"They'll attempt to cut off our supply of natural gas, now that their efforts to destroy the plant and burn down most of the city have failed," Caylon tilted his head in acknowledgment. Already we understood that they'd anticipated this storm and had timed their attack on the power plant before its arrival. Without our intervention, many in Mundia would be frozen by morning.
"It's likely that food deliveries are already interrupted, although Shim will bring that information with him when he and his twenty arrive tonight," Berel pointed out. He and Bel Erland had already discussed this, I could tell.
"I've had word from Winkler—they're tracking two ships that left port bound for Vic'Law today," Sal said. "They intend to stay a safe distance behind until Cayetes' ships show up to take the cargo and leave both crews dead."
"What's the cargo?"
"Textiles, clothing and specialized orders for the families on one ship," Sal said. "The other has wheat, imported beer, electronics, that sort of thing."
"Because the warehouses between here and Puntia are supposed to supply Mundia with food," Kaldill tossed up a hand in frustration. "I can arrange for exports from elsewhere to feed the city—at least for a short while. We need something long-term."
"Greenhouses and hydroponics? Mundia is beside a river," Bel Erland said. "We have plenty of water, even if supply ships are stopped."
"What about the manufacturing concerns, here?" Justis asked. "What does Mundia make that can be marketed elsewhere?"
His observations made me think of Puntia and what Barstle Cardino and Nardes Churg could be manufacturing to sell elsewhere. If my suspicions were correct, those two had been in league together for several years. Somewhere, too, was the distribution point for the drakus seed. That intensified my desire to look at Barstle, Nardes and their connection to someone from the Xilva family—I'd know exactly what they were plotting and how deep their betrayal of Vic'Law ran.
"If there are any existing buildings that aren't in operation or are manufacturing something that isn't really needed by the residents, then I suggest repurposing them," Berel said. "I feel we can have a thriving greenhouse section quickly if we work toward that goal."
"We can ask for enough wheat to keep the city in bread for a few weeks after we take those two ships," Lafe suggested.
"I think same," Yanzi agreed.
"I want to find the source of the drakus seed," I blurted. "Whether it is grown here or delivered at Cayetes' command. We need it gone. I worry that Barstle and Nardes are intending to use it to take Vic'Law. What Cayetes has planned for them afterward I don't wish to know."
"What evidence do you have for this?" Caylon asked.
"All those men—who were firing at Justis and me—all of them had drakus seed in their systems. I believe that Cayetes or someone else has devised a way to keep from killing the drakus seed addicts, but with the intention of keeping them under their thumb through their addiction."
"How did those men die, Quin?" Caylon asked.
Hanging my head, I struggled not to weep. "I killed them," I whispered. "I called to the drakus seed in them. It overwhelmed them immediately and stopped their hearts. I killed them."
Turning, I ran from the room, barely able to see through my tears as I sought my suite.
* * *
Bel Erland
"At least we know, now," Caylon sat heavily on a sofa near the fireplace.
"I hope you understand that this talent is something she will use only as a last resort?" Kaldill's voice was low and filled with anger. "Justis' last protection jewel had fired before she did this. She was protecting his life."
"You act as if I'm Quin's enemy," Caylon snapped back. "I assure you I am not. The Orb, on the other hand—I do not trust it. As long as it has control of Quin, then I will be suspicious."
"Then be suspicious outside her hearing," Lafe growled before leaving the library.
Justis was already gone—he'd raced after Quin following her disappearance. I'd risen to follow, but Justis beat me to the door.
Therefore, I stayed in the library to listen to the others.
* * *
Quin
"You saved my life." Justis' arms were wrapped tightly about me. I'd wanted to weep my heart out alone, but he'd found me anyway. "The first time you have to kill may be the hardest, but it's never easy, my love. I'm grateful for your intervention, or I wouldn't be here with you now."
I hated having to do it, I sent. I couldn't speak the words aloud, so I chose mindspeech.
I hate that you had to do it, too. We're hunting criminals, beloved. You must be prepared to protect yourself and those you care for.
