Daughter Of Ethos: The Ascension Book 7

by L M Lacee

  ‘Wonderful, although I will miss you.’ She told him, then smiled as he grinned. Sighing, she said. ‘Okay, let’s finish this. Then I need a shower and we need the family in the viewing lounge for a long talk, please Jax?’

  I will make it happen Madam.

  ‘Oh, so nice to have you talking again.’

  Thank you, be aware Chef Helen has taken Mystic Gorin as hers. Apparently she overheard him talking about his sisters, and she has decided he and his sisters need mothering.

  ‘Oh my, how is Larson taking that?’

  Like he does everything else.

  ‘Well, that really says it all. Okay Jax dearle, we are going in.’

  I will monitor.

  SIXTY-FIVE:

  Kardan opened the door to the holding room. It was similar to the one Leanii Undinly was being held in. Except this room had no beds and only a table and chairs.

  Four Elites, a Mystic who rightly should have been an Elder and Peyton entered. As soon as the Elders saw them they started battering at their shields. Peyton was surprised to see the males were not as old as the Elders that had been on Yanarah. Although they too were bald, their faces were unlined and their eyes were a pale green.

  She ordered. ‘Stop that. You will fail, neither of you have the talent nor the power to break our shields.’

  The attack halted and the older of the two Elders asked in a flat, hard voice. ‘What do you want of us?’

  Kardan asked Jarrmeru. ‘You know who these Elders are?’

  He nodded to the older male and said. ‘Ositer Wainsrow. Gorin’s father and his half-brother Edgarr Vitow.’

  Peyton smiled as she took the seat Kardan held for her. The others stood against the wall at her and Kardan’s backs. ‘What I want is your death, nothing less. You attacked my people and my Embassy. Because of you, over five hundred people died unnecessarily.’

  Kardan casually told them. ‘We killed the other two Elders. If you were hoping for a rescue.’

  ‘Lies, you cannot kill our brethren.’

  Jarrmeru said. ‘They are dead.’

  The information coming from Jarrmeru seemed to give them pause. Finally Edgarr Vitow asked in a soft squeaky voice. ‘How… How is this possible?’

  ‘One can do very little without a head, even an Elder.’ Jarrmeru explained and he could not help the fierce smile that spread over his face.

  They looked at Peyton, who shrugged as she told them with a smirk. ‘I did not remove them. My people did. You had to have known before entering this fight that you were warring with the Kail! He by the way was the one to capture your asses.’

  At their outraged expressions, she smiled and said. ‘One of the Elders was killed by my Pride Leader and Scout Commander. And a girl killed the other.’ She smirked as she said that and was positive she heard a few snickers from behind her. ‘Sad to say, you are the last of your kind.’

  Ositer Wainsrow smirked as well. ‘You lie well. It is impossible to believe all thirteen of us have been removed.’

  Kardan asked. ‘Why do you say that?’

  ‘It is obvious,’ stated the smirking Elder, ‘the Universe remains.’

  Peyton frowned as she asked. ‘You believe if all the Elders had been killed, the Universe would be no more.’

  ‘Yes, it is written in our histories.’

  ‘But your High Elder wrote your histories.’

  ‘Exactly!’

  She looked over at Jarrmeru, who stated. ‘That is what we are taught.’

  ‘Well, okay, but you are wrong.’

  ‘How so?’ Asked Elder Vitow.

  ‘It’s simple, really. The Universe still exists because you are not dead yet!’

  Peyton grinned at their expressions of consternation. Obviously they had not thought of that. Hawk said. ‘I cannot wait to find out if what their histories say is true.’

  Jarrmeru laughed. ‘Considering we sit in the presence of the Star Daughter. Yes I see what you mean.’

  Ositer Wainsrow pulled himself together and said. ‘Regardless, you cannot have killed all eleven of us.’

  ‘Well, if you insist. I will tell you how it was done.’ Peyton clasped her hands together, gave them both a fake smile then said. ‘I removed six from Yanarah, as well as the High Elder. That makes seven right there. Kail Jarrod removed one here a day or so ago. So that makes eight. Do you want me to go on?’

  ‘Yes.’ They both snarled.

