A Man For Darial

By Beth Sadler

Darial was on Earth for only one reason;to repay a debt of honour.
She had to convince her friend's brother to get on a transporter with her and fly into outer space.Not a task that was going to be easy considering she didn't speak fluent English and Joe had a fear of flying.
Joe took one look at Darial and decided he would go anywhere she asked, as long as she took him with her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beth Sadler
• Release date: Jan 30, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301794812

Beth Sadler

Married for 49 years to my own Tall, Dark and Handsome Hero. A marriage that has produced three sons and four young grandchildren. Through all of life's ups and downs I have always found pleasure in jotting down the scenes that played out in my imagination. Now, I'm finally able to sit at my desk and let the stories flow, (Ah retirement feels good). Cheers, Beth Sadler

Book preview

A Man For Darial

By

Beth Sadler

Copyright Beth Sadler 2013

Smashwords Edition

Smashword Edition Licence Notes

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This book is written in Australian English.

Cover Copyright 2013 Beth Sadler

Chapter 1

Darial Tarkon felt the cold chill of horror ice her body. Her feet lost all ability to move, freezing her in place and making escape impossible. Her long, elegant fingers tightened desperately around the pole that was all she had for protection from the evil that was becoming slowly visible before her eyes. Fear choked the breath in her throat, leaving her feeling dizzy and nauseous. Hail Hera, why had she come here to this alien place?

The massive jaws of the prehistoric monster gaped wide, surging closer and closer; its seventeen foot long body driving it straight up out of its watery home with the power and inevitability of a freight train. No mercy showed in its small predatory eyes, no fear slowed its thundering approach, only the inevitability of its superior right to this food source that it held in its sight.

The strength and power of its scaly green body was terrifying, as, back feet and tail pushing, it drove ever upwards towards Darial. A rotting, hot, fetid smell blasted from the open maw that displayed sixty eight killing teeth; all of which were used to tear the dead chicken from the end of the pole. With a bone jarring clunk, the monster slammed its jaws closed over its prey, then, slowly sank back down into its cool, wet, refuge.

Enthusiastic applause and excited conversation broke out from the crowd around the enclosure. The giant crocodile at Currumbin Wildlife Park had once more been fed for the day, to the thrill and entertainment of its spectators.

Darial unclenched her fingers from the feeding pole, handing it back to the keeper standing next to her with a whispered, Thank you. She slowly turned away from the feeding platform as the blood once again seemed to warm and move through her veins, freeing her to walk and talk.

The fear that had overtaken her, as the monster had risen from the deep slowly began to fade from her mind. Hail Hera, she thought. What an experience. She wondered why everyone had considered her lucky to be chosen to feed the crocodile. Her body gave one last shudder, before letting go of the tension and returning to its usual calm, efficient state. An Interplanetary Research Officer from Teeron had to learn to overcome fear.

The husky, athletic young man, who was in charge of the feeding, grinned admiringly into her eyes.

Hey! You did great. Most people back away and I have to stand behind them and steady the pole, but, you stood solid as a rock.

Yes, well, absolute terror has that affect on me. She smiled back.

My bad luck, I was looking forward to holding you steady. He grinned cheekily. How do you feel about having a coffee with me to help ease my injured pride?

Darial laughed happily as the last of the tension and fear finally left her body.

It would be my pleasure to take coffee with you. Is that how you say it in English? She asked hesitantly.

Hey, however you want to say yes, is fine by me, as long as I get to share some time with you. I’m looking forward to finding out where that intriguing accent comes from. He pointed at the bucket that had held the dead chickens. I’ll just clean up this feeding station then we can head to the coffee shop here in the park. OK?" Darial glanced at the name badge on his shirt pocket.

OK Jason, I will share a little time with you at the she searched her mind for the words Jason had used. Uh--coffee shop? Darial held out her hand as she had been taught. My name is Darial and it is good to meet you. Please excuse my English; I have little need to use it so am not very fluent.

Hey, your English is fine. Where are you from?

I’m here on business from Iceland. I only have three days here and so I gave myself today as a small holiday. Jason’s grin faded away when he realised that his time was going to be short with this intriguing woman.

Ah! That’s too bad. I would have loved to have given you a guided tour of the Gold Coast over the next few days.

Unfortunately I will not have time to enjoy my stay here on this trip, but, I have the rest of today? Darial offered with a shy smile.

Jason’s good humour returned immediately, too