Tempest Rise (revised edition 10/2013) (Treborel) (14 page)

Hannah Airee was visibly relieved to see Sean. After hearing his report she
, as well as the others, was deeply concerned about the influence Commander Connor had over King William. Lord Wills then produced a dossier he had compiled on the Commander and read its contents to the Alliance.

“
Commander Allen Connor is not a natural born Bantorian. He came over from the Western Continent, presumably Latria or the Northern Latrian Providence of Ventil, approximately 7 years ago. Not much is known of him except that he was the son of a mercenary named Red Jackal. Following in his father’s footsteps, Connor is believed to have led a small band of experienced soldiers for hire. The Commander is an expert in interrogation and exceptionally lethal with hand weapons. The only recreation he has any interest in has been hunting for Sraeb in the Treborelan Mountains. He has been known to hunt by snare.” Hanlin paused and glanced at Katar’s hardened face.

“Snare?”
Sean inquired, “What kind of a challenge is that?”

“None at all.”
Katar answered with a sneer.

“How does this snare procedure work?” Hannah asked confused.

“It’s very simple, Ambassador. You simply set up a net of snares in a particular area, move to a bluff or into a tree overlooking them and wait.” Katar answered with disgust. “Then when one or more sraebs are caught and begin to strangle in the netting, you more than likely don’t reach them until they’ve died.”

“I
t’s barbaric, I’d hardly call that a sport.” She answered, shocked.

“It would be if you were the kind of man who liked to see how much punishment a sraeb could take before it died.” The sheer fury of his words silenced the room. “
Commander Connor didn’t attend the Alliance Summit because we had a falling out in the mountains. I was trying to establish a better rapport with King William through him. Since William refused to leave Bantor, he sent Commander Connor in his place. We were to speak the entire three weeks hunting from my lodge near the northern colony. Connors wanted to be further into the mountains so we left the lodge and made camp. One day as I was scouting our position, he stood by and watched as one of my men was attacked and nearly killed by a sraeb. Later I found out that Connor was asking special questions about Treborelan border security. After my man challenged his motives, the attack occurred.” Katar turned to the Regent and continued.  “Connor has a presence about him. He’s over confident and highly intelligent. If he’s got his fingers on the Bantorian crown, you can bet he’s not going to let go easily.”

The Regent rose and made a motion in support of enforcing the ultimatum.  There were no objections. As the
meeting convened Katar pulled Sean aside and asked if they could speak in private. Katar admired Lord Nolan for the courage he had shown in volunteering for the mission to Bantor. Even so, he would not allow him to continue to plot with Hanlin about a betrothal to Lysette.

Waiting patiently until the room was empty, Katar asked Sean to
be seated before he began. “Lord Nolan, I’m afraid Lord Wills has made a dreadful error where you and your niece are concerned.” Katar sat down across the light wood table from him. “He did not have my permission to approach you with such an important decision as a marriage between myself and Lysette.”

“Marriage?”
Sean asked confused, “I had no idea the two of you were that deeply involved. You’ve been discussing marriage?”

‘No! No, Lord Nolan, I have not discussed this with Lysette.” 

“Well she is the one you should be asking . . .” Sean answered smiling at Katar’s reaction.

“We are not involved seriously, nor have I made any plans to become so.”  Katar said
, trying to clarify the situation.

“But you want to arrange a marriage?” Sean asked.

“No! I have no intention of . . .” Katar began to wonder if he had been mistaken about the conversation, he had overheard. “I just want to clarify the mistake Lord Wills has made. He had no authorization to approach you.”

“Approach me
about . . .” Sean urged.

“A betrothal between myself and Lysette.”
Katar said trying not to lose his temper as he stared at the confused man.

“I see.” Sean finally understood. “Lord Wills has said nothing to me about an engagement or marriage regarding you or Lysette.”

Katar stared at him, unable to speak.

Sean continued, “Was he suppose to?” Sean smiled, he like the young man standing before him. He wouldn’t be opposed to the
idea of a union between the two if Lysette and Katar truly had feelings for each other.

Katar apologized awkwardly, “I’m terribly sorry Lord Nolan. I’m afraid there's been a terrible misunderstanding. Would you mind telling me what your last conversation with Lord Wills was about
, regarding the decision Lysette was supposed to make?”

Still smiling Sean rose as he answered, “We were trying to convince Lysette to travel to Borel, if a conflict began with Bantor.”

Katar felt like a fool. He had given Hanlin no chance to explain and he owed Lysette an explanation for missing dinner. “I think you could very easily put me in the same category with William. I’m afraid I owe Lord Wills an apology for a reprimand he didn’t deserve.”

