Tempest Rise (Treborel)

chapter Eleven



Fear began anew inside Lysette as she placed the small oval probe on each small chest. The larger baby boy was at an acceptable weight of 5 1/2 pounds for a premature infant. His heart was strong and his lungs clear. The smaller boy was grievously underweight barely 4 pounds and on a respirator. There was a small superficial hole in his heart and his kidneys were barely functioning. As she feared the infants shared the main artery supplying blood to the brain. Yet their skulls seemed to be intact, spinal cords separate and the attachment ended at the base of the neck instead of extending into the chest as so many attachments usually did.

Calming herself Lysette requested the children’s records. “I’d also like to speak with the obstetrician and the attending pediatrician.” The even tone of her voice surprised her.

“They are dead.” The King said casually, keeping his eyes on her, never looking at the babies.

Once again Lysette forced herself to remain calm under the threat of the growing sense of helplessness that threatened to consume her. ‘Don’t think about it.’ She told herself. She asked, “When were they diagnosed as . . .”

“We were never told.” Again a toneless response as the King interjected.

“You had no prior knowledge of . . .”

“None move on.” Williams’s eyes never left hers. He never looked at the babies, not even one glance at his sons. “The Queen suffered a miscarriage after the attack on her life. She became pregnant again shortly thereafter.”

Taking the chart one of the soldiers returned with Lysette tried to concentrate on the records. ‘He had them killed!’ Her mind screamed, ‘They were afraid to tell him, so he had them killed!’ She tried to clear her head of the vision before her of an angry King slaughtering his doctors at the first sign of his conjoined twins. Taking a deep breath she ignored the screams of terror building up inside her and concentrated on the twins. “The smaller infant, Arbus is critical. His heart is weak and damaged and his lungs are filling with fluid. His kidneys are not functioning property. He may not live through the night.” Studying William for some response, Lysette continued when he merely stared blankly at her. “The larger child, Rey is stable and in fairly good condition. The best course of action to insure Rey’s survival is a separation, but Arbus would not survive it.”

The King remained unmoving, staring at her in silence showing no emotion. Glancing down at the rectangular screen that held the medical chart as figures flashed before her she continued, “The infants share the large carotid artery where it branches into several smaller arteries. One of which is a direct blood supply to the brain.” Gritting her teeth she tried once more to ignore the warnings her mind screamed at her that death was quickly approaching. “There will be substantial blood loss. If I use Arbus’ blood that will help to compensate but Rey will still be at great risk.”

Lysette looked up from the chart and met his eyes once more. For the first time she noticed Commander Connor standing in the background listening, watching.

“Are the healers of any use to you?” Was the King's casual response.

Lysette answered hesitantly knowing the more useful the healers the longer they would stay alive. “They could slow the bleeding and remove the need for anesthesia. Perhaps repair Arbus’ heart defect if he were stronger . . .”

With one swift motion of his hand the King sent Connor to bring the healers to them. When they arrived the King issued a stern warning before they were allowed to examine the infants. “You will not attempt to heal the infants or east them in any way or you will die.” Once again the casual way in which he spoke chilled Lysette. Yet the empaths seemed unaffected and gathered around the twins. Joah was the only one to reach out and briefly touch the smaller of the two. Not a word was spoken as the healers exchanged glances then turned back to face the King.

“We can save the infants. Healing the small one of his complications, even strengthen them. But there is nothing we can do to separate them, alone.” Joah looked expectantly at Lysette.

“I can separate them, but Arbus is too weak, he would not survive it.” She said. Lysette's mind raced as she realized what Joah met. If they healed Arbus and restored his strength would he survive the separation? She continued saying, “If Arbus and Rey were both stronger and the empaths assisted . . . it is possible that we could separate them and both might survive.”

“How long before they can be separated?” The King ignored the empaths and spoke only to Lysette, his eyes glassy and empty.

“Once they are healed they must be allowed to grow and strengthen on their own. The older they are the better their chances of survival.” Lysette knew she was not giving him the answer he wanted to hear. “Six months, perhaps a year.”

Even then it was risky. The King breathed deeply fighting some inner hidden battle. When he spoke it was with the same emotionless voice Lysette had come to expect, but his words were not, “Let the small one die then separate them.”

