Tempest Rise (Treborel)

chapter Thirteen



The cramped space in the small transport was nearly unbearable. For the last four hours Lysette had been forced to sit kneeling on the floor holding Rey in her arms. Eleven people had crowded into the small cargo space of a small helijet. She was forced to sit in front of Commander Connor; he appeared to enjoy the idea of spreading his legs to allow her to sit on the floor between his feet.

The King and Queen sat across from the commander each had fallen asleep as soon as they had reached their seats. Neither had reacted to the presence of their separated sons. The King had not returned to view the infants since the order had been given to separate them. Neither royal seemed to be much aware of their surroundings.

As the hours slowly slipped away Commander Connor had enjoyed taunting his captives. First he described how Joah had died in great detail watching the anger grow on Andru’s face. Then he began to compare Chelsa’s death to Joah’s saying, “We took an unusual approach to your grandfather’s interrogation, empathy. The woman Chelsa died so quickly, losing only one finger killed her. Perhaps empaths were too weak in their own mortality.” He smiled evilly down at Lysette. “Perhaps that is a Treborelan trait.” He added as an afterthought, “Wanting to avoid a sudden death re-occurrence I decided to use an old method of torture on the old man.” Connor’s eyes moved to meet Andrus hate filled glare. “I let my soldiers take turns carving designs into his chest. When it was sufficiently decorated we turned him over and worked on his back.”

Pausing Connor tilted his head studying Andru who sat across from him holding Arbus in his arms. Connor continued saying, “I was impressed with the way the old man took the pain. Yet one blow to his head killed him so easily. I realized then that he could block the pain and not the injury. He was as weak as Chelsa. When the time comes Empath will you be so fragile?” Connor glanced at Lysette saying, “You see doctor, I have a theory that the empathic ‘strength’ these fools use only to heal is actually a fatal weakness when not put to its proper use.”

Moving his gaze back to Andru he taunted him once more, “I’ve got to give the old healer a bit of credit. He never screamed, not once. Will you be that brave when you die?” He looked back at Lysette and said, “Will you Dr Nolan?”

Andru reached slowly into his jacket pocket and grasped the laser scalpel; his only wish was to silence Connor forever. To his surprise Connor had silently drawn his pistol and pointed it at Andru’s face saying, “Yes, do bring out your toy empathy. Show me if you can create a wound as skillfully as you can heal one.” Connor’s voice was low and threatening.

The soldier sitting beside Andru jerked him to his feet in the small space and shoved him back against the thin jet wall, nearly knocking Arbus from his hands. Removing the scalpel from Andru’s jacket the soldier tossed it to Connor and shoved Andru back into his seat.

Connor inspected it saying, “An effective weapon at close range, but not worthy of an empathy.” He smiled with disappointment. “I would have expected the sweet doctor to have wielded this weapon.”

An eternity passed before the craft landed on a small stretch of beach below a series of sheer cliffs. The dark sky was unrelenting as the clouds refused to let the moonlight reach them. The only light was that of the soldier’s lanterns as they reflected off the waves. The prisoners were herded into the cove of the cliffs while the soldiers dismantled the transport and hid the large sections under the cold waves using weighted anchors they pulled out from behind the large rocks at the base of the cliffs.

The King and Queen had regained consciousness upon arrival yet shuffled around as if they were not quite awake. The small inlet led up a steep rocky incline. Ropes were tied to the royals then Lysette and Andru. They struggled to keep their footing or be dragged up the slope behind the soldiers. Doing their best Andrus and Lysette protected the babies with their bodies, trying not to crush them as they struggled to remain on their feet up the nearly vertical slope. Andru followed behind Lysette staying close to her in the darkness. Speaking only once as they neared the top he whispered, “We’re in Treborel, far north I’d say. Watch for any movement in the brush and be prepared to move quickly.”

Lysette knew he was referring to the sraeb they were well into ‘frenzy’ at this point. After all they had been through Lysette was past fear of death. She pushed the thought of an animal attack to the back of her mind and concentrated on staying upright. Once on the ridge above the ocean they were led to a stable located just inside the line of trees. Working quickly the soldiers had the horses saddled and the prisoners mounted within minutes and they disappeared into the forest.

