by Reiter
Their walking came to a stop as Dungias’ hand fell from Berylon’s shoulder as the point the Radient had referred to took hold in his mind. It had taken six star-terms, but Dungias had survived the Savanté’s incredible assault. Cast into the dimension of Living Fire, Dungias was still alive! He put his hands to his knees, feeling slightly dizzy as he tried to recall all that had happened. His meeting with Infernon and the touch of living fire… the rescue attempt that Berylon had made, and while it had not brought him home, it had enabled Dungias to enter the Realm Astral… his incarceration and his introduction to the Tohgrunn… the Kwilek Taas… Ejdren, Adelfa, Ushava and the Athun… Ki-Aegis, Kiason, though Dungias preferred Ray-Ray, and of course… Kiaplyx!
“Perhaps I am not the student I thought myself to be,” Dungias said softly, looking up at the Radients.
“Whatever do you mean?”
“I have not yet learned the ways and mean of accepting hospitality,” Dungias stated and Berylon smiled. “Surely I need to revisit etiquette, my friend. My brother!
“Yes,” Dungias said, standing up and squaring his shoulders. “I will accept your invitation… and spend some time in the company of friends. Would you mind if I bring along a few of very special relation to me?”
“Not in the least,” Berylon said, signaling to his attendants who started making another aperture. “They only returned to the domicile two star-terms back.”
“Is that so?” Dungias asked, trying to fathom what could have happened while he was away trying his best not to die.
“It is indeed,” Berylon said, nodding and trying his best to keep a straight face. “All five of them!”
“All five?” Dungias asked.
“It seems that while you were whisked away to another dimension, your… what was it… Chief Engineer and Exemplar, yes… they were hounded by all sorts of malcontents.” Dungias took strong hold of Berylon, nearly shaking him. The pulse of energy Berylon emitted from his body calmed Dungias immediately and the Traveler closed his eyes. “They are fine, Brother! They are still tending to a few wounds, mostly along the lines of equipment, vessels, and unfulfilled intentions. It would seem when your mate went looking for you, your mentor and her brother were caught up in her wake. She did not arrive at Quantia Prime in time to save you, but they did assist in the escape of your fellow combatants.”
Dungias sighed again in relief and shame. So focused on his own predicaments, he had not taken a moment to reflect over those that meant so much to him.
“That’s not true,” Danatra said as she came through the aperture, serving as a cane to a limping Saru. “I can already feel your thoughts for this one… my new Vi-Prin? You considered her almost as much as she thought of you!”
Dungias ran to the two women and lifted them both from the floor. As they both embraced him in return, Dungias could feel pain coming from his Saru and he quickly set her down, despite her refusal.
“Do not dare to love me less,” she demanded, kissing his face.
“That is not the direction I am trekking,” Dungias whispered. He held Saru close and looked at Danatra.
“I can never thank you enough for this,” he projected.
“Thank me?!” Danatra returned. “She is the one you should be thanking! All of your Vinthur brethren! They are the reason why the Malgovi side of your family is still alive!”
“Well done, Dungi,” Nugar said through strained voice. Dungias looked up to see a gurney carrying his master, mentor, and friend. Felrus walked on one side of it, his left arm in a regenerator cast and Laejem walked on the other, wearing a similar contraption but it had been turned into a vest. Dungias eased away from Saru and ran to Nugar as tears welled up in his eyes.
“Master!” he cried.
“Easy, vazi,” Nugar consoled, taking Dungias into an embrace. “It looks worse than it truly is. I would not lie about such things, you know this. We are fine. We’re down a good ship, but we are all fine!”
Dungias took a moment to embrace everyone and only Felrus was surprised at the display of emotion, though he had experienced a strong introduction from Saru who had told him that any man who stood with her nyaka was her kommis... any woman, her saytrah.
Looking at Danatra, Dungias’ face twisted slightly at how little she had been injured.
“I know,” Danatra said, smiling and shaking her head. “It must be that Z’Gunok blood of ours!”
