Page 29 of Orange Tundra
With that, she waded into the water, gasping slightly at the cold. She moved with confidence, each step sure and steady. When the water reached her waist, she dove gracefully beneath the surface, disappearing for a heart-stopping moment before resurfacing several meters away.
If Zirc, Roqs and Coone were here, they wouldn't allow this. However, Nim and I were of the firm belief never to strangle a person's capabilities. One of the many reasons why thePurple and White Tribes advanced so much in technology and commerce.
Yet watching her wade into waters where no manaties had ever learned to swim made me feel faint.
The group gathered along the bank, murmurs rippling through them. Kaelor's eyes were wide with disbelief. "He's... he's swimming," he whispered.
"Of course," I said, trying to sound nonchalant, my palms sweating. "My mate's full of surprises."
Brynn cut through the water effortlessly, her strokes powerful and fluid. She rolled onto her back, gazing up at the sky with a blissful expression. "This is amazing!" she called out.
Nim crossed his arms, a contemplative look on his face. "She's drawing attention," he murmured so only I could hear.
I nodded. "But perhaps that's not a bad thing."
Beside us, whispers intensified. "He's not a Neko," someone said. "No other race or specie could swim in our galaxy."
Another voice chimed in. "If he can teach us to swim, imagine the possibilities."
I glanced at Nim. "They're right," I said softly. "This could change things."
He nodded slowly. "Swimming has always been seen as impossible, deadly. If Brynn can teach us..."
"Our mate joked about starting a swimming school," I chuckled. "Maybe she will become the wealthiest person on the planet."
Nim smiled faintly. "We could certainly use the funds." Nim and I used to dream about being the wealthiest manasty in our lifetime to best our parents.
I watched Brynn for a moment longer, her laughter carrying over the water. A memory surfaced—Coone complaining to Zirc about how most nekos hated getting in the water. It struck me then just how significant this was. Brynn's ability couldalter long-held beliefs, open doors we didn't even know existed. Of course, I could already envisions scientists wanting to experiment on her.
Over mine and my mate's dead body. The only one allowed to see her would be Crix and his triad. But only with our supervision.
Brynn swam back to the bank, water cascading off her skin as she stood. A sight that washed away grim thoughts of slaugthering imaginary scientists who would dare to touch her.
She wrung out her hair, grinning widely. "That was invigorating!"
I handed her a cloak to cover up, trying to ignore the appreciative glances from some of the guards. "You certainly know how to make a splash," I teased.
She rolled her eyes. "Very punny."
The group began to move on, but I lingered, my mind turning over the implications of what we'd just witnessed. If Brynn could teach others to swim, perhaps we could utilize the rivers and lakes in ways we'd never considered. Travel, trade, harvest crystals, even escape routes from our enemies.
"You're thinking hard," Nim observed, falling into step beside me. "That's my job."
"Just considering the possibilities," I replied. "Brynn's skill could be invaluable."
He nodded thoughtfully. "Agreed. And it only makes her more of a target."
I sighed. "We need to be vigilant. The more extraordinary she appears, the more others will covet her."
"She has us," Nim said firmly. "We'll protect her."
I glanced at him, a surge of affection washing over me. His unwavering confidence was reassuring, but I couldn't shake the feeling that enemies were closing in.
As evening fell, we made camp near the outskirts of the White Tribe ruins. The remnants of their grand architecture loomed in the distance, ghostly silhouettes against the darkening sky. Brynn settled beside the fire, exhaustion finally catching up to her.
"I'll take first watch," I volunteered, the restless energy within me needing an outlet.
Nim gave me a knowing look. "Get some rest when you can."
