Doctor Eve Sanders walked into the bedroom of the Alpha’s young daughter’s room. She followed closely behind by her brother Maxwell. Her pack’s alpha Charles St Paul stood in the room standing next to the Alpha of the Shadow Cats Adam Green.
Eve froze mid step at the sudden dominace becoming charged in the air. She felt his intense interest in her both sexually and suspicion. She felt a chill go up her spine. Her excitement rose as did a tingling of instant sexual need.
Maxwell grunted and jolted her out of her sexual buzz. She focused on the task set before her. She was a healer. The best. It was more then an act of kindness toward a rival pack. It was also a way of proving Frostfalls pack had no dealings in the cursed magic used on the girl to take her young life.
Eve stepped forward careful with her steps and focused mental state. She felt a different type of chill now as she neared the girl laying in the bed.
“What are you feeling Cher? Do you know what’s happened to my baby girl?” Adam asked in a purring seductive voice.
Eva’s arousal tingled at the deep purr in gis voice. She shook off the effect he was having on and took a breath in and out. She froze at the scent of the girl went into her body. The scent was off about the girl. Eva angled her head around searching for something until she found the source of the scent. It was coming under the bed. She took out her knife.
Eva felt Adam’s reaction and the danger from him. She held up a hand to Adam. There was a sudden stillness. She waited a breath of a second and put a finger to her lips before she used the same finger to point under the bed.
“I see.” Adam said. “So. Do you need it to find out who harmed my baby sister.” He asked.
“Yes. I do love. I’m sorry.” Eve said in a honey glazed sounding voice that even surprised Eva’s own ears. She hadn’t meant to seduce Adam. She just meant to tell him no.
Maxwell tried to push her back but she shoved off his hold away. She motioned to him to silently to close the door. Eva didn’t know why but she couldn’t leave.
They couldn’t let whatever the hell was under the bed get away. Charles chuckled and took off his suit jacket.
“Well. We best get to the business.” Charles said.
Adam took a position slightly in front of Eve. She crunched low next to him close to his side and focused on the scent of the enemy.
“Hey. You going to stay under the bed all night.” Adam said.
Eva felt her fangs extend out and her eyes glow with magic. She saw a shadow of a magical figure creep out from under the bed.
Tai Omega Wales walked into the Shaky Bar and exotic club dancers. The appearance of depression mixed with hard cheap spirits was pungent in the air. He grimaced at the scent of sweat and evidences of dirty sexual favors in dark corners coloring the atmosphere. He saw the aura dark purples and dirty reds underneath the normal human visual perspective. Only a few strange humans like T.O. could see.
It was the usual scenery and daily experience of the place. It had been this way sense before he had came into the world a screaming bastard. It would be this way when he finally left the mortal plains to join whoever his father had been in the white zone.
T.O. stood observing the place dressed in New clothes and freshly washed up and a nu. A19 revolver in my holster at his side.
The A19 had been a new edition to his wardrobe. He had purchased the suit and weapon just a few two hours ago. He was happy with the new change in his choice of profession the moment he had looked at himself in tailor Joe’s full length mirror at himself.
T.O’s appearance got no reaction from anyone inside much to his dark amusement. He sauntered inside with his new leather boots sounding his invasion into the establishment with purpose.
Pot Belly Big Bill gave him a side glare before going back to cleaning his dirty beer mug and pretending to be a hard working business man. It was his daily act. Much like everyone else in the bar and dancing club. Everyone was putting on an act just to pass the time before they went home to bed and got up the next morning to do the same thing.
This was the way of things on Tears 1.1. Space station. T.O. made his way to the bar and set down his last silver Empiral crown credits on the bar. T. O. didn’t say what he wanted to order. Bill just quickly snatched up the money and served T.O. the same dirty beer mug filling it with warm beer.
Bill picked up another dirty mug and began to clean it with his dirty rag and ignored T.O.
T.O. slid the beer over to another drunk. The drunk took the gift with toothy grin and happily went about savoring the free gift.
Bill frowned at T.O. he wondered at the change in T.O.’s usual act silently. He set his mug down. “You got fancy new digs and some hot iron at your side. Did you steal the money and dress from a dead gun fighter?” He asked pointedly.
T.O. shook his head. “Nope. I got a new job and acting gig. I quit the drunken idiot role a few hours ago.” He said with no heat just a lazy a matter of fact voice.
Bill grunted. He reached forward moving aside T.O’s light jacket to look at the Gold star pinned to his vest. Bill snorted in disgust. “Don’t tell me you took up that damned fool posting for sheriff. Ain’t nobody around going to take you at all for serious Tango.” He said.
There were more then a few chuckles around the bar. T.O. shook his head. “It’s not a sheriff’s badge.” He said in conversational tone.
Bill snorted and spit flew out his mouth onto the bar and T. O.’s jacket. “The hell you say. I know a five star sheriff’s badge when I see one even with my old ass eyes. Go on with you Wales. Go pretend to be a copper some place else. Ain’t no criminals in here but people just passing the waking hours away. Go on now. Get!” He said dismissing T.O. with complete indifference and contempt.
T.O. sighed. “I’m not in here looking for criminals or to arrest anybody. A fella hired my company to do a job for him. Simple job. I’m here to pick up the package your holding then I’ll be on my way.” He said.
Bill froze and stared at T.O. “What the hell time are you on? You lost you senses or something? Get your ass out of my bar. You ain’t welcome-” Bill began but stopped when T.O moved drawing his revolver and aimed and fired at a man that came up from his seat with a charge energy pistol. He brought the man down with one shot to his temple before he leveled his revolver on the drunk next to him.
The drunk froze with pistol in his hand. T.O. calmly removed the pistol from his holster and kicked the drunk over to the floor. T.O. turned his attention to Bill.
“Yeah. Like I was saying I was looking to pick up that package you’ve been holding on to. I got to get it back to my client you know so if you could bring it up for me I can be on my way.” He said calmly with one of pistols resting on the bar aimed at Bill with the hammer cucked and ready.
