Breaking
the Code
Part
One: Loyalty
Chapter
Three
"An interesting proposition," Saturnus remarked, when Lion-O had finished telling the Council of Leaders the details of Slithe's communication. "So the Mutant Alliance wants peace with Thundera. My only question is on what terms? Knowing the Mutants, it will be underhand."
"Knowing the Mutants, it will most likely be a trap," said the elderly cheetah leader, Histor. A born worrier, it was said that his mane had turned white in the long night when they had been forced to flee their dying planet. Clearly, it was a trait he had never grown out of, for now even his glasses, perched perilously close to the tip of his nose, quivered with agitation.
Saturnus rubbed his chin thoughtfully and considered the cheetah's words. There was a place for caution and he was determined that this should not be it. "On a neutral planet of our choosing?" he said. "That seems highly unlikely. In fact, as Lord Lion-O says, it is highly reasonable of them. I suggest we take it as a gesture of goodwill."
"Except that Mutants have no goodwill," said Mardak, leader of the Red Tigers.
Saturnus had to fight hard to suppress his annoyance. Of all the leaders, he should have guessed that Mardak would have been the one to raise an objection. The old struggle between their two Houses would always persist, however much Thundera changed. The tigers could never accept that the Lordship of Thundera, which in the distant past had once been theirs, was lost to them forever. A young, inexperienced Lord without heirs gave them dangerous hopes. The recent royal marriage had gone some way to frustrating their foolish notions, although their eyes were now turned to the fecundity of the match. As the leader and architect of the tigers' future, Mardak was too shrewd to say outright that he wished Lion-O had been lost in the destruction of their planet. All the same, he never failed to remind them that they had a suitable candidate should the current Lord prove to be the last lion to sit on the throne of Thundera.
"Tell me, my lord," Mardak went on. "You have had many dealings with Slithe. What makes you think he can be trusted now, if ever?"
Lion-O sighed. "I would never trust him. To an extent, I agree with Histor. This could be a trap. In fact, I wonder why they want this peace at all. Slithe didn't exactly elaborate on his motives."
"Perhaps the Mutants have finally come to realise that Thundera is once again a rising force," said Jageena, adding her voice to the debate. As the only female on the Council, whenever she spoke she tended to command the attention of her fellow leaders. Even Mardak respectfully inclined his head in her direction. "As our people return, we grow in strength," she continued. "The Mutants, by contrast, are in decline. They cannot match us as once they did in the past. Therefore, they fear us and the power that the Lord of the Thundercats commands."
"Perhaps," said Lion-O. "Then again, Slithe was always willing to try his hand against the Sword of Omens in the past. Why it should stop him now, I can't imagine."
"And yet we are still vulnerable," said Leader Vex of the Panthers. "May I remind the Council that while Mutant numbers are down, ours are equally low. Many thousands perished, whether in the destruction of Thundera or in the hardships of the following years. Over this last year, we have seen the numbers of returning refugees lessen considerably." He cast a solemn gaze over his fellow leaders and sighed deeply. "I do not say this lightly, but even the most seasoned warrior must acknowledge our limitations. Without any reflection on Lord Lion-O and the Thundercats, the outer regions are still plagued by Mutant raiding parties. Once again our hospitals are filled with the injured. Whatever Slithe's motives, I say that we must give this peace a chance if we are ever to re-build our lives on this, our rightful homeworld."
"And yet you, Vex, out of us all, know the treachery of Mutantkind," said Mardak.
The panther nodded thoughtfully. "It is true that I have no love for Mutants. In exile, Mutant raiders constantly plagued our small settlement. We were scarcely able to hold our own against them. However, Thundera is no small settlement and, when attacks come, the Sword of Omens can only defend one place at a time."
"Then surely the answer is more defences, more--"
"More technology?" said Lyssorian with a snort of disdain. The lynx usually had plenty to say for himself at these gatherings and the other leaders would listen with interest. The wisdom of the lynx scholars was universally acknowledged and Lyssorian used this respect to his advantage. Many times had his timely intervention turned the argument in Saturnus' favour. For that at least, Saturnus was pleased to have him on his side, although whether he trusted the old fool was another matter.
