Lost Heart: A Celta Novella (Celta HeartMate Series) (13 page)

A
t that moment
a knock came on the door and the doctor strode in. A brusque individual called Heathrun, he examined Enata, then gave her some Healing energy that made her feel better than she had in a long time.

But he'd riled Reglis. Apparently Heathrun knew of the memory loss, and as a native, knew more than Reglis in general. They began to argue about how to deal with Celta and the planet's habit of erasing memories.

Barton grabbed her and excused them both for lunch. Neither of the men paid attention to them leaving.

They descended the tower staircase and walked through the big building to the large front entrance hall. Not a lot of people populated the castle, and they all wore simple trous and embroidered shirts, made of excellent fabric.

"I want to get out of here, you game?" asked Barton.

"Absolutely."

He glanced down at her, and tension left his face. "You're feeling fine?"

Smiling up at him, she said, "Oh, yes. Heathrun helped a lot. I feel completely on balance." She let a gleam come into her eyes. "Though later we might want to practice that very healthful sex he mentioned."

"Sounds good to me. You need to change clothes for a tramp around the island?"

She whisked a hand down her outfit. "There, I've activated the spell for outside. It should handle tramping."

"Good. I'll call Resup."

Enata waited at the double front doors as Barton lifted his chin and called, aloud and with his mind,
Teleport to me! We're heading out of the castle.

Whee! I am here! I have been ALL OVER the castle. People love Me, of course.
Resup landed on all four paws in front of them. Stuff sticking to his whiskers looked suspiciously like sweet white mousse.

Barton put the cat on his padded shoulder and they walked up to the doors, which opened for them.

"Celta's Castle must be on the way to becoming a Residence," Enata said.

They stepped into sunshine that spilled brilliant light around them. The air smelled of verdant plantlife and crisp ocean. Below she could see the bay and the ship that had brought them.

And then two people rose from a bench set in one side of the garden flanking the entrance, and hesitantly walked up the gravel path to them. Savi and Balansa.

Savi made a jerky bow, Balansa a smoother curtsey.

"We're inviting you to lunch in the village." Savi's chin lifted with pride. "I will show you my house, and introduce you to my girlfriend. We also need to talk to you about . . . things."

Barton bowed. "I am always at your service."

Balansa's expression pinched. Enata didn't know if Barton noticed that or not.

The village was very picturesque, with an odd mixture of architectural styles. Enata studied it, knowing she'd seen images of a village like this before. Then she realized it was modeled after Portmeirion on Earth.

Savi showed off his small whitewashed cottage and lovely garden, justly proud of it. He preferred to live in the village in a separate cottage. Not at all like the linked houses of Clover Compound. They met his equally lovely native girlfriend at a clothing workshop.

Lunch at an outside cafe provided excellent food with flavors new but tasty to Enata. They all concentrated on their food, including Resup who charmed everyone he met, including the kitchen staff. He fell asleep before the waiter swept away the dishes.

Savi shifted in his seat, then stated, "Balansa isn't as happy here as I am."

Gently, Barton said, "You must know that both of you can come back with me and Enata. We are your Family, and will always welcome you."

"I'm staying," Savi stated.

Balansa pleated the cloth softleaf on her lap. "I don't know what to do."

Savi sat straight. "If Balansa returns, will you promise to place her in a good Clover Family unit, and ensure she's tested for Flair and is given the choice of a good career? Make certain she finds a good husband?"

"I promise," Barton said immediately. "I'm strongly recommending that those you call the most privileged Clovers don't all live in the original and oldest block of Clover Compound. Walker himself resides in the newer southern block. We'll be spreading out. I promise I will treat Balansa as if she was my sister."

For a moment Savi stared at Barton, then switched his gaze to Enata. "I will take your word on that." He looked at his sister, reached both hands across the table and held them out until she took them. "I love you, Balansa. You are my sister and can always stay with me."

"I love you, too," Balansa said.

"You can always come back here, I promise."

Balansa bobbed her head.

But Enata found her eyes meeting Barton's. Neither of them expected that the lady of Celta would let Balansa keep her memories of her only immediate Family member.

Enata's throat closed so she couldn't say one word after that.

Savi and Balansa walked back up to Celta's Castle with Barton and Enata, but they went their separate ways in the great hall. Barton watched Balansa trudge toward the storerooms where she'd inventory foodstuffs.

"Cyfrinach Island is pretty," Enata said. "Tropical. I've never been to anywhere tropical, and I'd like to walk around a little."

"It's nice," Barton agreed, putting his arm around her waist. "How long do you want to stay? I'd just as soon go home when our questions are answered and our business is done. A quick break would be better for Balansa, too."

Enata sighed. "You're right. Not a true wedding trip is this. I do want to see more of the island instead of Reglis' library."

Barton chuckled. "I'd never thought I'd hear that."

"Well, you did. And now it's time to meet with Reglis again."

Resup perked up from his seat on Barton's shoulder.
I will go with you. I have not been to this interesting library.

When they entered the room, Resup wandered the chamber, poking his nose into the lower bookcases and jumping on window seats while Enata took her chair, and Barton hitched a hip on the arm of that chair.

