CHAPTER 134: SEARCHING FOR CONNECTION

Palwin was trying to operate the thread-making machine in order to help the family jumpstart cloth production. But Marcus's grandfather was in her way.

"My sweet child you don't need to tire yourself." His voice was gentle but firm. "You are a valuable member of Marcus's team. We can do these things ourselves. Marcus's father and his uncles can handle it."

But Palwin wanted to work. To be useful to her pack. Her group. This was engrained in her mind with every switch to her other planet. Things weren't perfect there but they were much better than Valdris. At least there was no evil mage threatening to take over the world.

When Palwin didn't answer Grandpa Alwind repeated his suggestion again with sincere explanation.

I should follow his order, she thought. He is higher in order than me. But I want to work. While Sara was busy with explosives someone needed to help.

Her internal monologue raced but finally with great effort she bowed her head. She let out the words with a whisper. "I want to work." She raised her head and met his eyes. "Please."

Grandpa Alwind smiled warmly. The wrinkles around his eyes deepened. "Oh sorry. I didn't think. You must be using it to send off bad thoughts. Sorry again. Of course you can work." He left her to enter the small kitchen at the workshop.

Palwin sat at the machine again and started her mechanical process of making thread. Before he mentioned it she had successfully driven off the bad ideas. But now she remembered the loss of Tom all over again. He was alive with Marcus but they were sent off planet.

How was it possible?

Grandpa Alwind came back with a warm cup. Steam curled from its surface. "This is herbal tea for you my sweet child. If you need anything don't forget to call us. We are here for you."

She bowed her head at his service. In her world it would not even be an option. An elder in that family helping someone lower in the pack would be unthinkable. But this world was gentle. She was learning. Passing years in near captivity had made her think this world was worse. But with each interaction with her new family she was actually seeing beauty again and becoming more vocal.

After hours of working and completely eliminating bad thoughts Sara entered with food.

"Palwin you must be hungry. I took a break. Come let's eat our late lunch." She gestured for her to come.

Following these gentle orders was becoming a different joy for Palwin. Back in her other planet fulfilling pack orders gave different satisfaction. But here camaraderie and friendship was more fun.

She smiled without actually noticing. She saw Sara's grin widening.

"You must feel good now that we have news of Tom and Marcus being alive huh?"

"Yeah. I am. But I wish to help them get back." She sat down across from Sara and started portioning her food.

"Marcus is smart and Tom is strong. Together they can do anything. I am sure they can do whatever is necessary."

Palwin noticed a small hint of sadness with Sara's comment. The lack of mentioning Aldric was obvious. She was knowingly skipping mentioning Aldric and Palwin didn't have the courage to open the subject.

After they ate Sara was about to head back to her explosive manufacturing duty. But suddenly Palwin noticed something.

A familiar ping in her group mind.

When she internally tried to investigate she recognized the sender. It was coming from nearby. Maybe a few hundred yards away. This was Aldric, she recognized finally.

Palwin rushed to Sara before she left the workshop and grabbed her hand. Her face looked puzzled.

"Sara wait!" she said. Her voice came out louder than she intended.

Sara turned with confusion. "What is it Palwin?"

Palwin concentrated. It was hard for her but she had to do it. She opened a portal near them and forced herself to open another one near the familiar sensation. This unknown feeling pulling at her mind.

"Come Sara." She pulled her and went through the portal.

They emerged at the recent war zone gates. They were on top of the wall, seeing both sides of the gates. The battlefield stretched before them, still scarred from the recent fighting.

"Palwin wait. Why are we here?"

"Who are you? What is this?" Guards at the wall demanded, reaching for their weapons.

"Sorry my friend has a problem..." Sara started to explain. But Palwin was still holding Sara's hand and pulling.

"There Sara. Look."

Up on the warzone, among crews trying to salvage the ruined Lord Hammond's district, was a young man with ragged clothes. He was walking alone toward the city gates. His steps were unsteady. His clothes hung in tatters. But the way he moved was unmistakable.

"What is it Palwin...Oh my..." Sara's voice caught in her throat. "Thank the maker."

She couldn't even finish the sentence. She started running toward Aldric.

He was back. All alone from Malachar's headquarters.

Palwin watched Sara sprint across the scarred battlefield. Tears streamed down her own face. But something felt wrong. The ping in her mind was off somehow. Distorted.

She couldn't place what it meant.

But for now she let herself hope.