Chapter 15

• AERA
• I had arrived at the border of Ironvalley. The residence was slowly waking up. I had stood outside the skiff-smith establishment. Once I finished speaking with Gideon (gi-dee-uhn), I planned to get lodging for a few nights while I scanned the area for the criminals.
• Stepping out of the front door with his housecoat on, Gideon had approached me. "I see you are not dropping off supplies. What brings you to my shop so early in the morning?"
• Patting the shuttle's side. "She requires a checkup. I have a lot of voyages to do soon. I need to know she isn't going to fail me during my travels."
• "Business or pleasure?" Gideon sipped the hot liquid in his cup.
• "Business and it starts here."
• "Sounds serious. Care to share the details?"
• I knew Gideon was probing. It wasn't often that I came out of the woods so early. And if I did. It was never good news.
• "Elders have asked me to bring balance back to the ecosystem."
• Gideon groaned as he looked over the cup. "Wouldn't have anything to do with the bandits that have been terrorizing the trade route, would it?"
• "It would," I rested my body on my shuttle. "How long do you figure it will take to have a tune-up completed?"
• "A day with minimal repairs. Anything past that depends if I have the parts. Come back at the end of the day."
• I tossed Gideon the keys. "I will see you later."
• I waited for the guesthouse doors to open. The second Nora spotted me through the glass window, she whipped the door open. "Well, look at what came out of the woods. What brings you here, child?"
• I placed one foot on the step as I rested my hand on the banister. "I am going to be in the area for a bit. I was hoping you had a spare bed for the time I need."
• "I am afraid all rooms have been taken. Bounty hunters have booked me up for some time. Bandits have caused a lot of issues in these parts."
• "I know. The elders have sent me to clean up the mess."
• Nora frowned. The wrinkles on her weathered face creased more than they should have. "I know the lot was bad news; I didn't think the elders would send their own to handle the problem."
• "When the ecosystem is in danger of tipping to one side. They will intervene."
• "Byent (BYE-uhnt)," Nora looked over her shoulder as she bellowed her son's name. "You are bunking with Beau for a few nights."
• "Ma," a young kit whined from within.
• "Don't ah ma me. Do as you are told. Clean up the mess. Aera needs a place to sleep."
• The sound of several rushed feet caused me to giggle as four heads popped between the crack of the door frame and Nora's body. "It's good to see you, Aera." Nora's four kits said in unison.
• "Are you behaving for your mum?" The corner of my lips turned up.
• Nora's oldest daughter stepped forward. "Always," Bryten (BYE-ten) responded quickly. "Do you have any jerky?"
• "Not this trip. Next time. I will bring some here before I head to Eljor's place."
• "Promise," all four children asked at the same time.
• "I always keep my word unless a situation presents itself that disables me from keeping to my words."
• "Well, come in. No need for you to stand there like a dunce." Nora stepped out of the way for me to enter. "Is this all you brought with you?"
• I adjusted the weight of my hunting bag. "Don't need much. The basics is all that I require."
• Esadora (ee-sah-DOH-rah) placed her hand in mine. "You can sleep with me. I don't mind."
• Picking up Nora's youngest daughter, "You are absolutely adorable."
• "Makes you want to have a nest of cubs of your own?" Nora gave me a knowing smirk. "You're getting old enough to find a mate."
• I laughed as I placed Esadora back down. "I will adore other parents' children. For now, I will continue being mate free."
• "You know," Nora began as she put on her apron. "My brother was the same. For the longest time the whole family believed he was going to keep to his wild ways. Then one day he went to the city. Came back with a mate. Now. He has more kits than all of us."
• "Are you implying ma'am..."
• "It is exactly what I am implying. When you find your mate. You will settle for nothing less. Not a chosen mate. Only your better half will suit you."
• "Well. Hopefully my better half has a better temperament than I do. The elders are frustrated with my WILD ways."
• "Sit down, I will get you something to eat. Boys, go do as I have told you. And for the elders. They only want to see you happy. No different than the folks here. You are a good one. Be a shame to see you alone for the rest of your existence."
• Defending my preferences. "I like the silence." I smiled as I pulled out a chair. "While you are cooking, could you tell me more about these bandits? What weapons do they carry? How they approach the people here. Things like that."
• Nora motioned her head back and forth. "Nasty lot those bandits are. I will sleep soundly once they are dealt with."