When You Least Expect It Part 10
Thanks to Neuroscpr for reading
D'Argo and Travor were trying to organize the men. They sent a unit of five men to try and intercept the other unit before they got to the ruins. Their job was to send them back to town. One man was to track Darion, and the other was to watch the tunnel opening for any sign of approaching danger. Travor and D'Argo would be the only two to enter the tunnel.
After each of the men accomplished their duties, they were to return to the ruins. Travor knew they would need help getting John safely to the transport, especially if Darion and a few of the others were still at large.
The men dispersed to handle their assignments, as Travor and D'Argo entered the tunnel.
Darion watched the men from his hiding place. He smiled when he saw the men disperse and the two men enter the tunnel. "Good," he said to himself with a grin. "Only one man is guarding the entrance. This may be easier than I thought." Darion was pleased with the way events were turning in his favor. "Just remember Travor, I know these tunnels as well as you do," Darion said with a twisted evil grin. "I will see you soon my friend. I have no doubt you will regret all you have done."
Darion proceeded to the tunnel entrance quietly. He intended to take the man by surprise.
His plan worked, the man never knew what hit him as Darion lowered him to the ground. He dragged the man behind the underbrush so he wouldn't be discovered. He entered the tunnel quietly, not sure where the two men were. He heard the Luxan and Travor conversing.
"I put him in tunnel twenty-five, D'Argo. That's the safest tunnel. It gives us several exits, not just one."
D'Argo was in deep thought about where Aeryn might be. "I hope Aeryn has finally made it. She did know the exact tunnel, Travor?"
Travor nodded.
Darion smiled. 'Twenty-five. Wonderful! Time for the shortcut,' he thought proceeding into the second tunnel.
xxxxx
Aeryn had reluctantly left John with Roland. She knew she still had to proceed with caution. She had no idea how many men were still in the tunnel.
She pondered on whether she could trust Roland. Yes, he knew what he was doing with John, but she still didn't trust him. She had left John in his hands, but there was still doubt in her mind. 'Frell, why do I feel this way,' she thought with mixed emotions. For a moment she almost went back, but she knew she couldn't save John if she did.
xxxxx
Roland smiled as Aeryn exited the junction for the tunnel. 'Mission accomplished. Darion will truly reward me for capturing this man for him!' He made sure Aeryn was well on her way before calling for his friend. "Derry, you can come out now. I have him."
Derry exited the junction with a smile on his lips. "Darion will be very pleased with us, Roland," he said as he entered the junction Roland was in.
"Where is he?"
"Over here," Roland replied very proud of himself. He led Derry to John.
Derry gasped, taking a step back. The man looked like death. "Roland, he looks like he is dying," he said with a sickening feeling in his stomach.
"He is, Derry. But that is not our problem. Darion wants him, and we will deliver him. We are to wait on Darion. He knows these tunnels even better than Travor."
"Travor? Why do you bring his name up?" Derry asked. Travor was the one of the only men he respected.
"Travor was the one who betrayed Darion. He will surely pay for his betrayal," he said with a smile on his lips. "On the other hand we will be in Darion's good graces."
"No Roland."
"No what? What are you trying to say?" Roland asked in anger.
Derry looked at the unconscious man with sympathy. If Travor had helped him there was a reason. He looked at Roland and said, "I won't be a party to this anymore. I'm leaving."
"No! You can't. I need your help until Darion gets here."
Derry was already backing out of the junction as he heard Roland's shouts. 'I've got to get help and stop this. I must find Travor.'
xxxxx
Aeryn almost collided with Travor and D'Argo, as she was almost at a dead run. After the first few junctions she passed with no conflict, she was pretty sure none of the men were in the tunnel. She was so glad to see them, but she had to collect herself first before she could speak. Her anxiety was at a peak.
"Aeryn, did you find John?" D'Argo asked impatiently.
Aeryn nodded, trying to get her voice. "Yes D'Argo. He is not well. I left him with a healer named Roland."
Travor gasped when he heard the name. "Are you sure of the name?"