Bill grinned noding his head. “Sure thing. Sure thing. You mind giving me a description on this item your looking to take?” He said.
T. O. shook his head staring at Bill as a violent red aura took form around him. “I would rather cut past all the hoodwinking and such Bill. You know what I’m here for. I saw you bring it in here two nights ago when I was sleeping outside the bar on street begging for coins for another drink. I would hate to leave your old lady a widow and sons fatherless. Give me what I came in here for so I can be on my way. I think your life is worth more then keeping the package to sell off for later.” T.O. said.
Bill stared at T.O’s sympathetic sad sour face. “I see. That’s security forces badge under your jacket. Your a hell hound for one those big security forces firms. Huh?! That sob story about you losing your mind over your family ways bullshit. OK. I see look how about I give you a hundred grand to be on your way.” He said.
I was escorted into the main room of the ship where the queen controlled the ship and her armada of ships. She sat on a tall long dark ebony throne as I entered the flying ship queen’s room. She was dressed in a simple in black dress. A black vail over half her face. Her eyes were dark and plain looking but direct in their stare at me.
She got up flowing to her feet. She was about average height for a female and had slim body but curvy shape.
I bowed to her. “Queen of Dar. I greet you. I am Crescent of the Krull.” I said.
She nodded. “I am Dara of the Dar. I greet you Prince of the Krull. I am sorry we could not have met on more friendly terms before the departure of your cousin.” She said.
I nodded stiffly. “Your Highness ordered his judgement.” I said.
“Yes. I did order the judgement.” She said in calm voice. No apologies or explanations. Just the truth. I respected that.
I nodded. “My Elders and people wish to stick to ourselves and remain neutral. We understand your position over us in power but a joining of our houses would only be the end of people. We will serve you but we wish to remain a people intact to our ways. Is this agreeable to you?” I said.
The Dar queen was quiet as she stared at me. “You are a small tribe but powerful. Few in number and the projections given to me by my advisors say you will die out in less then a century. The dar are a producing race. Joining with my people will increase your numbers and survival.” She said patiently.
I nodded. “True. However, our people do not mix well together. The Dar have their traditions and codes. The Krull have ours. We would not get on well. Eventually you would destroy my race. If the Krull destiny is short so be it. We wish to go out on our own terms.” I said.
The Queen Dar shook her head. “I’m afraid that is not possible.” She said coming closer. She stood near me looking up into my face. “The Krull must live on even if that means they have to be reeducated and converted to our ways. If one or two of your males volunteers to join with Dar females this would ease tensions and help your people. Will this be acceptable?” She said in a whisper soft voice close toward me.
“I will ask them. I will not force any Krull to abandoned who they are. If they agree I think will that be enough to cool the tensions between our people.” I said.
The Dar Queen reached up toward me brushing a hand over my cheek. I felt movement behind and I knew it was one of her guards but I didn’t react. I caught her scent. She smelled beautiful. She stared at me. “Would you like to volunteer?” She asked.
“I prefer to walk alone your Highness. I am of little importance and I am to old to be conformed to the Dar way of life. I am a mere servent of my people. I am no one special.” I said calmly.
She stepped back slowly and sat on her throne. “I want five males to marry five Dar females. I wish you to be one of them. I have the wife fit for you. If not then you must swear to marry no one for as long as you live.” She said.
“On the honor of my ancestors. I swear to not marry or claim a female. The barrior over this planet.” I said.
The Queen Dar stared at me. “Present your male cousins to Lord Max today. The Barrior will go down on their wedding. You may go see the Breaker girl after the weddings to tell her the wedding is off.” She said.
“Your Highness. I gave you my word. I will not see any female from on. The Krull will serve you until we are no more. Thank you for your kindness.” I said.
The Dar Queen nodded and crossed her legs. I focused on her eyes. She was staring at me. “This planet is called the Krull for a reason. Your people made your home here because the world is as you are wild but tranquil. Before the Dar discovered you here no one expected star travelors to be able to live in such a harsh forest planet. The Dar don’t wish or need to claim it. If you wish to make your home somewhere else that is your concern. I would advise it to be on Dar 3. It is not far from here. Lord Max had no evil intentions toward your cousin. He was doing what I instructed him to do.” She said.
I stared at her. “Understood.” I said.
“What do you understand?!” She asked.
“Lord Max was doing what your Majesty told him to do sense my cousin violated your law. My tribe agreed to your laws if and when one of us violated it. The Krull for as long as we exist we honor our word.” I said calmly.
The Queen studied me. “Your people are a valuable alliance to the Dar. You are masters of combat and magical star travel. A true genuine people. One of a kind that pass on your talents by fathers and sons. You are a noble and capable leader.” She said.
I said nothing. The Queen sat in silence. “I will trust you to keep your word. We are short on time however. The wedding will take place now.” She said.
There was a silent command she conveyed to someone in the room. A second later I saw someone appear out from side black door. She was a tall maid dressed in white with white vail over half of her lower face. I knew her.
“You remember my maid Mai of course. She will perform the ceremony between the house of The Krull house.” The Queen of the Dar said.
I nodded my head slowly. I had been with Crowley once when he had met with the Breaker Princess. The maid had stood with the Princess the whole time as her guard.
I looked slowly back at the Queen of the Dar. “You are Moon Dancer of the Breakers. It is a crime of the Dar to impersonate their queen.” I said. This didn’t make any sense.
The Queen shook her head. “Max performs deceptions well to get things done. I prefer blunt truth. Max is a very clever man. In regards to his nation and their future I knew the moment I met Crowley that this would be the outcome.” She said.
I stared at her. “There is no Dar Queen. Max is the real leader.” I said.
“Yes and no. Max holds the power and authority. I was conscripted into his nation to aid in his quest. The nation of Dar needs you Cre for the war that is upon us. A greater threat is coming to both the Dar and the federation of worlds. An old enemy of your kind has been reborn. A threat that only Krull Prince and his queen are able to defeat together.” She said.
