Gates of Hell (42 page)

The others rose as well. Linch even put down his ligret. Martin did not expect the tight embrace he received from the taciturn pilot. Or the whispered, “I will take care of them.”

“And I will do the same,” Martin whispered back. Then Roxy grabbed him and gave him a fierce hug. Then she held him out at arms’ length and they said together, “It’s been—incriminating.” And her laughter this time was genuine as they hugged again. Martin kissed her and Pyr made a noise, but when Martin looked up Pyr was embracing his son. The next thing he knew he was folded in a huge bear hug by Mik, and finally Pilsane shook his hand and touched his shoulder. Martin would check himself for bugs planted by Pilsane later.

Then is was time to go, with Mik the only one who elected to accompany them all the way to the cutter bay. The time for sentiment was over. Martin accepted that. They all had a great deal of work to do. There was still plague to be stopped on many worlds, and the chaos among the Bucon could not be allowed to spread. Roxy had said she might go cure the emperor after all, and Pyr said he’d think about it. Martin had his own work to do. He wanted to get home before his son was born. He wanted to take his family in his arms singly and in groups and hold them tight and make love to them in celebration. He wanted to go, but he turned his head once more as he reached the common room door.

Over his shoulders he caught one last glimpse of Roxy and Pyr. The pirate and his queen were kissing.

“Going to be a hot night,” Martin said, and followed Mik and Axylel out the door.

The End

To Kill an Eidolon

by W. F. Halsey

A science fiction / medical thriller

One year in the life of a woman that changes everything. Challenging what she believes to be true, and making her see what she doesn’t believe. Susan Danville can be the best weapon mankind has ever had against disease, or the mother of a new plague.

“… an intriguing medical thriller… a unique, very enjoyable tale.”
Midwest Book Review

Tribute Trail

Terri Beckett & Chris Power

Sword & Sorcery with a twist of Romance

Kherin is the Goddess’ Chosen, Prince of the golden lands of Khassan. Rythian is a skilled hunter and scout, destined for greater glory. They meet on the Tribute Trail, one a slave, the other a ruler. Together they forge new destinies for both their people.

“… more than enough twists and turns to keep even a jaded reader reading faster and faster.”
Fantasy Reviews

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