The Ghalian Code: Space Assassins 3

by Scott Baron

  Once they arrived, though, concerns seemed to melt away. Etratz was a pleasant world, and Corann’s bungalow was a truly welcoming place surrounded by other, similar pleasant abodes. It was something of an idyllic locale, and the perfect place for her to set up shop and live unmolested.

  Of course, her sweet, motherly demeanor had made her a favorite among the locals, and her neighbors, young and old, often dropped by to visit the kindly woman. And more often than not, she would have fresh-baked treats on hand for the local youth.

  And through it all, not a one had the slightest inkling that the leader of the deadliest group of assassins in the galaxy was living just down the path.

  Uzabud swung his ship in low over the town, making a casual loop before dropping down at the landing site conveniently near Corann’s abode. Of course, that was intentional on her part. Quick access to her ship was always a concern. As well it should be for any master assassin, let alone the leader of the Five.

  “All clear?” Laskar asked as they settled into a low hover just above the ground.

  “Yeah. No signs of any hostiles anywhere,” Bud replied. “Hozark?”

  “All is well, my friend. I have reached out to Corann and announced our arrival.”

  “Wait, I thought the skrees were all on the fritz,” Laskar said. “You mean we have working ones?”

  “Not exactly,” Hozark replied. “The unit built into my shimmer ship is still functional, but only on for a specialized Ghalian spell. I am afraid it would do no good in attempting to contact any outside of my order.”

  “Ah, shit. I was hoping we’d get our communications back up and running sooner rather than later.”

  “I am sorry to have raised your hopes. But do not fear. Soon, we should be able to repair our systems.”

  “I’m just looking forward to some home-cooked meals,” Bud said. “She may be the leader of the Five, but damn, that woman can cook.”

  “Always thinking with your stomach, Bud,” Hozark joked.

  “Wait, we’re visiting a chef?” Henni asked.

  “No, Henni. But Uzabud is correct, Corann is quite skilled in a kitchen,” Demelza said.

  “Then what are we waiting for?”

  “We aren’t,” Hozark said. “Come. We have arrived.”

  He gathered his small bag and headed for the door.

  “You heard the man. Time to offload,” Bud said with a grin. “You’ll love this place, Hap. And Corann? She’s really, really nice.”

  The boy didn’t seem terribly enthused. But since he’d found his little quiet place in between the docked ships, he had at least seemed to improve his attitude a bit. And with Hozark showing him the ropes, he was picking up a few little spells here and there.

  The practice of them gave him something to focus on other than missing his home. Naturally, it was still hard for him, as his father had planned on working on spells with his son.

  They’d both been looking forward to the lessons, and they had planned on some quality time as soon as the visla returned from his most recent task. But that had been a decoy to lure him from his home. And then all of this happened.

  But he seemed to be faring better. At least, so Hozark thought. And while it would hurt until he was back with his father, the boy was making progress, and, perhaps, even a few new friends.

  “Hozark! Demelza! Wonderful to see you both!” Corann called out warmly from her seat on her porch as the group arrived.

  “Corann,” they replied, each of them giving the cheery woman a big hug.

  It was all for show, of course. Ghalian assassins were not exactly known for their displays of affection. But here, in public, to all who might observe, she was not a deadly killer, but was the kindest, sweetest, friendliest woman in town.

  “And you, Uzabud. It had been too long. And I see you have Laskar with you. I am glad to see you are still flying together.”

  “He can’t shake me,” Laskar said with a cocky grin.

  “Nor would he want to. Your flying skills are something to behold,” she said, turning her attentions to the boy standing beside Hozark. “And you must be Happizano,” she said, squatting down to greet him. “I’ve heard a lot about you. Quite an up-and-coming young caster, I’m told.”

  “I’m not any good,” he replied, bashfully.

  “Oh, it just takes time and practice. I’m sure Hozark told you how when he started out, why, he couldn’t cast to save his life. And now look at him!”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, really. We all start out from nothing and build our way up. But look at me, talking your ear off without even giving you a proper welcome. Come and say hello. I’m Corann, and we do hugs around here.”

  Before he could even think to protest, she wrapped the boy up in quite possibly the most comforting, motherly, and warm embrace he’d ever felt.

  “You’ll love it here, I just know,” she said as she relaxed the embrace. “And who do we have here?” she said as she turned to greet the violet-haired young woman hovering nearby.

  “This is Henni. She’s flying with us, for the time being,” Bud replied.

  Corann beamed with joy and moved to give the girl a hug.

  Henni’s eyes went wide and she leapt back, right into Bud.

  “She’s a killer,” she gasped. “A stone-cold killer. And so many. Hundreds. No, thousands.”

  Corann eased back from her open-armed welcome, but her smile didn’t falter once. But the faintest flicker of interest shone in her kind eyes. Despite her most cheerful, sweet, and motherly appearance, Henni had read her like an open book.

  “A bit of a reader, that one,” Demelza said. “But it is uncontrolled. Sporadic. We never know when it will kick in.”

  “Fascinating,” she said.

  “Look at her eyes,” Hozark said.

