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Passage, ruled by Tren Fal, the West Passage, which he d recently taken over, the South
Passage, which Shara Dar had control over at the moment, although Tor would wager
she wouldn t be able to keep it, and Ran Mose, who d ruled the East Passage since Tor
had been a boy.
There are only four passages, Tor said, frowning at Roln. Where would another
passage lead to?
Roln shook his head. Exactly. But the fact that she disappeared into the pond isn t
why I called you here. There s more.
Tor allowed the brief silence, waiting for Roln to share his thoughts.
Tor, Roln said slowly. She looked different. Her eyes were too small. I know this
sounds crazy, but she almost looked like the pictures in our history books of what
humans looked like on Dead World.
Anyone else and Tor would have broken out laughing. Roln didn t joke though.
He d known the man since they were boys. More so, he d never looked more serious
than he did right now.
Sliding off the rock into the cold dark water that led toward the passage, Tor
focused on Roln. Pull some of the trainees out tonight to guard the passages. Make it
appear that it s a trial run for them to start into rotation. That way you ll have extra men
out, and you can focus on this pond. Take a look and see if you find a passage. And
keep me updated.
Roln nodded, sliding into the water next to Tor. And if there is another passage?
Then we find out where it leads.
27
Lorie O Clare
Leaving the dark cavern lifted Tor s mood. Battle was a necessary evil. But
harboring where so many of his friends had died, entering once again into the dark
tunnels where they d fought so savagely to gain their independence as a passage of
their own, had surfaced so many unpleasant memories.
It had been necessary at the time. Only his youth had allowed him to survive the
terrible civil wars. Today boys weren t initiated into manhood by annihilating and
mutilating just to survive. The memories would be with him for life. And he didn t
regret them. But there was no reason to dwell on them. Peace existed in the West
Passage now. His armies were strong. And life would stay this way. Many had died for
the rest of them to have such a peaceful existence today.
Reaching the warm aqua sea, he glided through the silky water, his thoughts
slowing his actions. Roln obviously worried the naked lady, and the pond, might bring
them trouble. Not many men had his trust the way Roln did. He d be anxious to hear
what Roln learned after diving into the pond.
And what if there was another passage?
People appeared through the aqua green mist, bowing politely as he passed.
Appreciation of his rank. Their respect would come with time. Acknowledging each
bow, he picked up speed, swimming through the calm sea toward the swift currents
that surrounded the caves.
The green hue changed to blue, dark seaweed floating without direction while lazy
and well-fed fish drifted around him. Reaching New Dallas, the water darkened, grew
colder, and the underground mountains slowly took form in front of him.
Currents pushed hard against his body as tran-buses sped through the water,
carrying citizens from one end of the mountains to the other. Silver and shaped like
long tubes, the tiny windows glowing with light, he barely focused on them. Tourists
on vacation, people getting off work, the city s main form of transportation housed
them all. Just another busy day for most of them. Life as usual.
Tor would see to it that they were able to continue their peaceful existence.
It s about time you got back. Fern Rosh paced the rocky cliff, her tan dress
clinging to her, damp, showing off her tight ass and plump breasts.
His communication s officer, Fern always seemed upset with him. It was just her
nature, and he respected the young woman for trying so hard to impress him.
Lifting himself out of the water, he walked to where Fern stood. Her dark eyes
lowered, moist lashes fluttering as she quickly let her gaze travel over him. A look most
women gave him. He was accustomed to it. Most shied away when he came on to them.
His status and size intimidated them. Fern was no different. She turned before he
reached her, carrying her portable computer in her hands while her feet made small
slapping sounds against the rocks.
Glad to know you missed me. He looked down at her short blonde hair, cropped
close around her head in the contemporary style.
28
Dead World
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