*
Darla sighed, returning to her account. “I hurried as best I could in preparing to get away, not understanding why I’d not heard or seen any search craft. Then there came the sound of the muffled roar of distant wind, along with hot, stifling air and a hazy, dust-filled sky. There was a storm coming… a massive sand storm. Now I grasped why no one was searching for me. It didn’t make me feel better. I had to git, which meant braving hurricane force winds, driving sands and suffocating dust. No holing up for me.”
“It took me a little while before I was ready to leave. I modified my breathing apparatus to filter the air. My helmet was intact and I borrowed Asteios’ left glove, seeing mine was destroyed. She was so kind, offering no complaint. Well, let’s see… oh, yes, I took what few supplies I could carry, tethered my sister up to my harness, and began the painful crawl south, down the canyon.”
“The storm was the worst I’ve ever been in. I couldn’t see three feet at any time. My directional finder kept me on a southern track, but my biggest fear was to crawl off a cliff into an abyss. That’s how bad the storm was.”
“By morning of the third day, it was easing enough to prevent my traveling in the daylight. I figured we were about two miles from the crash site. The canyon was now spread out into a rock-strewn valley about a quarter mile wide. There were several overhangs, outcroppings, and a cave or two, making it easy to find some hidden shelter. I holed up in a little tunnel cave made by a pile of jumbled rocks and waited for night to come.”
“This was the first real rest I’d had since leaving the wreck. I heated some rations with a chemical heater, and risked the removal of my helmet and breathing the filthy air to enjoy eating, unencumbered, those delicious, cooked morsels. That was probably the longest day of my life, my not having a clue as to where I was or how to contact anyone, wondering where I was trying to escape to, and believing it was all useless, because I was going to die anyway. It was only a matter of time.”
“Later in the day, after the heated red glow of a tortured sun made its arrival, I heard sounds of machines coming in our direction. They had discovered the wreck and were out in force, looking for its crew. For the remainder of the day, wheeled and tracked machines roared up and down the valley, and search craft flew overhead. Fortunately for me, they did not realize the extent of my injuries. I’m sure they expanded their range much further a-field, thinking the escapees were making time, hoofing it hard south. Whatever the case, I saw no more search parties after that day.”
“Later that night, I pulled out and made my way further down the valley. The hot winds picked up again, making things difficult, but it did cover our tracks from any pursuers. Tracks? I mean snaky, crawling marks. I couldn’t walk, but was on my elbows and pushing with one knee, those painkillers numbing me up good.”
“I don’t know how far I made it that night and remember little of the ordeal. I do recall sheltering in some rocks through most of the next day. By now my water was almost gone. I stopped eating in an attempt to retain as many fluids as possible. Worse, I took the last of the painkillers that morning. By afternoon, I was in such numbing agony that I doubt I cared if I lived or not.”
“I took up the escape again that night. By next morning, I’d cast away my helmet, gloves, all my gear, only saving my pilot’s pistol to blow my brains out with if I got caught. Of course, I still dragged my companion with me. I refused to leave her behind. Not now, not after all this! We would die together if need be, but I would not leave her behind. That day I didn’t even bother to hide. I didn’t even care anymore. Why, the pain was so great, I reached more than once for that pistol to end it right there. But for some reason, each time I’d put it away, thinking better of it.”
“That’s really the last I remember of things other… other than one night. One night, the winds were howling, blowing choking sand in every direction. I was so thirsty, so thirsty. And then I heard it… my tune. It was clear and pleasant, so sweet, beautiful, but it wasn’t in my head. Somewhere out in front of me, someone was playing my tune. It sounded like a flute. The hypnotizing spell that it cast over me urged me on, ever on until, suddenly, I found myself splashing in a wonderful pool of clear, cool water.”
“I drank and drank until I felt my innards would burst, and then I fell into a deep sleep and dreamed.” Darla leaned forward, staring intently into Euroaquilo’s eyes. “The most beautiful dream I’d ever dreamed! I remember floating in a silent world of glowing spheres where all my long-lost companions called out to me in loving chorus. Why, even Asteios sang sweet songs to me. I felt hands touch my face, voices telling me how beautiful I was, how much they loved me. My heart ached with the joy of being in this wonderful world. I wanted so much to stay.”
“And then I heard the music again, it playing loud and clear, but this time I discovered words in the hypnotic refrains. ‘Come now, little one, we must leave. For you, this journey does not end here. No, not for you, not for you.’ Then I heard Asteios laughter, such joyful laughter. When it faded away, the music began again, singing, ‘For her, child, for her, not you, child, for her.’ I recall nothing more until waking to blinding lights boring into my tormented eyes.”
