‘Greetings,’ she murmured.
Sherise closed her hand over the smaller one for a brief moment.
The girl’s eyes skimmed over her. ‘You are the Star Woman. The one they all talk about.’
‘I am only one of my people. There are many others on our ship,’ Sherise replied cautiously, while her mind raced. ‘I am called, Sherise.’
‘Then you are the one.’ The girl twirled round and laughed, a tinkle of sound like fine crystals dancing in the breeze. Her semi-transparent skirt flared out in a graceful swirl, revealing her bare feet and anklets of glittering red and green stones. ‘Please, come with me.’
She ran with light footsteps down the length of the hall, giving the impression she glided above the ground. She paused, turned and smiled again before lifting a heavy tapestry and disappearing from view.
Sherise cast another look around the temple, slipped her sandals onto her feet and followed. Behind the tapestry was a hallway, with a light glowing at the far end from an open doorway. She quickened her pace.
When she reached the end, she waited a beat before peering into the room beyond. Surprise captured her breath and she stared enraptured. With opulent furnishings of bold purple and crimson against white walls and tiled floor, the room closely resembled the meeting rooms in the Darkon temples. For a minute she imagined she was home.
The many pillows edged with gold tossed around the room, tables laden with fruit and nuts and a crystal-clear pool in the centre gave the impression of pampered luxury.
She stood, fighting the wave of homesickness that slammed into her.
‘Do not look so sad, star lady,’ said the girl who sat crouched beside the pool, trickling her fingers through the water. She raised her hands and unclipped her gown, allowed it to fall to the floor before she walked down the wide steps into the pool. ‘You should join me. The water is delicious.’ She rolled over and floated on her back.
The notion streaked through Sherise that the girl deliberately flaunted her naked body. She raised her brows and walked towards the pool. ‘Who are you?’
‘I also am one of many.’ She rolled over again and stood upright. The water lapped her waist. ‘Do you like what you see?’
Sherise’s lips thinned. The girl did not refer to the room. ‘Very pretty but your attractions are lost on me.’
The girl pouted and slanted a sly glance from narrowed eyes. ‘Many find me attractive.’ Her voice hardened. ‘Some you know.’
‘You seem a little young for this,’ said Sherise, indicating the surroundings. Who did the girl refer to?
‘Not that young.’ She smirked and waded from the pool. She picked up a large white fur and wrapped it around her tiny body. ‘I have worked hard for this position. I am a sacred handmaiden and a favourite of the Teacher.’ She laughed and said over her shoulder as she strolled over to a table, ‘The Priestess does not like me.’
‘Neither does she like me.’
‘I heard.’ The girl grinned. ‘I think that makes us friends.’
Sherise smiled but did not respond.
‘I hear you have toured our city this day. Do you not find it wondrous?’
‘You hear many things.’
‘I am told many things,’ the young woman said with heavy emphasis. She picked up a pale green ball and popped it into her mouth. ‘I love grapes, don’t you? What did you hope to see?’
Aah, now I understand. Yet another, like Kade, seeking information from me. Perhaps it would not hurt in this instance to tell the truth. Part of it, anyway. ‘There are people on board our ship who may decide to remain here. I merely wish to ensure they will be safe.’
‘I see.’ The girl turned her back to Sherise. ‘Then you have nothing to worry about. The Teacher has extended his personal welcome to them. They should feel honoured. Not many arouse his interest … Apart from me.’
‘The Teacher?’ The words sounded strangled, even to Sherise.
‘Yes.’ The girl spun around and lifted both hands towards her, like a supplicant. A broad smile spread over her face. ‘But I never introduced myself. I am Lilith and I’m one of the Chosen.’
Chapter 20
Curfew had come and the streets were almost empty of people as they returned to their homes for the night.
Sherise rubbed a hand over her forehead where tension threatened to explode into a headache of gigantic proportions. She pushed open the door of her building and trudged down the dim hallway. The only thing she wanted to do now was flop onto her bunk and not move for at least one aon.
