A Home That Far

Chapter 10 Escape for Paradise

Tobura pushed his way through the cold biting wind. The canyons were the only place left to look for the mare. There weren't any horse herds nearby, and she'd look for shelter, he was sure. Though not a warm barn, one of the many deep caves would do to shelter the mare from the elements. Some even had warm water springs, so fresh water would be available. The only problem would be food. All the grasses, grains, and straw were dormant now. She'd have to eat the younger branches of trees, and dig through the ever-deepening snow to find food, if she was lucky.

This area was right on the Dragon's migration route. Some even stopped to warm themselves in the warm springs before continuing south for the winter. If Lightning was here, there was a good chance she'd be dead. He refused to believe that. Lightning was smart, she'd find a way to survive. And he'd find her and bring her home.

He rounded another turn and came face to face with another snowdrift. He sighed heavily. He'd trudged through seven drifts already, his green scaled skin was slowly turning white from the cold. He wasn't sure if he could take much more.

Suddenly, a sound from further on brought new vigour to his cold limbs. A horse was neighing, and it was close. 'It may not be Lightning,' he thought, but he pushed through the blown in barricade and ran over the exposed dirt and stone. The neighing became louder, and frightened. 'No!' He ran faster, fearing the worst. Though the lead line and noisemaker he carried wouldn't frighten a dragon off a meal, he would certainly put up a fight.

He slid on some ice and tumbled down an embankment, landing in more snow. He pushed his way through and down a bit further. There, he saw her. "Lightning!" he cried. The mare turned her head. She'd fallen on some ice, and could not get her feet under her. Easy girl," he said, coming around her back to her head. "I'll help you." Quickly he thread the halter over her head, and hugged her neck. "Its ok girl. It's all right. I'm here. You worried me so much." The mare nickered as his grip lessoned. Quickly he sought out her left front leg, confirming Man-at-Arms' owner's ring. Relieved he'd not made a mistake, he went on to remove his coat and winter pants. If he could get the mare to her feet and clear of the ice, she may let him ride her back to the palace.

"Tobura?" The boy turned at the sound of his name.

"Man-at-Arms! I found her! I found Lightning!"

"I know."

"Please don't be mad. I didn't mean to let her get away."

"Its alright. Tobura. I've not been worried about her." Duncan walked the boy away from the horse. "You know that Lightning is very special." He nodded, wiping his freezing tears from his eyes. "What we didn't know, was just how special. Do you know about the large number of guests we have at the castle?"

"Yes."

"Well, it seems that Lightning is like them."

"Huh?"

"Watch. Don't be afraid, just watch." He turned the boy back to the horse, and nodded to the mare's green-eyed gaze.

Tobura didn't understand. He'd found the Master's horse, but he'd said he wasn't worried. 'Doesn't he care about Lightning?'

The mare put her nose into the snow, and stretched her legs out over the ice. He was mortified as he watched the shape of the horse shrink, as though it were a balloon deflating.

Her beautiful white coat became discolored, and rather green. The horse's long neck shrank into her shoulders, her elegantly slender head completely distorted, as though caving in on itself.

"Man-at-Arms!?"

"It's alright Tobura, just watch, you'll see."

The White fur was completely gone now, replaced by shimmering green. The horse's legs disappeared beneath the green covering, and human feet and hands reached out. The white mane moved, as the figure raise its head.

The boy couldn't believe it. It was a human, not just human, but a woman. "Can I have my boots & coat please? This ice is freezing!"

"Wait here Tobura. I've someone for you to meet." Duncan carefully skidded across the ice and dropped the woman a pair of boots, and draped her coat around her shoulders.

"I can't get up Duncan, it really hurts."

"I told you I wasn't a good idea."

Would you drop it!" she said, as he helped her to her feet, ad guided her over the ice. "Just don't drop me."

"Man-at-Arms? Sir? What is going on?"

"I think you better take this," he told her.

"Chicken," she laughed, as he set her down on the rock. "Hello Tobura. My name is Kale. I was the horse you knew as Lightning. Thank you for being so kind to me."

"What are you?" the boy asked.

"Don't' be afraid Tobura, she's a friend."

"I'm not afraid sir. I'm..."

"...Confused?" she offered.

"Yes. I'm sorry if I seemed otherwise."

"Not at all. Duncan, why don't' you get the ship. My jockey & I need to talk."

"No problem," he said, and gently kissed her forehead. "No gossip, ok?"

Kale watched him, puzzled, as he walked away. He'd almost kissed her that morning, and she was sure it would have been more serious, but this time, it was more like a friend. What happened? Was it because Tobura was with them? The boy had seen more expressive and exposed, displays of affection in the barn with the other barn hands and their sweethearts. Then again, Duncan was very respectable, & well respected, perhaps he didn't want to just jump into a relationship in front of anyone. No matter what their rank.

"Does it hurt?" he asked her, drawing her attention back to him. "Changing like that, does it hurt?"

"Only the first time. After that its easy."

"But just now, you said you were in pain."

