Kasia sat herself on her brother's bed, hand reaching out to touch Harveen's fur. She softly stroked her back, eyes trying not to fill with tears.
"I don't want to believe it."
Her brother nodded from the bed. He sat up against the headboard, Harveen's arms and legs wrapped around his nude body. His right hand joined Kasia's.
"And she blames herself."
"That's stupid."
"I know."
She sighed. Rape. Roda had warned her, back on the Exodus. Told her that her mother was looking to make Liuz her male protector in that sea of strangers. It had seemed weird and strange back then, but now...
"We should contact soldiers. The ship can't go through the lock until morning."
"No." Harveen's voice was muffled. Liuz nodded.
"It can't heal her. Can't undo it. Send a message to him that he is barred from dealing with us, and probably shouldn't return to Nowy Warsaw."
"OK." Readying herself, she took a deep breath, hand pushing down as she stood. Her second crutch quickly found itself in its home under her arm. "You staying here tomorrow?"
"Yeah." Liuz pulled Harveen closer. "I don't want to leave her alone. You know everything for the meeting."
She nodded.
"If you need anything, knock on the wall."
"Maybe bring a pitcher of water and some cups?"
"Sure."
****
Kasia closed the bedroom door as the lamp went out behind her. She let herself lean against the latched door, a wave of exhaustion flowing through her.
Another change.
She thought things had settled down, with construction finished. Life had fallen into a rather nice, comfortable rhythm. They would adapt to this, yes. Help Harveen in any way possible. But she had liked the security she had felt, the comfort of the sameness of each day. It would take time to regain that.
Probably about as long as it took Harveen to give birth.
She pushed off the door. Babies. Cubs. At least they wouldn't be hers, but in a way they would be. They'd be Liuz's, and what was his was hers. IF Harveen was with child. She seemed to think so, even though barely any time had passed.
Well, it's not like anyone else would know better.
She made her way down the hall. Everyone had been kicked out, those who wouldn't return home told to camp somewhere. The Mill and other buildings had been locked. It was early still, but the day had been long. Kasia would get the water, hopefully find someone to carry it for her, then...
She saw movement in the main room. The Kikker woman, Tabia, was sitting holding a book. Kasia stopped, moving closer to the wall. Something wasn't right. The woman turned the page, face intent. She couldn't read. They had asked. Reading Polish would have been a useful skill for the newcomer. What was the title? Kasia tried to focus. Tabia helpfully raised the book closer to her face.
What Is Possible.
Kasia felt herself go cold. That book had not been left out. It had been on a shelf. Nothing about it was forbidden to those who worked here, yet...
Tabia set the book in her lap, still open. Reaching into a pocket in her skirt, she pulled something out. Paper. A thin stick appearing in her other hand, she swiftly wrote.
Spy.
She was a spy.
There was no other reason. No reason at all. A bad spy, too, to do it so openly. Maybe she was afraid to remove the book from the room, or use a light here once all were asleep. Maybe she was being forced to do this, half wanting to be caught.
Maybe Kasia was just being silly, and she was copying words to learn the meaning of later.
Kasia stepped back down the hall. The 'why' of this didn't matter now. She had to do something. Go to the King. No. Go to Chief Ajani. See if he really sent these two. Find out where they came from.
All things for tomorrow. Tonight, she just had to get Harveen some water.
Reaching out, she opened her bedroom door, closing it somewhat loudly. She moved slowly down the hall.
"Anyone still here?"
Tabia stood beside the cushioned chair, hands empty. Her breasts seemed to heave under the cloth shirt.
"I am, Lady." Her Polish seemed better. Almost, Kasia though, as if she forgot to hide her skill. Forcing herself, Kasia smiled.
"Good. Could you take a pitcher of water and some cups to Liuz's room? Just place them on the nightstand. Don't disturb them. You can then go to bed."
"Yes, Lady." She bowed, moving swiftly to the kitchen. Taking a few more steps into the room, Kasia glanced down at the small table. The book was lying there, cover down. His Grace himself had written it, complete with illustrations. Descriptions of incredible marvels from his old world, machines that flew, sailed, rolled. Set down on paper before more of his memories of that time slipped away.
She turned away from the book, moving towards the door. Kasia wished she had an excuse to get Tabia out of there. Not have her under the same roof as her brother and the other workers. But, it would have to do for tonight. As Tabia slowly walked away with a pitcher on a tray, Kasia locked the front door.
