Tempest Rise (revised edition 10/2013) (Treborel) (18 page)

“I’m
Commander Caplin Taylor; I’m looking for an Empathic Healer.” Cap’s eyes met hers as his raspy voice reached her.

“I am the Empath you seek.” Her voice answered him, softly filled with tender joy as she stepped forward and took his arm. Rubbing her fingers over the roughness of his beard, she asked, “How about a shave?”

“I’d really like that.” He answered, swallowing hard as the ache in his throat returned.

Shifting her hand slightly, she brushed her fingertips against the scarred curve of his throat and the pain vanished. Cap was pleasantly surprised at the tender ease with which Kendra shaved him. The seductive sponge bath that followed nearly had him undone.
If this was his reward for using his rough unsavory voice, he would be using it much more often.

Kendra spoke constantly
, telling him about her day and the progress of the patients around him. She solicited comments from Cap occasionally, wanting him to test his voice, without straining the already damaged vocal chords. By the time she returned Cap to his bed, it was nearly dawn. The back rub she gave him combined with the exertion of his movements lulled Cap to sleep.

Relieved that Cap was truly on his way to recovery, Kendra finally admitted to herself, she had fallen in love with him. Yet her hidden past, linking her to Prince Katar under the
vilest of circumstances, would not let her reveal her feelings to his most cherished friends. She wondered if there was any chance of a future for her and Cap. Perhaps it was time for her to release the violent memory that haunted her for so many years. Perhaps Caplin Taylor, companion to Prince Katar was the one person who could help her do that. If she only knew how deep, his feelings were for her. She felt she could trust him. Soon, she told herself, soon. When it was over, if Cap loved her, he would stay by her side.

As the next few days
passed, Cap and Kendra grew closer. Lysette grew distant. She only came to Caps room to examine him quickly then disappear.  The day came for Cap’s release and she had come to say goodbye. Cap was growing concerned at the coldness of the woman that enchanted his friend so deeply. Cap knew Katar had a soft heart for women but he wasn’t about to allow a cold, unfeeling medical doctor become Queen. He would give her one last chance to show him the woman Katar was falling in love with before he spoke to his friend about ending the relationship.

Glancing up at the cold surgeon as she handed him his release papers, he was surprised when she smiled softly and spoke in a caring manner. “Be careful
Commander. You were very lucky this time. Next time your friends might not reach you in time.”

“Thanks
Dr. Nolan, but I’m not going to make the same mistake again.” He smiled back at her hoping for some further sign of warmth. Perhaps she had been hard to deal with because she missed Katar. “I guess your spirits have lifted today because Katar is due in shortly.”

Lysette's
smile vanished and her eyes grew distant as she answered, “Katar and I have much to discuss.”

Cap looked out the window as Katar’s helijet landed. “Well since he’s just arrived, I won't take up
any more of your time.” Cap wondered what Katar had done to get this strong-minded female so upset. All thoughts of Lysette left him when he saw Kendra coming for him.

As Lysette headed out the door to the landing area
, Kendra gave Cap a quick kiss on the mouth and said, “I wish I had time to take you to the transport, but I’ve been called into surgery. Her smile faded. “You take care, as much as I’ll miss having you around. I don’t want to see you in here again.”

Pulling her down to the bed next to him Cap’s smile disappeared, “The conflict will be over soon, maybe a month or two. Where will you go when it’s over? How will I find you?” He asked his voice still raspy.

“I’ll be back at the institute for a while. I don’t know where I’ll be assigned after that.” Kendra looked into his coal black eyes, wanting to lose herself within them. “The conflict delayed all the plans for the Southern Colony.”

“If I don’t get back here before the conflict is over, is it alright if I visit you at the Institute?” His voice was soft, he’d completely forgotten about the abrasiveness. Cap hadn’t realized how difficult it would be to leave Kendra. He felt like he had known her all of his life.

“I’d like that, Cap.” Kendra whispered, wishing he would tell her how he felt.

Instead he pulled her slowly to him and kissed her softly then said, “Watch for me then, and if you get transferred leave word with Lysette. She can let me know through Katar.”