"Yes, Travor. What do you know of him?" Aeryn asked.
Travor dropped his head and started pacing. "Not good."
D'Argo looked at Travor with anger. "What is wrong? Tell us now!" D'Argo said grabbing Travor.
"He is one of Darion's most trusted men. He is a healer of sorts, but he is dangerous."
Aeryn dropped her head knowing she should have trusted her instincts.
"Aeryn, why? Why did you leave John with him? Someone you didn't know!" D'Argo shouted in anger turning on her. He grabbed her and shoved her against the tunnel wall.
"Frell! I trusted you! Chiana was right. I must be fahrbot!" His anger was at its peak. "I should have gone after him myself," he shouted slamming his fist against the
wall.
Aeryn winced at D'Argo's words. They were harsh, but somewhat justified. She watched D'Argo pace back and forth cursing to himself.
"Aeryn, why did you leave John?" Travor asked in a quiet voice, feeling for the woman now. Aeryn looked away from Travor as he said, "I know there had to be a reason."
Aeryn stood away from the wall and straightened her uniform, watching for any sign from D'Argo that he would listen. She saw him fold his arms across his chest as he waited for her explanation.
"John needs medical attention before we move him from the tunnel or he most likely will die. He only made it past two junctions before he collapsed." She was looking directly in the Luxans eyes as she spoke.
His head dropped in despair as Aeryn spoke of John's condition. Aeryn noted this in her mind as she continued, "He has a fever from infection and several broken ribs that may damage his internal organs."
D'Argo looked up at her. "So Aeryn, you had no choice," he said shamed by his previous actions. "I'm sorry, Aeryn. I thought."
"You thought that I didn't care enough to help him. Isn't that right, D'Argo?"
D'Argo nodded, dropping his head again.
"Well let me tell you something Luxan. This is my fault! I found myself caring for him again, and let my emotions take over! My instincts told me to stay with him, but my heart told me to get help! I listened to my emotions and not my training!" Aeryn finished, turning away from both men.
D'Argo could see her shoulders shaking. He knew she was crying, but was too proud to let them see. He approached her and lightly put his hand on her shoulder. "Aeryn, I should have known better than to doubt you. Let me know when you are ready. We'll rescue John together," he said in a saddened voice.
He turned to Travor asking, "Do you have any thing that will help John?"
Travor pondered the question for a moment. "I think I may be able to find some binding material for the ribs, but I don't have anything for the fever or infection."
"That is the most important injury we must attend to before we can move him," Aeryn said still with her back turned to them.
"We must hurry then. There is no telling what Roland is up to," Travor said leading the way.
D'Argo went to Aeryn's side. "Are you ready?" He asked in a quiet voice.
She nodded as she followed Travor. D'Argo took up the rear, glancing behind him before following. He was starting to get a bad feeling.
xxxxx
Darion wasted no time in his pursuit of John. He knew how to get to twenty- five and quickly. He had already passed half the junctions and was making good time. Travor was going the conventional way. 'He must have no idea I'm here,' he thought grinning. 'I can't wait to see the surprise on his face when we confront each other!'
Darion heard noise in the main tunnel, the sound was approaching the junction he was in. He backed up against the wall and waited to see who was coming. Derry appeared at a full run. Darion was surprised. He was supposed to be helping Roland.
"Derry.Derry," he said whispering louder than he wanted to.
Derry stopped and searched for the voice calling him. Darion poked his head out of the junction and motioned to him. Derry approached cautiously, keeping his distance.
"Derry, aren't you supposed to be with Roland? What are you running from?"
Derry was in a panic facing Darion. "Sir, I'm.Um.I haven't seen Roland for awhile. Things didn't go as we planned. I am searching for him now."
"Find him!" Darion said with anger in his voice. "When you do come to tunnel twenty-five and help me with the prisoner!"
"Yes sir!" Derry replied, happy that Darion bought his story. Derry continued on his way, glad that Darion was behind him now.
