“Oh, I’m afraid the book of prophecies is very serious.”
“You can’t expect me to...”
“You will not have a choice, Danielle, Warrior of the House of Cooper.”
“My friends?”
“They will be alright. Just as I told you.”
“Now,” the old woman said, picking up her golden sword. “This is the sword that you shall use. There is more I have for you.”
“What else is there?”
“I’ve been holding this equipment for over six hundred years.”
“Is that how old you are?”
“Oh, no, no, no...I’m much older than any other Antarian,” the old woman winked.
“Just how old are you?”
“I am seven hundred and two to be exact.”
“Exactly? This is your birthday?”
“Yes, indeed it is...but that word, birthday, I suppose it is the closest translation we’ll get.”
“Well, how about that,” Danielle said, pointing at another page, “It says that right here too.”
“Well, of course it does, my dear. I told you this ancient book of prophecies are never wrong.”
“What do you have for me?”
The old woman opened a cabinet on the far side of the room and emptied its contents, “Your armor. Complete with leggings, and arm braces with gloves and this helmet.”
“Nice. And how is it this fits?” Danielle said trying on the golden armor pieces.
“The book of...”
“Okay, okay, I get it. It was made for the unknown warrior that travels to Serintin.”
The woman nodded with satisfaction.
“What’s in the bag?” she asked, looking at a long and round green colored bag.
“Let me show you, but we must go outside to see it.”
“Is it safe out there?”
“Oh yes. Quite safe indeed.”
“Then why did you say it wasn’t”
“Do you think you would have followed me if I said any different?”
“I suppose not.”
The old woman picked up the bag and took it outside, unzipped it and removed a harness which appeared to have dozens of sharp blades attached. She helped Danielle with the harness and the blades flowed behind her back.
“Now, take a defensive stance,” the old woman instructed.
Danielle took her golden sword and made like the beast was approaching her. The blades shot out, forming wings.
“What the hell?”
The old woman laughed, “This is how you are to protect yourself from the beast. When it soars toward you, you can deploy these blades, which will prevent the beast’s attack from above.”
Danielle stood upright once more and the wings lowered back into place, “Well, that’s convenient.”
“I thought you’d like that.”
“Is there anything else I need to know?”
“No, I’m afraid anything else I tell you won’t help you. Now go, you must hurry. Confront the Boreshog before it sees your friends. Then bring its head to Dumakas and fulfill the prophecy.”
________________________
Serintin Rescue Ship
________________________
Parker stood watch on top of the rescue ship. He held his field glasses and scanned the area. Then he pointed, across the field to the north forest edge, “There they are!”
Hopkins looked up at Parker, “How many?”
“There are two; a man and woman...looks like they made it out together,” Parker shouted.
Captain Hopkins climbed to the top of the ship and took the field glasses from Parker, “Let me see...yep, that looks like Race. But that is not Danielle!”
“If it’s not Danielle, then who?”
“That’s a great question. Malcom,” Hopkins shouted below, “Can you get a read on the woman that’s with Race?”
Malcom looked up at the Captain, “There’s too much interference with that energy stream so close, but maybe with Artemis’s assistance.”
“Well, get to it then. They’ll be here in a couple of minutes, and I don’t like surprises.”
Artemis climbed out of the rescue ship and came over to Malcom. The two touched foreheads and locked their spindly fingers on each other’s forearms.
“Well?”
Finally, Malcom released Artemis and looked up, “It’s a Draconian woman. That’s all we can tell. Sorry we can’t do any better than that.”
Hopkins handed the glasses back to Parker and climbed down to the ground, “Parker, keep a close eye out until we’re ready to leave.”
Fletcher poked his head out of the hatch, “We’re leaving without Danielle, Sir?”
“We’re out of time. We have to get back to the pickup point, like, now!”
Race and Skati arrived to the rescue ship, their eyes continued to be glossed over, still in their hypnotic trance.