"Yes, more technology. Despite your misgivings, Lyssorian, I have no problem with relying on it. Automated defence systems, early warning detectors, all these and more we could put in place to protect our planet."
"And yet some would argue that technology got us into this mess in the first place," Lyssorian returned. "That we strayed too far from our ancient knowledge and wisdom, putting our faith instead in systems and detectors, which failed to warn us of the very demise of our world."
Mardak gave a grim smile. "A demise that was caused by a weapon borne of this so-called ancient knowledge and wisdom, the Sword of Plun-darr. If it hadn't been for our ships, all would have died when Thundera exploded. Technology allowed us to do that."
Lyssorian pressed his fingertips together and regarded him with mild contempt. "Ah, the logic of the tigers, who would argue that night was day given enough latitude. You miss the point, Mardak. Had we known the destructive capabilities of the Sword, had we turned to our ancient knowledge instead of pondering graphs and statistics, then we might have done something more constructive than fleeing a dying planet only to fall straight into the Mutants' clutches." A smile of satisfaction spread across the lynx's face as the others around the table murmured their agreement with his words. "Lord Saturnus," he continued, "I believe that we would be foolish indeed to disregard this proposal. As Leader Vex has said, it is impossible to live under such conditions. Therefore, let us embrace this opportunity and with it the old ways that once served our planet well, before we lost our direction to pernicious technology."
A low murmur went up around the table as the leaders mulled over Lyssorian's words. One by one, they nodded their assent. Mardak held back for a moment, then added his own approval.
"In the interests of Thundera, you understand," he said. "I reserve the right to change my mind when we hear their conditions."
"As do we all," said Saturnus mildly, not rising to the bait. "We will therefore provisionally accept this offer of peace from the Mutants. As Leader of the Council, I will see that matters are set in motion. We will leave at first light."
"And who will take charge in your absence, Lord Lion-O?" asked Histor.
"Oh, er, Lady Liodella will be in charge," said Lion-O.
Saturnus had to check his groan of dismay. That he had to tell them now! Despite his best efforts, Lion-O was still woefully inexperienced in political dealings. If he were honest, he would have said that his nephew was a liability and an increasing amount of his time was taken up in clearing up the mess he left in his wake over an ill-thought word. Just as now, for Mardak jumped on this unexpected opportunity.
"Forgive me," the tiger said, "but I understand she is not trained in the business of running a planet as diverse and complex as Thundera. Would not a more experienced individual be better suited to such a demanding role?"
"You mean your cousin no doubt," said Saturnus, quickly stepping in.
"As second-in-command, I would have thought him the logical option."
"The Lady of Thundera has always governed in her Lord's absence," said Lyssorian. "If she is green, as you rightly say, tradition allows her to appoint a deputy."
"Quite so," said Mardak. "When do you intend to recall Tygra from Third Earth to fulfil this duty?"
"I'm not," said Lion-O. "He tells me that he's needed on Third Earth. I respect his decision."
At his words, Saturnus experienced what he could almost have described as a glow of pride. Perhaps there was hope for his nephew yet. That one remark had set Mardak back on his heels. Anger lit his cheeks with flame and set his jaw.
"As long as it is his decision," he said, trying, and failing, to be gracious in defeat.
With that, he swept from the room. With the meeting over, Lion-O made his excuses and went to tell Liodella of her new responsibilities, leaving the other leaders to drift away until only Saturnus and Lyssorian remained.
"Forbearance, Saturnus," said the old lynx, misreading his mood. "This will not be the last time our tiger friend tries your patience."
"That I don't doubt," said Saturnus, turning to face him and seeing the knowing smile on his face. "What have you heard?"
"That like minds gather together, so to speak. There is a rumour that Mardak has turned his eyes towards the leadership of the White Tigers, given that none of their nobles have returned. I also hear that he has designs on the Wildcat leadership as well."
"So what? The total collection of Stripes will never outweigh us. The day when tigers proved to be an effective opposition is over. The destruction of Thundera saw to that."