The company held a steady pace making their way through the forest and mountains with a purpose. Lysette had no doubt they followed a specific route taking them deep into the dense wilderness. Traveling on and on without a rest for horse, man or infant they moved d further into the mountains until the first hint of dawn broke the darkness with its golden light. As they entered the first clearing they had come across they headed for the base of a stone bluff. Embedded partially into the bluff was a hunter’s lodge. Sheltered by the massive trees it blended into the surroundings well. Nearly one hundred and eighty meters across the clearing from the lodge was a large stables also concealed by the large trees.

Dismounting they were taken inside through the large living area that was as lushly decorated as the palace in Bantor. The headed down a short corridor and into a room at the end of the hall. The nursery seemed dull and lifeless compared to the satin and velvet furniture that decorated the main area. Painted in a cold blue the entire interior, woodwork and furniture was the same color of blue as the walls and floor. As a result everything blended into a blur for Lysette’s tired eyes.

All she wanted was to empty her arms of Rey, they ached from holding him so closely throughout the night. Placing Rey in the closest crib she moved to examine the small bath that opened off the small room. Andru sat in the one chair in the room and said, “The twins are exhausted. Rey is wheezing I’ll work on him while you take a shower.” His spirits seemed brighter.

Without hesitation Lysette closed the door leaving Andru alone with the infants and shed the clothes she had worn the last week and stepped into the rushing stream of steaming water. Taking the only bar of soap in the tiny bathroom she scrubbed her skin and hair. She concentrated on getting clean instead of her dire situation, feeling the need to escape from her captivity for a while. Emerging from the shower she recalled how long it had been since she’d had the luxury of a bath. The idea of soaking in a rich fragrant bath was tantalizing. Renewed she toweled off and glanced at her reflection in the mirror sink. Studying her complexion she made a mental note to check on her own vitals with the priceless prove she always carried.

Her spirits sank as she realized she would have to don the filthy smelly clothes she’d been wearing since she was captured. Then a knock at the door produced a light gray jumpsuit through the small crack that she allowed Andru to slip it though as he said, “Look what I found in out closet. There’s about ten more, all gray. I guess they figured we’re human after all. I was beginning to get tired of washing out my shirt in the sink every night.”

“I could kiss you for these.” Lysette teased delighted to have something truly clean to wear.

“Well, if that’s all I have to do, let’s see what I get for these?” He chuckled as he handed her a pair of slippers.

Lysette buttoned her jumpsuit and opened the door, declaring “Andru, you’re a miracle worker!” She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

Pulling her back toward him, Andru whispered in her ears with a smile, “Joah’s alive.”

“What” She stared at him in surprise?

“I told you I didn’t feel him die. Now I know why. It was what Connor said today that convinced me.”

“Andru, I want him to be alive as much as you do. I just don’t think Connors would let him live. I’m still not convinced he didn’t kill Kendra too.” Lysette too his hand and lead him to one of the cots placed in the corner of the nursery.

“I don’t think he knew.” Andru explained as he sat down beside her. “He was right about the pain blocking. It’s possible for an Empath to reduce his pain to a bearable level. We are just as able to increase our pain or anyone else’s to a lethal level. That’s what Chelsa did. She wasn’t going to allow them the pleasure of torturing her. So she increased the level of her sensory input and released her life force when she was certain there was no other recourse.”

“You mean she killed herself?” Lysette asked shocked.

“No, she simply increased the pain of her amputated finger until it caused her to go into a deep shock and consequently cardiac arrest. They inflicted a mortal would without even knowing it.”

“Do you think Joah did the same kind of trick?”

“I think he used the blow to his head to send himself into a deep coma. His breathing slowed, literally stopped as well as his heart. Connor thought he was dead, just like Chelsa.”

“Andru, are you sure you’re not just convincing yourself this could happen? Hoping too hard?” Lysette thought the story was just a little beyond the capabilities of empathy.

Andru met her eyes and answered softly, “I felt my grandmother die. I was 17 years old; she was healing a very young child that had been crushed by a falling tree. The child died during the healing. My grandmother gave up her life force to save him. I felt her passing as if I was there with her. Instead I was nine kilometers away at the Institute.”

