Tempest Rise (Treborel)

chapter Five



The capital of Lon Tesse was situated at the base of a large fresh water lake, The Lake of Dreams. The rivers it fed spread across the main continent, emptying into the Nayrian canal system and the Southern Lon Tesse Swamps. Just North of Lon Tesse laid the small country of Ragal. A rich land filled with Agricultural research centers and large farms. The grains that Ragal provided in abundance kept the Treborelan Cattle fed through the harsh winters. Ragal had no naval forces, save their small Harbor Guard that kept busy chasing the small bands of River Pirates. Which constantly pursued the Ragalian and Treborelan barges carrying solar gems to the Ragalian processing centers? A century and a half of peace had left them with a false sense of security and a dwindling army. They devoted the majority of their national securities to the research of the Dead Zone, hoping to escalate the recovery of the soil and turn the barren land into productive soil once more.

Ragal also maintained the only cooperative international industry on the continent. Lon Tesse shipped the helijet bodies upstream from the Lake of Dreams to Ragal. That is where they installed the Solar Gem System due to Treborels laws of Ecological Conservation prohibiting the destruction of the mountain forest and necessary to build such a plant. Ragal's northern shoreline was rocky and difficult to farm. It was perfect for an industrial operation. Lon Tesse had long since been a heavy producer of solid fuel powered helijets, the bodies they provided where impeccable. Yet the solid fuel was difficult to process and highly expensive.

Needing the lightweight synthetic metal Lon Tesse produced, Queen Sari had been eager to come to an agreement. The Regent had encouraged a cease of production of the outdated aircraft. Anxious to enter the Solar Market Lon Tesse business owners quickly converted to making frames for the Treborelan craft; allowing all three countries to benefit from the new technology.

As the party disembarked, Roth stormed off brooding over his loss of Lysette. Sean Nolan's secretary Val arrived with a message requesting Lysette headed directly to the Medical Center. They had received several dozen burn victims from Ragal. A laser cannon attack on protesting civilians had left over two hundred people dead and nearly half were severely burned. Taking her leave quickly, Lysette rushed for the Center and was sent directly into the pediatric burn unit. The next thirty-six hours passed swiftly as the medical staff fought to save the Nayrian children that had been injured. The filthy conditions the Bantorian army had supplied for the injured had caused several of the younger children to become infected. After hearing of the death of nearly half of the adults that had been sent to them, Lysette spent every available moment with the Nayrian children. Two very small little girls were feared to be the next loss. At the ages of two and three years their small bodies had sustained burns over seventy percent of their skin. Nearly 10 percent were deep enough to affect the muscle and bone. The children heavily sedated and cleansed, antibacterial suave applied and large doses of antibiotics administered intravenously then the waiting began.

Having had only a few hours of sleep in the last three days and knowing there was nothing more she could do for the two little girls she headed home for some rest. Still in her surgical garb Lysette boarded the tram and headed toward her Uncle's ranch. The closest tram station was about a 10 blocks away from the entrance of the estate. As she walked the distance, her vision became clouded with that of the two small children she had left behind. So helpless and in such pain, Lysette could only order them kept under heavy sedation.

Exhausted, yet too full of tension to relax, she decided to head toward the stables and check on Doc, her stallion. Lysette hoped to cleanse her mind of the weight of her profession. Reaching the stables as the sun set behind the clouds and rolling hills of the twenty-four hundred acre ranch, she heard Doc nicker at the scent of his master. The aroma of horse and hay met her in the doorway of the large wooden stables. The Stable Master had always managed to keep it as clean smelling and as rodent free as humanly possible.

Opening the stall, she allowed Doc access to the main area. The speckled gray nudged her in greeting as she hugged his neck. "It's been almost two weeks, did you miss me?" She whispered, softly, sighing as a portion of the tension disappeared. Impulsively she saddled the stallion, mounted and headed toward her favorite trail in the forest behind the stables as the sky began to darken. Urging Doc into a full gallop they cleared the trees and entered the clearing at the center of the woods. Eyeing the jump in the growing darkness, Lysette could just make out its silhouette as the moon teased her, dancing briefly from behind the dense layer of clouds floating over head, "It is a full moon, Doc. If it appears again, we'll try it,” She moved him into position, feeling the adrenaline begin to flow.

