“You’ll need a crib, diapers, baby things,” Sayeri said. “I’ll see what I have in storage.”
“What are you going to name him?” Tegani asked as she got into the spirit of the discussion.
“I don’t know. I want it to be a name worthy of an emperor and one honoring those who died to be sure he was crowned.” She thought she sounded very grown up.
Tegani smiled in approval, and Sayeri hugged Ninallia.
She had had been through so much in her short life. I’m never going to be the same again.
Later, in her room, Ninallia stood before a mirror. She could see a baby pooch now. The healer said her son would be born in early April. He was growing, and she was healthy.
Sayeri was providing many things for the nursery along with baby clothes. It bothered Ninallia not to be able to decide on a name for her son. Emperor Hashi sounded too weak. Emperor Mallor sounded too old and staid for a child. Then it came to her—she would name her son Hiroto. The name meant courage, which was the perfect name for an emperor.
~ * ~
From storage Sayeri produced an antique wooden rocker for Ninallia, the only family heirloom she brought with her from the Imperial City. She put one of her servants to work, cleaning and polishing it. With more than four months until the birth, there was plenty of time to set up a nursery. This brought back many memories.
The birth of her daughter had been a special time. Hennina had been a happy baby, early to walk and talk, but always into everything. As she grew older, she became restless and rebellious. Her teens were difficult years, but Sayeri had hoped the unexpected pregnancy would settle her down, and at first it seemed to. Hennina would sit for hours and rock her son. One morning she ran off and never came back.
Sayeri sighed. At least she had Peterno. The door opened, and two of her estate workman brought in the crib she had designed for her grandson.
~ * ~
Tegani set the things packed in the special box from My Lady on her table. She had used these items to test many acolytes at the Temple. She lit the scented candle, breathing in their spicy aroma, and poured the sacred oil into the small ceremonial bowl. When she tested Ninallia, the results were exciting and frightening. She was amazed the girl could receive at so high a level with her limited training. That was the first clue Ninallia possessed the gift of mind touch. She would, with training, be able to touch almost anyone’s mind, gifted or not.
Ninallia squealed with delight upon hearing this. She placed her hand on Tegani’s forehead and said, “I can see you are thinking about Colonel Houston. He thinks about you a lot, especially at night.”
Sayeri laughed, but Tegani turned red and snapped, “Your gift is not a joke or a game, child,” as she hurried from the room.
Ninallia pouted. “I was teasing.”
~ * ~
Tegani was walking in the garden with Sayeri. The green foliage and southern climate made the area a year-round retreat for drinking tea and enjoying a time outside.
Peterno came running, playing with his toy air-car. He stopped and bowed to the two women in such a formal manner. He was the spitting image of Arturon. He even tilted his head in the same way when asking for a favor.
Tegani shook her head. She had not asked before. Now her curiosity overcame caution. “He looks like Arturon... Does he know?”
“No, I couldn’t tell him or anyone else,” Sayeri answered.
“Why? I think he would have been a wonderful father and grandfather.”
“I couldn’t do it to him. He loved the Temple, and I hated the cold. I was the half-sister to an empress. It would have caused a terrible scandal, and he would have been dismissed from the Order.” Sayeri’s voice was soft as she spoke.
Tegani agreed with that assessment but was sad that her old friend had not met his daughter or seen his grandson. The boy looked so much like Arturon, she wondered if he shared any of his gifts. If so, would Sayeri let the boy go to the Temple for training?
She was sure Arturon would want to see his grandson, though she could not picture him and Sayeri together. What a tangle.
Tegani smiled, letting the matter drop. That problem could wait for another day. She was sure it would work itself out. Now, she owed Ninallia an apology for overreacting to her innocent teasing.
Tegani tried not to imagine a relationship with Houston and buried her feelings. He was League and would be leaving after this mission. He doubtless spent time with many women. If there was a sexual attraction it was no proof of deeper feelings.