I felt a chill went down my spine. “The king of shadows. I see.” I said and I did. I held out my hand to Moon Dancer. She took and the wedding began.
Cre greeted Max with a cold curt nod and little show at being surprised to see him again or pleased at the idea. Max for his part was pleased to see Cre still in control of his emotions and people. The Krull were surrounded by Dar Empire soldiers and flying ships.
Yet, Cre was cool as he stood facing Max under the canopy. Max sat at a make shift desk and waved him to a seat on the other side of the desk.
Cre of course didn’t want to sit by he wasn’t much in a position to resist without things getting unpleasant for his people. So he sat straight back and on guard.
Max smiled at him. “Your a long way from the parcel of land we last met and . Where you planning on visiting the Breakers?! Whatever for I wonder.” He said with a grin.
Cre stared at him. “You have put a barrior over the planet meant to keep my people here. Where in my people’s contract with your people was that expressly said that warrented such an action?” He said.
Max laughed slapping a hand down on the desk. He pointed his manicured hand toward Cre. “It wasn’t forbidden in the contract either. This is the world your people chose to make their home. Why would their be a need for you to leave your own homeworld. The Dar Empire has made no plans to Rob you of your home. Again. The Dar Empire wants a marriage an lasting friendship between both people. Your people likes the arrangement until your leader made a miss step. What is the reason you returned the money and left your property.” He said.
Cre stared at him. “It is my people’s business not yours. We are different people. We wish no aggression or trouble with you or your empire or federation of worlds. You push your ways and your will on us. We are a simple people and odd and uppity people as you said once. We see no need to trouble you with any explanations of our desires to be left to ourselves. Let us move past this game. What do you really want?” Cre said.
Max chuckled. “You speak basic trade language well. You also know how to think in a reasonable manner. The short of it is the Queen of the Dar wishes to see you and discuss plans on compensation on your loss of respect and a tribesmen. However, I remember clearly telling you that the reason your cousin had to be judged was because he broke faith with me. He also refused to cancel his up and coming marriage. Do you intend on waking up that old matter. I thought it was settled. There was no need for you to run off.” Max said.
Cre stared at Max. “You wish there to be no marriage between my tribe and that of the Breakers?” He said.
Max nodded. “There will be no marriage between The Krulls and Breakers. Am I understood?” He said.
Cre stared at Max. “We have a deal.” He said calmly.
Max flinched back in his seat. He grimanced at the coolness of Cre’s reply. “On your word.” He said.
Cre nodded. “Of course and on your word as the Diplomate of Dar of course. We have a deal.” He said.
Max shook his head smiling. “What am I agreeing to. Give me the terms.” He said.
“You agree to have your head removed from your shoulders or that there will be never be a marriage between my people and yours for all time. Which is it to be. Will you give me your head or will you agree to there being no marriage between my people and yours the choice is.” Cre said.
Max sat back. “You wish me dead that badly? Come now lad. The Queen of Dar is willing to pay you greatly for your services. I represent the Empire of Dar and her queen to demand my head is to threaten the queen. You must calm your nerves and think reasonably.” He said.
Cre shook his head. “I wish you to leave my people alone. You have demonstrated I should not trust you or your people not to endanger my people or our way of life. But, you stand in need of my people in service to yours. You also threaten my people. I demand a price for that service. What is it to be? What do you expect my people to work for free?! That is not the Dar Empire way of doing business or politics. Nothing is for free. I have named my price.” He said coolly.
Max clapped his hands. “Now we come to a reasonable stance. My counter offer. You will meet the Queen of Dar. You will agree to not marry the Breaker Princess. If you can convince the queen of your request to remove my head you will get your way. If not my head then wealth will be a second best option.” He said.
Cre sighed and leaned back in his seat. “Counter offer. Remove the barrior over this planet and there will be no marriage to between my people and the house of the Breakers and you can retain my people’s hunting services. Nothing more.” He said.
Max chuckled. “The barrior will remain in place until you meet the queen of the Dar. There is no need for you to leave your own homeworld no one is forcing you away. In fact a marriage between your people and the Dar royalty would resolve this imaginary conflict you believe is between our peoples.” He said.
“You taught me once that each side must sacrifice something for a bargin to be reached. There will be no marriage between my tribe and yours. Do you agree to this one point? To gain everything else. It is a small price to pay. Do not tell me that I can’t even get you to abide by your own philosophy.” Cre said.
Max sighed. “No. Listen. Money. Wealth. Honor. I can offer you-” He said but stopped when Cre shook his head and waved his hand.
“Nothing.” Cre said. “If you can not give on one thing then nothing you say means anything. We have no need of your gold. Your lands. Your meaningless words of high praise. You are a empty talking killer. What? Have I offended you?! Are you angry to be told to your face what you are?” Cre said.
Max stared at Cre in utter blank indifference to his insults. He shrugged his shoulders. “No not really. I’ve heard much worse lad and your still being respectful about it. You took to your lessons well on Dar philosophy and trade talk. Your right. All the same I am in the position of power. I say you can’t marry the Breaker Princess. You must marry into the Dar royal family. It would strengthen your survival.” He said.
Cre nodded. “The deal is simple. No marriage between my people and yours forever. This is not about emotion or revenege. This is about respect and abiding by your own philosophy. You could have come to my elders and told them Crowley’s crime. You could have allowed us to handle it. No. You decided to handle the matter with disrespect. Then you demand I respect you and your position?! You have no respect for nothing and no one. I have no regard for you and your worthless people. I value my people. You do not.” He said.
Max stared at him. “Meet the queen of Dar. Talk with her. If she agrees to bring down the barrior on the planet that will be your only shot out but the day you attempt to marry the Breaker princess…it will put your people in a difficult position. She’s waiting in the ship I came in behind you. This is not a threat. It’s politics. The Dar Empire value the skills your people have. You are a one of a kind people in the universe. The Breakers position would rise higher in challenge to the Dar. Crowley knew this and brought on this situation. Furthermore the Breakers breed primarily females. Your race would not thrive and your few as is.” He said.
