After several minutes, Darvk cleared his throat, and Tenia glanced sideways to see Maverk travelling beside them on the travel disc, his twinkling eyes looking at Darvk.
“You’re an idiot,” Darvk growled.
Maverk laughed and moved ahead to join Byron.
Wondering what had transpired between them, Tenia tried to ignore the sharp throb of the wound, the wetness coating her side, and concentrated instead on coming up with another plan of escape. Her first attempt had failed dismally.
Next time, she wouldn’t fail. Escape was on her mind, escape so that she could continue her search for any of her sister warriors that might still be left. Once she got away from the Daamens - she refused to think if - she intended to head for the Outlaw Sector. Somehow, she’d make it.
~ * ~
Conscious of Darvk leaning against the examination table with his arms folded, Tenia held up one side of her bodice so that Byron could work unhindered.
“Not too bad,” the Saalm medic reported. “Four stitches broken resulting in some wound dehiscence, which accounts for the blood. I’ll just replace the stitches and you’ll be fine.”
When he approached the table with a bottle of liquid, she looked at him dubiously.
“It will deaden the area around the wound so you won’t feel the needle going in,” he explained.
“Stitches won’t kill me. I’ve had them before with no anaesthetic.”
“You mean the scar on your stomach?”
Darvk raised his eyebrows. “What scar?”
“I saw it when we were stitching up her wound the first time.”
“How did you get it?” Darvk looked at her.
“Laser gun.”
Maverk, who’d been standing against a wall, moved closer. “You were shot and whoever did it allowed you to live?”
She smiled chillingly. “My sister came up behind the Inka soldier and slit his throat.”
Byron paused and looked up, then resumed stitching.
Seeing the exchange of glances between the Daamen traders, she added, “It was him or me.”
“How long ago was this?” Byron cut the thread and applied a clear liquid solution to the wound. “The scar is not new.”
“Awhile ago.” She shrugged. “What does it matter?”
“’Tis not something anyone should do to a wench.” Disapproval was clear on Darvk’s face.
“They gutted younger girls than I was back then.”
“That’s impossible.” Maverk frowned.
“Impossible? I was there. You didn’t see the slaughter; no one apart from the soldiers and us saw it.”
Byron smoothed an adhesive patch over the cleaned, neatly stitched wound.
“Surely you expected retribution?” Darvk queried. “After all, once it got out that the Reekas murdered their own men-”
“It was all lies!” Tenia was off the table in seconds, fists clenched and facing him furiously.
~*~
“’Tis a fact that only the females survived,” Darvk argued. “You were still a child when it started. Time distorts everything.”
“Time may distort things, but it doesn’t ease the horror of seeing my six year old cousin being gutted by a soldier while he laughed in my face! And this scar?” She touched her stomach. “He was going to finish me off, but Reya saved me.”
Six year old cousin? He didn’t know what to say. “Lass, I…”
“Time hasn’t dimmed the screams, the smell of our homes being torched, or the sounds of lasers blasting. And do you know what else? I can still taste the rawhide I bit down on to prevent me from screaming while my sister sewed me up.”
Was it true? Darvk exchanged questioning glances with his friends.
“Of course, why believe a murdering outlaw?” Shoving past Darvk, she strode into the bedroom, the door slamming behind her.
After several seconds of silence, he sighed. “I’d better go and talk to her.”
“I wouldn’t,” advised Byron. “She won’t listen to you right now.”
Maverk nodded in agreement. “Let her calm down first.”
“Mayhap you’re right. Are there guards at the windows?”
“And the outside doors.”
“Good. Maverk?”
“Aye?”
“Go and clean up.”
Maverk looked down at the food smeared on his vest. “Not a bad idea.”
Once alone, Darvk gazed thoughtfully at the closed door of the bedroom. Had she lied about the soldiers’ ruthlessness? Oddly, her voice held the ring of truth. No doubt she believed what she’d said, but the recordings, the official verdicts, everyone knew them. She might be a young woman now, but she’d been just a child back then.
