Tempest Rise (Treborel)

chapter Eight



Reports began coming into the hospital complex detailing how the Nayrian Prime Minister had been captured and subjected to torture. His death was confirmed when the Nayrian Capital of Cotreal was liberated. A free Nayr mourned the loss of their leader and his family as horrendous reports emerged of the beating and rape of his wife, Malia. Rumors also surfaced that she was forced to watch her husband’s fingers, toes and then limbs being removed one by one.

When the Lon Tesseans intelligence brought her to Lysette, Malia was in shock. Calling one of the elder Empaths to assist her, Lysette proceeded to cleanse her wounds as the healer named Chelsa soothed her. At the Empaths touch Malia’s hysteria lessened to quiet sobs. She began to speak, continuing to tell her story over and over again until she fell asleep exhausted. Lysette struggled to hold her composure as the woman went into great detail of her rape and her husbands tortured death. She described how Commander Connor had smiled at her husband who was near death from blood loss. The commander fired a crossbow at close range sending a bolt through her husband's skull claiming he was being merciful.

Lysette was horrified as her thoughts went to Katar. Connor must hate him. What if he was captured? Connor would certainly enjoy torturing him. There had been so many rumors of the captured Alliance being tortured. Of all the bodies found, the Treborelan soldiers were always mutilated beyond recognition.

If it wasn’t for the ‘My Beloveds’ that Katar had sent her only yesterday, Lysette was sure she would not have been able to function. He was a Prince, a Commander in the Royal Air Force. She knew Katar and Connor had come to blows. There was hatred in Katars face when he spoke of Connor.

‘Please, oh please don’t let him be captured.’ Lysette pleaded with the Holy One as she watched Chelsa heal the last of Malia’s wounds. The exhausted woman was taken to a private room and placed into a healing sleep. Acknowledging the change of shift Lysette retrieved her messages before heading to her quarters. She suspected that someone was trying to get into her good graces by not assigning her a roommate. Once again her ties to her uncle seemed to gain her another unwanted admirer. She was slightly annoyed at the preferential treatment, yet please that she had privacy.

Glancing down at the scribbled writing, she could just make out another message from Roth. He hadn’t given up trying to convince her he had forgone all other women. She was tired of his efforts and had told him as much. The effect of her honesty had given her nearly two weeks of silence from him. She was grateful for the repose.

The other message was from Joah. He and his grandson, Andru had arrived a few days after she. Lysette had been spending a great deal of time with Joah, Andru, Kendra and Chelsa. Empathic healing was an immense curiosity to Lysette. She was grateful to the healers for teaching her the basic philosophy of their art. Since Andru had just completed his training, the young brown haired empathy was subject to many lectures on the ‘strengths’ application. Joah allowed Lysette to observe these lessons.

Fascinated by the ‘strengths ability to deal with serious injuries; Lysette was astounded when she found that most healers simply let the ‘strength’ flow from them unrestrained. Once joined to a patient the power worked as it willed. Only in cases of small children was the ‘strength’ held in check. It has to be used slowly and at intervals so the children would not be overwhelmed by its force. Even if the injuries were severe, the healer had to hold back. As a result the art of healing children was left to only the most skilled.

Only those who had absolute control over their ‘strength’ could hold the massive force back. It was here that she learned of the draining of the healers and patients physical strength. The only treatment for this loss was sleep and nourishment. It was Joah and Andrus decision to join the latest medical unit that was going inside the Bantorian Border that prompted Lysette to volunteer. Joah wanted to be closer to the Treborelan units flying missions into western Bantor. Andru naturally followed wherever his mentor went.

Each elder Empath took a young inexperienced healer as an apprentice. They were tutored until confident enough to continue on their own. The stout and very vocal Chelsa also volunteered for the unit bringing Kendra with her. The Empaths were not just colleagues to Lysette she had grown close to each of them and treasured the time they spent together. Their honest, simple approach to the situation and ever positive attitude was refreshing and kept her ever optimistic. Overjoyed at the chance so spend more time learning from her empathic friends and to be closer to Katar lightened Lysette’s spirits. Each time they managed some time together he would insist on hearing all about what she had learned from the Empaths. The information she had gathered over the last six months would have taken years in a research lab.





The horizon grew dark as the wind blew a storm in from the sea giving the growing darkness a completely moonless night. Cap moved his helijet into position beside Katars as they flew in low scanning for the renegade Bantorian Helijet that had been attacking the supply caravans. The laser cannon commander at Sondral had reported downing the large craft, just outside the city limits.

