"Do you realize, one swipe of its claw and it could have taken your head off? “ He answered quietly, realizing how pretty she was.
"If you hadn't insisted on pulling that little prank of yours, I never would have known about the injury. She was in such a deep sleep, I couldn't feel her pain." Kendra scolded him.
"I could have taken care of it myself. I just didn't want to leave the cubs to starve." Cap answered, shoving the bolt in his belt.
"When are you going to get it into your thick head that I'm not some helpless little girl that needs your protection!” Kendra spat, tired of his paternal attitude. "If I didn't think I could handle it, I wouldn't have tried!"
They stood glaring angrily at one another for several seconds before Cap conceded with a grin. "I surrender. You obviously knew what you were doing. We're both still alive." He held out hand as a peace offering. "Just give me a little warning next time, okay?"
"Are you going to make any more cracks about my dirk?" Kendra frowned, her attitude softening.
"I'll do my best to keep my mouth shut." Cap promised, still waiting for her to take his hand.
Placing her hand in his, Kendra smiled up at him, relieved they had come to an understanding, "Will you help me find this clearing in the morning? I want to make sure the cubs return."
"First thing after breakfast.” He promised with a smile.
Still holding hands they left the clearing and returned to the lodge. Katar was asleep in the high backed chair and a meat broth was simmering on the stove. Cap insisted on finishing the broth while Kendra caught some much needed sleep.
As dawn arrived, Bosen woke, strong enough to have the infection healed. This began a pattern of eating, then working to heal his broken bones every few hours. Cap had designated himself as Kendra’s assistant, attending to her every need. Katar watched, amused by his friend's infatuation with the young Empath. He’d never seen him like this before. When Cap was near Enda, he stumbled over himself, clumsy and nervous. It wasn't so with Kendra. As they worked together to heal Bosen, Cap became more confident and relaxed. The more time they spent together, the more Cap showed his true self.
That evening Hanlin appeared, rested and hungry. Cap and Kendra were inseparable. By the end of the third day, Bosen was fully conscious and anxious to tell the others what had happened that day in the ravine. Kendra left them alone and went to clean the dinner dishes so they could talk. Able to sit up, Bosen he ate the hot stew Eades had made and told his story between mouthfuls to them.
"Commander Connor was asking a lot of questions about Borel, Eades and the Queen's Guard." Bosen began. "I answered some of them. Then he began to get specific I couldn't understand what he really wanted, much less answer most of his questions."
"What was he asking?” Katar frowned.
"At first, he was just curious about the city patrols and the sraeb. Were there any problems with them so close to the city walls? Then he started asking about the night patrols and the harbor fleet. I told him I'm just a blacksmith. Yes, my father was the Kings Valet and I grew up in the palace but I wasn’t into politics and such. He didn't seem to understand, the questions just kept coming. Finally, I told him he should be asking Eades those questions, not me. I also said that if he didn't lay off, I'd start asking some questions of my own." Exhausted, Bosen leaned back on the pillow as perspiration began to bead on his balding head.
"Why don't you rest awhile? We can finish this later." Cap suggested.
"No, Cap, it's too important. I may not be the smartest guy here, but I love Treborel and you and Katar are like brothers to me. Commander Connor has something specific planned; I may not be able to figure out what it is. But the three of you, with your military background should." Bosen pulled himself back up onto the pillows and looked to Katar for his support.
"Let’s hear what he has to say. “ Katar answered quietly. Eades nodded his consent, concerned about Connor's inquiries into Borel’s defenses.