She paused in front of Bree’s bedroom door and knocked before saying, ‘Bree? I’m back. I’d really like to talk to you.’
No sound, no movement, nothing. Was Bree avoiding her?
Sherise hugged herself while she stared at the closed door and debated whether or not to open it. Tomorrow. If I don’t see Bree tomorrow, I’m going to force my way in and, whether she likes it or not, we’ll spend some time together.
Frowning, she turned away and wandered down the hall to her own room. The day had not been a success. They had hardly progressed since their arrival in the city and were no further on to sourcing what they needed to repair the Quinnie. All she seemed to have found were more questions.
Their small window of opportunity was shrinking by the hour and the ramifications filled her with despair.
A heaviness had fallen over her essence, as if her hope had finally been extinguished. The faces of her crew and the passengers—her friends—haunted her. They intermingled now with the faces of those she’d lost on Gazood.
They pressed in on her from all sides
I’m going to fail them. It didn’t matter that the crew had volunteered for this mission. When it came down to the line, she was the one in command and now they were stranded in another time, another place.
On a planet that seethed with intrigue and appeared to be poised on the brink of war.
Was this her punishment for her sin? To be forever burdened with the pain of unlived lives? To carry the memory of their voices and faces inside her until she drew her last breath? But if Cercis was bent on punishing her, would she also make the innocent suffer? No, Sherise could never believe that of her goddess—for to do so would deny her very essence and all that had given her fortitude during dark times.
What if we are meant to be here—in this time and place? She remembered what little she’d heard of the Lycaneans’ prophesy. Perhaps there was a purpose to Sherise and her people being here. What if she was meant to try and avert the coming carnage?
Could that be her true path?
Fatigue weakened her and she stumbled. She reached out and pressed her palm against the wall to steady herself. The faces that had been lodged for so long in her mind blurred, superimposed by those of her family. Her brother, his life partner, her sweet little nephew … all of them were now, also, long past.
She may never find her way back to them.
For the first time since the Quinnie’s collision in the Vortex, Sherise acknowledged her personal grief.
She fumbled with the door handle, staggering into her room. Heaving sobs shuddered through her body as she covered her face with her hands. Bent over, she sagged to the ground.
Behind her, the door clicked shut.
A man’s arms enfolded her, lifted her, held her close. She recognised him instantly. Maaka. She pressed her head against his warm chest and burrowed into him, seeking and receiving the comfort of his strong embrace.
He uttered soothing rumbles while he stroked the length of her back, massaged the nape of her neck, caressed her tussled hair until the storm of weeping eased into hiccups and snivels, leaving her drained.
He cupped both sides of her face and urged, ‘Look at me.’
Sherise obeyed, wondering whether he would be repulsed by the sight of swollen eyes, reddened nose and tear smeared face. The smile he gave her would have sent her crying afresh but she held her tears back. She uttered a sigh that resonated with her sorrow
and closed her eyes as his mouth settled over hers with exquisite tenderness.
Maaka lifted his head and rested his cheek on her hair. ‘Tell me what causes you such sorrow.’
‘I miss my brother, my family.’ Her lips shook. ‘But that’s not all. I’ve failed my crew and the people I vowed to see safely home,’ she whispered, feeling the strong beat of his heart against her check as she pressed her face against his hot skin.
‘I will never believe such a thing. You have courage and a strong sense of responsibility for those in your care. I admire you greatly.’
Her tongue felt thick and clumsy in her throat, but she forced out the damning words. ‘It’s true. I was in command when our ship was damaged. I gave the order to jettison a burning compartment. Lives were lost and it’s all on me.’
‘Being a leader means making the hard decisions. Those decisions that no one else wants to make. And it is up to us to ensure those who have died are always remembered. We keep their faces in our hearts and share the memories so their stories never fade. This is the way of the Lycaneans.’
She lifted her head and searched his face. ‘I like this way.’
‘Share your pain with me, my sweet Sherise. Allow me to ease your burden.’
