***
Mouhra' Lah was ushered into the audience chamber. She'd been surprised when the door swung open and one of the Pontu' Gi had gestured for her to follow. It had been many days. She was beginning to hope Tranthra' Joh really didn't know where her sister was, and just bluffing.
As soon as she entered the room, she knew her hope and been vain. On the throne sat Tranthra' Joh. Down off the dais stood Dierni' Lah. She was facing the door and when Mouhra' Lah came in, her face brightened, then she looked at the man next to her and winced. Saballa had grasped her arm in a vice-like grip. Mouhra could tell she wanted to run to her side. Mouhra' Lah wanted to do the same, but knew she couldn't.
They had her! The wicked gleam in Saballa's eyes told her everything she needed to know. Leverage. They were going to use Dierni’ Lah to get what they wanted. And Mouhra' Lah couldn't refuse. She loved her sister. She was all she had left. Even Sauros was gone. If he were alive, surely he'd have come back by now. He'd have done something.
She was taken to a position right in front of the throne, forced to look up at her uncle's gloating face. There was something in his expression. He didn't look as smug as she thought he would. He looked worried. Anxious, though trying to mask it with bravado. Why should he be worried? Is this something I can use?
"I see you've realized your new situation," Tranthra' Joh said. Mouhra' Lah tried not to look at her sister. Instead she concentrated on Tranthra' Joh. It seemed to make him even more nervous.
"I see that you’ve stooped to new lows to get what you want. Such a powerful man shouldn't have to prove it by pushing defenseless women around."
Mouhra' Lah was gratified by the look of fury that passed over her uncle's face. Small consolation.
"Harsh words from my new bride," he said. "Unless you've decided to watch as Saballa exercises some of his special skills on your baby sister?” His face took on a more normal expression. Cruel. He enjoyed it. It was familiar.
"Mouhra, no!"
"Hush!" Saballa clamped a rough hand over her sister's mouth and drew his dagger, holding it to her throat.
"Don't harm her!" Mouhra blurted. She moved to help, but the Pontu' Gi stepped in her way. Though there was no contact, it was clear she wouldn't be allowed to get past.
Saballa smiled again, putting the knife even closer. Dierni's eyes grew wide as she watched the blade.
Mouhra turned back to Tranthra' Joh. She gritted her teeth and remained silent, thinking. She looked back at the frightened expression of her sister, the knife, Saballa's eager hand holding it.
"You win. I'll do it, but I need assurance my sister will be free to go to another city and live."
"All in good time, my dear," Tranthra said. His words were oily, his confidence restored. "For now, I'll draft the proclamation and have it brought by your cell for signature. Then there'll be the matter of your official appearance and announcement. A nice touch, don't you think?"
He glanced at Saballa and smiled. “Dierni’ Lah will be held to make sure you say and do the right things until the wedding is over. Then we'll see about moving her."
Mouhra knew he was lying. Neither she nor her sister would likely survive the next few months. By agreeing at least it bought time. She hoped it would be enough for her to figure out another way.
"Take her back to the cell. We've got what we need . . . for now." Tranthra' Joh waved his hand in her direction and the Pontu' Gi guard stood back for her to proceed.
Mouhra' Lah looked at her sister. She saw fear as Saballa still held her. She tried to smile, to say something to lift her spirits, but nothing came. Hold on, dear sister, as long as you can. She didn't say anything, though. There was little good it would do. Only encourage Saballa to be more cruel. Her sister was strong. She'd know. She had to!
On the way back, Mouhra's mind swirled. Anger. Fear. Finally, determination. That's what her mother would expect of her and her sister!
A plan flowed into her mind. It was the only plan of the many she'd considered that had even a hint of success. I've got to kill Tranthra' Joh! I don't know how or when, but sooner or later, even after the wedding, he'll let his guard down. I'll play along; not too much. Just enough to have him think I'm dispirited, giving up; just enough to lull him. Then I'll strike! I can do that! No matter what, I must protect the city! Then what happens to me doesn't matter!
There was a snag, though. Saballa! First I need to get Dierni away from him. Even if I kill Tranthra' Joh, Dierni isn't safe until Saballa is out of the way. Saballa will have ambitions of his own.
She had to get rid of them both. How? Despair threatened her determination. Then she caught herself. I'll find a way. I have to!