Tempest Rise (Treborel)

chapter Fifteen



“Enda?” Cap stared as she was led off by the security officers. He turned back through the doorway and stared at Katars scowl, asking, “What’s going on?”

Hanlin stepped over quietly and said, “Treason,” Hanlin did not want to disturb Katar.

Moving to Katar’s side Cap asked softly, “What has she done?”

Without a word Katar moved away from him to stand by the large set of windows and stare silently out into the falling darkness. Cap followed and stood beside him in silent support waiting until he was ready to speak.

Without moving Katar answered softly forcing the words, “She betrayed Lysette and the Empaths to Connor. Not out of jealousy. She did it because she had been working with Connor for years. Every bit of information she overheard me or anyone else say went straight to him.”

“She admitted to it?” Cap couldn’t believe what he was hearing, hadn’t there been enough pain in Katars life in the last month without another knife being shoved into his heart?

“She confessed after we threatened to bring in an Empath and break into her mind.”

“Enda, I can’t believe it.” Cap shook his head astonished.

“She made a fool out of me Cap. If I hadn’t met Lysette, I might have married her just to keep Hanlin off my back about producing an heir.” Katar said softly, shaking his head.

“That never would have happened.” Cap put his hand on Katars shoulder.

“Of course it could have happened!” Katar pushed his hand away, “I couldn’t have been more stupid. I’ve been playing a game! All my life has been just one good time after another. The only real thing in my life is Lysette and I turned her over to Connor. Just as surely as if I had been flying that helijet myself.”

“It wasn’t your fault Katar; you're blowing this all out of proportion.” Cap argued felling his friends torment.

“I’m not capable of running my own life, Cap. How am I going to run an entire nation? Do you realize Edna could have destroyed Treborel? One stupid remark from me and she could have gotten access to our entire defense system.” Katar took Cap by the shoulders squeezing hard in his fury, saying “Only that wasn’t good enough. I couldn’t ruin just my life and my country with me, I had to take one of the most brilliant, beautiful women on the planet and send her into the clutches of a psychotic killer bent on revenge!”

Shoving him back hard, Cap freed himself from Katar’s ravings sending him back into the large windows behind him. Cap said, “If you're going to drown in this cesspool of defeat you’ve created for yourself, you're going to do it without me!” Turning his back on his friend Cap headed for the doors.

“Cap.” Katar called after him, pulling himself up. “I’m sorry. I’m just so scared I’ve lost her.”

“Did Enda say where they were?” Cap turned back and asked softly.

“Yes, Lord Waytals hunting lodge. But we can’t leave without Joah. He should be in the city soon. I want him to ‘talk’ to Enda and make sure she’s telling the truth. Then he’s going with us.”

“I’ll get the squad ready. We’ll head out as soon as he’s finished.” Cap turned back and headed for the door.

“You're in charge.” Katar added, grateful for his friendship with Cap.

Heading for the small emergency transport on the palace roof, Cap tried to judge the weather by the brisk breeze that met him as they crossed to the command booth. If the wind lessened they would be able to take the transport to the harbor which would cut their travel time by nearly 6 hours. That would allow them to avoid the danger of meeting a sraeb fattened and strengthened by frenzy in the darkness. His thoughts went to Enda as he checked the weather calculations on the small comm. Screen inside the booth. What would happen to her? Why did he care? She had nearly destroyed his country and might have possibly ruined Katar’s life.

He knew all too well what would happen to the beautiful traitor. She would spend the rest of her life working on one of Treborel’s detention ranches or possibly be sent to one of the gem splicing mills. Unless Connor somehow managed to evade them, then she wouldn’t live long enough to regret her crimes. Cap had enjoyed Enda’s company, sometimes wishing she had languished some of her attentions on him occasionally. Yet the image in his mind of Enda’s seductive form was quickly replaced with Kendra’s young smiling face. She made it easy for Cap to forget about the tragedy that Enda brought upon herself and concentrate on preparing for departure.

Sending the two guards on duty to recharge the helijets batteries and do a quick pre-flight check Cap settled down in front of the comm. Center and dove deep into the landscape surrounding the hunting lodge where Lysette and Andru were being held. After nearly an hour he found that little was recorded about the lodge and its surrounding properties. All he found was that it contained a large cabin set in the mountainside and oversized stables. It was a dangerous ride through the cold dark night they were about to undertake. It would take them at least an hour after departure to reach the spot where Connor must have landed. Then it would take six or seven hours on horseback to make it to the lodge. Cap estimated their arrival would be just before dawn, if they were lucky.

