Kelan: Talonian Warriors

by Celeste Raye

  Destiney was quiet. She could understand Rowl's misgivings. He made sense in a way. Was King Siefer wrong? She knew he truly wanted the best for the colonies. He did not want to harm them. Her husband had a good heart and believed that sharing equally with every planet would benefit their inhabitants. But, Rowl saw it differently. He had lived among the colonists for years. Did he recognize their needs better than the king? Were the Milisarians forcing the colonists to be clones of themselves? Should a warrior be allowed to remain a warrior and a farmer stay a farmer or should each become a little bit of both? Would learning to grow food weaken a warrior's fighting ability? Would learning to defend himself make a farmer violent? Destiney could see both sides.

  After the conference, Destiney took Scyon to see Nexxa. She had hopes of discussing her divided mind with Alexis while the babies played. She had to keep her affair with Rowl a secret from her friend. She was aware that Alexis still did not like him and disapproved of Destiney spending so much time with him. It would be difficult to hide the clandestine relationship from her, for Alexis knew Destiney better than anyone.

  The women drank tea and snacked on sweet cakes while they watched over the babies. Scyon tickled Nexxa's toes and elicited a smile from the tiny baby. Destiney proclaimed, "They will either be the best of friends or grow up and marry."

  Alexis replied, "There is a third option. They may end up despising one another."

  Destiney shook her curly head, "I refuse to believe that possibility. I simply will not allow it." She became solemn and asked, "Do you think that the king has made the right choice? Is sharing everything equally going to make each colony better or is it forcing them to become something they do not wish to be?"

  Alexis looked surprised by the question. She replied, "I thought you agreed with King Siefer. Every species on every planet deserves to eat well, drink fresh water, have access to new technology, and defend their world. Why are you questioning it now?"

  "I have heard another point of view that seems just as compelling. It has caused me to dwell on what the colonists really want rather than what we think they should want. Does a warrior want to grow food or will it weaken his fighting abilities? Does a farmer want to fight or build spaceships? Is it right to force our ways on them? Shouldn't we let them rule themselves and live as they please?" Destiney tried to make Alexis understand the concept.

  Alexis had heard enough. She declared, "Teaching a warrior to grow food will give him confidence and allow his children to be healthier and stronger. Each new warrior will be stronger than the last. Technology can give him better weapons. A farmer can defend his crops from thieves and use technology to make them grow faster and contain more vitamins. He can be made aware of which crops he can use as medicines to save his children from illness. The king isn't trying to force them to be different. He is trying to let them be a better version of themselves."

  Chapter: 18

  ***Alexis***

  Alexis was deeply concerned. She had been unable to get through to Destiney. Her friend had left still confused in her ideals. Alexis was sure that the new point of view Destiney was declaring had been put in her head by Rowl. He was going to be trouble. His words of dissent could spread and cause a war. King Siefer needed to be warned. Alexis picked up her sleeping daughter and went to the communication room. It was the only place with a monitor to the king's spaceship other than the one in the king's quarters. Since Destiney resided in the king's quarters, that monitor was unusable.

  Alexis made sure that her use of the monitor would not be seen in King Siefer's chambers. She set up a call to his spaceship and waited for an answer. Within minutes, his face popped onto the screen. He appeared exhausted and dirty. His face also registered surprise that the caller was Alexis. He asked, "What do you need? If you are still trying to open the lab, I no longer care. Have Destiney unlock it."

  Alexis answered, "It is far too late for that. She opened it long ago. My daughter is alive, and so am I. I found the cure. No one else needs to die."

  King Siefer nodded and said, "I am glad. I should never have stopped you in the first place. My mind has been overwhelmed with the needs of so many that I disregarded yours. I apologize. I know that is not enough, yet I beg you to forgive me."