I would do it again—I can't lose you a second time, fresh tears fell.
I'm sorry you thought me dead, he replied.
"How is she?" Lafe arrived and took a seat on the bed on my other side, his weight making the frame creak softly. His hand ran gently down my feathers, soothing what had been ruffled during the dash to my suite.
"Upset about killing those who deserved it," Justis responded.
"My love, they would have killed you without a second thought—you'd be dead if Kaldill's shield hadn't held. He explained that to me afterward, over a bottle of very strong wine," Lafe straightened another feather.
"Most trainees aren't faced with such terrible opponents so early in their instruction," Caylon appeared. "You have my apologies, young virsee."
"I want to fold space," I quavered the moment Caylon disappeared.
* * *
Le-Ath Veronis
Magul stood at the railing of the tour boat, staring at the glass castle. The structure was enormous. Certainly larger than he'd imagined after seeing the images on his comp-vid. If he were used to appreciating such things, he'd have thought it breathtaking. Instead, he glowered as he imagined how much trouble it would be to get into it.
Swimmers were lifted regularly from the waters by vigilant Black Wing guards and deposited wet and shivering on the deck of the boat they'd leapt from. They'd drown otherwise—the current surrounding the castle was much too strong to swim.
Vardil Cayetes had sent him to accomplish an impossible task. He wouldn't accept any excuse for not getting the job done, no matter how valid Magul's reasons might be.
"Do you suppose the Red Wing King ever comes out?" a woman sidled up to him. Magul recognized her face and preened at her interest—she was quite becoming. Perhaps a dalliance before the day was over? It would take his mind off his task and help convince her at the same time.
"I have no idea," Magul offered a false smile. "Perhaps we can find out. Together."
* * *
BlackWing I
Bear Wright
"They're here," Marco pulled up a map of our immediate surroundings. Cayetes' ships—three of them—had slipped in behind the two freighters. They were now between us and the intended targets.
"What kind of defense system do the freighters have on board?" Ace asked.
"Just the standard laser cannons—in case they're fired on," Winkler replied after studying a comp-vid he held. "These shipping lanes are generally safe."
"Not anymore," Amos Thompson observed dryly. "Who's up for target practice?"
* * *
Vic'Law
Quin
"Mr. Thompson is in charge of BlackWing's weapons," Sal said. "He was a sharpshooter when he was in the military. He doesn't miss his targets."
"You mean Cayetes' ships are under attack now?" Mell asked.
I'd been lured to the kitchen after Justis and Lafe stopped my tears, with the promise of hot tea and a fresh cookie. We'd found Sal already there, eating a plate of cookies.
"That's what I heard," Sal nodded. "Winkler called in another ship—the BlackWing II, so that ought to do it. They'll redirect the freighters after they take care of Cayetes' crew."
"What will they do with them? The crew?" I asked. Sal handed me a cookie off his plate with a grin. "Other than leaving them in an escape pod or two, nothing—I
hear Kooper and the ASD will just happen along and take them into custody. If we can get Alliance newsvids here, I figure we'll see them hauled off to jail. Cayetes will be livid."
"He'll try to kill what we've captured," Justis pointed out. "So they won't talk."
"True. If they're taken to Le-Ath Veronis, I'd like to see Cayetes' assassins try to get past Lissa's guards."
They may have Sirenali with them, Terrett said. My love, are you all right? He and Berel walked into the kitchen together.
I'm all right, I replied.
"Lissa knows to post guards who aren't susceptible to a Sirenali's obsession," Sal said. "Although they can cause enough trouble to make up for that between the space station and the palace."
Let's hope they can't speak, then, Terrett frowned.
"Cayetes needs to stop making them," I muttered. "He's abusing them, if my guess is right."
He would, Terrett agreed. I blinked at him before turning away. Yes, I understood some things about Terrett's past—things he didn't like to recall. I didn't want to cause him pain by bringing them up.
