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Knowing they would reach the farm today was both a relief and a source of unease. Things were bound to change, but he wasn’t sure it would be for the better. He hoped that focusing on his task would relieve his frustration, but he didn’t like the fact that she didn’t know the truth behind their trip.
“How much longer?” she asked, recalling him from his wandering thoughts. “I can’t wait to see what it’s like.”
Raja squeaked in seeming agreement and he couldn’t help smiling.
“Not much longer.” They’d turned on to an actual road an hour ago. “But remember what I told you. Much of the farm was abandoned so it may not be in great shape.”
“I know. But I still think it’s wonderful that this Commander Temel is restoring it so it can provide homes for former warriors. Like you,” she added quietly.
Not like me. His part in the war had been dirty and messy and less than honorable, even if he had been acting under orders. He was no returning hero worthy of a second chance.
“It’s not the same. I am simply going to be an employee.”
Assuming Marshall’s plan had worked. His employment had been arranged through a third party in Port Cantor - a connection of Temel’s who had been looking for workers on his behalf.
“Look,” she said excitedly as they came around a bend. “That must be it. Although it certainly doesn’t look abandoned.”
She was right - it looked like a peaceful, prosperous farm. The rolling fields and pastures next to the road led to a big white farmhouse surrounded by a barn and stables and several additional outbuildings. Several horses grazed in the paddock next to the barn but his attention focused on the herds of shaggy brown cattle. They were not the same as the animals his family had raised, but he still felt an odd, fleeting sense of nostalgia for those innocent summers on the ranch so long ago.
He shook off the foolish sentiment and smiled down at her indignant face.
“Matthew Johnson, the former owner, lived on this part of the farm so you’re right, it is in good condition. It’s the smaller surrounding farms which were abandoned. He insisted on acquiring them, even though he had little use for them.”
The dossier Marshall had given him had provided a surprising amount of information about Matthew Johnson, the previous owner, but then Marshall did have a reputation for insisting on knowing every detail.
“What happened to him?” she asked.
“Apparently the widow who owned the only farm he hadn’t bought fell in love with a former warrior. He did not like the fact that his new mate was being threatened by the man and called in… reinforcements. More former warriors from a ranch up in the mountains. They, err, persuaded Mr. Johnson to sell the farm and leave town. In fact, I heard he left the planet.”
She raised an eyebrow.
“Persuaded?”
He shrugged.
“From what I understand, he was offered a fair price and an opportunity for a new life. He took it.”
“Somehow I suspect it wasn’t quite as straightforward as you’re making it sound, but I’m still glad we’re here. What do you think, Raja? Do you like the looks of our new home?”
Raja chittered happily as she held him up so he could see the farm, but Celenk froze for a moment.
Home.
He’d never thought that word would appeal to him again, but he was suddenly filled with an aching longing for something he knew he could never have.
But Lottie will, he vowed as he set the wagon in motion again.
They followed the road to a big sweeping driveway that curved in front of the main house and he pulled the wagon to a halt.
“This is it. Our new home.”
CHAPTER 11
“It’s awfully big,” Lottie whispered, looking up at the two story white farmhouse surrounded by a wide porch, and Celenk gave her an amused look.
“There are a lot larger buildings in the city.”
“I know, but they’re all jumbled in together, not sitting on their own like this one.”