Turning around at the sound of someone entering the small command center Cap found Katar and Joah standing before him. They were each dressed in the mountain animal skins that Treborelans had worn for centuries died black for night hunts. Katar carried his laser pistol and his compound bow strapped to his back with his large hunting knife secured to his belt.

“Go get dressed and let’s head out.” Katar said and he turned and headed to prep the helijet for takeoff.

The wind was slightly stronger than before. The small craft skimmed the tree tops with difficulty but managed to arrive safely at the harbor in less than twenty minutes. Sean greeted them as they boarded the large transport containing a dozen Lon Tesse solders. Katar headed for the cockpit only to be challenged by Cap who said, “I’m taking the helm and you are not going to argue with me.”

Sean followed them to the small cockpit asking for co-ordinates as Katar took the co-pilots seat in silence. Cap explained, “We’re heading for Lord Waytals lodge approximately one hundred kilometers north and 10 kilos inland. We’ll follow the coast and meet the Skyward, our naval vessel about 20 kilometers off that sector. They are standing by with a team of men and horses.”

“Horses?” Katar stirred glancing over at Cap.

“I figured we were going to have to take some chances and search the most likely areas within the next few days.” Cap answered with a grin. “I’d rather ride than walk; I had them loaded two days ago when the Skyward was in port.”

“Perfect,” Katar answered quietly, his scowl lessening, “We need the extra time the horses will allow.”

“If we can get them to shore.” Cap cautioned.

Returning to brief his men, Sean left Katar and Cap alone as the transport lifted off and headed north. Flying in silence only deepened Katar’s despair. Sensing this Cap searched for the words that might ease his pain. Cap began confidently, saying, “We are going to find them and get Lysette out in one piece. I can feel it, Katar. We’ve searched too long and hard to fail now.”

“How can you be so sure, Cap” Katar growled back at him.

“Take my word for it.” Cap smiled at him, “I have I ever lied to you?”

“I wish I could answer that.” Katar said quietly, “I just don’t know who I can trust anymore.”

“Hey . . .” Cap answered surprised.

“You’ve been my friend for nearly thirty years Cap. We grew up together, saved each other’s hide more times than I can remember. There’s no one in the world that knows me better than you. I know I should be able to trust you, I always have before.” Katar’s words flowed as a myriad of emotions washed over him. “But it seems like everyone in my life has been lying to me. Not little white lie but huge important, life changing stories. Now I suddenly see things so differently. What is that? Is it Enda’s betrayal or Hanlin’s or worse yet, my own mothers?”

“Maybe this is how it had to happen.” Cap said, “Maybe there was no other way. You and I have ignored the fact that you’re going to rule Treborel one day and not as a figurehead as some rulers have become. You will be a true King. To put it simply, I’m not sure a King can truly trust anyone so completely without that they allow blind trust to overrule common sense.”

“Are you saying that I shouldn’t trust you?” Katar grinned at Cap in surprise.

“I’m saying that I don’t ever plan to deceive you. As a matter of fact I would gladly die before I would ever do anything to hurt you or Treborel. But I can’t predict the future. I can’t promise that someday I won’t become so desperate because of some unforeseen tragedy or threat to someone I love that I wouldn’t make a bad decision that could endanger you.” Cap glanced back out the windshield searching the blackness. “I can’t imagine anything that could happen to force me in that direction, but the fact is everyone has a breaking point. Everyone has a weakness. When you hold the lives of a million people in your hands the only person you should rely on completely is yourself.”

Shaking his head at Cap, Katar smiled deeply, “Just when I need them the most, words of wisdom come sprouting out of your mouth. How is it you keep managing to clear my muddled head so often at just the right moment?”

“Well not the most glamorous job in the world someone’s to keep that thick has a clean out once in a while. Cap smiled back and they turned back to look into the night, each wondering if their friendship could withstand the stress the crown would put on it.





Returning from his last inspection of the day Commander Connor moved silently across the living area and past the galley toward the short broad hall that led to his suite. His mood was calm and confident. William and Elsebeth were no longer a constant bother. Katar’s lover was firmly in his grasp and soon she would suffer all the torture and pain Mikel and Katar had caused him to bear. He noticed a chilled bottle of sparkling wine waiting for him on the long table in front of the couch. As he reached for the crystal glass standing on the table beside the decanter a knock came at his door.

“Commander there is a disturbance in the nursery.” His captain's voice came through the door.

“Don’t tell me our two nursemaids tried to escape?” Connor smiled as he opened the door.

“No sir, the female appears to be attacking the Empath. May I have permission to unlock the door and attend to them?”