"Only because I've been human for a while. Changing while still recovering really hurts."

"Recovering from what?" he asked, as she helped him back into his coat.

When Duncan returned with the air craft, Kale and Tobura were in deep discussion about the events after her escape as a horse, as well as Kale telling him about her people's back ground. Rather than break the flow of their discussion, he remained silent, as he gently carried Kale to the ship, placed her inside, helped the boy settle in between them, then flew the craft home.

When they arrived, Tobura had fallen asleep. The Barn Master took charge of the boy, taking him to his room & putting him td. d.

"Feeling better?" Duncan asked of Kale, as she massaged her legs.

"Yeah," she replied quietly. "Just some cramps. Comes with not changing shape for a while."

"And recovering from your injuries wouldn't help either."

"No, it wouldn't."

"You need a hand?" he asked, as she slid over the side of the craft.

"If you can walk me to the exercise room, I'd really be grateful."

"I think I can do that." It was with great concern that he watched her hobble her way across the castle grounds, and her pace became considerably slower as she entered the castle. Once in a while she'd stop to rest her leg, or catch her breath. Finally they reached the small gym, to find Logan furiously lifting weights, which seemed ready to squash him, despite his bulky frame. Logan quickly stopped, picked up his towel, dried his face and bare chest, and walked out.

"Well," Kale sighed, easing herself to a tall stool. "Logan is in a mood. Better steer clear."

"I wonder what's eating him?"

"Probably had another run in with Scott."

"I wouldn't' blame him for being angry then. Well, I better leave you."

"Duncan?"

"Yes?"

She stood closer to him, more for her balance than anything else. "Thanks, for going along with what I planned for Tobura. He fells much better."

"I still think we could have found a better way."

"Maybe, but then you wouldn't have two very important things." Duncan just looked at her questioningly. "The knowledge you gained, by letting Tobura finish what he started. He's a man of his word. He promised to find your horse, and he did. And you also have this..." She drew closer to him, her nose touching the ends of his moustache, but before their lips could touch, she lost her balance and fell.

Duncan quickly shifted his position, and caught her, his strong arms barely straining under her weight. "Sorry," she whispered, thoroughly embarrassed. "Not exactly what I'd planned."

"You can't be graceful all the time," he whispered back, bringing her closer to finish what she had started.

"Excuse me..." the tow turned to see Logan quickly exiting, pulling Hank with him, Logan's hand over the blue man's mouth. Kale quickly got to her feet, muttering some unforgivable words under her breath. Duncan bid her good afternoon, and left, casting a disapproving stare at the two in the hall, Hank still gagged.

"Gentlemen," he said, and continued on his way. Logan let Hank go and together returned to the exercise room.

"Hey Stratos!" Adam called, seeing the Avion king gathered with others around one of the consoles in the monitor room. "I was just passing through, good to see you. Teela hasn't been her by chance has she?"

"Why's that, prince?" he asked, handing over and receiving more papers from those at his side.

"Well, at least when I see you, I know I won't get tied up in knots."

"Teela still working you over?"

"Yeah, only this time she's using moves she's learned from our new friends."

"Really? I'll need to come by more often with some of my soldiers. Pick up some moves ourselves."

"Well, leave me out of it. So, what are you up to?"

"Confirming some rumours. Nothing too serious. Have you seen Man-at-Arms?"

"I haven't seen him, but by the way things are crashing around in his lab, I'd say keep clear till he calms down."

"What's going on?"

"Not exactly sure, but Mr. Summers has been at him quite a bit lately, goading him and all."

"Oh. I see. Ah, thank you. Well, young prince, I've the last what I need, so I'm off. Till next time."

"Sure, and if you see Teela..."

"I haven't seen you."

"Thanks, bye."

Stratos left the monitor centre, and headed out to the courtyard. He was about to catch an updraft, and head home, till a crash drew his attention. As he headed over to Duncan's lab, another crash occurred, cased by a large hand tool flying through one of the few windows of the building. Jokingly, he waved his white kerchief in the air, as he cautiously entered the lab. "Duncan?"

"WHAT!!" the man snapped, tossing another bunch of tools across the room.

Stratos ducked to be sure none of the equipment not yet flying, didn't suddenly grow invisible wings and attack him. "A bit miffed are we?" Stratos asked. Duncan just shook the current too he held at the bird man, then let it fall to the floor, leaning on the work bench in front of him. "I take it things didn't go well with Kale?"

"Things didn't go at ALL!" he seethed. "With two telepaths in their group, they keep interrupting us. I tried to kiss her this morning, Mrs. Summers walks in. We try again just a while ago, Logan and McCoy walk in. timetime we are alone and about to make progress, one of her people turn up, completely ruining the mood! I get the feeling I'm gona have to lock the door."

"It can't be that bad."

"They're monitoring me! I'm sure of it!!"

"I see. Well, why not get away with her?"

"What?!"