His heartless words shocked Lysette as she stared at him in disbelief Joah stepped forward and addressed the King, “No, You’re Majesty.” His voice was calm and soothing, “You must not allow Arbus to die.” Joah was defying the King. He was saying the words that Lysette wished she had the courage to utter with such confidence. All eyes moved to the elderly empathy, only Lysette showed fear.

The King shifter his attention to Joah and whispered viciously, “You will leave this room at once.”

Finding her voice Lysette interrupted as the guards appeared in the doorway. “He is right, Your Majesty. As long as there is a chance we must try to save both children.” Finding the cold depthless eyes turning back on her, Lysette swallowed her fear and continued, “Surely you want to give both of your sons a chance at life.”

Moving slowly toward Joah, she placed herself between the two men and added, “Perhaps they are joined for a reason none of us can comprehend, one that will benefit them later in life.” Lysette knew she was babbling, reaching for any reason to save Joah and Arbus’ lives.

For a moment Williams’s eyes cleared as he focused on Lysette. A glimmer of doubt entered his eyes as he spoke. “Would Rey benefit from Arbus' death in anyway?”

“No,” Lysette hoped he couldn’t see the doubt in her eyes, “Not as long as the empaths are here to help.”

“Would it be harmful in any way to Rey if Arbus lived?”

“It would be best if Arbus lived. They the surgery could be delayed until Rey was stronger and could gain more weight.” This was true, the older and larger the babies were, the more likely they would survive the stress of surgery.

“We must leave here soon. Which procedure would allow Rey to be travel ready sooner?” Williams’s voice returned to the cold monotone it had been before as his eyes grew dark and hollow again.

Lysette’s patience had left her. Her anger at this man who had no regard for his sons except to supply himself with an heir caused caution to leave her and she said, “They cannot be moved. Regardless of the procedure they cannot be taken on any journey. Not for weeks, perhaps more.”

His depthless eyes hardened as his lips formed a smile. “You have seven days. Find a way to stabilize them in that time and prepare them for travel.” The King turned his attention back to Joah and added, “Heal the small one.” Then he slowly turned and left.





Both Treborelan and Lon Tesse Intelligence had confirmed the arrival of Lysette’s military transport at a farm outside of Tor. There were signs of half a dozen soldiers having stayed in the small farmhouse for several days, perhaps a week. The bodies of the pilot and co-pilot had been found in a field outside the shelter. The trail of bodies thrown from the plane indicated an escape toward the River Ny. When the condition of bodies of the female empathy and Dr. Spencer were reported Katar knew he was dealing with the Kings Elite Guard. Only Commander Connor used a crossbow to assassinate prisoners.

A rendezvous was set up between Katar and Sean at the same farm where Lysette had been taken. Cap insisted on flying Katar into Bantor. He knew his friend would not use the caution necessary to protect himself in his search for Lysette.

As they entered the small shack they found Sean waiting for them. He shook their hands and said, “Thank you for meeting me. I’m crazy with worry. It’s been more than 48 hours since they were reported missing. If Connor took them as hostages he would have contacted us by now.”

Visions of Connor strangled in one of his own snares leapt to Katar’s mind as he pictured how he would kill the Commander if Lysette were harmed. His throat tightened as he saw the fear in Sean eyes.

Cap answered for him, saying, “What would Connor want with Lysette?” Cap placed his hand on Katars shoulder as he spoke. “Do you think there was someone else on the transport he could have wanted?”

“There were only two surgeons and a handful of Empathic Healers. None of whom are of much importance to Connor, with the exception of my niece.” She shook his head and moved to sit at the only piece of furniture that graced the shelter, a small kitchen table surrounded by four wooden chairs.

“How could they have found out she was your niece?” Katar followed sitting across from him. “Even if they did know who she was, how could they have known she was going to volunteer for that assignment?”

“I wish I knew.” Sean frowned in frustration. “One thing’s for certain, if they don’t know who she is, she’s smart enough not to give herself away.”

“If they do . . . they’re sure taking their time letting us know about it.” Cap added as he sat down beside them. Then registering what Sean had said earlier Cap’s face froze. “Did you say Empaths were aboard the transport?”

“Yes, five of them, two males and three females.” Sean answered not noticing his concern.

