Thalia - The New Generation E-Book

Mari Collier

• Herausgeber: Next Chapter
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

As thievery and deceit befall the continent, a new generation of Maca leaders will rise.

Daniel, the new Maca of Ishner on Thalia, struggles to right the wrongs imposed on his people for nearly two hundred years. Determined to uncover the depths of the Sisterhood’s treachery, Daniel and the other young Maca of Thalia face danger, as new threats lead to a battle to save their land and people.

With tensions mounting in the struggle for wealth and power, can they fend off the attack, or fall to the Sisterhood’s acts of vengeance?

Leseprobe

Thalia - The New Generation

Chronicles of the Maca VII

Mari Collier

Copyright (C) 2020 Mari Collier

Layout design and Copyright (C) 2020 by Next Chapter

Published 2020 by Next Chapter

Edited by Elizabeth N. Love

Cover art by Cover Mint

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the author's permission.

Prologue

Ishmael, Lad of Ishner, left the Laird of Don dissatisfied with his answer. Daniel, the Laird's laddie, had killed a wild elbenor with his knife two days ago. All Thalia kenned it was the time-honored way of proclaiming to Thalia that the slayer was a true Maca. The Maca of Don, Daniel's elder fither, had hung the elbenor's skin in his Maca's Tower office. It was obvious he was nay worried about a Challenge to the Death from his younger.

Ishmael's dark eyes were puzzled as he entered his fliv and went towards the home of his friend, Lorenz, Laird of Don. The visit was nay productive. Lorenz didn't think Daniel would challenge anyone, but the Laird was Earth/Justine by birth and Thalian by Claiming. He often ignored Thalian ways. Ishmael had kenned Daniel was the Maca of Ishner since Daniel was a laddie. He knew which Maca Daniel should challenge. He just did nay ken when.

It was nearing the hour for sustenance when Ismael touched the buzzer at Daniel's home. He prayed Daniel would be alone. The rumors were Daniel was leaving with a crew from the House of Flight for the stars, and other rumors claimed Daniel would Challenge to the Death one of the Macas. Which one was true?

Daniel opened the door and pulled Ishmael inside. Daniel was six-foot-ten and almost a foot taller. “Why are ye here?” kis voice rumbled out.

“Ishner needs ye, my Maca.”

“I am too young and nay ready. The Stars are my calling.” The man's lips were in a straight line and the light brown eyes hard. “Ye are to tell nay!”

Despair over the Maca's decision filled Ishmael with dread for his beloved continent of Ishner for many years. That lasted until the night Daniel stopped a rioting mob in Port Issac while roaring out his Maca Challenge to the Death. Nay had dared to oppose him.

Chapter 1: The New Maca of Ishner

“Have ye called in the ones who do the maintenance here?” Daniel asked Ishmael, his newly appointed Counselor of Ishner.

“Aye, Maca, but they refused,” replied Ishmael.

Daniel seemed to expand beyond his nearly seven-foot height. “Did they refuse because I am male?”

Ishmael flinched. “Aye, all those appointed by the Sisterhood are still in place.”

It was the morning after the Council of the Realm had sentenced the false Maca of Ishner, Ilyan, to a life of being an Ab. The Council then had her parents stripped of power in Ishner. Daniel had challenged all to deny him the title of Maca at the riots in Port Issac of Ishner. None had dared to take up the Challenge or deny that he was the Maca of Ishner. None of the Council of the Realm had challenged him either. Daniel wondered if those members of the Ishner Sisterhood left free after the riots had regained their courage.

“Tis there nay else to call to do the painting here and at the Maca's home?”

“The Director of the City of Iconda tis Ilvina. She may ken who to call.” Ishmael's voice sounded doubtful.

“Tis there nay a crew to maintain the city's buildings?” Daniel hadn't had time to check Ishner's finances, but had a hunch they were in disarray. He was dressed in his Warrior's suit of black as there were no teal clothing for someone his size on Ishner. Ishnerites tended to be slighter and shorter than the rest of the Thalians. They were normally around six-foot or an inch or two taller or less.

“Tis she also part of the Sisterhood?” Daniel asked.

“Well, aye, like all others in power, she tis female and probably one of those that agrees with the Sisterhood, to have been appointed to such a position.”

“If all in power are the Sisterhood, why did the Troopers leave them when they did their sweep of Ishner?”

Ishmael shrugged. “Maca, Ishner tis like Medicine. The Justine War left the Sisterhood entrenched in both Houses. Some say Rurhran tis just as bad.”

Daniel's face became grim. “Very well, rescind the right of the entire Maintenance crew to the homes where they live and the rights to their flivs. Then make up a list of those that might be willing and competent to accept the employment. I shall contact Ilvina. If she tis the same way, have a list ready for those that would serve as Director of Iconda and the other two cities.”

