Love's Beguiling Healer

by Angela Verdenius

  Kiile greeted her first. “Good to see you again. Where's Wylin?"

  "He's waiting outside.” Tera answered. “How are Katina and Lysie doing?"

  "Very well.” Kiile grinned. “They're keeping Hanna occupied."

  "Still fretting for Shamon, is she?"

  "Hanna likes big men."

  "In both departments.” Tera cast Illam a sly glance. “I know the feeling."

  Kiile studied her for several seconds, his gaze switching to Illam and back to her. “I see."

  Illam stiffened. “I assure you, Kiile, I mean no disrespect to Tera or the Argons."

  "I never said you did,” Kiile returned evenly. “Tera's love life is her own affair. As long as she doesn't get hurt—"

  "Let me guess. You'll rip my head off?"

  "Ah, Wylin has already spoken to you. I don't have to repeat it, then.” Kiile's smile held a warning. “We do understand each other, don't we?"

  "Perfectly.” Illam's grin was an answering flash of sharp teeth.

  "Stars above,” Tera said. “The testosterone is thick in here."

  Kiile's smile to her was friendlier. “Wait until Lysie hears about this."

  "I'm sure you'll just love telling her."

  "You have no idea just how much I will enjoy it."

  "Small minds are easily amused."

  He laughed outright.

  "Kiile, I need to speak with Father."

  He sobered. “Something wrong?"

  "Well...” Tera glanced at Illam and back at her leader. “There's a need for some fast results."

  "Tell me what's happening.” His gaze sharpened, swinging from her to Illam. “Do I need to pull my healer and bodyguard out of there?"

  "No!” Tera exclaimed.

  "It is your choice.” Illam ignored Tera's gasp of outrage. “This is the situation. The other species, the Canys, are having runts starting to be born on a regular basis. Ropar, their leader, is laying the blame at the Felys’ doorstep. He says we're possibly diseased and spreading infection to cause runts. The Lypeople have warned us that he is unstable, and are watching him closely. They are also watching us, and prepared to back us in case of any uprising."

  "Are my people in danger?” Kiile asked quietly.

  "Danger if there is a fight, yes. But at this moment, depending on the results of your healers, there may be a resolution. And Kiile, if there is any danger, I will personally ensure that Wylin and Tera are taken to safety. I'll have them sent straight back to you in a scout ship."

  Leaning back in the chair, Kiile rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

  "Kiile, we can't leave right now,” Tera stated. “I have more data for Father and he may have some results for me. Everything is resting on these results."

  "If you have all the data and specimens, you could return home now."

  "Ah, but the data may not be complete."

  His eyes sharpened. “How so?"

  "Well, if there's a result of some kind, I need to follow it up. If not, the Lypeople have arrived and I need to find out their information, which I can do while I'm here."

  Kiile looked at Illam. “Your promise to send Tera and Wylin home at the first signs that things are getting worse?"

  "Yes."

  "Tera, when you've finished speaking to Sarcan, I want you to send Wylin and Denyon in to speak to me."

  "Understood."

  Kiile nodded. “I'll switch you to Sarcan."

  The screen went blank, and then Sarcan's bearded face came into focus. “I heard."

  Tera sighed. “Shared channel, huh?"

  "For this expedition, it is shared between Kiile and the healers’ quarters. You need the results fast?"

  "Yes."

  "I'm sending it now."

  Illam was surprised that Sarcan wasn't begging his daughter to come home immediately. They'd seemed so close back on Argon. But even as he thought it, he saw Sarcan's face soften.

  "Daughter, you be careful."

  "Of course, Father."

  "I couldn't stand to lose you."

  "You won't.” She grinned. “Only the good die young, I'll last forever."

  "I doubt your sharp tongue could get you out of trouble if you're caught in the middle."

  "Father, I promise to be careful."

  Illam stepped forward, making his presence known. “Sarcan, you heard my promise to Kiile. If fighting even looks like it's going to start, I'll send Tera and Wylin home. I'll guard them with my life. They are under Denyon's and my protection."

