Fenturi Fate (Spacestalker Saga Book 1)

by Bevan Greer

“No.” Myla stopped Ren from following her. “She needs to settle down on her own. She’ll be back.”

  Ren studied, as if in debate with himself. “So that was true? All that really happened?”

  Myla nodded sadly, remembering the battle as if it were yesterday. So many dead, so many lost…

  “Hell, no wonder she didn’t want to come back here. Pretty traumatic for a young girl.” He shook his head in disgust.

  “But no less horrible than what you suffered.” She watched his eyes blaze with unsatisfied rage. “I know you saw your cousin fall, that your father ordered the mass destruction of everyone you held dear, everyone except Zebram.” She watched him frown, trying to bury the hurt under anger but not succeeding as he normally did. “Ren, don’t you think it’s time you let go of Zedrax’s hate and started believing in yourself and what you know is right?”

  Myla thought she might actually have penetrated his thick shields, but then he scowled and said, “Stop, witch. I know you need Dare to recall her past, but my life is none of your concern. I won’t allow harm to befall the Mari, nor will I let Zebram die under the Horde’s attack.”

  Myla wanted to slap the stubbornness from him. “It’s not about them this time, Ren. It’s about you and your brother. Your whole life is open before you. Will you allow Zedrax to prevent you from getting to know your heritage? Will he continue, as he does now from the grave, to step between you and your last living relative?

  “Your brother loves and needs you in his life. Not as the Captain of the Stalkers, but as his brother. He’s always looked up to you and could readily use your guidance now, as Bylar looks to change significantly under his rule. That is, if we have a future to deal with after the Horde.”

  Ren shook his head, not yet willing to deal with Myla’s words. He could hear the truth in them, and any notion of letting Zedrax win anything caused him immediate anger. But Dare needed him first and foremost. He could confront his demons once he’d slain hers.

  He would have gone after her when Dare suddenly returned. Her eyes looked like huge pools of hurt, and Ren felt an answering need to comfort her. A throbbing necessity, to soothe her pain. Before he could go to her, Dare threw herself into his arms. As before, he felt a rightness holding her, a warmth that moved through him in her presence.

  “That’s right, Dare.” Myla joined them and stroked her soft, dark hair. “You need to recall that which your mother gave you before she passed Beyond. Inside of you lies the secret to the Thrax, and to controlling the Starfire.” Myla’s eyes turned milky as she looked at what they couldn’t see. “The others will return shortly. After that, you must make haste for Isus on Ocaia.” A pause, then, “The Marithynos will guide you to the Thrax.”

  “What are the Marithynos?” Ren asked. “Methan mentioned them as well.”

  “Your guides to the Thrax,” Myla said. “Now you must return to the palace and await the others. Ren, take only the twins and yourself with Dare. Leave Castor and the rest of your crew at Zebram’s disposal. He’s going to need them.”

  Ren scowled but said nothing, a feeling of dread clawing at his spine. He might not like Myla’s world of predictions and Fenturi wisdom, but he could no longer deny her ability to see beyond the present. He knew her love for Zebram held no secrets. She would do all in her power to protect the young king, and Ren would not deny Zebram his support.

  “Now go.” She motioned for them to leave.

  Ren stopped outside her cottage and turned Dare to face him. “Are you okay?” Having revisited the tragic deaths of her parents would not have been easy.

  “I’m fine. Now.” Dare wiped her eyes and gave him a sad smile. “It’s always been there, the memory, I mean. I just didn’t want to face it.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I know.” She leaned up to kiss him. “But it’s not your fault. You’re not to blame for their deaths. You were what, a bit older than me when they died?”

  He had his own past to want to ignore. “Just a few years older than you when I watched Zedrax kill my Fenturi brethren.”

  He thought about his cousin’s tragic acceptance of his fate before he’d been executed. He recalled the image of Dare’s father reaching out for his daughter as his blood flowed across dark Bylaran soil. So much carnage and destruction, and for what?

  “Amazing no one over thought to live together, to share.” Dare shook her head, echoing his thoughts.

  “We won’t have anything to share if the Horde aren’t stopped.” Reality beckoned.

