by Lexi Ander
Sohm’lan hurried to the end of the transport to find the Valuzial who had claimed Zeus, Hok Suri, blocking the exit. “Is there a problem?” he asked.
Hok looked down his long, square snout at him, amber eyes scanning Sohm’lan with suspicion. “I do not smell Prince Zeus.”
Sohm’lan was getting a crick in his neck looking up. Hok was about three meters tall at the shoulder and standing at the top of the ramp just gave him more height. “Prince Zeus is speaking with nobles at the palace entrance. He will be meeting you in the family room after you have been settled in your sleeping chambers.”
“We will either share rooms with Prince Zeus or sleep outside his door. We do not need spaces of our own, especially if they are away from Prince Zeus and his kits.” Hok’s chest rumbled and Sohm’lan ignored the display of ire.
“All of that can be worked out after you are settled. Prince Zeus gave specific instructions to the palace steward, and I am sure he has you well taken care of.” Sohm’lan swept a hand down the ramp. “In the meantime, there are other vessels that need to use this landing pad. If you would be so kind as to lead the way.”
Hok’s suspicion did not lessen, but he followed Sohm’lan’s instructions and prowled down the ramp on four legs, snout in the air, snuffling. Rhee came forward and Hok shared a meaningful glance with the Orion. Sohm’lan felt a tickle at his earhole and he rubbed, waiting as Rhee spoke telepathically with Hok. A clawed paw that looked more like five-fingered hands shredded the neatly cut grass as Hok seemed to come to a decision. He looked back over his shoulder and gave a hacking-cough. The other two Valuzial, Aemish Kuliar and Moke Jeet, appeared at the head of the ramp and moved down with less caution, their bulbous spiked-tipped tails arching over their backs swayed like pendulums. Their leathery skin was striped like Hok’s but with different shadings that would still make them virtually invisible in the jungle’s shade.
“Warlord Sohm’lan!” He glanced up and on Aemish’s back rode the crazy little L’Eema, Otho. His short black hair was fluffed with his excitement. “I am riding a Valuzial!” The subsequent squeaks and chittering Sohm’lan could not understand. Otho’s long tail vibrated and kept smacking the other two passengers. Mayra, and Amlyn’s mate, Gaex Seneca, sat behind Otho and gave him fond grins. The humidity weighed down the Gaziniti’s normally full and fluffy mane, but they otherwise looked relaxed.
Al’haska and Eh’Monak, the Ursid brothers, followed, looking grumpy and impatient, probably because Hadon was with Zeus. Like the Valuzial with Zeus, the Ursids did not like being separated from Hadon. Bringing up the rear was the Shia’Marr, Abechan of Glimmering Moor, his shining blue robes matching the boney, blue plates of his ridge. His ancient golden eyes were sharp and just as alert for danger as Hok. The GyrFalconi, Axis de la Rynch, strode at his side. Sohm’lan did a double take. Axis looked ragged and tired, the plume of red-tipped gray feathers on his crown had thinned. Zeus has said something about Axis molting but Sohm’lan had not seen Axis in a while. His dark brown skin had a gray cast and his large yellow-rimmed black eyes clearly expressed his discomfort. The three white-scaled Chimera with him kept reaching out and touching Axis, their demeanor solicitous and caring.
Sohm’lan waved to the attendants and the palace staff hurried to connect with their charges, ushering people inside. Once the area was cleared, the empty shuttle took off vertically and headed back to the military base, clearing the landing pad for the craft carrying Valdor and Ashari. As he waited, more Basilisc guards arrived. The incoming shuttle was nondescript, the pilot expertly guided it down on vertical thrusters. Sohm’lan and the guards were far enough away that they were barely brushed by the whoosh of displaced air. He squinted his eyes as he jogged to the shuttle.
Monticore spilled out taking up a protective perimeter as he closed in. Valdor stepped out, his gold and red robes catching in the wind. He inhaled deeply, sunlight glinting off his circlet. Sohm’lan sympathized, his best friend had been offworld for moons. Coming home was an exhilarating feeling.