"Look, you had to go off and find the boy from the barn. It was all over the rumour mill today. But you couldn't do anything because you needed to find the boy. But why not just go off with her. Show her around a bit. Forge has to update the sensor stations along the Avion border to detect the metal their ship was made of. Why don't' you and Kale go along. When he and his assistant are off doing their thing, you and Kale can just relax and enjoy eachother's company. There are quite a few farms along the valley floor, maybe she'd like to see the local farm animals. And the view of the horizon along the Sea of Rakach is beautiful this time of year."

"You've got to be kidding?"

"Hey, you'll be alone..."

"Yeah, till the farmer comes in to tend the animals."

"It will only be you, Forge, one other, and Kale. Forge is already involved with another young woman in the group. I doubt he'd be concerned of what you plan to do."

"That' not the issue. I'm human, she's not. That's what they're up in arms about."

"Is Kale?"

"What?"

"Does Kale mind that you're human?"

"No."

"Then who cares what the others think or say? The ones who have to live with your relationship are you and Kale."

"Try telling that to them! They have her so tense about trying anything with me, she's scare to even to get caught with me!"

"All the more reason for you to get away with her. Trust me, it will work."

Duncan watched the winged leader leave, tucking his kerchief back into his belt. 'Maybe,' he thought, picking up some of his tools from the floor. 'Maybe getting her away will work? And it isn't like there' be no point to the trip. Forge could use the help.'

He slammed a few cupboards closed and headed out. 'Yes. I'll take her on the trip. The Avion posts are the last to upgrade, and many of them are close to the sea's coast. The posts are some distance apart, and many on the top of cliffs or half way up mountains that are not suitable for a campsite. While Forge is off doing what he needs to do, Kale an I can be alone. I'll be perfect.'

"Father?" He quickly turned to see Teela approaching, with one of his tools in hand. He suddenly felt like a teenager, getting caught by his parents in his bedroom with his sweetheart. He hadn't felt like that in years. He shuddered slightly at the thought of how much time had past. He really needed to branch out his life, and the more he thought about it, the more he wanted to branch out with Kale. "I found this outside. What's going on?"

"Just...working on a few things," he said, tossing the tool in the door and securing it as it closed. "What can I do for you?"

"Help me find Adam? I saw Stratos a moment ago, but he said he didn't know where he was."

"You seem to be looking for him quite a bit lately. Why?"

"He's the only one I can practice my new moves on. T'near says he's too needed in his profession to arrive half crippled."

"So you'll put your prince in traction?"

"At least the King and Queen will know where to find him afterwards." "Ve"Very funny. Sorry, I've not seen Adam since breakfast. If you'll excuse me, I have to take care of something."

"Ok. Tell Kale I said hi." Duncan just stared at her, that old childish feeling creeping in again. Then he smiled at her, as she did to him, then walked away.

Kale slid over the bench to finally sit up. She wasn't quite sure what was worse, the pain in her muscles after she used her powers, or the exercises and therapeutic massage Hank put her through. "Now," Hank began, "perhaps you'll listen to me when I tell you, not to use your powers."

"Yeah, or you'll turn me into a pretzel again. Over and over, and over..."

"Very funny...Kale, I've been meaning to talk to you about something."

"If you're gona get on my case about Duncan, you might want to be careful about what COULD be in your shampoo bottle next time you shower."

"What?"

"Could be hair remover."

"You wouldn't!?"

"I would. Duncan and I, in conversation, is a forbidden topic. You got that?"

"Fine, fine...I'll stay out of it."

"Good."

"Am I interrupting?" Duncan asked, only hearing Kale's irritated voice form the hall, before stepping in the door.

"Not at all," Kale answered, hobbling across the floor to him. "Just setting some boundaries. Care to join me for lunch?"

"I'd like that."

"Good. Bye hank."

Keeping time with her pace, Duncan guided her to the dinning hall. Once seated, he requested the server bring them each a meal, then making sure none of her people were around, he sat down next to her, leaning close, as he spoke in low tones. "I'm going to suggest something, I'd like for you to think on it, very carefully, before you answer."

"Ok."

"In about a week, that's six days, Forge will be ready to head out to the Avion border to upgrade the sensor net. As far as I know, only two Eternians will be going with him, his assistant, and the pilot of the supply craft. There are a lot of farms, and animals in the area..."

"Are you suggesting that we go with Forge?" she asked. He nodded. "Ok. Lets go..."

"You..." They sat back as the server brought their plates. When she left, he continued. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. How else are we going to have a chance to...talk...just us? No interruptions."

"I couldn't agree more. I'll tell Forge. We'll need ager ger transport."

"And tents, and thermal sleeping bags..."

"Do you have any idea how cold it is out there?'

"Yes, and two sleeping bags can be zippered together into one, with room enough for two."

Duncan nearly choked on his bite of food. "What!?"

"Don't worry. You'll probably be wearing every stitch of clothing you bring with you, just to stay warm. That's half the fun."

"I'll never understand you."

"That's the whole point of being a woman, on any planet. Sorry."

"Eat your lunch."