'Frell! Why can't anything go smoothly for me anymore,' Darion thought to himself as he continued on to his destination.
xxxxx
D'Argo, Aeryn and Travor were making progress but slowly. Travor stopped off in one of the junctions to get the bandaging material for John. It seemed like an arn before he returned. The anxiety was building in Aeryn and D'Argo. They were worried they would not get to their friend in time.
Aeryn and D'Argo sat next to each other waiting for Travor's return. They both were deep in their own thoughts.
Aeryn spoke first. "D'Argo, how can I gain your trust again?" She asked looking at the far wall.
"Aeryn, I am sorry about what happened," he said looking at her. "I trust you, but the rest of the crew doesn't. They remember you, as you were when you left the ship. They don't see you as I do now."
"But what made you doubt me?"
D'Argo sighed, hoping he would never have to answer this question. "After you went into the tunnel, I made contact with Moya. I wanted to let them know we had found John and Jool should be ready. When the crew found out you had gone after John they told me I must be fahrbot to trust you. When you returned without John, I thought they must have been right."
"So, they influenced what you thought about me."
"It was wrong, Aeryn, I know that!" D'Argo said irritated. "But in everyone's defense, ask yourself this, what were you like when you left Moya?"
Aeryn thought about herself back on Moya. Many thoughts came to mind and she had to admit she didn't like what she saw. She had become cold towards everyone especially John. She could see why the crew would be hesitant to trust her.
"Aeryn, don't be angry with them. They care about John, and right now they blame you for this," D'Argo said in truth.
Aeryn smiled. "Da'Argo only you would tell me the truth. I thank you for that," she said reaching for his hand. "Your trust and John's is all I need for now. I will earn the other's trust as time goes on."
"You have earned mine. I have no doubt you will earn theirs."
They both rose to their feet as Travor emerged from the junction. "I have what we need. We need to hurry now!"
" I agree Travor. We need to make up for lost time," Aeryn replied leading, running now. Time was running out for John. They could not afford to be cautious anymore.
xxxxx
Roland was pacing back and forth. Why had Derry left at the mention of Travor's name? He didn't understand the sudden change in him. Derry had always wanted to be in Darion's good graces, now he had just ruined his chance. 'No matter, I'll still be rewarded by Darion.'
Behind him he heard John groan. As he turned he saw John trying to stand up. He had only made it as far as inching his way up the wall, before Roland got to him.
"No, John. You mustn't get up. You need to stay as still as possible until help comes," Roland said soothingly, feeling the heat coming from his body. He knew his fever was rising.
"Let me go," John said struggling against Roland. "I gotta get out of here. I have to find Aeryn before she leaves me. I.I ..couldn't stand that again." The tears were rolling down his cheeks, as Roland lowered him to a sitting position.
"John, Aeryn will be back. She went to get help for you. Don't you remember? Just rest," Roland said trying to cool his body off with the wet cloth.
"Dammit don't lie to me," he said angrily. "Aeryn doesn't want to be with me. She wants to be with him! Why are you helping her?"
"Hell! Why can't someone cut me a frelling break for change," he said drifting off to sleep again.
Roland stayed close to John until he was sure he was asleep. He knew John was having troubled dreams. Even though John was awake he knew he was speaking of something in his past. This man had not had an easy life. 'And all I'm doing is adding to his pain.'
Roland was somewhat sorry for the way this was going to turn out for him, but he had to live in this town with Darion. He didn't have a choice.
"I'm sorry," he said wishing there was another way.
xxxxx
Aeryn, D'Argo and Travor heard the noise coming their way. It sounded like someone running. They hid in one of the junctions intent on intercepting this person.
As the man approached the junction, Aeryn jumped out in front of him with her gun drawn.
"Just stop right there," she said in a deadly voice. D'Argo and Travor now stood by her side.
"Travor! I have been looking for you," Derry said out of breath. "I need your help!"
"Who is this Travor?" Aeryn asked keeping her weapon aimed at him.
"His name is Derry. He was someone I had hope for at one time," Travor replied with sadness in his voice.
