Tempest Rise (Treborel)

chapter Fourteen



”No! I won't allow it!” Andru blurted out losing his temper.

“What make you think that you have the power to order me about?” Lysette snapped back equally short tempered. They had argued the same point for the last two hours and had not progressed.

“We’ve been over this a hundred times Lysette and the answer is still no! It’s too dangerous, if anything went wrong you’d be alone and at his mercy.” Andru was determined not to give in.

“Just calm down and hear me out.” Lysette took a deep breath and calmed herself. Yelling at each other wasn’t going to get them anywhere. “We’ve got to get a look outside. You said one look at an open patch in the sky and your’ have a fair idea of where we are.”

“That’s right I have to get a look at the sky, not you.”

“So teach me what to look for, this is the only way we're going to get out of here alive.”

“Offering yourself to Connor isn’t what I had in mind!” Andru tried to quell his growing anger, saying, “Going into his quarters alone is insane!”

“I'm not going to get him to take me outside unless I offer him something he wants in return.”

“Ok, but do you have to be that something?”

“We’ve got to get a look at the guards, where they’re located and how they are armed. I don’t want to get killed trying to escape. And there's a big difference between being shot at by a laser rifle or a crossbow when you're dashing around in the dark!”



“It goes on as scheduled. I should still be able to tell you how many guards there are outside.”

“Please, Lysette. There’s got to be another way.” Andru’s voice softened as he took her hand trying to calmly reason with her.

“Don’t worry; I’m not going to let that bastard near me. He won’t even know what happened.” Lysette and we're allowing him to pull her over to the small table and chairs set in the corner of the nursery. “We haven’t been able to come up with another idea. Do you realize how long captive?”

“Well since the sraeb attack they’ve left us pretty much alone.” Andru stopped to consider how long ago that was. “I guess it’s been nearly almost 5 weeks.”

“You don’t seem too concerned?” Lysette looked at him curiously.

“In spite of the constant threat of death I guess I’ve been enjoying myself.” He smiled sheepishly at her. “How else could I have ever spent this much time alone with you?”

“Will you never give up?” She smiled back at him.

“I guess not, “He answered resisting the urge to touch her.

“Well I for one would rather freeze to death out there than be tortured to death by Connors and that’s what is going to happen, sooner or later. He’s going to get tired of us.”

There was a sound at the door and it opened to reveal King William. It was the first time since their arrival at the lodge since he had come to the nursery. His eyes were glazed, his face pale as he tried to speak as he opened and closed his mouth silently. Andru rushed over and touched his palm to the Kings temple gently.

“His mind is gone.” Andru answered grimly, “It's almost completely destroyed. He has almost nothing but random thoughts. Stopping suddenly Andru gasped and jerked his hand away staggering back as Lysette rose to catch him. He leaned against her for support as two soldiers appeared with Commander Connor. Taking a hold of the Kings shoulders Connor shoved him roughly at the two men and they disappeared around the corner. Turning back to Lysette Connor demanded, “How long was he in here?”

“Just a few seconds.” Lysette answered quietly, “What did you do to him?”

“Nothing he didn’t deserve.” Connor answered casually, turning to leave. Stopping he turned back to her. “Oh doctor I thought you might like to know, your bachelor Prince has finally married. I hear he’s expecting a child.” He smiled at her then turned and left.

Nothing could have hurt Lysette more than the thought that Katar had married Enda. Andru was still shaken but had comprehended the statement. Lysette tried to force Katar from her mind and concentrate on Andru but it was impossible.

“Can you get me to a chair? He asked softly, she complied taking him to a cot. He added, “Don’t listen to Connor; we have to concentrate on getting out of here tonight.” Andru rose feeling his strength return. “The King came here to warn us. They’ve decided to kill Arbus. Connor must have made the mistake of letting the King overhear the orders. He slipped away to try to warn us, but his mind was so far gone he couldn’t form the words.”

“Why would they kill Arbus?” Lysette sat down beside him.