Captain Hopkins extended his hand to Race, “Colonel Jennings, I’m very glad to see you.”
Race simply stood there, not making any eye contact.
“Race! What’s wrong, man?” Hopkins said, taking Race by the shoulders, he shook him. “Come on, man! Snap out of it!” and then he slapped his face with a snap.
Race shook his head and focused on Captain Hopkins, “What’s going on, Danielle? Where’s Danielle?”
“You don’t know where she is?” Hopkins asked.
“No, no...I-I can’t remember what happened...we were making our way through the forest, and now, I’m standing here with Skati.”
“Who?” Hopkins asked.
“Oh, yeah. Sorry, this is Skati...Danielle spared her life in the arena.”
“Yes,” Skati nodded, “Allow me to introduce myself to you. I am Skati Narfason, Empress of Sigma Draconis.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Hopkins nervously nodded, “So, where’s Danielle?”
“I wish I knew,” Race rubbed his eyes, “Everything’s a fog right now.”
“Then we can’t worry about her right now. Come on, let’s get packed up and bug out of here.”
Fletcher returned to the safety of the rescue ship, “I’m all for that, Sir!”
Race and Skati entered the ship, followed by Artemis and Malcom. Hopkins shouted up to Parker, “Okay, come on down and let’s get this bird fired up.”
“I’m on it, Sir!”
“Darnash,” Hopkins said, “My offer still stands if you want to come with us.”
“No, my place will be here on Serintin. I will look for Danielle and assist her with the Boreshog.”
“You sure she’s gonna fight that thing?” Hopkins asked.
“Yes, I am certain. I will do what I can to keep her safe.”
“Thank you for all your help, Darnash.”
“You are quite welcome, Captain Hopkins. I just wished we could have met under different conditions.”
“Stay safe, my friend,” Hopkins said, shaking his large hand, “I’m certain we will meet again.”
“Yes, I feel you are correct, Captain Hopkins. I think you put it as ‘good luck’ if my translation is accurate.”
“Yes, good luck to you too, Darnash.”
Darnash turned and headed to the forest in search of Danielle.
Hopkins watched the giant fade into the forest, and then climbed into the rescue ship. He pulled the hatch closed and turned the wheel, sealing them inside.
Parker was already strapped in the pilot seat, and the Captain quickly joined him at the front of the ship.
Cinching his shoulder straps, he turned to Parker, “You sure we’ve got enough battery power to ignite the thrusters?”
“No, I’m not certain of anything, Sir...but here goes,” he flipped switches and turned knobs on his console. Turning to the Captain, “Well, so far so good, Sir. We’ve got auxiliary power.”
“Great, all systems powering up,” Hopkins said over the whine of the ships systems as they came back to life.
“The real test is about to happen,�
� Parker said. Squinting his eyes, he flipped the power controls to the on position for the engines and was rewarded with full power, “Ahhh, like music to my ears, Sir!”
“Alright people. Make sure you’re buckled down good and tight, it’s going to get rough from here on out!” Hopkins ordered.
Parker shoved the thruster control forward, sending power to the engines and lifted the rescue ship off the ground.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
________________________
Serintin
Valley of Trenches
________________________
Darnash followed the forest tree line to the Valley of Trenches. When he spotted Danielle holding a golden sword and sporting the blade-wielding wings, he ran to her.
“Danielle.”
“Darnash!” she exclaimed, “I didn’t expect to see you again. I thought you would have fled this moon after your treason.”
“I decided the rescue ship would be far too cramped. Plus, I thought you could use some help defeating the beast.”
“I found all the help I need, thank you.”
“It appears that you ran into Dumakas’ grandmother.”
“Yes, I did. Pretty nifty, huh?”
“If she gave you these things, it surly means she believes you to be the warrior that is in the ancient book of prophesies.”
“Well, that’s what she told me...but I gotta tell ya, I’m not all too keen on having to remain here on Serintin.”
