* * * * *
Echo refused to look at Varrik. His brooding expression was too distracting. Her parents had left a seat open between them. She chose to sit at Varrik’s side instead. Lyrik sat at the head of the table as was the overlord’s right. Trying to keep her explanation focused and succinct, Echo told them what she had learned from the Rodyte captain and Elder South.
“Lilt will deny any connection to the events,” Charlotte predicted.
“The maze is under Fortress Joon. How can he hope to deny his involvement?” Tal asked.
“The original maze was under the Conservatory,” Echo reminded him. “Did Vee ever suspect that’s where his brother had set up shop?”
Tal didn’t reply, so Varrik asked, “Has Elder North released his hold on E’Lanna? If he needs some incentive, I’d be happy to provide it.”
“My daughters are my concern,” Tal told him in a cold, clipped tone.
“E’Lanna is fine.” Echo ignored her father’s surliness.
“I’m still a bit confused about the role Elder South played,” Lyrik said. “Was he a captive on the ship?”
“The device the Rodytes gave Elder East was a simple diversion,” Echo explained. “Elder South actually signaled the ship. He teleported up, expecting to be treated as a guest. Instead they locked him in his cabin.”
“Neither of them knew why the Stirate wanted the hunters?” Charlotte asked.
“No. The Rodyte captain was trying to gain favor with the Stirate. South sold out the hunters for the promise of a comfortable life on Rodymia.”
Varrik shook his head. “All these cycles North was convinced South wanted control of the maze. In reality, South wanted to escape like everyone else.”
“It’s a bit more complicated than that,” Echo said. “South suspected foul play was involved in your father’s death. He resisted North’s appointment because he sensed North’s guilt.”
“Are you saying Elder North murdered my father so he could take control of our tribe?”
She nodded. “Your father’s weapon didn’t malfunction—it was sabotaged. South wasn’t the elder determined to unite the tribes under one ruler—”
“It was North?”
Again she nodded.
“Well, the maze has been evacuated.” Lyrik leaned against the tall back of his chair as speculation filled his green eyes. “The elders, hunters, and sweepers are all in custody. So, how do we proceed?”
“We have no real option but to treat these as war crimes,” Charlotte decided. “The generals, or in this case the elders, must be held accountable, more so than their men.”
“The majority of the soldiers alive today were born after the Great Conflict,” Varrik pointed out. “The elders have bartered their services to the highest bidder. Not all of them have taken lives.”
“Have you?” Lyrik asked.
“I played a different role.”
The hint of a smile curved the overlord’s lips. “I’m left in somewhat of a quandary. All the information Echo provided is only useful if she admits her involvement in this operation.”
“Why is that a problem?” Varrik’s tone was hesitant and he looked only at Lyrik.
“Echo is a valuable covert operative. If that fact became public knowledge, her usefulness is obliterated. Trey would have my bal— er, head on a plate if I let that happen.”
Varrik fidgeted, tension knitting his brow. “What is the alternative?”
“If you will testify, I’m prepared to arrange amnesty.”
“What about the kidnappings?” Charlotte snapped.
“He’s not a hunter,” Echo said before Varrik could incriminate himself. “His responsibilities began when the women were scheduled to be released.”
“Lyrik,” Tal used the overlord’s name to emphasize his own authority, “you cannot possibly mean to exonerate this man of all charges. He held Echo against her will and—”
“Varrik’s method of negotiation was unconventional, but it was a negotiation.” Echo scooted to the edge of her seat and met her father’s gaze. “I was not forced to do anything, and I will challenge any charge that implies otherwise.”
“You don’t know what you’re saying,” Charlotte cried.
“That seemed pretty clear to me,” Lyrik disagreed. “I also have sworn statements from my wife and a woman named Aila confirming Varrik’s honorable nature.”
Tal stood, shoving his chair back so forcefully it smacked against the wall. “You might need Varrik’s testimony to make your case against the elders. However, if he comes anywhere near my daughter again, I will not be responsible for my actions.”
Royal Obsession (Shadow Assassins 1) Page 36