“If you are truly wishing to be injured,” Nugar warned, “arrangements can be made. Any volunteers?” Felrus and Laejem were quick to raise their hands and Saru pulled them both down.
“Everyone,” Dungias said, extending his hand toward Berylon. “This is my friend and Star Brother, Berylon. He is lord of the Radients, the guardians of The Campus gates. His mate, Flavicia should be along any moment.”
“Vu-Prin, did you say The Campus?” Danatra asked as the smile fell from her face.
“I did, Danatra. The gift left to our people by the Founders.” Dungias’ head tilted to the side as he frowned. “Why not!” he said softly before looking at Berylon. “Sai-Eg, we request entrance to The Campus. If I recall correctly, there is a banquet hall on the premises. We can ‘share time’ there.”
“Brother, I cannot–”
“I will invoke the Key of Chiaro,” Dungias interrupted and thunder shook the chamber as the archway of The Campus appeared before them and suddenly even those that were injured forgot their pain. The Beta-Chiaro came forward, his hands behind his back and a soft smile stretched across his brown-skinned face. He seemed to possess the manners of a Priest, but his stature was well-developed, and even under the robes it was clear to see the man had taken good care of himself.
“Dungias,” he said softly as he approached. “We have been watching.”
“I hope I have not disappointed you,” Dungias returned, giving a slight bow.
“That should never again be your focus,” the Beta Form replied. “For what if we were content to observe you in agony? Would your wish to please us mean that you should have died in the Kiaplyx trapping?”
“A strong point,” Dungias admitted. “And one well taken, I assure you.”
“Doubt is not a word that comes to mind when we think of you, Star Chaser,” Beta-Chiaro smiled. “But I digress. You have invoked the key of my master mold… I must ask you for his password. And you may speak it aloud; those with you are not permitted to know of your response.”
“Polaris is the first and PsyondaR Freund is the second,” Dungias replied and the Beta Form smiled even more brightly, bowing to Dungias with his head down.
“And the knowledge of Salvigaron finds some use even after his passing. You and your party may enter,” he said, barely maintaining his hold on his elation. “Please note you are responsible for the actions of your party and with no other key in use, you are the master of The Campus.” Beta-Chiaro turned to the grounds and cupped his hand over his mouth. “Campus, awaken and engage!”
The crystal-hardened wall exploded away from the group, leaving only a glass bridge that wound between puffy white clouds in a very blue sky. Dungias took only one step on to the bridge and the glass was exchanged for soft beige stone. The walkway was ten trams wide with lush green grass fields on either side of it. The archway was made of the same stone, but adorned with gems and silver lining where mortar should have been. Beyond the large archway was a wooden fountain with blue spiraling waters shooting up from it. The Campus was very elaborate with the Student’s Hall standing behind the fountain and walkways leading off in six different directions. Arrangements of bright flowers rested between the walkways.
“The Banquet Hall is the second path from the far left, Master,” a chorus of wind-swept voices called to Dungias.
Wrapping an arm around Saru and taking hold of Danatra’s hand, Dungias started walking toward the banquet hall. “Campus, please heal them,” he commanded and wave of light passed over each person, removing their wounds and restoring their bodies. Saru gasped and looked to her gemnur who ju
mped off his gurney and spun after he landed. “And we will require a celebratory feast if you do not mind.”
“You will find no objection here, Master,” the winds replied.
“Now this is MajiK!” Nugar exclaimed as he took in a deep breath, closing his eyes to the scent and the sensation of the clean air.
“Sai-Eg, please bring your entire court,” Dungias requested. “I do not want anyone to miss this.”
“What are you planning, nyaka?” Saru asked, her face nuzzling into his.
“An event, Saru. A simple event.”
“You don’t do anything simply!” a chorus responded with Danatra and Felrus being the only ones who had not spoken, though Danatra had projected the same sentiment to his mind. They all laughed as they followed Dungias.
“Why not?” Dungias said softly.
“Why not what, nyaka?”
“Let us take a festive respite from the current chaos,” Dungias replied, bringing her under the archway and carrying her down the walkway indicated.