Lysette’s heart pounded as she neared the landing area. Katar climbed out of the small craft and smiled at the sight of her. His tall, muscular form made her stomach jump. He was so handsome in his dark blue uniform. Grabbing her around the waist as she reached him, he kissed her boldly.
When she didn't respond, he pulled back concerned and said, “Your heart wasn’t in that kiss, is something wrong?” He studied her face, noting the iciness in her eyes.

“I was just wondering if you greet Enda Waytals like that every time you see her.” Lysette cringed as she realized how
spiteful and childish she sounded.

“Enda?”
Katar said searching her face, confused. “I don’t understand.”

“I do
, and perfectly!” Lysette snapped at him and turned around to head back to the hospital.

“Lysette?”
Katar followed. What had come over her? How did she learn about Enda? Why did she care? He never would have taken her as the type to get jealous over an old flame.

When she reached the door to her quarters, she stopped and turned back to face him saying, “I have nothing more to say to you.”

Grabbing her arm gently, Katar stopped her from entering her room. “Lysette, I don’t follow after anyone like a lost puppy. I’m making an exception because I’m crazy about you and I can see you’re very upset. I don’t understand what’s wrong. If you want to clear this up, hiding in your room isn’t going to accomplish it.” Katar pulled her inside and closed the door behind them, turning back to her.

Realizing he was right, Lysette took a deep breath and calmed herself saying, “I have been told by a very reliable source that you are engaged to Lady Enda Waytals and have been for quite some time.”

A smile of relief crossed Katar’s face and he gently reached for her. “Enda and I. . . “He began.

Lysette cut him off saying, “I’m no stranger to conce
ited men who think that every pretty girl should be at their beck and call. I will not be a convenient romantic dalliance. I can see you don’t even consider this a serious conversation.  I will no longer be the one who keeps you occupied until you can return home to your fiancé. I am insulted by your pretense of ignorance, and I will not allow myself to be used any further.” Lysette’s anger consumed her; she couldn’t believe she had allowed herself to be seduced by another deceitful relationship.

“Lysette, calm down.”
Katar said beginning to lose patience as Lysette ignored his attempt at an explanation.

Pushing him back from her as her fury rose, she continued, “How could you tell me you loved me when all the time you were promised to someone else. Did you even mean it? You knew how I felt. Why didn’t you just tell me? Just explain the situation instead of lying?” Lysette gasped trying to hold back the tears. “What is wrong with the Royal mentality that turns an heir presumptive into such a beast, where women are concerned? You and Roth are exactly alike!”

“Lysette!” Katars voice boomed throughout the tiny room. He was angered that she would even dare to compare him to the spoiled shallow Prince of Lon Tesse. “So you think I am a beast that beds anything that will have me? You think I play with women’s affections just like your Lon Tesse Prince?” Katar moved forward, closing the distance between them, his voice low and lethal. “I am not Roth; don’t ever compare me to him. I am also not, I repeat NOT engaged nor have I ever been engaged to any woman, especially Enda Waytals.  The fact that you have listened to such ridiculous lies, make me doubt how well I know you.”

Not to be undone
, Lysette glared back at the angry prince saying, “I spoke to her . . .”

“You what?”
Katar couldn’t believe what she was saying. Had she put through a communication to Treborel in the middle of a war to check on his marital obligations?

“She said you asked her to have your child?” Lysette’s anger faded as she realized what Katar was saying.

“You contacted her?” Katar spoke his thoughts aloud, astonished. “I tell you I love you, so you decide it’s okay to delve into my past relationships?”

“You think I went looking for this information?” Lysette asked, confused.  The fight had gone out of her.

“I can’t believe this! I spent the last ten days shuffling my pilot’s schedules in order to spend three entire days with you in the middle of a damn war, and all you can do is accuse me of cheating on a non-existent fiancé.” 

“She came here looking for you.” Lysette
stammered.

The fight left him as he realized their relationship could easily end in the next few moments. He took a deep breath and continued, “Lysette, I admit that in the past I
had played with the affection of certain females. I was very young and foolish. That is behind me.” He looked into her tear-filled eyes. He felt partially responsible for her pain. He should have told her about Enda. He should have contacted Enda long ago and ended their relationship. He added, softly, “Now you’ve got to decide if it is me you trust, or some woman who sought you out for who knows what reason. If you can’t take my word as truth over someone else, then we have no future together.”

