Chapter 17

"So, where have you been?"

Raven's question hung like a dark cloud in the silence that stretched afterward. The youngest of the And'r family swallowed nervously, finding himself the focus of so many eyes.

"As you know, the NARSI'L was on a supply run, then was to continue out to do some star mapping and reconnaissance on what movements the Gordanian fleet was making," Ryand'r related. "Two SELAS class ships ambushed us from an asteroid field. Fortunately, we were in the middle of a battle drill and we were already at stations. We destroyed both ships, but had taken sufficient damage that we had to abandon ship as the engines were nearing critical. Several of us were very relieved when a cargo ship dropped from hyperspace. However, it was short lived when we discovered it was a Ramarian freighter."

"That explains a lot," Blackfire muttered. "I'm surprised they didn't simply blow you out of space."

"The reason they did not was because they had picked up transmissions between the NARSI'L and one of our communication relay stations," Ryand'r said. "Unfortunately, I foolishly presented myself to the Captain of the ship and, after telling him who I was, I demanded that we all be returned to Tamaran, or our nearest colony. I even told him that I would see to it that they were handsomely rewarded for doing so."

"I gather that things did not go as you anticipated."

"No, Kori, they did not. Myself, Captain Roja'n, and Commander Baljo'r were taken to the medical section and watched as our few wounded were tended to. As we left we suddenly found ourselves surrounded by over a dozen Ramarians with spears and pain sticks. Captain Roja'n drew his sword and told Commander Baljor to get me to safety. Unfortunately, that was his last order, and it was not carried out, as the commander and I were forced against the wall with spear points at our throats, and Captain Roja'n was killed. From what I learned that is how all of the survivors of the NARSI'L were taken prisoner. They were led to where they were told I was, then overpowered by far superior numbers of Ramarians."

"How is it you learned of that?" Galfore asked. "Did they not keep you separated?"

"No, they did not. We were all put three to a cell, but all in the same corridor," Ryand'r replied. "That was how we were able to make our plans to escape. Two days later, several of the warriors in different cells started fighting with each other. When the guards went in to stop them, all three warriors turned on them and overpowered them. In a matter of moments, we were all free, and we quickly took over the ship. We were about to change course for Tamaran, when three Gordanian warships came out of hyperspace."

"I take it the Ramarian captain contacted them." Galfore said.

"That is correct. Evidently, the Gordanians promised them more for us then he thought Tamaran would pay. With the BELGORE being unarmed and slow, we had no choice but to return the ship to the Ramarians. As punishment for our escape attempt, the ranking Gordanian ordered twenty of us executed. That included the five of us in the medical bay."

"Typical Gordanian efficiency," Starfire said softly. "If a slave is injured to the point of needing medical attention, they kill them and save on the supplies."

Ryand'r nodded in a agreement. "The remaining ninety of us were divided between the three ships, and told that if any of us tried to escape, all of us would be executed. Needless to say, there were no further attempts at escape, and we were taken to one of the worlds with a Citadelian slave camp." As Ryand'r paused, remembering the journey, Robin could see the haunted look in his eyes just as he had seen it in Starfire's the few times she had talked to him about her past.

Ryand'r sighed heavily as he continued. "As it was, only twenty of us made it to the camps. We were separated, and it would be months before any of us saw another Tamaranean, making it virtually impossible to make any kind of escape plans."

"So how did you escape, Ry?" Blackfire asked.

"About two years ago, the camp was attacked by an unknown race. Their ships swept down and killed all but a few of the Citadelians with lightning efficiency. Those that remained, we finished off. We commandeered those ships that could fly from the spaceport and headed into space. Those of us that had fighters made life difficult for both the Citadel and the Gordanians. Once we ran low on ammunition and other supplies, we split up and headed back to our home worlds, making certain to cover our trails." He paused for a moment, and gave Starfire a hard look. "There was a time when I almost considered not returning to Tamaran, and it was because of your actions, sister."

"What could I have done to cause that, Ry?"

"I had heard that you had refused to marry, as directed by the Grand Ruler, and that you had challenged and defeated Blackfire, then banished her. That alone would not have kept me away, but I was told that you did that simply because you were apparently in love with this ruthasha, and you abandoned the throne to remain with him. I did not wish to return then because of the family shame I would find. I was relieved when I heard the real reasons for your actions, and pleased with your actions toward Tamaran since, including your pardoning of Blackfire."

