Starlight Gleaming Ch. 20

Janetta gasped, then whispered, "Oh, fuck. I know who she is. Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!"

Agitated, she looked at the woman, looked away, then back to the woman.

Four more guards got out, these from the first vehicle. Sergeant Vaniksl moved around the advancing woman to intercept them. However, they didn't advance, remaining near the vehicles and keeping watch.

The woman stopped about thirty feet from me and called out, "Lord Kandikan? Are you Lord Ranji Kandikan?"

"I am," I answered.

"I am Izel Ocotépan, widow to Tolmec Dagantochtlo," she announced, pronouncing her name as ee-zell. "My late husband's estate has been settled, and I assure you I am not pregnant with his child. You defeated my husband in combat, and he has been buried. I hereby formally present myself to you, Lord Kandikan, ready for you to claim me as yours."

Then she snapped her fingers.

The servant behind her stepped up and carefully removed the cap, handing it to the waiting servant woman. Once the cap was off, hair sticks were removed, and her dark brown hair tumbled down past her shoulders. The older woman stared at me. Suddenly putting her arms out, the shoulder clasps were undone, and the dress was eased down to the ground. Izel took a step forward, and the servant carefully retrieved the dress. She wore no undergarments of any sort.

"Curse the gods and their fucking games," Janetta growled.

"What is she going on about? And why did she strip?" I quietly asked Janetta.

"Her family is the richest in all Nahua. She's old-school, Ranji. You fought and defeated her husband in combat. While her husband committed suicide, it was because he lost the fight to you. She's naked because she wants you to fuck her and seed her. Once you do that, she'll be your wife. The presence of the priestess will make it official. She knows you aren't married, so she'll assume she will become head of your household." Then she growled out, "I am a warrior. All my enemies are dead -- except for those gods-cursed murderous Atlantean pilots -- and I am still standing."

"Me marry her?" I shook my head. "I don't think so! I don't even know her. I have too much other shit to worry about. I'll thank her for the honor and send her packing."

"You can't!" she hissed. "Didn't you hear me? That thrice-damned coyote-bitch whore is fucking rich. The family is powerful, and she herself owns towns and cities outright, and she has her own private army. If you refuse her, she will be humiliated, and... it'll be so bad, Ranji. Fucking gods of chaos. Whatever did I do that you would steal my happiness after so short a time?"

The servant dropped to his knees and unbuckled Izel's sandals. The priestess, who was bare-breasted with tattoos on her chest, was reciting some sort of invocation.

"Janetta, you're mistress of my household. What do you suggest I do?"

"By the gods, Ranji, we can't afford to turn her away. If you reject her, she may become our enemy. Supay is already actively trying to kill us, and the Atlanteans are preparing to do the same. For whatever reason, she decided you becoming her husband is important." Both of her hands clenched, her next words bitter. "You're going to have to fuck her, Ranji, and that'll be that. You and she will be married. She'll control everything in the house. At least I can sleep with Zinja."

"No, fucking way! I'm not Nahuatl and I'm certainly not old-school," I told her. "There's got to be way out of this."

"There is, but it's too awful to contemplate, Ranji."

"I'm listening."

"You have to fuck me, right here and now, and you need to fill me so I drip with your seed while she watches. Because I'm a noblewoman, it will put me ahead of her in the household."

As gently as I could, I said, "Is that all? Making love to you is never a hardship, Janetta."

"Ranji, I'm unclean. I've been getting cramps for almost two hours now."

I turned to her, and pulled her into my arms. "Janetta, you are never unclean, do you understand me? It's biology, not a curse from the gods."

"Ranji, I--"

"Do you love me?" I demanded.

"Yes. More than I ever thought possible."

"Then say, 'I am not unclean. I am a warrior woman.' Come on, Janetta! As you love me, say it!"

"I'm not unclean. I am a warrior woman." Breaking from my arms, she stepped back, unbuckling her belt.

"What are you doing?"

"Getting ready. If we're really doing this, I'm taking off my trousers so I don't get blood on my uniform. And don't worry about trying to make me come. Everything down there is sort of numb and icky. Just poke and squirt, okay?"

"Just stop, Janetta. And no. If we're having sex -- and I haven't agreed to this yet -- it'll be inside, not out here where the gawking neighbors and their kids will see you getting it. Besides, is that the best you can come up with?"

"She's Nahua, Ranji." Then she frowned. "Although it is curious as to why she waited. Usually these type of marriages happen immediately after the battle, especially if the widow fears for any of her children at the hands of the victor."

