Claimed: Unchartered Territory (21 page)

“Fine, I’m up.” But if Voren thought by forcing her to eat it would change anything he had a rude awakening in store.

Their walk was longer this time and Dallas recognized when they passed the large double doors of what she coined as Voren’s throne room. When they passed an archway and she glimpsed what appeared to be an empty dining area she became immediately wary.

“Where exactly are you taking me?”

Neither guard answered. The uneasy feeling grew into a ball of anxiety bouncing around her empty stomach.

Soon enough they stopped in front of a door. One of the guards waved his hand over the holopad and it opened to a bedroom. The other guard gave her a shove hard enough to propel her forward. The feminine décor was the first thing to catch her attention. Not exactly what would have pictured for the sector leader. Bunches of orange, yellow and green flowers in varying shapes of glass containers were placed strategically around the room. Large multicolored fans and brightly colored crude paintings littered the walls. The perfumed air was the next to register on her radar. The sweet, citrusy smell was light enough to be inviting without overpowering. Mingled with the fragrance was a savory smell that set her mouth instantly to watering. The room was four times as large as the box she was thrown in but it was still small enough for her find a raised table opposite a large window. The spread laid out wasn’t grand but certainly more than enough for two people. She tore her gaze away from the food in case Voren came in and found her staring. Her gaze darted around the frilly room for anything that could be used as a weapon. She would have had better luck finding water in a desert.

An obscured door opened from one side of the room and Kala stepped inside. Dallas tried to catch a glimpse of the area beyond but the opening closed too quickly.

Kala’s normally superior expression looked pensive. She paused as she spotted the group as if she hadn’t expected to see them there, then in a split second her features changed making her more recognizable as the woman Dallas had grown to despise.

“You may wait outside,” she dismissed the guards with a wave of her hand.

“Do you think that’s wise?” Dallas asked.

Kala gave her a dismissive look. “Are you suggesting I should fear you? I may not be a warrior woman but do not think me defenseless. You look barely strong enough to hold yourself up at the moment. Sit and eat.” Kala nodded in the direction of the table.

“And exactly what is that going to cost me?”

“Nothing, whether you choose to eat or not has no bearing on me, but I thought you were a survivor. Perhaps I was wrong.”

“Nice speech but I’m not buying this sudden generosity.”

“Suit yourself. I take that to mean you do not wish the use of the healers either?” She held up a little metallic box Dallas recognized as a nano unit used by medics.

“Did I just step through another wormhole? Why do you care whether I’m healed or fed?”

“As I said before it matters not to me, if you want to go back to that smelly cave. I will call the guards back.”

Dallas eye balled the meal once more. “What assurances do I have its not poisoned?”

“None. It is a game in chance. Do not eat and die most assuredly or eat and take a chance on survival.” Kala walked over to the table and plopped a random piece of fruit in her mouth, chewing with relished slowness. “Would I eat poisoned food?”

“Not all is meant to kill, there are psychotropic drugs,” Dallas added knowingly.

“Psycho…”

“Poison that alters a person’s sense of reality even morality. You and your boyfriend could have had this drugged to make me more receptive to him.”

Kala looked momentarily confused. “There is no such poison.”

Dallas wasn’t about to argue the point especially with the food beckoning to her.

Kala’s sharp gasp caught her attention. “Did someone give you
Q’ema
root?”

Her silence must have been the only confirmation the other woman needed.

Kala let loose a low laugh.

“I’m glad you can find amusement in that.”

“I was actually imagining the blow to Remar’s ego when you went screaming in the opposite direction. It is what he deserves for giving it to you.”

“He wasn’t the one who spiked my drink but it didn’t have me cowering in fear. I’m sure you can understand why I’m hesitant now.”

Kala’s expression quickly sobered.

“
Q’ema
root is an enhancement of one’s emotions. Fear, desire, truth. It is normally used in interrogation but has been discovered to have sexual enhancement properties but only if the attraction is already present and the right stimulus is provided. Some untried females use it the night of their bonding enhance the experience.”

