Defender: A Terran Times Tale Read Online Free PDF

smiled. “There. Now you look like a proper miracle from the stars.”
    “A what?”
    “Oh, the whole village knows that you fell to Ikanni dead and a Heshi met you on your way down. You would have survived even if Alder had not found you, though the whispers are that the Heshi are getting more aggressive with their matchmaking.”
    Aldeen took her seat at the desk and made some quick notes. “I have an account with the seamstress, and until your Heshi makes itself known, it is my pleasure to provide for you, sister.”
    “Why do you address me as sister?”
    “Only family is allowed here. If Alder did not intend you to remain with him, he never would have brought you here. Forgive him. He is clumsy at the best of times when it comes to women. He has no grace, only outright demands.” Scotia tried to remember the details of how to fit the clothing, but she figured that she would simply have to try and try again to get the folds just so.
    “He can demand all he likes. I am still on the job until that station is gone.” Scotia looked out the window and scanned for her target. It was a speck on the horizon.
    “It does sound exciting. Tell me about the worlds that you have seen.” Aldeen leaned forward, and it suddenly came to Scotia that her new sister-in-law was young by Ikanni standards.
    “I have seen a world where the ocean is orange, the sky pink and the population ravenous cannibals. The world has no name, the locals forbid speaking or thinking about a name for the world that gives them everything. It is a very tense place.” She smiled. “Shall we go downstairs for something to drink?”
    Aldeen frowned. “I am not allowed wine yet.”
    “How about tea? There has to be a tea set around here somewhere.”
    The young woman got to her feet and took Scotia’s hand to lead her down the stairs.
    Alder was in the study on the main floor. He came out when they raided the kitchen.
    “What are you doing?” Alder leaned against the counter as they continued to rummage.
    “Aha! Looking for the tea set. Aldeen says she can’t drink wine.”
    “She is too young. It impairs judgement when it comes to following men around. She is at that awkward age when judgement is rarely sound.” He scowled at his sister.
    “Don’t listen to him. He is just upset, because I was a biological afterthought. There is one hundred and nine years between Alder and me. Apparently, it shocked the heck out of the community.” Aldeen laughed. “He did more babysitting than any Bael in history.” Alder shrugged. “I enjoyed it most of the time.” Aldeen snickered. “I was horrible to him.” Scotia was relieved when Aldeen put on the kettle. She couldn’t figure out how to manage the heater.
    She paid attention as Aldeen managed to scrape together a snack of flatbread, cheese and fruit. Her mind checked on her detonators, and they were bright and flashing to her senses.
    They were seated in the lounging area having tea and a snack when Scotia asked, “Aldeen, how does transporting work?”
    The young Ikanni laughed. “You imagine the place you want to go, hold the image in your mind and your Heshi takes you there. Simple.” Alder was looking at her suspiciously. “Why are you asking?”
    Scotia reached for another piece of flatbread and nibbled innocently. “No reason. It is just a skill I look forward to acquiring.” His expression said he knew that she wasn’t telling him everything. Suddenly, she saw him as Aldeen must see him, as his people must see him.
    There was wisdom in his features and a tremendous amount of patience. He would wait for her to tell him the truth. He had all the time in the world.
    She batted her lashes in his direction and smiled.
    “How long are you staying, Aldeen?” Alder sipped at his tea.
    “Until you bring her home to meet mother and father. I have orders.” Aldeen smiled prettily. “You can’t have her to yourself until you introduce her to your family.” He exhaled and set his tea down