He considered and dismissed the idea of fleeing. The Mynders had seen them and scanned their vessel. He’d read as much in their thoughts. He would only raise red flags if he turned around now.
How could they know for sure I’m alive and you escaped? Kyr mused.
The same thought occurred to them at once: Sem.
Ty’s hands tightened on the steering mechanism as realization sank in. Sem must have been caught and interrogated. Even though Ty and Kyr had protected Sem’s mind from intrusion, they couldn’t protect him from physical torture. Ty knew that everyone had a breaking point.
Do you think he’s…that we can’t connect with him because…
Kyr’s thoughts were laced with fear. Ty didn’t know how to answer her. She surely read the same horrible questions in his own thoughts.
As Ty approached the bridge, Kyr stepped up beside him. Her face was pale and drawn, but composed. He knew without her having to say anything that she was fully intending to influence their way across the border. They didn’t have a choice.
He felt strength and power cycling through her, much like it had the night before. She completely awed him. There was so much he wanted to say to her…needed to say to her. But now wasn’t the time.
“State your business,” ordered the Mynder standing to the left of the bridge when they approached. Ty determined the guard was under Vycor’s influence because he couldn’t scan his thoughts.
“We’re deliverin’ goods to the palace,” Ty said. “Direct from the Wrym Council.”
As Ty spoke, he and Kyr both sent out thoughts telling the observing guards that all was well. They had no reason to question them. The councilors had sent word that these goods were on the way. Advisor Vycor and Guardian Shaya were anxiously awaiting these goods. They had to be let through as soon as possible.
The guard shook his head briskly as though he was confused. “What goods?” he asked.
“The goods expected by Advisor Vycor and Guardian Shaya,” a second Mynder said from right behind him. His tone indicated that it should be obvious.
“I don’t know about any such goods,” the first Mynder argued, lifting a ledger and giving it a scan.
Ty felt Kyr pushing even more power out. He knew she suspected, as he did, that their combined efforts were overriding Vycor’s influence.
You do know about these goods, they sent out. They’re right there on your ledger.
Sweat beaded on the Mynder’s brow. He blinked a few times as he gazed at the ledger.
“Oh,” he said at last. “They’re right here on my ledger. Let them pass.”
There was some grumbling and obvious uncertainty due to the Mynder’s initial reaction, but the guards stepped back. Ty was careful not to look directly at anyone as he drove through the checkpoint and across the bridge.
They were safe…for the moment. He knew it was only a matter of time before the guards who were still under Vycor’s influence reported what had just happened and everything came to a head. Whether or not he suspected it was him and Kyr, Vycor was going to know someone was heading for him. This was only going to make things harder as they reached the other megais.
It felt like they were heading into a losing battle, but Ty knew they couldn’t give up. If they did, Vycor would win by default. Ty would be damned before he let that happen.
He looked over at Kyr with the intent of telling her that she had done well, only to see that she was asleep in one of the nearest passenger seats. She hadn’t even secured herself with a safety harness, he noted. She was just curled up into a ball with her head pillowed on her arm.
She was so strong, he thought. So fierce.
And so vulnerable.
After another moment of studying her, he made a last-second adjustment to his plan to head straight for the Dane megai. He knew what she needed right now, even if Vycor himself laid in wait.
Reaching out with his mind, he sought out the help he needed to help reduce some of Kyr’s stress and worry. Then he maneuvered the transport in the right direction.
Kyr stirred just before they reached their destination. He was completely tuned into her thoughts, not wanting anything to come between them again. They still had to discuss what had happened, but he wasn’t waiting until then to show her that he had learned his lesson. They needed each other. It was no longer his job to protect her, but to love her as his partner. After so many years of believing otherwise, he was bound to make some mistakes. But he knew he’d never again shut her out like he had tried to do.
His thoughts did turn to her protection as he slowed the transport. He completed a scan of the area and didn’t perceive any threats.
“Why are you worried about threats?” Kyr asked in a sleepy voice.
