Chapter 7
Tae
Tae reported for his job with Kelan. He would continue to work with the weapons until that privilege was revoked. He was certain this would be part of his punishment for rebelling against Hesher's orders and a Talonian soldier's protocol. His rank could not be lowered since he was already just a foot soldier. So, they would send him back to digging for a pittance.
"You made it home alive, I see," Kelan said as a greeting. "Others did not fare as well. We will not be working this evening. We are shutting down for the death ceremony to honor our fallen warriors. The men have been taken from the mines to build the pyres anyway. I expect you to be there to show your respect."
"Yes, sir. I want to see how Eveline is faring; then I will change into my uniform. I am supposed to be one of the fallen's body bearers," Tae replied.
"Daer informed us of the newest refugee. Michelle has gone to see her. She took her some broth and hopes to bond with her. If it works, she will ask the king to allow her to question the woman in his stead. He would be present, of course, but not as intimidating. Michelle remembers how worried and stressed she was to face our leader. She does not wish that upon another tortured innocent," Kelan explained.
"I was going to beg for that duty. She has spoken little, but I think she may trust me."
Kelan answered, "It may still be necessary to have you there. It is a possibility she may hate humans. We do not know yet if she was stolen or given in trade."
"Do the Savra trade with Earth? How could they allow a child to be traded as a slave? It is barbaric!" Tae shouted.
"Neither Michelle or I believe they know the Savra exist. It is just a theory of the kings to explain her presence on their planet. I think it more likely that they kidnapped her. How they managed to be on Earth unseen is a mystery. The king hopes the woman can shed some light on the subject," Kelan stated.
"Her name is Eveline. Please, stop referring to her as 'the woman.' It makes her sound unwanted."
Kelan smiled and replied, "You are very protective of Eveline. She has crept into your mind and possibly your heart very quickly. Be careful, my friend. We do not know anything about her. The Savra may have brainwashed her in hopes of her being rescued and brought here. There may be evil in her soul. She may be a weapon of the enemy."
"No, she cannot be. She has endured far too much. You do not believe that of her either. Otherwise, you would not have allowed Michelle to go near her," Tae argued.
"You are very perceptive for a young man. You are right. I do not think she is evil, but it is better to be safe. A mistake could prove deadly. Now go and see her. The ceremony will begin soon. If you are late, it would be another mark against you, and the king already has reason to be angry with you," Kelan divulged.
"Will he take away my job with you? Can he remove me from the military? I am the main support of my family. They would starve."
"The king is not cruel, but he cannot allow insubordination in the ranks. If he lets you get away with this rebellion without punishment, others will follow your lead. Our military would be in chaos. Stop worrying. No one will let your family starve. I do not expect the king to take away either of your jobs. With myself, Michelle, Hesher, and Daer speaking up for you, the punishment will likely be minimal," Kelan replied.
"The commander would risk speaking on my behalf? Why? It would only put the spotlight on his aid," Tae questioned.
"He stands behind every soldier regardless of their mistakes. He sees potential in you, and I do not think he wished to leave Eveline behind. You gave him the excuse he needed in order to save her."
Tae walked away with his mind whirling. Was it true? Had Hesher been looking for a way to save Eveline without breaking protocol? It was a new concept to consider. Tae hastened his steps. He would be on time for the ceremony. He would not disgrace his complex commander any further.
Eveline was sitting up, her hair brushed, the grime gone, and eating. She was covered in bandages, and there was a splint on her leg. But, there was a pink blush to her cheeks and a small smile on her lips. She was beautiful. Underneath the grime and tangles, there had been soft waves of chestnut hair that fell to her waist. Her skin was alabaster and unblemished except for the cuts and bruises. There was life behind her green eyes, though the sadness had not completely disappeared. That would take time, and Tae could be patient as long as she was getting better.
"You look different. Daer must be taking good care of you. Is there a need that I can take care of? I have time to fetch you clothes or more food if you require it," Tae offered.
"No. You have done enough," Eveline softly replied.
"I hear you had a visitor. Michelle is kind. I work for her mate. They have become friends. They can be yours too if you allow it."
Eveline looked unsure and turned her head away. Her smile was gone.
"You do not say much. I have a feeling the Savra did not allow you to express yourself. Speaking again will come easier as you grow to know us. I am willing to listen to anything you wish to say. When you are ready, I would like to know your whole story. If it helps, I will tell you mine," Tae said.
Eveline bowed her head and blushed. Tae did not understand. Was she shy or had he said something wrong?
"If I upset you, I am sorry. I want us to be friends. I thought telling you my story would help. Would you prefer that I leave?"
"No, continue," Eveline whispered.
"Alright. I am a weredragon. This planet is called Talonia. It is our home, and we have kept our existence a secret. Only two humans have seen our true form: you and Michelle. Please, do not give us away. I am just a foot soldier. That is the lowest ranking in our military. I hate war, but I need the money a soldier earns to care for my family. My father was crippled, and his pension is not enough. I also helped make the weapons we used in the battle. That job I like. I would like to learn all I can from my mentor. He is Michelle's mate and a high-ranking officer. That is my story. It is not much. I plan to be important someday though." Tae was embarrassed. He had rattled off all those words in mere seconds. He must sound like a fool.
"Thank you for sharing," Eveline answered.