  Slowly, and in the most unthreatening manner possible, Corann leaned in a little for a closer look. Henni’s galaxy-containing eyes were sparkling more than usual, but whether out of shock or something more she couldn’t tell.

  Corann turned back to Hozark with a slightly arched brow. “Oh, my.”

  “Indeed.”

  The two were thinking the same thing. The same question they all had at one point or another since bringing the young woman aboard. They wondered exactly what powers this unusual young woman might possess.

  “Well, that makes things interesting. You never disappoint, Hozark.”

  “I shall accept that as a compliment,” he joked.

  “All right. Let’s get you all inside and settled in. I’ve had rooms made up for you, and there’s a big pot of Borangis stew simmering.”

  As the others settled in, Hozark and Corann set out for a little stroll under the guise of picking up a few things from the local trading post. Yes, they would acquire a few basic goods to keep up appearances, but what the true purpose of their excursion was quite different.

  “You are picking up strays now?” Corann asked as they walked back with some fresh fruit and a loaf of bread.

  “She was a slave,” Hozark replied. “And she somehow broke free from her control collar. The scars on her throat––she was burned when she forced it off.”

  “That little thing? Amazing. But how?”

  “She does not remember.”

  “An enigma, then.”

  “So it would appear.”

  “But tell me of your other news. What have you learned of this plot within the Council of Twenty?”

  “We are still unsure of much of it. However, it would seem that Visla Jinnik is now being employed in the furthering of these plans.”

  “Yes, our spies are attempting to locate his whereabouts. But are you confident returning his boy to him will put them both out of harm’s way?”

  “No, I am not. But it is clear that the separation is doing the boy far more harm than good, personal safety be damned. I have to believe that with both of their reactions to losing one another, whatever happens, they are best served by being together.”
r />   “Even if it means their demise?”

  “If it comes to it.”

  They walked in silence a moment before Hozark spoke again.

  “There was a trap, Corann. Powerful. Dangerous. If not for Demelza, I would have fallen.”

  That got her attention. “What happened?”

  “A validity seal was in Emmik Urtzal’s offices. I was ensnared, but only after reaching the innermost chambers in the emmik’s estate. Someone knew I would make it that far.”

  “And you say he is acting on Council orders?”

  “Perhaps, but perhaps not. This might be an internal power struggle, given there is no chatter about Visla Jinnik now working for the Council. In any case, Emmik Urtzal is obviously aligned with Visla Ravik.”

  “You are certain?”

  “Yes. His ships were assisting Ravik’s forces in the ambush waiting for us at Zargota.”

  “An ambush? And Urtzal in the mix? Interesting,” she mused. “So, they definitely knew you were coming. No ambiguity there.”

  “It would seem so. And while that might be explained by our ongoing endeavors, the fact that the validity seal was a trap, and one of incredible power and complicated casting no less, tells us one very important thing. It is now confirmed. Someone other than Visla Ravik is involved in this plot, and that visla is far stronger than any we’ve suspected.”

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  Henni seemed to get over her visceral aversion to Corann by the time dinner was served.

  Whether it was a bit of comestible bribery, or just her getting to know the woman beyond the deadly assassin who lurked inside was anyone’s guess, but the important thing was she was a bit more at ease.

  Of course, as she shoveled down the utterly fantastic stew––as Laskar had declared it to be the finest he had ever tasted––the warming in her belly and energy flowing through her veins might have played more than a little role in her improved attitude.

  Even Hap seemed to be doing all right, though the boy was still often found deep in thought.

  “He’s a pensive one,” Corann noted as Hozark helped her clear the dishes.

  “Yes. And understandably. But despite what he has been subjected to, he actually appears to be dealing with the situation better by the day.”

  “Good. It is difficult for a boy to lose his mother, then his father.”

  “Though we will get the father back,” Hozark noted. “And from what I have seen of his power, when Visla Jannik is no longer constrained by the threat of harm to his boy, the Council is going to have a very big problem on their hands.”

  “That strong?”

  “It actually leaks out of him when angered,” Hozark said.

  “You know, we could help him with that problem.”

  “I was thinking the same thing, but I did not think it was the appropriate time to bring such an arrangement up.”

  “Obviously not. But he could prove to be a useful ally in the ongoing pushback to the Council’s machinations.”

  “I agree. But first, we must find him.”

  “Soon, Hozark. And in the meantime, you and your crew may rest here and restore your energy and spirits.”

  “In no small part thanks to your cooking, Corann. It has always been a pleasure to partake of your culinary works of art.”

  If she had been the woman she pretended to be, the Ghalian master would have blushed demurely at the compliment. But this was Master Corann, leader of the Five. And she was not putting on airs for Hozark. Not here in her own home, unobserved by outsiders.

  “It is an interesting conundrum we are facing, Hozark. Someone is attempting to amass power, and in very, very unusual and covert ways. And they are willing to directly attack the order in the process.”

  “I know. It is extremely troubling, to say the least. A power play, but of unknown purpose,” Hozark said. “Speaking of which, how are Master Prombatz and Aargun doing?”

  A look of unguarded sadness settled onto Corann’s face.