She had never done that before.
****
Liuz woke.
He had to piss.
His first attempt to remedy this situation failed. Something was holding him down in the darkness of his bedroom. Something strong. Soft. Furry.
Ah, right. Harveen.
Liuz considered. He was on the left side of the bed. The bedpan, if he remembered correctly, was on the right side, as that's where he usually ended up in the night. Could he get it without disturbing his friend?
No.
He sighed. It couldn't be helped. Gently, he detached his friend from his body. Her arms were the easiest, taking mere moments. She didn't seem to notice. Both her legs, however, were wrapped around his right leg. He sat up, their grip tightening. Liuz glanced at her face, then over her. Could he reach the piss pot from here? Nope. Resigning himself, he used as little force as he could get away with spreading her legs. Unable to completely detach them, he did manage to create enough of an opening that his leg could slip out. Releasing her, the furry legs snapped closed, now wrapped around themselves instead of him. Sliding forward, he sent his bare feet towards the wood floor. A moment later he stood in the dim starlight.
He walked around the bed. The colored glass container sat on the floor. He was sure he had left it UNDER the bed. Had she used it? If so, he was impressed that she could find it without waking him. Picking it up, he pulled out the glass stopper. Yup, it had liquid in it. Placing the stopper on the night stand, he lowered the bottle and slipped his cock into it.
The body, he noted, seemed to often be in conflict with itself. For example, now. His body had done a very notable job of not releasing urine while he slept. It had closed off all the valves, allowing nothing to escape. Very well done. Now, however, those same safety valves refused to believe their job was over. He could feel the pressure build behind them, as his bladder received the OK to release its contents, yet they stayed stubbornly closed. He closed his eyes, forcing his lower body to relax even more.
The dam burst.
With a sigh of intense pleasure, he moved the bottle so the golden liquid hit the sides instead of the collecting piss, silencing the process. He glanced at the bed. Harveen was on her side facing him, eyes open. She smiled.
"I have seen Kasia release water, but not you."
"Well, now you have." He looked down. "I had a lot in me, it looks like."
"Sounds like, too." She sat up, legs hanging off the bed but not reaching the floor. "I am sorry, Liuz."
"For what?" The flow slowly stopped. He waited a moment, then forced a continuation. His bladder liked to play games.
"Being so..." Her head dropped, arms wrapping around herself. "Being in your bed."
"Harveen..." He pulled his cock out, grabbing some cloth item from the nightstand to wipe it off. He exchanged the cloth for the stopper, sealing the bedpan as he placed it on the floor away from the bed.
"I'm forcing you to stay here tomorrow. I'm being so selfish!"
"There's nothing wrong with that, sometimes." He sat beside her, drawing her body against him. "You need me, I'm here. I'll always be here."
"I've always loved you." Her eyes were on the window, faint starlight illuminating the floor below. "Thought I was telling you."
"I never have been good at understanding Watu. It's a strange language."
"But I'm using Polish now." Her eyes met his. He nodded.
"Like a civilized person."
She growled. A moment later she had her face buried against his chest. Liuz moved himself fully onto the mattress, Harveen following. She lay half on top of him.
"My babies..."
"How many, do you think?"
"It depends on HIM." She spit the word out, spit hitting Liuz's chest. "From HIM, maybe two. A better Watu... six?"
"They'll be my cubs."
"Then eight, twelve. As many as my body can handle." She slid up him. "We can't mate. I know that. We can never mate. So..."
"We don't have to, for us to be a family." He kissed her. Her lips pressed back. Liuz felt sleep overcoming him as the kiss ended, Harveen snuggling closer.
He didn't know how he was ever going to sleep alone again.
****
Kasia made her way down the Palace hallway.
A young page walked beside her, the preteen boy guiding her to the meeting room. She knew where it was, naturally, but did not mind the escort. She was not known to all, but no guards bothered her and her companion. You'd think with her crutches she'd be a distinctive figure, but, apparently, no.
They rounded a corner, light from large windows filling the hall. A handful of Kikker were gathered outside her destination. Chief Ajani must be here. One of the Kikker turned, face coming into full view. Kasia found herself stopping.
"Issa!"
His eyes widened as they fell on her. Abandoning the others, the teen swiftly approached her, mouth in one of his large grins.
"Kasia!" He took her offered hand, gently kissing her knuckles with those enormous lips. She giggled.
