The King and Queen sat across from the commander each had fallen asleep as soon as they had reached their seats. Neither had reacted to the presence of their separated sons. The King had not returned to view the infants since the order had been given to separate them. Neither royal seemed to be much aware of their surroundings.
As the hours slowly slipped away Commander Connor had enjoyed taunting his captives. First he described how Joah had died in great detail watching the anger grow on Andru’s face. Then he began to compare Chelsa’s death to Joah’s saying, “We took an unusual approach to your grandfather’s interrogation, empathy. The woman Chelsa died so quickly, losing only one finger killed her. Perhaps empaths were too weak in their own mortality.” He smiled evilly down at Lysette. “Perhaps that is a Treborelan trait.” He added as an afterthought, “Wanting to avoid a sudden death re-occurrence I decided to use an old method of torture on the old man.” Connor’s eyes moved to meet Andrus hate filled glare. “I let my soldiers take turns carving designs into his chest. When it was sufficiently decorated we turned him over and worked on his back.”
Pausing Connor tilted his head studying Andru who sat across from him holding Arbus in his arms. Connor continued saying, “I was impressed with the way the old man took the pain. Yet one blow to his head killed him so easily. I realized then that he could block the pain and not the injury. He was as weak as Chelsa. When the time comes Empath will you be so fragile?” Connor glanced at Lysette saying, “You see doctor, I have a theory that the empathic ‘strength’ these fools use only to heal is actually a fatal weakness when not put to its proper use.”
Moving his gaze back to Andru he taunted him once more, “I’ve got to give the old healer a bit of credit. He never screamed, not once. Will you be that brave when you die?” He looked back at Lysette and said, “Will you Dr Nolan?”
Andru reached slowly into his jacket pocket and grasped the laser scalpel; his only wish was to silence Connor forever. To his surprise Connor had silently drawn his pistol and pointed it at Andru’s face saying, “Yes, do bring out your toy empathy. Show me if you can create a wound as skillfully as you can heal one.” Connor’s voice was low and threatening.
The soldier sitting beside Andru jerked him to his feet in the small space and shoved him back against the thin jet wall, nearly knocking Arbus from his hands. Removing the scalpel from Andru’s jacket the soldier tossed it to Connor and shoved Andru back into his seat.
Connor inspected it saying, “An effective weapon at close range, but not worthy of an empathy.” He smiled with disappointment. “I would have expected the sweet doctor to have wielded this weapon.”
An eternity passed before the craft landed on a small stretch of beach below a series of sheer cliffs. The dark sky was unrelenting as the clouds refused to let the moonlight reach them. The only light was that of the soldier’s lanterns as they reflected off the waves. The prisoners were herded into the cove of the cliffs while the soldiers dismantled the transport and hid the large sections under the cold waves using weighted anchors they pulled out from behind the large rocks at the base of the cliffs.
The King and Queen had regained consciousness upon arrival yet shuffled around as if they were not quite awake. The small inlet led up a steep rocky incline. Ropes were tied to the royals then Lysette and Andru. They struggled to keep their footing or be dragged up the slope behind the soldiers. Doing their best Andrus and Lysette protected the babies with their bodies, trying not to crush them as they struggled to remain on their feet up the nearly vertical slope. Andru followed behind Lysette staying close to her in the darkness. Speaking only once as they neared the top he whispered, “We’re in Treborel, far north I’d say. Watch for any movement in the brush and be prepared to move quickly.”
Lysette knew he was referring to the sraeb they were well into ‘frenzy’ at this point. After all they had been through Lysette was past fear of death. She pushed the thought of an animal attack to the back of her mind and concentrated on staying upright. Once on the ridge above the ocean they were led to a stable located just inside the line of trees. Working quickly the soldiers had the horses saddled and the prisoners mounted within minutes and they disappeared into the forest.
