Eternal Horizon: The Chronicle of Vincent Saturn (Eternal Horizon: A Star Saga Book 1)

by David Roman

  The inner chamber was even more magnificent than the colonnade. Its high ceiling was covered in tempura murals of Urtan heroes warding off dragon-like creatures. Chandeliers with thousands of crystals hung from the ceiling on long cables. A soft melody—produced by an unknown instrument similar to a harp—wafted through the air, soothing the atmosphere.

  Galadan stopped as they entered. “You surely must be tired and hungry,” he said. “But I must insist you join me for a short meeting with my generals. Your presence alone will provide them with hope.”

  “Tired I am, your majesty,” Duell replied without showing any signs of exhaustion. “But we must confer on the matter at hand.” He then looked at the rest of his party and added, “Whatever it is that you require us to do.”

  Exander nodded and glanced at his brother. Finally, they were going to get to the bottom of this entire hullabaloo.

  “Of course,” Galadan said, throwing Gaia a questioning look.

  She sighed and looked down, for she hadn’t told Duell the true purpose of Galadan’s imploration.

  “Please, follow me,” the Urtan King said, taking the lead once more.

  The party ascended the spiral stairs to the second level. Vincent noticed more crystals glowing on the walls. Somehow, the Urtans managed to store energy within those crystals without using any means of electricity.

  Galadan’s chambers were at the top of the castle’s main tower, facing the courtyard. It was a circular room with a balcony that provided a view of the city. In the middle of the room was a black crystal table hovering three feet above the floor that was topped with a soft, red carpet. Hundreds of books lined the shelves alongside the walls and delicate weapons such as swords and bows were mounted above them along with a few monitors.

  Five men sat around the table. Four of them were Urtans of various shades of green, clad in golden outfits and covered in war emblems; they got up in unison and bowed their heads. The fifth man, a humanoid alien, insolently slumped back in his chair, arms across his chest, smirking at the party. He was the size of a regular man, but with pale grayish skin. The back of his head formed a small cone, and a stripe of black hair extended down his large forehead, connecting with the rest that seemed to grow only on the sides and the back. He had pointy ears, thick, bushy eyebrows, and sideburns extending far below his jaw line. He sat there staring at them with cat-shaped eyes.

  “Thanatos!” Exander shouted as he recognized the man.

  “Ah…” The man smiled, his voice revealing sarcasm. “The famous Sons of Liberty. Yet I don’t see the man in charge.”

  “What’s he doing here?” Exander asked, turning to the Urtans. “This hired killer!” He pointed at the man. “He might be a spy for all we know!”

  “Exander!” Duell raised his hand, and his student was forced back.

  “A hired killer?” Thanatos taunted the blonde. “Oh, what a price I can get for your carcass… But please, don’t insult me by saying you don’t accept payments.”

  “We don’t kill innocent people for it!”

  “I hope you’re not speaking of your grandfather, because I’d have to disagree with you on that matter,” Thanatos replied bitterly.

  “Damn you, you lowly vagabond!” Damocles stepped in, infuriated with the mentioning of his late grandfather’s name in such a foul accusation.

  Exander reached for his sword.

  The alien continued sitting there, grinning.

  “Enough of this!” Galadan shouted. “We have a common enemy! Must we fight among each other?”

  “Exander! Damocles!” Duell shouted.

  Damocles nodded in apology to Thanatos, and Exander sheathed his weapon.

  “As you know, Thanatos is Dargonian,” Galadan said, sitting down. “His extraordinary abilities are vital to our goal. I’m aware he has quite the bad reputation, but I took the privilege of inviting him myself. His past acquaintances with the members of the Order will provide us with critical information. After all, we all deserve a second chance.”

  “I have a personal score to settle with that Sect,” Thanatos explained, sweeping the room with his feline gaze. “And I will leave it at that.”

  As everyone settled down, the party took seats across the Urtans.

  Vincent sat back and crossed his feet under the table, awaiting the news of yet another fracas that his new buddies were getting dragged into.

  “So, what occurred at the Senate?” Duell began, getting right down to business.