This time Reglis paced, under the guise of keeping an eye on the kitten.

Still aching from lunch with Savi and Balansa, Barton began the pressure. "By now you know of the compulsion laid on Enata and my obsession."

Reglis pinched the skin between his brows. "I reviewed
The Chosen of Celta
and that seems to be standard procedure for those Celta wishes to visit Cyfrinach Island."

"To visit, not to stay," Barton kept his voice flat.

"That's right. I, myself, had vivid dreams, as do most who are Chosen. As for compulsions and obsessions, those are . . . ah . . . methods Celta uses to judge people."

Enata straightened. "I'm tired of being judged, of having to prove myself. Proving myself to Celta, to the Clovers, to the matchmaker T'Willow, even."

"You never did like being tested, manipulated," Reglis murmured.

"No, I didn't." She folded her arms and glared at her brother. "I trust, that since we are here, we passed Celta's tests."

Nodding, Reglis said, "That's right."

No one tested Me. I am special, Resup said, kneading a window seat. I will watch the ship, now.

He curled up and slept.

Reglis' smile at the Fam was brief, then his gaze met Barton's with melancholy intensity. "You, sis, will remember. The PublicLibrarians of Druida do." He cleared his throat. "I've heard that Balansa Clover might return with you to Druida City. Neither Balansa nor Barton will remember anything."

"Your Celta is very hard on those left behind when the Chosen leave!" Her breasts rose as she inhaled. "I suppose you were chosen because you are the current librarian here?"

"Yes, the archivist."

"What of the others Chosen?" Barton asked.

A knock came at the door and Reglis' shoulders sank with relief. "Enter," he called.

A couple dressed in the standard work clothes but of fine material came in, hand in hand. They looked in their early thirties. "You requested we come to Celta's Castle, Master Librarian?"

"That's right Corylus." Reglis smiled, gesturing for the couple to take the twoseat perpendicular to his and Barton's chair. Enata's face smoothed in professional welcome.

Gut still tight with anger, Barton reached out and grasped her wrist, tugged. He wanted her close. Maybe he couldn't defend her from a planetary being, but he could try to keep her safe with everything in him.

This time Enata stood with hands inside her opposite sleeves.

B
arton narrowed his eyes
. "Surely you're a Hazel," he said to the man.

The guy nodded. "Corylus Hazel."

"Another FirstChild? Born before Coll Hazel and Avellana?" Barton pressed.

"That's right. How is my Family doing?"

"Well," Barton said, before Enata could explain in detail. They only wanted basic reassurance. They had chosen to turn their backs on their Families and come to this island and begin a new life. Chosen to stay.

"I study the ocean like my father, Chess Rowan T'Hazel," the guy said.

"And I am Calluna Heather Hazel, a Healer," the woman said, "The primary Healer in the town of Newdru."

Studying her, Barton asked, "You're also a member of the FirstFamilies, the Heathers?"

She nodded, kept her arm linked in her husband's. Probably HeartMates. Which, like the high status — the Rowans, the Hazels, the Heathers were all Families with the greatest Flair — probably explained why the planet Chose them to be its own private stock of humans. Because that's what this all came down to. The planet called the best to this island to keep them safe from the misfortunes that might afflict the people on the continents.

And, no doubt, to breed them. Did they mind being in a breeding program?

He caught Enata's eye. She'd sense the anger simmering through him, ready to spark, to roar. To destroy the other couple's complacency. She shook her head.

"Your Families are doing very well," Enata affirmed.

"Even Avellana?" Corylus asked. "She was brain damaged at three." His forehead lined.

"She's survived the dreamquests to free her Flair, her Passages," Enata said.

"Good!"

The woman squeezed her HeartMate's hand. "I told you it would be all right."

"Yes."

Corylus stared at them. "Are you new residents here?"

"No," Barton said.

"My sister, Enata Licorice, will be the mainland PublicLibrarian who knows of us."

"Oh, good."

"I wanted to meet you," Enata said smoothly, standing as her brother had. "Those whom I might have known or met before."

The Hazel-Heather pairing rose, too. The woman smiled impishly. "We haven't been kidnapped, and are very happy with our lives." She paused. "And our four children." The last was said with pride. It was rare for FirstFamily nobles to have more than one or two children, especially if they married within their rank.

"Thank you for speaking with us," Enata said.

"It's fun to come to Celta's Castle now and again," Calluna said.

"Feel free to stay for dinner and overnight," Reglis offered.

"Sure." Corylus Hazel chuckled. "Good to be without the children for a night." He waved to Barton and Enata. "Later."

"Later," Barton said, and closed the door behind them.

"Anything else?" asked Reglis.

"Of course," Enata said. "Why were they Chosen?"

Barton grunted and Enata and Reglis looked at him. "I'm thinking it was him, Corylus Hazel, and they were HeartMates so Calluna came along. It must be because of Avellana. She's very different, and she's a full sibling to Corylus. Has to do with whatever happened when Avellana was seven . . ." There were hushed rumors something
major
had happened, but Barton didn't know what, though he thought his brother Walker did and kept the secret . . . "the Hazels were chosen
before
the event. Which means Celta knew what was coming up . . . somehow. Maybe. Probably."