"As long as they are not preparing the way for another. I hear that tiger's name too often for my liking."
"The situation is under control, have no fear. Providing I can count on allies such as yourself..."
Lyssorian gave a small bow. "Of course. The House of Lynxes stands firm with the Lions and Pumas, as ever. After all, we 'Blands', as they call us, must stick together." So saying, he gave a small bow and went on his way, pausing only to nod to Jageena who stood waiting on the threshold.
"And you know you can always rely on me, my love," she purred as she came over to his chair.
He smiled with pleasure as his eyes wandered over her slim figure. "Yes, I know," he said. "But what about the other Spots?"
"They will give you no trouble."
"That I don't doubt," he said, reaching for her and pulling her onto his lap. "What are you doing later?"
"I thought you had to prepare for this most 'unexpected' peace gathering. It went well, didn't it?"
"Just as I promised."
She tapped him lightly on the nose and smiled. "And for that you shall be rewarded," she said, "but it will have to be when you return."
"Are you not coming to Ursa?"
"Me? Of course not. You know us jaguars. Strictly non-political. Anyway, I'm afraid I have something to do this afternoon that will be denied no longer."
"Oh, fie, my lady," he said, kissing her hand. "What's so important that keeps you from my arms?"
"A score to settle, my lord," she murmured. "One that has been neglected for too long."
***************
The afternoon sun was pleasantly warm on Cheetara's shoulders as she threaded her way through the crowd of shoppers in the marketplace. Not that there was anything she particularly wanted, but it was good to get away from the Lair for a while. Since the announcement that the Leaders were to attend the peace negotiations, chaos had broken loose in the mad rush to be ready for their departure. She still had misgivings about the whole business and the only consolation was that at least it meant Histor would be too busy with other matters to worry about Castor's nasty insinuations. Either that or she would have to face the music later.
It had seemed prudent to get out of the way for a while, so she had sought out WilyKit, who was feeling equally restless, and together they had set out on a shopping trip. A little way ahead, the sight of the teenager's striped scarlet mane was the only reassurance she had that she was still with her. It was not unknown for WilyKit to forget herself and rush off, leaving her companion wondering where she had gone. For now, however, Cheetara was content to leave the kitten to her own devices, knowing that she would be back soon enough, pleading for money to buy a marvellous new dress or necklace she had seen and couldn't now live without. She usually got what her heart desired, although there were limits, especially as WilyKit's rebellious eye seemed to be turning to clothes consisting of as little material as possible. As far as Cheetara's own purchases were concerned, she had bought candy fruits as a present for Snarf and to her shame very few were left. The brightly coloured fruits had proved too irresistible. One after another had ended up in her mouth, carrying with them sweet juice and even sweeter memories of their planet of origin.
By the Ancients, how she missed Third Earth! The forests, the rivers, the people, her friends... It seemed a lifetime away now, lost to the frantic pace of life on their reformed homeworld. It would always be there, waiting for her, but returning would never be the same, especially after what Panthro had told her earlier. Part of her wished he hadn't; while she had been aware of his chequered past, the elusive identities had somehow made it more palatable. Now she knew his mysterious lover, she couldn't help reviewing the past in a different light. Was any of it genuine, she found herself asking. Certainties seemed as fragile now as sandcastles before the might of the ocean. Just how much more would be swept away before calm was restored, she wondered. She comforted herself with the thought that Panthro must be equally disturbed after what she had told him. However much he might dismiss it, she was living proof that the Houses of Thundera could, possibly, in the right circumstances, interbreed. So much for legends. She had just consigned another certainty to oblivion.
It was almost a relief when a loud cry of delight broke into her thoughts. WilyKit came dancing towards her, bearing a small slip of silvery material. "What do you think of this?" she said, holding it up to her shoulders and gazing down in admiration at its minimalism.
"Too old for you."
The kitten's face fell. "Aw, but--"
"Take it back."