Danatra noticed as her Vu-Prin looked up and around The Campus as if he were visiting a place for which he held fond memories. Suddenly, things became clearer for the first born of the House Z’Gunok. Her Vu-Prin had been here before and the time was obviously very special to him, but how could it not be?! This was The Campus! Taking a moment to herself, Danatra stood very still and lowered her head. Dungias was in the embrace of his mate and his mentor as they talked and laughed among themselves.
“I will simply have to re-read those books I threw at him,” she thought. “Because he found something in them that I certainly missed!” She was slightly startled at an unexpected touch falling to her shoulder. She looked up into the very warm eyes of Laejem who had just removed his healing vest.
“Shall we, my lady?” he said softly, offering his hand. Danatra smiled and took his whole arm into her grasp.
“You do realize that while you are family, you are not my Vu-Prin,” she said softly.
Laejem closed his eyes as he smiled even more brightly. “Woman, you have no idea what it feels like to hear you say that.”
“Don’t be too sure of that, Warrior,” she projected. “Do you still like my legs?” While the Malgovi might have been the sort of people to have been embarrassed by such a revelation, the Vinthur, and more specifically Laejem, were the sort to look at such a truth and laugh. He bent quickly at the knees and lifted Danatra from the ground, making sure to feel her leg with his hand as he did so. Danatra joined him in laughter.
Revenge is an act of passion; vengeance of justice. Injuries are revenged; crimes are avenged.
Samuel Johnson
The sweet song of soft orchestral music, the aroma of well-prepared food and drink, the clatter of the plates, the clinking of the glasses, and the rise and fall of laughter permeated the hall. The Radients were able to assume flesh tones when they were on Campus grounds, and they certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves right along with Dungias’ family of choice and circumstance.
Nugar was the first to pull back from the festivities and lose himself in the ambience of where he was. This was not folklore any longer – The Campus was powerfully real and he was dining with the Beta Forms! It was so surreal to him, but things became more easily understood when he looked at his student.
“The Stars have chosen well,” he whispered.
“Yes, Master,” Dungias said as he turned in his chair to look at his mentor. His volume drew the attention of everyone and he swallowed the last of his drink. “The Stars have indeed chosen well… and do you know why?”
“Nyaka,” Saru said softly, stroking the hand of her beloved. He looked at her and smiled before kissing her forehead.
“I have not over-indulged, my dearest,” he whispered. “Things for me have never been more clear.
“Do you know, Master?” he asked, looking back at Nugar.
“Say what it is you have to say, vazi,” Nugar replied.
Dungias bowed with his eyes closed. “Thank you, my Master, my Kwinsoah, and Vu-Zai. I am overly blessed with love, and I am not worthy of it.”
“Arguable,” Nugar inserted with the unspoken agreement of nearly everyone in the hall. “But continue.”
“The Stars have chosen well because the Stars choose everyone! How can they go wrong?!”
“Dungias!” Danatra scorned.
“No, my Vi-Prin, I will not stop, and I will not alter what I must say… what I must do! Radients, rise and recognize your Master!” Berylon, Flavicia and their attendants quickly stood up from their seats, but they were confused at the mannerisms of one who had, up to that moment, been anything but commanding. “Good! You have a new order, my guardians. For those I have brought to The Campus, you are not to allow any of them the ability to leave without my order. I will continue to be responsible for their actions so that for every wrong doing, I will be punished.
“Furthermore,” Dungias continued. “… they will not be denied any function of The Campus, save for that which will grant them the means to leave.”
“What are you doing, nyaka?” Saru asked.
“Sounds like he’s imprisoning us?” Felrus remarked.
“My Exemplar speaks truthfully… and in this case, quite accurately. If you please, I command you to keep your seats until I have left The Campus.” Dungias reached to the back of his chair and took hold of his weapons belt and cloak. “Only I am permitted to use the Key of Chiaro. Should the Radients feel my life pass from these Stars, that key is to be passed on to Z’Gunok Tel Danatra. I trust you remember the password?” he asked Berylon.
