Hard Sands: Warlords of Atera Page 7

  “Come,” Aarom guided her to the seat beside Nakan’s before taking one on her opposite side. “Let me tell you tales of Nakan’s youth so that you may learn more of your mate. I’m sure you are eager to hear of the time he attempted to single-handedly wrestle a sand beast. All because he wished to impress a warrior from another territory.”

  Kalinda allowed Aarom to assist her and decided she’d play along. For now.

  “Why am I not surprised?” She gave Nakan a teasing look. “On Earth, boys always do foolish things to try to impress others. Especially women.”

  Nakan’s scales shifted in color ever so slightly, the Ateran version of a blush, she supposed. “I was not attempting to impress anyone, Aarom.”

  The paladin tilted his head back and bellowed a deep laugh. “Oh, yes you were, my boy. You see,” Aarom spoke to Kalinda as he leaned forward with a grin. “Nakan has always been small. He did not grow into his claws until late in his youth. As a result, he was in constant battles in an attempt to prove himself.”

  She rolled her eyes and released a soft laugh. There were some ways humans and Aterans were similar, it seemed.

  She remained with Aarom and Nakan for a little while, listening to stories about Nakan’s youth. Aarom’s intent seemed to be to distract Kalinda from her anger and he succeeded until she sensed her fury gradually fading with the more he spoke. Hell, she was nearly comfortable with the situation and she allowed herself to pretend she was simply enjoying a fun evening amidst a group of gracious hosts.

  Though in the back of her mind, she couldn’t banish the nagging feeling that this was all an illusion. She and the others were in a state of limbo, passing time with no end in sight, without a way to create a better future for themselves. They had been trapped on this alien world for days—no way to communicate with anyone off planet, no way to call for rescue, and no way to find a way home. With their fates in such a storm of chaos, it seemed surreal to be having a meal with an alien warlord and his subjects. They were pretending to be fine ladies at a royal banquet instead of the reality that they were refugees stranded on an alien world with no escape.

  These thoughts plaguing her mind, distraction soon pulled her attention away from Aarom’s stories. She stared off to the side, wondering what the coming days would bring to her and her people. Her people. She let her attention drift to the human women. Some seemed to be enjoying themselves, particularly those who were getting attention from some of the virile Ateran males. Though there were just as many females who were obviously anxious and nervous—giving the aliens uncertain looks.

  Those were clearly plagued by the same worries consuming Kalinda’s thoughts.

  Kalinda had never considered herself a leader. She’d never had the temperament, had never been bold and strong in the face of adversity. She sure as hell didn’t consider herself smart enough to make decisions that could affect so many others. Her skills were in engineering—not politics and leadership. She couldn’t apply her knowledge of electrical systems and communication arrays to organizing and caring for a group of refugees stranded on an alien world. But circumstances had placed her in this position. She had been claimed—for better or worse—by the leader of the Hard Sands Aterans. He had told her she now held a position of power and influence. She figured that meant she was the only person in a position to help the other human women. They were her responsibility now and she would see to their safety and well-being.

  “Excuse me for a minute,” she murmured to Nakan and Aarom before rising from her seat. She made her way to the human table and took a seat among the group. She knew they had questions and while she didn’t have all of the answers, she had to at least try and assuage some of their worries.

  “We should talk about what’s going on and what needs to happen next,” she told them.

  And like that, she had everyone’s attention. Kalinda took a deep breath and sought a calm that seemed just out of reach while she stared at the expectant faces. A desperation seemed to fill them all, a soul-deep need to understand.

  She didn’t know if she was qualified for the position she now found herself in, but she would do the best she could for the humans. What better place to start than the beginning? She kept her voice low while she revealed what she had learned so far. Hoping that, if nothing else, she could bring a little hope to the worried minds of her people.

  She wouldn’t mind some of that hope for herself, either.

  Chapter Ten

  Kalinda retreated from Nakan and he found himself frowning as he watched her go. She had seemed distracted—upset—all evening. He could not tell if it was because he had announced their mating before she was prepared or if she was troubled by her situation. He tried to imagine himself in her place—stranded on an alien world with no way to return home, surrounded by people with wholly strange customs and traditions. He could not picture himself in such a situation—a stranger in a strange land—and he understood that the situation had to be unbelievably hard for her and her companions.

  Tearing his attention from his kode, he scanned the room to gauge the mood of the gathered Aterans. Most seemed cheerful—celebrating his mating—other than Chaze and his contingent, of course. Yet it was still difficult to weigh the crowd’s true feelings of happiness. It was possible some put on a smiling face while they hid their true feelings. Or they were swept up in the excitement by the others. While they were gathered and surrounded by joy, they were happy for him. Later, when they returned to their caves and the exuberant mood passed, they may trade their joyous faces in for anxiety and worry.

  He spotted a few brooding expressions as well as a few small groups gathered in dim corners, the Aterans leaning in close and speaking low. He could only guess the topic of their discussion, but he was certain the human females were the subject on everyone’s mind. It was simply a question of whether his people would accept the new era they entered or would they would cling stubbornly to the old ways. Would they reject what was to come?