"We cannot comprehend the depths of her intelligence," Reglis said, sitting on the window seat next to Resup and stroking the cat, who stretched out under his hand.

"I imagine not." Time to work around to saying out loud what he thought what else this was all about. "Just before we embarked, we spoke with Vinni T'Vine."

Reglis shook his head, smiling. "Vinni T'Vine, the prophet. What did he see for you?"

"It was about this trip. He's HeartMate to Avellana Hazel, so he's been affected by this, too. Do you have any recent Vines, as well?"

"No Vines lately," Reglis said. "Of course Celta is very interested in him and his Family and the prophecies." Reglis shifted. "But a couple of Vines were included at the start of her, ah, sequestration program."

Barton stared at him. "She, the planet, is breeding you all. And she's breeding a line of Vines, prophets?"

Reglis reddened. "We have communities here. Of course we fall in love and marry. Of course there are also HeartMate bonds, which, as I understand it, is
not
a phenomena instituted by her. HeartMates and HeartBonding is in our Earthan genetic material."

"That's really interesting," Barton said.

"Yes." Reglis nodded.

"But Celta is
choosing
you for certain characteristics. Culling, say, the best of the best, and breeding you to be better suited to the environment. That doesn't disturb you?"

"No more than the fact that the FirstFamilies themselves have been breeding for psi power since before the generational starships landed," Reglis snapped. "Or look at you Clovers. Now ennobled from Commoners. Don't tell me that you don't want to encourage stronger Flair in your youngsters. That you aren't drawing nobles into your Family to marry." He stared pointedly at Enata.

She jumped to her feet. "Barton and I were matched by GreatLord Saille T'Willow. As you could be if you came home with us." She swallowed. "I wouldn't have cared if he was a Commoner, nor would he have cared had I been one."

Reglis' gaze softened. He came over, lifted her hand and kissed it. "I understand."

Enata closed her eyes. "The feel of the natural cycling of Family energy between us is good." She sighed out audibly. "I've missed you so much. We were so close, then you weren't even in my recollection. Glyssa had her deep friendships with Camellia Darjeeling and Tiana Mugwort, so that must have helped her. . . and she's met her HeartMate." Enata's lips trembled. "I'm glad I won't be forgetting you again."

"Me, too. But I'm not going back to Druida City." He stood tall. "Since Celta began bringing people here, there's always been a Licorice Librarian. And a Licorice Librarian in Druida City as a failsafe."

"How nice for you, Enata and Reglis." Barton sucked in a breath. "I mean that. It's good that Enata won't be remembering and forgetting and remembering and her health crashing. But let me get this straight. I — and all my Family — will forget Savi."

"That's right." Reglis' stance became defensive. Didn't matter, Barton could take the guy easily. He wondered if Celta had any fighters here, then dismissed the thought. He was in no mood to think well of the planet, to appease the being. "But you will remember us. You all remember your Families and friends."

"Yes."

"And Celta lets you think that your friends and Families remember you."

Reglis dropped his eyes. "I didn't know about this before. We'll talk to her."

"Good luck with that." Barton offered his elbow to Enata. "We'd like to breathe some more tropical air."

She smiled at her brother, then took Barton's arm. "That sounds good."

With a snap of his fingers, Barton translocated Resup to his shoulder.

Out to explore, brother of FamWoman. Fun! I will show everyone else how wonderful FAMS are! See you later.

Reglis cleared his throat. "Celta also indicated that she may provide you with a mobile Healer, Enata, since she will be contacting you."

"A mobile Healer? What does that mean?"

Shrugging, Reglis said, "I don't know, but she seemed impressed with Resup."

Of course,
said the kitten.

"Do you have any idea when Celta will contact me?" Enata asked.

Reglis blew out a breath. "In her own time."

"Which, being a planet, might be, oh, a century or so?" Barton said. "We don't have that kind of time. As far as everyone believes, we're on our wedding trip. One week from today, we need to be back home."

"If she wants me to be the fail-safe person, the Celtan Librarian embedded in human culture, she must move quickly," Enata added. She withdrew her hand from Barton's arm to momentarily hug her brother, and then they left the library.

As far as Barton was concerned, he didn't care if he ever saw that room again. He brooded as Enata and Resup chattered on their way back to their quarters, Enata to change clothes for a walk atop the long ridge behind Celta's Castle.

Celta's Castle. Celta's Chosen.

Of whom Savi was one, but not Balansa. Or Barton.

He didn't know how she might think of humans . . . less than a regular person did the shortest-lived pet, probably. Interesting to watch and mold. And breed.

Barton was damn sure that the being of Celta herself wasn't entirely beneficent. No doubt in his mind that when she'd first tried to make contact with the frail and delicate humans, she'd driven them mad or killed them. She must have left a trail of bodies behind her on this quest of hers.

He was determined that Enata, Savi, and Balansa would not be such victims.