"I don't think that's such a good idea.” Katar's voice came out of the night, startling her.

"Katar?” She jumped slightly in the saddle as Doc pranced around agitated by the hidden voice. "What are you doing here?" She called to him in the darkness, her eyes searching the night. Moving from the shadows at the far end of the clearing, he appeared on a black mare. "Your Uncle offered me his horse and the guest room for a few nights. I'm afraid the confinement of the palace was overwhelming.” His dazzling smile broke through the darkness as he appeared before her still in his Air Force uniform. “I was surprised, your uncle was aware of my discomfort. When he offered me the chance to get some fresh air and exercise I wasn't about to refuse. I hope you don't mind the intrusion." He spoke softly, as he urged the horse slowly toward her.

"No, of course not, you just startled me . . ." She stammered, unnerved by his appearance.

"As I was saying, the jump, I wouldn't try it. There's a large mud hole of the other side, you might break both your necks." Pulling up next to her, his smile softened as he noticed how beautiful her features were in the dim light of the clearing. The wind blew softly through her hair as she returned his smile. The rustle of the tall fruit trees that surrounded them softened the howl of the growing wind. The last of the light faded in the distant sky as the two silently faced each other in the darkness.

"How have the negotiations been progressing?" Lysette asked, breaking the silence nervously. “I’ve been so busy at the Medical Center; I don't have any idea about what's been happening?"

His smile faded as the weight of Nayr's plight returned. "William is still refusing to see Ambassador Soms.”

"How long can he continue to refuse?" Lysette shook her head in disbelief.

"He's the King; he can do whatever he wants. Unfortunately we'll have to force him to face the ultimatum. The only reason we haven't taken action already, is because the killing has stopped." Katar frowned in frustration. "The Alliance is trying to be patient, too patient."

"What does that mean?" She asked feeling the anger in his eyes.

"Tomorrow morning your Uncle will be leaving for Ergos. He is going to deliver the ultimatum, whether William wants it or not. If he refuses to see Lord Nolan, The Alliance will begin the Embargo we should have instigated as soon as Nayr was taken. "

"Why is my Uncle going? He isn't a diplomat." Lysette said, moving forward, urging her horse as closer to Katar.

"Wouldn't Prince Roth or perhaps you be a more appropriate choice for such a confrontation?”

"Lysette, your uncle is head of Foreign Affairs, this is his job. But Lord Nolan has been acquainted with King William for many years. They developed a friendship through Queen Elsebeth. Lord Nolan saved her life years ago, when he was in the Lon Tesse Intelligence Service. That incident has not formed a close relationship, but it does give your Uncle a bit of an advantage." Katar looked into her eyes, deciding to tell the worst of it. "There have been rumors that William has become . . . unstable."

A sudden chill ran through her. She wanted desperately to ask Katar to convince the Regent to send someone else. Lysette held her tongue realizing she would only sound foolish. Instead she decided to ask a favor of him. "Katar, the idea of Uncle Sean confronting a mentally incompetent King who has ordered the murder of over a thousand defenseless people . . .” Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she tried to clear her head of the burdens swimming around inside. "I need to know that if something happens I will be informed immediately. I can't rely on Prince Roth; the fool shelters me from any type of distressing information." Looking directly into his eyes she asked, "Would you contact me if things don't go as expected? I know I don't have any right to ask this of you. But you will be kept informed and I trust you to tell me the truth."

Touched by her faith in him and the deep concern she felt far her Uncle, he found himself answering, with a deep sense of conviction, "You have my word." Swinging his horse around Katar followed Lysette back to the stable, as the wind grew stronger. Bringing with it one of the many storms that fed The Lake of Dreams.

"How are the burn victims?" He asked, quietly wanting to move away from the subject of King William.

The tension flowed back into Lysette as the vision of the two small girls returned, bringing with it a heavy exhaustion.

"We lost several shortly after their arrival. The Bantorian Army had not tended to their wounds; they had been set aside and forgotten. Many of the adults had forsaken themselves and tried to care for the children. They were the ones who became so severely infected we couldn't save them. What strength it must have taken to ignore such great anguish. They were sacrificing their own lives. They did manage to save most of the children from infection. Except . . ." Her throat began to tighten, despite her efforts at control. Forcing the words, she continued, "Except two very small girls." Turning away from him she tried to hide the pain and helplessness she felt. "They are showing signs of infection and their lungs are irritated from the smoke and noxious vapors. Their little bodies are dehydrated . . ."