The company held a steady pace making their way through the forest and mountains with a purpose. Lysette had no doubt they followed a specific route taking them deep into the dense wilderness. Traveling on and on without a rest for horse, man or infant they moved d further into the mountains until the first hint of dawn broke the darkness with its golden light. As they entered the first clearing they had come across they headed for the base of a stone bluff. Embedded partially into the bluff was a hunter’s lodge. Sheltered by the massive trees it blended into the surroundings well. Nearly one hundred and eighty meters across the clearing from the lodge was a large stables also concealed by the large trees.
Dismounting they were taken inside through the large living area that was as lushly decorated as the palace in Bantor. The headed down a short corridor and into a room at the end of the hall. The nursery seemed dull and lifeless compared to the satin and velvet furniture that decorated the main area. Painted in a cold blue the entire interior, woodwork and furniture was the same color of blue as the walls and floor. As a result everything blended into a blur for Lysette’s tired eyes.
All she wanted was to empty her arms of Rey, they ached from holding him so closely throughout the night. Placing Rey in the closest crib she moved to examine the small bath that opened off the small room. Andru sat in the one chair in the room and said, “The twins are exhausted. Rey is wheezing I’ll work on him while you take a shower.” His spirits seemed brighter.
Without hesitation Lysette closed the door leaving Andru alone with the infants and shed the clothes she had worn the last week and stepped into the rushing stream of steaming water. Taking the only bar of soap in the tiny bathroom she scrubbed her skin and hair. She concentrated on getting clean instead of her dire situation, feeling the need to escape from her captivity for a while. Emerging from the shower she recalled how long it had been since she’d had the luxury of a bath. The idea of soaking in a rich fragrant bath was tantalizing. Renewed she toweled off and glanced at her reflection in the mirror sink. Studying her complexion she made a mental note to check on her own vitals with the priceless prove she always carried.
Her spirits sank as she realized she would have to don the filthy smelly clothes she’d been wearing since she was captured. Then a knock at the door produced a light gray jumpsuit through the small crack that she allowed Andru to slip it though as he said, “Look what I found in out closet. There’s about ten more, all gray. I guess they figured we’re human after all. I was beginning to get tired of washing out my shirt in the sink every night.”
“I could kiss you for these.” Lysette teased delighted to have something truly clean to wear.
“Well, if that’s all I have to do, let’s see what I get for these?” He chuckled as he handed her a pair of slippers.
Lysette buttoned her jumpsuit and opened the door, declaring “Andru, you’re a miracle worker!” She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
Pulling her back toward him, Andru whispered in her ears with a smile, “Joah’s alive.”
“What” She stared at him in surprise?
“I told you I didn’t feel him die. Now I know why. It was what Connor said today that convinced me.”
“Andru, I want him to be alive as much as you do. I just don’t think Connors would let him live. I’m still not convinced he didn’t kill Kendra too.” Lysette too his hand and lead him to one of the cots placed in the corner of the nursery.
“I don’t think he knew.” Andru explained as he sat down beside her. “He was right about the pain blocking. It’s possible for an Empath to reduce his pain to a bearable level. We are just as able to increase our pain or anyone else’s to a lethal level. That’s what Chelsa did. She wasn’t going to allow them the pleasure of torturing her. So she incre
ased the level of her sensory input and released her life force when she was certain there was no other recourse.”
“You mean she killed herself?” Lysette asked shocked.
“No, she simply increased the pain of her amputated finger until it caused her to go into a deep shock and consequently cardiac arrest. They inflicted a mortal would without even knowing it.”
“Do you think Joah did the same kind of trick?”
“I think he used the blow to his head to send himself into a deep coma. His breathing slowed, literally stopped as well as his heart. Connor thought he was dead, just like Chelsa.”
“Andru, are you sure you’re not just convincing yourself this could happen? Hoping too hard?” Lysette thought the story was just a little beyond the capabilities of empathy.
