by Diane Rapp
Tamarind blushed and the mullah rose. “No one informed me of your arrival, your highness,” the mullah stammered. He glared at his assistant, who dropped to his knees. “Please, accept our apologies and our hospitality.”
“The fault lies in my haste no doubt.” Krystal felt Dr. Alexander’s mind but did not look at him. “We rushed ashore because we’ve got wounded men, and I need my royal physician.” Her gaze did not waver under the mullah’s intense stare.
He broke eye contact first, which gave Krystal prestige. “The doctor is your servant. You need no permission to command him.”
Krystal nodded curtly and turned to the doctor. He bowed and gestured at a comfortable chair where she sat in a graceful flourish.
“Alex, you’re a welcome sight,” she said in low tones. “How’d you enjoy my performance?”
He smiled. “It did the trick; they’re falling all over themselves to gain your forgiveness.”
“It’s something I learned from Tamarind. How is she?” Krystal nodded politely at the girl across the room.
“Unfortunately the girl captured Salizar’s heart, and he secured Lauryn’s promise to help him kidnap the princess.”
Krystal’s eyebrows shot up. “What?”
“A minor problem compared to others we face.” Alex confided. “The Institute sent Fremont to capture the Zebulon’s crew, the Shrine of Asbohar is an aging nuclear reactor ready to blow, and the mullah wants to hear the voice of the gods over our radio. What’s been happening with you?”
Krystal sighed. “Felesia was abducted by pirates but rescued by dragons. We sent Jordan and Brandon to find her and brought her wounded abductors to port.”
“It sounds like trouble from all sides.” He held up the communicator. “Donovan should call soon.”
As if the sound of his words willed the box to life, loud static crackled across the room. Everyone’s attention focused on the frightening device. The doctor calmly flipped a switch and said, “Dr. Alexander here, over.” A hush fell over the room as the box hissed.
Trenton’s voice sputtered over the radio. “Can you hear me, over?”
Dr. Alexander held the microphone steady. “Reading you with difficulty, over.”
The static cleared and Trenton’s voice sounded louder. “We’ve got a mess here. The Institute plans to send missiles at major targets in thirty-eight hours. We’re working to intercept. Take precautions against assault as targets are unknown. Repeat, missiles will launch at unknown targets in thirty-eight hours. Do you read, over?”
“We read you loud and clear. I know what the Institute wants. Can you establish direct contact with the ship, over?”
“We got no response from the ship, over.”
“Tell Fremont that Dr. Alexander will negotiate for good crystals. Do you read, over?”
“Good crystals?” The voice sounded garbled and then faded as the box crackled and died.
Alex stared at the radio until Krystal laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. “What did you mean by good crystals?”
The doctor looked exhausted. “The Institute’s mendilium crystals are faulty. They don’t know the secret process to harden crystals for Transfer machinery since we deleted the process from the archives. We miscalculated our timing. We thought it would be a century before a crisis erupted and hoped our trail might be too old to trace.”
“Who’s Fremont?” Krystal asked.
“Fremont,” Alex snarled, “was a spy in our scientific society. When we discovered the plot, we publicly embarrassed him. He’s eager for revenge and landed at Havenshire in a two-man shuttle. He threatens to send missiles to Drako if we don’t surrender.”
Krystal sat silent.
The mullah gestured at the doctor. Alex said, “I’d better explain the problem to our host.” He patted Krystal’s hand and walked toward the mullah.
Dr. Alexander bowed. “Great Mullah of Kesh, the gods threaten to send destruction upon our cities in thirty-eight hours. Your people should hide underground with food and water until the crisis passes.”
The mullah stroked his beard and stared into the doctor’s eyes. “Our ancestors built an underground sanctuary to use if the gods sent a warning. My people will hide. Will you remain to negotiate with the gods on our behalf?”
Dr. Alexander nodded. “We’ll act as your negotiators. If we cannot convince the gods to spare our lives, we may meet in the next life.”
The mullah sighed. “We accept your oath and pray the gods are compassionate.”