  ‘No need to be rude. Pride Leader Rage and Commander Harm killed one during the fighting. And the girl I mentioned, she killed one all by herself. That makes ten, and of course there are the two of you.’

  Edgarr Vitow smirked as he said. ‘That only accounts for twelve.’

  ‘Oh, so it does. I forgot the one the Star Child found cowering in a closet on some remote moon far from here. I believe they are holding him with the others for questioning. It seems the Star Child is not very impressed with what you all did with your gifts. So by my count that makes thirteen. What say you, my mate?’

  ‘Definitely thirteen.’

  Ositer Wainsrow demanded. ‘I want to talk to my son, Gorin. I know he is here.’

  Kardan asked. ‘Why do you wish to speak to him?’

  ‘He is my son.’

  ‘I do not believe he wishes to speak to you, not after finding out about this mother.’

  Elder Wainsrow sighed dramatically, then smirked. ‘Unfortunately, she would not tell me what she had done with her daughters or where Gorin was. No matter the persuasion we used.’

  Kardan placed a calming hand on Peyton’s arm as her anger bubbled to the surface.

  His eyes hardened as he said. ‘I see. It would take two cowards to have done what you did. But at least Gorin and his sisters remain alive, while you… well, you will die, eventually.’

  Edgarr Vitow demanded. ‘What does that mean?’

  ‘As the Star Daughter already stated, she just wants you dead, and that is because she is a generous person. Sadly for you, I am not! The punishment I have devised will take many luneras if not yentas to complete. Cowards who hide in the shadows and torture females and children do not have the right to a quick and easy death. My heart, can you permanently remove their abilities?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Please do so. Reeve make ready a cruiser.’

  ‘As you wish.’

  ‘Jarrmeru, if you would go with my brothers and escort these two to the Raiders that are orbiting the planet.’

  Jarrmeru inclined his head. ‘Of course, Amahka.’

  Hawk asked. ‘Amahka, your instructions?’

  ‘Tell Shonner Jen, she may use them for whatever she wants. When she is through with her games. She will summon me, and I will notify the Star Child. She may take as long as she likes, but they must not die.’

  He held his hand out to Peyton, who placed her cold one in his as she stood with him. She closed her eyes and looked deep into the vast library of knowledge the Star Child had gifted her with and found the information needed and brought it forth.

  ‘It is done, they are as human as I once was and less harmless.’

  Outraged and near hysterical, the Elders both jumped to their feet and yelled at her. ‘You lie!’

  ‘Unlike you, I do not. But feel free to try to use your non- existent abilities. And while you are doing that, remember like all the Elders you only have yourselves to blame. You squandered gifts given to you by the Star Child, for your own evil intent. Now you will pay, as all the corrupt Elders and Master have. I will make sure your son knows his wish of a special afterlife for olesho’s like you two, was granted.’

  She and Kardan left as the males started to scream until Wolf told them to shut up or he would shut them up.

  That was the last they heard as they walked down the hallway toward the lifts, Peyton said. ‘I am weary.’

  ‘As we all are.’ Kardan murmured, when they entered the lift, he held her in his arms. ‘Soon we will return home with our Warriors. All of them, where we will plan o
ur future.’

  ‘Yes.’ She exhaled as she leaned against him. ‘We just have to get through the Grand Meeting, then we can go home.’

  SIXTY-SIX:

  Peyton stood once more on the small platform in the restaurant. It was early morn of the following day and most, if not all the people present had another sleepless night. When she was sure she had everyone’s attention, she began to speak.

  ‘Greetings and good morn. Although it really isn’t, is it? I like everyone here did not sleep well last night if at all. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make everything we went through disappear, but sadly I cannot. So we will deal with it like we always do with honesty and courage. First, I and Kardan wish to thank everyone involved, directly or indirectly, in the rescue of our Hope. Because of you we can remain on the world.’

  No one was left in any doubt the world would have been destroyed if Hope had not been rescued or survived. ‘Now if you are having trouble coping, please visit the Mystics. See Kailee Trina, she will schedule you with one to talk to. Please do not make her come looking for you, she is with child after all.’

  There was a smattering of laughter and Trina smiled as she stood up and waved.