Intrigued, Connor forgot his bottle of wine and evening of relaxation and moved past the soldier heading to the nursery. Arriving as the guards repositioned themselves at attention, after having drawn closer to the doors. Taking the only key to the nursery from his belt Connor opened the door to a barrage of screams from Rey and Arbus.

“You ass!” Lysette screamed at Andru as she lunged after him, “I’m sick to death of that superior attitude of yours.”

“I’m only stating the facts!” Andru snapped back dodging her blows. “Your barbaric medical practices will be the end of us all if we Empaths aren’t here to pick up all the scarred and useless pieces!”

“Barbaric? What do you call living I an ancient ruin studying a hokey religion that can’t even reattach a leg much less repair a deformed child’s scar?” Lysette defended her practice pretending not to notice their audience.

“That soldier would have died if it hadn’t been for ME!” Andru shouted back at her, “My ‘strength’ is for saving lives not helping old wrinkled women relive their youth?”

“I am a pediatric surgeon with a specialty in neurology not a cosmetic surgeon!” Lysette’s voice rose to a shout as the captain strode over to separate them, “But of course you don’t have the intelligence or education to know the difference!”

Shoving the captain away from her Lysette stormed off into the infirmary and slammed the door behind her. Glancing up Andru pretended to notice Commander Connor for the first time and quickly moved to quiet the infants who silenced at his touch. Motioning for the guards to return to their posts Connor strode inside the door studying Andru. Finally he went slowly toward the infirmary and opened the door disappearing inside. Andru took a deep breath and said a silent prayer for Lysette’s safety and success.

Once inside the infirmary Connor found Lysette pacing the floor. She stopped as he entered and glared at him demanding, “What do you want?”

“It seems that you and the empathy are at odds.” He smiled genuinely for the first time and moved toward her.

“He is a pretentious pig!” She answered holding her ground. “He refused to let me care for the twins. He says I’m incapable and uneducated in the art of nurturing a child.”

Stopping before her Connors eyes followed the outline of her jumpsuit before returning to look into her eyes. Pretending to be unaffected by his devouring gaze she continued. “He is weak and frightened. He whines every time he hears someone approach the door, saying he will be killed at any moment.” Looking directly into his eyes, Lysette added, “I can’t stand the sight of him!”

“Perhaps you need a diversion.” Connor whispered reaching out to touch her long hair.

Forcing back her disgust Lysette calmed herself. Leaving her hair loose about her shoulders had produced the effect that she had hoped. He was distracted and hopefully off guard; she prayed he would stay that way for just a while longer. She asked, “What kind of a diversion?”

“I have a bottle of wine in my quarters I was just about to imbibe.” He answered, his eyes moving back to hers. “I could be persuaded to share it with a suitable companion.”

She fought the urge to push away from him as he moved closer brushing up against her. “Perhaps I am the one who should be persuaded.” She answered, her gaze never wavering. Leaving back slightly she allowed him access to her throat; unable to resist he brushed his lips against its soft hollow.

Fighting back the bile she made her move, “If I agree to spend an evening in your room. Would you take me outside for a few moments? I would do anything for a breath of fresh air.” She spoke softly into his ear hoping for the appropriate response.

Pulling back from her he frowned with suspicion as he studied her face. “No.” His refusal was final; releasing her he disappeared into the nursery.

Stunned by his sudden reaction Lysette stared after him. Andru appeared in the doorway with the same look of surprise. “What happened?”

“He turned me down.” She shook her head and followed him back into the nursery.

“I don’t think you’ve lost, just yet.” Andru winked at her with a smile. “He looked pretty upset when he stormed out. I think he’ll be back, give him some time.”

“How can you be so sure?” She frowned at him disappointed their plan hadn’t succeeded.

“Not all empathic healers have the same strengths. My most powerful gift is a sense of the people around me. I can tell if they are angry, frightened or in pain. They don’t necessarily have to be related to me, or close in some other way.” Again he winked and smiled wickedly.

“Andru . . .” Lysette began to berate him, her patience gone.

He laughed and added, “Sometimes you are really very naive. He wants you very badly. For more than one reason.”

“What do you mean?”

“I'm not exactly sure; it's just that lust isn’t the only factor in his craving for you. There’s something else.” Andru frowned, realizing the danger. “Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all”

“Let’s not go through that again.” Fatigue washed over her suddenly she wasn’t up to another heated discussion. Then an idea struck her, remembering Joah’s affect on Elsbeth, she asked, “If you could sense his emotions, is it possible for you to . . . influence them?”

“No, that is against all that I believe.” Andru answered sternly. “Empaths can only alter a person's state of mind or route of thoughts if they are mentally or physically ill. To do otherwise would be unethical and is strictly forbidden.”