He once again glanced at her. She was sitting up in her seat and stretching. The action pressed her breasts against the thin fabric of her dress, drawing his attention. His thoughts inadvertently went to the night before. His body instantly hardened.
“Planning on stopping for sex?” she asked dryly, obviously sensing his thoughts.
No, he responded, deliberately using thought to communicate with her. I’m stopping so you can spend time with them.
She followed his finger when he pointed and saw that they had stopped in front of a stone house. As the transport rumbled to a stop, the front door of the house opened. Kyr’s eyes widened. Ty felt her shock and joy as she recognized the two people emerging.
He barely had time to lower the ramp for Kyr to descend from the transport before she was leaping from it and hurtling herself into the arms of Wyk and Ullah, the Kyndred she considered her true parents.
Ty heard her sobs and knew he had done the right thing. Her emotions were all over the place. He nodded and waved at Wyk before he once again engaged the transport and maneuvered it into a nearby shed. Wyk had communicated to him via thought that they’d have the shed ready and waiting. It was a tight fit for the bulky transport, but it would do.
He took his time walking back to the house with their satchels and the Gift, wanting to give Kyr some time alone with Wyk and Ullah. They had gone inside, which was for the best. Although Ty felt Kyr implementing protections in the minds of her Kyndred before they started their conversation, there were plenty of neighbors nearby who might find this reunion of interest. There was no telling who might be under Vycor’s influence. If Sem hadn’t been proactive in evacuating those closest to Kyr from the palace, even Wyk and Ullah would have been subjected to it.
The Kyndred homeland was very much like many of the human neighborhoods he had encountered, Ty thought as he examined the area. Homes were relatively close to each other to foster a sense of community. From his vantage point, he counted ten other homes within sight of Wyk and Ullah’s. The sounds of children laughing and playing reached his ears. A couple of adult voices carried up the long path running between the homes. The heavy clomp of a horse’s hooves told him someone was traveling along the path.
Not wanting to encounter the rider, he finally entered the house and followed the sounds of voices until he reached a homey family room. Kyr sat on a couch beside Ullah, who held both of Kyr’s hands in hers. Kyr’s cheeks were still wet with tears, some of which he sensed were from happiness and some of which were from reliving some of the difficult experiences she’d faced since she last saw her Kyndred. He knew she was in the middle of catching them up.
Wyk rose and walked over to clap Ty on the back. “Good to see you again, lad, even if you look strange,” the older man said with a wink. “Kyr-bear’s been telling us everything you’ve done to keep her safe. You know that means the world to me and Ullah.”
“It’s good to see you, too. Thanks for making time for us.”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way. Why don’t you help me get a pot of tea made so we can give Ullah some time with Kyr. Females seem to enjoy their time together without us around.”
“That’s true enough.”
They headed to the cooking area near the fr
ont of the house. “Kyr tells us that you’re finding signs of influence all over the damn place,” Wyk said as he lit the cooking fire.
Spotting the kettle, Ty carried it over to the sink and started filling it with water. “We have. The repressions are all but nonexistent, too.”
Wyk shook his head as he took the full kettle from Ty and hung it over the fire. “It’s been eye-opening since we returned here from the palace. Ullah and I have heard so many tales of Kyndred being brought home from their off-planet assignments earlier than expected that it boggles the mind. Not a one of them has yet had a Ruvex Rite performed.”
Ty’s brow lifted at that. “Is it just the Kyndred being brought back?”
“No, indeed. Their charges, as well. Seems there isn’t a single active lesson plan in place right now. Why would the Guardians stop the off-planet lessons?”
“I imagine it’s for the same warped reason they’re reducing the repressions,” Ty said. “They want to invoke chaos and disorder across the planet so that they can later stop it and rise to power.”
“Well, it’s a bloody brainless idea, if you ask me,” Wyk grumbled as he put some cups on a tray. “All of the Alametrians who were off-planet still think of their Kyndred as their parents, much like Kyr does. Without the Rite, they’ll never fully remember who they were before their lessons.”
