by Diane Rapp
The guard nodded wide-eyed.
Konig opened his mouth to reveal a “smile” full of teeth. You made the man think we will gobble him up. What great fun!
Krystal schooled her face to look bored as she walked through the familiar hallways of the castle. In reality she felt elated. The main hall looked shabby. Flanked by somber guards, Jarrack sat on the throne and tried to look cool and regal. His fear and hatred radiated at her, and she felt the pitiful misery of the women sitting at his feet.
“It is good of you to visit my castle,” Jarrack snapped.
Krystal lifted chained wrists. “The invitation was compelling. Do you always kidnap people on your guest list?”
He ignored the insult and inspected a tray of food. “I’ve followed your mystical career with interest. Would you care to demonstrate some fire magic for us?”
“This is not the proper audience, nor the proper atmosphere.”
“What a pity. I enjoy a good show.” Jarrack chose a morsel, bit into the food and patted his moustache with a silk napkin. “Do you have other entertainment planned? I see a trained dog, lapping at your heels.”
Should we sink our fangs into his soft throat or his meaty leg? Konig’s mental voice accompanied a low growl and bristling hackles.
Stay quiet! He’s trying to goad you into an attack and give the archers poised above a reason to kill us both.
Konig scratched an imaginary itch behind his ear and eyed the dangers inside the hall.
Jarrack sighed. “What a disappointment! What shall we do for entertainment?” His eyes glinted with malice.
“You might find the thrill of the desert more to your liking than the dull atmosphere of a castle,” Krystal said. “Why bring me here?”
Laughing, he leaned back on his throne and tried to appear relaxed. “I have young nubile companions and don’t need the aging wife of a dead king.”
“Stop playing games! What do you want from me, Jarrack?”
He leaned forward and his black eyes flashed with temper. “Do your famous mind reading tricks fail to inform? I plan to marry your daughters. Now that you’re my guest, we’ll find them. I’ll pick the most appropriate girl to share my throne, one who can bear strong healthy sons.”
Krystal glanced at the women at Jarrack’s feet. “You prefer weak, frail creatures. My daughters would cut out your heart rather than yield to your desire.”
Hostility flared from the nearest guards and a deep growl rumbled in Konig’s chest.
Jarrack sneered. “We shall see whose will is strongest, my dear. The struggle should yield some entertainment at last.”
“Are you so bored, Jarrack? Do your partners provide so little stimulation?” Krystal chided. “Life will be more exciting when Donovan wakens.”
Jarrack flashed a feral grin. “You will watch me break Donovan.”
She snickered. “I’d laugh at your pathetic attempt.”
“Your entire family will languish in my dungeons.” Jarrack’s malevolent eyes gleamed. “My men are closing in on your precious daughters.”
Krystal fought against the fear that formed in her chest. “You won’t like the kind of entertainment my family provides. Cold steel doesn’t make for a good bedmate.”
“Such hostility! Have we failed to offer you comfort? Would you prefer other accommodations?”
“I prefer to end this charade. Your hands tremble, your skin grows pale, and wrinkles crease your face. Your body yields to years of excess. Are you afraid of dying, Jarrack?”
Angry murmurs rippled through the crowd, and Jarrack’s knuckles turned white as he gripped the arms of the heavily padded chair. “You have no idea what fear is!” His black eyes narrowed with hatred.
She smiled, preferring to feel his hatred than his lust. “Then it’s true.”
“What?” Jarrack’s black eyebrows lifted.
“You control the minds of your sons.” Krystal knew her words rang true when Jarrack did not reply. “Don’t you understand? When you smother a young mind, you commit murder. Can you really murder your sons?”
Jarrack whispered, “Didn’t we murder the mind of a clone to complete Transfer? Cloned bodies are no different than sons or daughters.”
“Cloned bodies possessed blank minds, ready to accept a mental imprint. To live in the mind of your son, you must destroy a young developing mind. Murder is wrong!”
“What do I care about right and wrong? I’m king and I can decide who lives or dies.”
