The Outlawed Bond: Tales of the Kashallans, #3

By Celu Amberstone

Though they have mind powers, the Khutani in their underground havens do not all think as one, nor do the races of this planet nor human newcomers. Dunnagh and his symbiote Tani are doing as they think best, but not everyone agrees with them. Tani is only a child, with ancestral memories vital to their survival as their surroundings and the seasons are changing. To support their band of human and alien refugees, Tessa takes on a spiritual bond she never expected as a scientist.

 

Humans and aliens struggle to survive on a planet surface foreign to them both, which still suffers the aftermath of a past disaster. Dunnagh is responsible for his people, wanting to bring his soldiers and civilians to safety. The Khutani work to preserve not only their own people, but the races of this planet Timorna where they dwell. It takes all the Khutani mind powers, and those of Dunnagh, to bring them together for symbiosis.

 

The Outlawed Bond is the third book in the series Tales of the Kashallans, by celebrated author Celu Amberstone. Drawing on her Indigenous and Celtic heritage, Amberstone writes powerful fiction subtly different from the usual science fiction or fantasy adventures. For fans of the 'Hundred Worlds' approach used in Star Trek and in Golden Age magazines, there are diverse settings and cultures along the journey taken by these human and alien characters.

 

"I can't tell you how refreshing and original this opening chapter strikes me. Not only do we begin to understand the premise of the book and the mindset of the Khutani, we also learn, in a visceral way, how truly alien they are. Brilliant... Definitely makes you want to read more.

"Okay, three races involving an unusual biological relationship, hints of treachery and betrayal, hints of past and future disasters, moderately advanced technology, highly advanced psy powers, magic and spiritual power taken for granted, and a galaxy-wide environment. This is space opera writ large combined with both fantasy and hard SF. That's one heck of an accomplishment to establish in two short opening chapters. Even without knowing there are multiple volumes, it's obvious the Tales of the Kashallans constitute a genuine epic written with such skill that you will be enthralled however long the series lasts.

"This is a richly detailed fantasy/space opera that is positively addictive. Celu Amberstone has the knack of weaving elaboration and action into a vivid tapestry of action and character. Well rounded, deftly written, and a joy to read. Highly recommended. Consider it a useful antidote to mundane life these days... a genuine pleasure you owe yourself."

-R. Graeme Cameron for Amazing Stories.

 

"Amberstone's world-building puts together brave new peoples and gritty adventures, evoking strong responses in the reader."

- author Paula Johanson

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kashallan Press
• Release date: Jan 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781777537951

Celu Amberstone

Celu is of mixed Cherokee and Scots-Irish ancestry. Celu Amberstone was one of the few young people in her family to take an interest in learning Traditional Native crafts and medicine ways. This interest made several of the older members of her family very happy while annoying others. Legally blind since birth, she has defied her limitations and spent much of her life avoiding cities. Moving to Canada after falling in love with a Métis-Cree man from Manitoba, she has lived in the rain forests of the west coast, a tepee in the desert and a small village in Canada's arctic. Along the way she also managed to acquire a BA in cultural anthropology and an MA in health education. Celu loves telling stories and reading. She lives in Victoria British Columbia near her grown children and grandchildren.

Book preview

Prologue

Maker Tinguss curled its massive body into a tight coil on a rock ledge near the bottom of the wild pool. This peaceful spot, just above the vent pouring warm water into the indigo depths, was one of its favorite retreats, a place well away from the activity of its younger descendants.

Tinguss floated upon the sea of inner awareness. Its mouth tentacles fluttered in the lazy etheric current, tasting the dangers and possibilities of their monumental act. Combining their powers the Khutani Makers had brought an alien people from another world here to host their symbiont children. And now could anyone predict the outcome of such daring? But what other choice had they? The Umwira were plotting, the priests were forsworn and the Bebech were dead.

No choice. The cost had been high, but the bond was reformed.

Reformed, but for how long? Did Maker Gladdris and its descendants have the time to nurture the newly bonded pair before trouble found them? What would the Umwira do when they learned of the kashallan’s renewal? And, perhaps, as important a question, would the Avairei and the other Khutani-bred races accept this newly bonded pair? When they saw him, they would see only the alien host, not the Khutani symbiont coiled in his middle. Surely they would think this new kashallan an Umwira mutant.

