Chapter 10 Orcs

An excerpt from The Guardians Book 1: Formation of the Guardians

Merlaen ran as fast she could. The orcs were attacking the village and no one had a chance. Her hair was gray and she had some wrinkles. She of all the people of the village had no reason left to live. Yet, she had visions of the Silver Mists and the Goddess Stefani told her to leave.

It was amazing. She was breathing hard. She left as soon as she saw the Goddess Stefani. As a wise woman, she knew about women’s health issues as well as how to mend broken bones and how to deal with minor wounds. Her life had been long and she could no longer have children of her own.

None of that mattered now. Stefani had told her the Guardians needed her and she would become one of them. Merlaen heard the screams, the fire, and the orcs. She could do nothing for them. She was no fighter. She was a peaceful healer.

She ran all night. By dawn, she had reached the Silver Mists. She collapsed at the gate. She laid on the ground and just breathed. She didn’t care that she was hungry or tired.

“Halt! Who goes there!”

Merlaen looked up. She tried to speak, but she was out of breath.

“Berri, I think the elf can’t speak. I’ll check it out. Cover me.” Elaen flew over the gate and looked over the elf. “Wow, it’s an old woman. Are you alright, Lady Elf?”

“No. I ran all night. The Goddess Stefani told me to leave my village. It was attacked by orcs last night and I couldn’t help them. Stefani told me to join the Guardians to help you.”

“Oh! Here, do you need help getting up?”

“Yes. Ow!”

“Uh, oh, that arm doesn’t look good. Careful. I’ll help you get to our healer, Bernard.” Elaen gently lifted the elf.

Berri opened the gate. Elaen and the old elf walked through it. Elaen delivered her safely to Bernard and quickly left.

“Ah, milady, this is not a good break. What happened?”

“I’m not sure. The Goddess Stefani told me to come here to help you Guardians out. I’m old. I have no reason to stay alive. I should have died with the other villagers when the orcs attacked.”

“Orcs. Oh, dear, we know they are on their way to us. We’re trying to prepare everyone. You seem fine other than the broken arm. Are you ready? I need to set it.”

“Oh, go ahead. I’ve mended plenty of broken bones in my time.”

Bernard pulled her arm straight.

“Ow!”

Hugo came over and wrapped it up to keep it stiff while it healed.

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay, Bernard. I knew it would hurt.”

“You have some healing skills?”

“Yes. I also helped women give birth or not get pregnant.”

“Good. Hugo and I could use help. Lady Penelopi could give birth any time now.”

“Oh? You have a pregnant woman here?”

“Yes. I have helped deliver babies before, but I think some women prefer to have another woman helping them.”

Merlaen smiled. “They do. My name is Merlaen.”

“Pleased to meet you. Hugo is the nurse and very helpful.”

Hugo smiled and nodded to Merlaen. “We can go to the great hall now and get some lunch.”

“Good idea. After you, Lady Merlaen.”

The trio went to the great hall. Bernard was looking around. Lady Penelopi had just made the announcement at breakfast to warn everyone about the orcs. People were showing signs of stress.

“Hugo, Lady Merlaen, I think we better prepare and distribute birth control to as many people as possible. We can skip Lady Penelopi and her husband Julio, and of course all the children.”

“That will be a lot of birth control,” said Merlaen.

“I know, but we can’t handle a baby boom here. We may not have enough food and there are too many young people here.”

“I’ve never heard of a community who cared about such matters.”

“Ours is small and many women are doing important work. We tend to do what we prefer and what matches our skills without regard to gender.”

“That explains a lot. Why do I get the feeling that many of you would be considered oddballs in most places?”

Bernard smiled. “We are. I think that’s why we all get along.” He paused. “Hugo, I need you to make sure all the adolescents get birth control. Can I trust you to do that?”

“Uh, sure. I guess it would be safer to just give it to them if I suspect or should I just go by age?”

“Do both.”

“Okay.”

“Bernard, who is the new person?” asked Lady Penelopi.

“She is Merlaen, a healer.”

Merlaen nodded to Lady Penelopi.

Lady Penelopi nodded to Merlaen. “Welcome to our little community.”

“Lady Penelopi, the orcs may be here tonight. Lady Merlaen ran from them all night.”

