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Sarein had chosen to save Basil, even if it meant death for her own sister. It wasn't likely Estarra would ever get a chance to talk with Sarein now. In fact, they might never see her again.

But the clumsy failure had accomplished one important thing: If the Chairman killed them now, even the most gullible media reporter would sense something was wrong. In a roundabout way, exposing the assassination attempt had bought Peter and Estarra some time. Maybe that meant he and his Queen would stay alive for the next few days.

When they finally reached the Royal Wing, Captain McCammon remained tense and alert. He sent several guards ahead to sweep the bedchambers and waiting rooms. "All clear, Captain." After the King and Queen had passed into the private quarters, McCammon stationed four of his men outside the main entryway, and Peter believed these royal guards would actually do their best to protect him and Estarra.

The captain cautiously followed the two into their suite, double-checking every corner for an unexpected threat. Tendons stood out on his neck. "I always knew something was wrong with that Pellidor. A bit too full of his own importance. I'll never forget how he thought he had the authority to prevent you from seeing Chairman Wenceslas." He made a disgusted sound. "If you ask me, that man got himself involved in some shady business and paid the price for it."

Peter nodded, careful not to speak.

"If Pellidor had listened to you about the Soldier compies in the first place, Your Highness, the Hansa wouldn't be in such a mess." McCammon shook his head. "If the hydrogues come, like the Ildirans say they're going to, we could be looking at the end of the human race."

Peter was unsettled by the man's passion. For the past few days he'd been so focused on survival, trying to dodge Basil's political knife thrusts, that he had gotten distracted from the big picture. McCammon was right; this could indeed be the end of the human race.

Taking a seat, Estarra gathered her breath to ask obvious questions so she could gauge the guards' reactions. "But if Pellidor poisoned the coffee, then he must have known it would kill him. Why would he drink it voluntarily?"

"Most likely to protect his accomplices. A fanatic. This plot is probably much bigger than we think." The captain straightened his beret. "In fact, I'll have my guards install poison scanners in your quarters. From now on, I insist that you test your own food."

"Even so, we can't assume that we're safe," Peter said. He took an unexpected chance. "Captain McCammon, give me your sidearm."

The guard blinked. "There's no need, Your Majesty. We will protect you. Nothing's going to happen to you or the Queen on my watch."

Peter stared at him, hard. "I don't doubt your ability, Captain. But don't underestimate these ruthless assassins. They tried poison this time, and no doubt they will use a different method when they try again." He held out his hand for the weapon. "At least give me a chance to protect my wife and unborn child if the worst happens."

McCammon drew his twitcher, looked at it, adjusted the charge, and nodded. "You know how to use this?"

"I fired some weapons in my younger years." That had been in another life, struggling to survive the tough streets. "And it is your job, Captain, to make sure that I don't need it."

Peter concealed the weapon in his robes, while McCammon went to check on his guards. Feeling the twitcher's reassuring weight, Peter looked meaningfully at the Queen. Now at least they were armed against whatever Basil intended to do to them.

104

NIRA

In accordance with the hydrogue demands--and the Mage-Imperator's plan--Adar Zan'nh dispatched hundreds of "protective" warliners to Earth. Nira clung to the hope that Jora'h would be true to his word and do all he could to save both of their races. She wanted to trust him again, but he hadn't yet earned her unquestioning faith. She knew he was still keeping secrets from her.

Smiling uncertainly, Jora'h led her up into the skysphere.