Some of her energy dripped down within his. Congealing around him, he could taste the coldness that formed her essence. Braklen spat trying to get rid of the taste of her. It was too late. He’d absorbed her. It made him woozy and he struggled to keep his form together.
Weird. He wasn’t used to things happening like this. Braklen felt like he’d been in a blender instead of being in the Energy Field. It’s not real, but the pendant felt real when he touched it.
Braklen looked around and realized that he was suspended in darkness. Fear sunk its teeth into him. There was no path. Not even a hint of one. Frantically, he searched, but it was like he was trapped in a black box. The teeth sunk deeper into his energy, pain made it feel real. Triena helped him out before. This time he was on his own. Pain held him tight and kept him stuck in the black prison. I’ve got no idea how to get back.
~
Wake up. The rabbit sniffed around Rangit’s head. I can’t fly this bloody ship. He wished he could. Two legs, opposable thumbs, and I’d be after the Peacekeepers in a flash.
His body ached, so much so that he couldn’t work out where the injury was. But that didn’t matter. He was separated from Triena and Braklen. The Peacekeepers thought Rangit was dead and left him, firing a shot in his back for good measure.
The rabbit used his own energy to protect Rangit, so he still lived. Just. And he wasn’t going to live for much longer. The rabbit sneezed from the residue of particles hanging in the air. It was still difficult to see. The Peacekeepers had taken their fallen.
Bloodstains marked the floor where they died. The rabbit could feel their essence lingering, wanting to anchor back in the living. But, it didn’t cling to him, or to Rangit. It must know we aren’t long for this world. He pushed their energy away with his own, creating a clear area around them. Rangit didn’t need the heaviness of death to keep him unconscious.
I’ll piss on your boots. The rabbit bounced down to Rangit’s feet. I have to get him up, otherwise I’ll die here on this ship. I’d rather be put in the pot than die of starvation stuck out here in space. There was a small problem with his threat in that for once he had no need to relieve himself. But he got into position anyway. Say goodbye to your boots.
Don’t you fuckin’ dare.
The rabbit pricked up his ears. What was that? Do I hear a protest?
Rangit moved his foot, side-swiping the rabbit and knocking him over.
The rabbit tumbled for a moment before finding his feet. He ignored the pain burning through his body and hopped back to Rangit. Get up, Rangit, we’ve got work to do.
Rangit’s foot twitched and the rabbit bounced back.
You’ve got enough energy for the both of us.
Not quite. He twitched his ears as he waited for the pulsing pain to subside in his body. The Peacekeepers will be back. They marked the ship to be salvaged and a team is on the way to make the collection.
Rangit groaned. His eyes remained closed. He didn’t move.
The rabbit crawled towards the man’s head, slowly so as not to cause pain to shoot through his body. When they get here, they will kill you, eat me, and rip apart the ship.
I’ve gotten fond of the Petal.
Well, if you want to keep this ship you have only one option. Get up. Now. The rabbit thumped his back foot on the floor.
Rangit’s eyes flickered open and he groaned. I feel like I’ve been hit a thousand times.
Only twice, with a particle gun set to kill.
Those weapons don’t fail. I’m alive because …
I’m offended you even have to ask.
Well, at least I didn’t die. Rangit groaned heavily as he sat up. He clutched his chest. I think I’m going to now. He gasped for air.
Oh, stop being so dramatic. The plan didn’t work, but we still have options to get to the Queens’ castle. Unless you are happy to take your chances with the salvage team. The rabbit slipped into the Energy Field.
He saw the large ship, wide with an empty hull coming towards them. They’ll be here in less than an hour. He settled his essence back into the Energy. He’d been careful not to leave a print, or take the chance to go and see Triena.
Where are they? Rangit asked.
Peacekeepers took them both.
Rangit held on to the crate near him to help haul himself onto his feet. He wobbled. Who shot me?