  "I forgave you the instant my daughter was placed in my arms. I know you have many problems to contend with, but I must add one more. One of the men that arrived on the ship from the colonies has become an issue. He is filling Destiney's mind with ideas that are contrary to yours. He lived among the colonists for many years and has made her believe they should rule themselves. He has told her that you wish to make them clones of the Milisarians."

  King Siefer broke in to ask, "Can you make her see the truth? I only wish to enhance their lives, not change them."

  Alexis replied, "I tried. I told her you wanted to make them better versions of themselves, but this man is very persuasive. I fear he will spread his ideas to others and start a war."

  The king's frown deepened. He asked, "What does this man look like? I am afraid I may know him well."

  "He is tall and lean. Upon arrival, he lacked the muscle mass of most Milisarian men. That is changing as he trains with Nabvan. His hair is long and wavy. It is dark, yet several shades lighter than is normal among the warriors. His eyes are hooded, and there is a scar on his neck. I noticed it when he came to my wedding. Does he sound familiar?" Alexis asked.

  “I must come home. You have described my brother. He is likely to cause a rebellion. He was sent to the colonies for his insufferable behavior. When our father died in battle, our mother let him do as he pleased. He ran with a group of rebellious boys from our village. He never gathered and lifted rocks to make homes, so his muscles did not develop properly. He refused to train as a Milisarian Knight when he turned fifteen. Instead, I found him stealing from a shopkeeper in the city. We fought, and I gave him the cut that made the scar you saw. The king punished him by sending him to the colonies. He hates all authority, especially the king. It must be doubly so now that the one who is king is also the one who gave him the scar. He was never supposed to return to Milisaria. He was banished for life. He almost killed the shopkeeper." King Siefer paced as he continued, "I have made many mistakes since I became king. The worst was forgetting that a ruler must be fair and kind. Destiney tried to tell me that love and understanding is not a weakness. She was correct. I allowed the power and responsibilities of ruling worlds to overshadow my love for our people and Destiney. I left her alone and vulnerable to men like my brother. I will end this journey now and come home. Destiney needs me, as do the Milisarian people. My ship should arrive in two days’ time. Thank you for alerting me. Protect my son from danger. My brother is evil enough to harm him."

  Alexis shut down the monitor and erased all traces of the call. She once again gathered Nexxa into her arms. She would warn Nabvan of the problem. Perhaps he would be able to contain Rowl's ideas and keep them from making it to the villages. She hurried through the circular hallways that wound their way upward. It was a long way to the quarters she shared with Nabvan. She did not wish to meet Rowl on the way. She now feared him more than ever. He knew of her dislike and disdain for him. What if he caught her leaving the communications room and realized what she had done? She was relieved to reach the safe haven of her quarters, and even more so when Nabvan arrived shortly thereafter. She handed him a strong drink. He was going to need it when she sat him down for a long talk.

  Chapter: 19

  ***Alexis***

  Nabvan was uncontrollable. He smashed the glass of liquor into a wall and put his fist through a window. He was furious at Rowl and Destiney, yet even more at himself. How had he missed all the clues? He was around when Rowl had been banished. He knew the whole story. Why had he not recognized Rowl as the vicious troublemaker? He had obviously changed his name and aged ten years. However, Nabvan felt he should have sensed that this was the same evil-minded man. King Siefer had been devastated at the time. His entire fam
ily was gone. The little brother he wanted to protect was banished forever. Nabvan was his best friend and confidant. He was well aware of the battle between the brothers. The scar should have been enough to identify him.

  Alexis tried in vain to calm her husband. She soothed, "It was so long ago, and Rowl was never supposed to return. His skin and hair are different from spending so much time on other planets. The name is not the same. He bears no resemblance to the king. You could not possibly know it was him. He hid the scar from view most of the time."

  Nabvan responded, "I knew the man was a troublemaker. He showed resistance to authority from the very first day of training. I let my sympathies for his plight blind my mind and heart. I saw only the displaced young man inside and missed the anger. I have to do something about my mistake. I need to hunt him down and destroy him before he starts a rebellion." Nabvan began to dress in his armor.