Andru met her eyes and answered softly, “I felt my grandmother die. I was 17 years old; she was healing a very young child that had been crushed by a falling tree. The child died during the healing. My grandmother gave up her life force to save him. I felt her passing as if I was there with her. Instead I was nine kilometers away at the Institute.”
Realizing she still had a lot to learn about the empathic way, Lysette surrendered. “I had no idea of the depth of the ‘strength’.” She smiled and squeezed his hand. “Just the idea of Joah being alive and free gives me a little more strength and hope. If Connor was right about those friends of ours searching the city I'm sure they found Kendra and Joah. I just hope they reached them quickly.”
“Even if they didn’t Kendra can keep Joah stable until he can be revived at the institute.”
“I hope you’re right.” Lysette added with a yawn.
“Why don’t you get some sleep?” Andru rose and added, “The babies will probably sleep through most of the day. I’m going to shower and go to bed myself.”
“Are you sure they are alright?” Lysette glanced at the two sleeping boys.
“I’ll check them again before I turn in. I’m sure they’ll be fine.” Andru headed for the shower as Lysette slipped under the thin covers and fell asleep.
The both awoke just after dark. There was a great commotion coming from the living area down the hall. The sound of approaching footsteps caused them both to bolt from their beds. Andru announced, “Someone’s been hurt, he’s in a lot of pain. There may be more than one injured.”
Connor strode in grabbing Andru by the collar he hauled him from the room. Dragging the empathy down the hall to the room next to the nursery he shoved him through the door. Lying on the table of the same type of operating room they had stayed in for so long was a soldier. The man was screaming as two other soldiers held him down. A third man was applying a tourniquet to what was left of his right leg.
The leg had been ripped off at the thigh. Blood covered the floor and table as well as the men that held him. Moving around to the opposite side of the table Andru placed both hands on the bleeding stump and the hemorrhaging slowed then stopped. “Where is the rest of his leg I may be able to reattach it?” Andru asked as she removed the makeshift tourniquet.”
“It’s . . . gone.” The third soldier stammered looking back at Commander Connor.
“His leg is inside the belly of a very large sraeb.” Connor answered casually. “Will he live?”
“He’s lost a lot of blood. I can’t help him more until his body replenishes his fluids.” Andru shook his head looking at the pale soldier. He realized the soldier couldn’t have been more than twenty-one or twenty-two years old. “Perhaps Dr. Nolan . . .”
Before he could finish Commander Connor disappeared around the corner. The soldiers watched as Andru found another bleeding vein and cauterized it with his touch.
“You can heal him just with you touch?” The second soldier asked, “Could you have put his leg back on?”
“It’s not that simple.” Andru answered honestly, “But you’ve got the right idea.” Glancing back at the door he ventured a question of his own. “What happened?”
“We were about to go off duty when this giant sraeb sticks his head out of the brush and bits Charlie’s head off. His entire head! It just bit it off!” The young soldier’s eyes widened with his terror.
The other two nodded in assent and began muttering to each other as the third continued, “Bill here goes charging over with his laser pistol firing no stop. Why the Hell he did is a complete mystery. The sraeb simply turned to meet him. The rest of us followed Bells example and attacked. We reached him just in time to drag the poor bastard out from under the creature.” He shook his head in amazement. “If it wasn’t for the Commander and his crossbow, we’d probably all be dead.”
“It was incredible,” The second offered, “Commander Connor appeared out of know where and fired from nearly a hundred and fifty feet. Hit it in the eye and down it went.”
Appearing in the doorway with Lysette in tow Connor shoved her through the entrance. Moving forward Lysette produced her probe and placed it on the injured soldier’s chest.
“He’s in shock, can you help?” She asked Andru softly.
“No, I can’t do anymore; he’s lost too much blood.”
Surveying the area Lysette moved to the large cabinet full of medical supplies and returned with a large hypodermic filled with a clear liquid and injected it into the soldiers arm. “This is a synthetic blood substituted, it should help stabilize him. It won’t last long; he’ll have to have another injection in about 2 hours.” Examining his leg, Lysette glanced up at Andru.