“Royal twins could cause a division among the masses; if each vied for the crown it could destroy a country. So eliminate one now and enter it never happens.” Andru spoke grimly looking down at the sleeping child, “Consequently Lysette, I would imagine that they would want to slim down their food intake for the winter in the process.”

Meaning what?’

“With only one baby to care for they don’t need both of us.” Andru turned to her, saying, “Remember what Joah had said about Arbus being an Empath?”

“Yes, that’s why she recovered so quickly.”

“It's more than that. Arbus has an exceptionally strong life force. Stronger even than any elder Empath that I have even known. Joah told me that he must be kept safe at all cost.” Andru took her by the shoulders and added, “There is a reason why he is here. We have got to get him out before they come for him.”

“What are you trying to tell me Andru?” Lysette frowned at him, “Are you saying that Arbus has some spectacular destiny in store for him? She couldn’t help but smile.

“Look, I don’t care if you believe me or not. We just have to leave here tonight and take Arbus with us.”

“Ok, so then we put my plan into action. I’ll approach Connor.”

“If it gets us out of here as soon as possible, I’ll go along with anything.”





“A Bantorian helijet is not equipped with solar gems; one of such small proportions could only stay in the air under such severe winds that night for about 4 or 5 hours. After that its energy system would have been exhausted.” Cap informed the Treborelan commanders gathered around the holographic display of the western coast of the continent. “That means they either headed north to Treborel or South around the Nayrian peninsula to the swamps of Southern Lon Tesse.”

“With two small infants the swamps would be a death trip.” Sean interjected from the far end of the long table.

“They could have met a ship out at sea and sailed for the western continent." Eades added from where he sat next to Katar and the Queen.

“William is running away from one war, terrified he’s going to be murdered.” Sean countered “Latria’s borders are at constant strain. I think he would avoid crossing the sea.”

“What about landing and powering up overnight?” Queen Sari asked.

“We would have spotted them the moment they lifted off.” Katar shook his head. There is no way they moved from where ever they have hidden themselves since that first night.”

“The Lon Tesse swamps are too difficult to hide in where an air search is concerned. Our heat sensors would have picked up such a large party by now.” Sean added, “They have to be somewhere in Treborel.”

“Cap, you said the Connor was hunting in the northern territory when his men were killed during frenzy?” Katar turned to him.

“Right, but I’m not sure where.” Cap answered, “I just assumed that it was the same area that Lord Rung had taken him into before.”

“Where was that?” Katar asked.

“I’ll get Lord Rung in here to tell us.” Cap moved over to a communications display and activated it. “Connor’s been in the northern area before.”

“That’s correct,” Lord Wills offered rising from his seat next to Sean, adding, “Our records show that he has been in the northern mountains and southern area at least three times in the last four years.”

“Is it possible to search for them in the middle of frenzy?” Sean asked as Katar directed the holographic image to zone in on the northern Treborelan coastline.

“We can search the coastline for signs” Katar began, “I the weather clears we can take the large transports and fly inland a few kilometers, other than that we’ll just have to risk a search party. First we have to narrow in on a few possible locations.”

Cap returned to the conference table. “Lord Rung was able to tell me that they traveled by helijet and were dropped off on a small beach at low tide. Other than that he had no idea of how far north they had gone. He said the air trip took about an hour from the Harbor. He wasn’t sure; he fell asleep during the ride.” Cap shrugged his shoulders.

“He chose a cleaver hideaway.” Katar growled, “Northern Treborel is unsettled, the mountains are at their highest point the forests are thick and full of the largest sraeb. He went in right at the beginning of Frenzy. In a few weeks, as the sraebs calm and begin to hibernate they’ll be protected by deep snow for the next 4 or 5 months. My bet is he’s planning to pull out just before the spring thaw.”

“If we don’t find him before the first snow . . .” Sari finished Katar’s thoughts, “Lysette and Andru will be at the mercy of Commander Connor all winter.”

Katar added, “If that beach appears only at low tide as I suspect we’ve got our work cut out for us. The northern coastline is nothing but sheer cliffs. If we find the beach, landing a party on the cliffs without being noticed will take some doing.”