"When did you get back?" She knew he had been off on some mission for the Chief's daughter. Queen Ewa's brother Felek had also been gone, on the same mission she assumed. The details had not been the business of her or her brother.
"Yesterday." His expression was puzzled. "You didn't notice?"
"Who noticed anything besides that island tower? Did it go well?
"True," he said, smiling again, "and we don't know yet. It will take time. We all made it back, at least." He looked towards the closed door. "I don't think they've started yet."
"Good. I need to talk to your Master. It's important."
"Certainly." Issa straightened. "Come."
****
It was to be a small meeting, she saw. The round table had a dozen chairs around it, seven of which were filled. She saw her own and Liuz's on the other side, two cups of water awaiting them. The King was not there yet, but Chief Ajani sat beside the empty chair, talking with some Polish officer. Issa led her over.
"My Chief, Lady Kasia would like a word with you."
"Ah!" The Kikker Chief rose, bowing to her. She smiled, performing her own crutch version of a curtsy. "What can I do for our Lady Inventor?" He looked behind her. "Is your brother not here?"
"No, he was unable to come." She hoped that would be enough detail. The Chief sat, nodding.
"Ah. How is the young girl I sent you?"
Kasia felt her breath catch in her throat. That... She swallowed hard, composing herself.
"That is what I need to ask you about, Sir. WHO did you send to us?"
He blinked, large eyes on top of his head turning serious. He leaned forward.
"A young Kikker girl. My nephew's fishing boat found her floating on a board. She does not talk much, but said her family was fleeing Hawe. I saw the incredible skill she had in drawing, and sent her to you." He frowned. "Why? Did she not tell you? I know you have Kikker speakers among your workers."
She took a deep breath.
"Sir, a driver arrived with TWO Kikker women, one a young girl in a cloth skirt, and an adult woman named Tabia with a cloth shirt covering her breasts. She said that she was a seamstress."
Chief Ajani was on his feet, body seeming to tremble. Kasia saw His Grace appear in the doorway, waving away his introduction. The Chief slammed his fist into the table.
"I did NOT send her! Only a girl named Yaa!"
"That is what the woman said the child was called, but the girl has not spoken."
"What is this, my Friend?" King James stood beside Chief Ajani, towering over the Kikker. He placed his hand on his shoulder. Kasia curtsied to the King.
"A stranger arrived the other day, Your Grace, claiming to have been sent. I caught her yesterday looking through your book 'What is Possible', and taking notes."
"I did not send her." The Chief was practically growling. "I sent a young girl." He looked at a shocked Issa. "Find out who the driver was. I sent Rudo." He paused, glancing at the King. "I don't think I've seen him since."
His Grace was rubbing his temple.
"Wonderful. We didn't need this on top of everything else."
"Your Grace." A Hussar officer was standing. "I can have a squad out there in an hour."
"No," the Chief said. "Issa, have a flag message sent to Visvang. I want a dozen guards out to the Mill. Both she and the girl are to be brought, unharmed, to the Palace." He looked at the Polish King. "If that meets with your approval, My Friend."
"It does." His hand squeezed the Chief's shoulder. "Sit. We have other things to drive us insane as well."
Kasia moved swiftly around the table, nodding to those she passed. The page was standing behind her chair, holding it. With a grateful sigh, she slid into it. He pushed it in a bit as she put her crutches between her and Liuz's empty chair. She took a long sip of water as the now seated King leaned forward, hands together on the table.
"I'm sure the rumors yesterday were interesting." Kasia could not help but join in the laughter of those around her. His Grace smiled. "Some of you were briefed yesterday, but the general upshot is an ancient Polish Goddess is now living in our harbor."
Kasia blinked. She looked around. About half the men were nodding. OK. That was different.
"Understandably, we're not sure what to do about that now, but you may have noticed Brother Ofim isn't here. I'll just remind everyone that you've sworn allegiance to me, not the Church, and hope there is not a conflict." Kasia swallowed, hand going back to her cup. She needed something stronger than water.
"Meanwhile, the good news is Felek is back from his mission. The cure for Chief Ajani's Grandchildren seems to have been found, but that will require time to confirm. Felek's report, however, combined with other news, has to be dealt with." He took a swig from his cup. Kasia was glad to see it wasn't just her.