Dallas looked away in embarrassment and moved toward the food laden table. Was Kala telling the truth? Sure there was a strange physical attraction to Remar from the beginning but there was also an element of fear. Why wouldn’t the
Q’ema
root pickup on her fears too?

Dallas plucked a piece of fruit than another off the platter. It was definitely an ambitious move on her part because chewing the tender fruit seemed another chore all its own. It hurt to talk but was a bitch to try and eat.

“Do you want me to use this or not?” Kala wiggled the nano medic at her.

It was like waving a life jacket over the head of a drowning person.

“Yes,” she tried not to sound too eager over the offer in case the woman had a sadistic streak and withdrew it just for shits and giggles. Kala’s approach could only be described as cautious, making her wonder if the female was more weary of her than she let on. The nano medic worked like a laser and two quick passes was all it took to inject the necessary healers, within seconds Dallas could feel the pain dissolve away in waves of relief.

“Hmm… I guess that’s better,” Kala said after giving her face a once over.

“Why are you doing this? You’ve made it abundantly clear you don’t like me.”

“I have no emotions for you at all, but your presence has caused a disruption in my life.”

“It wasn’t intentional.”

Kala took one of the two seats at the table and inclined her had to the empty seat for Dallas to take.

“Nonetheless, I find myself substituting a position I found most advantageous for…this,” she gave a minimal wave of her hand.

“I got the impression this was where you wanted to be.”

Kala lifted a dinning stick and stabbed a piece of meat before popping it into her mouth. Dallas followed suit making sure to select from the same area the other woman had made her selection.

“This, my dear
E’rther
, is a means for me to secure my future. Unlike on your world a female Chezarian is nothing without family or strong male connections to safeguard her.”

“Did I hear wrong earlier, or didn’t you mention something about having family in Nelo’s sector.”

Kala broke eye contact. “What I had there was over a long time ago, but it does not mean I am without caring of what could happen to them if Voren succeeds with his plan.”

The two women ate in awkward silence for long moments.

“What’s going to happen next? Although I didn’t ask for it like Voren wanted I’ve still gotten medical attention and eaten his food.”

“For now consider yourself pardoned. His attention is too focused on Remar and Keltar’s sectors.”

Dallas stiffened, her appetite suddenly vanishing at the mention of the battle.

How could she have let herself forget so easily?

“And are you privy to the status of things?”

“Voren believes me to be in the dark, but I am aware that his plans are not unfolding as suspected. According to one of his bond mates all is quiet in sectors two and three. Which can only mean that either you are not as important to Remar as we once believed or Keltar has somehow managed to convince Remar he had no involvement in your abduction.”

“Or maybe both are gearing up for the battle you all were trying to coerce.” Dallas offered as an alternative. Truthfully she didn’t want to believe that was the case. She had a moment of introspection: with Voren’s plans foiled her already precarious situation was even more uncertain.

“Chezarian males are not huge on posturing, especially not your bond mate. Keltar has always envied him, at least secretly, and this has led him to be Remar’s most vocal opponent in everything. The only thing keeping Keltar safe was the treaty, him abducting you would nullify it and give legitimacy to Remar’s declaration of war.”

“Which is why he made the perfect fall guy in all this. I get that, but what I don’t get is your involvement. Do you hate me so much for being here because staying is beyond my control?”

“And would you leave now, of your own accords if you had the chance?”

“Of cou- that is…” Dallas stammered.

Kala shot her a smug look. “Not certain, are you?”

In all honesty she wasn’t. “What does it matter it’s not like it’s an option.”

“Indeed. However, there may be a way for me to get you safely to Remar’s sector before Voren decides on other creative ways of disposal.”

She didn’t like the idea of Voren attempting to get rid of her to hide his connection with her abduction, but alarm bells went off at Kala’s offer to help.

“And why would you want to help me?”

“Silly
E’rther
if Voren disappears you, he will have to do the same with me. I am the only connection between him and your abduction,” Kala’s declaration was said in all calmness but Dallas saw the fear not so easily masked in her eyes.