“Make haste and send your people to safety,” Alex said.
“The city will be vacant by nightfall.” The mullah’s dark eyes looked troubled. “There is now salt between us.”
Salt was a valuable commodity in the desert, a necessity. He bowed, accepting the comment as a pledge of honor. “May your salt retain its savor, milord.”
A satisfied expression spread over the mullah’s face. He gave orders to his guards and robes swirled as messengers scurried outside.
Maggie joined Alex and Krystal. “I spoke with Tamarind, and the girl is eager to flee with Salizar.”
*****
Lauryn followed Andrew through the twisting streets behind Lord Dartmouth’s tall figure. Dr. Alexander asked her to attend the injured sailors, while he made plans and preparations for the impending missile attack. She noted that markets and shops were closed and traffic came in dribbles. “The city’s almost empty. How could they all get out of here so fast?”
Andrew pointed at steps leading underground. “There are miles of tunnels to underground caves, originally built to transport people by technology that no longer exists.”
“How do you know about them?”
“We used the tunnels to travel unseen.” Andrew looked uncomfortable. “Don’t talk about it in public. Desert people consider the tunnels holy ground and would kill us if they knew we trespassed.”
“What’s down there?” Lauryn’s eyes widened.
“The tunnels contain remnants of forbidden technology. My uncle understood how it was meant to work but refused to explain.” Andrew nodded at a robed figure following. “We’re not alone.”
Lord Dartmouth drew his sword. “Quiet! We don’t want him to realize we know.”
Andrew clutched his knife. “Take the next turn, and we’ll lay a trap.”
The three walked until they rounded the corner. Immediately Dartmouth pushed Lauryn into a doorway and flattened himself against the wall. He kept his sword poised while Andrew crouched ready to spring. A red swirl of fabric billowed as the man ambled around the corner. He discovered two blades, one poised at his throat, and the other aimed at his belly.
Salizar removed his scarf. “You’re more aware than most infidels, but I didn’t try to hide. You’d never see me if I did.”
“What’re you doing here?” Lauryn asked.
His eyes held hers with a steadiness that made her cringe. “I came to hear what the princess told your messenger.”
“How’d you know?”
“When an outsider, even a woman, delivers a timely gift we note the exchange. Tamarind’s servant made a second contact, hence she replied to your message.” Salizar looked smug.
Lauryn clenched her teeth.
He said, “Unless you wish messengers to report to the mullah, we won’t speak in the open.”
She stomped toward the pier. Why did Salizar’s arrogance provoke her?
*****
Salizar waited on deck while Lauryn nursed the injured seamen. He leaned lazily against a mast, his face tilted to absorb the sun.
Andrew laughed at a sailor’s ribald joke. “That story reminds me of a lady I met along the road last spring.” The sailor glanced at Lauryn and winked. “But she wasn’t much of a lady if you understand my meaning.”
Lauryn hid a smile as the sailors chuckled. She admired how Andrew dealt with burly sailors, using humor and compassion. He allowed the men to maintain a courageous front in the face of fear. It was a side of Andrew sh
e’d never seen.
When she finally returned to the deck, she found Salizar sleeping with his head cocked at an awkward angle. She felt guilty about making him wait and gently bent down to shake him awake.
A dark hand snaked out, seizing her wrist, and Salizar violently threw her onto the deck. His other hand gripped her throat and restricted her breath while he examined her face with sleepy eyes.
“Never touch a sleeping desert rider. You may forfeit your life before he recognizes you.” He eased his grip but long fingers lazily caressed her slender throat. His fierce gaze turned sultry as he traced the delicate curve of her jaw. “You’re beautiful for an infidel. I almost wish your mission would fail, and I could take you as my wife.”
Angry, Lauryn struggled against his touch. He leaned close and his hot breath made the hair on her neck tingle. “Tell me!”
