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

Chapter 11.1

Image: Malvarak by D. Denise Dianaty

Sabrina was in a heavy slumber when her alarm went off, and she went through her morning routine in a daze, trying to focus on one thing at a time so she wouldn't begin speculating uselessly on what was in store for her. She drank a cup of the heavy, potent Praxatillian cocoa, then dressed in a dark purple dress with a bodice faintly reminiscent of a uniform tunic. Over that she placed the scarlet and gold sash of office, with her emblem of service and the Order of Tassan pinned to it.

The emblem was simple enough—the initial M set below a crown, in worked gold with a red gem on top. The Order of Tassan was more elaborate, a medallion with an inscription Sabrina couldn't read—she assumed it was ancient Praxatillian, since she was making headway with the modern language. It hung from a gold ribbon on a gold chain and added a good deal of weight to her sash. Looking at herself in the mirror, she thought she looked like someone to be reckoned with.

There was a guard waiting at her door to escort her. They had not gone very far when Malvarak caught up to them. "Sabrina," he said, "spare me a moment of your time, please."

He must have talked to Tirqwin, she thought with a mental sigh. "I can't be late to the court-martial, Malvarak; can we talk and walk?" she asked.

"I must speak privately to you."

Sabrina looked at the guard. "Will you go on ahead and tell them that I won't be very long, please? I'll get someone to show me the rest of the way."

The guard, young as most of them were, hesitated. She wondered if he had orders to keep an eye on her, but evidently his orders did not include disobeying her. He nodded and moved off.

"What is it?" Sabrina asked.

"Not here. Come along," Malvarak said, taking her arm. "I assume you've spoken to Elusha since his change of heart?"

Sabrina gave a tight little grin. "I don't think it was his heart that changed."

"This is no joking matter, Sabrina. You do not realize what will happen. None of you do. Homeworld is not a force to be lightly defied."

"Malvarak, I'm afraid nothing you say can make me try to force Tirqwin to leave."

"I will not try to persuade you; I know it is useless. But I must make one of you understand the consequences before I go, and Elusha will not listen."

"All right. Where are we going?" Sabrina asked, resigning herself.

"To my ship," Malvarak replied. "The spaceport is not far. You will be back in time for the court-martial."

"Malvarak, I don't think—"

He stopped, taking a painful grip on her arm. "Don't defy me, Sabrina. You have no idea of the consequences. If you care about the good of any of these people, you will come with me."

"Let go," she protested, frightened by the intensity in his eyes. "I'll come. You don't have to drag me."

"Good," he said, loosening his grip. "Come along, then."

______________

Scotty cleared his throat, picking at the heavy mourning cape over his formal uniform, heavy with the Order of Tassan and another citation for bravery, identical to one Haaron wore, for the android encounter. He was frightened but didn't dare admit it; he wished Sabrina would hurry. She would know without having to be shown, and perhaps she could offer some comfort, something to help him get through the ordeal with dignity. He felt very young.

Haaron stood nearby, his arm around Éllina. They were both tense but calm, and they had spoken only to greet Scotty when they arrived in the antechamber. Beyond the doors, the court martial was gathering. Soon it would be time.

Scotty turned eagerly as the outer doors opened, but it wasn't Sabrina. He gave a grin of welcome to Tirqwin and said, "I didn't think you were comin', Tirqwin. Thanks. Have you seen Sabrina?"

"No," Tirqwin said. "I have not. Mara has not either. Sabrina has the day off, to come here. She should be here by now." He frowned a little, then shrugged. "Doubtless she overslept. Do you want me to go and see?"

"Nah," Scotty said. "I'm sure she'll be here. She wouldn't let us down."

"Are you prepared?" Tirqwin asked.

"I guess. I dunno. I don't think I could ever be ready for this," Scotty confessed in a low voice. "I know Mara won't let 'em kill me or anything, but—" He paused, then burst out, "I tried so damn hard, Tirqwin, and I think I did a pretty damn good job, and now they're gonna treat me like a criminal!"

Tirqwin laid a hand on his shoulder. "I know. Try not to despair, Scotty. I am here to speak in your defense, and Sabrina is very eloquent when she wants to be. And you did what you thought was right, all along. No one can say you deliberately did anything wrong."

"I wish Mara was here. Where the hell is Sabrina?" Scotty demanded anxiously.

Haaron and Éllina came over and greeted Tirqwin. "Thank you for coming," Haaron said. "I did not expect it."

"Mara and I do not wish either of you to suffer for our actions," he replied. "You both helped us; now we want to help you."

They all turned to look as the outer doors opened again. This time it was Therenden. "I am here to observe for the Minister," he said, "who is with the Queen. Good morning to you all. The summons has not rung?"

"Not yet," Haaron said. "Do you know who the judges are to be?"

"General Lord Daman ya yel Köaçernahgh nar Zhahghaï will be presiding," Therenden said. "He was my aunt's husband, and one of the heroes of the war. He has retired from active service but, because of his rank, has been asked to oversee this hearing. Subcommander Mukryilla will also be on the panel. The third member is High Lord Leran ya yel Madrak nar Daroun, one of our most decorated officers and the last of the family Daroun, one of our great families."

"I guess they had to be heavy hitters," Scotty sighed. "And I don't think Mukryilla likes me."

"Probably," Tirqwin said, "because you do not address her by her rank."

"Yeah, I do, to her face," Scotty argued. "Isn't Rayland going to be here?"

"No, he is with the Queen," Therenden said. "There is a great deal of work to be done."

A chime sounded, and the inner doors swung open. They all turned, hesitating; then Haaron took Éllina's arm, and they led the way in. Scotty whispered to Tirqwin, "Where the hell's Sabrina? It's not gonna do us any good if she ticks them off bein' late!"

"She will be here," Tirqwin said, frowning. "Come along."