A Warrior's Heart: Marastin Dow Warriors Book 1

Chapter 10

"He's getting worse," Hanine whispered in despair, looking up at Ben and Evetta.

It had been almost two weeks since they escaped from the Disappearance. They had spent almost a week hiding in the asteroid belt. It took another four days to reach the Kardosa Spaceport. Evetta had secured a rundown apartment in one of the lower decks. It was the best they could do since they were short on credits. Evetta was working with one of the local 'traders' to sell the stolen battle transport.

"He needs a doctor," Ben said in frustration. "We have no more medicine and his wound is infected. If we don't get help soon, he won't make it. I am going to see if I can find one."

"No, it is too dangerous for you to go out," Evetta said with a worried frown. "I have not seen any others like you before on this Spaceport. You will draw too much attention."

Hanine glanced up briefly from where she was sitting on a battered chair next to the bed before turning her gaze back to Aaron. She brushed the damp cloth across his burning forehead. Fear, sorrow and exhaustion swept across her face before determination set in.

"I will find a healer for him. I will not let him die," Hanine vowed. "Evetta and I will go," she said, rising from the chair. "We will return with a healer, even if we have to kidnap him. I am the only one who knows how to use the teleporter to return here. I've had to do some modifications to the program so it is not detected by the Spaceport's security grid. I may have to tweak it some more in case they have updated their codes."

Ben growled in frustration. "I don't want either of you out there! What if someone from the Marastin Dow sees you? They are still looking for you. They don't know about me," he insisted.

"You are too unusual and you do not know what to look for, we do," Hanine said stubbornly. "I need you to care for Aaron until I return. Do not let him die! We will be back shortly."

Evetta gently placed her hand on Ben's arm when he opened his mouth to argue. She waited until he looked down at her before speaking. She smiled up at him reassuringly. Hanine was right; only they knew what to look for. They had been to Kardosa several times over the last six years. It was one of the few times they left the warships they were assigned to.

"She is right, Ben. You would attract the attention of slavers. We have been here before. We have a good idea where to find a healer and can return in a short time," Evetta murmured.

*.*.*

Ben pulled Evetta into his arms and tightly held her against his body. Despair washed through him; fear of being captured and using most of the credits they had to secure a room left little for food. They were starving. The little they had was spent on medication for Aaron. They fed him the few nutrient drinks that remained from the survival gear recovered from the transport.

"Promise me you'll be careful," Ben muttered, rubbing his cheek against the top of Evetta's head. "Please. I don't think I could stand to lose you and my brother."

He sighed heavily when he felt Evetta's arms wrap tightly around his waist. She squeezed him to her before pressing a kiss against his neck. Leaning back, she stared up at him.

"We will return. I promise. Let us go. The sooner we leave, the sooner we return." She sighed as his arms reluctantly fell away at her promise.

"Hanine, do what you can," Ben said, taking a step back. "Just... be careful... both of you."

"We will," Hanine murmured. "I will mark the other room for our return. It is best not to use the teleport unless it is absolutely necessary. The security on the station will be able to pick up the disruption to the energy grid if I use the program. I do not want to use it if possible."