  The Ateran people were a race of long memories steeped in custom and tradition—from the code of honor to the rejection of technology in their day-to-day lives. They were also slow to embrace change, yet with the arrival of the humans, rapid change was upon them.

  He did not know how to convince his people that welcoming the humans with open arms was the best way for their future. There would always be those that clung to traditional ways, rejecting any alteration to their lives. Under any other circumstances, Nakan might have been hesitant to embrace the shift that the human females meant to their world and culture. Yet he had seen the alien vessel with his own eyes. He had placed his hand on the dark exterior of the ship and peered into its darkened interior. It could not be denied.

  And from the moment he recognized Kalinda as his kode, he had been truly convinced the human presence and his mating to the human female was the will of the goddess. He had doubts about Aarom’s assurance that mating Kalinda proved that Nakan was chosen by the goddess. That the goddess gifted him with Kalinda as a sign that he was meant for a great destiny.

  An open hand struck the back of his bald head and Nakan tensed, his warrior’s instincts asserting themselves with the sudden attack. He spun in place, searching his tormentor, but relaxed when he met Aarom’s gaze. His old friend and paladin had merely been knocking him out of his daze. He glared at the male, annoyed that Aarom still treated him like a young one instead of the warlord of the Hard Sands. No other would smack Nakan in such a manner. Though, in a way, one might consider it a sign of affection. After all, Aarom had known Nakan since he was too small to even wield a practice sword.

  “This is a celebration.” Aarom smirked at Nakan. “Yet you brood. If you are not careful, your people will believe you are not happy with the goddess’ gift.”

  “I am happy,” Nakan countered though he could not seem to force a smile to his mouth like his paladin.

  Aarom snorted. “Of course. Try showing your joy for a change.”

  Nakan demanded his l
ips turn up at the corners though based on Aarom’s expression, he expected it appeared more like a snarl.

  “I wonder if the warlord of the Red Sands sits in his fortress and broods.” Aarom smirked. “He also claimed one of the human females as his kode. It is only fitting that the warlord of the Hard Sands be gifted with an alien female as well. And I am sure yours is the superior mate. She is beautiful in her way and intelligent. She is sure to bear you many fine offspring.” Aarom’s attention drifted across the room. “She should be here by your side, celebrating her good fortune with you.”

  Nakan’s attention went to his kode where she remained with the other human females. “This is happening too quickly for her, I think. It is perhaps best to give her time to adapt.”

  His kode remained huddled with the females, their voices drowned out by the celebration of his people. No doubt they questioned her about the mating announcement. He wondered if she told them the truth, that she had not yet accepted him as her kode. He hoped she would come to love and accept him though he was not wholly selfish with his wish. He wanted her to accept him for the sake of the human females as well.

  The humans would be on Atera for the remainder of their lives. It was important that they begin accepting their new circumstances and integrating into Ateran society. As gifts from Eana, they would have a place of great honor among the Ateran people. Kalinda, as mate to the warlord of the Hard Sands, would have a position worthy of the greatest honor of all. Even the others would surely be mated to great warriors and would be treated as noble ladies—given all they could ever hope or wish.

  First, they would need to accept their new lives.

  If Kalinda was seen happy and fulfilled in her new position as Nakan’s mate, the other females would soon see they were blessed in their new lives. It would help them embrace their new future and he was certain they would all find happiness and comfort in the lives Eana had blessed them with.

  For now, he saw only fear, worry, and doubt in their stares. It was too soon to expect them to accept their new fates. He only wished he could help them transition into their new beginning. They were his people now—citizens of the Hard Sands—as much as any other Ateran within his territory.

  Servants carried more trays of food into the hall and the room quieted as the gathering settled into the rest of their meal. Nakan picked at his food, not particularly hungry. His mind was too occupied by Kalinda and the unexpected drama she had churned since she entered his life.

  “Let your mind be at ease, my boy.” Aarom clapped Nakan on the back. “Today is one for celebration. You should be proud of your mate. If your sire was here today, there would be no limit to his pride. While I am not him, I am filled with pride as well.”

  A small smile touched Nakan’s lips. Aarom had always been a second sire figure to him, especially since the loss of his sire to a violent end. Nakan had looked to the older male to fill that void in his world. He was certain Aarom felt the same way despite the paladin never finding his own kode and bearing no young. Perhaps Aarom looked upon him as the young one he never had. Though in other ways, Nakan looked at his paladin as an equal—a trusted aide and advisor. No others could be true equals due to his station and their vows to obey him, but he looked at Aarom differently.

  Nakan found himself unable to find the words to express his feelings. He had never been one to state his emotions, not even in front of Aarom—his most coveted friend. Their relationship had never been one for sentiment but instead focused on the more practical parts of the world and lessons Aarom had to impart on the younger Nakan. He wanted to be able to express to Aarom the value he found in their relationship, yet he simply did not know how.

