"I suppose it isn't the best idea to bait the Q'elindi," Sal handed Caylon a cup of Falchani black tea.
"No. Cleo wasn't as upset as I thought she'd be, but still it rankles to hear it from a near-stranger."
"Was what she said true—about the misogyny?" I asked.
"I do have misgivings, as often as not," Caylon mumbled. "When a female refuses to explore her full potential," he hesitated.
"And I suppose you don't feel the same about the males not living up to their potential?"
"I know how lopsided this sounds," Caylon admitted. "I was born in a time when all able-bodied males served in the Warlord's army. Females had the right to choose whether they fought."
"Yet many of those males washed out, did they not?" I was beginning to see what Zaria had known all along. Caylon had a weakness.
"Yes."
"Yet you still considered the women as less than they?"
"Because they didn't try, or weren't forced to try," Caylon insisted.
"If Zaria were here, I believe she would point out the additional hardship any woman faces who chooses to fight alongside the men. Not least of that is the general contempt and sexual references tossed about by the males."
"I'm aware—more so now than before."
"Zaria handed your ass to you, I believe Queen Lissa would say. I would also tell you this—that women serve in their own ways. I suggest you adjust your attitude and beliefs to accommodate that truth."
"I'll take that under advisement." Caylon disappeared.
"He's old school," Sal said, sitting across from me and sipping his own cup of Falchani black. "He needed a bit of updating. He just got it in a way he never saw coming."
* * *
Zaria
"My love, please stop pacing and tell me what's wrong," Valegar begged.
"How long?" I whirled to face him.
"Father and I guessed the moment Daragar brought news of a Q'elindi. When he revealed your image, we were sure."
"Right."
"Lara'Kayan, I didn't intend to upset you."
"Well, I didn't intend to upset you, either. So there." I hugged myself and went back to pacing.
"I know." His voice had gone soft. Gentle.
"I made you suffer," I admitted. "I can't tell you how sorry I am about that."
"Have you not suffered, too?"
"It doesn't matter if I suffer. I deserve it."
"Dearest, you saved so many. Never tell me you deserve to suffer again. Come here, now; I will massage your neck and sing to you."
I hesitated. "Come," he said and held his arms open. I was in them in seconds while he trilled the Larentii love song reserved for his mate.
* * *
Bel Erland
I stood beside Lafe as we watched the ASD remove bodies from the freighter. Some—only minutia remained. They'd been nearest the door, and were blown apart by the raiding party.
I imagined shipping prices going up across the universe, because shipments weren't arriving as scheduled, creating shortages. Freight companies would be forced to hire additional security, feed and house them on-board the ship while displacing cargo to do it and that would either cut into profits or raise prices on the cargo in question.
"We've had word," Caylon appeared beside me. "An entire ASD training unit is dead on one of Gribak's moons. They consumed food packs containing drakus seed. Kooper wants Zaria and Quin to come—in case they can see anything in the dead."
"How many?" I turned toward Caylon. His face was set in a grim mask.
"More than three hundred. A training exercise meant to teach them how to survive under minimal conditions and no atmosphere."
"Fifty died here," I nodded at frozen blood spattered across the inside of the cargo hold. "Quin wanted to come with me. I really dislike the idea of her seeing this—it will upset her."
"Nobody needs to see this." Caylon shook his head. "This was a slaughter, not a real fight."
"Yeah."
"I have no words." Zaria appeared with Valegar right behind her. Both studied the grisly evidence of the attack—on floors, walls and equipment.
"Kooper wants you and Quin to go to Gribak's third moon to see the dead there," Caylon said.
"Then we'll go," Zaria said. "At least those won't be bloody, like these poor souls."
Valegar's hands were on Zaria's shoulders—he'd shortened his height to better suit hers. I understood he was feeding her energy; she didn't like this mess any more than the rest of us did.
"I will take you," Valegar offered. "When you are ready."
