"But you won't be the first Taelach with them." Jewel pulled back her tunic collar, revealing a jagged circle on her shoulder. "I was run through during a Hunt when I was eight. One of my raiser's almost died protecting me."

"So, I won't be looked at strangely?"

"No," answered Jewel. "A scar is a mark of survival. If anything, it's viewed as honorable." She poured another measure of powders into the refilled mug. "Drink it all. You need the fluids and the medicine."

"Bitter. It's making me sick." Rankil's complaint became a gulp when Archell turned up the glass.

"Shush, Rankil," he said in his most serious, non-rhyming boom of a voice. "Do as you are told."

The room began to tilt and rotate as Jewel's medicines began to take effect. It was far different than the gentle numbing sensation of a phase, Rankil's eyes crossing as focusing became difficult. "Jewel?"

"Yes?"

"You wear skirts."

"I do."

"So you're a woman?"

"Yes."

Kaelan chuckled as she eased Rankil's head to the pillows. "Jewel is what we call a gentlewoman."

"Are you a woman, too, Kaelan?"

Kaelan stifled a full laugh when Jewel poked her in the ribs. "Yes, Rankil, but I'm not a gentlewoman."

"Then what are you?"

"The Taelach call my kind broadback. Auts have many terms for my kind, but none of them are flattering or correct. In essence, I care for my family and protect them from harm. You'll understand as you grow older."

Rankil puzzled over the explanation. "I'm growing tall and strong. Will I be like Kaelan?"

"All Taelachs grow tall and strong." Jewel pulled the covers to Rankil's chest and placed her arms across the top, happy to see that the angry red lines were beginning to recede. "Time will tell you where your heart lies. You're at a confusing time in your development. Not being raised by your own has made it more so."

"Will I ever be accepted?" Rankil allowed her burning eyes to close.

"Our plans are for you to be presented to our clan next spring." Kaelan smiled over to Jewel whose face could not hide her delight. "You're too young to be considered independent so you'll be presented as our child."

"Yours?" Rankil's eyes popped back open. "But you just met me. You don't know a thing about me."

"We know you need us." Jewel stroked away the moisture beading on Rankil's forehead. Her fever was breaking, a sign that made her leaving easier. "And Archell can join us if he wishes. All are welcome as long as they follow the clan laws. I believe Kae would back him." Kaelan put the medicines on the table and draped the empty sling over Jewel's shoulder.

"I would. It's time, my beloved. We must get back."

"I know. You need rest, sweet child. I'm putting you to sleep." She ignored Rankil's objections, forcing her into a deep healing sleep. Goodnight, my precious babe. Jewel kissed her cheek and stood, momentarily torn between the child she'd raised and the one who needed her now.

"Coat her wounds at dawn and dusk, Grandmother, and use a spoon measure of powders as needed for her pain. Sing to her, Archell. She needs your support."

"We will." Terry extended her hand in thanks only to find herself the recipient of Jewel's warm hug.

"Kaelan will return tomorrow. Rankil should be quite a bit better by then." Jewel then drew a surprised and pleased Archell into her embrace. "You're not above a little raising yourself, young man."

"I swear you'd have a swarm of children if it were permissible." Kaelan pulled Jewel to the door. "I'll be back soon." They slid through the late stillness to where their nassie was picketed behind the smoker shed. They were just inside the tree line when the rumble of hooves turned them back. Four sweat-slicked mounts drew to a halt outside the small cabin, four sword-wielding male riders sliding off and approaching the still open door.

"Dear Mother, what do we do now?" Jewel sat back against Kaelan. "They've no defense. The children will be killed!"

"Clan law says we ride away. There is nothing we can do."

"But we have to do something," pleaded Jewel. "We can't turn away. The sister child needs us. So does the boy, the old woman. We can't just-"

"We've no other choice." Kaelan urged their nassie up the mountainside.

"No!" Jewel jerked the reins so hard the mount almost flipped on its back. "I won't be able to live with myself."

"I won't risk your safety." Kaelan snapped the reins from her hands and veered the agitated animal back up the slope. "Maybe this is how it was meant to be."

"You're saying we were meant to disobey the Mother's will?"

"The Mother Maker doesn't have to live with Serpent law. We do. I know it seems harsh-" Her explanation stopped as a low-pitched wail rose from the cabin. It was Archell's voice, so pained it made one shiver.

"I can't stand it." Jewel hid her face in Kaelan's cloak. "They're torturing him! Mother's pity, Kae, we have to help."

"Yes, we must," muttered Kaelan as the noise rose. "We must." She turned the nassie back and retied it to the shed. "Stay here."

"I'll not." Jewel slid from her perch and drew her blade from her belt pouch. "I've seen my share of fights. Between our knives and phases we should be able to take all four."

Kaelan opened her mouth to object then stopped, knowing she would never convince Jewel otherwise. "Very well, but if I say run, you run and don't look back until you're safe with Myrla." Kaelan pulled their hoods up and took hold of Jewel's arm. "Stay beside me while we see what we're up against."

