He groaned and straightened up. “Sorry, I have to take this.”
“No problem.” She reached over and tore off a piece of bread to quiet the rumbling in her stomach.
Whoever was on the other end did all the talking. Balastar shook his head with a look of amazement on this face. “Thank you for this. I’ll go and see her safely off the planet now. I’ll be in touch.”
“What’s happened?” Dani said.
“It’s begun. The GTO is about to announce dissolution of the Sandarian Empire. We need to go. Now. My mother needs to get off planet. The Cavacents as well.”
They gathered up the lunch items in silence and returned to the pod. Once inside, Balastar set their destination and turned to her. “Sorry about our picnic. Rain check?”
“Sure.”
Balastar made an adjustment to the console and they shot forward with insane speed. “I’m taking you back to the compound. I’ll take care of my mother and come straight back. I need to convince the Cavacents I’m on their side.”
“Sounds good.”
Balastar was distracted on the way back. They traveled in silence, getting there in less than twenty minutes. He landed at the main entrance and gave her a brief kiss before taking off again, the pod blinking invisible a few feet off the ground.
Dani sighed. He was a good man. A good, uncomplicated, man. So why did she have to keep reminding herself of that?
Chapter 16
Ian leaned against a small metal trailer that temporarily housed the portal on Cat Island. A recycle crew salvaged as much of the original materials from the villa as possible, but it would be another month before they would finish rebuilding. He couldn’t complain. Human technology would take at least a year to rebuild. 3D printing was in its infancy on Earth. In the meantime, he lived in a large RV next to the trailer. He took a sip of his coffee and listened to the sound of the waves lapping on the beach below. He pondered the dark liquid. He liked coffee. Liked the caffeine buzz and the ritual of making and drinking the brew. The human brew. Ian cursed silently as his thoughts returned to Dani. He should be glad she was occupied with Balastar, but he wasn’t. Instead, anger and jealousy flowed through him. He shouldn’t blame her, but he did. At times it seemed his desire for her was matched only by his anger at her. Completely irrational. It wasn’t her fault she was human and the perfect mate for him. He sighed and resisted the urge to fling his coffee to the ground.
A muttered curse preceded Armond as he emerged from the portal shed. The tall blond rubbed at his neck with an uncharacteristic display of emotion.
“No luck, I take it?” Ian said.
“Depends on how you define luck. The device appears to locate the resonant frequency of objects and blasts them with an impressive amount of directional sound waves. It’s not an elegant solution for smashing in doors so I’m inclined to think it is more of a by-product of its ability to either produce or amplify psi.”
“You’re joking, right?”
The trailer door opened again before Armond answered and Mordo stepped out. “Excuse the interruption. I wanted to see how it’s going with our mystery device.”
Armond repeated his guess.
“Is that even theoretically possible?” Ian asked. “Creating psi?”
“Psi is an energy, like any other. Some Portal Masters believe that Sandarian’s innate ability to use psi could someday be artificially duplicated. We know this device can generate sound waves and block an active portal. We don’t know what else it can do.”
Ian reached out and took the device, turning it over in his hands. “This doesn’t look like Torog technology.”
“Almost certainly not,” Armond said. “It’s perfectly suited for our physiology. I’m guessing the Torogs have only a limited understanding of it themselves.”
“Any thoughts on where it came from?” Ian asked.
“None,” Armond replied.
Mordo took a turn inspecting the black device. “Have you told any of the Portal Masters about this yet?”
“No.” Armond hesitated. “I thought I’d leave that up to your discretion.”
“Under the circumstances, I think it would be best to keep this to ourselves,” Mordo said. “Are you…comfortable working with it?”
“Yes, sir,” Armond said.
The exchange between Mordo and Armond hinted at a hole in Ian’s knowledge regarding the two men. Mordo had been the one to recommend the albino, and although he had no complaints regarding his service, it was time to find out the whole story. Not just Armond’s, but his uncle’s as well. “Armond, I need you to fill me in regarding your relationship with the Portal Masters. If we’re going to be based here, defending this planet, and you’re the only one who can use that device, I need to know your story. All of it.”
Armond glanced at Mordo who inclined his head.
“I trained with the Portal Masters for three years.” Armond paused and let out a deep sigh. “It turns out my abilities are somewhat sporadic. My attempts at creating portals caused the deaths of two men. The masters decided I would not make a good fit, but found my unique skill set and insights too tempting to completely ignore. Much like our toy here, I appear to have a different kind of psi. So yes, we work together.”
“How about the rest of your family? Same abilities?”
“The guild wondered the same thing. They were never able to locate my birth parents.”
“Birth parents?” Ian said.
“I grew up in an orphanage.”
Ian took a moment to absorb the information. “Okay. You said your abilities with portals are sporadic. Are you sure you want to work with that?” He motioned to the device his uncle held.
“I’m sure. I need to do some further testing, but it appears to have a stabilizing effect on my abilities.”
“Use caution,” Ian said.
“Of course.”
Ian addressed Mordo. “And you, Uncle?” He’d never asked. He figured if Mordo wanted him to know, he would. But the stakes had changed, and it was time.
