Tempest Rise (revised edition 10/2013) (Treborel) (29 page)

“You know I’ve saved all those honors of whisking me off to
the Royal Balls for you. Until lately that is, with your engagement, I’ve been forced to accept several other offers.”

“I’m sure you’ve been very resourceful, Enda.” Katar answered as his smile vanished.

“Actually I was hoping, Cap would come calling. You must be keeping him very busy.” Enda continued, not noticing the change in his temperament.

“Enda, I called you here in hope that you could remedy that situation for me.”  Katar poured her a glass of water from the large decanter on the table.

“Anything I can do would be a pleasure.” Enda smiled brightly at him.

“First of all, you can clear up a few facts that seem to be in question.” Katar began holding his temper back.

“Facts?” Enda asked uncertain.

”Yes, there seems to be some confusion about your husband's death.” 

“My husband?” She smiled, faltering slightly.

“Yes
, it seems someone has come forward with information claiming you conspired to have Lord Waytals murdered.” Katar leaned forward slowly, letting her absorb the statement.

“He was killed by a stray arrow during a sraeb attack.” Enda tried to hide her surprise at the direction of the conversation by quickly correcting Katars mistake.

“Shot in the head?” Katar asked innocently.

“Yes, it was dark, there was a lot of confusion, and we had both been knocked from our horses when the sraeb attacked. There were witnesses.”

“Shot in the center of the forehead with a crossbow bolt.” Katar clarified his statement.

“Yes, I don’t see how he could have possibly been murdered right there in front of half a garrison of soldiers.” Enda was beginning to lose patience with Katar.

“He was shot in the forehead by Commander Allen Connor at your request.”

“What?” Enda
was shaken by the use of Connor’s name.

“
Commander Allen Connor, your accomplice.” Katar repeated calmly.

“No . . .
He . . . I don’t know what you are talking about. Who is this . . . Commander?”

“You were born and raised in Latria?” Katar ignored her question and continued.

“Latria? Yes, of course. That is where Byron and I met.” Enda glanced at the Queen and received a cold stare.

Rising
, Katar circled the table coming to rest beside her. “You met Connor in Latria; perhaps you grew up with him. When you met Lord Waytals, you and Connor developed a devious plan. You marry Waytals, kill him and live nicely off of the inheritance.”

“No, I don’t know anyone by the name of Connor.”

“When was it that Connor approached you with another idea? Or was that the plan all along, to become a spy and a traitor to your new country?”

“No . . .” Enda gasped, frightened as Katar leaned toward her, his face twisted in rage.

Katar growled at her letting his anger surface, saying, “He had you get close to one of the Queen’s advisors. Only one day, you actually managed to find your way into my attentions, and the information began to flow. I was a real prize, wasn’t I Enda?; more than you had ever hoped for.”

“Katar, how could you think that I would betray you?” Enda gasped
, searching for the words that would save her.

Katar continued, “Then somehow you found out that your source of information was about to cut you off. So you went to Bantor to meet with Connor.” Katar grabbed her shoulders and pulled her to her feet. “Did you give him more information concerning Borels security systems
, or information on the Alliance? Or was the trip entirely devoted to Lysette’s abduction?”

“You can’t believe . . .” Enda tried to reason with him.

“You convinced Connor to take her, didn’t you? He was only too happy to oblige when you explained that I was in love with her, and that she was Lord Nolan’s niece.” Katar released her, and she sank back down into her chair.

“I love you!” Enda sobbed.

“Love me?” Katar hissed, “Do you realize how many people died because of your ‘love’ for me?”

Staring at him in silence
, Enda’s face-hardened. Pulling herself up straight in her chair she answered defiantly, “I’m not going to answer any more questions.”

“Has Connor taken his refuge in Lord Waytals hunting lodge?” Katar loomed over her
, asking so softly that it sent chills of fear down Enda’s spine.

“Receiving only an angry glare from Enda, Katar turned toward the door to where Hanlin still stood watching and said, “Lord Wills have the empath Joah brought in.” Then turning back to Enda as Hanlin disappeared through the doors he explained,
“Joah was taken with Lysette and the others. He stood by helplessly and watched your comrade’s torture and kill his friends. His grandson is still being held captive with Lysette. I’m going to turn you over to him. He can find the information in your memory in minutes, and tell me all that I need to know.  Perhaps more.”

