by Scott Baron
Once they had an actual destination, and plan, that is.
“Feel weird flying in someone else’s ship?” Laskar asked the pirate captain as they descended into the atmosphere.
“Not at all,” Lalaynia replied calmly. “Though usually when I’m in another ship, it’s because I’m about to take it,” she added.
Bud swiveled in his seat. “Hey, now. No stealing my ship, Laynia. Not cool.”
“Bud, darling. Would I ever do that to you?”
“I sure as hell hope not. Taking a fella’s ship like that? That’s just cold.”
“I assure you, my blood is anything but,” she replied with a chuckle. “Now, tell me about this Corann we’re going to meet.”
She knew that Corann was a Ghalian, and as such was a dangerous woman if she chose to be. But Lalaynia had often been described in much the same way, so that didn’t really faze her much. She also knew that the Ghalian were very secretive about whom they allowed into their confidence, and to be brought into the fold like this was something of an honor for the pirate captain.
This was one alliance she would do her utmost to nurture. Allied with the Wampeh Ghalian? Why, ships would surrender at the mere mention of her name if they ever knew that. If they allowed her to speak of it, that is. All of which was a moot point until they reached the surface and had their little confab.
Bud brought his ship in slowly, making a casual landing as if he had all the time in the world. The locals knew his craft by now, and when Hozark and his friends stepped out, they were greeted with friendly waves from those nearby.
It seemed that sweet, kindly Corann’s relative was back to visit again, and he had brought friends once more. Lalaynia enjoyed the warmth of the greeting that was afforded her as part of that group. Normally, the imposing woman inspired a bit of fear from those she met. Of course, that was a good thing in the pirating game. But here, in this place, it felt nice to not have people running for the hills at the sight of her for a change.
“Hozark! So glad you could make it, my dear,” a kindly, older woman with a broad grin and warm, smiling eyes said as she embraced the killer.
Hozark’s demeanor had notably shifted, Lalaynia noted, taking on the air of a relaxed and altogether unthreatening fellow visiting family. The way the Ghalian slipped in and out of character was something she’d always admired, and this was no exception.
Corann greeted the others as well, then paused in front of the new arrival.
Hozark made a polite introduction. “Corann, this is Lalaynia.”
“Such a tall woman,” Corann said with a cheerful grin. “It’s my pleasure to meet you.”
“The honor is all mine,” the pirate replied, offering her empty hand.
“Oh, don’t be silly. We’re huggers around here!” Corann said, pulling her in close for a warm embrace.
It was not what Lalaynia expected, but the feeling of the rock-solid muscle beneath the woman’s softer exterior confirmed what she had already assumed. This woman could kill her before she even drew her weapon if she really wanted to. A most interesting new ally, indeed.
Corann, for her part, was likewise impressed with the new visitor’s physical prowess, as well as her air of competence. She took a liking to her immediately. And that meant one thing.
“Come on back to the kitchen. I’ve just baked up some fresh sweets for the occasion, and after your flight, I bet you’d love a cup of tea.”
The pirate captain caught Bud’s amused grin as he watched the exchange. Apparently, he was well accustomed to the assassin’s motherly antics.
“That sounds lovely,” Lalaynia replied.
The group followed Corann back to her home, chatting merrily as they walked, all of them well accustomed to the role she played in public by this point. Once back in the safely muted walls of her home, they could discuss more pressing matters.
With tea and pastry in hand, of course.
“The spies have passed along the information you noted, Hozark, and are attempting to ascertain whether Visla Maktan is truly at that location. It is a bit tricky, however, as that is a location we are not embedded in. I fear it may take a little bit of time.”
“We have time,” he replied. “Henni’s location has been narrowed down to a dozen worlds. I have tasked the network with seeking her out, though if she is being held in a dungeon facility, it may very well take some time as well.”
Laskar seemed agitated. “So, we just wait now? I’m telling you, the lead on Maktan is a good one.”
“Our people are the best, and if your intel was accurate, we shall know soon enough,” Corann replied. “But given what we are up against, caution and planning are the order of the day.”
Hozark nodded his agreement, but the others seemed a bit more anxious to get moving sooner than later.
“Can we at least prep the ship?” Bud asked. “We might as well load up and get ready so we’re set to go as soon as we hear back.”
“A sound suggestion,” Hozark replied.
The adults went to work assembling what might be of use from Corann’s stockpile while Happizano gleefully showed their host his new tricks learned at the hand of Master Turong. She had been delighted to hear he had sent his regards, and had even commented that perhaps it was time for her to pay her old friend a visit, once this business had been dealt with.
But for now, they had a task at hand, and it needed to be seen to completion.
Evening had fallen when a knock at the door interrupted their dinner. Corann rose and answered it, her exclamations of happiness making it clear this was friend, not foe. Moments later, she closed her door and led their visitor in to join them.
“Demelza!” Hap exclaimed.
“Hello, Happizano,” she replied. “Good evening to you all.”
“Welcome back, Sister,” Hozark said, moving chairs and making space for her to join them.
Corann was already getting another plate of food for the new arrival. That one part of her act had now become so ingrained that it was doubtful she could not feed a guest even if she tried.
