The massive castle doors parted and the Lord Justice Arror Bardor strode in, his baritone voice calling, "Where are my children?" Echos came back from side corridors. Behind him strode six unarmed but muscular eyans.

Many of the Soza stepped back in alarm but recovered immediately. This was their home and they wouldn’t be bullied.

Arror spotted Doctor Renz of Xicon in the crowd and advanced, gripping Renz's vest and lifting him off the floor. "Where are they?"

The doctor gestured to his right and Marko and Tyra stepped out of the crowd, finely dressed. Marko tapped a walking stick on the floor in a slow rhythm, appearing to be in no hurry but not leaning for support, his face like an icy mask. Tyra's arm was hooked in his, her tail swishing to the tap tap of the cane.

Arror dropped Renz, who stumbled backward. He regained his balance just as Suvira and Chi came to his aid.

"Now father. Manners." Tyra held out a hand toward Lady Vida Soza who approached with no appearance of concern.

"Welcome to our home. We are honored." The black of her eyes widened, daring Arror to threaten her in her own home.

Arror took a closer look at his children’s faces, healthy and strong as ever, and turned to Vida. "The honor is mine. Bright day, Lady Vida."

The castle inhabitants reacted instantly, a few shouting greetings, some exhaling held breath. Nervous movement.

Vida stepped forward and held out her hands. Arror bent to enclose them in his.

Vida smiled and squeezed, harder than necessary and with a hint of sharp nails. "We'll be having a late dinner. Feel free to settle in." She let go and gestured to Vara who stepped forward to guide Arror and his companions to their rooms.

Arror hugged his children and then nodded to the assembled crowd. His eyes met Renz's. "Doctor, walk with me." It was not a question.

Renz pulled away from hands trying to hold him back. He joined Arror and they followed Vara along curving hallways leading downward into stone-carved tunnels.

Arror cleared his throat and asked Renz, "When did you learn Tyra and Marko are my children?"

"The day Lady Tyra arrived. I had suspected but Lady Vida found it amusing to make me wait." Renz replied.

Arror dropped his voice in volume and tone. "And when were you going to tell me about the poisoning?"

Renz swallowed. "The message passed you on your way here. We can talk in private, now if you like." Renz seemed to be losing his breath walking at Vara's quick pace and there were quite a few ears in Arror's party following them into the depths of Soza Castle.

Arror nodded. "Agreed." Speaking here would be imprudent but Arror could not relax until he had some answers.

The sitting room was sculpted into mountain stone with a forest relief on the back wall. Heavy timbers reinforced the tall space.

Once Arror and Renz were alone sitting with fur lap blankets, Renz recounted his meeting with Lady Vida. She had decided someone needed to die. Renz countered with a plan to pretend to poison Marko and sneak Tyra out of the capital.

"Why would Lady Vida agree to such a convoluted plan? That is not her style. What was in it for her?"

Renz paled but continued. "To keep all our assets in play. And probably to embarrass Lady Ravda for her meddling. I took care of everything and she sat back and took the credit. If she had not, I would have pulled my project and taken it to the islands. She would have lost everything I offered including access to the Lexicon University and extended trade."

That seemed like an unreasonable assertion. Vida would not fold to a childish threat like that. "Why did she believe you?"

"She interrogated me using the truth-telling incense. I had a visceral reaction to Marko being threatened." Renz replied. "An attachment she believes she can use to keep me under control."

Arror’s eyes went black. He held his breath for a couple of seconds and could hear the human's rapid heartbeat. He made fists and then relaxed. If this little man had exerted power over Marko... "He is under your protection and you…"

Renz's shook his head, eyes wide in fear. "I protected him. You and Ravda sent him to spy. On me. On Vida. And despite that, I never laid a hand on him. I freed him. I offered him an equal place in my house. I would not harm Marko and I would not change a thing I have done. Even if he left this minute."

Arror blinked. Considered. Renz's passion seemed real. His fear certainly was. But how much of this was the truth? How much was a lie? "You trust and protect a man you know was sent to spy on you. Why?"