Her heart swelled. Never had a man offered her such solace. I will never forget him. Sherise nodded slowly. She may have lost her family, but holding her close was a man who could fill her life with purpose and love.
If only she dared to walk by his side.
She ducked her head, knowing this was a commitment she wasn’t ready for; she had a job to finish. People were counting on her. His comfort had chased away her sense of isolation. Determination flowed through her, stiffening her resolve. She would see her mission through to the very end.
‘Why have you not left the city? Every moment you stay here increases the chance you will be discovered.’
‘Not without you.’ He placed a kiss on the top of her head. ‘I will make you a home, with me.’
Sherise raised her head. ‘No, that cannot happen.’ Their gazes battled as they met. ‘I have a mission to complete.’
A slow, cocky grin spread over his face. Even his eyes danced with confidence as he tapped the tip of her nose.
‘You will need to learn to obey me.’ He bent down and whispered in her ear, ‘In all matters; especially when in my bed.’
‘I have never met such a man as you!’ She choked down her laughter.
‘Of course not, I am unique.’ He bruised her lips with a quick, hard kiss that quickened her heartbeat and made her blood pulse with an edgy need. ‘Come, lie with me. You need to rest.’
He clicked off the light, swept her up into his arms, crossed the small space in two long strides and laid her on the bunk. He tugged off her sandals and rubbed her feet for a few minutes before unbuckling his belt. The next instant, his hard body was beside her, warming her even through the clothes they both wore. She rolled towards him and curled her curves into his solid strength, loving the feel of the weight of his leg as he slung it over hers.
‘Sleep,’ he ordered.
It seemed as if she had merely closed her eyes and yet she must have slept, as her body felt heavy and her mind sluggish when the door crashed open and light flooded the room.
‘There he is!’ Kade’s voice pierced Sherise’s head like the wail of an incoming nix strike.
Maaka cursed.
The bunk jolted as he sprang to his feet.
Sherise heard the scrape of metal against tile as Maaka grabbed his weapons. Her vision adjusted to the light. She scrambled to her knees and pressed a hand against her mouth to stifle her horrified cry as, sword in hand, he advanced towards the people surging through the doorway.
Kade, Lieutenant Colonel Rothe, Kondo and Commander Dyrke. In the shadows of the hallway, Sherise saw several more of Kondo’s men, hands hovering over their weapons. Heart pounding, she searched the room for her stunner and, spying it on a chair, leapt to her feet.
But the Commander raised his stunner. A flash and Maaka fell backwards onto the floor.
‘Let’s get these shackles on him while he’s still out cold,’ said Kade. She advanced, Rothe eagerly keeping pace, and together they rolled Maaka over onto this stomach, yanked his arms behind his back and snicked the cuffs in place about his wrists. Kade stood and snapped her fingers. ‘All done. Easiest creds I ever made.’
Dyrke brushed roughly past the deputy who, caught off balance, stumbled sideways.
Sherise looked up into her Commander’s stern face. ‘Why did you help them?’
‘I had little choice. If we didn’t assist in capturing Maaka, your freedom hung in the balance.’ At the sight of his compressed lips and the warning in his cold eyes she sighed and turned away. No recourse there. ‘Are you damaged?’
‘I am fine, thank you, Commander.’ Sherise lowered her voice. ‘What will they do with him?’
Dyrke shrugged. ‘This is not of our concern but I believe he will be terminated.’
‘Please, Dyrke.’ Her voice shook but when she looked into Dyrke’s impassive face, she knew he had no intention of interfering with local politics.
He would stand by and do nothing.
And Maaka would die.
Raw anguish punched through her. She locked it deep inside. For several seconds she couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think, couldn’t focus past the blackness blinding her. She struggled to stay upright on legs that trembled. She felt Dyrke slip a hand under her elbow. But she would never crumble. Not in front of the jubilant Kade and a smirking Rothe. And never when Maaka needed her to be strong.
I can’t let them take him.
She dragged a long breath into aching lungs and straightened her spine. Kondo and Rothe, grunting with the effort, hauled Maaka to his feet.