  Alexis argued, "We must not let him know that we have discovered his secret. It will only push him to act on his plans immediately. King Siefer asked that we allow him to return and correct the situation. His mistakes with Destiney are a large part of the reason she has let Rowl into her life. Her need for understanding and attention allowed him to gain her loyalty and brainwash her mind. The king feels responsible and wishes to regain Destiney's heart. Have patience."

  Nabvan relented. Alexis was wise and even-tempered. She was able to reason with the warrior inside him. He replied, "I will wait for the king's return to rid Milisaria of Rowl. Destiney is a different matter. She must be warned of his treachery. He can not be allowed to continue using her power to gain allies."

  Alexis agreed. She answered, "We better hurry. The longer she is under his influence, the deeper Rowl can dig in his claws. Be aware that she may not be receptive to what we say. She has not listened to me for quite a long time."

  Nabvan and Alexis made the long trek to the king's quarters. Guards blocked their way until they recognized the commander. Nabvan's glare sent them scurrying to open a clear walkway to the chambers. They followed Nabvan's footsteps out of concern for their queen. He did not argue. He pounded on the door. No one answered. Afraid he would awaken Scyon, Alexis took over. She tried the door and found it unsecured. Destiney was too trustful and believed the guards were the only protection she needed.

  The outer chamber was empty. The door to the inner chamber was open. The guards went on alert. Unlocked doors meant danger to them. Alexis was the first to peer in the doorway. She stopped in shock. Nabvan and the guards looked over her shoulder and shrank back in horror. The queen was not alone. She was curled up in the arms of Rowl. Rowl's eyes were open. He was smiling. Evilness exuded from that smile. He had obviously heard Nabvan's pounding and yet stayed in Destiney's bed. He clearly wanted to be discovered with her.

  Nabvan's growl of anger made Rowl laugh out loud. His laughter awakened Destiney, and she jerked from his arms. She stared in disbelief at the crowd in the doorway. Her face turned red with shame and embarrassment. She hid her face in the blanket.

  Rowl was not embarrassed at all. He appeared triumphant. Displaying his nude body for all to see, he stood and slowly dressed. His words rang out, "Do you like what you see? The queen has definitely enjoyed it. I hope my brother hears of her infidelity and it causes him great pain. The Milisarians will find it quite interesting, I am sure. They will wonder how a man can rule over many worlds and not have control of his wife. It will make my message much more appetizing."

  Nabvan longed to strangle the preening, arrogant man. He could not do so and keep the respect of the guards. Sadly, Rowl had not yet done anything illegal. Due to the previous king's proclivity for many lovers, infidelity was not a crime. Nabvan had to allow Rowl to leave unscathed.

  Destiney went hysterical at Rowl's words. Alexis tried desperately to comfort her. She motioned for Nabvan and the guards to leave.

  Nabvan wanted the guards to swear they would keep the queen's disastrous mistake a secret. However, he knew that it was a wasted effort. Rowl's laughter could be heard as he made his way through the vast capitol building. It ensured that everyone would know he had been in the king's quarters during the night. The rumors would spread quickly, bringing shame and dishonor to King Siefer. Rowl's wish would come true. The Milisarians would question his abilities to rule over the colonies.

  Chapter: 20

  ***Rowl***

  Rowl could not contain his glee. He imagined the devastation the king would feel upon learning of Destiney's affair with the little brother he hated. It brought joy to Rowl's dark heart. Nabvan's and Alexis's expedient arrival was unexpected, yet perfect. The guard’s presence added an even better twist to the plot. Rowl had intended to use the queen to spread his ideas through the villages, but this scenario would work as well. He could use the king's inability to keep control of his own life as a catalyst for rebellion. Even better, he was well rid of Destiney's clinging attention and the need to pretend he cared for her son.

