Page 76 of Romancing Rem'eb

REM’EB

My spirit feels lighter with every step towards my people’s caverns. I am going home. I am returning with my mate, and I am going to fix everything that is broken.

I have seen how the people above live, and they do not split themselves up in fear of sicknesses. Raahosh mentioned that their people had a great sickness many turns of the seasons ago—around the same time our people did—and they lost many of their tribe. But they did not hide away the women they had left, and the sickness has not returned. This is important. It means we can tear down the wall and have no fear of destroying our people.

Knowing that the sickness is nothing to fear any longer means we can change everything.

We set off from Tia’s village with bags full of food and herbs, along with thick, beautiful furs that are soft to the touch. My mate touches my hand as we walk, a smile on her face, the humming of her khui as contented as my own. Vivi and Skarr are with us, along with Noj’me and Colleen. The Attendant chatters non-stop to Colleen, telling her all about what kinds of foods we eat below, and which ones she thinks the humans will enjoy. Devi and her mate N’dek wanted to join us but had already committed to helping with the new arrivals in the village. Judging from the wistful look on her face, they will be coming to the Village of Those Who Remain as soon as they are free. Also with us is K’thar, his mate Lauren, their son and their strange winged pet, who looks too closely like the flyers in the caves that make such tasty eating.

I…have not pointed this last part out yet.

It does not take long before we have returned to the forbidden garden, the place Tia’s people simply call “the fruit cave.” Stepping into the heat feels like coming home. The moment we enter, everyone peels off heavy layers of fur, groaning with pleasure at the warmth.

“Such a welcome change from the cold,” K’thar says, setting his son down so he can undress him. “I do not mind the snow most days, but then I come here and I am reminded that there are warm places left. It makes me homesick.”

I nod understanding. From what K’thar has told me, he lived in a land that was kept warm and damp because of a smoking mountain, but when the mountain died, it took the land with it. Now they live on the shore with the Icehome people.

“Well,” Tia says brightly, glancing around at our small group. “We’ll stay here overnight and then head on. This is last call, though. If you change your mind, or if you want to head back, now’s the time to do so.”

Glancing at each other, no one speaks up.

“I’m good,” Colleen says. “I’m really curious about how you guys live in the caves down here. And besides, we’re just visiting, right? No one said this was forever. We can hang out for a while and then head back to the beach if we’re not vibing.”

“Do you know how to get back to the beach on your own?” Tia asks her.

“Well, no, but I can stay here.” Colleen gestures at the verdant cave. “Someone’s bound to swing by. And if we’re establishing communication with Rem’eb’s people, this might be a good place to meet. There’s food, water, warmth, and it’s neutral ground.”

I do not know if it truly is “neutral.” Other than Kin’far the Exile and a few other mischief makers, my people mistrust this place and its never-ending light. But my people were also quick to eat the fruits brought back. “Perhaps. We will discuss it.”

We rest next to the water, bathing in its warmth. Tia curls up next to me, but I am unable to sleep. The bright light in the cave sears into my eyes even when I close them. More than that, I cannot stop thinking about what comes next. How will my people react to my return? To the strangers that I bring with me?

To the females that have no intention of going behind any wall?

And that I support them in this?

Tia reaches over and twines her fingers with mine, resting her chin on my shoulder. “You okay?”

“I am thinking,” I whisper back. “Trying to imagine how things will go when we return.”

She considers for a moment. “I’m guessing a little screaming, a lot of arguing, but I think overall people will be happy. I can’t imagine anyone is satisfied living a life behind a wall that keeps them away from their fathers, or mates, or sons.”

Tia is right. Of course she is. I only think of my father and how disappointed he will be if I overturn his rules. He will think the rebels have polluted me. That they have “won” somehow. I need him to realize that his way is wrong, and the chief does not like to be wrong.

“It’ll turn out fine,” she reassures me. “Taking down that wall is the right thing to do.”

I nod, kissing the hand entwined with mine. She is right, but I will not relax until everything is settled.

Our group makes good time as we move through the warren of caverns that lead to the Village of Those Who Remain. Noj’me turns out to be an excellent guide as she stays with us. She reminds the above-grounders to be silent in the caverns that swarm with predatory gorgers, and points out the small signals the guards leave when a particular route is no longer viable. She shows Colleen and the others where there are signs of water, when we should not touch plants as they are in a farming cavern and must wait until they are larger to be harvested. I should be guiding them, but I am lost in my own troubled thoughts, playing through conversations I will have with my father to convince him that I am somehow right and he is wrong.

I ponder this even as we travel through the tunnels on the outskirts of the village.

Too soon, we run into one of the males on patrol. It is none other than my old friend, Tan’zor the Careful, the younger brother of my father’s loyal man, Cas’zor. Tan’zor stares at us in shock from across the cavern, taking a few slow steps toward us. He scrubs at his face, looking at me, then at Tia, then at the people behind us.

“Am I breathing sulfur fumes or is that you, Rem’eb the Fist?” Tan’zor asks, cautiously approaching. His hand is on his belt-knife, but it remains sheathed.

“It is me.” I approach, hands open and outstretched. “I have been above and now I am returning with my mate and several of her friends.”

Tan’zor’s eyes widen as his gaze moves over Tia. “You mated one of the above-grounders?”

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