Defender (Battle Born Book 4)

by Cyndi Friberg

  “You better send your entire security staff,” Belington advised. “Have you ever gone up against a technomage?”

  “She’s been deceiving them for months. Will the technomages even bother protecting her?” Gutorrez asked, his dark eyes narrowed, mouth grim.

  “I have access to people who have experience with this sort of thing,” Pyre asserted. “I’ll take care of it.”

  “Who?” Gutorrez challenged. “How are you going to break in to IG Headquarters and spirit Haven away?”

  It was none of his damn business as long as she accomplished the goal. Still, all six men stared at her expectantly, waiting for her explanation. “The only way to best a technomage is with another technomage.”

  “You have a spy inside the IG?” Gutorrez still sounded doubtful.

  “How I do it is irrelevant, as long as I get her out,” Pyre snapped. She was tired of their cross-examination and yesterday had taught her the dangers of oversharing. “I’ll com you when I have her so we can figure out how to proceed. Agreed?”

  It took a moment for all six guild masters to respond, but eventually everyone agreed.

  * * * * *

  “Are you feeling the mating pull or is this a temporary flirtation?”

  Surprised by the personal nature of Danvier’s question, Chandar quickly lifted her mug of spiced tea as she decided what to tell him. They were alone in the dining room, but he’d returned to the Pavilion too late to eat lunch with her. Indigo and Vox were training in the courtyard and this location had felt less personal than inviting Danvier into her suite. Despite the fact that they were brother and sister, they had been separated for most of their lives.

  “I’m sorry.” Color stained Danvier’s cheeks and he looked away from her face. “It’s none of my business.”

  “Do you dislike Raylon?” She carefully set down her mug and tried to summon an emotionless mask like the one Danvier had perfected.

  “I’ve known Raylon for many years and respect his abilities greatly.” It was obvious he chose his words carefully.

  “But,” she prompted, though she was no longer sure she wanted to hear his opinion.

  “But he’s a harsh and violent soldier.” Danvier’s gaze returned to her as he added, “He seems an odd choice for a harbinger.”

  She couldn’t blame Danvier for expressing a doubt most in their acquaintance shared. On the surface, she and Raylon seemed like the quintessential mismatch. “He makes me happy and he makes me feel safe. Surely you can understand why those things are important to me.”

  “Of course. I understand why you chose him to protect you.” He left the rest unsaid and still his message was clear. Raylon made a good bodyguard, but certainly not a lover, or Creation forbid, a mate.

  “It makes sense to me and Raylon. That’s all that matters.”

  Danvier inclined his head. “Again, I apologize.”

  She sighed and wrapped both hands around her mug, absorbing the warmth through her palms. She’d suggested they have lunch, hoping to bridge the gap created by time, yet she seemed to be pushing him farther away. “I remember how close we were as children, but I don’t really know the man you’ve become. I want that to change.”

  “I want that too.”

  “I don’t want to feel so awkward around you. You’re the only family I have left.”

  He started to say something then smiled. “You no longer consider her family?” Though his wording remained neutral, the resentment in his tone spoke volumes. Clearly, he hated their mother just as much as Chandar did.

  “Pyre Sterling gave birth to me. For that I’m thankful. She also allowed me to be given to Akim. She knew where I was and that I was being abused for the past two years, and still she did nothing about it. For that, I will never forgive her.”

  They looked at each other in silent understanding. Life might have taken them in different directions, but they still had a common foundation. They’d been shaped by similar forces. More than anyone else in the universe, they understood each other. And nothing could take that away.

  “Do you remember our father?” Danvier finally broke the silence. “You were still very young when he passed beyond.”

  “I have scattered memories of him. I remember a silly little song he used to sing whenever I was sad.”

  “The one about the flower and the lamb?” His stoic mask slipped and for just a moment nostalgia softened his features. His gaze warmed and his lips started to curve into a wistful smile, but something in the memory was bittersweet and the smile faded before it was fully formed. She understood the reaction all too well. Every pleasant memory she possessed was tainted, directly or indirectly, by Pyre Sterling.

