Original X-roads-2003

Meanwhile…
 
    Mark walked with Casandra to watch a sea of men train in perfect formation. He stared out emotionless, “Tell me all you know of the assassin.”
    “Mark, you know I can’t.”
    He turned to Casandra, “You know I don’t have to ask.”
    Casandra felt him running through her memories as if he had lived them.
    He glanced at her for a second pondering what she experienced at Katie’s. He resumed looking at the troops. “So, Sertoff found love again. At long last, a chance to get even with him for stealing Lilah from me. How ironic she is the assassin as well. How in sync with your plan.”
    Mark glanced at Casandra, “Do you think I can not see a trap?” He faced her again, “This ruse. Sertoff cares nothing for that girl. She is Jonothan’s mate.”
    Casandra said nothing.
    “The trouble D’brau has stirred up over her is bordering mutiny.”
    “You should let them go off together.” Casandra offered. “Wouldn’t that solve both your problems? The two of them could be happy together far away from you. She cared nothing of this mission.”
    “No!” Mark cut her off. “She cares only for her friends.”
    “Send them away too, they will follow Jasylin before they will follow Sertoff.” Casandra conspired.
    Mark watched Casandra for a minute, “Dear Casandra… if only it could be as it was.”