WilyKit scampered away to find something else. More suitable too, Cheetara hoped. She was growing up fast and, although a little more mature than her brother, there was still much of the child about WilyKit. A girl in a burgeoning adult body, and seemingly with none of the sense to match. In many ways, WilyKit reminded her of Lion-O in the early days on Third Earth. Rash, impulsive, fiery he had been, but at least he had grown out of it, or tempered it, she wasn't sure which. It had been difficult for him, for all of them in fact, but he had survived and was now the fine leader that Thundera needed. Well, almost. Only freedom from slime like his uncle would do that.
Cheetara walked on, letting her eyes wander over the heaving stalls packed with a thousand delights to part shoppers from their money. A light floaty dress in a shimmering orange fabric caught her eye and she stopped to have a closer look. Feeling the soft material between her fingers, she smiled ruefully, unable to remember offhand the last time she had worn a dress like this. There had never seemed to be a good time somehow, especially not on Third Earth, where her neat uniform had proved more practical, given that she often had to call upon her superspeed at a moment's notice. Luxurious swathes of material like this would have only been a hindrance. For some reason, she found herself yearning to feel a little less practical and so, before she could change her mind, she had handed over the money. Promising herself to wear it someday soon, she continued on, feeling secretly pleased.
"Cheetara!"
The sudden voice made her stop in her tracks and turn back to see who it was. At first, the crowd hid the speaker from view, but slowly they parted to reveal a figure, whose features were hidden from view by a heavy grey cloak. Cheetara gasped in horror, recognising the fearful vision from her dreams. The bag of candy fruit slipped from her hand and cascaded in a blood-red mass about her feet. Every instinct screamed flight, but she was paralysed and rooted to the spot by an invisible force.
Then, as in her dreams, it started to approach. Every step that brought it closer made her heart hammer in her chest like a herd of stampeding unicorns. Around her, the crowd seemed to slow and grind to a halt as though time itself had stopped. Inches from her, the figure stopped and a hand appeared from under the cloak. Except it did not reach for her, but moved to the hood and slowly drew it back to reveal a black and white mane surrounding the pale yellow of a face and two bright violet eyes.
"Greetings to you, Lady Cheetara, daughter of Cheetarn, once Leader of the House of Cheetahs," said Jageena.
An appropriate response was demanded to this most formal of addresses, yet Cheetara found that the words would not come. She swallowed heavily, trying to calm her jangled nerves. This was no horror from a nightmare, but a real person, the Divine Mistress, supreme navigator of the psychic realm and jealous guardian of her people's mystical powers.
"You haven't visited us yet at the Hall of Mysteries, have you, dear?" she said.
"I haven't had the time," Cheetara managed to stammer.
"No, of course, Thundercats are so busy, aren't they?" she sneered. "Look at you now. Shopping? Hardly get a moment to yourself, do you, dear? That is, when you aren't servicing the needs of the males of Cat's Lair."
"That's not true," Cheetara protested. "I never--"
"Oh, I know that," said Jageena. "But does anyone else? And would they believe it?"
"On my word as a Thundercat, I have never, ever--"
"Actually, I don't much care what you get up to in your spare time. It
is your spiritual needs that concern me." Jageena's piercing eyes bored
into her very soul, forcing her to look down, away from that intense gaze.
"You have been neglecting us, my lady. As you say, you may have been
busy," she said, putting her hand under Cheetara's chin to lift her head. <
"Or you may have had good reason to avoid us!" >
She started in alarm as the jaguar's voice filled her mind. It was a test and at the vital moment her control failed. In an instant, her sixth sense flared back into life.