“If the scrolls are true, you will not have a choice, my Lady.”
“So the book of prophecy says,” Danielle creased her brow and trembled.
“Do not fear what you do not understand, my Lady. Once you partake of the blood lust of the beast, you will understand.”
“I am sorry, Darnash. I’m having difficulty believing.”
“You do not have to believe a thing for it to be true. Now I suggest putting those thoughts out of your mind, and face the beast of the field.”
Danielle clenched the golden sword with both hands, her white knuckles hidden by the metal and leather gloves. Darnash, fully aware of the woman’s trepidation, began providing instructions, “I will flank the beast and gain his attention, and then you charge from his rear.”
“...and if that doesn’t work?” Danielle asked with furrowed brow.
“It shall work. However, should the beast detect you before you can jump on its back, then fight it head on. If it begins to soar toward you, deploy your wings so it will not be able to grab you with its talons.”
She nodded with understanding, and Darnash smiled in return, “It will be fine, my Lady. Now I shall skirt the forest and then get it to turn its back to you.”
“Be careful, Darnash!” Danielle shouted as he turned to take his leave.
Darnash stopped for a moment, turned back and gave her a reassuring grin, “of course, my Lady.”
She watched Darnash disappear in the forest and waited for the beast to turn its back to her.
________________________
The Rock
Secondary Jump Coordinates
________________________
“Trygg,” Jed said, shaking the alien’s hand, “Styr, it has been my pleasure to have you aboard.”
“Captain,” Trygg answered, grasping his forearm as the two shook, “The pleasure has been ours.”
“I feel we will begin to forge a great relationship between our two races.”
“Yes, Jedidiah, of this we are certain. Good luck, Captain. I hope you recover your people safely.”
Jed bid farewell to the Draconians and then accompanied Commander Jameson toward the CSC.
“Great bunch of people,” Jameson nodded.
“Yes, fortunately for us.”
“Guess not all aliens out here are bad.”
“Guess not, Sir,” Jameson paused as Chief Kelly approached, “Chief, recall the CAP and seal off the landing bay once the Draconians have departed. Prepare for jump!”
“Aye, Sir!” Chief Kelly acknowledged, not breaking his stride. “Major Phillips, recall the CAP, we’re getting outta here!” Kelly reported over his headset.
Jedidiah and Commander Jameson entered the CSC, Jed barked orders to his crew, “Begin jump prep! Lieutenant Collins, report when all fighters and support ships have returned. NAV, set jump rendezvous coordinates, and prepare emergency standby location back to the Betelgeuse sector.”
“Aye, Sir!” Collins replied.
“Sir,” Lieutenant Henderson reported, “The Draconians have launched and are clear of the flight deck. The last fighter is landing now.”
“Great,” Jameson nodded, “start the clock!”
“Commencing two minutes countdown,” the NAV station acknowledged.
“Sir,” Henderson began, “Chief Kelly says the flight deck is secured and locked down. We’re ready for jump.”
Jed fastened himself in his standing position restraint system and began his systems check, “Spool FTL drives.”
“Jump drives spooling, Sir!”
“Sub light!”
“Go!”
“NAV!”
“Go!”
“Tactical!”
“Go!”
“Jump resolution check!”
“We’re a go, Captain!” each station reported in cadence.
“Generate negative energy densities!”
“Generating negative densities,” the engineer station reported.
“FTL!”
“Jump drive is spooled one-hundred percent...GO!”
“The board is green, Captain!” Commander Jameson acknowledged.
“Initiate jump!”
________________________
Agamemnon
Betelgeuse Sector
________________________
Admiral Gilmore looked up to his tactical station, listening to the report, “Sir, the Bristol is checking in. They have completed their nuke deployment.”
“How’s the Yamato coming with theirs?”
“They’re just now reporting in, Sir. They’ve completed setting their nukes and are heading back to formation, as well.”
