The Saga Begins [Nuworld 1] Read Online Free Page A

hallway.
    “I want to say goodnight to my Mama, I do.” It was the first time the middle child, a skinny girl with a shapeless dress hanging on her bony figure, had spoken.
    “As soon as your mama’s cramping has eased, I’m sure she’ll come gather the lot of you.” Tara smiled at the child, who didn’t smile back.
    She nestled the three under thick quilts covering the bed. A small lamp on a tall narrow dresser provided the only light for the room and sent long shadows up the wall. Tara sat with them and hummed quietly. She realized after a few minutes that she hummed a Runner lullaby. The children stared glassy-eyed at the ceiling and didn’t comment so she continued until she noticed eyelids bobbing.
    “Does it hurt terribly to have a babe?” the oldest asked, continuing to stare at the ceiling.
    “I’ve never had a baby, so I don’t know,” Tara whispered the half-truth, watching as the youngest curled into his sister and plugged his thumb into his mouth.
    “When our neighbor had her last baby, she screamed through the whole thing, she did. Couldn’t talk more than a whisper for almost a cycle after that. Her claim says he is gonna keep her with child just to keep her quiet.” The brief tale was said without inflection, and Tara couldn’t guess from the young girl’s expression how she felt about such an atrocity. Tara wanted to tell her the brute should be castrated.
    “I should be with Mama,” the oldest whispered, after pausing long enough to glance at her now sleeping siblings.
    “I’m thinking your Mama would appreciate you keeping an eye on your brother and sister for her. They will be scared if they wake in a strange bed, they will be.” Tara hoped she didn’t exaggerate the Gothman brogue, but the young girl seemed relaxed speaking with her.
    Tara remained with the children until she felt sure they were asleep then went into the kitchen.
    “You’ve a way with the young ones,” Reena said as she stirred something over the stove. She reached beside her and picked up a bottle containing a green powder, then set about sprinkling it into her concoction.
    “I’ve had a fair bit of experience in that area.” Tara thought of all the children who were often left in her charge when the clan traveled. More times than not, she had longed to share in the adventures of the adults, instead of playing nursemaid. But she couldn’t deny she had learned from the experience of babysitting.
    “I daresay your knowing that will come in quite handy in these parts. As my niece, you’re now officially my apprentice. Come here and sift the root from the brew.”
    Tara accepted the strainer ladle. She slowly stirred through the dark tea, lifting the bark and placing it on the plate next to the unused portion.
    Reena observed Tara until she seemed satisfied with her work, then left for the bedroom.
    It was a long night. Tara stared at the almost empty pot on the stove, thinking there was no way Joli could possibly consume more of its liquid. She knew if she helped Joli to the bathroom one more time, her muscles would be too sore to defend herself against Gothman soldiers if the need arose.
    Suddenly, beneath the sound of branches brushing the roof, Tara was certain she heard someone moving outside the small wooden cottage. No one else in the house seemed to hear the boots crunching out front. Tara guessed the branches were loud enough to conceal the sound from them. Still, she knew what she heard, once even aware that someone had stepped onto the porch. The squeaking of wooden floorboards had given away their position.
    The curtains were drawn, and she had no light from outside to aid in seeing into the darkness. And that put her at a disadvantage she didn’t like. She knew whoever was outside could see through the thin curtains and into the cottage. With the two lamps in the living room and the overhead light burning in the kitchen, she felt on display to anyone who cared to look.
    No one ever came to the