Knoxly slumped slowly to the ground to his knees, in relief. Karia looked at Torin. For a brief moment her purple eyes softened then she too slumped to the floor.

  “Bela!” Torin roared in agony as he rushed to her.

  “First I have solved the dilemma of the woman.” Knoxly grinned proudly, his eyes feverish bright and expectant. Torin rose slowly, the predator in him calling for death. He grabbed Knoxly by the head and quickly twisted his arms. The sound of a neck snapping reverberated off the walls.

  Chapter Seven

  Bela came running as fast as her plump legs would carry her. Her First was enraged and quite dangerous in this state. She almost tripped into the room and gasped in horror. The Earth woman lay motionless and bleeding on the floor. A soldier, who looked to have had his neck snapped, lay across from her.

  “What took you so long?” he roared at her as he began to cradle Karia. “Help her, Bela, she is dying.” Torin’s’ voice broke with emotion. Bela, for the first time in all her years, saw the man she help raise from a seedling, moved to tears. Bela spoke calmly, trying to soothe him.

  “The other Earth woman has awakened.” She gently nudged him aside, trying to see the wound. “Do not worry, My First, most wounds are not as bad as they look.”

  In Bela’s heart, however, fear gripped her. The woman was so small. Much of her blood seemed to be oozing from her right shoulder. She appeared dead, but Bela knew what a fighter the young woman was. She commanded a list of ingredients from the First and bade him to lift her gently onto the bed.

  “Bela,” he said to her, his voice sounding coarse and tight. “You must save her. We are to be Attached and she carries my seedling.”

  Bela nodded and immediately set to cleaning the wound. Torin dragged the body of Knoxly out of the room.

  Bri’aque lost count of the number of times he hit the dim-witted soldier. He was prepared to beat him to death to get the answers he wanted.

  “Who else was involved with the attempt on the earth woman’s life?’

  “No one,” the fool cried, tears mixing with the blood on his face. “Knoxly said the fewer the better. He said we would get the rewards and he’d promote me when you promoted him.”

  “Promotion?” Bri’aque sneered. “What reasons did you idiots have for thinking that if you killed the woman you would be rewarded?”

  “I heard her say she thought she hurt people. I reported this to Knoxly,” Baer answered around swollen lips.

  “That alone seals your execution, you moron. No soldier is to repeat or sell any information heard in the presence of the Family of the First Order.”

  “No one was supposed to find out I told,” Baer pleaded. “Knoxly said he would be rewarded for killing such a dangerous creature. He felt if he did it, The First would be spared the political fallout of killing the remaining species. He thought the First would be most grateful.”

  Bri’aque turned away from the sniveling idiot in rage. He had no idea people, his people, could be so stupid. The sound of the door sliding open in the House prison caught his attention.

  Torin was every bit enraged. He approached the cowering soldier chained to the wall. “Did he give you all the information you needed, Bri’aque?” he asked calmly, staring into the eyes of the condemned man.

  “I am sure of it.”

  “Then we have no more need to spare his life. Would you say that is correct?”

  “Yes, indeed. That would be most correct.” Bri’aque pretended to study his nails as the man began to openly bawl.

  “Soldier, do you know what we do when we find a fully grown Dausas in the wild?”

  “We leave them alone, sir. They can be quite vicious when in the midst of reproducing.”

  “That’s true, soldier. Bri’aque, can you remember some of the old reports of citizens who were attacked by a Dausas when unaware of its presence?”

  “Hmm,” Bri’aque seemed to consider, “well, let’s see, when they’re young, they’re extremely docile and quite useful. But once past this stage, they burrow under the skin of a Scyrillian and lay eggs. Each egg is protected by a hard shell. When they mature, they release an acidic substance that eats not only through the shell but whatever is surrounding it.”

  “How many eggs would you say a Dausas lays?” Torin asked matter-of-factly, producing a small clear box with a fully-grown Dausas inside. The soldier flinched and began to whimper.

  “No less than ten, no more than thirty.” Bri’aque answered.

