Howl of the Wolf (Heirs to the Throne Book 1)

by Diane Rapp

  He absorbed every detail of Donovan’s strength and sent men to snoop around the festival grounds. Donovan was a fool! He allowed easy access to his stronghold, unaware that opposition to his changes grew stronger. Disgruntled Lords eagerly joined Jarrack’s conspiracy. He tallied his strength, knowing he’d soon have sufficient power to crush Donovan. “Stay in your cozy castle, secure in an idyllic life,” he muttered. “The ax will fall before you see it hanging over your neck.

  ******

  The next morning looked bright and cheerful. Dr. Alexander scrutinized every detail before he allowed Krystal to sit in the royal pavilion, decorated with choice cuttings of exotic plants. Krystal could enjoy the festivities without moving from her lounge. A gentle breeze carried enticing smells of delicate perfumes and mouth-watering dishes, but Alex stationed servants to fetch anything the queen might want.

  People stopped to greet their beautiful queen. Guild masters presented her with gifts, examples of their best wares, and she felt overwhelmed by their generosity. Her honest pleasure endeared her to each craftsman.

  Before pregnancy bound Krystal to Havenshire, she spurned the cloistered life of the average aristocrat. The royal couple often road through the countryside and stopped to buy local crafts in person. A visit from the queen improved a merchant’s business for weeks, as people thronged his shop to hear about her visit. Krystal’s lovely face and musical voice captured hearts. Young boys fell in love and young girls tried to copy her appearance. People grieved over the queen’s sorrow when she lost a baby, and optimism soared at the prospect of this impending birth.

  Dr. Alexander watched his patient with misgivings. He monitored Krystal nervously. His skill with natural medicines improved over the past three years, but childbirth presented too many variables. What should he expect next?

  Krystal laughed when an acrobat pretended to trip but bounced up to give her a flower pulled from thin air. She clapped enthusiastically and the doctor relaxed. Nothing seemed amiss and the festivities might be more beneficial than any natural concoction. He wandered through booths but kept a small piece of his attention on her canopy.

  ******

  Donovan bargained with a horse trainer to buy a string of prized animals. Pleased with the purchase, he summoned Andrew. The boy stood a foot taller than last year, could almost look Donovan straight in the eye.

  “Make a note to rotate the stock in the mountain pastures. These beasts are in top form, I believe the high country has much to offer.”

  Andrew grinned. “Haven’t I been telling you that?”

  Donovan clapped Andrew on the shoulder. “So you have son but adults take persuasion. I admit you were right. See to it for me will you?”

  “With pleasure, sire.”

  Andrew worked magic with his horses and someday Donovan would make him head groomsman. He watched Andrew examine the new horses. “These are the best of the lot.”

  “I’m glad you approve.” The boy blushed and Donovan added, “I plan to improve my breeding program with good stock for the new men.”

  “New men?”

  “Hush! I don’t want it nosed about. Some Lords have become too chummy with Jarrack, and I smell a plot. I’m initiating plans of my own, but keep the knowledge between us.”

  “I won’t breathe a word, sire.” Andrew’s voice betrayed awe and respect.

  Donovan disliked adulation, but it felt good to be a hero in the boy’s eyes. “Let’s start back. Take the horses to my paddocks and get them settled. I’ll stop by later.” He sauntered into the royal pavilion, filled with happiness.

  Krystal looked too pale. With concern in his voice, Donovan announced, “I must ask everyone to excuse us while we dine. Please accept our invitation to return after the queen has rested.” No one objected and word quickly spread to leave the royal couple to themselves.

  “The races should start soon,” Donovan said. “That will provide a pleasant diversion.”

  Krystal’s eyes sparkled. “You know how much I enjoy the races. This is so much fun.”

  The food arrived as the horn bugled for the races to begin.

  Trenton whispered softly to Maggie, urging her to accompany him back to their room since Krystal had other help.

  “Go ahead. I’m fine here with Chella,” Krystal said.

  Maggie whispered to Chella, “Watch her carefully. Alex left strict orders.”

  Chella nodded. “I know, go now and enjoy your time together.”