Riding slowly in the dark, she wrestled with her feelings. She should have better control by now. She should be able to distance herself from her patients. How would she ever be able to survive the pressures of the Medical Profession if she couldn't control involvement?

Suddenly an idea came to her, turning to Katar as a glimmer of hope sparkled in her eyes, she asked, "Your Empathic Healers who are headed for the Field Hospitals, have they ever dealt with something like this? Have they ever worked with burn victims?"

"I'm sure they are as skilled in healing burns as they are in any other type of healing.” He replied, pleased she had put aside the rumors of quackery associated with the healers.

Hesitating, Lysette considered the hospital's reaction to bringing in what they would consider untrained personnel. Still if they could save these two small children, it would be worth the disruption and possible repercussions they could cause. "Would it be possible to send for one of them?" She asked, quietly.

"I can arrange it, tonight. I'll have them here by morning. If you'll promise to have dinner with me tomorrow night and tell me how it goes." He smiled softly at her, noticing for the first time the dark circles under help eyes and the paleness of her complexion.

"Thank you." Her words came as a whisper as the relief and exhaustion took the last of her strength, pulling down her barriers. "Have you ever been burned, Katar?"

"No." He answered, watching her sway slightly in the saddle with the horse's movements.

"I have," She tried to straighten and shake off the urgent need for sleep that overwhelmed her. "My hands and arms were burned in an explosion at a University Lab where I had been working. "The pain was unbearable. Burns are not anything like cuts or bruises. There is a point where your sense of touch is heightened, making recovery torture. The pain is constant and doesn't lessen for what seems like an eternity." As the tears appeared in her eyes, she glanced away, looking into the blackness of the swirling forest that surrounded them. "I was lucky. My burns were actually very minor compared to these new patients. It just makes it a little harder to look at someone suffering. When you know exactly how badly it hurts. I’m not sure I'd have the courage to keep on living if I were burned as badly as those two little girls. They're just babies.” Finally, she turned back to him, tears streaming down her pale face. She began to sway further, nearly falling from the saddle.

Reaching out Katar caught her. Dismounting he pulled her from the saddle and gently placing her on the ground before him. "When was the last time you got some sleep?" He asked, frowning down at her.

Gazing up into his face as he steadied her, Lysette sighed answering casually, "I don't remember." Captivated by his dark blue eyes she leaned against him for support.

Katar said, "You better walk the rest of the way back to the stables. I don't think I can trust you to stay on your horse." Katar shook his head as she stumbled beside while they moved out of the trees. "You get much worse and I'll have to carry you.”

Smiling sheepishly, Lysette tried to walk straight. Reaching the stables, Katar handed Doc over to the Stable Master and unsaddled his horse. Turning around, he found Lysette leaned against a support beam, her eyes closed. Grinning, he approached her. "I didn't think it was possible for someone to actually fall asleep standing up." He whispered softly in her ear.

"I'm not asleep.” She whispered back, opening her eyes to find a pair of dark blue orbs staring back at her. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed him deeply. Surprised, Katar hesitated, and then returned the kiss with enthusiasm pulling back after a moment, he knew she was vulnerable.

Taking her arm he pulled her from the stables and headed toward the main house. "Come on minx. Let's get you to the house before I forget I'm a guest of your Uncles.” Katar said, escorting her upstairs to her room and threatening to lock her inside if she didn't get some sleep. Closing the door behind him, he headed for Lord Nolan's office to make the call for an Empath." His thoughts were occupied by the dazed surgeon he reluctantly left behind.

Lysette slept deeply through the night. The visual comm. by her bed woke her shortly after dawn. It was the Medical Center. Dr. Fields, the Senior Surgeon on Staff appeared before Lysette as she donned her robe, his expression was grim. "Dr. Nolan, I'm sorry to have awakened you so early. But I'm afraid the younger of the two Nayrian girls, Dalia, has developed pneumonia and is not responding to treatment.” He announced, scratching his short white beard in frustration.

"I've got a few things in the works for her and her sister. I should be there within the hour." Lysette answered, remembering the conversation she had with Katar last night.

"She's stable at the moment, but critically. I'll do what I can. Whatever you've got planned, you better do it quick." He answered with a sigh and disconnected.