Bosen looked back to Cap, noting his concern. "I'm alright." Bosen smiled weakly at him and continued. "After my challenge, he got real quiet. We found some more tracks and narrowed in on a big male in the middle of a thicket. Commander Connor went around to the left and I took the right. I was going to flush it out toward him. Only Connor took a quick shot into the brush with that damn crossbow of his and sent the sraeb right into me. I figured he panicked. Well, it was on me before I could react. Its jaws dug into my shoulder for only a second. I managed to reach my pistol and fired point blank into its side. It turned and crushed the weapon as I held it. I’m pretty sure it was going for my entire arm but somehow it missed. The shot just infuriated it; it threw me about three meters. I just kept thinking that Connor would snap out of it and help me, but he never came. I knew you weren’t far Katar, so I grabbed the nearest thing and started swinging hoping to keep it off me long enough for you to arrive. I don't remember anything after that." Glancing back at Katar with a tired smile, he added, "I understand I owe you my life. It’s not the first time and I’m sure it won’t be the last. Eades told me about the ruckus at the base ramp. It sounds like the Commander wasn't very apologetic about sending that sraeb at me."
"You think Commander Connor drove the sraeb in your direction on purpose?" Hanlin asked from his chair at the side of the bed.
"I don't see him standing here telling me otherwise." Bosen answered, angrily.
Cap turned on Katar, unable to control his fury. "I told you he was dangerous. He's an evil bastard! I say we find him and force him to explain himself. For all we know, that maniac could be planning an invasion."
Katar answered him calmly, hiding the feelings of apprehension building inside. "William is too afraid of his own shadow to ever conceive of an aggressive action. Besides, Treborel has proven its defensive capabilities. The canyon from the harbor and the Chasm are heavily armed and patrolled from above, constantly. They are the only entrances into Treborel. No one aggressive force is going to get through either access alive.” Katar explained confident Treborel was in no danger.
"Maybe it's not William. Maybe Connor is working for someone else." Cap growled, his dislike of the Commander turned to hatred as the vision of Bosen and Katar fighting for their lives flashed through his mind.
"This conversation is over. I don't want to hear any more talk about Connor. As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't matter what he or anyone else has planned. We've been warned.” Placing his hand on Cap’s shoulder, Katar added, "Bosen survived, that's what's important. Whatever Connor is up to, whether he's working for William or not, we'll be ready."
"I’m going back to Borel when the soldiers arrive." Eades spoke quietly from the end of the bed, "I think the Queen should be informed. I want to increase security at the palace."
"I'll contact the palace on the Comm link, and I'll have the patrols increased at the Harbor and the Chasm. “ Katar confirmed, and headed for the galley.
Hanlin rose slowly and followed him saying, "I believe it is time to approach King William. He should be informed of your falling out with Commander Connor. It would be wise to settle on an unbiased explanation, for now. Possibly, a misunderstanding?"
Katar spun to face him and said angrily, “Perhaps William should be informed of his Commander's lack of compassion, and our concern over Bosen's interrogation."
"It would seem wise not to stir the fire." Hanlin returned, softly.
Sighing, Katar frowned at his Advisor, knowing that Hanlin was right. Although he did not believe Treborel was threatened. He couldn't afford to offend William by slandering his Commander. Katar nodded and said, "Alright, put through a Comm link to Bantor. I'll try to come up with a plausible explanation as to why we abandoned his Commander in the middle of the mountains."
Arriving with more stew, Kendra ordered Bosen to rest. At Hanlin's insistence, they moved Bosen into the Advisor's small room at the back of the lodge. There the soothing seclusion would encourage him to sleep.
Hanlin’s attempts at Communic
ation with King William were unsuccessful. He was consistently told William was unavailable due to illness. During this time, Bosen grew stronger; Cap and Kendra grew even closer. Katar became confused over their relationship. Every time he saw them together, they would be deep into an argument. Cap was determined to teach Kendra how to use the bow. She refused, stating that Empaths didn't use weapons. That would send Cap howling about her small dirk. Then they would disappear into the woods in a heated discussion, only to return an hour or two later, laughing and holding hands.
The female sraeb had recovered and her cubs had returned. Every afternoon the two would hike back to the clearing and check on the small family's progress. Each enjoyed the cub’s antics and the debates they managed to initiate at a moment’s notice. Kendra found she agreed with Cap's point of view on nearly all subjects except Commander Connor. When a small garrison of Eades' soldiers arrived, Kendra decided to spend her last night with Cap trying to ease his hatred of the Bantorian.
