He’d cut it off.
Reaching down into the top of his boot, he withdrew his dagger. Placing it at the neckline of her gown, he slid his fingers just beneath to lift the material away from her skin--and paused. Her skin was hot. Too hot.
A sudden memory of the red flash snapping from her body made him jerk his hand away.
::Nature is what I need right now.::Her words came back to him, and he sucked in his breath, staring down at her. Did she need nature now? Was it hurting her to be here, inside the hut? If only he knew what the hell was going on.
"Petras?" He whispered.
"Here." The clinging entity pressed against his cheek, making him shudder at the unexpectedness of it.
"Does she need to go outside?"
There was silence for several seconds, then Petras replied with relief, "Yes! Yes, my witch needs to go now!"
Heart in his throat, Sinya gathered Beulah into his arms and hurried through the hut and out onto the small verandah. There he stopped in surprise, and awe. The same expression was on his crews’ faces as they stood in a loose, semi-circle with lasers trained on the 3 gigantic, golden men standing at the steps leading up to the hut. The surrounding darkness had been pushed back by the brilliant golden glow emanating from the golden men.
Sinya recognized them immediately as the same three Acceli healers that had been in the hut earlier.
"Bring her to us," the voice sighed from the breeze that brushed past his ear.
"Shit," Ralfis muttered.
Drake started to hawk up, only to stop at a "Not now, you superstitious bastard," from Franc.
Sinya kept his gaze on the golden giant who had glided forward until he stood at the bottom of the first step. Burgundy eyes gazed calmly up at him.
"Give the little witch to me." The Acceli held out his arms.
"What are you going to do with her?" Sinya returned, unconsciously tightening his hold on Beulah’s shivering body.
"We are the Acceli healers." The voice seemed to seep from the verandah roof above Sinya’s head. "She is our concern."
They’d helped her before, and truth be told, Sinya didn’t know what to do with Beulah. She was suffering in a way totally alien to him. She jerked in his arms, throwing her head back and clenching her teeth. He could feel her body growing hotter.
Without further hesitation, he strode down the steps until he was level with the Acceli, and laid her into the golden man’s arms. He watched as the Acceli stepped back, cradling her close. She looked like a child in the arms of her father.
Flanked by the other two Acceli healers, the one holding Beulah started to glow brightly, and the pirates had to shield their eyes from the brilliance.
"Wait!" Sinya called out. "When will she be back?"
"When she’s healed," a voice whispered from the flowering bushes lining the verandah.
"What about Wes?"
The gaze of the Acceli holding Beulah met his with burning intensity. "The boy’s soul has been taken. Pray, pirate. Pray for his soul as hard as you can."
Cold fear sliced through Sinya. "Taken? By Hortra?"
"By the dark mystic, yes."
Peering through slitted eyes at the fading figures in the brilliant light, Sinya begged desperately, "Save him. Save my little brother as you would Beulah."
"We cannot save him." The voice crept from the ground. "Only protect his body."
"Then tell me where I can get Wes’s... soul." Sinya stumbled over the strangeness of his question.
"Hortra is powerful--"
"He has my little brother! For the love of God--"
"Hortra is deep in the Outlaw Sector. Deep in the darkness, where it is harsh and life struggles to survive."
Jumping down from the steps, Sinya hurried forward. "You’re telling me nothing! You--" He floundered to a halt as the golden light vanished suddenly.
The only light now came from the moon and stars above, the lights from the hut, and the glow from his spaceship. The Acceli healers had disappeared with Beulah.
"Shit!" Sinya swore, kicking the verandah post in anger, frustration, and fear for Wes. "Bloody hell!"
"Now what?" Franc chewed his bottom lip worriedly.
"We need to find this Hortra, you nitwit," Drake informed him.
Turning away, Sinya made to go back up the steps into the hut, only to find his way barred by something. "What the..." He put his hand up and felt an invisible shield of some kind.
We cannot save him. The words echoed suddenly in his head, and foreboding filled him. Only protect his body.