“I cried out in panic, fearing the worst. A hand touched my arm and a gentle voice called out my name. Squinting, I saw Zadar standing beside my bed. I do not recall my reaction, but my heart was so relieved to see him. When I calmed enough to listen, Zadar explained that I was aboard a medical packet accompanying a large convoy of troop transports on their return to MueoPoros. When he had received the news that I was the pilot rescued from that planet, he requested permission from his commanding officer, Major Chasileah, to pay a visit upon me.”
“Zadar remained by my side for several days, and made continual visits even after we made port at MueoPoros, he finally departing when his regiment was deployed to what’s become known as the ‘Spider’s Lair’. I heard tell later that he was wounded badly during our attack on Memphis, I not receiving the news until several months after the war ended.”
“Getting back to my account, during one of his visits, he brought me up to speed with my rescue. I was told that a pilot on a scouting mission got confused when his instruments went berserk and, fearing it was the enemy jamming his navigation systems, dove to ground level to escape it. As he came down on deck, the sunlight reflecting off something below caught his eye. On his return pass, he came in low and slow. It’s said that I shook my fist at him, apparently thinking he was the enemy. A little while later, I was aboard a rescue ship being transported toward the medical packet.”
Darla laughed. “They said I put up such a fuss when the rescue team tried to leave Asteios behind that they threatened to leave me behind also. Anyway, I persevered.” Sighing sadly, she added, “They eventually brought her body back to EdenEsonbar. I visit her grave there from time to time just to renew old memories.”
Then slapping her hands on her knees as she tipped her head up, Darla sighed relief for nearing the end of her confession. “The surgeons fixed me up right quick, most of my injuries being minor. My knee was not broken and, with the use of those healing machines, I was up and about in no time. Eventually, I was returned to my old company now stationed near Memphis, pestering the doctors into madness to release me. My captain refused me active duty in the trenches, though, feeling I needed more time to recuperate from my injuries. I did finally manage to get permission to do courier duty for the regiment, along with several other convalescing members of my company.”
“It was that tiny group I managed to gather in front of Memphis, along with a small contingent of other brave souls, that held the Gap (officially called the ‘Battle of the Tower Gate’) until reinforcements arrived. It was in that skirmish that Tifara died, blown to pieces, protecting me from a missile attack. I was broken up real bad that time, spending four months in intensive care, and another year in rehabilitation, long after the
Armistice. By the time I recovered sufficiently to address the Department of Records, requesting Citations of Valor for my fallen comrades, I guess everyone was tired of the war and didn’t want to think about it anymore.”
Darla became silent, staring at her folded hands. At length, quietly standing, she slowly made her way back to the elevator rail. The woman peered down into the abyss of the elevator shaft, again taking on the stature that reminded Euroaquilo of a weathered old tree, tired and defeated.
Eventually Euroaquilo, too, rose from his chair and joined Darla at the rail. He reached out and lovingly took her by the arm, pondering these secrets revealed. Who was this woman, DusmeAstron, child of the evening hour? Many were the tales of great valor that had tingled his ears, but never such as they had now received. These were profound, not only worthy of the Book of Records, but worthy of the Book of Books! Fear-inspiring they were!
Darla turned her head and looked up into Euroaquilo’s eyes. She had aged this hour, Euroaquilo being so reminded of Gabrielle. How close was Darla to being consumed by the same crippling cancer that was slowly destroying many of the great warrior witches of this Empire? Or was Darla merely tired, tired of the passing whispers, the pitying nods, the disregard for her valor and battle cunning, the distrust of her mental constitution, her own self doubts as to whether all these things said about her were true?
Euroaquilo smiled. If she was sick, there was little he could do. But if she pined over doubt, well, he had the power to revive her spirit and self worth.
He reached up, lovingly stroking her face. “My child, my dear, wonderful child, if the gods of ancient days do exist, then they most certainly cast their gaze upon you, marveling with awe at this mortal goddess that walks among men. You have not chanced to be alive this day to relate to me your tale. No! For a certainty, I perceive that the powers beyond this universe have preserved you down to this time. How great you must stand in their eyes and our Mother’s, for legend speaks to the motives of those gods that they seek always the healing of Mother’s heart. You must be very precious in her eyes.”
Darla blushed, laughing. “My Love, you make my heart sing. When I’m with you, I feel like a princess divine, like I was meant to be born, not some accident created by a random, passionate moment.”