He touched the screen and brought up the listing for city directors. “Either way, there will be a meeting this afternoon with all the city directors, whoever they might be.” He touched the face of the one called Ilvina.

The screen showed the broad face of a female Thalian that looked to be nearing three hundred years as there were slight wrinkles around the mouth and dark eyes. She appeared puzzled as she recognized Daniel.

Daniel's voice rumbled out as though he were addressing his space crew. “I have just fired the maintenance crew for the Maca's Tower and stripped them of their homes and flivs. I still need painters here and at the Maca's home. My counselor to be, JoAnne, Lass of Ayran, will attend them at the Maca's home and instruct them as to what we will expect. If they refuse, ye are to strip them of their right to the homes they have for dwelling and the right to drive the flivs they have been issued. Ye would then select someone else to take their place. Now hold for a moment while I contact the other city directors. Stay on yere com when I finish with my message to all.”

Daniel's finger touched two circles, and two more female faces appeared. As soon as they had, Daniel continued. “There tis a meeting of all of Ishner's city directors, their keepers. Also, the directors and keepers of all the cities's centers are to be here. The meeting tis this afternoon at two o'clock. All of ye, plus yere keepers need to be here. Ye are to have a list of what needs to be done in yere city and how to create a decent place for all Ishnerites to dwell. If there tis a problem anywhere, it should be noted and what resources are needed to address the problem. Since I have nay idea of Ishner's finances, I am assuming it will take time to accomplish all that tis necessary. Also, if any refuse, I will have someone ready to step in as the new Director of any city or any city center. I shall see ye all there.” He disconnected all but Ilvina, and he addressed his question to her.

“Now, what about the painters?”

Ilvina's face had gone from angry, to stunned, and to bland while Daniel had spoken to all. “Of course, I'll see what I can do about the painting. I do suggest the meeting of city directors should be tomorrow morning, though, so that all will be ready to respond.”

“Ye dinna ken what tis wrong with Iconda?”

“Tis nay that. It might take some time to arrange for painters. I shall need to go to the Maintenance Hall.”

“Hall? All are at the Hall? Are nay of them working? Why would ye need to go there? That tis what coms are for: to contact others.”

Ilvina wanted to shout at him, but realized it would be a good way to be kicked out of her home and lose her fliv. As long as Ishmael, Lad of Ishner, was supporting this creature from Don, she kenned anything at Ops could be changed. She did nay trust Issing, Lass of Ishner, either. Issing was Ishmael's sib and would be in the Ops Room.

“I believe that tis where I will find their director. She has her office there. She would be able to direct the actual painters to the Maca's home.”

“Make certain ye stress they are to be there at eleven o'clock when my counselor-to-be tis there. If any refuse, strip them of their rights to homes and flivs.”

“I dinna believe I have such rights.” Ilvina was wondering how long she could avoid calling this interloper Maca.

“Then ye are to notify Ishmael, my Counselor of Ishner, immediately.” He smiled, but his eyes were hard. “I have also kenned that ye have refused to call me Maca. Dinna make that error this afternoon.” He cut off the communication, took a deep breath and exhaled before turning to Ishmael.

“Will ye have a list of names for me by this afternoon? I will need names for replacing any or all of the directors and keepers of any city and any city center. Make sure there are males on that list. I also want them here and available this afternoon.”

“In the same room?” Ishmael was grinning. He had avoided participating in the politics of Ishner under Iylan by remaining Captain of a fishing troller and living with his counselor and family in Medicine when necessary while his troller was in port for maintenance. The House of Medicine also harbored the Sisterhood, but they did nay rule there. The new Maca of Medicine, Marita, wore the purple of Medicine, nay the dull black of the Sisterhood.

Daniel considered, and innocence filled his eyes. “Tis there nay a conference room here that large?”

Ishmael was puzzled by the question. All the Maca Towers were alike. “Of course, there tis on the second floor just like at the Tower of Don. Ye really need to tour the rooms here.”

“I shall inspect them later, but, aye, they will all be in the same room then.” He smiled and continued.

“Since the Director and Keeper of Port Issac were arrested by Thalian Troopers during the riots, those positions need to be filled.”

He turned back to the screen and pushed the button for Itillie, the Director of the city of Isling. Itawnia, her lassie and Keeper of Isling, answered. She was young, nay more than thirty or so, and her brown eyes were worried. It looked like she was forcing a smile.

“Aye, may I assist ye?”

Daniel stared at her. “Where tis Itillie?”

Itawnia took in a deep breath. “There was a bit of trouble on the waterfront, and she went with our Enforcer to make sure all was well. They have things under control.”

