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

Chapter 11.2

But Sabrina had still not come by the time the court-martial paused for a rest break. Scotty was torn between anxiety and anger, and Tirqwin asked Khediva to search Dansestari.

"Tirqwin," Khediva said, sounding puzzled, "I cannot locate Sabrina anywhere on Dansestari. Nor, in fact, on this side of Praxatillus at all."

Tirqwin turned to Subcommander Mukryilla, who was passing. "Subcommander, we cannot find Sabrina. Khediva says she is not on Dansestari at all, nor in this hemisphere. Could you please find out if anyone has seen her this morning?"

"Certainly," Mukryilla replied, surprised. "I take it you are afraid she has been taken, rather than going willingly?"

"Sabrina intended to be here," Tirqwin said. "I know of nothing that could have changed her mind, and even if there had been something, she would have sent word."

Mukryilla nodded. Tirqwin said, "And may we have permission to go up to Khediva to further our search?"

She hesitated, and Therenden said, "I will go with them and vouch for them, if you like, Subcommander."

"Very well. I shall notify Control immediately," Mukryilla said.

"Let us come too," Haaron asked, concerned.

"All right. Khediva?" Tirqwin said. The next moment, he, Scotty, Therenden, Haaron, and Éllina were standing on the Wayship's control deck.

"She is not on the planet at all, Tirqwin," Khediva said, sounding worried.

Tirqwin glanced at Scotty, then asked a silent question and got a silent answer. Scotty demanded, "What? What are you two whisperin' about?"

"I asked Khediva if she had searched only for a living Sabrina, and not for a corpse. She has searched for both, and found nothing."

Scotty sat down abruptly. "Aw, geez," he breathed.

"We will find her," Tirqwin assured him. "Khediva, begin scanning the moon, please."

"Praxatillus Control is calling," Khediva said.

"Put them through. Yes, Control?" Tirqwin said.

"Miss Devon dismissed her escort outside her rooms this morning," Control reported, "and left in the company of Malvarak. Our security records show that she left Palace Royal with him, by the main gate. Beyond this we have no information, though we are inquiring at the spaceport."

"Thank you," Tirqwin said. "Khediva, do you find Malvarak anywhere?"

"No."

"Well," Scotty said into the silence, "if she's with Malvarak, she's okay, then, right?"

"He will not hurt her," Tirqwin said, but they could all tell it wasn't quite an answer. "Khediva, broadcast on emergency Wayship channels, requesting contact with Malvarak."

"What do you think is happening?" Therenden asked. "Has Sabrina been kidnapped by Malvarak?"

"Why would he do that?" Haaron wondered.

"To coerce me," Tirqwin replied. "Let us hope I am wrong. But when I saw him this morning, he told me I would regret my decision, and soon. He may be acting under orders from Homeworld."

Therenden frowned. "Homeworld has ordered the kidnapping of the Queen's Mistress of the Household? This is very serious."

"But what does he want?" Scotty said. "I mean, he won't hurt her, right, so what's his leverage?"

"That is what I need to know," Tirqwin said. "This is all supposition. Let us wait until we have more information."

"I have him, Tirqwin," Khediva said.