  “Prombatz is back to his former self. Healed, full of freshly harvested power from a series of smaller contracts. Not much, but enough to get a good base of power back into his system.”

  “And Aargun?”

  The poor aspirant had been horribly maimed at the hands of the Council goons who had captured him. Experimented on. Drained of most of his blood, his eyes and tongue removed to keep him in the dark, literally, and silent about the procedures he underwent.

  He had survived, but he would never return to Ghalian life. But he was a brother, and he would not only be taken care of the rest of his days, he would be avenged. And Master Prombatz would be first in line for that bit of payback.

  “Aargun is as well as can be expected,” Corann said. “The pain is gone, and his spirits are improving, but the damage done to him has left more than physical scars. He is, I am afraid, somewhat of a shell of his former self.”

  Hozark silently dried the dishes, pondering all that had befallen not just himself and his friends, but others in the order caught up in this mess as well.

  “I hope to find answers, Corann. And soon. And with them, the means to put an end to whatever is in play and obtain closure for them both.”

  “Thank you, Hozark. I know Master Prombatz appreciates all you are doing. Now, will you please help me bring some after-dinner sweets to the guests? One would not wish to be a poor host.”

  The following morning found the weary travelers well rested after a good night’s sleep in soft beds with full bellies. Even Henni seemed in better spirits, though she still eyed Corann with caution over her cup of hot herbal tea.

  Corann, however, rolled with it in stride. The young woman was a fascinating specimen, and her abilities could prove most useful. If she could learn to control and harness them, that is.

  They were just tucking into the breakfast feast Corann had spread out for them when one absence caught everyone’s attention.

  “Ugh. Again?” Laskar grumbled.

  “I’ll go get him,” Bud said, heading out to find the boy. “You all finish your breakfast. He’s almost certainly at his usual spot.”

  There was a whole city to explore, but Bud had a gut feeling that the boy had stuck with what he knew. And that was the ship he’d spent the past several days aboard. It had become, if not a home, at least a relatively familiar and comfortable environment. One where he had found places to feel safe.

  “I’ll come with,” Hozark said, following his friend out of Corann’s bungalow. “The fresh air will feel good.”

  “Suit yourself,” Bud replied. “Maybe we can source some fresh Boramus cheese on the way back. I love that stuff.”

  “Obviously not for the flavor,” Demelza said.

  “Hey, it makes you strong!”

  “That it is nutritious is not in question. But as for palatability, it is not the most pleasant of foods.”

  “And you’re entitled to your opinion,” he said. “But I was raised on the stuff, and look at me––big and strong.”

  “That’s not all muscle, you know,” Henni pointed out.

  “Totally is,” he shot back. “Anyway, come on, Hozark. Let’s go find us a kid.”

  Henni snort-chortled. “You really should work on your phrasing, creeper.”

  Bud ignored her and headed out, but Laskar couldn’t help but laugh. The others, however, politely refrained, though the girl was pretty amusing.

  “So, you think it’ll take long for your people to find the visla?”

  “I do not know, Bud, but with the resources at our disposal, I would think that now that this particular man has been brought to our attention, it should not take terribly long to locate him.”

  “Good. I don’t know how much more of Happizano’s moody angst I can take.”

  “You said his name correctly,” Hozark noted.

  “Yeah, don’t make a thing out of it. I just like busting his balls, is all. Gives a kid character.”

  “He’s eleven, Bud.”

&nbs
p; “Precisely my point. He needs it now more than ever, if you ask me. The formative years.”

  “Well, given I had daily sessions of knife training at his age, I suppose I cannot argue your logic. At least, not entirely. Though name-calling is not the most productive of methods.”

  “The kid’s gonna be a visla one day, right?”

  “Likely.”

  “Then it's incumbent upon us to try to make him a good one when that time comes. I mean, we have limited time, and a limited influence on him, but if any of this stuff sticks, he might just turn out okay.”

  Hozark looked at his friend with wonder as they drew closer to his ship.

  “Uzabud, my friend, you never cease to amaze me.”

  “And amuse you.”

  “Yes, that as well,” Hozark said as they strode up to Bud’s large ship.

  “Okay, I said I’d do it, so hang tight. I’ll be right back.”

  Bud stepped into the ship to go and retrieve young Hap while Hozark took a moment to simply look around and appreciate the beautiful morning. Only, one thing was not right.

  “Hey. He’s not in there,” Bud said, exiting the ship a minute later. “He always goes to that umbilical spot. Weird. I guess he’s off somewhere else. But where, is the question?”

  Hozark nodded to the pilot. “Look up, my friend.”

  “What the shit?” Bud blurted out when he realized what Hozark was referring to. The empty space atop his ship where one of his smaller craft had been parked. “Son of a bitch. He stole one of my ships? My ships? How dare he?”

  “Indeed.”

  “And more than that, how did he? How does a kid that age even know how to fly? To power a Drookonus? I mean, it was a pretty weak one on that bucket, but still.”

  “I would think his father likely showed him on the many flights they took together. He is strong, and a quick learner. Undoubtedly, his father taught him a thing or two.”

  “But even if he knew how to fly, how did he overcome the umbilical spells? Those things should have kept the ships locked down tight.”