"He treats me like family. He is kind, protective, and understanding. I learned that before I learned he was a spy. I don’t know why, but I adore him."

Arror leaned forward. "And if he has played you for a fool?"

Renz looked down at the floor. "That would hurt. I would feel vulnerable without his support." He looked back up and met Arror's gaze with his own. "But I don't believe it."

Assuming Renz was genuine, did he mean it when he offered Marko an equal place in his house? Did he understand what he was saying? "I assume you will be challenging the ban on interspecies marriage."

Renz nodded but broke eye contact, surprised at the question. "Meredith already has that on the agenda and I have offered my support. I have a list of contacts to write to voicing Xicon support. We will not call a vote until we have favorable numbers."

Arror knew that would be difficult, but unless they could send the humans back to space, it was inevitable. "It may be a crawl through brambles."

Renz nodded. "An uphill battle. I understand. If we are going to survive we need to integrate with the culture, purists on both sides be damned."

Under less personal circumstances, Arror would admire Renz's resolve. But his children were involved. "Just to clarify, Marko was never poisoned?"

"Correct, though there was an attempt from outside which we blocked. You are one of five people who know Lady Soza did not harm Marko. Tyra does not, and I doubt it would be good for their reconciliation if she found out now."

Arror’s anger returned. Outside threats? Secrets? But he could convince Marko to confide in his sister. Arror pressed on. "The project. You are making progress?"

"We hope to break ground in the spring. Since Soza Provence doesn’t need capital approval for use of their own materials on their own land, I think we’re good." Renz replied. "Joe and Dzev are working out the materials orders."

"Congratulations." Arror nodded, though his voice was dry. "If I can verify your testimony, I will consider clearing your record. If I find I have been misled, I will not, and there will be other consequences."

Renz nodded. "Understood. I am at your disposal should you need anything further."

Arror smiled, a vicious showing of teeth. "I don’t think I will be needing you disposed of. I don’t suggest you use such language with your host."

Renz closed his eyes for a moment. "Noted."

~     ~     ~

Suvira snuck along the stone-carved corridors listening for voices, but came around the corner and bumped into Ani from Market Town, carrying a cloak over her arm. "Ah. A visitor for the Lord Justice, I presume. No other reason to be wandering."

"Yes," Suvira acknowledged. "If he's not busy. Otherwise..." She edged back the way she had come.

Ani flashed a blade from under the cloak. "Nonsense. I will take you to him and you will wait your turn." Ani waved Suvira in front of her and followed along the gentle curving downward slope.

Renz was leaving a room up ahead. He was in one piece at least. Suvira nodded as he passed. He gave her a crinkled, worried look and rushed on.

Suvira hoped he hadn't said anything she would have to explain.

Arror greeted her with mild amusement and waved a hand, bidding Suvira to enter. "Welcome. I didn't expect to see you so soon."

Suvira swayed a little, not sure what to do next. "Thank you. Do you like the mountains?"

Arror nodded. "I learned to hunt here. Good memories."

Arror lifted the fur blanket from a wooden bench and Suvira sat taking the blanket for her lap.

"Why the rush?" Arror asked. "Are you in danger?"

Suvira shook her head. "Not that I'm aware of. Though a lot has happened." When Arror stared and didn't speak, Suvira continued. "There were bandits on the trail, looking to take someone alive. Then there was the woman who tried to give Marko a tainted cure when we all thought he was dying."

Arror sat across from Suvira and leaned forward. "How did that happen?"

"Oh. She snuck in with a delivery. She'd been here before many times, but this time she went to Renz's door and knocked. Chi said she tried to use my name but Marko knew the difference."

"Did he?" Arror asked.

Suvira felt her skin warm, but she had no intention of letting Arror know how she felt. She rushed on. "Chi tested the vial, pointed out the woman's purple fingers, and asked her if she would drink the potion."

"Lady Chi poisoned the woman?"

Suvira shook her head, eyes black. "I tried but Chi wouldn't give me the vial. Ximena and I dragged her down to the dungeon."

"Do you think the kidnappers on the trail and this would-be assassin are connected?"