  Krystal enjoyed watching the races, and encouraged Donovan and Bryant to go congratulate the winners. Chella relaxed, reading a book in the warmth of the afternoon sun. Krystal drifted to sleep in the gentle breeze.

  She heard minstrels play soft music. In her dream she strolled through the garden and heard the voices of children at play. Wandering through the dream garden, the aroma of a new flower made her pause. The blossom was a delicate shade of lavender with an intoxicating scent.

  As a dark shadow fell over the garden, a chill crept over her skin, and she realized Jarrack blocked her path. The garden turned cold, its colors muted by a sickly blue haze.

  She could not escape.

  “I’m not here to harm you, Krystal, although I knew you were here. I came for them.” He pointed at the three girls at play. Giggling, the girls ran through the garden as rays of sunlight reflected from their happy faces.

  Krystal’s motherly instinct aroused, she glared at Jarrack, no longer afraid to meet his eyes. “Leave them alone!” The heat of her anger drove him back a step and she pressed her advantage. “You can’t touch them!” She clutched her amulet. Lightning sizzled from the stone and sliced through the blue haze. Jarrack’s image dissolved.

  You win this time but I’ll return.

  Fear gripped Krystal heart. She woke with a start, and knew she must protect her girls until they grew strong enough to protect themselves.

  Chella moved to her side. “What’s wrong?”

  Krystal clasped Chella’s hand and fought back sobs.

  Musicians began a lively tune and dancers moved into the square. Chella motioned for a servant to fetch Dr. Alexander. Worried faces swirled through Krystal’s perception. She panicked when a sharp pain ripped through her stomach.

  “Donovan!” she cried.

  “Easy, I’ve sent for the doctor.” Chella’s hand felt steady and her voice sounded reassuring. Pain made Krystal jerk. She gripped Chella’s hand hard as another spasm ripped through her body.

  Chella crooned, “Imagine holding a warm little body to your breast. Take joy in the small life God’s sending to you.”

  Dr. Alexander arrived, barking orders. He monitored Krystal, checking her pulse and vital signs. Krystal’s mind separated from her pain-ridden body, drifting above the chaotic scene. She watched Donovan run through the crowd, his face filled with fear.

  Musicians played and Bryant bowed to a comely lass. They danced unaware of the crisis. Holding the girl’s slim waist firmly, the soldier looked happy. We should find Bryant a good wife, Krystal thought, the man shouldn’t live alone.

  Krystal saw Jarrack.

  He stood near the corner of the canopy holding a black box, his eyes trained on Donovan. No! Krystal’s mind shouted as Donovan crossed Jarrack’s path. The air shimmered, freezing Donovan for an instant in mid-stride.

  The moment passed.

  Donovan ran to her, yammering at the guardsmen to carry Krystal into the castle. She tried to warn him about Jarrack, but her lips wouldn’t move. She searched for Jarrack in the crowd, but he was gone.

  Did I imagine seeing him in the stress of the moment? Another pain ripped through her body as thunder shook the sky.

  A red glow spread across the once-blue sky and sheets of light crackled through the atmosphere. “What’s happening?” Donovan shouted and Bryant rushed to his side.

  “Something tripped the planetary defense system,” Bryant said. “A spacecraft tried to enter without proper codes and the system started shooting. The danger’s not be
hind us. We must man the secret chamber and fight the intruder. To be successful, the system must be operated manually.”

  “I can’t leave Krystal. She’s having my baby,” Donovan said.

  “Husbands get in the way during childbirth. The security of our world depends on you manning the equipment. Come!” Bryant jerked Donovan around. “I have no expertise in space warfare.”

  Dr. Alexander nodded. “A first birth takes hours. I’ll send someone to get you when it’s time.”

  Donovan cast a sorrowful glance at Krystal. She tried to tell him she understood but only managed a weak smile. He ran into the castle.

  She felt strong men lift her body, felt the bounce of legs running, but her mind drifted. Had the Institute tracked them to Drako? Would the defense system successfully repel a modern ship?