"Zaria?" Ilya now appeared next to Valegar.
"Ilya, this is awful," she sighed. "So many, hoping someone would come."
"Do you know what that feels like?" Caylon asked.
Zaria turned to him. "Better than you think," she said. "I know you understand it, too."
Caylon almost took a step backward. Few knew his history, and that he'd officially perished after watching all his men die around him from an overwhelming attack by Falchan's enemies.
Zaria had seen that in him. If he hadn't attacked her as he had, she'd probably show even more sympathy.
What just happened? Ilya sent.
I'll explain later, I said.
* * *
Zaria
Caylon remained silent, but behind his enigmatic, dark gaze, he was thinking. Much of his mortal life, he'd measured those he knew by their fighting skills. During that time, he'd never taken a mate. He'd had sex with those who took his money and nothing else.
He'd reluctantly accepted Cleo as his mate after his placement with the Saa Thalarr. Caylon Black was coming to realize that fighting skills were only a small part of the whole picture, where others were concerned.
For now, he disliked me for pointing out his weakness. Something in me didn't want his daughter to see it in him if she chose a path other than that of the warrior. Perhaps he would call a truce between us.
Eventually.
Kooper Griff strode onto the ship, then. Caylon nodded to the Director of the ASD. "When will Quin and Zaria be ready?" he asked.
"You can ask me directly," I said. "I'm ready, now. I'm sure Quin can be, too."
Kooper turned toward me, then. His brows furrowed as he considered my statement.
I didn't sign up with the ASD or Caylon Black, I pointed out in mindspeech. My job is to protect Quin and Bel Erland. I'm happy to assist both of you, but I can answer for myself, thanks.
My apologies, Q'elindi, he returned. Caylon and I—we're used to giving orders.
Understood. I'm used to making my own decisions.
I see that. Will you ask Quin if she's ready?
Already on it. Terrett, Lafe and Berel wish to come as well. They're ready, I replied.
* * *
Quin
Ilya and Zaria stayed close as we surveyed the temporary facility erected by the trainees on Gribak's moon. They'd built it before consuming food packs laced with drakus seed, in quantities sufficient to kill them.
Bodies lay in groups around tables—it hadn't taken long for the seed to do its destruction. Remnants of the food packs had already been removed—for testing as well as safety purposes. Only the bodies, portable equipment and other supplies remained.
"Can you see anything?" Caylon asked. He addressed Zaria and me.
"The food packs were replaced without their knowledge," I turned to Caylon. "None of these," I swept out a hand, "had anything to do with this."
"Are you sorting through ASD employees?" Zaria asked. "In case one or more have been compromised?"
"Like the bank employees?" Kooper interrupted.
"Yes," I said. "Which ones would have access to the information on training missions and such?"
"We have a department for that," Kooper nodded. "I can take you when we're finished here."
"I'd very much like to meet them," Zaria hissed.
* * *
Valegar had to hold Zaria back. I think she was angry enough t
o destroy the two culprits we found. These hadn't been obsessed by any Sirenali—they'd accepted money to sell information to an intermediary. More than three hundred ASD trainees died as a result of their greed.
"Pargun is a well-known information broker," Kooper raked fingers through his hair as he described the intermediary in question. Zaria sat in a corner of Kooper's study, arms crossed tightly and refusing to look at Kooper. "He hasn't been high on our radar—until now."
"Now we know where some of the money the Arden twins have stolen is going," I said. Pargun had paid the two employees Kooper had in custody half a million Alliance credits for what they'd handed over.
Neither Zaria nor I knew whether Pargun was obsessed—we'd have to see him to determine it. Kooper had all available agents tracking leads on Pargun's whereabouts, but my guess was that he was cozy enough with the Arden twins and protected by Sirenali by now. Bel Erland had already scryed and Looked; Pargun couldn't be found anywhere.