Suvira tried to think. Tyra had said something. "I don't know how, but I think Lady Vida and Lady Tyra were investigating."

Arror blinked and looked off into the distance. "Together? Interesting."

Suvira watched him for a moment. Marko must get that distant thoughtfulness from his father. She waited until Arror looked back at her, then asked, "Do you have any other questions for me?"

Arror shook his head. "I had some, but this far outweighs anything else you could bring me."

Arror helped Suvira stand and led her to the door. "Thank you," he said. "I will endeavor to clear your name. For my son's sake."

Suvira stood alone in the hallway, suddenly out of breath. Arror had been able to tell. But why wouldn't he? She'd admitted trying to kill for Marko.

~     ~     ~

Chi answered a knock at the door and found Marko leaning on the dragonhead cane. “After dinner would you join us for a krawy idzaney.”

The invitation included a phrase Chi wasn’t familiar with, so she checked her translator, which was only vaguely helpful. “What is a cuddle puddle?”

“A physical closeness with one’s closest associates. Hugging, shared spaces, and feelings. Innocence, laughter, and gaiety,” Marko answered.

“That sounds like something we wouldn’t want to miss.” Chi glanced behind her to make sure Renz wasn’t out of the shower yet. “Will your father be there?”

“No. Lady Vida is entertaining my father,” Marko told her. “No more drama tonight. We have a lounge prepared.”

Renz would be surrounded by his own people. Chi liked the sound of that. “We’d love to. Casual, warm dress?”

“Yes, something comfortable. That would be good.”

“Thank you, Marko. We’ll meet you after dinner.”

~     ~     ~

Arror strode into the bustle and clamor of the dining hall with pleasure. Only a few people stopped and stared for a moment when he entered, but that had been his own fault for his temper. This hall was one of Arror's favorite places, where everyone was welcome and cared for. If you were here, you were family. At least until the meal was done.

Arror appreciated his career in law. It was important work that made lives better and communities stronger. But he witnessed struggles on a daily basis, from the pettiest to the most vulgar. None of that here.

Arror stopped first at Marko's side, glad to see him in a lively debate over freshwater versus saltwater fish. Soza had well-stocked lakes in the mountains and midlands, but Bardor has access to the saltwater channel and the seas. It was a friendly debate their families had shared for generations.

Arror wished Marko well and continued across the room. Lady Vida had saved a seat at her table and waved him over.

Arror approached. "Good evening. Thank you for your patience, Lady Vida."

She waved dismissively and poured a round of drinks from the pitcher at the table. It was a guarantee of safety, that sharing of drink. "We all fight for our children. It must be hard to be both father and mother, but they do grow up and sort themselves out. Yours are bright and brave."

Arror's chest ached with pain and pride. "I am glad you think so."

"Oh, it's true," Vida insisted. "I tested them. They are strong, thoughtful, and they stand up for what they believe in."

"Even when drugged?" Arror asked, selecting a purple marbled cheese from a tray and eating it whole. The cheese had traces of the truth-tellers serum in the veins of mold.

Vida's eyes widened but they did not turn black. She laughed, amused. "Especially then." She ate a piece of the cheese herself. "You should have seen the doctor and your son, each separately defending the other. Each desperately asking me not to tell the other."

"So it is true?" Arror asked. "And I expect you enjoyed every minute of it." He didn't quite keep the twinge of anger out of his voice.

"One should always rejoice in a love match, don't you think?" Vida soothed. Her tail brushed across Arror's knee for just a second.

Arror felt a shiver but ignored it. "Of course," Arror replied. If it were a love match. "And the assassin in your dungeon?"

"My, you do work fast. Tyra took care of that matter for me as the eldest Bardor in residence. The woman and her whole family have been banished to her Kannar kin. They are southbound under guard as we speak." Vida looked giddy to report the matter out of her hands.

"I must remember to thank her, though pushing Kannar much further is inadvisable." Arror held off asking about the larger element of trouble. For now. "I hear your daughter Ximena finished her apprenticeship and is excelling." Vida was pulling on his emotions. He might as well return the favor.