Cre shook his head. “You are to strange to deal with. I will meet your queen maybe she is more toleratable. I want the barrior removed. Any deals my people have with yours will be minimum at best. You can not be trusted.” He said.
Max shrugged. “My motivations regarding you aline with your survival. That is the mandate my queen gave me. You’re still my best student to be educated on Dar philosophy and trade talk. First lesson I taught you was that it doesn’t matter to me what I feel or want. I have a job to do so I do it for the honor of my queen.” He said.
It was on our third day track toward the land of the Breakers as I woke up in my tent I felt some power pushing down on me. I had dressed quickly with this foreboding feeling still with me. I had just climbed out of my tent and looked up at the sky. I stared up. The morning sky seemed to have a strange magical shimmering appearance to it.
I stood and the men all came alert and at attention before I said anything. I frowned but I looked at Anders. My elder cousin and Crowley’s youngest brother. He stared at me with an expression of keen alertness that much in the same way others did now.
“The Elders. Where are they?” I asked.
“As Sum. They are awaiting your orders in their tent of meeting.” He said.
I sighed. I looked behind my tent toward the larger tent of meeting. “Elders. May I come in?” I said.
Rolle came out of the tent first followed by our four elders. The men all stood waiting.
I motioned with my hand to the sky. “They are blocking the sky with some sort spell.” I said.
Nolle nodded. “There is also the matter of the spell I cast on our people seems to be fading. They are hunting us and will find us soon.” He said.
I frowned shaking my head. “We are still a days journey or more from reaching the Breakers. How will we evade them moving as we are now?” I said.
Rolle stared at me. He said nothing. He waited. It was the same way he always did when he knew the answer would come to me.
They were going to catch up to us before we reached the Breakers. There was no avoiding it. We couldn’t make the dash run off world as well so what now?
“Rolle.” I said.
“Speak my Lord.” He said.
I ignored his my lord comment. “Rolle. Is it nessary that we reach the Breakers?” I asked.
“It is absolutely nessary for us to seek out the Breakers. They had the means for us leave this world and move on.” He said.
“Pack up what you can. We’re making the Dash for the Breakers domain. Right now.” I said snatching up my tent and putting them up in my traveling bag.
The others rushed doing as I did and with in moments every one of the hundred or so people were ready to go. It had been a month sense we had had to make a full run in to the Dash. We would have to chance it just to get close enough to reaching the Breakers before we were caught by the Dar.
This would be our first group Dash without Crowley setting the lead and guiding us as a group. I knew I would have to take lead to focus us. I set my gaze forward thinking of the Tree ships of the Breakers. Once I had the image in my head. I felt the Dash energy around me as the tribe gathered close.
“Keep close with me.. I’m leading the way to the Breakers.” I said and I knelt down into a running position and rushed foward pushing my body forward with the energy around us.
We ran as a group the full force of the rush and our connection being the generating force pushing us forward as one. Lands. Water. We traveled catching on glimpses of them. I kept my focus for several moments in the rush until I saw several Dar black flying ships blocking our ways in mid air. I felt one of my people being pulled out of the group by one of lost Krull slaved to the Dar Empire. I saw them dressed in black uniforms as they invaded the rush to slow our travel.
I had to bring the rush to a quick stop to keep the remaining ones of us together as we stopped a few feet away from the Dar ships and people. I looked around trying to find Rolle and realized he had been taken out of the group as well.
A small flying boat from one of the ships came down with two Dar guards in it and Lord Max. He waved to me in a friendly manner. I didn’t react to his expression of acting.
When he finally arrived in front of me. Max nodded to me. “We meet again.” He said.
“You block my way and have taken one of my elders. Who have you come to kill today? An old man or the remaining youth of my people?” I said.
Max shook his head. “Oh no. No. The queen is against any of your people being harmed toay. I came to do my job. To talk and negotate with your people about that peace pack and marriages to be joined.” He said.
I shook my head. “You play games. You always play games. Let me speak your in your lanuage. What’s in for me? What do I need to do to reclaim back my Elders and people?” I said.
Max shook his head holding up his hand like he was an innocent man. There was laughter in his eyes. I saw it now. He was always laughing at my people.
“You are heated today Lad. I just wanted to make a deal with you and then we’ll get out of your way. You can go visit the Breakers and their princess. But, first you have to make a deal with me and have a talk with the Dar Queen. Oh we didn’t take your elders. We just asked your people working part time for the Dar to have them sit down a bit from all that running. Not all your people have a dislike for The Dar.” He said with a comical grin.
I shook my head. “My people are the Krull. Anyone that chooses sides against us is not with us. They sold themselves to you and have no part with the Krull. Do with them as you see fit but I want back my stolen Elders. Begin your game of bargins what do you want for them?” I said calmly.
Max stared at me. “There’s no need for that kind energy lad. I just want to talk with you a bit after we come to some agreement then you can be on your way to see the Breakers. I promise.” He said in a honest voice. But the image of him standing over my Prince’s dead body haunted me still.
I shook my head. “Your word is meaningless to me. What else do you have to bargin with for me to entertain your foolish talk?” I asked.
Max chuckled but he nodded his head. “Alright. Alright. Please have a sit down talk with me. We come to some agreement and you can be on your way. As a show of good faith we won’t use your people against you again no games. the Queen wishes their to be friendship between our people. A quick end to conflict between us is my desire.” He said.
I shook my head. “The Krull give you the land, gold and everything you gave to us. We ask in exchange for these pointless talks that you give us all our people in exchange. Right now or there is nothing for us to discuss.” I said.
Max laughed but he clapped his hands. “You’ve made your point. Rolle and the others will be returned to you right now. We go have a talk under my tent and find some common ground on your planet. I believe we can reach an agreement to cool intensions down and return to a friendship.” He said.
I stared at him. “I want all my people back. I promise to talk with you and settle the issues between us.” I said.