“I’m sure he’ll understand.” Sean held out his hand and added; “Now if you’ll excuse me I have a beautiful woman waiting to have breakfast with me.” They shook hands and headed for the door “I also have to call Lysette and let her know I made it back in one piece.”

“If you don’t mind I’d like to make that call for you Lord Nolan.”  Katar interrupted sheepishly, “I’m afraid I owe her an apology as well. Perhaps the news of your safe return will help me make up for my overactive imagination.”

“On one condition,” Sean stopped, turning to face him. “I’d prefer you call me Sean.” He finished with a smile.

“Agreed, and call me Katar.”

No longer able to keep her eyes open, Lysette went upstairs to bed. She was physically and emotionally exhausted and fell asleep immediately. Her dreams
were filled with her grandmother’s soft voice and the magical beings she spoke of so often.

She watched from a distance as their magic sparkled and created mountains full of trees and beautiful waterfalls as Treborel was born. Approaching one of the larger falls, she felt the ground tremble for its force.
A strange ringing sounded in the distance, it grew louder. .

Lysette awoke startled by the sound of the front bell. Jumping up from her
bed, she grabbed her robe and rushed downstairs. She prayed it was news of her uncle, yet was frightened that a personal visit could mean bad news. She flew open the door and stood panting as her eyes filled with Katar’s large form.  Behind him on the lawn was a small helijet, its blade still turning. The anger and frustration she had suppressed all night rose inside her as she stared up at him and said, “You’re about 10 hours late for dinner.”

“I’m truly sorry, Lysette.” Katar walked past her into the house, “There’s no excuse for what I did.” He turned to face her as she shut the door. “I had a misunderstanding with Lord Wills and I foolishly thought you were involved. I now know I was wrong. Can you forgive me?” He waited for an answer that did not come. “I promise it will not happen again.” Reaching into his
jacket, he pulled out a clear box containing a blossoming ‘My Beloved’. “I’ve come bearing gifts, and news.”  He smiled softly as her stern expression that quickly changed to surprise.

“Uncle Sean?” She broke her silence, forgetting her anger, moving closer as he extended the blossom.

“Yes,” Was all he would say until she took the flower. “Sean had a close call but we got him out in time, he’s fine. I believe he’s having breakfast with Ambassador Airee at this very moment.”

“What happened?”

“The Elite Guard killed everyone at the Nayrian Embassy. They arrived at the Lon Tesse Embassy to do that same just after we evacuated everyone.” He answered her softly.

“How horrible!”
Lysette gasped reaching out to him. “I’m so sorry, Katar.”

“Can we go sit down? Katar took her hand.

“Katar, I’m very fond of you and I do want to get this misunderstanding cleared up.” She began following him into the living room and sitting next to him on the sofa. “But I just went through a blundering relationship with Prince Roth and I won’t be treated like a convenient distraction by anyone ever again.”

“I wouldn’t do that Lysette.” He answered, not releasing her hand. His voice softened as the growing light outside began to filter in through the windows filling the room with soft golden light. He told her of
the day's events and what Sean had said about King William. Lysette was horrified at the thought of her uncle being at the mercy of Commander Connor. She was very grateful that Katar had been the one to save him.

“There really wasn’t a lot of risk involved on my part.” Katar said, with a smile. “It took more courage to come here and face you than to fly into Ergos.”

Lysette laughed and kissed him impulsively. “That is for saving my uncle.”  She said, and then her smile vanished. “Now tell me about this misunderstanding that left me without a dinner companion.”

Katar explained the argument with Hanlin
, and stated that this would not have been the first time that Lord Wills had overstepped his authority. He then told her of his confrontation with her uncle. When he finished, instead of being insulted and angry, Lysette laughed and said, “The next time, save yourself some time and embarrassment and just ask me. I promise to tell you the truth,” She leaned over and kissed him again softly then whispered, “Am I really that repulsive, that it sent you into a panic at the first mention of marriage?” She smiled teasingly, as she pulled back to face him.

“Not at all, Lysette.”
He answered, pulling her into his arms. “I think you are the most beautiful, blue eyed vixen I’ve ever known.” He kissed her deeply, sending shivers throughout her slender form, warming her deep inside. Forcing himself to pull back, Katar knew his co-pilot was waiting for him. “I’m sorry Lysette, but I have to go.”  Reluctantly he released her and rose. “I'm on my way back to the air base. The blockade begins in 18 hours.”

“Do you really think that Bantor will retaliate?” She rose and walked with him to the front door.