She said, “Tamarind agreed to your plan! Think about your future bride, not me.” Lauryn gasped as sensuous lips touched hers. She lingered in the kiss and found herself yielding as his hand stroked her breast. The sweet warmth of his lips conveyed urgent desire. Her body responded by arching into the caress.
Terrified by her passion, Lauryn shoved him away. “I won’t become your mistress while your bride waits!”
Salizar’s eyes laughed. “Your words say no but your body says yes.”
“You confuse the fright of an untried girl, unaware of the ways of men. Don’t take me for one of your whores on the dock.”
Her anger stung him and Salizar stood. “I confuse nothing. Our law allows a man three wives, and I would offer you the honor you deserve.”
“Honor?” Her stormy eyes flashed. “In my land, we marry once and forever! Don’t forget that I’m the daughter of King Donovan.”
“Perhaps Donovan should teach his daughter that a barefaced woman is fair game in the desert. Find a protector if you don’t want to be branded a whore!” He stared into the brooding blue eyes of the red-faced princess.
“I’d rather be a whore than a simpering desert wife!” she hissed.
Salizar’s gaze turned fierce. “You’d better pray to your gods that Tamarind marries me. Your oath will make you fill her place and learn the hard lessons of a desert chieftain’s wife. I’d soon teach you to tend to the desires of your master.” He stroked her face. “There would be much pleasure in the lessons,” he said in a throaty whisper. The expression in his eyes made her shudder. “One of you shall lie in my bed before the dark moon rises.” He sauntered from the deck without a backwards glance.
Lauryn fought tears and rubbed her arm to vanquish the memory of Salizar’s touch. Her mind replayed the scene as a tight knot gripped her belly. She didn’t know if she felt fear or desire and wondered why.
Andrew watched from the doorway, his mouth a tight white line. He resisted the urge to comfort Lauryn. Finally, he joined the sailors’ friendly banter with a boldness designed to mask his stormy emotions.
19 ~ REPAIRING THE REACTOR
Maggie entered the door, dressed in a silver radiation suit, flashing a wide smile. “I’ve got the answer to our problem!”
Dr. Alexander laced long fingers behind his neck and leaned back. “I thought you might. I estimated you’d take an hour to find the solution, so you’re getting faster.”
Krystal frowned. “This is no time for jokes! Tell us what you discovered, Maggie. I’m anxious to hear.”
Lauryn came out of the largest room in the Public Baths, where patients lay on makeshift cots. Alexander moved their headquarters into the building after the mullah cleared the city. Salizar, the only desert rider who stayed behind, sat in an alcove sharpening his steel blade. When Maggie arrived he listened intently.
Maggie’s eyes flashed as she plopped a sack onto a table. “I found this!”
Dr. Alexander peered at the sack. “Is it flour?”
“No, it’s an ancient material called concrete. Entire buildings were made from this stuff before the invention of plasteel. If we find more bags, we can repair the radiation leak.”
The doctor peered at the bag. “Will it suffice?”
“It’s not a permanent solution but we might be able to start the reactor.”
“Why should we do that?” Krystal asked.
Maggie grinned. “Energy from the reactor is necessary for the force field.”
Doctor Alexander said, “They had a force field?”
“Yes! It’s powered by the reactor!” Maggie laughed.
“You mock the gods by invoking holy words. Only the priests speak those words!” Salizar shouted. Every eye turned to stare. “Do not speak these words outside the shrine.”
“Salizar, you recognize the words?” Krystal stepped closer. “Did you hear them inside the shrine?”
Salizar shifted his weight and nodded. “Priests chant the holy words and pilgrims hear.”
Dr. Alexander stared at Salizar. “We came to save lives. The gods gave us silver suits and the box that speaks, so they won’t deny us any of their tools.”
Salizar looked ready to fight, as his hand clenched the handle of his scimitar. Krystal gently placed her hand on his shoulder. He shrugged away from her touch but met her gaze. She spoke inside his head, Fear not, Salizar. The silent words echoed in his brain, but he shouted, “I cannot say the sacred chant outside the shrine!”