“Do you have their names?” Cap asked not truly sure he wanted to know.

Katar glanced up realizing why Cap wanted to know. Pulling a small notepad from his breast pocket, Sean tossed it toward the anxious commander asking, “Do you think he was after the healers?’

As Cap raced down the list Katar explained, “Cap is a good friend to one of the empaths that was stationed with Lysette. Glancing back at Cap, Katar could tell by the dark look on his face that Kendra had been on the helijet. They sat in silence each man fighting the fear that rose renewed by the discovery.

Finally Sean spoke quietly, “Queen Elspeth was pregnant when the conflict began. It could be the child was injured or taken ill. Lysette is a pediatric surgeon.”

“That would explain why they didn’t kill the healers with the others.” Katar added, placing his hand on Cap’s arm in support. “William would want every possible means at his disposal to save his child. If he still has control.”

“That was nearly nine months ago. The child would be four of five months old by now.” Cap added trying to force his mind away from the possibility that Kendra was already dead and lying in a field somewhere waiting to be discovered.

“Judging by the trail of bodies they left, they were heading for Ergos.” Sean rose and paced the short distance to the wall and back. A Lon Tesse transport flew into Ergos two nights ago.” Sean stopped in front of the table and looked knowingly into Katars face.

Katar answered his stare with, “I’m going in.” He rose and added, “It’s been arranged. Cap is going in with me. We have agents inside. They’ve already begun the search.”

“You better make room for one more.” Sean said.





Over the next two days Lysette stood by helplessly as the Empaths exhausted themselves in an effort to save Arbus and strengthen the infants for their journey. Nearly all the effort was spent on Arbus. He was so weak and delicate that Andru was too frightened to touch him. Afraid that he couldn’t hold the ‘strength’ in a tight enough grip. Only when he saw how hard the others worked to save the child did he attempt to heal him.

None of the medical team was allowed to leave the room. They were forced to sleep on two cots the guards had brought in on the second day. Food and drink were slow to arrive and in poor quality and small quantity. Only after Lysette pounded on the door and insisted on speaking with Commander Connor to explain the empaths needed food to sustain the healing did they receive adequate nourishment.

As the empaths strength left them Lysette’s returned. The headaches ceased as her mind cleared. Fearing that the healers would become ill she began to insist on being allowed to have a period of time with the infants. Forcing them to halt the sessions and allowing them a bit more time to recover. Finally on the fourth morning of their captivity Joah announced that they had completed the healing and the twins would need a healing sleep for the next three days. Only at that point would they be considered out of danger. As the healers themselves fell into a deep sleep Lysette watched over the infants and very lightly placed her probe on each of the healers in turn. She checked them for exhaustion and malnutrition, they were fine.

Finding herself alone with her thoughts for the first time in days, Lysette’s mind wandered back to the horror of the abduction. A tear ran down her cheek as she thought of her murdered friends. Each had been killed so easily, without hesitation. How could this all have happened? What had become of the two other surgeons that had been waiting at the rendezvous? What about all those injured children? Had there been someone else to step in and help them? She prayed there was.

How could they have known about the transport’s arrival at the farmhouse? Her mind sought for answers. Was there a traitor at the unit? Were there ever surgeons at the farmhouse? Was the distress call even real? None of it made any sense. There were surgeons in Ergos, why had William chosen to kidnap a doctor he knew nothing about? The distress call had specifically asked for a pediatric surgeon. It was beginning to sound more and more like she and the others had been set up. But why? Why would he wait for hours even possibly days for a surgeon to be kidnapped instead of using a local doctor?

Could it be that King William was ashamed of his sons? Perhaps he had hoped for a quick separation so no one knew they had ever been attached. If that was true, then her medical team was expendable. Once the twins were separated and healthy they would carry his gratitude to their graves. Lysette chastised herself for being surprised at this new development. Of course they were expendable. Hadn’t they feared for their lives at every moment since they had seen the flight crew so viciously murdered? People like these thought nothing of murder and would kill them all without a second thought when their usefulness was done.

None of them would survive the ordeal unless Ergos was taken and they were discovered. Before then, they had no protection, no hope. Why had she so foolishly ignored Katar’s warnings? Why had she thought that being a doctor kept her safe?

