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

door, though. Tara ached to go outside and investigate but knew Gothman women wouldn’t carry out such an act.
    A short time later, Reena plopped down on the couch in the living room. “Well, the pains have stopped, and I am not afraid to say I don’t know as I could have helped her without you.” She smiled at Tara. “You were a smart one to stay out of sight when Togin was here, you were.”
    Tara glanced again at the curtains that hid the window. She didn’t hear anything else, and Reena showed no indication she’d detected sounds outside. For the time being, she would stay quiet and alert.
    Hot tea seemed in order, as the two of them enjoyed the first calm moment since Tara’s arrival. Tara joined Reena on the couch and offered her a mug steaming with the hot brew. She blew on her own tea, but didn’t comment.
    Reena continued her quiet musings. “I couldn’t speak on this when his claim was still awake. She’d be loyal to him, she would. He’s a member of the Lord’s army, and I’m a thinking he could have slipped his wife some powder to bring the baby just so he could get another look in here.”
    Tara nodded her head and leaned back against the couch, rearranging the pillows around her.

* * * * *
    Joy coursed through Reena at the realization that Tara had made herself at home. She took her time with her tea, enjoying the warmth it offered and Tara’s presence nearby. Finally, she rose and moved into the kitchen, dumping the remnants of the pot in the sink.
    She glanced up at those pale sapphire eyes that took in everything being said without comment. For a moment, Reena wondered if she’d looked that wise when she was Tara’s age. She shook her head, doubting it.
    “We’ll do the dishes in the morning. I’ll call Togin and let him know he can fetch his family come morning.”

* * * * *
    Tara had heard stories of Gothman communication devices and was curious to see one. She knew their use was limited—only one person could be heard at a time. Tara thought they must not be very reliable since she also knew the person speaking couldn’t always be heard accurately. She considered suggesting that Reena call Togin now, so she could watch the device operate. But Tara didn’t wish to pry by asking where Reena kept her device.
    As she struggled to remember what the devices were called, exhaustion began consuming her. Tara decided the matter could be dwelled on later.
    She heard Reena say, “I’m afraid, child, you’ll be sleeping on the couch tonight.”
    “It sounds more comfortable than the places I’ve slept for the past cycle.”
    Reena smiled as she lowered the lights so the room was almost dark. “I’m glad to have you here, Tara. We will have more time for each other tomorrow. Good night now.”
    Tara watched the older lady disappear down the hallway before stretching out on the couch.
    “Goodnight, Reena of Gothman. Nice to have met you.”
    Morning came sooner than Tara would have wished. Surprisingly, the homemade quilt, which she had pulled over her sometime during the night, provided a very nice sleep. Tara inhaled the many smells from the cottage the quilt had absorbed, and felt a strange sensation of peace consume her. The irony of it all brought a smile to her face while she stood and folded the blanket. She was in enemy land, being hunted. Peace was the last sensation she should be experiencing.
    Tara entered the bathroom to shower and found a plain peach-colored dress hanging on a hook. The streaming hot water felt good after her long journey and late night. The soap Tara used didn’t smell like Reena, and she wondered if the lady had put it in the bath just for her.
    She would have savored the hot water longer, but knew adventures awaited her on this new day. She was ready to experience all of them.
    The dress fit surprisingly well. The thin material was light on Tara’s skin. After a lifetime of wearing thick Runner material, she felt almost naked. She adjusted a matching