My heart plunged when a rotor blade exploded. The lander tilted to one side. It waggled dangerously then dropped out of sight.
Tears burned my eyes. My knees buckled as panic flooded my body. With Father dead and Mother in captivity, Jarryd was the only family I had. Had I lost him too?
Seconds seemed like hours as I waited for his lander to reappear, but the sky remained empty.
Delio’s guards broke cover and yelled in jubilation. One jogged towards the far edge of the tower where the vehicle had disappeared. The others started for the hatch, but sprawled on the ground when blaster fire erupted.
Moments later, a lander surged into the sky. A figure clung to a cord, swinging from its underside. I held my breath when I recognized Kaaluk. He dropped onto the roof and raced for cover, but Delio was too fast. A flash burst from his weapon.
Kaaluk twisted in the air and fell backward. Gripping his side, he stumbled from view behind a pile of tarps.
I had to reach Kaaluk. I struggled to break from Delio’s side, but his grasp tightened.
The guards had dispersed and taken cover. They waited for an opportunity to return fire, but there was only silence.
Delio yelled out and motioned them toward the tarps where Kaaluk was last seen. They held their weapons in readiness and reluctantly advanced. A few feet from their target, a weapon fired. The guards reeled back and fell, unmoving.
All went quiet again.
Delio’s men were dead. He snarled impatiently and clamped his hand on my neck. Forcing me to my feet, he stayed behind me as we approached Kaaluk’s hiding place.
My knees were shaking, my breathing quick and shallow. It was torture not knowing whether he was alive or dead. As we closed in on his position, a thick smear of blood darkened the ground. I knew his wound was severe. As he came within sight, hot tears stung my cheeks.
Sprawled on the ground, eyes closed, Kaaluk appeared to be dead. Blood seeped through splayed fingers that clutched his side before pooling around him. His blaster still sat in his slackened grip.
Delio released me and kicked the weapon out of reach.
Kaaluk winced and opened his eyes slightly. “Brynna.”
Delio expanded his chest and lifted his chin, but his eyes never wavered. “You traitor! I trusted you. But you’re just like your father and the rest of your backward tribe. Good for nothing. My father was right to leave your people to die. Now I’ll finish the job. Without a leader, your followers will perish. And I'll have taken not only your life, but your woman.” He sneered and aimed at Kaaluk.
I threw my body against Delio’s arm, but he deflected my advance and whipped his weapon across the back of my head. I fell forward, flat on the ground within arm’s reach of Kaaluk.
Kaaluk’s head dropped to one side, his mouth flaccid.
I scrambled on hands and knees and grabbed his wrist. I felt for his pulse. Despite my gag, I wailed loudly and pounded my bound fists on the ground. In a final effort to save Kaaluk, I hunched over his body and started to sob. I glanced up when I heard the sound of rotors.
Delio swore and kicked my leg. “Get up. You're coming with me.”
I pushed to my feet, anxious to draw Delio away from Kaaluk.
“Faster.” He jabbed his blaster into my back as we headed for the Hypor lander.
Without my voice, I was incapable of overpowering him. I didn't have Leika’s combat skills. I stumbled to slow our progress, searching my mind for any means of escape.
Lost in the desperation of my situation, it wasn't until the pressure on my back lessened that I realized something had happened.
I turned around to look at my captor. Delio’s eyes were wide and glazed in shock. A bloodied knifepoint protruded from under his chin. As he twisted and fell, I recognized the blade handle lodged in the back of his neck. It was Kaaluk’s.
I stepped over Delio’s corpse and ran to Kaaluk. Ignoring the growing pool of blood, I knelt by his side, pulled down my gag and started to sing. My throat was dry, my voice rough.
His eyes opened briefly and he attempted a smile.
I fought growing panic and focused my thoughts, determined to push every ounce of healing power into my voice.
I shuddered to think what might have happened if Kaaluk hadn’t found the strength to hurl the knife. I remembered Leika telling me of his skill with a blade, but from a wounded man, weakened from blood loss, the throw was astounding.