He started moving rapidly, tracing the invisible barrier with his hands.
"What’s wrong?" Ephim asked curiously.
"Doesn’t look good, whatever it is," Franc stated anxiously.
"Help me find a way in!" Sinya snapped. "Now, damn it!"
The pirates glanced uncertainly at each other, but moved forward obediently. Warily, they reached out their hands, their uncertainty turning to incredulity as they encountered the invisible barrier.
"Well, hell," Drake said. "Mysticism!" He hawked, spat, and stamped both feet.
Franc was too busy gaping at the hut to notice.
"Wes is in there alone," Sinya snarled. "I’m not leaving him in there!"
The pirates redoubled their efforts, but to no avail. The invisible barrier gave no opening. Drake went back into the ship to monitor the hut and see if he could discover a power reading, but nothing showed. Sinya sent several of the pirates up on travel discs, and discovered that the barrier was apparently dome shaped. And impenetrable, he realized, after several failed attempts to burn through it with laser cutters.
Finally admitting defeat, he sat down on a nearby boulder and stared at the hut.
"Sinya?" Ralfis hesitated. "Anything else you want us to try?"
"I can’t think of anything we haven’t already tried." Emotionally drained by the chaotic events, Sinya tiredly raked one hand through his hair.
The pirates stood around, staring at the hut. The lights shone softly from the windows. Inside lay Wes.
Several minutes passed, and Sinya became aware of his crew slanting him questioning gazes. None knew what to say, but they were wondering about his next move. After all, he was their captain, and he always had a plan.
Making his decision, Sinya pushed to his feet and faced them. Folding his arms across his chest, he straightened his shoulders and regarded them all soberly. "Right now, I’m going to wait until morning and see if Beulah returns by then. The basic fact is that Wes is in there, and we’re stuck out here. I’m not prepared to just leave him. Beulah is the only one I can think of with any answers, so I’m going to wait for her, for however long it takes."
The pirates nodded in agreement.
"Meanwhile, we’re going to search our database for any mention of this Hortra bastard. Drake, come with me and we’ll start. Franc, I want two men watching the hut at all times, testing at least hourly for any weakening of the barrier. Ephim, keep a constant scan on the surroundings Anything out of the ordinary, notify me.
~ * ~
Three hours later, Sinya slumped back in the chair and wearily rubbed his stinging eyes. There were vague references to several dark mystics, but none that were named Hortra.
Drake scratched his head. "I’m stumped."
"We don’t give up."
"Never that, Cap’n. I’m just trying to figure out where to start next."
Standing, Sinya crossed to the porthole and gazed out at the hut. Nothing stirred, except for two of his pirates pressing their hands to the invisible barrier, trying to find an opening.
"It’s late," he finally said, turning to face Drake. "You might as well get some rest."
"What about--"
"It doesn’t appear that anything is going to happen just yet. No, go tell the others to get some rest. I’ll wake them if anything happens."
Within the hour his crew were bedded down. The odd snore came from their cabins, a sound familiar and welcome
to Sinya as he strode down the corridor.
In the control cabin, he ran his gaze over the panel. The warning module was set, the constant scanning of the surroundings for a three hundred mile radius. Nothing untoward showed. A computer screen to the left of the radar showed an outline of the hut. A scanning line swept across the hut image, but no break or weakness showed.
"Damn it!" Gritting his teeth in a burst of anger, Sinya stormed from the cabin.
Crossing to the steps that led to the narrow exit ramp, he went quickly down the ramp and strode out into the night. Glaring at the hut, he swore viciously.
He was stuck here, with no idea of what had happened to Wes, or where Beulah was. He’d brought his little brother here for help, and now it appeared they were in even more trouble. At least on the ship, Wes was still under his protection. What protection could he offer his brother now? If something just as mystical as the beings he was dealing with came now, what could he do? Blast them with the laser guns? Would it do any good?
"Bloody hell! I should never have come to this forsaken place!" Savagely he kicked the boulder nearby, before dropping down onto it.