The moment my foot touched inside the cave I felt a rush of energy and force pushing and pulling me somewhere else. I was transported into another realm entirely. Unlike “The Dase run” that my people had used to travel the stars. This form of travel had been a particular means of instant travel from one point of origin to the next.
I felt the magical heat of raw power all around me. I knew I was a vast distance away from my people and could feel it then urge to go back quickly. I resisted as I followed a narrow path in front of me deeper into the cave.
The cave was cast in darkness with glimpses of color on the narrow walls around me. Every half step I took showed vibrant colors of ruby and Jasmin occasionally coloring the walls.
The dusty ash red path lay before me darkness behind me. I walked on carefully but my steps were with purpose. The urge to find the Lava Tooth and be done with the mission to return to my people was my only desire now.
I traveled on. It felt like hours passed though I sensed time was very different in the micro realm of ancient magic.
I stopped a moment took a breath and just took a leap forward until I arrived center of the core room. A place of living glowing rocks and a pool of ruby magical waters lay before me. I felt presense of a being here. Invisible to my naked eyes but my soul gazed back at the creature.
“Greetings Ancient one. I come to obtain the Lava Tooth to protect my people.” I said.
The ancient being stired in the silence. I sensed silent amusement. It reminded me of Rolle.
“You are a mortal seeking power as every mortal before and the ones that will come after you. Are you any different from Crowley young one? I ponder your words though.” The ancient power spoke with the words. I felt the words in soul.
I bowed to one knee lowering my head. It felt right. Though I was surprised by the ancient power’s mention of Crowley. He had come to this place as well?
“Yes. Yes. Your Lord and Master came here once. He walked the same path as you did. He made the leap here and he spoke to me but he left empty handed as you will. What now?” The ancient power said with no emotion or verbal sound.
What could I say. I was no Crowley. He had been the strongest of his generation of my people. I wasn’t even of his line to rule. I would fair the same as he did. I had failed. Still I wanted to know something.
“What do you wish to know young one. Stand your ground as a man and ask of me what you will.” The Ancient One said.
I stood facing the pools of magical waters. I stared in to the depths. “I wish to know, to know…” I said and then paused. I wanted to ask for wisdom but then something else came to me. I could gain wisdom from Rolle and living my life. There was something I wanted to know. That couldn’t gain naturally. “Who are you?” I asked.
Laughter and life. I felt it in my soul and I felt it all around me in this place of ancient magic. I had my answer. I knelt down by the pools of magical pools. I still needed to have something to take back to my people to encourage them inspite of my failure. “Ancient One. May, I borrow your powers for my Iron Fang knife?” I asked.
“Do as you will. You are a man. You know the path to take. But, be mindful. I am lending you away. You will return to me.” The ancient power said.
I got out my knife and dipped the blade into the pools of magical waters. It came out glowing ruby red in magical energy. This would do.
“Thank you, Ancient One. Until we meet again at the end of my journey.” I said.
The Ancient power’s laughter warmed my soul. “Safe journey.” The ancient one said.
I got to my feet. A hand touched my shoulder I turned and Rolle’s kind face greeted me. I felt a pang of guilty at failing in my mention. I showed him the blade of my knife though. “I have-” I started to say but Rolle shook his head.
“It is time. Let us go fetch your bride.” He said.
I paused a moment as we faced the cave entrance. Drake’s Mouth was the right name for the entrance into the magical door way. I felt the heat from the mystic fires with in Drake’s mouth from our position on my face. I could see a little ruby like energy flame inside the cave flicking in the darkness. I wondered what type of weapon I would find inside the moutain or how I would call it forth out of the fires inside the mouth.
Zoom! Boom!
My head went up as my thoughts were jerked back to the Empire as I noticed their flying ships flying above the surface of the ground. They couldn’t see us though they searched desperately thanks to the spell Rolle had cast over our cloaks.
I knew the spell wouldn’t last though. My senses were still actively aware of time and the urgency I felt. I needed to get the tribe away from this planet and as far away and hidden from the politics of the galaxy. Rolle tapped me on the head with his grey staff.
I didn’t yell but I was brought back to the present. I looked at him to see his annoyed grimance on his face as he stared at me. “My apologies Rolle. My thoughts are on finishing the task so we can be on the road again.” I said.
Rolle sighed and leaned against his staff. “You are worried about the Empress’ hunter being on our heels. I told you we will not be found so easily.” He said.
“You are not worried though. I assume. You never seem to worry much about anything Rolle.” I said with a small smile.
Rolle grinned chucking quietly. He shook his head. “You are wondering why they are chasing after us still when we have given back to them all they have given us.” He said.
I shrugged. “It’s simple enough. We were useful slaves to them until they tried to handle us to roughly. Now their sore about it and want to recapture their slaves again.” I said.
Rolle shook his head. “They need us, Cre. Indeed you reminded them that we are much more then useful slaves as you put it. Yes. I believe the Empress will be vastly interested in claiming your favor on her side and most importantly for her future plans.” He said and turned and started walking up to the entrance of Drake’s mouth.
I followed him. “Me? I did nothing to warrent her attention or being special. If I did anything at all it was but try to keep everyone in check until that empirial devil from the Empress left us.” I said.
“One ponders these recent events though.” Rolle said in a thoughtful tone.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
Rolle shrugged. “It is a mystery why that assassin took out Crowley as he did. In broad daylight and then he walked away as he did. He was a teacher of yours once, I believe.” He said.
I shook my head at that thought. “He is an Empiralist that his country sent to teach our youth their universal language, customs and philosophy. He used his position to look down on us and hold us to our word while he robbed us of our Prince. He was luckily that we are not the savages as he might have thought.” I said with raising pang of anger at the humiliation I had to endure for my people.
Rolle nodded his head. “Still though. It seemed like he was fishing for something else when he judged Crowley. I think he might have gotten what he got. Sadly. We should have hidden our secrets better. What do you plan to do when you meet the Empress?” He said and surprising me by his train of thoughts.