A lander appeared above roof level. Meeting no resistance, it quickly settled alongside the Hypor carrier. Two of Kaaluk’s men jumped from the vehicle and ran toward us. Jarryd was only seconds behind.
“Will he make it?” asked one man.
I continued singing and just nodded. Jarryd stood apart and spoke into his communicator. After relaying to Weyland what had happened, he joined me and placed a hand on Kaaluk’s shoulder. He waited in silence as I sang. When I felt Kaaluk's life energy strengthen, I stopped singing.
“Let’s get him back to the camp.” Jarryd nodded to the men who stood ready to lift their leader.
Despite wishing to be as far from the compound as possible, I knew it wouldn’t be good for Kaaluk. “No. He’s too weak to travel that far. We need to stabilize him somewhere inside so I can work on his wound.”
My brother pulled out the communicator again. “Weyland, we may have to remain in the compound overnight. Have you heard from our other men? Is the complex secure?”
“All androids disabled. Only four guards in their quarters. All secure.”
“Can we use the guards’ barracks? Is there enough room?”
“Yes. But there are sleeping areas in the tower.”
I grimaced and shook my head. There was no way I was staying in this building after what I’d been through. “I’d rather use the barracks, but we can’t lower Kaaluk down the hatch without making the bleeding worse.”
“The Hypor lander is larger. We’ll use it to transport Kaaluk to ground level.” Jarryd clicked on the communicator. “Weyland, we’ll meet you outside the guards’ quarters.”
I tugged Jarryd’s arm. “Ask him if he’s seen Calia. She was the one that sucked me through that tube then dragged me up to the control room. When we heard your lander, she disappeared.”
Jarryd’s eyes narrowed and his jaw flexed before relaying the question.
Trill answered this time. “It's me. We saw a figure running from the tower. It was probably her. She ran among the spaceships. It was impossible to follow her from there.”
“Let's save the rest of this discussion until we get undercover.” Jarryd motioned to two men who gently lifted Kaaluk between them and carried him to the lander.
I climbed into the front seat beside my brother.
Weyland and Trill were waiting at the barracks when we landed. Leika raced from a building to her brother’s side. She sobbed and felt his pulse, then lifted her hopeful gaze to mine. “Is he going to be okay?”
I nodded. “He needs rest. As soon as he's settled, I'll work with him. We need somewhere quiet. Is there a place we can be private?” I didn’t want inquisitive eyes watching us.
“There's a side room you can use,” Leika said. “No window, but it’s equipped with two beds, and a toilet and sink. The rest of us will share the common area, or sleep outside now that the sandstorm has passed. Let's get him inside.” Leika supervised as the men carried their leader into the building.
To the right of the entrance, a compact kitchen ran along the wall. On the left, a sign pointed to the entrance to showers and toilets. The central area was occupied by a tables surrounded by dozens of metal chairs. Rows of camp beds filled the remainder of the common area.
I entered the smaller room. “We need to get him out of his clothes so I can clean the wound.”
Leika instructed the men to remove Kaaluk's clothes. Once they'd started, I pulled her aside. “His wound is deep and although I've stabilized him, there's still a risk of infection. I need some herbs and I don’t want to leave him. Do you know
plants, specifically yarrow and calendula?”
Leika nodded. “We use those in our village to stop bleeding and fight infection. I'll take a couple of men with me to find them. I need to do something to keep my mind off my brother. It might take a while, but we’ll get what you need. I promise.”
I understood her determination. If Jarryd's wound had been more severe, I would have done anything to help him.
“Can you cope by yourself?” she asked.
I nodded. “The others are nearby if I need them.”
Leika glanced over her shoulder for one last look at Kaaluk. “Take care of him. He's all the family I have.”
“I’ll do everything I can. Just hurry back.”
She wiped a tear from her cheek, and then left. I returned to Kaaluk’s side as the two men pulled a sheet over his body. They nodded, saying nothing as they passed by, but I could see concern in their expressions.
Moments after they left the room, Jarryd entered. “What’s the prognosis?”