* * *
Vardil Cayetes' Compound
Dorgus
The Lyristolyi drug worked for Master Cayetes—up to a point. His mind wandered much of the time and very little intelligible conversation could be had.
Deris and Daris promised they wouldn't harm him, as long as I played Vardil's part with his vast empire.
Yes, they'd performed a spell to make me look like Master Vardil's latest incarnation. I sounded like him, too. And, as I knew Vardil so well, I could mimic him in every way.
Every day, I searched diligently for a way to get away from them—a means in which I could save Vardil and myself from their machinations. Nobody knew I was standing in Vardil's shoes and making his decisions—except those two infernal Karathians, who made constant threats.
Had Vardil known they had their own agenda, he'd never have employed them. Others had offered their services; only these two had named a lower price, provided they be employed together.
I cursed the day they became Vardil's servants. Now, they were the masters.
"Dorgus! Stop daydreaming and send the messages," Deris hissed. Taking a breath and lifting the comp-vid from Vardil's desk with shaking fingers, I began to tap the messages he'd dictated.
* * *
New Fyris
Morrett
My dreams invaded the waking world when Nefrigar, Chief Archivist of the Larentii Archives, appeared in Prince Amlis' library.
He must have understood my joy, as his eyes brightened and he smiled. Greetings, he sent to me. I understand that you retain memories of Corinnelar, when others have failed to do so.
Is that true? That none recall her? She saved me and gave me this, I gestured toward the shelves of books lining the Prince's library.
"That is what I wish to speak with you about—how she saved you," Nefrigar smiled again. "To record for our archives."
Shall we sit? I offered. It is a good story.
* * *
Le-Ath Veronis
ASD Headquarters
Zaria
"Zaria?"
I'd taken a seat in an interviewing room at Kooper's ASD headquarters on Le-Ath Veronis. Ilya took the chair beside mine. Falchani-trained, he made no sound as he settled there.
"Ilya?" I turned to him. There were so many things I wanted to say to him. Some of those things began with, "Remember when?"
Those were the things I could never say. Those things meant nothing to him. I had no idea why he'd been given the same name this time, either. Perhaps it was a cruel joke or atonement for past sins.
"Have you ever been to Niff's?" he asked.
Of all the questions he might have asked, that one was the least expected.
"No." I turned toward him, then, and studied his handsome face. Like before, he had dark hair and dark eyes. The similarity ended there—his features were different. Still, I would recognize him anywhere and anytime.
"I hear they have gishi fruit ice cream," he said. "Have you tried that?"
"No. I've heard it's really good," I shrugged.
"I'd like to take you. If you want to go."
"When?"
"Now?"
"What about?"
"Daragar is guarding the Prince and Quin."
"Then ice cream sounds wonderful."
"Zaria?"
"What?"
"This." He leaned in to kiss me.
I wanted to weep with joy and melt into him at the same time.
* * *
"Where are we?" I asked as I looked about me. We hadn't stayed at Niff's, once we had our ice cream.
"This is my home—on Falchan."
"You don't have something on Karathia?" His home was sparsely furnished and decorated—in true Falchani style.
"I do. My parents gave me a parcel of land when I reached adulthood, but I haven't built anything there; I'm afraid I left home to join the Falchani army," he offered a wry smile.
"I'm not surprised," I said, touching the varnished woodwork of an intricate room divider. "I suppose your parents gave you land in an effort to keep you on your home planet?"
"That's right. I compromise with them by visiting at least once a month."
"Ah."
"My mother will be overjoyed to meet you," he began.
I froze. He wanted me to meet his parents. It pleased and terrified me at the same moment.
I'd never considered the concept of in-laws of any kind, before realizing I was getting ahead of myself.
Ilya and I had married in another life. Not this one.
He didn't recall the daughter and son-in-law he'd had, while I remembered them clearly.
Both gone, now.
For centuries.
"You're shaking." Ilya's words brought me back to the present.
"It will pass." I turned away from him.