I shook my head. I had no notion how his mind arrived that idea. “Me? I have no intention on meeting her. I doubt The Empress even knows me or cares who I am Old One. No. I know she doesn’t know me. I plan to keep it that way once we leave this planet. Nothing but trouble has happened to us every sense we came here and first threw our hat into alliance with the Empire and Federation.” I said.
Rolle had a rye smile on his face. His gaze was staring straight ahead but his gaze was distant. He was quietly looking within himself pondering. He nodded his head though finally after a few minutes of silence. “You wish for us too become a hidden nation again. It would be a return to proper form of the old ways during the time I was a boy.” He said.
I frowned at his speech and address toward me like I was in charge of the Krull. “It was not a plan. But an idea I got from you. It is best we disappeared from the eyes of the federation and Empress’ spies. Our dealings with them have stabbed us in the front and lost us our Prince who died childless. I will leave it up to you and the elders to decide though.” I said.
Rolle shook his head stopping. “No. We will do as you say. We will disappear from the eyes of the universe but not before you claim the Lava Tooth inside the cave and the Princess of the Breakers. Go. We will wait for your return.” He said.
I was dancing with in the living waters of the core of the the living tree ship when I felt my father and mother arrive in the ship’s core room. I finished my dance and dove outside of living waters and rolled to my feet. My attendant and nurse passed me my towel first and then after I had dried off I slipped on my robe turned and bowed to my parents.
“A raise, Moon Dancer. We have news to report.” Father said in tired quiet voice.
I got to my feet glancing once at my mother to see her pale and guarded she was watchful of me and sad. Father was dressed in his offical white suit with a black sash across his chest and mother stood beside him bare foot dressed in glimmering white dress.
“Something bad has happened.” I said.
Father stared at me as he fixed his focus on my face. “It is reported to me by Empiral Herold that Crowley Krull was found guilty and sentenced to death. The Krull have also disappeared and abandoned their lands. The Empire is seeking them out to bring them back to their lands and barter a new peace agreement with them.” He said and he studied my face.
“That is bad news. Well we will have to wait see what happens next.” I said carefully. An uneasy quiet followed my words.
My father stared at me saying nothing. I could almost hear his mind turning and thinking on the meaning of my simple speech. He cleared his throat.
“I understand your not interested in his death whether or not you believe it was warranted.” He said and paused. “Was it warrented?” He asked me directly on what I knew happened to him.
I noticed father was looking at me differently again. He was looking at that other side of me. “I’ve met Crowley a few times and I’ve heard a bit of his dealings in business. I believe he possible got himself in trouble for his life to end. He lived dangerously and cost his tribe to be in a bad way with the empire.” I said carefully not investing in giving anything more of what I knew or what I had seen in Crowley and in what the living waters revealed to me.
Mother sighed and I saw she seemed to be more relaxed though still watchful of me. “What do you see…no what do you believe will happened next?” She asked and corrected herself half way.
I clasped my hands together and then I released then let them go. I combed my hands threw my blond hair twice behind my back. I took in a slow inward breath and exhaled out slowly to steady my nerves.
“I believe we should wait for the Prince of the Krull to arrive here.” I said. They stared at me shaken. I smiled to ease the tension in the room. “We made a promise to the Krull to agree on a marriage to join our houses so that we can grow stronger. The Krull keep their word.” I said.
My father straightened his back up and he nodded to me. “Thank you. We will leave you to your duties. When the Krull arrive we will let you know though I suppose you will know.” He said with a sigh but he smiled and he bowed to me.
He turned to leave but mother was still staring at me. “Moon Dancer. When did you know Crowley was going to die? Why didn’t you tell us? We could have saved the tribe more time and married you off to the one who you saw you were going to marry.” She said in rush of words and emotions.
“Mother please. I-I did not know Crowley would die so soon after we finalized the engagement plans.” I said honestly.
“You knew he would die though. You knew he wouldn’t be the one you would give the living waters to. What else aren’t you telling us?” Mother said and then paused. My mother smiled at me but she was still staring at me not seeing me but desiring to know things I couldn’t tell her. It would only lead to her destruction. “You can trust us. You don’t have to hide what you’ve seen from us. We can assist you better in knowing what you know and have seen. I command it of you.” She said holding out her hands.
My heart hammered inside my chest. I could feel where this conversation was going and I knew what I was about to lose her. But, I had to obey her. I opened my mouth.
My father held up his hand toward me and I froze at the sight of his Silver blues staring at me with intent. His gaze made me feel like his daughter again. “Do you feel uneasy continuing this conversation?” He asked.
“Yes.” I said.
Father nodded. “The conversation is over. You told us what we needed too know. You will speak no more of this to anyone. Am I understood?” He asked.
I bowed to the floor before him with my head lowering to the floor. “I obey.” I said.
“Hawks! We need to know. The Empire is against the match. You know they are planning. We need to know the future.” Mother said in a pleading voice.
“Era. No more talk. We leave. Now.” Father said to mother. I heard them leave the room and only got to my feet when I was sure I was alone with my nurse. She was dressed in a white dress with vail over her lower face and turban.
I turned to her and she had her head bowed. “Mai. What do you thinking about? Do you believe I was over reacting?” I asked.
Mai shook her head. “I live to serve you our blessed Princess Moon Dancer. I am not one to question your judgement.” She said in a quiet voice.
I sighed and looked into the living waters that flowed upward from the center of the room. Already I could see visions of Cre on his journey up the mountain. He was an interesting man. Tall. Dark. He had a coldness about him but a deep sense of loyalty and honor were woven in the fabric of his nature and tied closely to his soul.
I saw Cre dressed in leather pants and white shirt with only his Iron Fang knife strapped to his side. He wasn’t alone. Another Krull was traveling him as they worked their way up the mountain. Cre was quiet as usual with the elder of the Krull at his side telling him of the item he would need to seek out in the fires of mountain’s core. This wasn’t the first vision I had seen of him.
The first vision had been the day he had become the Twelveth prince of the Krull on the day of Crowley’s demise.
