Dragon's Claim Read online

  "How do you propose we feed all of these people?" Jackson roars back, his sweeping gesture taking in all that are gathered. "Sometimes survival takes the place of ideology, especially ideology that has no practical application!"

  Elmer sneers at him.

  "You are weak!"

  "And you're an idiot!" Jackson counters. "Tell me—are you going to go out and hunt for our food yourself?"

  On the heels of that scathing remark, Jackson finally sees us—and Bashir's prediction turns out to be true.

  "Bashir, Penelope, I am glad to see you," he greets us, a determined set to his jaw. "I just wanted to tell you that you are welcome to stay as long as you would like. And I wanted to thank you again for ensuring our food stores are full," he announces.

  Wow.

  Bashir was spot on with his assessment, calling it the first night we were here. Jackson is clearly smart enough to realize the meat will run out soon enough.

  Bashir has managed, at least partially, to gain the man's trust.

  It's difficult not to trust Bashir. His calm, stable presence seems to have that effect on most people. I look over at Elmer, who is clearly seething with rage, two spots of color high on his cheeks, his eyes glittering with it. But this isn't his call to make.

  "Thank you," I say, turning to Jackson with a smile.

  "My thanks as well," Bashir agrees. "We would love to stay a bit longer."

  My eye is drawn back over to Elmer when he turns around and pushes through the crowd. I have a bad feeling about the look in his eyes. Like he won't go down without a fight.

  Jackson needs to be more cautious about him. He obviously has a contingent of followers and sympathizers, which means he has some degree of power even if he isn't in charge.

  But there's so much going on, the thought gets pushed to the back of my mind as the day continues. Perhaps it’s all in my head, but I feel like the villagers might be starting to warm up to me. The hopeful thought is confirmed when Sabrina finds me, trailing a group of women.

  "Hi Penelope—we were wondering if you'd like to help us prepare dinner?"

  I smile, feeling excitement surge.

  "I'd love to," I agree, at the same time trying not to sound too eager. I don't want to alienate them. "Lead the way, ladies."

  I follow them over to the food prep area, feeling included for the first time as they continue to banter with each other around me.

  "Of course, I wouldn't throw Alec out of bed," one of the women says giggling.

  "Wash out your mouth Cynthia—you know he has a thing for Sabrina!"

  "He does not!" Sabrina shoots back, blushing.

  That sets off a round of raucous laughter that has me grinning in response. The talk has the time passing fast. With so many hands on deck, we make quick work of the meal preparations.

  "Why the big dinner?" I ask curiously as we're setting the food out.

  It seems odd when we know how cautious Jackson is trying to be with the supplies. Sabrina shrugs.

  "Jackson says he has an announcement to make. He seems excited about it—wanted to pull out all the available bells and whistles." Her eyes twinkle with amusement. "Maybe he's going to tell us he's made a fresh batch of Elmer's glue we can use to fix some things around here."

  "Sabrina!" I gasp, even as I laugh at the bad joke.

  "We can only hope," she responds, not at all repentant.

  I shake my head at her but understand the sentiment. That little man is bad news. Once we have everything out, the whole village descends, the mood festive, a happy buzz in the air as everyone starts to eat and chat.

  I know big dinners like this are a rarity around here, and everyone is fully enjoying the treat. Halfway through the dinner, Jackson stands up and calls for attention. I look over at him, along with Bashir, curious as to what this announcement is going to be.

  "Thank you," Jackson says, nodding at everyone. "And thank you to everyone who helped prepare this dinner—it's wonderful." Everyone claps and cheers, the women who were involved waving their hands, Sabrina doing an exaggerated princess wave with a cupped hand. Jackson grins, waiting for the noise to calm down. "I wanted a celebration for the announcement I'm going to make because I think it could lead to something great for all of us here." He leans forward, bracing his hands on the table in front of him, a smile flirting with his lips. "I want to announce that I plan to launch an investigation into the mines to find what ores are down there."