“Sir!” Lieutenant Casey shouted, “Our CAG is reporting major activity on their scanners!”
“Lieutenant Hudson,” Commander Bridges ordered, “verify!”
“Yes, Sir,” Hudson admitted, “confirm: at least fifteen...no, make that twenty radar blips!”
“Sound General Quarters! Chief Shumote,” Commander Bridges ordered, “Launch all birds! Repeat this is not a drill, we have inbound bogies, launch all fighters!”
“Arm point defense systems,” Admiral Gilmore ordered, “launch all drones!”
“Affirmative, Sir. Launching all fighters,” the comm officer nodded, “Sending word to the Bristol and Yamato, they’re launching their fighters as well!”
“Casey, program one of our drones and send it though the corridor with the following message: Captain Wilson, this is Admiral Gilmore. We are under heavy attack. Proceed with operation Meat Hook.”
Aye, Sir,” Casey nodded, as he busily manipulated his console, “Message programmed...drone dispatched!”
“Bring the Bristol on our starboard and the Yamato on our port,” Commander Bridges ordered. “We must keep those Antarians from entering the corridor.”
“The nukes are ready to detonate, Sir!” Lieutenant Hudson reported.
“We can’t fire them off while we’re still in this sector, we’re too close!” Bridges yelled.
“Enemy fighters are engaging ours, Sir. Point defense systems are active!”
The comm officer sent the CAG’s voice over the CSC speakers, “There’s too many of them! Can’t hold them all off!”
“Sir, what are your orders?”
“They’re taking a beating out there!” Bridges said, stroking the nape of his neck.
“Keep pushing ‘em back!” Admiral Gilmore ordered, “Get the Bristol and Yamato out to a safe distance. Helm, turn us about...full speed to
thrusters, head us to the Event Horizon!”
“But, Sir...”
“Don’t but sir me! Get ‘err done, Mister!”
“Aye, Aye, Sir!” Lieutenant Fleming ordered, then turning to the helm, “You heard the man! Turn us about, NOW!”
“Incoming!” Hudson reported, “Several missiles inbound!
“Get our birds to change tactics. Tell them to take out as many of those missiles as they can!”
“Yes, Sir! They’re on it!”
________________________
Serintin
Valley of Trenches
________________________
Danielle began her run when the Boreshog faced the exposed Darnash. She held the golden sword high as she sprinted toward the beast. Darnash stood his ground, his sword pointed at the approaching beast.
The Boreshog took flight and soared a few feet off the ground, its large bat-like wings pushing down and outward, catching air, creating lift. The beast gained speed with each flap of those great wings. Danielle saw it heading straight for the large Antarian, talons extended, ready to yank Darnash off of the ground. She yelled out, gaining the monster’s attention.
The Boreshog dropped its large hooved feet to the ground. The great beast slid forward, its huge wings flapping now to stop. Finally it straightened and turned to face Danielle. The beast lifted its ugly head and roared its challenge to the red sky. Then it took off at a gallop toward Danielle. The Boreshog lifted back into the air and soared with its talons fully extended.
Darnash charged at the flying beast, lunged and swung his mighty sword. The huge Antarian’s blade missed the Boreshog by inches. Then Danielle yelled out. Darnash regained his footing, and pursued the beast as it flew at Danielle.
His long strides nearly matched the flying monster as it sliced through the air in pursuit of the human.
Danielle squatted close to the ground, deploying the deadly knives. The Boreshog reached out to grab her shoulders, only to be pierced clean through by several of the wing appendages. The beast flapped its large wings to gain balance. The mass of the beast caught on her blades pulled Danielle into the air. Soon though, the blades pulled back out of the flying creature from her weight. She fell to the ground in a heap. The monster bled from where its hands had grabbed the blades. Danielle was quickly on her feet, watching the flying creature bank gracefully to the left, circling around for another attack.
Warlords Saga Page 23