  "I understand, and I thank you.” Sarcan nodded.

  And I love your daughter, and will give my life for her if necessary. Illam didn't say what he was thinking, but he saw Sarcan's gaze drop to where Illam's hand had come to rest on Tera's shoulder. Tera's hand was resting lightly atop his.

  Sarcan's brows lifted as he looked at Tera.

  "Don't ask,” Tera advised. “Because I don't know yet."

  "All right,” Sarcan said slowly.

  "Did you find anything out from the data I sent?"

  Illam felt a rush of relief at the change of topic. Facing a father from another species wasn't something he really wanted to do right now.

  "Actually, I found something unusual,” Sarcan replied.

  Tera leaned forward eagerly. “What?"

  "It's on the DNA. Very odd. Wait a minute, and I'll bring it up on the screen.” His face disappeared and a strand of DNA appeared.

  Illam didn't actually know what DNA should look like, but Tera seemed to know. Her face suddenly looked puzzled.

  "Father, what's that red shine against the side of the DNA?"

  "I don't know. It shouldn't be there."

  "Is it on all the DNA samples?"

  "Almost every single one."

  "Do you have any idea what it is?"

  The DNA sample disappeared to be replaced once more with Sarcan's face. “It's not a natural part of the DNA. If it was, it'd be intertwined with it, not just attached to one side. Something has affected the DNA of the Felys."

  Illam listened closely, knowing his species was as close to discovering something as they'd ever been.

  "It only showed under the ray from the rayscope,” Sarcan continued. “Otherwise, it's invisible to the eye and microscopes. The other thing is that it seems to be in variable degrees in different DNA."

  "So some are more susceptible than others?"

  "So it would seem. But it is stronger on the DNA of the young Felys, and weaker in the DNA of the older Felys."

  "So whatever is happening, it's getting stronger with each generation."

  "Exactly."

  "It's causing the runts?"

  "So far, that's the only link we have. The runts are growing in number, and whatever is attached to the DNA is getting stronger with each generation. The DNA from the runts had the strongest red shine. In fact, the shine eclipses most of the DNA."

  "Damn.” Tera leaned back in her chair. “Something is attacking the DNA of the Felys?"

  "It appears so. It's hard to say, but there seems to be a link between the strength of the red shine, and the weakness of the runts."

  "What of the red shine from the young Felys who aren't runts?"

  "Glad you mentioned that. The red shine is stronger than that of the older Felys, but not as strong as those of the runts."

  "So that is the link. The strength of the red shine affects the development of the fetus into a runt or not."

  "I cross-referenced the parents of runts, and the red shine is strong in them as well, stronger again in the Felys kits, but strongest in the runts. The few parents who don't have such a strong red shine, haven't yet birthed runts."

  "So we need to find out what the red shine is, and how it has attached itself to the DNA."

  "Exactly."

  "Is there anything else you can tell me?"

  Sarcan frowned. “I wish I could. Hopefully the data you sent of plant and other specimens will help me discover more."

  "I'll be back tomorrow.
You were able to get the results pretty quick for the specimens, and now you know what you're looking for, these specimens shouldn't take so long."

  "Hopefully I'll be able to shed some more light on the whole thing by then,” he agreed.

  They spoke a little longer, and when the data collector finished downloading into Sarcan's computer he finally left with a last warning to her to be careful. Illam sent a call down to Wylin and Denyon to inform them that Kiile wished to speak with them, and Kiile appeared and chatted with Tera about the goings on of the palace while they waited for Wylin and Denyon to arrive. Once they did, Illam and Tera left the cabin.

  As they walked down the corridor, Illam slid his arm around Tera's waist. “Good news, then?"

  "About the discovery of something attacking the DNA, yes. At least we know something, but still not enough.” She frowned. “I want a sample from the Lypeople who are in the settlement."

  "To check if they have the same red shine?"

  "Yes.” She looked up at him. “Do they have many runts?"

  "Some, but not so many."

