Everlasting

NINE

KIRA DREW A breath of relief as the door of her suite closed behind them. The halls had been crowded with soldiers and every second she had expected to hear a shout behind them signaling that Naldona had regained consciousness and given the alarm.

“It's over here.” She ran across to the bookcase and turned the candelabra on the wall beside it. The bookcase began to open slowly.

“Interesting,” Sandor said as he joined her. “My home in Limtana has a secret passage too. Useful little additions, aren't they?” His glance traveled to the photograph of Naldona on the wall. “So that's the picture that caused all the uproar. I've never seen it before. I was out of the country when Naldona took to the hills.”

“I still can't believe what he's become.” Kira took a pen flashlight out of her pocket and flicked it on. “I thought he was so sincere.”

“So did I.” There was profound regret in Sandor's voice. “Perhaps he was at one time. Power has a habit of corrupting even the most idealistic of men.” He followed her into the passage and waited while she closed off the entrance. “So now, instead of having an absolute monarchy, we're going to have an absolute dictatorship.” His lips tightened grimly. “Until I can find a way of ousting him.”

“Can you do that?”

“I have to do it. He couldn't have grown this powerful without my help. I'm the one who created our Frankenstein and brought all this down on Tamrovia.” His eyes darkened. “But whatever happens, the monarchy is gone forever. You have to understand that. It was a dinosaur and the time had come for it to pass into oblivion.”

“I've realized that for a long time.” A tiny smile curved Kira's lips. “Did you think I'd be outraged that Stefan and I are out of jobs?”

“Not really.” He returned her smile with a warmth that startled her as he followed her down the steps. “I had an idea you were a republican at heart. It made it very difficult playing the rascally villain around you.”

“It didn't appear to cause you undue strain,” Kira said, casting him a grin over her shoulder. “You did it exceptionally well. You evidently have a certain flare for it.”

“Ouch,” he said, flinching. “I believe I've been stung. That was most uncousinly, Ki-What the hell is that?”

His voice was so intense that Kira's gaze flew to follow his into the darkness ahead. There was a bobbing light moving swiftly toward them through the passage.

Kira inhaled sharply. “Someone must have discovered the opening in the cave.”

“It's possible,” Sandor said slowly. “Naldona's forces are all over the grounds. It's either that or one of our illustrious ancestors returning to haunt the hallowed halls.”

How could he be so cool? She laughed shakily. “If it is, I'm probably safe. It's you who's just dethroned the Rubinoffs.”

“You'll be safe, anyway.” He stepped ahead of her in the passageway. “Or as safe as I can keep you. God, I hope there aren't too many of them.”

The beam was much closer now and she could see Sandor's wide shoulders tense beneath the black shirt. She was having trouble breathing. The walls were closing in on her in the narrow passage. Rats in a trap, she thought wildly. Caught like rats in a trap.

Abruptly the light ahead stopped as it splayed out to reveal Sandor blocking the passageway. There was an instant of silence that lasted at least a thousand years.

“Stand aside, Karpathan, or we'll blow you out of the way.”

Zack's voice!

Her heart zoomed to her throat and she ducked around Sandor and ran the intervening yards separating them. “Zack, it's all right! It's me.” She was in his arms, hugging him with such strength that he gasped in surprise.

Then she heard him chuckle as his arms closed around her. “Remind me to teach you battlefield etiquette sometime. One of the most explicit rules is: When threatened with being blown apart, do not make a dash and throw yourself into your adversary's arms. Very bad form.”

“Is it?” He was so big and secure and wonderfully, marvelously here. “But you weren't threatening me, you were threatening Sandor.”

“In this darkness I might have had trouble telling you apart.” He suddenly stiffened and his gaze lifted from her face to fasten on Sandor. “Don't move, Karpathan. Paulo still has you covered. Did he hurt you, Kira?”

“No, of course not. Naldona wanted to make a Romanov of me. Sandor actually saved my life.”

“Which act may prove futile if we don't postpone these explanations and get out of here,” Sandor said impatiently. “It's likely Naldona has already given the alarm and they're combing the area for miles around.”