Picking up a large form on his scanners Cap signaled he was veering east to investigate. Katar began to circle for a southern approach as the third craft circled to the west. On arrival, Cap hovered directly above the silent ship. The huge helijet had been crippled but apparently landed intact. Partially obscured by a dense patch of trees in the nearly black night, Cap was unable to discern whether or not the crew was still aboard. Using his external speakers he called for their surrender as Katar and the third craft arrived. Lowering closer to the ground to get a better view, Caps co-pilot Janes activated the secondary scanners expecting to find heat images of the survivors. Instead he discovered several large heat sources pulsating underneath the ship’s hull.

“Bomb!” Janes shouted over the Comm. a split second before the fire burst forth from below. Cap and the others tried frantically to avoid the blast as the main bulk of the cruiser exploded beneath them showing Caps helijet with metal fragments. Cap tried desperately to rise above the flamed but the craft was not responding. As the helijet was engulfed in flames Cap glanced over at Jane’s silent form, then there was only darkness.

Katar watched in horror as Caps helijet sank slowly into the trees. He prayed the jet was still intact as the flames danced over its exterior. Katar knew the solar gems would absorb the heat and keep Cap and Janes from being roasted alive, if they weren’t already gone.

Turning his attention back to the laser cannons hidden in the trees Katar called for reinforcements as he and the third helijet viciously showered the trees with laser fire. Suddenly the cannons fired and the third helijet exploded, crashing into the trees to the left of Caps ship. It seemed like an eternity before help arrived. Caps ship never left Katars field of vision. The small forest was quickly turned into a pile of ash but the cannons kept firing.

As the other helijets continued the assault, Katar went in after Cap and his co-pilot. He landed on the opposite side of the destroyed Renegade ship and leapt from his craft into the darkness determined to reach his friend. They sky around Katar flashed with blasts from the battle as he neared the wreckage. One glance at Janes through the broken windshield and Katar knew he was dead. His lifeless stare and the huge hole in his skull left no doubt. The charred and blackened exterior allowed no glimpse of Cap. Katar kicked open the small side door and climbed into the mutilated helijet.

He found Cap unconscious and covered with blood. His neck and chest had been torn open, yet he was somehow still breathing. Katar whispered to his friend, “Just hang on a little longer, Cap.” He lifted Cap onto his shoulder and rushed back to his helijet. Katar’s co-pilot lifted the craft off the ground as soon as Katar jumped inside. Katar applied pressure to Cap’s wounds as the small craft headed toward the nearest field hospital. “Don’t die, buddy.” Katar said through clenched teeth as a cold fear gripped him deep inside.





The regent announced the fall of Sondral, Bantors second largest city. The smaller industrial city of Tor was expected to surrender within the next twenty-four hours. Lysette sat back smiling this left only Ergos. Then the conflict would be over. There had already been rumors of King William and Queen Elisabeth escape by sea to Latria. Glancing out the window of the large transport helijet, Lysette could see the warehouse below as they started their descent. This was to be her new home. The main warehouse contained the field hospital. There were several smaller buildings hidden in the small forest beside the complex. These contained the main office and officers' quarters. That was where they were to report

Lysette’s small room was in a temporary shelter, constructed under the canopy of trees next to the officers' quarters. The second building was still under construction. Her room consisted of two tiny dressers, a set of twin beds and a small chair next to an equally small window.

Everything except the bedspreads had been painted a dull dark brown. Ignoring the small room Lysette dressed into her surgical gear and headed to the hospital. She was eager to get acquainted with the staff. Pleased to find the surgeons and healers had already established the same method of approach as her last assignment, she began working with the Bantorian soldiers that were being brought in from Sondral.

The remainder of the day Lysette spent in surgery. Andru assisted her, for the first time on his own. His dark eyes sparkled as he healed the patients, managing to entertain Lysette with his casual wit as he worked. He was several years younger than she was. Yet if it wasn’t for Katar, Lysette knew she could easily fall for the handsome Empath. Instead, she had been content to form a close friendship, even though Andru hinted several times, he wanted more.

As their shift ended, so did the influx of casualties. Andru walked Lysette back to her quarters through the cold windy darkness. They clutched at their jackets trying to keep warm as the wind grew stronger and it started to rain in sheets around them. They reached the door of the temporary shelter as a loud commotion came from the landing area beside the warehouse. Andru and Lysette rush around to the side of the building to watch as a small Treborelan helijet was attempting to land. The fierce winds were shoving it toward the trees. After several failed attempts it crashed to the ground at the base of the trees. The howling winds covered the sounds of crushed metal and aided I extinguishing the fire that attempted to engulf the jet.

Soldiers and medics ran to evacuate the small craft, fearing they would find only bodies. Andru and Lysette rushed forward. Lysette recognized Cap as he was lifted from the wreckage bleeding. Lysette’s heart pounded as she searched for the pilot. A voice cried out from the other side of the craft that the pilot was dead. Her heart stopped as she felt panic rise within her.