“If it was a riot, why was I nay contacted?”

“It was but a fight among some early morning drunkards. There tis nay else for them to do here.”

Daniel regarded her for a moment. “I did nay see Itillie when I called earlier and left a message. If ye listened to it, ye heard that I am having a meeting of all the city directors, their keepers, and the director and keepers of all the centers here this afternoon at two o'clock. I want a list of what needs to be repaired and how things can be improved.” He held up his hand as he saw Itawnia's mouth drop and then start to protest.

“I ken there tis nay funds now, but list all things. We will find ways to start repairing Ishner.” He smiled at her. “And if ye both are nay here, there will be a new Director and Keeper of Isling.” He ended the call, sat back, and looked at Ishmael.

“According to the screen, tis only the Directors of two Centers in Port Issac that were arrested during the riot. That means I need new Directors and Keepers there. Have the list for me by noon. Now I'm going to call all the Center Directors, and those calls will nay be different than the last calls.” He swung around and glared at the screen. Finding StarPaths while in space was far easier than dealing with Thalians.

Chapter 2: The Maca's Home

Daniel saw his counselor to be, JoAnne, Lass of Ayran, waving at him as he landed his fliv on the padport. Her red cape swirled around her. The ceremony uniting them was next week and she still wore the red of Ayran. He could see that Iolan, the Director of Construction, was walking toward her, the woman dressed in the dull black of the Sisterhood.

He hurried over to where they stood. He had noticed Iolan had sense enough to bow to the Lass of Ayran. Iolan turned to him, and her lips were stretched as though trying to smile.

“I am Maca!” Daniel roared. His chest and body seemed to expand.

Iolan's mouth dropped, and she tried looking right then left. There was nay escape or she would lose home and fliv, according to the Director of Iconda. She stepped forward to lay her head on his shoulder and realized she was almost a foot too short. To her horror, she felt his hands on her rib cage, and she was swung upward. The heat in his hands caused a sharp intake of breath as she performed the ancient ritual of first her head on one shoulder, then the next. She realized that she was trembling. She had just met a powerful Maca, her Maca. How could this be? Was the teaching of the Sisterhood all lies? Had she wasted her life and deeply hurt her own parents? She continued to shake as Daniel set her down. Dear Gar, if his beloved were not here, she would tear off her clothes if he demanded it or even hinted at it.

“My Maca,” she murmured and bowed. She looked up into the set face and hard, light-brown eyes that seemed to soften at her discomfort. Iolan was not fooled. This was Daniel, the StarPath finder and Warrior. She kenned she was about to agree to every demand he or JoAnne would make.

Daniel looked at JoAnne and smiled. They stepped together and hugged. “Have ye seen the inside?” he asked.

“Aye, and ye are correct. The bedrooms are hideous.” She turned to Iolan. “The main bedrooms are to be repainted in the medium teal as I wish to hang deep teal curtains as befits the Maca of Ishner. One bedroom will be red with royal blue drapery for any visitor from the House of Ayran or the House of Don.”

She did nay wait for an answer, but turned back to Daniel. “Who do I consult for the drapery?” A blank look came over Daniel's face. The Director of his Lad of Don home took care of such matters, and his face cleared.

“I will need to check and see who the Director of the Maca's Home tis. Was there nay to greet ye?”

“If there tis anyone in there, they are well hidden.” Her voice was sharp. “Tis totally strange. I need a list of other qualified Directors, or I shall bring my own.” Joanne was used to running Ayran since her mither was Guardian of the Realm and her brither, Jarvis, Maca of Ayran, was often away at the Warriors Academy or flying into space. Her elder, JayEll, Lad of Ayran, was too busy being the Counselor of the Realm or a Martin for any real assistance.

Iolan cleared her throat. “I believe the Director was detained by the Troopers. She was in Issac during the riots and joined a last-ditch stand at the waterfront.”

They were both looking at her. “I thought the rioters were all from Port Issac.” Daniel's statement was part question. “If nay, why was there nay more elites from the other cities?”

Iolan swallowed and licked at her lips. “Beauty was becoming too much of a liability. Ye canna run around murdering Thalians for nay reason. In truth, Maca, many of us kenned that Ilyan was nay a true Maca.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Many felt it was nay worth risking our lives for her or her position. Ishmalisa had changed too. All she cared about was Ilyan. It was a fool's errand for the Troopers of the Sisterhood to capture Ishmalisa and her counselor.” The last burst out, and Iolan realized she had resented the way the Sisterhood had progressed over the last fifty years.

Daniel had a tight smile on his lips, nodded, and turned to JoAnne. “Did ye wish to select the Director and Keeper, or do ye wish me to arrange for them?”