“Where the hell have you been?” Laskar asked through a full mouth.
Bud sighed. “Classy, man.”
“It’s all right, Bud. I do not mind,” Demelza said. She looked at Corann, who gave her a little nod. “I was on an errand for the order,” she continued. “A quest, if you like.”
“A quest? Like for the Balamar Waters?” Laskar joked.
Hozark said nothing but thought of the small vial of the priceless liquid stashed in his possessions, taken from the man who had slain his pupil. Such incredible healing power for others, yet so utterly deadly for Wampeh.
“No, not quite like that,” Demelza replied. “A bit more mythic, actually.”
“More than Balamar?”
“Actually, yes. I was seeking the Quommus.”
The table went silent, then Laskar, of course, burst into laughter.
“The Quommus? Oh, that’s priceless. People have been on futile hunts for that for centuries. It’s just some stupid legend, is all.”
“So we thought,” she replied. Something in her demeanor said there was much more to this story, and indeed there was. “But the interesting truth of it is, the Quommus actually does exist.”
Laskar paled at her words. “You’re kidding, right? A device capable of masking all magic? It’s impossible.”
“And yet, I found it,” she replied, barely containing her smile.
The table was abuzz at the news.
“You have done a great service to the order,” Hozark commended her.
“You’re saying it blocks your spells? Makes you invisible?” Lalaynia asked. “I only barely remember the story from when I was a kid.”
“If legends are correct, then it blocks nearly all detection of magical use, so yes, I suppose you could say it makes you invisible, in a way. Even the most powerful of target would have to be on their highest guard to stand a chance of overcoming its masking power. But th
ere is still much to learn about it. It is, after all, an extremely ancient and arcane tool.”
“I can’t believe it. You actually found it,” Laskar said, amazed. “Can we see it?”
“Later. Perhaps after we return from our next task. We must retrieve our friend and slay Maktan.”
“It could help with that,” the copilot continued.
Corann interrupted. “Perhaps, yes. But we do not understand how it works as of yet. For now, it is in a safe place to be studied.”
“So what are we waiting for? Let’s find the girl and take out Maktan once and for all,” Laskar said.
Hozark shook his head. “Soon, Laskar. Soon. But for the time being, we must wait. There are a dozen worlds on which our friend might be, and as for Maktan, we shall only have one shot at him, so we must be certain of his location. A failed attempt would almost certainly render him untouchable. So, for now, we dine, we rest, and we eat. And soon, with luck, we shall rescue our friend.”
Chapter Forty-Six
It was late, and Hap had gone to bed and Lalaynia had returned to her ship. Though Corann had offered her a comfortable place to sleep, the pirate had graciously declined. Her ship was her home, and given her druthers, she’d rather sleep in her own bed.
Corann understood. Especially for ones in so dangerous a profession as theirs. There was a security of familiar surroundings, as well as the countless weapons undoubtedly stashed within arm’s reach.
Sitting quietly in the cozy warmth of Corann’s dining room, Hozark and his friends drank the relaxingly sweet, and mildly alcoholic concoction their host had whipped up for them. They had discussed many things as the hour grew late, and after a while, it was Laskar who broached a somewhat delicate subject.
“So, you’re saying when you went on that little Ghalian errand, it was actually a rescue mission? And for a town full of Ootaki, no less? I’m telling you, you should have told me. I’m great in a fight.”
“As you so often remind us,” Demelza noted.
“But why didn’t you just have me back you up instead of leaving me and Hap on our own like that? I mean, I get it with the kid, you don’t want to go dragging him into a fight, but––”
“I asked him not to,” Corann interjected. “The protection of rescued Ootaki is a very sensitive matter among the Ghalian, and where they are relocated is a matter of the greatest secrecy.”
“But you’re talking about it now.”
“Yes, we are. But that is because, I am sad to say, Sooval is no longer their home. It is a shame. They had established a comfortable life there.”
“So, where did you send them?” the copilot asked.
Corann smiled warmly. “As I said. It is a secret.”
Laskar knew better than to push that point, no matter how his curiosity might be piqued. Instead, his curiosity turned to another tender point.
“Hozark, you said you ran into Samara again while you were there. What happened?”
“She tried to kill me, of course,” he replied.
It was his typical stoic answer to that sort of thing, but it was clear something about the encounter was bothering him, and this time it was Demelza who felt the need to pry, though out of concern for her friend’s well-being.
“Master Hozark, you have a long history with Samara. She was a Ghalian, and for many, many years. As such, she would share our beliefs about enslaving innocents. Why would she lead an assault on a peaceful Ootaki hideout?”
“I do not know,” he replied. “There is so much about her I do not understand. I attempted to ascertain why she would do such a thing, but that discussion went nowhere.”
“You talked while you fought?” Bud asked.
Hozark hesitated a moment. “We were trapped together beneath the collapsed city.”
“Hang on, you two were stuck together? For how long?”
“For some time,” he replied. “And in that span, she was unwilling to discuss any of her Council duties, or why she was working with them at all.”
The frustration just below the surface was almost palpable. He had tried to get answers but had failed. There was obviously something at play with their former comrade, but none of them knew what it could possibly be. And that was dangerous.
