Daughter of Ethos

by L M Lacee

  They all looked at the Sene who inclined her head in agreement with what he had said. ‘This is so.’

  Peyton asked. ‘Was she worth it?’

  The female answered in her soft musical voice. ‘I did not leave for the babe, although she is a wonderful gift.’

  Heather sighed and rubbed her face, if she ever needed a reminder she was not on Earth anymore, a blue baby was going to do that. As funny as that was, it was becoming harder and harder to see the funny side of life just now. She really needed a healer who knew more than she did about these new races of people and the Warriors. She and her team were muddling along, but how long could they keep doing that? How much longer could she go on, she was so dayam tired and at the same time challenged. She supposed that was what kept her going, the challenges she was presented with each day. Leaning back against what she assumed was a wall, she mind-sent to Peyton, Seriously this world just keeps turning up problems!

  Peyton nodded in reply just as a hidden door into what appeared to be another cell clicked open, throwing Heather off balance. She was saved from falling by Hawk as he grabbed her around the waist, just as two young girls around ten or so fell into her arms.

  Heather held them as they cried and sobbed their terror against her. Patty and Brenda walked into the cell as Peyton’s glow intensified, she looked around the small room and asked. ‘Do you have this?’

  Heather nodded and waved her away, relieved Peyton backed out of the room and almost ran along the short corridor. She stopped and sucked in a few breaths and mind-sent to Hawk.

  Did you find your brothers?

  No, they are not here.

  I am sorry

  Thank you. I have found Dinas, for now that will suffice.

  Okay. She closed out the communication then frowned when she realized she was staring at a large painting. Seems weird to have a painting hanging by itself, on a wall in a basement, where no one can see it.

  Then she frowned harder and shoved it a little, the painting swung sideways revealing another door with the same kind of lock that had been on the previous cell.

  Hesitating for only a second Peyton pressed her glowing palm against the lock, it buzzed and the door swung open to reveal another cell. Except this one was dark and smelled different, it was a musky scent, a little like cat. Not that she had ever had a cat, but she remembered her grandparents neighbour had many cats, and the smell was similar.

  Cautiously she made a small ball of light on the palm of her hand and grinned. She had no idea she could do that, staring at it for a minute she was amazed and a little worried. Her powers and abilities were growing exponentially, which was more than a little frightening, because she had no idea if she was really ready for what she may become? Sadly there was really not much she could do about it, but still this feeling of being stretched, of something growing within her, was worrying.

  She pushed the door wider and found two animals as large as Bengal tigers on steroids, chained to the back wall. They sat as though they had been expecting her and maybe they were.

  Peyton threw her dim ball of light into the air, where it hung close to the ceiling causing the room to brighten. Now she could see the color of their fur, they were both tan and their eyes were a deep purple, she called. ‘Willian!’

  He jogged to her and queried. ‘Madam?’

  She pointed at the animals and asked. ‘What are they?’

  Willian sucked in a breath and said. ‘Oh, this is not good, they are Turquall.’

  She turned her head a little to look at him and whatever he saw in her eyes had him hurriedly explaining. ‘It is pronounced turkwall, there appear to be a male and a female.’

  Willian took a chance and said. ‘Madam, Turquall are one of the most protected sentient species in the universe. It is illegal to capture and hold a Turquall, punishable by death. It is said that they are descended from Tuarillians who were gifted life by the Star Child.’

  ‘Thank you Willian. It seems someone did not care about their rights and history. Are they dangerous?’

  ‘Very, Madam they can mind-speak. I do not understand why they have not.’ He frowned as he looked at the two Turquall and asked. ‘Madam, what are you going to do, they seem starved and unwell?’

  ‘I am going to arrange for some food, then release them, and if they wish. I will have our Artar, which I am sure we have somewhere, look them over.’ She looked at the Turquall and explained. ‘An Artar is a healer for four legged beings.’

  Willian tried not to smile as he whispered. ‘I think they may know that.’