  A ripple of reaction goes through the crowd. Followed by another burst of excitement as people start to talk over each other. I turn to Bashir, who doesn't look surprised at all. I can tell that he saw this coming too. It makes too much sense. A discovery of potential value would make Jackson more powerful as a leader in the group's eyes—if he manages to gain access to the ores sooner rather than later, that is.

  I can't help but feel he's fighting a ticking clock here. Elmer is just waiting for his chance. And he plays dirty. Very dirty.

  I bite my lip as the crowd around us celebrates the announcement, unable to shake my worry for Jackson, for the New Villagers. We won't be here forever. What will happen once we leave?

  Chapter Twelve

  Bashir

  "The hantif isn't the tastiest of plants, but it carries many essential nutrients." I crouch near one of the waxy, deep blue plants that grow wild on their property. "And when it is boiled at high heat, it releases a liquid that is a sharp, purgative medicine. Should anyone in the village fall sick, this plant will help their bodies expel the toxins or poisons responsible for disrupting their system."

  Jackson crouches next to me, watching as I harvest the plant. He no longer eyes me warily when I am this close, which is a good sign. He seems to trust me now. Or at least much more than he did at first. Even while still maintaining his general distrust for most Zmaj. That mindset will take time to adjust.

  Even my accord with him has not come easily, despite bringing offerings to ease the way. Jackson is reasonable enough, now that I have broken through the initial barrier. Once he realized there was no true threat coming from me, his attitude began to soften.

  He is a decent man. He is also, simply, a scared one. As I watch his smaller hands touch the plant, I find I can sympathize. If I were so soft, so easily broken, I would be frightened of Tajss too. It is a sensible response.

  In a way, Jackson's overly careful approach mirrors the fear of the Bjass we struggle with as Zmaj. I hand the plant over to Jackson, and he takes it with thanks.

  "I appreciate the help," he says, clearly grateful. "This is going to be really useful for us."

  I nod, appreciating how difficult it was for Jackson to reach this point with me. Humility is often something that needs to be worked on, for Zmaj males and human alike, I’ve noticed.

  "What are your plans for the village now?" I ask as we rise from our crouched positions.

  Jackson's face lights up at the question.

  "I'm hoping we make more useful discoveries in the mine. Once we have something to use, to trade with, it will help us prosper, help us fix this place up even more..."

  I listen intently as we walk through the village, enjoying his excitement. It is good he feels this way. There is a hard road ahead for these people, and some optimism will do them good. I can sense the same excitement that infuses Jackson running throughout the village, the people abuzz with the prospect of exploring the mine. I sincerely hope the endeavor proves fruitful for their sake.

  As we walk through the people going about their day, my eye falls on Penelope, her golden hair glowing brightly in the sun as she kneels in the space between two of the buildings, her gaze intent on something low to the ground. What under the twin suns is she doing?

  "Excuse me," I murmur to Jackson, breaking off and heading over to her.

  "What are you doing?" I ask as I near her position.

  She glances up at me, her face tense.

  "I think I found Sarah's kedi," she explains in a hushed tone.

 
; I look over between the buildings, my eyes scanning the shadows more sharply. Ah. There, pressed up against the wall, two large, bright green eyes stare back at me warily. The small, compact body is covered in a red-tinted yellow fur complete with stripes for camouflage. Currently, the furred creature is still as it watches, almost flattened to the ground on all fours.

  "Is it Picard?" Penelope asks.

  "I believe so," I say, lowering myself next to her. "It certainly fits the description."

  "She doesn't look like she has any intention of coming out to us," Penelope remarks wryly.

  "It does appear wary. Perhaps some meat?" I wonder aloud, reaching into my pocket for some of the dried meat I still have on my person.

  I pull it out, place it on my palm, and hold it out for the animal to see. It sniffs the air, its long tail swishing back and forth as it mewls, but it does not attempt to come any closer. We try for a bit longer, calling it out to us by name. I try to creep closer when that does not work, but it only backs away when I do, so I come to a stop again. Then someone walks by, and the kedi immediately darts away.