She did. The rabbit looked at Rangit. His skin was ashen, blood and grime smeared his face and hands. Their chances weren’t good. Both of them looked like they had crawled back from death.
You should’ve trained her better, thought Rangit as he took a tentative step.
The rabbit held his breath. Between them, they might stand a chance. I think she did the right thing.
Didn’t look like it. Rangit grimaced in pain as he walked.
The rabbit hopped forward towards the stairs. A headache thudded in his head. We better get working.
Yep, I’m betting there’s more work than what we can manage. He limped forward.
My teeth are ready, thought the rabbit. I can chew through wires for hours.
Don’t you go chewing any wires unless I say so.
Spoil-sport. Hope you know how to take off the salvage lock.
No fuckin’ idea. Rangit followed the rabbit up to the bridge.
That’s what I figured. We could well be doomed to die on this ship after all.
“You’re a real bundle of joy,” said Rangit as he eased himself onto the chair in front of the controls. “This is a bloody mess.”
We will be a bloody mess if you don’t do something, answered the rabbit as he hopped around the bridge area.
“Keep your ears on,” said Rangit. “I need to concentrate.”
Touchy. The rabbit settled himself near the chair and watched Rangit hit a few buttons.
“She sure is locked down,” grumbled Rangit.
The rabbit clicked his ears together. I can help through the Energy.
“Good. Get moving.” Rangit continued to punch through a series of codes on the screen, grumbling as he worked.
The rabbit fluffed up his fur and settled into a comfortable position before easing his awareness into the Energy Field. He jumped as he heard something shatter. It took a moment for him to realize that it was in the Energy Field and not something that Rangit was doing.
Curiosity got the better of him, and he moved towards the sound, slowly, keeping his energy masked in a bubble so that whoever was causing this disturbance wouldn’t see him. It wouldn’t do well to alert the Queens that he was alive, but so far they hadn’t realized that he, a rabbit, was able to use the Energy as well as they did and was helping Triena and Braklen.
A cold wind blew over the rabbit. He sensed the essence of a Queen, one that had just been absorbed into the Energy Field. Triena is working quickly. He thought proudly. She’s doing all right after all. Still, the rabbit would rather be by her side watching her, instead of being trapped on this ship.
A glow of energy ahead caused him to change direction. Fuck the Queens. The rabbit saw Braklen’s energy form. He was responsible for removing another Queen? The rabbit couldn’t believe it. Suppose that’s why these two are meant to be, and need each other.
He moved in closer and saw that somehow Braklen had trapped himself within a box. Idiot.
With patience and care, the rabbit unraveled the box, releasing Braklen. The man stood stunned for a moment. Honestly, I have to do way too much, thought the rabbit. He sent a blast of energy towards Braklen, which pushed him onto the path and sent him tumbling back to his body.
You’re meant to look out for Triena, not get yourself caught. One problem dealt with, now, to the next one. He turned his attention back to the Field and began looking for the imprint on the Petal.
Rangit’s annoyance for the lack of help rippled towards him. The rabbit built up his protective bubble and moved quickly through the Energy searching for the imprint.
There. The ship was easy e
nough to find. He could see his own life form pulsing inside along with Rangit. Nothing like standing out too much. The rabbit fabricated a cloak around the ship so that if anyone looked through the Energy Field at them they wouldn’t realize anyone was on board. Then he set about getting the lock off the ship, so they could get the hell out of here.
He squeezed his form into the lock that the Peacekeepers had put on the ship. A maze of options extended out in front of him. It’d be easier to have the damn code.
The rabbit took the path to his right and weaved around and around within the lock until he came to a steel wall that he couldn’t get through no matter what.
Fuck the Queens. He’d lost his way in the maze of the lock. This was wasting valuable time, and the salvage team would be getting close. He doubled back, went to the left and this time ended up in the center of the lock and found the code.
The rabbit memorized the symbols of the code, then linked to the essence of Rangit. I hope you’re ready.
