The Way Back (Champions of the Crystal Book 4)

Chapter 10.4

The door slid open, and Mara, Ford, and Aurora came back in, looking concerned. Sabrina looked at Mara and came to a decision. "Mara, tell Tirqwin he is not to agree to any conditions for Scotty's treatment until he has discussed them with me."

Mara looked taken aback, and Sabrina realized that the Queen was not used to being ordered so bluntly. "He knew you would say that eventually," Mara replied after a moment. "You will be consulted about anything that affects you personally, Sabrina, but...I am sorry to have to say this. Scotty's treatment is not your responsibility. It is mine and Tirqwin's, as his lieges. We will decide what is an acceptable price."

"Mara!" Sabrina exclaimed angrily, jumping out of her chair.

"I mean it, Sabrina," Mara said sternly, frowning at her. "You are in no position to know what concessions we can afford, and you are in no condition to make a rational decision. As your Queen and the head of your family, I will handle this. I will of course keep you informed, but the decision is mine."

"No!" Sabrina cried. "He's my brother, not yours! I'm his closest family! I should be the one to decide! He'd want that!"

"Would he?" Mara replied, raising an eyebrow.

Sabrina stopped, transfixed. She knew Mara was telling the truth: Scotty would want Mara, not Sabrina, in charge of his fate, if only to spare Sabrina the anguish of it. "Damn you!" Sabrina said thickly, turning to rest her hands on the table.

In the tense, unhappy silence that followed, Ford ventured, "Mother, shouldn't she at least get a vote? You can't really mean to cut her right out of the process, can you?"

"Niavar," Mara said, "try to understand. If this were only about Scotty...but it isn't. Everything to do with Homeworld is a state matter, of the utmost delicacy and importance. If this had happened right after the Regency, when Sabrina was fully conversant with all the ramifications, then yes, she would have a say. But she is long out of date. She does not have the information to make these decisions. Rassir and Tirqwin and I do. We will balance all the factors." She paused. "I suspect that you, my son, will be part of Homeworld's calculations in this. I could not turn your fate over to anyone, even Sabrina."

Ford's voice hardened. "I'm ready to face the consequences of building my ship, Mother. Even if it means destroying it. Never let that stand in the way of Scotty's treatment!"

"I won't. It is you, personally, they are interested in, I am afraid. Are you prepared for that? What Homeworld possesses, they do not release. If they ask me to trade you for Scotty, what then? Do you honestly expect Sabrina to be able to make that decision?"

"I'm not sure I expect you to be able to make it," he replied, with quiet frankness.

"Mara," Sabrina said, her voice choked but steady, "at least will you discuss it with me? With us?"

"Yes." Mara went to her and laid a hand on her cheek. "My dear friend, I am not trying to be unreasonable. But there are many political ramifications to this, and I must handle them. If you were in my place, you would insist on no less."

Sabrina couldn't argue with that. She nodded, swallowing hard.

"Now then," Mara said, "Aurora and I must go. We have a difficult itinerary ahead of us, returning Varla's captives to their homes. Sabrina, you are to travel to Praxatillus with Niavar. He will look after you and introduce you to the rest of the family." She held up a hand to forestall a protest. "I want you to go home, dear friend, and rest. Try to enjoy your homecoming. I will be along shortly. Your official homecoming, the receptions and all that, will be delayed until I arrive. Until then, you may live quietly, seeing only your old friends, if you wish."