Page 23 of The Ranger
“No.” He closed his eyes again. The intensity scared him, but there was nothing he could do now. Kwaku and Zara would join them soon, and he’d get more information then. All he could do now was wait and hope he didn’t fall face first into his stew.
* * *
When they returnedto the palace, Shona left Melvale and Dallan and headed back to her quarters to eat something. It was going to be a while before they got things sorted out concerning their unexplained extra trip to see Duncan and Cozette, and “the help” her father sent along for Markhel. She sensed the situation was not good, and though neither Melvale nor Dallan said anything to her when they started talking about it, she knew something was off.
She began to wonder why her father would send Vale and Makama to help Markhel. Yes, she could see some of the reasons, but if anything went sideways, they could be in big trouble. At least Kwaku and Zara would be checking on them, but didn’t Melvale mention Kwaku had other things to do while in Clear Creek?
They caught Kwaku and Zara before they left. They had just finished assessing Maida. She did have Muiraran blood, which explained a lot. Now they could get Markhel and Maida together, then let nature take its course.
Hmmm. Letting nature take its course wasn’t going to be easy. Markhel’s inner heart fed off exerting pure, raw power. Maida wasn’t going to be able to do anything to help him feed his inner heart. He’d still have to have another source, and that could turn into a huge problem between them. That is, if she even accepted him. There was a good chance she might not.
Would Maida accept the fact that Markhel was from the far future? She was young, and her father and grandfather didn’t know about Muirarans. She hoped Colin and Belle could help convince them, or...
Shona suddenly straightened. “Essie, stop.”
The Sarian skidded to a stop in the middle of the corridor. They were almost to their destination.
“What is it, Princesssssk?” Essie asked.
“Someone’s in my and Dallan’s quarters, I can feel them.” She sat up a little straighter and closed her eyes. “No, it couldn’t be.” She patted Essie’s head. “Let’s go.”
“It is dangeroussssk?”
She smiled at her Sarian companion’s concern. “No, in fact, if it is who I think it is, you’ll be happy.”
Essie bounced a few times. “Yippeesssk!”
Shona laughed as Essie took off. A Sarian would convince Maida quick enough. One look at Essie and she’d probably faint, but when she came to, the alien creature would be undeniably real. Pure white fur, the body of a spider and the head of a cat, Essie was both beautiful and terrifying at the same time. She was also the size of a Volkswagen.
Essie stopped in front of Shona and Dallan’s door. “We’re heresssk!”
Shona dismounted and patted her on the cheek. “Thanks for the ride. Now let’s go see if I’m right.”
Essie leaned toward the door and closed her big purplish eyes. “Feels like... oh! It’s Kittysssk!”
Shona frowned. “Yes, but what is she doing here?” She shoved the door open and went inside.
Sure enough, Kitty Morgan, her best friend and confidant, sat on a huge cushion snacking on some strawberries. “Shona!” she tossed the fruit onto a tray of food and scrambled off the cushion. “You’re here!” She ran across the room and hugged her. “It’s so good to see you! It’s been weeks!”
Essie bounced in place and grinned, exposing her razor-sharp teeth. “Kittysssk!”
“Essie!” Kitty let go of Shona and hugged the Sarian. “Oh, you’re just so soft and cuddly! I wish I could take you home with me!”
Shona smiled at the pair. Kitty, with her dark hair and hazel eyes, could have gone into modeling. Her parents were both doctors, and Kitty had been in pre-med at one time, but switched majors. She’d been on several big adventures and matches with Shona and Dallan, and as they were having to work on fixing the timeline, maybe she was here to help.
Kitty let go of Essie. “So, what’s up?”
Shona shrugged. “I don’t know where to begin. By the way, how did you get here?”
“Simon Kells and Geran brought me. They said your dad told them you need me here.”
“My dad?” Shona frowned. “But why? It’s not like you can help with what’s going on.”
She paced and tried to puzzle it out. Her father, the king, would occasionally let Kitty accompany them on assignments, but usually for Shona’s sake. Kitty had a calming effect on her, and she understood her in ways Dallan hadn’t figured out yet. In essence, they were still getting to know each other. They hadn’t even been married half a year and had bonded and joined in a week.
“Simon or Geran didn’t say anything?” Shona asked.
“Nope. They showed up at my house, said I needed to come with them, and here I am? Is something weird going on?”