They crept to a low window and peered through a crack in the drawn shutters. Terry sat in her rocker, sword pointed to her throat while two burgeoning teens delivered blow after blow to Archell's midsection. The fourth, a chunky youth with Danston's high forehead, poked Rankil with the tip of his blade.

"She's out of it. Really out of it." Sallnox prodded his sister again then turned to his cousins. "Won't Archie speak up?"

"Stars, no. Even if he did the dummy would only sing." Eloc ground his boot into Archell's stomach. "Where's Dah, Archie? Where're the nassies you took?"

"Leave him be!" Terry pushed the blade from her face and felt her way to Archell's side. She drew him into her arms and wiped his bloodied nose on her apron. "He has no nassies and Tisph was never here. Archell showed up a few nights ago cold and hungry. He's been helping me care for Rankil. Does that rate him a beating?"

"And just what happened to Rankil?" Sallnox pointed to his sister. "And what's that gunk on her face and arms?"

"She crossed paths with a letcher bear while tending her snares," said Terry. "The wounds are dressed with one of my herb remedies."

"Those aren't claw marks," stated one of Archell's brothers. "Those are from a strap like Dah's belt. We all know how his leather cuts."

"Yeah, we do." The smallest of the four, a boy no more than twelve, rubbed his shoulder. "Dah said he was riding up here. His nassie wandered back into the compound around dark. Where is he, Granny Terry?"

"All right." The old woman sighed. "He showed the other morning, took his pleasures with Rankil and left. You happy?"

"Dah finally caught up with Rank, eh?" Royce, the closest to Archell's age, gave his father's lewd grin. "She deserved what she got and more. Stupid witch, wish I'd been here to see it."

"Maybe we could finish the job." Eloc adjusted his belt line, hungering with the desires that had cost his father's life.

"We string the thief first." Sallnox grabbed Archell by the collar and pulled him toward the door. "Get your rope, Tilnor. Royce, tie him up and get him mounted."

"Oh, such big, strong, brave men!" wailed Terry when they ripped Archell from her arms. "Come here in the dead of night to hang your brother and murder your helpless cousin. And, Sallnox! You'd let them? I thought more of you."

"Shut up." Sallnox knotted Archell's bindings then shoved him to the others. "String him good. I'll watch Rankil until you get back."

"Sallnox, NO!" Terry threw herself over Rankil's body. "How could you possibly-"

He pulled her clear of Rankil once the others were occupied outside. "Not that. Think about it. If I don't end it quick for Rankil then Royce and Eloc will do what Uncle Tisph did, only worse. I won't hurt her. She'll just slip away." He settled with his knees on either side of his sibling's shoulders and pulled the pillow from underneath her head. "This is for the best." He pressed it into her face, her humiliation sliding away as he worked. Raskhallak was right-she was just Taelach. What his uncle and cousins saw in her he'd never know.

"Stop!" Terry pulled her great-great-grandson's black ponytail.

"Stars!" Sallnox knocked her hands loose, retook his position. "I'm only helping!" He pushed the pillow harder. "She won't hurt this way. It's for the best."

"For the best?" Jewel slid her headscarf noose-like around Sallnox's neck. "Maybe your dying is for the best." She jerked him backward, adding enough of a pain phase to emphasize her point. Sorry little man. Have you learned everything wrong? It's love your family, not murder them. Sallnox wheezed and collapsed at her feet. Jewel was strong for her slender build, her body tight from hard work. She shook him in disgust then released the scarf, her phase more than enough to keep him in control. I should kill you, but I was taught better. She shoved him to the door and turned his head so he could see his cousins bound to the hanging tree. Kaelan was removing the noose from Archell's neck.

"Rankil okay?" she called.

"Sleeping. Terry's with her." Jewel pushed Sallnox down the steps, dropping him at Kaelan's feet, where she released her mind hold. "Meet Sallnox, Rankil's brother. He was smothering her."

"Shall I finish him the same way?" Kaelan looped the noose around his neck and began to tighten.

"No, he's not worth the effort. We'll rearrange his memory like the others."

"What memory, white witch?" seethed Sallnox between rough jerks of the rope circling his neck. "How you planned your attack? How you stole Granny Terry and Archell for slaves?"

"Slaves?" Jewel laughed acrimoniously. "Attack? You stupid, shortsighted, snot-nosed brat! How dare you lie about the Taelach in our presence. We only want to be left in peace. We ask and take nothing other than our own. Taelachs defend. We never initiate an attack!"

"What about the ones you eat? You gonna hack us up for your fires?" His remark disturbed Kaelan so completely that she threw down the noose and walked into the house.

"Is that what they're saying about us now?" Jewel took up the rope and cut lengths for Sallnox's hands and feet. She passed the bindings to Archell. "Tie him tight, Archell, and we'll carry his useless hide inside."