The rabbit sent the codes to Rangit. This method wasn’t perfect. Rangit might not get the message, it might be scrambled, and he might only get part of it. The man might have some skill with the Energy but wasn’t properly trained. This was the quickest way to ensure the code was entered and they could leave before more people arrived who’d want to kill them.
The symbols sent, the rabbit assured himself that he hadn’t left an imprint. He doubled the protective cloak around the ship so that they’d hopefully have a chance of reaching the Queens’ castle. A jolt caused the rabbit to lose his balance. Fuck …
He shook his body and looked up at Rangit at the bridge. I hadn’t finished.
“Not my fault,” said Rangit. Red light reflected off his face as he kept his attention on the screen. The ship shook violently.
Where did you get your flying license? The rabbit slid into the wall as the ship tilted sharply to one side. Pain burned through his body.
“Don’t have one.” Rangit held tight on to one lever as it shuddered.
Explains things. The rabbit braced himself as the ship righted itself and he scrambled on the slippery floor to find purchase with his paws.
Rangit was thrown back in the seat as the ship jolted backwards. The rabbit was sent flying back towards the door. He tumbled out of the bridge. Then ship tilted forward, sending them back into the room.
What the hell is going on? The rabbit was struggling to keep himself from slamming into the wall again. You got the codes.
“And not a moment too late,” said Rangit as he punched in a series of codes. “Weapons would be helpful right now.”
We don’t need weapons. We need to just be able to go fast. The rabbit trembled. His body ached all over from the attack. Fresh bruises awakened the old pain.
“Salvage team is here.”
Fuck the Queens.
“My thoughts exactly,” said Rangit. He glanced back over to the rabbit. “Well then let’s hope we can outrun them with this rust bucket.”
Yes. The rabbit clicked his ears together. Just when things were looking up. Fire up those engines and let’s get the hell out of here. All hope of making it to the castle faded away from the rabbit. Looks like Triena and Braklen are on their own.
~
Triena twisted her hair into a plait. Somewhat rested, she’d showered and found a clean robe, one that didn’t smell so much of Arkina. The sharp citrus small of the Queen caused guilt to twist in her heart.
A sharp pain punched into her stomach and she doubled over, gasping for air. Wrapping her arms around her belly, she pressed in hard to try and comfort herself but the throbbing continued.
What’s wrong? She sank onto her knees, curling into a tight ball against the discomfort that clawed at her belly.
Triena concentrated on her breath. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She focused on escaping the pain. Maybe they’re trying to contact me again. Bile rose to her mouth and she swallowed hard. As quickly as the sensation came, it left.
“Fuck the Queens.” Triena rolled over on her side, her body sweating, and her breath tight. Once her breath returned to normal, she sat up, resting her back against the end of the bed, curling her legs into the meditative pose.
There was only one thing to do, find out what the hell that was about. She had to go into the Energy Field. It’s too risky. But, then so was not knowing what was going on. Something had changed and she had to find out what.
Please don’t let it be Braklen. Please not him. A shiver ran the length of her spine. It can’t be him. She wished she’d gone down to see him, then she’d know. I shouldn’t have left him alone on the ship. Triena no longer cared about getting caught, she just wanted to make sure that he was safe and not open to attacks by the Queens.
Triena could imagine what the rabbit would be telling her right now. Concentrate. But, her mind and body ached from the sudden pain that had been inflicted on her, and her aura felt fragmented. Pull it together. She couldn’t go into the Energy Field like this, not when she had to keep her energy print hidden.
Taking relaxing breaths, she focused her third eye on a tiny flower bud. The small green immature bud began to blush red, then it opened to the world, petals fluttering open as if willing the flower to have wings and fly through the world. The life energy washed over Triena, settling her fragmented aura. Her body remained sore, but she had enough of an anchor within herself to now visit the Field.
Slowly she began to make the change of state. Along the way she wove herself a large shawl with Arkina’s essence. The brightly coloured shawl was heavy around her etheric form, a burden to move with, but the weight eased the anxiety that vibrated in Triena’s essence. Braklen, where are you?