Ashari exited the shuttle accompanied by Rheax Omphalox and Princess Athena. Rheax’s heavy, plaited white hair fell to her knees. Her dark skin absorbed the sunlight, but her red-gold rosettes sparkled oddly, like they were made of gems. Her green gaze took in everything with only a look. The last Sohm’lan had heard, she left Haven to go on a fact-finding mission for the Galactic Imperials and could only assume she had completed the task.
Princess Athena looked more settled than the last time he saw her. She seemed less the lost youngling and more self-assured. Two beings flanked her. Sohm’lan’s heart skipped a beat as he studied them. They had the physical features of the Fal’Amoric in that they looked mostly human-like, but there were distinct differences. One had skin like polished stone and white hair worn in a high tail exposing delicately pointed ears and dark, claw-like nails. The other had hair and skin dark as night, the shadows of the shuttle’s interior seeming to cradle them. But what had unsettled Sohm’lan was that they looked at him with silver-white eyes just like Zeus’s. Who were they? It was obvious they were here with Athena. Unfortunately, this was a puzzle he would have to decipher at another time. A Valuzial, Mneseus, Sohm’lan thought, nosed the two forward so he could hover protectively over Princess Athena.
After they disembarked, Hina stood there alone looking stern. Her presence only caused more questions. Kracciam were not known for allowing their bondmates to travel without them, yet there she was, face turned toward the sea. Next to her stood a fox therianthrope. Valdor had mentioned that the Variel, Kaldor Darkmoonguard, would be accompanying them. When away from their homeworld, Variel only wore their furry, biped form. What other shapes they had was a mystery to those not considered friends, and Variel claimed very few friends. Kaldor’s red pelt was matched by his attire of the same hue. His voluminous pants were more feather than material and billowed in the slight breeze along with the big satin bow at his neck and ruffled sleeves.
Valdor had said they were bringing a couple of tutors to test Zeus. Kaldor had been identified before Sohm’lan had left Valespia, but he was still surprised Rheax came herself instead of assigning someone else to the task. That was odd since she was the Chi-Lin’s representative on the Council of Neighn. Sohm’lan imagined that if Zeus’s abilities were compatible with the Chi-Lin, then the training would take time she couldn’t possibly afford. So, why was she here?
When Sohm’lan looked back at Valdor, his best friend was barreling toward him, his expression blank, but Sohm’lan knew him well enough to see the tension in his body. The Monticore parted, and Sohm’lan was jerked up from the formal bow he had quickly initiated.
Valdor shook him. “You,” he practically growled, shaking Sohm’lan again, his claws digging into the uniform. “I saw what you did. You hear me? Saw! I thought I had been hit with farseeing, but Ashari was caught in the vision, too. What were you thinking?” Valdor dragged him into a tight embrace.
“What did you see?” he asked confused.
His question garnered him another teeth-rattling shake. Valdor was making a spectacle. He rarely acted like this in public, only making his displeasure known once behind closed doors. But this was different. There was a hint of terror in the air. “You made a challenge and it felt—” Sohm’lan searched Valdor’s gaze as his best friend struggled to explain what he saw, what he felt. “We are summoned and are supposed to be there when you face the accused. That was Nethus, was it not?”
Ashari approached, her bangles tinkling with every step. Princess Athena, Rheax, Kaldor, Hina, and the rest of the party remained a respectful distance away. Sohm’lan’s throat burned at the concern he saw in Ashari’s and Valdor’s expressions. They were afraid for him.
Valdor and Ashari had only caught glimpses of Nethus at Haven. Arion had been appointed Canry’ mentor but that had not kept Nethus from lurking. When he realized he had been spotted, he would disappear, leaving only ripples in the water. What Valdor and Ashari knew of Nethus came from Ze
us and the twins. Canry defended Nethus but his brothers did not feel Nethus deserved Canry’s protection. As Shaneva’s chosen champion, Sohm’lan knew more, but he had given his word to keep her confidence.
“The secrecy around the issue you and Mestor have been handling will end. You have put yourself in grave danger in order to protect us, and I will know the reason why,” Valdor admonished. “I sensed that the outcome of this confrontation will affect all Atlainticia.”
With the challenge only a couple of days away, perhaps it was safe to tell them, if Shaneva agreed.
“We will talk when we have more privacy,” he said, not wanting to make any promises he could not keep.