She didn’t see the hand that reached out of the wreckage until it touched her. She jumped toward the opening and pulled. Katars startled smile greeted her as he said, “Lysette!” His amazement showed in his voice. Then he caught a glimpse of Cap behind her. “Is he still alive?” He asked grimly. “His neck and chest are ripped clean open, I tried to stop the bleeding . . .”

Andru had his hands on Caps throat as they neared, glancing up he spoke to Katar. “I’ve stopped the bleeding but he has several fragments embedded in his neck and his larynx is crushed. The swelling is cutting off his air supply.”

Katar would not leave Caps side. At Lysette’s insistence he was allowed to watch the surgery through a window to in the operating room door. As Katar watched, Kendra appeared by his side and began to examine him, healing his minor wounds. “Kendra? I thought you were at the institute?” He said distracted by the familiar face.

“I was, but when the conflict began I came with the others to help.” She answered with a smile as she took hold of his bleeding arm and healed it with her touch.

Glancing through the small window at Cap’s still form, Katar remembered Bosen and said, “How did Bosen weather the trip back to Borel?”

“He complained the entire distance, but he’s fine. Tia is organizing a new empath group. You will never have to go on another hunt without a healer.” She winked at him, knowing his preference.

“I should have known.” Katar smiled back at her.

“Your arm seems to be the worst of your injuries, besides a few bruises. You’re lucky not to be in there with your co-pilot.” She said as she released his arm, peering through the small window.

“Kendra that is not my co-pilot,” Katar studied her, and then added gently, “It’s Cap.”

Kendra’s head snapped back to look at him. Trying to hide the fear that welled up inside, she gazed back through the window and calmly said, “Excuse me.” She pushed through the door and went to the operating table.

Kendra was very fond of the tall lanky Commander. She’d wondered what had become of him during the conflict. She had casually checked every Treborelan officer who had been brought in, just in case he might come through. She had never really expected to see him. It took every ounce of her strength not to push Andru aside and heal Cap’s wounds herself. Instead she stood by and gazed at Cap's still form. Kendra's fists clenched at her side as she prayed Cap would live.

The surgery took only a couple of hours due to Andru’s help. Lysette was pleased with the results. She moved to Katar and pulled him from the doorway saying, “He’s going to be alright.” She smiled softly at him. “Andru and Kendra are healing his incision now. He’ll be on his feet in a few days. His voice will probably sound a little scratchy from now on. He’s lucky to have one at all.” Lysette finished her statement and pulled her long oval medical probe she placed it on his chest. His vital signs were normal. “Did anyone check you?”

“Kendra looked me over and pronounced that I’d live.” Katar smiled at her concern as she poked his ribs and added, “I do have a slight pain in my side.”

“Which one?” Lysette frowned with concern moving her hands to his sides.

“Both, it kind of radiates around to the center of my back.” He said, taking her hands and moving them to the small of his back, pulling her close. “Will I live doctor?” He whispered softly in her ear.

Realizing his ruse, she whispered back, “Scoundrels never die; they just grow old and wither away to dust.” She teased, and then kissed him softly.

When they separated she took him outside. The wind had died to a soft breeze, the smell of rain hung in the air. They walked the perimeter of the warehouse arm in arm. Lysette told him of the Prime Minister’s wife.

“That seems to be Connors signature, an arrow through the head. He must have liked the Prime Minister. He usually cuts off the hands and feet as well. Sometimes . . .” Katar stopped himself realizing she probably witnessed more of the mangled soldiers than he. Ending that conversation he turned back to the Prime Minister’s wife. “How is Lady Malia doing now?”

“She’s been returned to the palace in Nayr. I think it will take some time for her to recover from the emotional wounds. But she’ll survive.” Chelsa was so much help to her. They talked for hours, each time they had a session Malia was stronger and more confident. I wish I could do that.” Just touch someone . . .”

“It’s not as simple as that.” Katar cautioned, “They have deep religious beliefs.”

“It’s just so mystifying, why only certain Treborelans can call upon this gift.” Stopping at the summit of the forest, they gazed at the dark moving clouds as they passed over head. “Joah’s taught me so much about how they use their strength. He wants me to teach Andru some of the surgical techniques of reconstruction and invasive procedures. I’d be happy to do it but I think he’d be better off at the Medical Academy in Lavose. I tried to convince him to attend, but he says he’s just completed one long undertaking, he doesn’t want another.” She sighed in the sadness of his missed opportunity. “He could learn so much and the Academy could benefit from him as well.” Turning her attention back to Katar, Lysette overflowed with enthusiasm. “Andru told me of the Empathic Institute, I’d love to visit it. Perhaps one day when the conflict is over, we could establish a medical academy near there! The possibilities are endless. The research . . . can you imagine the advancements we could achieve?” She beamed with the excitement of forging in this new direction, merging the two sciences.