Not wanting to miss her Uncle's departure she quickly showered and dressed. Pulling her long damp hair back with a ribbon, she rushed downstairs to find her Uncle. As she descended the dark polished wood stairs as a blush crossed her face at the prospect of facing Katar again. After the way she threw herself at him the previous night, she had no idea of what to expect. Turning at the base of the stairs, Lysette entered the large dining room and found her Uncle deep in conversation with Lord Wills. Neither noticed her until she reached the end of the long dining table.

"Lysette," Her Uncle Sean said, rising he offered her the seat adjacent to him. "Prince Katar told me how exhausted you were last night. I want you to you have a decent breakfast before you leave for the Center. The last thing I need while I'm hashing it out with William is to be worrying about you."

Accepting the stack of hotcakes covered in berries the servant brought at Sean's insistence, Lysette spooned up a mouthful as her Uncle began to speak. "Darling, Lord Wills and I have been discussing the possibility of your visiting Treborel. You could see your Grandmother's old home in Borel and investigate a part of your heritage you've never known." Sean was being very diplomatically social especially at a time when he was usually inquisitive. Normally before any of his journeys out of Lon Tesse, he usually interrogated her about her plans for while he was away.

The idea of a future vacation was completely absurd. She had just begun her first practice. There would be no vacations for at least a year or two. "That all sounds very nice, but I'm sure you realize I can't take any time away from my practice.” She answered, politely, wondering why he had initiated the sudden discussion about her Treborelan ancestry.

"I was just thinking, since Lord Wills will be heading back home within the next few days. You could take a short leave of absence and accompany him. He'd be more than happy to act as your host." Sean kept his manner casual.

"I'm not taking off at the spur of the moment. It would be unprofessional. It surprises me that you're even suggesting this." Lysette stared at him concerned. "Has something happened?”

Chiding himself for ever trying to deceive her, Sean glanced at Lord Wills and conceded. "I would feel much better if I knew you were in Treborel. If Bantor declares war on the Continental Alliance, things could become chaotic."

"If that happens you know that I would be needed here.” Lysette scolded him. “I've already contacted the Emergency Relief Corp., to volunteer as soon as necessary.”

"That's exactly it, Lysette. If you can take a leave and volunteer at the Corp. why can’t you spend time in Treborel?” Sean answered.

"It's not the same. I would be representing the Medical Center; I would not be taking a leave of absence. It's more like a temporary transfer, in the event of an emergency. That's how the Corp. was set up, to ensure that there would always be a sufficient number of Physician's available." Lysette could see the deep concern in his eyes. She touched his hand and smiled softly saying, "I know you're concerned for me, the last place you want me to be is a field hospital in the middle of a war. But you've got to understand, it's what I want. It's what I feel I must do. Just like your service in Intelligence."

"I can't argue about the deep sense of duty you feel. I felt the same way." Sean admitted, reluctantly, "Just promise me you'll think this through. Field Hospitals aren't immune to Cannon blasts."

"I promise." She answered, squeezing his hand with a smile.

"Then I won't say another word about it." His smile returned as he rose and offered her his arm. "If I'm not mistaken, that's the Regent's helijet I hear approaching. I've got a briefing at the palace. Would you like a ride into the city?"

"Absolutely," She rose, smiling, back at him. "Will Prince Katar be joining us?"

"He's already gone. He took the Tram in, shortly after dawn." Sean answered, as they moved through the dining room toward the front door, followed by Lord Wills. The flight in took only a few minutes in the smaller of the Regent's two military Transports. The Regent, Prince Katar and Prince Roth were waiting on the Palace lawn to greet them. Joining the Regent and her son for one last briefing, Sean left Lysette with the two Treborelans.

"You look much more alert this morning.” Katar grinned as her cheeks filled with color in the gray morning light. Turning to Hanlin he added, "I'm heading for the Air Base, late tonight. I've sent for a Treborelan transport. You know how to reach me?"

"Of course.” Hanlin replied, nodding.

Turning back to Lysette, Katar continued, "The Empaths arrived about an hour ago. I've just come from the hospital. The Administrator seemed to be a bit surprised at their arrival." Realizing she had intended to go directly there once they arrived, she gasped, "Oh Katar! I'm so sorry. I'll get right over there and straighten things out." Glancing past him, she saw her Uncle approaching with the Regent.