“He has been fretting and almost unbearable these last few hours.” Ashari slipped her arm through Valdor’s. “He thinks that if he had been here sooner, you would not have acted so rashly.” She searched his expression, and Sohm’lan wondered what she saw.
“I have called everyone to the family room.” Valdor motioned the rest of their party forward.
Princess Athena greeted him with a kiss on the cheek as she passed. The beings behind her stiffened, narrowing their eyes at him. Valdor ushered them on without introductions, which only furthered Sohm’lan’s belief that he was more distraught than he was letting on.
A squad of Basilisc guards surrounded them. “Captain Laras tells me that you pulled the entirety of Zeus’s household to the palace.”
Sohm’lan fell into step with Valdor and Ashari. “Yes, it was better this way.”
His comm-link activated, and he listened to Captain Kaduna’s report. Zeus had identified two Numina agents within the palace, and they had been taken into custody. Sohm’lan would not make the mistake in believing all the spies had been caught, but he was relieved that the number had at least been reduced. Speaking with his hands, Sohm’lan explained Zeus’s operation identifying spies. Valdor’s expression turned icy, and Ashari’s eyes narrowed.
When they arrived outside the grand family room, the din of voices filtered into the hallway that was crowded with more Monticore and Basilisc.
“Would you like me to have our guests shown to their rooms?” Sohm’lan offered since Valdor seemed preoccupied to the point that he was forgetful.
“They have all been invited to this meeting,” Ashari replied, surprising Sohm’lan. “They should be aware of the situation since they could be in as much danger as anyone else. We have confidence in their discretion.”
Sohm’lan did not like it, but this was not his decision to make. He stepped aside, allowing everyone to enter before he followed and closed the doors behind him. The massive room was more than half full. The sunken conversation spaces were filled with people lounging and talking. Zeus’s household sat together and next to them were Shaneva, Arion, and Canry in one of the small but deep pools. In preparation for Azaes’ coronation and commitment ceremony, Ashari’s and Valdor’s extended family had been arriving in ones and twos for the last couple of weeks. They took up a couple more nesting bowls. Along the back wall several hooded figures stood, as if they did not know where they belonged. Ariafella was making her way to them so he assumed she knew who they were.
Azaes, Mestor, and Zeus sat in a conversation area with Kryp and Matsya. The two Galactic Imperial Inspectors, Tashelle and Hansard, were there next to Sohm’lan’s parents and Ariafella’s father, Ambassador Tymon. The cousins, Noelani and Kappa, sat on the other side of Azaes, their worried gazes on Dargon where they lay on a mound of colorful pillows, panting as if he had walked the length of the palace.
Upon seeing Valdor and Ashari, people rose and then respectfully bowed, murmurs of greetings replacing idle conversation. After everyone retook their seats, Valdor stepped forward. “Who here saw Warlord Sohm’lan’s challenge and received a summons?”
Sohm’lan was surprised that most of the Mar’Sani present indicated that they had shared the vision, including three of the five hooded beings standing against the back wall. Who were they?
The splash in the pool brought his attention to Shaneva. She was staring at him with wide, terrified eyes, and he hurried to her side.
Valdor continued, “Prince Mestor and Warlord Sohm’lan have been working on an issue that arose while they were on Valespia. This challenge is the culmination of their efforts.” Valdor surveyed the group. “If I understand the… entity who made contact through the vision, the outcome of this challenge will affect Atlainticians planet-wide.”
Sohm’lan knelt at the edge of the pool. “What do you want me to do, Princess?”
Shaneva chewed on her lip and she gripped the shell necklaces at her throat. “I…”
Arion moved closer. “You are safe,” he soothed. “They will not have you. We will make sure of it.”
Chapter Forty-Three
Mestor
* * *
Mestor was proud of Sohm’lan as he stood as Shaneva’s champion as well as her voice, revealing the existence of the Numina and their control of the People of the Longing and Outcasts with geas chips. Mestor noticed nothing was said about Shaneva’s abuse at Nethus’s hands. Instead, Sohm’lan spoke of his recently discovered heritage, Poseidon’s reemergence, and Canry’s farseeing of civil war if Poseidon did not step in. Mestor made a noise of denial at the same time as Azaes when Sohm’lan explained how he had failed to locate Poseidon. The challenge was the only hope of contacting the progenitor of the peoples of Atlainticia.
