“A tremor.The volcano grows in power and will explode again soon.We are leaving to join those of our people who escaped this region.”
“This isn’t the first time the volcano has erupted.”
The insect-man flapped one of his arms in her direction, giving her a glimpse of the suction caps lining his hands.“It has always been active, but around two hundred rotations ago, the eruption was violent.The weather patterns changed after the volcano went to sleep, and we had much water from above.It was the warm, muggy weather that allowed our children to mutate and suck Maphra blood.Many of the Maphra became ill and died, and when it became apparent their scientists were fighting a losing battle, the king placed his precious son and some of those critical to the survival of their race in hibernation.This they did, building life support systems that were self-sufficient.Those Maphra who remained out of hibernation died from the bites we caused.
“I do not know how they intended to wake their people or how long they spent in stasis, but something has gone wrong.Their machines have failed, and the Maphra have resorted to feeding in the way of their ancestors.”
“I heard they wiped out most of the Elevenoss race and destroyed many of Talon’s people.They’re threatening to feed on the dragons who also live on Narenda,” Scarlett said.“The prince expects Ransom to find and release him.”
“The volcano may bury them deeper below the surface.”The insect-man’s antenna flickered from side-to-side.“It may not kill them, but they’d be short of food unless they used the dragons as their supply.”
“Great.So now we must find them and try to kill them before the volcano wakes,” Scarlett said.
“Talon can help.He has many talents, including intelligence and cunning.”
Huh!Interesting.“I’m too weak to travel yet, and Ransom isn’t much fitter.The Elevenoss have given us help, but the prince controls Ransom,” Scarlett said.
Talon jabbered, punctuating his clicks with several low growls.Scarlett focused on remaining upright.The ground beneath their feet vibrated, and she realized, the tremors had occurred frequently during the last day.She’d thought it was her shivering with fever.
Several of the silent insect people waded into the conversation, and it became animated.Finally, Talon growled wide enough to expose his teeth.The insect people’s spokesman nodded, and the others fell silent.
“Talon suggested you let me draw the poison from your arm.My people fear you will give me a disease that might wipe out the last of our race.But, as Talon pointed out, if we allow Prince Kalim to continue unchecked, he’ll destroy a third race while trying to free himself.We cannot allow that to happen.”
Scarlett studied the insect-man before letting her gaze drift toward the other insect people who watched her with various expressions of distaste and rejection.To them, she was the alien—the strange outsider.She swallowed the surge of fear that struck deep.With the way her arm throbbed, she might die, anyway.
And if the Trolleris bite didn’t kill her, Prince Kalim had her in his sights.
“What would this involve?”
“It will hurt,” the man said with regret.“I’d drill into your wound and suck out the poison.”
“But you’d become infected.No, absolutely not,” Scarlett said.
Talon jabbered.The insect-man listened, his wings fluttering and resettling against his sides.Each of his now-silent followers relaxed at whatever Talon said.
“What did he say?”Scarlett asked.
“Talon believes you are our best chance of survival.This planet is special to our race.We have no chance of returning if Prince Kalim remains alive.The Trolleris bite will not worry me.”His small mouth curved in what Scarlett thought was a smile.“The actual infection will taste like a treat, but I will also imbibe some of your blood, and it is that part that my soldiers fear.”
Scarlett sucked in a deep breath and went with honesty.She could do nothing less.“I believe my blood carries a virus that killed many of my people.You mustn’t.I’d hate to pass it on to you or risk others of your race.I… My brother’s mate died because of me.”
The insect-men burst into chatter, and there was much gesturing.Talon butted into the conversation, his tone harsh and discordant.The spokesman added his comments.Then, as one, they faced her.
“We thank you for your honesty.Most would’ve lied to save their skin.”
“I-I couldn’t do that.There is already enough death on this planet,” Scarlett said.
The insect-man’s antenna oscillated until they blurred.“Tell me of this disease you carry.”
“We still do not understand what caused it, but it killed those who bore the feline shapeshifter gene.”
“You are a dual being?”
A unique way of putting it.“Yes,” Scarlett said.
More discussion ensued between Quito and Talon.
“Describe your symptoms,” the insect leader ordered.
