Cogs in Time Anthology (The Steamworks Series Book 1) Page 16

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  A high-pitched whining noise roused Domaroc from his slumber. Quanda was nowhere to be seen, and it was, according to the stars he could see, late into the night. He tried to place the sound that was foreign to the jungle, and until it changed to a consistent hum, he couldn’t.

  “The airship!” he shouted and tried to scramble to his feet on legs that wouldn’t support him.

  Quanda was at his side before he fell to the ground. “This way, Kitten.” She supported him as his unused legs remembered how to walk.

  “What’s going on, Quanda?” Domaroc asked as he pushed some vines away from their path.

  “The men who helped Navarro revolt have betrayed him. They have killed most of the crew and taken your ship.” Quanda forced him to a faster pace.

  “Not all of the crew?”

  “Some chose to go with the betrayers.”

  He tripped over a root and asked, “What of Navarro?”

  “He wasn’t in the camp at the time. I am taking you to him.”

  “How far is he?” Domaroc asked pulling her down as he tried to stand.

  After a few yards of going through more thick jungle, Quanda pushed aside the curtain of foliage to reveal the original camp clearing. Navarro was pacing between two fire pits, cursing up at the departing airship.

  The hum of the airship faltered, replaced by the screeching of metal grinding against metal.

  “The converter!” Domaroc groaned. “We need to get out of the clearing.” He pulled Quanda back.

  “What are you doing, Dom?” Navarro shouted.

  “Listen to it!” Domaroc pointed to the ship. “The converter is overloading!”

  Navarro’s eyes widened as he realized what Domaroc was talking about and started to sprint out of the clearing as the converter exploded.

  Parts of the falling airship rained down on the clearing and surrounding jungle.

  Before Domaroc could react, Quanda pushed him into a large, hollowed-out tree. She disappeared for a moment before returning.

  “The ship is down and the jungle is on fire. We need to leave quickly,” she said.

  “What of Navarro?” he asked, staring at the flames that were starting to creep closer.

  “He is unconscious in the clearing,” she answered pulling at his arm to make him come with her.

  “We have to rescue him.”

  She shook his head. “You can barely walk and he’s dead weight. I’d rather take my chance with you.”

  “I can’t just leave him! He’s my leader.”

  “Kitten, you can’t be serious?” She rolled her eyes. “Remember what I told you the Ranar’s belief of fallen warriors is?” Quanda turned from him.

  “Quanda, I can’t do it without you.” He grabbed her wrist. “The Ranar are no more!”

  She turned back, slashing out with her claws. “Because of him! He,” she pointed to the clearing, “killed my clan.”

  “Quanda,” Domaroc’s expression softened. “By taking care of me, you abandoned your clan.”

  “You, I will look after. Fate has decided to leave him. Now are you coming or not?”

  Domaroc followed Quanda out of the hollow tree and looked to the clearing. In spite of the past day’s rain, the dead underbrush was burning fast and the flames were almost upon them. Even if Navarro were alive, there was no way to get to him. He turned to the feline female. “Where do we go?”

  “Neutral ground.” She started away from the flames.

  With a final look back to the clearing of the fallen airship, Domaroc followed her.

  “How far?” he asked.

  “Not very. The Ranar lands are burning, and other clans will come to observe. They will know the Ranar territory is available and try to claim it. You won’t be safe here. They will look for human survivors.”

  The path Quanda was leading him down ended at a cliff face. She squeezed behind a tree growing close to the rocks and disappeared into a mass of vines.

  Domaroc tried to follow her, but couldn’t find the hidden opening. The vines were too thick and only when she grabbed his wrist and pulled him through did he find the cave. He skinned his shin on the ledge as he stepped onto the step just inside the entrance.

  “This passage leads to the Sacred Lands,” she said.

  “Will the other clans even know of this passage?”

  “Not right away. Perhaps their scouts will miss it, but I don’t wish to chance it. We will move in deeper before resting.”

  “What of the fire?”

  “The ground is saturated with rain.” Quanda kept a hold on his wrist as she moved farther into the cave passage. “There should be some supplies hidden up ahead.”