  ‘Oh well, that seems reasonable.’ She whispered back, then said louder. ‘Then we will take them wherever they want to go or have someone else do it.’ She knew the Turquall understood her by the intelligence shining from their eyes. It looked like they were going to wait to see what she would do before they spoke to her. She mind-sent to Helen.

  Helen is there any fresh meat?

  Don’t do that. You startled me.

  Sorry, what should I do?

  I do not know, knock I guess.

  Funny, so meat?

  Oh yes, two large fresh carcasses, that look like cows. Someone called them Soytou. They seem to be in a stasis field, most interesting.

  Peyton thought she was sounding more and more like Darby, but did not say that to her, instead she asked.

  Are they clean of parasites and drugs?

  There was a pause then she stated. I did say fresh young Lady!

  Peyton was sure she heard a sniff. Sorry! It is for turkwall. They are like large, really large tigers. Think Saber-tooth tigers of ancient times. She sent her a pic of both Turquall.

  Oh my, I will send you both carcasses now!

  That may be too much?

  Helen retorted. Are you looking at what I am, it may not be enough!

  Peyton laughed then asked. You have a point, can you have them brought down to the basement please!

  There was another pause then Helen mind-spoke. Warriors are loading them as we speak, mind- sending, thingy. Peyton sent laughing and closed her out.

  Minutes later they heard the lift as it came to a stop and could smell the fresh meat. Peyton addressed the Turquall. ‘There is nothing left to hunt on the planet but this is fresh and clean of parasites or drugs. When you have finished eating, the doorways will be left open for you to go outside.’

  She had the Warriors lift and place the carcasses on the floor. When they had left the cell, she flicked her fingers and the collars and chains dropped off the Turqualls, a male voice said.

  Thank you Star Daughter. We could not communicate, the collars are lined with Santinue. This is a substance that renders us mute and weakens us over time. It also binds us to the collars. As you have probably surmised by how prepared the hunters were. We are not the first Turquall to have been captured.

  Peyton smiled with no teeth showing and replied. I understand, thank you for telling me. Please enjoy your food. If you need more, please ask. A fresh spring lies three kiltos southwest from here.

  ‘Willian, make sure all the doors remain open please.’

  ‘Yes Madam.’

  Peyton moved from the cell as Willian went back to emptying the vaults. She stood in the corridor for a moment and then opened her hands, letting a soft green glow sweep through all the cells and vaults.

  When she was satisfied that only the bones of the long dead remained, she began her trek up the stairs forgoing the lifts. Beyond her control now, her anger swelled with each burning footprint she left in the stone of the steps.

  The higher she climbed the angrier she became until she reached the kitchen where her rage was incandescent. Everyone moved out of her path as she passed by. Helen took one look at the cold mask she wore and ordered Amelia and Jorge.

  ‘Take them up now. This will be no place for the young.’

  Together the two scooped the young Raparthen up and hurried to a shuttle, only breathing easier when they were off the planet. ‘I have never seen a
nyone so angry before and never Peyton.’ Amelia told Jorge, who held her hand and thought. This was the Star Daughter. Anger was her nature!

  FORTY-ONE:

  Peyton strode through the kitchen, leaving a trail of smoking footprints behind and damaging the finish on the floors. She was giving off so much heat, plates and ornaments melted as she passed, food instantly cooked and pots started to boil over on the stoves. Vegetables started to curl and turn brown in the cool room, as tubes of liquid boiled or exploded

  Once outside, she walked until she could look unencumbered up into the sky at the three orbs shining down on the planet. Then she screamed, loud and long causing the ramshackle huts in the villages several kiltos away collapse. Mountains trembled in the wake of her voice.

  Then the sky darkened as three pale orange figures appeared before her, it was hard to determine if they were male or female, they were shapeless figures bathed in sunlight. Each of them stood and waited until the echoes of her voice died away, then the three figures bowed and together in a pompous voice, they greeted Peyton. We greet thee Star Daughter.

