The Broken Kingdom

by Sarah Chapman

  Riley nodded, ‘I expected as much. Have you finished the book?’

  ‘Pretty much. Saerlid’s trick worked well.’

  ‘Good. We head for Astar in an hour.’

  Chapter 71

  ‘I don’t like this.’ Declared Metis Teilins, the Head of Governmental Affairs.

  ‘Neither do I.’ Mr Briggs replied curtly, ‘however to try and dissuade her by force would be an exercise in futility. No, the best thing to do is to fortify our defences and wait. It is entirely possible she will turn her attention to Astar if she succeeds in defeating the ehlkrid.’

  He looked around at the council chamber, at his fellow leaders of Astar. Garna Ulis, the young Head of the Agricultural Division looked like he’d aged twenty years since the ehlkrid invasion. His skin was sallow, his hair unkempt and there were dark circles under his eyes. The Head of Research and Development, Ella Lesai, looked as alert and brilliant as ever. The rest of the council were somewhere in between the two, not quite as tired, but not quite as jaunty either.

  ‘So, what is your plan, Briggs? Fortify Astar and hope for the best?’

  ‘That is what we are here to discuss. You are aware the Vachi were notified of these developments?’

  After a round of nodding from the council Mr Briggs went on, ‘a number of their Worms are en route to us. They wish to take the offensive against the ehlkrid.’ The Vachi had been pressing for that for months now. They’d been perfectly happy to hide within their mountain before, Mr Briggs didn’t know where their sudden change of heart came from. He knew they’d already started fighting the ehlkrid around their own home.

  Garna Ulis perked up. ‘Please, explain.’

  ‘If the gemeng Riley Meilis loses against the ehlkrid, the Vachi want to take the opportunity to finish them off. If she wins… we may consider taking offensive action against her. We still don’t know her goals.’

  ‘She’s never attacked Astar.’ Ella Lesai mused. ‘And she seems to have done remarkable things with the gemengs, and have the cooperation of the valkar, an interesting people if I do say so myself, though I have not had the chance to study them… yet after the incident with the mountain, it is hard to believe she bears us no ill will.’

  Mr Briggs nodded curtly. ‘We made our choice when we brought down the mountain. Now, we must stick with it.’

  ‘We’re getting a bit ahead of ourselves.’ Metis Teilins said, ‘we were discussing the ehlkrid army that will apparently be descending on Astar.’

  ‘Near Astar.’

  ‘Either way, too close.’

  ‘I think we should press the offensive.’ Garna Ulis said, his voice firm despite his ashen face. ‘If we don’t do something we’re going to starve, most likely within the next twelve-eighteen months. We need to do something about the ehlkrid.’

  ‘An unsettling point…’ Ella Lesai murmured. ‘Unfortunately our joint venture regarding the cave mould has yet to bear fruit… The growths within the northern mountains can only support our population for about half of the year, if we increase our harvest the mould won’t grow back.’

  ‘And let’s not talk about Coastside. They don’t even have cave mould.’ Garna added. ‘They’re being very close-mouthed about their stocks. I think their fishing is supporting them for now, but from what I hear it’s gotten much more dangerous.’

  ‘Mmm, Coastside has become more independent of late.’ Metis murmured, ‘but again, we’re getting off topic. So, Briggs, what are our chances if we and the Vachi forces unite to finish off the ehlkrid, assuming the gemeng fails?’

  ‘That depends on how badly she fails. However, the point has already been made that we have no other option. If we wait too long, we’ll starve. This is the best opportunity that has presented itself since the ehlkrid appeared, I say we take it.’

  ‘You’ve objected in the past, when Commander Reista of Coastside argued for an offensive.’

  ‘Mmm. Indeed, and you know why. What would happen if we attacked the ehlkrid and failed? Do you think they would let us hide behind our shields? Failure has always been too great a possibility, and after, if they pressed the offensive, either against our shields or the supply lines…’

  Metis nodded, they’d already heard all this before. ‘But you’ve changed your mind?’

