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hours from seeing the plains ahead of them.
    When they all staggered to their feet, Teyha led the numb march through the hills, pausing to let a shale slide run its course before slowly and carefully making her way over the small shards of rock. “Be careful. This stuff is sharp.”
    She heard one of her party cry out, but it was only one, and as Nosku helped his nephew over the slide, she saw the telltale blood on Darku’s hand.
    She set her pack down and retrieved a medical kit. With even motions, she took his hand, rinsed it, applied a standard antiseptic and wrapped the palm carefully to keep pressure on the wound.
    “Why did you do that if I am such a monster?”
    She sighed. “You are a teenager. Your hormones dictate most of your actions, but you have to take responsibility for those actions. Shoving responsibility off is the act of a child. If you want to be seen as an adult, act as an adult.”
    He looked at the bandage on his hand and back to her. “What if it changes my life?”
    “Then, it makes the change and alters the man you will become. A future built on a lie and the act of a coward will definitely have an effect on your reality. You made a mistake, own up to it. You took a chance, bear it proudly.”
    He nodded and there was a shy smile. “Thank you for your repeated rescue. It seems that there are some Gaians who are not simply pathetic sheep waiting for the Nine to save them.”
    Shaking her head, she snapped the kit together and put it back in her pack. “It just goes to show you, anyone anywhere can be exceptional. They only need a chance.”
    She shifted her pack back into position and kept going. When she put the pack in, she had pulled the bolt gun out, and she led her small party through the stone, keeping her senses honed for any sign of predators attracted to blood.
    The moment that the rock face ceased and the plains opened before them was so sudden that even Teyha gasped, and she had known where they were.
    With wobbling knees, she made it down the graded slope. The transport was right where they had left it, and a chunk of metal had never looked so welcome.
    She climbed into the back, sat with a thud and waited for the rest of her party. Hiska sat next to her, holding onto her arm tightly. Ritgar sat next to his sister, exhaustion and relief on his features. Darku sat with his uncle, and Ekinar took the controls.
    With no other words between them, the transport lifted, turned and raced back across the plains.
    Teyha nodded off, but when Hiska shook her arm, she woke. “Damn. I need to get back to town.”
    Hiska smiled, “I am sure they will take you there in the morning. For now, baths, clean clothing and hot food.”
    The ambassador and his wife were standing in the courtyard, wearing long robes in silky green fabric.
    Daphne smiled at Teyha and Hiska. “Come this way, ladies. We will get you sorted and comfortable in no time.”
    Teyha smirked. “Were you expecting us?”
    “Something like that. We always keep guest quarters ready for whatever representatives from the Nine decide to show up. The servants are arranging a meal for the men, but I will take care of you, and I think a bath, clean clothing and a good meal is right in line. Come this way.”
     

 
     
     
    Chapter Seven
     
     
    Following Daphne’s silk-clad back was difficult when Teyha’s system was trying to flick between her enhanced vision and normal sight due to light.
    “This is Hiska’s chamber. There is clothing in the wardrobe, and when you are ready, join us for dinner in the common room.”
    “This is your chamber, Teyha. Shower, get dressed and come on out. I have caf for you and three types of tea.”
    “Tease.” Laughing, Teyha hauled her kit into the room and smiled at its lush comfort. An inviting bed, a large bath and wide shower all called her with equal voices, but if she was to debrief Daphne, she had better turn to the shower.
    She unravelled her braid before she stepped under the hot