Hi All!
All disclaimers apply, as usual.
Thank you all for your kind and helpful reviews, I really do appreciate them.
Enjoy,
Failte
********************************************
Darcy looked from Lance to Dr. Gorma. "Who's Kadmus?"
"He's a wizard," Dr. Gorma explained, settling into the chair beside the bed. "He's from the same ancient sect as Haggar. More than eight hundred years ago, this sect, the final lineage of all powerful wizards and witches, split into two segments. One continuing it's tradition of helping those in need, and the other pursuing the darker side. Kadmus is one of the last of the good wizards."
"So you think this has some kind of magical root?" Lance asked, quietly.
"I don't know what else it could be, Lieutenant. If it isn't, then we can rule out any kind of magic."
Lance nodded.
There was an insistent knock on the door. Darcy crossed quickly to the door to answer it.
"Is Dr. Gorma in there?" Nurse Helene asked.
"Yes, Helene, what is it?" Dr. Gorma rose to greet her.
"It's the Captain, he's developed a fever."
"I'll be right there." He turned to Darcy and Lance. "I'll see what I can do about getting in touch with Kadmus."
Darcy watched him leave.
"Well, this sucks." Lance declared.
She turned
and looked at him, her hands stuffed in her pockets. "We'll figure out what's wrong with you and
fix it."
"And
if it can't be fixed?"
"Don't think that way."
"I can't help it. If I lose my legs then I can't fly. What then?"
"Then you
find something else to do."
"Like what, Darcy? I'm totally fucking worthless right now."
Her eyes widened, "What? That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard!"
"But it's true."
Darcy crossed to the bed and sat on the edge, "You're upset right now, Lance, but you can't give up hope. There is still a chance they can cure you. And if, God forbid, you can't walk, we'll deal with it. You are not, nor will you ever be, worthless."
Lance looked up at her, "It's hard not to feel that way."
"Don't be so impatient, you just woke up. Dr. Gorma is the best doctor in the galaxy and you know he won't rest until they know what's wrong."
"Yeah." He muttered.
"Or you can sit here, feeling sorry for yourself and wallow in self-pity."
"That sounds like fun."
She leaned
over and kissed him gently, "Or we can try and take your mind off it."
He gave her a small smile,
"That sounds like fun, but I don't think I'm up to, uh, performing."
"I don't know what you have in mind, but I was talking about watching a movie, your choice." She kissed him again, "Relax, get some rest. I'll make you something to eat, anything you want. We need to work on keeping up your strength so you can fight whatever's wrong."
"You'll stay?" Lance asked, lacing his finger through hers.
"I have to check in with Hunk, see how everything's going and if he needs me. But I will stay if I can. I go on duty at five."
He nodded, "Keep me posted."
"Relax," Darcy picked up the remote for the televiewer and handed it to him. "Think about what you're hungry for and what movie you're in the mood for. I'll be back."
"Find out how Keith's doing."
"I will," she leaned down and kissed him again. "I love you, Lance."
He nodded.
****************************************
After a quick shower, Darcy entered Castle Control to find Pidge, Dante, Koran, Rankin, Paget, and Rainger standing by the console.
Paget raced over and gave her a quick hug, "Darcy, how are you?"
"I'm fine. How're you doing?"
"Great. I can't believe you guys found Renata, this is so wonderful. It's been four years since we've seen her."
"How's Lance?" Pidge asked.
She filled them in on his condition.
"He can't walk at all?" Rankin asked.
Darcy shook her head, "He has no feeling, at all, in his legs."
"Oh man, this has got to be killing him." Pidge muttered.
"Yeah, it is. Any word on Keith?" Darcy asked.
"He has developed a fever," Koran said. "Dr. Gorma thinks it might be a reaction to the new pain reliever they put him on."
"What're the plans for today?" Darcy asked.
"Hunk and Caleb are working on the Lions," Pidge said. "Once Green and Red are back in working order we're going to have practice."
She turned to Rankin, "Have you seen Renata yet?"
"She's still asleep. I'm sure she needs it, I didn't want to wake her." He explained.
"Any word from Doom?"
Koran nodded, "We received an Intel report saying they arrived on Doom and Lotor was taken from the ship on a stretcher."
Pidge smiled slightly, "So you can go, we'll contact you when we're ready for practice or if something happens."
