StarFlight: The Prism Baronies (Beyond the Outer Rim Book 2)

by Reiter

  “You make it sound like a good thing to return said vehicle,” Isse noted.

  “Well, I’ve had the pleasure of manipulating my leasing agreement,” Freund returned. “But when it is time for me to learn another stride of life, I can only hope that there is some sort of parental force like the one that brought me from the womb. Because I feel at that point I will not be able to feed myself once more.

  “Still, I want to remain with the fact that you are using Tolarra,” Freund pointed out.

  “I am making it simpler for you to use her,” Isse stated. “As your perspective of her continues to shift.”

  “Softly stated,” Freund observed, “but hardly a soft point.”

  “My father once told me that shortcomings are a part of life,” Isse said, approaching her father. Without lifting his head, his arm came up in time to wrap around her shoulder and he pulled his daughter close. “I, for one, am glad to see you have them again. She is quite loving and able to receive your love as well. Perhaps Chiaro’s awareness is sharper than both yours and mine!”

  “Perhaps, she says,” Freund laughed. “A Commando of cutting-edge technology becomes a Light Priest, and my daughter says his awareness just might be great. He tucked himself under the awe of your husband and scampered off with undefined power and perception. He leaves me Tolarra, and only now do I dare to think that it might have been for more reasons than he stated. Some watcher I am!”

  “It is like you said,” Isse consoled, “he tucked himself under a cloak of light and legend. Your concern is with all of humanity. Chiaro found a place in between the cracks of your surveillance, and he flourished.”

  “Go to him, Isse,” Freund said softly. “Go to your husband. Take your son and find your husband.”

  “Because you don’t want me to see you die,” Isse concluded.

  “Manipulation of a leasing agreement can only take one so far,” Freund returned. “I am blind, but I see the pieces falling into place. I cannot yet see my death, but I would be a fool to think that I will survive what is coming. The enemy count is too great and their combined power is immeasurable.”

  “Then let me fight at your side!”

  “What is it that you think you have been doing, my child?! You have kept me from seeing one creature in particular here in the Rims. And while I do not know the reason, I feel as if I can deduce what has happened since you drew my vision away from this entity.

  “Father–”

  “Now who has lost their perspective?” Freund questioned with a bright and proud smile on his face. “You think I resent what you have done? My sweet child, you have provided a means of deliverance! You blinded me to this creature. Do not tell me of it! That ignorance has been blissful.

  “Isse, you have forgotten what I am and what I have done. There is a line that surrounds the Rims and it is connected to my awareness. In order to make me blind to the entity, you also made them immune to the effects of that barrier.”

  “You presume that they came from outside the Rims,” Isse commented.

  “Blinding me from someone that I already know is here would have only created a dark spot where an image should be, and that would have made the individual easy to see! Conclusion?”

  “The entity in question was already outside the Rims when I removed them from your ability to see,” Isse said, realizing why the Stars now were confused. “And your veil of awareness is bound to the same light the Chorus reads.”

  “It was the only material to use!” Freund added. “It was either that or gravity, but since so much of that fundamental force is manipulated, it became a compromised energy, leaving me with starlight. When you blinded me, you blinded the Stars, but who knew they would awaken in the manner they have? Violent and destructive, fearful and scattered. Life in the Rims is being pressed from many sides, my dear, and the true fighting has not yet begun.”

  “Is that why you are sending me away?” Isse asked.

  “You have been here for lifetimes too many already, my child,” Freund answered. “And consider this as me following the advice of my woman. I am being most selfish!” Freund put his hand to the back of her head and pulled her face into his chest. “So very selfish, and I don’t care if I’m allowed this!

  “You will say your farewells, and I give you a calendar week to do that,” Freund explained as he released his daughter and gently put his hand to her face. “After that, you will be away from this place. Because she’s right, you know. Tolarra. You are not my blind spot. The moment you are away from the Rims, the power you have over my vision will be removed from your control.”