Now it all made sense, the nano medic and the food.

“Voren doesn’t know anything about you helping me, does he?”

She didn’t answer, he silence was response enough.

“And how do I know this isn’t some trick?” Dallas asked.

“You do not, but what other options do you have, do either of us have?

“And I assume you have some method to get us out of the sector?”

She nodded. “It will not be pleasant for either of us.”

“And once we’re out of here will I be returned to sector two?”

“Not immediately, I will need my own assurances from Remar that no retaliation will be forthcoming, which is where you come in. Since your arrival Remar has acted in ways and permitted things that have never been considered. Some think you are a mystic woman.”

“Obviously my powers are limited or I wouldn’t be here.”

Kala looked in thoughtful contemplation for several seconds. “True, but it is known that he listens to you.”

“On some things.”

She looked relieved. “Good. I will need your assurance you can convince him to also offer me protection from Keltar or Voren.”

“Let me get this straight, you want immunity and amnesty from two sector leaders.”

The mask of superiority she normally wore was immediately back in place. “It is not too much to ask for saving the life of Remar’s bond mate.”

Now was not the time to argue that her life wouldn’t be in jeopardy if not for Kala’s involvement. Whatever Voren’s current distraction he would need to deal with both women soon which meant they had no time to debate the why’s of their current predicament.

“When do we leave?” Dallas asked.

“I have your word?” Kala insisted.

It was going to take some major convincing on her part but Dallas was hopeful she could get Remar to come around. “Yes. Now when do we go?”

Chapter Sixteen

Remar stared into the bloodied face of the guard who had staggered and fallen into a ball of grovelling flesh against one wall.

The information Keltar had gathered led them to the second male, who was laying low in a roughened portion of Keltar’s section. The male tried his best to resist the effects of the
Q’ema
root. Ultimately, he’d failed. His initial denied involvement was a moot point when the holo recorder was discovered and proved that he was not only involved but had attacked
Dal’las
multiple times in an effort to take her. She’d fought with ingenuity and valor, making Remar admire his bond mate even more and proving to him that she had not orchestrated the abduction. His elation was short lived when he watched as the guard caught her unawares and dealt a blow which effectively rendered her unconscious. Her incapacitation didn’t seem enough for him and he quickly landed three more strikes to her face.
Dal’las
much smaller frame twitched with each contact but she remained blissfully unconscious. When another angry attack was attempted his partner stopped him and took over by hoisting her over his shoulder and into the transport.

The proof of what he’d done sent Remar after the shattered guard once more.

“Brother, if you kill him before we can extract any information it will only delay our recovery of the
Leila
,” Galdar said with a restraining hand.

***

Dallas wasn’t sure how long she’d have to wait for Kala to come for her or if she’d actually come at all. The whole show in her room may have just been a way to get her to lower her guard, but to what end? Dallas reflected on their interaction and had to admit there seemed to be definite moments of genuine sincerity, she hadn’t imagined it at all.

Maybe she were just being impatient, maybe only a little time had passed since the guards brought her back to her dark little hovel. Shoving off the uncomfortable bed she paced back and forth, if that’s what five steps in each direction could be considered. The food had given her energy and without the pain in her face she had the ability to focus more clearly.

The door to her room folded in on itself unexpectedly.

The outside light temporarily blinded her. She took a cautious step back as a figure stepped into the doorway. Her eye sight adjusted and it was almost a relief to see Kala alone.

“Nice outfit,” Dallas said giving her leather like pants and vest a once over.

“Glad you like it, I brought you one too. It might be a tad long but –“

Dallas held up her hand to stop Kala. “I will make do, trust me I’m grateful.”

She easily caught the pile of clothes tossed to her and jerked them on without hesitation. There was no time for modesty. She gave Kala a curious look at the extra piece of cloth. A hooded shirt.

“I think it will bring less attention to your… abnormal features.”

Dallas agreed and pulled it over her vest. It was loose and bulky, perfect for mobility and concealment.

“We must go, he will not wait forever.”

