She nodded. "Understood."
The man boarded the ship and his face immediately showed shock. He had expected to see his Commandant, but not this alien woman with him. The man offered a bow of the head, then spoke to K'oron. "Welcome back, Commandant. It is good to have you home. I see you captured a prisoner, although I can't say I know what it is."
"'It' is a she, and she is not a prisoner, Del'vath," K'oron corrected him. "She is my guest for the time being and will be treated as such. Any slight directed at her will be treated as a slight toward me." He turned toward Danielle. "Lt. Hart, this is Del'vath, my second." She looked the man in the eyes and then gave a simple nod. K'oron then turned back to Del'vath. "What news during my absence?"
"The Emperor has grown more cautious since your last meeting with him," Del'vath replied. “He has demanded that one of our order stay by his side at all times. Legate Th’arn is trying to convince him that our best option is outright war with the Terrans for invading our territory. Fortunately, Commander No’tok had widened his patrol area.” Danielle’s eyes grew wide. We invaded them? What about when their ship attacked our patrol? K’oron could tell by the look on her face that she was about to speak, so he gently stepped on her foot with his as a reminder.
Del’vath continued. “Otherwise the Terran invasion fleet would have made it halfway to V’drell Prime before anyone knew what was happening. Our isolationist policy makes us blind.”
“Our place is to serve,” K’oron reminded him, “and not question. The old ways almost destroyed our people. Our separation may not always be ideal, but that is what the Emperors for the past five hundred cycles have chosen to do, including Emperor Glars’n.”
“I spoke out of place. Please forgive me.” Del’vath lowered his head in shame.
“It is forgotten,” K’oron responded. “I will need an extra bed and linens brought to my quarters for my guest. Also a change of clothes for both of us,” he ordered. “Bring a uniform for her. Tell no one outside the order of her presence.”
“As you command, Commandant.” Del’vath again bowed his head, turned and left the ship.
“So,” Danielle looked at K’oron, “we invaded you? That’s a lie!”
“I know,” K’oron replied calmly. “It would seem that Legate Th’arn is either involved with No’tok or found out about the incident and is using it for political gains. Either way, it is not good for us.”
“What do we do now?” She asked.
“At the moment,” he said, “we need to eat, bathe, and get some clean clothes. The problems we face can wait a bit longer.” He gestured toward the door.
They exited the ship and walked across the stone roof to the doorway. Upon entering, Danielle was amazed by the hallway. Each stone had been hand cut many years ago and set in place. The hallway was lit only by torches. It reminded her of a castle that she might have read about in some of the medieval romance novels she read as a teen. They descended a set of stairs and entered what must have been the dining hall. It had a two long tables on one side, and a smaller table on the other side. She presumed the long tables were for the rank and file, and the smaller one for the officers. There were other members of the Order in the hall, and several gave notice to the foreigner that K'oron was bringing in their midst. K'oron and Danielle passed through between the tables and entered another hallway. They hadn’t gone but a short distance when they stopped in front of a huge wooden door on the left side of the hallway.
K’oron pushed the door open and motioned for her to go first. As she passed through the doorway she saw a small parlor area. Off to the left side was an opening into what looked to be a library judging by the books on the shelves. To the right of the parlor another wooden door that was ajar. She could see a large bed beyond. There was a fire burning in the fireplace on the back wall.
"Welcome to my home," he said with a slight bow. "You are my guest, and as such are afforded certain protections within these walls. The men and women of my order will not violate the sanctity of my quarters for any reason." There is a change of clothes for you in the bathing room. It is one of our uniforms, but it should fit. The water should have been heated as well. It's through my room and the door on the right. After you are finished bathing and changing, then I will take my turn. You will use my bed, and I will sleep on the cot in the outer room."
"I sincerely appreciate the kindness you continue to show me," Danielle said with a soft smile, "but I wouldn't feel right about taking your room and bed from you. I would be happy to take the cot in here."
