Almost all of the conversation in this part takes place in R'ren'nkh'ia-go, but to save my time and fingers - and your eyes! - I'm not going to put the speech into italics as I usually do.
Deception
The entrance to Gh'grigon's enclave was dry, rough and unpleasant, and the chief had kept them waiting for a long time. Ti'strees was trembling, but trying to hide it. Ti'lais laid a hand on her shoulder, keeping her voice very low.
"Frightened?"
The brood ph'ti'pa glanced at her companion, expression sardonic.
"Aren't you?"
A brief smile flickered onto Ti'lais' face, and was hastily hidden.
"Yes. But try not to let it show, all right? We're here to do what broods do, remember. Don't even think about the High King."
Dhr'is flashed them a warning glance. Four of Gh'grigon's shr'en'an guards, heavily armed, were approaching, and from now on they would all need to be careful. Very careful indeed.
Gh'grigon was big, bigger than his host-sib, a giant of a va'ha'da, covered with scars. He lounged on a wide, deep throne-like chair, seeming to tower over the small group before him even while seated. Unspeaking, he stared at the broods for several minutes before smirking coldly.
"Why are you here?"
Ti'strees swallowed, then bowed her head respectfully. When she spoke, her voice was hesitant, timid.
"M... my Ssii'iir, we had heard from Fha'rq that several of your females are due to lay. We came to offer our services as care-takers to the broods."
"Considerate of you. Why?"
Ti'lais feigned a scowl, knowing her next words were dangerous, but risking them anyway. "We can no longer care for zn'hre, since Zha'geekaan's h'kven spawn has taken power. We are at a loss..."
She held her breath as the heavy head turned towards her, scrutinising her closely - then inclined her head and offered a faint smile.
"Unless you have a zn'hre we could look after?"
Gh'grigon chuckled ominously: the broods shivered.
"I have several. Perhaps you could be of use..." His eyes hooded as he drummed his fingers against the armrest, then his gaze returned to the broods and he nodded.
"Very well. Your shr'en'an escort will be seconded to my own guard for the duration of your stay. You" he gestured to Ti'strees "will attend the layings and subsequent incubations. You" he nodded at Ti'lais "will go with Gh'hiv." One of the shr'en'an guards stepped forwards. "He will conduct you to my zn'hre. I will allow you to minister to them for a while. Go."
Bowing deeply, the broods and their escorts left the court-hall.
Stopping briefly to pick up a sack full of what Ti'lais assumed, from the smell, was offal destined for the garbage, Gh'hiv strode onwards. The brood followed the big shr'en'an into the depths of the enclave, a feeling of foreboding growing in her as they descended. Finally they reached a cold, clammy tunnel sealed by a barred gate: Gh'hiv unlocked the barrier and ushered the ko'ish'n through, locking the gate after them both, then gestured Ti'lais onwards. Shivering, she picked her way between slimy patches on the rough rock floor until she reached the end of the tunnel...
The light was dim, and at first she couldn't make out what was in the small cave to her right. The entrance was sealed with another barred gate: between the metal spokes she could make out... shapes, huddled together. Blue shapes barely covered by grey rags. Shapes with long, dull, matted green hair. Shapes that flinched back, whimpering, when they realised she was watching.
She swung to Gh'hiv, eyes huge with distress and anger.
"Open it!"
The shr'en'an smirked briefly and palmed open the lock, leaving the gate wide and dropping the foul-smelling sack just inside as the ko'ish'n hastened in.
The cave was damp, cold, and bare. There was a rough trench at one side, sloping away into darkness under the cave wall - from the smell it served as a sewer for the creatures cowering against the back wall. She held out her hands.
"I am Ti'lais. I won't hurt you - I can't hurt you."
The nearest figure looked up from his crouched position on the floor, eyes that had once been vivid gold now dull with pain and suffering.
"I am Ish'nadris. Why are you here?"
Ti'lais knelt down so that they were eye to eye. "I'm here to help you, if I can."
"Why?"
She spread her arms wide, very slowly, very carefully, hands open so they could see she held nothing that could cause them any harm. It didn't prevent them flinching even further from her at the gesture.
"Because I am ko'ish'n."
Ish'nadris closed his eyes. "Gh'grigon will not permit it."
"I am here with his permission."
Another zn'hre laughed once, bitterly, a harsh, grating sound. Ti'lais winced at the sight of the scars on his face and neck.
"Then you are here as an instrument for him to indulge in more torture. To offer us hope before snatching it away."
The brood frowned. That was possible, of course, but...
She turned to Gh'hiv.