“Of course, my friend,” the Radient Lord said softly.
“Good,” Dungias said as he turned to leave.
“You can’t hope to fight them alone,” Felrus barked. “That would be suicide!”
“Exemplar, please,” Dungias said without breaking stride. “One does not make plans for matters after his death without something suicidal in mind!” The doors to the banquet hall closed behind him and Beta-Zeu Rex stood up.
“Radients, you have your orders,” he said. “I and the other Beta Forms will see to our… guests.” Flashing to their light forms, the Radients flew up and out through the windows without breaking any of the glass. Beta-Zeu Rex’s eyes went up and to the right, as if he was sensing something. “If it makes you feel any better, he is not leaving just yet.”
“Why would that make us feel any better?!” Saru shouted, banging her fist down on the table. “He imprisoned us!” Nugar looked at his gemopadiah, realizing that his student may have run afoul of a nerve that he was not aware he could strike.
“Not that it would have mattered,” Danatra projected to his mind. “If anything, such knowledge would have solidified his position.”
“Let us keep from having private conversations, Danatra,” Nugar suggested. “Though I agree with your opinion. Saru’s insistence to be at his side might have been one of the reasons why he has acted in this fashion.”
“Does he think we need protection?!” Saru snapped.
“Be still!” Nugar barked, bringing silence to the room. “And try to recall what you have been taught! If you think he is acting to protect you, I would suggest you revisit your lessons.”
“And for those of us who did not have you as an instructor, Master,” Felrus spoke, lifting his hand into the air. “We would appreciate that instruction now, if you please.”
“He has not locked us to The Campus to protect us,” Nugar stressed. “If he fails in what he feels he must now do, the plight of our people falls to us! He has chosen Danatra to lead in his stead.”
“Why not you?” Felrus asked, thoroughly confused by the issue and hoping that the elder Vinthur was not insulted by the assignment of Danatra.
“Because he would not deny me the opportunity to be just a student once again,” Nugar said, closing his eyes in anticipation of the feeling. He chuckled before they opened again and he returned to his explanation. “Danatra is already a voice
in the movement known as the Schatten-Kraythe. If she so deems it, The Campus will become the proving grounds where that movement will find its resurgence!”
“He thought that out in the course of our meal?” Saru asked.
“No, that was what he was thinking when he said ‘why not’,” Nugar answered. “The rest of us were too taken up with The Campus to realize what he was doing… that too was part of his plan.”
Danatra shook her head in amazement. “Forgive me,” she said softly. “But if all of this falls to me, I will not allow you to be just a student. Look at what your teachings have created!”
“Our teachings, Danatra,” Nugar corrected as he took a firm grasp of Danatra’s hand. “He came to me already on the path you put him on.”
Danatra did not know how to take the words of the Master Traveler and turned to Saru. She wanted to make sure her new Vi-Prin was not enraged with Dungias. If anything, she was bitter that she was not at his side, but she had begun to understand the man she had taken to heart. “It will take more of you to remain his,” Danatra explained. “I hope you know that.”
“It is a challenge I thought I was anticipating,” Saru admitted. “It came too soon for my taste, but it is here, isn’t it?” Saru nodded as she took in a deep breath. “Let the contest commence!”
“My Lord,” Danatra said to Beta-Zeu Rex. “… where is my Vu-Prin?”
“He is at one of the hangars, perusing the wares there.”
“Would you please–”
“I shall tell him of the resolve that has come about,” Beta-Zeu Rex said as he started to fade. “Of all the things I would want to see improve over the times when our molds were here – bitter and empty departures would top that list!”
** b *** t *** o *** r **
Dungias looked at the star-fighter from the port side for a second time. He had walked around it, and under it. He had floated over the ship and found it to be of exemplary make. The technology behind most of its systems was advanced in comparison to what was considered the norm in Malgovi and Vinthur territories. Suitable self-destruct features would have to be added before he could take this ship from the premises.