"Nonsense! You are my guest, and as such, you will take the room and bed," he scolded her mildly. "We will discuss this no more."
"Again, thank you," she replied as she entered the bedroom and closed the door. Upon entering, she could feel the hot humid air. She could see tiny wisps of steam wafting up from the surface of the water. She undressed and tossed her the remaining shreds of her underclothes in a pile against the wall. She slowly slid into the basin of stone cut into the middle of the floor. How long has it even been since I've had a bath? She tried to remember. She knew it was on board the Expedition before it's destruction, but could not remember how many days that had been. It seemed like an eternity to her. She found a small cloth folded neatly beside the bath, and began washing. After cleaning up and just relaxing for a little while, she got out, dried off, and tried on the clothes that K'oron had provided for her. She walked back into the bedroom and saw a mirror leaning in the corner. As she inspected her reflection, she noted the uniform was made from a type of animal hide, but the material was like nothing she has seen before. It was strong and firm like the leather she was used to, but this was only a fraction of the weight. These clothes looked as though they should be heavy, but in fact, she barely noticed them. The fur collar on the cape was not something she was used to, and it tickled her neck. I never thought in a million years that one day I would actually be wearing this black cape and uniform. I'd be shot for treason if anyone from the Commonwealth saw me in this, but I should be more accepted here with it. At least she hoped she would. She walked out of the bedroom and back into the parlor. "So, how do I look?"
K'oron had been looking out the window when she spoke. He turned around and looked at her approvingly. "Good, everything fits nicely. Del'vath has an eye for clothes it seems or at least an eye for women," he chuckled.
"So where do we go from here?" Danielle asked impatiently.
"We? I am going to go speak to the Emperor later today," he informed her. "You are going to stay here in the Citadel where you will be safe. Do not try and leave your room. I will tell Del'vath to bring you some food."
"I want to go with you," she stated firmly. "I can be a representative of the Commonwealth."
"Out of the question," he responded curtly. "If others like Th'arn were to see you, then you would indeed become a representative of your Commonwealth, and be executed for its perceived crimes against the Dominion. The matter is closed. Now I have to make myself presentable for the Emperor. Excuse me." He went into the bedroom and closed the door.
"This isn't over!" She shouted through the door. He didn't respond, which infuriated her more than being told what to do. How dare he! I'm not a child for him to give orders to! I'm a member of the most elite fighting force in the Commonwealth. I think I can handle a few disgruntled politicians. She turned on her heel and walked out the door back into the hallway. She walked back toward the dining hall. The other V'drellians that been there earlier had all left but one female. The female saw her and walked towards her. Danielle quickly realized that stomping out of K'oron's room might have been a bad idea. She started to walk back toward the room when the female V'drellian called after her. "Don't turn your back on me, offworlder! K'oron may have the right to bring you in here, but he has no right to give you that uniform!"
Danielle turned to face the woman. "I meant no disrespect," Danielle apologized. "My clothes were torn and filthy, and he loaned me this uniform so I could wear somethin
g clean."
"How dare you speak to me!" The woman shouted indignantly. "Offworlders do not get to question a member of the V'drellz Stragizi! You have violated our home, our order, and our uniform!"
The shouting started drawing a crowd. Del'vath heard the noise as he entered the hall, and pushed through the crowd toward the two women. Danielle was standing her ground against the woman so far, but at this point it was verbal. If it crossed into the realm of physical, Del'vath didn't hold out much hope for their visitor. "Stop it, both of you!" He got between the two women. "Zr'ika, K'oron has placed this offworlder under his protection. You will not harm her!"
"She defiles our uniform and Th'warzin!" Zr'ika exploded. "She does not know our culture, nor has she paid the blood price!"
"Enough!" Everyone in the room turned to see K'oron standing in the doorway. "Zr'ika you are making too much of this. She didn't ask for the uniform, it was given to her on my orders. Her clothes were ruined while a prisoner with me. If you still have a problem, then you are free to challenge me to Tr'oka Zur."
