Part 25 (1/2)

A cough from the doorway alerted him to Bernice's presence. She was carrying his cloak and helmet which she deposited on a chair. The Pel guards departed.

Is he dead, then? Did Atissa kill him?'

'You're a blood-thirsty little tyke, aren't you?' was Bernice's only answer.

She crossed to the back of the room and filled a mug with cold water. Kort was more than a little alarmed at the manic grin on her face as she wandered back over.

'What are you going to do, Benny?' She put her fingers to her lips. 'Look.

Listen. Learn.'

She tipped the mug of water directly over Savaar's face and he instantly started hacking and coughing. An arm flailed out, nearly catching Kort on the head. Slowly the coughing High Lord pushed himself up.

'Shut up, Drushull, you're dead,' Bernice said.

He looked at her through rapidly focusing eyes. 'Do not call me Drushull, Shsurr I might forget that I am one and hit a lady.'

Bernice laughed, confusing Kort further. 'Hey, it was you who decided that I was a lady. My mother just said I was a proper little madam.'

'What is going on?' the impatient boy asked.

A good question, Damakort. I, too, would like an answer. Especially regarding that strange intimacy you expressed, Professor.' Savaar hauled himself off the table and replaced his mask. He held up his cloak but the Pel guards had torn its clasps earlier. He gave it a brief look and left it on the chair.

'You liked the kiss, Savaar. Admit it, it gave you a thrill.'

It was . . . interesting, certainly.'

'Yeah. And a good ruse. Got you away from Atissa. With the help of this blaster.'

'They thought I was dead?'

'Yup. I knew the right level to simulate your physiology's shut-down procedures. I always knew a crash course in Martian biology would come in handy one day.'

I am grateful that you took it.'

Bernice laughed. I never did. I just read a couple of textbooks, thought they were boring, and so guessed. I got lucky.'

Actually, I rather think I did.'

Bernice sat and Savaar followed suit.

'Kort, do us a favour. Go find Keri and bring her back here.'

'But I want to -'

'Please; begged Bernice.

Kort nodded and left.

After the boy had left, Savaar reached out and clasped Bernice's hand.

'Thank you. You were very brave. Atissa might have killed you.'

I had to take the risk. Just as you did regarding the Doctor.'

'You have seen him?'

'He's in the mines with Sskeet. Exploring footprints. The reason I got rid of Kort is because the Doctor doesn't trust him. Or Keri. Or, I suppose, even Centauri.'

Savaar agreed. 'But it isn't just a question of trust. It's of reliability. I imagine that Centauri is about as guilty of any crime as you or I but he is quite likely to give away any secrets. His knowing the Doctor is still alive could be a risk.'

'Now, Kort and the others will have to know you're around but I suggest you head back to the shuttle.'

'No,' said Savaar. 'No, I need to be nearer. I will hide in your quarters. No one will look there, I am sure.'

Oh, right. Okay.'

A pair of human hands gently lowered the Crown of Sherak into a large adamantium casket. A soft burgundy cus.h.i.+on was placed over the top and the lid closed.

'Computer. Open safe-seal. Override MDH Absolute.'

'Confirmed.'

A hiss of air and part of the shuttle wall vanished and revealed a hole big enough for the casket. The hands lifted up the casket and inserted it. They then laid the Lance of Aggedor on the top.

'Reseal. Access commands erased. This safe-seal may only be opened on the access code Summerfield Code-A. That access code may not be divulged to any party at any time. If any attempt is made to open the safe-seal without that code this shuttle is to self-destruct instantly. No time delay. Confirm.'

'Confirmed.'

'Good.' The owner of the hands and voice got out of the Martian shuttle. He looked down at the decapitated Martian pilot and nudged the body under the shuttle. It wouldn't hide it for long, but a few seconds could be important. He picked up the double-bladed Sword of Truth from the ground where he'd deposited it and wiped the green blood off on to the dusty floor.

Damajina. Jav. And now the pilot. He enjoyed killing.

Torg was worried. He couldn't find either King Tarrol or Geban. He had arrested Savaar as instructed and had been told by his men that Savaar had been killed eventually by the human professor in revenge for the Doctor's death.

Something was wrong. Atissa was certainly a high-ranking official in Pel society and she was the daughter of the beloved Lady Lianna. She also seemed unwell.

He was distracted by a noise from an adjoining corridor. A soft humming which he soon realized came from an antigrav valise floating towards him.

Behind it was Nic Reece, a holdall slung over his shoulder.

'Hiya, Torg. Just clearing out. We know when we're not wanted.'

Torg felt his heart sag a little - Nic Reece was a popular Federation figure on Peladon and he, along with most of his men, would miss the official's humour and lighthearted banter. Torg was saddened that it was to be so quickly over.

He grunted his disappointment and Reece held out his hand. Torg took it and they shook. 'Just in case we don't have another chance, Torg, I just want to say thanks. You and your chums have been sporting chaps and I'll miss you all. Good luck with Atissa.' Reece smiled and Torg bowed slightly and stepped back.

He knocked into the floating suitcase and it s.h.i.+fted on its antigravs, cras.h.i.+ng to the floor, the lid springing open and sending clothes and other personal items on to the ground.

Embarra.s.sed, Torg dropped down and started piling things back into it.