“Je’zi, come out here.” River called to the old man.
Je’zi opened the door to his room cautiously peeking out, “Yes, Lady River.”
“Please see that these men are kept safe until my return. If they try to escape, kill them. I give my word they will not be harmed unless they try to renege on their promise of allegiance. Am I clear?” River said loudly to make sure the old man heard her.
“Yes, Lady River. Keep them safe unless you need to kill them.” Je’zi said.
River chuckled, “Close enough.”
River looked at the men one more time before she nodded to them. Only when she felt sure they would no longer be a threat did she move quickly down the passage under the training room. She had one more threat to eliminate. This one was for Star.
Chapter 22
Torak slashed at the man who came at him out of the dark. He was prepared to kill anyone who got in his way. He moved quickly through the garden followed by a handful of his best men. His father and Gril Tal Mod were searching the South House for any remaining traitors.
Torak paused when he came upon the dead bodies at the main fountain. He knelt down looking at the knives embedded in the two dead men. He looked up trying to focus on the map in the lens. He saw River’s identifying marker moving in their House while Jo and Star’s remained in the garden. It was the last he saw before the lens disintegrated.
“Manota, Jazin, find Jo and Star. I will go after River. Kev, finish off anyone else in the garden.” The men nodded grimly before separating.
Torak ran towards his House. The last he saw River had been in the passageway near the Training room. He leaped up the steps into his House pausing only briefly as he noticed a trail of blood. Panic hit him as he wondered if it was River’s. A dark, cold determination swept through him as he realized if River did not survive he would kill every man who ever thought to support Tai Tek before ending his own life. He knew with certainty he could never survive without her. Following the trail he came to the passageway where a huge warrior laid dead. Torak turned him over to see two knives protruding from his throat.
A door to his left opened slightly and Je’zi peeked out. “Ah, My Lord, Lady River went down below the Training room to the passage containing the water system. She asked that I keep an eye on these gentlemen. She promised them safety if they pledged allegiance to your House which they have. I am to watch over them until her return.”
Torak looked grimly at the three men sitting on the floor with their heads bowed. “Where is Tai Tek?”
One of the men looked up, “He goes through the passageway to a clearing on the other side of the river. A shuttle waits to carry him to a Tearnat starship.”
“Who does he have with him?” Torak asked tersely.
“Just the female, Javonna. She is the one who told him about the passageway and modified the security system.” The man said. “I pledge my allegiance, My Lord, and my sword if you would allow it.”
Torak looked at the young man for a moment before nodding. “I accept your pledge but will decline your help this time.”
The man nodded in understanding. He had never wanted to fight for Tai Tek but the man had threatened to eliminate all of his family. He had no choice but to fight for him until he could secure their safety.
Torak turned and rushed down the passageway. He felt a sense of relief at the same time as burning anger ignited at River. She was carrying his son. How dare she pursue Tai Tek? He was going to tie her up and make sure she never put herself or their child in danger again. He turned the last corner and saw the door leading down into the cave wide open. Moving slower now despite his desire to rush he knew he could never protect his mate if he got himself killed.
River paused as she listened to Javonna’s heavy panting. She crouched down keeping as low as she could and still be able to move forward. She had caught up with Tai Tek and Javonna just as they were entering the passageway. The lock on the door had been blown apart by laser fire. The sound had given River the clue she needed to know how close Tai Tek had been. Now, she moved with caution. There was not a lot of room in the damp cave to move if he decided to fire his laser pistol. In addition, River knew Tai Tek’s vision in the dark was superior to her own. Barely moving her head she looked around the edge of a rock outcropping.
“Please, Tai Tek. Please, let me go.” Javonna whined.
“Move it, bitch. I’m tired of your whining.” Tai Tek said coldly pulling Javonna behind him.
“No, you are just going to let your men have me. I won’t survive that.” Javonna cried out hoarsely. “You promised I could have Torak. You promised.”