“Even if it was the only way to save Arbus?” Lysette felt ashamed for even asking the question, regretting it the moment it left her lips.

“Yes, even then.” Andru frowned turning away from her disappointed.

“I’m sorry Andru, I shouldn’t have said that.” She reached out and took his hand sighing with fatigue. “Tell me more about this sense of others. Can you feel Connor’s presence when he gets near?

“I always feel his presence, even when he is outside the lodge.” Andru answered grimly.

“Why?”

“I’m surprised you haven’t realized it by now.” Andru pulled her over to the table and sat down across from her. “Commander Connor is an Empath.”

“What? How can that be?” Lysette gasped.

“That is how he’s been controlling the King.”

“I thought he was drugging them and possibly beating them, causing brain damage.”

“No, he does the one thing that is forbidden to the rest of us. He forces himself into their minds and breaks them apart.” Andru squeezed her hand, “Now you see why he’s so dangerous.”

“Of all the people in the world to have the gift of healing . . .” Lysette shook her head sadly, “What I wouldn’t give to have just a touch of that ‘strength’ to heal with. He has an abundance of it and wastes it on personal gain.”

“He hasn’t wasted his entire heritage.” Andru corrected her grimly, “He has passed it on to one of his sons.”

“His sons?” Lysette frowned confused then realized where Andrus gaze had fallen. He was looking behind her at the baby cribs.

“I know you think I’m rambling again, but it makes so much sense Lysette. The King and Queen are both Bantorian. Who knows why Connor decided he wanted an heir, perhaps he wanted to create a permanent link to the Bantorian Empire. Sometime in the near future, if his plans failed he just might be able to gain control through his claim on his son.”

“I think your confinement has given you an overactive imagination.” Lysette smiled at him.

“It would explain why Connor wants only one royal heir to survive.” Andru added softly.

“Come on Lysette is it so farfetched? After all, his plans haven’t been working out as he planned. He didn’t realize how extensive the Treborelan Air Force was. Now he’s on the run, is a backup plan to rule Bantor really such a bad idea? Remember who we are dealing with.”

“That’s right, no one knew about the hidden base in the southern mountains. If it wasn’t for the Treborelan Helijets the conflict would still be going on. It could have even gone to Connor’s advantage.”

“Right, so now things are going badly. He cuts his losses, starts pulling in funds for his next venture into world domination. Five or ten years down the line he shows up claiming Rey as his son, tests will prove it to be true. Prince Rey will probably be put into power on William and Elsebeth's death which will be sooner than anyone suspects, perhaps just before Connor surfaces. So Rey is King but too young to rule and Connor steps in as Regent. Its nuts, I know, but then so is Connor.”

“That’s insane.”

“Yes it is. But I think in Connor’s mind it’s entirely possible and if he’s got enough power to install himself as Regent, there won’t be anything anyone else can do to remove him short of another conflict.”

“Which I’m sure he will be ready for.” Lysette added, beginning to understand, “He’s mad.”

“In the worst possible sense.”

“He has an urge to conquer the world and the empathic ‘strength’ to influence all those around him.” Lysette shook her head realizing how blind she had been.

“He’s not the only one with Empathic strength.” Andru added staring at her.

“Meaning what? There’s someone else we need to worry about?” She asked not sure she could take anymore evil revelations from Andru.

“Your grandparents were Treborelan, what makes you so sure you don’t have the ‘strength’?”

“Ok, that’s enough, just stop!” Lysette rose and headed to her cot.

Andru followed her explaining, “I’m not saying you are an Empath but it’s possible that your children will be. You’re ‘strength’ is slightly stronger than normal.”

“My grandmother was not a healer.” Lysette answered lying down on the hard bed.

“Are you sure?”

“Of course, I’m sure. My mother died of a dreadful disease. If my father had inherited any empathic ability from my grandmother he would have used it to heal her.”

“Where was your grandmother when she died?” Andru asked softly.

“We lived on a farm in Southern Lon Tesse. She lived in Lavose on the ranch that now belongs to my Uncle Sean.” Lysette answered sleepily wishing he would go away. “She arrived the day after mother died and stayed to help father take care of me.”

“Did your mother's illness come on suddenly?”

“Andru, I’m telling you if grandmother had been there it wouldn’t have made a difference. Not everyone from Treborel is an Empath.”

“You live with your uncle Sean now?” Andru continued undaunted.

“Yes, my father died in an accident on the tram. After my grandmother died he was the only relative I had left. He took me in and gave me a very good home.” Tired of being drilled Lysette snapped at him. “Stop!”

“While you lived with your grandmother where you ever sick?’