"Archell will, lady Jewel." He followed her instructions and carried Sallnox into the house. "Sit." He tossed his cousin into the broom corner but remained by his side, looming, menacing, registering Sallnox's every breath. "You won't hurt my Rankil dankle again." Archell bore his teeth, gnashing them until Sallnox was certain of Taelach mind control. "Do and Archell might just eat you." Sallnox gulped and sat in silence.

"Now what?" Jewel joined the other adults at the low dining table.

"Terry and I were just discussing the options, or lack thereof." Kaelan took her gentlewoman's hand. "The children can't stay, that's a certainty. I guess they'll have to come with us back to the clan."

"What'll Recca say? She's thrown others out for less."

"It's a possibility, Jewel. A real one. If it happens, she may take Myrla from us."

"Not our baby. Not our girl."

"I know, Jewel of mine. There's only one other choice I can think of." Jewel grew anxious as Kaelan explained. "Terry has agreed. Rankil and Archell will get what they need. It's the only option I can think of."

"But to live clanless?" replied Jewel. "By ourselves? Alone?"

"You'll have to be your own clan," said Terry. "There's enough strength in this room to handle most anything. Those children need a life. This is for them. Kaelan assures me there is a safe place you can build in, a bowl of some kind?"

"The volcano bowl?" Jewel cast her mate a puzzled look. "But the clan will be there next spring."

"If we leave the clan by choice it gives us time to teach the children Taelach ways. Then, when the Serpents arrive, we'll be prepared, and Recca'll have to accept the additions."

"And if we're thrown out there is no return," muttered Jewel. "I see the logic. We must retrieve Myrla and our things straightaway."

"I'm going in a moment." Kaelan then motioned to Archell, who was appreciating the newfound power he wielded over his cousin. "Archell, could you help Jewel and Granny Terry collect Rankil's things? Be sure to include all the lesson scrolls and slates. We can't have them in the wrong hands."

"Archell is a good packer," he replied. "Good packer and better stacker. We'll be ready by dawn."

"Good." Kaelan turned to Jewel. "A litter will leave too obvious a path so Rankil will have to be held. Think we should wake her for it?"

"It'll be easier for her if she remains asleep. You hurry back with Myrla." Jewel drifted to the door, anticipating a quick kiss before they separated. "Don't forget one of Myrla's dolls. She says she's too big for them, but a change this drastic may have her wishing for the security."

"I'll bring two. I'm sure Rankil has never had the privilege." Kaelan bent down, drawing Jewel into a passionate kiss. Change can be good. It can heal old wounds and give new hope for the future.

It can at that. You'd best go. The sooner you return the sooner we'll be making love in some exotic locale.

You fire mind you! Kaelan pushed back and smiled. "Convincing argument. I'm off!" And Kaelan disappeared in the quick and silent manner Taelachs were known for.

"Well," Jewel turned back and stared somewhat perplexed at Sallnox, who was now convinced of his fate in the cook pot. She pitied the cowering boy as much as she detested him. Autlachs would never understand-the fear was too twisted with lore and religion. The Taelach would always be running, struggling for existence as long as the circle of lies remained unbroken. But, Jewel considered as she looked upon Rankil's swollen face, the task wasn't up for her to accomplish.

"Archell?" She reached for Sallnox. "It's time we take care of a few loose ends."

Chapter Seven.

A Sister is never alone.

-Taelach saying "Kaelan, where in the Mother's name have you been? And where's Jewel?" Recca blocked the narrow escape tunnel as she toyed with her gold-handled blade. "I don't care one bit for this." Her seasoned brow rose. "Smells like conspiracy, and I know you wouldn't do that, my friend, so what gives? You switching your affiliation to the Tekkroons? I know they're more liberal than I choose to be, but I never figured you for this."

"No, Recca. It's nothing like that." Kaelan leaned against the wall, inappreciative of the delay. "Put that blade away, and I'll be happy to tell you what's going on."

"Good." Recca sheathed the blade, but continued to block the entrance, arms crossing her chest. "Does this have anything to do with the misplaced sister? Are you leaving the clan for her?"

"Her and another child, a winnolla with the gift of music. They need us."

Recca let a snorting laugh, shaking her age-streaked head against the foolishness she perceived. The stringent Serpent belief system had cost her people before, but she'd never lost anyone to living alone, much less an entire family. Normally, she wouldn't have allowed a child to be taken into peril, but Kaelan had been a long-time friend and could be trusted, even though Recca questioned the idea.

"You're going rogue? Wasting everything you've built here? Your station? And Jewel is willing to follow with so many single broadbacks willing to take her and Myrla in? You're a damned fool, Kaelan, an idiot extreme. I'm tempted to keep the child with us until you're sufficiently settled."

"We're doing what we feel is right." Kaelan eyed the way Recca's hand returned to her blade. On impulse, Kaelan's palm grasped her own knife handle, fingers tapping warning on the handle. "And I know my blade as well as you know yours, so don't threaten my family. Myrla will go with her raisers."