  "Really?” Her smooth brow wrinkled as she went deep into thought. “Maybe I need to go there and check out their situation as well."

  "Not so easily done, makit.” Illam couldn't help but drop a kiss on her brow. “You need to apply to the Lypeople Council for permission."

  "They know we're here to help you, surely they would trust us?"

  "They don't know you,” he replied. “And like us, they're wary of those they don't know."

  Tera had a decided expression on her face. “Then I'll ask Taj to apply to them for me."

  "You're a stubborn little female."

  "I want this sorted."

  * * * *

  Space

  Helpless, furiously, he watched the young wench brought to the pirate captain. He could see the pain in his friend's eyes. He knew of his love for the young wench.

  "So, a pretty little girl.” The pirate captain smiled, eyes traveling over her lasciviously. Stepping forward, he grabbed hold of her small chin and titled her head back, studying the pale, tear-stained face. He leered. “I can see that we'll have many hours of entertainment on this trip. What say you, lads?"

  A rumble of lewd laughter and crude suggestions made his skin crawl.

  The young wench jerked her chin from the pirate's grasp.

  The pirate captain laughed. “Your revulsion won't last long, my pretty. Once I've ploughed you a few times then given you to my men—"

  As if in a dream, he heard his young friend call out in rage, saw him push to his feet from beside him, heard the laser spit fire, and he watched as his friend sank slowly to the floor.

  Dead.

  The little wench cried out, but the hand in her hair jerked her cruelly to a halt when she started toward her dead friend. Their dead friend.

  Grimly, he clenched his jaw. He couldn't feel grief right now because he knew he'd soon be dead, too. His concern was for the little wench ... “I have riches at home. In return for her life—"

  The pirates roared with laughter.

  "Listen to me. I—"

  "We have what we came for, the cargo. This little girl is a bonus. She comes with us.” The pirate grinned.

  And he heard the little wench beg for their release. Heard her beg, and heard the pirate laugh.

  Heard the pirate name himself.

  And knew dread. Knew there was no way any of them were going to survive.

  And then a younger pirate came in, in his hand the head of the little wench's father. He tossed it carelessly to the floor, and the watcher's heart nearly broke at the shock on the wench's face, her gasping breath. He had to hold back his own horror.

  But then a new horror took its place. He saw the young pirate eyeing the little wench hungrily. The pirate captain was eyeing the young pirate, and a smile twisted his thin lips. “You fancy her?"

  Striding forward, the young pirate stopped before her. Tangling his fingers in the brown tresses, he tipped her head back. “How fortunate. She has his lovely eyes."

  Trembling, the little wench gazed up at him and whispered, “Help us."

  Throwing back his head, he laughed uproariously.

  * * * *

  Ropar arrived at the archeological dig with a full guard.

  Calean was surprised to see him. “Sire?"

  "You're close to the swamp, the boundary between the Felys and us.” Ropar growled as he paced around restlessly. “Have you seen them close to the boundary?"

  "Not really, no."

  "Not really?” Ropar glared at him. “What the hell does that mean?"

  Nervously, Calean ducked his head and eyed his leader from the tops of his eyes. “I've seen some of the runts there—"

  "Runts!” Ropar exploded. “Those bloody runts!"

  Cautiously, Calean stepped back.

  Mitzi looked out from the tent, caught sight of Ropar, and disappeared back into the questionable safety of the tent.

  "Next time you see a runt near the boundary, chase them off.” Ropar's jaw worked angrily, and he bared his teeth. “I want those runts kept well back from the boundary."

  "As long as they're on their own side—” Calean began.

  "Well back, do you hear me?” Ropar snarled. “I hope those guards I sent are patrolling the boundary properly?"

  "Of course they are,” said Calean, who really didn't know, and could care less.

  "I won't risk those disease-ridden ferals spreading anything to us.” Ropar looked at the water containers. “You boil the water, don't you?"

  "Well, uh..."

  "Start. Don't drink the water from the lake without boiling it. Don't eat anything raw from the grounds near the swamp. And don't eat raw meat. Make sure it's cooked so that any disease is heated out of it.” Ropar strode back to the shuttle. “And make sure my soldiers have the best of your sleeping quarters."