  “You do that to protect me,” Isse stated. “Once I am no longer your weakness, I will not be sought out by those who seek to approach you undetected.” Freund stepped away from his child.

  “A week, Isse. Seven days from this one.”

  “I feel that is more time than the veil will remain in place,” Isse remarked. “You will come to know what has been hidden from you as the Chorus begins to put it together for themselves.

  “But given the time in the castle, this day is nearly done!” Isse argued.

  “Then you have six and a fifth days,” Freund said as he made his way to the doors. “You are an entity of immense power. Stretch the time you have and make it count! Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to say goodbye to my grandson and then I will be flying, with Tolarra, to Primus.”

  “The center of the Inner Rim?”

  “That star has always made me feel good about myself,” Freund returned. “I’ve never questioned why, but it does. It will be in its light that I tell Tolarra how I became Freund.”

  “And then you will dismiss her as well,” Isse added.

  “Do you really think all she is doing at the moment is changing her clothes?” Freund asked. “Did her request not make you stop and wonder as to the motivations behind it?

  “Humanity is pressed by the anti-life and its legions, a confused and incredibly powerful godling and her growing legions, demons and their legions, and pantheons desperately scampering through their fear, believing that increased power will somehow protect them from the Unknown Entity. On top of all that, humanity is set upon by humanity! In this season of conflict I must pick an opponent, a single opponent, and ask others to face the rising tide of chaos. I choose the anti-life, and it is stronger than my worst nightmare. I do not know if I am the stuff to survive our next combative embrace. I don’t know if Tolarra can lead my Dark Pawns, or even if she will lead them.

  “Your opponent, at the moment,” Freund said, stopping to turn his head. If he had possessed eyes, one would say that he was looking over his shoulder. “… is your fear. Fear of losing me, fear of not being able to find Zeu Rex. We both know he is no longer in this dimension. The only sign of his presence in this reality is Zerrell and the copies they made of themselves so many ages ago. The former you can use to track him, but not if you are here tending to an old, tired man.”

  “You’re hardly tired,” Isse remarked.

  “That is true. But only for the moment. Fate has allowed me the breath to be selfish. I love my daughter and grandson and I have expressed it. I love my woman and I will soon express it. Then I will return to the love of my kind… and it fills my heart, imagining the tales of legend that will come from that expression!”

  My way of expression is full of complications and mystery because that’s my perception of life.

  Abbas Kiarostami

  (Rims Time: XII-4203.06)

  The horses sped by the final gate with the bridle of only one remaining lit. Jeers of contempt and disapproval rose over the few voices engages in cheering as virtual viewports were closed. Gamblers were either done for the day or clamoring to the betting stands to get their wagers in before the next race.

  Strolling on the lakeside flowered path, Danavyn Veil did not have the comfort that came with the closing of the projected screen. His ceased to function the moment he looked away, and he allowed his head to hang low as laug
hter erupted from the man walking to his left. A hand clapped down hard on his back as the laughter became cackling.

  “Danavyn!” Klabtru Gonsheer wailed. “If you weren’t a wealthy Middle Rimsman, I would be worried about whether you had the fare to get back home.”

  “How very considerate of you,” Danavyn said softly.

  “I believe that makes two million credits you owe me! Mr. Veil, only a fool bets against a Yalzon breed.”

  “Is that so?” Danavyn returned. “What say we put your personal estate where your mouth is?!”

  “Easy, Danavyn,” O’Loddryn Kell consoled, touching his hand lightly against Danavyn’s right shoulder. The Inner Rim merchant did not want things to get out of hand. “We’re all friends here, just enjoying a day of leisure and mirth.”

  “Friends win with humility and lose with grace, Loddie,” Danavyn clarified. “I’ve lost three wagers without a single coarse word to anyone or anything.”

  “You’ve lost more than that,” Klabtru barked, stopping after another stride. The Lord of the Gonsheer Province placed his fists on his hips and glared at the Middle Rim corporate mogul. “Or do you think we’re too stupid to see what you’ve been doing these past few days?”