"I'd like you to return to the Ssii'iir and ask his permission to bring fresh hot water here. Tell him his zn'hre will give him more sport if they are better treated. If he agrees, please could you bring it down on your return?"
"I cannot leave you here unattended."
She gestured around the cave.
"Lock me in here if you're worried. I can't go anywhere, and neither can they."
The shr'en'an considered this for a moment, then smirked and locked the gate.
"I will return."
Ti'lais, listening to his footsteps recede, noted that he hadn't said when...
As the further gate clanged shut she turned to the zn'hre, her voice hushed and hurried.
"I'm here from the High King's court."
The news raised barely a ripple of interest. She sighed.
"Please, believe me. He has gathered the rest of his people to him, and wants you too, but we didn't know you were here until recently."
"Why should he be interested in us?" Ish'nadris' tone was heavy and hopeless. "We are only zn'hre."
Ti'lais stared, stunned, for a moment - then realised that of course they couldn't know... She smiled gently.
"Because he is zn'hre."
There was a pause, then another of the zn'hre spoke up, voice husky and hesitant.
"He... is zn'hre? How can that be? Who is he?"
"Zha'haabron."
There was a startled gasp at that, but not for the reason Ti'lais had anticipated. The captives' heads all turned to one of their member, lying against the far wall and half hidden by their bodies. Frowning, Ti'lais moved forwards.
And felt her heart break. As her tears spilled, she reached forwards and laid a hand very gently against the face.
Zha'haabron's face, emaciated, scarred and hollow-eyed with suffering.
"Who are you?"
"Zha'hiirad."
"You're his host-sib, aren't you?"
"Yes." The figure shifted slightly, uncomfortably, on the cold rough floor, and Ti'lais reached to help him sit upright -
- biting back a wail of fury and pain as the rags around his starved body fell away and she saw what had been done to him.
He had no arms, and no legs: they'd been hacked off, and recently, going by the shiny purple scarring around the ends of the stumps.
He'd also been castrated, crudely. Infection had obviously set in, and both weakened and scarred him: only the peculiar strength all three host-sibs shared had saved his life. Ti'lais reached for him, holding his limp form closely as she wept.
"...when...?"
"When he discovered my brother had become High King."
A stir ran through the zn'hre.
"Why did you not tell us? We thought... he'd singled you out as an example to us all." Ish'nadris' voice cracked and he wiped a hand quickly across his face. Zha'hiirad tried to smile.
"I did not want Gh'grigon to make you suffer any more than you already do. If he thought anyone else knew about Zha'haabron he might well have... mutilated you also. To be sure none of us would ever entertain hopes of rescue or release."
Ti'lais pulled back from the tortured zn'hre, hissing quietly in fury.
"You can entertain them now. We are getting you out of here." She gazed at Zha'hiirad intently. "Are you strong enough to *reach* your brother?"
Dark golden-green, pain-haunted eyes gazed back.
"Not at the moment."
"You need food?"
There was a rustle of bitter laughter from the wary, listening zn'hre.
"We all need that!" Ish'nadris's voice was almost mocking. Ti'lais nodded.
"I'll see what I can do. Now, please listen, all of you. I came here with a colleague because we believe that Zha'geekaan and Dhr'ovaanon are being brought here..."
"You mean the High King didn't kill them?" The unknown voice was high-pitched with disbelief. "The fool!"
Ti'lais sighed. "I know. I think he was trying to find something appropriate for them both. And there were - problems - to start with, when he took the throne. But once we know for certain that the two va'ha'da are coming here, he intends launching an attack. We will use that diversion to free you all."
"And if they don't come here?"
"Then we will find another way."
There was weary scepticism on the gaunt faces around her, and she frowned.
"Believe me, we will. You cannot know how strongly Zha'haabron feels for his kin."
Ish'nadris shook his head and was about to reply when the gate at the end of the tunnel clanged open, and moments later Gh'hiv appeared at the cave entrance. His hands were empty.
He shrugged at Ti'lais' questioning glance.
"He wouldn't allow it. And now it's time for you to leave."
She nodded reluctantly and turned back to Zha'hiirad.
"I'll try and come to you again, soon."
The zn'hre nodded, face as bleak and desolate as before - but the ko'ish'n thought she caught a tiny glimmer of hope deep down in his eyes.
She arrived back at the quarters she was to share with Ti'strees to find her fellow brood already there, sitting on the bed, scribing a report on the portable scriber. Keeping her head lowered, the ph'ti'pa glanced at the ko'ish'n then quickly back to the scribe-screen. Ti'lais joined her on the bed.
"How was it?"
Ti'strees nodded, her concentration on the scriber.
