Divided: Brides of the Kindred 10 (46 page)

Chapter Forty-two

“Hello,
Commander Sylvan. Come in.” Truth stepped aside, ushering the other male into
the suite he now shared with Far.

“Hello,
Truth. How is your twin?” Sylvan asked, stepping into the living area.

Truth
looked away. “The same. Maybe a little worse.”

“I
see. I’m very sorry.” Sylvan sighed.

Truth
noticed he was holding a familiar looking metal box in his hands.

“Why
have you brought the Orthanxian amulet? You didn’t touch it, did you?”

“Only
once, by accident.” Sylvan shivered. “It was…not a pleasant experience. Direct
contact with it seems to invoke some rather strange hallucinations. I actually
thought I saw my father and he has been dead for years now.”

“I
saw some very odd things as well when I held it in my hand.” Truth frowned.
“So, have you made the antidote as Vashtar instructed?”

“We
have…” Sylvan cleared his throat.

“And?”
Truth asked.

“And
it didn’t work.” Sylvan shrugged. “We’ve tried everything it seems—dipping the
amulet in water for longer or shorter times, using other mediums to convey its
power such as oil or various chemicals…” He shook his head. “Nothing works.”

“You
tried it on the unmated males?” Truth asked.

Sylvan
nodded. “We did. Since they are all sedated, we risked taking down the shield
barrier for a moment to bring a possessed male out. We did everything you
said—we had the chunk of shadow stone waiting to receive the hostile spirit and
we doused the male liberally with the amulet water.”

“And?”
Truth asked again.

“He
woke up and grabbed a hostage—a nurse who happened to be near in the med
center, where we were attempting the experiment.”

“Seven
Hells,” Truth muttered.

“Exactly.”
Sylvan looked grim. “Luckily, Xairn, the Scourge warrior who lives among us,
happened to be there because his mate Lauren had just given birth in the next
room. He stepped up behind the unmated male and got him by the neck in a choke
hold before the demon within could do any mischief to the nurse.”

“Was
he forced to kill the male?” Truth asked.

Sylvan
shook his head. “No. He merely cut off the air supply until the host body went
limp. We re-sedated him and put him back in the Unmated Males area.”

“I
do not know what to tell you,” Truth said. He ran a hand through his hair in
frustration. “This is most unexpected. I thought when Rebecca left so
unexpectedly that at least we had done
something
right—that we had found
the cure our brethren so desperately need.” He bowed his head. “Apologies,
Commander. It seems I have failed you.”

“Not
just you, Brother.” Far suddenly appeared in the doorway which led to the
sleeping area. The light twin looked indescribably weary—he couldn’t even stand
upright, Truth noted—he was leaning against the doorframe for support.

“Far!
You shouldn’t be out of bed!” Truth rushed to him and put an arm around his
shoulder, supporting his twin.

“Sorry
but I heard what you and Commander Sylvan were saying.” Far nodded tiredly at
Sylvan. “Hello, Commander.”

“Hello,
Far.” Sylvan gave them an appraising look. “I must say I’m surprised to see the
two of you so…close. When you left for Orthanx, it seemed you had no wish for
any kind of fraternal relationship.”

“Becca
changed us—she helped the Twin bond grow,” Far said.

“And
then she left.” Truth scowled. “Without even bidding us farewell.”

“She
saw you die, Brother—or thought she did,” Far said. “And she saw me on the
brink of death as well. You know her history—it must have been too much for her
to bear.”

“She
could have at least let us know where she was going and why. We only know she
left the Mother Ship because I asked the Transport Commander and he verified
that she’d taken a shuttle back to Earth.”

“Still…”
Far sighed and a look of pain crossed his features. Truth felt it through their
bond as well—a dull ache that centered in his midsection and radiated out to
all his limbs.

“Come,”
he said. “We need to get you back in bed.”