"Seven hells, Janetta. If you really believe this needs to happen, then I'll go along with it. But I'm going to have my own say and my own conditions."

She pursed her lips, giving me a worried look.

"I love five women dearly, and of them all, you are first in my heart, Janetta. First. I wish you would remember that."

The priestess finished her prayer and stepped aside.

Izel stepped forward, but I stepped forwards, too. "Wait a moment. With all due respect, Lady Ocotépan, I did not send for you. Why are you here?"

Anger briefly flashed, but she suppressed it, then blushed darkly from her nipples to her forehead. "I'm sorry, Lord Kandikan. I've been told I am a prideful woman. My late husband fought you in a duel to the death. He lost. I was his wife. His property. All you need to do to claim me is to mount me and seed me in front of the priestess here, and I will become your wife."

"No, lady. Both the challenge and the duel were witnessed and the fight was supposed to be non-fatal. Your husband changed the conditions mid-fight, and he brought a poisoned weapon to the match. There is a video record of the fight -- what there is of it."

"What?" She blanched. "They lied to me. My own sons, they lied to me! I should not be surprised. I bore them, but they are their father's get." She swallowed. "This truly makes my shame all the greater. At the Imperial Court and in the lands of Nahua, people whisper behind my back about my late husband's dishonor. I am still of childbearing age, Lord Kandikan. If you do not take me, my brother will marry me to someone of his own choosing. I have inquired and heard good things about you. Please, I beg you, take pity on me."

"Why should I trust you, Lady Ocotépan? Why should I let you into my household? What assurances do I have that you won't seek revenge for your late husband's death?"

"Because I have more honor in my little pinkie than Tolmec ever had in his entire body!" she snapped out angrily.

Then she took a long breath. Calmer, she nodded to me. "I apologize, Lord Kandikan. Your questions are warranted, even despite what I've already just told you. I will take an oath, witnessed by the priestess here, to keep your interests as my own, to serve as a faithful wife, and to aid you in good faith as I'm able. I'm wealthy, Lord Kandikan, with a great deal of power. I also have a sizeable dowry. More important, my word is my bond. I have power and wealth, yet because I am a woman, I'm trapped by circumstances beyond my control. This hurts my pride, but I ask you again. Please, do not turn me away."

I glanced at Janetta, then said, "From what you've told me, we have a basis for negotiation. All right, Lady Ocotépan. Let's go inside and talk."

"Wait! Lord Kandikan! Do you accept or don't you? If you do, just take me and I can get dressed and we can talk all you want."

"Why the sudden hurry? You've already taken longer than thirty days to come here. Once consummated, the deal is done. No, we need to talk first, so there's no misunderstandings. I'm going inside. I haven't had my dinner yet and I haven't seen my kids all day. You are welcome to join us for dinner, and we can talk once my girls are in bed."

She hurried after me, followed by the priestess and the two servants. The four armed men began moving, and two more servant women exited and began unloading suitcases and luggage from the boot.

Vaniksl, backed up by Laylandi, cautiously approached the men. "You have been cleared by Ground Security, but you may not enter the house armed. You can keep your weapons if you remain out here. If you wish to enter the house, you must surrender all weapons to us prior to crossing the threshold. Is that understood?"

Izel halted, frustrated. Then she yelled at the guards in Nahuatl, "Men of Nahua, help the servants with my bags. Wait here outside for the priestess to exit, and return with her to my quarters. I will be here tonight. You will return tomorrow after ten bells. Understood?"

"Yes, Lady!" they replied, and set to work complying with her instructions.

Two troopers stood on the stoop at the front door. Sergeant Yelts and Private Cawbos. Cawbos opened it for us while Yelts kept an eye on the guards and servants, ready to provide back up to Vaniksl and Laylandi should they need it.

Inside the house, Ixma and my girls were in the front room, along with Daydo. The entertainment center was playing louder than normal.

As they saw me, Sisi bounced off the couch and ran to me. "Tenant! I missed you!"

I knelt down, and my big girl went into my arms and my heart soared. I hugged her and kissed her face and forehead, then hugged her again. Sisi grinned, giggling.

And to my utter delight, right behind her came Mina, saying, "Daddy! Missed you!"

Zinja came in from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. "You two ready for some food? We have barbecue mastodon, cooked veggies, and mashed potatoes. Oh, hello. Who's this?"