"Our guests will be here in an hour," Kaldill folded into the kitchen to remind us. "Dress casually so we won't upset or offend our visitors."
* * *
Our guests arrived together, although they had a difficult time getting up the hill in the snow. They should have accepted our invitation to pick them up, but they weren't sure they could trust us.
Not yet.
Kaldill, Berel and Bel Erland greeted them at the door and brought them into the dining hall, which Mell, Pellen and Jeslin had managed to make as plain as they could. The food was also plainer than might be found on many a table belonging to those in power on Vic'Law—by design.
Still, the food was very good, with a few additions that our guests would certainly appreciate. They were brought to the table; Shim made introductions and the meal went well.
"I think we can have things well in hand by the end of an eight-day," Kaldill explained. "You must understand that Mundia is a special case for us, and we don't want it falling into the hands of Barstle Cardino and Nardes Churg.
"Because this is the largest manufacturing city on Vic'Law," one of our guests complained.
"Once our mission here is complete, we will leave the city with its citizens," Bel Erland interjected.
"What is your mission?" Shim asked, his eyes narrowing in speculation.
"We're from the Reth Alliance," Kaldill explained. "We're trying to keep Vic'Law out of the hands of Vardil Cayetes. If you don't know who that is, then you are fortunate. As bad as the crime families are on Vic'Law, Cayetes is worse. Five years ago, he destroyed an entire planet with a ranos cannon because he was angry with one man."
If we hadn't captured our guests' full attention before, we had it now. They'd heard about Siriaa's destruction through bootlegged interceptions of Alliance news.
"You're from the Reth Alliance?" Shim whispered, as if one of Vic'Law's crime families might be listening to our conversation.
"Yes," Kaldill replied.
"Why are you here? Nobody ever helps Vic'Law."
"Because we hunt Cayetes, who is not only a danger to you, but to all people. Normally we wouldn't interfere with any non-Alliance world, but as you can guess, this is a special case."
"What about the crime families?" Our disgruntled guest spoke again. "Will you leave us to them when you go?"
"They're doing their best to kill each other," Caylon snorted. "Once the Juffa family was destroyed, they're fighting to take Drood's place. Juffa killed most of the Cardino family when he learned they were plotting against him; much of Birtes Churg's family is now dead by Nardes Churg's command. At this time, Barstle Cardino and Nardes Churg have allied and appear to have the upper hand."
"They'll come here," several whispered. "We're as good as dead."
"Don't be frightened; there is more here to defend you than you know," Sal said. "We are arranging for food and supplies to be brought in to keep the city going, while we work at making it self-sufficient."
"Puntia is less than one hundred clicks away," Shim pointed out. "Nardes Churg is in charge there. It may serve as a base for him to attack us."
"We're anticipating that," Caylon shrugged. "He won't get far, I assure you."
"You expect us to believe that you, here," the skeptic swept out a hand, "will be able to fight off the army that Cardino and Churg can send against Mundia?"
That's when the realization hit me. Shim and his skeptical friend were right to be worried. I could see in the gleam of Caylon's eyes that he wanted to draw Cayetes attention—not just to us, but to the city we defended. He wanted Cayetes to attack us here. He wanted to destroy whatever Cayetes could send against us.
Is this what Director Griff wants, too, Sursee? I sent to him.
Kooper is prepared if we can draw out much of Cayetes' forces, yes.
What about these people? My mental voice conveyed my worry for them.
It is my hope that all will survive unscathed.
We will have to defend them against what is here, first, I pointed out. They have no reason to trust us. They may find no reason to trust us.
All the vermin in one trap, Caylon responded.
I didn't reply. Clamping my wings tighter to my back, I stared at the food on my plate. Mell and Jeslin had made pasta for me; it would be tasteless past this point. Was this the reason they'd chosen Mundia from all the cities we could have picked after our exit from the Juffa estate?
Were the efforts being made to feed the people and keep them warm merely a way to placate me? Yes, I'd read people all my life, but I'd never been surrounded by so many who held so much power before. Were my readings of them faulty as a result?