Realizing she still had a lot to learn about the empathic way, Lysette surrendered. “I had no idea of the depth of the ‘strength’.” She smiled and squeezed his hand. “Just the idea of Joah being alive and free gives me a little more strength and hope. If Connor was right about those friends of ours searching the city I'm sure they found Kendra and Joah. I just hope they reached them quickly.”

“Even if they didn’t Kendra can keep Joah stable until he can be revived at the institute.”

“I hope you’re right.” Lysette added with a yawn.

“Why don’t you get some sleep?” Andru rose and added, “The babies will probably sleep through most of the day. I’m going to shower and go to bed myself.”

“Are you sure they are alright?” Lysette glanced at the two sleeping boys.

“I’ll check them again before I turn in. I’m sure they’ll be fine.” Andru headed for the shower as Lysette slipped under the thin covers and fell asleep.

The both awoke just after dark. There was a great commotion coming from the living area down the hall. The sound of approaching footsteps caused them both to bolt from their beds. Andru announced, “Someone’s been hurt, he’s in a lot of pain. There may be more than one injured.”

Connor strode in grabbing Andru by the collar he hauled him from the room. Dragging the empathy down the hall to the room next to the nursery he shoved him through the door. Lying on the table of the same type of operating room they had stayed in for so long was a soldier. The man was screaming as two other soldiers held him down. A third man was applying a tourniquet to what was left of his right leg.

The leg had been ripped off at the thigh. Blood covered the floor and table as well as the men that held him. Moving around to the opposite side of the table Andru placed both hands on the bleeding stump and the hemorrhaging slowed then stopped. “Where is the rest of his leg I may be able to reattach it?” Andru asked as she removed the makeshift tourniquet.”

“It’s . . . gone.” The third soldier stammered looking back at Commander Connor.

“His leg is inside the belly of a very large sraeb.” Connor answered casually. “Will he live?”

“He’s lost a lot of blood. I can’t help him more until his body replenishes his fluids.” Andru shook his head looking at the pale soldier. He realized the soldier couldn’t have been more than twenty-one or twenty-two years old. “Perhaps Dr. Nolan . . .”

Before he could finish Commander Connor disappeared around the corner. The soldiers watched as Andru found another bleeding vein and cauterized it with his touch.

“You can heal him just with you touch?” The second soldier asked, “Could you have put his leg back on?”

“It’s not that simple.” Andru answered honestly, “But you’ve got the right idea.” Glancing back at the door he ventured a question of his own. “What happened?”

“We were about to go off duty when this giant sraeb sticks his head out of the brush and bits Charlie’s head off. His entire head! It just bit it off!” The young soldier’s eyes widened with his terror.

The other two nodded in assent and began muttering to each other as the third continued, “Bill here goes charging over with his laser pistol firing no stop. Why the Hell he did is a complete mystery. The sraeb simply turned to meet him. The rest of us followed Bells example and attacked. We reached him just in time to drag the poor bastard out from under the creature.” He shook his head in amazement. “If it wasn’t for the Commander and his crossbow, we’d probably all be dead.”

“It was incredible,” The second offered, “Commander Connor appeared out of know where and fired from nearly a hundred and fifty feet. Hit it in the eye and down it went.”

Appearing in the doorway with Lysette in tow Connor shoved her through the entrance. Moving forward Lysette produced her probe and placed it on the injured soldier’s chest.

“He’s in shock, can you help?” She asked Andru softly.

“No, I can’t do anymore; he’s lost too much blood.”

Surveying the area Lysette moved to the large cabinet full of medical supplies and returned with a large hypodermic filled with a clear liquid and injected it into the soldiers arm. “This is a synthetic blood substituted, it should help stabilize him. It won’t last long; he’ll have to have another injection in about 2 hours.” Examining his leg, Lysette glanced up at Andru.

“Sraeb,” Was his only comment.

Remembering his warning for last night Lysette shivered, realizing that this could have easily happened in the dark to her or Andru. Thoughts of escape entered her mind, it seemed impossible.

“You will return to the infants.” Connor ordered taking hold of Andrus arm.

