Black Jaquar

by Vijaya Schartz

  The princess sat on the ground, her back to him, back straight, long flaxen hair hanging below her silk-clad shoulders, legs crossed under the white flowing robes. An aura of peace floated around her like a halo. She was meditating.

  Kahuel cleared his throat. “My Lady?”

  A subtle tremor in her spine disturbed her hair and she exhaled slowly then spun around like a sluggish top to face him. “What's on your mind, Black Jaguar?”

  “There are native people on this large island.” He shook his head at the gravity of the implications. “They look Human.”

  Princess Esperana raised her brow and sighed. “I know.”

  “You knew all along, didn't you? Is that why you requested warriors on this trip instead of peaceful settlers? You said it was to protect you from wild animals. You lied.”

  She had a quick vanishing smile. “If I'd told you beforehand that the population might not welcome us, would you have come?”

  “Depends.” Kahuel pinned her with a harsh stare. “Do you plan to harm these people?”

  Her large hazel eyes blinked once. “I hope it won't come to that.”

  “But it could...” After seeing the lovely woman with hair of honey, Kahuel couldn't stand the thought of sending his ruthless Zerkers against her people. “The natives look peaceful to me... except for that disturbing sound.”

  “Looks can be deceiving.” Princess Esperana had a quick smile again. “Would you consider me a dangerous lunatic, a menace to society, to be locked away forever?”

  “Well...” That was a double-edged question. Dangerous might apply for many other reasons. The Mutants of Kassouk weren't kind to Humans. “I don't think you are...” Harebrained came to mind, but she might misinterpret the Zerker word. Instead, he said, “Insane, if that's what you mean.”

  The princess averted her gaze. “The Council of Princes doesn't agree with you. They put me away for life in that monastery, exiled from Kassouk forever.”

  “Why?” It seemed extreme, even to Kahuel, who never expected much of the high and mighty Council.

  The princess glanced in the direction of the open end of her white tent. “Close that flap and sit with me.”

  Kahuel let down the curtain and sat facing her, curious about the secrecy.

  Princess Esperana's hazel eyes gazed into his. She said in a soft voice, “I have a dangerous gift.”

  Excitement and a shiver of dread crossed Kahuel's bare shoulders. He struggled to keep his voice low. “What kind of gift?”

  “I can read minds. That's how I know I can trust you.”

  “Really? That's your gift?” Since the princess had no reason to lie about something that caused her exile, Kahuel tried to remember what he'd thought of her in her presence, wondering whether or not he should apologize.

  “No need for apology. Except for poor choices in women, you are a good man, like your brother was.”

  “That, he was...” Had she just read his mind? But Kahuel couldn't help resenting her for Basilk's death. Her irresponsible expedition had caused it.

  Princess Esperana lowered her gaze and brushed an imaginary grain of sand from her immaculate white robe. She'd heard his mental accusations. “If not for your five-fingered hands, your mother's Goddian blood would qualify you and your siblings as Mutants. We are not that different, you and me.”

  “I'm perfectly happy to be born on the Human side of the divide.” Kahuel felt himself flush at what he knew was a compliment on her part. “About your gift, I read somewhere that your mother, Queen Tora, could communicate with tigers in her youth, but I thought it was pure legend.”

  Princess Esperana chuckled. “Apparently I inherited her ability a thousandfold, and mine extends to people's minds as well.”

  “And they locked you up for that?” Blast the Council of Kassouk... a bunch of cowardly politicians by Zerker standards. “I bet they didn't want you to reveal their dirty little secrets.”

  “You are smarter than you let on, Black Jaguar.” The Princess smiled sadly. “At the time I didn't protest. I was so young... and the clamor of disharmonious thoughts in the citadel was overwhelming to me. So, I welcomed the peaceful life of a recluse.” She sighed. “I have since learned to block out the noise, but I still need long periods of meditation just to keep my mind clear.”

  “But why come here at all? Why this land?”