Though pride burned in his chest, so did abject terror. He had known Sohm’lan had left the shore looking for a possible site with a gyre circle. But he had not reported his findings, and Mestor was hearing that part along with everyone else. He closed his eyes and worked to keep from trembling, from telling everyone to go suck Poseidon’s balls before carrying Sohm’lan away so nothing could harm him. How very un-Mar’Sani of him, but he did not care what others thought. He had no doubts about Sohm’lan’s prowess in battle. He was Chief Warlord, one of Atlainticia’s best and deadliest fighters, but Mestor would rage if Sohm’lan was hurt. Just the thought of him bleeding made battle lust simmer in Mestor’s veins. He had only just won Sohm’lan’s heart and already their happiness was threatened.
“What is the matter, Echo?” Valdor questioned, pulling Mestor out of his tumultuous thoughts to look at Sohm’lan’s father, who sat across from him.
Echo’s expression was full of horrified guilt that morphed into sorrow. At first, Mestor thought his reaction was the result of his identity being revealed. Like Nethus, he was a son of Poseidon. But instead, Echo asked in a voice barely above a whisper, “Nethus took Prince Canry? Had him all this time?” Lilika rubbed the scales of Echo’s arm, trying to soothe him.
Did Sohm’lan not tell them? He looked toward the pool to see Canry duck his head. Shaneva put a comforting arm around their brother. Mestor had to acknowledge that it was not Sohm’lan’s story to tell and he was cautious as ever to keep the confidences of his watersons and daughters.
“I swear to you, Your Highness,” Echo’s voice was full of horror. “I had no idea where Prince Canry was.”
Echo had come to court as Bard Tan’s apprentice summers after Canry had disappeared. The family did not speak of Canry outside their small circle. As their waterfather, Sohm’lan had been included in that circle, and he respectfully did the same. Meme had always claimed Canry was alive but most of the houses believed he had tragically perished in the Waters of Poseidon.
“Explain!” Valdor ordered, as much the emperor as a heartsick father.
“He cannot,” Mestor replied. “The Numina inject a geas chip into outcasts like him, keeping him from speaking of Nethus as well as the other worthless toads.”
Echo did not seem to hear Mestor’s explanation, his gaze turned inward as if searching his memory for any hint that his brother was a stealer of young. “If I had known, if I had even suspected, I would have found a way to help you get Canry back even though I am shunned.” Echo’s eyes bulged and he choked, gagging on nothing but air, then
he wheezed as if his throat closed over. Even with Lilika holding onto him, Echo fell off his seat onto his hands and knees.
Mestor moved to Echo’s side, calling for Vyx. The small medtech ordered them to roll Echo onto his back and ran the scanner over him. Mestor moved out of the way. He caught Sohm’lan’s arm, murmuring quickly how he needed to stay to the side and allow Vyx to help. His amor hiss-clicked angrily. Mestor empathized with Sohm’lan’s need to do something about his father’s obvious pain. He held Sohm’lan, giving comfort and hoping to calm him.
Surprisingly, even though Valdor’s expression was full of murder, he knelt next to Lilika and placed a gentling hand on Echo’s shoulder. “Be at ease, my friend. I believe you. Sohm’lan explained well enough what it means to be outcast. There was no way you could know since they cut contact with you. We will get to the bottom of this. The fact that Nethus bears no resemblance to any of the People of the Longing had not slipped my notice. While still on Valespia, I took an intuitive leap and acknowledged that where there was one, then there are many people in our oceans we—I—had no knowledge of. At the same time, Sohm’lan and Mestor were suddenly immersed in a dangerous issue that required secrecy. I do not need to farsee to know there are no coincidences between the two.”
Echo relaxed and his breathing evened out. Vyx administered a pain reduction patch on Echo’s neck and helped him back to his seat.
Valdor rose and returned to the front of the room. “If I understand correctly, all beings of the Water are summoned to witness the challenge. Does that include Poseidon?”
Sohm’lan glanced at his father. “As far as we know, it does. Poseidon would know when his people entered the circle. He would have received the same message as you, and I hope he would come to uncover the issue.”
