Page 37 of Abalim

“Yes, but I thought he told us only one was to be sacrificed.”

Lisa gasped. “You’re right! Does this mean…?”

“Yes.” Abalim gave a curt nod. “All the elders will be executed at the height of the ceremony tomorrow.”

Chapter Eight

Lisasteppedbackandglared at the hut with her hands on her hips. “Well, this reminds me of an old movie my mother made me watch once. It was about a future Earth so arrogant about their youth, they executed anyone who reached the age of thirty. Oh, they made it sound good and all by saying everybody had a chance to be renewed in their so-called fair ceremony. But, of course, no one did. It wasn’t until the hero of the movie exposed the hypocrisy of their society that the murders stopped.”

“Let’s make sure we know what’s going on before we jump to any conclusions.”

She glanced at Abalim with a slight smile. “Can’t help it. I’m always looking for plots within a plot.” She waved her hand around to indicate the alien village. “You can take the writer out of Earth, but you can’t stop the ideas from coming.”

“Let’s head back to the main village and see what else we can find about the elders' hut. JR15?” He spoke to his bot companion. “Are you doing okay back there?”

“If it’s okay with you, Mister Abalim, sir,” the little green and silver spider robot poked its head out of Abalim’s dreadlocks. “I’d like to take a little time to renew my energy source. Since there isn’t any place for me to do that here in this village, would you mind if I transported to the top of the hut assigned to you so I may bask in the solar energy?”

Abalim glanced around them. “I think that should be fine. But make sure your sensors are open so that if I say your name, you come back right away. Agreed?”

“Yes sir, Mister Abalim, sir.” JR15 scuttled to the end of Abalim’s shoulder. “If you do not call me, I will come back once I am fully charged.”

“Very good.” He gave his companion a smile. “Just be careful and make sure animals don’t think you’re a tasty treat. Okay?”

The little botnodded his bulbous head. “I will keep my protective shield on at all times.” With that last word, he pulled his wings out and flew away.

Lisa’s brow wrinkled. “He’s so small. Think he’ll be okay by himself?” She looked up at the gargantuan trees surrounding them. “No telling what kind of creature might gobble him up.”

“You don’t have to worry about him.” Abalim held out his hand for her to take. “That shield he talked about gives a nasty shock to anything that tries to touch him. He’ll be fine.”

She looked at his open palm before placing her hand on his. Darn, she couldn’t remember the last time she walked around holding a man’s hand. It was kinda nice.

“Oh, there you are!”

A singsong female voice came through the small crowd. It was the female who greeted them when they first came to the village, Nyvira. And not far from her was her bonded mate, Tharion.

“We’ve been searching for you. It would be an honor if you joined us at end meal. Are you hungry?” Tharion’s white pupilless eyes were wide as he turned to them once he led the way. “Did you enjoy your walk around Aroonshire?”

“Yes,” Nyvira gushed. “Did you get a chance to meet some of our citizens?”

Abalim tightened his grip on her hand. Too bad her so-called psychic abilities didn’t work very well. She’d give anything if he’d talk to her mentally. Then she’d know what he was trying to warn her about. She bit her bottom lip and decided she’d keep quiet and let him take the lead.

“As a matter of fact,” Abalim said. “We came across the elders' hut and heard some guards warn away another couple.”

“I’m so sorry that you had to witness that.” Tharion's hands clenched into fists. “I’m sure you don’t have the same problem on the Eastern continent, but here there are some who dare to question the Ritual of Renewal.”

“We’re doing the best we can to discourage such renegade ideas,” Nyvira stated with a frown. “As we are lead council, it is up to Tharion and me to identify those who question our traditions.” Her eyes narrowed at them both. “You didn’t happen to catch their names, did you?”

“No, we weren’t close enough to get names.” Lisa couldn’t help but chime in. Okay, so much for letting Abalim take the lead. No way was she going to stand by and expose the young siblings. She wanted to see if they could find any more Lumarians who questioned the powers that be, like those younger ones. Could be a generational thing. “Have you had problems like this in past rituals?”

The tips of Nyvira’s pointy ears darkened. “I can assure you, we don’t normally have any such problems here at Aroonshire. Everyone not only respects our traditions, but is excited about the prospect of renewal with anyone fortunate enough to be selected. No one would ever dare betray the god Echovara in such a manner.”

“Nyvira!” Tharion hissed at her in a low voice. “No one said anything about betraying Echovara.” His frown morphed into a less-than-sincere smile. “Abalim and Lisa, we hope you are hungry.” He stopped and waved a hand before him. “Come, food is ready for your enjoyment.”

Nyvira closed her eyes and shuddered.

Lisa got the impression she was trying to pull herself together.

The Lumarian opened her eyes and gave them a smile. “You are right, my Bound,” she said to Tharion. “This is a time for celebration.” She clasped her hands together and widened her bright eyes. “Please forgive the lack of respect I have given you.” She lowered her eyes with a small bow. “I am ashamed of how I just acted. I promise it won’t happen again.”

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