Authors: Dena Garson
“What about Danet? Aren’t you worried about her?” he asked
incredulously. It occurred to Ceros that Sebak may be one of those people who
were really smart but didn’t have a lot for skill with people. But Danet was
his daughter. He should be showing a bit more concern than he was.
“Yes. I am quite worried about her.” Sebak turned so his
whole body was facing Ceros. “By now your friend,” he pointed in the direction
Gehiji had gone, “has assessed the gate and the surrounding area, perhaps even
followed any trail that was left. After that he mostly likely circled back to
the house to tell Mdjai and your other friend what has happened. I would guess
that between the three of them they have completed a search of the house to
determine if Danet is truly missing. Shortly your friends will be coming to
report on all they have found and ask when you’ll be ready to return to the
palace to await a message from whoever is behind this. Am I missing anything
about the situation?”
Ceros was impressed by Sebak’s ability to not only figure
out what most likely happened to Danet but also what they were doing to
investigate. “Not that I can think of.” He gestured for Sebak to lead the way
back to the house. “You are remarkably calm for someone who’s just figured out
his only daughter has been kidnapped.”
“Believe me when I tell you that my insides are churning.
But I realize giving in to my fears will not help any of us.” He glanced back
at Ceros. “I also suspect that if anyone can find her and bring her back safely
it is you and those friends of yours. And if you’ll forgive me for assuming
anything about such a newly forged bond, but based on your earlier reaction, I
also believe that you will do almost anything to find her.”
“Once again you are correct,” Ceros said with deadly
assurance.
“Then I’ll only ask what I can do to assist your efforts.”
“Let’s find out what has been discovered first.”
Just as they reached the patio area, Gehiji and Mdjai came
out of the house. “We were just coming to find you,” Gehiji explained.
“Perhaps we should go into my study where we might have some
privacy?” Sebak suggested.
“That would probably be best,” Ceros agreed.
The four filed into the room and Mdjai shut the door behind
him. Ceros scanned the room but opted to stand instead of taking a seat. His
beast was too keyed up to be still. “Where’s Runihura?”
“Tracking,” Gehiji said.
Ceros nodded his approval. “What did you learn?” he
prompted.
“She’s nowhere to be found in the house or on the grounds,”
Mdjai reported.
“All signs indicate there were two people who entered
through the far gate.” Before Sebak could ask, Gehiji added, “The lock on the
gate was broken and they didn’t try to hide their exit.” He shook his head.
“Very sloppy. Not warriors.”
“Did she put up any kind of fight or did she go with them
willingly?” Ceros asked.
“My guess is she was unconscious. There was no struggle
except for a very minor one at the pond. And the footprints on the way out were
deeper than those coming in, as if they were carrying a load.”
Ceros exchanged a look with Sebak. “That would explain why I
cannot connect with her.”
Sebak nodded his agreement.
“What else?” Ceros prompted.
“There were three eligari outside the gate. One of them
pulled a small cart.” Gehiji was matter-of-fact.
“Where does the alley lead?” Ceros asked Sebak.
“To a side street. There you can go any of three directions.
None of which are very populated,” Sebak informed them.
“So it’s unlikely that anyone saw them leaving the alley,”
Ceros mumbled.
“Correct,” Sebak agreed.
“Did you talk with the staff to find out if they saw
anything?” Ceros looked to Gehiji and Mdjai.
“Not yet,” Gehiji answered.
“We don’t have a large staff here,” Sebak interjected. “Most
days it’s usually our housekeeper and one or two others.”
“To run a house this size?” Ceros frowned.
Sebak smiled. “We live simply. Danet and I both spend more
time away than home so there’s little to be done for us.” He shrugged. “And
quite frankly, we both value quiet time to think.”
“Good to know,” Ceros mumbled. To Mdjai and Gehiji he said,
“Find out what you can without alarming anyone.”
When the two moved to spring into action, Sebak held up one
finger. “If I might make a suggestion…”
Mdjai’s brows rose and both he and Gehiji paused.
“How about if I call Ryana in so you can ask your questions?
She will be able to tell you who else is in the house today and where you can
find them.”
“An excellent suggestion,” Ceros said.