JoAnne shrugged. She was irritated at the absent help. “Mayhap ye best do so. If ye do nay have them within three days, I'll bring in someone from Ayran.”

Iolan winced. That meant if she did nay have this place and the Tower under her supervision, they would be bringing in workers from Ayran and Don. “If I could view what needs to be done, I can then bring in a crew. Will the credits be available?”

Daniel led the way inside. “I will pay for the work we require here from my Don credits, but the credits for the Tower will come from Ishner.”

* * *

Daniel looked at the assembled group. The meeting with Iolan had concluded in time for him and JoAnne to have caterers bring a lunch to the Maca's home ere she returned to Ayran. He had put off meeting with Issing, Lass of Ishner, till she finished going over the accounts. He assumed her report would be bad. He and Ishmael had met in the foyer of the Tower and rode the lift to the second floor where the meeting rooms were located.

Ilvina, Director of Iconda, stood as he entered, and she bowed. “Welcome, Maca.” She kenned the power he had and was nay about to dispute or deny him. Let the others be fools. She heard a couple of gasps from the seated Directors and Keepers.

“Thank ye, Ilvina,” Daniel replied. “Ye all ken why this meeting was called. As ye probably ken, the Director of Port Issac and the Keeper were arrested by Thalian Troopers during the riots. They have been sentenced to the asteroid mines. This tis Ivan, the new Director of Port Issac.”

He pointed to the man standing by the window. The man bowed and walked to the chair next to Ilvina's Keeper.

“Some of ye may remember him as he was Director ere the Sisterhood replaced him. Like ye, he has come prepared to list what needs to be done. He will select his Keeper.”

Daniel noted that the faces of some of the women became flushed while others looked puzzled. How had someone from Don found anyone connected to the House of Ishner and its former Directors?

“All of ye must ken Itillie, Director of Isling and her Keeper, Iltawnia.” He didn't bother mentioning that Iltwania was also her lassie. He nodded at the two at the end of the table and proceeded. “If ye dinna ken the names of the Directors and Keepers of the Centers, that tis fine. We need to proceed or we shall nay finish.”

“Do ye, Itillie, have anything to add to the list that Ilvina has given to all?”

Itillie stood. “We need that prohibition order rescinded,” she stated.

Daniel looked blank. “Uh, what prohibition order?”

“The one imposed on us when Beauty and Belinda were hiding in the Isomatic Mountains. That means nay come for the hiking and picnicking now that spring tis almost here, and will nay be able to come for the skiing when there tis snow. Even the personnel for the camps are forbidden. We need the people that can afford to visit us.”

Daniel looked at Ishmael. “Place that on the menu for tonight's cast.” He looked at Itillie, and his fingers moved over the circles on the desk in front of him. “The ban tis removed. Anything else?”

Itillie took a deep breath. “Thank ye, Maca, and, aye, I wish to bring my counselor back as the Keeper of Isling. He kens certain areas far better than I. If he tis there, our lassie can finish her education.”

Daniel frowned. “I thought it was already clear that ye had the right to replace the people at working with ye. Ye can also make recommendations for those at the Centers.”

“How were we to believe ye when we dinna even ken ye? We have heard so many rumors. Before, rules are made and then changed the next day. If what ye say tis true, ye must ken that the food delivered to our Center tis nay adequate!” Itillie voice kept getting louder. “They seemed to think because we did nay have people enjoying the mountains, we should eat less.”

Daniel looked at Ishmael. “How or where do I check the food poundage per population?”

Ishmael was blinking, and then his face cleared. “Issing, I shall ask her.” He pushed the com circle in front of him.

Issing's dark hair and eyes appeared on his screen and the far screen. He relayed the Maca's message. “Aye, a moment please.” Within seconds, she was back, and her contralto voice filled the room. “The people in Isling are receiving five pounds of supplies less per week than those in the other two cities. Should I increase it?”

“Aye,” Daniel snapped and them sat back. “Tis that sufficient for now?”

Itillie nodded. “Thank ye, Maca.” Her voice was almost a whisper.

Daniel took a deep breath. “Now, those of ye in the Centers, do ye have yere lists ready, and if so, why have ye nay submitted them to my office?”

All of the fifteen people shifted in their seats. Ileana, Director of Iconda's First Center, spoke. “My Maca, we need Tri clothes in the color of Ishner. Nay of our customers like the dull black of the Sisterhood, which tis all that was issued to us. We also need toys for the wee ones, and being allowed to have bakery items again would be a dream come true.”

Her counselor and Keeper of the First Center was on her feet screaming over her words. “How dare ye! What we have tis what tis necessary. Why have ye called that buffoon Maca?”

