Maliuth: The Reborn (8 page)

“My duties will take me until this afternoon.” Maliuth was dressed in the
usual white shirt, black pants and boots. Alea was surprised that he wasn’t
required to wear a uniform and had asked him about it. He replied that his
uniform was kept at the guardhouse. It consisted of a jacket that you wore over
the white shirt, and whatever weapons you were proficient at. “When I get home
I would like to take you to that merchant again.” He smiled at her and her
pulse responded to the heat in his look. “We can get that fruit you enjoyed so
much.” Alea knew he was talking about the one that had ran juice all down her
fingers that he had taken delight in licking clean. Which had led to more than
finger licking. “My mother may be by later. She will know I am returning to
duty today and will think to keep you company and show you around.” He leaned
over her in bed, kissing her lingeringly on the mouth. “I’m sorry they kept
trying to visit, I will have a talk with my father. Only spend as much time
with my mother as you want. She can be overbearing if you let her get away with
it.”

“I like your mother a lot and will enjoy spending time with her.” Alea
assured him. “I will make sure that I am home in time to go with you to the
merchants.” She held his head and kissed him more firmly, and then reluctantly
backed away. “Have a great day at work. I will see you when you get home.”
Turning his head around she whispered against his ear, “I may be convinced to
do that thing again…” she felt a tremor go through his large frame, and he
groaned dramatically.

She now knew what caused them to pass out together. With their tattoo’s
touching, she felt his reaction to her mouth on his ear. It had happened the
first time they made love and again in the shower. That reaction to her mouth
on his ear had led her to discover something he had really enjoyed. It was what
she was calling a “lobe job”. Making sure their tattoos were not touching she
would kiss, lick, nibble and suck on his ear. The sensations caused him to
climax and pass out. She laughed at the memory of the first time she had done
it. When he had gone slack in bed, she thought for a second that he was dead.
When he woke up, Maliuth knew that her ears were just as sensitive and returned
the favor. It had been her turn to pass out from the sensations.

“That is cruel to taunt me with that promise when I have a whole day of
duties ahead of me.” He turned and kissed her hotly on the mouth.

Breaking from the kiss, she laughed. “I was hoping it would give you
something to look forward too when you get home.”

He sighed and went to walk away. She couldn’t resist his tight ass and
smacked him across the butt. “To work!”

Turning with a mock-shocked look, he pounced on her again. Dragging his
fingers against the bottom of her foot, she shrieked with laughter. “Mercy.” He
had found her ticklish spots over the last three days, and if she cried mercy,
he would instantly stop. One last quick kiss and he hurried to the door.

“Until later.”

“Later.” She sighed and put as much promise into her voice as she could.

Figuring she might as well get out of bed, Alea moved into the bathing
room and took a shower. Maliuth had promised that he would work on getting a
bathing tub installed in their bathroom, but the shower was really nice and she
wasn’t in any great hurry to make alterations. She worked some gel into her
hair and braided it. She chose to wear a nice blue off the shoulder dress with
a sweetheart neckline since it was one of Maliuth’s favorite colors. Happy with
her appearance she went downstairs to get something to eat.

Sitting on the balcony located off the kitchen she ate her fruit and
enjoyed the view. Their tree home was located at the edge of the existing
community. When Maliuth had first shown her this spot, she had been amazed at
all the tree life around them. There were no bridges or platforms to mar the
view. As far as her eyes could see it was just more treetops and wildlife.

Washing her hands at the sink, she wasn’t surprised when there was a
knock at the door. Laughing she hurried to answer the door not wanting to keep
Maliuth’s mother waiting.

Swinging the door open she teased, “Sartya, what a surprise.” Only it
wasn’t Sartya on the other side of the door. There were five robed figures
standing there. Before she could utter another sound, she felt a sharp stinging
pain in her neck. “Oww.” Her fingers went to the spot, thinking maybe a bug had
bitten her. When her fingers brushed against the offending dart, she knew she
was in trouble. “Wh-a-a-t…” her mind went blank, her vision darkened and she
started falling.

~*~*~*~

Alea was in the void again. She had been here before and she knew what it
meant. She felt a wrenching pain in her chest and couldn’t stop the tears
flowing from her eyes.

“Why is it every time I see you
there are tears involved?”
An annoyed voice came from the nether.

Alea was in such misery at the thought of leaving Maliuth that she just
cried harder.

“
Is this better?”