  She stared at him for a few seconds. “You cannot tell anyone, at least not yet. Understood?”

  Kahuel's allegiance was to his people, but the princess would find out if he broke his word. He squared his shoulders and nodded in agreement. “I understand.”

  “The people of this land have the same gift I have. Even from my monastery, I could hear their minds when they projected collectively.”

  Kahuel remembered the lovely woman with golden skin by the waterfall. Could she have the gift as well? Had she read his thoughts? He blushed at the memory of his reaction to her.

  “I'm certain she read you.” The Mutant Princess offered a thin smile. “I believe my maternal grandmother had the same gift, and that somehow she came from this very land.”

  That seemed outlandish. “How is that possible? We are the first to visit this isle.”

  “Not exactly.” The princess pursed her lips. “A century and a half ago, a renegade Mutant named Rakkham escaped his monastery in a flyer. I believe he came to this land and fell in love with a native. He smuggled her away and they hid in caves for a while. But he was later caught by the Godds and executed for his disobedience.”

  “That's right. Mutants weren't allowed to run free, or to take a mate in those days.” Kahuel shuddered at the ancient blood rules. “What happened to the woman?”

  “She would have met with the same fate, but Rakkham died protecting her identity. She hid among the Humans of Kassouk, where she gave birth to a little girl then died of the aftermath.”

  Kahuel couldn't believe the princess would entrust him with such personal history. “And their illicit child was your mother?”

  “Queen Tora herself, who has six fingers and communicates with felines and horses.”

  “So… you came here to find your roots? To prove you are not a crazy lunatic, just from different Human blood?”

  “Among other things.” The candlelight played on the regular planes of her handsome face. “I also seek to regain my rightful place in Kassouk society.”

  Kahuel scoffed. “Why do you care about that bunch of cowards?”

  “They may not be perfect, but they are my peers.” The princess sighed. “And maybe I can help improve Human and Mutant relations in Kassouk.”

  “They need improving, that's for sure.” Kahuel regretted his former judgment of the princess. Maybe she wasn't so bad after all. “I'm sorry about any offending thoughts I might have had about you. As you say appearances can be deceiving. Do the locals know you are coming?”

  “I think so. They must have spotted our group. If that strange signal is any indication, they may not like our intrusion into their land.”

  “Can you blame them?” But Kahuel couldn't wait to make official contact, so he could see the golden girl with honey hair again.

  The princess stood up to signify the end of their meeting. “Go make sure your warriors are fed and get some sleep. They will need their strength tomorrow.”

  Kahuel rose and walked to the end of the tent. As he flipped open the curtain, the aroma of cooking and the familiar sounds of the camp getting ready for the evening meal welcomed him. But a strange, spellbinding chant now floated on the night breeze. It didn't sound like the ribald ditties of sailors, or the nostalgic ballads of Yalta. The words were lost in the wind. Only the haunting melody filled the air.

  “Where does that chant come from?” Kahuel turned back to Princess Esperana. “What is it?”

  “I fear it portends nothing good.” Lines of worry etched the corners of her mouth as she attempted a smile. “That's all I can say.”

  “More secrets?” Kahuel knew her
bout of honesty wouldn't last.

  “Sorry.” She flashed a sad smile.

  Struggling to control nasty internal comments about the treacherous nature of Mutants, Kahuel stepped out and slapped the curtain closed with barely contained rage.

  “Can't trust a Mutant,” he mumbled under his breath.

  But the disturbing chant kept rising on the breeze, like a melody of doom.

  * * *

  Eager to witness the unusual event, Talina sat on top of the sacred slab, next to her brother. She enjoyed the surge of power emanating from the chanting Clan under the large full moons. The Chosen had come to the sacred clearing from all around, and sat in concentric semi-circles, at the foot of the sacred slab. Their bodies swayed as the Star Chant amplified, bringing them into the trance. Only in that altered state could they all link minds to strengthen her brother, their king and shaman, Vanaru.

