Tempest Rise (revised edition 10/2013) (Treborel) (25 page)

Katar could tell by the look on Cap
’s face he wasn’t going to let it go. He sighed and said, “We are going to lose Connor and Lysette if we stand here talking. Whatever story you’ve got to tell me you can say on the way.” Katar reached past Cap and grabbed Kendra’s arm, pulling her behind him as he headed for the door, followed closely by Cap and Sean.

The cramped space in the small transport was nearly unbearable. For the last four hours, Lysette sat kneeling on the floor, holding Rey in her arms. Eleven people had crowded into the small cargo space of a small helijet. She sat in front of Commander Connor; he appeared to enjoy the idea of spreading his legs to allow her to sit between his feet.

The King and Queen sat across from the
commander, each had fallen asleep as soon as they had reached their seats. Neither had reacted to the presence of their separated sons. The King had not returned to view the infants since they were separated. Neither royal seemed to be much aware of their surroundings.

As the
hours, slowly slipped away Commander Connor had enjoyed taunting his captives. First, he described how Joah had died in detail, watching the anger grow on Andru’s face. Then he began to compare Chelsa’s death to Joah’s saying, “We took an unusual approach to your grandfather’s interrogation, empath. The woman Chelsa died so quickly, losing only one finger killed her.  Perhaps Empaths were too weak in their own mortality.” He smiled evilly down at Lysette. “Perhaps that is a Treborelan trait.” He added as an afterthought, “Wanting to avoid a sudden death reoccurrence I decided to use an old method of torture on the old man.” Connor’s eyes moved to meet Andru’s hate filled glare. “I let my soldiers take turns carving designs into his chest. When it was sufficiently decorated we turned him over and worked on his back.” 

Pausing
, Connor tilted his head studying Andru who sat across from him holding Arbus in his arms. Connor continued saying, “I was impressed with the way the old man took the pain. Yet one blow to his head killed him so easily. I realized then that he could block the pain and not the injury. He was as weak as Chelsa. When the time comes Empath, will you be so fragile?” Connor glanced at Lysette saying, “You see doctor, I have a theory that the empathic
strength
these fools use to heal, is actually a fatal weakness when not put to its proper use.”

Moving his gaze back to
Andru, he taunted him once more, “I’ve got to give the old healer a bit of credit. He never screamed, not once. Will you be that brave when you die?” He looked back at Lysette and said, “Will you Dr. Nolan?”

Andru reached slowly into his jacket pocket and grasped the laser scalpel; his only wish was to silence Connor forever. To his surprise
, Connor had silently drawn his pistol and pointed it at Andru’s face saying, “Yes, do bring out your toy empath. Show me if you can create a wound as skillfully as you can heal one.” Connor’s voice was low and threatening.

The soldier sitting beside Andru jerked him to his feet in the small space
, and shoved him back against the thin jet wall, nearly knocking Arbus from his hands.  Removing the scalpel from Andru’s jacket, the soldier tossed it to Connor and shoved Andru back into his seat.

Connor inspected it saying, “An effective weapon at close range, but not worthy of an empath.” He smiled with disappointment. “I would have expected the sweet doctor to have wielded this weapon.”

An eternity passed before the craft landed, on a small stretch of beach below a series of sheer cliffs. The dark sky was unrelenting as the clouds refused to let the moonlight reach them. The only light was that of the soldier’s lanterns as they reflected off the waves. The prisoners were herded into a cove with sheer cliff walls. The soldiers dismantled the transport and hid the large sections under the cold waves using weighted anchors.

The King and Queen had regained consciousness upon arrival
, yet shuffled around as if they were not quite awake. The small inlet led up a steep rocky incline. Ropes were tied to the royals, then Lysette and Andru. They struggled to keep their footing, or be dragged up the slope behind the soldiers. Doing their best Andru and Lysette protected the babies with their bodies, trying not to crush them as they struggled to remain on their feet up the nearly vertical slope. Andru followed behind Lysette staying close to her in the darkness. Speaking only once as they neared the top he whispered, “We’re in Treborel, far north I’d say.  Watch for any movement in the brush and be prepared to move quickly.”