  ‘As I said, with the support of the Vachi, and if we take advantage of the gemeng attack against the ehlkrid, this may be the best chance we’ll ever get.’ His demeanour was grim and stern as he spoke. The possibility of failure, and the cost of victory, hung heavily over him.

  ‘Alright, let’s take a vote; if the gemeng fails to defeat the ehlkrid army, we and the Vachi forces will press the offensive.’

  There was a round of voting, it ended in a clear affirmative.

  ‘Now, what if the gemeng succeeds?’ said Metis.

  ‘That must be discussed with the Vachi. Her connection to the valkar may trouble them, and it is possible they would not support an attack against her.’ Mr Briggs answered.

  ‘So, we would have to consider the possibility of non-interference from the Vachi, or even outright hostility.’

  ‘Where the valkar are concerned, that is a possibility. The Vachi place great importance on the valkar. I suggest we break until we are able to get an answer from the Vachi regarding their position.’

  After murmured agreement, the council broke up. Mr Briggs left to discuss the Vachi’s position with Messenger, who still acted as a translator for radio communications. While he walked he ran numerous scenarios through his head. Riley Meilis had proven extremely difficult to kill in the past, though maybe the ehlkrid would be successful where Astar had failed. And if she succeeded, surely she would turn her attention to Astar. How could she not, after what they had done? And that left the Vachi. Personally, he could not conceive of hostile relations with his fellow humans.

  I’ll have to wait and see what they say. They are a strange people, but as long as we bear no ill will towards the valkar, they have no reason to object to us ensuring Astar’s safety.

  A surprise attack would be best. If Riley Meilis fails, we will fight the ehlkrid. If she succeeds, then our only option will be to attack her before she attacks us.

  Chapter 72

  Commander Reista was brooding silently in his office when someone knocked on his door. He was in no mood for company, and gruffly called, ‘come in!’

  He was surprised when a pretty young woman entered. It took him a moment to place her, she was one of Vann’s friends. He’d spoken to her briefly before sending her on the mission with Azra.

  ‘Commander Reista?’ She asked.

  ‘Yes. Who else did you expect to find in my office?’

  She smiled, ‘I wondered if I could speak with you?’

  ‘I imagine my secretary thinks so, or he wouldn’t have let you in.’

  She smiled again and took the seat before his desk. ‘I was just… I was wondering about what was happening.’

  ‘You’re going to need to be more specific, girl.’

  ‘Vann told us that the ehlkrid and the ge-, the Mixed, were going to fight near Astar…’ her expression wavered, ‘I think… he told me to stay away from Astar… I think he’s worried…’

  ‘He’s worried his new wife will lose and Astar will be attacked.’

  Lillia nodded. ‘I’m just… I thought I should… I don’t know if Azra told you Vann’s concerns, I don’t think he said anything about it to anyone but me…’

  ‘Mmm. Yes. Well, your concern is appreciated. Coastside is preparing to defend itself, should anything eventuate.’

  She nodded, relived. ‘Ok. Um…’

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘If Vann ever wanted to come back… do you think he’d be welcome?’

  ‘That depends very much on what he does now.’ Commander Reista said and sighed. ‘I hope… so far, in my opinion, he has not betrayed Coastside. I don’t know if he has something planned that he hasn’t told us, but as long as doesn’t betray Coastside… he is wel
come home.’

  After Lillia left Commander Reista went back to his dark thoughts. He truly hoped Vann had been honest, and that he and the gemengs were going to fight the ehlkrid.

  And not a moment too soon if it’s true, we can’t hold on much longer.

  He considered that thought carefully. Every day Astar forced them to continue with the status quo, they lost more men and more submarines.

  I will take this as an opportunity, a sign that I cannot sit and twiddle my thumbs any longer. Whether Vann and the gemeng leader destroy the ehlkrid or not… Coastside will change. We cannot keep obeying Astar when what they ask is madness.

  The thought of breaking with Astar made him feel ill. There would be resistance, from his own people and from Astar. All I can hope is that they see it too, and that they take this opportunity to fight the ehlkrid. If not, we will do it on our own.