  Inside the tower, Maggie rushed to Krystal and seemed worried. Trenton stood at her side. Chella muttered, “Stop looking so guilty, Trenton. How could you know the babies would pick this moment to arrive? Go help Donovan get rid of the Institute’s spaceship.”

  “What?”

  Chella nodded. “The satellite defense system just fired at a spacecraft. Donovan and Bryant went to track the ship. I’m sure they’d appreciate some help.”

  “Where are they?” Trenton sounded a bit too eager to join the action.

  Chella shoved him. “They’re in the king’s secret chamber! Get moving.”

  Trenton’s eyes lit up. “I’d better go where I’m needed.”

  Maggie shooed him out, busy helping prepare for the birth.

  Krystal felt relieved. Trenton’s the best man to handle guns in space warfare. I can relax and have the babies. When did she know she carried several babies? In her dream she saw three little girls and realized she could feel their minds. Stay calm, little ones. We have work to do, but soon you’ll feel my arms. I love you.

  Dr. Alexander barked orders.

  Sweat poured from Krystal’s brow and her body rippled with the contractions. Krystal’s mind stayed separated from the pain as she talked to her children. What a wonderful day! I’ll finally see my girls. Girls! Will a girl qualify as an heir to the throne? Let them try to stop her children! These girls will rip the fabric of society apart to prove their worth. Krystal knew she’d enjoy seeing the shocked aristocrats on the council when her three girls claimed their royal rights.

  ******

  Jarrack slipped away from the castle filled with conflicting emotions.

  His test of the stasis box worked against Donovan, stopping the man cold inside the stasis field. He’d felt exhilarated and started planning the final attack. By eliminating Donovan, he could easily secure the throne and rule this primitive planet.

  Then the attack from space raised his hopes for rescue. The Institute had tracked the Zebulon’s ion trail, but they never counted on an automated planetary defense system. The command center must be located inside the castle, a place Donovan controlled. If they successfully destroyed the Institute’s ship, it might be years before another one arrived. Can I survive that long without Transfer?

  He already felt himself aging! A knot of fear gripped his chest, and he cursed Donovan for destroying the Zebulon’s Transfer equipment. I must control the castle. More secrets like the defense system must exist inside that fortress—maybe communications equipment or a Transfer lab. I also need to capture Dr. Alexander. He’s the only man on this planet who knows how to make Transfer work before this body deteriorates. I’ll do anything to avoid aging and death!

  ******

  The night turned black before Dr. Alexander sent Maggie to fetch Donovan. He waited impatiently in the lower hall. “Three?” Donovan’s face turned white.

  Maggie nodded, “Three lively girls, small but healthy. Let those old biddies scoff at Krystal now!”

  Donovan rubbed his forehead, hardly hearing her words. “Is she okay?”

  Maggie nodded. “Labor took a long time. She’s weak but she’ll recover.”

  “May I see her?” His voice pleaded.

  Maggie patted his arm and nodded. “Come inside. Don’t spend too long, because she needs rest.”

  Donovan followed Maggie into their warm chamber. Next to the bed he saw three makeshift cradles filled with tightly-wrapped bundles. He gazed at each daughter and marveled at their tiny pink faces peeking out from under lacy caps.

  He sat on the bed and gently kissed Krystal’s hand. He felt small tremors of fatigue through her fingertips. He touched her mind and felt echoes of the pain she endured, sharing a small measure of the ordeal. Pouring energy into Krystal, as she often did for him, Donovan smiled as her eyelids fluttered open.

  “Donovan.” He lost himself in her beautiful blue eyes. She asked, “Have you seen the girls?”

  “Yes. They’re beautiful, just like their mother. I’m so happy.” He flashed a boyish grin. “You didn’t need to give us a whole family at once.”

  “You’re not disappointed? I know how much you wanted a son…”

  “Shhh!” He kissed her gently. “The girls are miniature versions of you, my beloved. I’ll watch them grow and see you in their pretty faces. Don’t ever think I’m disappointed with daughters.”

  “I felt their minds. They each possess some of our powers.”

  “The council can’t fault you, bringing three heirs into the castle.” Donovan grinned. “When Bryant announced the birth at the festival, the crowds cheered. He ordered kegs of wine and happily joined in the merrymaking, but he’ll nurse a massive hangover tomorrow.”