"Friend or foe?" D'Argo asked.
Travor looked in Derry's eyes, but could not find the answer. "He is the only one that can answer that question," Travor said looking away, disappointment on his face. "At one time I would have said friend."
"Travor, I am sorry I joined Darion's ranks. I thought he knew better than you at one time, but I've known better for some time. You would never hear me out when I tried to tell you," Derry said in a shamed voice. "I know where the prisoner is, and I know you hid him."
Travor looked at Derry now. "Were you going to be a party to his death?"
Derry looked down, not able to look Travor in the eyes. "Yes, until I found out you had hidden him. I left Roland when I found out. I really was searching for you, Travor. I need you to help me rescue this man from Roland and Darion."
"Darion is here? Frell! What happened to the one who was supposed to intercept him?" Aeryn asked feeling their whole plan was screwed.
Derry looked at Aeryn saying, "Roland is with him waiting for Darion. We have to get to him soon. I know Darion is not far from them."
"How could Darion have gotten ahead of us Travor?" D'Argo asked impatiently. "I thought you knew these tunnels better than anyone else!"
Derry looked at Travor. "You must take them the shorter way. Their friend's life depends on it, Travor."
Travor didn't like it but he understood. "I was trying to keep you both safe, that's why I didn't take you the other way. I didn't know Darion was here. I am going to take you a shorter way, but don't lose me. These tunnels can be a death trap," Travor said conceding.
"Derry, do you remember what I taught you about the tunnels?"
"Yes I do. Don't fear for me. I can find my way out."
"Good. I will lead the way. Derry, you will follow behind us. If we get separated there will be at least one of us that can get you out of here," Travor said looking at Aeryn and D'Argo.
"Travor, don't worry about us. John is the one we need to worry about now," D'Argo said dryly. "If we hadn't wasted so much time in this tunnel, when there was a shorter way we would be out of here now."
Travor flinched at D'Argo's statement.
Aeryn knew Travor only worried about their safety as she said, "Just lead us to him Travor."
Thanks to Neuroscpr for reading
D'Argo and Travor were trying to organize the men. They sent a unit of five men to try and intercept the other unit before they got to the ruins. Their job was to send them back to town. One man was to track Darion, and the other was to watch the tunnel opening for any sign of approaching danger. Travor and D'Argo would be the only two to enter the tunnel.
After each of the men accomplished their duties, they were to return to the ruins. Travor knew they would need help getting John safely to the transport, especially if Darion and a few of the others were still at large.
The men dispersed to handle their assignments, as Travor and D'Argo entered the tunnel.
Darion watched the men from his hiding place. He smiled when he saw the men disperse and the two men enter the tunnel. "Good," he said to himself with a grin. "Only one man is guarding the entrance. This may be easier than I thought." Darion was pleased with the way events were turning in his favor. "Just remember Travor, I know these tunnels as well as you do," Darion said with a twisted evil grin. "I will see you soon my friend. I have no doubt you will regret all you have done."
Darion proceeded to the tunnel entrance quietly. He intended to take the man by surprise.
His plan worked, the man never knew what hit him as Darion lowered him to the ground. He dragged the man behind the underbrush so he wouldn't be discovered. He entered the tunnel quietly, not sure where the two men were. He heard the Luxan and Travor conversing.
"I put him in tunnel twenty-five, D'Argo. That's the safest tunnel. It gives us several exits, not just one."
D'Argo was in deep thought about where Aeryn might be. "I hope Aeryn has finally made it. She did know the exact tunnel, Travor?"
Travor nodded.
Darion smiled. 'Twenty-five. Wonderful! Time for the shortcut,' he thought proceeding into the second tunnel.
xxxxx
Aeryn had reluctantly left John with Roland. She knew she still had to proceed with caution. She had no idea how many men were still in the tunnel.
