Kari’s teeth sank into her lip. Dari gave her a look of understanding.
“In truth, I found Galis to be excessive in the opposite of Tryston,” Dari lamented. “Were it up to me then both planets would make changes.”
“I agree with you there.” Kari shook her head. “I figured I couldn’t be happy with Isar because I know I’d never be given choices by him, yet I never bothered with any of the males on Galis because they were too weak.” She grinned. “I guess I can’t win for losing.”
“Mymanisays that very expression, though mostly when she has a temper with my sire.” Dari chuckled. “I miss them both so very much.” Her expression grew serious. “But what you said about High Lord Death…” Dari shook her head. “I cannot agree with you.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean he would treat you with respect and dignity. He has never been anything but kind with me and all who know him. That said, I should never wish to make an enemy of him either.”
“Things with Isar are complicated,” Kari admitted. She blew out a breath. “I know he’s a good man, but he’s also something of an enigma to me. I don’t know.” She splayed her hands. “After hearing your story I can understand how his quest to destroy that evil at any cost means more to him than all else, but…”
“You would that you could mean the most.”
Kari’s voice was quiet. “Something like that,” she admitted.
“Mayhap you do,” Dari returned. “Mayhap his reasons for walking alone were the same that caused me to flee Arak and Gio.”
“To protect me?”
“Aye.”
“I don’t know.” Kari sighed. “I think we might be overestimating my importance to him.”
Dari patted her on the hand. “I doubt that, but I shan’t argue. Now go get some sleep.” When Kari opened her mouth to protest, Dari raised a palm. “You are no good to anyone much less yourself without rest. I will see to Bazi whilst you see to slumbering.”
“But—”
“No buts. ‘Twill be nigh unto an hour afore the ships are connected and I promise to awaken you afore we broach Khan-Gori airspace. Right now we but hover outside it. Besides, I know my sire and his thinking. He will not allow for this ship to breach Khan-Gor without a plan and plans take time to formulate.”
“I want to be there for the planning.”
“I give you my vow that you will be.”
Kari mulled that over for a long moment. She truly did need some sleep. It had been days since she’d had a restful one.
“Your vow?” Kari inquired again.
“My vow,” Dari assured her.
* * * * *
Dari’s eyes filled with tears as she saw her sire live and in person for the first time in tenYessat-Years. Nigh unto twenty warriors were filing into thegastrolight-cruiser, but Dari only had eyes for one. King Dak stilled when he at last saw his beloved daughter. His glowing blue gaze, so much like Dari’s, misted up.
“Pani,” Dak breathed out.
“Papa!”
The deuce of them embraced, Dak picking up his daughter and holding her tightly. Dari held on just as strongly, elated to be back in her sire’s arms at last.
“How ismani?” she asked through happy tears. “I miss her so.”
“She is well, my hearts, but she will be even happier when she sees you.”
“She is here?”
“Nay, nay. ‘Tis sorry I am, but yourmaniis removed to Ti Q’won.”