“If that happened, I think it will be short lived. Bantor has a large air force but the helijets are old and outdated. Most importantly, they have ignored Treborel for too many years. William and Connor think we are simply helpless barbarians.” He smiled turning to her as they reached the door. “He’s going to get a big surprise, if he tried firing on Lon Tesse. Treborel will shove those laser cannons down his throat.” Pulling her close he whispered. “You should reconsider that offer to visit Lord Wills. The mountains are covered with blooms of ‘My Beloveds’ this time of the year.”

Smiling back at him she firmly declared, “If there is a conflict. I’ll be heading out with the Emergency Relief
Corp  to serve at a field hospital. I’ve already volunteered.”

Taken by surprise Katar stared at her. Considering her situation carefully, he knew she
would not be persuaded. The co-pilot started the helijets engines as Katar spoke, his jaw set. “Do you know how to use a laser pistol?”

“Yes, but I won’t need a weapon, I’m a doctor not a soldier.” She answered sternly.

“When someone’s shooting at you Lysette, you don’t have time to stop and explain who you are. You’re going to need a weapon that can drop someone while you're running in the other direction.” He unbuckled his shoulder holster and handed her his pistol.

“I am NOT taking your gun, Katar.” She pushed it back at him offended.

“Lysette, I’ve got an endless supply, remember? I own the army.” He answered pulling out her hand and placing the weapon in her palm. “You don’t have to use it. I hope you’re never in a situation where you even need to take it out of the holster. Just take it along to make me happy.”

She sighed and accepted the weapon, saying, “Alright, I’ll take it along, under duress.”

“If you need me, contact Lord Wills. He’ll know how to reach me.” Katar looked into her determined eyes and smiled, adding, “If Bantor backs down, how about dinner tomorrow night?”

Kissing him softly, she leaned against
Katar and said, “I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anything so much in my life.”

The tension
could be felt through the entire continent. The trams were packed full of people rushing to purchase food and extra supplies. When Lysette arrived at the Medical Complex she was rushed into the Emergency Ward.  Overcrowding and late schedules had forced the trams to increase their velocity.  In the midst of the chaos one tram collided into the rear of another, derailing both and injuring or killing nearly one hundred people. Lysette took this as a bad indication of how the day was to proceed.

After over 10 hours of surgery
, Lysette was finally able to begin her rounds.  After a quick change of clothes, she checked her messages and asked her secretary to locate her uncle. Then Lysette headed off to check on the progress of the two small girls in the burn until. She found the girls sleeping peacefully, the Empaths had gone. The scars were the only sign of their recent trauma.

Lysette carefully examined them, placing the long oval probe on their little chests. No fever or congestion, normal blood pressure and a steady pulse, satisfied she turned to leave. Stopping as a figure rose from the reclining chair in the corner of the room, Lysette smiled at
the eldest Empath rose and crossed to her, motioning for her to follow him into the hallway. Once there he explained that their work was done. “The children will sleep soundly for the next two days.  They should be allowed to slumber as long as necessary. The healing strength comes from within the Empath; even so, the children's bodies are exhausted from the treatments. They have been put into a ‘healing sleep’ and should not be awakened. If they awoke on their own, they should be fed and allowed to fall back to sleep. All that is left for them now are normal therapeutic procedures.  Their muscles will be stiff and weak, but there should be little pain. They should grow strong and live normal lives. Unfortunately, we can do nothing about the deep scars. Our strength is in accelerating the healing of damaged tissues. We cannot restore them back to their original condition.”

Lysette liked the elderly empathy, his soft voice and gentle manner was comforting. She said, “We can perform a series of operations that will reduce the scarring.
Our techniques are delicate and will take time. I know in my heart that these girls would not have lived to worry about scars if it had not been for you and your friends. Thank you so much.”

It has been a long time since Empathic Healing and Technological Medicine have worked together. I have enjoyed the enthusiastic response your people have given us.” He smiled at Lysette.

“I’m so glad to hear them. I’ve been asked to form a research team. I’m going to be studying the Empathic Way. I hope you will consider working with us again. I would like to learn more about your people.”  Lysette offered her hand in friendship.

Joah took Lysette’s hand in his and said, “If Bantor continues to threaten the continent, we may find many more opportunities to work together soon, in the field hospitals.” His expression showed the same concern that Lysette shared.  With an understanding nod from
Lysette he turned and headed down the hall.

It was nearly midnight and Lysette has still not heard from her uncle. She was anxious to tell him of her plans. She went to the Medical Relief office located in the basement of the building. She
was given a departure schedule and a number to call if she had any questions. Lysette then headed outside and walked the short distance to the Palace gates. She watched as the last few pedestrians rushed silently past her, in an attempt to reach their final destinations. Each were waiting for news of Bantor’s withdrawal; hoping and praying it would come in these last few moments.