Leaning his elbows on his knees, he rested his chin on one palm, and drew a deep breath. Losing it now wasn’t going to help. He had to think how to get his brother out of the hut, and where to find this Hortra bastard.
Deep in the Outlaw Sector. If he’s deep in there, I should be able to find him, surely? I know a lot of pirates. Besides, he might be in a section I’ve never been to. There are a lot of areas in the Sector, some areas good pirates don’t go to. A slight grin creased his face at the thought, then he sobered again. I don’t care where this bastard is, I’ll track him down! I’ll hunt him like the filth he is, and blow him apart!
Meanwhile, he was stuck here. Broodingly, he gazed at the hut.
~ * ~
Deep voices whispered to her, entities slid around her legs and body, winding around her arms. Tentacles of no substance trailed down her cheeks. Strong hands guided her, and she was weightless, floating.
Time had no meaning. She had no real idea of what was happening, only the sure knowledge that she was with the Accelis.
"Your job is not done yet, little witch," the deep voice whispered through her senses.
She was vaguely aware of the wracking pain leaving her body, and something else catching up the threads of her shattered light. Colors swirled around her, a gold line weaving through the cool, crystal blue of her aura.
When she opened her eyes, she was so tired. Wrapped in a white sheet, she was leaning against one of the Accelis, while he supported her with his own body, and one arm wrapped around her shoulders.
"I’m so tired." She closed her eyes again.
"Rest, little witch." She felt herself picked up in strong arms.
Resting her head against the broad chest, she allowed the comforting warmth of the healer to surround her. Familiar and comforting.
"There is much work to be done, little witch. Rest now." The Acceli laid her down on a bed, his hand brushing lightly across her eyes. "Rest."
She drifted off with the feel of Petras nestling close against her. It made soft little mews of relief and pleasure, and she knew it was happy to be home with its family, and happy that she was well.
Her spirit had a sore spot, but she knew it would heal.
~ * ~
When she awoke sometime later, it was to find herself back in her hut, in her own bed. Strength coursed through her body, and she swung up into a sitting position.
"Beulah!" Petras squeaked excitedly, dancing around her and blowing her hair every which way.
Beulah laughed. "Petras, my pet!"
"Oh, I thought that bad person had hurt you! He nearly killed you, Beulah!"
"His best wasn’t good enough, not for our healers, my sweet." Beulah sensed where Petras was, and reached out to stroke it.
Petras wound itself lovingly around her wrist.
"Come, Petras. We must check on Wes."
Getting to her feet, Beulah felt the sheet slide from her body, and glanced down to see that she was naked. Unfazed, she picked up the sheet and wrapped it around herself again, putting the edge under her arms and holding the opening between her breasts. Leaving the bedroom, she went into the main living area and stopped at Wes’s side. She could see that he was breathing deeply. Too deeply. And much too slowly. The body lived, but she knew instinctively that his spirit was gone from his sanctuary. Hortra had him.
"This is not good," she said heavily.
"This Hortra, he is evil," Petras replied fretfully. "Very evil, Beulah. Very powerful."
"The boy is mine to care for, Petras. I will get him back."
"You mean to search for him in the spirit planes?" Petras flitted agitatedly around Beulah’s head. "No, my witch! It is too dangerous!"
"Rest easy. I can’t search for him in the spirit plane. I don’t have the right or power to simply wander through a sacred place such as that. I--"
"Beulah!"
She started as the voice bellowed from outside the hut.
"Beulah! I can hear you talking! Damn it, come out here!"
Crossing to the door, she opened it to see Sinya standing at the base of the steps. The morning sun picked out soft highlights in his dark brown hair, and the breeze ruffled it playfully.
He didn’t look playful. His eyes were bloodshot, he looked haggard, and worry warred with anger in his dark eyes.
Six
His gaze swept over her. "You’re all right." Relief was evident in his voice.
"I’m fine. You don’t look so good, though."
Anger sparked in his eyes. "I’ve been out of my bloody mind about you and Wes! How the hell do you think I would look? Well rested?"
