He shrugged. “To tell you the truth, I’m not that tall when compared the largest of my people.” He circled around her, looking at her much the same way she had just done. “You might be the most beautiful lady I’ve ever seen.”
She blushed. “That’s inappropriate. We’re of different species after all.”
“That’s true,” he said. “But those feelings come from your people as well. I’m a bit of a novelty around here.”
“I remember a time when Maigars proudly walked these halls. This festival would be much greater if they were here to join in,” she said with a certain melancholy in her voice.
“It sounds like an interesting time. But instead of dwelling on the past, let us enjoy the present and make for a better future,” he said.
“It was by order of my mother all the records and DNA of our males was destroyed,” she said. “Our best scientists have attempted to create plague protected males for years, but none of those efforts have ended in success. I’ve begun to have my doubts about it.”
He took off a glove. “As a last resort, I was given the order to provide a DNA sample to you and your people. My species is similar to your own genetically. Survival takes precedence over purity.”
She took his hand and felt the warmth. “I don’t suppose you can tell me who your people are?”
He glanced from side to side, scanning the room. “Hold on a minute.” He went to his armor and pressed a button on the arm. “There, that should prevent anyone from hearing or seeing us. The truth will shock you, but I think you have the right to that knowledge.”
“You make it sound like a state secret,” she said.
He moved close and whispered in her ear. “I’m from the heart of the Great Dragon.”
* * *
Outside of the palace in the center courtyard, a massive stage was set. Around it was a series of large tables where food from every corner of Kalaidia was served. Nearly a thousand nobles from every house were in attendance, many of whom came to see the long awaited Herald. Seles sat at the table for her family and waited for Brian and her mother. Alone, she sat impatiently while wearing a flowing silver and white dress, with matching shoes. On her head she wore a circlet defining her status. Feeling anxious, Seles was happy when a server came and gave her a dish of food. Eating, she scanned the crowd, noting many of the nobles gave her an odd stare. The crowd began parting as Celestia and Brian emerged from the palace. Her jaw dropped. He noticed she was staring at him, along with all the nobles attending. As they neared the table Seles was at, Celestia turned and told the crowd to carry on as before. Seles stood up to greet them.
Celestia motioned to Seles. “This is my daughter, Seles Daevon.”
Brian smiled as he looked at her. “I’m sorry Celestia, but I think I’ve found a lady amongst your people surpassing your beauty,” he said as he bowed. “Seles, was it? My name’s Brian. I’m glad to make your acquaintance.”
Seles blushed. “It’s good to meet you,” she said, trying her best to not tip anything off.
As night fell the stage lit up and a chorus of musicians performed. After the brief concert a play in tribute to the first successful gravity jump was portrayed. Later, a holographic film showed what it looked like two hundred years ago. Little was said between Brian and Seles other than small talk. Once the crowd started a circle dance around the stage he stood up and went to Seles.
Looking to Celestia, “If memory serves me, it was tradition for the Rakna Maigars to each take a lady and dance at the center.”
Celestia smiled. “You’d like that honor?”
“Yes,” he said as he knelt before Seles and offered his hand. “I’d like a dance with Lady Seles. Would you grant me this honor?”
Seles took his hand. “Please, lead the way.”
They made their way to the center of the circle as many of the nobles watched. During this time he quickly slipped something into her glove.
“It’s a transmitter,” he said as he took the initial stance.
“A transmitter?” she asked, doing likewise.
“Later tonight, call for the Mjolnir,” he said as they began circling one another hand in hand.
“Why did you come? You can’t keep up this farce forever,” she said as they began a traditional dance.
“I made a promise to you long ago Seles. I gave you my life as your own. I live today only because of you. I’d sooner die than see you suffer like this,” he said as she twirled and fell into his embrace.
She twirled away and came to a stop. “Why would you give up your life for mine?”
“Love,” he said as they circled each other again hand in hand.
“Love?” she asked.
He smiled. “I wanted to see you again, more than anything else. I’m in love with you Seles,” he said as she twirled again and landed in his arms.
She blushed while silently matching his pace. “Brian…I don’t know,” she said as they circled one last time to finish the dance.
He smiled. “I couldn’t tell the first girl I was in love with how I felt. You can tell me how you feel later, after you’ve had time to think about it.”
The two bowed to each other before Seles went back to her mother. A swarm of ladies requested a dance with him. He graced those ladies with his answer of yes for the next several hours. Off to the side, Delne Raekar quietly sipped her wine. She stood the same height as Seles, with long flowing lime green hair and crimson eyes. Despite being almost two hundred years old, her beauty was hauntingly evident, especially so in her silver and black swirled dress. She stared at Brian. Enjoy this night Terran, upon tomorrow’s dawn we’ll have you in our grasp.
* * *
“I enjoyed this evening a lot,” Brian said while standing outside his chambers. He looked at Seles. “I hope to see you again,” he said before going into his room.