“Only God can make that choice.”
“God? As high priestess of fire, is fire your god?”
“There is one God, one creator.”
“Then you lie to your followers.”
“No. I tell them that fire is a tool used to honor God. I educate my followers to understand the difference.”
Jarrack snarled. “You can’t fool me! You use mental powers to suit your own ends. This body I occupy was grown in a laboratory, just like yours. How can you preach nonsense about God, when you know the truth?”
“Life isn’t a flesh and blood body, it’s your soul. Are you afraid to die because you’ve tainted your soul with evil?”
“If God is so powerful, let Him force me to obey!”
Krystal sighed. “God gave man free choice, He doesn’t force His will on His subjects like you do.”
Jarrack’s face reddened. “Pray to your God for help while you watch me force my will on your daughters.”
“You are so blind.”
Jarrack flicked his hand in dismissal and his guards stepped closer. “This conversation ceases to amuse me. Take this woman to the dungeons. Perhaps a few weeks in a dreary cell will open her eyes. That would be amusing to watch.”
Konig reared onto his hind legs in battle position and curled his lips in a snarl. The guards hesitated.
No my friend, Krystal’s mental voice soothed the wolf. Jarrack plays into our hands by taking us to the dungeon. I will come to no harm with you at my side.
Konig dropped to all fours and allowed the guards to lead her away. He followed at her heels with Jarrack’s laughter ringing through the Royal Hall. She sat in a cold, dark cell listening to the sound of heavy boots echo down the corridor.
Keys jangled in the lock and she braced herself. We will not let anyone hurt you, Konig said.
Do not attack without my order.
The wooden door creaked and a tall man dressed in rough woolen robes stepped inside. His deep eyes looked like dark hollows against his skeletal body frame. Konig gave a happy bark and licked Doctor Alexander’s outstretched hand.
“Are you well, my dear?” The doctor kissed Krystal’s cheek.
“That’s what I should ask. You look like a walking corpse! Don’t you ever eat?” He grinned and motioned her to follow him into the empty corridor.
“Where are the guards?” she asked.
“They’re taking a well-deserved nap.” With long strides Alex led Krystal past the drugged guards to an opening in the wall. They entered the passage, and he pulled a lever to close the stone wall.
“I wonder if every castle has secret tunnels.”
“I take it nobody maintains the utilities.” Krystal pointed at a dripping pipe. “When we release Donovan, we must spend time on repairs.”
They navigated inside the musty tunnel in silence until Alex led her into a well-lit chamber furnished with a cot, table and chairs. Shelves lined the walls with hundreds of old books.
“You’ve created quite an apartment.” Krystal chided, “It looks like you work without rest or food if I don’t mistake my eyes.” She walked to the table littered with charts and open books.
“I’ve too much work to concern myself with creature comforts. We risk discovery every time we take a group of captives out, so they need proper maps. There will be plenty of time for rest later.” Alex draped spidery legs over the rigid frame of a rough-hewn chair.
“Have you seen Donovan?” Krystal couldn’t disguise the anxiety in her voice.
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br /> “Yesterday. Had I known you’d arrive ahead of the army, I would have postponed the trip. It’s too dangerous to risk another visit this soon.” He paused and rubbed his chin with long fingers.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Donovan is moving. His progress is so slow through the stasis field that most observers wouldn’t notice.”
“I thought stasis immobilized the body until the field is turned off.”
Alex shook his head. “I’ve considered Donovan’s situation from a scientific perspective. Ordinary people remain inanimate in stasis, but Donovan is far from ordinary. He entered the stasis field while using speed time, so his hyper-active metabolism might allow him to move inside the stasis field. His rate of progress is nearly imperceptible. I noticed because I visit so seldom, therefore, I undertook a scientific exercise to accurately confirm my observation. Donovan is moving at a rate that will place him within reach of the stasis box within weeks.”
Krystal plopped onto a chair and her eyes clouded with worry. “Is he in danger?”