  “Well…” Galadan lowered his head. “I proposed our cause to Vermont and the rest of the Council, and…” He paused, sighed deeply, and then said, “In conclusion, I was ordered to lay down our weapons and surrender to the Order while the Council sends a peacekeeping force to investigate my allegations.”

  “They’d never have it,” Duell said. “As I explained to the Princess earlier, the entire Senate—or the Republic, for that matter—is a hoax, and Vermont’s there to keep the systems in line.”

  “Vermont is young and has a kind heart. He nearly accepted my offer, were it not for Zeth.”

  “The warrior he once was is long gone. He’s more a follower of a sad man’s false dream to one day unite the galaxy than a tyrant. Nevertheless, he’s one of them and doesn’t make any critical decision without the consent of Zeth and Na’ar’.”

  “I figured it out. Too late, but I did.” Galadan got up and approached the open balcony, gazing at the plaza. “So much for the Imperial Republic…” He remained quiet for a few seconds and then turned around, fear in his eyes.

  “Damien’s outraged,” he said. “You should’ve seen him. No one has ever stood up to Cosmos before, and now this appearance at the Senate! I could barely control myself. The things I’ve said! Such daring will not be tolerated. He’s bound to make an example of us.”

  “A large army is amassing at Corsair,” Exander said. “The likes of which the galaxy hadn’t seen since the Intergalactic War. Damien’s gathering the Horde from every corner of Dahanburg.”

  “How many fighting men do you have, Galadan?” Duell asked.

  “Slightly over three hundred thousand,” the King replied forlornly.

  “Three hundred thousand!” Exander exclaimed, nearly jumping out of his seat. “The Order is bringing an army of over ten million! This is suicide!”

  “Exander!” Duell shouted. “Do you want to wait outside?”

  The intolerant youth’s lip quivered. “No, master,” he responded, lowering his head.

  “You must understand that most of my people have fled,” Galadan continued. “No other system dares come to our aid. My army’s composed of soldiers who remained loyal to me and the poor who’ve no ways of escaping and thereby no choice in the matter. And we have very few weapons—only those we managed to salvage during the reign of the Order.”

  “I see…” Duell said, his eyes fixed in the corner. “What of the women and the children?”

  “We’ll hide most of them throughout the shelters along the continent farther from the capital. A small number of them will remain here and aid the troops. If we had any carriers, perhaps we could’ve sent them all off to Dorior.”

  “And when do you suppose this army will reach Urtan?”

  “Two days from now… in two days,” Galadan replied. “They won’t care if it’s a woman or a child. They’ll kill us all.”

  Everyone became quiet again, looking at Duell.

  The Xenian leaned back in his chair. “Very well, then,” he finally said. “Galadan Dox, I will fulfill my late master’s wish and assist you with whatever I can. However—”

  “What?” Exander couldn’t hold it any longer. “You can’t be serious!”

  “However,” Duell repeated, louder, “we cannot fight off an army for you. Time for frolicking is over… What is it, really, that you propose we do?”

  The twins and Spaide eagerly turned to Galadan and Gaia, expecting the answer they’d been waiting for.

  “The impossible, of course,”
Galadan said, looking around the table. “Something that couldn’t be done for eons: I want you to kill Cosmos.”

  Baffling silence swept over the room.

  “What…?” Thanatos broke the stillness with a scoffing laugh.

  “I’m serious, Thanatos,” Galadan insisted.

  “Well.” The Dargonian got up, continuing to chuckle. “I’ve come to the conclusion that you’ve lost your mind.”

  “Why is that, Sir Thanatos?” asked one of the Urtan generals. “Do you truly believe he’s a god?”

  “No!” Thanatos frowned, and then asked, “But have you ever seen what he can do?”

  “I have, “Duell said.

  The Dargonian turned to the Xenian master. “Heh? And still you think we have a chance against that?”

  “I’m fully aware of the situation’s difficulty, Sir Thanatos, but since Galadan’s bringing up such a proposal, I’m sure he has means to deal with it,” said Duell and then to the Urtan King, “Please continue.”