Lysette knew he was referring to the sraeb they were well into
frenzy
at this point. After all they had been, through Lysette was past fear of death. She pushed the thought of an animal attack to the back of her mind and concentrated on staying upright. Once on the ridge above the ocean, they were led to a stable located just inside the line of trees. Working quickly the soldiers had the horses saddled and the prisoners mounted within minutes, and they disappeared into the forest.

The company held a steady pace
, making their way through the forest and mountains with a purpose. Lysette had no doubt they followed a specific route taking them deep into the dense wilderness. Traveling on and on without a rest for horse, man, or infant they moved further into the mountains until the first hint of dawn broke the darkness with its golden light. As they entered, the first clearing they had come across, they headed for the base of a stone bluff.  Embedded partially into the bluff was a hunter’s lodge. Sheltered by the massive trees it blended into the surroundings well. Nearly one hundred and eighty meters across the clearing from the lodge was a large stable, also concealed by the large trees.

Dismounting
, they were taken inside through the large living area that was as lushly decorated as the palace in Bantor. They headed down a short corridor and into a room at the end of the hall. The nursery seemed dull and lifeless, compared to the satin and velvet furniture that decorated the main area. Painted in a cold blue, the entire interior, woodwork and furniture was the same color of blue as the walls and floor. As a result, everything blended into a blur for Lysette’s tired eyes.

Al
l she wanted was to empty her arms of Rey, they ached from holding him so closely throughout the night. Placing Rey in the closest crib, she moved to examine the small bath that opened off the small room. Andru sat in the one chair in the room and said, “The twins are exhausted. Rey is wheezing, I’ll work on him while you take a shower.” His spirits seemed brighter.

Without
hesitation, Lysette closed the door, leaving Andru alone with the infants, and shed the clothes she had worn the last week and stepped into the rushing stream of steaming water. Taking the only bar of soap in the tiny bathroom, she scrubbed her skin and hair. She concentrated on getting clean instead of her dire situation, feeling the need to escape from her captivity for a while. Emerging from the shower, she recalled how long it had been since she’d had the luxury of a bath. The idea of soaking in a rich, fragrant bath was tantalizing. Renewed, she toweled off and glanced at her reflection in the mirror sink. Studying her complexion, she made a mental note to check on her own vitals with the priceless probe she always carried.

Her spirits sank as she realized she would have to don the filthy
, smelly clothes she’d been wearing since she was captured. Then a knock at the door produced a light gray jumpsuit. Andru slipped it through the crack in the door and said, “Look what I found in our closet. There’s about ten more, all gray. I guess they figured we’re human after all. I am tired of washing out my shirt in the sink every night.”

“I could kiss you for these.” Lysette teased
, delighted to have something truly clean to wear.

“Well, if that’s all I have to do, let’s see what I get for
this?” He chuckled as he handed her a pair of slippers.

Lysette buttoned her jumpsuit and opened the door,
declaring “Andru, you’re a miracle worker!” She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

Pulling her back toward him, Andru whispered in her ears with a smile, “Joah’s alive.”

“What” She stared at him in surprise?

“I told you I didn’t feel him die. Now I know why. It was what Connor said today that convinced me.”

“Andru, I want him to be alive as much as you do. I just don’t think Connor would let him live. I’m still not convinced he didn’t kill Kendra too.”  Lysette took his hand and lead him to one of the cots placed in the corner of the nursery.

“I don’t think he knew.” Andru explained as he sat down beside her. “He was right about the pain blocking. It’s possible for an Empath to reduce his pain to a bearable level. We are just as able to increase our pain or anyone else’s to a lethal level. That’s what Chelsa did. She wasn’t going to allow them the pleasure of torturing her. So she increased the level of her sensory input and released her life force when she was certain there was no other recourse.”

