"An attempt was made on the little princess' life, sir."
"What?" Kieron felt the blood drain from his face.
"As I say, Kieron." The old Valkyr's face was grim. "We had to fight our way out of the Palace."
"I never had a chance to speak to Toran," the girl said sombrely. "It was all that could be done to reach the spaceship. Even the Janizaries tried to stop us. Two of your men died for me, Kieron."
"Who did this thing?" asked Kieron ominously.
"The men who attacked the princess' quarters," said Nevitta deliberately, "wore the harness of Kalgan."
That hit Kieron like a physical blow ... hard. "Kalgan! And you brought her here? You fool, Nevitta!"
The old Valkyr nodded agreement. "Yes, Kieron. Fool is the proper word...."
"No!" Alys spoke up imperiously. "It was my command that brought us here. I insisted."
"By the Seven Hells! Why?" demanded Kieron. "Why here? You could have been safe on Valkyr! I know it was my order to bring you here, but after what happened...."