Lysette could see the pain and disappointment in his eyes as he turned to leave. “Katar, I believe you.” Lysette followed him, taking hold of his shoulder; she turned him back to face her. “I didn’t contact her.” Seeing the doubt on his face she continued, “Roth brought her here from the palace in Lon Tesse . . . “

“Roth, of course. Enda must have told him some story to get into a palace function. He couldn’t wait to bring you the news of my supposed engagement.”

“I don’t think . . .”

“It doesn’t matter, let’s forget the entire ordeal.” Katar pulled her into his arms, relieved that he didn’t lose her to petty jealously. “I’m sorry I accused you of prying. I should have known you wouldn’t do something as petty as that. I just never told anyone I loved them before; I guess it made me a little paranoid.”  Pulling back from her, he looked into her eyes. “I need to know if you have any doubts about how I feel?”

“I never should have doubted you, Katar. I know you love me, just as much as I love you. I will never doubt it again.” Lysette’s voice choked with emotion.

Katar swept her up in his arms, kissed her deeply and carried her to the tiny bed. Falling together, they forgot everything else except reconfirming their love.

The full moon shone brightly against the unusually clear sky. It poured a soft luminescent light across the forest path that led to the high bluff overlooking the countryside below. The lights of Tor were glowing softly in the distance, testifying to the peaceful air that had finally begun to surround the warehouse Hospital unit.

Standing at the edge of the bluff, Lysette and Katar held each other as the gentle breeze tried desperately to bring the distant clouds to cover the moon. The moonlight embraced the lovers as they spent their last night in its soft light.

Katar’s hushed voice spoke the words neither wanted to hear. “My transport arrives at dawn.” 

“When will I see you again?” Lysette asked, nuzzling his neck in the darkness.

“I’m going on special assignment. There have been rumors of King William’s escape. We believe he fled into the Southern Mountains. The mountains contain caverns and empty gem mines, with tunnels that run for kilometers. It would be an excellent place to hide.” Katar smiled softly at Lysette as he brushed a stray lock of hair from her cheek. “I’m taking a team in to search for them. I don’t think he’s in Treborel, but if he is, we will find him.”

“How long will you be gone?” Lysette didn’t like the idea of Katar searching the mountains so close to
frenzy
. It was less than a month away from the time the sraeb grew wild with hunger, and devoured every living creature they came in contact with.

“It could take months; we have to search each cavern by foot.”

“Isn’t it dangerous to be so deep into the mountains at
frenzy
?” She stared up at him in the darkness.

“If you don’t know what you’re doing.” Katar smiled at her concern. “Don’t worry, I’m the one who goes in search of sraebs, remember?”

“Perhaps I should return your pistol, you may need it.” Lysette teased him trying to disguise her fear.

“You did bring it with you, right?” Katar said with a frown.

“I was under orders. I had no choice.” She smiled.

A chuckle escaped Katar’s lips as he turned to gaze at the moon. Thought of his home floated through his mind, bringing a wishful smile to his lips. “I’m actually looking forward to returning. The mountains are unequaled. Nothing like these bumps sticking out of the
ground like blisters on a child’s hand.  Normally I would have completed two or three hunting parties by this time of the year.” A look of anticipation filled his face. “Nowhere on the planet can match the Treborelan Mountains on a night like this. The silence of the forest is broken only by the wind, or an occasional animal call.” He turned back to Lysette and winked, adding, “Or perhaps Cap’s snoring. Remember your grandmother’s stories about magical beings? If you can catch the rare moonlit nights just after a storm, the mountains sparkle from the moisture. It’s easy to imagine that a small creature with a magical touch has been at work. Sometimes there are soft whispering sounds, late at night. It’s probably just the wind or an animal close by, it adds to the wonder not really knowing. There have been hunts where we never even caught sight of a sraeb. I think those were my favorite excursions.” 