“The blasters have done significant damage. The first few days are always the most critical. At this point, my biggest concern is infection. Leika has gone to find the herbs I require. “
“So you'll remain and heal him? What about your plan to go to Prima Feminary to rescue Mother?”
“If I leave now he may die and I can't have that on my conscience. I'll stay for as long as necessary.” I knew Mother would expect me to save a life, but I felt a twinge of guilt. Was I delaying her rescue simply to save another human being, or because of the depth of my feelings for Kaaluk?
Jarryd studied me for a minute, speculation shining from his eyes. “Kaaluk already feels like family to me. I know he's important to you too.” He laid his hand on my shoulder. “I'm going to find Leika and go with her.”
Finally, I was alone with Kaaluk. I took a deep breath and started to hum. Seeing him unconscious was heartbreaking. A thin blanket covered his inert body to his chest. He'd fallen unconscious when his men had lifted him. I was thankful that he couldn’t feel the pain of his injury.
I moved to the head of the bed and immediately noticed the pallor of his normally dusky skin. He'd lost a significant amount of blood.
Tears welled up again as I examined his handsome face. The same high cheekbones, firm jaw and strong neck I remembered, but all drained of vitality. Eyes closed, his thick black eyelashes fanned against pale skin, hiding his hypnotic green eyes.
I pulled back the sheet to expose the wound, once again startled by the devastation the weapon had caused. The lasers had destroyed tissue and shredded muscles. I forced back the bile that threatened to rise in my throat. I’d healed wounds and bruises but I'd never attempted repairing damage of this magnitude.
I positioned a chair close to the bed. I sat and lifted my hands over the gaping wound and then slowly circled them across his side as I sang. I felt my resources depleting as energy flowed into him. After an hour, I wanted to stop, but my hands sensed extreme fluctuations in the heat coming from his body. He was fighting for his life. I was determined to give him everything I had.
After what seemed like hours, my arms ached. My vocal cords were dry and raw. Finally, his temperature returned to normal. I was relieved and able to take a break when Leika and Jarryd arrived.
“How is he?” Leika hurried to the other side of the bed and touched her brother's cheek. She didn’t wait for an answer. “His color is better.” She felt his neck. “He’s slightly flushed, but his pulse is steady.”
Jarryd glanced at me. “How are you? You look pale.”
“I’m fine.” I brushed his concerns away. “I could use some food and water but I don’t want to leave him.”
Jarryd handed me a cloth bag. “Here are the herbs you requested. I'll get your food.”
When he left, Leika pointed at the bag. “I have some skill in herbal preparations. If you tell me what to do, I’ll get them ready.”
I explained what I needed and she left. Moments later, Jarryd arrived with a carafe, a cup, and a plate piled with vegetables. “Take a break and eat something. Can't have you getting sick or overtired. Kaaluk's life depends on you.”
With a wan smile, I accepted the plate. “Where did you get all this?”
Jarryd laughed, much like he used to when we were young. “All courtesy of Tarvek. He may have been crazy and rotten, but he definitely liked to eat. There's plenty more in the food stores. This compound is well-equipped, especially if you include the spaceships.”
“Oh no.” I shut my eyes. I felt light-headed and started to sway.
He grabbed my shoulders. “You need to eat.” He poured a cup of water and raised it to my lips, then picked up a piece of bread.
I waved both away and rubbed my forehead. “It's not that.” I dropped my hand and looked up at him. “It's the spaceships. I overheard Prince Delio and Tarvek arguing about them. They're useless. Tarvek wasn't able to develop the necessary propulsion technology. That's why Prince shot him.”
Jarryd rubbed his forehead before raking his fingers through his blond hair. “That’s disastrous news. Weyland and I were about to head out to check the ships. He’ll be devastated.” He looked away, suddenly pensive. “With that option off the table, planetary shields are our only answer for the CME threat. Let’s hope we have time to develop something that will work.”
“I'm sorry. I should've told you sooner.”
He shook his head. “Impossible to remember everything in all the chaos. Besides, Kaaluk was your first priority. It’s unfortunate that Tarvek is dead. His knowledge would have been helpful, but I’m not sorry that Prince is out of our lives.”