Alea looked around blearily, and then rubbed her eyes to clear her
vision. She couldn’t be seeing this correctly. All around her were chairs
interspersed with end tables. On each table was a stack of strange magazines.
This was a waiting room like none she had ever seen before.

“Well is it?”

Sniffing loudly Alea managed to get out, “Not really.” Before the tears
started again. Without even moving, she found herself sitting in a chair.

“
Here…use this.”

Alea looked to see Flaura sitting next to her, holding out a purple
tissue. Laughing over the color, she took the tissue and wiped her nose. “Thank
you.”

“You are welcome.”
Flaura tried
to pat her awkwardly on the hand. “There…there.” With a flash, she was suddenly
holding a cup of steaming liquid. “Drink that. It should make you feel better.”

Taking a sip Alea brightened slightly at a sudden thought.
 
“Do I get my three days to say goodbye?” Even
though she would be a spirit, at least she would get to see Maliuth a few more
times. She had loved Jeff, but said goodbye because she knew he would have a
great life. She
loved
Maliuth
differently, and leaving him was going to destroy both of them.

“What?”
Flaura laughed a
melodic tinkling sound. “
Now I understand
the tears.”
Holding her hand she sighed
,
“Alea you are not dead. This is a waiting room. When I assigned you to Prion, I
had no idea that your energy would have the reaction it did. Then again…no
energy from Earth has been assigned to Prion before. So there you have it.”
Smiling as if that explained everything, Flaura started looking around.

“That doesn’t explain anything!” Alea snapped, “I don’t care if I have
special abilities on Prion. All I want to know is if I’m not dead, how do I get
out of here and back to Abondiel?”

“Well I thought it was an
interesting anomaly.”
Flaura huffed, “
There
is one small matter to be taken care of and you will be returned to Abondiel.”

“What small matter?” Alea asked excitedly.

“
There is a growing evil in
Abondiel that needs to be taken care of. Once this energy is reclaimed, it will
be safe for you to go back to Prion…and Maliuth. Until then you will be stuck
in this waiting room, although as angry as your mate is…I don’t think we have
long to wait now.”

“Maliuth?” Alea gasped, “Is he in danger? You need to let me help him.”
She jumped up and looked at Flaura frantically.

“
Sit down Alea.”
Flaura just
waved her hand and Alea was sitting again.
“Maliuth
is a big boy and can take care of himself.”

“I know that!” Alea argued, “I just want to be there for him.”

“This is one fight you are going to
sit out…you will be going soon. I know you didn’t do it on purpose, but I want
to thank you for raising my success rate. I am actually on par with Florian
now.”

Alea just looked at Flaura absently, “You’re welcome?!” She suddenly had
the urge to lick her lips as a strange taste went across her tongue.

“I won’t be seeing you for a very
long time Alea. I really am happy that you found your place on Abondiel.”
Snapping
her fingers Flaura suddenly had a briefcase in her lap, taking out some papers
she started stamping them.
“
Don’t waste your new ability. You have the
chance to make a difference. Now I think there is a nice place on Earth for The
Elder to learn a lesson in humility.”
Flaura started to fade.

Before she could say goodbye, Flaura was gone and she was fading too, but
not before she saw the shocked face of The Elder as he flashed past her in the
void.

“Alea is missing.” Maliuth froze when he heard his mother’s panicked
yell. “I went to your home to visit. The door was open and Alea was nowhere to
be found.

His gaze swung from his mother to his father. “Your mother ran straight
home to get me.” Malendroch took his wife’s hand and tried to get her to stop
flailing them around. “We searched your home and asked around. The only figures
anyone saw close to your home were that of some Oracles.” His father gave him a
knowing look.

“We got here as soon as we could.” Galan hurried in with his father and
mother in tow. “One of the guards came to tell us that Alea is missing. Is this
true Maliuth?”

Maliuth bowed to his King and Queen then answered his friend, “It is
true. My mother went to visit her and our home is empty. Alea would not wander
the community alone. She is not familiar enough with the platforms and bridges.
In addition, witnesses have placed Oracle at my home. There is only one reason
they could have been there.”

“Why would the Oracle or The Elder have Alea taken?” King Folmar asked
softly. “The council has spoken and she is to remain your mate.”

“The Elder is power mad.” Galan spoke when Maliuth just stood silently,
“He cannot stand the fact that he has lost authority over Alea. Who knows what
he is capable of doing.”