Laskar, however, seemed amped up by the idea of the two Ghalian opponents trapped together. “Oh man, you were stuck down there with your ex? Did you two fight?”
“No, Laskar, we did not fight,” Hozark replied with a sigh. “Instead of doing something so counterproductive, given the circumstances, we pooled our power and skills to survive the situation.”
“So, it was a truce of sorts?”
“Precisely.”
“And is there still a truce?”
“Sadly, that ended as soon as we reached the surface,” he said. “It is just so unlike her. To turn against us. To lead an attack on peaceful Ootaki. What could have convinced her to do this?”
“A very good question,” Demelza said. “Regardless of her reasoning, she has tried to kill you. And me as well. More than once, I might add.”
A faint hint of a smile tickled Hozark’s lips. “Yes. But as our adversary, would you respect her if she had done anything less?”
“A valid point,” Demelza admitted.
“But I cannot help but feel she was disapproving of elements of her tasks. Such as the taking of Henni. Her demeanor when I spoke of Henni’s capture… she appeared displeased with the whole affair.”
“Perhaps. But perhaps you are reading into the situation what you wish to see in it.”
“I am afraid Demelza is correct in her line of thinking on this matter,” Corann agreed. “We cannot know anything about her with any degree of certainty. Even if she did disapprove of Henni’s kidnapping, she still allowed it to happen under her watch.”
Hozark deflated ever so slightly. “Of course. I wanted to think well of our old friend. To give her the benefit of the doubt. But you are right. I was reading into nothing. Everything she did, everything she said…” He abruptly trailed off into silence.
Bud was a little unsettled by his friend’s odd reaction. “What is it, Hozark?”
“Wait. I must recall it.”
“Recall what?” Laskar asked.
“Shh, let him think,” Bud hushed the copilot.
Hozark furrowed his brow a moment, calling up the exact details from the vault of his mind. After a long pause, a smile spread across his lips.
“She did disapprove,” he said. “And while she could not overtly aide me in the recovery of our friend, she was able to provide a little road map.”
Laskar seemed confused. “What do you mean? You said she didn’t tell you anything.”
“So it seemed. But we now possess a list of the twelve places Henni might be held. And Samara narrowed the search for us.”
“I’m still not following you.”
“When we were trapped, I told her I would stop at nothing to recover our friend. She seemed to commiserate, and said, ‘I would not be surprised if all the stone and sand and bleached bones in the galaxy couldn’t keep you away.’”
“And?” Laskar asked.
“Don’t you see? It is spelled out for us. Hidden in plain sight.”
“Of course,” Corann said. “It’s clever, I’ll give her that.”
Poor Laskar was nearly beside himself. “What is?”
“She told me where Henni is. And it’s so obvious. We’ve been there before.”
“We have?”
“‘All the stone and sand and bleached bones.’ Look on the list of worlds where Henni might be. Only one fits that description.”
Bud’s eyes widened. “Holy shit, he’s right,” he exclaimed. “But damn, that’s a ballsy move, hiding her there.”
“Where?” Laskar exclaimed.
“Where we would not expect it. Where we have already fought and defeated Maktan’s lackeys. A world littered with the bones of those betrayed and slain by one of the Council’s most wicked of vislas. Wher
e Visla Trixzal revealed his true treachery.” Hozark turned to his pilot. “Contact Lalaynia, Bud. We are going to Actaris, and we leave at once.”
Chapter Forty-Seven
“Good. Now, again. Focus on your power. Feel it. Own it. Be confident knowing this is yours to control.”
Visla Jinnik was kind but firm in his instruction, but he had come to know Henni quite well in their relatively short time together, and he was confident she could handle it. In fact, she was doing more than just that.
While the key element of the lessons and practice were focusing her powers, harnessing them to do her bidding, there had been an unexpected second aspect that had proven to be quite enlightening. Henni, it seemed, was finally getting in touch with herself.
It was something she had never done in her relatively few years. A tough life in slavery, followed by an equally, albeit different, existence on the streets had made her hyper-alert. Always on guard. She had learned from an early age that you simply do not Zen out and turn your attention inward. If you did that, you could get beaten, or robbed. Or worse.
But here, locked deep within this structure, barricaded inside a magically secured cell, she was finally somewhere safe. At least from everything but the guards who would periodically drag her away to be drained. But aside from that, her cell, for meditation purposes at least, was probably the safest place on the planet.
Niallik had figured out a way to pull her power from her by force, after much effort and toil. Apparently, the mix of her and Jinnik’s powers being combined had a somewhat symbiotic effect on her draining apparatus. Jinnik felt it far more than she did, however, and it seemed his power took longer to recover.
Whether that was simply a result of his having his power pulled from him for so much longer than her or not was anyone’s guess. But whatever the reason, he was initially becoming weaker after every session. That forced Niallik to adjust her methods a bit, allowing them both longer rest periods to regain their strength.
It was in those times, when he finally felt well enough to sit up and focus, that he would continue to tutor his young apprentice. It wasn’t an official apprenticeship by any means, but he had taken a liking to the young woman and was finding her training to be the high point in his incarceration.