Jageena smiled, clearly recognising this surge of energies. < "So
it is true. You did well to hide this from me, Cheetara." >
< "It's nothing, Divine Mistress!" >
< "Do not insult my intelligence! I can sense your powers even
now. If that wasn't enough, I read Vultureman's report on the events
surrounding a certain telepathy beam." > The fury died down a
little in her eyes and an uneasy sense of calm seemed to come over her. <
"I expect they told you the legend of the Chance cub, born to a cheetah
mother who stole the precious seed of a jaguar. She took our powers within her
womb and passed them onto her bastard cub. For centuries, we tried to eliminate
that strain by eliminating the females of your line, the only ones capable of
wielding our powers. My predecessors hoped that, without an outlet, the
energies would die out. You are proof that they did not." > So
saying, an evil smile twisted Jageena's lips. < "Believe me,
cheetah, when I say that I want those powers back. You will give them to us,
willingly or not, it matters little to us." >
< "I can't. I don't know how." >
< "You should be dead by now. Damn your father and damn the Code of Thundera that allows you flaunt your bastardised powers in our faces! Be sure that we will have our revenge, but not before we take what is ours." > With that thought, she reached out and placed her hand on Cheetara's belly. < "Your cubs would have been strong. A waste, but fear not, my dear, for the child that you give us will be all powerful." >
Then, very slowly, she drew her hand up and stroked her cheek. Still frozen to the spot, Cheetara could only watch as the jaguar moved nearer and brought her face up to hers. Warm lips touched hers and closed on her mouth in a kiss. A long time seemed to elapse before Jageena finally released her, ripping her fang across her lip as she did so.
The pain of it brought her sharply back to reality. The shoppers moved again, muttering their irritation at having to step around her. She found herself in the midst of the heaving crowd, surrounded by people, but quite alone. There was no sign of the Divine Mistress. For a moment, she stood still, questioning her sanity. It had seemed so real, and yet...
"Cheetara, are you all right?" came a little voice at her side.
She looked down to see WilyKit by her side, with an anxious look on her face. "Did you see anyone here just now?" she asked, glancing nervously around.
"No," she replied. "Like who?"
"I don't know," she murmured. "Must have imagined it, I guess. Are you sure you didn't see anyone?"
"Honest," said WilyKit. "Why, Cheetara? What's the matter, and why is your lip bleeding?"
Her hand shot to her mouth, touching a sore patch. Staring at her bloodied fingers, Cheetara felt her heart miss a beat. "We're leaving, WilyKit," she said. "We're leaving now!"
***************
In the Hall of Mysteries, Jageena let out a deep sigh of satisfaction and sank back into the cushions on her throne. Astral projection was always demanding and, although at the peak of her powers, she could not ignore the slight weariness that had tugged at her strength. Still, it had been worth it. The cheetah possessed amazing potential. Killing her would be a waste, but very gratifying.
Wiping her mouth, Jageena examined the bloody tissue with interest. Just what the Ancient Ones had demanded. Rising to her feet, she moved to the pedestal on which sat a shallow earthenware dish filled with purple liquid.
"The blood of the chosen one," Jageena said, dropping the tissue into the waters. A blue flame shot up and consumed her offering. She waited as the waters resumed their sullen bubbling and smiled when the familiar odour of sulphur and mustiness filled the chamber.
"They like it, mistress."
"Of course they do," she said. "It is just as I promised them."
She turned to face the speaker, a blue-green sprite, naked except for a tattered loincloth that did little to cover his emaciated body. As a communicator of the wishes and instructions of the Ancient Spirits of Evil, Ravenglass was adequate. One day she would have to find herself a familiar more fitting to her position.
"So they approve of the ceremony?" she asked him.
Ravenglass nodded quickly. "They are most impressed. They knew of her potential from past experience, but they had never tasted her blood before. They say the child will be great indeed."
"Excellent," Jageena purred. "We must be ready to strike at a moment's notice. I have toyed with her mind and she is confused. When it happens, she will be unable to fight us."
"Yes, of course, mistress."
There was just the merest hint of cynicism in his tone. Jageena hissed under her breath and suddenly brought up her hand, palm facing the sprite. He yelped and cowered behind the throne.
"Please, mistress, forgive me," he whimpered. "I am your humble servant. Don't hurt me."
"Don't push your luck with me, weasel," Jageena snapped, giving him an icy look. "I could fry you where you stand, remember that."
"Oh, I do, mistress. But Ravenglass is useful to you, yes?" Feeling a little bolder, he crept from his hiding place to peer up at her. "I know things that my mistress can use to her advantage."
"And what exactly do you know?" He was unable to answer, for there was a knock on the door and, at Jageena's call, he scampered into the shadows as one of her attendants looked in.
