The Surpen soldiers were now fighting the Rasacks that had been left behind to protect the ships. Tgfhi swung his hands in circular motions, using his powers to freeze the water in the eyes of the Rasacks. As they stumbled about blindly, striking out randomly with their fangs, the Surpens finished them off.
“Thank you,” the Surpen general said as he approached.
Tgfhi shrugged. It’d been easy. “What’s next?”
The general pointed towards the ships. Rasacks couldn’t fly spacejets on their own. They used slaves to pilot their ships. “We don’t know how many Rasacks are still on board and don’t want to risk the lives of the slaves by charging onto the ships. Since these are older jets, they still use fuel. Do you think you can freeze it? Once we know they can’t take off, I will send smaller groups on board to finish the last of them.”
Tgfhi had never tried freezing fuel before, but he didn’t think it’d be a problem. As he gestured with his hands, sending his powers into the fuel tanks, he had a thought. “You know, I can turn myself into a wave of water and drown the Rasacks in their ships. I’ll keep the slaves alive by forming air pockets around them so they can breathe.”
The general appeared surprised. “You can do that?”
“Sure, why not?” He shook his arms to remove the chill that came from using his powers.
The general laughed. “By all means, please, do.”
Tgfhi focused on turning himself into a massive wave of water. He raced up onto the ships, surrounding the heads of the remaining Rasacks as he kept his water away from the slaves. When the last of the Rasacks had died, he pulled himself back together. He could hear the slaves cheering as he became solid again. “Well, done. Thank you,” the general said, saluting him. “It’s been an honor to fight with you.” His words surprised Tgfhi. Never in his life would he have thought that he’d be thanked by a battle-hardened Surpen for his fighting skills. He watched as the slaves made their way off the jets, the Surpen soldiers going to them at once.
“Tgfhi?”
Tgfhi turned to find Tgart behind him. “Tgart!” he yelled, pulling his friend into his arms.
“I’m so glad you’re safe,” Tgart said, when Tgfhi had released him. “I was in the communications room with the others when the Rasacks attacked. The Surpens wouldn’t let me return to you. They said the way was blocked. They kept us safe, but–”
“No worries. I’m fine. The Rasacks are dead.”
After Tgfhi had told Tgart what he’d seen, he said, “I’m going to clean up any remaining water to make sure there’s no damage to the palace and then go back to Thestran. Would you contact my dad and let him know I’m okay?”
“I’ll do it right now,” Tgart said, turning back towards the palace with Tgfhi.
***
When Tgfhi walked into Rhen’s hospital room later that day, Crystam jumped into his arms. She was squeezing him so hard he thought she might break a bone. “I’m so glad you’re okay,” she said, pressing her face against his chest. “We were so worried.”
“Thanks to Rhen, I’m not hurt. If he hadn’t of prepared me for this battle, I wouldn’t be here right now.” Tgfhi was about to apologize to Crystam for fighting with her over the date for their wedding. He now knew, in the scheme of things, that it wasn’t really important, but his dad interrupted them.
“Do I call you King Tgfhi?” Tgonar asked as Crystam stepped back to make room for him.
Tgfhi frowned as he contemplated Tgonar’s words. His dad was offering him the crown. Did he want to be king? He’d probably have to leave school if he accepted. Unlike Rhen, he didn’t have a battalion of generals to run everything for him while he was away. “No, Dad. Not yet.”
Tgonar reached out to hug Tgfhi. “Thank the Gods you’re alive.”
“I’m rather happy about it myself,” Tgfhi said with a laugh. He broke free from his dad in order to embrace Crystam again. Lowering his head, he kissed her.
“How about the beginning of the next major school holiday?” she whispered against his lips.
Tgfhi was confused for a moment, but then he realized she was giving him a date for their wedding. “Oh, no, Crystam. You don’t have to do that.”
Crystam placed her fingertip on his lips. “I almost lost you. I…” Tears welled up in her eyes.
“I love you, too,” Tgfhi whispered, nuzzling the side of her neck. Crystam sighed, and then turned towards the room to announce the date of their wedding.
