Page 72 of Lhora
“They’re awaiting my signal,” the Sarpi finished, refusing to say anything more about the matter.
“So be it. But I have something important to say before I return to my ship,” Duren said. “I’ve chosen a different path. I no longer wish to call the Beinights my enemies. Instead, I’ve called on them to be our allies. Us against the Tra’Mell. Instead of future eons of warfare, we’re going to rule in peace. If we win this war against the Tra’Mell, then we have the chance to defeat any other invading species. Together we can protect our world.”
The Sarpi scoffed. “Next thing you’re going to tell me is that you’ve managed to convince the Esstika to go along with your scheme.”
“In a way,” Duren confessed. “I’ve fallen in love with the Esstiss. And as future rulers of our two countries, that’s our wish for our people.”
“You’ve…what?”
“I’m in love with your son,” a voice announced.
Everyone turned to see Lhora entering the hold via the boarding tubes. She walked over to stand beside the Sarpen. “We want both our countries to prosper, and together we’re combining our forces against the Tra’Mell. So are you with us? Or against us?”
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The Sarpi stared at her with mouth agape. “You!”
Lhora smiled. “Hi. The tokko is back.” She turned to Duren. “We need to reconnoiter. Now.”
“How did you get aboard?”
“We tubed you, and just crossed through. The Tra’Mell are closing in. They’ve brought six man o’ wars with them.”
“What about the Beinight ships?”
“Ready to converge. We have to go!”
Duren addressed the crew. “All of you are welcome on board my ship. Since my father has condemned my right as your future Sarpi, I have no choice but to declare my allegiance with Beinight. Follow me now if you want to help me defeat our true enemy.”
She ducked out to return to her ship with Duren right behind her. She also heard the sound of boot steps as many of the crew pounded through the boarding tube to theBeccan.Once she stepped onto the deck, she stopped and turned around to face him before continuing onto her own vessel.
Catching up to her, he stared into her eyes, and she got the impression he was memorizing her face.As if it was for the last time.
“No,” she said through clenched teeth.
His eyes widened. “No what?”
“This isn’t the last time we’ll see each other.”
His eyes grew bigger. “How did you… Never mind. Stay in the middle of the armada, Lhora. You hear me?”
“Just because I hear you doesn’t mean I’ll obey you. We go into this together as equals.”
Duren sighed. He knew it would be wasted effort to try and convince her otherwise. “All right. But keep me informed on your maneuvers. And let me know if you see or sense anything I need to be aware of.”
“Of course.”
Placing a hand to her cheek, he bent forward, intending to kiss her on the mouth, but at the last second he tilted his face and pressed his lips to her cheekbone. She knew others were watching them, judging them, and making their decisions as to whether or not to follow them. It was a decision that would forever change their lives and their futures. The only question that remained was would the Sarpen and the Esstiss be successful? She read their fears, as well as their hope.
“I love you,” Duren murmured so only she could hear him, then dashed away before she had the chance to reciprocate.
Running across the deck, she jumped into the single tube connecting her ketch to the frigate and rushed up onto the bridge. “Disengage boarding tube and clear theBeccan!”
Gur Summ echoed her orders as she threw herself onto the forecastle. The unique design of her vessel enabled her to get an almost two-hundred-degree overview from there.
“Beccanis moving away from theCleeda,” Jurdis informed her.