"Kind of you to notice. Yes. Ximena is the secret keeper who tempers the doctor's communications." Vida sighed, whistful and proud.

"She is doing well. My cousin in the capital finds his letters from the doctor clear and convincing. Minsor finds the doctor quite level-headed."

"Oh, really?" Vida asked. "I find him quite a passionate soul."

"Then your daughter would make an exceptional diplomat."

~     ~     ~

Arror asked Tyra to walk with him after dinner. Tyra showed him the balcony over the lake, though the water looked inky black under the cloudy night sky. The air smelled moist and they felt the wind that was bringing a storm front.

Smoothing his voice in an attempt to be gentle, Arror asked his daughter, "How did you find Marko when you arrived?"

"He seemed quite ill at first," she reported, leaning on the rail. She sighed. "I was surprised to find Marko alive and I was cruel at first. I didn't want to drop my guard and then lose him."

Arror nodded, though she didn't look back at him. "You seem to be working things out. He seems very well for someone just out of his sick bed."

"He is moody but he will be fine. Though his attachment to Doctor Renz worries me." Tyra turned and looked up at her father. "Is the doctor dangerous?"

Looking into that earnest face, Arror could only speak the truth. But he could word it carefully. "Anyone is dangerous when defending their life or their family. I don't think the doctor is a danger to Marko. The doctor's enemies, maybe."

Tyra shook her head. "So far no one who has crossed the doctor has done so without pain or death. Maybe the safest place is at his side. But I just don't know."

Arror hugged her. "Marko is strong and capable. He doesn't need our protection. Just our love. Be there for him."

~     ~     ~

Renz opened the door to the lounge for Chi, letting her stride across the room to the bar where Ximena filled horn mugs with a sweet-smelling spruce tip brew. Trays of bite-sized appetizers crowded most of the counter space: chewy dried meats and fruits, confections, and mini loaves of bread.

Renz joined Joe and Marko on the left side where soft mats padded the dais. Renz helped them spread out pillows, blankets, and pea-filled bag chairs. "This looks cozy." Renz put a couple of large pillows along the wall as backrests and settled in.

Tyra strolled in and headed for the right side where a gramophone table with silver inlay held slots for records. Tyra flipped a switch and a steel arm reached up and loaded a record onto the turntable. A crackling fire sound rose into the room, slowly joined by lute and flute. Gentle but not sleepy music. 

Tyra took a few rhythmic circular steps around the open center of the room, then gestured for Joe to join.

"Gladly," said Joe, jumping up to dance. He had been watching and matched her step for step.

Chi joined Renz and passed him a mug. "You alright?" she asked, putting her head on his arm.

Renz shifted to put his arm around her so she could lean against his chest. “I’m well. I think this is just what we need tonight."

Suvira entered with a couple of young men and closed the door behind them. "Avit. Zukab. These are my associates." They were old enough to be men but still a head shorter than Suvira and looked around, bobbing their heads in a nervous manner, not quite concealing tail twitches. Suvira steered them toward the bar.

Marko curled up next to Renz opposite Chi and chewed on some jerky, watching the newcomers. "Soza traders," Marko told Renz. "They are up and down the trail and the west road often."

Renz nodded. "Good friends to have, then."

Marko exhaled. "Good associates, for certain."

Not friends then. Renz still hadn't curbed his use of the word. "Agreed." Even here in this intimate setting, he needed to pay attention. Keep learning.

Ximena lay down in front of Renz, stretching out. She propped her head on her hands and watched Avit until she caught his eye. He sat at a short distance and they chatted about work and family.

At a lull in the music, as the gramophone's arm changed records, Tyra and Joe sat on the edge of the dais. Joe was tall for a human and his socked feet barely brushed the floor. Tyra stretched out her long, thin legs and crossed them at the ankles. She stared curiously at the differences between their legs until Joe cleared his throat and asked where she learned to dance.

After Avit and Ximena determined they were too closely related to date, Avit joined Suvira and Zukab to dance to the bouncy sounds of strings and drums.