Zack glanced down at Kira. “Was Karpathan in the conspiracy?”

“Yes, but it's not-” Kira stopped. “I trust him, Zack. We haven't time for anything else. Naldona wants my head in a basket.” She smiled with an effort. “And, as I'm not at all sure I could be as dignified as Marie Antoinette at the guillotine, I think we'd better try to avoid it.”

“We will,” Zack said quietly. He released Kira and made a motion with the flashlight in his hand. “Okay, Karpathan, we'll trust you. But if you try to lead us into a trap, I promise you that it will be your head in the basket.” He turned. “Let's go!” He took off at a brisk trot, with the rest of them following close behind.

As Kira fell into pace beside Paulo she glanced curiously at the long, snout-nosed weapon he was carrying. “What a weird-looking gun. Was that what you were going to blast us with, Paulo?”

He nodded. “It would have been quite a blast,” he said cheerfully. “It's a flamethrower.”

Her eyes widened. “You go hunting with a flamethrower?”

“No, his friends go hunting with flamethrowers.” Paulo's head jerked back to indicate Sandor. “Isn't that right, Karpathan?”

“You've run into my men in the hills,” Sandor said grimly. “I'll tear a strip off them for losing those weapons.”

“They didn't lose them. I confiscated them. They're not bad, those soldiers of yours. Very quiet, very fast, very disciplined.” He grinned. “Too bad they are not Gypsies. Then they would be perfect.”

They reached the rear of the cave and Zack slipped through the twisting, narrow opening that was hidden by an overhanging rock. “It's all right,” he called. “The cave's empty.” He was striding quickly toward the front entrance. “I left Perry, Fontaine, and four men standing guard at Perry's helicopter a short distance from here, but I noticed you landed closer, Kira. We'll use that one. I'll tell Fontaine to get his men into the helicopter and prepare to take off. I'll be right back.”

Five minutes later Kira was at the controls of the helicopter and Paulo and Sandor were seated and ready to take off. She had started the engine and the rotors were whirring, but there was still no Zack.

“There has to be trouble. Surely he should be back by now.” Kira's hand tightened on the stick as cold terror shook her. “I'm going after him.”

“I'll go.” Sandor opened the door of the helicopter.

Shots! A deadly rat-a-tat from the direction of the woods into which Zack had disappeared.

Paulo muttered a low curse and jumped to the ground, the flamethrower ready in his hands.

Then Kira saw Perry's helicopter suddenly rise sluggishly above the trees, gaining altitude with reckless swiftness. The gunfire escalated in intensity.

“The soldiers must have heard their helicopter and closed in just before it took off,” Sandor said. “That means they'll be streaming all over the place in a second. Where the hell is Damon?”

Oh, dear God, she prayed, don't let him get shot. She wouldn't be able to bear it if anything happened to Zack. “Well, I'm not going to wait any longer to find out. I'm going after him.” Her voice was tense and ragged as she fumbled at the handle of the door. “I won't let him stay out there alone. They're shooting, dammit.”

The shots were coming closer. She suddenly saw Zack break clear of the shrubbery at the edge of the clearing and streak toward them! He wasn't hurt. She was so relieved that she felt a little dizzy.

“How close are they?” Paulo shouted.

“Too close,” Zack said curtly. “An entire company of them. They're right on my heels.”

Paulo's grin glittered in the darkness. “Well, let us see if we can't discourage them.”

He lifted the flamethrower and swept it in a wide arc across the shrubs and the trees that bordered the clearing, and then brought it back again. A whoosh, an explosion, and then the woods were aflame! The flames curled and soared, forming a wall of fire that writhed as if it were a living entity in the darkness. Kira could hear startled voices shouting in frustration beyond that barrier of flame.

“Let's see them get through that,” Paulo said with satisfaction as he shouldered the weapon.

“I'm glad you didn't become trigger-happy in that passage,” Sandor said dryly. “That's a very effective weapon.”

“Too easy,” Paulo said with a shrug. “No challenge. Anyone can win with this.” He turned to Zack, who was now climbing into the helicopter. “Isn't that right, Zack? Besides, who wants to destroy all those beautiful trees?”