Storms raged above outside Cre’s tent while he slept a dreamless sleep. He was awaken from his slumber not by the storms. It was feeling of danger and a knowledge it was time for the challenge.
Cre rolled out of his sleeping bed coming to his feet with only a pair of rough pants on and nothing else. He reached down picking up his training knife. A Iron knife called the dawn of youth.
He walked out hearing the storms above raging in the desert skies. The Crack and boom of thunder and lightning sounded in the heavens. There was a stillness in the lands though. A crimson magical circle was a few feet from the entrance of his tent.
Crown Prince Crowley Krull stood to the side with his uncles and elders. His elder the prince of his people barely spared him a look.
“You better win, Crescent. I won’t accept anything else from you. I don’t give up my knives easy. You come of age today or you will be left behind.” He said still without looking.
Cre stepped into the crimson circle. The moment he did a phantom appeared. A creature of pure silver and black with a long knife in his hand. He mimicked Cre’s moments as they circled each other.
The world outside of the circle changed spinning in a circle taking them to many places all at once. The creature attacked Cre weaving his weapon around in wide archs. Cre dove and evaded the attacks and kept in the circle.
Cre dove and stabbed the creature in the knee making him pause. Cre kicked the phantom off his feet and stabbed the phantom in the chest.
The knife passed through the phantom and suddenly Cre was the one under attack. Cre was taking on hits and cuts falling to the ground breathing heavy.
The phantom speared Cre with the knife. Cre felt pain for a second until he looked into the face of the phantom and saw his mirror image.
Cre closed his eyes and focused on home. The only home he had ever known. His tribe. His people. The Krull. The storm stopped. He got to his feet but in a new place surrounded my his tribe.
Crowley shook his head at him. “Took you long enough to grab a hold of what you were fighting. So little cousin you seem ready for a run. Do you know how to travel the realms like a true Krull?” He said.
Cre smiled. “Yes sir.” He said. Crowley looked past him.
Cre started to look buy caught the knife that Crowley threw him in his hand. He turned back to his prince and bowed. “Thank you for bringing me this far. I will honor your gift.” He said.
Crowley reached out rubbing his head. “You’ll do. You’ll do fine. Keep up with us. We won’t be slowing down anymore. We have to find a new homeworld and time is never on our side.” He said as he turned and ran in quick speed his body moving fast into another space and realm up into the sky.
The others quickly followed after their prince up to the heavens.
Cre looked down at his knife in his hand. The knife seemed alive and it sparkled with magical light and glow with energy and then he started running chasing after his tribe to quickly catch up to them as they raced through the stars and heavens.
The killer stared at Cre with golden brown bright eyes and a handsome smile. The scent of death was in the tent. The body of the Krull’s crown prince lay on the carpeted floor. The eight tribes men stood frozen at the federation badge in the killer’s hand he held up as a sign of his diplomatic immunity even on the homeworld of the Krull. The Silver wings bird badge symbol was a sign of the empire that hired him. The Dar Empiral ebony knife was lodged in the center of the chest of Prince Crowley Krull’s dead body.
“Is there a reason a Federation assassin killed our tribes man prince? This looks like an act of war from the Federation on a small tribe of wanders.” Cre said calmly.
Max laughed pinning his badge to his clean grey suit. “His royal highness Crowley admitted to crimes against the Queen of the Dar and the Empire and Federation of worlds. He was sentenced to die on the spot. I being the witness and judge did so. It is in the agreement your people signed to become members of the federation. Any objections?” He said.
“What is this proof?” Cre asked calmly.
Max nodded his head. “Your a reasonable lad. You’re former leader was aiding the rebel pirates in resources that were exclusively for the Empiral agents and Federation alliances. He was given a choice. Cancel his upcoming marriage and allow Federation school to come onto your lands for education in Federation worlds laws. He chose to attempt running away from his crimes. I put judgement down on his alone.” He said.
Cre stared at the man. “Is your business concluded here?” He asked in a deathly cold voice.
Max smiled and nodded. “Almost son. Almost. I just need to talk to your elders about a few business and political matters sense your leader has passed on today.” He said.
Cre shook his head. “You will present your message to me and whatever orders you wish to convey and then you will be on your way. We have to bury our family.” He said.
“Listen-“
Cre held up a finger. “Wait. I forgot something.” He said took out a bag of federal coins and dropped them at Max’s feet. “There is your fee to say your peace and leave.”
Max laughed but bent down took the bag and pocketed it. “Alright. Federation wants to send in some people to culture your people up some. You will allow the people to come and live on your land. The Empire plans to deposit a hundred thousand in Empire coin for it. I would suggest you bring your people along to reason. You don’t have much choice in it.” He said.
Cre nodded. “You have made your point on it. The Empire will get the land and their people may arrive when they prefer. Is there anything else?” Cre said.
“Sure is. The Queen of Dar wants you to understand neither the Federation or Dar Empire wish you or yours any bad will. Her message is simple. We wish there to be a friendship and marriage between our people. Despite today’s events she does not see the Krull as enemies only family one day soon enough when your people have learned up on the culture and ways of the Dar and Federation of Worlds. I will be on my way.” Max said.
Cre nodded. “The Empire deplomate is leaving. No one will stop him, talk to him or do him any harm. Am I understood?” Cre said.
Max laughed as the others said nothing but they moved aside to give him room to leave. He nodded to Cre. “Good luck to you and yours. I might see you again some day. If I do-“
“-death will follow you. Thank you Mr. Maximum. You have given me a useful lesson on politics I will never forgot. Now that your job is concluded here I expect her Majesty has more cultures for you to visit and bring to heel. I have to tend to my burial of the last prince and heir to my tribe.” Cre said.
Max laughed. “You people are a very odd folk. Very stiff and uppity lot. You need to enjoy life more. It’ll work out lad. The queen does have a affection for your people inspite of this minor disappointment.” He said and walked out calmly with his hands in his pockets. He whistled a happy tone.