Ximena sat up and turned to face Renz. "Is it true you'll be staying in the mountains?" she asked.

Renz nodded. "That is the plan, yes." He watched her turn her face down just slightly. "You have been a great help, Ximena. If you want to return to the capital, let me know and we can make arrangements."

Ximena tensed for a moment, a rush of fear and confusion crossing her face. "I'm deciding between a life in the mountains and one in the capital. But I don't want to choose now. I might trade places with Hojon when he comes of age."

Renz has reservations about that trade. He wouldn't want Hojon put in a position to spy for Lady Ravda. "We're thrilled to have you here as long as you wish. Let me know if that changes and we will work out the details then." After a few moments he added, "But if you could arrange a trip to the capital for a month around mid-winter, I would have some missives I'd like hand-delivered."

"Oh. I would like that." Ximena's tail swayed back and forth behind her. "Making it back for the winter festival would be amazing."

After a few more dances, Suvira escorted her guests back to their rooms for the night. By the time she returned, the wind had picked up as the storm rolled in over the castle. Distant ghostly wails added a spooky ambiance.

"Have you heard about the beast of the lake?" Ximena asked, lowering her face and eyelids to a frightful angle that made Renz and Chi shiver.

When our ancestors climbed the mountains to escape the bloody war, they found a lake at high altitude which they took for a safe haven. But the fishpond had her secrets and she held more than fish.

There were frightful screams at night: aaeeeee, aaeeeee. In the morning goats, mules, or rabbits were missing. Pens were smashed. Leads were bitten clean through.

Flocks of birds would descend toward the lake and sweep away, never landing on the water. During one of these fly-bys, a long, finned serpent leapt into the air, screaming. Aaeeeee!

It gulped up two birds in midair and fell back into the lake, splashing water over our ancestors’ camp.

The elders moved the camp back from the water and it was forbidden to disturb the lake at night.  As spring came into full bloom, the raids on the animals stopped.

The grandmothers went out to the lake to investigate on the solstice and found the ancient creature lying dying on top of a clutch of eggs. The grandmothers waited for the ancient mother to perish and then swaddled the eggs.

Three grandmothers carried three growing serpents out of the mountains and down to the sea, where they hatched and returned to the Water.

After several more songs and stories, Renz found himself slipping in and out of consciousness against Marko's side as he held Chi. She was curled up against him, lightly snoring. Renz let himself drift into darkness.

~     ~     ~

Back in the capital, Lady Ravda brooded, stabbing her eggs with her fork. "Why should I agree to anything the doctor wants? He took Tyra and Marko and wrecked my relationship with my sister."

Meredith calmly took a bite and chewed before answering. "Perhaps if you hadn't put them in a frightful situation, Tyra and Marko wouldn't be at the castle and Lady Vida would not be angry. Besides, The Lord Justice passed through the train station last week and will be interrogating Renz for you, probably this very minute."

Ravda's head snapped up and she glanced briefly at Uncle Max. He busied himself mixing his hangover remedy into his juice. He hadn't known. But Meredith knew. Intriguing. "Hmm. Yes," Ravda mused. "That is a pretty mental picture, thank you. But still, Soza province is split on the issue. It would be best if I abstain. Lifting the interspecies bans too soon could put Soza and Xicon citizens in mortal danger."

Meredith nodded. "That is why we get the word out now. Get the idea in people's minds. Fight off criticism with logic and emotional discourse. The more people hear a thing, the more normal it seems. And the more time we have to charm counselors."

Ravda huffed. "I suppose I could keep the vote from reaching the floor while I consider this difficult issue. Keep them guessing. But you're the one who will have to do the charming."

"An excellent idea," Meredith replied, chasing her last bite of potatoes down with her fork. "Though I think our contingent at the castle may have some sway as well."

Ravda took a bite of her eggs to keep her temper from escaping. Meredith might make a keen associate if Ravda doesn't scare her off. Far more amiable than the doctor. "You've talked about your children. How many do you have?"