“Get into the helicopter, Paulo. Sorry there's no more fun to be had tonight. Lift off, Kira.” Zack dropped into the seat beside her. His hand covered Kira's on the stick. “Are you all right?”

Was she all right? He was the one who had been dodging bullets. She nodded jerkily. “I will be as soon as we get out of here.” The helicopter lifted, hovered, and then straightened out as it gained altitude. There was a sudden barrage of artillery fire as the helicopter became visible over the flames, but then they were out of range.

“Where are we going?” she asked, glancing at Zack.

“The encampment, first. We'll just have to take one thing at a time.”

She nodded and turned the helicopter toward the north. She could still see the spiraling clouds of black smoke and the blazing inferno of the woods below. It was a macabre contrast to the gently winking lights of the turreted palace that had once been her home. Then she could no longer see either the woods or the palace as the helicopter sped out of Belajo toward safety.

When they landed in the glade at the encampment, the brilliant beams of the helicopter lights revealed Marna standing patiently, her head thrown back, looking up at them.

Paulo jumped out as soon as the ignition was turned off. “I will go and explain matters and try to smooth the path. Marna will not be pleased that you let Kira walk into that situation at the palace, Zack.”

“Let?” Kira asked pointedly.

Zack smiled. “Sorry, love, no offense meant. We know that it would have taken a battalion to stop you.” He watched Paulo crossing the glade toward Marna. “However, have you noticed that Marna does resemble a battalion on the march at times?”

He turned to Sandor. “What's next for you? Will you go with us to Switzerland?”

Sandor shook his head. “I'll join my men in the hills as quickly as possible. Naldona will be sending emissaries to try to pull the fringe factions loyal to me into his camp, and sending strike forces to the core groups to destroy them before they're aware of the split between us.” His expression was grave. “You know that it won't be safe for Marna and her people in the hills. It's not going to be either pleasant or safe for anyone in Tamrovia for a long time.”

“War?” Kira asked.

He nodded somberly, making a violent motion with his hand. “I'd almost rather have Stefan back than have Tamrovia go through this hell.”

“Where is Stefan? You said he was safe, but you didn't tell me what's happened to him.”

“I had an inkling from reports I'd received that Naldona was going to try to make an example of the royal family. Before he reached the palace I took Stefan prisoner myself and had two of my men smuggle him out of Belajo. They should be in Sedikhan by now. I told my men to deliver Stefan to Lance Rubinoff. Hopefully, your brother Lance will be able to convince him not to try to reenter Tamrovia at once.” He shrugged. “After a day or so there won't be any question of his coming back. Naldona will have announced the takeover.” Sandor's lips tightened. “And I will have launched the first offensive against Naldona's new regime. Stefan will know it will be suicide to come back.”

“Poor Stefan,” Kira said softly. “I know you said he was a dinosaur and I believe that's true. But the pomp and circumstance of being king is all he's ever known and enjoyed.”

“Perhaps he'll be forced to develop into something more now,” Zack said quietly. “And if not, deposed kings have a great social cachet in society. There's a certain tragic romanticism about them. He'll probably have just as many sycophants around him as he did in Tamrovia.” He turned to Sandor. “I'll fly you to your base now, if you like. You obviously want to join your men immediately.”

Sandor nodded. “It's urgent that I do so. It's not very far from here. It shouldn't take you more than an hour to get there and back.” He hesitated. “Don't linger here for more than five or six hours at the most. Everyone knows about Kira's association with Marna and her tribe. Naldona will have troops out interrogating and scouring the countryside for the caravans. The Gypsies should break camp and move farther up into the hills, and the two of you should get out of the country before all hell breaks loose.”

“Will the tribe be in danger?” Kira asked anxiously.

“Very likely. There will be fighting, and innocent bystanders are never immune in a situation like this.” Sandor's lips twisted. “And Naldona's interrogation methods won't be gentle if he decides to question them about your whereabouts.”