Dallas didn’t need a second invitation to follow suit nor did she question to whom Kala referred. So long as
he
got her as far away from Voren and in reasonable proximity to sector two
he
could be a shit herder for all she cared.

“Stay close, and move fast the guards might be on their way here,” Kala whispered.

“Guards? Why?”

“Do you think Voren was going to disappear you before having a chance to sample what he went through so much trouble to acquire? Tonight was to be the night he got his prize and Voren is a much different lover than Remar,” Kala paused, her steps slowing. Dallas wondered if some distant memory weren’t responsible.

“Hey, snap out of it. We have a rendezvous remember?” Dallas encouraged.

Kala nodded picking up speed once again, instead of moving into the main halls they took another corridor of uneven walls, it was slightly darker down the passageway, the walls were slicker and the smell grew fouler. Thick.

“Exactly where are we going?”

“Are you certain you want to know?”

“Yes.”

“It is the refuse system. Trust me the smell is going to get worse.”

“How do you even know about this area, I can’t exactly see you hanging around down here?”

“I learned of it from Voren’s youngest bond mate. Her mother was a servant in this household. The room you were in belonged to them. She was left alone in her youth and knows of many passages throughout.”

Dallas found it curious that Voren’s servants lived on his property. In Remar’s home only certain family members and a few essential warriors lived in the manor. But that was less interesting than the other revelation.

“Voren married his servant’s daughter?”

“She is considered a rare beauty. Not exactly an
E’rther
but she possesses enough unique qualities to catch Voren’s interest.

Dallas remembered back to the dinner party. Voren’s wife resembled many of the women she’d seen, nothing in her recollection stood out other than the woman’s zombie like stare when she’d actually looked in Dallas’ direction.

“When I saw her she seemed completely beholden to him why would she help us?”

“That brainless female Voren brought with him is his first wife. There are two others. Lucky for us his youthling mate has not succumbed to the sad state the other two have, at least not yet,”

Dallas found her own steps faltering.

“Did you say youthling mate? Exactly how young?”

“Below breeding age,” Kala mumbled. “But very intelligent.”

“Am I to assume she’ll be waiting for us?”

“No. Why should she?”

“You are just planning to leave her here?”

“We do not have time for a rescue mission. The girl is well taken care of, even Voren will not interfere with her before her breeding time.”

“Really, and you’re so sure of that how? Because he’s inspired so much trust? What happens to her if he finds out we got our escape route from her?”

Kala’s silence spoke volumes.

“We can’t leave her.”

“And what do you suggest?”

“We go get her. You said she taught you about the passages are there any that can get us to her?”

“You are assuming she will even be in her room.”

“One thing that I’ve learned about this planet is Chezarian’s are sticklers for their routines. I bet you know something of hers.”

“What you are suggesting will surely get us caught? Did you not hear me say Voren will be sending his guards for you? When they discover you absence Voren will seal his home and what hope will there be of you getting back to Remar?”

“Then we need to move fast. Where is she?”

“Her bedding preparations are nearing their completion, she will be alone in her rooms,” Kala conceded. “If you insist on getting the youthling then we must go now.”

***

“I am tempted to drop him in the most isolated hot patch and let the
orcs
have him but I will not deny my bond mate her retribution,” Remar said as he cleansed the blood off Keltar’s guardsmen from his hands.

The guard would wait, there was a larger culprit who still needed to be dealt with.

Voren.

The name blared inside his head. How had he not seen it before? It mattered little now. His only concern was getting Dallas back. He was so close.

“Ready the transport and the warriors we go to Voren now.”

***

“This is as far as you go. I cannot risk having you seen in the halls,” Kala whispered as they made their way to the end of another archaic passage this one bled into a main hall that was a replica of the more modern ones.

“You’re doing the right thing,” Dallas encouraged when she saw the other woman hesitate.

“Remind me of this when we are far, far away from Voren’s manor.”