Andru jerked his arm away from the Commander and said, “Just a minute.” He quickly touched the injured soldier lightly on the forehead then spoke quickly to Lysette, “He’ll be free of pain and should sleep for about 12 hours.” Then feeling Connors icy gaze on his back Andru turned and headed for the door. After locking Andru in the nursery Connor returned to the infirmary and dismissed the soldiers. He ordered them to attend to the burial of the dead man and removal of the sraeb.

Being alone for the first time with Commander Connor was unnerving for Lysette. He stood silently watching as she washed the blood from the injured man and bound his wounds. Fully aware of how his eyes were tracing the outline of her jumpsuit, she wished the outfit didn’t fit her so well.

Connor leaned forward across the table and smiled at Lysette, saying, “The empathy is very fond of you, Lysette.”

The nervousness suddenly left her, replaced with hatred and giving her courage, she glared at him and said, “I’m very busy, get out!” Her disgust outweighed her caution.

“You seem to be under the impression you can order me about.” Connor’s smile lessened as he added, “Perhaps it is time you learned your place doctor.”

Walking around the table to where she stood he moved so close she had to side step to keep his chest from rubbing against her shoulder. “My place is back at the Field hospital near Tor.” She snapped at him, “Helping the people you left fingerless, orphaned or homeless.”

“Does the idea of losing all your fingers frighten you Lysette?” He taunted her moving closer.

This time Lysette held her ground, saying, “I’m sure the King would be very upset if he found you were torturing his son’s only physician.” She said trying to appear confident.

“I’m sure he would, but I wouldn’t rely on his protection, Lysette. His days as King are over. He does only as I ask.” Commander Connor reached across in front of her picking up the probe she had left on the table beside the injured man. “As a matter of fact I owe you a debt of thanks. He was actually beginning to show some independent thinking by arguing with you over Arbus’ death. I told him to let the infant die. He allowed you to change his mind. So clearly he was not completely under my control, as I had thought.” Slowly he brought his arm back offering Lysette the precious probe adding, “Your assertiveness allowed me to destroy his attempt to reacquire his freedom of thought. Now he is nothing more than a source of income. When the winter is over, I will no longer have need of him. He will have turned over all of his Latrian assets to me.”

Lysette moved to the other side of the table and began cleaning the soldiers other arm. Following her Connor grabbed her around the waist and pulled her toward him saying, “I do have a need for you Lysette, if you would only stop resisting.”

Lysette struggled as she found herself trapped within his arms. Grabbing a handful of her hair he forced her face to meet his. His kiss filled her with loathing as she fought with all her might to get free. Finally in desperation, Lysette bit his lower lip drawing blood. Throwing her back, Lysette slammed into the infirmary wall as Connor’s dark glare fixed on her. Suddenly there came a loud banging noise from a door that Lysette had assumed was a closet. Andrus voice could be heard yelling behind it. “Hey you in there! I need the doctor at once! One of the babies is ill!” Andru pounded on the door again saying, “Do you hear me! Right this minute!”

Facing Connors, she eyes locked with him, Lysette could see the anger growing. Once again Andrus voice called urgently through the door. “Open this door at once, Rey needs the doctor!” Andrus pounded again not willing to stop until Lysette was with him. “If he dies while you’re got her in there wrapping the soldier’s wounds they’ll be Hell to pay!!”

Connor smiled as he moved toward Lysette. “You are full of such fire doctor. It is a shame to waste it.” Stopping before her he ran his hand down the side of her arm as she glared at him. He said, “There is time to cool your fire. I can wait a while longer.”

With that he turned and opened the door Andru had continued to pound on. Andru nearly fell as the door opened. He regained his composure and grabbed Lysette’s hand taking her back through the door, ignoring the Commander completely. Connor left the door ajar, locking the infirmary entrance behind him as he left.

Lysette embraced Andru and held on tightly. “Thank you! How did you know I was in trouble?” She asked, pulling back from him shaking from the experience.

“I can read your emotions pretty well. I felt the anger and fear, then something more. I guess Connor must have gotten really angry at you. What did you do? Slap his face after a nasty remark?”