She asked him to walk back to the clearing to check on the Sraeb and her cubs one last time. As the gray sky darkened overhead, they found the sraeb and her cubs settling down for the night. They slept soundly on top of the same herb patch as five nights ago. They moved back toward the lodge as Cap slid his long arm around Kendra's slender shoulders and pulled her to his side.
"Will you be staying at the Institute?” He asked, casually, not wanting her to notice how reluctant he was to continue on to the Summit.
"Yes, for several months, I'm going to be training to teach the young Empathic students, winter survival in the mountains. The Elders have decided to establish a new colony, in the Southern Mountains. While they are waiting for approval from Queen Sari, there are many preparations to be made.” She answered, with enthusiasm, “I'm hoping they will choose me to be a senior survival trainer for the new colony."
"You're going to teach Survival Training?" Cap stared at her in surprise.
"I'll teach the Empath’s way of Survival, to students in their early teens, knowing when to run and when to stand and fight. A bow and laser rifles are weapons of death, I'll be teaching defensive techniques, how to avoid potentially dangerous situations." Kendra smiled, moving to sit on a fallen tree.
“What would you call what happened to Bosen? If Katar hadn’t killed the sraeb, they would both be dead.” Cap frowned, still believing her ignorant of the ways of the wilderness.
“If they hadn’t been looking to kill a sraeb they wouldn’t have gotten into trouble.” Kendra answered, sternly. “If you know the mountains and the animals, how they react, what they eat and how they hunt you can avoid them.”
“What about man? Can you tell from a distance whether a group of hunters is truly what they seem? Or if they are looking for something more than meat to satisfy their appetite?” Cap challenged. “Do you simply avoid all that you see?”
“No, you trust your judgment. There is always a chance that a person or animal will attack unprovoked. Take Commander Connor for example. I think he became frightened and fired prematurely. When the sraeb attacked Bosen perhaps the Commander froze, but was too embarrassed to admit it. Even at risk of abandonment, he was too proud to tell the truth.”
“If he were a normal person I think you’re theory would be solid, but he’s not. There’s something seriously wrong with him. That wasn’t the first time Connor turned his back on a fellow hunter. Also, he’s no coward. I wish he were, but that’s just not how it happened. He sent that sraeb into Bosen because he wanted him dead, not because he got scared.” Cap felt a surge of anger rush through him and he rose, turning back toward the lodge.
“Cap, wait,” Kendra jumped up moving after him. “I don’t want to argue. This is the last night we have . . .”
“That’s right, and I don’t want to spend it talking about Connor.” Cap turned back so sharply, Kendra had to jump aside to avoid crashing into him.
"Alright, no more talk of the Commander," Kendra answered, softly. Taking his hand she led him back to sit on the fallen tree. "I want to talk more about not being able to avoid every aggressive situation. I can't promise that every Empath would defend himself with a weapon. I can tell you that I carry my dirk so that I do have some sort of protection but not against animals. I don't want a weapon that I could use easily or quickly. I don't want to be able to kill anyone or anything without using every possible means to avoid it. It's too easy to kill from a distance. Empaths learn to disarm any man or beast with calm thoughts and rational words."
"What if that's not enough?" Cap asked, releasing his anger.
"It always has been. You forget Empaths can calm any living creature with their touch and their voice as well. It is a simple matter of using ‘the strength' to reinforce your feeling of good will and forthright intent.” Kendra explained, encouraged by his interest.
"I hope you're right, I'd hate to see you in a situation with a crazed sraeb. If you're soothing doesn't work, it would have you for dinner.” Cap's eyes betrayed the tenderness of his reprimand.
"Human beings have been plagued throughout the ages with situations that they were unprepared to handle. We are still thriving; the Empathic Community is at its largest since the beginning. Our understanding and insight helped us to survive."
"When was the beginning? Who are your ancestors?" Cap asked, recalling ancient legends about the healers' origins, his anger forgotten.