  “That could cause quite a lot of damage to the host.”

  “I would have to agree with that.”

  “Bela says we are low on immature Dausas for implants. I think it is time to plant for a new harvest.” Torin approached the soldier, his anger boiling just under the surface.

  “You have committed an unforgivable act on the Future Attachment of the First Son of the Order. For this, you are sentenced to death.” Torin opened the box and held it tightly against the soldiers’ chest. He watched in almost maniacal fashion as the Dausas burrowed under the skin of the chest of the soldier. The soldier’s screams did nothing to appease the need to hurt the one who hurt Karia. The soldier’s torture had just begun.

  “That is all we can do here, friend. Let us go check on your Future Attachment.”

  “I will do this alone. I am responsible for her vulnerability to attack.”

  “You had no way of knowing those idiots planned this.”

  “I should have taken precautions.” Torin’s frustration was palpable. He had resisted the thought of an Attachment since the beginning. Now all he could think of was her getting well and him claiming her.

  “You are not a god, though you like to think yourself one. If there is blame, I will share it. I am First in Command of security.”

  “Do not do this to yourself, Bri’aque.” Torin sighed heavily. “Bela is working on her now. I sent for another healer to continue the care of Karia when Bela wearies. I cannot lose her, Bri’aque.”

  “You would have not found your mate only to lose her this way. She has been through much in your ruling planets. You owe her a life of nothing but catering to her every whim. And frankly I am looking forward to seeing you have someone to answer to.”

  Bri’aque’s take on things had always helped Torin in the past as it did now. “Well I wouldn’t get so comfortable with my discomfort. The other earth woman is awake now. If she is anything like Karia, she will definitely turn your life upside down.”

  “Ha!” Bri’aque laughed. “There isn’t a woman alive who can make me want to be Attached. Not even the one meant for me. I will check in on her however. Would you prefer I view the Dream Quest records alone or shall I wait until Karia is feeling better?”

  “There is no need for a rush. The Dream Walker gave no indication of a threat.”

  “Then why the conference?” Bri’aque questioned.

  “She is with my seedling.” Torin announced with pride.

  “You work fast, friend.” Bri’aque replied joyfully. “All will be well with your Attachment and seedling. I leave you now to see what ills the earth woman has in store for me.”

  Bri’aque took his leave, leaving Torin alone with his guilt.

  For days Bela only allowed Torin a limited amount of time to visit. She was doing well, but the progress was slow. No doubt due to the fact that she was sustaining another life. He kept seeing her in his mind’s eye, slumping to the floor. He thought her dead then and he couldn’t name the rage inside his heart if it cost him his life. Surely it was not normal to love this strong, so soon? Did she love him in return? How could she? He kept her locked away, imprisoned. He knew it was for her safety but…

  “Sir, she is awake,” came Bela’s cheerful voice. He suspected despite trying to be nonchalant, Bela felt great affection for the girl.

  “Thank you, healer.”

  Torin stood tall. What could he say to her? So grieved about her condition, he refused to even look at the recording of her memories. What if she now asked for her freedom? Could he say to her she was still a candidate for the death penalty after what she already had been through? He ran his hand through his iridescent hair and sighed.

  “How long has she been awake?”

  “For a few moments.”

  “Did you tell her about the seedling?”

  “No, First. It is not a healer’s place.”

  “I thank you, Bela.”

  “Hello Torin.” Karia’s voice felt like sandpaper. She felt her heart jolt at the sight of him. The way he walked, those golden eyes gazing at her. Even now, after having been shot—according to Bela—her body reacted to him sexually.

  “Hello, Karia, do you have a headache?”

  Karia wrinkled her forehead. Come to think of…

  “No, my head feels fine.”

  “Perhaps the potion that Bela gave you offset it this time after the…change.”

  “I saw you.” Her voice scratched out. “I saw you, but, it was like it wasn’t me looking at you, like I was inside looking through someone else’s eyes. I did see you, didn’t I?”