  Stubbornly, pushing thoughts of their mother aside, she focused on their father. “I can still see his smile as if he’d just left the room.” Predictably, her smile also faltered and the warmth inside her cooled as a persistent image shouldered the other aside. “Unfortunately, the most detailed memory I have of Father is the disbelief and anguish on his face as Pyre shoved her blade into his chest.”

  Danvier reached across the table and touched her hand. “I didn’t bring him up to make you sad. Let’s talk about something else.”

  “Excellent idea.” She was more than ready to think of something positive, something untouched by their mother’s ruthlessness. “You’re a really good big brother. I remember many times you ran to my defense or stopped someone from harassing me.” His only reaction was a slow incline of his head, so she brought the conversation back into the present. “Apparently, time hasn’t diminished your protective tendencies. Why else would you be worried about Raylon?”

  “You’re still my little sister.” He sounded stern, almost autocratic, but affection and determination combined, making his eyes shine. “No one will ever hurt you again, and that includes Pyre Sterling.”

  As if summoned by his words, Pyre’s image materialized in Chandar’s mind, sharp, detailed and current. Pyre hadn’t changed much in the past two years. Her color-morphing hair was longer and the lines around her eyes were more noticeable, but—reality blurred as the vison took Chandar deeper into the scene. The dining room faded, replaced by the compact interior of a Rodyte shuttle.

  “What is this about?” A deep, male voice drew Chandar’s attention to the speaker. “I don’t like being summoned like a slave.” He was tall and dark-haired like most Rodytes, but that was where the resemblance ended. His hair had been shaved on the sides, leaving a long, wildly curling strip down the center. Though his broad chest was crisscrossed by wide synth-leather straps that held a crimson mantle and assorted weapons, his arms, shoulders and abdomen were exposed to the elements. The impractical style also showcased the subdermal art covering much of his skin. He looked savage and deadly. What would Pyre want with this sort of man?

  “I have a task for which you are uniquely qualified,” Pyre told him.

  He chuckled and his dark eyes gleamed, yet there was no hint of colored rings in the endless blackness. “I’m uniquely qualified for any task.”

  “I need you to kidnap someone from inside IG Headquarters.” She arched her brows, allowing the request to sink in. “I don’t know anyone else who could do this.”

  “There isn’t anyone else who could do this. The question is, why should I?”

  She shrugged, yet cunning made her silver phitons shimmer. She moved toward him slowly, hips rolling, shoulders squared. “I thought you hated them and would welcome any opportunity to reveal their weaknesses.”

  An unexpected smile gradually parted his lips. “I did say that, didn’t I?”

  “You’ll be generously compensated as soon as the target is aboard my shuttle.”

  He gazed past her for a moment, clearly lost in thought. “You don’t know what you’re asking. I helped design the security system for IG Headquarters. It’s nearly impossible to penetrate, even for someone with my skills.”

  “You said ‘nearly impossible’,” she pointed out.

 
; “I’m probably going to regret this, but give me an hour and I’ll see what I can do.” He pulled the mantle over his shoulders as if he meant to leave.

  “Wait,” she called. “I haven’t told you who I need you to kidnap.”

  “You didn’t need to speak her name. Your mind has been screaming it ever since I arrived.” Without further ado, he teleported off the ship.

  The vision blurred, collapsing in on itself as the scene shifted then reformed. Chandar knew better than fighting against the currents of her power. Resistance was exhausting and painful, it was better to go where she was led.

  She heard an indignant shriek, then, “Get your hands off me!”

  The savage-looking man returned as abruptly as he’d departed and he had a struggling female in tow. His target? Most likely. Why else would he have brought her aboard? Time had passed, Chandar was certain, but she wasn’t sure how much.

  “Calm down,” Pyre insisted. “You won’t be harmed if you cooperate. Believe it or not, this is for your protection.”