“Sraeb,” Was his only comment.
Remembering his warning for last night Lysette shivered, realizing that this could have easily happened in the dark to her or Andru. Thoughts of escape entered her mind, it seemed impossible.
“You will return to the infants.” Connor ordered taking hold of Andrus arm.
Andru jerked his arm away from the Commander and said, “Just a minute.” He quickly touched the injured soldier lightly on the forehead then spoke quickly to Lysette, “He’ll be free of pain and should sleep for about 12 hours.” Then feeling Connors icy gaze on his back Andru turned and headed for the door. After locking Andru in the nursery Connor returned to the infirmary and dismissed the soldiers. He ordered them to attend to the burial of the dead man and removal of the sraeb.
Being alone for the first time with Commander Connor was unnerving for Lysette. He stood silently watching as she washed the blood from the injured man and bound his wounds. Fully aware of how his eyes were tracing the outline of her jumpsuit, she wished the outfit didn’t fit her so well.
Connor leaned forward across the table and smiled at Lysette, saying, “The empathy is very fond of you, Lysette.”
The nervousness suddenly left her, replaced with hatred and giving her courage, she glared at him and said, “I’m very busy, get out!” Her disgust outweighed her caution.
“You seem to be under the impression you can order me about.” Connor’s smile lessened as he added, “Perhaps it is time you learned your place doctor.”
Walking around the table to where she stood he moved so close she had to side step to keep his chest from rubbing against her shoulder. “My place is back at the Field hospital near Tor.” She snapped at him, “Helping the people you left fingerless, orphaned or homeless.”
“Does the idea of losing all your fingers frighten you Lysette?” He taunted her moving closer.
This time Lysette held her ground, saying, “I’m sure the King would be very upset if he found you were torturing his son’s only physician.” She said trying to appear confident.
“I’m sure he would, but I wouldn’t rely on his protection, Lysette. His days as King are over. He does only as I ask.” Commander Connor reached across in front of her picking up the probe she had left on the table beside the injured man. “As a matter of fact I owe you a debt of thanks. He was actually beginning to show some independent thinking by arguing with you over Arbus’ death. I told him to let the infant die. He allowed you to change his mind. So clearly he w
as not completely under my control, as I had thought.” Slowly he brought his arm back offering Lysette the precious probe adding, “Your assertiveness allowed me to destroy his attempt to reacquire his freedom of thought. Now he is nothing more than a source of income. When the winter is over, I will no longer have need of him. He will have turned over all of his Latrian assets to me.”
Lysette moved to the other side of the table and began cleaning the soldiers other arm. Following her Connor grabbed her around the waist and pulled her toward him saying, “I do have a need for you Lysette, if you would only stop resisting.”
Lysette struggled as she found herself trapped within his arms. Grabbing a handful of her hair he forced her face to meet his. His kiss filled her with loathing as she fought with all her might to get free. Finally in desperation, Lysette bit his lower lip drawing blood. Throwing her back, Lysette slammed into the infirmary wall as Connor’s dark glare fixed on her. Suddenly there came a loud banging noise from a door that Lysette had assumed was a closet. Andrus voice could be heard yelling behind it. “Hey you in there! I need the doctor at once! One of the babies is ill!” Andru pounded on the door again saying, “Do you hear me! Right this minute!”
Facing Connors, she eyes locked with him, Lysette could see the anger growing. Once again Andrus voice called urgently through the door. “Open this door at once, Rey needs the doctor!” Andrus pounded again not willing to stop until Lysette was with him. “If he dies while you’re got her in there wrapping the soldier’s wounds they’ll be Hell to pay!!”
Connor smiled as he moved toward Lysette. “You are full of such fire doctor. It is a shame to waste it.” Stopping before her he ran his hand down the side of her arm as she glared at him. He said, “There is time to cool your fire. I can wait a while longer.”
Tempest Rise (Treborel) Page 23
