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CHAPTER TWELVE

Maria pushed herself harder than she would have thought possible just a few days prior, but after all she’d been through recently, her perception of what she was capable of had shifted dramatically.

Limits put in place by her own lack of faith in her abilities had pretty much been smashed to bits and thrown to the wind, with Zepharos’s help, and though she was sore from the exertion, she also felt rejuvenated in a way, like a new woman emerging from a lengthy chrysalis.

And living out this unlikeliest of adventures on a strange alien world, it could be argued she really was.

The trek to the retreat went far smoother than she’d expected, the terrain lending itself to hiking much more than what they’d had to deal with over prior days. No mountains to climb, no raging rivers or deadly gorges to cross. Just a lot of distance to cover on occasionally muddy ground.

The sky remained clear, the storm having passed, the cold rain replaced with the welcome warming rays of the sun.

The air was always fresh and clean here, thanks to the lack of combustion engines polluting the planet, but even the already-clean air still had that special something to it that came after rain.

Call it petrichor, or call it whatever, the fragrance of healthy soil and vegetation after a storm was invigorating and made for a particularly pleasant hike.

“I actually feel pretty good,” Maria commented as they scampered up a small hill under the cover of tall but spaced-out trees, the sun filtering down between their burgundy and green branches and canopy of shiny leaves.

“I’m glad to hear it. You’ve really been putting in the work, and it has helped our cause immensely.”

“Well, I’ve got to admit, I was very motivated to get out of there.”

“And with good reason. Becoming the plaything of the chancellor would not be an acceptable fate for one such as yourself.”

“Such as me? What do you mean?”

Zepharos’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Nothing. I just meant that you are a formidable woman. Brave in the face of adversity and not afraid to push yourself through sometimes difficult and uncomfortable situations.”

“I just call that daily life,” she said with a laugh.

“That’s what I’m talking about. How you have this positive attitude. I mean, you’re here, thrust into an existence you did not want on a world so far from your own where everything must be so confusing and new, and yet you somehow manage to look on the bright side. It’s inspiring, you know.”

Now it was Maria’s turn to blush, a little flutter of warmth tickling her heart as well as regions further south.

“I owe it to you, you know. I’d still be in a cage otherwise.”

“Anyone can open a door. It was you who stepped through it. You who put in the effort.”

“To be fair, the rain did force us to stop early yesterday, so I did get a lot of extra rest. Plus, that fire felt really good. And those tuber things you dug up? I can feel what you meant when you said they were planted to provide a good source of energy. My legs feel okay, and we’ve covered a lot of ground. ”

“And we have a lot more to go if we hope to make it to our destination before nightfall. But I promise you, push through this and we will have a comfortable ride back to my village.”

“You had me at comfortable . Lead the way.”

And lead he did, pointing out all manner of plant and animal life as they walked, though only stopping to pick edible items they could eat as they moved.

Today was not the day to take a break for a picnic, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t be shown more of the pleasant aspects of his world along their path.

And what a route he was leading her on. The terrain shifted from grasses and woodland to rocky hills that were easy enough to ascend, but the climb down on the far side did require a bit more caution. This, Zepharos told her, was very much to their benefit.

“You see the way the hills form a long ring around the area?”

“Sort of like a big valley, yeah.”

“Precisely. The geology of this particular place is very active, with thermal vents and a lot of underground activity. The rocky climb down has kept predators from the area, and the molten rock below the surface is full of potent elements that confound scanning technology, making this a perfect location to find a bit of respite from the world.”

“Which, I suppose, is why they built the retreat here?”

“Exactly. And its location is one of privacy and seclusion even within this already secluded area.”

“I can’t wait to see it.”

“Soon. We are making exceptional time, and I am hopeful we will arrive before dark.”

“Then let’s get to it, Mister. We’ve got a ride to catch.”

“As you wish. ”

She grinned. “Okay, Dread Pirate Roberts. I’m following you.”

He gave her a confused look but let it go, turning his attention back to the route ahead.

It was a tricky thing, finding the spa retreat from the ground, and even more so when coming in from this direction.

No one ever did. There were no actual paths.

No trails. Just spaces in the lush forest that were wide enough for them to pass.

Where other parts of their journey had been beautiful and verdant, this put it all to shame.

Nothing could compare to what they were walking deeper and deeper into.

It was almost like something out of a fairytale, the trees and vines dense and the shrubs and plants bursting with life.

And the colors. Oh, the colors were dazzling in their myriad hues, as if a technicolor explosion had sprayed the entire area with every shade imaginable.

The flowers were fragrant but not cloying, and the subtle smell of fresh water filled the warm air. Air that never grew cold from what Zepharos had said. The resort was actually a spa after all, and thermal baths were a key feature of it, lending the entire area an almost tropical feel.

People flew in from all across the planet to soak in the restorative waters. The mineral content was something quite unique, and, depending which plunge one took, it could relax one’s body or supercharge one’s pigments, all while healing any aches and pains.

Zepharos had only been once, and that was many years ago, but the visit had stayed with him ever since, as it did for pretty much everyone who ever came to this place. Enough so that he felt almost drawn to it as they neared the end of their trek.

