Everlasting - Iris Johansen [58]
“Let?” Kira asked pointedly.
Zack smiled. “Sorry, love, no offense meant. We know that it would have taken a battalion to stop you.” He watched Paulo crossing the glade toward Marna. “However, have you noticed that Marna does resemble a battalion on the march at times?”
He turned to Sandor. “What's next for you? Will you go with us to Switzerland?”
Sandor shook his head. “I'll join my men in the hills as quickly as possible. Naldona will be sending emissaries to try to pull the fringe factions loyal to me into his camp, and sending strike forces to the core groups to destroy them before they're aware of the split between us.” His expression was grave. “You know that it won't be safe for Marna and her people in the hills. It's not going to be either pleasant or safe for anyone in Tamrovia for a long time.”
“War?” Kira asked.
He nodded somberly, making a violent motion with his hand. “I'd almost rather have Stefan back than have Tamrovia go through this hell.”
“Where is Stefan? You said he was safe, but you didn't tell me what's happened to him.”
“I had an inkling from reports I'd received that Naldona was going to try to make an example of the royal family. Before he reached the palace I took Stefan prisoner myself and had two of my men smuggle him out of Belajo. They should be in Sedikhan by now. I told my men to deliver Stefan to Lance Rubinoff. Hopefully, your brother Lance will be able to convince him not to try to reenter Tamrovia at once.” He shrugged. “After a day or so there won't be any question of his coming back. Naldona will have announced the takeover.” Sandor's lips tightened. “And I will have launched the first offensive against Naldona's new regime. Stefan will know it will be suicide to come back.”
“Poor Stefan,” Kira said softly. “I know you said he was a dinosaur and I believe that's true. But the pomp and circumstance of being king is all he's ever known and enjoyed.”
“Perhaps he'll be forced to develop into something more now,” Zack said quietly. “And if not, deposed kings have a great social cachet in society. There's a certain tragic romanticism about them. He'll probably have just as many sycophants around him as he did in Tamrovia.” He turned to Sandor. “I'll fly you to your base now, if you like. You obviously want to join your men immediately.”
Sandor nodded. “It's urgent that I do so. It's not very far from here. It shouldn't take you more than an hour to get there and back.” He hesitated. “Don't linger here for more than five or six hours at the most. Everyone knows about Kira's association with Marna and her tribe. Naldona will have troops out interrogating and scouring the countryside for the caravans. The Gypsies should break camp and move farther up into the hills, and the two of you should get out of the country before all hell breaks loose.”
“Will the tribe be in danger?” Kira asked anxiously.
“Very likely. There will be fighting, and innocent bystanders are never immune in a situation like this.” Sandor's lips twisted. “And Naldona's interrogation methods won't be gentle if he decides to question them about your whereabouts.”
Kira hurriedly opened the door of the helicopter. “I'll talk to Paulo and Marna and see if we can't get everyone packed up and ready to move out before you get back, Zack.” She held out her hand. “Good luck, Sandor. I think you know how grateful I am to you for saving my life. I'm sorry we weren't able to get to know each other before this.”
Sandor's strong, warm hand enveloped her own. “So am I.” His sudden smile held a hint of amusement. “I'm sure we'll meet again. We think alike. I have an idea we're soul mates, cousin mine.”
“Soul mates!” She made a face. “Not you too? My soul certainly appears to be a gregarious rascal.”
Sandor frowned in puzzlement. “What?”
“Never mind,” Kira said, laughing. “Zack can explain all about soul mates and mondavas to you on the way to your base. We've become experts on both lately.” She turned to Zack and kissed him with