Accepting the Regent's wishes for success, Sean turned to Lysette to say his good-byes.

"Remember your promise, think about Borel, and don't worry about me, I'll be fine." Lysette frowned at his comments, but held her tongue. Giving him a quick hug she hurried off to the Medical Complex.

Turning to Hanlin, Sean continued, "I wish I could have gotten a firm answer from her this morning, but ultimately it is her decision. I've never ordered her to do anything; she wouldn't listen if I did." Hanlin nodded and wished him well. Turning to Prince Katar, Sean added, "I'll send for you if things get too rough. You know where to find me."

"I'll be there.” Was Katar's only answer, he had grown concerned at the last conversation Sean had with Lysette and HanIin.

As Sean disappeared inside the helijet, Katar stared thoughtfully after it as it disappeared across the cloudy horizon. Was it possible they could have been discussing his betrothal to Lysette, without his knowledge, or consent? Pulling the elderly statesman aside, he planned to find out. "Are you up to your old tricks again, Hanlin?" He asked.

“I'm at a loss . . ." Hanlin faced him with confusion.

"I heard what Lord Nolan said, you've approached him about a betrothal without my permission.” The more he thought of Hanlin breaking his word, the angrier he became. "Was that why he invited us to the Ranch? To confirm an engagement?"

Caught off guard by Katars angry outburst Hanlin stammered an answer. "Your Highness I was only speaking with Lord Nolan about Lysette . . .”

"No Hanlin, I don't want any excuses. It's enough that you broke your word to me." Turning he paced a few feet away from Hanlin, trying to control his anger. "I should have known she was too sweet, too vulnerable one minute, a seductress the next." Stopping before Hanlin he continued, "I won’t allow you or anyone else to manipulate my life or my romances! From now on Lord Wills, you will stay out of my personal life at all costs or by the Holy One, I'll see you're sent into retirement." Katar stormed off, leaving Hanlin confused and shocked.

As the force of his anger consumed him, Katar recalled how he had fought against his feelings for Lysette from the very beginning. Still she had managed to capture his attention. She was the only woman that had ever broken down his barriers and moved him in ways he never thought anyone could. Now to find that she was merely a part of a conspiracy was nearly overwhelming. He would make certain she never had a chance to work her wiles on him again.



The Burn Unit was in a state of confusion when Lysette arrived. There were four Empathic Healers of various ages, dressed in long gray robes each very quietly and calmly arguing with the Hospital Administrator, Dr. Ambrost. Lysette stepped in quickly and insisted the Empaths examine her patients. Furious that Lysette hadn't cleared something as unusual as this with him first, Dr. Ambrost was very reluctant to allow the Healers anywhere near the little girls. Yet seeing Lysette's confidence in the Empaths, he allowed them supervised access to the two children.

The smaller of the two children named Dalia had grown very pale; her eyes were dark and sunken. As a group of Physicians and nurses gathered around the eldest male Empath, a tall stocky man with a full head of white curly hair touched the top of the child's head, where she had sustained the least amount of burns. The younger of the two females was a pretty, tall and had chestnut hair. She placed her hand lightly on the child's chest. The child's complexion brightened as her breathing became less labored. Dalia’s eyes opened and she smiled up at the older Empath, her face free of pain.

The amazement of the surrounding Physicians was evident in their blank expressions. As they looked on the child’s swollen face slowly lessened and the burns disappeared. The younger man and the middle aged woman went to the second child named Tauna and repeated the process as the elder male came to Lysette and explained. "I am Joah, an Empathic Elder. The children are free of pain and their lungs are cleared of fluid. But the worst of their wounds must be healed slowly and in short sessions throughout the day in order to keep them from becoming too exhausted and weak. The youngest child, Dalia, will need intensive physical therapy when we are finished. We can heal the injured muscles and the patches of burns that have gone deep into the bone. But she needs help bringing the muscles and bones back to their original strength."

The medical staff took turns watching the sessions in awe. They considered the children's healing to be a true miracle. Since the children's parents had died in the original assault the grandparents were called in to see the growing improvement their two granddaughters. Before her shift was over Lysette had been approached by several other Physicians asking for permission to enlist the aid of the healers for their own patients. Between the Lectures and her patients, Lysette had difficulty finding time to check the News Network for information. Finally in the late afternoon, she tried to reach Katar at the Palace to inform him of the Empaths progress and check for news of her Uncle. He had not been available, nor had he returned her call by the end of her shift.