She pondered on whether she could trust Roland. Yes, he knew what he was doing with John, but she still didn't trust him. She had left John in his hands, but there was still doubt in her mind. 'Frell, why do I feel this way,' she thought with mixed emotions. For a moment she almost went back, but she knew she couldn't save John if she did.
xxxxx
Roland smiled as Aeryn exited the junction for the tunnel. 'Mission accomplished. Darion will truly reward me for capturing this man for him!' He made sure Aeryn was well on her way before calling for his friend. "Derry, you can come out now. I have him."
Derry exited the junction with a smile on his lips. "Darion will be very pleased with us, Roland," he said as he entered the junction Roland was in.
"Where is he?"
"Over here," Roland replied very proud of himself. He led Derry to John.
Derry gasped, taking a step back. The man looked like death. "Roland, he looks like he is dying," he said with a sickening feeling in his stomach.
"He is, Derry. But that is not our problem. Darion wants him, and we will deliver him. We are to wait on Darion. He knows these tunnels even better than Travor."
"Travor? Why do you bring his name up?" Derry asked. Travor was the one of the only men he respected.
"Travor was the one who betrayed Darion. He will surely pay for his betrayal," he said with a smile on his lips. "On the other hand we will be in Darion's good graces."
"No Roland."
"No what? What are you trying to say?" Roland asked in anger.
Derry looked at the unconscious man with sympathy. If Travor had helped him there was a reason. He looked at Roland and said, "I won't be a party to this anymore. I'm leaving."
"No! You can't. I need your help until Darion gets here."
Derry was already backing out of the junction as he heard Roland's shouts. 'I've got to get help and stop this. I must find Travor.'
xxxxx
Aeryn almost collided with Travor and D'Argo, as she was almost at a dead run. After the first few junctions she passed with no conflict, she was pretty sure none of the men were in the tunnel. She was so glad to see them, but she had to collect herself first before she could speak. Her anxiety was at a peak.
"Aeryn, did you find John?" D'Argo asked impatiently.
Aeryn nodded, trying to get her voice. "Yes D'Argo. He is not well. I left him with a healer named Roland."
Travor gasped when he heard the name. "Are you sure of the name?"
"Yes, Travor. What do you know of him?" Aeryn asked.
Travor dropped his head and started pacing. "Not good."
D'Argo looked at Travor with anger. "What is wrong? Tell us now!" D'Argo said grabbing Travor.
"He is one of Darion's most trusted men. He is a healer of sorts, but he is dangerous."
Aeryn dropped her head knowing she should have trusted her instincts.
"Aeryn, why? Why did you leave John with him? Someone you didn't know!" D'Argo shouted in anger turning on her. He grabbed her and shoved her against the tunnel wall.
"Frell! I trusted you! Chiana was right. I must be fahrbot!" His anger was at its peak. "I should have gone after him myself," he shouted slamming his fist against the
wall.
Aeryn winced at D'Argo's words. They were harsh, but somewhat justified. She watched D'Argo pace back and forth cursing to himself.
"Aeryn, why did you leave John?" Travor asked in a quiet voice, feeling for the woman now. Aeryn looked away from Travor as he said, "I know there had to be a reason."
Aeryn stood away from the wall and straightened her uniform, watching for any sign from D'Argo that he would listen. She saw him fold his arms across his chest as he waited for her explanation.
"John needs medical attention before we move him from the tunnel or he most likely will die. He only made it past two junctions before he collapsed." She was looking directly in the Luxans eyes as she spoke.
His head dropped in despair as Aeryn spoke of John's condition. Aeryn noted this in her mind as she continued, "He has a fever from infection and several broken ribs that may damage his internal organs."
D'Argo looked up at her. "So Aeryn, you had no choice," he said shamed by his previous actions. "I'm sorry, Aeryn. I thought."
"You thought that I didn't care enough to help him. Isn't that right, D'Argo?"
D'Argo nodded, dropping his head again.
"Well let me tell you something Luxan. This is my fault! I found myself caring for him again, and let my emotions take over! My instincts told me to stay with him, but my heart told me to get help! I listened to my emotions and not my training!" Aeryn finished, turning away from both men.
