Starfall (Stealing the Sun Book 3) by Ron Collins

Author:Ron Collins [Collins, Ron]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Space Opera Science Fiction Aliens
Publisher: Skufox Publishing
Published: 2017-01-13T07:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 11

As their fourth heat at Harshish Point passed, Taranth and M’ran selected three healthy tal beasts that had been freshly watered, and arranged for three flatbed carts with axels that were still straight and that, though weathered, were still sturdy and firm. They acquired water, hard nuts, bags of katja bread, and dried meat. They gathered rope and extra bags, and coverings they would need for the salvaging.

The whelplings loaded these onto the carts for the return trip.

The rest, and now the activity, raised the entire group’s spirits. The group was fresher now, and clearly feeling stronger.

Yanil’s knee had healed, and their time down in the cool caves had given everyone’s bruises the chance to fade. Their desert-addled minds had gathered back together. They were a grizzled crew, now. Or at least it seemed that way to the whelps. Their success in arriving here meant they were experienced desert dwellers, and Hateri’s use of the guns had raised all of their statures.

The whelps also recognized the value of the tal beasts.

These muscular, six-legged animals with fine, bristly pelts smelled horrendous, but were otherwise perfectly formed for the desert—loping with smooth gaits that seemed to take no energy, and when properly managed, able to travel for many heats without water. Their shoulders came to Taranth’s chin, and their heads rose taller. Pulling the carts, even heavily loaded, would not be an issue for them. Knowing that the carts were full of supplies raised spirits even further.

The expedition ate together that last night at Harshish Point, and they listened to Cestral give a concert on the mouth harp she had found in the stores under the rock. Some told stories. Others sang.

In the noise of the evening, Taranth almost missed the moment where Pietha whispered something into Hateri’s ear and slipped a gift into his hand. It was a small thing. Not something he could make out in the thin light of the cave, which was probably for the best. He felt voyeur enough just seeing what he had seen.

When Hateri slipped away with Pietha once again, Taranth felt blood stir through all three of his hearts, but was happy to find that it did not make him angry.

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