"I wouldn't go so far as to say she's pardoned me, Ryand'r. She may have forgiven me, but she actually married me off to seal a treaty," Blackfire said, them smiled softly. "Although I will admit that my mate was far more desirable to me than the Exalted Sklerch of Drenthax four was to Kori."

"Yes," Starfire said with a chuckle. "For the last year and a half, our sister has been the Jemara of the Salvainian Empire."

Ryand'r smiled broadly at his eldest sister. "Congratulations, Koma." His smiled faded as he walked over to where Robin stood beside Starfire. He was slightly surprised when he noticed that Kim'r and his sisters tensed, while Robin showed no reaction at all, and met his gaze coolly. "So, this is the ruthasha that has captured my sister's heart?" he asked, giving Robin an appraising look. "I see that you do not like that term."

Robin shrugged slightly. "It depends on who says it and how they say it. Like you, some use it to mean someone only slightly above a troq."

Ryand'r looked over and said something to Starfire in Tamaranean. Raven didn't know what he said, but she saw Robin's eyes narrow in anger as everyone else gasped in shock.

"I thought that you had given you Oath of Acceptance and that you were a warrior," Robin said softly in Tamaranean. "Yet you talk about me, not to me and in a manner that you do not think I will understand,"

"I told Koriand'r that I am not surprised that she endeared herself to you. With you being the leader of the Titans that assures her standing on the team. What I am surprised at is that she had your child rather than take some veka serum to ensure that she would lose it so that she might play upon your sympath. . ."

Ryand'r was cut off by Robin slapping him across the face with his gloves, twice.

"You dare to strike me, ruthasha? I am Ryand'r, Warrior and Prince of Tamaran."

"Then act like it," Robin snapped. "Not like a second year avani that throws a tantrum if he can't get his way. I'd challenge you to a shavek hifa, but you don't have either the honor or respect of a warrior."

"What would you know of a warrior's honor, ruthasha?" Ryand'r asked, then gasped as, in reply, Robin swept the left side of his cloak aside, revealing his sword. "Father's sword and dagger," he said softly.

"My gift to him after he gave me his Oath of Acceptance," Starfire said.

"Making him a warrior simply so you could bond with him later."

"No, Ryand'r," Galfore said, and Robin noted that he dropped Ryand'r's title. "Koriand'r was surprised when she learned that Kim'r and Chr's had petitioned me to grant Rob'n warrior's status. A reward that he had truly earned."

Robin reflexively ducked under the right cross that Ryand'r threw at him, then snapped back up, driving his shoulder into the pit of the extended arm. He heard Ryand'r's grunt of pain as he felt the arm pop our of socket as he threw him onto his back with a hip toss. He was surprised to feel an impact on his forearm guard as he brought his hands to a defensive posture, and even more surprised to see Ryand'r's dagger clatter to the deck.

"Robin!" Starfire screamed as, in one motion, Robin drew his sword and swept it down. She sighed in relief when the tip of the blade stopped just short of her brother's throat.

Robin paused for a moment, then withdrew and sheathed his sword. "I gave you some leeway because you're Starfire's brother," he said softly. "But know this. If you ever speak of my wife or daughter like that again, and I will have you in a shavek hifa."

Everyone was surprised when Ryand'r chuckled softly. "I was beginning to wonder what was keeping you from striking out at me," he said, then groaned as he got to his feet.

Robin gaped at him for a moment. "You mean to tell me that this was some kind of test?" he demanded incredulously, then turned his back on him.

"She is my sister, and of the Royal Family."

"Sooo that gives you the right to act like a royal jerk?" Raven asked.

"Do not rebuke her, Ryand'r," Galfore said. "You said that you were pleased with what you were told Koriand'r has done since she removed Komand'r from the throne. If that is true, then you must know that her husband had a large role in that."

"And I am certain that you heard other things as well," Vern'a cut in. "Things that would reveal to you why your words would hurt her."

Ryand'r looked over and saw that Robin was not only talking to his sister, but comforting her as well. "I do not understand."

"You are familiar with the VILTHUR'L disaster, correct?" Galfore asked.

Ryand'r nodded. "And how she almost lost her sanity because of it."

"The base of the cure she was given was a derivative of veka serum," Vern'a told him. "Unfortunately, we did not know that she was with child at the time."