  Dare agreed. “Yes. I might not have liked what Myla showed me, but I needed it. I think I can control the Thrax now, that’s if we can find it.”

  They moved toward the palace. “We’ll start with Ocaia,” Ren said. “And with Aranthe.”

  -14-

  “I really hate the water.” Dare stared out of the ship’s portal at Ocaia’s swirling oceans. The twins scrambled in the control room, one of them refiguring coordinates as the other grumbled about piloting the ship. Ren stood over a large map of the planet, scowling.

  “Isus is right there,” he pointed his finger at a spot on the map, and the twin near him nodded. “Ned, tell Nesh to reset coordinates. We don’t have time for formalities in the Ocaian palace. This isn’t a damn social visit,” he growled at the bubbling voice broadcast over the intercom.

  Dare knew little of the Ocaian language, but even she could tell that the Ocaians were nervous about intruders, deservedly after having had their moon fired upon. She listened as Nesh had his words translated into Ocaian.

  “No, this is not an official visit from Bylar royalty,” he explained. “We’re on the king’s orders to head into Isus to stop the Horde.”

  More chatter erupted, and Dare listened as Nesh argued with the Ocaian voice for several moments before Ren pounced on his communicator.

  “Look, this is the captain of the Eyshan6 speaking. King Zebram told you about our mission.” The king had shared what he knew with the System council before they’d left. “We’ve got the Mari. So if you want to save the rest of your miserable little moons and wet world, I suggest you save your nonsense and give us the coordinates for the safest route to Isus,” Ren ended in a snarl.

  They heard a moment of silence before a new voice entered the conversation. This one spoke in clear Bylaran with only a faint Ocaian accent.

  “Sorry about all that. This is Minister Foundry. King Zebram informed us about your visit, but you arrived sooner than we’d anticipated. An Ocaian escort should appear on your scanners as we speak. Please follow it. It will take you to Isus directly and further to Aranthe.”

  The voice paused before a trickle of humor leaked through. “King Zebram mentioned you would be a bit lacking in patience. He wasn’t wrong.” A chuckle, then, “Luck of the Goddess,” and the communication link ended.

  Dare raised a brow at Ren. “Lacking in patience? Now where would he have gotten that notion?”

  Ren gave her an imperious stare, which caused her to laugh with the twins. Her stomach growled, and she knew she needed to refuel. “I’ll be in the galley if you need me.”

  Once in the galley, she requested a mug of java and sat to think about her new circumstances. The short visit to Bylar had changed everything. Before, Dare had been fairly content to raid the System, making good currency and a steady name for herself as a reliable and resourceful leader of a thrifty crew. Now, she had the fate of the System resting on her shoulders. Her shoulders.

  Dare never would have guessed, not in a thousand years, that she would have such an important part to play in the grand scheme of things. Jace hadn’t seemed surprised at her latest news, though. He’d acted as if he’d known all the time, spending more time tormenting Castor and ribbing Roc and Shea than giving her any compassion.

  The Psi know-it-all. Heck, even Mra had been proud yet firm, knowing Dare would come through. No doubt, just a feline certainty about her charge, as she thought of Dare.

  But Jace had also taken her aside and
cautioned her to guard her heart.

  So what exactly has been going on since I last saw you? he’d asked with humor. Me? I was taken captive on Kre, brought back to Bylar, then captured by Mikhel, the Fenturi rebel leader. We hit it off, a good thing or I probably wouldn’t be standing here. The Bylaran soldier I was with didn’t fare so well. So that’s me.

  I don’t have to ask how you’re doing. That energetic glow you’re wearing seems to have come partially from the big guy. He nodded toward Ren.

  I can’t explain it, she said, knowing she was blushing.

  I understand how it works. You don’t have to explain it.

  Very funny. Look, things are different between me and Ren. And guess what? I know how to power the Thrax. We just have to find it.

  So you’re really in this now? You don’t want me to bust us all out of here? he asked, and she knew Roc and Shea would go along with whatever he planned.

  I can’t. I know I have to do this. But you’ve known this for a while, haven’t you?

