Page 58 of Healer
Knowing how easily Agnes might have met that same fate, his words sent a chill down my spine.
“What about the Ulkommanian and Aljani guards?” When I rescued Agnes in the settlement, I killed a total of two Ulkommanian and four Aljani, not to mention the ten or so Talamas and I dispatched during the attack on his home. I had no clue how many remained on the planet.
“The twenty or so that still live occupy our prison cells,” Khaion said, his mouth set in a grim line.
“Have you questioned them?” My eyes flicked between Khaion and Daicon. Both were known... and feared for their interrogation techniques.
“Yes.” Daicon laid the data pad on the tabletop with an aggravated frown. “The Aljani say nothing, but I feel it’s because they know nothing besides being hired muscle. The two Ulkommanian we captured are lower caste and not heavily involved in the research.”
“Nansar has to have a hand in this as well.” Tarook leaned back in his chair, cradling his tankard thoughtfully. “Ulkommanian and Aljani are not natural allies.”
Nansar was the son of one of the most powerful men in the Alliance, Duke Ako. For years, most perceived him as a sympathizer to the struggles of abducted humans, but our Chieftain and his mate Emmy uncovered his true nature. The revelation shed light on his cunning ways and deceptive tactics hidden beneath a façade of empathy.
“I agree,” Khaion acknowledged. “But to what end?”
“We know he stole their friend Willa and appears to be taking her to his father’s citadel.” Daicon leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “He could be trying to get on Ako’s good side with a gift.”
“Duke Ako does like human flesh.” Tarook chimed in.
“Yes, Ako does have his... proclivities.” Khaion’s lips twisted in disgust, and I didn’t miss his sideways glance at Emmy. He sighed heavily before adding. “The Duke’s human harem is the stuff of legend, but it has never been said that he is cruel to females.”
“I don’t think Nansar has any such qualm,” Tarook snorted. “Not if he’s working with the Kerzak.”
I took a sip of ale, letting the taste linger on my tongue. “From what Vienda said, I didn’t get the impression Nansar was involved with what happened to the Kerzak royal family. Just Ambassador Yaard. The Aljani that attacked us only wanted to recapture Agnes. If they recognized the Kerzak princess, I couldn’t tell.”
Tarook issued another snort, which sounded harsher. “Hopefully, the Ambassador is wasting away on his derelict spaceship floating near a black hole somewhere. I should have blown the ship up and been done with the bastard.”
I did not blame Tarook for his anger. During the rescue of his mate Clara, the Ambassador relentlessly pursued them, driven by a selfish desire to claim the human for himself. While Duke Ako’s lust for human flesh seemed purely hedonistic,rumors whispered the Ambassador yearned for it more for the purported delectable taste.
“We know Nansar is behind the mumje mining,” Daicon said with an uncomfortable roll of his shoulders. Our War Chief had rescued Emmy and several child slaves from a mine on the Gilese moon... and nearly lost his life in the process. “According to that slimy ex-mayor on Tau Ceti, Nansar had a hand in testing the mumje on humans there.”
“Mayor Parlow did not mention Nansar by name,” Khaion cautioned.
Tarook’s snort dripped with disgust. “Yeah, but Parlow admitted he overheard the Kerzak talking about some royal brat being involved.” The revulsion in his expression morphed into a sly grin. “Right before Daicon made him piss himself.”
Daicon squared his shoulders proudly, making me chuckle.
“I can see the point of mumje mining and testing it on humans. The effect of the drug goes to making humans better... slaves.” The word tasted bitter on my tongue. “But the Ulkommanian I questioned admitted the goal of their research was to find a way to reverse the effects of the Garoot Healer on humans.” Right before I killed him, I thought, but didn’t say aloud. I should have tortured the alien for more information, but caring for Agnes took higher priority.
“You’re right,” Tarook grumbled, rubbing his chin. “Returning humans to their aged, ill forms would not be conducive to making better slaves.”
“It does appear Nansar has some scheme against humans,” Daicon agreed, drumming his fingertips on the table. “But what?”
“That is the question,” Khaion said, waving for another round of ale. “Thankfully, the Alliance increased guardianshipsin Earth’s galaxy, and reports suggest no sign of attempted abductions since Emmy and her friends.”
Daicon’s data pad beeped in perfect synchronization with the Chieftain’s words. He lifted the pad to his eyes, brow furrowing in contemplation as his eyes scanned the screen intently.
“The warriors sent to destroy the Ulkommanian facilities messaged they have retrieved the Kerzak princess and her family and will return to the Bardaga within the hour.” Daicon read the message aloud.
“Thank the Valana. I worried for their safety,” I added after a relieved sigh. While Talamus and I removed every trace of battle and disposed of the bodies in a deep bog, I remained disquieted I’d left our new friends in harm’s way.
“I sent a coded message to Siemba regarding the princess,” Khaion said after thanking the crewman who’d delivered more ale. “He was stunned she still lives. He would have sent males to guard them had they declined our invitation.”
“Are wesureNansar didn’t have a hand in the assassination of the Kerzak regent?” Tarook asked. His eyes flickered to where the human females sat laughing. I knew he thought of how close his mate Clara came to losing her life at Kerzak hands.
“Why do you ask?” Khaion studied his Weapons Master. Behind the narrow golden eyes, I could see his mind working.
Tarook shrugged. “I was just thinking... getting rid of a king who’s trying to curtail the Kerzak’s bloodthirsty ways might be something one might do if you wanted to use the beasts as hired muscle.”