  “I would replace we’re with I’m,” Danavyn returned. “It makes your inquiry simpler to answer. To say nothing of what you could possibly mean by too stupid. Is there a ‘stupid enough’ plateau you’re comfortable with?”

  “How dare you?!” Klabtru said, backing away, letting his right hand move to his hip. Danavyn just as quickly moved his left hand to signal to Thanneus to remain removed from the issue.

  “It takes little daring to question the intellect of a fool!” Danavyn remarked. “It is along the very same lines to acknowledge that water is wet.”

  “So I’m the fool?”

  “And apparently somewhat challenged with coming to a quick and clear conclusion as well,” Danavyn added.

  “I am not the one who’s been all but removed from the Imperial Ministry,” Klabtru shouted. “I am not the one who is currently being investigated by IA Magistrates… and I am certainly not the one who’s been thoroughly thrashed at the races this evening!”

  “No, but you are the one who’s been challenged with an all-in wager,” Danavyn said, turning to face the older man. “I believe there is a Yalzon horse in the last race… I will not be taking that horse.

  “All of my holdings against all of yours, with the man who picks the faster horse in the last race being declared the victor,” Danavyn declared.

  “Bah,” Klabtru waved Danavyn off, “… you would only welch on the bet!”

  “Not if I give my seal to Loddie to hold,” Danavyn said, removing his ring. “There are plenty of witnesses here, Klabtru. All in good standing in the eyes of your precious throne. The only thing that remains unverified… is your spine!”

  “That man never misses a button,” Thanneus thought, looking around at the various forms of security. The two merchants, three Imperial Landmasters, and Danavyn Veil had each come to the event with an entourage, though Danavyn had come light in the final comparison, as Thanneus only had two others aside from himself to guard the corporate icon. All the other personnel they had brought had been given assignments in other places inside the Inner Rim, and Thanneus would have liked to have been in a position to call for assistance, but that was not the case today. He smirked as Klabtru looked at Merchant Master Kell and stammered. He then looked at his friends and back at Danavyn as one Lady F’Dostriel stepped closer to Klabtru and whispered in his ear.

  “She just told him not to take the Middle Rimsman seriously,” Ruby reported to Thanneus.

  “Perhaps you should remain hidden behind horses that are not even your property,” Danavyn remarked before turning to walk away. “Imperials,” Danavyn snorted. “I think I might just know how some of you come to be called Imps!”

  “We have a wager!” Lord Gonsheer cried, removing his bracelet, thrusting it toward the merchant. “When is this race?”

  “Five races hence,” Danavyn Veil answered. “Giving you plenty of time to reconcile with your wife. Though, can women truly be held responsible for crimes of passion? And your lady is most certainly a passionate woman!”

  “That is out of line, Veil!” Lady F’Dostriel snapped as Danavyn pulled a silk handkerchief from his sleeve. The lace borders immediately marked it as a woman’s possession; a woman of significant position. Danavyn glared at Klabtru as he allowed it to fall to the ground. The initials AG could easily be seen.

  “And now I know why he wanted me to lift that,” Thanneus concluded. “The man is diabolical!” Thanneus watched as Klabtru snapped his fingers. One of his men came forward and passed his hand over the discarded piece of cloth. Small sparkles of MannA fell to the handkerchief, creating a small stack of smoke in which Lady Gonsheer’s face could easily be seen. The SpellCasteR did not look up at his master. His hand returned to his side and he kept his head down.

  “I cannot speak to the cloth itself, my Lord,” the young man said softly, “… though it would appear to be of the silk you recently had presented to her ladyship. That said, these are your wife’s tears.”

  “Anjostia,” Klabtru whispered, unable to speak any louder. “M-m-my w-w-w-wife?!”

  “A very beautiful creature,” Danavyn remarked, looking as if he were recalling an incident. “And I had always believed that her paintings were the most moving things about her.”