Cre stared after the assassin of the Empire. Woodrow opened his mouth but Cre looked at him. The other man froze. “You will allow that demon to leave here before he brings in the demons of the Empire on us. You will not endanger the tribe. We gave them our word that if one of us broke one of their rules then it was a death sentence. You will hold your frame or I will remove your tongue from your mouth. Tell the elders what happened.” He said but when Woodrow didn’t move fast enough Cre took out his Silver Fang knife. “I gave you an order. You’ll do as I say and nothing more or you’ll not leave this tent alive.” He said in heated whisper.
Woodrow looked around at the others. No one moved or said a word. Cre grabbed the front of Woodrow’s shirt. “I said get going. Move.” Cre said and shoved Woodrow back toward the entrance.
Woodrow turned and ran away. Cre turned back to Crowley’s body on the carpet. He knelt down putting away his Silver Fang in his shieve. He stared at Crowley’s emotionless spiritless face. “No sons to carry on your name or carry on our tale. They have robbed us my Lord. They have stolen you away from us. One day we’ll make them pay. May you rest with your ancestors. Sleep well.” Cre said and he closed the eyelids of Crowley.
Cre looked up as he heard someone come into the tent. The old one Rolle stood in the entrance. He took two steps in and then he knelt down beside Cre. “Woodrew attempted to defy you.” He said.
Cre shook his head. “I will have to kill him. He cannot control himself. He will get us all killed with his wild emotions.” He said.
Rolle shook his head. “The others held him back. The elders will judge him. We most leave soon. The Empire and Federation are coming to enslave us. We must find a new home.” He said and reached inside Crowley’s shirt to remove his royal family symbol. It was the symbol of oddly shaped star medallion. “I remember the day I placed this around his neck. It was mark of hope and new life.”
Cre nodded. “Yes. I remember. We must also find some means to defend ourselves against the invaders now that we know their intentions for us.” He said.
Rolle nodded. “I know. Luckily we won’t have to go far to forge a new beginning or alliances. There is still a wedding to be finalized with the Breakers.” He said and then he put the medallion around Cre’s neck.
Cre stared at him. “Elder. You can’t think to trick the Breakers into accepting me as a false Prince of the Krull. I am not-” He began.
Rolle shook his head. “You took hold of the role and you acted accordingly. We must bury your cousin now and head out to the mountains first before we head to the Breakers to finalize the wedding.” He said.
Cre frowned. “Why the mountains first?” He asked.
Rolle smiled rising to his feet. “You must claim the Catalyst only then will you have the means to lead our people to freedom and wed the Breaker Princess.” He said.
I was in my office when I felt my tattoo come alive. Angus. I called my broom to my hand and called the Owls to me as I arrived above Potter Ranch.
I felt the trouble as I sat on my broom and reached for my wand and blasted several wizards away that appeared. The court of Owls appeared then and the enemy was gone.
I felt power. I looked down at the ranch and saw James flying up from the ranch toward my fellow Owls. I appeared in front of him as he stopped and floated in the air with a magical mystical power that surrounded him.
This was the mist. The ancient magic lost to us. He had advanced far beyond my imagination. I realized what I was seeing. The future and the past in one being. James Potter. He stared at me as an enemy.
“Your father called for his associates to come assist him to protect you and your family. You should go-” I said.
“-Guard the skies do not come on my family land. You are my father’s associates not mean ” James said and disappeared in mist appearing on the ranch below.
Wells appeared before me. His eyes were wide. “When the fuck did he learn to fly. What was that mist around him? Holy shit.” He said.
I stared at him. “Stay away from him and do not go near him.” I said. I floated down to meet Angus who waved me down. I didn’t have time. James had to become a Owl but I knew the price would be he would hate me.
Angus spoke too his son and surprisingly James obeyed him easily. Angus turned to me with frustration on his face. “You didn’t tell me he could fly. We have to bring him Angus. I’m sorry.” I said.
Angus stared at me. “Are you? This is going to harder for you. What do you know about what is going on here?” He said.
I nodded. “Yeah. He’s doing something in there. I need to know what’s going on in your workshop and the court needs to records his works and guide him along.” I said.
Angus shook his head. He looked away from and froze. I followed his gaze and I stared at Wells standing in front of James talking to him but I couldn’t hear him.
James moved attacked Wells easily and then he had Wells in front of me. He stared at me. “This piece of shit sent the thief into our house. He confessed to me.” He said looking at Angus and ignoring me.
What followed was series of events that made me feel like I was every bit the monster James saw me as. I tried to maintain control. I was losing it. When I thought I had brought everything into sense of justice the laughter in James eyes made me feel like a joke.
Angus was barely holding on to his oath to me and then Wells had tried to kill James. Axe had removed him for me.
“Well that pretty much ends things doesn’t it.” James said turned to go. “I want to have a meeting with you and your father about some issues tomorrow. I would hope to see you there.” I said to him.
“I don’t work for you Cole. So you shouldn’t expect shit from me but indifference for what you want.” He said coldly.
I started to speak but Angus spoke convincing James that making an enemy out of me was the wrong move to go. After that I said nothing. Angus got his son to do what I wanted not because of trust in me but the reality he was trying to protect his son from me.
I left the Potter Ranch rising to the sky and then I apparition to my office. The court followed me. I sat behind my chair.
“Nick. What are you planning?” Axe asked me.
I heard doubt in his voice. “James will be inducted into the court tomorrow. I want you and the others to mentor him. We’ll get the information on what he’s doing in the workshop. He’ll be assigned his first mission tomorrow.” I said.
“I meant what’s the plan with how to treat him? Angus is the only one he’ll answer to. We’re his enemies.” Axe said.
I tapped my fingers on my arm rest. “Once he is an Owl member he will be our younger brother. We bring him up and grow close to him. All we have to do is show him loyalty. The only reason he would turn against us would be we became the monsters he expects us to be.” I said.
“I can’t being around him. Every time he looks at me I feel like shit head.” Axe said.
I nodded. “I know. But if we don’t bring him in and protect him then we will become the monsters we promised never to be.” I said.
