Free The Bridge Beyond Her World (The Boy and the Beast Book 2) by Brandon Barr

“My name is Nephitus. I oversee the men and women of the Shield Force and, with them, monitor all travel coming and going through the portal. This tower is twelve levels. Below you are nine levels belonging to the Shield Force and to Loam’s security personnel. There are Emissary quarters amongst the Shield Force members, but Karience tells me you’ll be staying here, on these upper three levels with the Missionaries. Far too much energy and youth for my tastes,” he said with a slight grin.
    “I have had the privilege of serving as warden on another world that achieved full chartered protection under our order, and I hope to live to see the day your world achieves this end.” Nephitus bowed and stepped back into place beside Karience.
    The next person in line stepped forward. She was a short, round faced girl, her dark hair falling down her head in short curved strands, curling just under her jaw line where it was cut in a straight line. Winter thought she looked only a little older than herself, and she noticed that her skin was almost the same leafy brown as her and Aven’s, but it was distinctly lighter.
    “Welcome,” said the girl, but stopped, a questioning look in her eyes. “Pardon me, Karience, but I thought there were three Emissaries coming?”
    “Pike is with the Physician on the ship. His memory had to be wiped, as you all know. After he recovers, I’ll bring him to meet each of you.” She nodded for the round-faced girl to continue.
    “I want to welcome you both to our order. Aven. Winter. My name is Daeymara, I’m a Missionary in C-group with these two on my left. I come from an upworld world very different from yours, so if you ever feel out of place, it’s alright. Come and ask me any questions you want. I won’t bite.”
    She stepped back and a sturdy man on her left stepped forward. He was a mix of youth with a mature face, probably close in age to Arentiss. Muscled arms protruded from his white shirt, and his head and neck were strong, reminiscent of Grey Bear, only this man’s head was hairless to the scalp. She’d never seen anyone so young with a bare head. Had he some disease? Or was this normal from where he came? Perhaps he had cut it off? She couldn’t help thinking of a giant potato when she looked at his head. His complexion was potato-like, a blotch of dark brown freckles dotted his skin, competing for dominance against what appeared a very fair complexion. If not for the strangeness of his naked head, he would have been uniquely handsome, like Rueik. Rueik’s light skin was so fair, so exotic.
    “My name is Hark. I’m a Missionary in C-Group.” He folded his arms across his chest, the fitted white shirt strained to accommodate the man’s muscles. “Like Daeymara said, welcome. I hear you come from a sape farm. Your berries work wonders on my intestines. I’ve never had such good shits in my life.”
    Most of the Guardians laughed. Even Karience held a smirk on her lips.
    “I come from a mining colony called Beryllium Hole. Lived on the same floating space rocks all my life. Then two years ago I joined Karience and her team here, and if she’ll pardon my bragging about her, she’s a damn smart leader. Surpasses all the crew captains I worked for in the mine pits.”
    Hark stepped back in line.
    “You’re in good company,” said the girl beside Hark. She was the last in line to introduce herself. “I am Zoecara. On my homeworld, my name means ‘pretty weed.’ As I see it, weeds can fit in almost anywhere, and so can I. There are many cultures amongst us, but don’t let that be a wall. You can be open here. The enclave is like family, but better. I know that sounds strange but it’s true for me. Everyone here has passed the rigorous psych tests. Everyone here is stable, competent, thoughtful, and intelligent. And as an enclave of Missionaries, we have a common purpose.”
    Winter observed Zoecara’s hands; they moved gracefully as she talked, drawing her in,