Kira hurriedly opened the door of the helicopter. “I'll talk to Paulo and Marna and see if we can't get everyone packed up and ready to move out before you get back, Zack.” She held out her hand. “Good luck, Sandor. I think you know how grateful I am to you for saving my life. I'm sorry we weren't able to get to know each other before this.”

Sandor's strong, warm hand enveloped her own. “So am I.” His sudden smile held a hint of amusement. “I'm sure we'll meet again. We think alike. I have an idea we're soul mates, cousin mine.”

“Soul mates!” She made a face. “Not you too? My soul certainly appears to be a gregarious rascal.”

Sandor frowned in puzzlement. “What?”

“Never mind,” Kira said, laughing. “Zack can explain all about soul mates and mondavas to you on the way to your base. We've become experts on both lately.” She turned to Zack and kissed him with a fierceness that startled him. “You take care of yourself. I want you back here safe and sound in an hour. And no more dodging bullets, do you hear?”

The slightest smile broke the gravity of his face. “Yes, ma'am. I'll try to keep that in mind.”

“See that you do.” She was blinking furiously as she jumped from the helicopter to the ground. She would not cry. Nothing could happen to Zack now. Surely the worst was over. Yet this self-admonition did very little to loosen the fear that was clawing at her, and she felt tears brimming in her eyes. She didn't want to be parted from him now, dammit. She had been so close to losing him in those woods tonight. All she wanted to do was run off with him somewhere. She wanted to hide and hold him until the realization finally sank in that he was safe and blessedly alive. No, that was a child's reaction and she mustn't give in to it. She must get on with her responsibilities and release Zack to do his.

She forced herself to smile and to lift her hand in a jaunty salute. Then she slammed the door and turned to walk toward Paulo and Marna. She heard the engine start, but didn't turn around to see the helicopter lift off.

Paulo's sympathetic gaze was raking her tense face and glittering eyes. “He's taking Karpathan to his men?”

She nodded silently.

“Nothing will happen to him. Zack is very strong and so is Karpathan.” His lips curved in a curious smile. “An interesting man, that Karpathan. I would like to go hunting with him sometime.”

She shivered. Karpathan would be the deadliest of hunters and the civil unrest in which he had involved himself would offer ample opportunity to display that lethal talent.

“You think he would have the qualifications you demand in your hunting companions?” Her voice was still a little ragged, despite her attempt at lightness.

Paulo tilted her chin up so that he could look into her eyes. His big calloused hand was as gentle as his gaze. “I just might decide to take you along the next trip, little one. You have learned one of those qualities very well.”

“When to let go?” She shook her head. “I haven't learned it very well at all. I want to scream and stamp my feet and howl at the moon.”

“But you are not doing any of those things, and you did let him go. That is what is important.”

“What is important is getting Kira back to camp and getting her something to eat,” Marna said crossly. “And you are not to take her hunting, Paulo. You never know when to stop. You would have her starved and exhausted before you brought her home.”

“I'm afraid there won't be any hunting for anyone in the near future.” Kira was abruptly jarred back to the realities of the situation. “We have to pack up and move the tribe farther into the hills. Sandor said it would be very dangerous for you to stay here. There's going to be a war, Marna.”

“So? Will it stop the war if you do without dinner?”

Paulo's deep chuckle boomed out. “Give in, little one, we will go nowhere until she's satisfied.”

“But there's no time. How can you be so calm? The war will-”

Marna stopped her with an abrupt gesture of her hand. “There are always wars. Lands are invaded, old governments fall, new governments rise. Everything changes.” She tapped her breast with her fist. “Everything but us. We stay the same. That is our strength.”

Yes, that was the strength of her people, Kira thought, traditional values which didn't change with each waft of the wind, but stood firm through the centuries. Kira shook her head in resignation. “All right. While I eat, you pack. Is it a deal?”

“Of course.” Marna's brows lifted in surprise. “That is very sensible. When have I ever been anything but practical?”

“Never.” Kira stood on tiptoe to brush a light kiss on her broad cheek. Magic and strength and love. For Marna, these qualities defined practicality, and who was to say that she wasn't right? She linked her arm through Marna's and urged her gently back toward the encampment. “You're quite right. No one in the world is more pragmatic than you.”