“Stasis won’t harm him and ordinary objects can’t reach him through the field. This change makes one ask other questions.”
“Like what?”
“Is it possible Donovan is aware of his surroundings? Can we communicate with him and make him aware of our plans? He could influence the outcome if he cooperated.”
“It’s too dangerous to speak with him. Someone might hear and warn Jarrack.”
“You should see the desperate expression on Donovan’s face. His mind is alert. I believe he needs to know he has a chance to escape.” Alexander looked solemn. “Perhaps you could use telepathy to reach his mind.”
Krystal sat thinking. “We’ve worked for years to secure his release. I’m afraid the plan won’t work and at the same time I’m terrified that he’ll wake up and see the middle-aged woman I’ve become. Will he still want me?”
Alex stroked her arm. “It’s a natural fear, my dear, but you’re a beautiful woman. Donovan loves you.”
“But I’m not the same woman he knew, and frankly I don’t want to be that woman. Rough living, scheming, and organizing a covert army has reshaped my character. I’m a leader and won’t remain silent about important decisions that affect my people, even for Donovan.”
*****
Jarrack flew into a lunatic rampage when he learned of Krystal’s escape. He imprisoned lax guards, wild-eyed servants searched the castle, and vengeful riders harried nearby villages to flush her out of hiding.
After the castle grew quiet, Krystal stared at Donovan from a niche in the upper wall. She hadn’t seen him for over eleven years and knew Alex was right. Donovan inched toward the stasis box. Bathed in moonlight his expression reflected misery and desolation.
“I love you,” she whispered.
The ghostly voice echoed through the tower and a guard quaked with fear. Rumors abounded about the dead man inside the chamber. Could he steal life from men who gazed directly into his eyes? Donovan struggled to defeat death and now eerie voices drifted through the tower. Ghosts truly haunted this place! The guard feared for his sanity and gripped his lance with desperation.
Krystal thought about her dream and knew that Donovan had touched her mind. She concentrated and sent him mental images of love and encouragement. Feeling disappointed that she couldn’t hear his mind reply, she decided to figure out a way that Donovan could help himself during the battle.
12 ~ KRIEGEN’S PACK
The young she-wolf limped into the den. Tendra greeted the exhausted youngster with an affectionate lick. Welcome back, Tipsy. The pack use nicknames until a cub assumed a permanent identity by hosting an ancestral line. When traveling away from the pack, Amber traveled with Tipsy in case an accident should take her life.
Where is Amber? Tendra asked.
Tipsy panted, her long pink tongue dangling out of a dusty muzzle. She sent me with important news. Warriors ride from the den of the evil one to attack the daughters of Krystal. Trenton’s mountain is under siege and Amber guards the girl, Tessa.
Tendra’s tail thumped with anger. Kriegen will want to hear the whole story. Rest until we gather the pack.
*****
As pairs of wolves made tracks through the mountains, Kriegen chastised himself for underestimating Jarrack. The kingdom had been too quiet. He should have known the devious man would make a move against Krystal and her daughters. It was time to activate Krystal’s plan to rescue Donovan.
He worried about Amber. When the designated host, Tipsy, left her alone to carry the message, Amber’s line became vulnerable. Guarding Donovan’s family spread Kriegen’s pack too thin. He made a mistake posting only two wolves to watch Tessa, but who could breach Trenton’s stronghold? Tipsy traveled for days before delivering her message, but he knew Amber was still alive. If an ancestral line passed into the void every pack member felt the death.
He glanced sideways at White Toes, the young wolf traveling by his side. We head to the rock shaped like a bear. If Trenton lives, he will go there to find the daughter named Felesia. With a flick of his tail, Kriegen quickened his pace, and White Toes galloped like a frisky cub. The youngster was too eager to face the enemy, unaware of the pain involved in battle. Kriegen hoped they both survived the coming danger. White Toes was too inexperienced to lead the pack if Kriegen died.