"And I said. . ." Ryand'r began, then his eyes widened. "By the Goddess, I did not mean to hurt either of them like that. I hope that they will accept my apology."

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"Star, are you alright?" Robin asked as he walked up to her. He grew even more concerned when he saw that her eyes were bright with unshed tears.

"I. . .am not sure," she replied. "Robin, it has been over a year and a half since I lost our first child. Why does it still hurt to think of her?"

Robin slid his arms around her and held her close. "I don't know, Kori. I've heard that there is a special bond between mothers and their first child," he said softly. "Then again, it might be because Ryand'r isn't someone you thought you would hear that from," he added, then felt Starfire tense slightly. Keeping his arm around her waist, he turned to stand beside her. They both watched as Ryand'r stopped in front of them, then dropped to his left knee.

"My Lord, I thank you for your mercy before, and I ask you both for your forgiveness for my foolish words."

"I have learned, brother, that simply saying you're sorry is not enough," Starfire said. "That you could say such things about me and my husband hurt me more than the taunting I endured from Trogaar." She walked over to where he still knelt. "Do you truly feel that way about Robin and I?"

Ryand'r stood and reached up to touch his sister's cheek. Robin saw the flash of pain in the younger man's eyes as Starfire moved her head to avoid the contact. "No, sister, I do not," he said softly. "But I needed a way to find out for myself that what I had heard about your husband was true," he said, then glanced over at Robin. "To be honest, some of what I heard was understated."

"As I told the Ca'ri, who I choose as my husband is no one's business but my own," she said, then sighed softly and reached out to ruffle her brother's hair. She smiled softly as Ryand'r blushed and ducked away. "Though I do not agree with your methods, your intentions were honorable ones, and I forgive you. However, as Robin said, if you speak of us like that again, you will be held accountable. If not by Robin, then by me."

"And if you do so when they will not hear or learn of it, I will deal with you," Kim'r said.

Ryand'r swallowed loudly when he head the tone of Kim'r's voice and realized just how many in the room he had made angry. "I give you my word, that will not be necessary."

"I think that you'll keep your word, little brother," Blackfire said. "Now, I'll ask a question that Starfire has either not thought of yet or is avoiding. Will you be planning on taking the throne?"

Ryand'r look astonished for a moment. "No. Absolutely not. Tamaran has prospered under Kori's leadership, and I have been away far to long to be a good leader."

"Umm, Ryand'r, I do not rule Tamaran," Starfire said. "I did for a short time, but realized that my responsibilities to Earth and the Titans would not allow me to remain on Tamaran."

"She adopted the brother of one of her handmaidens who had given her life to save Koriand'r's," Galfore said. "Since then, he has been Grand Ruler, with myself and Kim'r as Regents."

"He has been away for the last few weeks studying on Okarra," Kim'r said. "From what we have heard, he should be returning today."

Just then, Robin's communicator beeped, and he answered it.

"Yo, Robin, Liand'r is getting fussy, and there are two visitors out here to see both you and Star," Cyborg's voice said.

"I believe that things in here have been completed," Starfire said, and Ryand'r nodded.

"Come on in, then," Robin said into the communicator. A moment later the doors opened.

"Mother!" Nie'l cried with delight as he flew into her arms for a hug, then repeated the process for Robin.

As Robin set Nie'l back down, he saw Starfire first come to attention, then bow deeply from the waist. The recipient of that bow was a tall person dressed in a plain brown cloak with the hood up.

"It is good to see you again, ke'vanash Leton," Starfire said.

The newcomer gave a rumbling chuckle. "Judging by your actions last time we saw each other, Koriand'r, I am not sure that I believe that. However, I accept your welcome."

"Robin, this is Ke'vanash Leton, from Okarra," Starfire said introducing them. "Ke'vanash, this is my husband, Robin of the Teen Titans."

"So, this is the person who has taught Nie'l so well," Leton said. "He spoke highly of you, as does his understanding of not only hand to hand combat and swordsmanship, but leadership as well. I am pleased to finally meet you."

"And I'm honored to meet you," Robin said as he returned the bow he was given. "Koriand'r has told me of your instructing her."

"I am the Swordthain of the Warlords. Such instruction is my duty, although I will admit that it was also a pleasure with as quick a learner as her."

"So, have the warlords given their approval of him?" Starfire asked.