Over the next few weeks the search consumed all of Katars strength and effort. Cap never left his side. Taking turns as they flew back and forth across the hundreds of kilometers of coastline searching for that small stretch of beach. The cold autumn storms shrank visibly and threatened to smash them against the cliffs if they dared too close of an investigation. Frustration and exhaustion took their toll on Katar. Queen Sari ordered him to step down for a few days. Having no choice, Katar turned the search over to Cap and slept for nearly 12 hours before awakening.

Checking on the progress of the shore patrol and finding it lacking, Katar decided to pay a visit to the Empathic Institute. Perhaps there was something if Kendra or Joah now that he was awake, could tell him that would help. The sun struggled desperately to penetrate the thick gray blanket of clouds above the dark forest as Katar began his journey. Once or twice he was able to catch a glimpse of the suns warm glow bursting through its concealment before vanishing again like a taunting lover.

It was early afternoon when he saw the stone palace looming before him through the trees.

It had been built in a deep glen, sheltering it from the harshness of the constant storms that plagued the planet. Lifting the ancient knocker, Katar waited as it resounded deep into the massive stone structure. A few minutes later, Kendra appeared in the doorway smiling at him saying, “You’re Highness! This is an unexpected surprise! Please tell me that you are here to announce Lysette and Andrus’ recovery?”

The hope in her face faded as Katar shook his head and answered, “Not a sign as had been found.” Stepping aside Kendra allowed Katar to precede her into the entryway and across a wide courtyard. Kendra pointing to the entrance of a large garden Katar stepped through the stone archway and found Joah sitting on a large stone bench before a series of fountains.

“Joah and I both want to thank you for saving our lives.” Kendra said as they wound through the flowering bushes and ferns toward Joah.

Cap risked more to save us all from the explosive than I ever did in trying to locate you.” He answered with a quiet smile as they reached Joah.

Rising as they neared Joah offered his hand to Katar, saying, “Prince Katar, it is good to finally meet you in person. Kendra has told me the story of our rescue; I give you and the others my thanks.”

“I wish we had been more successful in our endeavor.” Katar answered. Motioning for him to be seated, he added, “If we have arrived an hour earlier . . .”

“Dwelling on what could have been is never advisable.” Joah cautioned “It changes nothing except ones level of confidence.”

Smiling Katar accepted his wisdom saying, “You are correct, and I might add that you look very fit for a man who was dead not too long ago.”

“Not dead, merely lifeless.” Joah smiled back as Kendra rose from her seat on the side of the fountain across from them.

She said, “I must return to my students. Please let us know if you find any sign of our friends.

Nodding to her silently, Katar turned back to Joah as Kendra disappeared back into the courtyard. “Joah, I know you have been through a terrible ordeal and I would rather cut my own hand off than make you relive it, but I am desperate. Already the northern mountains have begun to cool. The temperatures are reaching freezing at night. The Northern winds came early and limited the search to only the large transports and naval vessels. Frenzy is at its peak and the snows will fall in a matter of days. I’ve had a vessel sitting out in the ocean for nearly 4 weeks now with a garrison of men waiting for instructions. I am near to losing Lysette and I can do nothing to stop it.”

Joah’s eyes grew distant as he spoke, “I wish I could tell you where they have gone. I held the Queen’s mind in my grasp for an entire night. Yet it took all my strength to bring her back from the place deep inside her mind. She had suffered a great deal at the hands of Commander Connor. As did we all. I can offer you this, my grandson is still alive. I would have felt his death if it had come. I raised him from birth, his grandmother and I. I would know.”

“And Lysette? Katar asked softly afraid of what he might be told.

“She is alive, I will not believe otherwise.”

“You said you reached inside the Queens mind, yet you found nothing?” Katar probed for anything that might help him find Lysette.

“Yes, but she had suffered so much that he held tightly to her denial.” Joah answered with a frown. “Our first session only broke through the first layer of her pain, the birth of her sons. I fear there was much, much more. More than the miscarriage she had suffered with the onslaught of the conflict.”