D'Argo could see her shoulders shaking. He knew she was crying, but was too proud to let them see. He approached her and lightly put his hand on her shoulder. "Aeryn, I should have known better than to doubt you. Let me know when you are ready. We'll rescue John together," he said in a saddened voice.
He turned to Travor asking, "Do you have any thing that will help John?"
Travor pondered the question for a moment. "I think I may be able to find some binding material for the ribs, but I don't have anything for the fever or infection."
"That is the most important injury we must attend to before we can move him," Aeryn said still with her back turned to them.
"We must hurry then. There is no telling what Roland is up to," Travor said leading the way.
D'Argo went to Aeryn's side. "Are you ready?" He asked in a quiet voice.
She nodded as she followed Travor. D'Argo took up the rear, glancing behind him before following. He was starting to get a bad feeling.
xxxxx
Darion wasted no time in his pursuit of John. He knew how to get to twenty- five and quickly. He had already passed half the junctions and was making good time. Travor was going the conventional way. 'He must have no idea I'm here,' he thought grinning. 'I can't wait to see the surprise on his face when we confront each other!'
Darion heard noise in the main tunnel, the sound was approaching the junction he was in. He backed up against the wall and waited to see who was coming. Derry appeared at a full run. Darion was surprised. He was supposed to be helping Roland.
"Derry.Derry," he said whispering louder than he wanted to.
Derry stopped and searched for the voice calling him. Darion poked his head out of the junction and motioned to him. Derry approached cautiously, keeping his distance.
"Derry, aren't you supposed to be with Roland? What are you running from?"
Derry was in a panic facing Darion. "Sir, I'm.Um.I haven't seen Roland for awhile. Things didn't go as we planned. I am searching for him now."
"Find him!" Darion said with anger in his voice. "When you do come to tunnel twenty-five and help me with the prisoner!"
"Yes sir!" Derry replied, happy that Darion bought his story. Derry continued on his way, glad that Darion was behind him now.
'Frell! Why can't anything go smoothly for me anymore,' Darion thought to himself as he continued on to his destination.
xxxxx
D'Argo, Aeryn and Travor were making progress but slowly. Travor stopped off in one of the junctions to get the bandaging material for John. It seemed like an arn before he returned. The anxiety was building in Aeryn and D'Argo. They were worried they would not get to their friend in time.
Aeryn and D'Argo sat next to each other waiting for Travor's return. They both were deep in their own thoughts.
Aeryn spoke first. "D'Argo, how can I gain your trust again?" She asked looking at the far wall.
"Aeryn, I am sorry about what happened," he said looking at her. "I trust you, but the rest of the crew doesn't. They remember you, as you were when you left the ship. They don't see you as I do now."
"But what made you doubt me?"
D'Argo sighed, hoping he would never have to answer this question. "After you went into the tunnel, I made contact with Moya. I wanted to let them know we had found John and Jool should be ready. When the crew found out you had gone after John they told me I must be fahrbot to trust you. When you returned without John, I thought they must have been right."
"So, they influenced what you thought about me."
"It was wrong, Aeryn, I know that!" D'Argo said irritated. "But in everyone's defense, ask yourself this, what were you like when you left Moya?"
Aeryn thought about herself back on Moya. Many thoughts came to mind and she had to admit she didn't like what she saw. She had become cold towards everyone especially John. She could see why the crew would be hesitant to trust her.
"Aeryn, don't be angry with them. They care about John, and right now they blame you for this," D'Argo said in truth.
Aeryn smiled. "Da'Argo only you would tell me the truth. I thank you for that," she said reaching for his hand. "Your trust and John's is all I need for now. I will earn the other's trust as time goes on."
"You have earned mine. I have no doubt you will earn theirs."
They both rose to their feet as Travor emerged from the junction. "I have what we need. We need to hurry now!"