But still, there had been something in her eyes, a brief haunted expression on her beautiful face, a darkening of those lovely violet eyes that showed such pain. He knew what everyone knew, yet…
Shaking his head, he left the dwelling to seek out his crew. Now that Tenia had recovered, it was time for him to return to the spaceship and trading. There’d be time enough while travelling to unravel the mystery of the Reeka outlaw.
~ * ~
“These cabins are the crews’ sleeping quarters,” Darvk informed Tenia. “You will sleep in here.”
Opening a door, he stood back and Tenia entered slowly, studying the cabin. A bunk was against one wall, a sliding door on the opposite wall that was open to show a built-in robe.
“You’ll find some clothes in there.” He motioned toward one side. “Behind the door opposite is a bathroom.”
Folding her arms, she turned to regard the big trader.
“I want you to stay in here until we take off,” Darvk continued. “I’ll return for you later.”
When she simply nodded slightly, he left, closing the door behind him. Immediately she went over and tried the handle. Locked. Well, what else could she expect? Turning, she surveyed the cabin with its pale blue walls and white ceiling. The bunk was made with blue covers. She opened the robe to see four skirts and vests hanging up, the same as she now wore. In the drawer were clean underwear and soft, cotton nightgowns. The clothes had obviously been made for her. Had Lexie and Lica supplied them?
She shut the door and went into the bathroom. A small shower cubicle with glass sliding doors and a cabinet took up most of the small space, a separate toilet room on the side. There was a small glassed porthole high up in the wall, but too small for escape.
Returning to the cabin, she sat on the bunk, wrapping her arms around her knees as she drew them up to her chin. There was nothing she could do but wait and think, straining to hear what was happening in the corridors beyond the locked door. As the quiet continued, she drifted into a half doze. Only when a sound outside jolted her to alertness did she glance at the timer on the wall to see that an hour had passed. Heavy boots pounded past the door followed by masculine laughter. The sound faded then returned, the heavy boots now pounding in a different direction, this time accompanied by a heated curse.
“Damn it, will someone catch that rodent-eater? We can’t leave with a lycat on board!” Darvk’s voice sounded followed by laughter easily identifiable as Maverk’s. A scuffle sounded and a door slammed. Silence again.
Time passed and she leaned back against the wall, wondering where they were headed and what was in store for her. While Darvk had seemed kind, she really didn’t know or trust him - or his crew, as cheerful as they were. Would they chain, rape, and beat her?
When the door finally opened, she bounded off the bunk, heart pounding. It looked like she was finally going to find out.
She wasn’t going to go down without a fight. Tension spiralled through her as she surveyed the big trader standing in the doorway.
Darvk surveyed her in turn, his eyebrows raised. “What’s the matter with you?”
“Nothing.”
“‘Tis time for the evening meal.”
“I’m not to eat in here?”
“Nay, you’re to eat with us.” His lips q
uirked upwards at the corners. “And if you can refrain from it, don’t try to impale me with a fork.” Stepping back, he indicated with a hand.
It was a good opportunity to study her surroundings, plus it wasn’t as though she had a choice. Antagonizing the men at this stage wasn’t a wise move.
Tenia followed him down the white-tiled corridor to the dining cabin, which was surprisingly spacious with one long table and swivel stools, seven down each side of the table and one at either end. On the other side of the cabin sat five large armchairs, a long sofa, a low table, a vis-screen on the wall, and a set of shelves that held an ssortment of reading devices and infochips. All the furniture was fastened to the floor.
Darvk led her over to the counter separating the dining area from the tiny kitchenette. “Choose what you want to eat, and press the button beside it. The lid will open and the plate will come up.”
She’d never seen anything like it. The fifteen-foot counter had small glass windows along the top, and through it she could see the different varieties of food offered.
After debating for several seconds she made a choice, and Darvk handed her a knife and fork.