“And the following sessions?” Katar asked.

“There were no other sessions.” Joah answered showing anger for the first time. “After she calmed and showed signs of awareness, Commander Connor did not allow me near her again.”

“How were you treated? You and Kendra were the only survivors left behind. Why do you think that was?”

“You forget they thought I was dead. I’m not certain why Kendra was left. Perhaps Commander Connor wanted you to hear firsthand how terrifying the ordeal had been. To drive the pain deeper inside you, torture you.”

“He knew Lysette and I am involved. He knew exactly who she was.” Katar held back his latest discovery in the Commander Connors past, not wanting to give credence to his relationship with the walking demon.

“Lysette was injured in the capture.” Joah spoke softly studying Katar “It took a great deal of energy to save her. Surprisingly enough she recovered quickly. I suspect that she has no idea she possesses such a strong life force.” Joah smiled, “She is very brave and has a gift for words. She saved me several times from a beating. She was the one to convince the King to let us save the smaller twin, Arbus. She also screamed and hounded the guards until they brought us a sufficient amount of food. There is a great fire inside her that will see her though this danger.” There was no sign of doubt on Joah’s face as he spoke.

“It’s good to hear she’s not letting them defeat her. I’m afraid she might push them too far.” Karat rose and moved to the edge of the large stone fountain. “If they are to survive, we’ve got to find them soon. The babies must have been healed by now. Commander Connor has sworn to torture Lysette once her usefulness is gone.”

“There is something you should know about Commander Connor.” Joah paused sighing quietly before he continued, “He has Treborelan blood in his veins.”

“I’m all too aware of that Joah.” Katar said with a scowl.

“Are you aware of his empathic abilities?” Joah continued rising to go stand beside him.

“If he was an Empath, then why did he bother capturing you and the others?” Katar was very uncomfortable with the idea that Connor had the ‘strength’.

“I didn’t say he was a healer.” Joah corrected softly, “He has the ability, untrained as he is, he may not recognize it for what it is.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“I suspect that he has used what little of the strength he can conjure to influence the King and Queens minds.”

“That would explain a lot.” Katar said staring down into the rushing water of the fountain.

“I also suspect that Connor caused the Queen to abort her first pregnancy in order to impregnate her with his child . . . or children as the case may be.” Joah said.

Standing in silence Katars mind raced as he said, “It was Connor who killed the Kings physicians. But how did he know that there was a pediatric surgeon at the Tor medical unit? And how did he discover Lysette’s identity? It’s almost as if he had inside information.”

“I can’t imagine anyone involved in the complex betraying Lysette or any of us to the Bantorians much less personally to Commander Connor.” Joah frowned at the mere idea of treachery.

“Perhaps I’ve been looking in the wrong direction.” Katar said, softly. “No one except for the personal at the Hospital knew about my visits to Lysette, except Cap and Sean Nolan. I think I can safely rule them out. It had to be someone at the hospital. Can you remember if there were ever any personnel in the complex that didn’t seem to belong in the last few weeks before your capture?” Katar knew he was reaching but he had to try.

“Only Prince Roth, he came twice in those last few weeks. Each time he upset Lysette quite a bit.” Joah answered, “Especially when he brought Lady Waytals . . . “

“Enda Waytals?” Katar interrupted, remembering Lysette hadn’t told him she had spoken to her.

“Yes, Prince Roth brought her the day after your helijet crashed. She had been told you were injured.”

“I see, how long was she at the hospital?” Katar turned to look at him.

“I believe they left the very next day, Prince Roth went south and she . . . I assume was headed back to Treborel.” Joah recalled, “After that Lysette didn’t want to have anything to do with Prince Roth.”

“How did Enda get to Bantor so quickly?” Katar realized that she couldn’t have travelled down the coast to Bantor. The conflict had closed all routes into Bantor except by military transport which she did not have clearance to use.