  “Wait a moment,” said Domaroc as he forced Quanda to stop. “Don’t you hear voices?”

  “It could be remnants of the Ranar; only they would know of this place.”

  He stopped and pulled her closer to him. “Haven’t the remnants attacked you once?”

  “Those who attacked, cannot attack again. Those who are here are likely kits. We shall see.” She let go of his wrist and moved a little farther into the darkness.

  Domaroc shook his head and stumbled forward, knowing her feline eyes were far better suited for the darkness.

  “Are you coming, Kitten?” Quanda asked.

  Before Domaroc could answer, a small furred hand covered his mouth and a flint knife pressed to his throat. “You were the injured one?” a woman’s voice growled in his ear.

  Domaroc tried to nod as much as the blade would allow.

  The sound of a scuffle reached Domaroc’s ears.

  “Do you have the human, Duva?” A male voice called out.

  “Yes, he cannot see well, but his hearing is keen,” replied the person holding him.

  “We have the usurper. Bring the human to me.”

  The female whispered to Domaroc, “Will you give me trouble if I move my hand?”

  Domaroc shook his head.

  She removed the knife from his throat and moved her hand to his shoulder.

  “Who are you?” he asked.

  “Duva, Lady Supreme of Clan Zeri. One of our spies informed us what happened to the Ranar.”

  “What happened to the Ranar? You mean Navarro’s rebellion?” Domaroc asked.

  “You mean Quanda’s treason. I doubt she told you everything. Uncover the lanterns,” Duva commanded.

  Domaroc closed his eyes at the sudden invasion of light as several crystal lanterns were opened. When he opened them, he saw Quanda bound on the floor with a large, blue-gray male feline towering over her. Two other males were in the cavern and a brown kit, which Domaroc recognized as Ndim.

  “What’s going on?” Domaroc asked.

  The blue-gray male stepped forward. “I am Onic, Lord Supreme of the Zeri. I have claimed the land of the Ranar and am punishing the one who has failed her clan.”

  Domaroc looked at Onic for a moment then turned to Duva and stepped away from her, surprised at the number of battle scars covering her white body. Only the hand that had covered his mouth was unmarked.

  “Forgive my mate, he doesn’t always explain himself, but let us get out of this cave. We are not far from the Sacred Lands.” With her icy blue eyes, Duva glared at Onic for a moment before starting forward. “Ndim, go check the spread of the flames. Check for survivors if you can get close.”

  The brown kit sprinted out of the cave.

  “You cannot punish me in the Neutral Lands!” Quanda cried, as one of the other males hefted her over his shoulder.

  “No, but you can be judged there,” Onic answered, his voice coming in a low growl.

  The roar of water echoing off the cave walls cut off Quanda’s response. Shimmering light entered the passageway and the group emerged behind a waterfall. They continued following a cut path down to a clearing that was taken up by a large airship flying Hallistrae colors.

  “A flagship?”

  “Your people have been looking for you,” said Duva.
>
  “So you sold your clan to them,” snarled Quanda.

  Duva turned and slapped Quanda. “Unlike you, I respect my clan. Had you not betrayed my girl-child, I would not have helped them.”

  Onic stepped between Duva and Quanda. “Take her to be judged. I will take him to his people.”

  Duva escorted the male carrying Quanda to a small gathering of cats farther down the path.

  “Do not worry,” Onic said, turning to Domaroc. “She will be judged fairly. Wishing to be Lady Supreme is honorable goal, her actions, not so honorable.”

  Domaroc looked up at the Lord Supreme. “You mean Quanda fought with Navarro?”

  “That is to be decided. Duva is angry because it was her girl-child who ruled the Ranar and was struck down.”

  “That’s why…” A tall woman with short auburn hair cut him off by shouting his name.

  “Rihanna?” Domaroc turned to her.

  She strode up to him and hugged him.

  “What’s that for?” he asked, confused at her sentimental reaction.

  “It’s good to see you on your feet. According to the cats you were practically dead.”

  Domaroc pulled away from her and hung his head. “Unfortunately, I’m the only one not dead.”

  “Navarro didn’t make it?”