Its thoughts churning in a chaotic whirlpool, Tinguss at last detected the vibrations of swimmers plunging towards its sanctuary. Opening its mouth it sucked in water and tasted the essence of those who dared ignore its expressed wish for solitude. It was Ro, one of its eldest children, the dear, insolent slimeworm, and, another—a stranger—someone from afar.

Tinguss raised itself off the ledge and swam to meet them. Masking the sour taste of its worry over this unexpected intrusion, the Maker extended its mouth tentacles and squirted into the water the sweet taste of its welcome.

Slowing its descent, Ro savored the taste, and gurgled a relieved greeting. Then, nudging its companion the pair swam forward and all three Khutani entwined their eel-like bodies loosely around each other. Mouth tentacles stroking one another, they touched and formed the part chemical and part psychic link that was Khutani communication.

The initial greetings over, Tinguss took a moment to think about what it had just learned before speaking. From Ro it had swallowed the sour taste of worry that mirrored its own, but from the newcomer there was a far more complex spice to savor.

Addressing the messenger at last, Tinguss said, <>

<> the messenger said.

<>

Tinguss slackened its coils in surprise. Had the Umwira gotten so strong during the Khutani’s confinement that they could attack and destroy an entire inhabited keep? <>

The messenger gulped in water, trying to simmer its anxiety so that it could communicate the tangy urgency of its message without dulling the flavor with the bitter taste of its fear. Tinguss wasn’t fooled.

<

<>

By all the ancient Gods, this was an unbelievable disaster.

<>

The messenger hesitated, then reluctantly vomited up the rest of its disastrous news. <>

<> Ro protested. <>

<> Tinguss demanded.

The young messenger squirmed uneasily within the Maker’s massive coils. <> it said defensively. <>

<>> Tinguss demanded.

The messenger emitted a placating spice, but it had no answers to the Maker’s questions.

Its rage at last boiling over, the Maker growled and squeezed until the messenger cried out. How could the Sulas Khutani have let such a disaster happen? Gently Ro nipped its elder’s neck. Tinguss slackened its grip and rumbled an apology.

<>

The messenger bubbled a sigh of relief, and continued, <> the messenger offered tentatively, shifting its cramped position. <>

<>

<

<>

As Tinguss’s coils tightened once again, the messenger hastened to add, <>

<>

<>

<> 

<

<>

Tinguss grunted. The smooth consistency of the other’s reassurances didn’t cover its sour unease. The messenger was afraid, and it had a right to be. Hunting packs of Warlinga were only part of the dangers facing such a valued pair. There were the Umwira to worry about, and the poisonous Sorin storms to consider as well.

The rains had already begun. When they stopped the wind would shift its direction, blowing straight down from the Burnt Lands to the North. As the storms tore their way southward, the winds picked up all manner of poisonous debris left over from the Great Wars of the past

If the Kashallan and his people were caught out in the open when a Sorin storm hit, he could also be killed, or like the Umwira, who courted such dangers, suffer the fate of a horrible mutation.

Tinguss had known that this young pair would face difficulties, but it had not dreamed there would be so many, nor that the bondmates would have to face them without Khutani guidance or protection. This was indeed a most troubling state of affairs.

<>

The messenger gave a rumble of laughter. <<

<>

Tinguss grunted, considering. At last it said, <>

<> Ro said, <>

<> Tinguss said.

<

<>

Tinguss quivered with outrage. Thinking about the enemy getting their filthy claws on such a precious treasure as a young kashallan made its skin crawl. <>

<>

The messenger nuzzled the Maker’s neck, hoping to dissolve its misgivings. <

<>

Yes, that was certainly true, the Host’s hunting packs were fearsome warriors with impressive weapons and skills, but from whom would they be guarding him, Tinguss wondered, the Umwira, or the Khutani’s own people.? 

May it not come to that, Tinguss thought privately, and offered a prayer to the Great Mother to keep the Kashallan and his followers safe.