Janetta said, "This is Lady Ocotépan, and this is a priestess of Coatlicue. These two are servants of Lady Ocotépan, as are the other two coming up the walkway. I have no idea what their names are."

"Captain? What's going on?"

"She's here to marry Lord Kandikan."

Shock writ on their faces, mother and daughter erupted. "What!?"

Just then there was a muted wail from across the house. There was space enough for someone to inhale, and the wail resumed.

I looked at Zinja. "What's going on?"

Mina buried her face in my chest. Sisi, eyes huge, answered. "Nariya's having her baby, Tenant. Mama Zinja says having babies hurt more than anything, but they are worth it."

"That's a matter of opinion," Izel said. "I once thought the same, but now I'm not so sure. Sergeant, get me something to drink and be quick about it. Metl juice if you have it, but anything strong will do."

"Married?" Ixma asked me, her face awash in confusion and hurt.

"I'll get the drink, Zinja," Janetta said. "Lord Kandikan and I are hungry, so whatever you already have, just warm it up and it'll be fine. Lady Ocotépan, will you join us for a meal?"

"How long has Nariya been in labor?" I asked.

"Since about an hour after you left," Ixma said. "After her water broke, it's been mostly quiet. Calia's been in there, helping ease her pain. Nariya's only cried out a few times. This is actually the worst it's been."

Mina, done with her greeting, held out her arms and Ixma picked her up.

I stood, Sisi perched on my hip. "Izel, you need to know there are already seven women in my life. The first one is my eldest daughter, Sisi. That's my other girl, Mina. Ixma is Mina's mother. Zinja, whom you just met, is Sisi's mother. Captain Tlacotli is Mistress of my household. Somewhere around here is Cholan--"

"She's upstairs, laying down, Ranji," Ixma offered.

Izel raised her eyebrows. "That's six. Is the woman giving birth yours, too?"

"No, that's Sowitwee's wife, Nariya. Calia is the last one. She's acting as midwife for Nariya. Sowitwee is my aide. He and his wife live here with us."

Janetta handed Izel a glass, and Izel tossed it back. Janetta waited half a second, then matched her.

"Not bad," Izel said, nodding with approval. "Tastes like Blue Label. Clear, too. Yes, there's the hints of citrus, roasted metl plant, prickly pear, vanilla and other spices." She held out her empty glass. "Another."

My warrior poured another shot for them both.

Just then, Wit and Nariya's bedroom door opened and out strode Calia, followed by a dazed Terra. Calia, beaming with delight, winked at me as she sailed by. Standing at the archway to the front room, she said, "Daydo, I'm happy to announce that your grandson has arrived. Go in and meet him. Your son is overwhelmed, but mother and son are doing just fine."

A silly grin on his face, Daydo scooted by and disappeared.

Calia, sweaty and with blood on her apron, turned to face everyone. "We have guests, Master?"

"Izel, this is Calia, my Personal Servant and my oldest friend. Calia, this is--"

Calia's smile vanished. "I know who she is and why she's here. Lady Ocotépan is hiding the fact that her older brother has already selected a new husband for her, and the wedding is set for next week. She despises the man he picked for her. She escaped from her brother's men, but they are hot on her trail. If nothing is done, they will escort her under armed guard back to her family's estates."

Janetta cocked her head at that, looking at the other noblewoman with interest.

Stunned, Izel tossed back the second shot. "Who is she and how does she know all that?"

"But this other woman!" Calia pointed at the priestess, her features suddenly angry. "She is not welcome and cannot remain within this household! I forbid it!"

"What?" exclaimed Izel. "She's a priestess. She's here to officiate the marriage--"

"Personal Servant? How dare you, slave!" the priestess hissed. "You overstep yourself!"

"How dare you, Tzinco!" Calia snarled back. "I declare you apostate and murderess! You are foresworn before your goddess and you have sold your soul to the devil Supay. You enter this home plotting yet more foul murder! False priestess, the gods will have their vengeance on you for your betrayal!"

At mention of Supay, I set Sisi down and pushed her behind me.

With a scream of outrage, the priestess drew her belt knife and whipped it out. Izel cried out as her lower arm was suddenly bloodied. Before anyone could move, a heavy stun bolt hit her. Then Cawbos tackled the woman to the ground.

Zinja dove in and snatched up Sisi, getting her out of harm's way.

"Warning!" the house AI announced. "Explosive device detected and armed. Warning! Please clear the area at once."

Vaniksl arrived, helping Cawbos pin the stunned priestess.

