The Toby the Trilby Trilogy Boxed Set by Castillo Angela

Author:Castillo, Angela [Castillo, Angela]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2016-02-13T05:00:00+00:00

7

SPACE STORY

Baby Taliya's hair had become a halo of dark curls and fluffed from the top of Mia’s apron. She nuzzled close to Madrid and whimpered.

Gramble Shana and Mia huddled together in delighted silence. The last few difficult hours seemed a distant memory. Peace reigned over the hollow in the woods.

“It’s been so long since I’ve seen a human baby,” said Gramble Shana. “I’ve forgotten how helpless they are.”

“This one is full of fire.” Mia tucked a loose corner of the apron under kicking feet while the baby’s fist tightened around a strand of Madrid’s tangled hair.

“Yes, she is,” said Gramble Shana in a high, silly voice normally reserved for baby goats and kittens. “Reminds me of Toby when he was a baby, always hungry!"

Madrid peered up at Mia through thick, dark lashes and her steel eyes softened. “Natura, what a strong girl you have given me! Thank you for coming in my time of need.”

“I’m… glad to help.” Fear outweighed Mia's guilty heart.

A flock of birds rose up through the forest trees, in an explosion of wings and flight. Brush crackled, followed by the rattle of loose boards.

A wagon. Only one group of people used wagons, and Mia wanted to avoid them at all costs. “Let’s go.” She picked up the picnic basket and tugged at Gramble Shana’s arm.

The elderly woman took the basket. “We can’t just leave Madrid and the baby here.”

“One of her people is coming now. They will care for her. Come on, Gramble Shana!”

Too late. A horse's patient face pushed though the bramble. The beast pulled a small cart fashioned from logs and woven grape vine.

The driver, a tall boy, jumped down and ran to the little group by the tree. “Mother, are you all right?” He knelt beside her and reached for her hand, but stopped when he saw the tiny baby.

“What happened? Who are these...” Recognition flickered in his eyes. “Mia... how is this possible? I thought you were dead!”

“Caleb . . . I . . .” Mia stammered. “This is Gramble Shana,” was all she could think to say. Of all the emotions she would have expected to feel, embarrassment was not one of them.

“Hello, Gramble Shana.” Caleb held out his hand . “I greet you.”

Gramble Shana shook it. “Nice to meet you.” She raised her eyebrows at Mia.

Mia shrugged.

“How did this happen?” Caleb turned back to Madrid. “The baby shouldn’t have come for another month!”

“Natura...” Madrid began, then sighed and closed her eyes.

“And did our goddess spare you?” Caleb turned to Mia. “Is that how you are alive?”

“No, she did not,” Mia crossed her arms. “I was rescued.”

Madrid’s eyes flipped open and she struggled to sit up. You are truly the outsider girl and not our Goddess? You really did escape? You have blasphemed Natura!”

“Mother, be calm,” Caleb rested his hand on Madrid’s shoulder. “Mia just helped bring this baby into the world, in the middle of the woods.” He touched the baby’s forehead. “Perhaps Natura had another plan.”

Madrid sank back. “Perhaps.

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