War Bride

  Chapter Seven

  Visions came gently to contented minds. Skyla snuggled against Kryton’s side, her head pillowed on his shoulder. They’d made love a second time then enjoyed a long, leisurely shower before returning to their bed. This was their bed, their house, their new lives. She wasn’t sure what the future held, but she was ready for the new adventure. She trusted Kryton to protect her from those not worth her tears, and her sisters would just have to come visit her on Rodymia.

  Her mind rambled through memories as she surrendered to exhaustion, but her gift wasn’t ready to let her sleep. For the past week an image had reoccurred in her dreams, it was so intimate and so personal that she hadn’t told Tonn what she’d seen. The image was always the same. She saw herself sitting on a richly upholstered sofa facing a massive stone fireplace. On her lap cuddled a rosy-cheeked toddler and an older boy sat at her side. The older boy was turning the pages of a book as she read the story aloud. As she waited for the boy to turn a page, she looked up and smiled at Kryton. He sat in a tall-backed chair facing her, his expression relaxed and content. On his lap sat the oldest of their three sons, his head resting against the middle of his father’s chest. All three boys had curly dark hair and vivid purple rings in night-black eyes. A combination of her red phitons and Kryton’s blue, she supposed. The scene was so idyllic, so perfect that she hadn’t dared hope it was real.

  Each time she’d seen this image, it ended after she looked at Kryton. Tonight, however, the scene continued and expanded, drawing her attention to a tall, young man watching from the corridor. He held the door open just far enough so he could see into the library. He had short silver-blond hair and piercing blue eyes. His gaze narrowed as he took in the charming scene, but she felt resentment and loneliness blasting off him. He blinked and his phitons shimmered like polished silver coins. He was a harbinger. No, more specifically, this was Arton.

  Excitement surged through her and she tried to sink into Arton’s mind. His head snapped up with the first brush of her energy and he looked around, expression suddenly vicious. Who are you? What do you want with me?

  The response shocked her. Never before had anyone in a prophetic vision attempted to interact with her. But then, she’d never encountered a harbinger before. Their abilities were similar to hers.

  It’s Skyla. If he was free of Harbinger Academy at this point, then they must have succeeded in rescuing him. Time streams could be so confusing.

  Skyla? His gaze shot back to the Skyla on the sofa. How are you doing this?

  I’m reaching out to you from the past. We haven’t rescued you yet. Can you guide me back to the day before it happens, or can you tell me how we accomplish it?

  Arton turned and pressed his back against the corridor wall, eyes wide and disbelieving. I always wondered how you knew when and where to find me. All you’d say was “It’s better if you don’t know.”

  I’m not sure how long I can maintain this connection, she warned him. Please tell me what I need to know.

  What’s the date where you are? She told him and he laughed. You better hurry. Three days from when you are, I’ll be moved from the academy to a safe house on Saternite Square. I’ll be escorted by two guards and a skimmer pilot. Set up the ambush on Rinforter Boulevard near the lake.

  She could feel the present pulling her back. Her energy was nearly expended. What time?

  Just after noon. Father won’t like it, but you need to be there too.

  The vision released in a blur of color and white noise. Skyla sprang up in bed, gasping for breath. “Kryton, wake up.” She reached over and shook his shoulder. “I’ve just had a vision. I need to tell you what he said before I forget the names. I’m terrible with Rodyte names.”

  Kryton sat up as well, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “What did you see? Who was in the vision?”

  “Arton. I just had a conversation with your son.”

  His blood-shot gaze locked with hers and hope rushed across their mental link. She had his attention now. He scrubbed one of his hands over his face and shook away the last of his sleepiness. “What did he say? Was he all right?”

  “He was fine and he was here, so the rescue will likely succeed.”

  The assurance calmed Kryton, helped him focus. “Computer, record conversation.” He smiled at her, then explained. “Just to make sure I don’t scramble the information. I haven’t slept well in weeks.”

  She grinned. “Can’t imagine why.”

  “What did he tell you?”

  Not ready to share her secret peek into their future, she dove right to the pertinent information. “Three days from now Arton will be transferred to a safe house on Saturnine Square.”

  “It’s probably Saternite Square. I don’t know of a Saturnine Square anywhere near the academy.”

  She blew out an anxious breath. “See why I woke you up. By morning I’d have twisted everything beyond comprehension.”

  “I doubt that, but please continue. What else did he tell you?”

  “He said to set up an ambush on Rainfordor Boulevard near a lake.”

  He smiled at her. “Rainforter Boulevard runs past a lake. It also passes near the academy. I’m sure that’s what he meant. Did he suggest a time or tell you what we can expect in the way of armed reinforcements?”

  “He’s clearly his father’s son. The strike should happen just after noon and you’ll be facing two guards and a skimmer pilot.”

  Wonder filled his eyes as he looked at her. “And just like that you’ve accomplished what I’ve been unable to do for the past twelve years. I don’t know how to thank you.”

  “Thank Arton. It’s his plan. I’m just the messenger.”

  He pulled her into his arms, a smile lingering on his lips. “A messenger who contacted Arton during a vision. Don’t downplay how amazing you are.”

  She kissed him, thrilled to finally do something important with her abilities. “Kryton, I could sense his emotions for just a moment. He’s a very volatile young man. You need to be prepared for the changes the harbingers have wrought in him.” The scene in her vision took place six or seven years after his rescue and still Arton was resentful and discontent. Yet he’d seemed to calm down and was willing to help once he realized who she was. Then she remembered Arton’s last stipulation. “He also said I need to be there.”

  Kryton’s eyes narrowed and his lips pressed into a disapproving line. “And if I refuse, you’ll tell me I’m endangering the mission.”

  “He wouldn’t have told me if that’s not the way it happened.”

  Now she’d confused him. He glanced into the distance then shook his head. “How did Arton know the details of his rescue? Were you sharing some sort of future dream?”

  “I was seeing a scene from the future and Arton’s harbinger abilities allowed him to communicate with me.”

  He shook his head again. “And I thought dream walking was surreal.”

  They’d returned to their earlier position with her snuggled against his side. She absently stroked his chest, remembering the picture-perfect scene at the beginning of the vision. Kryton was clearly focused on the coming rescue, so she tucked the treasure away, intending to share it once Arton was safely free from Harbinger Guild.

  “You will stay in the ship until the fighting is over.” His arm squeezed her shoulders, emphasizing the directive.

  “Yes, sir.” Knowing he couldn’t see her expression, she smiled.