  ‘Okay, so you have probably noticed several people’s eye color has changed. The explanation is on record look it up and no, it is not catchy.’

  More laughter followed this as people relaxed, which helped Peyton feel her tense back muscles ease. ‘So tomorrow as you know is the Grand Meeting and if everything goes according to Commander Hawk’s plan. We will leave orbit before nightfall. So, as this is our second to last meeting, we will make sure we are ready to leave. Our Commanders on the Prowler, have been notified. I want everyone here and those watching on the Warbird to know that we thank you for your continued support and efforts to keep us safe. The last two days have not been good days, let us not pretend they were. Many died at our hands, at mine and at the will of the Star Child. For those of you who took lives, I am sorry you had too. For those of you we killed on behalf of, know it was our duty and our privilege to keep you alive and safe.’

  She looked down, then sighed and looked out at the expectant faces of her family and friends.

  ‘Right about here, I feel I should make an offer to you who have recently come into our lives. So here it is. If any of you wish to stay here at the Capital or leave and live somewhere else, please do not hold back, I swear we will understand.’

  Gracen stood. ‘I do not know about the others, but for us, the unmated females from Earth, we will remain with you. There is nowhere else we would rather be. We are safer by your side on our new world. And thank you for caring enough to offer us differently.’ She bowed her head and sat again.

  Peyton cleared her throat. ‘Well, that was unexpected. I thank you for your faith and honesty and hope we can live up to your expectations.’

  Ulyssa and Ervina Bellpone who sat with Avana stood and both sisters bowed. Ulyssa smiled and said. ‘Madam Peyton, we will not change our minds, we wish to go to our new home. We too thank you for giving us the choice.’

  They both sat as Peyton smiled. ‘Again, you are welcome and thank you.’

  Shodian Lujunn stood. ‘My daughters and I thank you, we too wish to leave. You have shown your loyalty to us. There is no one we respect more or have more faith in. We thank you.’ He bowed and sat again as his daughters smiled.

  Bendrix stood. ‘We the people formerly of Menturian, thank you for the thought, but like everyone here we are Maikonian. Nothing changed, Madam Peyton, we all knew when we agreed to live on our new home world, what you are and what we would become.’ He spread his hands as he said. ‘There is no hardship here, we are yours now and forever. Plus you have my Suula.’

  There was a smattering of laughter and more when translations were given. Finally everyone stood, former and new citizens of Maikonia, and bowed to her. She swallowed back a sob as she saw her family, Kardan, Netta, Esther, her children, all of them standing and bowing.

  She bowed her head in return as she said. ‘I am overcome with love. Thank you, know my heart grows with every one of you.’

  Heather handed her a drink, which was a bright blue she looked at it suspiciously as Heather told her. ‘Just drink it blue-eyed girl, it matches your eyes.’

  Peyton drank the whole glass and smacked her lips when she finished. ‘Nice.’

  Heather grinned as she sat and said. ‘Good, it had grass in it.’

  Which made the entire room erupt in laughter, especially at the look of horror on Peyton’s face. With that one normal reaction, a feeling of family overshadowed the sadness that had prevailed before.

  When the laughter quietened, she grinned and said. ‘So you have until this eve to finish any shopping, and to make sure all purchases are in containers to go on board Prowler I. Rose, where are we, on that?’

  ‘All done, Madam. Shodian Lujunn and the Bellpone sister’s wares are on board already. All containers of supplies for the worlds have been stored. Only personal shopping is left, if any.’

  ‘Thank you Rose for that and everything you have done since arriving here. You are my favorite Chief Trader.’

  Rose blew her a raspberry, replying. ‘I am your only Chief Trader.’

  ‘So rude and so Terran.’ She glared at Netta, who shrugged with a smile.

  ‘Yeah… yeah.’ Rose laughed at her.

  Smiling, Peyton asked. ‘Jean, are you finished?’

  ‘Yes Madam, we have everything on my and Commander Kolin’s lists.’

  ‘Thank you, Waseo, Reeve, how did we get on with the weapons and equipment?’

  Reeve replied. ‘We obtained enough weapons and equipment, as well as plans and materials for everything. Also, we have several weapon makers recruited to join our world. They are on board Prowler I, already.’