“Not exactly,” Lysette she took a deep breath to calm herself adding, “I think I’ve got a real problem with him.” She went over the check the babies and said, “He likes my . . . dominate personality.”

“We’ve got to her out of here.” Andru whispered understanding her meaning all too well.

“My experience with Connor has given me an idea, if you are willing to take a few risks.” She knew they didn’t have much time before Connor had her in a situation where Andru couldn’t rescue her. She also knew that she wouldn’t yield and probably die because of it.

“I’ve been working on a few ideas of my own.” Andru smiled at her and they began to plan their escape.





Katar’s mind spun with all the pain he had been forced to endure in the last week. He now had to face the very real possibility that Lysette was lost from him forever. The Kings entourage had vanished. The only possible hint of his escape had been a small helijet that had given an unusual clearance code and vanished before they could investigate. Now Cap was continually throwing Kendra’s wild story in his face. It was the most impossible of all to comprehend. Why would Connor have sought out and killed his father? He would have been a young man, barely twenty years old. Beyond that why would Hanlin and the others, his own mother, lie to him about his father’s death?

If it was true and Commander Connor murdered his father, Katar wanted to know who gave the order? Katar couldn’t think of anyone at that time that his father’s death would have benefitted. No! It was an absurd tale that he refused to believe. Cap fought fiercely for Kendra insisting she was telling the truth. Katar decided that somehow at such a young age Kendra misunderstood or was confused about what happened. If she had been there, perhaps her little childhood mind warped the tale to remove the guilt of feeling responsible for the death of her Prince. More likely Connor had brain washed her, planting this story to confuse and torture him. Trying to keep him occupied, so they could relax in their haven.

As much as Katar tried to convince himself that it was only a story a wild fabrication he could not remove the thought from his mind. Was it the fact that his father had deliberately given up his life for some child that gave Katar such an evil foreboding. Enough! He would confront Lord Wills and his mother and find out if there was any credence to this falsehood. Cap had returned Kendra and Joah to the instituted upon their arrival at Borel. Now was the time to confront them, in Caps absence he could make his own decision, without his friends influence.

Having sent for Lord Wills Katar planed a direct confrontation. He would either deny the story or weep his confession. Lord Wills appeared in the doorway of the study pleased to see that Katar had returned home. Hanlin said, “Your Highness! I have been so concerned about your search for the missing Lady Lysette.” Hanlin began as he crossed the length of the room to where Katar stood by the bar pouring drinks.

“Hanlin, I do not wish to discuss Lysette’s disappearance with you right now.” Katar glanced up at his approach adding, “I have something I must ask of you that cannot wait for one more second.”

At the seriousness of his tone, Hanlin stopped before him deeply intrigued asking, “Whatever it is I am sure I can help.”

“I have come across some information that leads me to believe that several of my closest advisors have lied to me regarding a most serious matter of state.” Katar handed Hanlin a drink and led the elderly gentleman over to the sofa at the far end of the room.

“Your highness, I’m shocked! I have always believed that the Queens confidants were impeccable!” Hanlin gasped seating himself on the sofa beside Katar.

“Even yourself?’ Katar spoke slowly watching the surprise rise on Hanlin’s face.

“Katar, I have never lied to you.” Hanlin said will all seriousness.

“Never Hanlin?” Katar asked casually adding, “Then tell me once more of my father’s death.”

The reaction that came over Hanlin was not what Katar had expected or wanted. He wanted Hanlin to relax and retell the horror and courage of his father’s demise. Instead Hanlin simply stared blankly at him, his mount slack.

“How did my father die Lord Wills?” Katar growled at the stricken man, “What was the instrument of his death? Why was it that I was not allowed to see his lifeless body before he was laid deep into the ground?” Katar’s voice grew loud as his suspicions heightened.

“Prince . . . Mickel . . .” Hanlin stammered.

“Was killed by a sraeb as you had told me?” Katar grabbed the elder’s collar and pulled him close. “Tell me the truth old man or I’ll have your head!”

“I cannot! I swore an oath to the Queen!” Hanlin gasped.

Throwing his trusted advisor back onto the couch Katar rose and headed for his mother’s suite. The fury that filled him was unmatched by anything he had ever felt before. Calming himself as he reached his mothers offices, he walked past her assistants without acknowledgement and into the conference room where Queen Sari was holding a meeting with several of her heads of state.

