KALE watched through the transparent med-lab window as his mother, Wynn and Grod worked on stabilizing his father's vital signs. Intravenous drips ran into his arms-Kale wasn't sure what kind of drugs they were. On a computer screen behind them, medical data poured onto a display. Pictures of Tiet's chest and abdomen made it clear, even to the layman, that several of his ribs and his sternum were fractured.
This is my fault, Kale thought. He had been so weak, letting the creature inside his mind take control and do this to his father. Guilt descended with a mighty weight as Kale thought, he is fighting for his life in there all because he loved his son-the son that ran away.
"It's not your fault, you know?" Emil said, sitting in the chair in front of him.
"Then whose fault is it? I did this."
He brushed a stray tear as he tried to remain angry at himself rather than breaking down. "I ran away trying to avoid hurting any of you and what good did it do? Nothing! It happened anyway."
"Running wasn't the answer, but you didn't know that. You had good intentions," Emil said.
"Yeah, intentions," Kale said through clenched fists, still watching the drama unfolding in the next room.
"Your dad is strong, Kale," Merab said from the doorway. He came in and sat next to the young man.
"I think he'll come through this. I've seen him do great things, even before you were born."
The boys became very interested.
"You know that the general and your father were enemies at one time, but when it came time for peace, your father fought his way into Nagon-Toth and practically dared us all not to make treaty. He very nearly died that day, but he wasn't afraid. And now look at us. We're allies, the Horva and the Barudii. He's a great king. If being swallowed alive by a teragore couldn't do him in, then I don't think we should count him out yet."
Kale may have pretended that Merab's words weren't comforting, but he was very glad to hear them. He didn't know as much as he would have liked about his father's younger days, but that was going to change. He just hoped his father would be around to tell him personally.
In a few minutes the med-lab drama calmed down. Grod emerged looking exhausted. "Mirah thinks he's going to be alright. She has him stabilized and medicated for his pain. He may have some hard days ahead, but it looks like your father is going to pull through."
Kale heaved out a sigh of relief. "Can I see him?"
"Your mother would like to hold off on that for now, but she did say you could see him later, after we've all had some much needed rest."
Emil eyed his father, letting him know that Kale was feeling guilty about the whole affair.
Grod knelt down to Kale's level and placed his arm around the boy's shoulder, looking right into his eyes. "You are not to blame. Your father would be very hurt to know that you are blaming yourself for what has happened. We are all in a fight for our lives and that involves risks. He knows those risks and accepts them. Punishing yourself will only hurt him more."
Sobering words. Kale nodded in reluctant agreement. Grod would not have accepted anything else.
"Now, come and let's get you men some food," he said, taking both boys by the shoulders and prodding them out toward the galley.
"Father, what about those people left back on Draconis?" Emil asked.
Grod's enthusiastic smile faded as he walked. "I don't know. We've got a lot to deal with here right now. Anything else is going to have to wait."