  “Paintings?!” Klabtru shouted as he stumbled toward Danavyn. “How do you know of…”

  “Because of the reconnaissance his little robots did at the top of the hour,” Thanneus thought.

  The Lord of Gonsheer staggered forward before stopping and glaring at Danavyn who was just coming away from the sweetest recollection. The smirk remained on his face as he looked at Klabtru and he shrugged his shoulders as if to claim some level of innocence.

  “I will rid the Stars of you,” Klabtru muttered, drawing his sword. Danavyn’s men had already been told to stand down, so none of them moved, but Thanneus allowed his knees to bend slightly as he leaned forward.

  “Not if your drawn sword is as inept as your more fleshly blade,” Danavyn fenced as his feet shifted to sand at shoulder width.

  Klabtru yelled, taking a step forward… a single step. He would not take another. His eyes gaped wide open as he drew in a sharp breath, grabbing at his chest. He dropped to his knees, falling over toward his side. He was caught before his head could reach the ground.

  “My Lord!” one of his guards cried. “Send for the Healer!”

  Taking only a moment to look at Danavyn, the young SpellCasteR drew his wand. “I shall return with one!” he declared before teleporting away. Seven seconds later he returned, a Healer stumbling forward from the young man’s falling body.

  “Such skill, effort, and dedication!” Danavyn commented. “Thanneus, help that young man over to the bench and fetch him a drink of water.”

  “As you will it,” Thanneus said, signaling one of his men as he moved quickly to the SpellCasteR’s side. He could tell his touch was not welcome, but it would not be refused either.

  Danavyn stepped back from the fallen Lord and his entourage, but his eyes remained fixed on the matter. He watched as the Healer applied the first of her spells. Red, glowing light wrapped around Klabtru’s body as the Healer knelt beside the man. It soon became a representation of Lord Gonsheer’s body. In a most rapid fashion, two places on the representation turned a dark violet color.

  “Stars and gods,” the woman cursed.

  “What is it?” O’Loddryn asked.

  “His heart and brain!” the Healer relayed. “Tremendous pressure in the heart caused several blood vessels to burst in his brain.”

  “Heal him!” Lady F’Dostriel commanded.

  “My Lady, there is nothing to save,” the Healer stressed. “He was probably brain dead before he reached the ground!”

  “Stars and gods indeed,” Dan
avyn added. “I suppose this puts a wrinkle to our wager. I don’t think his lordship had any children, did he?”

  “He was only newly married,” O’Loddryn advised.

  “The race has not even been run,” Tierra F’Dostriel argued.

  “True, but Klabtru has no one to stand in for him,” Danavyn stated. “He is without heir and his wife… well, let us say that the fidelity of his wife is at best questionable.”

  “She is also without any property of her own, my Lady,” O’Loddryn added. “Mr. Veil is therefo–”

  “I will stand for his wager,” Tierra proclaimed. “I’ll be damned if I allow your sort to enter into our ranks. Not on a freakish technicality!”

  “In order for you to stand for his wager, you must enter the wager,” Danavyn stressed. “And that would mean the entirety of your estate, Lady F’Dostriel. If I am truly of the sort that must be feared, you might wish to reconsider–”

  “I said I would stand for his wager!” Tierra interrupted, moving from the consoling touches from those in her entourage. She walked over to O’Loddryn and handed him her bracelet. “As you already said, Mr. Veil, there are plenty of witnesses in good standing with the Empire. And when I have won this wager, I will be giving Anjostia the holdings of her husband. Let the matter of her alleged indiscretion be resolved from that station.”

  Danavyn gave the furious woman a bow of the head as he stepped back. “I have no further argument to offer. But if you will excuse me, this has been a tragic affair and I think I am going to need to retire for the moment to make myself more presentable.”

  “I could care less how you look when I take your corporations from you,” Tierra returned as she summoned one of her guards. The man came forward and bowed to his lady. “Take a compliment of men to the stables and see to it that the horses are left quite alone.”