Returning its attention to its companions, Tinguss nuzzled Ro’s neck. <>

Ro gurgled its agreement, freed itself from their entwined bodies and swam back to the lighter waters of the pool above.

The messenger would have disengaged itself as well, but Tinguss prevented its departure. <> 

Part One: The Great Swamp

Chapter One

The Kashallan sighed , pulling his cloak a little tighter as a sudden gust of wind blew a draft of icy spray against his chest. Gods, this weather was foul. Looking around him, all he could see were dripping brown liru reeds stems and the sodden rump of the Loti walking ahead of him. Above the sky was a murky sheet of mustard brown. Rain, rain, and more rain, in spite of himself, he found that, like almost everyone else, this constant travel and camping in the cold and the wet was getting on his nerves.

It would be so good to be in a nice, thick-walled keep right now. He could walk down into the caverns deep in the earth, and there would be the warm, fragrant pools to dive into. He could just lie back and relax, mm, so warm and delicious. Floating, the sensuous liquids flowing about him, lazily swimming, playing with the kindred, touching and tasting, and as much to eat as—

<>

<>

<> Dunnagh grumbled as another gust of rain slammed into his already shivering body. <>

<> came a tiny, hurt voice in his mind.

Shit, Dunnagh swore, now ashamed of himself as well as uncomfortable. Though his bondmate carried the encoded memories of its ancestry, in actual age Tani was just a child. As best he could he tried to be gentle with the little one, because it became easily frightened or confused by his changeable human emotions.

<you an apology. It’s not your fault we’re cold and miserable. I shouldn’t be taking my bad temper out on you. The weather’s getting on my nerves, that’s all. I’m sorry, little one.>>

<>

<>

<> his bondmate agreed. <>

Chuckling to himself, the host acquiesced. Putting his head against Berren’s back, he wrapped his arms around the Loti’s upper torso and closed his eyes. The rain and his worries would still be there when he woke up, so he might as well rest.

DR. BENNETT PAUSED and wiped the rain from his face. Silhouetted against the russet sky he could make out the willow-like form of the kavalpa thicket that was this night’s refuge. He sighed. Almost there. Still weak from the kavay alignment sickness, Bennett found these long walks exhausting.

His patrician tan had paled to a sallow hue, his stylish salt-and-pepper hair was now a shaggy mop, and the lines in his face were more pronounced than they had been before coming to Timorna.

If my enemies could see me now what a laugh they would have, he thought. The Great Dr. Bennett. Rich philanthropist, savior of the down-trodden, ha ha! But when the Creggans destroyed the Freedom’s Chance, they thought they had destroyed him along with the ship.

In spite of the bounty placed on his head by the Creggan High Command, he was still alive—sort of. But the Bennett they’d been hunting belonged to another world—another life, a life best not to think about, if he wanted to stay sane, that is.

Trudging through the dripping branches into the dimness of the thicket beyond, he let out a relieved sigh. At least in here, they were out of the rain. That advantage alone was a blessing. And another blessing was that kavalpa trees always grew by a good water source full of blue kavay, as well as harboring mushrooms and other edible foods that the newcomers to this world were learning to appreciate.

Though a kavalpa had the appearance of a black-leafed weeping willow from a distance, there were some distinct differences. When the tree’s trailing branches touched the ground they rooted , forming a cage-like structure that in time grew into a thick shelter from the weather.

Around the edges of the parent tree, where the light was better the outer limbs formed daughter trees that increased the thicket’s circumference. Among the forest of giant liru reeds the thickets were oases of shelter, water and food for the animal life of this land.

Like so many things the Khutani had re-introduced on Timorna after the Great Wars, these trees were a marvel, and they were perfectly suited to their role in the environment.

He moved forward into the thicket; the now-familiar sights and sounds of people unloading gear and preparing food and beds for the nightly stop greeted him. Over to one side of the small grove, he could see some of the armachda setting up a few tents to protect the worst of the ill humans from the damp. He shivered, feeling the cold and his exhaustion come crashing over him in a tidal wave of fatigue.

He was one of the last into camp tonight and right now, he would like nothing better than to eat and seek his bedroll, but his lifelong self-imposed burden of responsibility for the welfare of others wouldn’t let him.