The corridor checked, Kala easily slipped into the empty hall. Evening was approaching and the orange glow of the setting sun’s filtered through windows in the hall. Luckily, the passageway she waited in was dark by comparison allowing concealment in the shadows. Dallas tracked the passing time by the dimming lights. Worried that Kala was discovered on her mission she was on the verge of slipping into the hall herself and searching out the girl but the quick sounds of footfalls rushing towards her stopped her in her tracks. It was easy to discern them as the lighter steps of women instead of the heavier stomping of warriors.

“Alright, I have her, now let us leave this place.”

Dallas barely had a chance to glimpse the girl, “Thank you,” she said in a whispered rush.

“Follow me,” The girl’s young voice quaked with fear.

Both women trailed behind the girl who, Dallas noted, was only slightly taller than herself. Being dressed in a more traditional Chezarian fashion didn’t seem to hinder the girl’s agility.

After a series of turns and dodges, and by the smell of things, they finally reached the refuse area.

“Through here,” the girl instructed.

“Are you certain, I am sure you said it was further down?” Kala asked.

“I did and had you gone there without me you would have ended up in the burning rooms.”

Dallas held back a snicker. The child was smart enough to have a backup contingency and if Dallas hadn’t insisted on them going back for her they would not have made it out of Voren’s lair.

“Why you little
ketcer
serpent,” Kala spat.

“I have learned from the best,” the girl returned.

The stench of spoiled food and, heaven knew what else, grew stronger. Dallas pulled the bottom of the hooded shirt up and over her nose. It didn’t help. Voices up ahead stopped the trio in their tracks. They waited until the chatter disappeared into the distance before emerging into a room where garbage was being sorted automatically by tentacles dropping from the ceiling in one section. Dallas stared wearily at the spindly appendages as they quickly sifted through and pulled out various assortments of things. They moved with drone like precision and she relaxed slightly knowing their interest did not extend to their little group. She looked around for the source of the earlier voices in case of a reappearance. There were four other visible passageways and no way of telling which the Chezarians had disappeared down. Three sharp bangs against a metal piping caught her immediate attention and she turned in time to see Kala tossing a stick on the littered ground. At her bemused look Kala held a silencing finger up to her lips. Several seconds later there was a responding four clangs against the piping.

Kala went to stand in front of one of the large empty containers.

“This appears to be our conveyance.”

For the briefest moment they all came to stare down into a dirtied interior large enough to fit at least six women easily.

“We’re wasting time,” Dallas said being the first to swing herself up and over with only one hand braced on the cold metal bin.

“You do that so expertly,” the girl said in awe looking down into the container at Dallas.

For the first time Dallas was able to get a good look at her. She really was a child bride of no more than twelve or thirteen years. Her hair was darker than the other Chezarians she’d seen. Dallas would definitely classify her dark, straight tresses, as brunette. That wasn’t the only thing that deviated from a more traditional look. The girl’s eyes were shiny, obsidian pools without the slightest hint of lavender. Dallas could understand why she would be considered a rare beauty.

The girl tried to imitate Dallas’ one handed vault with far more clumsy results, but still impressive for a first timer. Kala bent down with her arms outstretched, looking between the two occupants inside.

“Come and take my hands. I will not injure myself jumping in there like some child of the street.”

Dallas shook her head as she and the girl came to Kala’s aid.

“You realized we are in a trash container, not boarding a royal transport?” Dallas said.

Kala made it down with a not so dainty thud. “It matters not, some of us still prefer to conduct ourselves as ladies.”

Dallas retort stuck in her throat as the tentacles came to unload a pile of linens over their heads.

The shock on Kala’s face was priceless.

“It could be worse,” Dallas said cheerily.

Two more loads and they were nearly covered in cloth.

The container gave a jolting warning before being propelled forward. Luckily, the cloth provided cushion preventing them from being banged against the sides of the container.

“We should probably hide, there will be people in the transport bay,” the young girl recommended.

There was no argument as each woman buried themselves beneath the layers of cloth. The cloak of the material did little to obscure sound. The container rolled for several minutes before its next stop. Another mass of cloth was loaded on.