“Very well, Salizar,” Krystal said. “We’ll go into the shrine and you can tell us the chant.” Krystal’s eyes challenged the others to remain quiet. “Suit up everyone and come to the shrine.”
“I will wear garb of the priests?” Salizar’s voice was filled with awe.
Dr. Alexander looked solemn. “Wear my suit. You’re my height and the fabric stretches over your bulk.” The doctor handed Salizar the suit.
He took it with trembling hands and bowed. “I will wear it with humility.”
*****
Salizar led Krystal and Maggie into the reactor chamber. He walked solemnly to the great iron door. The words above the door were unreadable until Salizar started chanting.
“Crete mix storage rum sixtee aht decca.” He raised his gloved hand and a light blinked on the display panel. “O niner niner six,” he chanted and the door slid open. The room behind the door held bags of concrete powder. Maggie clapped her hands but Salizar cast her a sour look.
“Sorry, I’ll behave with more respect.” Maggie’s eyes betrayed her excitement, but Salizar accepted her pledge and strode to the next door.
He passed his hand over the sensor twice. A beep sounded and Salizar chanted, “Kleeranz prioritee uno!” Another beep sounded. “Aytee niner aht fortee.”
“Jot down the entry code numbers,” Maggie mumbled to Krystal.
Krystal nodded and pointed at the open door. Salizar’s long stride outdistanced the two women. They ran to catch up as he glanced back. “Aatee six it!” he said and Krystal held back her laugh. Spacer language, a numerical shorthand, sounded more strange pronounced with a desert rider’s accent.
“You heard him, Maggie, shape up or ship out.” Krystal couldn’t pass up the jibe and Maggie bit her lip, trying to look serious.
Salizar stood at a door labeled Control Room and looked grave. “Will the gods forgive us for disturbing their slumber?”
“You bet they will.” Krystal stepped past him and said, “Condition red, top priority clearance. Five o five niner six.”
The door slid open to Salizar’s amazement. He followed them inside, making a sign against evil. “Maggie, can you understand any of it?” Krystal asked.
“These controls activate the force field and look standard. We should be A-OK after we fire the baby up.”
“By the gods!” Salizar slumped against the wall. “You speak the old tongue and enter the heart of the shrine.” His eyes widened and he bowed. “Mistress of the holy flame, spare this unworthy servant the wasting death.”
“Stow it mate!” Maggie hissed. “You’re niners now you’ve teamed up with us. Let’s mix concrete. Eighty six it to
the storage room and hall ass with those concrete bags to the dock. Roger that?”
Salizar swayed under the impact of the torrent of words. “Roger!” he muttered and left the room.
“Don’t push him too hard, Maggie.” Krystal warned.
“This really takes me back! I feel like a drill sergeant breaking in a new recruit. I’ll go easy on him. Niners?”
“Niners. But don’t revert to spacer, Maggie. Donovan might not appreciate it when we get back to the castle.”
Maggie’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Aces, doll. I’ll eighty-six the spacer lingo at home base.”
“You and Trenton were meant for each other! Believe me.” Krystal gave Maggie a mock salute and backed out of the control room.
*****
Krystal was the first to spot dragons winging toward the city. She almost expected something like this from Felesia but stood with her mouth agape.
Lauryn said, “Felesia learned to fly on a dragon! I knew she would eventually but this is spectacular!”
“Yes indeed.” Dr. Alexander said, “It’s a dramatic entrance but it’s a shame so few of us are here to appreciate the spectacle.” He gestured to the empty streets of the city.
Krystal saw Salizar in a nearby doorway, his face filled with fear. “It’s not entirely wasted. I’m sure he’ll spread the tale later.”
The dragons loomed overhead and swooped down to land. Felesia and Jordan scrambled off their dragons, laughing. The other dragons roosted on nearby rooftops.
“You should see the expressions on your faces.” Felesia giggled, hugging her mother and sister.
Krystal eyed dragons peering down. “I hope you don’t plan to keep them all at the castle. Can you imagine the reaction of courtiers?”