Trying to avoid Gail, his nurse and long –time girlfriend’s watchful eye, and her nagging, he set off in search of Meldra Arishim to see how she was faring. Councilor Arishim had been one of the sickest of them since leaving the plateau. She was going through the worst of the kavay alignment symptoms as they traveled this harsh land. The poor woman—this trip must be a nightmare for her.

Coming up to the tent’s entrance, Bennett pulled aside the door flap and stepped in. As he had expected, Arishim was there. Walking towards her pallet, he noticed one of the Avairei Imas was also approaching, a jug of kavay enriched water and bowl in hand.

Approaching the harried woman, Bennett pointed to the resting Arishim, then to the bowl in her hand. I do, he offered in halting Timornan.

The Avairei studied him for a moment, as if trying to place him among all the naked-faced aliens now shipwrecked on her world. At last she smiled, poured the liquid into the bowl, and gave it to him. As he started to walk away, however, she stopped him. No, you drink first. You need kavay, too, Be-nott.

Giving her a crooked grin, Bennett obediently complied, then returned the bowl to her. The priestess filled it again, then motioned to Arishim lying on the mattress nearby.

Bennett bowed to the Avairei and, taking the bowl again, he crossed to Arishim’s pallet and knelt down beside her. Arishim opened her eyes and stared up at him blankly for a moment, then smiled as she recognized him.  How are you feeling? he asked anxiously.

She grimaced and admitted, I’ve been better, but if what Tessa tells me is true, she and the other captives fared much worse when they went through this process, so I guess I shouldn’t complain.

Bennett gave a chuckle at that, then said, Yes, Philip said much the same thing, though I’m not sure how comforting I find that. They, at least, had their youth to help them recover. He held out the brimming bowl of kavay to her.

Arishim made a sour face, but sat up and took the offered bowl without protest. When she finished, she handed it back and lay down again, bracing herself for the dizziness that often followed.

Once our human bodies are transformed by the Khutani’s introduced agent that makes life possible on this wounded world I’ve been assured by the symbiont that all the humans completing the process will become healthy again, he told her.

I know. The Kashallan said much the same when he came to check on me last. It doesn’t make it any easier to bear, however.

Bennett chuckled and tucked the blanket a bit tighter around her shoulders. He watched her in a companionable silence for a time, wondering how to broach the subject that was uppermost on his mind. She was still so sick, it seemed almost criminal to burden her with his worries, and yet he needed to talk to someone who could understand.

At last, he said, Meldra, I hate to do this to you, but I’m worried, and I need your advice.

She looked up, focusing her attention once more on his face. Certainly, Hyram, if I can help. Giving me something else to think about right now would be a welcome diversion. What’s on your mind?

He sighed and scooted closer to sit cross-legged on the ground beside her pallet. "I’m not sure I’m doing you any favors, but all right. I’ve been hearing a lot of grumbling among our Dymarian people.

This afternoon when we stopped to rest, some of them sought me out for a talk. I think they’re serious about going back, and that makes me very worried.

Arishim nodded. "I’m aware of the dissatisfaction. Being carried in a litter as I have been, I hear a lot of talk. When my eyes are closed, people don’t seem to realize that I can still hear them, even though I’m not directly looking at them.

You’re right—and I too, think there may be trouble, if this isn’t stopped soon. The kavay alignment process, the foul weather, the rough terrain, and all the strange, new things they have to get used to; well, I know it’s hard. I don’t blame them; I wish there was some other way for us to get to Ticca myself.

"I do too, but that doesn’t change the fact that, there isn’t; so we will just have to endure it, if we want to stay alive. I believe that what the Kashallan says is true. There is no other way for us to go, and that’s what worries me, because this talk about turning back is so dangerous.

There are a growing number of people who want to go back to the base and wait for a rescue ship, and I’m afraid they might do something very foolish. They don’t know the country or its dangers, and yet they are determined to go. Today some of the dissenters approached me about asking the Ce’awn for a guide back to the base.

Arishim was silent for a long time, then, weighing her words carefully, she asked, Have you talked to the Kashallan about this, or Commander Tizu?