"Relatively easy. I don't foresee any real problems."
Ti'lais squinted at what her companion had scribed.
'Quarters under surveillance. Don't speak. Will have to write anything dangerous.'
The ko'ish'n nodded. Ti'strees smiled at her companion.
"How did things go your end?"
Ti'lais sighed heavily. "The zn'hre are in a dreadful state, the poor things. I tried asking Gh'grigon for some hot water for them, but he refused: they need food and warm clothing - that cave is horribly cold - and a little fresh air would do them good too. I don't see the point of keeping zn'hre in those conditions - none of them are fit to breed. Hosting would kill them, the state they're in, and I can't imagine anyone wanting them as sires..."
"'Let's see if that helps them at all!' Hm. Can you do anything?"
Ti'lais shook her head. "Not without the Ssii'iir's permission."
"I suppose you'll have to keep asking him, then."
"I suppose so." The ko'ish'n yawned dramatically. "I need to rest. Will you be long?"
"I can finish here if you like."
Ti'lais ran a hand over the soft grey down on her fellow-brood's elongated head, smiling.
"How tired are you?"
Ti'strees caught the strong, dark blue hand and kissed it, her eyes twinkling.
"Oh, I think I can stay awake for a few hours yet..."
The following day Gh'hiv again conducted Ti'lais down to the zn'hre's cave - only this time he was carrying a pile of rough, but nevertheless warm, blankets. The brood nodded as he dumped them in her arms while he unlocked the gates, then hovered outside the cave as she distributed them. There weren't enough for the zn'hre to have one each, especially since they'd insisted on folding one several times to make a pallet for Zha'hiirad to lie on, then draping another over his body to protect him from the cold, but the coverings were accepted with pitiful joy. Ti'lais had smiled happily, watching as they shared the remainder out as best they could, for the first time in as long as most of them could remember, if not exactly warm, then at least no longer achingly cold.
And four days later, when they'd almost got used to the simple, basic pleasure of something to keep the chill at bay, Gh'grigon had Gh'hiv take the blankets away again.
'I hate him. You have no idea how much I hate him. I want him dead. As slowly and painfully as possible.'
Ti'strees had lain her hand over the ko'ish'n's to try to calm her, prevent her from snapping the enscriber in her rage. She leaned forward and gently kissed the dark blue cheek, her voice the faintest whisper of breath in her companion's ear.
"Bear with it. I caught some gossip today - if I understood it correctly, Zha'geekaan and Dhr'ovaanon will be here in about three days time."
Ti'lais closed her eyes, forcing herself to relax. It would be disastrous to arouse suspicions now. Ti'strees hugged her.
"Do you think Zha'hiirad will be able to *reach* Zha'haabron?"
Ti'lais sighed silently. "I don't know. I hope so. He's a little stronger: the rest of them have been making him eat most of what Gh'grigon gives them as food. But I've lost a lot of their trust now, after that h'k'vierch pulled the stunt with the blankets."
Ti'strees rested her head against the ko'ish'n's sturdy shoulder.
"We'll have to hope for the best..."
Three days later the entire enclave was astir. The two broods missed much of the excitement - Ti'strees was attending a laying, while Ti'lais was doing what little she could to tend to some of the minor injuries the zn'hre had suffered, cuts and scrapes she could ease without needing anything sophisticated in the way of equipment - although neither of them was unhappy about that. And in any case, they were far beneath the notice of the va'ha'da. In fact, Gh'grigon seemed to want to keep his guests secluded, as though he feared for their safety. When they met up back in their quarters, later, Ti'strees had grinned widely at her companion.
"They're here."
Ti'lais had forced herself to smile.
"I know."
Ti'strees wrapped her arms around her fellow-brood's shoulders and nuzzled her neck.
"Tomorrow, see if Zha'hiirad can *contact* our Ssii'iin..."
They'd been in the middle of a council meeting when Gh'heegonan had frozen, his eyes wide and unfocussed. Seconds later he grinned widely.
"They have arrived, my Ssii'iin. Zha'geekaan and Dhr'ovaanon are at Gh'grigon's court..."
Instantly the council was abuzz. Zha'haabron held up his hands for silence, and turned to the big lizard.
"You are certain?"
"Oh yes, my Ssii'iin." He scowled, hissing. "He's seeing them to their quarters personally, telling them they can have the pick of any members of his enclave they desire for the duration of their stay. Dhr'ovaanon has requested a couple of zn'hre..."
There was a tense silence as Gh'heegonan concentrated - then he lowered his gaze.
"I'm sorry, my Ssii'iin. Gh'grigon has offered Dhr'ovaanon his pick of the captive zn'hre..."