Katar had been right; she should have taken the pistol with her everywhere. Katar . . . a different kind of anguish washed over her as she remembered Roth’s words. ‘Enda is pregnant.’ It echoed through her mind again and again. Katar was the last person she wanted to think about. Yet she knew it would be a battle to remove him from her thoughts. Moisture blurred her vision as she fought back the same tears she’d held inside for what seemed like an eternity.

Enda’s seductive figure appeared before her. Lysette had no doubt that the Treborelan tramp could pleasure a man in ways she had never even discovered. Pushing the thought from her mind, she reminded herself she had decided to wait until she could talk to Katar before making any decisions.

Still the thought of having to deal with that turmoil and the constant threat of death from these terrorists was too much for her to handle. Pain washed through her as she made the decision to consider her relationship with Katar done and over with, until he could prove otherwise.

Until then, she would focus on the infants and keeping everyone alive until Ergos was liberated. She prayed to the Holy One that it happened soon, very soon.

Later that evening two guards appeared with their evening meal. The empaths stirred and rose from their cots. Andru who had been sleeping on the floor next to Kendra rose and stretched painfully then helped Kendra up. Lysette and Joah were ordered to accompany the soldiers out into the Kings chambers. They were taken to the Queens bedside, where she still ay as before, unmoving. As the soldiers retreated back into the darkness of the dimly lit room the King glanced up from his chair beside the bed and spoke softly, his face pale and drawn, “My wife has neither spoken nor risen from this bed since the birth of our sons. You will examine her.” His eyes locked on Lysette, ignoring Joah completely.

Sitting on the edge of the large bed in order to reach the silent woman, Lysette realized that she was awake and staring into the distance giving no sign of awareness. Removing the slender silver probe from her jacket pocket Lysette pressed it gently against the Queens chest. It began to hum slightly as the miniature panel along the side began registering information.

Finding her in satisfactory health Lysette examined the abdominal incision where the children had been removed. The turning the probe over in her hands she activated a small light in the tip of the device and shone it in to the Queen’s eyes. Turning back to the King she glanced at Joah and he stepped forward as she rose speaking softly to the King, “She has some congestion in her lungs due to confinement to her bed after surgery, it is not abnormal. There appears to be an emotional factor that I can only suppose is denial and shock from her son’s birth. I am not skilled in this area. I don’t know how to help her.”

Accepting her deductions without comment the King stared past her to Joah as the empathy reached out to take the Queen’s hand saying, “There is no need to concern yourself, Lysette. I can feel her grief. She’s pulled it deep inside and hides it from herself. If you will allow me your majesty I can show her how to return to herself and face the pain she so desperately wants to forget.”

With a wave of his hand he motioned Lysette away and allowed Joah to begin saying, “You will remove the memory of the birth defect from her mind. Replace it with two separate infants that were merely ill at birth but will soon be healed.”

Maintaining the same calm tone the King used Joah focused on him and said, “I cannot.”

Rising, the King lashed out and struck Joah in the face. Joah took the blow holding his head high and not making a sound. He rose to face the King and said softly, “I will not take her memory.”

Lysette stepped toward them as the King struck Joah again saying, “Your Highness, surely you realize that the truth cannot be hidden from the Queen.”

“Silence!” Williams’s voice turned hard and threatening, his eyes still locked on Joah.

“You could push her past the edge of sanity. She is fighting to remain here with us. Any stress on her mind and you might lose her completely.” Lysette wasn’t sure if what she said was completely accurate, all she knew as she had to stop the King from beating Joah. “She’s bound to see the infants before they are separated. You would me making her live that moment of shock and denial all over again.”

Joah spoke softly, soothingly to the confused monarch, “It would be best if I simply lightened the grief and paint to a level she could deal with. I can show her that the deformity was not her doing. Then she will be able to deal with the children. With your comfort and support she will recover.”

“It has been very difficult for her.” William relaxed slightly rubbing his temples. “She tried so hard to ensure that the twins were healthy.”