  I knew you had to find something. Just as we all do, he added with a touch of typical Jace mystery. When he focused his power inward, he could sometimes see the future, like Myla. Your time is now. I’m going to grab Roc, Shea and Mra—who is not very happy about not going with you, by the way.

  Along with Castor, Phin and Primo, Mra and the crew had been left behind, much to Dare’s dismay.

  Then, ignoring Ren’s scowl, Jace had leaned close to her, touching her forehead with his. Listen to your heart, Dare, he advised. It’s pure and won’t lead you astray. He’d looked over her shoulder at Ren and said aloud, “If he hurts you, I’ll tear him apart.”

  Dare smiled as she drank more of her java. Like two posturing Vesh angling for a female, Ren and Jace had spoken little but clearly understood each other.

  She still wasn’t sure how she felt about Ren staking a claim. He’d clearly kissed her in front of everyone before they’d departed for Ocaia.

  Her relationship with Ren felt so new and unsure, so at odds with her deeper feelings for him. Sharing intimacy with Ren had been so much more than physical. In giving her such pleasure, Ren had shared more of himself than he might be ready for.

  She recalled his pain concerning his father, the support he’d offered when she’d seen her own parents shot down again. So different from the man he’d been before they’d lain together, yet so much the same for the strong, protective warrior.

  Ren had a core of strength and integrity in him that no amount of abuse from Zedrax could eradicate. And though Ren wouldn’t say much about his relationship with his brother, Dare knew things between them were changing.

  They’d had a small amount of time to talk since setting course for Ocaia six hours ago. Ren was cooped up with the twins as they reviewed everything Myla had told them about the Mari, the Thrax and Ocaia. Dare knew they needed to focus on the real dangers coming for them, but a part of her considered that maybe Ren threw himself into plans as a way to avoid her, to put off talking about their fledgling relationship.

  Bah. They didn’t have time to dwell on emotions, but left with nothing to do but wait for their arrival on Ocaia, Dare could think of nothing else.

  She had felt like Ren’s other half when they’d made love—only what, a short six hours ago? He’d been tender, giving and loving. Dare didn’t know what the future held for her, but she knew in her soul that Ren would be a part of it.

  Jace had told her to trust her heart. Well, her heart demanded that she acknowledge what she felt for Ren. She couldn’t help loving him. Why and how it had happened, she couldn’t be sure. But the intimacy between them had been too intense, the feelings blazing in her too extreme, to be mere infatuation.

  Even now she could feel him approaching the galley. How could this be possible if the only thing they had between them was passion?

  He entered the galley and ordered himself a cup of java, sitting down beside her when it appeared on the table before him. He frowned but didn’t look uncomfortable, just worried.

  “Dare, we should talk,” he said and took a sip from his drink.

  “About?” For all she knew, he hadn’t thought again about them. Maybe he wanted her opinion on the Thrax again.

  She looked over her shoulder and saw the stormy oceans of Ocaia swirling beneath them as they flew toward Isus.

  He growled in frustration, his eyes hot as he lingered over her mouth. “And this is why I can’t be around you right now,” he said in a gravelly voice. “I need to focus on this mission, but all I can think about is burying myself in you again.” He drank his java in one long gulp.

  Dare hadn’t considered that he’d avoided her for that reason. She smiled, pleased she hadn’t been the only one affected by their time together.

  “We’re heading into Isus soon.” He put his cup down and grabbed one of her hands, linking them together. “The perpetual storm is not forgiving of large Bylaran ships, but Myla insisted we enter Isus to find Aranthe. I wanted to leave you at the palace, but apparently Aranthe will only meet us if you’re present. The stubborn Ocaian refuses to leave the storm.”

  “It’s all right, Ren,” Dare assured him, though she felt far from calm. She hated water, couldn’t swim and dreaded the thought of entering Ocaia’s dreaded water storm.

  “I can feel your worry, and I don’t like it.” He placed a soft kiss on her palm and tightened his grip when she jerked at the contact. “I can feel most of what you’re feeling. It’s odd, but I seem to sense where you are too, especially when we’re apart.”

  Dare nodded. “I’ve been experiencing the same thing. Since our time in the grotto.” She blushed and saw the male satisfaction on his face. “I don’t know. Is this a common Fenturi thing? You’ve engaged in the sexual act before. I’m sure you’d know.”

