“We didn’t want Ari to become suspicious, nor did we wish to panic you.We’ve been here a couple of days waiting for his arrival.Once we knew the timing, we planned to stake out the settlement.The trouble was getting close enough to spy on Ari without being seen.He’s met each of us through you, which meant we had to keep out of sight.”
“At least you arrived in time to help.”
“I didn’t realize he’d come out with you at gunpoint.Made things a mite tricky.We’ll take Tawera home to New Zealand with us,” Manu stated in a change of subject.
Nyree blinked, an immediate protest springing to her lips.She swallowed hard, her glance darting to Tawera.She found his gaze trained on her, his expression serious.
“I guess that’s the best idea,” she said, trying not to sound reluctant.
“Nyree, Tawera has no papers.No passport.If he goes back with us, we can come in close to shore and fly home.It’s safer for Tawera.”
Nyree nodded, but she hated him leaving.They’d known each other for a short time, yet she’d fallen for him.He was her friend, her… “That’s a great idea,” she forced herself to say.
“There’s food left if you’re hungry,” Manu said.
“I could eat.”Nyree stood to grab a plate from the makeshift rock table.
Manu reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder.She jerked upright at the wash of power that radiated from him and filtered into her arm.“It’s obvious you care for one another.Tawera knows nothing of our world.He needs to see New Zealand as it is now and visit his home.He needs time to find his place and decide what he wants to do.If he comes with us now, we won’t have to worry about identification papers straightaway.”
“I wouldn’t get in the way or stop him from doing anything,” Nyree whispered.
Manu’s mouth twisted.“That’s not what I’m saying.You’re good together—from what I’ve seen.Tawera was a warrior.He’s used to making decisions and acting decisively.Consider his pride, his position.Hismana.The months apart will also tell you if your friendship could be more.”
“You’ve made your decision.Nothing I say will make you change your mind.”Her words sounded reluctant.Selfish.
“I’m an outsider looking in,” Manu said, squeezing her shoulder in commiseration.“It’s easier for me to see what will work best because I’m not emotionally involved.”
“We’re friends.That’s all.”A pang pierced her chest once her words settled.She closed her eyes briefly before risking a glance at Manu.He wore his regular patient expression as he waited for her to say more.
She sighed.“No, that’s not true.I feel more than friendship for Tawera, but it’s not fair to him.He should experience this world and meet other people.Other women.”
Manu leaned closer and hugged her.“And that’s why I think everything will work out all right.”
Nyree sighed again, this time internalizing the confusion and unwillingness to let Tawera go with Manu.She didn’t have a choice, and it was heartless of her even to want to keep him with her.He’d spent hundreds of years cursed and contained within the stone she’d discovered.It was time for him to embrace his freedom, and he couldn’t do that here in South Georgia.
She released Manu and rose.“I’ll say goodbye.”
She formed her lips into a smile and kept her false bravado pasted in place as she approached Tawera and the others, the gray pebbles shifting beneath her bare feet.“How are you?You managed the flight across the island all right?”
“Some pain and I’m exhausted.I doubt I could get off the ground now, but it wasn’t as difficult as last time.”
Nyree nodded.“Manu and the others will help you figure out why flying is so painful for you.They’ll organize identification papers and everything else you need.”
“Ari is dead.”
“Yes.”
“He was a relation,” Tawera said.
“We don’t know that for sure.”Nyree lifted her chin, renewed anger at Ari flooding her.“And we aren’t to blame for his death.”
“That’s one thing we’ll do when we get back home,” Hone said, obviously overhearing.“My father is the expert in genealogy.Does Ari have a family?”
“A younger sister.His parents are still alive, but they live in Australia on the Gold Coast,” Nyree said.“What were you thinking?”
“A DNA test,” Hone said.“Compare Tawera’s DNA with Ari’s sister’s.The man who resembled Ari was half-brother to Tawera.At least that way, you might trace family members.”
“Family is important,” Tawera said, wincing as he shrugged his shoulders.He prodded his biceps and pulled a face, stretching gingerly.