Bennett shook his head. No, he said slowly. As ill as the Kashallan has been since the combat, I haven’t wanted to burden him any more than necessary. Till he gets more of his strength back, I thought to spare him this. And as for Tizu— He shrugged.

Oh, some of the armachda have done their share of complaining, but they’re a pretty clannish and loyal bunch. I doubt if many of them are serious, so I wasn’t sure what he could do to help. It’s mostly our Dymarian refugees that I’m worried about. They are the ones truly determined to go back to the base.

If you’re that concerned, Hyram, you need to tell the Kashallan. Ultimately, he will have to be the one who decides what to do. She made a disgusted face. "I wish I could be more helpful. I hate to leave this all up to you, but I’m not well enough to do much at the moment.

Though I will be happy to talk to anyone, if you want me to—just send them over, and I’ll do the best I can to convince them to stay with us.

He nodded, then sighed in resignation. I suppose you’re right—I will have to go talk to him. Later, when he’s fed and rested from today’s ride, I’ll go to him and tell him what they are planning.

At the mention of their leader’s dining habits, Arishim’s face clouded. Now that they were all traveling together, there had been no attempt made to hide from the base personnel the truth about their leader’s feeding requirements.

From the talk going on around her as they traveled Arishim knew that many of the Lann Gheal humans were now also giving him what the Timornans called the Blood Gift. Dunnagh had been one of Commander Tizu’s armachda before he made the kashallan bond. Loyalty to one of their own who had sacrificed so much for his captured squad, well she could understand why they agreed to supplement his feeding in that way. But for most Dymarians it was a different matter.

The symbiont must eat for both of the bondmates, and it had been too immature when they fled Sulas to be weaned from its elder’s care. The Blood Gift was keeping the bondmates alive, but this vampirism was so revolting to human sensibilities. They were terrified that they might be required, or even forced, to feed their chieftain in this manner.

Their Ce’awn, Dunnagh Kai might look like just another handsome Caldoni armachd, but he was not. He wasn’t totally human anymore, so why should he be judged by human standards, she thought. But that still didn’t make it any easier for many of the humans to accept this new alien part of him.

Most were afraid of the Kashallan. After witnessing how the symbiont part of him had killed that lizardman during their single combat, she had to admit, if she were honest with herself, she still was afraid, too. Bennett probably was as well. It wasn’t easy to accept their half-human leader, knowing he might punish a transgression with a horrible death. And that along with all the other discomforts was another reason why so many wanted to turn back.

Broaching the subject hesitantly, Arishim said, Hyram, I hate to bring this up, but Gail and her brother Hugo are two of the ones most vocal in their complaints. I think she really believed my aide Sadrew’s stories. If it wasn’t for her affection for you, she probably would have stayed on the base when we left, in spite of her alignment symptoms.

Bennett sighed. Yes, he knew the Councilor was right, and that was another worry to add to his pile. Gail was afraid, but she could also be quite the snob at times. Even in their old life, she was constantly nagging at him about his philanthropic causes and the uncouth Caldoni he hired to help with them.

I’ll speak to them. You’re right, Gail has been voicing her criticisms too often and too openly. And, you’re probably right about why she came too. I’ve tried to talk to her about that night in the sickbay, but I suspect she is still very afraid of the Kashallan and the native Timornans. Nonetheless, I’ll try to make her and Hugo see reason.

I hope you can calm them down, because causing more fear and dissension isn’t helping our situation.

That’s true. Then, noticing how much he was tiring her, he patted her shoulder and stood. I’ll leave you now to get some rest.

She smiled up at him wearily, then closed her eyes and drifted off into exhausted sleep.

OVER NUMEROUS PROTESTS, the Kashallan urged his human followers to eat as much of the local fare as they could manage, so that their off-world rations would last as long as possible. Unfortunately, most of the local food that Dado and the other Begta proudly showed them wasn’t very appetizing by human standards. 

Sitting around one of the little green-flamed firepots that evening after a particularly interesting dining experience, Nathan put down his plate and glared at his friend. The meal had consisted of a Begta favorite; smelly, blue, taba worms. The worms were everywhere and resembled nothing so much as navy-blue spaghetti.