“Oh, dear. We are trying to prepare. We on the domestic staff are considering using our skillets the way Adelaen has.”

“Good idea. I will use my magic.”

“Good. I know the guards are preparing strategy now.”

“Very good. They are the most prepared of all of us.”

“Milady, we will be distributing birth control to as many people as we can.”

“Hugo, why would you do that? We don’t need to encourage that sort of behavior.”

“Milady, it isn’t encouragement. It’s realism. I’ve seen what happens when many people have to face death together. The consequences are not pleasant for many people. I don’t want anyone to ask me for abortions anymore.”

“Bernard!”

“Birth control is a better option.”

“Yes, it is.” Lady Penelopi looked around. “I see what you mean. Very well, do what you think is right.”

Bernard nodded and sat down to eat.

*********************

Everyone was busy. Even the children were quiet as they watched everyone else running around. The domestic staff practiced swinging skillets around. Even Lady Penelopi swung a skillet around.

The scientists, Greg, and his crew were experimenting with some weapons they could use that would send out electric shocks. Then they charged up the weapons.

The guards were watching for the orcs. They also watched the other people and tried to reassure anyone who was nervous.

Berri and Elaen sighed as they watched over the castle. Then they turned to look at each other and kissed. Darius and Jazmin were standing nearby and they were also making out.

Adelaen saw the four of them and shook her head. She smiled and continued watching. Then she closed her eyes and breathed. She meditated for a few minutes as they waited for nightfall and the orcs.

Merlaen, Hugo, and Bernard were busy distributing birth control to everyone they could.

When they regrouped later, Hugo told Bernard, “We couldn’t get to Adelaen. She was too busy, but we got everyone else. I even took some.”

“You did? Hugo, are you an adolescent now?”

“Uh, yes…”

Bernard smiled. “Well, that explains your recent behavior and the growth spurts. If you don’t stop growing, you’ll be taller than I am.”

Hugo blushed. “Well, Bernard, did you take some birth control?”

“No, I’m celibate.”

“But what if Adelaen sees you later and wants to—”

Bernard said nothing as he reached for a pill from Hugo’s basket and swallowed it. Merlaen smiled.

The sun was going down and everyone was quiet. Many of the children found some good hiding places and remained as quiet as they could. Hugo was looking after many of them in the clinic. He did what he could to keep them calm. Merlaen was with him. She was nervous.

Bernard was nearby. He sat still and closed his eyes. He could see everyone in and around the castle. He saw the nuns and monks in their monastery. Some were chanting. Others were praying. Some were using what magic they could as he was to defend themselves.

The domestic staff hung out in the kitchen and the weaving/sewing room. Many were holding skillets and waiting.

Soon the guards could hear the running of lots of feet. They could hear the howling and screaming of orcs. Everyone remained quiet.

“There they are!” said Darius. “Steady, archers! They’ll probably taunt us for a few minutes. Get ready, everyone!”

The guards drew their weapons and stood still. The orcs stopped at the gate and howled and hissed at them.

Then suddenly the orcs were everywhere at once. The guards fought off as many as they could. The archers shot lots of arrows. Yet despite how fast the guards were, they couldn’t kill all the orcs.

Some orcs got into the castle and the domestic staff fought as well they could with their skillets. Many people screamed or cried. They ran and tried to get away.

Adelaen followed the orcs to the kitchen. There, Lady Penelopi was screaming. She fell to the floor clutching her belly. Adelaen ran over to her and slashed up several orcs.

“Get Lady Penelopi out of here! Now!” shouted Adelaen.

A few people grabbed Lady Penelopi and carried her to the clinic. Adelaen saw them and aimed her blades toward the orcs who followed. The orcs fell down dead. Adelaen took a deep breath and turned around and fought off more orcs.

It was a long night for everyone. Lady Penelopi was carried safely to the clinic. Merlaen and Hugo helped her. Many of the children were crying, but some were helping with towels and water. Bernard remained still with his eyes closed. No orcs were able to get into the clinic. Whenever the orcs tried, they would fall down dead.

By the time the sun was rising, the orcs were all dead. The guards gathered the bodies and burned them in the courtyard.

