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

Chapter 13: Battle Lines

Scotty closed his eyes, trying to block out the sound of Mara and Tirqwin's argument, the latest in a series. He pondered for a moment the irony of his being the calmest person aboard Khediva, even though he had the most right to be upset. Maybe he just couldn't grasp the enormity of Sabrina's danger, he thought. No. I know what the stakes are. Mara's not the only orphan here.

It occurred to him that they were all orphans, in a way, and that he wasn't the only one who looked on Sabrina as a last family member. Mara's losses were recent, and Tirqwin, though he never spoke of family, didn't seem affected by the loss of any close family member. Malvarak's tragedy was probably the closest he had come to a family death, Scotty reflected.

Maybe that was why Tirqwin and Mara were both reacting so frantically. Scotty wasn't any less worried, or any less angry, but he knew better than to drive his anger in on himself or vent it on his friends and allies. He would save his fury for Malvarak, or whoever was ultimately behind the kidnapping. Young as he was, his parents' loss had taught him all about self-destruction, conscious or unconscious. He remembered clearly the wish to die so as not to have to endure the pain anymore. He knew that Sabrina had experienced it too. If she dies.... His mind flinched away from the thought. Don't think about that, he told himself, forcing his fists to unclench. Think about how to get her back.

"Mara, for the last time, NO!" Tirqwin shouted, losing his temper in one startling burst of volume. "I must be here! Whatever will happen will involve Khediva, and I cannot abandon her!"

Mara burst into tears, overtired and desperate with anxiety. Scotty wondered what had gone on in the few hours she had spent on Praxatillus. It could not have been easy or pleasant. He wondered if he should have gone with her, but he felt the same way Tirqwin did: whatever Malvarak did next, or Asnefer for that matter, would come to Khediva, not Praxatillus Control.

His heart went out to Mara; he knew the terror of abandonment that Sabrina's death would bring him, and he knew she felt the same. He got up to go to her, but before he could take more than a step, Tirqwin let out a penitent groan and wrapped Mara in his arms.

At least they've got each other, he thought with a flash of resentment, quickly squelched. His mind went for a moment back to Earth, to the only place he had to call home: Aunt Euphrasia's house. For the first time, he visualized her sitting alone, in the same torment he suffered, not knowing where he and Sabrina were or if she would ever see them again. Got to go home someday, tell her we're okay, he thought, a little surprised to find the idea a shock. When did I start thinkin' of this gig as permanent?

A chime sounded, and Khediva said, "Shahina is hailing us, asking permission to enter the system. Commander Rayland wishes to come aboard with a security detail."

Scotty swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. Tirqwin released Mara; they looked at each other for a moment, steeling themselves. Tirqwin said, "Permission granted, Khediva."

Rayland, Lieutenant Jsef, and the man Scotty recognized as Lord Leran nar Daroun appeared.

"What is this for?" Tirqwin demanded, eyeing their weapons.

Rayland said, "We merely wish to be prepared for whatever ensues. Your Majesty," he said to Mara, "I think you should return to the planet."

"No," Mara said.

Rayland sighed. "Very well. Lord Leran, if you will take up bodyguard duties for Her Majesty?"

"I would be honored," Leran said grimly, stepping to Mara's side.

"I have Scotty for that," Mara said petulantly.

"Captain Devon is my aide," Rayland reminded her. "His place is at my side, not yours."