  “You’ll never get away with this.” The new female tugged against the restraints binding her wrists, as if her anger alone would free her. She was delicate, both in features and in build. Her hair was light for a Rodyte, warm brown with golden highlights. And blue-ringed dark eyes dominated her other features.

  Pyre pushed her down into one of the empty seats. “Stay there!”

  The savage held out his hand and Pyre pressed her thumb into the center of his palm, likely authorizing the transaction. He watched the subdermal display until he saw what he wanted. “Nice doing business with you.” He offered her a mocking bow as he drew his mantel over his shoulders. “Have fun. She’s a wild one.” Then he vanished again.

  “Let’s go.” Pyre motioned to the dark-haired man in the shuttle’s pilot seat then turned back to her prisoner. She fastened her prisoner’s safety restraints before sitting in one of the seats facing the outraged woman. “Relax. No harm will come to you if you behave.”

  “Who was that monster? How did he get inside IG Headquarters?” She shook her head. “None of this makes sense.” When Pyre didn’t reply, the other woman continued her rant. “You said this is for my protection. So why am I bound?” She raised her wrists to emphasize her point.

  Pyre smiled as she secured her own restraints. “The Tandori temper is legendary. I’m not taking any chances.”

  The woman’s shock was nearly comical. Apparently, she hadn’t realized Pyre knew who she was. “If you’re after a Tandori, you’ve kidnapped the wrong person. My name is—”

  “Haven Tandori. Don’t bother with denials. I have DNA tests confirming your identity.”

  For a moment Haven just glared at Pyre then she switched tactics. “I was perfectly safe where I was. What, exactly, are you protecting me from?”

  “Quinton was about to summon you to court so he could arrest you. When you failed to appear—which we both know you would have—he’d have sent guards to IG Headquarters. Just say thank you.”

  The vision suddenly released, propelling Chandar back to reality. She emerged with a gasp and blinked until her physical eyes focused.

  Danvier knelt by her chair, concern creasing his brow, silver phitons glowing. “Are you all right? Your eyes turned entirely silver. Do they always do that when you have a vision?”

  “Not always, but I’m still recovering from my awakening.” Her mouth was so dry she could hardly speak. “Could you get me a glass of water?”

  “Of course. Are you steady enough to sit?”

  It wasn’t until he asked that she realized he was basically holding her upright in the chair. “I’m fine. You can let go.”

  Chandar? The concern in Raylon’s tone was echoed by a wave of protective anxiety. What’s going on?

  I had another vision. Where are you?

  In the conference room on the Crusader. Do you need me?

  Are you with Garin?

  He chuckled. Should I be jealous?

  She was too muddled to appreciate his humor. If it’s all right, I’ll have Danvier bring me to you.

  We’re not alone, he stressed. Are you sure? We can come to you as soon as this briefing is finished.

  No need. I have to leave my gilded cage sometime.

  Then I’ll see you soon.

  Danvier handed her a glass of water but hovered beside her rather than returning to his chair. “I let Raylon know what happened. They’re waiting for us in the conference room aboard the Crusader.”

  “We’re going there? Are you sure? You still look horribly pale.”

  She smiled and set down her glass. “I’m always pale, as are you.” She pushed back from the table and stood. She still felt woozy, but a change of scenery was long overdue.

  The express tunnel circumvented the majority of the outpost and led them to the bottom of the commercial tiers. Each level was smaller than the last and a wide, twisting staircase connected each tier while allowing customers to see merchant signs and window displays on other levels.

  Chandar headed for the staircase, but Danvier led her to an elevator instead. “I don’t want to end up carrying you.”

  “Do you turn into an invalid after you have a vision?” She reluctantly stepped into the elevator.

  “Level Four.” Once the car was set in motion, he answered her question. “I’m not recovering from a major trauma.”

  It was a fair point, but she was getting tired of being coddled like a child. “I could have done the stairs.”

  “We’ll take them on the ship if it will make you feel better.”

