Kotallo approached the base from the west with Banuk and Utaru following him. They hadn’t found enough mounts for all of them so some riders had to double up. Tunk took Bani onto his mount, Naltuk carried Roush, Ikrie and Ovaria and Yef found himself learning how to ride on his own. Had their mounts been made of flesh and blood, they would have slowed considerably from the weight but being machines, their pace barely decreased. It was still a steady canter through the dense foliage region north of Plainsong, unable to hit full stride until they cleared the forest and rode up the slope to the Tenakth manned outpost.

Kotallo spoke briefly with the guards who were understandably concerned about letting machine riders through after Regalla had used overrides to force machines to trample many Tenakth to their deaths. When they saw Kotallo’s marshal colours and his unusual riders, they let him pass with his companions.

After the High Turning, they headed left, traveling south, taking a narrow path that hugged the foothills of the Desert Clan’s borders, climbing steadily higher and higher until they reached a plateau where a Tenakth scout post rested.

Their mounts were left behind as Kotallo took the Utaru and Banuk up the short embankment to the metal door and opened it, leading them inside.

“We’re inside a mountain…” Bani breathed.

“Does anyone else fell…ill?” Roush tugged on the strands of woven fronds around his neck.

“You’ll become accustomed to the atmosphere after a time.” Kotallo assured him. “Here is the common room.”

He entered, anxious about who would greet them.

“Kotallo! The mightiest warrior of the Tenakth has returned!”

“Erend,” Kotallo grasped his arm and eyed the stein in the Oseram’s hand, “it’s a bit early to be drinking…”

“It’s never too early to be drinking.” Erend chortled. “Besides, it’s only my first one. I’ll let Alva and Zo take care of your crew while I pour you a cold one.”

Kotallo nodded as Alva and Zo came forward.

“Welcome back, Kotallo.” Zo was looking decidedly rounder since he’d seen her last.

“We’ve been missing that smile of yours around here.” Alva teased lightly.

“Alva and Zo, these are the Banuk and Utaru who have volunteered.” Kotallo gestured. “Of the Banuk, Ikrie, Naltuk and Tunk and of the Utaru, Yef, Bani, Ovaria and Roush.”

“Welcome,” Zo gestured, “I’m sure things must seem overwhelming and I can’t say it’s going to get any better straight away…but we have food and drink for you, a place to sleep and…it looks like we need more FOCUSES?”

“I didn’t have enough for the Utaru.” Kotallo explained.

“We’ll sort that out in the morning.” Alva promised.

“Ikrie?” They all turned to see Aloy, who had come down the stairs from the command centre, staring at their crew. “Naltuk!”

“It’s been a while.” Ikrie greeted.

“More than a while.” Aloy chuckled. “I thought you were still at the Banuk Hunting Grounds, giving newcomers grief!”

“I needed a new challenge.”

“Naltuk, I can’t believe you’re here! How is Aratak going to lead the werak without you?”

“He said he owed his former chieftain his best,” Naltuk shrugged doubtfully, “I hope I live up to his expectation…and yours.”

“It’s so good to have you here. And Yef? You too?”

Kotallo watched as Aloy greeted the newcomers, knowing some names and learning others. He stood off to the side, a stein of ale already in his hand where Erend had thrust it, hoping he didn’t look as wistful as he felt.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

And yet, despite the ache to be able to love the woman he adored, Kotallo was grateful to be home.

As Alva and Zo showed the Banuk and Utaru to their sleeping quarters, he felt Aloy’s pale green gaze alight onto him. Kotallo tensed, the space between them uncertain and awkward.

“It’s good to see you, Kotallo.” Aloy broke the silence first.

“Likewise.” Kotallo replied.

She licked her lips. “How did the embassy go in Meridian?”

“Well after the assassination attempt was thwarted.”

“I guess some Tenakth still harboured a grudge.”

“Indeed,” Kotallo paused, “and it was to Avad’s credit that he did not clap us all in shackles for one young man’s vengeance.”

“I’d like to see someone try to get shackles on you.” Aloy laughed softly. “So…”

“So…”

Kotallo swallowed. “You look well.”

“You too. Erend and Zo tell me you went all the way to the Sacred Lands…then up to the Cut.”

“I’ve seen more of the east than all Tenakth could boast…combined.” Kotallo nodded. “It is beautiful country. Especially the Embrace.”

“I loved the Embrace,” Aloy admitted, “I wasn’t keen on the people…well, perhaps that’s not accurate. Some of them were really good people.”