Far
lifted his chin. “I’m tired of resting. I may not have much time left—I don’t
intend to spend it lying around. Unless…” He looked at Sylvan hopefully. “Those
tests you were going to run?”

Sylvan
shook his head regretfully. “I’m sorry, Far, I’ve run every possible test but
the
dr’gin
poison defies analysis. I still have people working on it but
right now the outcome doesn’t look…” He cleared his throat. “Doesn’t look
favorable.”

“I
was afraid of this,” Truth said. “Garron said he thought you’d gone from
stelsis
to
nadis.
The second stage of
dr’gin
poisoning,” he explained
to Sylvan. “Once that stage has been reached, the antidote is often much less
effective.”

“As
was the case this time,” Far said. “But as long as I am able, I want to help. I
couldn’t hear everything you said, Commander Sylvan. Please tell me what’s
going wrong with the amulet and the unmated males.”

“First
come sit on the couch,” Truth commanded.

He
could feel the weakness in his brother and it made him feel helpless and angry.
If only he hadn’t taken Far and Rebecca down to Pax! If only Far hadn’t been
fatally clawed! First Becca had left them with no warning as though she didn’t
even care, and now it seemed that he was going to lose his twin when he had
just learned to care for him. And for what? The amulet that Far had sacrificed
everything to get wasn’t working. Truth was so angry he just wanted to
punch
something!

“Brother…”
Clearly Far had felt his frustration through their bond because he put a hand
on Truth’s arm as they settled on the couch. “Don’t give way to anger. It
doesn’t help anything.”

“Apologies.”
Truth took a deep breath, trying to get his fury under control. “I just feel…”

“Abandoned
by Becca and frustrated because the amulet isn’t working. I know.” Far nodded.

Truth
blew out a breath. “Exactly.”

Sylvan
looked at them in surprise. “Your Twin bond really
has
grown. Kat and
Deep and Lock will be so pleased to hear it.”

“They
don’t have long to be pleased—I don’t think even the strongest bond can survive
death,” Far said quietly.

“Enough.”
Truth frowned. “You’re going to get better. Commander Sylvan will keep working
on your blood analysis and
something
is bound to turn up. In the mean time,
I thought you wanted to help figure out what was going wrong with the amulet.”

“So
I do.” Far nodded and looked at Sylvan. “Please, repeat what you told my
brother.”

Sylvan
repeated everything and Far frowned.

“Wait—you
said you did everything we told you to. But what if we forgot something?”

“What?”
Truth demanded. “We told Commander Sylvan what Vashtar said—to dip the amulet
in water and then use the water as an antidote to wash the unmated males
clean.”

“But
didn’t Vashtar say something else?” Far asked. “Something about activating the
amulet first?”

“Activating…wait
a minute,” Truth exclaimed. “He
did
say something like that.” He turned
to Sylvan. “Apologies, Commander—between Rebecca deserting us and my brother
being ill, I completely forgot that part.”

“So
did I,” Far said. “The blame isn’t all yours.”

“Don’t
worry about assigning blame—just activate it.” Sylvan held the metal box out to
Truth who took it doubtfully.

“I
would…if I knew how.”

“Didn’t
Vashtar say something about instructions?” Far asked.

“What
instructions?”
Truth opened the metal box carefully and looked at the shifting, glowing
amulet. “I see nothing here but the pendant itself. Shouldn’t there be some
sort of paper or recording device included with it?”

“Have
you looked under the lining or maybe even at the box itself?” Sylvan suggested.
“If it was meant to be buried for eons, it seems doubtful the instructions
would be found on any kind of corruptible medium.”

“No,
but I’ll look now.” Being very careful not to touch the amulet, Truth pealed up
the soft black material that lined the box. He lifted it, amulet and all, and
set it aside on the empty cushion beside him. Then he peered inside the box.

“Well?”
Far asked.

“Nothing,”
Truth said flatly. “No, wait…something’s happening.”