"I will not challenge you, K'oron," Zr'ika replied. She then turned and looked right into Danielle's eyes. "I challenge you, offworlder! I challenge you to Tr'oka Zur! You have insulted my faith and my people. You should not have come to our world!"
"Then I shall accept in her place," K'oron stated. "She is my guest, and I am responsible for her."
"You cannot, Commandant," Del'vath interrupted. "The law is clear. A challenge of Tr'oka Zur is only between two. It cannot be proxied. No other law or tradition can supersede it."
"She is not V'drellian," K'oron countered. "She is not accustomed our laws and traditions."
"Where she is from is irrelevant," Del'vath said. "Perhaps you should have considered these matters before you brought her here. I'm sorry Commandant. If you attempt to interfere, you will be blaspheming Th'warzin himself."
"Can someone explain to me what Tr'oka Zur is?" Danielle asked. Everyone turned and looked at her. They had been so wrapped up in the debate, that everyone had forgotten that she was still standing there.
Del'vath cleared his throat. "Tr'oka Zur is an honor duel to the death. Zr'ika has claimed the right to challenge you for all that is yours, including your life."
Danielle thought for a moment. If I refuse, they'll probably just kill me anyway. If I accept, at least I have a fighting chance. She looked at Zr'ika. The V'drellian woman was at least six inches taller than she was and probably outweighed her by fifty pounds, all muscle. This was not going to be easy. "I accept the challenge," Danielle replied. "I will fight you if that is what I must do."
"The challenge will commence at high sun tomorrow," Del'vath stated. "May Th'warzin give strength to the just, and welcome home the soul of the vanquished."
***
K’oron had a million thoughts on his mind, and none of them were about his meeting with the Emperor that was about to begin. He exited the Citadel and walked across the courtyard. He was angry. Angry at Zr’ika for challenging Danielle. Angry at Del’vath for telling him that he couldn’t take her place. Most of all, he was angry with himself for letting her get into such a mess. He could have prevented this from happening several ways. If he had discussed matters with her better concerning his world, or if he had not lost his temper with her driving her from the room. I have to find a way to fix this! He had to keep this fight from happening. He had until high sun tomorrow, which left him little time. Right now, he had to push it aside and focus his mind on No’tok, and any other traitors to the Dominion.
As he entered the Emperor’s throne room, he noticed that several members of his order were present. All of them appeared to be on active guard duty. Del’vath was right. He has increased his security. He approached the throne, and two of the guards stepped in front to stop him, their hands ready to draw their weapons. “Az’kar, move aside,” he instructed the ranking guard. Az’kar was one of the best fighters in the Order. There was always an undercurrent among the members of the order as to which one, K’oron or Az’kar, was the better warrior.
“Sorry, Commandant,” Az’kar replied. “The Emperor has given us direct orders to stop anyone’s approach.”
“Let him through,” the Emperor ordered. K’oron completed his walk to the throne. He knelt down in front of Emperor Glars’n. “Rise K’oron. Tell me that you have snared the snake in our midst.”
K’oron stood but kept his head bowed. “I have learned much, my Emperor. Unfortunately, it is not good news. It seems that No’tok is indeed part of a conspiracy, however, it is not just against you and the Dominion. I managed to track him to a distant ship in the edge of Terran space. There he met with a V’drellian man and they met with others. The others are what concern me. One appeared to be a Terran female, and the other some race I am not familiar with, but probably from the Protectorate. I overheard enough of their conversation to realize that they are planning something involving the Protectorate, Dominion, and the Commonwealth. Unfortunately, I was spotted and captured. I'm sorry I failed you."
"K'oron, my friend," Glars'n reached out and raised K'oron's chin."You managed to find proof of a conspiracy. You identified one of the conspirators. You managed to escape capture and returned to tell me what you had learned. It may not be the success you wanted, but I would not call it a failure. Speaking of your escape, I understand that you brought back a fellow escapee?"