“Leave us!” Katar commanded loudly eyes locked on his mother’s surprised expression.

“Katar, what is wrong?” She rose concerned at his anger.

“Clear this room at once!” His voice rose and this time the men and women obeyed.

Waiting for the room to empty Katar regained some of his composure as Lord Wills appeared behind him.

”Your Majesty . . . “Hanlin tried to warn her, at the sound of his voice Katar turned and slammed the door in his face.

“Katar!” Sari gasped, “That is no way to treat Lord Wills.”

“Sit down mother, we have something very important to discuss.” Katar crossed to where she stood and placed his hand firmly on her shoulder urging her back into her seat.

“My darling, what is the matter? Is Cap alright? Has something happened? Have they found Lysette?” She turned to look up at him searching for the source of his extreme anger.

“No, I have just had a very enlightening conversation with Lord Wills concerning my father’s death.” Katar stood looking down at her. “Why did you lie to me?” His anger vanished with the question replaced by pain and betrayal.

“What has he told you?” Her face could not hide the shock and sadness his question caused to well up inside her.

“Only that he was sworn to secrecy. I was told by the young girl that witnessed my father’s murder. He was killed by a crossbow bolt. “ Katar gnashed his teeth from the sheer hatred he felt for Connor.

“And he could not deny it.” Sari finished.

“Why did you keep it from me?”

“Oh my darling, I wish there was a simple explanation.” Sara began as she pulled him down to sit in the chair beside her. “First, I must know who the girl was?”

“Kendra, an Empath from the Northern Colony.”

“Then we must send her a protector until she can give formal testimony.”

“Connor can’t get to her now, she’s at the institute.” Katar explained.

“Commander Connor? Why would he be after Kendra, an Empath?”

“Connor was the man she saw kill my father.” Katar only then realized that Kendra had said she was taken away during the confusion and never spoke of the Prince's death again.

“Commander Connor killed your father?” Sari spoke softly as tears came to her eyes. “I knew there was something about him. When he was here something more . . .” Then Sari realized the rue danger. “Katar, you must find him! Quickly, there is much more to your father’s death than just an assassination.” She pulled her son forward holding tightly onto his hands. “Your father had loved a young girl back in Latria before he came over to Treborel and we fell in love. When he returned to announce our engagement he found the girl was carrying his child.” Sari squeezed his hand and continued hating to add to the pain he was already experiencing. “The girl vanished before the child was born, furious at Mikel for loving another. The war escalated shortly after that and all hope was lost of ever finding them. It grieved your father deeply to think of his first born child being lost to him. His only comfort was your birth nearly 8 years later.”

Astonished, Katar could only watch the depth of love that washed across his mothers face as she spoke of his father. She said, “Years later before the massacre your father received several communication from a man claiming to be the young girls son. The message consisted of a blank screen as a man repeated the story of the woman and her lost son. It was only a few weeks afterward when the massacre occurred and your father was killed.” Sari looked at her son for understanding, “When I was told of the stranger I feared it was Mikels missing son, seeking revenge. The day after his funeral I received another message from this same man. It confirmed my suspicions; the faceless voice vowed his revenge was not complete.”

Katar closed his eyes overwhelmed by the meaning of his words. This could not be true. Commander Connor had not only murdered his father, just as Kendra described and kidnapped Lysette, but this psychopath was his elder brother!

“Katar, I was horrified!” Sari pulled his thoughts back to her saying, “I saw the anger on your face and the determination to make every sraeb pay for your father's death. Can you imagine what would have happened if I had told you a man was responsible? A man we could not find? You were 14 years old, you would have left in search of him and I would have lost you both.”

He rose and took his mother’s hand realizing she was right. He would have set out to kill the man who had taken his father away. If he had actually managed to find Connor, he surely would have been killed.

“He’s taking his revenge out on Lysette.” Katar said quietly as hope threatened to leave him.

“You mustn’t allow it. You must find him, Katar.” Sari rose to embrace him. “I fear that his childhood was a horror that left him insane. He must be stopped.”