Chapter 11
Hospital Room – Thestran Royal Palace
Rhen woke to find King Tgonar holding him. He moved his arm and Tgonar lifted his head off Rhen’s pillow. “You’re awake?” At Tgonar’s words, the Thestrans crowded around Rhen’s bed, staring at him. Rhen knew they had helped him during the worst of his illness so he tried not to frown as they surrounded him. Motioning with his hand, he indicated he wanted something to drink. He was too weak to sit up, so Tgonar and Jet lifted him. Rhen emptied the glass he’d been given causing several people to ask if he wanted more. Shaking his head, he closed his eyes and made a noise in his throat that sounded like something between a groan and a cough. Still can’t talk, he signed to Ceceta.
“Don’t worry, love. I’m sure you’ll be able to talk soon enough.” Ceceta watched Rhen slump down against his pillows. A moment later, he was asleep.
The next time Rhen woke up, he found Latsoh holding him. She seemed to be talking to herself with her eyes closed, so Rhen decided to tease her. He closed his eyes and flopped his arm around her body. She didn’t move, but continued to talk about her childhood in the Fire Elf castle. Rhen shifted his arm so that his hand became caught in her long red hair. He waited a moment then pulled back on her hair. Latsoh didn’t seem to notice so Rhen pulled harder. He felt Latsoh shrinking down on the bed, trying to relieve the discomfort he was causing her, but still she didn’t remove his hand.
“That jerk,” Ceceta said, under her breath as she watched her husband tormenting Latsoh from across the room. Standing up from her seat next to Crystam, she marched over to Rhen’s bed then leaned down next to his ear and whispered, “Are you having fun?”
Latsoh opened her eyes. “What? Am I having fun? No, not really.”
“Not you, Latsoh.” She pointed at Rhen. “Him.”
Latsoh looked down at Rhen’s face. His eyes were closed, his face was relaxed and he was breathing deeply. “He’s sleeping.”
Ceceta shook her head. “Oh, no, he’s not. He’s having fun at your expense.”
“No, he’s sleeping, Ceceta. He hasn’t woken up yet.”
“Believe me, Latsoh, I’ve slept with him for years. He’s definitely awake. If fact, he’s been awake for a while now.” She tapped Rhen on his nose. “Haven’t you, love?”
Latsoh jumped back when Rhen opened his eyes. “Oh, Gods, you’re awake.” She scrambled off the bed, feeling oddly self-conscious. Rhen reached out to help her, his mouth open as he laughed silently.
Smarty pants, Ceceta signed. You shouldn’t be making fun of your friends right now. They’ve been keeping you alive.
Mary stood up so she could get a better view of Rhen’s hands as she translated Ceceta’s signs. James crossed the room to stand beside her, waiting to transmit what was being said.
Rhen made sure Latsoh was steady before signing, I couldn’t resist. Do you have anything I could eat or drink? I’m dying here, you know.
Glad to see your sense of humor is back. I guess that means you’re going to live after all. Ceceta reached out for the glass that was on the night table by his bed.
Rhen lifted himself up with Bosternd and Jet’s help. They pushed some pillows behind his back, so that he was comfortable as he took the glass from Ceceta. More, please, he signed, when he’d emptied it.
“Are you sure you want more?” Ceceta asked. Rhen nodded. “Food too?” When Rhen nodded again, Ceceta breathed a sigh of relief. He was going to be okay.
“Coming right up,” Thellis said as he floated over Rhen�
��s bed on a translucent green chair. A moment later, there was an elaborate Surpen meal covering Rhen’s blanket.
Rhen shook his head. How much does he think I can eat?
Ceceta crossed her arms over her chest. “Well, you’ve been lying here passed out long enough to miss our history test. We’re going to have a lot of work to do when we get back to the University."
Rhen was shocked. He’d had no idea that it’d been that long. The Universe must be a wreck.
“Eat,” Ceceta said, handing him some spiced meat. Work later, she signed.
When Rhen had had enough to eat, he closed his eyes to scan the Universe for conflicts. Ceceta knew exactly what he was up to and she knew she had to stop him before he made his wound worse. “Rhen, you’ve been really sick. Please don’t exhaust yourself the first day you’re feeling better. You owe it to us to get well first.”