When
he had first looked, he had seen nothing but the blank silver inside of the
box. But now letters were appearing—curving, glowing script that looked like
nothing Truth had ever seen before.

“What
is
that?” Sylvan had come around to look over Truth’s shoulder.

“Ancient
Orthanxian, I think.” Far was also peering into the box.

“Can
you read it?” Sylvan asked.

Far
shook his head. “I shouldn’t be able to but…” He frowned. “But somehow I
can.”

“As
can I,” Truth muttered.

Sylvan
studied the box and nodded. “I as well.” They all read silently for a moment
and then he asked, “What does it mean?”

“It
means,” Truth said grimly, “That we’re going to have to find Rebecca. But I
don’t think she will be very happy about it.”

“And
you have no idea where she went?” Sylvan asked.

Truth
shook his head. “She was dropped off at the Human/Kindred Relations building.
Someone picked her up from there but no one knows who.”

“We
have no idea where she could be,” Far said and the longing in his voice put a
lump in Truth’s throat. Gods, as angry as he was at Rebecca, he missed her too.
His soul yearned for her, just as his brother’s did.

“Maybe
someone in her family came and got her? Is she with her parents? Or what about
the convent where she was going to become a nun?” Sylvan suggested.

Truth
scowled. “I wanted to check all those places but Far wouldn’t let me.”

“Because
if we go announcing that we’re looking for Rebecca to her family and her religious
order, it’s going to be obvious we have more than a casual interest in her,”
Far protested. “One of the main stumbling blocks between us and a permanent
bond was her fear of what those people would think if they knew we were
involved with her.”

“We
could have done it clandestinely,” Truth objected. This was an argument they’d
had already several times.

Far
shook his head. “I made the mistake of making your family hate me by trying to
get information in an underhanded way. I won’t repeat it.”

“My
family would have hated you and Rebecca no matter what,” Truth said shortly.
“That is the way of the Rai’ku—to hate and fear anyone or anything different.”

Sylvan
looked thoughtful. “I think I have an idea—someone who might know where Becca
went and who can go and get her without rousing her family’s suspicions.”

“Then
send them,” Truth said. “But I warn you, I don’t think Rebecca will be very
receptive to what the amulet needs.”

“We
will see about that.” Sylvan stood.

Truth
repacked the box and tried to hand it to him but Sylvan shook his head.

“No—you
keep it. If I find Becca, you’ll need to have it close by.”

“As
you wish.” Truth closed the box and walked Sylvan to the door. “Try your best
to bring her,” he said in a low voice. “Not only for the amulet but because she
ought to see Far one last time before…” He cast a glance over his shoulder to
where Far was slumped wearily on the couch. “Before,” he finished, unable to
make himself say the dreaded words.

“I
understand.” Sylvan offered him an arm and Truth clasped it tightly for a
moment. “But try not to despair—I know things look bad but Far is actually
holding up remarkably well.” He dropped his voice to a murmured. “Actually,
based on the last blood samples I ran, the poison should have already overcome
him. I’m not sure how he’s even still with us but somehow he is.” He frowned.
“Maybe it has to do with Becca, wherever she is?”

“I
doubt it.” Truth shook his head. “And what you’re telling me only makes me
think Far could leave me at any time.” He closed his eyes for a moment. “From
the moment I saw him I’ve tried to push my brother away. Now all I want to do
is draw him close but we have so little time…”

“Then
use it the best way you can,” Sylvan said firmly. “Spend it together and in the
mean time, I will try to locate Becca.”

“Thank
you.” Truth nodded and found that his throat was too tight to say any more.
Without another word, he watched Commander Sylvan leave.

Rebecca,
he
thought as the other male departed.
Where are you? And will you come back to
us before it’s too late?

Chapter Forty-three

“Your
mom thought I might find you here.” Kat, who was standing out on the doorstep,
raised one auburn eyebrow. “Well? Can I come in or are you going to leave the
poor old preggy lady standing around in the heat all day?”