"Those are difficult questions to answer." Kendra sighed. "To tell you the truth, I'm not sure myself. The Elders have the records of Empathic History hidden. The colony was established over 700 years ago, before that I really couldn't tell you anything. Our history was entrusted to the Elders, hundreds of years ago. There are rumors that some dark secret is being kept hidden. Maybe we're descended from thieves or murderers." Kendra smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "The scrolls probably don't even exist. I think the Elders are just too ashamed to admit they have no records of who we are or where we truly come from. And if they are real, who's to say they're not just a bunch of stories some grandfather told his grandchildren on a cold winter night around an ancient fire."
"Your practical attitude amazes me. I expected some wild yarn about sorcerers and magical spells. I should have known you wouldn't have believed in those stories. You're too independent and clear-minded to fall for such nonsense." Cap smiled, taking her hand in his. "I would still like to teach you to use the bow. However, I will just have to get used to the idea of your wandering around the wilderness without any protection."
"Except my 'strength'."
"Except your 'strength'."
The next morning Cap and Kendra said a reluctant good-bye and the two parties headed in separate directions. Kendra and Eades took two of the soldiers and headed back toward Borel with Bosen. Katar, Cap and the others headed west for the Chasm and Lon Tesse. Cap's mind was full of Kendra, her slender figure, long flowing hair and the way she always smelled of fresh herbs. Katar's thoughts went to Bantor, King William and Hanlin's unanswered communications.
Chapter Three
The archery tournament held on the back lawn of Regent Dana's Mountain Retreat was going well for Lysette. As usual, the slender, blonde surgeon was taking top honors in the longbow division. She enjoyed the sport with surprising ease. The only effort she expended was in making sure her mind was clear of everything except the target. Today her concentration was slightly off. Yet, when she used the vision of Prince Roth's face against the target, her aim was true.
At a distance of nearly one hundred and seventy-five meters, Prince Roth had insisted on setting the target to sway. Hitting the mark dead center, Lysette received a howl of disbelief from the handsome auburn-haired Prince. "Will you never miss?" His pale, gray eyes sparkled with delight as he conceded defeat. "Only the Regent's best archers can rival you. Why do I try?"
Sidestepping his embrace, Lysette casually moved out of reach. Following her Roth smiled and said, "If you didn't have hair the color of the sun and eyes as turquois as th
e deepest sea, I would not put up with your constant rejections. “ A sober smile crossed his face as he offered her his hand. "May I congratulate the winner?"
Turning back to him, Lysette cautiously took his hand, expecting him to shake it. Instead, he slowly raised it to his lips and kissed it softly, his eyes never leaving hers as he said, “There are many beautiful women in Lon Tesse who would gladly trade places with you, Lysette."
"I’ve found that many have." She answered, turning away from him in anger.
"Lysette! I'm shocked!" His feigned astonishment lasted only an instant, quickly replaced with laughter.
Turning back to glare at him, Lysette had to admit how truly handsome he was when he laughed. Roth stood several inches taller than her, his lean frame shook with his surprised amusement. Annoyed by his callous reaction, she faced him fearlessly. He was vain and overconfident, just like the all other Royal heirs she had known throughout her childhood. Yet his constant declarations of love had swayed her into believing he was different. Until she discovered he sought the attention of another woman while waiting for her response to his wedding proposal.
She had suspected him of unfaithfulness before, yet had found no basis to her suspicions. When Lady Farster came to her to brag about their liaison, Lysette had decided to put an end to his lies. "Roth, you are sweet and attentive, when we are together. I do enjoy your company when you are not spending all your time telling me how wonderful you are. However, I will not be lured into an affair with someone who cannot remain faithful to me for more than a few hours at a time. Nor do I wish to marry a man who cannot stand and face me when caught in a lie."
“Lysette, you know that I love you . . .” Roth's gleeful expression turned to one of distress as he tried to defend himself.
Tempest Rise (Treborel) Page 5