“Aren’t you scared I’ll stab you?” she asked sardonically, taking them from him.
“You could, but there’s nowhere you can hide and not be found. Now grab a stool, the crew are coming any minute and there’ll be a rush for the counter.”
True to his words they’d just sat down when the crew entered noisily and made straight for the food.
When they noticed her sitting at the table, would they refuse to eat with her? Stare? Leer? What?
She found out as the traders, still talking, sat down at the table with their plates. Some she remembered by name from when she’d faced them the first time, others were nameless. Those facing her nodded and smiled before returning to their conversation.
“Before we start eating,” Darvk said, “Let’s make some introductions.”
Silence fell and every face turned to him.
“You’ve all met Tenia, she of the sword arm and blood loss.” He winked at her. “Starting on your left and going around, lass, are Borga, Aamun, Jase, Shamon, Garret, Maverk, Heddam, Red, Morgan, Simon, and Cam.”
Grins swept around the table.
“Glad to see you hale and hearty,” Heddam said.
“And you’ve been given knife privileges again.” Maverk smirked at her.
“Don’t worry about him,” said Cam, who looked to be the youngest of the brawny crew, sitting opposite her. “He’s always trying to annoy someone.”
This produced a round of jeers and taunts that flew back and forth over the table.
Tenia relaxed a little when the men simply ate and talked, friendly towards her but polite, not one making a threatening move. But experience had taught her that even friendly faces could turn hard, gentle hands cruel, so she didn’t let her guard down.
When everyone had finished eating and drinking, the traders piled their plates behind a door in the counter before exiting the cabin, leaving their captain and Tenia alone at the table.
Tenia slid her gaze sideways to find Darvk contemplating her thoughtfully, his vivid blue eyes searching her face.
Jaw clenching a little, she waited, tracing the pattern on her empty plate with the knife, wondering if she’d have to use it after all. Not as good as a sword, dagger or laser, but she could make do if the occasion called for it.
“Not thinking of doing anything drastic with that, are you?” Dark drawled. When she placed the knife on the plate but kept her fingers atop it, he nodded, unfazed. “So, lass, let’s lay some ground rules to make life easy for us all.” He folded his arms across his massive chest. “For now, you are a part of my crew and will help where needed. Disobey orders and I will find out. You, lass, are going to learn to get along with us, whether you like it or not.”
Get along with these men? Her hands curled into fists. Just in what capacity?
“Get too smart for your own good and I’ll find some exceedingly unpleasant chore for you to do. However, tow the line and we’ll get on fine. Understand?”
“I don’t suppose you’d consider letting me go?” she asked.
He laughed. “’Tisn’t in the equation, lass. You’re a branded, bought outlaw. Do you honestly think I’d let you loose?”
Her cheeks heated. “I’m no man’s slave.”
“You work for me now. Like I said, toe the line and we’ll do fine. Understand?”
Oh, she understood the arrogant bastard all right. Even while fury at her situation coursed through her, so did the realization that there was no choice. To fight now might result in unwanted attentions. All she could do was obey orders, however reluctantly, until she could escape.
His eyes twinkled and she knew the big bastard was enjoying himself.
And escape she would, she vowed it on her sister warriors’ graves. She was no man’s plaything, no man’s slave, and no man’s amusement.
~ * ~
“We’ve two unidentified fighters closing in, Darvk.”
“Have you made contact?”
“Aye, they want to speak to you,” Maverk replied.
Leaving Borga and Heddam in the corridor where they’d been discussing the next trade, Darvk strode over to the control cabin.
He’d just dropped down into a chair beside Maverk when a voice buzzed over the viscomm. “Darvk of Daamen?”
“Aye. Identify yourself.”
The visual screen flickered and a face appeared. A fighter helmet surrounded the head of the speaker, hiding the top half of the face. “I have a message for you from Shari of the Inka Empire. Stand by.”
The screen flickered again and an older, care-worn face appeared. “I am Shari of the Inka Empire.”