  Thanatos became quiet and sat back down, sulking, although showing signs of surprise at the Xenian’s calm attitude.

  “Cosmos’ armor is a mechanism.” Gaia’s voice turned the heads of the listeners. She got up and approached Galadan’s side. “It is said that he’s indestructible, invincible, overall a god, but beneath that armor, he’s as helpless as any other carbon-based life form. It’s a breastplate made by the technology of the Ancients: a plate that reflects any energy. However, it’s a machine, and as such, it has flaws. The screen that surrounds him is calculated on timing, capable of shielding him from the fastest of weapons.” She leaned on the table.

  “As I searched deeper into this matter, I found evidence of blasters actually striking at him in between the shields, yet to much dismay, they caused him no harm.”

  “Aha,” Duell said. “The idea finally reveals itself.”

  “When I was a child,” she continued, “my father had a friend—Oryon Krynne—a man who fought with a legendary blade, moving faster than light.” She then turned to the Xenians. “Your speed is unmatched, and your swords are powerful enough to crack his breastplate and shut off the mechanism, giving us enough time to bring him down.”

  The twins, Duell, and Spaide looked at each other. Duell then glanced over at Vincent.

  Vincent shrugged and shook his head. He couldn’t wait until he’d take a glance at the so-called Galactic Map—everything else just simply didn’t matter.

  “Okay,” Thanatos said sarcastically. “Is that it? Maybe we should just take a trip to Xenon and end this entire conflict altogether?”

  “It sounds like a plan,” Duell said, ignoring the Dargonian.

  “What?” Thanatos asked. His face was filling with fury at Duell’s confidence. “How do you suppose we even manage to get close to him?”

  “I don’t know yet, but it’s not impossible.”

  A flash of hope appeared in Galadan’s eyes. “So, you’ll help us?”

  Duell placed his elbows on the table, steepled his hands, and stared outside, deep in his thoughts, I will not let you down, Oryon… Your name will live on…

  He then said, “If we complete this task, more systems will join our cause. They will know the perseverance of those who seek freedom. We have been in hiding for far too long. It’s time for the members of the Revolution to know that they’re not alone. It’s time to let them know that even though Oryon’s gone, his dream still continues.”

  Exander was on the edge of another outburst, but his brother managed to stop him, pressing down on his shoulder.

  “It has fallen upon us to end the reign of this cult,” the Xenian master said, turning to face the Urtan King. “Yes, Galadan, we’ll assist you.”

  The Urtans got up and began clapping as if the Order was already obliterated.

  “Hired killer?” Thanatos laughed, looking at Exander. “Now we’re all hired killers! You guys are crazy! But what the hell… so am I! Count me in!”

  When someone would actually refer to him, Vincent realized he was, in fact, facing reality. And from the looks of it, that harsh reality led to his end. He’d no choice but to remain there. For the sake of Earth. After all, what’s the life of one man compared to six billion? That’s the conclusion he slowly accepted—that he was now responsible for the existence of our planet.

  “Gather all your forces in the capital,” Duell said with his commanding tone.

  “But then they’ll surround us!” one of the Urtan generals protested.

  “No. They’ll attack Urtar-Ban with their entire force; they don’t expect any heavy resistance.”

  “And then?” Galadan asked.

  “And then we wait.” Duell got up and gestured to the rest of his group.

  “For what?”

  “We wait until he shows his ugly face.”

  Spaide, Vincent, and the twins followed the Xenian master out of the room.

  Duell turned around at the door. “We will further discuss this in the evening. For now, my companions and I must use one of your shrines to farewell our late master. In the meantime, I want a detailed map of the entire city and all of its tunnels and passages.”

  “Thank you, Sage Duell.” Galadan bowed again. “Gaia’s familiar with our castle; she will show you the way.”

  Duell suitably returned the bow and left with his party.

  “What does he mean by ‘we wait’?” the general asked his King. “Do you actually believe that this man and his small group can bring down the Order? Without Oryon?”

  “I do not know…” Galadan sighed. “But they’re our only hope.”