That hadn’t occurred to Ty, but he could see how it would add another layer to the chaos. He figured that actual birth parents would be devastated if their children returned and didn’t know them at all.
“What a mess,” he said.
“It surely is.” Wyk put the last container on the tray and added tea to the boiling water. “I have to say, I’m glad for your visit, but I hope you’ll have a care. I’d be a fool if I didn’t think the bloody Advisor is watching this place for just this reason.”
“I know. We can’t stay long.”
He hated that because he knew Kyr wanted to stay here. He knew she felt safe, even if the logical part of her brain knew Vycor would suspect that she’d visit her Kyndred and he’d be prepared for that.
“Tell me, Wyk,” he said. “Have you heard any news about the governing of the megai? Any changes in the council’s approach to making decisions and issuing judgments?”
Wyk frowned and pulled on his bottom lip in thought. Eventually, he shook his head. “Can’t say that I have. Truth is, I think they’re caught up in trying to fix this bloody mess caused by the lack of Rites being performed. Seems to me they’re not getting a response from the palace addressing their concerns, or something would have been done by now.” He tilted his head as he considered Ty’s lack of reaction. “Do you disagree?”
Ty shrugged. “I admit I have my doubts. Considering what we’ve learned so far, it seems more likely that the council is under Vycor’s influence and is only pretending to bring these concerns to the palace.”
Wyk’s expression hardened as Ty’s words sank in. “I think you’d better fill me in.”
Ty did, sharing as much as he could without putting Kyr’s Kyndred at too much risk. He mentioned the group visitation of the megai councils to the palace before Kyr returned, and how the Wrym council had been influenced at that time. He mentioned the inexplicable V’larian presence and potential threat, as well. When he was done, Wyk nodded.
“I have to agree with your conclusions, lad,” he said, looking older than he had before Ty began his explanation. “I can’t say that I’m happy that you and Kyr must carry such a burden, but Ullah and I will do everything we can to help.”
“Just be careful and stay safe,” Ty told him. “You won’t know who you can trust. I know that Kyr and I will get through this without so much weight on our shoulders if we know those we care about do what they can to protect themselves.”
Wyk looked surprised by Ty’s words. Ty picked up from the other male’s thoughts that he was touched that Ty had included himself among those who cared for him and Ullah. Turning to fetch the kettle, Wyk cleared his throat.
“Sure, sure,” he said gruffly. “No need to worry about us.”
To save them both any more embarrassment, Ty focused on helping Wyk with the tray. He carried it out to the family room, where Kyr still sat arm in arm with Ullah. When she looked up and spotted him, he saw such hope in her eyes that he almost stumbled.
“Mom invited us for dinner,” she said. “We can stay tonight, can’t we?”
He knew Vycor could pound on the door at any moment. For all he knew, they could end up in a battle before the sun rose. But there was no way he could deny her, not when there were still tears drying on her cheeks and such exhaustion in her eyes.
“I’d like that,” he said.
And meant it.
Chapter 15
The sound of low male voices woke Kyr the next morning. She frowned, wanting to snuggle back into the soft bedding and stay there for the rest of the day. Eventually, though, her senses returned. She knew she and Ty had to keep moving. Just staying this long, they had put her parents at even greater risk.
She hadn’t been able to leave them, though…not so soon after seeing them again. She knew Ty had planned on continuing their journey the night before. Her gratitude for his willingness to ignore his instincts in order to please her couldn’t be expressed in words.
Not surprisingly, he was already up and out of bed. She picked up from his thoughts that he was outside with her father inspecting the transport to make sure it was ready for their use after breakfast. It pleased her immensely that the connection between them was once again wide open. She could tell that Ty had rested well the night before. He had gone to bed before her, giving her more time with her parents. It was another thoughtful gesture that she wouldn’t soon forget.