  "Damn it," Penelope sighs.

  "Do not worry," I soothe her. "The animal obviously considers this place home. We will see it again."

  "I hope so," Penelope mutters, getting to her feet.

  "You will see."

  It does not take long for my prediction to come true. The next time we see the small furry creature, it is lurking around our quarters.

  "Bashir," Penelope whispers to me as she crouches down once more. "Over there."

  I follow her gesture to see the fuzzy head poking around the corner of the building, watching us with those expressive eyes. Penelope is much more relaxed this time as she attempts to draw it out, cooing to it in a soothing manner.

  "Come on, Picard," she murmurs, crooning. "Sarah wants to see you again. You remember Sarah, don't you?"

  The low register, the sweet tone of her voice, slowly work their magic on the animal. It starts to walk towards Penelope, its ears twitching, the small wings on its back opening and closing, still somewhat uncertain. But it's slowly, inexorably drawn to Penelope's softness.

  I can certainly relate, though it takes a much more circuitous route than I would have. It does not approach directly, but rather circles Penelope, casting me a suspicious glance where I stand, a short distance away. It sniffs at her, drawing ever closer, until it finally stops in front of her, deliberately within reach.

  "That's a good girl," Penelope croons softly, reaching out with care to pet the soft fur. When Picard does not object, she picks the creature up slowly, watchful for any sign of resistance. But Picard has clearly decided to allow her access now, lying comfortably in her arms. Penelope stands, a big smile on her face as she looks over at me.

  I cannot help returning that joy. I can see how much of a triumph this is for her, not only for overcoming her own wariness of a strange creature, but also for fulfilling her promise to Sarah.

  We keep the kedi near us, play with it a bit, but then Picard decides she has had enough and runs away again.

  "Let her go," I say, touching Penelope's arm when she moves to follow. "She will be back. If you attempt to trap her, she will not trust you."

  Penelope looks over at me with a glint in her eye.

  "Is that the philosophy you've been using with me?" she asks seriously, though the twinkle in her eye lets me know she is teasing.

  I grin.

  "It worked with you. I think it will work with Picard."

  She laughs, shaking her head.

  The next time, the kedi conveniently reappears at dinner, just in time to nip at the pieces of meat Penelope feeds her.

  "Intelligent little beast," I murmur, amused.

  "You think she likes me?" Penelope asks, smiling at Picard.

  "I am certain you have won her good graces," I reassure her. "That she is eating from you is a good sign."

  Penelope's affection for the animal is clearly growing as well. Eventually, Picard wanders away again to roam and we are left alone in front of the fire. That is not a creature that will ever be fully tame, I expect.

  "The villagers seem reasonable for the most part," I comment, enjoying the feel of Penelope next to me in front of the flames.

  But I do not hold her as I would like to. I do not want to be responsible for the erosion of the good will we have built here so far.

  "Yes," Penelope agrees. "It's actually going better than I expected," she adds, a slight hint of surprise in her tone. "Though I worry about Elmer still."

  I nod. There is reason to worry about the man.

  "I wonder what changes will be coming to Tajss," I wonder idly. "With exploring the mine, multiple settlements..."

  We are definitely on the path to a different future now that the humans are here.

  "I completely understand Jackson's excitement for the mine," Penelope responds, meeting my eyes. "I also think the Zmaj should strongly consider redeveloping Tajss. I don't understand why there’s this general agreement that it won't happen again. I know it's possible. If it can be done once, it can be done again."

  "Hmm." I frown, not knowing how to answer that.

  I feel a warning in my gut when I think of highly advanced technology ever gaining strength on Tajss again. Or of connecting to other governments or forming alliances with other planets should the humans find a solution to the broken comms, as I know Penelope and others hope to. We have seen what lies in that direction, and it is not good. It was what led to the Devastation in the first place. Luckily, I do not have to respond as the topic turns again, this time to Rosalind.

  "I wonder how Rosalind will deal with the clash of egos," Penelope murmurs. "It's a difficult line to balance."