Celestia escorted Seles back to her room. “It’s been a long time since I saw such cheer at a festival, especially from you,” her mother said. “I hope he can guide us in the right direction.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it. From what I’ve seen, he’s an honest and caring man,” Seles said. “Anyways, from what you’ve left me to study, you were hoping for someone like Brian, weren’t you?”
“Watch what you say Seles. Even though I’m the queen, that means little to those who hide in the shadows. Kalaidia isn’t like it used to be. The days of honor died with the Maigars. I hope he can help change that.”
“You’re asking a lot of one man,” Seles said.
“I know, but what other choice do I have?” she asked as they came to Seles’s door.
“Live the ideals you write of so fondly,” Seles whispered into her mother’s ear. She took a step back and smiled. “Next you should dance with Brian; you’d like it a lot.”
“I’m sure I would.”
* * *
Brian entered his room with exhaustion in his step. Removing his cape and shirt, he walked over to the bed and sat down. Looking uncomfortable, he took off his sword and placed it next to the bed. As he rolled over to sleep, he perked up, smelling something. He reached for his sword at the same time someone kick it away. When he rolled off the bed to take a defensive stance, finding he was surrounded by a group of figures wearing black cloaks and holding something familiar to him: a stun pole just like the ones the Greys used. Suddenly, a presence filled his mind. It felt like someone was attacking him mentally. He looked at the figure standing in the back. After a moment, he shook off the attack and started at the figure.
“Who are you?” he asked.
A female laugh ensued, “My, no wonder you escaped them. You can resist mental attacks. No matter, without your weapons and armor, you’re nothing.”
The figure waved her hand and the others began attacking him. He desperately tried to fight them off, but there were simply too many. As each stun pole landed a blow, his movements slowed. After a few minutes he fell to his knees, unable to resist any longer. Battered and bloody,
he looked at the leader and saw the face of Delne Raekar. Her twisted smile was the last thing he saw as the world went black.
One of the attackers turned to Delne. “Are you sure this is right my lady?”
She stood over his unconscious body. “It’s the will of the goddess my friends. This man is an imposter, nothing more.” She knelt down and turned his head to look at his face. “But first, I’ll take everything he knows from his mind one memory at a time.”
Chapter 37 – A Bad Night
Mira stood in the cockpit of the Mjolnir and sang an old song the original Mira never had the chance to perform. Dancing and singing, no one outside could hear her performance. After finishing the song she drank some water and went into the back room. She turned to the small door to the side and went into the tiny bathroom. She went over to the shower and measured the water collected. She stripped and went into the shower. A few minutes later, she emerged and put on a fresh set of clothes. The alarm sounded. She ran to the cockpit and turned on the radar. A number of blips were heading toward her from the air, as well as a number of troops on land. Mira flipped a switch and activated the Mjolnir’s drive system. Looking to the smaller monitor she noticed something strange. The symbol showing Brian’s location was gone. She turned to the troops and vessels heading towards her and turned on the phase cloak, surprising those camped outside, as well as the troops heading towards the giant. Activating flight mode, she flew away from the confused air craft and troops and headed into the thick jungle north of Vaelis.
* * *
Brian awoke in his bed on the Avoni, lying on his side. Next to him was Seles. She was already awake.
“Where?” he asked as he sat up.
Seles crawled next to him. “What’s wrong?”
He shook his head. “It must have been a dream. Strange, I could’ve sworn that was real.”
She put her clothes on and watched him closely. Looking at the clock, she took his hand. “Let’s go for a walk outside.”
He put on his clothes and armor. “Seles, where are we?”
“Dega Jul,” she answered.
He shrugged, still confused. Man, I’ve got the worst headache ever. He thought as he looked at her smile. At least I get to wake up next to her. As they left his room they headed for the exit to go outside. He shook off the headache, thinking. That’s right; a month ago I announced my presence on the Avoni to the government of Dega Jul. I can walk around freely now.
The pair passed a number of crew members as they left. At the door Mira stopped them. “Do you mind if I go along?” she asked.
Seles tried to hide her disapproval. “Yes Mira, you can,” she said flatly.
He looked at Seles, surprised at her attitude. “I’d love for you to join us,” he said.
As they went outside sunlight covered the cityscape with a bright glow. The three made their way down from the rooftop dock and headed into the city. After a few hours of shopping, they stopped in their usual place, the Kritkar. While Mira was occupied ordering their drinks and food Brian and Seles took a table.
“What do you know about her?” Seles asked as she stared at Mira.
“You’ve known her longer than I have,” he said. “Why are you asking me?”
“I don’t work with her very often. You’ve spent a lot of time with her, so I thought I’d ask. She looks a lot like someone I met a long time ago,” she said, still staring at Mira.
“Long ago?” he asked. This headache isn’t going away. He thought, watching Seles closely.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, turning her attention to him.
“Who are you? And where am I really?” he asked as he stood up.
She smiled. “I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about.”
Mira went to him and held onto his arm. “Don’t listen to her. She’s lying to you.”
Seles grinned. “She must mean a lot to you if she can defend you in here.”
Mira disappeared along with everyone else. Seles stepped back with smug look on her face. He tried to move and found he was paralyzed.
“What the hell?” he asked.