Euroaquilo stepped back stunned, but dared not ask why she thought of herself that way. The dark secret Darla had never revealed to anyone was the angry remarks of an Ancient, who long ago accused her of being such an abomination, unplanned and unwanted, an abortion of flesh that Mother had refused to reject. Darla was but six and two years old, and the Ancient was a standing member of the Council, that is, until he fell into the darkness of Asotos’ world. But Darla remembered it well, and wondered still if the old sage’s words rang with some truth.
“My darling lovely one!” Euroaquilo took Darla’s hands in his. “You are the most wonderful of creations! Few are the women born of my age who have beauty to compare to yours, and that is of the flesh. Your heart? Why, I feel there is none greater than you who has such devotion to our Mother and, yes, to all of her children, too. I know she loves you with such heartfelt passion that she would bring down all the heavens to save but you in her bosom.”
Darla just shook her head, blushing all the more. “Please, please, my Lord. This jacket is already too confining. Should you boost my ego any more, my chest will puff out to the point of bursting Mihai’s kingly finery.”
Euroaquilo gazed down upon her beauty. “And what a pity to have thrust upon me your full naked comeliness should such a terrible catastrophe happen. But I shall do as you request except, except for this one other matter I must address.”
Darla puzzled, curious. “Yes?”
“Well, you see…” Euroaquilo stepped back, releasing Darla’s hands, and began to quietly pace, his hands clasped behind him. “er…well…just let me come to the point. In my haste to gather the needed machines and materials for this journey, and considering all the important dignitaries traveling along, what with all their special needs and all to consider, well, I failed to assign a bridge officer to assist me and to take over command of the fleet should something untimely befall me.”
He stopped and turned, waxing apologetic. “Well, when I got wind of your searching for me, it dawned on me that here was the answer to my dilemma which I had so foolishly placed myself in. Realizing that you are an experienced naval officer of some rank, and highly qualified and schooled in its procedures and protocols, I would like to ask your assistance with getting me out of this little bind I’m in. I’d like you to support me on this expedition as my deck officer, adjunct to the admiral.”
“What?!” Darla began to laugh as though Euroaquilo was joking with her. “Listen, I’m a leftenant second class, you know, just above latrine duty officer, a termite or wiggle worm being my superior. Please, Love, give me a break. My heart is not in the mood for such jesting right now, though I appreciate your attempt to lift my spirits.”
Euroaquilo did not respond in kind, his face remaining serious and sober. He shook his head. “I am admiral of this fleet. I do not take lightly my responsibilities for its crew and passengers’ safety! I do not joke about such serious matters. Now, I can order you to take up this post, but I do not usually act as tyrant over those in my charge. I want you to accept out of your own free will. Please?”
Darla’s face filled with disbelief and consternation. She leaned forward, hands opened with palms up, gesturing as she answered. “Look at me! Take a good look! What do you see? I am no officer, fit to command a fleet! Why, I can’t even keep my tears from ruining the only uniform I have. I have been delivered here because Mother asked me to be her horse maiden…a horse maiden! Even she sees me not as a soldier, but someone only fit to tend a beast.”
“My Euroaquilo...” Darla sighed, dismayed. “how could I even think to command a bridge dressed like a Consort Divine and not a soldier? Who will respect my authority when I walk this bridge? What officer will listen to my orders?”
“Hmmm, let’s see…” Euroaquilo stepped back further, playing with his beard. “Hmmm…the bottom half of you looks like an officer, - a pretty glitzy one, I admit. Oh yes, and that jacket, I hear, belongs to none other than our new king, Mihai, and I’m told that she personally ordered you to wear it today. I’m also sure that your little discussion with Ardon has made the rounds. You put him in his place right good, or so I understand that’s the way the gossip puts it. Made some of our officers pretty happy, hearing he got his comeuppance. I dare say, I believe there will be few officers bold enough to even risk questioning your appointment as my adjunct, let alone refuse to obey your orders.”
He winked. “And, I believe there might be quite a few officers like me who’d rather see you out of uniform completely, if you know what I mean.”
Darla harrumphed, blushing anew. “You’re always like that with me...” She smiled shyly. For some reason she felt shy around this man. “I like you wanting me. It makes me feel special.”
“You are special!” Euroaquilo nearly shouted those words. “Why do you think I asked you to stand the bridge in my stead? Now, I ask you again, and answer me directly this time. Will you support me in this request or do I have to give you a direct order?”
Darla lowered her head, grinning. She quietly whispered, “Yes…yes, I do.”
Beaming, Euroaquilo reached out with his burly arms. “Great!”
Darla squealed in delight, diving forward and circling her arms around him. The two became wrapped in love’s embrace, she pillowing her head on his chest, he resting his chin on the top of her head.