  "I believe it will work out for the best," I respond, fully believing so. "These squabbles boil down to survival in the end. They will die down soon enough."

  Penelope snorts.

  "What is it?" I ask.

  "Nothing,” she says, shaking her head. “I'm just constantly amazed at your ability to seemingly relax on command. Especially out here, where nothing ever seems to work out for the best. So far, there have been hitches and near-fatal blows at almost every turn."

  I sigh.

  "Sometimes the reason for events is not clear until we look back."

  She turns to face me again, clearly not willing to entertain that thought.

  "I doubt Tajss is going to ease up on any of us, or that there is a 'purpose' to any of this madness."

  It hurts to hear the hint of bitterness in her voice, though I understand why she would have this viewpoint, considering how she ended up on Tajss and everything that has happened so far. But I don't want to argue with her about this. I can already see her irritation and frustration rising. She will see in time that some matters need to be weathered. There is no point in dwelling on the struggle that is life.

  Attempting to prevent an argument, I pull her close and draw her into a kiss, savoring the feel of her soft lips against mine. She is a little stiff at first, but that makes the way she melts against me even sweeter. I pull back after she is well and truly relaxed against me, her expression soft.

  "I would say we have worked out quite well," I murmur, enjoying having her so close. "Do not worry so much. I will let no harm come to you."

  "That's...really sweet, Bashir," she says, smiling at me as she snuggles in close.

  My heart fills with an aching tenderness at the trust she has come to have for me. The fact that she no longer feels the need to assert her strength humbles me. Her trust is a gift I will cherish and do everything in my power to never break. I will try to never disappoint her. I hold her close while we sleep that night, hoping I will be able to live up to that gift she has given me.

  The village is aflutter the next day. It is the first day in the mines.

  The mines themselves are almost impassible, the way collapsed and narrow, so Jackson does not actually make it very far.

  But he is ab
le to tap into a vein he finds close to the entrance, coming back to the village with some pieces of ore in hand.

  "There's a lot more where that came from," Jackson says with a happy grin, dirt smeared on his face. "Here—please take one for Penelope as a token of your time here."

  I look down at the sparkling pieces, the glitter of them truly eye-catching. I shake my head.

  "I appreciate the gesture, but I believe—"

  "Please," he interrupts before I can fully refuse. "I insist."

  I do not want to take what is theirs. But he is so insistent. Not wanting to offend, I carefully pick a medium-sized one in a rough oval shape. It is beautiful, with sparkles that catch the light with the many colors of the stars. Perhaps Penelope can fashion it into jewelry of some kind. When I find Penelope later on and give her the gift, her face brightens at the sight of it.

  "Oh, it's gorgeous!" Penelope exclaims, taking the piece carefully, examining it closely. Rising up on her toes, she gives me a soft kiss. "Thank you, Bashir. This is so sweet of you."

  It makes me want to shower her with gifts. I hear Tessa happily exclaim when Jackson awards one to her later as well. Perhaps it is a female propensity for shiny things? Whatever the reason, I decide I will be sure to bring Penelope whatever shiny object I find in the future.

  Tessa hurries over to Penelope with her prize in hand.

  "Oh, Penelope, look? Isn't it beautiful?"

  The two crowd their heads together and marvel over their respective gifts. I smile, content to see that Penelope isn't being treated with distrust by her own people any more. No matter the harshness of the shell she erects around herself, her heart is tender. And she is eager to be of service, to help those around her.

  I have been doing my best to counsel her on the group dynamics here in the village, confiding in her about my own struggles stemming from being out of touch with a good portion of my memories. But also letting her know that the roots of one's being are always there, always available to tap into, even if the experiences are out of reach. I am happy to see that the talk has inspired her not to worry about fitting into the group or building roots here. Her own spirit is the only root system that matters, and the more she taps into that sense of self, the less she needs to prove herself. A strong sense of self has a way of drawing people in, as evidenced by her inclusion into the group.