  Watching him intently, Talina felt the weight of her responsibility. His life lay in her hands as he projected his thoughts through the great black space, to reach the star people, those who protected the Chosen, and had bestowed the gift of mind-talk upon their clan.

  The white Guardian snake around Vanaru's bare chest and shoulders coiled and uncoiled to the slow rhythm of the chant. Its white scales gleamed in the moonlight, as did Vanaru's shaved head. The entire forest and its inhabitants contributed their life force to facilitate the sacred joining across the universe.

  Vanaru's body shook so hard, the snake fell off his shoulders and writhed around his waist and down on his crossed legs. But this was to be expected. Talina kept a keen eye on his breathing and a soft touch on his mind. “I'm here, Vanaru. You are doing fine.”

  Her brother's mind was already too far away to hear the mind words, but on some level, his brain would sense the reassuring warmth of her sisterly love. The link to the Star People could prove fatal. Talina had seen it done only twice, and the last time both her parents had lost their lives in the process. But Vanaru was strong and wise beyond his years. She had no doubt his first attempt would succeed, and he would survive it.

  Soon, a wide stream of fluctuating light, like a moonbeam, descended into the empty space on the large slab in front of Vanaru.

  Talina's heart leapt in her chest. “Vanaru! You succeeded. They are here.”

  In the soft pulsing pillar of light, pale celestial beings, tall and thin, in long diaphanous capes, floated down to the surface and soon stood on the slab, facing the Chosen seated in semi-circular rows. The Star People's large black eyes had no pupils, and their smooth heads stood atop a stiff collar hiding their long necks. Talina counted seven of them. The sacred number. The number of relics in the sacred cave.

  Vanaru opened his eyes and stared, still as a boulder. “Stop the Star Chant!”

  The chant waned and died quickly as all eyes converged to the visitors.

  Vanaru's mind-talk spread to all present. “Welcome among us, O Star People. The foreign invaders you predicted years ago have arrived at our shores.”

  “Human invaders?” The Star People sounded surprised, even in her head. Didn't they know?

  Talina joined her mind to that of her brother. “The one I saw up close looks Human, O Celestial Ones.” The thought never occurred to Talina that he could be anything else. “But when I touched his mind, he did not respond.”

  The Star People commiserated silently then their collective voice boomed over the crowd, surprisingly melodic. “They are an evil breed bent on selfish greed and glory. They own animals, they kill animals for food. They will poison your way of life if you let them.”

  “What about the Lost Daughter?” Talina couldn't believe she could be evil. The prophecy said she would return to lead them into a bright future.

  The Star Person in the center of the group nodded. “There is no Lost Daughter. She and her foreign lover died long ago. We couldn't allow them to reveal your existence.”

  Confusion fogged Talina's mind. Had the Star People killed a princess of the Chosen clan? A shamaness? It could not be.

  Vanaru's face tensed. “The foreigners carry shiny metal blades. They will slaughter us all if we rise against them.”

  The Star People consulted each other again. “You have the means to kill without weapons. Use your minds to direct the energy force of the forest. We shall boost your powers so you can be victorious.”

  Vanaru's eyes rounded but he remained silent.

  Then the Star People intoned a soft, melodious chant, and a subtle vibration filled the clearing. When they spread their long, skinny arms and thin hands over the sitting crowd. Talina felt their power permeating her and all those present. In that instant, Talina's body thrilled. Her mind filled with confidence. She was invincible, nothing could ever hurt her.

  “Resume the Star Chant,” the Star People ordered with one voice.

  The Chosen started chanting again, and the beam of moonlight brightened and widened. Just as they had come, the Star People ascended into the beam of light then floated up and away.

  After they vanished, Vanaru closed his eyes. He shook with the force of the withdrawing, but his mind-talk rang clear. “Stop the Star Chant!”

  Talina, along with the entire clan, released a loud sigh as they came out of their trance.

  She rose and rushed to his side. “Brother, are you all right?”

  Vanaru's shaking subsided and he opened his eyes. “Sister,” he whispered still weak from his trance, “I fear our days of happy innocence are over.”