Twenty-Two
My Lady wrapped a heavy cloak about her. She felt the cold more and more. Perhaps it is time to pass on the mantle to Arturon and retire to a southern climate. When this crisis is over I will discuss it with him, but now I have a meeting with a League general.
She noticed something different about her screen, a slight shimmer that wasn’t there before. Her first thought was that the Empire was spying on her. She expected this but hoped her security measures would prevent it.
“Good evening, My Lady. I trust you are well.” A gray-haired man in military uniform stared out from her communication screen. “I apologize for interrupting your day. What I must tell you is of the greatest importance. I have taken the liberty of securing this line.”
My Lady’s mood lifted. She smiled. She feared the League would ally with whichever side appeared to be winning the standoff. Apparently, she was wrong. “How may I help you, General?”
“I am not going to pretend we both don’t know what’s going on. I have an agent, a Colonel Houston, who is with your Sister and the girl. I need to get some important information to him.”
“I would think you, not I, would be able to contact your colonel.”
“The damn fool ripped out his ear bud. If he hasn’t ruined his hearing, I’ll be amazed.”
“I see. What is this message he needs to hear?”
“After the death of the emperor, the body of a known assassin was found floating in a creek several miles from the Imperial City. The man’s wife has gone into hiding. She claims her husband was the assassin hired to murder the emperor. She is willing to give us evidence if someone helps her leave the Empire.”
My Lady sent a prayer of thanks to the Spirits. This might be the stroke of luck they needed. “And how will this help Colonel Houston?”
“It’s more how he can help us. If anyone can find this woman and get her safely from the Empire, it’s Houston. It’s what he specializes in.”
“Couldn’t the League get her out? There must be other men trained for these missions.”
“That’s true, My Lady, but Houston terminated communications, and we have lost contact. To command officials, he has deserted and is no longer a part of the League.”
“So, the League can disavow any knowledge or responsibility for his actions?” My Lady was quick to understand.
The general indicated his contempt for League policy with a snort. “Houston never left a man behind. I don’t plan on leaving him behind, even if it means ruffling a few League feathers.”
“Our Sister is as dear to me as my own daughter.” My Lady liked this general. He was not as tough as he pretended.
The general continued, “The woman is called Beliani. She works in one of the seediest bars in the Imperial City. She’s looking for an out.”
“Let’s give her one. You can offer her League protection, and I will promise the Order’s help in her escape. I don’t want to think of her falling into Hanoree’s hands.” She felt hope growing like a spring flower.
“Neither you nor I can waltz in and escort her out. Houston might be able to get her to a safe location where the League can pick her up.”
“I’ll see what I can do. Our communications are being monitored.” My Lady’s words were thoughtful.
“We’re working on securing your coms.”
“Thank you.”
The general had delivered his message, and My Lady was eager to put it in action. As soon has he
signed off she sent for Arturon.
“Dear Spirits, this is the answer to our prayers.” Arturon’s reaction was much like her own. “I will leave at once. I think I can get villagers to sled me down the mountain.”
“You’ll do no such thing. If you made it down, the Imperial guards would capture you. Your face is known throughout the Empire. Besides, you are the next in line to lead the Order. Think what Hanoree could do if he held you captive.” My Lady’s logic was sound, but she knew it chaffed at him.
“I am not without some skill,” Arturon said defensively. His ego raised its head, even after serving the Order for thirty years.
Several years ago, she’d sent him on a mission to the Imperial City, so he had contacts. “I’m sure Colonel Houston is experienced in these things.” She smiled. “We’ll send a message to Sayeri. Use a code and pass it on the shortest link via the Sisters and Brothers.”
“Wouldn’t it be easier to send it direct?” he asked.
“Sister Tegani isn’t much of a receiver.”
“Sayeri has an incredible range. It was one of the gifts she excelled at.” His voice was wistful.
“Yes, I remember now. A shame she never used it to keep in touch.” She studied Arturon, aware of the romance between him and the young royal.
