Stolen Innocence

Chapter 13

The trek through the wet, gray valleys and the climb up the treacherous slopes of the mountain left Bane exhausted and impatient to be home at last. So when he caught sight of the monastery, he breathed a frosty sigh of relief through the mask and paused to gaze upon his home.

The wooden structure had been built into the leeward side of a mountain, its color blending with that of the rock facing, making it difficult to distinguish from a distance. The complex, when it had truly been a monastery, had consisted only of a couple of buildings, but once the League acquired it, additional, connected buildings were added, giving it a cobbled yet fascinating appearance. A true marvel in engineering, its architectural style in keeping with Bhutan's culture. The symbolism of living high upon this mountain after being born in the depths of the earth had always pleased Bane, and the very sight of the monastery filled him with pride.

Once inside the anteroom, Bane and Temujin shook the snow from their boots and removed their packs and heavy parkas. Light from dozens of candles made the visual transition from the mountain's brightness to the monastery's muted interior a soothing, gradual one.

"I will take your coats." Akar's voice pulled Bane's attention to the threshold leading into the Great Hall. "And I will clean your boots before I return them to your rooms."

Bane smiled. "Hello, Akar."

Surprisingly, the young man did not return his smile. In fact, he avoided Bane's gaze altogether. "Welcome back."

"How are you, my boy?" Temujin also smiled.

Akar reached for Temujin's parka. "I am well, thank you."

Temujin exchanged a curious glance with Bane. "It would seem otherwise. What is wrong?"

Akar retrieved Bane's coat as well, hugging the two items to his chest like a shield. Still his eyes remained downward. "Talia has pneumonia," he murmured.

Alarm stiffened Bane's spine. "Pneumonia?" Quickly he picked up his pack and stepped toward the Great Hall, Akar turning to the side to allow him room.

"Bane," Temujin's voice restrained him. "You will report with me to Rā's before you see Talia."

"I won't be long, Jin. I promise."

"Bane. This isn't a choice."

Clenching his jaw, Bane stood his ground, waited for Temujin to step from the anteroom.

"Do you know where Rā's is, Akar?" the Mongol asked.

"He is in his office." Akar bent to gather their boots, for a moment distracting Bane. Something more than Talia's illness was affecting the young man. Akar's behavior was completely out of character for such an occasion; normally he was overly talkative upon Bane's return to base and wanted to know if the mission had been successful. Well, Bane thought, Akar would have to wait, as would Talia. Soon, though, he would have his answers.

Bane followed Temujin through the complex, returning the nods of greeting from his brothers whom they passed. He hoped they were pleased to see that he and Temujin had survived their mission. Then he wondered if Talia knew yet of his return. The base always had men watching the valley for anyone approaching; that would have been how Akar knew to appear in the anteroom to meet any needs they may have. Bane's fingers twitched with impatience to see Talia. Surely she would wonder why he did not immediately visit her. He hoped she realized his delay was not by choice.

Once in the dormitory, the first scents of supper teased Bane's hollow stomach. He and Temujin climbed the stairs to the upper level where they dropped their packs in Bane's bedroom. Then they headed across the atrium.

Bane forgot the inviting waft of cooking as his attention shot to the closed door of Talia's chamber. Just then Choden emerged. The small Tibetan held a bowl and a damp cloth in one hand as he gently shut the door behind him. When he saw Bane, his smile was tight, and he gave a slight bow. To reach the stairs, Choden had to come toward them. They met just outside Rā's' room.

"How is she?" Bane quietly asked the attendant.

"She is medicated and resting."

"Bane," Temujin drew his attention back as he knocked on Rā's' door.

"Come in," their commander called.

Choden offered Bane a reassuring touch on the arm and a nod before he went on his way.

Inside Rā's' room, soothing heat greeted them from the large fireplace, along with the pleasant scent of wood smoke. Dressed in dark clothing, Rā's sat in a worn upholstered chair, the only true creature comfort in the living space. In his hands he held a book, which he set on a nearby end table when they entered. He climbed to his tall height.

