The Forgotten Way (Champions of the Crystal Book 6)

Chapter 9: Loose Ends

Their arrival at Outpost Seven had something of a carnival atmosphere, to Stecklan's dismay. Mara and Tirqwin declined to accompany them to the station, saying they didn't want to add to Stecklan's duties. Sabrina suspected they really just wanted to be on their way by themselves.

"Nearly dying in the line of duty makes one popular," Ford remarked as they stood in the airlock looking at the crowd awaiting them beyond the door.

"I could have told you that," Sabrina replied. "Just try to remember this when we're sitting at the conference table arguing about repatriating the refugees."

"That's not a Realm observer's task; that's the Praxatillian ambassador's," Ford grinned. "Ah. Stecklan is finally satisfied no one is going to assassinate us in the immediate future, I take it."

Sabrina hit the airlock door controls. "Let's go."

They blinked at the unexpected noise as the reception committee—which seemed to include everyone associated with the summit—broke into applause. Sabrina found herself exchanging greetings and accepting congratulations and was soon separated from Ford. At last Thad managed to push himself through the crowd and grasp her hands. "Lady Sabrina! Welcome back. You look better than I'd anticipated," he added with a grin.

"Khediva made sure of that," Sabrina said. "Thanks for the help, Thad. We couldn't have done it without you."

"I'm sure that's not so."

"No, having someone hold open your escape route is invaluable in these kinds of situations," she replied. "If I hadn't already known it, this episode would have proved it to me! Where's Ranja? Isn't she back yet?"

"She was right behind me," Thad said, turning to look through the crowd.

"Never mind. I'm going straight to my room and let Ford bask in his glory. Would you tell everyone I've gone to rest?"

"Let me walk you there."

"No, Thad. You're still the Praxatillian ambassador. You have to go praise Ford as copiously and loudly as you can manage."

"Surely the Queen has already—"

"Not in public. This is important, Thad. Go. You should have been the first, you know."

Thad sighed and turned to politely elbow his way through the crowd. Sabrina returned the greeting nod of a nearby delegate and broke free of the gathering, breathing a sigh of relief. She ducked into the nearest hallway and began the long walk to her suite.

"Lady Sabrina!" Ranja called from behind her.

Sabrina turned, smiling, and let out a startled, "Oof!" as Ranja grabbed her in a hug. "I'm glad to see you, too, Ranja!"

"Oh yes, so glad you ran off before I could get to you," Ranja scolded with a smile. "You look tired. I hope you're going to rest."

"Exactly my plan."

"Good. I'll come with you and you can tell me what to expect when I unpack your luggage. From the stories I've been hearing, it can't be good!"

Sabrina burst into laughter. "Ranja, the way things went, I'm lucky to have come back with any clothes at all!"

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Sabrina wanted to catch up with Ranja, but they didn't talk for long before Sabrina began to yawn and Ranja insisted she go to bed.

"I feel like I do nothing but sleep," Sabrina complained.

"Wayship Khediva called ahead and told us you were still convalescing," Ranja said, briskly turning down Sabrina's bed. "There's nothing you need to do tonight. Thad hasn't even come back yet, much less the prince. You can talk to us all at breakfast. I'll have your cup of cocoa ready for you."