“Perhaps it was the narrowmindedness of the tribe that you did not like.”

“Perhaps.”

She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “I bet the Cut was quite pleasant for someone who grew up in the Sheerside Mountains.”

“Actually, I think I found my tolerance limit to snow, ice and cold.”

“Now that’s impressive.”

Kotallo looked at the ale in his stein. “I met Cyan and Aratak…and a rather forward Banuk artist…”

“Seluki?”

“That’s her.” Kotallo went to take a gulp of ale. “I saw her mural of you.”

Aloy rubbed the back of her neck and gave an embarrassed cough. “Oh…”

“It’s stunning.”

“I suppose the Tenakth and the Banuk have a great deal in common when it comes to artistry, inking and paints.”

“We do indeed.” Kotallo glanced around. “Did any Tenakth join the cause?”

“Tenakth, Carja, Utaru, Nora, Banuk…Oseram…we’re full to bursting.” Aloy folded her arms. “Which Tenakth?”

“Jira?”

“Oh,” Aloy nodded, “yes, she’s here…Atekka’s daughter.”

“She was one of the Tenakth ambassadors who travelled to Meridian.”

“I see.” Aloy looked at her feet. “She’s very…”

“Yes.” Kotallo agreed then saw her look. “I don’t know…”

“I’m sorry…”

“Me too…”

They were fumbling over their words, unable to form complete sentences or even convey simple thoughts. Kotallo caught her pale green gaze, his mouth opening to say that he understood why she had done what she did…and Aloy seemed to be on the verge of saying something as well…

…when Beta and a young man Kotallo didn’t recognise, walked up to their awkward reunion.

“Welcome back, Kotallo.” Beta said, looking between them.

From her tentative approach, Kotallo suspected she knew.

“How are you Beta?”

“I’m good.” She nodded then caught sight of Kotallo’s confused expression, his eyes glancing off the vaguely familiar features of the young man standing by her. “Kotallo is a marshal of the Tenakth and formerly of the Sky Clan,” Beta explained to the young man, “this is Tomas.”

“Tomas,” Kotallo reached out and the young man, possibly out of intimidation as he could feel his reluctance in his grasp, shook his hand, “I know you from somewhere…”

“I’m Ted Faro’s clone.”

Kotallo’s expression stiffened and he stared at Tomas, wary in a heartbeat.

“He was made on the Odyssey, just like I was but in secret by Gerard and Walter Londra, ten years ago.” Beta explained.

“Ten years…”

“Accelerated growth,” Tomas shook his head, “I wouldn’t recommend it. I had to spend two days in a rejuvenation capsule to repair the damage…and I swear my lungs still aren’t right.”

“And you are here because?”

“Tomas knows all about Nemesis,” Beta insisted, “he has studied it at length and has a great deal of knowledge to offer.”

“He’s also got a brilliant printer,” Aloy said and everyone turned to her, “and can make you almost anything from shoes to blankets, brushes for your teeth and ointment to clean them until they sparkle.”

Tomas shook his head, his shoulders bowed. “Frivolous things…”

“Thoughtful, actually.” Aloy sounded like she was speaking from a closed throat. She was willing yet struggling at the same time. Kotallo felt like there was a message she was conveying that he couldn’t quite understand as both Beta and Tomas looked at her in surprise. “I mean, if anything can be done to improve Oseram breath…”

“Well…thank you.” Tomas cleared his throat. “I know it won’t change the world…but I hate fuzzy teeth.” He glanced around. “I should get back to my work. I’m uploading all my knowledge about Nemesis to Gaia.”

“And I’ve got to get back to my simulation on capturing HEPHAESTUS.” Beta nodded and they left the small group.

“Well…what do you know…” Aloy murmured, shaking her head, her red hair rippling across her shoulder blades.

“The tale of his recovery will be an interesting one to hear.” Kotallo mused. “I should put my gear away.” He picked up his swag and headed for the sleeping quarters.

“Kotallo?” He turned and saw her standing behind him. “I’m glad you’re back…I wasn’t sure…”

“I told you,” he replied firmly, “I will stand with you and your mission…and give whatever is left of my life to see it through.”

“You’re a good man, Kotallo.” Aloy smiled and though it didn’t quite reach her eyes, it was at least sincere.

He nodded, turned and walked away.

For a reunion that was awkward and painful, there seemed to be a catharsis, a release of tension and a wordless reconciliation.

Perhaps, for now, it would be enough.

After all, with Nemesis mere months away, there could be no distractions.