Half teasing, half in earnest, Nathan grumbled, You know, it’s fine for you to sit there and tell us to eat this stuff, when you don’t have to. He made a sour face. I want to save our supplies as much as anybody, but—yuck!

Sitting across from him, Singey chuckled. I would have to agree with you, Nathan—that was a rather unforgettable experience.

Having just fed recently himself, and feeling warm and comfortable for the first time that day, Tani looked out at them through its bondmate’s eyes and gave them both a lazy smile. If you two don’t like the local fare, I’m sure that your dietary arrangements could be changed. Would you care to accept a kashallan bond, once we get to Ticca?

The Kashallan’s wives and Tessa laughed at Nathan’s horrified expression, but the symbiont noted with some interest that Singey looked thoughtful at its second invitation.

Nathan choked and gave his friend a disgusted look, but the Kashallan’s smile only widened. Oh, no, you don’t, Your Snakiness. Thanks, but no thanks. If I close my eyes and hold my nose, I’ll do just fine.

Looking up the Kashallan noticed Bennett, and motioned for him to join them. Dr. B, come sit with us.

Coming near the fire, Bennett gave him a lopsided smile then took a seat across from him. Nodding to Singey, Nathan and the women, he returned his attention to the Kashallan, and said, I wanted to talk to you if I may. I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.

Certainly, doctor, I am at your service. And no, you’re not interrupting. What is it?

Bennett cleared his throat, suddenly feeling a bit nervous. He glanced down at the alien green fire, trying to collect his thoughts—where to begin. Everything was so hard and difficult here, even the colors of things were all wrong. Orange sun, mauve sky, green fire, blue food, God, it was so hard to get used to.

Finally, taking a deep breath, he said, Ce’awn, I don’t know if you’ve heard, but there’s talk about wanting to go back to the base. Councilor Arishim and I have been trying to discourage this idea as much as we can, but we aren’t having much luck— He sighed heavily. "I thought I’d better tell you, in case you didn’t know.

I think there’s more to it than just the usual complaints about the weather and strange foods; I think some of the people are serious about going back.

The Kashallan leaned back stunned. <>

<> Out loud Dunnagh asked, Do you know why they want to do something so stupid?

Bennett shrugged. It’s a combination of a lot of little things more than any one big thing, I believe. The strange food, the rough conditions, the weather—

But what about the Sorins? Have they forgotten about the killing winds so soon?

No, they haven’t forgotten. But the possibility of the storms in the future, doesn’t seem as real to them as the pain and discomfort they are feeling right now.

Dunnagh snorted in disgust. What! I can’t believe this. They would risk their lives in the Sorins because of the rain and a few unpleasant dining experiences? This is insane! Bennett started to speak, but he cut him off. "Listen, Doctor, I know it’s not easy—the food is unusual, and the weather is lousy. 

Even I felt grumpy enough today to be cross with Tani. But we can’t turn back—not for any reason. I’m sorry, and it’s unfortunate, but this is a process of natural selection here. The strong in body and spirit will survive, the rest— He shrugged.

I won’t stop anyone who wants to return, Doctor, you can tell them that.  But they are on their own if they do. The Begta go with me. So if anyone thinks they can find their way back by themselves, they are welcome to try.

Bennett nodded. I expected you would see it like that, but I thought I should tell you anyway. He stood up. It’s getting late, so I will leave you now. I’ll tell them what you’ve said, if I’m asked.

Before he could leave, the Kashallan motioned for Bennett to come to him.  Bennett approached, then crouched down beside him. Picking up one of the doctor’s hands the Kashallan formed the link. After a moment he shook his head in disapproval, and said, "Doctor, you’re trying to do too much. I can taste your feelings right now.

You feel trapped in the middle; you want to believe me, but you also think I’m being very callous.

The Kashallan nodded. You’re right, I am, because I have to be. There is no other choice—not for me, not for you, not for any of us. I’m sorry, but that is the way of it, and I can’t alter that reality. You will have to accept what can’t be changed here, or you will die. Releasing him from the link, the Kashallan sat back.

Bennett rose, then bowed. "I will try, Ce’awn, and