Katar’s words turned to a
whisper as he smiled wistfully and continued, “You should see Borel at night from a distance. It looks like a vision from the past, with the dark shimmering lines of the palace walls. The sleek designs of the Palace towers appear to pierce the sky. There are no shining lights to announce its presence like Tor. The soft, white lights that force the darkness of the mountains away, are embedded in the exterior walkways. The soft glow leads your way, but doesn’t frighten the animals deep in the forest away from the city.”  Pausing, Katar looked back up toward the bright moon as the clouds moved to embrace it. Darkness crossed his face as he continued. “If it weren’t for the sraebs, there would be no need for the walls.”

Lysette asked, “Do you think that you could take me along on one of your hunting excursions
, one where no sraeb are killed?”

“You wouldn’t be afraid?”

“I’m sure I’d be safe as long as we don’t get separated.” She smiled confidently up at him. “Even if that did happen, I can take care of myself as long as I have my bow and quiver.”

“Are you sure you could kill a sraeb
if one threatens you?” Katar’s statement was more of a cautious warning than a true question.

“I’m not sure. I t
hink if my life or another’s were threatened I could, especially with a beast so large and ferocious.”

Katar studied her in silence for several moments. Then he decided to broach the subject that had been on his mind for the last 10 days. “Lysette I know you
plan to open your own practice when the conflict is over. Have you spoken to Joah and his grandson about their possible participation?”

“I mentioned the ide
a to them. Andru is willing but Joah didn’t want to discuss the future, not until the war is over.” Lysette replied, casually.

“Would it be possible for you to open a practice and do your research in Borel, instead of Lavose?” Katar’s question came quietly, mixed with the hope and desire that Lysette could not overlook.

“I suppose it would make more sense to research the Empaths in their own environment. This could isolate the research from the rest of the medical community.”

“Why not?
Treborel has an extensive communications system. It wouldn’t be difficult to give monthly, even weekly reports to the New Network. I’m sure they’d be eager enough.” Katar pulled Lysette close as he continued, “The Empathic Institute is only half a day’s ride from Borel. That is where you should be. They could teach you Empaths theology. There is no other place in the world where you could learn more about the Empathic way.”

“Do you think they would permit it? I may have Treborelan blood running through my veins
, but I am not an Empath.”

Katar could see that all too familiar sparkle in her eyes. Th
at same glimmer appeared when she was intrigued or excited. He said, “They would if you were my wife.”

Lysette
could only stare up into his dark blue eyes. The depth of emotion there consumed her as his words burned deep into her soul. Katar continued, “I won’t keep you from anything you want to accomplish. Just as I know, you have enough respect and trust in me to allow me the same. There are things I know we disagree on, but those things aren’t important enough to keep us apart.”

“Like hunting sraebs?” Lysette asked regaining her composure.

“I kill them because it’s necessary. I’m not going to allow another massacre to happen. I admit I enjoy being out there sleeping under the giant trees. I admit I take pride in a good kill. It’s important to me. But even if there were no sraebs or elk to hunt, I’d still find a reason to travel deep into the mountains.”

“What i
f killing them wasn’t the only recourse?”  Lysette offered cautiously.

“Perhaps someday, I may find another way.”  Katar kissed her forehead then brushed his lips lightly against hers. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Lysette. Watching our children grow
, finding our way through the madness of the world together. One day I’ll be King of Treborel. Don’t make me rule alone. There is no other woman that I would have at my side. Marry me and we will rule together.” His last words, a mere whisper, Lysette hardly heard them. They filled her with more joy than she could hold inside. Her answer burst from her lips before she was even aware.

“I want nothing more than to be your wife.”

His kiss consumed her as he pulled her down onto the soft carpet of grass beneath them.

When they returned to Lysette’s
quarters, they fell asleep quickly, exhausted.  It seemed only a few seconds before the light shone through her small window.  Katar gazed out the window at the orange sky then looked down at the sleeping form huddled against him. He kissed the tip of her nose and said, “Lysette darling, the transport will be here soon. I have to go.”

The sleeping form moved slightly as Lysette pulled him back down next to her and said, “I love you.” The huskiness of her voice told him, he would be late for his transport if he didn’t disentangle himself from her quickly. 

Springing from the bed, he turned to the now wide-open eyes of his love and smiled. “I’d like nothing more than to stay and taste your charms once more, but I’ve got to get back to my men before they become too self-sufficient. Plus, I haven’t spoken to Cap since I left here 2 weeks ago. I don’t want him to think I’ve forgotten him.”