Sebak went to find Ryana and returned shortly. All they were
able to discover was that Ryana had been working in the kitchens to prepare
dinner when the incident occurred. Only one other girl was present and she had
been in the kitchen as well.
They called the girl in but she hadn’t seen anyone other
than Danet, Sebak and Mdjai that day. Ceros thanked Ryana and the girl for
their help. Sebak sent them back to the kitchens with a promise to Ryana to
explain after the prince had left.
“I don’t think there is anything else we can do here. And I
strongly suspect I will be hearing from whoever is behind this instead of you.”
He looked at Sebak.
“I fear you may be correct.” Sebak frowned. “Who knew that
you intended to bond with Danet?”
“Other than these guys? No one except Mother. I told her
right after the council meeting this afternoon.”
“Could anyone have overhead you?” Sebak asked. “A servant
perhaps?”
“It’s possible, but unlikely. We were in the throne room.
Servants remain near the main door.”
“Your cousin did,” Gehiji reminded him.
“Aleric?”
“Yes, that’s him.” Gehiji nodded. “He came in through that
hidden door while you were telling the queen.”
“He wouldn’t have anything to do with this though.”
“How do you know for certain?” Gehiji pressed.
“After my uncle was killed, he came to live with us. He
always looked up to Father. He even declined the offer to go to Shirghada to be
trained with me because he felt he could help Father and Licosia more by
staying and joining the council.” He rubbed a hand over his face. “Aleric never
gave the slightest hint he had any aspirations of being king. And there was
certainly never any hostility toward me, much less Father.”
Gehiji’s face indicated he didn’t necessarily agree with
Ceros’ statement. “Even if it has nothing to do with him, there is still a
hidden door that anyone could have stood behind while you were talking.”
Ceros closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The thought of
Danet in danger because of him was unbearable. Part of him was afraid of
finding out who was behind this because he didn’t know what he would do to
them.
His beast wanted blood.
The question was whether or not he would be able to stop the
beast from taking what it wanted.
When he opened his eyes, all three of the others were
watching him. Warily.
“What?” Ceros growled.
“Your eyes are doing that glowing-gold thing you do right
before you transform,” Gehiji cautioned.
Mdjai tried to ease some of the tension. “Calm down before
you get big and hairy on us.”
“We’ll find her,” Gehiji reassured him.
“I’d tell you to change and run off some of your irritation,
but I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Mdjai said, thinking out loud.
Ceros shook his head. “I’d only end up scaring half the
people in town.”
“And half the eligari.” Mdjai sounded as if he thought the
idea was a lot funnier than Ceros liked.
“All right,” Ceros groused. “Let’s get back to the palace so
we can find who the bastard behind this is.”
“You will send word as soon as you hear something?” Sebak
asked even though it sounded more like a statement than a question.
“Yes. And if by chance you hear from her, send word
immediately.” The four headed for the front entrance. “It probably wouldn’t be
a bad idea to stick close to home for a while,” Ceros suggested to Sebak. “At a
minimum, avoid going anywhere alone until this is resolved. I will send a guard
from the palace.” With his hand on the door latch, Ceros asked, “Unless you
would be more comfortable coming with us to the palace?”
“No, thank you, my prince. I don’t believe that will be
necessary. It is highly improbable I am a target and I would rather be here if
word is sent or Danet returns on her own.” He bowed his head. “But I appreciate
your offer.”
Ceros nodded then turned to follow Gehiji and Mdjai out the
door but Sebak stopped him.
“My prince, do not forget that Danet is a strong and capable
woman. And she is not without defenses. She may not have been properly trained
to use all of her gifts, but she will not simply give in to whoever has taken
her.”
Ceros grimaced. “I don’t expect she would and that’s part of
what frightens me.”
With that thought weighing on his mind, Ceros hurried to his
waiting eligari.
Danet struggled to open her eyes but her head ached and her
stomach protested any movement she made. She tried to swallow but her mouth
felt as if it had been stuffed with linen.
The cool stone or tile floor she was lying on actually
helped with the nausea.
Since her need to know outweighed the pounding in her head,
she forced her eyes open.