  “Yes, you did” Torin answered, taking the seat next to the bed and reaching for her hand. He saw her flinch and pull her hand under the covers. Torin tried not to notice. Instead he clasped his hands together and rested his elbows on his knees. “Perhaps after the session with the Walker, your memories are trying to stay in place.”

  “I didn’t think you’d do it like that.” Karia averted her eyes, she couldn’t look at him.

  “I don’t understand?” Torin’s puzzlement seemed genuine, but then again Karia surmised, politicians were slick on any planet.

  “I thought it would take a little longer to declare my guilt and sentence me to death.” Her voice dripped in bitterness. “Why didn’t you just… I don’t know. Do something other than send in an assassin to do it.”

  It took a moment before her words gathered meaning for him.

  “You think I sent that fool in here to kill you? You think me that callous?” He shot up from the chair, anger permeating his every move. “I would never… Blazes, Karia! Do you know how worried I’ve been?” His gold gaze sought hers in desperation. Trying to hide and show emotions at the same time.

  “You’ve been worried?” she whispered. “About me?” Her voice squeaked.

  “Well, of course. You’re supposed to be under my protection while in my house.”

  How could he tell her he loved her? Her fate still hung in his hands. If she were guilty, she had to die. It was law, his family’s law. He could disobey, yes, but it could mean the downfall of an entire empire at the first sign of weakness. Millions could die in the ensuing civil wars, in an effort to become the new ruling body. Could he choose her over the lives of millions?

  “Oh.” She closed her eyes. Willing the tears that welled up not to flow while in his presence. Why did she allow him to hurt her? How could he hurt her? Simply put, she was in love with him. But that had to stop. “I’m tired, First, will you please leave my presence so that I might rest, and face my fate?” She used his formal title. He had hurt her.

  “Of course.” He looked at her small frame on the bed, her curls placed neatly around her beautiful face. He left without telling her of the child.

  “I’m not in the mood for your humor right now, Bri’aque,” Torin clipped while sitting on the veranda, staring at the swaying multi-colored trees. It was his favorite spot to relax. Today it wasn’t working.

  “Don’t worry, friend, I have no humor today.” Bri’aque flopped in the chair next to him.

  “What has stolen your humor, friend?” Torin turned to him in interest.

  “A miserable she-beast. I wonder, do all women from Earth make men miserable?”

  “Ah, the other one. Brietta is her calling, yes?” Bri’aque flipped his hand idly and Torin continued, “So she has proven to be as much a problem as Karia then?”

  “If possible, more so. She keeps demanding to see Karia. Such strange language she uses. Do you have any idea what a ‘fucking bastard’ is?”

  “No, it doesn’t sound good.” Torin almost laughed.

  “I even think she threatens me. She keep saying she’s going ‘to rip me a new one’ if she doesn’t see Karia. A new what?” Bri’aque snorted in confusion.

  “Yes, well, you get used to it. I think. Take her to Karia. It will probably do them both good.”

  “Thank the stars, Torin. That woman is beautiful, but she makes me want to kill her.”

  “Later tonight we must view the recordings. It is unfair to make her wait this way.”

  “I agree. I think… Torin, look.” Bri’aque pointed to the airspace over the docking back. It was a royal ship. “Looks like your mother is here .” Bri’aque rose. “I’m no fool, I will make myself scarce. Brief me on whatever lies I need to back up for you when your mother no doubt sends for me.”

  “As usual,” Torin absently answered, hardly taking note of Bri’aque’s retreat. He didn’t need this right now. His mother was here for one reason and one reason only. His Attachment. Torin only hoped she wasn’t desperate enough to bring a female with her to shove under his nose. Of all the luck…

  “Torin, good to see you at least respect the office enough to show up formally for my arrival.” His mother’s honeyed voice floated to him as he entered her private chambers, set aside just for her. As she requested, of course.

