Chapter 31
Ul did not want to admit to being anxious about the egg, of which there was now only one remaining.
The other had wilted the day Dawson left to go to the platform.
That had been five days ago. He was due back today for the solstice feast, along with all of the platform humans.
The people who owned the platform had kept their word, and a boat was expected tomorrow at the newly built dock.
He studied the ship on the horizon from the palace wall.
Behind him were the now snow-cloaked mountains.
Winter had been colder this year, and would be every year, as they were now in the other world.
He’d worried about the colder water, the different taste, and how it would affect the eggs.
But they were developing as expected, and none of his had ever made it this far.
A few more days…
Dawson said it was Christmas soon. A human celebration where gifts were given.
He talked about flying beasts that pulled a sled piled high with toys and a man who had the magic to fly around the world in one night.
Not realizing he was talking about a god from Tariko.
Because it was important to Dawson, Ul had decided to give him a gift.
He finally let himself turn to take in the approaching, disorderly crowd of humans. They carried their belongings in bags, and oxen pulled a cart of other equipment. Dawson had said that his bosses had been told what to bring home.
He tried to identify Dawson, but they were still too far away. He should go in, as he didn’t want it to seem as though he was desperately waiting, even though he’d been waiting for Dawson’s return since he left.
Ul nodded to his guard, then returned to the palace and made his way downstairs to the hall, to make sure everything was ready for the arriving humans.
There were the usual solstice decorations, evergreen boughs, symbols of the sun, and candles that had been lit from the Samhain bonfire.
The hearth had been put out, ready to be re-lit tonight.
In one corner was a tree that had been decorated with red and gold for Dawson. Beneath it were small gifts for every platform worker, including Dawson. There was a different gift waiting for him upstairs. If he wished to return upstairs.
After making a careful and unnecessary inspection, Ul walked outside. He would be glad to see the end of winter and welcome longer, sunnier days.
The first of the humans entered the courtyard. It was not Dawson at the front as he should’ve been. It was the men Dawson referred to as management.
Mr. Healy greeted him stiffly. “Thank you for inviting us to the solstice feast, and for allowing us to stay here while the boat docks.”
“I would not be a good king if I ignored people in need. Your ship is on the horizon, and the weather is expected to stay clear.”
“They have been in contact and expect to dock tomorrow.” Mr. Healy glanced away. “There are several people who wish to remain.”
“They will need to speak with me.” And he would hear their case.
“We would prefer that everyone leaves.”
“I understand that is what you would like. However, if they have a good reason to stay and will contribute to Felloi, why would I refuse them?”
Mr. Healy scowled at him. “They don’t have passports, and that’s not how immigration works.”
He knew what a passport was, as Dawson had explained it to him. He also understood that Dawson had a home and a life in England. “Perhaps that’s not how it works in your lands, but here, it is.”
“So you let anyone live here?”
“No. There is a process. Which is why they need to meet with me.” And he’d get a report from the soldiers who’d helped with the work teams. He’d also ask Dawson about them.
“I am sure that as your world adjusts, trade and travel will resume.” His gaze drifted to Dawson as he walked through the gate.
Ul’s heart stopped for a moment, freezing him in place when he wanted to walk toward him and pull him close.
Dawson smiled and made his way through the gathering humans.
Ul returned his attention to Mr. Healy. “Send your people into the hall. My staff will direct them to where they can stow their bags.”
“And the carts?”
“The one full of blankets will be needed tonight, but the other one will be safe in the barn.” He stepped away, and Ifer took over, allowing Ul to head toward Dawson.
He stopped before Dawson got within tentacle range.
Dawson didn’t stop. He took three paces, closing the gap, and wrapped his arms around Ul. “I missed you. Please tell me you have good news.”
Every one of his markings burned as they turned pink. He put his arm around Dawson, wanting to ask the same question. “There has been no hatching.”
Dawson drew back, lips parted as if he had forgotten how to speak in either language.
Ul clasped Dawson’s hand with his tentacle. “One still grows. And the hatching will be soon.” He drew in a breath. “Will you be staying to meet him…to remain with me, as my husband?”
“Yes.” He patted his bag. “I have everything from the platform, and I have given instructions regarding my things back home. When the company returns to dismantle the platform, they will bring my things…and my passport.”
He walked toward the hall, holding Dawson’s hand with his tentacle. “Hmm. I will put you in charge of passports and documentation for the humans.”
Dawson grinned. “Will that be my title? Prince of passports?”
“You will need a title, though I have not decided on what it will be yet, as you are liaison to the other world in all matters. Some of the others also want to stay. We need to meet with them to discuss their reasons.”
“Oh…they have spoken to me. Their reasons are the same as mine. They fell in love.”
Ul paused, Dawson making his heart stop for the second time. Dawson loved him. Ul smiled. It may be the shortest day of the year, but the summer promised to be sweeter than any he’d ever known. “I love you too.”