Jeanne G'Fellers - No Sister of Mine, Jeanne G'Fellers [best summer reads TXT] 📗

a glory-filled realization it was! She squeezed her soul guardian’s hand and looked up with a shining smile. “Don’t you see what she’s saying? When we soul phased in the Hiding Caves, you not only saved my life, you created one. Praise be to the Mother. I’m pregnant!”

Chapter Thirty-Seven

You want to see life anew? Look into the eyes of your newborn child.

—LaRenna Krells

Malley’s memorial service was simple and intimate. Her raisers, Dressa and Whellen, having recently renounced their Oath, each refused to attend the event if the other was present. Chandrey called their actions shallow, but LaRenna was relieved. Malley should be put to rest by those who knew her, not by those who had caused her lifelong pain.

Firman accompanied Krell to spell her from carrying LaRenna the entire three-kilometer hike, Krell resisting his assistance until he flat insisted on a turn. After all, he boasted, LaRenna was his sister. Tatra made up the rear of the small procession, fussing for them to be careful of her patient’s ribs, foot, and for goodness’ sake, treat her delicately—she was with child!

They stood at the Freedom Summit above the Training Grounds, facing the low rolling hills that grounded the nearby mountains. A light breeze had chased away the few remaining clouds, leaving a perfect morning for Malley to be laid to rest.

“Ready, wren bird?”

LaRenna nodded as Firman transferred her into Krell’s loving arms. “Hold on!” she gasped when Krell pulled her close. “The mourning sash is digging into me. Would someone please adjust it?” Firman tugged the blue cloth back into place. “Thank you. I’m ready now. Tatra, the ash box, please.”

Tatra passed her the intricately carved container. “Do you need another draw from the smoker before we begin? I know you’re in pain that Krell and I can’t entirely take away.”

“After I’m finished. I want a clear head for this.” LaRenna removed the box lid, held the container at arm’s length, and looked to the three faces surrounding her. The rites were easier to speak with so many caring individuals present. Their sympathy and understanding proved comforting.

Let her go, LaRenna. Krell pushed the thought through their open channel. It’s time to send her home. LaRenna nodded, sighed softly, and began to speak.

“Malley Alexa Whellen, those who care for you have gathered to say their farewells. Your colors of life have faded away as you were taken from us suddenly and painfully. We cry not for you, but for ourselves, for the loss and loneliness we must bear. You have gone and only your memory remains in our reach. I scatter your ashes to enrich the land so once again we can see your colors blossom. Your work here is done. I release you, Malley. Your spirit is free to fly to the stars. With the Mother Maker’s help, we’ll meet again someday.”

Krell turned away from the breeze as LaRenna let the first handful of ashes sift through her fingers. They scattered over the hillside, landing mostly in a patch of pale yellow wildflowers in the valley below. LaRenna repeated the process until the box was emptied, each handful blowing to the same ribbon of color. Krell took the wooden box from her and tossed it down the slope. Now everything that was Malley could return to the ground and become new again.

LaRenna leaned into Krell’s shoulder. “Did you see that?” Her whisper was resigned. “The ashes landed in the skirt nipper patch. They were Malley’s favorite. I bet she planned it that way.”

“I’m sure she did, Wren bird,” replied Krell. “From now on when we see them, we’ll all think of her.” Krell turned toward Tatra, who held a lit smoker to LaRenna’s mouth. LaRenna took two deep puffs then settled into the pain-free comfort Krell offered with it.

“Is two enough?” worried Firman as he pulled back the lighter. Even now, he managed to offer her a supportive if not comical smile.

“Yes, thank you.” LaRenna looked at the flowers one last time. “No doubts, Malley. No regrets. No what ifs. The only thing that remains is the fact you loved me. You gave yourself for the life growing inside me. I will always love you for that. Peace be with you on your journey. We’ll meet again someday. That’s my oath to you.” A single tear rolled down her face as she turned to her guardian. “Take me home, Krell. We’ve a life to build and a family to raise.”

Chapter Thirty-Eight

LaRenna and I decided to crew our own explorer vessel. Two more and we have a full complement.

—Krell Middle on the birth of the twelfth Krells child

An internal kick roused LaRenna from her night’s sleep. Once again, Krell hogged the bed and covers, leaving her overly pregnant mate with a scant corner of each. LaRenna shoved Krell’s sprawled leg from the top of hers and rolled on her side so she could sit upright. Movement made the pressure on her bladder overbearing but then again, she seemed to feel that way quite often the last couple of moon cycles. Krell stirred and reached to draw LaRenna close. Not finding her, she opened an eye. “You all right?”

“Yeah, nature calls.”

“Again? That’s the third time tonight.”

“I might as well live in the bathing chamber these days.” LaRenna pulled onto all fours, used a chair to maintain her balance, and stood. “Back in a minute.” She padded across the cool floor to the chamber. “Make that two or three.”

“Mmmhmm.” Krell watched in amorous humor as she went. LaRenna’s short legs and braced ankle paired with her heavy abdomen to create the effect of waddling. She slid the bathing chamber door shut then immediately back open.

“I do not waddle.”

“Yes you do. It’s adorable.”

“Really!” LaRenna gave an incensed snort and shut the door again. A few seconds later, it slid back open. “Krell, come here please.”

“Wren bird, it’s the dead of night.”

“Now, please.” An urgency in her voice brought Krell bolting from the bed.

“What’s wrong?”

LaRenna pointed to