Celestia entered the small dark room. “You wished to see me Lord Jita?”
He hovered forward. “Yes,” he said in a metallic, deep voice. “My superiors are interested in seeing this Brian that’s appeared on your fair planet.”
“I know,” she said. “My contacts have told me two Mylor fleets have been dispatched to the Terran border. But why would I know anything about him?”
“He speaks your language with ease and appears to have been trained well. Many of us suspect he was trained onboard one of your ships and worry more of his kind is here in space. Terrans aren’t scheduled to reach us for at least two hundred years. Also, their DNA is close to your own,” Jita said.
“You’re worried about us taking them for our own purposes, aren’t you?” she asked. “Don’t get me wrong, survival takes precedence over everything else, but do you think we would keep it a secret to the Confederation?”
“Personally, I don’t believe that’s the case. But my superiors are concerned. What worries me more is the sway he has amongst your people. One word from him and they’d die for the Herald,” he said.
Celestia shook her head. “No Terrans live amongst our people. I promise you that.”
“What’s he like?” Jita asked.
“He carries himself with the strength of a Maigar and speaks from the heart. There’s a grace and kindness to the man that defies what we’ve been told about Terrans. I’m sure he came here for the right reasons. His character speaks to that.”
“If Brian isn’t the Herald, what reason would bring him here?”
She turned to leave. “If he’s alone, he probably came here because of how we look. Isn’t it natural to seek out those you perceive as allies?” She paused to gather her thoughts. “Also, it seems my daughter, Seles, has a connection with him. I wish I knew more, but I haven’t heard word from either of them.”
“Thank you for telling me this Queen Celestia,” Jita said. “I hope you’re right about his character.”
“As do I,” she said.
Chapter 41 – The First Wiseman
Brian woke up feeling sluggish. When his vision cleared he saw Mira and Seles sitting next to him. He still felt pain, but noticed his wounds were healed.
“I feel like I just woke up from a long dream,” he said with a weak smile. He sat up to rest against the wall.
“Are you alright?” Seles asked as she hugged him. He looked to Mira.
“You’ll be okay,” Mira said. “You’ve been asleep for almost two days.”
“I’m sorry for making the two of you worry,” he said. “By the way, where are we? And how did I get here?”
The two ladies stepped away from his bed.
“Myden told me what happened to you,” Seles said. “I contacted Mira and we went to save you.”
“I’m glad we found when we did,” Mira said. “If we’d gotten there any later, I don’t think I could have saved you.”
He shook his head. “Thanks Mira. Would one of you tell me who Myden is?”
The door opened and a cloaked figure walked into the room. “I’m Myden,” he said with his raspy voice. “I’m glad you’re alright. They’ve watched over you the whole time.”
“You’re not Kalaidian, are you?” Brian asked as he stood up.
“No, I’m quite different from these lovely ladies,” Myden turned to Mira and Seles, “Would the two of you excuse us? I need to speak with him alone.”
They hesitated for a moment and looked to each other before Seles went to the door. “I trust you Myden.” She looked at Mira. “Let’s go.”
“Yes,” Mira said as they left. After the door closed Myden turned to Brian.
“No doubt you know what I am,” Myden said telepathically. “But don’t mistake me for the fools you killed over a year ago. I’m like you Brian, cursed to never set foot on my home ever again.”
“You’re a Grey, aren’t you?” Brian asked. “Why did you help them? Your people are trying to take control of Kalaidia, aren’t they?”
“I helped them because I’m trying to prevent Kalaidia from suffering the same fate as my home. My people were driven to madness long ago. I’m the last survivor who left, at least, that I know of. I had to live, to protect the Maidens, as well as the Warrior.”
“Remove your hood,” Brian said. “I want to speak to you face to face.”
“Alright,” Myden said. “Please turn the light levels down, it hurts my eyes otherwise.”
“Lights dim fifty percent,” Brian said.
Myden reached up with his three fingered hands and removed the hood. What Brian noticed first were the large almond black eyes, but Myden looked different from the others. He had a light blonde beard and a mustache, as well as long blonde hair. His mouth was larger and he had a small nose.
“You don’t look like the others, at least, everything other than the eyes,” Brian said.
“Yes, and I can speak like your kind. We call ourselves natural Naerendi. Others simply refer to us as the Greys. I hate that name really,” Myden said.
“Are you saying you’re different from the others?”
“Yes, in more ways than just physically. Long ago, my people were much like yours. We loved, we warred, and we reproduced naturally. Everything changed fifteen hundred years ago, when my people chose the path of madness. Only a few hundred thousand of us escaped that fate. Now, all these years later, I’m the last one left. The beings you encountered and suffered at the hands of were modern Naerendi. Pitiful creatures really, I’m happy you set those onboard that ship free,” Myden said while pain showed in his eyes.
“Path of madness?” he asked. “What do you mean by that? And how old are you?”