"Welcome back, gentlemen," Rā's said with a smile that carried nothing more than a touch of warmth. "When I heard of your approach, I had Akar bring up a fresh pot of tea. It should be ready by now." He gestured to two wooden chairs in front of his expansive desk where the teapot sat. The soft soles of Rā's' shoes made little sound as he circled the desk and settled into the leather chair behind it.

"Thank you for this," Temujin said as he poured a cup for himself and his master. He gave Bane an apologetic glance. Bane, however, had little desire for tea or anything else except seeing Talia.

Rā's drew his cup and saucer closer. "Please make your report, gentlemen."

Bane sat in dutiful silence during Temujin's narrative, hiding the tension he felt. Prior to this, he had not asked his SO if his contrary behavior during the mission would be relayed to Rā's al Ghūl. He fully expected it to be; after all, Temujin had an obligation to report all that had occurred, particularly considering that Bane was still new to field duty. Or perhaps Temujin would wait until he was dismissed before discussing such things with their commander.

To his relief, Temujin stuck strictly to the basic actions and facts of the operation. Rā's listened without interruption, sipping his tea and occasionally nodding, expression unreadable. Bane fought to stay focused, not to think about his ill habibati on the other side of the wall to his right. His attention, however, sharpened when Temujin reached the point in his narration about ordering Acayo killed. Rā's had not looked at him once during Temujin's report, but now his eyebrows raised slightly, and his stare fell upon Bane for a brief moment. Bane felt no pride, as he would have under normal circumstances. In fact, he wanted to look away in shame but managed to hold his master's gaze for that instant. Seeing surprise in Rā's' eyes, Bane painfully realized Talia's father had indeed expected him to fail such a test.

"Bane performed admirably," Temujin said. "As you can imagine, the task was a difficult one."

"It was not difficult," Bane said. "It was necessary." This time he held Rā's' eye with a touch of defiance. How dare the man doubt him? Before his initiation, had his master not said that he was the League's most remarkable student to date?

"What of the man who jeopardized the op?" Rā's asked. "Diako."

"Once he guided Zakuani and the children to the location where they could be airlifted," Temujin said, "Zakuani eliminated him."

"Very good. I will speak to Zakuani about his poor choice of guides."

"He regrets what happened," Temujin assured. "He has used the man before without incident."

Rā's merely grunted and drank from his cup again.

Taking advantage of his master's inability to speak while drinking, Bane said, "Sir, if you please, I have a request." He plunged on before Rā's could swallow. "Acayo shared intelligence with us about a woman in Uganda who was responsible for her kidnapping, a woman who worked with Mutara. No doubt she was also responsible for the abduction of the children we rescued."

"An assumption," Rā's said. "Or did Mutara share that information with Acayo?"

Bane glanced at Temujin's cautioning expression. "No, sir. He did not. But either way, we know for a fact that this woman was responsible for the kidnapping of Acayo and the other schoolchildren. I would like your permission to find her and bring her to justice."

Rā's set his teacup on the saucer, licked his lips, considered Bane. "I do not sanction missions for personal revenge, Bane."

"It is not for revenge, sir. It is to stop this woman from committing further crimes and assisting others in doing the same. It is for justice."

"Justice for Acayo?"

Bane hesitated. "For her, yes. And for the others this woman has affected, before and after Acayo. You don't think it a worthy cause?"

"Worthy? Oh, yes, indeed. But worthy of the League…I am not so certain."

"It wouldn't require much in resources," Bane insisted. "I can locate her myself. I believe I have enough information to do so."

"You forget that you are still under Temujin's supervision. If I sanctioned such a mission, it would require Temujin's services as well, services that would deprive the League of one of its best lieutenants."

"I don't believe it would be a lengthy mission, sir," Bane said.

"You have no way of knowing that," Rā's countered.

"I am confident—"

"Confidence is not enough." Rā's stood. "And I notice Temujin is not jumping in to support your request."

"I would support it," Temujin clarified. "However, I understand your reservations, sir."

Gripping the lapels of his tunic, Rā's moved slowly around the desk, thoughtful. He stopped to stare at the fire for a long moment. Bane exchanged a look with Temujin, who mouthed, "Patience."