Bernard opened his eyes. He yawned and looked around him. Lady Penelopi was still in labor. She was uncomfortable and in trouble.

“Bernard, come quick! The baby is not coming out head first,” Merlaen called to him.

He got up and ran. “Okay, lean back, Lady Penelopi!” He carefully pushed the baby back inside and turned him. Bernard let go and the baby slid out.

The child screamed. Bernard picked him up and set him on Lady Penelopi’s belly. “Alright, that’s the baby boy. Just relax. You’re going to give birth to the placenta next.”

“What?” Lady Penelopi gasped.

“You and the baby are still connected. It shouldn’t be too much longer.”

And it wasn’t. Hugo and some of the children helped clean Lady Penelopi, the baby, and the clinic. Bernard drank some water and looked outside. The funeral pyre was huge. Mostly orcs were burning, but there were some elves and fairies.

He could see Darius and Jazmin throwing more bodies on the fire. He also saw Adelaen and another guard carrying bodies. He let out a sigh.

Berri and Elaen flew into the clinic. “Hey, Bernard, we need some treatment.”

Bernard turned to look at them. “What’s wrong?”

They lifted their legs, which were bent at odd angles.

Bernard set his mug down on the desk. “Alright, this will hurt when I set the bones. Hugo!”

Hugo ran over and grabbed some bandages. Bernard pulled one leg at a time and held it still as Hugo wrapped them up stiffly. The fairies hovered in the air and clenched their teeth. They didn’t scream.

When it was over, Bernard grabbed a portable scanner and ran it over the fairies. “Well, interesting. Your bones are hollow, like birds’.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, that must be how you can fly.”

“Are we barred from our duties?”

“No, just stay off those legs for awhile. You can still fly. No running or even walking for six weeks and here’s a potion to drink in the meantime to help those bones to heal.”

“Thanks.” They left the clinic.

“Bernard, do you have a minute?”

“Sure, Hugo.”

“I have a question for you.”

“Well, what is it?”

“I’m afraid something is wrong with me.”

“Why?”

“I’m not finding women attractive.”

Bernard looked at Hugo.

“Men look good to me. I’m afraid there’s something wrong with my hormones.”

Bernard said nothing as he ran the scanner around Hugo’s groin. “Hugo, there’s nothing wrong with you. You’re definitely male as I am.”

“But—”

“No, buts. There is nothing wrong with you. You’re not the first person to tell me this. I just hope you won’t find me attractive.”

“I don’t and I know you’re off limits. Adelaen is the only one who has a chance with you.”

Bernard smiled. “Yes, that is true. Now we should probably check on other people who couldn’t make it to the clinic.” Bernard gathered some supplies. “Oh, and next time we all have to face death, you don’t need to take any birth control, Hugo.”

“No?”

“If you don’t find women attractive, you have nothing to worry about in that department.”

“Thanks. So, you’re okay with me?”

“Yes. You’re a great nurse and I can’t do it all by myself.”

Hugo beamed. “Is Merlaen coming with us?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Merlaen, Hugo and I are going to check on everyone else to make sure they’re alight. Do you want to come or stay here?”

“Perhaps I better stay here. I want to make sure Lady Penelopi and her baby are okay. Besides, someone should stay with these children. They’re still frightened.”

Bernard nodded. “Good point. We’ll be back.”

Merlaen smiled. She resumed singing to the children as Lady Penelopi slept. Her baby was asleep in a makeshift cradle next to her. Some of the children were asleep on the floor.

Bernard and Hugo went out into the courtyard and checked on people. Some had minor wounds, which they cleaned and bandaged. Some had broken bones. They mended those.

Eventually they found the scientists. Boe and Maegin were dirty and they were sitting near Julio, who was looking pale. He was laying on the ground.

“What’s wrong with Julio?”

Julio opened his eyes. “My left leg is broken.”

Bernard and Hugo knelt beside him. Bernard checked the leg with his scanner first. “Okay, this will hurt, but it will help with the healing.” Bernard pulled the leg and held it still as Hugo wrapped bandages and attached sticks to keep it straight.

“I heard about my wife. Is she alright?”

“She was asleep when we left. You’ve got a son. Merlaen is looking after them and many of the children who hid in the clinic.”