  Peyton said nothing just stared at them, her anger a living, breathing entity all of its own, her rage pulsed around her, scorching the ground in a wide circle encasing herself and the three figures.

  People lined the upstairs windows staring down to where Peyton and the three figures stood. Trina and Willian stood side by side watching the scene below them as Willian murmured.

  ‘The Star Daughter. Feared by all, and now you see why!’

  Trina sniffed. ‘Maybe, but do not forget, she is still our Peyton.’

  ‘You say that when you look upon her?’ He asked, his voice radiating shock as he pointed to the glowing figure pulsating anger below them.

  ‘Yes!’ She whispered. ‘I have too, we all do.’

  Confusion was written all over his face as he asked. ‘Why?’

  ‘To believe we chose right, chose the right one to follow, but mainly to remind her she is more than what you see there. She is the same female who drinks coffee and bitches when training and laughs at vids and loves. Remember that Willian, the female you see down there loves.’

  He did not reply, just looked down at the figures below as he stood with the trembling female beside him. Trying to remember the Star Daughter was the same sweet female who laughed and cried, he knew she did. He had seen the first and listened to the second, and yet below him stood a terrifying figure of legend.

  Melody, Darby and Netta stood on the patio with Esther, Helen and Brenda, watching their sister and friend. Just behind them was the Sene holding her baby and the two young girls who clung tightly to Heather.

  She had tried to send them to the ship, but they had screamed in terror, so she had relented unable to bear the terrified looks on their little faces. Now she wished she had insisted they had left with Amelia and Jorge.

  Hawk walked out onto the patio with Kerol and two of his Warriors, Kent and Sarn. They could see the effect of her screaming but nothing had been felt or heard in or around the mansion. Hawk intoned as they watched the tableau before them. ‘Behold the emergence of the Star Daughter!’

  Darby shivered. ‘I do not think she has ever been this angry before?’

  Brenda agreed. ‘That she is.’

  Esther murmured. ‘Someone is going to die.’

  They all turned to look at her, defensively she told them. ‘We are dealing with more than our Peyton now and if you don’t believe me, look at what stands there.’

  She pointed a trembling hand toward the glowing figure. ‘She is far greater than any of us thought she was. Frightening so.’

  Darby cringed and ducked her head, Esther told her. ‘You better harden up Missy; this is who and what we are now. We have attached ourselves to the Star Child’s arm of justice. It is too late now to be squeamish about her and our roles in this!’

  ‘Enough Esther!’ Melody sharply growled at her.

  ‘No, you listen to me.’ She let her eyes touch on everyone there. ‘We are in this together, and had better be, because that young girl out there needs us to step up and lift our faith in her, to be her champions. To shield her as much as we can and to realize what she is, and what she must do. We need to understand that we, all of us, have to become more than what we were as well.’

  She shook her head as she told them. ‘We were all, herself included, deluding ourselves into believing she could remain just Peyton and that we could remain untouched and unchanged by her. Do not tell me it is enough. It will never be enough. It can never be enough for her or us. You must decide who you are.’

  Softer she said. ‘Her decision has been made. We must make ours.’

  Helen placed her arm around her and said coaxingly. ‘Esther luv, you have made a very good point, do not fear we will not abandon her.’

  ‘Are you sure?’ She asked, and no one misheard the sob in her voice. ‘We are all she has, we are her family.’

  Brenda said. ‘I know dearle and I am very sure.’

  Melody softened her tone as she touched her shoulder. ‘I know what you are saying Esther, we all do. We have not turned tail and run, look at us standing here in her presence because we are her family. And we will stick because we are family, regardless of what is to come. This is what we do!’

  Esther nodded as she felt her chest loosen, then more so when Darby put her hand out and she clasped it. Together they held on tightly to each other as they stood with everyone else and watched their friend become something more than just human.

  Star Daughter we did...

