All For One [Nuworld 3] by Lorie O'Claire

fires.” He shot his brother a look and then
    turned to his landlink. “Do you want me to continue to run a search for another
    transmission?”
     
    So his brother wouldn’t talk about Syra. Obviously, emotions were stirred. But
    Darius knew his brother would handle them as he saw fit. He worried for his brother,
    though. Darius knew Torgo remained loyal to Rayla and had commented more than
    once that he wouldn’t indulge in the Bryon tradition of infidelity. He also knew Torgo
    didn’t love Rayla. There were no looks of passion between them. Torgo had gotten her
    pregnant and did the right thing by claiming her. Darius knew Torgo had loved Syra
    once and feared that same love still existed.
     
    “Torgo.”
     
    “Darius, I appreciate your telling me privately.” Torgo sighed. “We have work to
    do.”
     
    “There’s one more thing. Tara wants to bring her to the dinner tonight.”
     
    Torgo slammed his fist down on the desk in front of him. Then, without another
     
    word, he got up slowly and walked out of the room.
     
    * * * * *
    Andru walked alongside his sister as Tara and Syra chatted in front of them.
    Children and dogs ran around them playfully and Tara said hello to each of them
    personally. Syra knew many of the Runners and he watched as hugs were exchanged
    when they crossed a family member or old friend. Andru’s thoughts preoccupied him,
    though, and he had to force himself to show courtesy when introduced to, or reminded
    that he knew the Runner his mama talked to.
    He worried about his sister. And he planned on meeting this Roth of the Tree
    People the next time his sister saw him. She’d given a member of a race they knew
    nothing about some incredible strategic information. He needed to reassure himself that
    Roth could be trusted. A command decision needed to be made here and he knew after
     
    sixteen winters he still didn’t possess the experience to make the decision.
     
    But who could he talk to about this?
     
    He would betray his sister’s confidence if he shared his knowledge of Roth with
    anyone. She wouldn’t discuss any of her meetings with Roth if she didn’t think Andru
    could be trusted. And he could be trusted. His sister’s wellbeing mattered more to him
    than anyone in his life.
     
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    Lorie O’Clare
     
    Was she in danger? Should he plant a bug on her to ensure her safety? And if he
    didn’t share the information and the Tree People attacked them…
     
    Oh Crator, what should I do?
     
    “I can’t believe how much our clan has grown.” Syra laughed as children darted
    around them.
     
    “We have over fifteen hundred members at our last count.” His mama smiled at
    him as she spoke. “Andru and Ana will rule all of it someday.”
     
    “Of course, you’d get a different comment on that subject if you talked to my
    papa.” Ana rolled her eyes. “Everyone knows all we’re good for is having babies and
    getting knocked around every now and then.”
     
    “Some people never change, huh?” Syra laughed.
     
    Andru lost himself in thought once again as the women around him laughed about
    the behavior of the men they knew. He watched the activities of the large clan site
    without really seeing any of it. He needed to make a decision. If only he could argue the
    points with someone. He now saw why his parents kept their advisors close by their
    sides.
     
    Across the field, he saw Uncle Torgo walking toward them. His uncle’s purposeful
    stride, and harsh expression, reassured Andru that Torgo would appreciate the
    seriousness of the matter. Runners greeted him, or simply stepped to the side and
    allowed him passage. Andru saw that his uncle had respect of both the Runner and
    Gothman communities just like his papa, and he knew Torgo would take the matter to
    heart. He would talk to Torgo.
     
    48
     

 
    All For One
     
    Chapter Seven
     
    “Ladies, if you’d excuse me for a minute.” Andru interrupted their chatter.
     
    Tara looked up at her