As Lysette prepared to head home, she received a summons from Dr. Ambrost. Expecting a stern reprimand she knocked on his door. She entered an office decorated completely in white painted wood and a light wood floor. When she was seated in front of his desk, she was surprised that he had already forgiven her indiscretion and begun plans for a research program. "Dr Nolan, I must give you credit for your resourcefulness in this matter. You have gone beyond your calling in asking for the assistance of these Empathic Healers." Dr. Ambrost began. "In checking your records, I see that you have had extensive experience in Laboratory Research. Therefore, I believe there is no one better suited for the position of Head Researcher for the Empathic Project."

Stunned by the new development, Lysette simply stared as he continued. "I want you to try to assemble a basic format within the next few days. I'm going to address the Medical Board in the morning. I think we can achieve great strides in medicine by combining the two sciences."

Lysette agreed to the initial research program, looking into the strengths and weakness of the Empathic Art and finding ways the two medicines can benefit each other. Heading home, she managed to formulate a plan of action before the tram reached her destination. She couldn't wait to tell Katar about how successful the Healers were and her new assignment. Wanting to make sure her Uncle had not left any messages; Lysette skipped her daily ride on Doc and went directly to the main house. Finding the house empty and no messages left on the Comm she rushed upstairs to dress for her dinner date.

After a shower, she piled her long blonde hair on top of her head and dressed in her amber evening gown. The off the shoulder gown hugged her slender figure, showing off her round hips and tiny waist. Noting through her bedroom window, that the sun had set and the unusually calm evening sky. She headed down the hall to the guest rooms and knocked on Katar's door. There was no sign that the Mountain Prince had returned. Realizing that her Uncle had been gone for nearly 12 hours, she was certain that there must have been some news by now.

Perhaps Katar had been delayed by some mishap involving her Uncle Sean. Going into his office, she placed a call on the Comm. display to the Palace. The security officer’s image that appeared before her, confirmed that Prince Katar had left l the Palace early that morning and never returned. After disconnecting, she tried the Treborelan Embassy. She thought perhaps he was waiting there for news from his Intelligence Network. They would have a direct line to Treborel.

After being told Prince Katar was not at the Embassy, she was put through to Lord Wills. Any further delay and she would have called the Regent herself for information. When Lord Wills appeared on the screen, he greeted her cheerfully, "Lady Nolan, how wonderful to hear from you. We were all wondering how the Empaths got on at the Medical Complex. "

"It was an amazing sight, Lord Wills. There was some resistance to using them at first, but as soon as they touched the girls . . ." Her enthusiasm began to overflow; it had been such an eventful day. Holding back her excitement, she turned the conversation toward her Uncle and what had become of Katar.

"We are going to study them further and perhaps one day find a way to use the two medicines together. I would like to discuss this with you in more detail, unfortunately I haven't the time. I'm trying to locate Prince Katar. He promised to keep me informed of my Uncle's progress in Ergos."

"Oh . . . well, My Lady . . . Prince Katar has gone back to Treborel." Hanlin paused, looking down at the papers on the desk before him.

"He left in a bit of a hurry. I'm sure he intends to send word, if he receives any news. He always keeps his promises." His unnerved reaction frightened Lysette. She was certain something had happened to her Uncle. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she said, "Lord Wills, if there is a problem with my Uncle, I would be greatly distressed if you are keeping it from me."

"Uh no! My Lady! I assure you there has been no difficulties with your Uncle what so ever. We've just received word that he has been given an audience with King William; they have been in conference for the last two hours.” His hesitation disappeared as the diplomat was restored.

"I see," Lysette answered, relieved, yet at the same time perplexed at Katars quick departure. "I suppose Prince Katar must have forgotten about our dinner date this evening. I'm sure I'll hear from him soon."

“I’m sorry, my Lady." Hanlin sighed, "It's been very difficult for him, for all of us these last few days. I'm sure it just slipped his mind.”

"Of course, thank you. I'm sorry to have troubled you." She quickly disconnected, trying to convince herself that being forgotten wasn't an insult. Leading back upstairs to undress, she prepared herself for a long night of waiting for word about her Uncle.