Still she only glared at him undaunted. Katar added, “He can empty your entire mind Enda. Knowing his concern for his grandson
, he will extract the information as quickly as possible. I won’t be held responsible if your mind is gone when he finishes with you.”

“It’s useless Katar,” Enda snapped at him, “She’s dead.”

Grabbing her by the throat, Katar lifted her out of the chair as Sari rose and cried out, “Katar!”

Dropping Enda back into her seat
, Katar stormed off toward the large set of windows trying to regain control. Moving forward, Sari turned her attention on the traitor before her saying, “Enda Waytals, you are guilty of murder, treason and kidnapping. I could have you imprisoned for life. Instead, I shall do as Katar wishes and watch as the Empath Joah destroys your mind trying to find Lysette and his grandson. He will tell us everything about your past, here and in Latria.  While Treborel has abolished the death penalty, Latria has not. I guarantee if your past reveals any crimes that would warrant Latrian justice, I will turn you over to them before the night is through.”

The fear that consumed Enda over Connors revenge if she betrayed him
, was overshadowed by the thought of being sent back to Latria for execution. She knew all too well, there were many aspects about her past life that would warrant a sentence of death in Latria.

“There is no need for the Empath.” She answered softly. She prayed that Connor
was killed in the battle that would soon follow. Knowing it would be her only chance of survival, yet doubting that any man would ever possess the skill and courage necessary to kill him.

“Enda?”
Cap stared, as she left with the security officers. He turned back through the doorway and stared at Katars scowl, asking, “What’s going on?”

Hanlin stepped over quietly and
said, “Treason,” Hanlin did not want to disturb Katar.

Moving to Katar’s side
, Cap asked softly, “What has she done?”

Without a word
, Katar moved away from him to stand by the large set of windows and stare silently out into the falling darkness. Cap followed and stood beside him in silent support, waiting until he was ready to speak.

Without moving Katar answered softly forcing the words, “She betrayed Lysette and the Empaths to Connor. Not out of jealousy. She did it because she had been working with Connor for years. Every bit of information she overheard me
, or anyone else say, went straight to him.”

“She admitted to it?” Cap couldn’t believe what he was hearing, hadn’t there been enough pain in Katars life in the last month
, without another knife being shoved into his heart?

“
She confessed after we threatened to bring in an Empath and break into her mind.”

“Enda, I can’t believe it.” Cap shook his head astonished.

“She made a fool out of me Cap. If I hadn’t met Lysette, I might have married her just to keep Hanlin off my back about producing an heir.” Katar said softly, shaking his head.

“That never would have happened.” Cap put his hand on Katars shoulder.

“Of course it could have happened!”  Katar pushed his hand away, “I couldn’t have been more stupid. I’ve been playing a game! All my life has been just one good time after another. The only real thing in my life is Lysette, and I turned her over to Connor. Just as surely as if I had been flying that helijet myself.”

“It wasn’t your fault Katar; you're blowing this all out of proportion.” Cap argued
, felling his friends torment.

“I’m not capable of running my own life, Cap. How am I going to run an entire nation? Do you realize E
nda could have destroyed Treborel? One stupid remark from me, and she could have gotten access to our entire defense system.”  Katar took Cap by the shoulders squeezing hard in his fury, saying “Only that wasn’t good enough. I couldn’t ruin just my life and my country with me, I had to take one of the most brilliant, beautiful women on the planet and send her into the clutches of a psychotic killer bent on revenge!”

Shoving him back hard, Cap freed himself from Katar’s ravings
, sending him back into the large windows behind him. Cap said, “If you're going to drown in this cesspool of defeat you’ve created for yourself, you're going to do it without me!” Turning his back on his friend, Cap headed for the doors.

“Cap.” Katar called after him, pulling himself up. “I’m sorry. I’m just so scared I’ve lost her.”

“Did Enda say where they were?” Cap turned back and asked softly.

“Yes, Lord Waytals hunting lodge.
Nevertheless, we can’t leave without Joah. He should be in the city soon. I want him to ‘talk’ to Enda and make sure she’s telling the truth. Then he’s going with us.”

“I’ll get the squad ready
. We’ll head out as soon as he’s finished.” Cap turned back and headed for the door.