Maaka began to shake his head; clearly the effect of the stunner was wearing off. Sherise eyed the gun. Normally, a warrior was unconscious for several hours at the very least, but here Maaka was shrugging it off as if no more than a fist had felled him to the ground.
It seemed for all his harsh words and deliberate actions, the Commander had chosen to give Maaka a chance. Possibly two chances, since he’d brought Kondo along with him and he must know, or at the very least suspect, Kondo had assisted Maaka to enter the city.
Sherise shrugged out of Dyrke’s hold.
‘Kondo.’ She waited until the Relic warrior turned and looked at her over his shoulder. ‘Escort the prisoner.’
Her bodyguard nodded. He unclipped his stunner, pressed it between Maaka’s shoulderblades and ordered, ‘Move.’
Had he understood the import behind her words? Either way, she had best make her own plans for Maaka’s escape.
Rothe performed a mock salute in her direction before sauntering from the room. Kondo, with his prisoner, followed.
Kade rushed over to scoop up Maaka’s belt and weapons. Before exiting, she turned around and shot a narrow stare at Sherise. ‘Harbouring a fugitive carries a heavy penalty. Tomorrow is not gonna be a good day for you.’
‘Leave,’ ordered Dyrke in a voice as icy as the far reaches of space. ‘Your relish in this misfortune disgusts me.’
Kade smirked and sauntered out the door, a triumphant swing to her hips. The murmur of voices and tramp of feet snapped off when the front door slammed.
Dyrke glared at the empty doorway before turning his attention onto Sherise. ‘I must report to Lord Barid.’
Sherise said nothing. Her thoughts, her body, her heart travelled with Maaka down the dark streets of the city.
Dyrke tried again. ‘You would do well to consider joining with Kondo as your brother wished. He will see to your safety until such time as we can leave this planet.’
She wrenched her gaze from the empty doorway. In the face of the remote expression in Dyrke’s eyes, her shoulders drooped. But only for three beats of her heart.
Maaka needs my help.
‘Aren’t you supposed to be on your way back to th
e Quinnie?’
His gaze lifted and he stared at the far wall, as if unwilling to meet her eyes. ‘I was on route when the Board demanded my recall.’
‘Demanded?’ Sherise said sharply.
‘Your actions have apparently eliminated the Board’s pretence of friendship.’
‘Did they say as much?’
‘Negative.’ Dyrke finally looked at her. ‘Barid may be able to defuse the situation. He appears to have ingratiated himself into the favour of their spiritual advisor.’
‘Through the girl, Lilith.’
‘We must consider the possibility that, even if they have the means to repair our ship, they will not assist us now.’
Again my reckless actions have endangered the safety of others. Her hands curled into fists. ‘Find the source of the jamming signal, Commander.’
‘I will give this matter top priority.’ He hesitated, then touched her on the shoulder. ‘If it’s of any comfort, I do not believe the Board had any intention of assisting us. They want our ship and our technology.’
‘I agree.’
Dyrke rolled his shoulders and allowed his war-face to fade and Sherise recognised worry in his eyes. ‘I am uneasy, Sherise. There is an air about this city, for all its perfection. I find it difficult to analyse. We must remain on guard.’
‘See if you can postpone the transfer of the passengers. I would prefer they remain on board for a while longer.’
‘I believe the shuttles require maintenance.’ A fierce grin lit up his face for a second. ‘I will delay returning to the Quinnie and seek a meeting with the Board at first light. It would be best if you also returned with me.’
Sherise crossed the room and picked up her boots before turning to meet his gaze. She kept hers steady as she said, ‘I am not ready to leave.’
He muttered, ‘I suspected as much. At least ensure Kondo accompanies you.’
I am not certain I can trust him. ‘I need neither Relic nor Darkon warriors to keep me safe. But I will consider your words.’ She raised her chin. ‘Keep me updated at all times, Commander. Now, leave.’
Quest For Earth Page 23
