horse behind him.
Chapter Two
The hunting lodge was more than two hours away, riding as fast as they dared they followed in Cap's wake. Katar's thoughts went to Tya May, Bosen's wife. She would never forgive him if Bosen died. Being an Empathic Healer herself, she was constantly badgering him to bring along an Empath on their hunts. Katar thought they were too clever, too experienced to get into trouble. He was wrong, and Bosen was paying the price.
The lodge was a large cabin with a wraparound porch nestled in between the tall trees next to a small stream. Arriving at the lodge, Cap greeted them at the door. Taking Bosen from Katar's arms, he carried him inside. Katar laid him on the large rustic bed at the rear of the main living area. The bed was constructed as most of the furniture from local wood and tree branches. Eades helped Hanlin from his horse, nearly carrying the exhausted gentleman inside. Leaving him, still gasping, on the small sofa before the fireplace, Eades moved over to help tend to Bosen. Cap had bandages and ointment on the small table at the side of the bed. Cleaning the wound and binding it was all they could do.
Cap relayed the information he had received over the wireless link as they worked. "The colony informed me that they received a message from the Empathic Institute a few days ago that a Healer set out after us. If he's a decent tracker, he should be here tonight.” Cap grinned at Katar, "It was Tya May, who requested it.”
"Bless that woman's determination. “ Katar answered, with a hopeful smile.
"I just hope we can keep him alive until then." Eades interrupted, after finishing with Bosen's bandages.
They left Bosen to rest and returned to the main area; Katar's attention moved to Hanlin. The elderly gentleman was still gasping trying to catch his breath. Cap went into the galley to fetch him a glass of water as Katar sat beside him on the sofa.
Hanlin spoke, seeing Katar's frown. "I'm just a bit winded, the excitement and all."
"Just relax, don't try to talk." Katar answered, soothingly as Cap returned and offered him the glass filled with cold water.
"What happened?" Hanlin asked, quietly.
"You wore yourself out; I should have realized that the pace was too much for you. Eades could have held back and rode with you." Katar answered, berating himself.
"No, I meant with Bosen." Hanlin corrected, pleased at the Prince's concern.
"He had a short dance with a grouchy Sraeb." Katar smiled, not willing to burden Hanlin with the broken relations that might result from his attack on Connor.
"Lord Wills, there is an Empathic Healer on the way. He can take a look at you after he's finished with Bosen.” Cap interceded, and then motioned toward the back bedroom. "If you can get him to bed, I'm going to see if I can hurry the Empath along." Leaving Katar to deal with Hanlin, Cap headed out the door calling over his shoulder, "I'll unsaddle the horses, but you and Eades will have to see to them."
"Is that an order?" Katar grumbled back, as Cap disappeared through the doorway.
"Yes, your Grace.” Cap's faint voice answered before the door shut behind him.
Taking his mare, Cap headed west hoping to meet the Empath on the trail. He sent the horse into a fast gallop. He traveled quickly despite the short rest after the rampage through the woods. Cap left the trail several times he’d traveled these woods many times as a small child and knew all the short cuts. He was determined to find the Empath as quickly as possible. Diving into the openings in the dense brush, he avoided the twisting trail and gained ground quickly. After nearly an hour he spied the light gray uniform of a healer through the line of trees.
Approaching the trail, he broke through the thicket a short distance ahead of the Empath. Causing the Empaths horse to startle as the surprised rider jerked on the reins. Cap was equally surprised to find a young girl before him instead of an older, experienced male Empath. Cap brought his horse to a quick halt. The young girl pulled a small knife from her boot and cautioned him. "I don't know where you came from, but I'm not easy prey.” Her voice shook slightly with fear as she raised the knife.
Not sure how to proceed, they stared silently at each other. Cap had always believed that Empaths didn't carry weapons.