by R. Brown
Novacek, full of anger, started toward Steven. Brooks grabbed him by the shoulders and held him fast. “No. We can’t win.”
“I don’t care. At least I’ll die with dignity,” said Novacek.
Without warning, Stratton who had listened to the two of them, changed into the form of a grizzly and charged Steven. With a large claw, he swatted Steven—the blow sending him tumbling across the stone floor.
Steven rolled onto his knees, his shirt shred, his chest bleeding beneath. A grotesque smile stretched across his face.
Novacek tried to pull away, but again Brooks stopped him. “The darkness is just toying with us.”
“It doesn’t matter. We don’t have anything to lose.” Tearing himself away, Novacek turned into a grizzly and charged. The roars filled the cavern.
“Dammit.” Copying his friends, Brooks transformed as well—he too charging at Steven. In a flurry of teeth and claws, the three of them tore at Steven, ripping and shredding. The sound of Steven’s breaking bones as they tossed him around was lost beneath the snarls and roars of the three grizzlies.
Piece by piece, they tore him apart—until there was nothing more than bits and pieces of red flesh and splintered bone spread about the room.
The three men, still transformed, looked at one another—unsure of their victory. It had been too easy. Novacek shook his large head, shaking off the clumps of flesh sticking to his fur. Stratton raised his head, roaring in challenge.
As the moments passed, they felt compelled to turn their attentions to the screams of those outside. Though still wary of the outcome of their battle with Steven—they turned to head out.
Nearing the exit, a soft crackling sound, like that of running water, stopped them in their tracks. Looking at one another, they slowly turned around and transformed into their natural human form.
Before them, the pieces of Steven’s body were liquefying, turning into what looked like liquid silver. The pieces were sliding across the floor, merging and reforming. Even the droplets of Steven’s blood upon their clothing fell to the floor seeking to be rejoined. Steven rose from the ground, regaining his stature. His body undamaged.
The two large doors to the room slammed closed as if captured by a gust of heavy wind, trapping them inside.
Steven raised his arms heavenward. “I call upon my trapped brethren. Come forth from the darkness, and take those who were responsible for your imprisonment. Sanctify our home by removing them from this world. Let them know what true punishment is. Deliver them unto the nexus. They are my gift to you.”
The stone walls shuddered, the dust of crushed rock sifting to the floor. An array of screeching howls, moans, and otherworldly noises echoed within the chamber.
Answering Steven’s summoning call, all around them, black wisps of smoke emerged from the walls, the ceiling, the floor. As they extricated themselves, they took shape, turning into a dark, hideous, ghostly rendition of their natural Draconian form.
Surrounded, the men tightened their formation.
“I give you a choice, one you did not give my people—die as men, or live as they did, condemned to a life of eternal damnation within the nexus.”
Without the need to discuss the choice, Brooks spoke for them. “We choose to die as men.”
Steven laughed. “Like I said earlier, so naïve. Drag them into the nexus to be joined with the others of their kind. Let them live in hell as we did. Mercy is not the Draconian way.”
“I told you the darkness was toying with us,” said Brooks to his friends.
“You had to say, ‘I told you so,’” said Novacek.
Whispering, so as not to be heard by anyone but his friends, Stratton spoke the words in his heart. “We still have Ashlyn.”
Dozens of shrill, screeching apparitions rushed at the men, dragging them away into the chasm of the nexus in the city square.
The three men maintained their dignity, refusing to scream though fear had gripped them tightly. Their thoughts fell upon their only avenue of hope- …Ashlyn.
Chapter 10
Ashlyn
Day 6 – Hadaesia
“Ashlyn, it is imperative that we talk.”
“Yes, Keeper?”
“The Garden is ready for Gorok’s family. And from our earlier discussion, I know you will now want to return to Steven and the others to see if you can help—but I ask you to delay your return.”
“Delay? Why would I do that? And please don’t say it’s for the baby,” said Ash, heading him off.