I’ll just peek at what’s going on. It won’t take a lot of energy.
Charlie appeared out of nowhere. “So, Rhen,” he said, picking up one of the meat dishes that were on the bed. “This looks… appetizing.” He grimaced at the mashed meat product in the bowl he was holding.
Tell Charlie it’s delicious, but unfortunately, it makes you fat, so I won’t eat it anymore.
When Ceceta told Charlie what Rhen had signed, he paled. “Fat? Oh, Rhen, you could eat the whole thing and never get fat. Have I told you, you are the skinniest person I know? In fact, you need to eat more.” He bent over and shoved a few of the plates closer to Rhen, making his brother laugh.
Rhen laughed silently as Charlie retreated. His body felt stiff and his joints ached. Yawning, he leaned his head back against the pillows. Perhaps Ceceta was right. He was tired. He should put off checking the Universe until later. Besides, he thought, even if I do see something that needs to be taken care of, I won’t be able to do anything about it.
“Should I get in bed with him?” Reed asked, when Rhen’s eyes closed and his head flopped to the side. It was his turn to sleep next to Rhen and he had prepared a long list of things to tell his little brother.
“No,” Ceceta said, turning to Bosternd. “You can throw out the list. He can sleep alone from now on.”
Later that night, Rhen woke up as the evening meal was being served. He lay in bed watching the Thestrans as they ate. He was amused to discover that they were chatting about the progress he was making. When he caught Ceceta’s eye, she rushed over to him. “Can I get you anything?” Ceceta could tell that he needed a moment, so she sat down on the side of his bed. He looked more exhausted than before. After a while, he signed, Ceceta, I should have thanked everyone earlier for their help. Would you please let them know that I really appreciate everything they did for me? Their kindness and generosity has overwhelmed me. I’m not sure that I would have recovered without their help.
I’ll tell them. Ceceta signed back. And you’re right, you wouldn’t have made it without them. I told you the Thestrans were our friends.
I realize that now. Feel free to gloat.
Ceceta smiled and reached out to stroke her fingers through his hair. “Do you want something to eat?”
No, I ate too much before. Maybe just a drink. Ceceta handed him the glass that was on the night table. He drank from it and then handed it back to her signing, Thanks, beautiful.
“You’re welcome,” Ceceta said, but Rhen was already asleep. She leaned over to kiss him then returned to her meal. When there was a lull in the conversation, she cleared her throat and waited until she had everyone’s attention. The Thestrans already knew what she was going to say, because Mary had translated Rhen’s signs, but they waited patiently for her to speak. “Rhen asked me to thank all of you for helping him through his illness. He knows he might not have made it without your help… and I want to thank you too. I was losing it there. I was just… too tired. If you hadn’t of stepped in to help, I’m not sure if I would have made it either. Thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank us,” James said. “You’re our family. We enjoy helping you.”
Bosternd smirked at the comment while Ceceta dipped her head graciously in James’ direction.
***
Te was just leaving The Supreme’s office in the Wood Elf castle, when he felt a presence beside him. Glancing to his right, he noticed a mirage-like shimmer in the air. Loreth was alerting him to the fact that he was present in his invisible state.
“It went well,” Te told his advisor as they made their way to the Wood Elves’ portal room. “The Supreme was overjoyed with the idea of an Elves for Themrock group. He’ll talk to some of his people and begin recruiting members.”
An elfin mother had paused in the hallway to tie her child’s shoes. Te brushed past them, knocking the child down. “Hey!” the mother cried out. “Watch it.”
“You shouldn’t be blocking the entire hallway,” Te snapped, gesturing up and down the barren hall.
“Elves are obnoxious,” he told Loreth as they entered the portal room. His upper lip curled at the sight of the empty room. Most portal rooms were luxurious since they were the first rooms visitors saw, but the Wood Elves had nothing in their portal room, not even a chair or painting on the wall. Pathetic, Te thought as Loreth said irately, “You know I’m elfin, right?”
