The Dragon Nimbus Novels: Volume III: Volume III

natural cleansing agents in the environment could cope with the pollution left behind by one shuttle. But when the populace learned of the miracles of technology represented by those who flew shuttles, they always wanted more. The people wanted to control the forces of nature with technology. They didn’t want to leave such powers only to magicians. Technology made mundanes the equals of magicians. Technology led to pollution. Bodies adapted to pollution, built up toxins in their body. The plague virus ate pollution in the air, the water, and inside human bodies. When it ran out of toxins, it ate living tissues and spread to the next host with minimal contact.
    Kinnsell had to be stopped before he contaminated the entire world.
    “I hope he hasn’t changed the security codes,” she said, marching toward the craft. Quinnault surveyed around the shuttle. Myri and Nimbulan came right behind her, holding hands like young lovers. Myri blushed and cupped her belly protectively again.
    Before Katie reached the hatch, her boots sank into the soft mud. She lifted one foot carefully, wondering where to step next. The hatch and its keypad lock had sunk to a level she could easily reach, if she could get to it.
    “We need solid ground,” Katie looked around for inspiration.
    “Branches,” Nimbulan said. “We’ll cut some of those everblue boughs and lay them across the path. That should secure Katie’s footing. She weighs the least of any of us. I’ve only my short sword with me. It will have to do.” He unsheathed his basic weapon/tool. Quinnault did the same.
    “My dagger is sharp. I’ll help.” Myri pulled her own blade out of her hip sheath.
    In short order they laid a dozen branches across the mud. Nimbulan breathed heavily, strain showed around his eyes, and his skin looked waxy pale from the small exertion.
    Katie looked to Myrilandel to see if she noticed the undue fatigue in the older man. Her friend already placed her hand upon her husband’s chest. A faint eldritch glow of blue healing connected them.
    Nimbulan pushed her hand away after only a moment. The blue light lingered, stretched thin, still connecting them. They both stared at her hand in silence for a long moment. “You can’t, love. Not now. ’Tis too dangerous for you to use your magic.”
    She glared at him with a determined set to her chin. Then Nimbulan nodded his head in acceptance. She raised her hand again but held it several finger-lengths away from his chest. The light blazed again, then died gradually. Nimbulan’s face remained quite pale, but his breathing came easier.
    Katie turned her attention back to the shuttle. If anyone could keep Nimbulan healthy, it was Myrilandel. She’d brought him back to life before.
    There was only one reason why Nimbulan would not wish her to use her healing talent. She must be newly pregnant and feared to hurt the baby’s development.
    The fanning twigs of the cut branches with their blue needles spread out in front of Katie’s feet and wove together in a blanket only a little paler than a clear summer sky. Katie stepped gingerly on the thickest portion of the branches. They sank a little into the mud, but held before her boots suffered any more damage.
    She reached up and touched the flat keypad. Seven, one, eight, two, seven, two, eight, one. A soft whirring sound signaled the hatch opening to her command.
    A blast of stale air greeted her. She wrinkled her nose at the slightly metallic, almost chemical scent of recycled air. The smell of home.
    “Isn’t that the same smell Shayla gave us in her dragon dream?” Nimbulan asked, holding a hand over his mouth and nose.
    “Yes,” Katie agreed, startled by the revelation. Quickly, she placed a fold of her heavy riding skirt across her face, then jabbed the close command on the hatch. The smell had become so ingrained in her memories of home, she had hardly noticed it in the dream. Now that she had inhaled nothing but the fresh air of Kardia Hodos she recognized the truth. This recycled air contained the scent of the plague.
    “We have to leave right now. I can’t risk contaminating myself or you with any more exposure.” Katie gulped back her tears of fear and disappointment.

    Near noon, side trail off the Great South Road
     
    Kinnsell watched Katie and her entourage ride back down the path toward the road. Katie sobbed quietly.
    What had happened to upset Katie so? She never gave way to her true emotions in public. Always, always,