  Peyton raged. ‘No… do not! I am angry, very angry. You allowed this to happen. You have allowed these atrocities to take place and did nothing. You allowed them to hunt whoever they wanted, while you sat back in your smug little pocket of space and did, NOTHING!’

  How dare you?

  Peyton spoke as if they had not uttered a word. ‘What right did you have, where is your honor?’

  Our honor is intact. These lesser ones are of no concern of ours.

  Peyton’s voice throbbed with emotion when she said. ‘You allowed the planets original inhabitants to be hunted. These peaceful people, who have lived in harmony with their world for thousands of years. Through your inaction, they are now reduced from thousands to a mere seven hundred, and you who were assigned to protect them, did nothing!’

  Her loud voice made the ground swell and deep furrows snake out from where they stood. Before the entities could voice another protest at her accusations she said. ‘You allowed these outsiders to bring others here to be hurt, to be victimized and to be hunted. They ripped mothers from their babes, fathers from their families. They stole children to be used and discarded, they hunted the most vulnerable of us and still, you did nothing! They hunted the Sene’s who should be revered, and you did nothing! They hunted Turqualls a gift from the Tuarillians and you still did nothing!’

  She shook her head, sadness threaded through her soft words as she declared. ‘I am disappointed beyond belief to be your Daughter.’

  The ground shook, the figures shimmered as they growled their fury at Peyton.

  Silence! You dare to admonish us we have been here eons! We have shined our greatness since before your species crawled from the primordial soup you call creation. We have been here before you were even a thought and have watched worlds come into being and lived long enough to watch their lights extinguish. You, Star Daughter have been here a mere moment in time! We will be here long after your light is taken by the Star Child. You are but a spark to our greatness, you should be on your knees before...

  SILENCE! Thundered a voice that made the skies darken and the galaxy tremble.

  The Sene whispered. ‘Oh my! The Star Child is here.’

  YOU DARE SPEAK TO OUR DAUGHTER THAT WAY! YOU SAY SHE SHOULD BE ON HER KNEES.

  The figures cowered back from the flaming figure that had been Peyton.

  Star Child... please!

  SILENCE! You have dishonored yourselves,
arguing with our Daughter. She is right! You have disappointed not only her but us. Their voice became harder, colder as they said.

  We are greatly displeased.

  They cringed and wrung what could have been hands as they pleaded as one. Star Child, what was there for us to do? This is not the affairs of Stars.

  The Star Child stilled the flames, and they fell to a ring around the feet of the glowing white figure as they asked. If this is so, why did you call for our Daughter, was it not to tell her of the hidden Warriors?

  The three said as one. We wished to meet her. It has been so long since...

  Enough! You wanted to shine, to show her your brilliance. Your behavior is that of a spark seeking approval, for what? For doing as our Daughter says. NOTHING! You have shamed us and that we will not tolerate. Leave our presence.

  Instantly they were gone, and the skies lightened once more. Peyton asked. What will happen to them?

  They will face my judgement. You have three of your days to remove yourselves from this sector.

  Why?

  Because after three days, nothing will remain.

  What of the moons?

  Non sentient, always caring, gentle daughter. We are pleased with you. Do what you must, then leave.

  Thank you, Star Child.

  Peyton turned around and looked over the throng of people, touching each one with her black flaming eyes finally landing on the Sene. She breathed her question rather than spoke it. ‘Who are you, little Sene?’

  ‘I am Avana Hananva. Sene from Yanarah. I was captured three wekens ago.’

  ‘The babe’s mother?’

  ‘I was told she was used for a hunt, they waited until the babe was born. Her father was never captured.’

  ‘The young girls?’

  ‘I believe they are from the Solverea family of Assaens and have been here less than a lunera.’

  ‘The Turqualls?’

  ‘I was told they were captured three luneras ago, it takes time to weaken them.’

  ‘Wekens means weeks and luneras means months.’ Darby murmured for the older ladies, who were still having trouble with some of the translations.