Julio smiled. “I’d like to see them.”

“Okay, but you need to stay off your leg for six weeks. Or least as much as you can.”

“I’ll try.”

“Okay, he can be moved to the clinic. Just be careful with him.”

Boe and Maegin lifted Julio and carried him to the clinic. Once there, Merlaen helped them put him in a bed next to his wife.

In the courtyard, the funeral pyre was still burning. Bernard checked the guards last. Many of the rest of the people were recovering. Those of the domestic staff who weren’t injured went to the kitchen to cook. Others were crying and stayed out in the courtyard.

“Bernard! You made it!”

“Hi, Darius. How are the guards?”

“Not bad. We’ve had some broken bones and lots of bruises.”

“I know. I set Elaen’s and Berri’s legs.”

Darius nodded. “Yeah, they’re lucky they’re fairies. They’re quite happy that you told them they could still work.”

Bernard smiled. “Yes, well, they can’t stand for six weeks and they need to be careful until their legs heal.”

“Adelaen was great. I think she’s got the hang of her magic.”

“Oh? What did she do?”

“She killed orcs just by aiming her blades at them. Lots of them. She didn’t touch every orc with her blades. And she flew all over the place as if she was a fairy.”

Bernard beamed. “Well, she has been practicing a lot lately. Where is she?”

“Oh, she’s still gathering bodies. Some of the children died.”

Bernard stopped smiling. “Figures. I can see you’ve had to burn their bodies as well.”

“Did you hand out birth control to everyone yesterday?”

“Yeah. The last thing we need is a baby boom.”

Darius laughed. “You missed Adelaen.”

“I took some just in case.”

“Good for you. It looks like it will be a long day for all of us.”

“Yes, that it will be.”

Adelaen and another guard carried another orc body and threw it on the fire. She turned and saw Bernard.

She ran to him. She leaned over and kissed him on the lips. “I’m good now. See you later, Bernard.” She ran off.

Bernard blinked and blushed.

Darius clapped him on the back. “Way to go! Perhaps now you’ll know what Jazmin and I have.” Darius laughed and he and Jazmin went to gather more bodies.

Hugo smiled at Bernard. “Well, that was great. We should keep working. I see Greg and his crew over there and they look rather pitiful. Let’s see what we can do to make them better.”

Bernard looked at Hugo and smiled. “Yes, let’s do.” They walked over to Greg and his crew.

“How is everyone this morning?”

“Terrible. I don’t like electrocuting people.” He looked at Hugo and tried to smile at the friendly elf.

“You are a little burnt. Hugo, I think you can handle him.”

Hugo jumped and cleaned up the burns. Soon he was cleaning up the crew as well.

Bernard yawned. The domestic staff set food out on tables out in the courtyard. Many people grabbed plates and served themselves. People sat on the ground to eat.

“Bernard, we should eat. I think we got everyone. Or at least all that had major problems.”

“Good idea.”

Hugo and Bernard ate on the ground. Greg and some of his crew joined them nearby. Greg kept looking at Hugo, wondering if something was wrong with himself. He would have to ask Bernard later on. Now, everyone was just pulling themselves back together.

Bernard finished eating and sat still. He closed his eyes. Soon he saw the Goddess Stefani smiling at him.

“Bernard! Good. I was hoping I could reach you. I need to talk to everyone that’s still alive at your castle and in the monastery.”

“How will you do that?”

“Via the communications equipment Greg designed. He should be able to figure out how to reach me. I may be on a special channel you haven’t used yet.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I don’t understand everything. I may have to became an elf or a fairy or something else before I will understand. All I know is that I care what happens to you and others. I feel I should be helping, but I can’t do everything.”

“Interesting. How will Greg know which channel you’re on?”

“It has something to do with psi energy. That’s all I can tell you.”

Hugo looked at Bernard as his plate slipped off his lap. Hugo shook him. “Bernard! Wake up! Please don’t fall over!”

Bernard opened his eyes. “Oh! Where’s Greg?”

“I’m right here. What’s wrong?”

“The Goddess Stefani wants to talk to everyone via the communications equipment. She said she was on a channel that has something to do with psi energy.”