  Rowl entered the village closest to the city. Dawn was breaking, and the villagers were already busy. Young men practiced with swords and knives, and young women were in the small gardens. Rowl despised the pleasant scene. It was a sign that King Siefer's plan could work. He looked around for someone who appeared less than pleased with their new life. A young man of approximately sixteen caught his attention. Rowl recognized the dissatisfied scowl as one that matched his own at that age. He casually walked to the man's side and whispered into his ear. The man let his sword fall to the ground and nodded. He raced away. Rowl had planted the seed of dissension and sent it on its way.

  Word passed from villager to villager. Arguments began. Rowl drew the attention of all. He stood atop a hill and addressed the villagers, "Do not argue among yourselves. You need to stand together for your freedom. The homes and families you have built are yours to protect. The kings of this world left you and the other villages alone until now. They did not stand at your side and struggle for food or shelter. They were given it as a gift: one that they did not earn. The new king pretends to care for you and share his wealth. He does it to gather more worshipers. He likes to be seen as loving and kind. Yet, all he really wants is more warriors to die on his behalf. He wants your sons to fight for more planets, dying to gain more property for the king. You should not be forced to give up your sons or your villages. You should be allowed to live as you please. He can not control the colonies without your help, so he gives you small tokens and makes you believe he will treat you as equal. It is not true. He wishes to enslave the villages and colonies to use as he pleases. He will take away your freedom. If the colonies share in the spoils of war, they will be able to fight back and destroy your world. King Siefer has not seen this. He believes he can control them. He can not. He is unable to control even his own wife. She has been with another in his absence. Her loyalty is no longer with him. Join me to fight for your children's future. Send emissaries to the farthest villages. Share this warning with them. Bring back men to fight against the king's authority. Let each man rule his own life and make his own choice. Take over this world. We have no need of a king or any authority."

  Rowl was very pleased to see heads nodding in agreement. He had spent many hours dreaming and planning for this rebellion. His words were persuasive. He saw fathers sending their sons to gather supplies. They would be spreading Rowl's message to the far reaches of Milisaria. He intended to impart his ideas to the next village himself. He gathered food, water, and followers from the village and struck out on his journey.

  The farther from the city he went, the easier it was to convince the villagers to join him. King Siefer had found them receptive to his ideas, yet Rowl was more charming and deceived the populations. Those opposed to Rowl and loyal to the King banded together and hid in the marshes. They gathered supplies and started toward the city. They vowed to join the knights and protect the king and his authority. Rowl's attitude frightened them. They recognized the insanity in his words and the madness in his eyes. He would de
stroy civilization and leave Milisaria in chaos.

  Rowl returned to the outskirts of the capital. He did not dare enter the city alone. Hidden behind the farthest hill, close to the sea, he waited for his army of villagers to gather. He sent young men into the city to spy and bring back news. They also stole food and weapons from the unsuspecting townsmen. Rowl took the time to rest his army and fill their heads with his lies. He grew crazier and his ideas more extreme as each hour passed.

  A spy returned from the city. King Siefer's spaceship was on the horizon. It would be landing within minutes. Rowl was frantic. He needed to attack as soon as the ship set down, but his army would not be complete for days. The outer villages were too far away. He would have to make do with those he had gathered. Surely, some of the knights would turn against the king and fight with him. After all, they had been forced into service. Even Nabvan had turned on King Shene and killed him.

  Rowl's army snuck into the city and placed themselves in a semicircle around the landing zone. The king and his guards would step out of the spaceship and be struck down before they realized the villagers were their enemies.

  Masses of loyal Milisarians joined Rowl's army to wait for the ship to land. Most did not suspect that a treasonous army was in their midst, but hidden within their numbers were the villagers who remained loyal to King Siefer. The Milisarian Knights, led by Nabvan, were stationed at strategic points all over the landing zone. The king had been warned of Rowl's plans. He and his guards stood armed and ready inside the spaceship as it hovered over the city. One of Rowl's spies had been caught and persuaded, at the point of a sharp blade, to give away his plan. The battle lines were drawn.