"Divine Mistress," said the girl, respectfully averting her eyes. "A visitor craves your indulgence."
"I'm busy. Tell whoever it is to come back another day."
"But it is the Lord of Thundera, Mistress."
Jageena's eyebrows rose in surprise. Lion-O, come to consult her? He must be desperate, she thought, for he had been noticeably shy in the past of approaching her. She motioned to the girl to show him in. She disappeared and outside the door sounded low voices. Ravenglass darted out of the darkness and tugged on the hem of Jageena's dress.
"Get off me!" she growled, trying to kick him away.
"But I know why he's here," he said earnestly. "Ravenglass can help you. Lion-O wants to see Jaga. I can tell him what he wants to hear." At the sound of the opening door, he shot behind her throne and hid.
Jageena stared after him, wondering how he had come by this information. Still puzzling over this, she looked to the doorway, where Lion-O now stood, clearly uncomfortable at being there.
Putting on her most welcoming smile, she descended the few steps of the dais and walked over to greet him. "You are most welcome here, my lord," she said, bowing respectfully. "The jaguars are always eager to offer our help to the Lord of Thundera. What can I do for you?" It never hurt to remind visitors who was in charge in this place. Past experience had long since taught her that a clear demarcation of roles made the collection of favours later so much easier.
Lion-O hesitated and seemed on the verge of beating a hasty retreat. Whatever was troubling him won over his reticence, however, and he forced himself to speak. "I was wondering if I could speak to Jaga. You see, he used to visit me... and now I find myself in need of his advice."
"I see," said Jageena, thoughtfully stroking her chin with her finger. So, that little worm Ravenglass had been correct. She would beat it out of him later how he had known. For now, she was glad that he was on hand to help her out. The last thing she wanted was to have to admit that this past year she had closed Jaga's little doorway from the Astral Plain. It had been Saturnus' idea, to break the old jaguar's hold over Lion-O, but it suited her purposes as well. After all, she had a few issues with her father that needed settling and what better way to cause him pain than to have to watch helplessly as the daughter he had so easily discarded destroyed all he loved. For now, however, a deception was necessary.
"Such things are difficult," she said. "We cannot force the dead to come to us. It is their choice."
"He will come," said Lion-O. "He must. My need is great, Jageena."
"Then we must make it so," she declared, hoping that Ravenglass knew what he was doing. Returning to the pedestal and bowl, she sprinkled a handful of shimmering dust into its waters. A party trick for the gullible, it sparkled and caused the waters to heave, spewing forth purple smoke. As the clouds gathered, from the corner of her eye she noticed the sprite moving into position.
"It is done," she said, descending the steps. "I will leave you together. If you need me, just call."
Lion-O nodded and turned back to the slowly gathering mists. Seeing her opportunity, Jageena went to the doors, opened and closed them, then slipped into the shadows to listen.
"Jaga, are you there?" Lion-O called out. "Please, old friend, I need to talk to you."
"Yes, I am here," came the ghost's voice as his form took shape from the mists. "What is so important that you see fit to disturb my eternal rest, Lion-O?"
"I know you haven't been around for a while now, Jaga, but I have to ask you something."
"Something you could not ask your advisors or your friends?"
Lion-O bowed his head before the ghost's evident displeasure. "No, I couldn't."
"Then ask your question of me and let me return to my peace."
There was a long pause in which Lion-O's face reflected the turmoil in his soul. Finally, he raised watery eyes to the ghost and spoke in a breaking voice. "Jaga, I-- think that-- I'm going-- blind."
Jageena clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle a gasp of surprise. Of all the things she expected to hear, this was a shock. Someone had been keeping quiet about this one, she thought.
"This is grave news indeed, Lion-O. What makes you think this?"
"The world around me is growing dark, Jaga. I can barely recognise faces. During the last Mutant raid, I almost injured Panthro, because I couldn't see him clearly. I need to know. Is this what happened to my father?"
The ghost nodded gravely. "Claudus suffered from a congenital deterioration in the nerves of his eyes. It was hoped that you would be spared, but alas! Our worst fears have come to fruition."