“In two months I’ll be twenty eight hundred and fifty six years old, Terran time,” Myden answered. “As for the path of madness, I’m referring to the awful creation my people made. As you know, my people are telepathic. This is a boon and a bane. All those years ago my people created a God of their creation to rule them. To this day that God resides at the center of the capital city and controls every Naerendi through their telepathic powers. Above all else, the God desires control and power. It looks down on all other forms of life, believing them useful only for enhancing Naerendi genetics, as well as absorbing new technologies. The God desires the conquest of all other life forms. What you’ve seen Brian, is the beginning of the Naerendi conquest of Kalaidia.”
“Why would your people do such a thing?”
“War, destruction, pain,” Myden said. “My people were much like yours, warriors who couldn’t put down their arms. The civil wars had gotten so bad it was determined only control could beat the chaos. So the people gave up their dreams, their ambitions, and their freedom for the greater good. They gave into the fear and enslaved themselves. Since that day the Naerendi have had no contact with outside races and have no ambassadors. A few of us believed differently. We believed in the freedom you hold so dear. Happiness can’t be created by a machine, but must be earned as one works towards it.”
He closed his eyes and shook his head while trying to imagine what the god Myden spoke of looked like. “That’s terrible. I hope my people don’t ever choose to go to those lengths. Before, you said something about the Maidens and the Warrior. What did you mean by that?” Brian asked.
“I lived this long to see the prophecies of the Teacher fulfilled,” Myden said.
“Who’s the Teacher?”
“He was the first of your kind to travel the stars, long ago. Before he disappeared he gave us a number of predictions. He said two others would follow him into space: the Warrior and the Goddess.” Myden walked up to Brian and pointed at his eyes and hair. “The Warrior will be a fair skinned man of the north with long brown hair and blue green eyes. He’ll be young and foolish, but good at heart. I have no doubt Brian; you’re the one he spoke of.”
Brian laughed. “What? Am I supposed to buy these prophecies? What you’re saying sounds crazy?”
Myden na
rrowed his eyes. “When the time of darkness nears, the Warrior shall gather the Five Maidens and the Three Wiseman. The Maidens will be of Passion, Song, Wisdom, War, and Life. The Wiseman will be of the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Teacher himself told me what you’d look like. Long ago he entrusted me with the task of finding you and protecting the Maidens until the day you appeared. Without even realizing it you’ve already gathered the Maidens.”
“How is that possible? I came here without any of this knowledge, let alone a choice,” Brian said. “Anyways, who are the Maidens you speak of?”
Myden paced back and forth in the tiny room. “You know all of them very well. Seles Daevon, the Maiden of Passion. Mira Kein, the Maiden of Song. Valis Kein, the Maiden of Wisdom. Kivi, the Maiden of War. And finally, Celi, the Maiden of Life. Each carries the mark of the maiden on their body. I suggest looking for it next time you and one the ladies, you know,” he said, laughing afterwards.
Brian smiled and laughed with him. “You really are different than the others. I’m not sure of anything you just said, but I’ll work with you. By the way, you mentioned the Three Wisemen. Who’re they?”
“I don’t know who the others are, but I’m the Wiseman of the Past. I can tell you of all that has happened. The only clues I have about the others are vague descriptions. The Wiseman of the Present is called the Hawk, probably a Malcovin. The Wiseman of the Future is called the Archangel. I’m not sure what that means, but I hope it helps you someday.”
“I didn’t come here to be the Warrior you speak of. I came to get Seles,” Brian said.
“That’s true, but there’s much more for you to do now. Since you were captured a civil war has broken out across Kalaidia Prime. Even the near colonies have started fighting. The forces led by Delne have no leader and are fighting for reasons they don’t understand. Delne wanted to give Kalaidia to my people as a present. But now that won’t happen. Until they know better the people of this world will fight. You’re their Herald, so it’s only right you see this through,” Myden said.
“But that was a lie,” Brian said.
“True, but you mean more to Queen Celestia than that of a lost Terran. You’re an outcast unable to return home. Like me you have nowhere to turn to. You hold the fate of these people in your hands young man. Do want them to die?” Myden asked.
What should I do? Do I have a choice? How can I help them? He thought as he looked to Myden with horror in his eyes. “I remember something from Delne when she was messing with me. The plague wasn’t a genetic flaw or disease of natural cause. Whenever I see that memory, I see the face of your kind holding a vial before her. It’s only a vague feeling, but something I’ve suspected for a long time.”
Myden close his eyes. “Then let me show you the truth. Long ago, Gaelic Kein left behind a legacy. He told me he had proof of the true cause of the plague. In his sealed tomb lays the truth that can help them move into the future. Without resolution, justice can’t be served. Present the proof Gaelic sealed away to the High Council and they’ll know the truth once and for all.”
* * *
Seles stretched her arms while yawning and looking up at the sunny sky. Mira stood with her and enjoyed the sunlight. The Mjolnir stood invisible to the eye while sparse jungle surrounded them.
“Are you feeling better?” Mira asked
“Your treatments are perfect. You’re more skilled than I thought you’d be,” Seles said, smiling.
Mira raised her eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean? I pull my weight on the Avoni. I may not be a Nova pilot but I take pride in my work.”
