The Shattered Way (Champions of the Crystal Book 7)

Chapter 3: Diverging Ways

Ford rummaged through his pockets once he gained the hallway and finally came up with his comlink. "Khediva, are you still in orbit?"

"Yes, Niavar," Khediva sighed. "We are, unbelievably, still not ready to depart."

"May I come aboard, then?"

"If you must."

A moment later, he stood on her control deck. He was surprised to find himself its only occupant. "Khediva, where is everybody?"

"Tirqwin and Maratobia are still down on the planet. Arguing. The baby and her nurse are aboard, but the baby is sleeping. Lady Aurora will be with you shortly."

"I just saw Aurora. I came up here to talk to you," Ford objected.

"This is not the time," Khediva replied. "It is taking most of my concentration to keep the baby's mind out of mine."

"Even while she's asleep?"

"I cannot afford to let my guard down. If she woke suddenly and distracted me while in transit, it could mean disaster."

"Ah." Ford frowned. "Will you be staying long when you return?"

"I doubt it." Khediva paused. "Of course, you could always accompany us. I will have time to speak with you on our return journey."

"This is one family party I'm not likely to crash," Ford said. "Do you—" He broke off as Aurora emerged from the hallway leading to the living quarters.

"Ford!" she exclaimed, smiling. "I could hardly believe it when Khediva said you were aboard. Are you coming with us?"

"No, no, I just—"

Her smile faded. "I wish you would. This is not an easy thing for your parents to do. I think it would reassure them if you came."

Ford shook his head. "I don't think my parents find my presence particularly reassuring, Aurora."

Aurora hesitated. "I think that there is some question in Her Majesty's mind as to whether little Shariara might resent being given up. If you came along, it would assure her that at least one of her children understands and approves. I really think it might help."

"I think approval might be overstating it," Ford said. "But I do recognize this is the best of all possible evils."

Aurora frowned for a moment; then her expression cleared. "An Earth saying?"

"An adaptation of one, I think." He sighed. "If you really think it might do some good—but I hate to leave Sabrina."

"We won't be gone long. And Sabrina is in good hands. You can accomplish nothing by staying except to harass her doctors." Aurora held out her hand. "Please, Ford. Come and meet Gwytha. I think you'll like her. And you should at least see your sister. It may be—" She broke off, swallowed, and continued. "It may be quite some time before you see her again."

Ford grimaced, then clutched at one last hope. "I can't just invite myself aboard Khediva."

Khediva sniffed. "Why not? You did a moment ago. And as you recall, I invited you to accompany us shortly thereafter."

Heaving a sigh, Ford said, "Very well—I can't argue with both of you! If Sabrina doesn't mind, I'll go." Sweetheart, get me out of this!

Not on your life, Sabrina replied. I think Aurora's right. Just go and be as much comfort to Mara as you can. It's not that long a trip, and I'll be fine. She paused, then added smugly, Serves you right for plotting—you get trapped in somebody else's plot!

Story of my life, Ford grumbled. Aloud he said, "Sabrina has no objection."

Aurora smiled. "I never doubted it. Come and meet Gwytha."

Ford repressed another sigh and followed her back to the guest quarters. Aurora tapped lightly on the door, foregoing the chime so as not to wake the baby. "Be sure you have your shield up," she reminded him softly. "Emotionally charged thoughts particularly disturb Shariara."

He nodded, sending an apology to Sabrina as he reinforced his mental shielding. Then the door slid open to reveal a tall, dark-haired woman with striking green eyes.

"Prince Niavar of Bathir, this is Gwytha aip Mirwen of the Shaerwin," Aurora said.

"A pleasure," Gwytha said.

"The pleasure is mine. I'm grateful for your care of my sister."

"It is an honor," Gwytha replied. "She is sleeping, but you may look in on her if you like."

"Thank you," Ford said. He took a few steps into the room, just enough to get a clear look at his youngest sibling. The only other time he'd seen her was just after her birth, and he was surprised at how much she'd changed. The thick blonde hair she'd been born with had all fallen out, and she now had a head covered in brownish fuzz. He tried to remember what color her eyes were. "She's well?" he asked softly.

"Yes," Gwytha said, looking fondly at the infant. "While she is among calm and happy people, she is calm and happy. I am told Allyria is a calm and happy place."

"So am I," Ford said. "Much calmer than Praxatillus, at any rate."

"I recognize this is a difficult task for your family," Gwytha said. "But it will be easier for her if you can control your thoughts and feelings while you are with her."

"I'll do my best." He smiled down at his sister, then stepped back into the hallway. "Thank you."

"You are most welcome." Gwytha smiled at them, then stepped back into the room. When the door had closed behind her, Ford let out a breath.

"It's no small thing to ask, is it? How can anyone expect Mother to control her feelings while giving up her child?"

"I fear it will be impossible," Aurora said. "I hope the Allyrians may be able to help shield Shariara's mind. If the baby is upset, it will be that much harder for us all."

"Prepare to break orbit," Khediva announced. Ford and Aurora exchanged a glance, then went back to the control deck.

"Ah," Tirqwin said, looking up from the controls. "Niavar. Unless you are coming with us, it is time to disembark."

"I'm afraid you're stuck with me," Ford replied.

"Sabrina sent you as an emissary, did she?" Tirqwin said. "Well, I hope you will not find it a waste of your time. Mara transported directly to our room, and she does not wish to see anyone, at least for the moment."

"I'm surprised she doesn't just meet us on Allyria," Ford remarked.

Tirqwin grimaced. "This is safer, at least until she regains full control of her abilities. Besides, I do not think she could bear two farewells."

"Ah." Ford looked at the viewscreen, which was displaying their course out of the solar system. It's going to be a long trip.