At last Rā's turned back, stepped closer but did not return to his chair. He crossed his arms, regarded his operatives. "You have both performed well and accomplished your mission. To show my gratitude I will allow Acayo's information to be passed on to Ugandan authorities so they may investigate and apprehend this woman. I will also ensure our Rwandan friends extract as much information about her as Mutara can provide to assist the Ugandans in their efforts."

"Sir," Bane quickly said, "the Ugandans won't be as motivated or as competent as—"

"It will have to be enough," Rā's replied with finality.

"But, sir, if I may—"

"You've heard my decision, Bane. That is the end of the matter."

Before Bane could protest further, Temujin's hand gripped his left arm. "Thank you, sir," the Mongol said. "We appreciate your involvement. Don't we, Bane?"

Bane did his best to hide his frustration by staring at the opaque windows behind the desk. "Yes," he gritted out.

"Very well," Rā's said. "Compile your intelligence, Bane, and I will make the necessary contacts."

"Yes, sir."

"Temujin, you are dismissed. Bane, I would like you to remain."

"Sir, what of Talia?" Bane said as Temujin stood. "Akar says she has pneumonia."

"Indeed she does. After you left, I had a small rebellion on my hands. My daughter was upset with my parenting methods and decided she would punish me by running away. During her brief hiatus, she fell ill."

Concealing his surprise over Talia's behavior, Bane asked, "How is she now?" noting how Temujin lingered to hear their exchange.

"She has only been back about twelve hours. She has been treated with antibiotics. Choden said the illness is not too advanced, so she should respond quickly to treatment."

Temujin asked, "May I visit her?"

"I just left her before you arrived. She is sleeping now. Later you may see her. But I don't want to indulge her too much; as you can imagine, I am quite displeased with her."

With a tight smile, Temujin bowed. Before turning for the door, he tossed one last cautionary glance Bane's way.

"I'm surprised at Talia's behavior," Bane said, though not completely believing his own words. After all, he was keenly aware of Talia's burgeoning teenage rebelliousness.

"Do you know where she went, Bane?"

"No, sir. Of course not."

"My men and I searched for her and found her in a cave several hours south of here."

Bane's stomach clenched, and he swallowed in a dry throat, for he could see that Rā's had learned the purpose of the cave. Now was the time for full disclosure in the hopes of making things easier on Talia, taking some of the blame from her. "I believe I know the location of which you speak."

"Indeed you do…since it was you who discovered the cave and supplied it." Rā's pushed Temujin's chair out of the way so he was closer to Bane, then he leaned back against the edge of the desk, arms still crossed. "An undertaking of which you failed to inform me…me—Talia's father and your master. Talia told me the sanctuary, of course, is for her."

"Yes, sir. In case this base was ever breached by an enemy. I should have told you. I'm sorry."

"You didn't tell me because you still don't trust me to safeguard my own daughter. Do you?"

Bane frowned and sighed. "My intention was not to impugn—"

"Are there any other contingencies I should be aware of?" Rā's' acerbic voice had become as cold as the windows before Bane.

"No, sir."

"You provided my daughter with a way to defy me…and a way to alarm me. Let me ask you something, Bane. When you were her guardian in prison, what would you have felt if she had vanished and hid herself where you could not find her?"

"Of course I would have been frantic."

"And what would you have done to the one who provided her with such a place of concealment?"

Bane's fingers twitched, his jaw tightened. "I would have punished him severely."

"Indeed. Then you will understand how I feel right now about this whole incident."

"Again, I am sorry, sir. My intent was not to cause harm but to help Talia if danger arose here. I never imagined that she would use the cave as a means of manipulating anyone."

"Nor would have I. But, as we are both learning, Talia is becoming more and more intractable. We must keep this in mind whenever we feel that we can trust her to do what she needs to do. What happened recently can never happen again."

"May I ask what triggered her disobedience?"

"You, of course."

"Me? But I was away, sir."