Greg pulled out his portable communication device and his scanner. He scooted closer to Bernard and Hugo. He held the scanner to Bernard and tried to turn on the communicator. “Oh, Hugo, here please hold the scanner for me.”

“Certainly. What do you need to know from Bernard?”

“I need Bernard to think about talking with the Goddess Stefani and Hugo see what the scanner says about the psi energy.”

Bernard thought about talking with Stefani and Hugo held the scanner near Bernard’s brain. “Greg, the scanner is registering something, but I don’t understand it.”

Greg looked at the reading. “Ah.” He adjusted his communicator. The image was fuzzy at first, but eventually, a clear picture of woman elf was seen. “Goddess Stefani?”

“Hello, Greg. I can see and hear you well. You are such a genius.”

“Well, I don’t know about that.”

“And quite modest to boot.”

Bernard looked at her. “What are you?”

“Oh, that’s a good question. I’m not sure I have a comprehensible answer for you.”

“You look like an elf.”

She nodded. “Some of the others, where I live, look like fairies. But we’re not fairies or elves. We’re not in the same realm as you are. We live somewhere else. Some of us have the ability to cross the gap and communicate with you.”

“You’re right. That answer doesn’t make much sense. But I can see why many of us consider your people gods and goddesses.”

Stefani smiled. “Yes, that’s why I try to be kind and understanding.”

Hugo stared at her.

“Hello, Hugo. I’m glad you’re accepting yourself. Bernard is right; there isn’t anything wrong with you. I do know that you’re going to have a great love with someone special.”

Hugo blushed. “If you say so.”

Greg tried to smile at Hugo. “And of what of me, Stefani. I believe you wanted to talk to everyone here.”

“Greg, yes, I hope this registers as a specific channel on your end. That way I and others can communicate with everyone.”

Greg checked his communicator. “It is a specific channel.”

“Hey, Bernard and Hugo, we need some first aid!”

“Coming! Let’s go, Hugo.”

Hugo and Bernard left to help more people.

Greg watched them go.

“Greg, I was talking about you earlier when I told Hugo about his great love.”

Greg looked at her. “What?”

She smiled at him. “Greg, you’ve fallen and it’s okay. It’s actually sweet. You should tell him.”

“I don’t know. There’s probably something wrong with me.”

“No, there isn’t. If you don’t believe that, then go ask Bernard. He knows enough to know that you’re fine the way you are.”

“I was thinking of doing that. But there’s still too many others who need his help.”

“I understand, but don’t put it off too long. In the meantime, I need to talk to all of you.”

“Of course.” He stood up and flew to the great hall.

There were others running around cleaning up the mess. Others were walking slowly and carefully. Greg sat down in front of the communicator. He set it to Stefani’s special channel.

Soon her image was on the screen. “Looks like you’ve done it. Now, how do we talk to the monks and nuns?”

“Oh, just a sec, while I spilt the screen and call them.” Greg contacted the monastery.

“Greg, how is everyone over there?”

“We’re recovering. How are you?”

“We’ve suffered some casualties and some injuries.”

“Bernard and Hugo are working to help everyone, but I think they are pretty tired.”

The monk nodded. “That’s understandable. We are doing what we can, but we may need them to visit.”

“I’ll let them know. For now, the Goddess Stefani wants to talk to everyone. If you can split your screen and set the other channel to 45, you should be able to get her.”

“Goddess Stefani? It most irregular to talk to her like this.”

“It’s possible. Just do it.”

“Okay.” The monk made the adjustments as some nuns and monk came in. Soon Stefani appeared on one side of the screen. “Oh, wow, do you recognize her?”

“It’s the Goddess Stefani!”

“Hello.”

Some of the domestic staff noticed Greg at the split screen and walked over. “Greg, who is that?”

“It’s the Goddess Stefani.”

“Oh!” Some of them bowed.

“Now, that’s not necessary. Please stand up. I’m not worthy of your submission.”

The people stood up and sat down.

“That’s better. I don’t really like to be worshipped. I’d prefer to speak to you all as equals.”

“As you wish, Goddess Stefani.”

“‘Goddess’ is a title. Please don’t take it literally.”

“Yes, milady.”

“Okay, Greg, can you record us?”