Sinya was obviously in a bad mood, and she supposed she couldn’t really blame him. And the mention of Wes brought to mind other things she had to discuss with him. "Sinya, about Wes--"
"I know. That bastard Hortra has his soul."
"How did you know that?"
"The Accelis who took you, told me."
"Oh. Well, I’m going to get him back."
Sinya glared at her. "No shit."
"You’re extremely ill-tempered this morn. I’m sorry, I know how you must feel--"
Hands on his hips, he exploded. "You have no bloody idea how I feel! You had something happen to you, I didn’t know what to do, Wes was in danger--and still is, only now even more so! You were burning up, the Accelis took you to God knows where, and I couldn’t even get into your home to check my brother!" Gritting his teeth, Sinya snarled, "You have no bloody idea how I feel!"
"Obviously not happy." She eyed him with one brow raised. The lean pirate was furious, she could see that. She could also sense the deep, underlying fear for his brother.
"Oh, I’m not happy, all right." He continued to glare up at her.
Beulah sighed. "Come inside while I get dressed, and we’ll talk about Wes and what we’re going to do."
"He can’t," Petras announced.
"Can’t what?"
"Come inside. The healers have placed a protection around our home for Wes."
"Ah." Now she had more of an understanding of why Sinya was so furious. "I see."
"I’m glad you do," Sinya growled. "Can you shift it?"
"I can’t, and it shifting depends upon you."
"Stop speaking in riddles."
"If you intend to take Wes away from here, then the barrier won’t shift."
"I won’t take him away." Stepping forward, Sinya came to an abrupt halt near the bottom step. "Damn it!"
"Lying won’t get you through the barrier." In spite of herself, Beulah couldn’t hide the small smile that twitched the corner of her lip.
"He’s my brother, Beulah! He doesn’t belong here, he doesn’t belong to the healers, and you certainly have no say in what I do with him!"
Propping her shoulder against the verandah post, Beulah crossed her ankles and gazed down at Sinya calml
y. "He’s your brother, he belongs here, and neither of us has a say in it."
He was so angry, she could swear she almost saw steam coming from his ears. "I made the biggest bloody mistake in coming here! Drake was right--bloody witches and mystics and things!" He fisted his hands, and his voice dropped to a menacing rumble. "Open the barrier, Beulah."
"Oh, that’s going to get you through, all right."
"You shouldn’t tease him," Petras said nervously, shivering against her back.
No, she shouldn’t. Humor fled to be replaced with remorse.
Straightening, she said quietly, "Forgive me, Sinya. I can’t open the barrier, but I can come to you--"
"Do you think that’s wise?" Petras trailed a tendril of nothing over her shoulder. "He looks mad. He could hurt you."
"He won’t hurt me." Beulah moved away from the post towards the door of the hut. "I’ll get dressed and come to you, Sinya."
~ * ~
Sitting on the boulder with his legs stretched out before him and crossed at the ankles, Sinya sighed. He was tired. He’d not slept properly for two days. Two days of waiting for Beulah, of not knowing if Wes was all right. Of not being able to track down Hortra.
Well, the witch was back now. He glanced up to the verandah post where she’d been leaning earlier. Wrapped in a sheet that came under her arms, with her white hair flowing freely down her back, she’d looked young and innocent and enticing. He couldn’t hide that thought, and didn’t bother to try. He’d not noticed at the time, but thinking back on it... yes, the wench was enticing in an odd... witchy... sort of way.
And he had a few words to say to her. He was still angry, and now that he knew she was safe, he could vent his anger and demand some explanations.
"Wow," Ephim said from behind him. "I didn’t know the witch was that good-looking."
Scowling, Sinya turned his head and squinted up at the pirate. "She’s a witch."
"A mighty fine looking witch," Ralfis added. "How come we didn’t notice that before?"
"Because she’s a witch," Sinya growled.
The thought that his crew, no matter how great a friend they were, found Beulah attractive, annoyed him.
"We know she’s a witch," Ralfis said. "But I thought they were all old and ugly. Not young and pretty."
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