“Of course I was I had all the regular childhood diseases, and viruses. Will you go away and leave me alone, I’d like to go to sleep!” She was losing her patience. She rolled over, facing away from him.

“But they were short lived. You got over them quickly, faster than the other children.” Andru spoke as if he had been there watching her through the years.

“Some children are simply more resilient than others.” She turned back and frowned at him.

“How did she die?”

“I don’t know I was very ill at the time?” Lysette snapped once more and turned over again. “Now if you’re thought hashing over the most tragic moments in my life I’d really like to get some sleep.”

“What was wrong with you?” His soothing voice pulled her back to him.

“Don’t work your wiles on me mister!” She cautioned, feeling his calming presence wash over her. “I had gone on a trip, I was 7 years old. My uncle had taken me to the ocean. I was not allowed to swim on the day we arrived because it was cloudy and cold so I snuck out that night and swam in the surf.” Lysette yawned and stretched. “He was right, it was too cold. By the time he found me I was hypothermic and half drowned. I don’t remember much after that.”

“Did you see your grandmother after that?”

“I thought I had. I thought she had come to my bedside to soothe me. I still remember seeing her face through a dark haze. She told me she loved me and that I would be alright.” Lysette’s throat tightened as the image came back to her. “When the fever broke Uncle Sean told me she wasn’t there. She was in Lavose with a terrible cold. It wasn’t until nearly a week later he told me she had died during my illness. He feared I would suffer a relapse, so he didn’t tell me until I was stronger.”

“The dark haze she came to you through, was it lit by a soft light behind her?”

“Yes,” Lysette stared at him in surprise.

“And her voice was whisper soft, yet perfectly clear?” He added quietly.

“Andru, how did you know that?”

“She was talking to your mind while she healed you. For a brief moment when the life force is exchanged the two minds meet. Only then is it possible to speak with one another as you described.” Andru took her hands and smiled softly, saying, “You’ve been given a great gift.”

Lysette bolted up from the cot pulling back from him saying, “What are you trying to say Andru?” She stared at him in disbelief, “That she gave her life for me?”

“To give your life force to save another is the greatest honor the Holy One can bestow on an Empathic Healer.” Andru answered reaching for her. “I’m sorry if this upsets you Lysette but your Uncle had no right to keep it from you.”

“No, you’re wrong; she was hundreds of kilometers away from me. She died at my uncle's ranch. Lysette was horrified at the idea of her grandmother sacrificing herself.

“She was an old woman, her life was nearly over and yours had just begun. Now she’s a part of you, living on through you.” Andru tried to soothe her.

“No! She was a normal woman who died of pneumonia all alone in that huge house with no one to care for her. It’s not my fault she was left alone. She didn’t want to come with us. She certainly didn’t sacrifice her life for me or anyone else. She simply failed to take proper care of herself.” Her voice rose, she realized she was more upset than she should have been.

“Lysette, I’m sorry, I never should have brought up the fact that your life force was strong. I had no idea that your grandmother died that way. I never would have tried to convince you of your Empathic Heritage.” Andru stepped back from her giving her space.

“You’re just trying to convince me to come with you to the Institute after we’re free. So you can have me to yourself!” Lysette accused as the tears began to flow. “You know how fascinated I am by the ‘strength’ and you’re taking advantage of my curiosity to trap me into a relationship.”

“No Lysette, please listen to me.” Andru kept his distance, saying “It’s true I’d love to have you with me after this is over, but I’d never deceive you. I love you.”

‘No, don’t say that. Just leave me alone.” She turned away from him fighting the image that crept into her mind of her grandmother saying goodbye. Why hadn’t she realized that before? That she had comforted her ant then said goodbye before the image in her dreams had vanished. Before she could react to her realization and apologize to Andru the nursery door opened and Connor entered with a dark gray fur lined cape in his hands.

“I see you two are still arguing.” He commented quietly as he held the cape out to Lysette. “If you still wish for a breath of fresh air I would be happy to escort you.”

Resisting the urge to glance back at Andru, Lysette shoved their previous conversation to the back of her mind and accepted the cape without comment. She felt the pressure of the syringe she had placed in her shoe as she donned the garment, she was grateful she hadn’t removed it. Stepping aside Connor allowed Lysette to precede him through the doorway, stopping only to lock the nursery door behind them before they proceeded down the hall to the living area.

One guard stood watch over Andru and the twins as they moved toward freedom. Once across the living area there was only a small entrance way and they were out in the brisk night air. Scanning the exterior of the lodge as discretely as possible Lysette made a note of anything that could assist in their escape. Only one soldier stood at the door outside the entrance way, snapping to attention as Commander Connor appeared. The cold harsh wind hit Lysette as they cleared the shelter of the lodge. Pulling the cloak closer around her she noted the distance between the lodge and the stables.

