River's Run(13)

All of the sudden a noise behind them caught River’s attention. Trolis let out a roar before he broke free from the two Tearnat warriors who were leading him across the shuttle bay toward a shuttle. He flung the two Tearnats to the side charging at Gril Tal Mod and Torak with one of the double-edged battle swords he had taken from one of warriors. River didn’t even think she just reacted. Stepping in front of the two men she threw one of her swords with deadly accuracy striking the huge Tearnat right between the eyes. He jerked back suddenly, the force of the sword stopping his forward motion before he collapsed in a heap several feet from them.



River wasn’t sure what would happen now. She held her other sword up in front of her turning back and forth ready for anyone who would dare to attack. She swung it around as a group of both Tearnat and Kassis warriors rushed towards her. Shaking, she moved backwards slowly trying to get to the crates. She would go up the pipes to the ventilation system again, she thought wildly. She was breathing heavy as she watched the group of men stop and stare at her in amazement. She took another step backwards running into a hard body. Arms wrapped around her trembling form as she started to struggle.



“Hush, little one. You are safe.” Torak said wrapping one arm around River’s waist while the other gripped the wrist holding the sword. “Release your sword.” He whispered in her ear.



“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I thought he was going to hurt us. I’m sorry.” River kept saying over and over the shaking in her body becoming uncontrollable as stress of the past three weeks finally took control.



“You saved our lives, Lady River. My son would have killed not only me but Lord Torak and any number of others as well.” Gril Tal Mod said with sadness.



“Your son?” River choked in horror looking at the huge creature in front of her.



“He was to be put to death for his act of killing the chancellor. You have given him a more peaceful death than he deserved. Have no regret for your action, child.” Gril Tal Mod said looking into River’s deep blue eyes.



Gril Tal Mod nodded to Torak, “I believe we will not have any more problems from the other prisoners. Take your female and go in peace. One of our warships will be here shortly to help with repairs. I will return to the council chambers as soon as possible.”



Torak nodded at Gril Tal Mod in gratitude. He knew the large creature would mourn the lost of his son privately. Increasing the pressure on River’s wrist until she released her sword, Torak waited until it dropped with a clang to the metal floor before sweeping her shaking body up into his arms.



River looked at Torak with unfocused eyes, “I…I…” she began before her eyes closed and she sank into blissful darkness.





Chapter 4




Torak held River’s unconscious body tightly against his own as he made his way to the waiting shuttle. He called out for the rest of his men to follow. There was nothing left for them to do on the Tearnat’s warship. He moved to a seat securing himself and River as the pilot slowly undocked. Looking down into her pale face, he couldn’t help but wonder where she had come from and who her people were. She seemed so small and delicate, fragile even. He ran his hand over her cheek smearing some of the soot. It was amazing she had made it out alive. From what he had understood the engine room was a mess. It would take several weeks to get it in any type of shape and months before it would be operational again. The explosives she had set did their job in destroying the ships ability to move. He had not had time to question the other two females. He had been too concerned with finding the one named River. He thought his heart was going to explode when she did not meet up with the other two as planned.



Now as he stared down at her, he knew with certainty he would never let her go. Torak pulled River’s body closer and kissed the top of her head holding her face against his shoulder. No, he would never let her go. She had made him promise to take her home and he would, to his home. It would now be hers. She belonged to him.



Manota met the shuttle as it docked with the warship. Once the shuttle docking bay had been pressurized the platform at the back of the shuttle lowered.



“Welcome, brother. The female is hurt?” Manota asked with concern noticing how tightly Torak held the female to him and her pale complexion.



“I would feel better if the healer were to examine her. I believe she is just exhausted.” Torak replied moving swiftly toward the lift.



“Where did you find her?” Manota asked.



He knew Torak had been reluctant to leave the other warship until the female had been located. He did not know much except that Jazin had brought two other females over earlier while he had been on the other ship fighting for control of it. He had yet to meet any of them. Looking down into the soot covered face of the female his brother carried he wandered what had happened to her.