The Balance (The Stone's Blade Book 2) Read online

  Renloret clucked his tongue against his cheek trying not to laugh. He leapt into the ring, skidding on the thin layer of sand covering the surface. Regaining his balance, he executed a Northern blade salute to Ani, then turned and waved exuberantly at the audience, bouncing from foot to foot.

  Ani rolled her eyes and chuckled. “All right, Renloret, you get the gist of the introduction phase. You’ll have to provide a lineal name and list of awards or placements in competitions they can read, even if we have to invent them. If you don’t, you’ll get something close to what I did. Announcers can be painfully creative. Fortunately, I performed with enough skill that the disparaging remarks were short-lived.

  “After the introduction, the bladers approach the referee for instructions and salute their opponents. You’ll keep your mouth shut during this even if you’re taunted, understand?”

  “No different than on Lrakira. Taunting is unsporting behavior anywhere.”

  She nodded sharply. “I’ll give the instructions and then we’ll commence with hand-to-hand. Ready?”

  Renloret straightened. Giving her as steely a look as possible, he matched her salute with some level of decorum.

  She did not smile. “This is hand-to-hand. No weapons will be pulled or shown. This is a timed bout and single points will be earned for honest contact. A takedown is five points, a pin is ten, and a knockout wins regardless of point totals.”

  “Really? Regardless of total points?”

  She didn’t laugh. “Yes. Am I to assume that if you knock out your opponent it does not necessarily mean you win on Lrakira?”

  “Knockouts are twenty-five points on Lrakira. Though it is rare, I have seen a few matches where the one getting knocked out actually wins in total points.”

  She shrugged. “Don’t get knocked out here.”

  “All right.”

  She saluted again and backed away. He mirrored her movements.

  “You didn’t say how long the bout is.”

  “Long enough.” She took two small steps and launched her feet at his head.

  He staggered backward just far enough to avoid a blow to his head, but not far enough to avoid the impact on his shoulder. He felt rather than saw the next kick coming. He tucked and rolled into her rather than away from her, and as she recovered, he swept his foot, hitting her at the ankles. She crashed to the sand, her breath rushing out. Renloret stood up and watched her struggle to breathe.

  “Five points to you. That’s the second time you’ve done that.” Her voice was barely a whisper and tight with pain.

  He offered her a hand. “Practice, remember.” He remembered the takedown in front of the cabin barely two days after meeting her.

  A tight smile graced her lips as she took the proffered hand. Once on her feet she said, “Hand-to-hand until the next takedown, then thirty with short blade, then thirty more of running. We’ll end with stretches and maybe a soak.”

  He agreed with an abbreviated salute. They squared off and began again.

  It was well past midday when they started down the path leading to the lake house. But Ani veered off shortly after entering the trees, pushing through several lengths of heavy underbrush toward an outcropping of rocks. The trees gave way to a spectacular view of Star Valley from the edge of a substantial cliff below the boulder field. A faint trail wound along the edge of the rockfall for several paces before crossing to a narrow slit between boulders from which a small waterfall cascaded.

  Renloret paused briefly to take in the view. A silvery road snaked through the patterned patchwork of cultivated fields, outlining the farms on the outskirts of the village. Towering peaks surrounding the valley were dusted with a warning of snow, reminding him of the Sancharos Mountains on Lrakira.

  A few loose rocks on the edge of the path threatened his footing. He had been caught up in the view instead of watching where the path went and now had to catch his balance against the large boulders that formed the uphill side of the path. They were warm to the touch though they were shadowed in the late afternoon light. He reasoned that only an internal thermal spring large enough to heat a section of the mountain could account for that. Ani had said something about a hot spring after he’d recovered from the crash, but time had not allowed a visit. He hadn’t soaked in a natural hot spring since he’d left home to become a pilot and eagerly turned his attention to Ani and the anticipated soak.

  The spicy scent of minerals tickled his nose, and he noticed that the rocks closest to the waterfall displayed mosses and ferns usually seen in more tropical environs. Multicolored stains painted the rocks and pebbles under the clear water. He categorized the minerals and salts by color and smell. The combination would be therapeutic and quite enjoyable if the temperature wasn’t too high.

  Ani motioned him to follow her into a large slit in the rock face where the stream exited to make its run down the mountain. Expecting the coolness of a cave, he was instead wrapped in comfortable steamy warmth as he entered the darkness. Ani lit a torch, illuminating the narrow passageway that looked to have been artificially enlarged. The stream ran along one side of the tunnel before spilling out across the boulders. A stack of torches lay on a long shelf carved into the tunnel wall. Renloret reached for one.

  Ani smiled, shaking her head. “One will do.” She moved off down the tunnel.

  Renloret shrugged and followed.

  The burbling chatter of flowing water became louder as the tunnel turned left and widened dramatically to reveal a large cavern with several steaming pools. Ani moved along the right wall, jumped the overflow from the first pool, and stopped at the much larger and deeper second. She pointed at several stone benches. Closer inspection revealed that the simply designed seating had been masterfully carved out of the rock. Niches at shoulder height had also been cut into the cavern wall, each holding several folded wraps. The lone torch gave out a soft light, which reflected off the white crystals coating the ceiling and was diffused by the steam clouds rising from the numerous pools.

