Center Worlds - Spark Read online

  Chapter 4.3

  She Will Never Be A Burden - Royal Palace, Tara -17 BA

  The shuttle touched down at night, and as the ramp lowered, the head of the Palace Medical department, Doctor Solonae, walked on board with two of his nurses.

  “Who is this we have here, my Lord?” He asked as he began to examine the young girl.

  “Aya Camelin, daughter of the Clan. She is the first-born daughter of Clan Camelin. Now going to live with us for her own protection.” Tyo replied. “You will heal her, Doctor. No exceptions.”

  The doctor looked at Tyo and replied gruffly. “You do not tell me my duty, Lord Emperor. I have served the Clans Desinlo, Camelin and Masilec with honor and integrity. My loyalty is not in question. You give me a patient, I heal that patient.”

  Tyo nodded, “Yes, Doctor. Just, she is special to me, and to her father. Take care of her.”

  Doctor Solonae nodded. “She will have the best of care, the very best. Come now, we must get her into my medical so we can see what must be done.”

  The medics slid the bed down the ramp and down into the waiting flitter that would take it to the extensive medical facility attached to the Palace. The doctor bid Tyo fare well and stepped into the flitter. Tyo stood as it lifted and flew off, taking young Aya to one of the best care facilities in the entire Confederacy.

  He turned and gathered his robes around him in the chill night air, then began to walk towards the palace, about a hundred mets off. As he approached, noting the guards conspicuously near, but allowing him his privacy, an older woman came up to him.

  “My Lord, you called for us?” She said with a slight curtsy.

  “You are?” He asked, not recognizing her.

  “I am Pya, regent of the Lari'Sota. I was told you requested my presence, My Lord.”

  Tyo stopped and looked her over, then “Walk with me, Lari'Sota.”

  She fell into step beside him as he walked into the palace itself. “We have a new guest with us, the daughter of Clan Camelin. First-born. She is only just four cycles old. She has no idea of palace life, or any life outside of her mother. That woman has gone to Pangea. Aya is alone now. Her father, Ryo Camelin is off fighting a Clan war. She has no family, no companions, and will be alone here. She will need people around her. I want you to see who can be arranged to be with her at all times to make her feel as comfortable as possible.”

  Pya walked in silent thought for a moment. “The Lari'Sota are an ancient order, My Lord. Established thousands of cycles ago by the elders to help maintain peace and serenity at the palace itself. I will assign two of my girls to assist. I have an orphan daughter, Kya, from Clan Desinlo, who was given to our care almost a cycle past. She is five cycles in age. A good match to be a companion to the young Lady, and she can grow with her. I will also assign Tya to their care and comfort. She is properly of age and can ensure the Lady receives the proper training and education to live in the palace and not be a burden to your or the other staff.”

  “A burden? Aya could never be a burden to me, Regent Pya. Do not presume that I am attempting to shuffle her off to a dark corner. She will be in my presence more often than not.” Tyo stated, looking at the older woman evenly.

  “No disrespect was meant, my Lord. If the young Lady does not know how to act in the court, she may find some of our activities uncomfortable or distressing. She must learn how to act so that she can survive and thrive here.” Pya replied.

  Tyo came to the door to his chambers. He held out his hand, and Pya took it. He then bowed to her. “Thank you, Regent. Take care of the Lady Aya and keep me advised of any progress or changes. You will find her with Doctor Solonae at this time.”

  Pya nodded and turned to leave as Tyo entered his chambers to get some rest.

  The next morning, Pya was at the Medical Center waiting as the Doctor finished his examination of the still sedated child. She stood as Doctor Solonae came to her with a viewpad showing his report.

  “Have you been given responsibility for the young Lady?” He asked.

  “Yes, Doctor. The Lord Emperor has placed her in my immediate care for her recuperation.” Pya replied.

  “She has a severe spinal injury. No nerve damage luckily, but many shattered and broken vertebrae. Her spine has been partially fused and will not grow properly.” The Doctor explained as he looked at the report.

  “What does that mean for her?” Pya asked.

  “Unless we make adjustments, she will be severely stunted or may in fact have a severe spinal deformity. We will have to do several nano treatments during her growth spurts to enable her spine to repair itself. However, the best treatment is to reduce her natural growth hormone to ensure her body grows at a controlled rate so we can adjust her spine properly.” Doctor Solonae explained.

  Pya pursed her lips. “So if you reduce the growth hormone, she will grow slower, and will not reach her normal height. But will she be properly formed?”

  The Doctor nodded slowly. “She will be as perfect as her parents produced, just smaller than expected. I will ensure she develops properly. As you are the responsible one, you must give me authorization.”

  Pya reached for the Pad and thumb-signed it, giving her approval. “Do what is needed, Doctor. We need this girl healthy and whole.”