"I see that you are direct as always, Koriand'r," Leton said. "He has passed the Trials, and may rule Tamaran. However, until he comes of age his regents will remain." He stepped over so that he was standing directly in front of Nie'l, then bowed deeply from the waist. "It has been an honor to meet you and to instruct you, young Emperor. I have no doubt that you will rule wisely and well." He then turned to Starfire. "Koriand'r, I wish you well, and a long life for you and your family."

After Leton had left and the doors closed behind him, Starfire sighed in a manner that Robin had come to recognize as indicating that she had reached a decision.

"Galfore, when I was last on Tamaran, I went through some of my father's old papers," she said. "Very shortly after I was taken by the Gordanians, he ordered plans made up to break the treaty with them and not only rescue me, but to go to war with them."

"That is correct, my Lady."

"I also learned that he was strongly advised against the plan because we could not win such a war. Is that still true?"

Galfore sighed softly as he moved to a console at the front of the room. "That would depend on how you would define winning, and how much you are willing to sacrifice for that victory, my Lady." He tapped at some controls, and the familiar spiral of the Milky Way galaxy appeared in the air to his left. The view closed in until the Vegan star system and a few others were clearly defined. Everyone noticed that there was a large area in red, and a slightly smaller one in orange taking up one section of the display, with another area in purple in another. "The area in red is the area of space that Gordane controls," he said. "The orange is controlled by the Citadel. Tamaranean space is shaded in purple. It is a known fact that the Citadel, and Gordanians would work together to meet any aggression against either of them." He tabbed some more controls and a green area joined with the purple one.

"That is Salvainian space," Blackfire cut in as she stepped up to the console. "What warships Kor'mel has would be sent to aid Tamaran's fleet, as would those of the Haradan, Tholian, Drak, Kazon, and Valthara," she listed as sections of the star chart took on shades of blue and green. "Tamaran is not the only planet to suffer from Gordanian attacks."

"What's this system colored in white?" Beast Boy asked.

"That's Earth, BB," Cyborg replied. He looked thoughtful for a moment. "Why are we included? I mean aside from the Justice League's Javelins, and that experimental ship that Superman used to find Supergirl, Earth doesn't have any interstellar ships."

"There are several reasons, actually," Starfire replied. "First of which is what the Thanagarians tried to do. They showed the galaxy that the Earth occupies an area of space that is the perfect place to put a hyperspace bypass that will open a corridor deep into Gordanian space." She paused as she looked sideways at Blackfire. "Another reason is that Earth is my adopted home, as important to me as Tamaran," she saw the look Blackfire shot back at her. "Some would say Earth means even more to me."

There was silence for a moment, then Galfore cleared his throat. "As you can see by the display, with what allies we know the Gordanians to have along with ours, it would not take long for most of known space to be involved in the war. Thousands of planets, and untold numbers of lives would be lost on both sides."

"Koriand'r, even I do not want revenge at that cost," Ryand'r said.

"Mother, who is this warrior that addresses you so informally?"

Starfire smiled softly at the tone of Nie'l's voice. She walked over and put her hand on Ryand'r's shoulder. "This is Ryand'r, my brother."

"But I thought he was. . ."

"I was not killed, my Lord, but captured by the Ramarians, then turned over to the Gordanians. I only arrived on Tamaran in time to get aboard the ROHA'N just before she left for Earth."

Nie'l may have been Grand Ruler, but the training of his short life kicked in and he dropped to his left knee. "I am glad to see you have returned, Highness."

Ryand'r chuckled softly, then pulled Nie'l to his feet. "You are the Grand Ruler, nephew mine," he said. "Do not kneel to me. Also, have no concern. I have no intention of challenging you for the crown." He turned toward Starfire. "Now then, sister, I will hold you to what you said when you agreed to this meeting. It has been a very long time since I have enjoyed a properly prepared Tamaranean meal and, much as I would enjoy talking with you, I would prefer to do that over a feasting table."

Starfire giggled softly. "As you wish, little brother. I will also let our people know that you have returned to us."

"No, sister," Ryand'r said then crossed over to Robin who was holding Liand'r. He reached out and gently touched the infant's cheek. "Today is her day, I do not wish to take anything away from that. Tomorrow, using the regular information channels, will be time enough."

"Thank you for that, prevono," Robin said putting his free hand on Ryand'r's shoulder.

"You are welcome," Ryand'r said. "And one thing we must discuss, Korana, is how you met this off worlder who is now your husband."