Ancestor voices chattered inside Kriegen’s mind, reminding him that young hosts listened to their advice to gain experience. If he joined the ancestors, would it be enough to watch and advise a spirited youngster? A growl rumbled in his chest as he thought of the danger awaiting the pack and his friends. He would survive to help Donovan.
After tedious days and nights, Kriegen saw the shape of Bear Rock against the horizon. He stood on a ridge, howled at the red moon, and then stood silent listening for an answer. A distant voice echoed through the hills, Amber’s voice. White Toes barked and pranced around Kriegen with glee. The pack leader nearly joined the pup in celebrating but maintained his dignity as an example to the young whelp.
Stay quiet. The woods reek of humans and some can hear mindspeech.
White Toes flattened his ears, demonstrating obeisance to his pack leader. Kriegen slipped silently through the forest. Avoiding the hard-packed human road, they climbed the steep deer trail and reached the base of Bear Rock.
Kriegen sniffed the air and waited for Amber. White Toes stayed in the shadows of the forest, keeping watch for his pack leader without being directed. It was proper behavior. Kriegen felt a surge of pride for the cub.
Amber stepped into the open. Greetings, Amber. May the ancestor voices provide great wisdom. She bounded over and licked his face. Kriegen felt the familiar glow of Amber’s ancestor minds.
May you dwell with hosts who provide exciting lifetimes to share, she said, remembering decorum.
How was your journey, little one?
Filled with adventure. Her dainty ears stood alert and her eyes gleamed. Two of the sisters met in the camp. Their thoughts sound like cubs learning the language of the mind.
Humans lack the guidance of ancestor minds and few are able to hear mental thoughts. Others communicate by uttering strange sounds, but we hope they can be educated.
The sisters learn quickly. Amber told him, Trenton will lead them to the fire mountain. Krystal needs their help.
Where is Felesia?
She ran from her sisters, and the sons of the evil one followed. We felt the power of Felesia’s mind, but she is in great danger.
I feared as much. Kriegen licked his nose with a long pink tongue. The evil one forces his sons to host his mind. We fear he will commit host-murder.
Unspeakable! He should request hosting like a civilized creature. A receptive host should exist in his pack. Why do the humans allow such blasphemy? Amber’s golden eyes flashed with indignation.
The humans of Jarrack’s pack are blind to his evil. If Krystal fails to rescue Donovan, we must intervene. When the sisters approach the
evil one’s cave, they should use caution. Jarrack sends dreams into a victim’s sleeping mind. After many nights of dreams he gains control over the mind.
Her eyes glazed as she stared into the night. Perhaps we can teach the sisters to block these dreams.
Kriegen stood. We will follow Felesia and try to contact her. Take extra care as you travel alone. Tipsy was too weary to return with us.
We are careful. Our ancestors offer their blessings while you travel. Amber turned to go.
Their gift is our pleasure to receive, Kriegen said and then quietly departed.
White Toes sniffed out Felesia’s trail while Kriegen listened to a raging ancestor debate about Jarrack. Some ancestors believed the humans were an infestation that should be snuffed out, but others knew an inexperienced race should be given time to develop. They all agreed that Jarrack must be stopped from killing a host mind.
Kriegen listened to the advice but already knew the path he must follow. Donovan’s human pack was his responsibility, and Jarrack was an enemy. White Toes skirted the desert rider camp and returned to report the direction Felesia took.
The girl’s strategy was sound. Stories of demons and monsters dwelling in the deep red canyons frightened desert riders, but Kriegen knew Jarrack’s sons might force the riders to enter the forbidden territory. He would delay them by concealing Felesia’s trail. She might have time to escape.
How could he approach Felesia while the panther guarded her? It was wise to avoid deadly claws and teeth. He’d watch from a distance until he gained her trust.
We will track Felesia, White Toes. Go back to the pack and let them know where we go. It is time to seek help from the Council of Elders, so meet us at the sacred island.
White Toes hesitated. What if something happens to you? Without a host at your side, your ancestor line could be lost.
Duty does not come without risk. Go. Travel safely and remember the stories of the Kriegen line if we do not survive.