Mordo took a long breath. “I won’t pretend I don’t know what you’re asking. I also trained with the Portal Masters many years ago. I found the guild to be a harsh mistress. They take their power seriously. I worried then about their sense of entitlement and decided to get out before I knew too much. I was lucky. Had I not been a Cavacent, they most likely would have prevented me from leaving. They warned me never to speak of it, and until now, I’ve kept my word. During my years there I developed friendships. Boys who believed, whether or not they spoke of it, as I did. One of them, Durgan Serred, became a dear friend. We remain…close.” Mordo wiped his brow with a cloth from his pocket.
“Durgan rose through the ranks over the years and is one of the most powerful Portal Masters. Last night he called me. A serious rift has formed within the guild. There are those hoping to expand the role of Portal Masters. They feel their importance in the universe is underappreciated and under-rewarded. I don’t know what is going to happen, but we need to be extremely cautious. In the hundred-plus years of their existence, they have never divided. Times are changing, and it’s not only the empire that is falling.”
“Hence your desire to keep this device a secret from them,” Ian said.
“Whatever this is, it may help us protect Earth.” Mordo handed the black box back to Armond. “Balastar contacted your father,” he said to Ian. “We’re meeting with him in twenty-five minutes. I’m inclined to believe Dani and Ria. I don’t think he is a threat. Councilman Prayda is another story.” Mordo looked out upon the water below. “His behavior last night was too bold, even for him. Something has changed.”
“I agree,” Ian said.
“I think it would be best if we keep Ms. Standich out of sight,” Mordo said.
Anger rose in Ian. “Balastar took her sightseeing this morning. They’re in a view pod and won’t be seen.”
“Good,” Mordo said.
&n
bsp; “We could bring her back to Earth,” Ian suggested.
“I’d rather keep her close to us until we can lock the portals,” Mordo said.
“If Gordat finds out she’s human”—Armond shoved the device into his pocket—“it won’t matter where she is.”
Ian didn’t like his tone of voice, but he couldn’t argue the point.
Mordo didn’t comment and turned back to Ian. “How are the property acquisitions going?”
“Good. We’ve selected an area near Lago Como for our new compound. We’re buying property and shielding a large section where we can build.”
“Excellent.” Mordo wiped his brow again. “I don’t see how you put up with this humidity.”
“You get used to it,” Ian said.
Mordo checked his watch. “Twenty minutes. Why don’t you come back home with me now. I’d like to talk to your father before Balastar arrives.”
“Sure.” Ian took a last drink of his coffee and set the mug down.
“If you don’t mind,” Armond said to Ian, “there’s something I need to take care of on Sandaria.”
“No problem,” Ian said. “Come with us. We’ll still have two ports left for the hour.”
* * * *
Dani waived goodbye to Balastar and turned around to go find Ria or Ian when she plowed into Armond.
“Sorry,” Dani said. “I wasn’t paying attention.”
“Do you ever?”
She shifted her weight. “What are you doing here? I thought you returned to Earth.”
“Change of plans. Are you busy?” Armond asked. “I’d like to see what you’ve learned. Ria says you’re quite extraordinary.”
“I think I should find Ian first, Balastar just got word about the empire and—”
“It can wait.”
“But—”
“Ian is prepping for a meeting with your Balastar, and evacuations are well underway. Go change and meet me in the arena.”
It sounded as though everything was under control. She didn’t like the tone of his voice, but if it helped them get along better, she was game. Besides, she needed the activity. “Fine. I’ll be there in five.”
It took her more like ten minutes to get ready, but she found him waiting for her on the arena floor.
He didn’t waste any time when she approached. “Have you run the sims yet?”
“Sure, started last week with Ria. I love the different worlds. Makes it kind of surreal.”
“You need to practice on Earth. It could be useful.”
Armond flicked his hand and they were standing in a mountainous terrain. The light of Earth and the heat of the sun induced a surprising nostalgia after her time on Sandaria. It was good terrain for practice, large boulders and fat pine trees dotting the landscape.
“Who are we after?” she asked.
“Each other. You have fifteen seconds. I suggest you run.”
Something in his voice made her do exactly that.
* * * *
Rucon disconnected from a call just as Ian and Mordo entered his library.
“Something wrong, Father?” Ian asked.
“Unless I’m mistaken, I’ve just received a not-so-thinly veiled threat.”
“Prayda?” Mordo asked.
“Even more disturbing than that,” Rucon said getting up from his desk. He walked around and leaned against it, facing them with a puzzled look.
“Who could be worse than Prayda? Surely not Emperor Korzan?”
Rucon shook his head. “The guild. That was the head Portal Master.”
“Might I hazard a guess as to why he called?” Mordo asked.
“What do you know?” Rucon asked.
Mordo crossed his arms. “Was it to do with Armond?”
“Yes. It was an odd conversation. In short, they want him back. I pointed out that although he’s taken an oath to protect this family, he is, at the end, a free man. They wanted me to send him to the headquarters and implied that it would be a one way trip. I’m fairly certain there was a threat in there for us as well. What’s going on, Mordo?”