“I can see why they fear you so much,” Seles said as she went to him. “You’ve grown resistant to their telepathic powers, haven’t you?”
He felt a surge of energy and with a scream destroyed the illusion before him. He was chained to the walls of a large dark cell, deep underground. On the floor in front of him was Lady Delne, who shook her head.
Delne stood and shrugged off his mental attack. “Now I know why they warned us about you.”
“The Greys warned you?” he asked as he struggled against the chains.
“That won’t work my dear Terran. Even a Mylor would struggle to escape those,” she said as she moved uncomfortably close. She started poking him lightly with her hands, causing him to move. “You’re quite sensitive to touch, aren’t you?”
“Why would the Greys tell you anything?” he asked. He felt uncomfortable.
“They reward loyalty, to a fault as a matter of fact. Their power is of the mind Brian, something even you can’t fully resist. What I and many others desire is control. People need to be controlled, or chaos is the result. The Greys are masters of control and thus will be victorious in the end,” she said as she ran her hands about him and searched for his sensitive areas.
“I see. Delne, how old are you?” he asked.
“I don’t know why you would need to know, but I’m two hundred and four years old.”
“What you fear most is what the Maigars spoke of before being wiped out,” he said. “I think you may know something about why it happened.”
“What are you talking about? The plague was an unfortunate incident,” she said.
“Very convenient, don’t you think? When Gaelic Kein and his allies were on the verge of causing a revolution, they all die. Why?” he asked.
Delne went to the front of the cell where a table was set. She pulled out a number of long needles and a rod resembling a cattle prod. “They would’ve brought chaos to our people. Those who stand in the way of our ideal future must be destroyed.”
“Even at the cost of your own race!?” he shouted. “That plague wiped over a hundred billion in two years! How can you call that victory! What people need is freedom, not control. Control only garners dissent.”
She licked a needle as she moved next to him once more. “Not if it’s absolute control my Terran. You’ll soon find being controlled isn’t bad.” With a wicked smile she drove a needle into his leg, causing him to scream in pain.
“My, you have a great amount of pain tolerance,” she said as she drove another needle into his other leg. “Don’t worry; I’m not going to hit anything vital for now. I want to have some fun with you before they come to get you.”
* * *
Seles walked into her chambers and removed the dress she was wearing, putting on her uniform. She slipped the transmitter from her white glove into her hand. She went to the balcony and looked over the dark courtyard. Looking at the device, she saw it was an encoded transmitter.
She turned it on and spoke into it. “Brian, please answer me.”
“Is that you Seles?” Mira asked over the transmitter.
“Mira?” she asked. “Are you in the Mjolnir?”
“He must have given you the transmitter. Yes, I’m on standby right now,” Mira answered.
“So what’s the plan?” Seles asked.
“Well, the original plan was for us to leave quietly, but I’ve lost track of Brian’s signal. Seles, I’m worried, could you see if he’s still in his room?”
“He’s missing?”
“Yes,” Mira answered. “A few minutes ago I lost his signal. I had to fly the Mjolnir into the jungle and hide because a number of air and ground troops were surrounding me.”
“Troops attempted to surround you? Could you tell what unit it was?” Seles asked.
“I’m not sure, but it definitely wasn’t the royal guard. I’m really worried
something’s happened.”
“Alright Mira, I’ll try my best to do something,” Seles said as she went her door.
When she got to the door she found it popped open. She peaked outside and saw the two guards sleeping on the floor. What is going on? Seles thought to herself as she took up one of their pulse rifles and checked the hall.
“Seles, I put them to sleep for a short while. Take this opportunity to escape.”
“Myden?” she asked as she looked around.
“I’m not with you at the moment.”
“Do you know what happened to Brian?” she asked.
“No, but I’m searching for him. Please hurry.”
Seles looked down both ends of the hall and headed for Brian’s room. The two guards outside his room were sleeping and the door was open. She went in and saw no one was in the room. She walked over to the bed and saw his rakna blade far away on the floor. Near the bed there was a small stain on the floor. She knelt down and touched the liquid.
“Blood,” she whispered, tearing up. He came here to save me, but…She went to his armor and hugged it.
“Seles, what are you doing in here!?” Celestia asked as she stormed in with a patrol of guards.
“He’s gone mother,” she said with dejection in her voice. “They’ve taken him.”
Celestia noticed the sadness in her eyes. “What is it Seles? Why are you crying?”
“You have no idea who he really is, do you?” Seles asked.
“What do you mean?”
“Brian isn’t the Herald. He came here to free me. And now…” she trailed off and looked at the rakna blade.
“What’re you trying to say?” Celestia asked.
“Brian came by chance over a year ago,” Seles explained. “I was stranded on a frozen moon for twelve days. Without his help I would’ve died. He single-handedly fought a troop of Malcovin mercenaries to protect me. All I want is to see him again mother.”
“Raekar has him now,” Myden said telepathically as he stepped out of the shadows. The guards turned their weapons on him before Celestia waved them off.
Heaven Saga 1: The Lost Hero Page 18