"Yes, Excellency," K'oron nodded. "She was captured by No'tok. She was the prisoner that I believed was killed while trying to escape his ship."
"And, you chose to bring her here?" The Emperor questioned him. "Why?"
K'oron thought about the question for a moment. Why did I bring her here? She isn't even a member of the Dominion, and now she could die because I chose to bring her back with me. Why? He knew the reason, though it didn't make sense. I respect her. No, you're still lying to yourself. You know why. It's because you care about her. He did care about her, and by bringing her here he was trying to protect her. That answer would not suffice to the Emperor, so he left that reason out of his explanation.
"I believe that she can be of use to us in dismantling this group that would tear our world apart," K'oron answered. He wasn't exactly lying, he did believe she could help, it just wasn't the truth. "She is different than most other soldiers I have seen anywhere, my own Order included. She has a fierceness and determination that few possess. She will be relentless in taking down No'tok and those aligned with him."
"If she lives," Glars'n responded. "I've heard rumors that she was challenged to Tr'oka Zur by one of your own."
"Unfortunately," K'oron replied, "Our order is steeped in tradition, and I inadvertently caused the issue, but Lt. Hart is going to pay the price unless I can figure something out to stop this from occurring."
"By law, there is no way unless the challenger withdraws the challenge," the Emperor stated, "which makes the challenger appear weak, so it rarely happens. You seem to have a great deal of respect for her. Do you think she can win?"
"I honestly don't know," K'oron shook his head. "I haven't seen her fight, and Zr'ika can be formidable. Truthfully, I'd prefer not to see either of these women die."
"Go back to the Citadel," Glars'n told him. "We can discuss this matter concerning No'tok again later. Right now, I think you have more immediate things to deal with. May Th'warzin be with you all."
CHAPTER 13
Danielle sat in K'oron's room waiting for his return. Wow, I have really made a mess out of this! She shook her head with a low chuckle. This Tr'oka Zur duel, however, was no laughing matter. It was a fight to the death with an opponent that she knew nothing about. Zr'ika was one of the best fighters in the V'drellz Stragizi order according to Del'vath. She had a long record of success in sparring and actual combat. Her favorite weapons were a pair of Rom'sha hand knives. They looked more like ancient bayonets to Danielle. If Zr'ika was as skilled with them as everyone seemed to believe, then this was going to be a very short fight with Danielle dead
on the ground at the end. Del'vath had explained the rules to her, which were simple enough. She and Zr'ika would be led into the arena behind the Citadel from opposite sides. The gates would close, a horn would then blow, and the fight would start. The rules of combat were simple. Kill your opponent by any means. Any weapon could be used, and there would be various weapons available around the walls of the arena. She could use any that she wanted, in any combat style she chose. There would be no combat etiquette. No tactic was banned. They could fight as honorably or treacherously as they wanted. Only there could be no outside assistance or interference. Anyone attempting to intervene would be put to death immediately. The fight would last until one had defeated the other. The winner would claim everything that belonged to the loser. Well, at least she won't get much. Danielle had no possessions with her. Even the clothes on her back were borrowed.
How do I keep getting myself into these kinds of hostile situations? She already knew the answer to the question. It came with the job of being a Sovereign Angel. At least her Angel training had given her some preparation. She was so buried in her thoughts that she didn't even notice when K'oron entered the room. He placed a hand on her shoulder, and she jumped.
"I'm sorry," he apologized. "I didn't mean to startle you."
"It's okay," she replied. "This duel thing has just got me on edge, I suppose." On edge? That's an understatement. Nothing like the threat of death to make one a bit jumpy. She tried to push that aside, and focus on other matters. "How did your meeting with the Emperor go?"
"Fairly well for a briefing in which you tell your Emperor that you failed in your mission," he replied. A look of disappointment was still on his face. "Although he said it wasn't as much of a failure as I feel it was."
"Well, we are always most critical of ourselves," she offered. "If he wasn't displeased, I would say that it was a good meeting."
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