“You mean she killed herself?” Lysette asked shocked.

“No, she simply increased the pain of her amputated finger until it caused her to go into a deep shock and consequently cardiac arrest. They inflicted a mortal wou
nd without even knowing it.”

“Do you think Joah did the same kind of trick?”

“I think he used the blow to his head to fall into a deep coma. His breathing slowed, literally stopped, as well as his heart. Connor thought he was dead, just like Chelsa.”

“Andru, are you sure you
didn’t just convince yourself this could happen?  You’re hoping too hard?” Lysette thought the story was just a little beyond the capabilities of empath.

Andru met her eyes and answered softly, “I felt my grandmother die.
I was 17 years old; she was healing a very young toddler, crushed by a falling tree. The child died during the healing. My grandmother gave up her life force to save him. I felt her passing as if I was there with her. Instead I was nine kilometers away at the Institute.”

Realizing she still had a lot to learn about the empathic way, Lysette surrendered. “I had no idea of the depth of the
strength
.” She smiled and squeezed his hand. “Just the idea of Joah being alive and free gives me a little more strength and hope. If Connor was right about those friends of ours searching the city I'm sure they found Kendra and Joah. I just hope they reached them quickly.”

“Even if they didn’t
, Kendra can keep Joah stable until he can be revived at the institute.”

“I hope you
’re right.” Lysette added with a yawn.

“Why don’t you get some sleep?” Andru rose and added, “The babies will probably sleep through most of the day. I’m going to shower and go to bed myself.”

“Are you sure they are alright?” Lysette glanced at the two sleeping boys.

“I’ll check them again before I turn in. I’m sure they’ll be fine.” Andru headed for the shower as Lysette slipped under the thin covers and fell asleep.

They both awoke just after dark. There was a great commotion coming from the living area down the hall. The sound of approaching footsteps caused them both to bolt from their beds. Andru announced, “Someone’s been hurt, he’s in a lot of pain. There may be more than one injured.”

Connor strode in
, grabbed Andru by the collar of his shirt and hauled him from the room.  Dragging the empath down the hall to the room next to the nursery, he shoved him through the door. Lying on the table of the same type of operating room they had stayed in for so long was a soldier. The man was screaming as two other soldiers held him down. A third man was applying a tourniquet to what was left of his right leg.

The leg
was partially severed at the thigh. Blood covered the floor and table as well as the men that held him. Moving around to the opposite side of the table, Andru placed both hands on the bleeding stump and the hemorrhaging slowed, then stopped. “Where is the rest of his leg I may be able to reattach it?” Andru asked as he removed the makeshift tourniquet.”

“It’s . . . gone.” The third soldier stammered
, looking back at Commander Connor.

“His leg is inside the belly of a very large sraeb.” Connor answered casually.  “Will he live?”

“He’s lost a lot of blood. I can’t help him more until his body replenishes his fluids.” Andru shook his head looking at the pale soldier. He realized the soldier couldn’t have been more than 21, or twenty-two years old. “Perhaps Dr. Nolan . . .”

Before he could finish
, Commander Connor disappeared around the corner.  The soldiers watched as Andru found another bleeding vein and cauterized it with his touch.

“You can heal him just with you touch?” The second soldier asked, “Could you have put his leg back on?”

“It’s not that simple.” Andru answered honestly, “But you’ve got the right idea.” Glancing back at the door, he ventured a question of his own. “What happened?”

“We were about to go off duty
, when this giant sraeb sticks his head out of the brush and bit Charlie’s head off. His entire head! It just bit it off!” The young soldier’s eyes widened with his terror.

The other two nodded in assent and began muttering to each other as the third continued, “Bill here goes charging over with his laser pistol firing no
nstop.  Why he did, is a complete mystery. The sraeb simply turned to meet him. The rest of us followed Bills example and attacked. We reached him just in time to drag the poor bastard out from under the creature.” He shook his head in amazement. “If it wasn’t for the Commander and his crossbow, we’d probably all be dead.”