“You’re a Genister,” Te replied dismissively. “You have to take an elfin body because Themrock makes you.” Te was about to ask Loreth why his Genister name began with an L, while the other Genisters’ names started with Ts, but his communicator beeped.
Loreth snorted at Te’s comment. He could use any shell he wanted to. Like the other Genisters, he’d chosen an elfin body because there was more room in it. The elves were the largest race in the Universe. It would have been hard to squeeze their powers into the shell of a Pontoian or similar such race. He debated arguing with Te, but decided against it. “You might want to talk with Aul,” Loreth said, when Te dropped his communicator back into his pocket.
“No. I don’t need him.” He was doing a fine job on his own. In fact, he might not even need Loreth for much longer. The man hadn’t done anything useful yet. All he did was listen to Te’s ideas. Te swiped his finger down the side of the golden portal frame then looked at it. Dust.
“Look at this place,” he snapped. He lifted his finger to show Loreth. “The Wood Elves should be ashamed.” Shaking his head, he wiped his finger off against the edge of the frame before saying, “Neptian Royal Palace.” A blue light filled the inside of the frame before it morphed to show an image of the portal room in Neptian’s Palace. Te stepped through the frame onto Neptian and took a deep breath of the rich air. He reached for a clean moist towelette that was waiting on the table beside the portal and cleaned off his fingers. “I don’t know why you think I need him,” he told Loreth, dropping the towel into a basket on the floor and walking towards his landjet, which was docked near the portal room. “The elves will do the work for us. We just have to keep them focused in the right direction. It’ll be easy.”
“Nothing’s ever easy when it comes to Rhen,” Loreth said. After a pause, he added, “Aul might be able to give you advice on how to attack Ceceta.”
Te scoffed. “She’s a woman. It’ll be easy to destroy her.” He backed his landjet out of his personal dock then flew west towards Ngignik, his hometown.
“Just consider it,” Loreth said as he flew alongside Te’s landjet.
Te flew out over the rich Neptian jungle then passed the infamous Ldastar waterfalls before crossing the river to land at the docking port that was attached to his manor house. Loreth landed beside him.
Te sighed heavily as he stepped out of his landjet. He really didn’t feel like dealing with Loreth right now. “Was there anything else?” he asked.
Loreth bristled at Te’s obvious attempt to get rid of him. He’d tortured mortals for less. He held his temper, though. Te was doing a decent job. He needed the man. “No, that’s all. I’ll check in with you after Rhen and Ceceta return to their school.”
>
“The Supreme should have everything set up by then. We will convince Ceceta to leave Rhen before the end of this semester. I’m sure of it.”
***
Aaron watched as Rhen slowly made his way over to the couch in the center of the room. It was the first time he’d been out of bed since he’d split his form in two. Aaron had wanted to help Rhen walk there, but Sarah had told him that Rhen would take his offer as an indication that Aaron considered him to be weak. He is weak, Aaron thought with a growl. It was stupid for Themrock to be struggling because he’d adopted the Surpen people’s morals. There was nothing wrong with being weak.
Rhen’s limbs shook as he lowered himself onto the couch. It felt good to be out of bed. His friends were going back to the University today and he had wanted to say goodbye to them from a more dignified position. He shifted on the cushions. Had the couch always been this uncomfortable? It felt lumpier than he’d remembered it. Leaning to his left, he reached behind the cushion, hoping to pull it back further. His fingers brushed against something hard that had been wedged between the cushion and the back of the couch. Grasping the object, he pulled it out and immediately the seat cushion fell into place. Rhen’s mouth dropped open when he saw what was in his hand. Snapping his fingers until he got Bosternd’s attention, he held it up.
Bosternd looked stunned. “Where did you find that?”
Rhen pointed behind him at the back of the couch. He frowned at Bosternd and shook Surpen’s crown back and forth then placed the crown on his lap to sign something to Ceceta. Before he could start, one of the dragons, which had been sitting by his legs, reached out and snatched the golden crown off his lap. Bosternd yelled, “Hey!” as the dragon darted past him towards the back of the room, where it hid under the beds that were against the back wall.
Thellis laughed above them. “They love collecting shiny objects.”
The Surpen King - Part 2 - Rise of the Elves Page 10