Seles laughed before waving Mira off. “I didn’t mean it like that. I’ve seen you as a musician more than a medical officer.” Seles picked up a small rock and tried to skip it across the river in front of them. “Are you really the famous singer Mira Kein?”
She picked up a rock and did as Seles just did. “That was a long time ago,” she said. “I thought I was dead. I woke up six years ago when some Reiki scientists revived me. No one knew my name or face in this era, so I decided to start over. Father always pampered and sheltered me, so joining the Avoni seemed like a fun, new experience.” Mira smiled. “And to be honest, I enjoy performing songs for a few dozen people on the Avoni. It lets me be a singer.”
“What about Brian? How do you feel about him?” Seles asked.
“He’s more graceful than he looks and can sing with the best of them,” she answered. “I have no doubt in a few years his name will parallel my father‘s. Not just because of his Terran descent, but for his skill in song and blade.”
“I’m not talking about his skills Mira,” she said. “I want to know what you think of him as a man.”
Mira blushed. “He’s tall, strong, and handsome. But the feature he gets me with is his kindness. Even under the circumstances he lives, he tries to show everyone how gentle he is. I thought Terrans were barbaric brutes, capable of little more than war. But the way he acts and the ideals he speaks of, his people are a lot different than I thought. What I know is I want to stay by his side. Even though he knows my secret, he treats me like everyone else. The night when I slept by his side, I needed someone to help me. I think that was the moment I fell in love with him.”
“It was the same for me,” Seles said. “I would’ve died if it weren’t for him. He held me close and warmed me with his body. He cheered me up when I felt down. He was so inexperienced, so ignorant of his existence. I asked him a question when we were stuck there, a question I understand a lot better today.”
“What’s that?” Mira asked.
“I asked him: If we couldn’t get off this moon, what would he do? He answered the question with this,” Seles coughed before lowering her voice to simulate Brian’s; “If I have to spend eternity on a frozen rock in the middle of nowhere, at least I get to spend it with a beautiful alien girl.”
Mira chuckled. “That sounds like him alright.”
Seles laughed with her. “He’s a big fool. He came all the way to this planet and lied in front of the High Council just to save me.”
Mira leaned over. “Maybe it’s because he enjoys your presence in his quarters so much.”
Seles turned red while Mira laughed. “Oh stop, it’s not that funny.”
Mira stopped laughing. “I hope someday he comes to save me for the same reason. I should try ensnaring him with my charm when we get back to the Avoni.”
“I don’t know Mira; I don’t think he has a thing for girls with pink hair,” Seles said, smiling.
Mira flipped her hair. “I think he likes it just fine. I don’t think hair color determines his draw to women.” She smiled coyly. “And as you know, it’s tradition for noblewomen to share a Maigar if they both want him.”
Seles laughed. “I should be mad at you saying that, but I’ve already dealt with that issue.”
“Until Celi can spice things up by making a few clones of him,” Mira said, laughing.
Seles shook her head. “I don’t know if I could handle that. Having to deal with one Brian is enough.”
Chapter 42 – A Moment of Silence
The Avoni flew into orbit of Dega Jul and headed for the Heimus. Valis sat on the bridge with her crew at their battle stations.
She turned to Daes. “Does it look like other ships are heading to the given location?”
Daes turned on the scanner. “I can’t see any other Kalaidian ships other than the Heimus.”
Valis sighed before turning to Kivi. “I really hope we’re not the only ship to answer the call.”
“I’m sure more ships will come soon enough,” Kivi said while watching the monitor.
As the Avoni approached the Heimus, Zae turned to the captain. “We’re receiving a hail from the Heimus.”
“Put it through,” Valis commanded.
“Yes captain,” Zae said. The image of Captain Lena Obril on her bridge appeared. She stood up and approached the screen.
“It’s been a long time Captain
Valis,” Lena said. “I’m glad to see you and the Avoni doing well.”
Valis stood up. “It’s been six years since we last spoke. Against my better judgment, I’ve decided to join you in this battle. The queen and I have had our disagreements in the past, but she’s a just and competent ruler. I believe our home needs significant change, so I’ll aid the queen for now.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that Valis.” Lena’s eyes widened. “I didn’t expect this many.”
Valis turned to Zae. “How many ships are heading this way?”
Zae scanned near space. “It looks like two hundred and thirty ships are entering orbit right now. The port authorities are going crazy right now.”
Kivi joined Valis. “It looks like we won’t be going alone.”
“No it doesn’t.” Valis turned to Lena again. “It looks like every warship that defected six years ago will be joining us.”
Lena smiled. “I’m glad to see such fervor for the home world. I need to end this message for now Valis. My ship has many people trying to get through at the moment.” Lena saluted before the screen went black.
* * *
Brian sat back down on the bed and looked at Myden. “I need some time think, alone.”
Myden put his hood back up. “Take your time.” He opened the door and turned back to Brian. “You may be young, but you’re appearance has long been expected. Remember that there’s much more than just your desires to take care of. Unknowingly you’ve already changed the way the Kalaidian people think and feel. All I ask is for you to finish what you’ve started.”
Heaven Saga 1: The Lost Hero Page 21
