It had been five years since Hankura and Chelle had seen Brandt and Jaecyn McKell. When the McKells learned that the Aledan and his mate were interested in settling on Oltarin nearby, they insisted the two should stay at their ranch. Brandt had smoothed the way for them to purchase the land to build their home and farm to keep a few horses.
They were outside waiting with their two children in tow and Brandt holding Orion by his halter as the Arius Mran landed gently about fifty meters from their house. In the months since they had left Zevus Mar, Chelle had become heavy with their child. As Orion saw her, he whinnied and pulled against Brandt’s hold on him. Even after five years, the horse remembered their connection. Brandt released him, and Orion trotted toward Chelle and stopped in front of her, nickering softly, and nuzzled her. She was so overcome with emotion that tears filled her eyes and ran down her face as she hugged his great head.
At that moment, Hankura knew that coming back to Oltarin was the right thing for them. Orion's welcome was just what Chelle needed to feel like she was coming home. Momentarily, Brandt, Jaecyn and their children joined them. Brandt and Jaecyn each shook hands with them and introduced their children, son Kean and daughter Felice, named for Grant McKell’s children.
“It’s pretty clear whose horse Orion thinks he is.” Brandt grinned. “I don’t care what you say, after everything you did for Jae and me; we want you to have him to start your stable.”
Hankura smiled as Chelle wiped away her tears of happiness. “The only thing I’m going to say is thank you, my friend. We’ll consider it a home coming present.”
“Thank you, both.” Chelle murmured.
“Let’s go inside, and we can talk while we have dinner. Our housekeeper said it was almost ready.” Jaecyn said. “Our clans are excited that you are bringing modern medicine to Blue Summit. So much has changed since you were here before.”
“Lexis and Airlia have a little girl with a baby on the way as well as Lydia and Nathan,” Brandt told them. “The only other clinic is at Blake’s Meadow. Credits are only now just coming in so we can buy some of those hovercrafts.” They all started walking toward the ranch house. Another wing had been added since they’d been there last.
“Tell us about the house your friend is going to build for you,” Brandt said.
“We told Casir of your family’s home in Blue Summit.” Hankura began as they were seated around the table. “We have our young ward Lanimer coming to live with us, and he comes with his governess and her husband. His family was killed by Tregans. His father was our dear friend.”
“Many of our friends were killed by them,” Chelle added softly. “But many were saved, too.”
“And now you are here----and we are glad to have you,” Jaecyn said. “It will take time, but we believe you will be happy again. I never thought I would be after my father killed Arien, but I am---we are---and you two had a big part in that by saving Brandt.” She laid her hand on Brandt’s thigh under the table, and he gave her an affectionate smile.
“It helps to be among friends,” Hankura said, and Chelle nodded.
Casir arrived with his construction crew and heavy machinery to build their house about five days later. He’d had plans drawn up from pictures he got through Federation channels. They had been recovered with records salvaged from the Searching Star computers. With a full crew and machinery, they were able to complete a house comparable to McKell House in a few days rather than the months that it took in Grant McKell’s day. Plus, it was energy efficient complete with most of the modern conveniences of their dome on Aledus.
Now they could get on with rebuilding their lives in their new home like they had rebuilt Zevus Mar. Having Casir there to help them along was an added bonus. It was great to see Jana and Delara with their new babies. Their compassion and empathy with Chelle began a bond of friendship that would continue long after they parted.
"Well, now that you've been living here a few days, what do you think? Do you like it?" Casir wanted to know with a sweeping gesture that encompassed the entire dwelling. "Does it meet with your approval?"
"Of course, Casir," Chelle assured him and handed him a glass of clear yash from the small tray she was carrying around to the guests of Casir's farewell party. "It's just perfect."
Hankura nodded agreement as Chelle moved on to mingle with the other guests. There were thirty or so members of Casir's crew and some Brandt and Jaecyn’s family and friends in attendance. "Everything is just fine, Casir. This furniture my parents had shipped suits the place. You'd think they'd seen the plans ahead of time."
"They did. I sent them," Casir admitted. "They weren't happy about your coming way out here in Sector Seven, but they don't want you to live like barbarians. They expect you to bring that grandchild into the world here in style---the style to which you were accustomed."
"He will be that," Hankura snickered and sipped from his glass with relish. "You know, months ago, I didn't think we could ever be happy again. It looked like we'd only have our memories---if we could ever blot out what happened on Zevus Mar."
"Now, that we’ve come back to Oltarin, I feel that our lives have been rebuilt and we are stronger for it, just like this fine new home you have built us. Thank you, Casir, thank you for everything, my friend."
"For what? You would do the same for me if I needed it. Maybe someday I will," Casir chuckled, almost self-consciously. My dear friend, no man could love a brother more than I do you. I regret our parting is growing so near, but I must go soon. Be happy and live well.
And you, my friend.
Casir clasped him and embraced him for a moment, then he turned from him and called a hush to the separate conversations about the room. He motioned to Cran, Bren, Jess, and Luran to come join them as Chelle came back to Hankura's side.
When there was silence, Casir raised his fine crystal glass for a toast. "To Hankura and Chelle and to the friendship that has drawn us all here today. May your lives be all that you would hope for as you follow the Circle of Life together."
The room was filled with the sound of clinking glasses and murmurings, and then a hush fell among them as they sipped the delicately flavored Aledan wine.
All too soon the hour came that Hankura had been dreading since his arrival on Oltarin---the time to bid Casir farewell. Despite the lingering sadness he felt, Hankura felt confident that he was ready to stand on his own again and go on with his life with Chelle.
He was going to make sure this world was just the kind of place a man could be free and raise a family, just like Mikal had told him those years ago. It was the least he could do---the very least.
The least we can do.
Hankura smiled at the feel of Chelle's arm around his waist and glanced down into her big blue teary eyes. Sweet Mother, do you always have to do that? Damn! There seemed to be that haze in front of his eyes again, too.
As he turned back for one more glimpse of Casir' sleek blue hovercraft, the last time before it disappeared over the horizon, Hankura knew they were more than saying goodbye to a dear friend. They were letting go of a painful past and those who had gone before---those who had fought and lost.
They had a future on Oltarin, and it was filled with promises.