Daniel's blunt index finger went out, and he pushed a circle. “Issing, cancel Ilflora's right to a lift or a fliv, and the right to unlock or lock the First Center of Iconda.” He heard Ilflora's rage-filled words.

“Ye canna do that.”

“I just did. Ye are to leave now. If ye dinna leave, ye will be tossed out.”

“No!” She started towards him with her fists curled and then realized that Daniel towered over her as he stood.

“I am also rescinding yere right to the locks of the home where ye live. Yere counselor will have to tend to permitting ye in or out.”

Ilflora looked at him in disbelief and whirled to Ileana, her counselor. “Why are ye still sitting there? Are ye nay coming with me?”

Ileana swallowed. “I intend to run the First Center as it should be run.” She looked at Daniel. “My parents were Director and Keeper there till the Sisterhood evicted them. Now they are too old, but my sister should be my Keeper. She too worked there till the Sisterhood insisted I hire my counselor.”

Ilflora gasped.

A tight smile crossed Daniel's face as he asked, “And are yere parents still available to advise others?”

“Aye, Maca, as I intend to ask both how things could be better arranged.”

Daniel looked at Ilflora. “Do I call the Enforcers or throw ye out myself?”

Ilflora drew in her breath and stalked out. She was shaking with anger. She would need to use their boat to see Ilarmina, Director of Fisheries, but the boat was in Port Issac. She would need to wait for Ileana.

Those in the room had watched Ilflora leave and turned their attention back to the Maca as he took his seat. “Since I am nay hearing anything from ye, I will appoint Iandy as Director of Port Issac's First Center, and his counselor Ilmyra as the Keeper there.” He turned to Ivan. “Do ye have any suggestions for the Third Center that was closed?”

“I will, Maca, but first I must see who tis still alive or in Port Issac.” He cleared his throat before speaking again. “If ye will pardon me for asking, has Captain Ishmael told ye about the plating for repairs?”

Daniel eyed the man. “Ye dinna have to ask for pardon when asking a question and what plating? Ishmael, did ye nay say there was nay enough to repair your troller?”

“So I was told, Daniel, er, Maca.” Both Daniel and Ishmael were staring at Ivan.

“Where tis the plating located and who else kens where it tis?” Daniel asked.

“Any that listen to street rumors in Port Issac ken where the plating tis. It tis in the warehouse the Sisters were trying to empty and transfer everything from there to Captain Issaric's troller the night of the riots. I believe ye have reclaimed that plating from the troller.”

“Aye,” Ishmael responded. “Ikea reported that we were short but two sheets for a complete repair. I instructed him to find the welders and fitters and begin the process.” Inside, Ivan winced. Mayhap he should have waited for the Maca's approval.

“Why nay from the warehouse?” Daniel's voice was mild.

“We were nay sure the Sisters guarding it would let us remove any,” Ivan answered.

Daniel stood. “How many guard it?”

“Three or four, Maca. The other person tis just the attendant who accepts or signs for release. She tis younger and I dinna believe armed.” Ivan took great pleasure in reporting the Sisterhood's behavior. He wanted them gone.

“I take it the others are armed, tis that correct?”

“I would be surprised if they were nay armed,” Ishmael answered. “It tis why I spent most of my nights on my troller or in Medicine with Melanie and our wee ones.”

Daniel reached down and touched a circle. “Issing, dinna let any com calls go out of here.” He turned to the group staring at him.

He stood as this situation required a Warrior. He snapped out his orders. “Ye are to remain here till I give the clear signal. Ye may use the gym if ye wish. Ishmael, come with me.” He turned, and his wide body went swaying out of the room with Ishmael following.

Chapter 3: The Warehouse At Port Issac

Ishmael followed Daniel outside and into his fliv. Once they were inside, Daniel hit the com button on the dash. It was a private com circle to the Guardian of Flight. In theory, it was one of the comlines that the other Houses could nay access.

Ribdan, Lad of Rurhran and Director of Flight, answered, “Aye.”

“Ribdan, I need a full max blazer and stunner, plus my warrior suit with the globe. Have at least four Troopers fly it to me. They should be suited up. I will be at the warehouse near the waterfront and fishing trollers in Port Issac. Have them scan the building as I need to ken how many are inside.” He showed an image of the area and the coordinates. “Have them land there with my equipment. Do it now.” He signed off and went up into the air.

He flew over the warehouse and landed on a padport in the back. The loading doors of the building were massive, down, and locked.

The air carrier with the Troopers and equipment followed within minutes. The first one out was Pillar, Guardian of Army. He and Daniel had practiced being Warriors at the Warrior Academy from the time they were laddies. He was dressed in the Warrior armored suit and wearing a globe. He ran over to Daniel and Ishmael and handed Daniel his armored suit. Daniel slipped the black warrior's defense suit over his body-tight clothing. Another Trooper arrived and handed him the globe, the stunner, and then the long blazer.