  “We came here after most of our training sessions and sometimes just to relax. Mother loved it. Always said she felt like she was at home here. It’s been in use since I was very little, but it’s been a while since I was last here. Not much has changed, and fortunately, no animals have moved in.” She gave him a crooked grin as she removed her jacket and footwear.

  Renloret waited. Desire welled as he wondered if she’d remove anything else while he watched. He quickly pushed away the thought. They were here only to ease the stress of overworked muscles. He took a deep breath of the moist mineral laden air.

  “What are you waiting for?” She’d turned arched eyebrows at him.

  “Do you really want to know?” He didn’t know if he was sweating because of the heat or because of her.

  She shook her head, blushing. “No.” She pointed at the larger pool. “You can use this one. Swim a few laps.”

  “And you?” He sat on a bench and slipped off the shirt, now damp from the steam.

  She turned her back on him, the blush deepening. “An upper pool, over there.” She gestured toward the heavier steam billowing in the back of the cavern. “It’s smaller. Don’t stay in too long. I’ll let you know when I am coming back so you can get out. Use these towels to dry off.” She gestured to the niches, then climbed up a series of wide terraces, her bare feet sluicing through the runoff from the upper pool.

  He watched the steam wrap around her as she climbed. When he could no longer see her, he disrobed, grabbed one of the towels, and moved to the edge of the pool. After tentatively testing the temperature, he slipped into the waist deep water and sucked in a breath as the salts found their way into every scrape and cut. Thankfully, the sting was quickly numbed by the heat. He moved toward the center, testing the depth. When the water reached chin high he relaxed, leaned back to float, and closed his eyes. A deep slow inhale and exhale helped him center his thoughts on the present state of his muscles enough to nudge out the flickers of desire that contin
ued to tickle at the edges of his mind.

  This single pool was larger than any of Lrakira’s Sancharos’ mineral springs. It would take ten or more strokes to swim across this one. The temperature was perfect, though it increased the closer he floated to the upper pool’s spillage, indicating a much hotter spring above. He opened his eyes to study the area Ani had disappeared to. Steam wafted thickly in the soft torchlight.

  He wondered who else knew about these springs. Did Taryn? Had they been here together? How was he, Renloret, going to tell Ani how he felt about her? He genuinely liked Taryn and didn’t want to intrude on their relationship. From his observation they seemed very comfortable with each other — more comfortable than he felt when he was around Ani, especially when it was just the two of them. He tried to convince himself it was just because Ani and Taryn had grown up together. But how could he compete with a relationship that already spanned twenty-five years?

  Renloret flipped to his stomach and took a few strokes. Muscles complained slightly but settled down again as he continued across the pool. It felt good to stretch in the heated water. He grabbed the edge and pulled himself out, turning to sit and dangle his feet. He examined his shin and calf. The line of stitch scars puckered now with moisture. He’d have these reminders for a very long time. The medics on Lrakira had offered to remove them, but he had refused. They were a visual reminder of the mission that had saved his people, and he did not want to forget. He slipped back into the pool and stroked smoothly across to the bench. After wrapping the towel and tucking the end firmly at his waist, he began a slow series of meditation moves.

  Ani floated on the gently bubbling surface, trying not to think about the pilot in the pool below. It was more difficult than she’d imagined. Her thoughts turned to the sense of attraction rather than the object of the attraction. She tried to analyze it. Why now? Why him? Why here? She felt her body heat rise with desire at the very thought of him — not from the heat of the pool. Trying to push him out of her mind, she concentrated on the changing pattern of steam in the pale, soft light reflected by the single torch. The steam and light had taken on an unusual green tinge.

  What was it about that color that bothered her? She had seen it before. It had surrounded the crash site when she had pulled Renloret out as well as when she had retrieved the info vials and readers he wanted. How many weeks ago? So much had happened since then. As the water rippled across her back, she sighed, wanting to ask him to join her — in more ways than this simple soaking. She considered an image of him laying across the office desk at the lake house, reaching for her, his eyes evening blue with desire.

  Careful, little one. I can hear you.

  Kela! Stop eavesdropping. She stood up brushing the water from her face.

  I wasn’t even trying, Ani. Your thoughts are so loud and you’re so … relaxed. He chuckled.

  Ani slapped the water. Can’t I think without getting interrupted?

  You call that thinking? Oh my, girl, we do need to talk. He laughed again, his mind voice full of caring and teasing.

  She returned the tone in kind with a hint of defensiveness. Yes, we do need to talk, but after we’ve found the twin. We need to resolve this situation and then, with luck, he’ll want to come back to Teramar and we can explore these unreasonable feelings.

  These are not unreasonable feelings, Ani. They are real and you will have to face them before too long. Your experience with Taryn has not prepared you for this pilot.

  Ani swiped at the water again. And just who’s supposed to prepare me? You? She waded to the pool’s edge and climbed out. After toweling off and wrapping the damp towel firmly around her body, she threw the pile of clothes over her arm and stomped toward the lower pools.

