Taming a Planet (Trapped in Time Book 2) (9 page)

“The warriors think highly of me.”

“I suspect everyone does.”

“How can you say that?”

“You know love when you see it.”

Andy shook his head, “Let’s get moving. I suspect there will be some problems when Jonathan arrives.”

• • •

Jonathan came in at high speed and landed at the Archer’s Command Center. He dropped the glider and pulled his shirt down to his waist. Dottie said, “Hey, slow down, what’s going on?”

“Where’s Mark?”

“He’s over at the Cursor pen.”

Jonathan turned and sprinted away. “What’s going on?”

“Andy’s coming.” Dot’s eyes went wide and she sprinted after him. Jonathan arrived at the pen and saw Mark examining one of the new Cursors. He saw Jonathan running toward him and knew he was supposed to be on guard duty over the southern border. Jonathan ran up and said, “Andy is coming.”

Mark’s mouth fell open, “Say what!”

“I just spoke with him. He’ll be here in six hours.”

“Are you sure?” Jonathan looked at Mark with an expression that said he was crazy to ask. “Oh boy! Keep this to yourself until I can speak with the Elder Judge.”

Jonathan nodded and Mark ran away. Dot watched him go and shook her head, “I didn’t know he was capable of running that fast.”

Jonathan was bent over with his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath, “He’s not. He’ll feel it tomorrow.”

“Was it really Andy?”

“Yes and there is a woman riding with him that has to be one of the most beautiful creatures I have ever laid my eyes on.”

Dot stared at John and said, “Now I’m starting to wonder if you really saw him.”

“Dot, he’s back. He’s come home.”

Dot looked out at the south wall and slowly shook her head, “I don’t know if we’re ready for this, John. It could tear the community apart.”

John stood up straight and took a deep breath, “If you know anything about Andy, you know he’ll never let that happen.”

“I really hope you’re right.”

• • •

Mark burst into the Elder’s cave and ran up to Harvey who was teaching a history class to a group of young children. He looked at Mark, “CAN THIS WAIT?”

“Andy will be here in six hours.”

Harvey stared at Mark and had to force himself to close his mouth. He stood up, “Class is over. You will remain here until we dismiss you.” He followed Mark out and went to find Jonathan. He sent an Elder to find Maxius and bring him to them immediately.

• • •

The sun was about two hours from setting and Harvey sighed. He was supposed to be the wise one with all the answers and he had to admit that he was out of his league. He had climbed to the top of the southern wall and waited for Andy’s arrival. Mark and Maxius were standing next to him and he could see they were just as apprehensive as he felt. He didn’t plan of others being present but too many had seen them rush up to the wall and it wasn’t hard to figure out that something important was happening. The wall was standing room only and that only made matters worse. A grand entrance was not something the community needed.

Harvey looked at Jonathan, “You say that there is an odor…”

“You have no idea how bad it is, Elder.”

“And he said…”

“That he needed it to deter predators.”

“Well, we’ll see.”

“Trust me on this one, you don’t want to be downwind.”

Mark nudged Harvey and he looked out from the wall. A distant object was slowly moving toward them. As it moved closer, it could be seen that it was an Archer riding a Cursor. The crowd started talking among themselves and were of the opinion that the archer was either the smallest Archer they had ever seen or the Cursor was a giant. It didn’t take long before the crowd grew silent. They put the giant Cursor together with the only Archer that ever rode one. Harvey could feel their anticipation. Could it possibly be true? It only took a little longer for them to see that it was Andy. Their cheers were immediate.

Harvey looked at Jonathan, “It appears you were right.”

“Wait until you see the woman riding with him.”

“Oh?”

“You’ll see.”

Maxius leaned forward and looked down the wall to where Lyla was standing. He saw her recognize Andy and her hand went to her throat. When they were in clear view she saw the woman riding with him. She turned, ran down the steps, and ran toward their home. Harvey put his hand on Maxius shoulder and said, “She needs some time to digest this.”

Maxius nodded and shook his head, “I never knew what mixed emotions were until this moment.” Harvey was forced to agree.

Harmony could hear the cheers from the wall and leaned forward, “Only the warriors, huh?”

Andy blew out a quick breath, “Oh be quiet.”

“Just saying.”