“We must get her back.” Queen Elisven was trying to console his mother,
“Maliuth take your unit to the Oracle Temple.”

“Use whatever means necessary to bring your mate home.” The King finished
for the Queen. “I will meet with the council and discuss the reason behind the
increase in complaints of corruption and greed among them. We shall see what
they have to say for themselves.” With a short bow at the others, King Folmar started
to escort the Queen from the room.
 
At
the door he paused, “Oh and Maliuth. Once this is settled we shall have a
celebration to welcome Alea to Abondiel. Here in the Grand Tree. I must insist
on it.” He smiled heartily.

Queen Elisven gasped and called to Sartya, “We need to plan.” Before she
had finished her sentence, his mother was hurrying to her side. “There are
decorations to gather, what music will be played….oh and we need to get the
cooks to prepare…” their voices were lost as they went around a corner.

Maliuth groaned at the thought of having a celebration. They lasted days,
and he was just getting to know Alea. His thoughts snapped back to the current
issue. He needed to get Alea away from the Oracle in order to have something to
celebrate.

“To the Oracle Temple then.” Maliuth didn’t even ask who was with him. He
knew all the males in the room would relish a chance at cracking some heads
together.

His group stormed across platforms and bridges. With one look at their
faces, everyone got out of the way. In a short time, they were at the doors to
the temple. Without bothering to pause, they burst inside. It appeared
completely abandoned, not a single person in sight. With a sigh, Maliuth rubbed
his face. Now it was just a matter of finding Alea in the maze of rooms and
levels of the temple. That could take awhile.

“First Prime.”

Maliuth turned at the tentative voice that called his name. He saw an
Oracle standing in the shadows of a doorway. It was the leader of the group
that had helped when Alea was Reborn.

“My name is Ori. Please follow me.”

Maliuth reached the Oracle that had spoken and grabbed his robes. “Why should
I trust you?” anger seeped into every word. “You have my mate here somewhere.”

“Not all agreed with The Elder’s decision to poison your mate.”

“Poison?!” Maliuth jerked the Oracle closer. “Did you just say that my
mate has been poisoned?!” His fists were bunching the material of the robe so
tightly against the Oracles throat that he knew it was close to choking the
man.

“Please.” The Oracle gasped. “I am here to help you. We need to hurry this
antidote to Alea before it is too late.” Maliuth saw a small vial in his hand.
“I have a certain talent with herbs and I think this will help her. Please. She
was very kind to me…”

Maliuth dropped the robes he was clenching and pushed the Oracle away.
“Very well.” His friends started to protest but he held up his hand. “Take us
to her.”

Straightening his robes, the Oracle hurried ahead of them and they all
rushed to keep up.

“This could be a trap you know.” Galan was at his side, looking furtively
from side to side as they passed doorways. His daggers were at the ready. When
Maliuth looked to the others, they were all in the same state of preparedness.
He was the only one who wasn’t paying attention, and didn’t have his daggers
out. His worry for Alea was causing him to make mistakes. Seeing the look on
his face Galan sighed, “We are covering your back. It is natural to worry for
your mate.”

“To the point of distraction?” Maliuth grouched.

“Yes.” Galan did not elaborate and that made him feel better than a long
and drawn out speech would have.

Realizing that the Oracle was slowing down Maliuth held up his hand.

“Around this corner is the private quarters of The Elder.” The Oracle
whispered. “There are guards at the door. When it is cleared, I will follow you
into the room to administer the antidote to Alea. Hurry.” He gestured for them
to go ahead of him.

Pulling his blades out he gestured for two of the males to go across the
hall. Once they were in position, he very carefully peeked around the corner.
By his count, there were five guards in various positions around the doorway.
He held up five fingers and gestured with his hand to show the others their
position. Everyone nodded their readiness and Maliuth stepped around the
corner.

“I believe you have something of mine.” He did not have to bellow the
words, though he wanted to. He just spoke them loud enough to get the guards
attention. They looked at him standing alone in the doorway and started
forward. When they had reached halfway to him, he said, “Now.” His father and
friends came rushing around the corner and the Oracles, realizing they were
outmatched tried to retreat. “Bind them for a decision by the new Elder or
council. No bloodshed if you can help it.” Maliuth yelled out and continued
past the fighting to the doors. They were locked and he was about to yell for
someone to help him break the doors down when the Oracle who had led them here
spoke.

