Aeromancist, The Beginning (SECOND EDITION) - Charmaine Pauls Page 0,7
on Lann. This morning’s analysis shows a reversal, an abnormally high sperm count, and I want to do more tests to determine what’s going on. In the meantime, Lann told me you know what will happen?”
She couldn’t keep the bitterness from her tone. “So, he sent you here for the tests? To find out what went wrong?”
“He’s worried about you. He said you refuse to speak to him or see him. Lann called me just after you told him the news. I came as fast as I could. I’m based in Paris, so it took me a day to move appointments, and another to get here. I’m here because no other doctor will be able to help you.”
“Why not?”
“The vitals of a forbidden arts fetus are not the same as that of a normal baby. Any other gynecologist may mistake the higher heart rate as abnormal, and request treatments that will be harmful to both you and the baby.”
“And you specialize in this?”
“I do. I’d like to examine you, to make sure you’re healthy.”
“What about the baby?”
“I’ll check the baby too.” Her expression turned somber. “But you have to know that if you let the baby grow inside of you, you will die, Kat. We don’t know why yet, but there’s no cure. There’s nothing we can do for the mother.”
“I’ve been reading up. Why is there nothing, no theory, to explain the death occurrence?”
“No one has ever had the opportunity of doing tests on a pregnant mother or monitor an actual birth. All we know is that the baby’s body produces antibodies that attack those of the mother at birth, or at least that’s the theory. We’re still trying to work it out.”
“We can try, right?” Kat asked hopefully. “We can give it a chance?”
“I haven’t had any cases to work with. As you can appreciate, there aren’t women pregnant with forbidden babies. Those who gave birth were ignorant of their fate. Most of them didn’t know they were expecting special babies. All I’ve got to work with is theory.”
“So you need me as a kind of experiment?”
“Whatever data I can gather from your case study will help women like you in the future.” She added quickly, “Just until the abortion. I’m not asking you to sacrifice your life for science.”
“Do you think you’ll be able to work out why Lann could suddenly make me pregnant?”
“Yes. I’d like some blood, saliva, and vaginal samples to try and figure out what happened between you and Lann that reversed the infertility, but this isn’t only about research. I’d like to make sure you’re not in any immediate danger.”
When Kat didn’t reply, Eve said, “I need the data for future cases, Kat. You’re the only one in the world who can provide us with this. Lann’s type is unique.” Her smile was wry. “In fact, he’s the last of his kind.”
“He won’t be if I have this baby. If I do what he’s asking, if I have an abortion, his kind will be extinct.”
Eve pursed her lips. “Yes, that’s true.”
Kat considered Eve’s proposal. The least she could do was supply the doctor with whatever data she could gather to help prevent the death of future mothers of gifted babies.
“There are seven arts,” Kat said. “Does that mean there are other kinds out there, other people like Lann with different gifts?”
“I’m not at liberty to discuss that, but there is a woman who’s very interested in what I can learn from you.”
Kat nodded. “When do you want to do this?”
“I’ve set up a room in Lann’s residence. I can drive you there now if you feel strong enough.”
“No,” Kat said quickly. She couldn’t face him.
“I know this is emotional for you, but Lann’s monastery is the most secure place for us to work.”
“The media’s not a threat any longer.”
“It’s not the media I’m concerned about. Have you considered what would happen if anyone finds out what Lann really is, and that you’re expecting his baby?”
Kat frowned.
“You’ll be the most hunted person on the planet,” Eve said with an even voice.
Kat’s body went cold. It was as if the air had been sucked from her lungs. The thought hadn’t occurred to her. Trying not to show how shaken she was, she said, “Let’s hope then that nobody finds out.”
“You haven’t said anything about this to Diana, have you?”
Kat shook her head.
“Good.” Eve got to her feet. “There’s no point in wasting time. Shall we go?”
“Can Lann please not be there?” She cleared her throat.