  While lost in his thoughts, emotions churning in his heart, he looked up to find Kalinda excusing herself from the human table and moving toward the door. On reflex, Nakan rose, ready to follow her and keep her safe.

  A hand on his arm stopped him before he could move from his stop. Aarom pulled him back into his seat. “Leave your mate her privacy. I’m sure she only wishes a quiet moment and does not need you hovering while she does so.”

  Nakan glared at the other male and grunted rather than replying. His instincts urged him to follow her even as he knew there was little true danger within the caves. He doubted she would seek to run from him. The rational part of his mind told him there was no reason to remain by her side. She was perfectly safe. However, the instinctive, feral part of him demanded he remain by her side.

  He stared across the room, spying Chaze still in his seat and speaking with his contingent. It did not seem that Chaze noted Kalinda’s absence. He supposed that as long as Chaze remained where Nakan could keep a close eye on him, there was little to cause him worry.

  “Very well.” Nakan settled into his seat. Aarom was right. If Kalinda was to be his kode and Lady of the Hard Sands, she should be allowed the freedom of the mountain. He could not remain with her every moment of the day even if he worried for her well-being.

  Besides, he told himself, there was almost no danger in the mountain. Everyone was loyal to Nakan—possibly save Chaze. As long as Chaze was within sight, what harm could befall his kode?

  Chapter Eleven

  Kalinda strode through the mountain tunnels, no true destination in mind. She’d simply needed to be away. Plus, she still hadn’t given up on the idea of escaping her mountain prison, especially considering the strange situation she found herself in with Nakan. One part of her recognized the benefits of becoming the Lady of the Hard Sands. She’d gain power and influence in that position and could provide help to the other human women. If they were stuck on Atera—in the Hard Sands—for the rest of their lives, the position would give their group the greatest benefit.

  And yet… she couldn’t get past the idea that this “marriage”—if it could be called such—equated to a gilded cage. He’d told her she’d be honored and respected, her words holding the same weight as his, but could she trust in him? She imagined herself living in Nakan’s luxurious quarters, waited on hand and foot by servants and… unable to leave. Not without Nakan’s bodyguards tracking her every move and restricting her freedom until she wasn’t much more than a well-treated prisoner.

  The human women might find themselves in a similar fate. Some of them might embrace, and find comfort in, their new situation. Perhaps they’d even find love with their Ateran husbands. But there were so many uncertainties. So many opportunities for the humans to find happiness or view themselves as prisoners with no control over their fate.

  Her options, the various paths that spread before her, continued to whirl through her mind and she was no closer to an answer. Which meant that, for now, she’d take a break from the festivities, questions, and worries, and simply familiarize herself with her new home. If nothing else, meandering through the halls would ensure she didn’t get lost when wondering the mountain in the future.

  But beyond memorizing the layout of the mountain, she mostly needed time alone with her thoughts as she explored. Thoughts of home and the life she left behind intruded. With all her training in engineering, she’d planned on being a help to her intended mate on Nyx Station. What could she do on the alien world? From what she’d seen, there was little technology. They had some advanced devices and vehicles, but none of it was in use inside the mountain. The Aterans preferred to live their lives without technological advancements though she still wasn’t sure why they shunned what they’d created.

  Maybe she could be helpful—using her engineering degree to further the level of Ateran tech. Or she could at least work at maintaining what they already had in place. She might even teach some of their brighter students. She couldn’t build a starship or anything, but what she knew was probably more than the knowledge the Aterans held.

  And maybe she’d gain a reputation for her mind rather than her “mate” in the process.

  While exploring she came across living quarters for some of the Aterans that also called the mountain home, as well as cache
s of food, tools, and even weapons. She made a mental note of those locations though she doubted the weapons would do her—or the women—any good. If they tried to fight their way to freedom, they would surely be cut down by the Ateran warriors.

  She even came across a few passages that led outside the caverns to the broader city that stretched across the slopes below. From what she’d learned, the buildings and tunnels carved into the tunnel itself were reserved for the warlord, warriors, and those with the highest status within society. Outside the mountain there was a larger, thriving city that she’d only glimpsed so far. She didn’t know anything of the Aterans there, or whether there was a place for a human woman from a far-off world. She figured she’d take things one step at a time and she’d start by learning what she could of this new place, which might be her home for a very, very long time whether she liked it or not.

  Kalinda reached a dead end and decided to retrace her steps, her slow walk having done nothing for her scattered mind. The dim glow of the lights above still lit her way and she wished they were at least a hint brighter, enough for her to differentiate one passageway from the next. Yet they all appeared the same, deep shades of gray with nary a variance. Even the rough surface of the paths were similar, bored with some sort of machinery that made everything look the same.

  She was lost. Hopelessly, utterly lost. Somehow, she’d gotten turned around and her attempt to learn the tunnel layout obviously hadn’t gone well. She turned left and then right, sure that she’d been past that random speck of gray in the past. But no matter how many times she turned a different corner, she was no closer to finding her way back to the dining hall.