I couldn't tell.
Other worries crowded my mind. My fear was growing and I had no explanation for it; I merely had a foggy notion that I should be afraid.
I feel sick, I sent to Kaldill.
"Please excuse me," Kaldill rose from the table. "I shall return shortly." He walked to my chair, helped me up and together we left the dining room.
Jayna stayed with me when Kaldill left my suite to return to the meeting. Still, I couldn't shake the fear that had come over me, although I had no explanation for it.
"Is it the cramping?" Jayna asked softly as I hugged myself and paced by the window. Outside, snow continued to fall, silent and uncaring that people were huddled in their homes against its chill.
"No—I don't have that," I mumbled. I'd never had that. I hadn't been born—as she had. Shoving those thoughts aside, I searched for the reasons behind my fear. I found nothing and the longer I paced, the worse my fears became.
When the Orb appeared, I was terrified.
* * *
Bel Erland
I listened without comment while Caylon talked of arming the people of Mundia—those who were capable of handling weapons—in case Cardino and Churg led forces against the city.
Clearly, their attention was directed elsewhere for now; they had to wrest Vic'Law from the grasp of their rivals first. Then Mundia would become their target.
In their estimation, we'd be starving and willing to allow them to walk in unchallenged when that time came. Caylon knew differently. For years uncounted, he'd been General to the Crane Warlord on Falchan. His aim in this was to allow the enemy to weaken itself in battles against other enemies, while he reinforced his army and waited for the eventual attack.
The plan was solid.
I worried that there could be something we weren't expecting in all this. A knife to the back, while we were busy protecting the front. My fears were realized when Jayna ran into the dining hall, weeping.
"Quin is gone," she wailed. "A shining light came and she disappeared."
I was standing before I realized it.
The connection we had to Quin had failed to take us with her.
Chapter 11
Le-Ath Veronis
Lissa
It took th
ree Larentii to calm Kaldill down. Bel Erland, who'd brought Terrett with him, had followed Kaldill straight to my palace. Bel was pale as a ghost and barely speaking, while Kaldill continued to mutter curses.
Terrett appeared lost.
If the others hadn't been meeting with twenty residents of Mundia, they'd likely be here, too. All asking the same question.
Why had the bond failed?
To make matters worse, Erland's carefully placed chip wasn't working either. We had no way to track Quin—wherever or whenever—she was.
* * *
Killshot
Bleek
We'd parked Killshot just outside sensor range of Harifa Edus, waiting for several ships to join us. With our laser cannons charged and aimed at strategic points outside the city and smaller towns we intended to take, we settled in to watch the planet, eat and make plans.
With my boots resting on the helm as I watched the planet far below us, the winged girl appeared from nowhere and slammed onto the rub-metal mat beside my chair.
* * *
Quin
I was so terrified I almost lost consciousness. Although I'd never seen him before, I knew I stared into the eyes of Bleek, Cayetes' general. Two right arms wheeled his captain's chair around while booted feet hit the floor beside my head.
When he stood, he towered far above me, while I could only cringe at his feet. He could crush my head with a well-placed kick; we both understood that.
Black hair swept about his face; black eyes studied me while I lowered my own. I didn't wish to see my death coming.
"You're the girl from LaFranza's shop. What in the bloody god's name are you doing here?"
Reaching down, he grabbed one of my wings and jerked me to my feet, causing me to cry out. For a moment, I could only work my jaw while nothing came from my mouth. "I'm so sorry, Master Bleek. Please, don't kill me."
He laughed.
* * *
Where are you? Queen Lissa answered my call.
In the brig aboard one of Cayetes' ships. I couldn't keep the quaver from my mental voice.
Do you know where?
Outside Harifa Edus. I saw it in Bleek's face—Cayetes wants to take back what he lost from Vogeffa II, and he also wants to take New Fyris. He's waiting on more of Cayetes' ships to come and help.
BlackWing: First Ordinance, Book 3 Page 15