“What about Calia?” I asked. “Have you located her?”
“No.” He grimaced. “But she's no threat to us. Where can she run? Who will help her?”
I didn’t have an answer, but I was still concerned. She was resourceful and cunning.
My brother moved toward the door. “I'll leave you to your singing. Make sure you eat. If Kaaluk’s situation worsens, waken me.”
Not long after, Leika arrived with the prepared herbs. “If you need us, just call out, or bang on the wall. It’s pretty thin. We’ll hear you. Anything I can do before I go?”
I shook my head. “Kaaluk needs rest. Best to shut the door behind you. I don’t want my singing to disturb the others.”
“We’ll make sure you have your privacy.” Leika hesitated. “Thank you, Brynna, for helping my brother.”
“I’m doing what I can, but Kaaluk’s injuries are severe.”
“I know, but I saw you work miracles with my friend in the laundry.” She smiled slightly. “Besides, you’re my only hope.”
18
The Healing
Leika closed the door closed gently behind her. I looked at Kaaluk, motionless under a white sheet. Before today, I’d never been alone with him. Except for the quick kiss in the campground, I’d never touched him…at least not intimately.
As I folded the sheet away from his side, I felt embarrassed and shy even though he was unconscious. I cleaned the wound and applied the herbs that Leika had prepared. There was little I could do now but sing and monitor his progress.
It was almost midnight when I stopped to take a drink. I touched his forehead; it was damp and hot. I ran cold water on a cloth and laid it across his brow. He murmured. His eyelids flickered but didn't open. I cooled his face with a second cloth. My touch was as soft as a caress. I gently brushed his eyelids, down the sharp plains of his cheeks, around his firm jaw, and across his full lips. The relaxed muscles added an ethereal beauty to his distinctive features. I couldn’t look away.
His distressing moan jolted me from my reverie. I launched into a soft folk song that I knew would calm as well as heal. When he settled, I continued to wipe his neck and broad shoulders, and afterward the firm muscles of his chest and arms. I gasped when I reached the injured area. The severely inflamed tissue encircling the gaping hole confirmed my fears. The wound was infected.
For several hours, I fought his fever with cold cloths and rhythmic singing, but his temperature continued to rise. My panic rose along with it. Tears of frustration coursed down my cheeks. Despite them, I sang without stopping, fighting for his life.
When his fever raged, I stripped the sheet from the bed and soaked it in cold water, no longer embarrassed by Kaaluk's exposed body.
My voice never wavered as I draped the wet covering on his burning torso. Throughout the night I sang every song I knew, focusing every element of my being into the healing tones. This man had to live. Many depended on his strong leadership. He was important to Leika. He was important to me. I couldn't let him die.
Eventually, fatigue tugged at me. I was terrified I’d fall asleep. I paced across the room as I sang. Without thinking, I dropped into a chair as I took a sip of water. My eyes drooped and my voice slurred. When the cup clattered to the floor, I jerked awake.
My glance flew to Kaaluk. He was still unconscious, but his body was shaking. I reached out to feel his forehead. His hot skin was now icy cold.
Adrenaline hastened my actions as I whipped the damp sheet from his body and replaced it with blankets from the other bed.
I altered my songs to provide warmth as well as healing. I waited for half an hour, hoping for a positive reaction to my crooning vibrations, but his shivering continued. I had nothing that could provide more heat. There was only one solution.
After a moment's hesitation, I stripped down and moved to the opposite side of the bed. I lifted the blankets and climbed in beside Kaaluk.
I laid my chest and arms across his upper torso, carefully avoiding the injury. I tensed as my warmth met his coolness. Gradually I relaxed against him.
I changed my song to a hum and moved my hand toward the wound, keeping the pressure light. Some time later, his quivering body settled. His chest was warm under my cheek. I sensed the danger had passed.
I eased my body away from his, but he stirred and rocked his head and shoulders. When I lay back down, he immediately quieted. I continue to hum, but it became more difficult as I fought fatigue. The steady rise and fall of his chest finally defeated my resistance and lulled me into sleep.
The Lost Prophecy Page 14