She was also grateful that he had allowed her to sleep in, but it was definitely time to get moving. Tossing the blankets aside, she got out of the cozy guest room bed and headed to the bathing chamber so she could take a shower and wash away the remainder of her weariness.
The hot water felt blissful. For a few minutes, she focused only on relaxing and cleansing her hair and skin. The scent of citrus and herbs rose from the soap she used, helping to invigorate her senses.
Inevitably, her thoughts turned to her parents. Wyk and Ullah were among the very few people she loved and trusted. That essentially put a bull’s-eye on their backs. She wondered why Vycor hadn’t harassed them up to this point outside of basic questioning after her death. Sure, he had believed that she was dead, but there was every likelihood that he now knew otherwise, or at least suspected it. The Advisor’s usual modus operandi was to go after the families of his true targets and use them to draw out his prey.
She could only assume that the news of her survival, if it had reached him, was too new for him to have acted on it yet. He would likely focus on fortifying the palace before he took action elsewhere. At least, she hoped and prayed that was the case.
Her parents had assured her and Ty that they would take measures to protect themselves. They intended to leave that very day to stay with distant relatives several hours away. They would move every few days to keep from being easily found, and they would stay on the move until Kyr contacted them again and told them they were safe.
If she had anything to say about it, that would be sooner rather than later.
She stopped the flow of shower water and opened the door. Her gaze fell on a pile of fresh clothing resting on the side of the sink. It had to have been put there by her mother. Ullah wouldn’t let her leave in the clothes she had worn there. It wouldn’t surprise Kyr to find her other clothing laundered, as well.
Gratitude made her eyes sting as she toweled off and dressed in the pretty white blouse, turquoise skirt, and matching vest. She had been so emotional since seeing her parents again. Their love and concern for her was almost overwhelming. Ullah would fuss over her until the moment she and Ty left. It was so different from the apathy shown by her birth mother that Kyr couldn’t even reconcile the two. br />
Thinking of this, she vowed once again that she would do whatever she had to in order to protect those she loved…and Yen-Ki help anyone who stood in her way.
That vow infused her stride with purpose as she left the bathing chamber and headed to the cooking area. She heard her mother humming and the sound of food sizzling. It made her smile as she rounded the corner and spotted Ullah standing over a pan of breakfast meat.
Her smile faded as the smell of the meat hit her. A wave of nausea had her grasping for the edge of the counter running along the cooking area’s central island. The room spun.
“Kyr, what’s wrong?” her mother asked, pulling the pan from the flames and setting it aside. She hurried over to Kyr and guided her to a nearby chair. “Are you feeling faint? You’re terribly pale.”
Kyr breathed through her mouth as she waited for her stomach to stop swaying. “I don’t know. I feel sick.”
Ullah touched her wrist to Kyr’s forehead, then moved over to the sink to fill a glass of water. She pressed it into Kyr’s hand and instructed her to drink it. Kyr did so without questioning her. After a couple of minutes, everything seemed to settle down.
“Sorry,” Kyr said, taking another sip of the water. “Maybe I’m just really hungry.”
Her mother’s gaze was intent on her face, but her thoughts were strangely blank. “Hmm. Perhaps. Why don’t you eat this biscuit while I’m finishing up the rest of the meal?”
Again, Kyr didn’t argue. She spread some of the burberry jam her mother offered her onto the flaky biscuit and took a bite. Her stomach immediately jumped in delight, telling her the theory of her being hungry was probably correct.
“Ty has checked on you several times this morning,” Ullah said as she turned back to the pan and put it back over the flames. “I can see how much he loves you.”
Kyr smiled at her mother’s back. They had spent a lot of the previous evening talking about her relationship with Ty. It had been wonderful to have another female with whom to talk about such things. Ullah had commiserated with her frustrations over Ty’s protectiveness and had explained that males just looked at such things differently. They often underestimated the fairer sex, which usually put them at a disadvantage. It was Kyr’s job to make him understand that she was stronger than she looked. Both Ullah and Kyr had decided that she was making excellent progress there.