"Thanks, just keep me posted and let me know if there is anything you need me to do."
"Will do, Sergeant." Koran said, but he was speaking to her retreating back as she hurried to the hospital wing.
***********************************
Renata woke slowly. Stretching luxuriously, she sank deeper into the thick pillows that covered the bed. She couldn't remember the last time she had slept that well.
Looking around her, she took in the room. It was huge, it would have filled half the house she had grown up in. The bed was big enough for four people to sleep in and it faced a fireplace. Beside a window that looked out over the lake was a dressing table and chair, over which a dress was laid.
Climbing out of the bed, Renata walked around the room, unable to believe that she was here, safe in the fabled Castle of Lions. Neither Lotor nor Landor could get to her here.
She jumped and stifled a scream when she heard the door open behind her.
"Oh, good, you're up," Nanny said, walking in with a tray. "I brought you some breakfast and then we'll get you dressed. Your brothers are anxious to see you."
"They're here!" Renata asked excitedly.
"Yes, they arrived a couple of hours ago."
"Why didn't anyone wake me?" She cried, making a break for the door.
Nanny grabbed her arm, "Because you needed to rest. And I will not allow you to run around the castle like that, young lady. You will eat and then dress before leaving."
"But…"
"But nothing. Sit, eat." Nanny set the tray on the dressing table and picked up the dress that was lying across the chair. "We found this old dress of the Queen's, it should fit alright until we can get you some new clothes of your own."
Renata poked at the meal on her plate, too excited to eat but to afraid to argue with Nanny.
The older woman clucked her tongue, "Alright, the bathroom is through there. Do you need any help dressing?"
"No, Ma'am."
She nodded curtly, "Get dressed. They're in Castle Control, go down one floor, turn left at the bottom of the steps, it's hard to miss."
Renata stood, "Thank you, Ma'am."
"You can call me Nanny, everyone
else does." She looked at the young
girl, "If there is anything you need, don't be afraid to ask. You are a welcome guest here."
"Yes, Ma'am…Nanny, thank you
for your kindness."
Nanny felt her heart soften, "No harm will come to you while you're here."
Renata smiled softly, bowed her head and hurried into the bathroom. She was showered and dressed in record time. Brushing her hair, she grimaced at the site of her bruised and battered face. She tossed the brush on the dressing table and started down to Castle Control. Her heart stopped a beat when she heard the deep resonance of Rankin's voice. Tears filled her eyes as she approached the open entrance and she saw him standing with his back to her, talking to the older gentleman she had met the night before.
Rankin heard Paget gasp softly. He looked at her, concerned, but realized she was looking beyond him. Turning, he saw her standing in the doorway, her face bruised and swollen, big fat tears running down her cheeks. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out.
"Renata!" Rainger called, running over to her.
Sobbing, she returned the hug her younger brother gave her. They clung to each other.
"I never thought I would see you again," she sobbed.
Rainger pulled back when Rankin placed a hand on his shoulder. He looked down at his youngest sister. Placing a gentle hand on the side of her face, he whispered, "I am so sorry."
She shook her head, "It wasn't your fault."
He folded her into his arms, feeling as though his heart would burst. After everything they had lost, to find one more of their own was a miracle he never thought would happen. Rankin wasn't too proud that he couldn't allow a few tears of relief and happiness escape his eyes as he felt her tears soak the front of his shirt.
Renata pulled back to look at him. He had been brother and father to her. When Sayyid had been killed, Rankin had taken it upon himself to care for them all and she knew how deeply it had hurt him as one by one, their family disappeared. To others, he was a quiet, sullen, intimidating man, but to her he would always be the big brother who had told her stories as a child and chased away her fears.
"I never thought I would see you again," she repeated.
"If I had known, I would have found a way to get you out." His voice was raw with emotion.
"Don't blame yourself. You couldn't have known, you have done more than anyone should ever have to do. I am so proud of you."
He ran a finger over her cheek, brushing her bruised eye. "Did Lotor do this?"
She shook her head, "Don't worry, I'm fine and he can never harm us again. Have you heard from…"
"No," Rankin interrupted, not wanting to tell her the fates of their two sisters.
Taking a deep breath, Renata asked, "So it's just the three of us."
"The four of us," Rankin corrected offering Paget his hand and pulling her close.