"Yes, and because I'm the one who dared send you from her so soon after your previous mission, she felt aggrieved. She manipulated Akar into accompanying her. That boy has never had a disobedient bone in his body until Talia came here."

Bane had a distinct feeling Rā's wanted to add, "Until you came here," but he refrained.

"I've been away on other missions," Bane said. "You never spoke of any protests on her part then."

"No, she was wise enough to restrain any objections she may have had. This time the difference apparently was how soon you returned to the field after your last mission. Whatever her reasons, they are unacceptable."

"Of course. I will speak with her about this."

"That is not necessary. I have made my expectations and my punishment clear. I am confident her behavior will not be repeated."

"All the same, sir, I will speak to her. After all, I feel culpable in this because of the cave."

Rā's studied him for an uncomfortable moment before moving around his desk and reclaiming his chair, his place of authority. For a fleeting instant, his attention rested upon a framed photograph that faced away from Bane—a photograph of Melisande, taken shortly after they had been married. Talia had shown the treasured memento to Bane shortly after their arrival here following their liberation from prison. Since then, Bane never dared look upon Melisande's beautiful likeness when in Rā's' presence, for he sensed the man's resentment and jealousy. But, oh, how he longed to do so, especially at a moment like this!

"The night before Talia ran away," Rā's said, "I spoke with her at length. She had done poorly on Sangye's latest exam."

Bane frowned. "That is very unusual."

"I thought the same, of course. It was that discussion, of how her failure at her studies was a direct result of her being upset and distracted by your absence, that led to the argument that caused her to flee. I explained to her once again how she must allow you to fulfill your duty and obligation to the League…and how she must fulfill hers. Which brings us to the reason why I have detained you here now, without Temujin."

"Sir?"

Rā's leaned forward, lacing his fingers together atop the desk. "Even before Talia's latest defiance, I told her that now that she is maturing in years, she must put her childhood and childish ways behind her. She must let go of those things which she no longer needs to cling to from her past."

Anger stirred in Bane as he quickly understood what Rā's was truly saying and where he was going with this discussion.

"I told her that when you returned, Bane, I would have a similar discussion with you. And so here we are."

Bane did his best to remain calm. "Sir, surely you aren't asking me to forsake Talia."

"No, of course not. I'm merely saying that the two of you will benefit in the way of personal growth if you begin to transition away from your personal attachment. Your love of my daughter and hers for you is understandable, but now that you are an initiated member of the League and she heir to the Demon, your focus needs to shift more and more to your future instead of your past. That attachment has now negatively affected her studies as well as her obedience. I think you will agree with me that those two things can never be a choice on her part. Removing distractions from her—and you—will benefit all. You understand, of course."

Yes, he understood all too well—Rā's was purposefully gutting him, putting him in his place, leaving nothing open to interpretation. A hard, cold life sentence.

"Surely," Rā's continued, one side of his mustache twitching slightly upward, "I don't need to remind you of the oath you took on the day of your initiation."

"No, sir," Bane said near a growl, wanting to remind Rā's in turn of the oath made to Melisande back in prison, one that no other pledge could supersede. But he would have to keep that to himself. He would play this part demanded of him, but never would he abandon Talia in any way. Yet some level of compliance had to be achieved for her sake, if not his own. After all, Rā's could permanently order him away from the monastery, from Talia, if the man was pushed too hard. As difficult as it was to swallow, he had to allow Rā's to believe that he would gradually remove himself from Talia's daily life.

"Then you will honor my directive?" Rā's pressed, though it truly was not a question.

"As you just pointed out, sir, I am sworn to obedience in all things."

Victory brightened Rā's' gray eyes. "Indeed. I hope you can impart some of that obedience upon my stubborn daughter."

"I will do my best, sir. May I see her after she awakes?"

"You may. After supper." Rā's got to his feet, came around the desk, an arm outstretched toward the door. Warmth had returned to his visage, the warmth of perceived dominance. "I'm sure seeing you will help her on her way to recovery."

Bane stood. "I hope so, sir." He bowed slightly but could not return his master's goodwill. After all, there was only so much acting he could do. His spirit allowed nothing more. Turning on his heels, he left the room.