He was a superior sender, and he remembered Sayeri’s mind well. His gaze clouded as he focused. Sending across so many miles without using the Sister and Brother network would tax his mental strength.
~ * ~
Sayeri was finishing her eggs and toast when her mind was touched with a familiar caress. Arturon?
Are Sister Tegani, the girl, and the League colonel with you?
Yes. Sayeri mouthed one word to the others: “Arturon.”
Tegani gasped. “Are you sure? Can he can send this far? He has to be in the Temple City.”
Sayeri held up her hand for Tegani to be quiet. Ninallia ran to get Houston.
They are safe here. How stand things in the Temple City? Sayeri asked. She was trying to still the wild beating of her heart his mental touch brought after so many years.
We are well. I have important news. Can you relay it to the others?
Yes, Tegani is in the room, and Ninallia is bringing Houston.
Good, much of what I tell you concerns him.
Sayeri felt the effort sending was costing him. How long could he keep such a link? She closed her eyes and focused on strengthening the bond and supporting it. She felt him sigh with relief.
Your Colonel Houston has a friend in the League named General Evans. He contacted My Lady with important information about the death of the royal couple.
Sayeri relayed this information as Houston came into the room with Ninallia.
“He’s a good man,” said Houston.
The body of the assassin washed up. No one in the Empire seems to connect the man to the murder, but his wife claims he was hired to do the job. She is willing to trade proof for safe passage to a League protected area.
Everyone was silent for a few minutes. Ninallia wrote down the location and name before Arturon’s link failed.
Take care, Arturon, said Sayeri.
You too, lady. Perhaps when this is over, I should visit Madori.
Yes. She held the link until he released. Tears filled her eyes.
“How soon can you get me passage to the Imperial City?” Houston asked.
“You mean get us passage?” said Tegani.
“You can’t leave Ninallia. One of us has to stay here, and it is much more dangerous for a Sister in the Imperial City now than it is for me.”
Sayeri knew Tegani would hate to admit it, but Houston was right. She would be failing in her duty if she left Ninallia, even in Sayeri’s more than capable hands.
Sayeri concentrated on a plan of action. The best course of travel would be a direct transport flight, but that would lead back to her estate. She booked an airbus to the capital of a neighboring kingdom. Once there, Houston could book a flight to the Imperial City. She began to work on securing enough untraceable credits. It wouldn’t do for them to be linked to her bank.
Tegani acted flustered. She was rattling off a list of things Houston would need and possible dangers in the city. Sayeri quietly signaled Ninallia, and the two slipped from the room.
~ * ~
“I hope you don’t think you can waltz into the Dragon’s End and take the woman out. I hear it is one of the worst bars in the roughest areas of the Imperial City,” Tegani said.
Houston grabbed her and kissed her long and hard. Panting he said, “I’ll miss you too, and I promise to be careful.”
She couldn’t speak. Instead, she stared at him in surprise. Had her feelings been transparent? She turned and realized the others were not in the room.
She couldn’t believe he had kissed her. He had no right to involve her emotions when it couldn’t go anywhere. When this was over, and if they succeeded, she would be going back to her Temple City and he would return to the League and deal with his desertion.
~ * ~
Sayeri approached Houston the next morning. “Colonel Houston, I wonder if you would join me and a guest for a private lunch in the garden. It’s a little cool now but should be pleasant in a few hours. We are blessed with a wonderful climate year-round, except for the rainy season in late spring.”
“A private lunch?” he asked.
“We don’t want to advertise the fact Ninallia and Sister Tegani are here, at least not yet. I think it is important you meet my guest.”
She had stressed the importance of his meeting her lunch guest but didn’t refer to the guest as a friend or neighbor. Was there some danger? Houston was on guard when he entered the garden later.
A small, well-dressed man was sipping wine and ogling Sayeri’s ample bosom. She was relaxed and smiling, looking quite pleased at the success of the low-cut gown and heavy makeup.