  “Mother, you’re beautiful as always.” Torin bent to kiss his mother on top of her sweet smelling, equally black and iridescent hair. She was beautiful, but then women of Scyrillian descent didn’t show their age once they reached thirty. Torin had no idea how old his mother really was. And she of course wouldn’t tell.

  “Your father could not make it. The reason he could not make it is part of the reason I am here. I will tell you of that later. You must tell me what goes on in this sector. This house. I understand Preze was here.”

  “Yes, Preze was here, Mother. The matter is almost settled. You’ve no need to hear the boring details. I, on the other hand, would like to know the reason you are here.” Torin sat on the edge of the bed, looking as if he would sprint at the first word he didn’t like.

  “I made myself clear about the Attachment, Torin. I brought a wonderful girl from Niahne. Her father is Sovereign there—”

  “Mother, I will choose my own Attachment,” Torin interrupted her. Besides he already met the daughter of the Sovereign of Niahne, and while exquisitely beautiful, she had the intelligence of a boot.

  “I have given you time, Torin,” the First Mother said neutrally, though he knew anger was not far behind. “I am exercising my right as First Mother. If you have not found a suitable Attachment in a generously allotted time, it falls to me.”

  “Only if you choose to concern yourself, Mother.” Torin’s anger began to rise as well.

  “I choose to,” the First Mother stated. The declaration hung in the air. For now, she left it. “We’ll speak of this later. Where is your First in Command? Is this not his job to see to your protection?”

  “We are in the House, Mother, and he is tending to more pressing matters.” Torin pursed his lips to keep from smiling, imagining Bri’aque’s well-deserved torment form Brietta.

  “You will tell me of these matters.”

  “Mother, if it is of a personal nature, which it is, I am not compelled to indulge you.”

  “Humph” First Mother answered. “I shall call upon you later, son. Right now I wish to rest. It is a long way from Niahne to Scyrillis.”

  “Understood.” Torin stood, crossed the room and kissed his mother lightly on the cheek. As soon as he was outside of her room, he finally began to breathe. That woman sucked all the life out of the room with her demands.

  It was time to view the recordings.

  “Are you sure you want to do this right now? While she is here?” Bri’aque asked him for the fourth time, while he put the Dausas in the small slot so it could attach itself to the artificial brain tissue that electronically downloaded the images.

  “Yes, she is in the process of getting that beautiful but idiotic woman ready for my viewing. She won’t be anywhere near the Meeting Room.”

  “Oh yes, the Sovereign’s daughter. I barely escaped the claws of that one.” Bri’aque allowed himself a brief memory of her.

  “Not her too?” Torin declared in disgust. “Clearly there has to be a woman out there capable of denying you. You’re relentless in your pursuits.”

  “If they are willing, I am more so.” Bri’aque laughed. “There, it’s starting…”

  Torin and Bri’aque stared in horror at the images before them. The images, being directly from the victim, were powerful. They felt her fear. They could hear the beating of her heart loudly, as she did, while gripped in fear. Torin could barely swallow as Karia witnessed her two comrades being ripped to pieces by the Gaurans. He also took note, they were the evolved Gaurans. The bigger ones.

  Even though her fear was palpable, her bravery laid parallel to it. She reacted in spite of it. Torin felt her confusion as the change began to come over her for the first time. The Walker even brought to surface her feelings while under the influence of the Gauran genetics. She was afraid and she just wanted to protect herself and those she loved.

  A more feral Karia fought the other Gauran bravely; he felt her pain as she was ripped into by the male. It tore at him when Karia realized what was going to happen to Brietta. His mouth hung open as he watched her efficiently but brutally kill the Gauran she was fighting, as well as the Gauran male ready to violate Brietta. It was monstrous, her actions, feeding the dead bodies to the rest. But she was determined to survive. She wanted to save Brietta and hoped Fiohn was still alive.

  Her emotions, though primal were very raw and sincere. Torin also saw the reason for her finger being so strange looking when he first saw her. She was tired. But she persevered on until she could get the cave as safe for her and her friends as possible. Then she fainted. Every now and then she came awake.

 

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