“Perhaps she was already in Bantor or Lon Tesse?” Joah offered.

“So Prince Roth somehow ran into her. Or she conveniently found him and they decided to throw a little iron in the fire between myself and Lysette.” Katar was beginning to understand what happened. “That’s why Enda had taken the news of my engagement so well. She knew Lysette was angry and figured she would break off the relationship.”

“Lady Waytals would have much to lose if you were married to another.” Joah stated simply.

“Perhaps even more than we know.” Katar said suspiciously, “Enda was born in Latria. Perhaps she has more ties to her home than I ever suspected.” Katar spun to leave.

Joah stepped in front of him, saying, “Your Highness, I would like to offer my services. If I could get near enough to where Andru is being held. I may be able to lead you to him.”

“Can you reach the palace by nightfall?” Katar met his gaze as hope finally began to return.

“Yes.”

“Then follow as soon as you are ready. I can’t wait for you.” Katar called over his shoulder heading back for Borel.



The palace rang with the sound of Katars voice as orders were shouted with little patience. Lady Waytals was ordered brought to him as well as Hanlin Wills. Queen Sari appeared in the doorway of Katars office having heard the ruckus, asking, “Katar, what has happened?”

“I need to talk to someone in intelligence. Can you let me have the use of Lord Wills for a few hours?” Katar glanced up from his quickly.

“Of course, is this about Lysette?”

“Yes, I believe it is.” The look on his face told her that he was deep in concentration over whatever new information he had received. She turned as Hanlin entered; she hesitated wanting to find out what had happened.

“Hanlin, I need Lady Waytals records. I want everything we have on her and Lord Waytals.” Katar rose realizing his mother was still waiting for an explanation. He kissed her on the cheek and said, “I think we may have a security problem with the late Lord Waytals wife.”

“Tell me,” Sari said as she moved over to the small sofa against the far wall and sat down waiting for the report.

For the first time Katar noticed the fatigue in his mothers face. Her golden hair was pulled back from her face into one long braid wrapped around her head in a crown. His mood softened as he realized the conflict and Lysette’s disappearance even though they had never met had affected her deeply.

Coming over to sit beside her, he took her hand in his and explained. “I’m afraid I made a grave error in allowing Lady Waytals into my confidence. You and Hanlin both tried to warn me that she was not what she appeared to be. You have no idea how right you were.” Katar glanced up to find Hanlin deeply involved at the Comm. center near his desk.

Turning toward him Hanlin interrupted. “I have the information, may I suggest we adjourn to the conference room so we can use the holographic.”

They went down the hall to the large rectangular room where Hanlin activated the image. Katar and Sari sat at the table before it as the air flickered and flared with colors as ends face emerged within the holographic column. Hanlin began, “Lady Waytals was born in Latria and came to Treborel seven years ago, shortly after she married Lord Waytals.”

“We know all of this.” Sari interrupted. “Lord Waytals was a merchant and had met Enda on his last trip over the Tempest Sea. They married and he died a few years later, killed in a horrible accident.”

“How long ago was that?” Katar asked, “She sure didn’t seem like a grieving widow to me. How did Lord Waytals die?”

“I remember his death quite well.” Sari began, “It was quite unexpected. Lord Waytals had taken Enda for a visit to the Institute and they were returning very late. The city gates had been closed since frenzy was nearly at hand. As they rounded the bend, the soldiers caught sight of them as a young sraeb attacked. It flew out of the brush and knocked them both from their horses. The bowmen fired from the walls. The sraeb was killed before he could do much harm to the animals but in the darkness and confusion Lord Waytals was struck and was killed instantly.”

“The guards on the walls use crossbows. Where did the bolt strike him?” Katars voice was so soft Sari hardly heard the question.

“In his forehead.” Sari answered.

“Connor.” Katar hissed.

“Katar, why would Commander Connor want Lord Waytals dead?” Sari gasped.

“Enda is the perfect spy. She found old man Waytals and romanced or more likely seduced him into marriage. It gave her respectability and access to the court. I bet Connor was overjoyed when she managed to catch my eye.”

