by Storey, Rob
What amazed him most was that the dance went on. Fechua must have decided that to stop it would be the worst social faux pas. A glance at the Executive Chair told Kieler the man was befuddled into inaction. No one else dared the authority to step in.
Feleanna was swinging again, and all gentlemanly manners aside, Kieler crushed her high hand in his grip and bent it backward, trying not to make it look obvious to the crowd. He knew if he walked away she would club him and if he backed away he’d look weak. She was probably thinking the same thing about herself.
How long will this dance go on!
Avoiding another kick, he failed to see her free hand until it cuffed his ear. It rang. Trying to gain control, he spun her in close and tightened his hold on her stomach, pinning her arm between them. He heard the breath go out of her. This position meant he was pressed into her back, but at least she couldn’t bite him.
Instead, she stomped her heel into his instep. The orchestra crescendoed toward a climax. In fierce pain he spun her away with both hands. Her posterior hit the floor just as the musicians hit the final, accented chord.
The crowd fell dead silent. The dancers quieted too, all except for the Callia girl who was now crying uncontrollably and hysterically shouting, “User! Manipulator!”
Feleanna lay splayed on the floor, her red dress torn, sweat dripping from her face as she propped herself on one arm.
Kieler was in shock. He realized his mouth was open but just then glanced left and forgot to close it. He saw Velirith in her father’s arms, smiling sweetly up at Velator.
But Velator was in speechless shock as well. A frozen look of terror was pasted on his face, as if he was holding a demon instead of his lovely daughter.
In the silence, Kieler thought he heard Velator croak, “How?”
Authors’ Notes
Thank you for reading the first episode of the Zotikas series. We are excited that you have decided to take this journey with us. Be sure to visit us at www.zotikas.com for more information about our upcoming releases including “Zotikas - Episode 2: High Rails of Ardan”!
