"Thark wishes proof of your Talent."
"He'll get it," Medart promised. Then Corina felt a blast of darlas
against her own shield. Most of it, she knew, was directed at Thark,
but Medart's lack of control let her feel the fringes. The power of
that blast was immense, as if the Ranger was releasing years of pent-up
energy at once, but it didn't last long; Thark was shaken, not hurt.
"That satisfy you?" Medart demanded.
"It does," Thark replied formally. "Such proof cannot be denied." He
turned back to Corina, feeling empty. It had all come to nothing. All
those lives wasted, all that blood on his hands--all for his mistakes.
"I have committed grave dishonor as well as treason, Ranger. May I be
permitted to salvage what I can of my honor before I pay the other
penalty?"
Corina sheathed her dagger. This was her old master once again, it
seemed. Even in his treason he had acted as he believed honor
demanded; despite her fears to the contrary, it was clear he would
not--he could not--refuse honor's demands now. "Halt the Crusade,
Master. I will do what I can for those who followed you, if they
surrender immediately."
Master, Thark thought. She had refused to call him that before, when
she had named him traitor. He bowed his head, acknowledging her
authority--but there was one thing he still had to find out. "You have
taught the use of Talent, Ranger Losinj, which should have increased
your own ability. May I test, to find if it has had the effect I
believed it would?"
Corina inclined her head. "You may, Master--but my new position
demands I take precautions. Lieutenant DarLeras."
"Yes, sir?"
"This is not a combat situation, but should I appear to be weakening, I
may need your support. Your shield is powerful enough that you should
be able to give it simply by wishing strongly to protect me. Will
you?"
"Gladly, sir!"
Corina felt his shield reaching for her, and purred in amusement. "Not
now, Lieutenant--only if I cannot protect myself. I believe I know
what Master Thark has in mind, and it is important to Irschcha's future
that the results not be distorted."
Thark looked from her to the Sandeman, reached out gently, and touched
the strongest shield he had ever felt. "You, too," he said in
resignation. "Guard her well, warrior."
Nevan bowed. If Ranger Losinj called him Master and showed him a
degree of respect, a junior officer could do no less. "You have a
warrior's word on that, High Adept."
"That title is what I am testing." Thark's attention went back to
Corina, and he struck with the full power of his darlas.
It hurt, but Corina was able to block any damage and strike back. To
her astonishment, her blast penetrated Thark's shield and it was she
who had to pull back to prevent injury.
Thark held up both hands. "Enough. You have done even better than I
expected, which was to become my successor when I chose to retire. You
have become stronger than I, which makes you High Adept by default.
And it seems only fitting, now, that a Ranger of the Empire be head of
the White Order." He broadcast a thought, seeming relieved at his
capitulation. *Cease all resistance and surrender to the nearest
Imperial officer. I have been wrong. The Crusade is truly simple
treason, and as its leader I command its dissolution. Ranger Corina
Losinj is now High Adept of the Order, to be obeyed as such.*
There were astonished objections from those still able, especially the
ones not on Terra, but Thark overrode them. *Do as I have commanded.
Honor cannot be denied.*
That brought acquiescence, sometimes grudged but real. Medart felt it
and touched his throat, activating his comm implant. "Chang, relay to
our assault team, then the appropriate parts to Imperial installations
elsewhere--and make sure Defsat Five is included. Cease fire, the
Order has surrendered. Bring any who are still conscious, and those of
the stunned ones you can manage, to the Throne Room. Medart out."
Thark bowed to Corina, feeling only exhaustion and an odd sense of
relief. It had been a noble dream, but it was now at an end, and he
had only one thing left to do. "I will need a blaster."
Corina nodded. "Lieutenant DarLeras," she called.