Arriving at the brightly lit palace just after midnight, Lysette hurried toward he
r uncle’s office. His assistant Val was still at her desk. She informed Lysette, Sean was with the Regent in the communications center. Waiting for the security officers to inform her uncle she had arrived, Lysette sat silently outside the center's doors. Sear appeared a few moments later, he smile and said, “Lysette, I’ve been trying to reach you. I heard about the tram accident, you must be exhausted.” He kissed her cheek and sat down beside her. His motions were slow and reserved. He stretched his tired muscles, and rubbed the tension from the back of his neck as he turned to face her.

“It was a long day but I’m fine.” She smiled at him. “I’m glad you made it back alright. I was worried.”

“It was a disappointing venture, Williams not well. I’m afraid I can’t talk for long, we’re still hoping he’ll withdraw.” He said with a sigh.

“I’m sorry, I know this is a bad time, but I wanted to tell you that I’ve signed on with the Relief
Corp, I’m heading for a field hospital. The first wave will leave tonight; I’ll be going with them.” Lysette blurted it all out, hoping he’d understand and not lecture her about the danger she might be heading into.

“I figured you would do this. Prince Katar mentioned he had spoken to you about the
Corp I’ve been on the Comm with him all evening coordinating efforts.  We’re both concerned about you, I’d prefer you not to go, but I understand why you feel you must.”

“It’s my job, my duty.” She looked into his eyes confirming that he understood.

“I’ve never held you back, Lysette.” He hugged her and rose. I have to get back in there. Bantor has moved their laser cannons up to the river’s edge. Our forces are closing off the bridges between Bantor and Lon Tesse, it doesn’t look good. Contact me when you arrive at your station and let me know where you are.” He kissed her cheek and softly added, “Be careful, I love you and I hope you miss me and Doc terribly.”

“Doc!
Oh you will take care of him for me?” 

“I see that Doc will be missed more than me.” Sean chuckled.

With that, he was gone; Lysette spent the rest of the night at the Medical Center preparing for the worst. As dawn broke, King William issued a Declaration of War and began to fire upon the Treborelan Vessels that blocked the Nayrian Harbor. As the Lon Tesse troops began to cross the Nayrian bridge into Nayr, the Nayrian Ambassador pleaded for a peaceful resolution.

Bantor
’s laser cannons began to fire on the Lon Tesse border troops and were quickly met with return fire. The smaller Air Force of Lon Tesse began to battle the larger, awkward Bantorian transports that had been converted into battle craft. Treborel’s Southern Air base dispatched fifty aircraft that swept over Bantor from the north. Leading the assault, Katar ordered all Bantorian defensive weaponry destroyed. Unprepared for the attack, Bantor quickly manipulated their forces away from Lon Tesse to match the northern assault. As the battle escalated, the Relief Corp sent twenty medical units to the Southern Lon Tesse Border. Lysette was among the first to arrive at the field hospital near the Bantor/Nayrian River channel.

The moment she arrived, Lysette
was sent into surgery and remained there for the next three days. Her only reprieves were a few quick meals, and a two-hour sleeping period each day. Yet she and the other Physicians considered themselves lucky. They had been assigned to a local medical center. It was large due to the merging of two farm communities who had depended on it as their only medical care facility.

As a result
, they had a self-contained complex in the middle of the flat countryside between the two communities. This afforded multiple air Evac unit’s access simultaneously. Many of the other units were working out of small clinics, abandoned warehouses, or factories, forced to use ambulances or the tram system to transport wounded.

Lysette’s center
was used as a stabilizing area. They performed emergency surgery and stabilized the injured for transport to another unit further away from the battleground. The Empathic Healers arrived the second day of the conflict.  Nine healers and 7 surgeons composed the centers medical team. Not sure how to work with the healers, the surgeons simply ignored them. Working separately, the healers chose the injured they could heal quickly, skull fractures, unobstructed wounds, or excessive bleeding. Leaving the surgeons the patients who needed reconstructive surgery or fragments removed.

Finally,
after nearly a week of total separation, Lysette approached the elder healer Joah, whom she had met in Lavose. She asked him to work with her during her next surgery. Joah was anxious to assist and was able to place the patient into a deep sleep, and slow or stop the hemorrhaging while she operated.  Quickly, it became apparent that Lysette’s patients were stabilizing more quickly, and able to be transported faster than patients who did not have an Empath assisting the surgeon. Surgeons began to request assistance from the Empaths, and soon every team was staffed by one of the healers.

