Chapter 41: Return to Furya

Days passed slowly by as Kyra healed and the storm blew violently overhead. Riddick kept himself busy by hunting for fresh game, bringing water from the spring and helping Kyra out in anyway she needed. Together they cared for their son and were happier than either of them had ever been.

Finally, Riddick awoke one morning to silence. The storm was gone; leaving nothing but the brash green sky above the canyon walls. It had been nearly a week since Brac had been born and Kyra was up and about again, having quickly tired of staying in the cave. Together they had rigged a leather carrying pack for Brac that would rest against either of their chests. They were ready; it was time to go.

Riddick gathered enough food and water for the journey to the merc ship while he waited for Kyra and Brac to wake. He was dipping the water skins in the spring when he heard the soft cries coming from the cave. Riddick smiled; Brac was awake and wanting his breakfast. Finishing up, he carried the heavy skins easily back to the cave and saw Kyra nursing Brac. She smiled when she saw him. Her eyes fell to the water skins and she raised her eyebrows questioningly as she concentrated on guiding the floundering Brac back into position.

"Ready to get the hell out of here?" Riddick asked softly, running his big hand over Brac's soft little head.

Kyra nodded, "Hell yeah. Let's go home." A smile lit up her face and Riddick was struck with the realization on how long it had been since he had seen a smile like that light up her face. It was pure, unconscious happiness that seemed to come from the center of her very being. The last time he had seen it had been on T2 before the aliens had attacked. That smile had caught at his heart then, drawing a protective instinct out in him that had been buried deep in the center of his soul. Now it filled him with a deep contentment.

After Brac finished his meal, Riddick and Kyra loaded themselves up with provisions and several of Kyra's shivs. Brac was nestled comfortably in his carrying pack on Riddick's chest, shielded completely from the sun and wind.

Finally they were ready. Kyra took one last look around the canyon that had served as her home for nearly a year. She felt no sadness, just a wave of relief; it was past time to rejoin the universe. Turning to the rope that led out of the canyon, she began to climb.

They traveled quickly, not wanting to get stuck on the surface if another deadly dust storm hit. Kyra had sprung back quickly from her pregnancy and was nearly as strong as she had been before Brac was born. After only a few hours, they had crossed the plain and were standing at the edge of the large, round canyon the mercs used to protect their ship. They could look down and see the ship, ready and waiting for its crew.

Climbing down into the canyon proved to be no problem and soon Riddick was preparing the ship for take off while Kyra nursed Brac once more before she joined him. They worked together for several minutes and soon they lifted off, leaving planet Sahade far below. Riddick set their course for Furya and they settled in for their several month long flight.

Furya filled the windows as they entered the atmosphere. Kyra's excitement filled the ship with a happy anticipation. They were home, finally home; they were together, with their son, and the monsters and ghosts who had haunted them both for so long seemed to have been forgotten; left behind in the hot dust of Sahade.

Word had spread quickly across Furya that the Riddick had returned and was bringing with him the lost Kyra. Men, women, and children gathered at the hanger, waiting with unashamed excitement for their Leaders. Shirah stood in the forefront of the growing mob, waiting with her heart in her throat as though she was seeing her own children again after a long absence.

It was two changed people who stepped off their ship and out into the sunlight of Furya that day and they brought with them the culmination of their love in the form of a small baby. They still stood tall and confident, as though daring the universe to do its worst, and the threat of danger clung to them like robes, but there was now an aura of contentment that enveloped them both. Shirah understood. They had discovered who they were. Their individual struggles to understand themselves and their place in the universe had been answered in each other and in their own souls. Tears of happiness and relief leaked from her eyes as she ran forward to welcome them home.

Clean and well rested, Riddick and Kyra, carrying little Brac, entered the Council chamber that evening to meet with the remaining Elders and the priesthood. Riddick was dressed as usual in dark clothing; a long sleeved black shirt and dark utilitarian pants. His goggles covered his silver eyes in the bright light of the Council chamber. Kyra, however, was dressed in traditional Furyan clothing. A long, flowing midnight blue robe fell gently from her shoulders down to the floor, held in place by a tight, leather armor corset. Her long, curly hair was pulled back from her face and held by a matching leather thong. Brac, too, was dressed in the light Furyan clothing; all black like his father.

This gathering, like all Furyan councils, was open to the public and tonight the great chamber was packed full and odd tenseness lingered over the crowd and the sound of hushed whispers filled the chamber as Riddick and Kyra entered: There was much to tell the newly returned Leaders.

The assembly saluted them as they took their places at the head of the chamber and Shirah stood, calling the council to order. The room hushed immediately and she gave a slight nod towards the back of the chamber. The silence hung heavily as the crowd parted, making a path for the mysterious person now making her way up to the front. She was clothed in a long, light colored cloak that was blown by some invisible wind. Her face was lined with age and wisdom and set solemnly as she walked forward, gliding gracefully over the stone floor. Riddick stood slowly as he recognized her; the cool blue eyes held that same calculating, grim expression that seemed to see through him. A herald of warning; Aeron