Meredith raised an eyebrow at the change of topic but took the bait. "Two daughters and a son. Irene, Marie-Jeanne, and Victor." The names were breathy with a guttural r sound.

"Lovely."

~     ~     ~

Zusa stepped into the hall brushing her hands over her purple apron and walked Meredith back to her room. Once they were away from the dining room, Zusa said, "Lady Ravda won't presume to tell you you're business, but you have an opportunity. We have rooms free if one or two of your children would like to apprentice. I would be very pleased to meet them."

"That sounds like an excellent plan," Meredith replied, pausing near the kitchen. "I'll bring the girls up for a visit and see how they take to the capital. Irene is bright and Marie-Jeanne is artistic."

Myra squealed, then ducked behind the island where she had been shelling peas. A few of the peas rolled across the counter.

"Miss Myra." Zusa shook her head. That one was at the age of pushing boundaries. "Tend to your work."

Meredith smiled. "Imagine what you could have heard if you hadn't interrupted us."

Zusa looked shocked, then pleased. Leading Meredith back to her suite, Zusa smiled with pleasure she usually reserved for the children. "That was wise advice. Myra will use it well."

~     ~     ~

At Soza Castle, Arror asked Marko out to the balcony the morning after the storm. Snow dusted the trees and the ground around the lake. Mist hung over the water.

Arror took a moment to choose his words, aware of the rift between himself and his son. "I don't want you to think I am questioning your behavior. By all accounts, you have acted exceptionally well given the circumstances."

Marko nodded. "Thank you. I do my best." His posture was stiff and his voice distant.

Arror gripped the railing, needing an anchor. "The doctor told me you are protective and understanding. He wants your support and your company. How long have you had feelings for him?"

"Feelings?" Marko asked, turning to look over the water rippling orange in the sunrise. "Since the first morning after he arrived in the capital."

"And when did you tell him?"

"On the day of the Festival of Black, Renz told me he didn't want me to work for him. He wants me to be a companion. I want that too."

That recently? Marko had certainly learned restraint in the last few years. "What will you do?" Arror asked.

"Tyra and I agreed between ourselves to stay for the winter and see what kind of connections we can build." He looked back at his father, alert and tense.

"A fine plan. I expect you to write. Let me know if you need anything."

"I can do that." Marko reached out and stiffly hugged his father. "Come see us in spring."

Arror hugged Marko back until he relaxed and then patted his shoulder. "In the meantime, reflect and decide what you want. You deserve a bright future. I'll be back after the first planting."

~     ~     ~

After bidding her father farewell, Tyra returned to the lounge alone, swirling around the floor to the lilting sound of forest pipes pouring from the gramophone. She felt strong when she was in motion. She pushed herself every time because the music pushed away the pain and the biting thoughts. And Tyra knew once she stopped the ache might rush in again, both physical and emotional.

So she danced until she was exhausted, glad for the activity, and then the rest. She curled up on the dais, grabbing a pillow and blanket. Sleep came with a creeping weight that she rarely felt.

And the living dream came to her. A vision. Tyra threw back a rug and yanked open a trap door. She pushed Chi and Renz toward it first. Marko loomed, knife in hand. Tyra followed the couple down a cold steel ladder carrying a lantern and Marko followed her down, sealing the trap door above. There were scuffing sounds, Ximena kicking the rug back in place and then scurrying out of the room overhead.

Tyra lithely moved around Chi and Renz in the rough, narrow space leading to a two-way split in the tunnel. Tyra turned left. It was the only safe way out.

And then she jerked awake, sweating and shaking.

Tyra had been to the castle before as a child, but she hadn't recognized the room in the vision. There were racks of tools and a scarred countertop. There was very little dust.

The details began to slip away and she repeated what she could remember to herself. When she had memorized a mantra of details, she snuck down the hall to Ximena's room and tapped lightly.

"Please," Tyra asked. Her voice faltered.

Ximena pulled her inside and brought her to sit on the bed. "What's happened? Are you hurt?"

"Vision." Tyra's breath was becoming regular. The shakes had subsided. "You were there. You I can trust."

~     ~     ~