A Way of Honor (Champions of the Crystal Book 2)

Chapter 7.2

They emerged onto the control deck just as Malvarak and Rayland materialized. Malvarak leapt forward and grasped Tirqwin's shoulders. "Are you all right, Elusha?"

"Yes, Lhushan, thanks to Mara and Khediva's quick thinking."

"And she?" Malvarak demanded, glancing sharply at Sabrina.

"That is the real Sabrina, not the assassin," Tirqwin assured him. "Lhushan, we have a great deal to work out with Praxatillus. I think you should remain as a witness for Homeworld."

"Yes," Malvarak said. "I think you are right."

Commander Rayland stepped forward. "First, I would like to express my relief at your recovery, Tirqwin."

"Very noble of you, when things would have been so much easier for you if he had died," Malvarak sneered.

"Lhushan," Tirqwin reproved. "Commander, thank you."

"I hope this need not be a confrontational discussion," Rayland said. "We do indeed have many grave problems as a result of this link, but we all want what is best for Praxatillus and for Maratobia. And the rest of you have rendered many services to Praxatillus. We do not wish to harm you or distress you. We must all work together to find a solution."

"I agree," Tirqwin said. "Commander, I commend you for your reasonable reaction to this difficult situation. I must say, I did not expect you to take it so calmly."

Rayland gave a little smile. "I admit the existence of the link surprises me. However, I had begun to suspect that there was something you were all keeping secret, and it was perfectly evident to me that my niece's feelings for you transcended what she ought to feel for a mere tutor."

Mara smiled tranquilly; it was Tirqwin who blushed. Sabrina, in her capacity as attendant, felt obliged to say, "The relations aboard this Ship have been strictly honorable ones."

"I know," Rayland said.

"What will happen, Uncle?" Mara asked.

"Imari has convened the Council of Trême. I expect you will all be called before it shortly. The Council of Ministers is convening as we speak, but I expect them to decide to await the Miahns' decision. I must tell you, Maratobia, that you run a grave risk of being deposed. But you will not be deposed if I can prevent it, and I will, as always, work for your happiness."

"Thank you, Uncle," Mara said. "The Crystal will verify that Tirqwin had no say in the link; I instigated it while he was unconscious. And I must ask that you not proceed with any sort of discipline against Scotty or Sabrina. I alone am accountable for their actions in concealing the link."

Rayland frowned. "Captain Devon took an oath to obey the chain of command."

Mara thought for a moment. "I am in his chain of command, Uncle. I am at the top of it. And he never disobeyed me. For that matter, he never disobeyed you, or my father."

"A lie of omission is still a lie," Rayland said sternly. "However, I am willing to believe that Captain Devon's treason, if treason it is, was inadvertent."

"Uncle," Mara said, "you know it would be the greatest injustice to punish Scotty or Sabrina for the existence of the link or its concealment. If you speak for them, the other Ministers will let it go. Please. They have been my family. All the others, save you, are gone. Please do not rob me of them as well."

Rayland bowed his head. "Very well. I will speak for them. You realize, however, that this means you must bear all the responsibility, and all the onus, of concealing the link? It increases your chances of being deposed."