"Men, our borders are unstable." She saw the officers straighten. "The Watu thieves, who we thought were disorganized mobs, may be under military control and probing us. There have been reports of conflicts between Kikker City-States west of the Warta. Elves are probing this side of the Orlan. We have to act."
"How?" The commander of the Winged Hussars leaned forward. "We are still weak."
"I know," His Grace sighed. "It will be another decade before the first of our Exodus children begin the expansion of our army. Longer until our strength has doubled, tripled, as we know it must." All around her nodded. "Kasia, how goes the gunpowder?"
"Zarek thinks he has it as good as he can get it. We're going to try exploding it in containers in a day or two, if we can get some peace up there."
"Good. Even tossing bombs with catapults will be better than nothing." He smiled, slowly shaking his head. "However, I'm going to have to push you. We need cannons. Now. Rockets, too. I want those horse drawn cannons by next spring."
"Your Grace!" She stood, chair clattering back, hands clenching the table as she balanced on one foot. He nodded, waving her to sit. She did.
"I know, I know. There will be problems. But our luck may be running out. We've been left alone here, able to settle ourselves into our new home. Mostly, I think, because they don't know how weak we are, especially Fredrick. I don't want to lose our foothold on the continent because our border there is too large to defend. Flying artillery battalions would even the odds, even let us project ourselves outward. Keep the fighting away from our borders." He turned to Chief Ajani. "We'll also need a navy. I know the last few breeding seasons have been great for your people. Would you help build and crew our ships?"
"Of course!" He straightened in his chair. "Our people are great sailors! Always have been! It would be an honor to sail and fight with Poland!"
"Thank you, My Friend. Now, Commander Walesa..."
****
So much to do.
Kasia made her way down towards the harbor, mind only half noticing the city around her. Cannons. Should they build a casting factory at the Mill? That would take time, and experimental castings would have to start immediately. Long term, it was probably a good idea. They would need many, eventually, if these things were even going to be put on ships. She tried to imagine a warship throwing fire and metal at the enemy. It terrified her. And, a year. Only a year. Yes, that was just a goal, but when the King gave you a goal...
The sound of water filtered into her brain. Kasia looked up. The harbor fountain stood before her. Well, she was in no mood to sit the day away. There were things to do.
Her eyes slid over to the glassworks. Like, for example, go in there.
****
Natan was making a bottle.
She watched as he blew down a long tube, the ball of glass lengthening, expanding. Swiftly his hands worked metal tongs on the glass, shaping, forming. She stood silently as his strong hands worked, metal rod constantly spinning. She thought that might be keeping the molten glass even as he worked, preventing the flexible substance from sagging. Finding a spot against the wall, Kasia leaned back. It was fascinating...
"Can I help you?" The male voice woke her from her contemplation. She looked up. A half bald man looked down, a fluffy beard and mustache hiding half his face. She shook her head.
"No. I'm just waiting to talk to Natan."
"Well, he's busy, Missy. You'll have to come back."
"You do know who she is, don't you?" Natan's voice was amused. Looking past the man, Kasia saw him grinning at her as he spun his work. She couldn't help but grin back.
"And who are you?" The stranger frowned down at her. She cocked her head at him.
"Kasia."
The man blinked. For the first time, he seemed to notice her crutches. His eyes widened as he took a small step back, no longer crowding her.
"Oh! I'm sorry! I didn't recognize you!"
"At least I now know how you treat strangers." She smiled sweetly. "How long until he's free?"
"Give me five minutes," Natan said. "I'll meet you at the fountain."
****
They sat on the wooden benches, nibbling on the cookies Kasia had found at a nearby bakery.
"I'm glad you came," Natan said. His eyes seemed to be contemplating the remaining cookie in his hand. The others had vanished quickly in a flurry of crumbs.
"Almost didn't. His Grace can make life very difficult."
"Tell me about it. He's fair, but..."
She nodded.
"Yeah. We're going to be very busy for the next year."
"Anything you can talk about?"
"Not yet. I'm sure you're not an Elven spy, but I don't know how well you can hold your beer."
He looked down at her, eyebrow cocked.
"Would you like to find out?"
She felt her face blush, eyes going into her lap.
"Not... now. It's not a good time."
She saw his hand come near hers. It hesitated. Heart beating faster, she watched as Natan slowly took her hand in his.
"Will there be a good time?"
Not trusting herself to look at him, her gaze went to the fountain.
"Maybe.”
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