“Yes. Just a minute. There. Now we’re recording.”

“Good. I know not everyone will be able to listen right now. They can listen later when they have time.” She paused. “First of all, I’d like to say how proud of you I am to see how well you handled those orcs. Working together as you did, your causalities were light. Unfortunately, there were still some, but that can’t be helped. My people will look after their souls. We have them now. Some are still children. We will send them back to you when they are ready to return.

“Now there are stories about the Guardians of the Silver Mists. Some are true. Some are completely false. People think you’re witches and wizards and are afraid to come near you. My people and I know who you are. We know you will be joined by others. Your community will grow.

“You should use the name of Guardians. You will have a great responsibility. You will have to keep an eye on others. Try to respect their culture and their beliefs unless they conflict with the treatment of anyone. In time your reputation will grow and people will respect you. However, you must allow the outsiders to grow on their own in their own time. It may take them longer, but you must be patient with them.

“You must also be careful where you show your technology. Many outsiders will consider it magic and may fear it. Even those you take in, can have trouble with some of the technology. They tend to be more open minded, but they may have trouble at first. It’s best to keep the technology hidden. The way Greg has designed much of it will make that easy. Many items can be hidden behind false walls or won’t be too strange for many people because of how they look. For example, the sewing machines and washers.

“There are other kinds of people on your world and you will meet them. If you show them respect and offer them friendship, they will respond in kind. They seem hidden for now, but soon you will meet them all. They may or may not join you.

“Finally, I want you all to know, that as long as I’m here in my realm, you can contact me on this channel. Others who live here can also be reached on this channel. So don’t be surprised if you try contacting me later and you see someone else. Like you, I can’t be available all day. We need to rest as you do.” She smiled.

Greg was checking the communications. “I’ll make a note of that, Stefani. Is that all you wanted?”

“For now. I will sign off. You are welcome to contact me later.” Her image winked out.

The domestic staff blinked. “We’re important as well?”

Greg looked at them. “Why wouldn’t you be? I wouldn’t be able to function if someone else didn’t cook or clean or do laundry.”

“You mean that?”

“Yes. My place was a mess before I came to live here. I’m even clean.”

Someone laughed. “You don’t smell bad anymore!”

Greg smiled. “Good. I’d hate to offend you with my stink.”

“We better get back to work. It’s amazing the Goddess Stefani talked to us!”

Greg watched them go. He turned back to the screen. The monks and nuns were still thinking about what Stefani had said. “I’ve got it recorded and I’m sending it over to you now.”

“Thank you, Greg. Like the domestic staff, we need to get back to work cleaning up over here.”

“I should see what needs to be done around here. I might be able to help you out later on.”

*********************

It was getting late and the sun was setting. The castle and monastery were in better shape. The fire was still burning in the courtyard, but there were no more bodies to add to it. Jazmin and Darius cuddled near the fire. Elaen and Berri floated nearby holding hands.

Adelaen was sitting nearby. She was watching the fire. She had never felt so exhausted in her life. She wondered where Bernard was, but said nothing to the others. Greg flew over to the fire. He nodded to the guards. They nodded to him.

Bernard and Hugo were tired as they were walking from the monastery to the clinic. They arrived when Lady Penelopi was nursing her baby.

“How are you, Lady Penelopi?” asked Bernard.

She looked at him. “Sad.”

“Oh, that’s understandable.” He grabbed a chair and sat near her.

“I feel like crying. How did we do?”

“We could have done worse. A few of our people died. From what I can tell, the domestic staff has cleaned up. They are still working even though some of them are injured.”

“I was afraid they would need me.”

Bernard smiled. “They are doing what they can. Some of them have broken bones and they require more medicine. We’ll be busy for a few days. Your baby looks good. Have you named him?”

“Yes. He’s Luka.”

“Good name.” Bernard pulled out his scanner and ran it near Lady Penelopi. “Oh, not good. I’ll have to prepare a potion for you.”

“What’s wrong?”

“You need a tonic. You’ve got an imbalance due to the stress and giving birth. Sometimes this happens. Just a minute while I make it for you.”

“Is that why I feel so sad?”