“The mountains are very cold at night.” Connor whispered into her ear pulling her close beside him. “The higher altitudes are kept warm only by the sun. The upper atmospheric storms are more prevalent this time of the year, especially here in the mountains.” He watched her closely as she looked up toward the dark cloudy sky. “It's a pity there are no stars tonight. If the sky was clear you would see the fullness of the moon through the trees.”

Guiding her across the clearing toward the stables, Lysette could just make out the silhouette of a soldier hidden in the doorway. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness she discovered another soldier perched in the trees two hundred meters from the lodge. He guarded the faint trail they had followed into the camp. Noting her interest Connor explained, “There were too many men lost to the sraebs during evening guard duty. The beasts attack so silently and quickly that we wouldn’t even be aware a soldier had been taken until the next change of shift. The platform slows their attack, as a result I haven’t last a man in nearly two weeks.”

Pulling her back toward the side of the stables Connor let his hand slip down her back until it rested on the side of her hip. Gritting her teeth she indulged him as he began to relax. Lysette was counting on his confidence that she would not attempt an escape in his presence.

He continued, “I’ve spent a great deal of time hunting the sraeb. They die gloriously, if given the opportunity. The Treborelans knew the proper procedures to enjoy the hunt. The laser rifle proves too powerful, the animals die too quickly. Yet the standard crossbow is also less of a challenge. It is possible to kill a sraeb instantly with the large bolts at close range. I prefer my smaller crossbow. It lengthens the chase and infuriates the beast into battle.”

His crossbow, Lysette wanted that bow. Saying a silent prayer that he kept it in his quarters she glanced around once more before they disappeared around the corner of the building. Commander Connor said, “We mustn’t wander too far from the central area. The sraebs are still abundant and hungry.” Connor flashed an evil smile.

His comment was so casual, so sickly sweet, Lysette felt her insides turn as cold as the freezing winds that assaulted her. Assuring herself that there was no way he could know of her plans Lysette changed the course of the conversation saying, “You were telling me about the use of your crossbow. How many of the smaller bolts does it take to kill a sraeb?”

“As many as I like.” His soft voice accented the sadistic smile that appeared as he stopped and pulled her against him in the darkness.

“It’s very cold, I’d like to sample that wine now. “ She whispered smiling seductively as her stomach turned into knots.

Without a word he led her back across the compound and into the lodge. As they reached his suite she turned to his pressing her body against his asking, “You enjoy watching them die, don’t you?”

“Does that shock you?” He answered looking down at her.

“It should, but it doesn’t.” She smiled and walked through the door into the living area.

Panic suddenly flared as she approached the long sofa and forced herself to remove the warm cape. Connor took it from her arms and draped it over the far end removing his dark gray coat and sitting beside her he poured two glasses of wine and offered her one.

She said, “It's been so long since I’ve had anything stronger than water to drink.” Lysette smiled taking the glass, “I’m afraid this will go straight to my head.”

“Perhaps if the night goes well I could arrange to have a bottle sent with your evening meals.” Connor raised his glass to his lips taking a long drink of the sparkling white wine.

Lysette took a deep breath to stay calm as his remark. She watched and waited for her one chance for freedom. Shifting her foot slightly to reassure herself once more that the syringe was still in its place inside her slipper, she took a sip. It warmed her instantly.

Sitting his now empty glass on the small table Connor pulled Lysette against him. Feeling the bile rise in her throat as he kissed her, Lysette thought only of escape. His hand grasped her breast roughly and gritted her teeth against the pain pretending to enjoy it. Pulling him closer she lay back on the sofa as he followed. Concentrating on the syringe in her slipper instead of his exploring hands Lysette slipped it off silently sliding it along the floor with her foot until it was within reach.

“You are a beautiful sensual woman, Lysette.” Connor whispered in her ear. “If you please me I may let you live.”

His words hardened her. His mouth tasted her neck and trailed down her throat as she reached for her weapon. He found the softness of her breasts and revealed them with one tearing jerk of her clothes as she shoved the needle deep into the side of his throat. He collapsed before the pain even registered and fell with his full weight on top of Lysette. Shoving him onto the floor, Lysette head back a sob of anger, fear and revulsion. She forced herself to her feet and pulled her torn clothes back together. Gasping in an effort to maintain control she looked down at Connors still form and recalled what Andru had said about the demon below her. How he had destroyed the minds of William and Elsebeth.