Andy saw Harvey, Maxius, and Mark and nudged Dinah toward them. Suddenly a huge Allosaurus burst out of the forest next to the river and charged in on the Archer and Cursor. Mark said, “That’s the rogue Allosaurus we’ve been chasing. How did it get to the south of our walls?”

Andy had his bow notched and he waited. He felt Harmony raising her rifle and he said, “Don’t shoot.”

Harmony released the tension on the rifle’s trigger, “Are you out of your Archer mind?”

“We have time. Wait!”

• • •

Those on the wall yelled for Andy to fire. Then they saw the Allosaurus move to within a hundred feet of Andy and suddenly stop so fast its feet slid out from under it. It scrambled up to its feet and shook its head savagely. It started coughing and sprinted back into the forest.

Harvey looked at Jonathan, “I fear you have understated the strength of that odor.”

“I told you it would gag a Pterodactyl!”

Andy put his bow away and moved faster toward the wall. A breeze sent a whiff of the odor to the wall and everyone grabbed their mouths and noses. Andy stopped and moved further away. He straightened in the saddle and yelled, “I fear we are going to have to take some time to minimize this smell before we’ll be able to meet.”

Harvey shook his head while holding his nose, “God, please don’t come any closer. We’ll send some cleaning items to the river and please take as much time as you need.”

The citizens on the wall started laughing and Harvey smiled. The tension was over and now they could try to come to equilibrium.

Andy turned Dinah toward the river and saw four archers riding out to handle the Allosaurus. He said over his shoulder, “I was hoping the smell would deter it. I think this was needed to show the Archers the benefit of using the pods.”

“Even in high stress you keep your wits. You are really one of a kind, Andy.”

He nodded and didn’t remember seeing Lyla at the wall.

T
he sun had gone down and Andy and Harmony were sitting beside the river while Dinah rolled in the water. “I don’t know how you can allow her out in the water. Isn’t it too dangerous?”

“We’ve got screens built north and south of the walls that prevent predators from passing. This part of the river is safe.”

Harmony looked at Andy, “What are you thinking?”

“I don’t know. My appearance has to be a problem for Maxius.”

“You’re worried about him?”

“I am. He’s my best friend and a good man. He’s one of those with superior skills as well.”

“Then why do the Archers support you?” Andy shrugged. Harmony looked at him and after a moment said, “Am I going to ask one of them to find out the real reason?”

Andy looked at her and said, “I am a direct male descendant of the Royal Couple that led the original arrivals.”

“What?”

“The Community takes genetics very seriously. It tells us which of us can open the various doors in the caves. Every one of the couples on the male side of my family tree have had a male child. I carry the genes of the original Andy.”

“Original Andy?”

“That was his name. All of the first born males in my family are also given that name. If the oldest dies, the second assumes the name.” There was a long moment of silence and Andy said, “My father divorced his first wife when another woman he was unfaithful with had a male child. He married her and here I am.”

“That’s awful.”

“I know. I love my half-sisters but they despise my father.”

“What do you think about all this?”

“I guess I felt a huge burden to prove that his actions were worth it. It was those feelings that caused me to put myself ahead of the community.” Andy looked at Harmony, “Your heart is actually purer than mine.” Harmony snorted. “It’s true. I should have never existed. My father dishonored his vows to his first wife and I can’t accept that no matter how hard I try.”

“That’s why your commitments are so important to you.” Andy looked Harmony in the eyes and nodded.

• • •

She said, “I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“I deliberately tried to get you to forget your commitment.”

Andy stared at her and finally said, “I really wish I could.”

“Andy?”

They looked up and saw Jonathan approaching, “Yes.”

“Harvey sent me to see if you were bearable yet.” Andy’s eyes furrowed and John shrugged, “He says no one else should be exposed to it. Since I have been, I get the honor of determining if you are.”

Andy smiled, “Well, we’ve almost scrubbed our skin off. Come over and take a whiff.”

Jonathan walked slowly forward one small step at a time and arrived two feet in front of them, “It’s bearable. It’s not flowers, but bearable.”

“Where do they want us?”

“Go to the Holy Cave. I’ll let them know you’re coming.”

“I’m going to take Dinah to the holding pen.” Jonathan nodded and walked away.