"Shhh, Ilya's here," his arms dropped around me.
* * *
Le-Ath Veronis
Queen's Palace
Quin
Queen Lissa's arboretum was where Daragar had taken us after we left ASD headquarters. Justis waited there, where a table had been set with food for dinner. His arms and wings were folded about me quickly, and I was kissed many times in the privacy his feathers created.
Lissa and her werewolf mate, Winkler, joined us for dinner; we took our seats and wine was poured.
Quin, what's wrong? Lissa sent.
I have an uneasy feeling, I confessed. I don't know why—it's as if someone caused a ripple on the far edge of a pond, and now I am hearing the wash of it on my side of the shore.
I feel something isn't right, too, but I've felt it for a while, she replied. We'll eat and study this after dinner.
Thank you.
* * *
Terrett
I was happy to be off the ship for an evening. Yanzi and I were getting cabin fever, as Queen Lissa suggested when we had dinner with her in the palace arboretum. I had no idea how those who worked on-board the ship day after day continued in their jobs—I found it wearying to fly through constant darkness.
Terrett, are you well? Quin asked when we settled in Queen Lissa's library for drinks and talk after dinner.
I am. I am also grateful to be off the ship for the evening.
Me, too, she admitted. I know it's a big ship, but it's so—claustrophobic at times.
Yes. After seeing those ships attacked, where the crew had nowhere else to go to get away, I admitted. I preferred enough space for fight or flight, as most anyone would. Freighter ships were often filled with cargo, leaving little space for anything else, including room for combat.
Ilya had shown me the images of Zaria, surrounded by crates with the enemy approaching from all sides, as she desperately killed those who came too close, intending to take her life.
She'd done it with skill but eventually, all of them died when they should have realized quickly that there was no hope of getting to her.
Prince Bel was correct to tell everyone to keep that information safe; any criminal who learned what Zaria could
do would be desperate to obtain her services, in whatever way they could.
Ways that included blackmail and hostages.
Like Quin, she needed our silence and protection, as best we could give it.
Terrett? Gerrett spoke to me from across the room. He'd settled for a place on the floor, next to a bookshelf.
Gerrett? I replied, the question in my mental voice. We'd nodded at one another on the ship, but had little direct contact.
Do you recall your mother's name? he asked.
Of course I do. She was an evil bitch, I replied.
As was mine, brother. As was mine.
* * *
How long have you known? I asked. Gerrett had joined me in the palace kitchen, where we were served a light cordial and allowed to sit at a small table to share mindspeech.
Zaria told me while serving breakfast one morning, he replied. I was stunned, of course. I never imagined, he didn't finish.
I should have known, I responded. She sold us for a high price, I imagine, and told those who bought us how to control our gifts after they removed our tongues.
Yes. I shudder when I think of all the evil committed while others had control of those gifts, Gerrett said.
I care for her—Zaria, he admitted. I doubt she will look my way, however.
I would not doubt it, I said. She looks at you and Bekzi with longing, at times. At least be her friend, if nothing else.
I want that with you—to at least be your friend. I do not know whether our father is the same, but we were birthed by the same evil. We have much in common, brother.
We do. I am happy to know you live, brother. I worry that there may be more, though, with less than honorable leanings.
As do I.
* * *
Quin
"Lissa, we have news." Adam Chessman and Merrill Leopard walked into the Queen's library while we talked.
I understood immediately that the news they had was important. "All here can stay, it affects them," Merrill said.
"What is it?" Lissa asked.
"Our management at the casino on Campiaa found this in a guest's room." He held out a comp-vid. "The guest has disappeared, although we have a good idea where he is."
"There's a message you need to see. I'm extremely happy that Joey was there at the casino, going through records when this was brought to the office. Otherwise, it would have ended up in the lost and found pile and eventually tossed out." Adam shook his head. I could see that he was quite upset, although his face wore no expression.
SpellBreaker: First Ordinance, Book 4 Page 8
