Page 55 of Last of Her Name

“I tried,” says the doctor. “Didn’t you get my note?”

I think back. “You compared him to the amethyst gambit. You as good as confirmed he was dead!”

“Anya, think. How does the gambit play out?”

Oh.

I let out a breath, shutting my eyes. In Triangulum, you have the chance to return your first sacrificed piece to the board just before the endgame begins. By letting your amethyst warrior go, you can later bring it back into play.

“You could have been alittlemore specific,” I grumble.

“I couldn’t risk Zhar finding out, and she was careful not to let me be alone with you. I think she always knew I’d choose you over her. She didn’t trust me.”

“You risked your life to save him.”

“He’s important to you, Princess, and he’s loyal.” He walks to Pol and stares down grimly. “You need to get out of this system and find someplace to lie low for a while. Find a physician for your friend, and quickly. He won’t last long in this condition.”

“Dad?” Mara runs down the steps from the control deck, her eyes wide. “You’re coming with us!”

“If Zhar reaches that shield, you won’t escape here. I’m going to hold her off.”

“But, Dad! She’ll space you! No!”

“Mara, my love.” He presses his forehead to hers. “Did I ever tell you that you’re my favorite daughter?”

“I’m you’reonlydaughter!” She pulls back, eyes wide and afraid.

He chuckles. “Find your place among the stars, Mara. Knowing you are out there, free, that is enough for me.”

“Dad, no. I won’t—”

He presses something to her arm.

Ah, the old sleep patch trick.

Mara slumps in her father’s arms, but he passes her to me. I grunt, struggling to hold the girl up. “If you go back,” I say, “she’ll never forgive you.Orme. Please stay. We can find another way.”

Dr. Luka looks at me with watering eyes. “I’m trusting her into your care, Princess. I once swore to protect your family. Will you do the same for mine?”

“I swear it,” I whisper. “But, Doctor, you don’t have to do this—”

“Hush, now.” He swallows hard, his eyes locked on Mara. “You don’t have much time. They’re almost through. I wish I could explain to you, Anya, but you have to listen to me now: the Firebird. Zhar’s got it all wrong.”

“What do you mean?”

Now his eyes flick to me. “You’ve had it all this time, Princess. You—”

He’s cut short as a loud crash shakes the clipper. I curse, thinking the ship’s been hit, but then Dr. Luka climbs down to the air lock and looks out.

“Zhar’s blasted through the rocks! Go, go,go! I can’t hold her off for long!” He vanishes through the hatch, and Riyan rushes to shut it behind him.

“Get us off this rock, tensor,” I whisper.

“You got it.” He rises into the air and lands on the control deck, his robes settling around him.

I grab Pol’s stretcher and activate the magnetic locks on the bottom, clamping it securely to the floor. Then I drag Mara to a seat and strap her in. On a screen connected to the ship’s rear cameras, I see Dr. Luka standing in front of the shield controls. Soldiers are running toward him. He shoots, and they duck for cover. But then Zhar breaks through, furious and ruthless. She fires on the doctor, and he retreats behind a ship.

“Go, Riyan!” I shout as I climb to the control deck. “She’s almost at the shield!”