“Thank ye. How many are inside?”

Pillar answered, “I counted five inside. Four are armed and waiting for us.” Then he asked, “Are ye ready?”

“Aye, Captain,” the Troopers answered.

Daniel did have one request. “Pillar, would ye station one of yere men back here in case they try to run out the back?”

The Warrior called Pillar grinned and nodded at the others. “Stay close to the fliv just in case.” He then followed Daniel to the front while securing his globe. The windows were high and nay open.

“The receptionist may be armed, Maca,” Ishmael said. “Ivan could be wrong.”

“Aye,” Daniel replied. He took out his com and turned the speaker to high. “All are to come out now without the weapons and yere hands raised.” There was no answer.

Daniel could have disabled the lock from his Maca's office, but he lifted the blazer and burned around the door again and again. By the fifth time, there was no door. Just the entry into the processing room and teal flames poured out. Daniel and Pillar advanced with red flames spewing from their blazers. The two looked at each other, and both moved to the side and went running towards the wall. Daniel beat Pillar by two steps and jumped high in the air and twisted through the door with his blazer blasting.

Pillar was right behind him, except he had dropped down and rolled through the door while firing his blazer. The desk in the front was smoldering, and two burnt bodies were crumpled in the doorway leading to the back. Two did not account for the four blazers they had heard.

Daniel was up and walked around the desk. A young female was huddled behind it. She looked up at him, terrified, and quickly shifted her eyes toward the door into the back. They heard the doors in back sliding upward, and a scream came from the back. Daniel grabbed the woman's dropped stunner. “Guard her,” he yelled and ran towards the back, leaping over the two forms in the doorway.

Inside were stacks and stacks of the precious metal for ships and fliv building. The only being standing on the loading dock was the other Trooper holding a com. One Sister knelt on the floor beside a bleeding companion. The Trooper looked up at Daniel.

“Her legs are almost gone. I have called Medicine.”

“Aye. Stay there with them till Medicine arrives.” He hurried back towards the front. At the doorway, he debated moving the two, but decided he should leave them for Medicine and the transport to the appropriate House Byre Berm. He stepped over them.

“Yere Trooper has taken two prisoners. One tis down and he called Medicine.”

Pillar nodded. They both turned their blazers toward the door as another female form appeared.

“What have ye done?” Ilarmina voice cried out. “Why didn't ye contact me? I could have stopped this.” Her physical appearance said she was close to three hundred as grey hair wisped at the sides, and her muscles did nay look whip hard. Then she saw the two burnt bodies, covered her mouth, turned, and voided the contents of her stomach. This was not what she had expected or wanted when she had set up the guards.

Daniel and Pillar removed their globes. “And who are ye?” Daniel asked.

The woman turned back, anger blazing in her eyes, and then, she shook, closed her eyes, and swallowed. She then looked up at Daniel. “I am Ilarmina, the Director of Fisheries.”

“Then ye kenned the Sister were hiding and storing the metal here instead of using it for repairs as they were to do.” Daniel's voice was harsh.

“Aye, Maca. I was ordered to set this up by the Sisterhood.” Her eyes were hard and her voice brittle. “I ken ye are going to take away all that I have, but dinna blame Ivy for the actions of the others.” She pointed to the forlorn young woman in dull black standing beside the Trooper. “She tis but thirty-five and has just had the Adult Confirmation rite.”

“She tis House?” Surprise was in Daniel's voice.

“Of course not,” Ilarmina snapped. “A Captain of the Sisterhood performed the ceremony.”

Daniel blinked his eyes at that statement when suddenly he understood. “The Sisterhood considers itself a House, aye? How many of Ishner have that belief?”

“I canna answer that question, Maca, for I dinna ken. I do ken she would have left that warehouse had I told her to do so.”

“Would the other four have permitted that?” Daniel's voice was mild.

Ilramina looked at him. “They should have,” and realized that she had implied they would have obeyed her.

“Who told ye I was here with Troopers?” Daniel's voice was as demanding as his question.

Inside she cringed. This man was clever and nay easy to confuse. “I assumed ye would wish to inspect it.” She left out that she hadn't anticipated the extra Troopers. “I just did nay think ye would be here till after we met this afternoon and ye had appointed someone else.”

There was an almost smile on Daniel's face. “And how many Sisters would have greeted me?”

She took a step backward. “I had nay power to call in others to guard the warehouse. I direct the ships, the processing, the plants, and any construction on or off the ships. I dinna command Troopers or Enforcers.” Half of that statement was true. She did nay have any Troopers under her direct command anymore. They had been arrested after the riots.