  It wasn’t worth arguing over, so she let the subject drop.

  “Did our conversation trigger the vision?” he asked as they exited the elevator.

  “Yes.” Knowing she was about to explain what she’d seen, she didn’t elaborate.

  “Then this involves Pyre not Milanni?”

  She smiled at him. “Are you really so curious you can’t wait another few minutes?”

  “I try very hard to be patient, but it’s an ongoing struggle.”

  She’d had her face pressed against Raylon’s neck when she arrived on Lunar Nine, then she’d spent the next week inside his cabin aboard the Crusader. She’d been bio-streamed to the Pavilion, so this was her first in-person look at the ships. The Crusader and the Intrepid had been joined by the Destroyer, a large, overtly aggressive battleship, and two smaller ships. There were now six Covert Strike Ships, known as CSS shuttles or the Phantom series. The small, agile ships had numerous innovative systems that made them ideal for spy missions or anything requiring speed. The dual-level docking area could accommodate forty ships and Chandar was certain it wouldn’t be long before every slip was filled with a rebel vessel. After all, Garin had the majority of the Rodyte fleet at his command.

  Danvier tucked her hand into the bend of his elbow as he led her to one of the security check points leading to the Crusader. After confirming their identities and clearance with a full body scan, the guards allowed them aboard.

  “I didn’t locate the Relentless,” she told him as they walked down a short corridor. “If that’s what you were hoping.”

  “That was in the back of my mind until you said this involves Pyre. Now I’m just curious.”

  True to his word, he led her to a utility stairwell, but after climbing up only one level, she was shaking all over again. “You win. I’m still wobbly. Let’s find an elevator.”

  He obliged without so much as a smug smile. His serene persona could make him seem detached, indifferent, but she’d glimpsed behind his mask often enough to know a caring person was tucked away inside his stoic exterior.

  The conference room was on level one, adjacent to the command center. The Crusader was nearly indistinguishable from the Relentless, but Chandar had never been in this part of either ship before. Raylon was standing in the doorway as they arrived and he gave Chandar a reassuring kiss before escorting her into the room. She wasn’t sure why he was being so careful until
she saw the crowd awaiting her. Apparently, she’d interrupted a full-scale briefing. Every seat at the table was filled and chairs had been set up around the room’s perimeter. Even with the additional seating, several officers stood wherever they could find floor space.

  “This is Chandar Evon.” Garin motioned her toward the chair he’d just vacated. “Obviously, she’s a harbinger and she has information for us.”

  She sank onto the seat and Raylon stood behind her, lightly resting his hands on her shoulders. It will help more if I can look at you as I speak.

  He immediately moved to stand beside Garin, well within her line of sight.

  Everyone present focused on her and silence spread throughout the room. She was safe here. No one would harm her. In fact, each man here would fight to protect her. They were honorable men. Still, she felt their gazes moving over her face and their obvious expectation pressed her down into the chair. They were waiting for a harbinger to reveal her psychic insights. This was who she was, what she did.

  Warm reassurance flowed into her mind. Raylon didn’t say anything. They no longer needed words. All she had to do was look at him with fear in her eyes and he’d rush her from the room. No questions asked. No recriminations. But that wasn’t what she wanted. She wanted to fulfil her destiny, to move beyond the fear and reclaim her true potential. After calming herself with a deep breath, she licked her lips, and looked at Raylon. He smiled warmly, but didn’t prompt her verbally, didn’t rush her in any way.

  She cleared her throat and folded her hands on the tabletop in an effort to hide their trembling. “I had a vision a short time ago.” Danvier moved into her peripheral vision on the other side of the table so she shifted her gaze to his familiar face. “There was some time distortion involved, but I believe the events were taking place more or less as I saw them.”

  “What did you see?” Garin’s tone was nonconfrontational, yet his meaning was clear. Get to the point as quickly as possible.

  “Pyre Sterling kidnapped Haven Tandori, or actually arranged to have her kidnapped.”