Triena wanted to find him in the darkness, feel his essence envelop around hers. She longed to sense him with every part of her energy. Instead she couldn’t find him. She searched slowly because of the weight of the shawl and she had to be careful.
The Energy around her shimmered, and a scene began to form around her. Her vibrations slowed with disappointment. The walls of the catacombs built up around her. Damp energy floated around her, and the Queens stood in a semi-circle. But, it was different.
Something was missing. Something had changed. Triena counted the women. Nine. Who managed to kill one of the Queens? Her thought escaped without Triena meaning it to.
Who do you think? A Queen stepped forward, short in height. She now wore the gold band.
Triena kept silent. The energy between the women was thick with fear and anger. It wasn’t me. Maybe it had been a Priest?
Triena held herself in a small, tight sphere.
Or maybe it was her. The Queen moved out of the circle and stood in front of Triena. She could just make out the woman’s dark eyes through the white veil.
Triena? She had to say her name. But she is in a cell, unable to do something like this.
It wasn’t her. The Queen came closer and Triena stepped back automatically.
It wasn’t me.
Well, who else would it be? She raised her hands, one held a sickle.
Any one of you. Triena kept her resolve. The other women moved towards her. Any one of you could’ve done this. Besides, why would I do this now? I’ve got nothing to gain by it.
You’ve summoned us here, another Queen spoke. Her voice was older and lower in tone.
I didn’t. Triena looked between the Queens. This was like the nightmare that she had been dreaming, the one where she ended up torn apart in a reading.
Get us here together, and then take us out all at once, thought the older Queen.
No. That wouldn’t work. I’d die in the process. She sensed their paranoia growing between them, feeding each other.
Someone killed her.
And what was she doing? Who was she with? thought Triena, trying to gain some ground. She refused to step back as the Queens crowded around her. Their energy was suffocating, suppressing.
She’d gone to check on the man. To make s
ure you hadn’t hurt him, thought the Queen who’d claimed the gold band. And she ended up dead.
And what of the man? He wasn’t hurt, was he? Have you looked? She betrayed you, not me. You are all fools to be this scared and ready to point the finger, when you haven’t played out your own roles.
Triena felt the power growing inside her. She wasn’t going to let them bully her.
The Queen paused. I don’t need to check.
So you’d kill me? Then check later? How many of us would you kill? You want to be the one, don’t you? The accusation vibrated heavily around them.
The Queen paused.
So, kill me then, take me now. Triena’s confidence grew, expanding out and washing over them. But, you’ll have to take out all the others here, because they will turn on you. Especially when you find out you were wrong. It will be clear in the Energy what happened.
It was you. Doubt clouded her thoughts.
Triena knew that she had gained the upper hand. How could it be? I wouldn’t show myself here if it was. That would be stupid. She moved closer to the Queen. Did you all vote on who should wear the gold band? Or did she take it?
She took it, thought one of the older women. All the Queens turned to the one who wore the gold band.
Just as I thought. I’ll leave you to sort this out. I’ve got an important person to deliver to you tomorrow, and I’d better go and check that she hasn’t done anything to her.
I haven’t. But the women ignored her. They circled the Queen wearing the gold headband.
Triena moved backwards, away from the scene. She didn’t want to be here when they tore each other apart. She eased her awareness back into her body and smiled. Braklen, you’re a clever boy after all. It hadn’t taken her long to work out that he’d killed another Queen.
She stretched her legs out. Her muscles had cramped from sitting in the same position for a long time. She moved her legs and then her arms, slowly, easing the blood back into her muscles.
Now, more than ever she wanted to see Braklen. I have to see him. I’ve got to make sure. And the glimmer of hope that she’d just seen with the Queens was that they’d begun to turn on each other. That’s going to make things a bit easier for me.
Flower Queen (Flower Readings Book 3) Page 14
