He smiled down at the cub.  "Can you please tell the elder that I'm taking her with me so I can have the mother of my child?"

The cub sat down and shook his head, sneezing. Elder sleeping. Not bothering her.  He crawled over to Sivya with her piece of fur. I tried but it got away.

"That's a very good job," she assured him, stroking down his back.  "The fact that you got fur is good.  I'll let you watch while we go today if you want.  Maybe you'll get something."

Do you think the hunters will mind?

"I don't think so but I can ask.  Phrarim!"  A male came trotting up to the tent, nuzzling the cub on his way in.  "He managed to get a piece of fur today but he needs help.  Can he watch us hunt today?"

The male looked down at the cub. You were playing with the others.  I saw, you were good. The cub purred and rubbed his head against his leg. Of course, just stay out of the way.  We don't want you hurt.  You may watch.

Fank you, Phrarim. He nuzzled his elder again then trotted out to go get ready to go hunting.

Phrarim looked at her, then at Brast. Another two-foot?

"He thinks the cub I carry is his.  He's trying to drag me home to be tortured by those idiots who want to kill me."

Odd.  Most mates protect their mates while they're with cub. He nuzzled her shoulder. Be safe.  I'll see you during the hunt. He trotted off to check on the cub.

She smiled up at Brast.  "See, I'm needed here and they like me."

"As do I, Sivya.  That's my cub and I want you both.  I want to be there when you give birth.  I want to help pick out the Godfathers."

"Constantine, Halley, Brailian, Gerian, and one of the priestesses."

He stared her down.  "You can't name a sister or brother."

"If I don't claim you as the father, I can name you," she pointed out dryly.  "As long as I can prove to the High Priestess that I did not break my vows, then I don't have to claim any man as a father."

"Do it and I will invoke the rite of bonding. You're having my child, that makes you my mate by right and by bond.  You have my child and you're mine."  He moved closer to her, tipping her chin up so he could stare into her eyes.  "You are mine.  The child is mine.  Since the child is mine, the mother is mine by right.  Therefore you are mine."  He took a kiss.  "Now, pack up and we can leave.  I'll let you go hunt this time.  I'll even watch if you want."  She shook her head.  "That's fine, I'll make sure your ship is ready to take off," he said quietly.

She kissed him.  "I'm not claiming a father, Brast.  You can only stay if the elders allow it.  I'm not leaving.  End of discussion."

"You are or I'm within my rights to drag you off to my ship and kidnap you into the nearest temple."

"Then you'd better get to pulling," she offered, stealing another kiss.  "Want a hug?"

"No!  I want you to pack everything so we can leave!  That way we can have you checked over by someone competent as a healer."

"My ship's got a medical computer.  I've read the books I had on file and the computer said I'm fine.  I've also talked to the other mothers and watched a few giving birth."  She stroked his cheek.  "Now, do you want to go on the hunt with us?  You might have to wake up the elder."

"Sivya, I'm not going to lose my temper, but pack your things so we can leave."

"I'm not leaving."

"You are!" he hissed.

She stood up, holding her stomach.  "I'm going on that hunt.  Talk with the elder if you want to stay."  She walked off, naked and glorious in the sun.  "I'm ready, who's coming?" she called.  Cats and a few cubs came running, trotting off talking about animals they were going to hunt for.

Brast got up and went outside to watch her leave.  He looked around, noticing an older cat.  "Are you the elder?" he asked politely.  She nodded, smiling up at him.  "Can you force her to come with me?"

No.  She is stubborn.  She is also due soon.  If you want to mate with her, I would do it before then.  Cubs often get in the way of such things.

"I want to take her and make it official again."

Then I'd get to dragging, Sivya sent back mentally, sounding quite happy. Oooh, fur!

He groaned as she broke contact, looking down at the elder.  "Can you help me?"

Perhaps if you bring someone here to make it official?

"Maybe," he agreed.  "Keep her here, I'll be back," he vowed, going to his ship to call someone.  "Call Rethna."

"Yes, Brast," the computer replied.  "How is she?"

"Pregnant and due soon."

"Oh, really?" she asked.  "Rethna is online.  Do you want visual?"

"Please."  He looked at the camera.  "She's pregnant, she's here, I need a priestess of Aragoness."

"I'll be right there, I'll try to get a priestess.  Thank you for finding her."