“You're in charge.” Katar added, grateful for his friendship with Cap.

Heading for the small emergency transport on the palace roof, Cap tried to judge the weather by the brisk breeze that met him, as they crossed to the command booth. If the wind lessened, they would be able to take the transport to the harbor, which would cut their travel time by nearly 6 hours. That would allow them to avoid the danger of meeting a sraeb, fattened and strengthened by
frenzy,
in the darkness. His thoughts went to Enda, as he checked the weather calculations on the small Comm Screen inside the booth. What would happen to her? Why did he care? She had nearly destroyed his country, and might have possibly ruined Katar’s life.

He knew all too
well, what would happen to the beautiful traitor. She would spend the rest of her life working on one of Treborel’s detention ranches, or possibly be sent to one of the gem splicing mills. Unless Connor somehow managed to evade them, then she wouldn’t live long enough to regret her crimes.  Cap had enjoyed Enda’s company, sometimes wishing she had languished some of her attentions on him occasionally. Yet the image in his mind of Enda’s seductive form, was quickly replaced with Kendra’s young smiling face. She made it easy for Cap to forget about the tragedy that Enda brought upon herself, and concentrate on preparing for departure.

Sending the two guards on duty to recharge the helijets batteries and do a quick pre
-flight check, Cap settled down in front of the Comm center and dove deep into the landscape surrounding the hunting lodge where Lysette and Andru were being held. After nearly an hour, he found that little was recorded about the lodge and its surrounding properties. All he found was that it contained a large cabin set in the mountainside, and oversized stables. It was a dangerous ride through the cold dark night, they were about to undertake. It would take them at least an hour after departure to reach the spot where Connor must have landed.  Then it would take six or seven hours on horseback to make it to the lodge. Cap estimated their arrival would be just before dawn, if they were lucky.

Turning around at the sound of someone entering the small
command center, Cap found Katar and Joah standing before him. They were each dressed in the mountain animal skins that Treborelans had worn for centuries, died black for night hunts. Katar carried his laser pistol, and his compound bow strapped to his back, with his large hunting knife secured to his belt.

“Go get dressed and let’s head out.” Katar said
, and he turned and headed to prep the helijet for takeoff.

The wind was slightly stronger than before
. The small craft skimmed the treetops with difficulty, but managed to arrive safely at the harbor in less than twenty minutes. Sean greeted them as they boarded the large transport containing a dozen Lon Tesse solders. Katar headed for the cockpit, only to be challenged by Cap who said, “I’m taking the helm and you are not going to argue with me.”

Sean followed them to the small cockpit asking for co-ordinates
, as Katar took the co-pilots seat in silence. Cap explained, “We’re heading for Lord Waytals lodge approximately one hundred kilometers north and 10 kilos inland. We’ll follow the coast and meet the Skyward, our naval vessel, about 20 kilometers off that sector. They are standing by with a team of men and horses.”

“Horses?”
Katar stirred, glancing over at Cap.

“I figured we were going to have to take some chances and search the most likely areas within the next few days.” Cap answered with a grin. “I’d rather ride than walk; I had them load
ed two days ago, when the Skyward was in port.”

“Perfect,” Katar answered quietly, his scowl lessening, “We need the extra time the horses will allow.”

“If we can get them to shore.” Cap cautioned.

Returning to brief his men, Sean left Katar and Cap alone as the transport lifted off and headed north. Flying in silence only deepened Katar’s despair. 
Sensing this, Cap searched for the words that might ease his pain. Cap began confidently, saying, “We are going to find them and get Lysette out in one piece.  I can feel it, Katar. We’ve searched too long and hard to fail now.”

“How can you be so sure, Cap” Katar growled back at him.

“Take my word for it.” Cap smiled at him, “Have I ever lied to you?”

“I wish I could answer that.” Katar said quietly, “I just don’t know who I can trust anymore.”

“Hey . . .” Cap answered surprised.

“You’ve been my friend for nearly
thirty years Cap. We grew up together and saved each other’s hide more times than I can remember. There’s no one in the world that knows me better than you. I know I should be able to trust you, I always have before.” Katar’s words flowed as a myriad of emotions washed over him. “But it seems like everyone in my life has been lying to me, and not little white lies, but huge, important, life changing stories. Now I suddenly see things so differently. What is that? Is it Enda’s betrayal, or Hanlin’s, or worse yet, my own mothers?”