“Mind your step, there are some pools outside the perimeter.”

“Noted. Does this mean we’re almost there? ”

“It does. We will be there soon, if my navigation has been accurate.”

It was, and less than a half hour later they entered what appeared to be a more manicured section of forest. Only a minute later they stepped out into a clearing set in the forest, seeming to be a natural occurrence, but one that was actually very painstakingly crafted to blend perfectly with the surroundings.

Zepharos looked around and grinned broad and bright. “We’re here.”

He seemed to have a little added spring in his step as they walked across the grounds toward the main building.

It was low and rustic looking, as all of them were, any signs of technology carefully hidden to maintain the overall vibe of the place.

They stepped inside, a subtle spice fragrance tinging the air.

The style was simple and clean, warm woods and natural decor.

Nothing jarringly mechanical or constructed was present, and it made for a most welcome and serene setting.

Zepharos walked up to the tall desk at the far wall.

A lithe, violet-skinned woman with pale green hair and dazzling blue eyes stepped out from a nearby door as he approached.

She was wearing what almost looked like a sari, but of an exotic alien variety, the material supple and iridescent as it moved with her body.

She moved to her place behind the desk to greet the unexpected arrivals.

“Hello, and welcome,” she said, smiling bright. “How can I help you? We do not have any arrivals scheduled for this evening, and I did not receive notice of a transport arriving.”

“Wait here,” Zepharos said, keeping Maria a safe distance away. She was a wanted woman, after all, and even here he still had to be cautious. He stepped up to the desk as casually as he could. “Hi. I know this is unusual, but speaking of transports, we just came in on foot. ”

“On foot ?” she echoed, surprised.

“Yeah, on foot. And it’s been a long walk. I’m hoping to arrange a ride to my village.”

“So, you are not guests, then?” the woman asked, clearly relieved that she hadn’t somehow dropped the ball and missed a reservation.

“No, we are not.”

“Ah, I see. Most unusual, but I am glad you found your way to us,” she said, her polite smile firmly in place, and without any sign of being forced.

She was just a pleasant woman, even now in an unexpected problem-solving situation.

“Now, you say you are seeking transport to a village? I’m sorry, but there are no ships until tomorrow. ”

“Oh, uh—” he stammered, clearly not expecting that hiccup in his plan.

“If I may ask, which village are you flying to? Most of our visitors are from large cities, not villages.”

“You’ll laugh, but we are going to the Oraku.”

“The Oraku?”

“My home. Yes, I know it is surprising. Using technology to go to a place that avoids it. The irony is not lost on me.”

“No, it’s not that. It’s just that we recently hosted a newly bonded pair from precisely that village. A Nimenni prince and his Infala mate.”

Zepharos actually laughed out loud. “Heydar and Darla. Of course they came here. I assume Elder Tikanna arranged their visit?”

“She did. But you know the prince? You are friends?”

“We definitely know each other,” he replied with an amused grin but not going into their own personal history.

The woman seemed positively delighted by the news. He supposed it made sense. Having royalty visit their retreat was quite an honor, and he was now seen as part of that royal umbrella. Not exactly an entourage, but an honored visitor just the same.

“How marvelous,” she exclaimed. “I am so sorry for the inconvenience, but as I said, there will not be a ship until tomorrow. But we will be honored to host you and your mate for the night at no charge. Any friend of the prince is a friend of ours and we wish you the most pleasant of visits.”

“Oh, we’re just friends,” he replied.

She raised a brow slightly. “Really?”

“What?”

“Nothing. Just, I’ve noticed that she does not look at you as just a friend.”

“No, just friends, really,” he said, his cheerful tone slipping slightly.

The hostess leaned forward, speaking a little softer.

“If I may be so forward, I’ve seen a lot in this place, and I can assure you, that is not the look of a mere friend.

But you know better than I what your situation is.

Regardless, it is our honor to host you for the night.

And in the morning, we will receive the new arrivals and will have a ship available to give you a ride whenever you are ready. ”

“Thank you. I don’t know what to say.”

“Just say hello to the prince. Tell him Salaria and the rest of us send our greetings and warm wishes, and also that we hope he and his mate visit us again soon.”

“I’ll do that.”

“Wonderful,” she chirped. “Now, let me show you to your room. Dinner will be served in a little while. Might I suggest taking advantage of our spa while you wait?”

Zepharos glanced back at Maria, tired, dirty, and beautiful through it all.

“Thank you. She could really use it. We both could.”

“Perfect! If you’ll please follow me. ”

She stepped out from behind her desk and headed for the door, Zepharos following.

“Come on. They’re putting us up for the night,” he said as he approached Maria.

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Fantastic.”

“It gets better.”

“Better?”

“We’re getting VIP treatment. Dinner, a room. We even have full use of the spa as well.”

Her jaw nearly hit the ground with shock. Whatever he’d said to the woman, Zepharos had clearly worked his charm to the fullest.

“A spa day,” she said, already feeling her tension fade away at just the thought of it. “This is going to be awesome.”