"Take her outside!" I ordered. "She's a bomb!"

Seven hells! All three hot, all three cold, and the one in between!

Calia, meanwhile, roughly pulled Izel into the kitchen, running the bloody arm under cold running water. "Terra! Get the first aid kit!"

The servant dashed into the pantry, returning moments later with the kit. Setting it onto the counter, she opened it up. "What do you need, Calia?"

Izel looked perplexed. "Who are you? Ouch! I've been cut before, but this... oh, what's happening to me?"

Still rinsing the wound, Calia said, "You've been poisoned, Lady Izel. I will do everything I can to save you."

Vaniksl and Cawbos lifted up the assassin and shouting to the other troopers, hauled her out the front door, where they tossed her onto the front lawn. Then they quickly moved away. Just as the woman got to her knees, she exploded.

Satisfied my people were okay, I went back to the kitchen to watch Calia fight for Izel's life.

Janetta crouched down. "Will she be all right?"

Calia held Izel's arm, her fingers white from digging into the woman's arm. "I need to concentrate. Please! She needs a tourniquet until I can purge it from her system."

Nodding, Janetta reached up to the kit. Terra pulled out the cloth and working together, the two of them set it just above the elbow, then quickly tightened it. Just like they had practiced the previous month.

Terra grinned at Janetta, and Janetta smiled as she nodded. "Good job, Terra."

Moving Izel onto her lap, Calia began to mumble.

Janetta gasped, then whispered, "Look! Her eyes!"

"Please, Captain, you're distracting me." Calia's eyes glowed with an inner golden light as she turned her focus back on the woman she cradled. For almost a full minute, there was silence as Calia slowly rocked in place.

Then, she let out a long exhale, and her eyes returned to normal. "Terra? Get a fresh wet towel to wipe down the blood that's spilt here. Because there's poison, when you're done, just throw the towel into the bin. Please, someone hand me the antibiotic ointment and a Nu-skin patch. The six-inch one." Janetta retrieved the items and handed them over. "Perfect. Let's let loose the tourniquet now. Gently. Thank you."

The young servant woman looked anxiously at the naked woman on the floor. "Will she be all right, Calia?"

"Yes, she will. We stopped the poison in time." Then she swayed, blinking heavily. "Tired. Need bed."

Daydo came into the kitchen. "They named him after me! Can you believe... uh, is everything all right?"

"The priestess tried to murder Lady Izel," Janetta announced. "Calia saved her."

Sowitwee showed up then, exhausted. "Calia? She's having contractions again... "

Calia, eyes closed, said, "Normal, Wit. Afterbirth. Messy but it needs to come out. I can't... seem to move, though."

Zinja said, "Ixma, mind the girls. I can manage with this last bit." And she herded Sowitwee back to their bedroom.

I leaned over and scooped up Calia. She was already out cold.

"Take her upstairs," Janetta said. "Strip her down and rinse her off. I'll follow with this one." Turning to the servants, she said, "Bring her bags upstairs, and find something suitable for her to sleep in."

With a grunt, she hauled Izel up and onto her shoulder. I followed behind, Calia nestled in my arms, and together we went upstairs.

Janetta dropped Izel on the bed. "I'm going back downstairs for some chow. You want me to bring you something?"

I carefully laid Calia down next to Izel. A caress to her cheek. Then I started removing my own clothing first. "If you're inclined. I'm just going to rinse her off so she'll sleep better. Otherwise, I'll just come down when I'm done here."

"Set her bags there," Janetta instructed the servants. "Go back downstairs. We'll attend to her needs."

"But, Lady! She's our mistress."

"I am Lady Tlacotli, Warrior Caste. This is my bedroom. She is safe here. You two go downstairs and talk to Terra and Ixma and find out where you are going to sleep tonight. You other two, return with the guards to where you've been staying and return tomorrow, as your mistress instructed. In the meantime, you need to leave. Now!"

Unhappy, they did as they were bid.

Once the door was closed, Janetta whispered, "Ranji, I gotta say -- those glowing eyes of hers raised the hair on the back of my neck."

"Yet she didn't hurt us. She revealed an assassin and saved Izel's life. What I'm surprised at is that was your first concern. Whatever she's becoming, she's part of our family, Janetta. I'm more concerned about Izel here. She seems to intimidate you some. If turning down Izel's request is as dire as you say, then imagine what would have happened had she died here? Or it that priestess had killed both of us?"

"I don't think I'm intimidated, Ranji. Rather, I'm concerned about our future."