Waymakers (Champions of the Crystal Book 9)

Chapter 15: Persuasion

Sabrina collected Terel, who frowned when told where they were going. "Don't worry," Sabrina said. "It's just Control. Nothing to worry about."

"If there was nothing to worry about, you wouldn't be taking me," Terel replied. "That just means the dangers are harder to predict."

"Strictly emotional damage this time," Sabrina sighed. "He's not going to try to strangle me—again. But you're there so nobody has to worry about that."

Terel grimaced. "If he even looks like he's going to touch you, he'll be unconscious before he hits the floor."

"I appreciate that," Sabrina smiled. "Ready?"

Terel stiffened. "Yes, ma'am."

A moment later, they were in a corridor in Control. Sabrina materialized nearly on top of a tech hurrying through the space, colliding with him and sending them both sprawling. Terel grabbed Sabrina's arm and managed to keep her from a hard landing.

"Sorry!" Sabrina exclaimed as Terel pulled her upright.

"Your highness!" The tech paled, then blushed. "Sorry. I didn't see you there."

Sabrina stopped herself from saying, Because I wasn't. She was mindful she needed to keep her abilities under wraps, which made the decision to transport herself questionable. "Can you direct me to where Malvarak is being housed?"

"Um, he's in the secure section. You'll need the Commander's permission to access it."

"Thank you." Sabrina turned in the direction of Rigeon's office. "Dismissed."

"Yes, ma'am." The tech left them, and Sabrina turned to look at Terel over her shoulder. "Don't tell Ford about that."

"I'm going to forget it happened," Terel said fervently.

Rigeon was not in her office, but her aide was, and Sabrina was able to get the pass she wanted with no trouble. She was allowed to decline the offer of an escort as well. There were advantages to being the Heir, after all.

The pass got them through two secure doors, but as she stepped through the second one, she was surprised to hear voices arguing. Turning to the left, she was not surprised to find that she recognized both men.

"Not both of you!" Tirqwin exclaimed, exasperated, as he and Scotty turned to look at her.

"What are you doing here?" Sabrina asked her brother.

He scowled. "I'm here to say what none of you have the guts to tell Malvarak: that he owes this to us. He killed Mara's father and came close to killing Tirqwin and Mara and you and me. He owes us a life. He should let it be Ford's."

Sabrina raised her eyebrows. "How did you hear about this?"

"Are you kidding? It's all anybody's talking about. The whole military knows there's a Wayship up there with no tirqwin."

Tirqwin said, "I presume you heard about this from Niavar?"

"We've discussed it, yes. And I'm here to speak with Malvarak about making him an acceptable candidate."

Tirqwin shook his head. "Nothing you can say will do that."

"But a mindscan might."

"We do not have the equipment here."

"But you have a Guardian."

Tirqwin frowned. "Are you seriously suggesting connecting a criminal ex-Wayfarer with the Great Crystal of Miah?"

Scotty said, "Yeah, what the hell, Rina?"

"Well, do you have any better ideas?" Sabrina nodded when no one answered. "If Ford and I work together, maybe even with Mara listening in, there's no need to fear unauthorized access to any part of the Crystal. This can work. If need be, we can even install a minor, surface link to monitor Malvarak's actions. That way nobody needs to worry he'll mistreat Qadr."