"Paget," Renata felt a fresh wave of tears rise within her. When she was younger, too young to be a part of Lotor's harem, she had worked in the kitchens with Paget. Even before Paget and Rankin had found each other, Paget had taken young Renata under her wing and cared for her the best she could.
The two women embraced, holding onto each other for dear life.
"It feels as though our family is finally whole," Paget whispered.
Pidge cleared his throat.
They had all forgotten Pidge, Dante, and Koran were still in the room.
"Please feel free to make yourselves at home. You can use the rec room if you would like to catch up." Koran said.
Rankin turned to Pidge and Dante, "I don't know how we can ever thank you for bringing Renata back. We are forever indebted to you all."
Pidge smiled and shook his head, "It was the least we could do. Renata's a hero. Without her we would not have been able to find Keith and she helped with our escape."
"Really?" Rankin raised an eyebrow and looked down at his sister.
Renata blushed, "I didn't really do anything."
"What?" Pidge exclaimed. "She found us and led us to Keith, then she took a knife and cut Landor across the face. With no thought to her own safety, Renata created enough of a distraction to make our escape possible. And as if that's not enough, she also tended to Keith's wounds and kept him as healthy as she could. We couldn't have done it without her."
Rankin smiled proudly at his sister.
Blushing even more, Renata mumbled, "It was nothing."
"Come on," Paget kept one arm hooked through Renata's and grabbed Rankin's arm with the other. "Let's go to the rec room and catch up."
"Just let us know if you need anything," Koran said.
As the four of them were left Castle Control, Dr. Gorma rushed in.
"Is everything alright?" Koran asked.
"I wanted to let you know that I am expecting a visitor." Dr. Gorma explained. "Kadmus should be arriving at any time."
"Kadmus?" Pidge asked. "Why is he coming?"
"I'm hoping he can help with Lt. Collier's injuries."
"It's that bad?"
"I don't know, Lieutenant. None of the x-rays show any kind of spinal injuries. I honestly don't know why he can't feel his legs, I'm hoping Kadmus can find the root of the problem. Will you contact me as soon as he arrives?"
"Of course, Dr. Gorma," Koran assured him.
*************************
Allura watched as Keith slept. Earlier, she had gone to check on Cady and when she had come back, Keith said he was feeling funny. His hand felt hot when she took it and his forehead burned. Dr. Gorma thought it was a reaction to the new pain medication he had put Keith on and he promptly stopped administering it.
That had been almost two hours ago. She stroked his arm, feeling the skin burn beneath her fingers.
His eyes fluttered and slowly opened.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." She whispered.
"Allura?"
"How're you feeling?"
"Where's the baby?"
"She's fine, she's in the nursery with Nanny. Can I get you anything?"
"I'm thirsty."
"I'll get you something to drink." She picked up the small pitcher of water and poured him a cup of water.
"Is Lance back yet?"
Allura took his hand in both of hers and debated on what she should tell him. He deserved to know the truth, but she didn't want him to feel guilty. "He's awake. I told you that earlier."
"What?"
She sighed, he wasn't completely coherent, "Get some rest, honey."
Keith closed his eyes again, "Allura?"
"Yes, Keith?"
"I love you."
She smiled, "I love you too, honey."
"But you're a princess and I'm just a pilot."
"I think we can work around that."
"Okay. You want to get married?"
"How about we discuss that when you're feeling better?"
He opened his eyes, "Is that a
no?"
She leaned over and dropped a kiss on his burning forehead, "Yes, I will marry you. Now get some rest. We'll plan the wedding when you're feeling better."
"Shouldn't Lance and Darcy be planning their own wedding?" He asked, his mind jumping from topic to topic.
"They are."
Keith closed his eyes again, "I'm his best man."
"I know you are, honey, go back to sleep. You need to rest."
"Does Nanny know you're in here with me, alone?"
"Yes, she does."
He mumbled something she couldn't understand as he slipped back into sleep.
**************************
Lance looked down at Darcy. She had helped him scoot over on the bed so she could lay with him. She was curled up on her side, her head on his shoulder and one arm stretched across his chest, her hand clutching his other shoulder. Her left leg was thrown across his legs and he couldn't feel the weight of it.
She had gone to his room and brought him a few of his old comedy movie disks, hoping to raise his spirits. The sandwiches she had made laid half eaten on the bedside table.