“Oh,
I’m sorry!” Becca opened the door wider and let her guest in at once. “I’m just
surprised. I, um, told my mom not to tell anyone I was here.”

“I
know but I can be very persuasive. Nobody can say no when they see that I’m
just about to pop.” Kat groaned expressively and put a hand to her swollen
belly. “Speaking of which, do you have a place I could sit down? I’m pretty
much miserable all the time now and standing around isn’t helping it any.”

“This
way,” Becca led her quickly from the front hallway to her grandmother’s sitting
room. “Here you go.” She indicated the floral print couch.

“You
sure about this?” Kat asked, eyeing the couch, which still looked relatively
new. “This is a nice piece of furniture and it’s going to be completely ruined
if my water breaks while I’m on it.”

Becca
tried to laugh but a sudden pain spiked through her right eye and she had to
stifle a groan instead.

Kat
looked at her sharply. “You okay?”

“Fine.”
Becca gave her the brightest smile she could manage under the circumstances.
“And don’t worry about the couch—I’m sure my grandmother will understand if you
go into labor. Speaking of which, why are you traveling from the Mother Ship
when you’re so close to your time anyway?”

“To
come get you, doll.” Kat frowned. “Believe me, it’s no fun but Sylvan seemed to
think I was the one to come. I guess I have to say I agree with him even though
that doesn’t exactly make you my favorite person right now.”

“I’m
sorry,” Becca said stiffly, crossing her arms over her chest. “Sorry that you
had to come all this way but I’m
not
going back to the Mother Ship.”

Kat
lowered herself down into the couch with a relieved sigh and then looked up at
Becca.

“Why
not?”

“I…can’t
say.” Becca had decided not to tell anyone—not even her friends about the
strange visitation she’d had from Mother Superior and the warning she had
received. It sounded too crazy to anyone who hadn’t actually
seen
what
she had. Much better to just keep her distance and try to forget about Truth
and Far and everyone on the Mother Ship…which would be much easier to do if she
wasn’t experiencing bouts of weakness and sharp, stabbing pains in her head
which Kat had warned her were the hallmark of a partial bond. Still, Becca was
strong and she was determined to tough it out.

“Come
on, doll—you can tell me,” Kat wheedled. “Does it have to do with your guys?”

Becca
tried to swallow a lump in her throat as the image of Truth and Far rose in her
mind’s eye. She couldn’t help remembering the last time they’d all been
together—the hurt look in their eyes when she’d sent them away. The—

No,
she
told herself firmly.
No, don’t do this to yourself. Don’t think of them.
This is hard enough as it is without torturing yourself.

“Becca?”
Kat asked and she realized she’d taken too long to answer.

“I’m
really sorry, Kat but I can’t tell you.” Becca’s voice wavered but she lifted
her chin, determined to stand firm.

“All
right.” Kat sighed and started to heave herself to her feet. “Hey, give me a
hand, will you?”

Becca
helped her up. “Do you need the restroom?”

“Huh?
Oh, no—I’m going. Back to the Mother Ship, I mean,” Kat said as though it was
no big deal.

“That’s
it? You’re giving up just like that?” Becca demanded.

Kat
shrugged. “Well, you seem to have your mind all made up. I only told Sylvan I’d
try
to bring you back—not that I’d hogtie you and drag you up to the
Mother Ship by force.” She gestured at herself. “I’m in no shape for that as
you can see.”

“I
guess…” Becca was surprised at the feeling of disappointment that flooded her.
Though she’d been determined to cut herself off from her friends aboard the
Mother Ship, the truth was that she missed them all desperately. Her
grandmother was nice but she was also distant and surprisingly busy for a
senior citizen. Her days were filled with bingo, quilting club, and her bowling
league. She didn’t really seem to have time to sit down and talk which was what
Becca was dying to do—not that she could tell anyone what was actually going
on. But still…

Another
spike of pain lanced through her head. Becca put a hand to her temple and
winced before she could stop herself.