“According to the records, ye were the Director of Fisheries before the Sisterhood became so prominent.”

“Aye, Ishmalisa appointed me while she was still Guardian of Ishner and Ilyan but a wee one.”

“Then we do need to meet this afternoon at my Tower office. I will expect ye at four.” Daniel turned and pressed his com button for the Maca's Meeting Room in his Tower.

“All are free to leave now. Report any problems to me. I shall be in touch regularly.”

He then turned to Ishmael. “Ishmael, I need to meet with my counselor-to-be. She expects me back at the Maca's home. Will ye tend to things here while I am gone?”

“Aye.”

“Pillar, I thank ye for yere assistance. I will keep the blazer and armor for now.”

Medicine had arrived, and one Medical in purple approached him. “Ye have murdered two Sisters.”

Daniel, Ishmael, and Pillar all stared at her, but Daniel answered. “Ye are mistaken. I gave an order that they disobeyed and fired at me. I answered their fire.”

She stared at him for a moment. “I shall report this to my Maca.” She whirled and returned to the Tris loading the three dead women and one wounded one into the Med Carrier.

Chapter 4: Another Meeting

It was a hurried meeting with the construction/painters that Ilvina had sent over. The women assured JoAnne, Lass of Ayran, that they could procure the needed teal blue and aqua paints to change that dark walls and obliterate the sex graphics that Ilyan had someone portray on the bedroom walls. It should be finished by nightfall tomorrow.

JoAnne frowned at them. “Why so long? There are but three rooms.”

The two looked at each other. They had heard how the new Maca locked people out of their homes and flivs. Idante bowed. “It will be finished by noon tomorrow. Tis that acceptable?”

JoAnne nodded. “Aye.” She turned to Daniel. “There tis nay proper sheet material for beds in Ishner. I shall bring the red bedding of Ayran if there tis nay in the storerooms here. I have the new Director and Keeper of this home searching.”

Daniel smiled at the woman he had loved since their first bedding eighty-some years ago. “Efficient as always, my love. Where do ye wish to grab a brew? I have two more meetings this afternoon. Then I have to visit the manufacturers, if there are any left here, that tis. That information does seem to be a bit hazy. If nay, Rurhran may have the material Ishner needs to replenish the colors of Ishner.”

“Do ye ken of any decent brew hall here?” JoAnne suspected there was none for Ishner had become isolated over the years. Nay of the Houses had wished to visit or shop here.

“Nay, but some of the smells from the quays and blocks lining the ocean at Port Issac were quite tempting.”

“We should visit the waterfront here. This tis where our home tis. There must be someplace that tis nay dreary around here.” As she spoke, the overhead cloud shifted and a shaft of sunlight moved over the landscape, making the teal Maca's Home sparkle.

JoAnne laughed. “I do believe I have my answer. There tis a pleasant spot out back by the pool. I have brews in the cooler.”

* * *

Daniel sank back in his Maca's chair. The time spent with JoAnne had restored his good humor. He was certain it would nay last until the evening meal.

“It tis Ilarmina, Director of Fisheries, to see ye, Maca,” came over the com.

“Aye, send her in.” He swiveled the chair to face the door. He still wasn't certain whether he would retain her or not, although he had to admit the list she had sent over was complete, or at least it looked complete to a Warrior accustomed to space and fighting rather than running the fishing port and operations of the major economic area. He would have to check with Ishmael.

Ilramina stepped through the doorway. She had found a teal cummerbund somewhere, and it rested on her hips. Daniel realized the woman looked as old as the personnel records reported. She was nearing three hundred, close to the age of decline. She bowed and took the seat across from him and waited.

Daniel nodded and brought up the list she had sent. “Since we have secured the metal, why tis it still there on the list? I thought ye kenned that was stocked in that warehouse was to be used.”

“I was nay certain ye would release it.”

“Ahh, do ye ken that I have ordered Captain Issaric's ship to be cleaned and sent out. It will be captained by Ikea per the suggestion of my Counselor of Ishner, Ishmael.”

“Good, we need the fish and the protein it provides, although I do need the information for my records.” She hesitated a moment. “I dinna what the directors of the different cities told ye, but the previous Maca was nay interested in fish or trade. There tis a shortage of food in certain areas. Particularly in Isling. Fish are nay the protein problem as most are able to fish in their localities. It tis the grain and vegetables that dinna grow in our harsh climate, and the pina pods for tea. I suggest ye set up a trade with Rurhran and mayhap with Troy. That tis nay on the list, but I realized I should have included it.”