  CHAPTER XI

  The Commemoration of Oryon Krynne

  Gaia led them down the eastern wing of the castle through a high corridor. Beams of sunlight filled with swimming dust particles slanted through the tall windows, creating islands of light on their path. Fountains were erected every twenty yards, surrounded by Urtan children that gazed at the outlanders in awe.

  “There’s a calm sanctuary ahead.” Gaia stopped, pointing at the end of the hall. “It should be adequate. Once again…” She paused and placed a hand over her heart, “…my deepest condolences.”

  “Thank you, Princess,” Duell said. “Please take Vincent to his quarters and help him navigate through the Galactic Map—maybe something will jog his memory.”

  “Right,” Vincent said and thought, At last.

  Duell turned to face him. “In a few hours, Spaide will fetch you to attend the banquet Galadan is throwing for us.” He then glanced at Vincent’s outfit and added, “And please, change out of these barbaric garments.”

  Vincent looked down at his dirty shirt—with a collar stretched out from numerous tuggings—and his dingy jeans. “Into what?” he asked uncertainly. “Urtan robes?”

  “I’ll bring you some clothes,” Spaide said. “You’re ’bout the same size as me.”

  “Okay, then,” Gaia said and pulled Vincent after her.

  They went up a flight of stairs into a small room which had a window opening to a beautiful lake. A round bed was against the back wall, covered with velvet blankets and topped with black pillows. There was a lavatory at one end, and a bookcase with a monitor at the other. The silk-like transparent curtains over the window danced in the air, moved by the invading light draft.

  “It’s cozy,” Vincent commented.

  “It has a nice view,” Gaia said, glancing outside. “But not as nice as the view behind the castle. I’ll show it to you later… if I ever get a chance.”

  As Vincent adapted to his lodging, Gaia opened the nearby closet, and a small robot entered the room. The droid was slightly over two feet tall, filled with slots and sockets for various components. A monitor displaying a smiling face served as its head.

  Gaia smiled at Vincent’s confused reaction. “It’s just an encyclopedia bot,” she clarified. “Robot,” she commanded. “Display the Galactic Map.”

  The droid raised its monitor, and a hologram of a spiral galaxy f
illed the room, swallowing them in an ocean of stars.

  “Wow…” Vincent muttered. “The Milky Way.”

  “Pantegonia,” Gaia said, “as our galaxy is known. It’s approximated to contain several hundred billion stars. Thus far, less than half of that number is even visible. The map is constantly updated by the thousands of telescopes charting the galaxy as we speak.” She pulled out a mechanical glove from the robot’s compartment, put it on, and began navigating through the image.

  “My system is in one of the arms,” Vincent said. “I remember that much.”

  “Exactly.” She moved her gloved hand and zoomed into the hologram. “There are millions of stars in that region, which is called The Grand Arm of Pantegonia. Right here’s Zazaban, the dead planet where the ambush on Oryon occurred.” She moved her finger across the map. “Here’s Sebalon. What’s known through the ship’s memory banks is that your system should be within this vicinity.” She made a small circle with her finger.

  Vincent’s hopes were crushed in an instant—there were millions upon millions of stars in that circle. They were scattered there like sand grains across a board.

  “But… there are so many,” he forced out in a dry throat.

  “Every day, they scan a new one,” she said, taking off her glove and passing it to him. “But yet less than five percent of the GHZ has been thoroughly explored.”

  “The GHZ?” he asked, putting on the weird device.

  “The Galactic Habitable Zone—the area not too close to center, where the radiation is high, and not too far, where stars and planets can’t form.”

  “Let me guess…” Vincent said while beginning to navigate himself. “Only the explored planets have been mapped?”

  “Your star may very well be up there, but maybe it’s just…” She didn’t finish the sentence, for he already knew the answer. “If you could remember the exact position…”

  “I don’t. Perhaps I would if I were a scientist or something…”

  “I’m sorry, Vincent.” She looked at him with compassion in her eyes. “We’ll search, I promise you. We’ll send signals, for we’ve advanced technology…”