“You have no proof that simply because she is Latrian that she even knows Commander Connor.” Hanlin Cautioned.

“That’s true, but tell me this . . . Why did she leave Treborel and travel to Lon Tesse on the chance of finding me?’ Katar rose and paced the room.

“It says in the travel documents that I was a business venture.” Hanlin scanned the profile and brought the file in question to the screen.

Noting her return date back into the Treborel, Katar discovered she had taken nearly two weeks to return from Bantor. It had taken her only 8 days to travel to Lon Tesse and on to the warehouse complex.

“It says here that she spent another week in Bantor at the warehouse hospital.” Katar read on, “That is not correct. The Empath Joah just told me she left the day after her arrival.” Moving back toward the table, Katar’s eyes narrowed. “Where did she spend those last 6 days?”

“Katar, your father and Lord Waytals used to go on hunting excursions.” Sari spoke quickly, “In the Northern Mountains.”

“Hanlin . . .” Katar spoke as the advisor quickly manipulated the records once more adjusting it to Enda’s assets.

There!” Katar pointed to a lodge in the Northern Mountains 10 kilometers off the coast embedded into the side of a cliff.

“Hanlin, contact the Skyward, see if they are still in that area. I want to move on this now!” Katar ordered and kissed his mother briskly as a smile finally crossed his face.

“The ship was in two days ago for supplies. They headed north and should be within about one hundred kilometers of that location.” Hanlin answered and headed for the door at a near run.

“Katar,” Sari’s voice called his attention to the doorway as Hanlin stopped abruptly nearly running into Enda.

She stood confidently in the doorway, her blonde hair hanging loosely around her shoulders. She wore a shimmering aqua evening gown. Katars hand went to his vest pocket where he kept Lysette’s ring reminded of its vivid color, the color of Lysette’s eyes.

Katars voice was soft and calm as he spoke, “Come in Enda, we’ve been waiting for you.”

Moving gracefully toward him without hesitation Enda held out her hands to him saying, “Katar, it's good to see you home again. I’ve been so worried about you.” She managed a slight pout that sent Katars stomach into a tight knot.

Offering her a chair at the conference table, Katar moved around the long table and seated himself across from her, not trusting himself to be too near, for her sake. He said, “I imagine it's been very lonely for you this past year Enda. All your admirers have gone off to protect you and Treborel. Have there been many parties or social events to keep you busy?” He kept his voice sickly sweet.

“You know I’ve saved all those honors of whisking me off to balls for you. Until lately that is, what with your engagement and all I’ve been forced to accept several other offers.”

“I’m sure you’ve been very resourceful, Enda.” Katar answered as his smile vanished.

“Actually I was hoping Cap would come calling. You must be keeping him very busy.” Enda continued not noticing the change in his temperament.

“Enda, I called you here in hope that you could remedy that situation for me.” Katar poured her a glass of water from the large decanter on the table.

“Anything I can do would be a pleasure.” Enda smiled brightly at him.

“First of all, you can clear up a few facts that seem to be in question.” Katar began holding his temper back.

“Facts?” Enda asked uncertain.

”Yes, there seems to be some confusion about your husband's death.”

“My husband?” She smiled faltered slightly.

“Yes, it seems someone has come forward with information claiming you conspired to have Lord Waytals murdered.” Katar leaned forward slowly letting her absorb the statement.

“He was killed by a stray arrow during a sraeb attack.” Enda tried to hide her surprise at the direction of the conversation by quickly correcting Katars mistake.

“Shot in the head?” Katar asked innocently.

“Yes, it was dark, there was a lot of confusion, and we had both been knocked from our horses when the sraeb attacked. There were witnesses.”

“Shot in the center of the forehead with a crossbow bolt.” Katar clarified his statement.

“Yes, I don’t see how he could have possibly been murdered right there in front of half a garrison of soldiers.” Enda was beginning to lose patience with Katar.

“He was shot in the forehead by Commander Allen Connor at your request.”