“Yes.” He quickly grabbed the ingredients and put it together. He gave the potion to Lady Penelopi, who drank it all. “Now, just rest. If you want, Hugo and I can move your bed and husband’s bed closer together.”

“I would like that.”

Bernard motioned to Hugo. They moved Julio’s bed next to his wife’s. Lady Penelopi laid her son in his cradle and laid down. She cuddled next to her sleeping husband.

**********************

Greg sat down and stared at the fire and looked around. He saw Bernard and Hugo walk into the clinic. “Hey, Bernard and Hugo look as tired as I feel.”

Adelaen perked up and looked towards the clinic. “We’re all tired, but it’s hard to sleep right now.”

Greg nodded. “I wonder if I should go talk to Bernard now or wait till tomorrow.”

“You need some help?”

“Well, I have a question for Bernard, but it can wait if he’s still busy.”

Adelaen blinked. “Greg, go ask Bernard. I’m sure he can answer you. Then you should try to get some sleep, if you can.”

“Okay.” He flew to the clinic.

“You need some sleep, too, Adelaen,” said Darius.

“I know, but I can’t just yet.”

“What’s wrong?” asked Jazmin.

“I don’t know.”

“Maybe she needs Bernard,” put in Elaen.

Adelaen blushed and sighed.

Darius smiled. “Well, let’s wait and see when Greg comes out. Then we’ll send Adelaen in.”

Jazmin smiled. “Great idea.”

The four guards watched and waited for Greg to come out. Adelaen stared at the fire.

***********************

Hugo was straightening up the clinic and tucking children into bed. He made sure Merlaen was okay. She was fast asleep near the children. He smiled at them all and picked up little items.

Greg flew in and landed in front of Bernard. “Do you have a minute?”

“Yeah, what’s up?”

“I think there may be something wrong with me, but Stefani said there wasn’t and that I could talk to you about it.”

“Oh? What’s the problem?”

“I, uh, love Hugo. I thought I was supposed to find women attractive.”

“You’re not attracted to women?”

Greg shook his head.

“Oh, well there’s nothing wrong with that. Like Hugo, you won’t need birth control ever again.”

“Is that what you gave us earlier?”

“Yes.” Bernard picked up his scanner and used it near Greg’s groin. “That’s what I thought. You’re fine.”

“Wait, Hugo is attracted to men?”

“Yes, he is. You should go talk to him.”

“I don’t know. I—”

“You don’t have to touch him. Just be a friend and get to know him. You can go as slow as you’d like. What’s the rush?”

“That’s how you are with Adelaen.”

“Yes. It’s call respect. I love her so much and I want her to feel safe and comfortable with me.”

“Oh. I understand that.”

“So, just start with talking. I think you will find you have some things in common.”

“Alright.”

Hugo finished up and walked over to Bernard and Greg. “I’m all done for the night, Bernard.”

“Good. Why don’t you go enjoy the fire with Greg and try to get some sleep.”

“Okay. You get some sleep, too, Bernard. See you later.” Hugo smiled at Greg. “Let’s go watch the fire. We can watch the stars, too.”

Greg nodded and flew out the clinic with Hugo walking beside him. They approached the fire to see a pair of fairies and elves get excited.

“Go on, Adelaen. Greg has left the clinic with Hugo. You’ll have Bernard all to yourself.”

Adelaen felt sick and tired, but she stood up and walked to the clinic. She felt like she was floating all the way there. She walked inside to see Bernard at his desk.

He looked up at her. He was exhausted. He smiled. “Adelaen, you need to sleep.”

She nodded. “So do you.”

He stood up. “This has been hard on all of us.”

“Yes, it has.”

He approached her. She didn’t move. He reached out for her and she wrapped her arms around him. They remained that way for several minutes.

Merlaen woke up and saw them. She sat up and smiled at Bernard. He saw Merlaen when he opened his eyes. He let go of Adelaen.

“Uh, we better go somewhere else, Adelaen.”

Adelaen let go of him and they clasped hands.

“Merlaen, I trust you will keep an eye on things tonight?”

“Certainly, Bernard, go get some sleep.”

He smiled at her as he and Adelaen walked passed her and into his room. He closed the door. They walked to the bed and climbed in and under the covers.

They cuddled and soon were fast asleep.