“I got word last night from my old friend, Durgan. There is a serious divide in the guild. Between the empire and the Portal Masters, order is crumbling all around.”
Rucon looked around his plush library and sighed. “I’ll send word. All families coming with us will board my ships tonight after dark. We leave first thing tomorrow.”
“I take it you heard?” Balastar said from the doorway. “Sorry, I’m a few minutes early. Samuel said you were expecting me and to come on in.”
“Yes, come in.” Rucon stood to shake hands.
Ian and Mordo greeted the councilman and they took seats around the fireplace.
Balastar didn’t waist time. “I assume your accelerated move schedule is due to the emperor being dethroned?”
Rucon began to respond when his com let three loud beeps. “One moment.” He answered the device with a curt “Rucon.” He listened for a few moments. “Thank you, my friend. We’ll see to the details after I get everyone to Earth. You should know, there is trouble in the guild. I suspect you’ll be hearing from them before long. I’ll contact you when we’re safe. Good luck.” He turned to Balastar. “I’ve heard now. That was Admiral Macon. The military and GTO are moving forward with a coalition. Effective immediately, the emperor’s authority is no longer recognized. The Cavacents have also been granted planetary rulership over Earth. You must have some good sources to hear before me,” he told Balastar.
“Mine is on the GTO side. Old family friend. He knew my father and welcomes this day. I hadn’t heard about your confirmation for Earth. That’s great news. Congratulations.”
“Thank you. Now what’s on your mind?”
Balastar paused. “My father had a great deal of respect for you, Rucon. I want you to know that I do as well. I’d like to join forces. My mother is on her way to her home world. I would like to go with you to Earth. You’ll have my full loyalty, of course.”
“We’d be happy to have you, son. Mind if I ask why Earth?” Rucon said.
“Two reasons. One, as I’m sure you’re aware is Dani Standich.”
The increasingly familiar turmoil raged through Ian at the mention of her name, but he managed to remain still.
“The other,” Balastar continued, “is a desire to enter the shipping business. My father was a tremendous statesman and managed our family’s fortunes as best he could. I’m afraid I have no desire to follow in his footsteps. Now that the council is no longer relevant, it seems a good time to make a change. I’ve already purchased a modest transport ship. I was hoping I could learn the business from the best.”
Rucon laughed. “You have the personality for a trader. I’d be honored.”
The two men shook hands.
“Now,” Rucon said, “what else needs to be moved on your end?”
“I’ve got—”
Help!
It was Dani’s voice, broadcast louder than anything Ian had ever heard.
“What the hell?”
The others heard it too, but Ian was in her head, like the Torog attack on Como. She was terrified. She was in the arena and Armond was going to kill her.
“The arena, now!”
* * * *
It didn’t take long for Dani to figure out that Armond was serious. At first she thought he was just testing her limits, but the burn on her left thigh said otherwise. A reflex move took her just far enough to survive.
“Armond! What are you doing?” Dani called out before rolling away. She ran a few paces up the hill.
“You’re a problem, Dani Standich. I’m simply providing the best solution. Nothing personal,” Armond called back. The spot she’d occupied a moment before exploded into a mass of leaves and dirt.
“Why, are you doing this?” Dani sprinted away, favoring her left leg.
“Because you’re poison to the Cavacent family. Ian is tied
to you in an unfortunate manner and Rucon, for reasons I can’t fathom, would risk his life and fortunes to protect you. He may feel honor bound, but I am not so affected. Your death will free the family I’m sworn to protect.”
The trees overhead disintegrated. She covered her head as debris rained down on her.
“What are you talking about?” Shit. I can’t keep this up. “Help!” She didn’t know who she was calling, but she wasn’t going to last much longer. Almost instantly, images of her and Ian flashed in her mind. Together on Como, the glow in his eyes. She pressed against her temples, willing it to stop. “Armond, I didn’t know what was happening with Ian—what it meant. He didn’t tell me.”
“You lie. I’ve been watching. You’re tormenting Ian, weakening him, little by little until he gives in to you.”
“Like hell, you’ve got it all wrong.” Dani’s anger flared and she moved behind a new group of boulders. Sweat poured down her face, stinging her eyes.
“And Balastar,” Armond called out, moving. “Are you trying to make Ian jealous?”
“Hell, no.” Dani realized she’d stayed motionless too long when Armond’s psi gripped her waist and flung her through the air. She slammed into a tree, her head, shoulder, and back exploding in pain. “Help!” Dani’s psi pulsed with her cry. She didn’t know what it meant and had no time to figure it out. She scraped across the rough bark and fell to the ground. Armond lost his grip as soon as she landed. Get up, get up. Dani ignored the pain assaulting her body and half crawled, half slid down a slope. She aimed for a large mass of boulders, hoping for a place to hide.
“Come now, Dani. No sense drawing this out.” His voice echoed in the desert landscape.
She slid behind a large rock and tried to calm her breathing. “Armond, when we get back to Earth, I’ll leave Cat Island and never see Ian again. The Cavacents will be safe. Please don’t do this.” She bolted to the left. The rocks where she’d been a moment ago rattled and moved. He used his psi to find her.
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