“It is for the baby. And it is not a consideration that should be taken lightly. I know Steven would not want to risk his son’s life unnecessarily. If we wait until after the baby is born, we can leave the child here with Tara and Gorok. We have nothing to lose by waiting. It does not matter whether we return now or years from now, I can still take us back to any specific point in time. From the perspective of those we wish to help, it will make no difference.”
“Ugh.” The Keeper’s words were irrefutably logical. It showed how different his intellectualized viewpoint of time truly was and his understanding of how best to apply it. Unhindered by desire and the anxiety that accompanies emotional human attachments, he could see the trees within the forest. It was wisdom in its purest form.
It was completely counterintuitive to everything Ashlyn felt inside. Her own human imperfection of passion-based emotions, was also mankind’s greatest gift. It was love that gave humans the strength to strive, to endure through the hardships for the greater good—it was selfless, always having hope to see the future for what it could be—and look beyond the despair and turmoil that life often presented. Her thoughts suddenly went to Steven and how he’d endured thousands of years of torment and loneliness, never giving up on her.
“You’re right, Keeper. Steven wouldn’t want me to risk the life of our son. I too see no harm in waiting. Thank you, for reminding me of the bigger picture.”
“You are welcome. I would also like to hear your thoughts on sending a probe through the time portal.”
“I think that’s the first time I’ve ever heard you ask for help,” said Ashlyn.
“It is the prudent thing to do. The probe could provide us with valuable information. Strategically speaking, it would be unwise to simply appear not knowing what to expect.”
“So why do I hear hesitation?” asked Ash.
“Because it is not without concerns. While I can program the portal to take the probe back to a specific point in time—I will not be there to reset the gate on the other end, for its return. In fact, it is likely that the gate on the other end may no longer exist. The Draconians may have destroyed it.
“If so, for the return journey, the probe will be forced to travel through the depths of space in the conventional manner—skipping across the pond, as it were.”
“Okay, how long, Keeper?” asked Ash.
“Five years and seven months.”
Ash gave a deep sigh. “That’s quite the delay. Anything else I should know?”
“Yes. Because we do not know what happened to those we left behind, or more importantly, when it happened—we are at a great disadvantage. The variables are near endless. The sudden appearance of a probe may well spur the darkness into a new course of action, making things even worse, and potentially—unrepairable.”
Ashlyn could see the broad range of dynamics in play. There were a hundred different possibilities, each with its own set of unknowns and potential dangers. “Could the appearance of the probe alert them to our location here?”
“That too is a possibility. Even now, I suspect the darkness is looking for you. In the current situation, time is their ally, and it is unlimited. Your people have a phrase I am fond of. You are a ‘loose-end.’ And if what you say is true about Lord Steven, that the darkness is inside him—then yes, the probe’s appearance could lead him to explore this world, in this time. It is as you say, ‘he would leave no stone unturned.’”
“That’s our answer then. N
o probe—the risk is too great,” said Ashlyn. “We’ll stay here, until I feel it’s the right time to go.” Her thoughts went to Steven, fearful of what had happened to him a million years in the past. I’m sorry, my love. You’ll have to wait a little bit longer.
***
Hadaesia
Three Years Later
A sleepy Ja’kal rolled over and cuddled up to Ashlyn.
“Is he really my daddy?” whispered Ja’kal.
“Who?” Though she’d been sleeping, Ja’kal’s words had grabbed her full attention.
“His voice was scary,” said Ja’kal.
“I’m sure it was just a dream,” said Ash, unsure of who she was trying to convince more.
Ja’kal was beginning to drift off, falling back to sleep.
“What did he say? You said his voice was scary,” asked Ash.
Talking through a big yawn, “He said he’s my daddy. He’s been looking for me.” Ja’kal’s words trailed away into a soft snore.
Wrapping her arms around him, she held him tight and kissed the top of his head. Her worst fears had been realized. The darkness had found them.