Lysette rose, pulling the blankets over her and smiling seductively. “Don’t forget about me after you
have gone.”

Nearly dressed, Katar leapt back onto the bed and snatched the blankets from her. “I would never forget you, minx. Tell me that a large chapel wedding isn’t in your mind. Let’s get married as soon as I return. The unit
Priest is good enough for me.”

“I’m not sure the Queen of Treborel would be pleased if her only son married an unknown woman, in the middle of a war zone.”

“Well I can’t argue that.” Katar smiled wickedly, and said, “How about we marry here in a quiet ceremony, and then again in Treborel for everyone to see.  No one but you and I will ever know.”

“How can I refuse?” Lysette smiled back at his unexpected delight.

“Good! Now go back to sleep and I’ll contact you as soon as I can.” He kissed her quickly and headed for the door, just as the sound of an approaching transport shook the building. “I love you.” Lysette whispered as her smile faded with his absence. She lay back upon her pillow and stared at the ceiling until sleep took her.

Nearly three week
s after Katar’s departure, Roth surprised Lysette with a visit.  Refusing to see him, she spent every available moment in the hospital. Still, he managed to catch her late on his third night as she returned to her room.

“You’ve got to give me a chance, Lysette.” Roth pleaded through her door. “I have something very i
mportant I must discuss with you. Something I don’t think you should have to hear over the Communications network.”

His statement concerned her; she open
ed the door and faced him thinking that something had happened to her uncle. “What is it Roth?” She would give him ten seconds then slam the door in his face, if he was not to the point.

“Enda is pregnant.” The statement was simple enough. Lysette slammed the door in his face.

She called through the door, “Congratulations, Roth. I hope you and she will be very happy together.”

“Open the door Lysette.” Roth
commanded. “You know very well that the child isn’t mine.”

Lysette knew if she opened the
door, she would regret it the rest of her life.  She said, “You are very good at spreading lies about people who aren’t present to defend themselves.”

“Do you honestly know what Katar does with his time, when he is not here with you?” Roth began, trying to reason with her calmly. “He doesn’t spend all of his time flying around in his helijet searching for targets.”

“That’s right, Roth. At this very moment, he is searching for King William in the Southern Mountains. He has been there for the last three weeks.”

“What about before that? Do you know where he was the night Enda and I were here
, or the nights following that unfortunate scene in my quarters?” Roth waited for a response, knowing she had none. “Well I do.  He was with Enda.”

“You lie!” Lysette flung the door open and glared at him.

“Listen to me, Lysette.” Roth gently grabbed her arm, holding on as she fought to free herself. “Don’t throw your life away on this worthless mountain man. He was with Enda that next night. She found him at the Sondral Command Center.”

“Get out or I’ll call security!” Lysette spoke loudly hoping someone would hear.

Releasing her, Roth sighed heavily. “I admit I brought Enda here intentionally. But this time, she contacted me.” Receiving only silence, he added, “You know how to reach me. I’ll always be here for you Lysette.” His calm reassuring voice felt like he had hit her with his fist. She heard the pity and remorse in his voice.

Quietly she shut the door and locked it. Moving toward her small
shower, she turned on the stream of hot water and undressed. Letting the steaming liquid run over her tired body, she tried to block out Roth’s words. She promised Katar she wouldn’t listen to unfounded rumors. That she would never doubt him again. He loved her, she was sure of that. He wanted to marry her, there was no doubt.  Enda met nothing to him, she was his past. He denied the engagement; he denied asking Enda to marry him.

He had denied everything
, except asking Enda to have his child. He had let that statement pass without comment. Could he have loved another woman the night after they have been together for the first time? Could he have returned to her arms a mere day or two after being loved by Enda?

No! Her mind screamed the only answer she could accept. Yet a voice inside her reasoned how well did she truly know him? Could she really trust him blindly? She wasn’t sure. Regardless, she would have to discuss it with him. 
Until then, she would not make any plans for their future. Until then she would trust him. She would give him a chance to explain, before weighing his words and making a decision. She only hoped that he would return soon.