Lion-O let out a strangled sob and fell to his knees. "I'm scared, Jaga, scared of the darkness. What will I do? What will become of Thundera if I cannot protect the people?"
"Who have you told?"
"No one. I didn't want them to think that I was failing them."
"A wise decision. Still you must not tell them. Trust only the one who has guided you thus far. In the future, Saturnus will be your greatest ally."
"My uncle?"
"Trust him," urged the ghost. "He will understand and help you. And have faith in the Ancients, Lion-O, for much that is thrown in our way has a greater purpose."
"You mean this peace treaty?" said Lion-O. "I'm still not sure about it."
"Yet it could not come at a better time. You can no longer protect Thundera. Peace must be secured, Lion-O, whatever the cost. And let the coming months offer a cause for further celebration, with the birth of an heir for Thundera."
Lion-O shook his head. "How can I father a cub, knowing that I harbour this terrible legacy?"
"Would you condemn Thundera to uproar should you die without an heir?"
"No, but--"
"You came to me for advice and such have I given you. You must have peace for Thundera and you must produce an heir." The ghost began to waver and fade. "Trust in Saturnus, Lion-O, as your father trusted in me." With that, he vanished, leaving only the merest trace of smoke in his wake.
For a long time, Lion-O remained where he was, kneeling on the cold stone floor. Jageena watched as he raised his hands before his face as though examining the palms before clenching them and letting out a howl of such pain that her heart went out him. Dejectedly, he got to his feet. With head hung low, he retraced his steps back to the door and out of the chamber.
When the doors closed after him, Jageena came out from her hiding place. "Curious," she murmured. "And how very convenient. Ravenglass! Where are you, cretin?"
The sprite appeared in a puff of smoke at her feet and gave a low bow. "I did well, mistress, yes?"
In a swift movement, she grabbed him by the throat and hoisted him up into the air. "How dare you keep secrets from me!"
"Forgive me, mistress!" he whined, squirming helplessly in her grasp. "I meant to tell you!"
"Really? When exactly? After you'd finished plotting against me with Saturnus?"
"It wasn't like that, mistress! Please, let me explain!"
"Make it good or the rats will dine well tonight!" she snorted, releasing her grip.
He winced as he landed heavily on the unforgiving marble. "Lord Saturnus told me the last time he was here that Lion-O would be coming," he said. "He told me what to say."
"And how did he know?"
"I should have thought that was obvious," said the sprite, easing himself up into a sitting position.
"Don't get cocky with me!" Jageena roared. "You work for me, Ravenglass, not that lion."
The sprite held up his hands before his face and peered between his fingers. "Forgive me, mistress," he cried. "I have a family. Spare me, please."
"Oh, shut up!" she growled, angrily turning away from him. That blasted lion had been using her, creeping from her bedchamber to plot with her faithless familiar. How much else had she missed? That he had been plotting with Ravenglass was bad enough, but what if it went further, perhaps to the Ancient Spirits themselves? That thought troubled her the most. Notoriously fickle, as her predecessor, Mumm-ra, could testify, keeping their favour was a full-time occupation. Thus far, she had pleased them and in return they bolstered her powers with their own. But should Saturnus take their eye, she could well find herself tossed aside. This treachery could not go unpunished. Time to take control of this situation, she decided, especially as it presented such interesting possibilities.
"Tell me this, Ravenglass," she demanded. "Is the Lord of the Thundercats really going blind?"
"Oh yes. Slowly but surely, he will lose his sight, so Saturnus said. He told me to say it was inherited." He sniffed the air and started to fret. "Crikey, is it that late already? Please, mistress, can I go?"
"Yes, get lost," she said, only half-listening to his bleating. He vanished in a flash of light, leaving Jageena alone with her thoughts. She stood for a moment, inwardly fuming, until her low growl of annoyance gave vent to a mighty scream of rage. The door opened and the attendant looked in.
"Is everything all right, Divine Mistress?" she asked.
"No, it damn well isn't!" she roared. "Get me a history of the Lords of Thundera. And if you value your head, make it quick!"
Continued
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