She was in a tiny room. Boxes were stacked along the wall
across from her. The door was not far from her feet. There was a window in the
wall across from her that let in what was left of the second sun.
To distract herself from her rolling stomach, she assessed
her situation.
She had obviously been drugged and kidnapped by unknown
persons. Her hands were bound behind her. She was in some kind of storage room
and the last sun was about to set.
She had no idea where Ceros was or what happened with the
council.
Ceros.
She needed to tell him what had happened. If she could reach
him.
Before she could relax to try to reach out to him, she heard
voices outside the room. She struggled to hear what they were saying.
“She was still out the last time I checked.”
The doorknob rattled as someone put a key into the lock.
Danet closed her eyes and willed her heartbeat and her
breath to slow so she could pretend to be unconscious. The sound of footsteps
grew louder as the person came closer. As much as she wanted to know who it
was, she didn’t dare open her eyes.
“Yes, she’s still out,” the man informed whoever else was
there.
“What did the fool do to her?” the second voice groused.
“He said he knew of some medicine that would knock her out.”
“Did you pay him already?” the second voice asked as the two
moved away.
She lay still and listened for a moment after the door
closed before deciding the two had walked away. When she opened her eyes, she
took in more details of the room and tugged on the ropes holding her hands.
They were securely bound. Without being able to see the knot she doubted she’d
be able to free herself.
She needed to tell Ceros.
If
she could reach him,
that is. Their connection was still new and she didn’t know how far apart they
could be and still reach each other. Since she didn’t know where she was, she
could only hope.
A couple of deep breaths helped her calm her racing
heartbeat and focus on what she needed to do. Ceros’ handsome face sprang
easily into her mind and she concentrated on him.
The tingly sensation in her forehead that she felt when they
had connected before started and gave her hope.
Ceros?
She paused then gave her thoughts another push.
Ceros?
Are you there?
Danet?
The sound of his voice in her head startled her. It was
unexpectedly strong and clear.
Are you all right?
His question was weighted with
concern.
She smiled.
Yes. I am all right.
Thank the Gods. Where are you?
he demanded.
I don’t know.
What do you mean you don’t know?
he growled.
Why
don’t you know?
Because I’m tied up and I haven’t been able to get up to
look out the window.
His beast roared through her mind. Oddly enough, instead of
startling her, the sound soothed her.
I’m okay
, she reminded him calmly.
It’s just my
hands that are bound. I was dizzy when I woke up and didn’t think I should try
to stand just yet.
Dizzy? Why? Did they hit you on the head?
He growled
the questions.
No. They used a strong herbal mixture to make me sleep.
It’s the same medicine we use to knock patients out for painful procedures. A
headache and dizziness are common side effects. I’ll be fine after a bit.
Ceros said a few unpleasant things about her captors. Danet
wondered if he realized she could hear him.
What can you tell me about where you’re being held?
he
asked.
She described the room she was in and a few of the crates
nearby.
What about the window? What direction are the shadows
falling?
There really aren’t many shadows. What little bit of
light is falling on the left side of the window though.
What about smells or sounds?
I’m afraid I still don’t smell much more than the herbs
they held over my face earlier.
To distract him from his impulse to curse
her kidnappers and their families she added,
But I can hear scraping. Like a
tool scraping on rock.
He paused, giving her the feeling he was relaying the
information to someone. Probably Gehiji or one of his other friends.
Did you recognize anyone who took you?
he asked.
I only saw one of the men in the garden. He looked
somewhat familiar but not enough for me to place where I might have seen him
before. One of the voices I heard outside my door a few minutes ago sounded familiar.
But again, not enough for me to place it.
You didn’t see them?
No. I pretended I was still out when they came in.
Danet felt Ceros’ anger and frustration through their
connection. She was flattered he cared enough to feel such strong emotion, but
was concerned he might lose focus.
Was the voice outside the door the same man as the one in
the garden?
he asked.
No.
Do you think you can make it to the window?
I think so.
It was more of a struggle than she expected to sit up
without the use of her hands. When she finally managed it, she had to let
another wave of dizziness pass before she stood.
Ceros’ concern rang through when he asked,
Are you sure
you’re okay?