***
Wanting to spend a little time alone with Ja’kal, Ash took him down to the brook that ran through the valley.
“You’re getting so big.” Ash held his hand as he climbed atop a rock.
“Daddy was tall too.” Ja’kal jumped down.
“Do you remember what Daddy looked like in the dream?” asked Ash, lightheartedly—not wanting to push.
“He didn’t have hair like Gorok,” Ja’kal replied.
“You mean, on his face?” asked Ashlyn.
“Uh-huh. Gorok has lots of hair.” Ja’kal stepped into the water and kicked it, splashing Ashlyn. “Daddy has black eyes. How come we don’t have black eyes?”
Ashlyn, concealing her fears—smiled warmly at her son. “Everyone is different. It’s good that we’re not all the same. And I love your blue eyes.”
Ashlyn stepped into the water next to him and splashed him back. He screamed and went running away, Ashlyn giving chase.
Scooping him up in her arms, she snuggled his face. “I love you. I always will, but Mommy has to leave for a little bit.”
“I don’t want you to go,” Ja’kal grabbed her around the leg, holding her with all his strength.
“I’m going to get Daddy. I’ll bring him home to you—I promise.” Ash tweaked his nose, bringing a smile to his face.
“Can I show him my turtle?” asked Ja’kal.
“Yup. And I think he’s going to love him too.”
***
“Here is your sword” said Tara, handing it to Ashlyn.
“Thank you.” Ash slung it over her head, positioning it behind her back. She gave Ja’kal a kiss on the cheek and all of them a last hug. “Keeper, I’m ready to beam aboard Pegasus.” Seeing Ja’kal’s souring face, Ashlyn winked at him. “I’ll be home soon, son. Find your turtle. Have him ready to show Daddy.”
She began to dissolve. “Thank you, Tara, Gorok.” A heartbeat later she was on the bridge of Pegasus.
“Ashlyn, are you sure you want to leave them here? If the darkness has found Ja’kal, perhaps it is not the wisest choice.”
“Taking them with us might be worse. Besides, if the darkness can track us down across a span of a million years, no place is truly safe.”
“Very well. Powering up. I will take us to the time gate. I suggest you get some rest. I will wake you when we arrive. Have you decided at what point in time, you want me to take us back to?”
“I haven’t got a clue.” For some reason her thoughts went to Ja’kal, and how it had felt to have him fluttering inside her tummy, four years ago. It brought a smile to her face. “Four, Keeper. Let’s go back to four years after we left.”
***
Twelve Hours Later
“The gate is ready. If you would like, I can transport you to the Observation Deck. Entering the time-gate was always one of your favorite things to watch.”
“The other Ashlyn?” Ash questioned.
“If you mean you, in the other timeline, then yes.”
“Thank you, Keeper. I’m ready,” said Ash.
Appearing on the Observation Deck, Ash walked to the forward window, gawking at the vortex in front of her. The Keeper’s image appeared next to her. “I too enjoy the grandeur of the gate.”
“I welcome the company,” said Ash. “It’s a big ship to be alone in.”
The Keeper smiled. “With your permission, I will take us in.”
The vortex of the time-gate swirled, waiting for them to enter. It was magical, its beauty taking her breath away. The fact that they were about to travel through time, captured the child-like imagination within her, speeding her heart. “Proceed.”
Destiny started forward, the point of her bow entered the gate, and pierced the veil.
“Lady Ashlyn!” With the Keeper’s sudden use of formalities and raised voice—there was no doubt that something was wrong.
“The probe I placed in orbit above Hadaesia is reporting that a large contingent of Draconian warships has entered Hadaesian airspace.”
“Take us back,” ordered Ashlyn.
“I cannot. We have already begun to enter the gate. It would tear the ship apart.” The holo image of the Keeper’s face grimaced with concern.
“Lady Ashlyn—Lord Steven is aboard one of the vessels.”
“Steven’s here? He’s alive? How do you know that?” asked Ash, frantic for answers.