“Maybe this is how it had to happen.” Cap said, “Maybe there was no other way. You and I have ignored the fact that you’re going to rule Treborel one day
, and not as a figurehead as some rulers have become. You will be a true King.  To put it simply, I’m not sure a King can truly trust anyone so completely without that, they allow blind trust to overrule common sense.”

“Are you saying that I shouldn’t trust you?” Katar grinned at Cap in surprise.

“I’m saying that I don’t ever plan to deceive you. In fact, I would gladly die before I would ever do anything to hurt you or Treborel. However, I can’t predict the future. I can’t promise that someday I won’t become so desperate because of some unforeseen tragedy or threat to someone I love, that I wouldn’t make a bad decision that could endanger you.” Cap glanced back out the windshield, searching the blackness. “I can’t imagine anything that could happen to force me in that direction, but the fact is everyone has a breaking point.  Everyone has a weakness. When you hold the lives of a million people in your hands, the only person you should rely on completely is yourself.”

Shaking his head at Cap, Katar smiled deeply, “Just when I need them the most, words of wisdom come sprouting out of your mouth. How is it
that you always manage to clear my muddled head, just at just the right moment?”

“Well
it’s not the most glamorous job in the world, but someone’s got to do it.” Cap smiled back, and they turned to look into the night, each wondering if their friendship could withstand the stress the crown would put on it.

Returning from his last inspection of the day
Commander Connor moved silently across the living area and past the galley toward the short broad hall that led to his suite. His mood was calm and confident. William and Elsebeth were no longer a constant bother. Katar’s lover was firmly in his grasp, and soon she would suffer all the torture and pain Mikel and Katar had caused him to bear. He noticed a chilled bottle of sparkling wine waiting for him on the long table in front of the couch. As he reached for the crystal glass standing on the table beside the decanter, a knock came at his door.

“
Commander there is a disturbance in the nursery.” His captain's voice came through the door.

“Don’t tell me our two nursemaids tried to escape?” Connor smiled as he opened the door.

“No sir, the female appears to be attacking the Empath. May I have permission to unlock the door and attend to them?”

Intrigued, Connor forgot his bottle of wine and evening of relaxation
, and moved past the soldier, heading to the nursery. Arriving as the guards repositioned themselves at attention, after having drawn closer to the doors.  Taking the only key to the nursery from his belt, Connor opened the door to a barrage of screams from Rey and Arbus.

“You ass!”
Lysette screamed at Andru as she lunged after him, “I’m sick to death of that superior attitude of yours.”

“I’m only stating the facts!” Andru snapped back
, dodging her blows. “Your barbaric medical practices will be the end of us all, if we Empaths aren’t here to pick up all the scarred and useless pieces!”

“Barbaric? What do you call living
in an ancient ruin, studying a hokey religion that can’t even reattach a leg, much less repair a deformed child’s scar?” Lysette defended her practice, pretending not to notice their audience.

“That soldier would have died if it hadn’t been for ME!” Andru shouted back at her, “My
strength
is to be used to save lives, not to help old wrinkled women relive their youth!”

“I am a pediatric surgeon with a specialty in neurology
, not a cosmetic surgeon!” Lysette’s voice rose to a shout, as the captain strode over to separate them, “But of course you don’t have the intelligence or education to know the difference!”

Shoving the captain away from her
, Lysette stormed off into the infirmary and slammed the door behind her. Glancing up, Andru pretended to notice Commander Connor for the first time, and quickly moved to quiet the infants, who silenced at his touch. Motioning for the guards to return to their posts, Connor strode inside the door studying Andru. Finally, he went slowly toward the infirmary and opened the door, disappearing inside. Andru took a deep breath and said a silent prayer for Lysette’s safety and success.

Once inside the infirmary
, Connor found Lysette pacing the floor. She stopped as he entered and glared at him demanding, “What do you want?”

“It seems that you and the empath are at odds.” He smiled genuinely for the first time
, and moved toward her.

“He is a pretentious pig!” She answered
, holding her ground. “He refused to let me care for the twins. He says I’m incapable and uneducated in the art of nurturing a child.”