She almost wished she had brought enough medicine in the syringe to kill him. Forcing her eyes from him she searched the suite, finding several long bows on a shelf in the main closet. Taking the bow and two full quivers of arrows she headed back to where Connor lay. She searched his jacket, he must have a weapon. He wouldn’t have gone outside with a pistol or rifle. She found a small laser pistol in his pocket. Moving quickly to search his clothes for the key to the nursery the stuffed the pistol back inside and took the jacket. Gathering the weapons and her cape, she headed for the door.

The main corridor was silent as she moved cautiously toward the living area. She silently crossed the room and peered around the corner of the small hall that led to the nursery. The guard stood at the end of the hall facing her as he leaned against the wall beside the door half asleep. “Don’t think about it.’ She told herself as she notched the arrow on bow and pulled it back into place. Time seemed to stop as she raised the weapon, aimed and fired sending the arrow into the soldier's heart. She wasn’t certain if the scream she had heard was only her head or had actually come out of her as she ran down the hall to free Andru.

No one came as she unlocked the door in the silence of the corridor. Not looking at the dead soldiers face, she stepped over him and opened the door. Andru stood at the door his face pale as he held Arbus wrapped in a series of blankets. He looked down into the dead soldiers' blank eyes in shock.

“What did you think I was going to do? Seduce him too?” Lysette snapped at him, pushing the horror out of her mind. “Don’t look at him . . . it helps.” Her voice softened and she offered him the jacket and pistol. Lysette took Arbus from Andru and he pulled the jacket on as they headed down the hall. Finding the kitchen Andru took Arbus back and Lysette stuffed the pillow-case he had brought with him with bread, cheese and a small piece of cooked meat she found in the cooler.

“Are you alright?” Andru whispered as they moved across the living area and headed for the entrance way.

“There’s a guard outside the entrance. I’ll get his attention and you silence him.” Lysette ordered, not able to look at him. It was too hard, she was afraid that if she let go of her anger and hatred now she wouldn’t be able to do what she knew she must.

The soldier stood in the small sheltered area in front of the glass doors outside the entrance seeking shelter from the cold wind. Hearing a muffled cry from behind him, he turned to see Lysette huddled against the wall inside. Opening the door he moved slowly toward her, not seeing the hard that reached out and touched the back of his head. He felt a slight pressure then darkness took him.

Lysette looked up curiously at Andru as she rose from the floor, he said, “He’ll sleep for about two days.” Andru shrugged, “I got a little carried away.”

“Stay here until I signal for you.” Lysette ordered stepping over the sleeping soldier and moving through the doors.

Crouching next to the entrance, she brought the bow sights up on the guard at the stable entrance. ‘Don’t think about it’ the voice came again and she pulled the trigger release as the wind ceased for only a moment. Once again the arrow sunk deep into the guard’s heart and Lysette sank back deeper into the shadows waiting for a shout of alarm as he sank to the ground. None came.

Turning her attention to the guard on his perch across the compound she realized the distance was nearly two hundred meters instead of the one hundred and eighty meters she had thought before. Taking a deep breath she aimed high knowing the arrow would fall fast at that distance. She saw the guard turn and look directly at her as she released the arrow. It struck him in the throat and he fell from the platform in silence.

Andru appeared at her side, saying, “Someone’s coming.” His whisper was urgent and he grabbed her arm to pull her toward the stables as the sounds of alarm rang from the guards inside as the soldiers' bodies were found. Throwing open the stable doors Lysette threw saddles on the two nearest horses and they mounted and sped out into the darkness. The moon was still hidden behind the dark layer of clouds above them. As the pure darkness of the night enveloped them they dove into the woods in the direction that Andru could only hope was north. The sounds of the compound grew silent behind them as they urged the horses on through the thick trees and brush.

Minutes seemed like hours as they fought the wind and stumbled down into ravines and back out again. Suddenly Andru disappeared from directly in front of Lysette in the darkness. She heard the horse scream as it fell into a deep ravine. Andru dove off the horse falling into a ball in a desperate attempt to protect Arbus who was strapped to his chest inside his jacket. Jumping from her horse Lysette searched the night or Andru. There was only silence from below as she descended slowly feeling her way to the bottom.

“Andru!” Her frightened voice called softly as she searched, “Please answer me!”

“Here, Lysette.” He called from the blackness surrounding her. Moving forward she found him leaving over the dead horse. Andru’s head was bleeding from a large gash in his temple, Arbus whimpered from the sling inside his jacket. “Arbus is fine, the horse broke his neck.” Andru whispered.

“We’ve got to keep moving.” Lysette answered as she helped them back up the steep slope. “Are you alright?”