  Domaroc nodded, but could not meet the woman’s hazel eyes. “I believe so.”

  “I have my clan checking,” Onic answered. “Quanda would have left him for dead.”

  “Why do you say that?” Rihanna asked.

  “So he would not talk. He knew her betrayal of her Lady Supreme. She could not have that. No one would follow a leader who did not get to be leader honorably.” Onic explained.

  Before Rihanna or Domaroc could comment, Ndim ran up to Onic and spoke rapidly in cat speech.

  Onic nodded. “Understood.”

  Ndim bowed and left.

  “Well?” Rihanna asked, waiting for an explanation.

  “There were survivors of the crash. My clan will bring you the survivors, and you will leave.”

  “Agreed.” Rihanna nodded.

  “Then I leave you,” Onic said, turning away to join Duva and the other cats.

  “Doctor Fali wanted to take a look at you, Dom,” Rihanna said, placing a hand on Domaroc’s elbow, leading him toward the airship.

  He stopped and looked back at Quanda, who was kneeling in the center of the circled cats.

  Rihanna’s hand tightened on his elbow. “Do you care for her?”

  “She rescued me, took care of me,” he answered.

  “Did you bed her?”

  Domaroc pulled away from Rihanna. “Of course not! She’s a cat! Why would you ask that, Rihanna?”

  “Because you look on her with such tenderness.”

  He gaped at her. “I owe her my life. I can’t just leave her.”

  Rihanna laughed. “You are always so noble, but she went against the laws of her people.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “According to the Zeri spy, Quanda took with her Lady Supreme’s Prey and plotted the Ranar overthrow.”

  “Took with?”

  Rihanna rolled her eyes, “Bedded.”

  “Oh,” Domaroc answered, the side of his mouth twitching slightly toward a frown.

  “She didn’t expect fresh prey to come in and annihilate the clan or her partner to betray her. One or the other happened. Well, whoever he was, he had poor taste.” Rihanna laughed. “Honestly, screwing a cat?”

  “Rihanna, you realize you’re talking about Navarro, right?” Domaroc said, soberly.

  Rihanna’s complexion whitened. “Commander Navarro Grey?”

  Domaroc nodded. “Do I serve any other?”

  “Varro wouldn’t.” Rihanna shook her head violently. “Tell me you’re joking, Dom.”

  “Rihanna, you are the one who started this tale. I have been unconscious for most of the time I’ve been here. I don’t know what happened. I was hoping someone would tell me. The stories are conflicting.” Domaroc turned back to the airship and started forward. Rest seemed like a good idea.

  “Why would you say it was Navarro?” Rihanna asked.

  “I know Navarro was the Lady Supreme’s Prey. Now Rihanna, can I get to the doc?”

  She sputtered a few unintelligent phrases as they walked.

  They had reached the entrance to the airship. Domaroc tried keying in his code, forgetting it was not the ship he was used to.

  “Of course, forgive me.” Rihanna said, keying in the entrance code for the door. “Doctor Fali is waiting for you in the infirmary. Standard airship layout.” She smiled trying to lighten her jealousy, but Domaroc wasn’t fooled.

  “Where are my quarters?”

  She fumbled with the keys on the layout screen beside the door. “Second’s quarters.”

  Domaroc arched an eyebrow.

  Rihanna shrugged. “Captain’s orders.”

  “Whom are we flying under?”

  “Trast.”

  Domaroc groaned. “It couldn’t have been someone else?”

  “Well, Lowe, if you have a problem with me, you can get off.” A short, barrel-chested man stepped out from the doorway at the end of the hall.

  “All I want is sleep in a real bed, Trast,” Domaroc answered.

  “Then it’s agreed. We stay out of each other’s sight until we land.” Trast held out his hand.

  Domaroc shook it. “Agreed.”

  Trast left them.

  “Do I want to know?” Rihanna asked.

  He shrugged. “Probably, but I’m not explaining it. Just take me to my quarters.”

  “You know the layout of this ship. I have to start my report,” she responded tersely.

  Domaroc gripped the side rail and leaned against the wall. “Just make sure I get there without falling on my face. The doctor can wait.”