“What?” Enda was shaken by the use of Connor’s name.

“Commander Allen Connor, your accomplice.” Katar repeated calmly.

“No . . . he . . . I don’t know what you are talking about. Who is this . . . Commander?”

“You were born and raised in Latria?” Katar ignored her question and continued.

“Latria? Yes, of course. That is where Byron and I met.” Enda glanced at the Queen and received a cold stare.

Rising Katar circled the table coming to rest beside her. “You met Connor in Latria; perhaps you grew up with him. When you met Lord Waytals you and Connor developed a devious plan. You marry Waytals, kill him and live nicely off of the inheritance.”

“No, I don’t know anyone by the name of Connor.”

“When was it that Connor approached you with another idea? Or was that the plan all along, to become a spy and a traitor to your new country?”

“No . . .” Enda gasped, frightened as Katar leaned toward her, his face twisted in rage.

Katar growled at his letting his anger surface, saying, “He had you get close to one of the Queen’s advisors. Only one day you actually managed to find your way into my attentions and the information began to flow. I was a real prize, wasn’t I Enda; more than you had ever hoped for.”

“Katar, how could you think that I would betray you?” Enda gasped searching for the words that would save her.

Katar continued, “Then somehow you found out that your source of information was about to cut you off. So you went to Bantor to meet with Connor.” Katar grabbed her shoulders and pulled her to her feet. “Did you give him more information concerning Borels security systems or information on the Alliance? Or was the trip entirely devoted to Lysette’s abduction?”

“You can’t believe . . .” Enda tried to reason with him.

“You convinced Connor to take her, didn’t you? He was only too happy to oblige when you explained that I was in love with her and that she was Lord Nolan’s niece.” Katar released her and she sank back down into her chair.

“I love you!” Enda sobbed.

“Love me?” Katar hissed, “Do you realize how many people died because of your ‘love’ for me?”

Staring at him in silence Enda’s face hardened. Pulling herself up straight in her hair she answered defiantly, “I’m not going to answer any more questions.”

“Has Connor has taken his refuge in Lord Waytals hunting lodge?” Katar loomed over her asking so softly that it sent chills of fear down Enda’s spine.

“Receiving only an angry glare from Enda, Katar turned toward the door to where Hanlin still stood watching and said, “Lord Wills have the empathy Joah brought in.” Then turning back to Enda as Hanlin disappeared through the doors he explained, Joah was taken with Lysette and the others. He stood by helplessly and watched your comrade’s torture and kill his friends. His grandson is still being held captive with Lysette. I’m going to turn you over to him. He can find the information in your memory in minutes and tell me all that I need to know. Perhaps more.”

Still she only glared at him undaunted. Katar added, “He can empty your entire mind Enda. Knowing his concern for his grandson he will extract the information as quickly as possible. I won’t be held responsible if your mind is gone when he finishes with you.”

“It’s useless Katar,” Enda snapped at him, “She’s dead.”

Grabbing her by the throat, Katar lifted her out of the chair as Sari rose and cried out, “Katar!”

Dropping Enda back into her seat Katar stormed off toward the large set of windows trying to regain control. Moving forward Sari turned her attention on the traitor before her saying, “Enda, Waytals, you are guilty of murder, treason and kidnapping. I could have you imprisoned for life. Instead I shall do as Katar wishes and watch as the Empath Joah destroys your mind trying to find Lysette and his grandson. He will tell us everything about your past, here and in Latria. While Treborel has abolished the death penalty, Latria has not. I guarantee if your past reveals any crimes that would warrant Latrian justice I will turn you over to them before the night is through.”

The fear that consumed Enda over Connors revenge if she betrayed him was overshadowed by the thought of being sent back to Latria for execution. She knew all too well there were many aspects about her past life that would warrant a sentence of death in Latria.

“There is no need for the Empath.” She answered softly. She prayed that Connor was killed in the battle that would soon follow. Knowing it would be her only chance of survival, yet doubting that any man would ever possess the skill and courage necessary to kill him.





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