  Vann had given them a timeline. Commander Reista fully intended to use that time to prepare his people, and prepare Coastside to defend itself.

  We will be ready.

  Chapter 73

  When their superiors finished talking, Messenger and Recha had a few moments to themselves.

  ‘My friend, what do you think of this?’ Recha asked in Astarian.

  Messenger replied in Ravki, ‘you’ve already been fighting the ehlkrid. You’ve had success haven’t you?’

  ‘It has been a long time since we have had to fight like this… the ehlkrid are not like the gemengs. We have had success yes, but it has been costly. At least the honour of the House of Corchanus has been wiped clean. The other Houses have suffered losses too, and the Corchanus pilots have performed well since our first loss.’

  ‘Well, that’s good.’ Messenger replied politely. He’d heard all about the first battle from Recha. Though usually very curious about the Vachi’s culture, his mind was occupied with other matters. ‘What do you think of our plan?’ Messenger asked, unable to disguise his worry.

  ‘I think we cannot sit behind our defences and wait. It will be costly, but I think… we must fight.’

  Messenger sighed.

  ‘Have you seen Vearla lately?’

  ‘No.’ Recha replied sadly. ‘Since we started fighting… she retreated further into the mountain, we think she is still here, somewhere…’

  ‘I was under the impression you thought she wanted you to fight the ehlkrid.’

  ‘Yes, we thought she feared them, and thought they would one day attack. But… we are all confused, my friend. Very confused. Vearla has left us, and we do not know why.’ He sighed. ‘But until she comes and speaks with us, we can do nothing about it. We can only continue with our war against these creatures, and hope it ends quickly.’

  Messenger did not respond immediately, and Recha asked, ‘my friend, are you still there?’

  ‘Yes…’ his muffled voice came over the radio. ‘Your battle may end with the ehlkrid, Recha, but I’m afraid ours doesn’t.’

  ‘No,’ Recha said sadly, ‘we cannot help you in your fight against the gemeng who betrayed your city, not when she is with the valkar. We wish you well though.’

  ‘I wish… I wish there was another way…’

  ‘My friend, I have long learned not to agonize over the decisions of my betters. I cannot change the mind of my masters, and you cannot change the mind of yours. It is out of your hands. You can go home at night and forget about it. That is a good thing.’

  Messenger laughed.

  ‘Do not worry,’ Recha said sympathetically. ‘You have no say over it. Will you be safe during the attack?’

  ‘Oh, don’t worry.’ Messenger replied, a hint of bitterness in his voice. ‘I won’t be fighting. I’ll be safe in the shelters. As long as I’m the only one in the city who speaks Ravki, I’ll never have to fight…’

  Chapter 74

  They moved quickly, but it took over a month to get to Astar. Aerlid was the only valkar with them, Rose and Adila left soon after the forest campsite was packed up.

  When they arrived in the forest before the city of Astar, Riley spotted the King. He was lazily circling the city. Perhaps he had been for days. Riley watched. Then she turned her attention to the task at hand.

  She moved her tribe into the ruins of Garrondin, it was clearer and afforded a better view of the city. She knew what had happened here, and tried not to think about those people she had met briefly so long ago.

  They set up and waited. It was early morning.

  Around noon the Dragon appeared as a dark blot in the sky. He spread his wings and then dove down, landing suddenly in front of Riley.

  strange one. the King is here.

  ‘I know. Will the ehlkrid come?’ the words died in her mouth. Out of the forest came ehlkrid of all forms. Her warriors tensed around her, but they did not attack. The ehlkrid surrounded them, and then almost seemed to try and get comfortable. All eyes were on the King.

  we are here. we will wait and watch. if the King does not die, i cannot hold them long.

  ‘I understand.’

  The Dragon settled in beside her, forcing ehlkrid and warriors out of the way. Riley reached for Vann’s hand and held on tightly. She was regretting allowing him to come.