“I was not sure if the doors would be locked. Let me…” He pulled a ring
of keys from his pocket and worked to unlock the door.

Maliuth gave him a grateful look and pushed into the room. He took in the
pale form of Alea lying still on the bed. Her hair was in a thick braid over
one shoulder, her tattoo dark and beautiful on the other. The usual peach of
her cheeks and pink of her lips was colorless. She was gone. His knees went
weak and his head was spinning.

“I could not let you have her.” He had not seen The Elder standing off to
the side. His focus had been on Alea’s body. “If I let you gainsay me, what is
to keep every male from making a fool of me? She was not that special…there
will be other healers.” The Elder was clearly crazy.

“She was that special.” Maliuth snapped his deadly gaze from Alea then
back to The Elder. “She was perfect in every way and she was my mate.” He was
stalking toward The Elder and did not notice or care when Ori ran to Alea’s
side.

“She is not dead.” Ori called out. His fingers unstopped the tiny bottle
and he quickly poured the liquid into her mouth.

“What?” Maliuth’s voice was hoarse.

“What?” The Elder screeched at the same time and went to run at the bed.
It was then that Maliuth saw the dagger he had held behind his back. With a
swift jab to his arm the blade was dropped. Maliuth took him and threw him
toward where his father and the others were waiting.

Hurrying to the bed Maliuth clutched at Alea’s hand. It was as Ori had
said. The skin was warm to the touch and he almost started weeping in relief.

Behind him, there was a sudden commotion and he turned to see The Elder
had dropped to the ground.

“What happened?” Maliuth’s stunned question went unanswered for a second.
The others were too shocked as they stood over the fallen Elder. Then they
seemed to snap out of it.

“I did not touch him.” Galan insisted, “Only to keep him in the room, but
not enough to hurt him.”

“I did not do anything.” His father shrugged his shoulders, “The Elder
was standing there foaming and muttering one second, the next he dropped like a
stone.”

The other three all shrugged as well. Akkar, Beldron and Garnnon all
denied touching The Elder.

When another male walked in everyone jumped and trained their weapons on
him.

“I am Oracle Jerr.” He looked down on the floor. “I suppose now you can
call me The Elder.” His gaze went behind him and he ordered, “Please see that the
proper burial traditions are carried out for our former leader.” The room was
flooded with Oracles. One removed the neck sash with the Oracle symbol on it
and handed it to Jerr. The body of The Elder was then packed up and bustled out
of the room. “Ori how is Alea?” Jerr questioned his friend.

“She is going to be okay. I think she is coming around.” Ori answered and
Maliuth looked back to see that Alea had color back in her face and she was
indeed moving slightly on the bed.

“I am glad to know that she is going to regain her health. I am told she
is going to have a large part to play in the future of Abondiel.” His gaze then
locked on Galan and he smiled. “Something tells me I will be hearing your name
soon my Prince.”

Maliuth watched his friends jaw drop and then Galan struggled to say, “I
would be honored to receive a mate.”

“Yes.” The new Elder smiled sagely, “We shall see.”

“Maliuth?” Alea’s weak whisper was barely heard, but all eyes swung to
the bed. “Is it over then?”

Maliuth pulled her into his arms, “Yes. The Elder is gone.”

“I saw him.” She struggled to sit up and Maliuth pulled her into his
arms. “In the void, we passed each other as I was coming back to you. I think
Flaura is going to send his energy to Earth as punishment.” She started laughing
and only Jerr joined her. The new Elder seemed to find her statement as funny
as she did.

“Okay my love.” Maliuth held her more tightly, “We need to get you home.”

“How did you find me so quickly?” Alea asked as they started from the
room.

Maliuth was forced to pause, “Ori led us to you.” Realizing he had not
properly thanked the Oracle, he turned that direction instead of the doors.
“Thank you Ori. Without your help we would not have found Alea in time.”

“It was nothing…” the Oracle was not used to the attention and was
turning red. “I am sure…”

“Ori?” Alea was wiggling to be put down. When her feet touched the ground,
she hugged her friend. “Thank you. I know how hard it must have been going
against The Elder to help me.”

Maliuth was not normally the jealous type, and Alea was hugging an Oracle
for crying out loud, but he still felt his ire rising at her contact with
another male. Before he could get overly worked up, she was leaning into his
side.

Placing her hand in his she sighed, “Let’s go home.”