“Yes, her earlier miscarriage caused great sorrow.” Joah added taking the King arm and settling him back in his chair. “The pain of that loss is still with her. She feels overwhelmed and frightened. I know you would gladly take all her pain and grief into yourself if you could. It is not possible. Removing it now would leave her mind weak and vulnerable to future harm. I can bring her back and make her strong, using the pain. We all grown and learn from our pain and sorrow. It prepares us for what lies ahead. With this remark Joah turned to Lysette with eyes that seemed to see inside her. “We all must learn how to defeat our pain and carry on instead of hiding from it.”

As Joah spoke the Kings expression changed to calm sadness. Feeling his soothing words penetrate her Lysette felt the tension leave her. It was an aspect of the empathic method she never knew existed. Once more she was filled with awe and captivated by this magical medicine. As she watched the Kings hunched shoulders sagged as the fell into a deep sleep. Joah returned to the Queen and placed his palm against her forehead as he sat down beside her.

At first there was no movement or sign of change. Then slowly the Queen began to breathe deeply. Suddenly she began to gasp. Hearing her stress the King woke and reached her side as she began to scream. Bolting upright in her bed the Queens horror could be heard throughout the complex, “No! No! No! My beautiful babies!” Her shrieks brought the guards closer to the bed and the King stood silently staring at his grieving wife.

Needing to maintain contact, Joah moved his hand to the base of her skull and allowed her to scream out her denial. Beating him on the chest she fought off the demons that plagued her, consumed by the rage of her children’s birth defect. Still Joah held her tightly in his grasp, taking the blows without consequence. After what seemed like hours Elsebeth collapsed exhausted back onto her pillow sobbing uncontrollably.

Through the night Elspeth wept as Joah spoke gently words of comfort and understanding. William returned to his vigil in the high backed chair as Lysette stood by and watched with awe. When the Queen finally fell asleep, Joah released her and stood saying, “She will need rest now and another session tomorrow.”

William merely nodded and motioned for the guards to return them to the medical room. Lysette and Joah fell onto the cots and slept until the midday meal arrived. Upon awakening Lysette found the empaths in deep conversation. She approached them and asked, “Is something wrong? Is one of the twins ill?”

“The King sent a message,” Andru answered grimly. “The infants are to be separated today, or we are all to be executed.”

“Today? They aren’t ready!” Lysette gasped, “They are still in their healing sleep.”

Kendra smiled sadly at Lysette, “Actually Arbus has come out of the sleep early. He shouldn’t have responded so quickly, it’s amazing.”

“How can that be? I thought it would take them each at least three days before they would regain consciousness?” Lysette went to the chair where Joah sat only then realizing he was feeding Arbus a small bottle of synthesized breast mild.

“Arbus is a special child.” Chelsa came up beside her and smiled sweetly down at the infant. “His life force is exceptionally strong.”

“How can that be?” Lysette studied the contented child as he nursed quietly.

“He has Treborelan blood.” Joah answered casually, as if there could be no debate.

“Are you saying he’s an Empath?”

“Yes, someday I believe he will be a very strong one.” Joah said with a smile.

“What about Rey? Does he have a strong life force also?” Lysette was surprised that it could be sensed in one so young.

“Not that I can tell. He is a strong child physically, but there is no sign of a stronger than normal force within him.” Placing Arbus in a slumped position, Joah patted him softly on the back. After quickly receiving a burp he placed the infant back in the crib to sleep.

Lysette turned her attention on Andru taking him aside to question him further saying, “Andru, how could two born and bred Bantorians give birth to an Empath? I know William comes from a long line of Bantorian Royalty. I’m not sure about Elsebeth but she had to be a full blooded Bantorian for them to be allowed to marry.”

“Perhaps Queen Elsebeth has an ancestor from several generations back that hailed from Treborel.” Andru shrugged.

“So the emphatic power could skip a generation or two and simply reappear again?” Lysette said trying to understand.

“It’s a family trait. You can’t tell me that you don’t bare some resemblance to your grandmother or great grandfather?” Andru smiled and took Lysette’s hand leading her to a table of fruit that he had saved for her. They sat as he offered her an apple.

“I’m not sure; I guess I do, in some way or another.” Lysette recalled her grandmother having long blond hair and blue-green eyes. She had no memory of ever being told of her great grandparents of Treborel.

“Of course there is another explanation.” Andru’s smile broadened mischievously, “She could have a secret lover?”