“Colonel, glad you could join us. This is Manit Vol Timel. I think he may be able to help with your provisioning needs. I assure you that Timel is reliable and deals in quality merchandise.”
Houston blinked. Sayeri was telling him that Timel was an arms dealer of some kind. How did she know he needed additional arms? How did she know Timel?
Timel looked him over. “What is the nature of your assignment, Colonel? Search and destroy?”
Houston poured himself a glass of Bengarian Brandy. He took a long sip before answering. “It’s a rescue and retrieval mission.”
“Does the party wish to be rescued?” Timel drawled. He popped a small pastry into his mouth.
“Of course, the party has requested assistance. There will be opposition to the rescue from high places.”
Timel smiled. “Sounds interesting. How large is your team? What kind of setting will you be in?”
“It’s a solo mission, and it’s in the heart of a large city.”
“I see, covert, in and out, with as little collateral damage as possible,” Timel said. “What do you see yourself needing?”
“Ammo for a C12 blaster, two military grade revolvers, rations, some energy pills, and three gas bombs,” Houston rattled off his needs. He looked at Timel and added, “and a League communicator.”
“What! You didn’t tell me he was working for the League.” Timel turned an accusing glare at Sayeri. “The price goes up.”
“Darling, who else would have the balls to go against Lord Hanoree?” She stroked his arm.
“Hanoree, that makes a difference. The beautiful empress did not deserve to die. She was an angel of mercy. I would gladly kill Hanoree myself.” Timel’s lips drew together in a tight line. It was evident his words came from true passion. “If the League wants to arrange this, I am your man. I thought they are like the Order, bound by their own laws and bureaucracy.”
“The League will have Hanoree in court. We have to make sure they have the evidence to win,” Sayeri said.
Timel raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. He looked at Houston. “
It will take three days to get everything together. League communicators are surprisingly easy to come by. The ammunition you need will take time.”
“Thank you.” Houston was leery of trusting an arms dealer. They were as likely to sell you out as they were to help. He hoped Timel’s professed affection for the late empress was genuine. “Three days will be fine.”
They spent the rest of the time eating and enjoying Sayeri’s fine wine. In fact, Houston was feeling a pleasant buzz when he returned to his room.
“Who was the man in the garden?” Tegani asked as he passed by her room.
“A friend of Sayeri’s. An arms dealer.”
She blinked. Obviously, she hadn’t expected him to be honest and direct. “Is he going to help us?”
“For a price he has agreed to provide some help. He is no friend of Hanoree.”
“Nor are we. Do you trust him?” she asked.
“Sayeri is willing to trust him,” he answered
Houston headed to his room. There was hunger in her eyes. If he turned around and went into Tegani’s room, he suspected she wouldn’t protest. They could spend the afternoon making love and sleep in each other’s arms. He reminded himself it was against League policy to get emotionally involved with the locals while on a mission. He closed the door.
Outside he could hear Sayeri and Ninallia walking toward the house, their voices happy.
“Is the baby supposed to sit on my bladder? I have to pee again,” Ninallia said in her childlike voice. On many worlds there were laws against using girls her age as surrogates.
“Wait until the baby gets bigger and you can’t bend over and pull your panties back up.” Sayeri laughed. These were things women shared and bonded over.
He examined his weapons. Perhaps Sayeri knew an area where he could test fire them. The good food and easy life here was making him soft. Well, the clinic had not helped. The artificial heart-lung capacitor seemed to be working well, but would it continue to work in a stressful situation? What if he needed stimulants to stay awake?
~ * ~
Arturon stared at the falling snow outside his window. Touching Sayeri’s mind had affected him. He thought his feelings for her were a fond memory, but strong emotions threatened to overwhelm him. He never told her that he loved her, and she had married someone else. Disappointment had filled when she accepted her family’s plans and never contacted him again.
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