His right arm was wrapped around her, holding her in place against him. He knew she was sleeping. She wouldn't tell him everything, claiming she was fine, but he knew she had gone about two days with almost no sleep.
Keith was lying in the room next door, bandaged and burning with fever. At least they knew what was wrong with him and how to deal with it.
Frustration burned inside him. Why him? Why now? Everything was going well with his life. He had a career he loved and was about to marry the woman of his dreams. Then Lotor waltzes back into their lives and ruins his.
A beeping interrupted his thoughts.
Darcy sighed and slowly let go of his shoulder, bringing her wrist into her line of vision. She sat up and turned off the alarm on her watch.
"You're on duty?" He asked.
She nodded and yawned, "I'm sorry I fell asleep."
"You needed to."
"You have your communicator, if you need anything, or just want to talk, contact me."
"You're exhausted," he observed.
"I'm fine."
"Call off sick."
She smiled and cupped his cheek with her hand, "I'm fine, Lance. Get some rest. Dr. Gorma said Kadmus could arrive at any time. I'll be back in a few hours."
He turned his face in her hand and kissed her palm, "I'll be here."
Dante was on duty when Darcy entered Castle Control.
"How're things going?" She asked.
"Nothing happening so far. We're waiting for this Kadmus guy and according to Intel there hasn't been any real activity on Doom since they landed. How's Lance?"
"The same. We're kind
of at a stand still until Kadmus arrives."
Dante stood and handed her the
activity log, "Do you really think he can help?"
"I hope so. It's all we've got right now. No word on the Lions?"
"Green is alright, but Red took a full shot in the side and needs more work."
She winced, "Don't tell Lance his poor kitty was hurt, this is the last thing he needs to hear."
"Well, Hunk wants us up at 0600 for practice anyway."
Darcy nodded, "Thanks, Dante."
"No
problem, Darc, let me know if you need anything."
She smiled, "Thanks, I think
we…"
A beeping on the console interrupted her. There was an incoming ship. She crossed over and opened a line of communication.
"You are entering Arusian airspace. Identify yourself and state your business." Darcy announced.
"I am Kadmus. I am here at the request of Dr. Argus Gorma."
"You have permission to land. There will be guards to meet you and bring you into the Castle."
"Thank you, dear."
Darcy closed the communication and contacted Dr. Gorma.
"Would you please take some guards out and meet Kadmus on the tarmac?" She asked Dante.
"No problem." He left Castle Control in the direction of the landing field,
Dr. Gorma arrived moments later, looking tired and a bit older than he had a few days earlier. He and Darcy waited in silence for Kadmus.
"Do you really think he can help?" Darcy asked quietly.
"He's good, Sergeant, I think he can."
The door slid open and Dante entered, escorting a small, shriveled man.
Darcy didn't know what to expect when she was told that a wizard was coming, but she wasn't expecting Kadmus. He stood, stooped over, at just barely five feet tall. He was bald and his skin had the appearance of a crumpled, brown shirt badly in need of an ironing. His cloak was old, but clean and a large, black leather satchel hung over his shoulder.
"Argus," he greeted Dr. Gorma. His voice was scratchy and high pitched.
"Kadmus, I am so glad you could make it." Dr. Gorma took the hand Kadmus held out.
"I only hope I can help," he said earnestly, before turning to Darcy. "You know this man I am here to examine."
"Yes sir, he's my fiancé." She told him. He had a kind face and sharp eyes.
"And you are?" Kadmus held his hand out.
Darcy took it in hers, "I'm Sgt. Darcy Barlow."
A warmth spread through her entire body as their hands met. Kadmus studied her and gripped her left arm with his other hand. She looked down and saw he held her arm just below the elbow.
"You've been touched by evil," Kadmus observed.
She knew immediately that he was referring to the reception a year earlier when Haggar had grabbed her left arm in the same place and transferred poison into her bloodstream.
"Yes sir," she whispered, her heart pounding.
He smiled kindly, "It's not as bad as you think."
"What?"
Kadmus turned to Dr. Gorma, "Where is the patient?"
"Come with me, I'll show you." Dr. Gorma offered his arm to the old wizard.
Darcy turned to Dante, "Um, remember when you said that if I needed anything…"
Dante smiled and waved her away, "Go. You just owe me a shift sometime."
"Thanks Dante, I swear I'll make this up to you," she called as she hurried out of Castle Control, following Dr. Gorma and Kadmus.