Glancing around nervously, Lysette couldn’t help the smile that crossed her lips. “You had better be careful with your comments. That one could end your life very quickly around here.”

Kendra and Chelsa came over to sit at the table with them a solemn look at their faces as Kendra once again brought up the one situation they had not yet addressed. “We have been discussing the separation. Chelsa and I believe it is too risky, even with Arbus’ special gift. We cannot allow them to force us into a situation that would more than likely kill the infants.”

Andru cautioned them saying, “The King is not asking our opinion or giving us an option. We have no choice.” He felt the fear rising in the two empaths but he wasn’t going to pretend that they could simply say no.

“They will die Andru. “I can’t be a part of that.” Kendra reached across the table and took his hand. “I know our vow binds us to saving life at all cost. But it was never intended to force us to throw away our lives. I would gladly give my life for one of these children if it was truly called for but this is nothing short of suicide. With time and patience they can be separated safely with no more risk than necessary. I’m not going to give my life to save a Kings vanity.” Kendra’s voice broke as tears filled her eyes. “This is murder.”

Chelsa motioned for Joah to join them as she voiced her concerns saying, “We all realize King William is more concerned with the separation than the children. I have watched him when he enters to check on our progress. Only once have I heard him call Arbus by name. Yet he refers to Rey without hesitation. He would ha let the small one die, if Lysette and Joah had not intervened. His efforts to rid himself of the deformity as he sees it have exceeded his love of his sons. He believes that until they are separated, they are not worthy of him or his crown.” Chelsa faced Andru and spoke her last words softly, cautiously, “I believe he would rather have two dead separate sons than to leave them as they are. I insist we refuse. He can’t kill us all without endangering his sons and he has no one else who could perform this operation even at a later date. We are not helpless in this.”

None of them heard the door open or the King and Commander Connor enter. So intention on their discussion, they had not realized the danger of Chelsa’s words until it was too late. Only when Joah straightened and glance behind them did they realize they had been overheard. Connor moved into the small group as they rose from the table to meet him. Speaking in a low tone he smiled evilly at Chelsa as he neared saying, “My darling Chelsa, I’m afraid you’ve become confused. Being from Treborel you may be accustomed to refusing a monarch and living to tell of it. Here in Bantor refusing the kings command is considered treason.”

“I spoke out of concern for the children.” Chelsa face him, her voice breaking under his iron smile.

“I’m sure you did.” His smile changed to an amused grimace and he added, “That really doesn’t matter now. I’m afraid the twins will have to continue with one less empathic healer.” Stepping to one side he extended his arm toward the door.

Joah’s voice broke the tense silence as he addressed the King, “Your Majesty, we need Chelsa desperately. Especially if the children are to be separated today.” He implored the frozen King for mercy. Yet his voice was not heard, the King simply stood glassy eyed in the doorway, not even aware of his surroundings. His eyes never left Commander Connor, mesmerized by his presence. Chelsa held her head high and preceded Connor through the door. She did not glance back at her friends, fearing her courage would fade.

Lysette rushed forward in a desperate attempt to save Chelsa she blurted out, “Commander, if you murder Chelsa we will no longer be responsible for the care of the infants.”

Stopping in the doorway as her threat reached hi the commander turned back to face his new challenge smiling once again, surprised at her courage. “Are you threatening me doctor?’ He asked his voice full of amusement.

Moving closed, her fear replaced by desperate outrage, she met his gaze and answered, “Yes, I am.”

“We can always find another surgeon, Dr Nolan.” Connor stepped forward moving within inches of her face. “However, I’m sure your uncle would be very upset if we returned you to him in several different pieces.” He turned his attention to the others as he ignored the stricken look on Lysette’s face saying, “The infants will be separated immediately or one by one you will meet Chelsa on the next plain of existence.”

Lysette could only stare after Connor and Chelsa as they disappeared through the door. The unknown death that awaited Chelsa was horrifying. Commander Connor was enjoying terrifying them all. Now he knew her identity and she could easily be used as a pawn in this game Connor was playing with everyone’s lives.

Finding Andru beside her, they held each other as grief for the loss and pain Chelsa was about to experience flowed through them. Lysette prayed harder than she ever had in her life that her Uncle and Katar would find them quickly before Chelsa was killed, knowing it was already too late.