Page 45 of Claimed By the Alien Barbarian

“I don’t believe you do.” Firion’s low laugh rang out. “But you will.” He swept his arm out. “I assume the population was much smaller then, but the gods were generous with their gifts, and our people grew.” His smile faded. “Our population is even smaller now. The disease swept through my clan as well. For a long time, most of us lived on large rafts, floating across the ocean, but we’ve returned to the way of life we missed so much when we separated from the gods.” His gaze sought mine. “They’re grateful to have us living with them once more.”

When we met up at the clan gathering, I’d told him about my Celedar Clan and how we lived with a god of wood. He was skeptical at first. Who wouldn’t be? Wood burned. Stone did not. But when I described our homes and our way of life, he’d nodded and said that one day, he’d visit. I hoped to arrange for that while I was here.

“The gods are pleased with us once more,” I said. “I’m in touch with Aizor’s Indigan Clan as well as the Ulistar Clan.”

“How is Xax?”

“He mated with a human, one of those taken from their home planet, Earth. They’ve moved to the valley below the Indigan Clan and share the traedorship.”

“Truly?” My brother’s eyes widened. “They abandoned their shrooms?”

“They brought spores with them and planted them. They’ll nurture their plant gods until their homes are fully formed, then move in. Our clans are small. It makes sense to combine them when we can.” More males to provide protection from threats like the Veerenads and to hunt and provide for those who aren’t able to care for themselves. “The Ulistar Clan is even smaller than mine.”

“Will you also move to live with the Indigan Clan?”

“They’ve invited us to do so, but for now, we’ll remain in the forest spread across the low areas between Aizor’s clan and the central god island.”

“Again, you and the others are welcome to return here. We have homes for you and our arms are wide open.”

Not yet. Maybe never. “I miss some parts of island lifestyle, but my home is with our wood god. I believe the other males feel the same, though I’ll mention your offer when I return home.”

“Very well.” He started down the path on the right. “This way.”

Kerry walked beside him, and he pointed out various shops as we passed. I walked behind them with a hint of nostalgia gliding across my bones. I’d loved living here, smelling the briny air and eating fish for nearly every meal. There was something about soaring with my ryvar across the wide-open sky that couldn’t be replaced within the forest.

Yet the coolness I’d found below the canopy, plus the plant life growing around my new clan, couldn’t be replaced with fish or salty air. My clan god didn’t provide the same things the stone gods did, but I didn’t mind hunting or fashioning my ownclothing, though I would be tempted to take tunics and pants home to my clan. The gods provided those to the Dastalon Clan along with vegetables and other assorted goods.

For the first time since I left, I felt good about my decision to remain in the forest. I’d extend Firion’s invitation to the rest of my clan, and some might take him up on the offer, but I was sure most would not. The forest was in their blood as it was in mine.

We passed a few villagers. Most frowned at me and shot curious looks at Kerry and Molly. A few strode over to me and braced my forearms, welcoming me back to the clan, including an old friend, Khol.

“Will you be moving back to the island?” Khol asked. We’d grown up together, running down the wide paths between the village homes and sneaking into a few of the shops to beg for wares.

He hadn’t stepped forward to offer support when I was accused, but time had a way of softening hearts, and perhaps he’d realized he was wrong.

“We’re only here for a few days,” I said. As long as it took to prove my innocence, though I was only going to share my true reason for coming here with Firion. Whoever killed Weela might give themselves away. I needed to watch everyone.

I put my arm around Kerry’s waist. “This is my new mate, Kerry. Kerry? This is Khol, an old friend.”

She gave him a smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Khol’s gaze traveled down her front but not in a bad way. “You’re fortunate, Nevarn.” His voice remained neutral. “Do you know if the gods will send more of the women to us soon? Others would love to find mates among them.”

“Have any been sent here yet?”

He shook his head. “They remain on the central island in the pods that brought them here. There are many and our males . . .”He sighed. “They need mates. Younglings to brighten their lives.”

Perhaps a mate for him as well?

When I returned to my clan, I’d ask Helena, our wood god, what the plan might be for the other women. While she wasn’t often in touch with the other gods, she might be willing to share what she knew. I could send word to my brother who must also hope to one day find a mate among the women.

Khol patted my shoulder. “Come find me when you have time. I’d love to talk.”

“I will.” Leaving us with a nod, he strode down the path and rounded a corner.

Feeling the weight of someone’s attention, I peered around, finding Gilard staring our way. When he caught my eye, his scowl deepened, but that was expected of Weela’s father. With a huff, he dropped the tools he was working on and stepped into the darkness of his shop.

Firion grunted and sent me a sour look, but he said nothing.

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