  Aren’t you forgetting something?

  What?

  The pilot.

  The simple statement stopped Ani in her tracks, halfway down the stairway.

  “Oh,” she whispered as she looked directly at Renloret’s back. He was walking toward the bench, water glistening off his skin in the diffused torchlight. For some reason, seeing him nude while unconscious and injured after the crash was completely different from what she was seeing now. She could hardly get a breath and her heart seemed to be leaping and bucking erratically, like a freshly caught fish. As her eyes rested on his chiseled waist and tight buttocks, her hands ached to test their firmness. Movement of the towel drew her eyes up to the muscles rippling across his shoulders and arms as he dried off, wrapped the towel about his waist, and began to stretch. Biting her lip to keep from verbally expressing the wave of desire that rushed her blood through her veins, Ani tried unsuccessfully to avert her gaze.

  Back up, girl, before he turns around.

  Kela’s order cooled her like a dip in the lake at mid-winter. She hastily did as instructed until steam concealed what she desired and common sense prevailed. Where are you that you can see what’s going on?

  She was perturbed when he wouldn’t tell her but again followed his advice when he suggested she warn the pilot of her impending return. “Renloret?”

  The steam concealed his reaction from her though she felt Kela laugh. What’s so funny?

  Nothing.

  “I’ll be ready shortly, Ani.”

  Over the sound of the running water, she heard him muttering in what she now knew was the Lrakiran language, not Southern. He seemed to be using a list of curses she did recognize.

  You could get dressed, too, little one. Kela still sounded smug.

  Right, I could. But perhaps I want to know what he’d do if I walked over to him with just a towel wrapped around me. She didn’t want to follow commonsense protocol.

  That would be cruel.

  More like interesting, I think. Maybe I will. She was warming up to the idea, getting excited about the possibilities. Why should she obey a dog?

  Don’t do something just because you are frustrated or angry with me.

  With a sigh she pulled on her pants, dropped the towel, and slipped into the wrap top.

  Kela snickered. Better.

  “You can come down now.” Renloret sounded as if he was talking through clenched teeth.

  “Are you all right?” she asked as she emerged from the steam.

  Renloret was seated on one of the benches holding a foot. “Stubbed my toe.”

  Giggling, Ani walked over, knelt in front of him, and pulled his foot out from his grasp to look it over. Sure enough, the tip of the largest was red. She rubbed it. A hiss issued from Renloret. “Poor thing. It didn’t have a chance. Maybe this will help.” She leaned close and gave the toe a gentle kiss.

  A different kind of hiss came from Renloret as he jerked the foot from her grasp.

  Kela’s comment was immediate. Talk about cruel!

  She knew it had been a foolish move but hadn’t been able to stop herself. Now she sent a blistering list of curse words to Kela in two languages. Then before she could kiss more than his toe, she stood and slapped Renloret on the shoulder. “Buck up, pilot. We should get back to the cabin and check in with Taryn. He’ll be wondering where we are.”

  Ani turned her back on Renloret and strode toward the stream outlet. “You can bring the torch.” She disappeared into the tunnel without daring to turn around to see if he followed.

  It was all she could do to not turn around and show him exactly what she desired. She pushed the pace while forcing her thoughts away from her attraction to the man behind her and tried to keep them on the mission she had promised to fulfill. Using as few words as possible once at the cabin, she directed Renloret to set the table while she fixed the eve meal. Fortunately, Taryn arrived shortly after, and Ani was able to relax a bit.

  The dinner conversation revolved around Taryn’s process of setting up the residents of Star Valley for Ani’s and Renloret’s return from Southern. The sheriff had also adroitly dropped hints at the newly reopened research center that Ani and her Southern companion had returned from Southern and would be doing some research of t
heir own in older records to see if her mother had mentioned the virus to which Ani had immunity and whether there had been concern of it showing up in Star Valley. They wrapped up the eve with a basic plan to visit the research center in the morn.

  Throughout the eve, Ani had managed to evade direct questions from Taryn about the blade practice by saying she had introduced Renloret to the blade ring procedures and that he had executed each exercise well enough to avoid being a disgrace in the ring with an opponent. The noncommittal smile that accompanied the reddening of Renloret’s face had, to Ani’s dismay, momentarily focused Taryn’s attention squarely on her, and to escape another porch lecture or interrogation, Ani pushed the need to move forward with the search for her twin. That managed to redirect Taryn’s attention to the mission at hand and away from her, a critical diversion because she was finding it more and more difficult to hide the raw lustfulness of her attraction to Renloret.

  When Taryn conveniently suggested they retire for the eve, she could barely excuse herself fast enough to hide behind the blanket curtain that separated the bed from the rest of the room.

  She heard Renloret’s “Sleep deep, Ani,” before snuggling under the blanket and closing her eyes, wishing for quite different circumstances.

  Isul Treyder looked up when the door knock disrupted his focus on the work in front of him. The sheriff entered, followed by two people.

  “Doctor Treyder?” The sheriff asked.

  He stood. “Yes?” Had he been found out already?