  “Oh!” Rihanna placed an arm around his waist and helped steady him. “Come on.”

  The Second’s quarters were near the bridge of the airship, and after two sets of steps, Rihanna stopped and leaned against a door.

  “Did you forget how to walk?” she asked. “You know what? We’re two doors away from the infirmary. You can rest there.” She grabbed Domaroc around the waist.

  He shook his head. A sudden wave of nausea washed over him. “I don’t want to deal with Fali.”

  “Well, I don’t want to haul your ass any farther. Deal with it.” Rihanna pushed Domaroc forward, stopping him in front of a red door. She palmed it open and maneuvered him inside.

  “Ahh! Lowe! Good to see you on your feet,” said the tall, bald man in a blue doctor’s uniform.

  “Fali,” Domaroc said, swaying slightly. “Can we forego the examination?”

  “Eat something first. You’re pale and dehydrated, I don’t doubt.” Fali pulled one of the bunks down from the wall and pointed to it. “Rihanna, run to the galley for some food for the man, and I could use some too.”

  Rihanna gaped at him. “Why me?”

  “Well, you are the only one here and your duties as diplomat are over, so you may as well make yourself useful.”

  Rihanna glared at the doctor, but before she could rebuke him, the ship shuddered.

  “What the hell?” Fali strode to the communicator.

  Trast’s voice came over the speakers “Emergency takeoff! Avir to the bridge!”

  Rihanna snapped to attention and quickly left to follow Trast’s order.

  “Well, there goes supper,” Fali grumbled. “Get on the bed. I won’t do a full examination, but I want to take a couple of blood samples and hook up to a drip.”

  Domaroc did as Fali said and stretched out on the bed, surprised to find it hard and uncomfortable. “Can’t believe I was used to this,” he mumbled.

  “What’s that?” Fali asked, taking out a syringe from the cabinet.

  “Nothing, Fali. Just commenting on civilization.”

  “Yes, well, let’s hope you didn’t pick up more than that
scar on your head.”

  “Scar?” Domaroc said, putting a hand up to his forehead, surprised to find the raised ridge above his eye to his scalp. “When do we find out why we took off so quick?”

  Fali shrugged. “Well, if we get injured crew, it’ll be sooner than not.”

  Domaroc shook his head. “You should have gotten survivors from the crash.”

  “I doubt there were any. All right, give me that arm,” Fali said.

  Domaroc stretched out his left arm. “Why do you say that?”

  Fali inserted the needle into the back of Domaroc’s hand. “Cat’s don’t leave survivors. Especially, if the survivors caused the eradication of a clan. Besides, when I was able to stretch my legs outside, I overheard the Zeri warriors talking.”

  Domaroc started to shift to his side, but thought better of it. “What about?”

  “Their Lady Supreme was planning on visiting the Ranar lands, when she received word of the attack came in. She was ready to send in her soldiers.”

  “What stopped her?”

  “Rihanna and Onic. Didn’t you wonder why she was on board?” Fali filled another vial with blood and tapped the side. “Two more should do,” he muttered to himself.

  “Diplomat Rihanna Avir, an expert hostage negotiator? Never thought about it.” Domaroc started to laugh and found he couldn’t stop.

  Fali rolled his eyes. “Great—delirious and dehydrated. All right, I’m done with what I needed. One drip and some sedative and all will be well, or at least I’ll be able to get some work done while you’re out.”

  “Sleep again. I’ve done nothing but sleep.” Domaroc continued to laugh.

  The doctor nodded and tapped the side of the drip. “Sleep yes, rest no.”

  Domaroc, his laugher fading, closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep. His final thought was wondering if he would ever be able to return to his normal sleeping habits, but his mind was thankful to shut down for a while. The tugging on the needle in his hand and the constricted feeling in his arm woke him a few hours later.

  The lights of the infirmary were dimmed and the drip hanging over him was recently changed. That was why the needle had moved and the room temperature liquid coursing into his body was why his arm felt strange. His stomach grumbled in protest and Domaroc couldn’t remember the last time he had eaten.