Though the screen was not very big, Darvk was able to make out that he was sitting on a throne of some kind, his long white robes flowing over the gilt-edges. “What do you seek me for?”
“You have a Reeka warrior on board, yes? A woman by the name of Tenia?”
“What is it to you?”
Shari’s kindly face smiled. “I merely inquire because the Reekas are murderers of men. If you choose to relinquish ownership of this outlaw, you may transport her to one of my fighters to be brought back here.”
That was a completely odd offer. Darvk frowned. “What is your interest in her?”
“I merely wish to save you trouble later. As the Empire that outlawed her race, we would feel responsible if anything happened to you and your crew because of her. I will, of course, recompense you for dinnos lost.”
Now it just got odder. “Thanks for your concern, but I’m keeping her.”
Shari stroked one hand along his jaw. “We have been hunting these outlaws for a long time.”
Darvk didn’t answer.
“We lost a lot of soldiers in the fights we had with them. Family.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, but the answer remains nay.”
“If you change your mind, contact me.”
“I won’t change my mind.”
“Ah.” Shari hesitated before nodding slightly. “All right. Then I wish you luck.”
The screen went blank.
“Well, that’s curious,” Maverk mused. “Why is he so interested in our welfare?”
Darvk turned to look at his friend. “I’m thinking he’s trying to gather up the last of the Reeka tribe.”
“What would they do with her?”
“Revenge is never a good thing. Mayhap imprison her, mayhap execute her. However, I don’t intend to hand her over to them.” Pushing up out of the chair, Darvk headed for the door. “Maverk, keep an eye on those fighter craft, track where they go.”
“Don’t trust them?”
“Just being careful.”
~ * ~
For a week Tenia controlled her fury at her continued captivity. Oh, she was treated well enough, more like a true crewmember than a bought outlaw. Darvk, however, never allowed her out of the
ship while docked on a planet.
She’d been at pains to be obedient, to do as told - well, asked, no one actually ordered her around - but apparently it wasn’t enough to make Darvk relax his guard. She knew why. He didn’t trust her. Not that she could blame him, but how was she to escape when he wouldn’t let her out?
When they landed for the fifth time, and she found that once again she was to be kept in, frustration snapped her patience. “Why must I stay behind?”
“Four are staying to watch the ship, so you won’t be alone,” Darvk replied.
“Why?”
“Nay, lass, and ‘tis the end of it.”
She glared up at him. “Am I to be imprisoned in this damned ship forever?”
“Only until I say otherwise.”
“Haven’t I proven trustworthy?”
He laughed outright. “Do you honestly believe I haven’t noticed you hovering near the cargo hold when we near a planet, observing who and how many of the crew go down to it? I ’m not stupid. I know how your mind works, lass. You’ll run the first chance you get.”
Escape was rapidly slipping through her fingers simply because this giant was so bloody stubborn and observant. She didn’t have time for this, the urgency growing inside her every day to continue the search for whoever of her sister warriors had the unfortunate bad luck to still be in the Lawful Sector. There had been a rumour, one she’d overheard before her betrayal and subsequent capture by the slavers, and that rumour was pulling at her.
But she couldn’t follow it while trapped on this bloody ship.
Maverk grinned at Aamun and Jase from where they awaited Darvk on the platform. “I wondered how long she’d be able to maintain that meek and mild act.”
“Aye, it nearly killed her,” Jase chuckled.
“I lose the bet with Cam.” Aamun sighed. “I was so sure the lass would wait another week before trying to get off the ship.”
Her furious gaze switched back to Darvk, but before she could say anything, he said, “Go back to your cabin.”
“What? No. I have slaved away on your bloody ship and caused no trouble! I deserve-”
“I won’t continue to argue this.” He pointed back down the corridor. “Go.”
Her temper snapped. “Go to hell, you pompous-” She ended in a surprised shriek as she was slung over one broad shoulder and carted, spitting curses, back to her cabin.
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