  Krystal raised a trembling hand to stroke his rough cheek. “Tell me about the spaceship. You’ve been trying to hide your thoughts since you entered the room. Did the defense system destroy it?”

  Donovan shrugged and picked lint from the blanket. “I can’t keep secrets from you. It was an Institute battle drone, a fast cruiser with maximum firepower. You should’ve seen Trenton. He squirmed on his chair, working the controls like a dervish until he scored a direct hit.”

  “That’s good news, isn’t it?” She scrutinized his somber face.

  “We’re safe for now. The system took several hits before we destroyed the thing. We’re not sure we can sustain another assault.” He stared at his shoes and gripped Krystal’s hand. “We think they got off a message capsule. Trenton fired at it, but…”

  Krystal nodded. “How long before the Institute comes after us?”

  Donovan stared into her eyes. “Trenton figures fifteen to twenty years, depending on which planet it reaches. This is my fault! I should have kept the Zebulon as an escape vehicle. Now we can’t run, can’t even send a repair crew to fix the damaged system. We’re stuck on Drako, waiting for the Institute to swoop in for the kill.”

  “No!” Krystal’s voice sounded edgy as she folded her arms across her chest. “You’ve got fifteen years, maybe twenty, to figure out a way to protect us from the Institute! You won’t give up because you’ve got a family to defend! Never let me hear you speak like this again!”

  Donovan’s mouth twitched into a lopsided grin. “I guess I’ve got my orders, so I’ll get to work right away.” With his thumb, he gently rubbed a tear from Krystal’s damp cheek. “You’ve got your orders, too. Get some rest. That brood of girls will soon be screaming for attention.”

  “Aye, aye sir.” Krystal squeezed his hand and watched him leave.

  Donovan met Dr. Alexander outside the bedroom door. “Thanks, Alex. I’m grateful you brought them through.”

  Alex nodded and gestured toward his sitting room. “We need to talk.”

  Donovan sat in a comfortable chair and watched Alex fiddle with brandy glasses. He seemed to avoid Donovan’s gaze and his somber expression looked ominous. “What is it, Alex? I can’t wait through endless preliminaries—I’ve got too much to do.”

  “Sorry, this is difficult.” Alex handed Donovan a brandy and sank into his chair. “I’ve never been good at confessions.”

  Arching an eyebrow, Donovan said, “You’d b
etter start now, before I wrap my hands around your skinny neck!”

  Alex swirled the golden liquid in his glass. “I didn’t expect her to carry all of the fetuses. She couldn’t survive another miscarriage and all the literature said…” Alex choked down a swallow of brandy and stiffened.

  He said, “The babies are clones.”

  Donovan barked, “What’s that supposed to mean? I’ve seen clones, had my mind transferred into a fair number of them. Our little girls don’t resemble clones!”

  Alex nodded. “For Transfer we aged clones to maturity in development cells. Each clone started out as an embryo. I tried implanting fertilized eggs into Krystal’s womb but her body rejected each one. I’m not an expert in fertility. My expertise is Transfer and cloning. Don’t you understand? Krystal’s survival depended on my success, and I know how to grow clones.”

  “You’re serious!” Donovan leaned over his knees and gripped his pounding head. “Well so what? They’re babies and they’ll grow like normal children. I frankly don’t care how they got started!”

  “Good! I counted on your forbearance but there was always the chance…”

  “Don’t say anything to Krystal or anyone else. The information stops with me!” He paced the length of the room. “Will it become obvious as they grow up?”

  “Each girl has different coloring—we learned to alter clones cosmetically—so they will look different on the surface. As Krystal ages, the similarities won’t dominate perceptions, but…”

  “You’ve always got a but! Go on doctor, tell me.” Donovan’s stance spoke of a man ready to lash out.

  “Krystal said she felt their minds…she said each one possessed powers…and on a world like this one…”

  Donovan laughed. “Powers! You think talents will make them witches on a backward world? The babies are clones of Krystal. She’s capable of hiding her powers from the public.”