  Waseo said. ‘They are contacts from our extended family.’

  ‘Oh good. Frand did you purchase enough Raccinors, materials and plans?’

  ‘I did Madam and alcohol for the bars.’

  ‘Well done. Did you get the alcohol I like?’

  ‘I did and a supplier.’

  ‘Fantastic. I liked that drink.’

  ‘So I heard.’ He grinned.

  She grinned back and said. ‘Thank you Frand, you have been an invaluable while we have been here.’ She inclined her head in respect.

  He smiled sadly in return.

  She wondered at it, then saw Savo. ‘Trader Savo, I am to understand you are to return with us?’

  Savo stood, his mate Teelu with him, her hand in his as he said. ‘We are Madam. My Teelu says as your supreme Lalorla, we should reside on world so she can teach law. Also, you seem to have all our young. So if we are to see them, we need to be home or at least this is what I am told.’ She and everyone laughed at his dry delivery. Savo asked. ‘You accept Madam?’

  ‘I can think of nothing better than to have you both at home with your family. Will you work with Rose?’

  He took a breath as Teelu’s hand squeezed his tightly, while Frand sat tensely next to Rose and Miko. ‘Teelu will and I will replace Frand.’

  Everyone looked between Frand and Peyton as she stilled. Her eyes went from Savo’s knowing eyes to Frand’s tense face.

  ‘Excuse me, Frand, you are leaving us?’

  ‘I am Madam. I have handed over the beasts to my uncle who will Captain them. I am to crew with Commander Waseo.’

  ‘Why?’ But as she asked, she knew, there was no mistaking the hurt and betrayal in his eyes.

  ‘I need to leave for a time, Madam.’ He hung his head as he asked, almost begged. ‘You will permit?’

  Peyton wanted to deny him, she really did, but she looked into Rose and Miko’s faces. Saw the heartache and the hands held by their mates. Looked at Savo’s hand holding Teelu’s and then saw Riim and Frand without mates. She sucked back the pain as her heart hurt for him, for herself, and huskily told him. ‘You will be greatly missed. I do not know what we will do without your
frequent smiles and humor. So don’t stay away too long between visits.’

  He raised sad eyes and took in the pain she hid and the wobbly smile, and knew he was hurting her, but also knew he had to leave. ‘Just think of all the gifts, I can send you from far-off worlds?’

  Her grin was bittersweet as her chest felt tight with unshed tears. All the deaths from the previous days did not hurt as much as his leaving did, but she managed to say.

  ‘I will hold you to that, my friend. When will you leave?’

  Waseo answered. ‘As soon as my ship is outfitted, within days of returning.’

  ‘Oh.’

  Frand said. ‘It is best Madam.’

  ‘Yes, I imagine it is.’

  Frand nodded and rubbed Riim’s head, as Peyton cleared her throat of tears. She knew there would be time to grieve later, for now she just had to get through this.

  ‘You and Riim always have a home, all of you who leave. Remember, home is always waiting for you. Now for other matters, when we leave tomorrow to go to the meeting. Domard Jerthem is remaining behind to oversee our departure. Commanders Marlo and Larson are in charge of making sure you are all taken to the ship. If you still need to shop, coordinate with them and they will assign Warriors and Prowlers for you.’

  Sonia stood this time. ‘Madam, to waylay your worries, we are finished with shopping and with this world. We just want to leave.’

  ‘Does that go for everyone?’

  Not one person disagreed. ‘Okay then, Commanders Cooper, Waseo and Warriors who are to remain behind, you are under Commander Marlo and Larson’s command. Ladies, you are to take your orders from them. Jerthem and Miko see to the Embassy and staff. Please pay them and let them go, we will be closing the doors for the foreseeable future.’

  He and Miko nodded as he said. ‘As you will, Madam.’

  ‘I thank you, please Miko make sure they are compensated well.’

  ‘I will, are we taking any with us?’

  Peyton looked at Jerthem. ‘Domard, what say you?’

  ‘No, we will not.’

  Peyton nodded. ‘Okay, Kenera, was there anyone we wished to take with us?’