Daniel blinked. The woman had rattled on, and how did she ken about the food shortage and how could there be a shortage of tea? It was a wonder the people of Ishner had nay rioted sooner.

“How could there be a shortage of pina tea? There was a bumper crop last year.”

“First, ye must have the funds to pay for it.” Her voice seemed to come through clenched teeth.

“Why tis Ishner so broke when all the other Houses are doing so well?”

Her laugh was harsh. “As I said, the previous Maca did nay care for trade or for production. As she seemed to draw farther away, Ishmalisa and Ilnor grew more and more concerned about their lassie, and they neglected what they once did for the trading and the accounting.” She hesitated a moment, and suddenly, anger seemed to convulse her face.

“Everything they were doing meant their ideas and procedures would fail and Ishner be ruined.” She leaned forward. “For years, I have suffered a loss whenever funds were available. I knew they were taking it, but I dinna ken how they used it. Now people in Ishner hunger because of their neglect and thieving ways.”

“Missing funds?”

“Aye, Maca. The Directors of the Center had the same problem, but Ishmalisa ignored us.”

Daniel swallowed. What had he gotten into? He had directed Issing, Lass of Ishner, to go over the accounts and give him a report. Now it looked like he and/or Ishmael would be going on a trading mission on top of meeting with the school officials and the remnants of any manufacturing in Ishner.

Ilramina continued. “I have traded with Rocella, Lass of Rurhran, for cereals, dried fruit, and/or vegtables before. We have kenned each other since childhood. I am willing to meet with her after we are through. Rurhrans are fond of our smoked fish.”

A smile tugged at the corners of Daniel's mouth. “This tis why ye have been Director of Fisheries so long, aye? Ye became valuable to the Maca who did nay have time.”

Ilramina sat straighter. “Nay inhabitant of Ishner should hunger when we have so much.”

Daniel's huge body seemed to relax. “Tell me, were there nay others to do the trading or buying?”

“Ishmalisa once took care of it all. Then she became so wrapped up in her grown lassie that she neglected everything else, and the Sisters took over. They cared more for their Warrior training than for the people of Ishner. That was a huge mistake,” she hesitated before adding, “on their part.”

Daniel's smile was still there, but the eyes were hard. “In other words, if the Sisters had run Ishner as it should have been run, ye would nay have objected.”

Ilramina felt her stomach clutch. The man was more than a Warrior. She should have kenned. “Maca, anyone that would have managed Ishner as it should be managed would have been acceptable after years of debacle.” She rose.

“If there tis nay else, I will return to my office and wait for yere orders to vacate.”

“And why would I give such orders?”

She gritted her teeth, but tried one more time. “I thought ye had rejected my offer to negotiate with Rocella and had someone else picked for Director of Fisheries.”

“I have nay rejected yere offer. I would need to approve such a trade before it tis valid. As for Director of Fisheries, there tis but one candidate. At the present, he tis my Counselor of Ishner and has nay desire to sit in an office on land. He wishes to return to the seas with his troller and crew.”

Ilramina drew in her breath. Of course, Ishmael was the only true candidate, and as this man just said, Ishmael nay cared to be landside. She bowed. “Then I shall contact Rocella. If she agrees, I will be there within the hour. How much sustenance tis needed?”

“According to the Director of Isling, they lack at least five pounds per person a week. There are twenty thousand within the city and another five thousand around or close by. Have ye discerned any shortages here or at Port Issac? Nay mentioned any.”

“It tis nay always the best or what one desires, but I ken of nay going hungry. If the directors of the other cities did nay mention it, I doubt if it tis a problem.”

Daniel nodded. “So how do ye convince Rocella that ye are a valid negotiator if I dinna arrange it?”

Ilramina stood. “It would nay be the first time, Maca. Ilyan was remiss about such things.” She bowed and started to leave when she saw the Rurhran Export/Import logo and then Raffer, Director of Rurhran's Export and Import, saying, “Aye.”

“Good afternoon, Raffer. My Director of Fisheries, Ilramina, will be there to discuss trade matters with Rocella, Counselor of Rurhran. She has my permission for certain trade arrangements. She assures me that she will be welcomed.”

“Of course, she will be welcomed, Maca of Ishner.” He grinned. “Will ye be at the Arena for more battles once ye and JoAnne Walk the Circle?”

Daniel returned his smile. “Oh, nay, JoAnne would have her revenge if I were to win and choose a different lassie.” He closed the circuit and looked at Ilramina.

“Give my greetings to the Counselor of Rurhran.”

“Thank ye, Maca.” Ilramina bowed and left. Inside she was seething. She had forgotten how close House members could be and how the Sisterhood had strangled that asset while here. It was difficult to decide who to damn most: All men, or the ones who had led the Sisterhood on Ishner.