Waymakers (Champions of the Crystal Book 9)

Chapter 5.1

Miselle Hariley, Ranja's mother, looked up, beaming through her tears. "See who's here, Ranja? They've taken such good care of Corbin and Nera for you."

Ranja blinked, looking confused. "But...that's not Nera."

Ford smiled. "No, your Nera is considerably bigger now! This is our Lily. You're one of her sponsors, and we're thrilled you can meet her at last."

"How long?" Ranja asked her mother.

"Five years, my dear," Miselle replied.

Sabrina went to the side of the bed and took Ranja's hand. "You helped save us, Ranja. I'm so glad to hear your voice." Her voice was unsteady.

"My lady! You're all right?" Ranja squeezed her hand, though her grip was weak.

"I'm fine, thanks to you."

"I don't...I can't remember what happened. When...you're not pregnant anymore?"

"Actually I am, but with our second child," Sabrina smiled. "Lily is the one you remember me carrying."

Ylar Hariley, Ranja's father, said, "Her memories are a little confused. Do you have the children with you?"

"Asdis is bringing them," Ford replied. "They'll be here in a few minutes."

Ranja said, "And Nerrill?"

Sabrina and Ford looked at each other, but Ylar said, "He's not here, my dear. You haven't said hello to the little princess yet."

Ford set Lily down on the floor so she could peer over the edge of the bed. "You're Ranja," she said. "We missed you."

Ranja smiled. "I'm glad to finally meet you, your highness." Then she looked back at Sabrina. "You're all right? You look thin."

Sabrina drew in a watery breath. "I'm fine. This baby is greedy, that's all."

Ford said, "She's fine, Ranja. But we'll all be better once you're back with us."

"Thank you, sir," she smiled. Then her gaze drifted to Lily, and she frowned in confusion.

Miselle said, "She needs a little rest, your highnesses, and then I'm sure she'll be back to her old self. The Guardian said she would be back tomorrow."

"Of course," Sabrina said, managing a smile for Ranja. "So will we. Get some rest, Ranja. Don't worry about anything but getting better."

Ford nodded. "Corbin and Nera will be here in a moment, but don't let them tire you out. They can come back whenever you want."

Sastarn leaned into the room, curiosity getting the better of him. Ranja looked at him and smiled. "Andar. Thanks for coming."

"Wouldn't have missed it," he assured her. "Lyrabeth says hi. She'll come see you as soon as she gets home."

"Oh, good." Ranja frowned. "Where is she?"

"Avestar, but only for a few more days." Lyrabeth had been a diplomat posted on Kuath when the Kyan took it over, won a post in the embassy on Homeworld during Ford and Sabrina's residence there, and had served as Sabrina's lady-in-waiting during the invasion and for two years afterward. Now she was part of the diplomatic security service, ensuring Praxatillus' embassies were ready for anything. She and Ranja had worked closely with each other.

Ranja's frown deepened as she looked at the door, as if expecting someone else.

Kendara, Ford thought sadly. And probably Lien.

Sabrina sucked in a breath. She had almost forgotten how many deaths they had to break to Ranja, renewing their own griefs.

Ranja's eyes widened as she looked at the door. Sabrina turned to find Corbin and Nera there, with Asdis right behind them. The children's eyes were wide with astonishment as they stared at their mother.