" I agree Travor. We need to make up for lost time," Aeryn replied leading, running now. Time was running out for John. They could not afford to be cautious anymore.
xxxxx
Roland was pacing back and forth. Why had Derry left at the mention of Travor's name? He didn't understand the sudden change in him. Derry had always wanted to be in Darion's good graces, now he had just ruined his chance. 'No matter, I'll still be rewarded by Darion.'
Behind him he heard John groan. As he turned he saw John trying to stand up. He had only made it as far as inching his way up the wall, before Roland got to him.
"No, John. You mustn't get up. You need to stay as still as possible until help comes," Roland said soothingly, feeling the heat coming from his body. He knew his fever was rising.
"Let me go," John said struggling against Roland. "I gotta get out of here. I have to find Aeryn before she leaves me. I.I ..couldn't stand that again." The tears were rolling down his cheeks, as Roland lowered him to a sitting position.
"John, Aeryn will be back. She went to get help for you. Don't you remember? Just rest," Roland said trying to cool his body off with the wet cloth.
"Dammit don't lie to me," he said angrily. "Aeryn doesn't want to be with me. She wants to be with him! Why are you helping her?"
"Hell! Why can't someone cut me a frelling break for change," he said drifting off to sleep again.
Roland stayed close to John until he was sure he was asleep. He knew John was having troubled dreams. Even though John was awake he knew he was speaking of something in his past. This man had not had an easy life. 'And all I'm doing is adding to his pain.'
Roland was somewhat sorry for the way this was going to turn out for him, but he had to live in this town with Darion. He didn't have a choice.
"I'm sorry," he said wishing there was another way.
xxxxx
Aeryn, D'Argo and Travor heard the noise coming their way. It sounded like someone running. They hid in one of the junctions intent on intercepting this person.
As the man approached the junction, Aeryn jumped out in front of him with her gun drawn.
"Just stop right there," she said in a deadly voice. D'Argo and Travor now stood by her side.
"Travor! I have been looking for you," Derry said out of breath. "I need your help!"
"Who is this Travor?" Aeryn asked keeping her weapon aimed at him.
"His name is Derry. He was someone I had hope for at one time," Travor replied with sadness in his voice.
"Friend or foe?" D'Argo asked.
Travor looked in Derry's eyes, but could not find the answer. "He is the only one that can answer that question," Travor said looking away, disappointment on his face. "At one time I would have said friend."
"Travor, I am sorry I joined Darion's ranks. I thought he knew better than you at one time, but I've known better for some time. You would never hear me out when I tried to tell you," Derry said in a shamed voice. "I know where the prisoner is, and I know you hid him."
Travor looked at Derry now. "Were you going to be a party to his death?"
Derry looked down, not able to look Travor in the eyes. "Yes, until I found out you had hidden him. I left Roland when I found out. I really was searching for you, Travor. I need you to help me rescue this man from Roland and Darion."
"Darion is here? Frell! What happened to the one who was supposed to intercept him?" Aeryn asked feeling their whole plan was screwed.
Derry looked at Aeryn saying, "Roland is with him waiting for Darion. We have to get to him soon. I know Darion is not far from them."
"How could Darion have gotten ahead of us Travor?" D'Argo asked impatiently. "I thought you knew these tunnels better than anyone else!"
Derry looked at Travor. "You must take them the shorter way. Their friend's life depends on it, Travor."
Travor didn't like it but he understood. "I was trying to keep you both safe, that's why I didn't take you the other way. I didn't know Darion was here. I am going to take you a shorter way, but don't lose me. These tunnels can be a death trap," Travor said conceding.
"Derry, do you remember what I taught you about the tunnels?"
"Yes I do. Don't fear for me. I can find my way out."
"Good. I will lead the way. Derry, you will follow behind us. If we get separated there will be at least one of us that can get you out of here," Travor said looking at Aeryn and D'Argo.
"Travor, don't worry about us. John is the one we need to worry about now," D'Argo said dryly. "If we hadn't wasted so much time in this tunnel, when there was a shorter way we would be out of here now."
Travor flinched at D'Argo's statement.
Aeryn knew Travor only worried about their safety as she said, "Just lead us to him Travor."