  Ren gave her a hard look. “Dare, nothing I’ve ever experienced or heard about compares with what we have. I don’t think it’s a Fenturi thing, so don’t even think about trying it with Nesh or Ned,” he warned, his tone harsh.

  Dare could feel his building rage at thoughts of her with another man. Possession and jealousy, but a hint of confusion as well infused his mind.

  “Don’t get cocky,” Ren said. “I can’t help feeling a little worried where the twins are concerned. They’re Fenturi. You’re Fenturi. And the twins aren’t known for having any problems capturing a woman’s interests.”

  “But you have problems in that department?” Dare asked, feeling a tug of jealousy now as well. “I’m not the one who got hammered in Vembi a few days ago.”

  Ren grinned. “You have a point. No, I’ve never had a problem with women before. But it’s never mattered either.” He kissed her then backed away before she could deepen the contact. “Damn it. I’m sorry, but we’re almost there. I can’t afford to be distracted any more than I already am,” he said ruefully and stood.

  She could see the effect she had on him through the hard line of his trousers.

  “But, sweet, you can bet that the minute we’re away from Ocaia you’re going to soothe this ache you’ve caused.”

  “Oh?” she asked, her brows raised.

  “Yes, really. I—” He swore when Nesh paged him via the intercom. Ren stole a quick kiss before he turned to leave. “Now I’ve got to calm my raging body so I can make sure we safely land in the heart of this storm.” He moved through the doorway but added over his shoulder, “One more thing. We need to talk about Jace later. Don’t let me forget.”

  ***

  Jace paced back and forth, looking like Mra’s shadow.

  The cat hadn’t been very happy being left behind, but he couldn’t blame Myla for ordering the cat to stay. Fenturi typically hated water, and a nervous guidecat in the middle of a terrible storm on the water planet would have made matters worse on board ship.

  Shea was complaining about something to Roc, because Jace saw his large friend grimacing time and time again. Then Shea saw him watching and stormed over to him. Behind her, Jace saw
Roc mouth, “Better you than me.”

  Damn.

  She continued on full steam. “Jace, hey. Yeah, you. I was dying in there! Do you know that Roc can’t play a full hand of Cracthe without accusing a person of cheating? And we spent days in that abominable cell while you were screwing around in the jungle with those rebels. Seriously. I’m still waiting on my apology.”

  “Ignore her. We were worried, and we’re glad you’re alive,” Roc grumbled and surprised Jace with a hard embrace. “Thought you ran into some trouble when you didn’t come back right away. I was right.” He frowned at Shea until she sighed and threw herself into Jace’s arms.

  She kissed him on the cheek and let go of him, standing again by Roc’s side.

  “I’m sorry,” Jace apologized. “I would have come for you sooner but Mikhel, the rebel leader, kind of insisted I stick around. I knew you two were safe, so I took the liberty of checking things out. Consider it recon for our eventual escape.”

  “Now that makes sense.” Shea nodded.

  “Finally, she approves,” Roc muttered.

  Jace filled them in on everything that had happened right before Castor turned a corner and entered the main hall surrounded by seven more warriors. All big, buff Legionnaires, Jace could tell.

  The Stalker grinned, his brown eyes dark with menace when joined Jace and the others. “Well, well, it’s nice to have friends at your back, isn’t it?” Castor hadn’t been thrilled to see him back in Mikhel’s forest, and he’d been even less pleased to see Jace align with the rebel force.

  What he didn’t know was that Jace had spoken with Mikhel at length about the things Mikhel had read in the journal. Then Jace had mentally tied the man to him, psychically. Unlike Dare, whose mind continually splintered into random patterns and waves, Mikhel’s thoughts had been easy to control, surprising Jace.

  After training Dare to protect her thoughts and unwilling to breach Roc’s and Shea’s mental walls, Jace had found it a treat to dip into Mikhel’s focused mind. So intent on retribution for his people, Mikhel had little thought or purpose other than to win Fenturi freedom. The only concern he had outside of that was to ensure his sister’s future.