"Oh, it's my pleasure.  I'm going to drag her to make it official, even if I do have to start the Rite of Bonding and Mates."  He hung up.  Then he started to pace.  This was not going to happen.  Not his child.  Not to his mate.  Not to anything of his.  She was his now, she is pregnant she is now his.  "Lady Grethen, Goddess of Grief, be praised by anyone who tries to stop me.  Even her."

~*~*~*~
 

Brast looked up as one of the cats came to where he was staying, so he looked down at him.  "How was the hunt?"

Very well, Lord Brast, Trimshah said patiently. Is my two-foot here?

"She's with the local clan and she's pregnant but she won't accept me.  She wants to run away again.  I'm trying to stop her."

Good.  I'm going to visit her.  Should I bring her your love and nuzzles?

"Sure, kid. You do that.  Tell her to come see me too.  That I'd like to pat her stomach again."  She nodded and trotted off, going to talk to Sivya.  He settled in to wait, getting comfortable.  After about an hour he heard footsteps and looked at her.  "Want to cuddle?"

"Sure, if you'd like."  She climbed in beside her.  "I forgot how nice beds could be."  He smiled at her.  "I had the same feeling about chairs a few months back," she admitted.  "I wouldn't mind bringing beds to the woods."

"I can understand that."  He stroked her stomach.  "Do you know what it is?"

"Nope."

"Computer, scan the woman next to me for health and sex of baby."

"Baby is male, woman is fine, but needs to eat more vegetables."

"Not you too," she complained.  He chuckled and kissed her.  "Fine, it's a boy. It doesn't matter, I'm not claiming a father. It'll only cause problems and for people to come after you again."

"Us, spouse."

"You, Brastianius.  I'm not claiming a father.  The other priestesses will back me up.  They're the ones who told me I could do that."

"I'll kill anyone who keeps you from me, Sivya. From now on, you are mine," he said quietly.  "No one touches what's mine."  He kissed her again, curling up on her chest.  "You can sleep in here tonight."

"Brast, you said you couldn't stand my life."

"That's something else to talk about.  You're going to have to go back.  Constantine is going to go insane soon."  He nuzzled her stomach.  "Hello, son. Your sister will love to see you."

"His sister is going to be a Godmother, not a sister."

"Fat chance."  He kissed the lump, smiling as the baby moved. "Hello, son."

She got up but he pushed her back down. "I'm going to the bathroom."  She got up and went to the bathroom, then snuck out.

"Brast, did you want me to keep her inside?" the computer asked.

"Sivya!"

"She left, that is why I asked," the computer offered.

"Track her," he growled. He pulled back on his boots and went to search for her, taking his portable communication system with him.  "Where is she?"

"She's not on register," the computer admitted.  "I can't find a larger heat signature on the ground."

He stomped back to the camp, noticing that her tent was missing.  He looked at the elder. "Where did she go?"

She went to check on another clan with the young one from earlier.  She will be back in a few days.  If you want, you could get that person to make it official.

"Fine.  I'll be back."  He stomped off, going back to his ship.  "Disable her ship."  He looked and noticed it was hidden.  "Ship?"

"I'm trying but it can't get into the system.  Still trying.  Still trying."  Pause.  "Still trying."

"Never mind.  Keep it locked in while we go into orbit.  We need to call the nearest temple."  He climbed on and his ship took off.   "Rethna?"

"Connecting.  Connected."

"Rethna, she's trying to disappear again," he said, his face a mask of rage.  "Where are you and where is the priestess?"

"I can't get one to come with me and I'm about a day and a half away."

"Too far.  Put her on."  Rethna gave him an odd look. "Never mind, I'll call the nearest one.  End call.  Call local brethren, see if they've got a priestess with them."

"Connecting.  Online and visual."

Brast looked at the screen and camera. "My wife is now a vowed priestess. She's also pregnant.  I want a priestess here."

"Did she break her vows?"

"No, I'm a former spouse, not the one she vowed because of.  She came to me for comfort.  I want her back.  I need one to start the Rite of Bonding."

"There's one of those?" the clan member asked dryly.

"There is," a female offered from behind him.  "It is very ancient.  It's almost never heard of before.  You are a former spouse?"  He nodded, arms crossing.  "Are you sure it's yours?'

"She claims no father.  I know it's mine. It's also a son."

"Very well.  Bring her to us and I will make sure of that and do the bonding."  She cut the connection.

Brast started to pace again.  This was not going to happen to his wife.
 
 

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