  “They really want us to use our gift to kill?” Talina shivered at the implications of the Star People's guiding words. It went against everything Talina believed to be good. “We never killed before.”

  Chapter Four

  Lord Straal, Sovereign of the Estrell people, re-materialized with his four first officers and two bodyguards inside the familiar darkness of the vestibule in his science vessel. He breathed a sigh of relief in the dim, reassuring cobalt glow pulsing to the heartbeat of his race, welcoming the familiar warmth of the ship. Home.

  He peeled off the dark, soft lenses protecting his eyes from the damaging moonlight. It felt good to be light and buoyant again. Like all Estrell people, he hated bright heavy worlds.

  “I hope this is the last time I have to go down there,” Straal broadcast in mind-talk for his companions. The Estrell had long foregone clunky spoken languages among themselves. They had better uses for sound.

  “Thankfully, our offspring will not have to suffer such hardship.” First Captain, his second in command, unhooked the stiff collar that prevented his bulbous head from crushing a fragile neck in heavy gravity. He rolled his smooth head from side to side to loosen stiff vertebrae.

  “I am still raw from the clumsy chant of the primitive Human clan. Such barbaric dissonance.” He discarded his protective cape and neck gear into the biohazard bin and massaged the ache in his arms through the thin exoskeleton suit. Each foray in heavy gravity took a toll on his frail muscles and bones.

  Straal closed his eyes and let the soothing music of the floating crystal spheres calm his nerves “I don't know how these Humans can stand all that weight, or the deadly radiation of their hellish binary sun.”

  “Humans are built to withstand such conditions, My Lord.” First Scientist smiled, his thin, closed lips barely curling up. The cobalt glow gleamed on the black surface of his eye lenses.

  “I know. That's why we chose them for the New Generation Project.” But Straal feared the unexpected presence of the foreigners threatened his carefully laid plans. Wearing only his skin-tight exoskeleton, glossy blue in the cobalt light, he ducked into the cleansing compartment and sat on the bench running along the bulkhead of the cramped oval space.

  First Meteorologist entered the decontamination chamber with a fluid gait.

  Careful not to broadcast his attraction to her, Straal admired her slim curves and narrow waist, molded by the dark blue protective second skin. “I don't understand how the explorers survived the typhoon you s
ent upon them.”

  First Meteorologist dropped her smooth, hairless head onto her small rounded chest in shame. “I apologize, My Lord. The foreigners are very resilient.”

  “Heads up. You did your best without being detected by ships or satellites.” Straal straightened his spine and refrained from probing her thoughts further, despite his desire to do so.

  “Thank you for your clemency, My Lord.” First Meteorologist bowed slightly. She sat facing him then gazed into his eyes.

  Straal's consciousness threatened to melt into her clear aquamarine gaze. He repressed inappropriate thoughts as the rest of his team entered the decontaminating unit and settled on the circular bench.

  “The presence of Human explorers complicates our task.” He adopted a business-like mind tone. “I'm glad the chosen had enough collective brainpower to bring us here from another dimension.”

  First Captain glanced at Straal and sat to his right. “Since they brought us all this way to salvage this project, should we promptly eliminate the explorers, My Lord?”

  “No. Too risky.” When the dry sonic shower sizzled overhead, Straal relaxed in the iridescent flux, as it neutralized any contaminants they might have brought aboard the ship.

  His First Captain stared.

  Straal sighed. “The use of any advanced or even biological weapons on the planet surface could leave a technological trail and reveal our presence.”

  First General, to Straal's left, nodded in assent, his somber face illuminated by the rainbow shower. “We cannot intervene, at least not openly. Our safety lies in total secrecy. If discovered, we are alone and vulnerable.”

  First Scientist pressed his thin lips together. “And two centuries of hard work would be in jeopardy.”

  Straal snorted amidst the sizzle. “Not to mention all our lives, the future of our race, and our dreams of expansion.”