Earth 481
They were free.
But what Carter had done, what she had agreed to, was an offence against the traditions of the Avianoids. Talyn had gestured that Kendra - only Kendra - should come to speak to him. He told her that they could never set foot in an Avianoid city again - they must leave this one within the day.
''Why did he do that?'' Talyn seemed genuinely bewildered.
''It's called mercy'' she explained. ''Not killing someone, even though you can, because they don't deserve to die. It can also mean sparing someone when they do - the ability to show mercy shows that you're a good person.''
''Mercy'' he seemed to be tasting the unfamiliar word, as much as saying it. ''Mercy. I can see that it might have value - sometimes. I'll repeat your words to others - I suspect we shall be discussing this event for some weeks'' he paused. 'But you must go. Many of our people have been offended by this - mercy.''
She nodded and walked back towards where Carter was sitting, examining his leg wounds. Glancing back, she could that Talyn was still watching them. I've planted a seed today, she thought - and hoped this new idea would take root in the soil of the Avianoid culture. It hadn't gone down well in the arena when Carter had sheathed his mace and limped away from the fallen champion.
''Kendra! Carter!'' Kendra turned towards the familiar voice - it had been Sara's. The blonde woman, together with Rip, Leonard and Naomi, were heading their way at a brisk pace.
''We saw you in the arena'' Rip told them, eyeballing Carter's injuries. ''You need some first aid, then we'll get you back to the ship so Morris can give you a full check-up.''
X
An hour later, they were sheltering in a disused building. Things had not gone according to plan.
First off, it had been difficult to get first aid for Carter. Word of what had happened in the arena had quickly spread through the ground dwelling population. It didn't take them long to realise they were now regarded as potential suspects in the Peregrine woman's murder once more. Not even the healers wanted anything to do with Carter.
Eventually, Kendra had pleaded with a young healer apprentice, who finally agreed to sneak anti-infection lotion and bandages out of her employer's premises. Now she smeared the lotion on Carter's legs and arm, while he tried not to wince.
Neither were very sure how long it would take for his wings to heal, although ''They will heal'' Carter said, drawing on a previous life memory.
Secondly, bad feeling towards them was spreading throughout the ground level town they were sheltering in. It hardly needed Snart to tell them that - some very angry looks were coming their way. Twice people had 'accidently' bumped into them, then looked as if they hoped for an angry response.
''We'll take cover'' Rip had decided. 'Head for the Acheron when things get quiet.''
A lot of heavy drinking appeared to be going on as the day turned to evening. It would be an unexpected piece of luck if there wasn't a clash between the two species within the next few hours. Lance is going to get her war, Rip thought dourly.
''This is ridiculous'' Naomi burst out. ''We hide here, while Lance stirs things up out there.''
Rip's first instinct was to agree with her - but not when he thought things through a bit.
''We can't take her on right now'' he pointed out. ''One or more ground dweller-type bodies is going to push the local population over the edge. We wait.''
''Why doesn't he do something'' Naomi waved her arm in the direction of the door.
''He is'' Sara told her sharply.
Leonard had spent most of their time there looking at the door. Whenever anyone approached the door or seemed to be thinking about coming in - some of the locals had begun to search for them - he blotted the door's existence out of their consciousness. Projecting the image of a blank wall wasn't difficult but, over time, it became wearing. He knew what he would have to do when they did make it back to the Acheron.
X
It must have been about four in the morning when Rip decided that they could now leave. Everything in the streets was quiet and Snart couldn't sense any immediate risk.
Carter's leg injuries had stiffened, making it awkward for him to walk. Rip and Leonard were on either side of him, supporting him. The three women formed a loose cordon around them. They made slow progress but - as Rip had predicted - there was no one about.
They had got beyond the edge of the town and were approaching the woods where Rip had concealed the Acheron, when one of Carter's supporters came to a sudden halt. The others wobbled but managed to keep their balance.
''What is it?'' Rip murmured.
''Lance'' was the ominous reply. ''She's following us - withe three of her goons.''''