For the first time Katar realized that there might be a way for the two of them to spend their lives together without one of them sacrificing everything they held so dear. Her acceptance of the Empathic way and the plans she’d made for combining the two medicines, could bring their two very different lives together. Katar knew then that he would do everything in his power to make her dreams come true. He knew he could, the mere idea filled Katar with such excitement and tenderness. Only then did Katar realize that he had fallen in love with Lysette.

“I’m going to ask Joah and Andru to join me in a practice. We can show the entire planet that Empathic Healing and Medical science are stronger together.” Lysette rambled on with her plans completely unaware that Katar had taken her into his arms. “Did you know that Empaths are educated in Anatomy and Physiology for nearly three years before they are allowed to practice their art on the smallest of scratches?” She looked up into his eyes and smiled brightly.

“Lysette,” Katar tried to interrupt, his voice soft and beckoning.

“I’d love to visit the Institute. It’s near Borel somewhere in the mountains.” She hesitated trying to remember what Andru had told her; unaware that Katar had even spoken.

“I love you.” He spoke softly, smiling down at her.

Stopping her train of thought, Lysette stared at him.

“I love you Lysette, more than you can even imagine.” Katar repeated his confession meeting her startled eyes. Not waiting for any words he kissed her deeply. Feeling all his emotions run wild as she responded to his kiss. She held him tightly and leaned against him, not wanting to stop. When they finally separated Lysette was breathless.

She buried her head in his neck and said, “I love you so much it frightens me.” Then she pulled back, gazed into his deep blue eyes and whispered, “Stay with me tonight.”





Still weak and disoriented Cap awoke with a start thinking himself still in the wreckage of his helijet. Memories of Katar’s voice came to him as he began to piece together what happened. He tried to search the darkness around him feeling a stab of pain as he raised his head. His hand went to the ache in his throat, finding it covered with bandages. He licked his lips and wished for a drink of water.

A soft warm hand touched his forehead and the pain disappeared. Kendra’s face appeared before him as her voice soothed him. “You’re feeling the effects of a healing session. Let the sleep take you. You’ll feel better in the morning.” He opened his mouth to speak and she covered it with her fingertips. “Don’t talk, your throat was injured, let it heal.” A smile crossed her lips as she held a cup of fruit juice to his lips. “You’re going to be fine. Prince Katar brought you here. He’s fine as well and he’ll see you in the morning.” She lowered the cup and placed it on the small table beside his bed.

He reached for her hand as she turned back to him to feel his forehead for a fever. Not sure if he was dreaming Cap smiled and drifted off to sleep reveling in the comfort of her presence. As his dreams carried him away he felt the brief moist touch of her lips lightly caress his temple. Her soft soothing voice reassured him, “I will be here right by your side as long as you need me.”





Katar never would have believed a night filled with such tender lovemaking could have been so passionate. He studied Lysette’s face as she slept in the small bed beside him. He traced his finger along her cheek and down the curve of her neck. Feeling the softness of her skin as his hand slid under the blanket and caressed her silky skin. Stirring, she opened her eyes and smiled at him.

“Good Morning,” Katar whispered into the hollow of her throat as he kissed Lysette gently pulling her against him. “I’m glad you’ve got this room to yourself. I don’t think I could get out of this bed without giving your roommate an anatomy lesson.” He smiled, kissing her on the tip of her nose.

“Are you complaining about my hospitality?” Lysette teased with a wicked grin.

“No, not at all. Frankly I’m surprised that one of us didn’t end up on the floor at some point during the night.” Katar grinned back at her. He was amazed at how beautiful she was so early in the morning.

“I thought it was very cozy, the two of us snuggled together in this little bed.”

“Well then from now on, we only make love in a twin bed.” He jumped up from the bed, yanking the sheets off Lysette as his feet hit the floor. A quick yelp and a flurry of movement came from Lysette as she jumped onto the floor next to him. She jerked the sheets out of his hands and wrapped them around her. Then glancing at the clock, she gasped, “I’ve only got an hour before I’m on duty again.” She turned back to him and frowned asking, “Are you leaving today?”

“I’ve got you check on a transport, I’m sure they’ll need me back. There’s probably something in the area that I can hitch a ride on.” Katar answered quietly regretting the war more than ever before. “Why don’t you get dressed? I’ll run over to the command center and meet you for breakfast, as long as you don’t mind my scratchy face.”

A deep kiss was his answer. He dressed as she pulled on a robe and headed for the showers, calling over her shoulder, “The stubble on your face is not a problem, but I’m not sure about the smell.”

“Smell?” Katar frowned after her, then smiled and headed to take a quick shower.