  Calean eyed his leader's back sourly. Well, now I know where I am in the pack. Bloody rock bottom. He caught sight of Mitzi peeking out of the tent. Not quite, though. There was still Mitzi. He bared his teeth at her, and she growled back before disappearing inside the tent again.

  For being such a bitch and not coming out to give him back-up, he wasn't about to share his latest find with her, either. A find that was right under their noses all along. It was amazing they hadn't sniffed it out earlier, it had been so close to the surface.

  It would no doubt be worth a fortune. It still had the shine and everything. Meanwhile, he had it safely wrapped up in his tent. The one where the soldiers wouldn't be sleeping.

  They could have Mitzi's tent instead.

  Now he felt better.

  * * * *

  Arms folded, Tera watched Taj closely.

  "You want specimen samples from us?” he asked in disbelief.

  "To see if you've got the same red shine as the Felys,” she repeated.

  "What sort of specimens?” Ryles queried.

  "Skin, nails, hair—"

  "Sperm,” Illam added.

  Taj's pupils slitted. “Not likely!"

  "Will you stop it, Illam?” Tera demanded. “You're not helping me."

  "No, but I'm having fun."

  Tera felt like giving him a good smack. The Lypeople were touchy at the idea of her collecting anything from them. Illam amusing himself wasn't making it any easier to persuade the Lymen before her.

  I'll fix you, Illam. “I assure you, Taj, the Felys enjoyed the head massage I gave them when I collected data on their head size, shape and other things.” She smiled sweetly up at Illam. “Right?"

  It was more than obvious by his low growl that his amusement had vanished.

  "I'll have to contact the Council,” Taj finally said. “If they give the okay, then I guess you can get specimens from us."

  "Excellent."

  Illam frowned at her, but she merely smiled at him and turned away to the specimen jars that Rilla was getting ready to pack into the containers.

 
She heard Illam leave with Taj a few minutes later, and breathed a silent sigh of relief. Ryles was still talking to Marx, and she waited until he'd finished before turning back to him.

  "Ryles, a question."

  He raised one brow inquiringly at her.

  "This other species, the ... Canys?"

  "Yes?"

  "Taj said they're having an increased number of runts being born?"

  "That's right."

  "How would I go about getting specimens from them?"

  Ryles mouth fell open. Rilla gasped, her gaze going from Tera to Marx and back again.

  "Unthinkable,” Ryles finally managed to reply.

  "But if they have the same red shine that the Felys have—"

  "It'll simply link the cause of the runts. It won't prove the Felys aren't diseased and passing it on."

  "But the Felys aren't diseased."

  "Try telling Ropar that without proof."

  "But having specimens from the Canys will show if there is a corresponding cause. It could help."

  "Absolutely not!"

  "Oh, come on. I'm not a Felys, and surely if I went with you—"

  "They'd chew you up and spit you out!” Ryles frowned. “You have no idea what they're capable of."

  "The females might be more willing to help me."

  "Those bitches will tear you apart."

  "That's a little strong."

  "That's what they are.'

  Tera tried again. “At least talk to Taj, ask the Council—"

  "You're under the protection of the Felys. It's their call, not mine."

  "I'm Argon. I'm under that jurisdiction."

  Ryles smile was a fraction mean. “And I'm sure your leader will just love to hear that we've let you wander off into the Canys territory in search of data."

  Kiile would be furious. He'll have a fleet of guards out here in no time. There has to be another way.

  "Never mind.” With a sigh, she turned back to the specimen jars.

  Ryles had no sooner left the hut than Rilla and Marx were at her.

  "Are you out of your mind?” Marx demanded, the black threads in his eyes writhing agitatedly.

  "Those Canys will kill you!” Rilla snapped.

  "You are not to go near them!” Marx growled.

  Tera held up her hands placatingly. “It was just an idea."

  "And idea that could get you killed,” Rilla snarled.