“I’m ok, but we’ve got to slow the pace.” He answered struggling to pull himself over the edge of the ridge.

Reaching the top Lysette searched for the horse and found it huddled in the shelter of some trees not too far off. Climbing on the horse they headed slowly around the ravine as a thrashing sound came from below.

“Sraeb!” Andru’s whisper was full of fear. “It heard the horses scream.” He urged their nervous horse to move quickly as they fought to open the gap between them and the hungry beast.





Searching the immediate area the soldiers found no sign of Lysette or Andru other than the path of brush which they had trampled on their way into the trees. After discovering Commander Connor it took nearly an hour to revive him. He growled orders for pursuit to his reluctant soldiers whose fear of the sraeb was nearly as great as for their commander. Suddenly a shout came of intruders emerging from the trees on the west side.

Scattering the soldiers attended to their stations and prepared for battle as Connor grabbed his laser rifle and headed for the trees where Lysette and Andru disappeared. He vowed Lysette would not escape his wrath, not now. She would die before dawn and the empathy with her. Connor emerged to find his soldiers losing ground to the slightly larger force that surged from the forest. Seeing Katar heading an assault on the cabin, Connor smiled and disappeared into the trees. He only wished he could see the mountain Princes face when he found his lover gone.

Katar burst through the entrance expecting another defensive assault. Instead he found a soldier asleep at his post and another dead at the nursery door. Finding only Rey inside he turned the child over to Joah as he entered behind him asking, “Can you tell if they are close?”

“No, “Joah answered grimly, “They are not in the building, but I have a great sense of danger. Andru and Lysette must have been taken as we attacked. But where is the other child?”

“There was only one.” Katar answered rushing out to search for Connors suite.

Cap appeared as Katar found the other larger corridor and followed it to Connor’s suite, Cap followed saying, “There’s two more soldiers outside with a long bow arrow in their chests.”

“Who was carrying a long bow?” Katar asked stopping at a locked door and motioning for him to stand back.

“Lysette.” Sean’s voice came from behind Cap. “I just had a very interesting talk with one of our prisoners. He said Lysette and Andru escaped taking one of the infants with them, just before we arrived.”

Katar turned to look at him for a moment, then with one swift movement turned and kicked the suite door from its hinges. After a quick glance into the room he moved past them back toward the living area. “Get someone in here to clean that up Cap.” He ordered still moving. “Sean, I want to talk to that soldier.”

Peeking around the corner into the room Sean and Cap found William and Elsebeth both lying on the floor in a pool of blood, their throats slit. Cursing under his breath Sean followed Katar determined that the same would not happen to Lysette. Sean reached Katar as he headed back outside asking, “Any sign of Connor?”

“None,” Katar turned back to him. “Where is this prisoner?”

Sean pointed over to the stables the two moved across the clearing and inside the large open doors. Finding several soldiers who had surrendered without a struggle, Sean motioned for the young Captain to step forward saying, “This is Captain Marsh, he was recently promoted after Connor’s three best officers were killed by Sraeb.”

“Where is Commander Connor?” Katar’s voice snapped angrily at the young officer.

“I think he went after the prisoners.” The young officer answered wondering if his cooperation would save him from execution.

“Which direction?” Katar growled.

“Northeast as far as we could tell. No one wanted to follow because of the beasts.”

“Did you find their trail?” Katar turned to Sean, his concern for Lysette growing.

“Yes, they entered the forest just a few meters from the stable entrance.” Sean answered, “Looked like they were in a big hurry. The brush is trampled pretty well; it's going to be pretty easy for Connor to track them.” Sean finished as he followed Katar out of the stables and met Cap.

They strode over to the section of brush Sean had described. Katar turned back to Cap and nodded, saying “Get some of the men and head back toward the ocean through the trees. I’ll follow their path; if they start to head west maybe you can cut them off. It will be light soon, they’ll realize their mistake. I’ve got to catch up with Connor before he finds them or they haven’t got a prayer.”

“You’re not going in there alone.” Cap stepped in front of him taking his arm firmly, only to release it as Katar glared viciously at him. “At least take a horse.” Cap tried to reason with him calmly.

“I’ll go faster on foot and I don’t want Connor to hear me coming.” Katar said with such determination that Cap stepped aside and watched his friend disappear into the trees.

Cap turned and shouted to the soldiers that had gathered to witness the disagreement, “Move!” They quickly organized and disappeared back onto the trail then led them into the camp.

Sean watched until Cap and his men were out of sight and headed into the trees after Katar. Joah quickly followed after placing Rey in the hands of the nearest soldier.