Yes. Truly, I am fine. The weakness shouldn’t last much
longer.
She scooted next to a stack of crates so she could lean
against them as she stood. If the room spun unexpectedly, she didn’t want to
fall all the way down.
Because of a stack of boxes below the window, she wasn’t
able to get a clear view.
I can’t see much. The roof of a small building or
the end of this one. I’m not sure which.
What kind of roof? What color?
he asked.
I think the curved tiles are red, but I’m not sure. The
way the sun is setting it might be a dark orange. The walls are an ordinary
tan. Nothing remarkable about either that I can tell.
Anything else stand out about your surroundings?
No
. Her shoulders slumped.
It’s not very helpful,
is it?
Maybe
. He paused.
Runihura is tracking their
trail. We haven’t heard anything from him so I’m taking that to mean that he’s
been able to follow but can’t get away to send word just yet.
How do you know he hasn’t been found or hurt?
Because we know Runihura and the way he operates. Trust
me. He’ll find and disable your captors long before they know he’s there.
But—
Trust me.
She searched her heart and found that she did trust him.
More than was reasonable for having known him for so little time.
All right.
I trust you.
Good.
What else can I do?
He paused. His indecision rippled through their connection.
The most helpful thing you could do would be to find out
who is behind all of this. But I don’t want you putting yourself in danger to
do it. If you see anyone you know or something unusual, tell me. Otherwise, I
just want you to listen and watch.
I can do that.
I know you can.
His confidence in her eased some of her worry. She turned
away from the window to sit on the floor again.
Oh, Ceros?
Yes?
I may regret it later, but I’m glad I can talk with you this
way. I would probably be a lot more scared right now if I couldn’t.
I wish you weren’t in this position at all. Especially
since you’ve been taken because of me.
It’s not your fault, you know
, she assured him.
It’s
whoever is behind this. And I’m certain you’ll figure it out and take the
appropriate action.
You really don’t want to know what I consider appropriate
with respect to your kidnappers.
She felt a deep, simmering anger and a need to maul
something through their connection. Danet shuddered in reaction.
No sooner had she gotten situated on the floor than she
heard someone at the door.
Someone is here.
She pushed the thought to Ceros.
I’m still with you. Just be careful of what you say to
them.
The door opened and a man stepped into the room. Danet had
seen him somewhere before but couldn’t place him. His manner of dress didn’t
give her any clues as to where she might have seen him before.
“Ah, good. You’re awake,” the man said. “Don’t bother
yelling. No one here will help you and you’ll only force us to knock you out
again so we don’t have to listen to you.”
“Why am I here?” she asked, not bothering to get up.
“Because we need the prince to do something and you are
leverage to ensure that he complies.”
A dozen questions sprang to mind, but she settled on one.
“What do you need him to do?”
A strange look crossed the man’s face. “That is between us
and the prince.”
“Why do you think he’ll comply? I am nothing to him. I’m
just his healer.”
Danet felt a wave of irritation through her connection with
Ceros.
The man at the door frowned. “We have been informed
otherwise.” Before she could ask another question, he continued, “Now, I must
return and tell the others you are awake.”
“Wait a minute! What if I—” The door closed despite her
protest.
Harrumph.
She was both irritated and relieved.
You don’t know where you’ve seen him before?
Ceros
asked.
No
. She tried to remember again, but it was
pointless. She saw so many faces at the clinic and then again at the palace it
was hard to keep them straight.
I was wondering about our connection.
What about it?
Danet asked hesitantly.
Didn’t you think it was hampered by physical distance at
first?
She was relieved he didn’t ask any of the hard questions she
felt certain he eventually would get around to.
Yes.
Do you think it still is?
It might be.
She drew out “might” to emphasize her
uncertainty.
So you could be close to the palace then.
It’s a possibility.
She took a fresh look around,
trying to determine if the items in the room had any connection to the palace.
Or if the red roof tiles were atop someplace she passed by.
Still, nothing came to mind.
I’m going to send a group to search the villas near the
palace.
You can’t just send guards into people’s homes.
They don’t need to enter anyone’s homes. I just need them
to find one with a red tile roof.