  She saw the King start flying towards them. She waited while he flew and landed in front of them. He looked out over his people.

  ‘So, they have come to watch their King.’

  Riley nodded.

  His eyes went to her hand, entwined with Vann’s. And he smiled. His eyes lingered momentarily on Aerlid.

  ‘After that city is destroyed,’ he said lazily to the ehlkrid, ‘I will deal with the valkar. And you will rip these two apart. Let her watch her lover die before eating her.’

  And he sprung up from the earth and flew back towards the city.

  Riley, trembling slightly, looked at the Dragon.

  i won’t eat you.

  ‘The others will try.’

  most likely.

  ‘Aerlid, can you take Vann away?’

  ‘No.’ Vann said firmly.

  ‘I cannot.’ Aerlid agreed. ‘I can’t protect you if I’m not here.’

  Riley didn’t say anything. She couldn’t think of anything more to say.

  The King flew over the city. He hovered carefully above the barely visible shield. It was difficult to see from so far away. He stuck his hands into the shield. And suddenly the shield glowed and shimmered along a tear. He pulled, it spread. And then he cracked the shield open like an egg. It fell away in glimmering shards. The shards lasted mere seconds before disappearing.

  Riley felt like a fist had grabbed her stomach hard and twisted.

  The whole city exploded with action. Smaller shields sprung up. Bright lights shot from the city at the King. Dots in the air, planes, headed for him, and strange writhing things in the sky.

  ‘Those aren’t from Astar…’ Riley murmured.

  ‘No, I think they’re the Cavachi version of Predators.’ Vann replied.

  They fell silent. The King, a tiny, lone speck, dodged the fire. But not all of it. There were so many, coming from every direction. The fire hit him and didn’t seem to hurt. He focused first on the planes, ignored the nuisances from below. He flew after the planes at a terrifying speed. With his bare claws he attacked. Riley saw one go down. The other Predators attacked all the while. Bright balls of light sprung up between the King’s hands. He flung them at the Predators. They ripped off wings, planes plummeted to the ground. Riley saw what looked like a parachute. The King was being attacked by so many things, and yet he went after the harmless parachute. He ripped it up, and Riley could imagine him laughing.

  One by one, he took out the Predators. And then all that was left were the worms. He’d been getting hit all the while, but he didn’t show any sign of it.

  He flung more of the balls of energy at the worms. Riley felt a moment of hope as the first missed. And then the second. And he threw more and more, the worms wriggled around in shapes that made no sense. And he hi
t one, but all the rest avoided him.

  He flew after them. He tried to attack them with his bare hands. But they broke apart and came back together in such random patterns he couldn’t anticipate them.

  This went on for what seemed an age, but was not nearly long enough.

  Then he just stopped. He hovered in midair, ignoring the attacks that were colliding with him.

  And then the whole sky exploded with light. Riley had to shield her eyes.

  When the light was gone Riley looked back. The sky was empty for all save the King. The shields had flickered out. The tops of the buildings she could see were broken and flaming. Some pieces just weren’t there anymore. The airforce was gone, but the King was still being attacked from the ground.

  The King ducked below the tree line, and they could see no more. Every now and then he reappeared, to attack the ground forces from above.

  Within the streets of Astar chaos ruled. Flames, ruined buildings and bits of broken planes littered the once orderly city. But the Astarians fought. Tanks, RAWs and MEWs filled the streets. No civilians were in sight. The human soldiers operated the weapons, while the Astarian gemengs fought alongside, hiding behind debris and fighting with PEWs.

  The King was nearly impossible to hit with a SIGPEW. But he could only look so many ways at once. And so the foot soldiers fought and hit. And he could not evade the RAWs. He tried to take them out first. He’d decimate one street, using only his claws, or sometimes the street would just explode with a terrible light. But then he’d come upon another street, filled with more weapons.

  The air was filled with flashing lights, smoke and heat, and screams. The King had to fight for every inch of the city he took, and the Astarians never stopped fighting.

  Chapter 75

  ‘How long do you think we’ll be down here?’