“The probe detected the communication device that I implanted in his neck. But—but he is not in his human form. He is Draconian. And—”
“And what, Keeper?”
“Lord Steven is destroying Hadaesia. He opened the nexus. The planet is enveloped.”
Ashlyn put out her hand, steadying herself against the invisible shield comprising the dome. Her thoughts went to Ja’kal, Tara, Gorok, and their daughters. Her fists clenched in anger. “Were Ja’kal and the others still on the planet when—” asked Ash, holding onto a tattered thread of hope that somehow Steven had managed to have the darkness save them.
“I am sorry, but, yes, they were still on Hadaesia when it went into the rift. Their lives were not spared.”
The tattered thread of hope broke. “I should’ve known. After all this time—no one, not even Steven could have stood against the darkness.” Ashlyn’s gut churned. She felt responsible for the death of her son, her friends—of the entire human race. It was her that had loosed the darkness upon them. The weight of her guilt crushed her.
“There was nothing you could have done, Ashlyn. Together, we have made hard choices, but they were the right choices.”
Ashlyn lashed out, unable to control the flood of emotions racing through her. “Don’t you understand Keeper. We’re alone. Everyone is dead. Everyone I love is gone.”
“All, is not lost, Ashlyn. As I once heard Lord Steven say, ‘they have us, right where we want them.’ The advantage is now ours.”
“Advantage?” Ash practically snarled.
“Yes. They now believe you are dead too.”
His words cut through the shock, stoking the fire of revenge within, its heat empowering the anger she felt. “Keeper?” Ashlyn shook, her voice quavering. “Was the message you received from the probe, holographic?”
“It was.”
“Play it—I want to see it,” ordered Ash.
The holo came to life in front of them. It showed a dozen large ships in a v-formation above Hadaesia.
“Those ships don’t look Draconian,” stated Ashlyn.
“It has been a million years. They have made advancements. There are many possibilities, especially for a culture built around assimilating the technology of those whom they conquer.”
Behind Hadaesia, a tear in space appeared—the tear glowing like molten lava. It grew quickly in size, its black maw hiding the stars beyond.
Within moments, it was larger than Hadaesia. Like a
shadow, creeping ever closer—the rift overtook the planet, swallowing it. Soon as the last visible remnant of the planet disappeared, the rift shrunk in size, until it too vanished.
Ash burned the holo into memory—her mind envisioning the look of terror that must have been on her son’s face as the darkness took him. Her heart broke, as she pictured him calling out to her for help.
“Lady Ashlyn?” said the Keeper. “If what we surmise is true, it means you are the last surviving human. Humanity’s fate rests solely upon your shoulders.”
The Keeper’s unimpassioned, disconcerting words heightened Ashlyn’s pain. It took everything she had, to not respond harshly. “And your point is?”
“That there is no room for error on our part. We need to have a prepared response to each possible scenario ahead of us. We cannot afford to make a wrong decision, or act out of haste. And though your heart is heavy, we should not wait to begin discussing such matters.”
“No offense, Keeper—but I need time. I’m not a robot. When humans experience loss, we need time to grieve. It’s a complicated process. What I would like most, is to be alone,” said Ash, the sorrow she felt evident in her voice.
The Keeper nodded and disappeared.
Ash settled onto the floor, staring at the vortex outside. Her mind felt muddled, her thoughts unfocussed. Everyone she loved was gone. All the ideals she had fought for were dead—every hope, destroyed. It was only now that the full weight of the Keeper’s words took root—she truly was the last living human. She was—alone.
Ash awoke hours later, lying on the carpeted floor. “Keeper?”
His image appeared. “I am here, Ashlyn. I wish to apologize. I erred in not acknowledging your loss. My knowledge does not always translate well when it comes to practical application.”
“And that is your advantage, Keeper. Your judgements aren’t clouded by emotion. It gives you clarity. You were right—we don’t have any time to waste.”