• • •

When they entered the main gate and turned toward the holding pen Andy saw two people waiting. It was Maxius and Lyla. He stopped in his tracks and after a moment walked forward with his arms extended to Lyla. She held up her hand and stopped him. Harmony watched what was going on and immediately understood that this was the woman Andy was committed to. She was beautiful! She shook her head as she looked up at the night sky, of course she was beautiful, this was Andy and every female would want him. He had his choice.

Andy looked at Lyla, “What?”

Lyla started crying and Maxius stepped forward, “Andy, we were told you were dead. We both suffered from your loss and we ended up comforting each other.” Maxius looked at the ground, “We loved you the most.” He looked up and gathered his strength, “I made Lyla my mate three months ago.”

Andy’s face showed his shock. Lyla quickly said, “We both understand that our union was done on false information and we have agreed to divorce.”

Andy looked at Harmony and said, “Take Dinah to the holding pen. It’s just ahead outside the wall.”

Harmony nodded and said, “Come.” Dinah followed her as she walked away. Lyla looked at Harmony and blurted out a sneer, “I was unfaithful because I thought you were dead. What’s your excuse!?!”

Harmony heard her and stopped. She rushed over and grabbed Lyla by the front of her shirt and pulled her up close to her face, “You sniveling snot. We were together six months and God knows I pressured him to forget his commitment to you. I finally came to understand that he would never dishonor his word. He told me about you and he remained true to you. You don’t deserve him to doubt his integrity.” She looked at Andy, “She is not worth it!” Harmony released Lyla’s shirt and pushed her away. She strode away with Dinah.

Andy watched her walk away and looked at Lyla, “I will not accept a divorce.” He looked at Maxius, “Do you love her?”

Maxius sighed, “Andy…”

“Do you love her? It’s not a hard question.”

Maxius looked at Andy, then at Lyla, and back at Andy, “I do.”

Andy looked at Lyla, “Do you love him?” Lyla looked down and Andy said, “I am a product of divorce and if I could go back and change it, I would. I will not participate in the two of you separating and dishonoring your vows.”

Lyla looked at Andy, “Is what she said true?”

“It is.”

“Then when you commit to her I know you’ll keep it.” Andy looked at Lyla with narrowed eyes. “Andy, Maxius and I still love you. We’re doing this because we owe it to you. We can’t live with the pain of having you left alone. I made you a commitment as well.”

“Do you love him?”

Lyla looked at Maxius and saw his heart breaking. “More than you can ever know.” Maxius’ head jerked up. Lyla looked at Andy, “I never really got to know you. You spent most of your time doing warrior things and didn’t have a great deal of time for us. I think I loved what you are more than who you are. I never really got to know you.” Lyla looked at Maxius, “I know his heart. And I have taken the time to know him. He is my true love.”

Andy smiled, “He’s the finest man I’ve ever met, Lyla. The two of you deserve your happiness. You have my blessing on your union.”

Lyla went to Maxius and he hugged her. She looked at Andy and said, “Now go to the one you truly love.” Andy started shaking his head. Lyla looked toward the holding pen, “I know love when I see it.”

Andy hugged Lyla and then hugged Maxius, “I’m really happy for you, my best friend.”

“Thank you. You need to go, she looked upset.” Andy nodded and started running.

Harmony stood at the holding pen and rubbed Dinah’s jaw. Her tears were flowing and she knew that Andy would honor his commitment. “Why are you crying?”

Harmony quickly rubbed her hands over her eyes and managed a small smile, “So when’s the day?”

“I guess you’ll have to tell me.”

“What?” Andy walked forward and pulled Harmony into his arms and kissed her. She felt it all the way down to her toes. She kept her eyes closed when he broke the kiss, “I guess this means she’s not going to be your mate.”

“No, she’s not. Do you know someone who might want me?”

“I have someone in mind. But did you mean that I’ll have to give you a date?”

“I did.”

“Is tonight too soon?” Andy’s smile turned to laughter. Harmony looked at him with a serious expression, “I knew that you really loved me.”

“Oh is that so?”

“I know love when I see it. Is tonight too soon!?!”

Andy looked into Harmony’s eyes and saw she was serious, “I guess I could have Harvey unite us. Why are you in such a hurry?”