Radittsu watched as his bondmate's fists clenched tightly, quietly proud as he mastered his rage and gazed around the assembly, his mouth a thin, tight line.
"This time we will ensure they suffer to the utmost of our ability to cause them pain."
Radittsu laid a hand on his beloved's shoulder, ruthlessly repressing the images that rose at the touch - after that first time he'd managed to keep himself under control, so far at any rate, although the urges were becoming stronger and stronger as time went by. But there were more important things to worry about right now.
"I need to know how you intend to infiltrate or attack the enclave so that I can organise my guard."
Zha'haabron turned to him.
"No, my Ssii'iir. You will not be accompanying us."
For a moment the big Saiyan though the zn'hre was joking. Then it became clear that he was absolutely serious.
"What..? What do you mean?"
**Zk'vissin, I can't have you there. Knowing you were in danger would make it impossible for me to fight at my best...**
*WHAT!!?* Radittsu swung the king around to face him, ignoring the startled gasps of the rest of the assembly. *You are not going!*
Zha'haabron sighed and reached up to grip his bondmate's shoulders.
**I have to go. I'm the only being strong enough to take them**
*But...*
The High King frowned.
**Do not make this situation more difficult for me. I have no choice**
*Then I'm coming with you.*
Zha'haabron stood, still holding Radittsu's shoulders, and shook him hard.
**No argument. You will do as I say. You would jeopardise my own safety if you were there. Do you understand?**
His head spinning, the Saiyan scowled.
*I understand. I don't like it.*
**Our likes and dislikes are of no import in this battle. I want you here, safe, so I know I have something wonderful to come home to**
Radittsu halted, his lips parted, his eyes wide.
*Beloved..?*
Zha'haabron's eyes were haunted.
**This is going to be very unpleasant, zk'viss. I need you to be here. I need to know I have a haven to return to. Will you be here?**
Radittsu pulled the powerful blue body to him, hugging as tightly as he could.
*Yes.*
**Then I am content**
The rest of the day had been spent in planning the operation and arming the warriors who would be carrying it out. In addition to the thirty warriors already in position on the borders of Gh'grigon's territory, Zha'haabron wanted only another five highly trained shr'en'an - and of course himself - at the scene. The rest of the warriors, R'ren'nkh'ia-jin and Saiya-jin alike, would remain here, guarding the High King's enclave and the gathered zn'hre. And, as Zha'haabron had advised a dismayed Tal'orrin, if he didn't survive they must contact Zha'haarak and Ti'aasaan on Vejiitasei. His wish was that Zha'haarak should succede him: while the succession was being ratified Gh'heegonan would act as regent.
And Radittsu must return to Vejiitasei, to the family. They must ensure his beloved bondmate was not allowed to try to avenge his death...
*I can't let you go.*
Zha'haabron was drowsy in the afterglow of his bondmate's lovemaking. There had been an intensity, a sensitivity, a deep, hot ardour, in his touch and his thoughts that had left the High King reeling, blissfully happy...
Now the Saiyan's fear had spoiled the mood somewhat, although the zn'hre could understand it perfectly well. He sighed and cupped his beloved's face in his hands.
**How many times must I say this? I have to go. No-one else can do this. Until the threat is removed I can't have peace on my world. Please, zkai'da, don't make things more difficult for me**
Biting his lip, blinking back tears, Radittsu nodded and cradled his beloved close.
Radittsu was exercising with his guard when the *communication* - filtered through Zha'haabron as the High King's mind froze, wide open, with shock- hit him between the eyes. The big Saiyan also froze, failing to block - and ignoring - the blow that slammed him to the ground...
At one remove he heard the *conversation*.
**Heart-brother?**
**Wh... what...?**
The sensation of an exhausted smile.
**Zha'haabron, heart-brother. I'm Zha'hiirad**
Stunned silence. Then...
**Host... host-sib?**
**Yes, bright one**
Grimly -
**You are at Gh'grigon's enclave?**
**Yes, my brother**
A surge of hatred so strong Radittsu thought he would pass out.
**Be strong, be patient, my brother. We come to set you free**
"Sir? Are you all right? Captain? Sir?"
Radittsu shook his head, gazing up at Suguri with glazed eyes - that suddenly sharpened as he realised what had just happened. He smiled, twistedly.
"I'm fine. But I need you to take over for me here for a while."
Suguri frowned uncertainly.
"Uh, sir? Why? Where will you be?"
Radittsu pulled himself upright.
"With my bondmate. Where I belong."
© 2001 November 17th Joules Taylor
