* * *
“You have told me many things that I find interesting and intriguing, but her actions with you are surprising and troubling.” Euroaquilo sat in his chair, tugging on his beard in thought. He and Ardon had been buried in conversation for the better part of the morning, their primary discussion being Darla.
Euroaquilo stood and slowly paced the room, his eyes looking toward the wall as he contemplated the issue facing him. Finally he turned back to Ardon. “There is no question in my mind that the demon has reached a new stage of growth. Even if you did not save the girl’s sanity, what you did certainly eased a troubled mind.”
He sat back down. “I also believe you’re correct in thinking that the monster hasn’t gained control of Darla. Last night in our dream share, I probed deep to find the beast. It not only felt my presence and resented it, it recognized who I was. To top that, it communicated with me in some wild thought language different than earlier times, but it displayed thinking and reasoning ability.”
“How can you be sure that it hasn’t taken possession of her...” Ardon queried, leaning forward in his armchair, resting his upper weight on his elbows, “maybe not completely, but a little?”
“I appreciate your concern, my brother, and I respect the implications such a possession might mean to the welfare of ship and crew.” Euroaquilo replied. “Yet I think it not to be the case at all. First, I can find no link between her and the thing inside her. It actually hates her as much as she hates it. I felt a frustration on its part because it has gained no control. I also think that part of its frustration comes from a feeling of loneliness, being isolated in such an angry prison.”
“Second...and I think this is even more important in proving Darla’s full sanity and control...I have strong evidence to believe that the girl didn’t dream up the other demons on the Shikkeron. Not only have I peered into the woman’s soul but, also, there have come to me other reports from people in the know. Their suspicions, I think, confirm that there are traitors aboard the Shikkeron with direct connections to Asotos or his people.”
Ardon’s surprise was evidenced by the way his fingers gripped the chair arms. “Why has nothing been done then, at least to weed the traitors out of the crew? The potential for disaster should move you to do something!”
Euroaquilo smiled and motioned for Ardon to relax. “Proof...proof is still lacking. If we move too fast, we risk hurting the innocent with the guilty. That is something I choose not to do. This is not the first time the enemy has infiltrated our ranks, nor shall it be the last. I have isolated the Shikkeron from fleet-sensitive communications and I have my own people watching. Besides, have you not been told that it is wise to keep your enemies close? Space is needed to wield the blade. Don’t give them the space.”
“But what of Darla and her demon?” Ardon asked. “How safe is it for her to be placed in such an environment?” The tone in his voice betrayed a sincere concern for his former antagonist.
Euroaquilo leaned forward. “She has you to protect her, doesn’t she? Or do you choose to retreat from such danger?”
Ardon felt a twinge of anger pass over him. Why? Had he reacted to Euroaquilo’s query because he thought his loyalty or bravery was being questioned? No. It was because he personally could not imagine abandoning Darla to danger, the mere thought of it rankling him. “My dear Euroaquilo, I think not of myself in this matter at all. It is the welfare of my captain that I am concerned with. To allow needless danger to come upon her is troubling to my heart. Why must such a thing be permitted?”
“There is no doubt in my mind about that Ardon.” Euroaquilo reassured. “If that were the case, I would personally request your removal from her company. I do believe you have feelings growing for the girl, and that is what reassures me of your faithfulness to her. As for why I leave my child with dangerous wolves, I cannot explain in words what sits in my mind and heart, but I feel as though her destiny… No! The destiny of all living things rides the skies with that ship. It’s like a little voice inside my head tells me to let matters be. The stage has been set and the Director is gathering the players. What shall be our roles is yet unknown to me, but I do feel as though you and I will have some major part in it.” Euroaquilo reassuringly added, “I will trust you with this. I’m not abandoning my child to the Fates. The power of my fleet will always be within arm’s reach of her, wherever she may be. You are in my trust on this and I will fill you in with more detail before the Shikkeron leaves for its next mission. It has been four days since you arrived. Tomorrow the council will meet to discuss the MoonDust and decide on the evidence Darla’s team will present. I will have a clearer idea of what to do then.”
Ardon thanked Euroaquilo for his patience and prepared to bid his adieu.
Euroaquilo interrupted him, asking, “Will you continue to assist her with her dreams? Darla, I mean. She needs a person who understands her dilemma and can trust to be close to her.”
Ardon smiled, a strange twinge of emotion racing through his heart. “I will not force myself upon her, but I will allow no harm to come to the woman. I do care for her, you know.”
“I know. I know.” Euroaquilo extended his hand and, with a strong grip, clasped Ardon’s. A strange look came across his face. After a pause, he added, “Take care of my child. She has many things yet to learn. You must teach her well.”
Ardon was surprised at Euroaquilo’s admonition. He waited for explanation, but none came. He thanked the admiral for his time and departed his cabin. Everything seemed so strange. Mystery shrouded in mystery, riddle within riddle. What was happening, anyway? He walked down the passageway headed for the shuttle that would take him back to the Admiral Lonche.