Kat
looked at her knowingly.

“Partial
bond getting to you, is it?”

“No,”
Becca lied. “I’m…I feel fine.”

Kat
shook her head. “Don’t feed me that. I know what you’re going through because
I’ve been there myself. Being apart from your guys is killing you in every
possible way. It hurts emotionally, mentally, and especially physically but you
can’t let yourself go back to them because the three of you had a fight and
you’re too proud.”

“It’s
not that at all,” Becca objected. “I mean, the fight part, isn’t. Although I’m
sure Truth would have a few choice things to say to me by now.” She sighed and
the sigh turned into a groan when another pain lanced through her. “But I’m not
going back,” she insisted when it faded to a dull ache. “I can’t.”

“I
don’t believe you don’t want to go back,” Kat said. “If you really wanted to be
free of Truth and Far, you would have had a priestess break your bond before
you left the Mother Ship.”

“I
tried,”
Becca protested. “But the one I talked to wouldn’t do it. She
said we had to get the unmated males thing resolved first.” She frowned. “Which
it
should
be by now so technically…”

“Actually,
it’s not,” Kat said flatly. “Which is why I came down here to get you.”

“It’s
not?” Becca frowned. “But the amulet—”

“Isn’t
working. Maybe the priestess knew there was going to be trouble and that’s why
she wouldn’t break your bond,” Kat said.

“Maybe…”
Becca said hesitantly.

“Maybe
nothing. Apparently they need you up there to help activate it or something.”

“What?
Why me?”

“Because
you and Truth and Far are the ones that found it.”

“Garron’s
the one who actually dug it up,” Becca pointed out desperately.

“Yes
but he was following
your
coordinates, wasn’t he? Didn’t the three of
you do something to locate it in the first place?”

Thinking
of exactly what they had done to locate the amulet made Becca’s face hot.

“Well…yes,”
she admitted at last.

“Okay,
then. That’s why we need you.”

Becca
shook her head. “If it involves seeing Truth and Far, I’m sorry but I can’t go.
I
can’t
see them.”

“But
honey, you
need
to see them.” Kat sighed. “Especially Far.”

“What?”
An uneasy finger of dread began to creep down her spine. “What are you talking
about?”

“Becca,
I didn’t want to tell you this. I was trying to act casual, to get you to come
back on your own. But…” Kat reached for her. In her friend's firm grip, Becca
could feel that her hands were trembling—her whole body was shaking, in fact,
with the sudden fear that gripped her heart and wouldn’t let go.

“Just
tell me,” she whispered through numb lips. “Tell me what’s going on with Far.”

Kat
took a deep breath. “The poison he got into his system on Pax…apparently he got
the antidote too late.”

“He…what?”
Becca’s heart felt like someone had dipped it in icy water. “What are you
saying?”

“I’m
saying he’s
dying
, honey. And the partial bond you guys share is
probably the only thing that’s keeping him alive—that’s what Sylvan thinks,
anyway. But it won’t work forever.”

“No!”
Another sharp pain lanced through her head but Becca didn’t even care. She took
a step back, pulling her hands out of Kat’s. “No, I…I can’t believe it!”

“I’m
afraid it’s true.” Kat looked so sad Becca thought she might start crying. “So
you need to come with me, honey. You need to see him before…before the end.”

“I…I…”
Becca couldn’t make any coherent words come out of her mouth but her thoughts
were going round and round in a helpless loop.

How
could this happen?
How
when I kept my end of the bargain? I haven’t seen
them since I left the shuttle when we got back to the Mother Ship. I haven’t
even talked to them! It’s not fair…not fair…

“Life
isn’t fair, honey,” Kat said gently and Becca realized that she’d spoken the
words aloud. “I’m so sorry this is happening to you but you’ll hate yourself if
you don’t come back and see Far—I know you will.”

“All
right,” Becca said numbly. “I guess…I’ll come.”

She
didn’t know what else to do.