Nearly all the casualties that arrived survived to
be shipped to a secondary unit. Over the next nine months as the battle continued, Bantor ceased its attempt to cross the Ny River into Lon Tesse. Instead, it began to concentrate on keeping the Alliance forces from invading. Finally Bantor pulled all its forces out of Nayr. The Continental Alliance was called into session, and it was determined that King William should be removed from power. When William refused to advocate, they began to push the Bantorian Army back deeper into Bantor. The harbor was secured by the Treborelan Navy, but not without losing several ships.  Bantorian troops forced Nayrian civilians onto cargo ships that were loaded with explosives and set adrift. The ships would be detonated a few moments after the Treborelan ships arrived to attempt a rescue.

Keeping track of Katar’s movements had been easy for Lysette. Reports constantly came in about the small Treborelan helijets and their exploits behind enemy lines. Of the
fifty helijets that had been deployed, only 4 had been destroyed. Nearly half of the Bantorian laser cannons had been disabled,  allowing the Lon Tesse land forces to cross the river, and begin the push toward the ocean. William had pulled all the operational cannons back to defend the major cities.

Due to the large civilian population of the Bantorian cities, the Treborelan helijets refused to attack; giving air support to the advancing armies instead
, as the war came to a standstill. Nearly a dozen of the helijets had been converted to small air ambulances taking the seriously injured directly to the hospitals from the battlefield first air stations. Occasionally Katar would manage transport duty, and deliver an injured soldier or civilian to Lysette’s center. They would manage to spend a few hours or even an evening together. One such evening Lysette told Katar of her dream for an Empathic Medical Research Center.

“It’s been so fascinating working with the Empaths.” Lysette’s enthusiasm overflowed. “I can see an endless supply of knowledge and research capabilities coming from a joint venture.”

“What do the Empaths think of this idea of yours?” Katar questioned, impressed by her interest.

“The elder Joah doesn’t think we should discuss any plans until the conflict is over. I don’t think he’s really considered the advantages.” She answered, showing her disappointment.

“I guess you’ll just have to wait until William is defeated. Then I’m sure Joah will listen carefully to what you’ve got to say.” Katar stopped fighting the urge to stay uninvolved with this intelligent beauty. He had become captivated by her strength and dedication.

Lysette had become equally enthralled; she had never known anyone who had so easily accepted her ideas. Katar didn’t hesitate to point out a flaw in one of her plans, yet he did it with such calm sincerity, she never got angry. Here clearly was a man interested in her inner self, not just her beauty.

The last nine months had been extremely hard on Lord Nolan. Sean
was kept constantly busy co-coordinating the three nations' forces. The small-inexperienced Ragal Army was allowed enough active combat to satisfy their need to participate. They felt strongly that they should show their support for the Alliance. Even though their army consisted of volunteers or retired police officers. They had to make sure the small force from Ragal wasn’t wiped out as they tried to assist the Lon Tesse ground forces.

Sean was deeply impressed with the Ragalian people. Their land was under no immediate threat; yet they had volunteered by the thousands to
be sent to the defense of the Alliance. It helped Sean to understand why he was so deeply in love with Hannah. Of course, the fact that she had golden red hair, big brown eyes, and figure most twenty-year-old girls dreamed of, didn’t hinder his attraction. She was highly intelligent and had a stubborn streak that was only matched by her ability to reason calmly under the most stressful of situations.  Sean could swear Hannah was actually more beautiful now than before the stress of war had assaulted them all.

Perhaps that was because it was almost impossible to get her alone. He had hardly spent any time with her in the last few weeks. When he found the time
, she was usually too busy. Even finding enough time to make the trip out to the ranch was difficult. When he did manage it, he was only reminded of Lysette’s absence. He loved Lysette like his own daughter. The tragedy of her parents' death brought her to him at an early age. He had taken his mother into his home asking her to take on the task of raising the quiet little girl. When she had died a short time later, he had been left to carry on as Lysette’s only living relative.  Keeping the truth about her grandmother’s death from Lysette had been a heavy burden. Yet one that even now he was certain was the right thing to do. There was no reason she ever needed to know. Lysette had grown into a caring, thoughtful, confident woman. Sean missed her gentle wit and constant chatter.  The only good thing that had resulted from this conflict was the friendship he had established with Prince Katar. The boisterous Prince reminded Sean of himself about twenty years earlier. Katar had a great capacity for command, yet he chose a field position instead of the behind the scenes. Sean knew the feeling of wanting to charge off with is men and lead them to victory. That was fine for a young Prince. When the time came, Sean hoped Katar wouldn’t have any difficulty accepting the crown and settling into the position of distant command.