“What? Wait!”
No answer from Rez. Ryle, on his own again, trudged across the ship’s hull toward the drill chamber.
* * *
A crack emerged in the floor beneath Rez. Before he came up with a plan, the floor seemed to rip itself open. With nothing to grab onto, Rez slipped through the hole and plummeted onto a metal surface, smacking the floor with his left shoulder. When the dust cleared, the blade of a diamond sword sparkled before him, the blade’s tip inches away from his nose. A semi-circle of brown-garbed wizards came into view flanking Nawrosh.
“Are you going to kill him, Lord Nawrosh?” asked one of the brown wizards.
“Perhaps, though I shan’t even need this sword.” Nawrosh pushed the sword up against Rez’s forehead, just above his red birthmark, and whipped a tiny slice. Blood droplets crawled down Rez’s face. “He’s becoming soft. How pitiful,” said Nawrosh. “Tell me, Rez, what is it like turning your back on real power and limping back to a life of weakness?”
“You don’t want to hear what I have to say.”
“Ah, but I do. A man’s last words are his most revealing.”
Rez wiped blood off his brow. “Aqtal is finished twisting the Gelibor family. Without us, he will be nothing.”
Nawrosh laughed. “He hardly needs you.”
“Then why does he need you, Nawrosh? Are you Jez’s babysitter? Why isn’t Zermal here? Isn’t he Jez’s true master?”
Nawrosh sheathed his sword. “Perhaps we should take this one back as a prisoner. He’s far too entertaining to kill. The Master will have good use for him. Besides, the rolgs have been hungry for fresh meat!” The brown wizards laughed.
Rez took some satisfaction in knowing he was buying time for Ryle.
Chapter 52
Qusam landed his new ship, the Quick Squirrel II, in the field beyond Rajaan and Seilah’s modest brick home. A pair of Seilah’s black-maned horses, behind a wooden fence, trotted over to watch the landing. Qusam stepped out onto the green grass of the lush meadow that went on for miles, a rarity in the Ochuroma area. Rajaan bragged the countryside began at his doorstep. But now, Rajaan’s field was full of wizards, about three dozen from all over the planet, including: the forest wizards from the country of Perzan, crystal wizards from Gaudilah, and the river wizards of Patomai.
Once the call went out, and with help from Indeen, Seilah’s younger sister, wizards of harmony came out of various levels of seclusion to join the cause. Many felt the light on Mount Phengos validated their existence. The news of the light on Onyx stirred them even more, sparking hope and new purpose. They had lived in the shadows for a long time, but their hearts burned that the former era was drawing to a close. There were, however, still many who declined to get involved.
Indeen, wearing light green and white robes and with her black hair in a long meticulous braid, greeted Qusam with a warm smile. “Finally, you’ve come.”
He returned a smile. “I’ve been busy, young lady. Though you are growing up more and more every day.” Indeen emanated maturity for her twenty-one years.
“I suppose,” she said. “Your beard looks whiter.”
“Probably is.”
“So, you spoke to Lygalia?”
“That’s one reason I’m here.” He glanced behind Indeen to behold an older, lovely, familiar face.
“About time you got back,” said Sienna.
“Well, it’s about time you got out of bed,” said Qusam. She cocked an eyebrow in mock offense. “I’m so glad you are better,” he said as he embraced Sienna.
“Slightly better. You’re squeezing too tight.”
Qusam eased up and released her from the hug. “It is also time you joined the rest of the community of those who love light. You’ve been holed up away from us far too long.”
“If you say so,” she said, half smiling.
Indeen led them into the midst of the gathered wizards. The whole throng hushed as Qusam and Sienna walked among them, as if a cloud of reverence descended upon the field. Many of the wizards bowed.
Qusam stopped and held up his hands. “Please, my friends, do not bow to me. I am no different than any of you.”
“Not true,” said Rajaan with a smirk. “And welcome back to our home.”
“Thank you.” Qusam stepped up onto an old tree stump and cleared his throat to address the crowd. “Dear wizards of harmony and light, we are part of something much bigger than ourselves. Your spirits were stirred when Mount Phengos was lit and rightfully so. And now with Mount Anecho shining, a glimmer of real hope has presented itself. We have let fear and darkness weigh us down for too long and to keep us from what we were made for. It is time to walk in the light, especially since light itself seems to be beckoning us. Our dear friend Sienna has even returned to us at the critical time of need.”
The crowd applauded her. A reddish hue covered her cheeks; she wasn’t used to so much attention, at least not the positive kind.
“And hopefully she won’t go back,” said Qusam.
Sienna whacked his ankle with her new staff borrowed from Qusam’s cave.
“Allow to me finish, dear.” Qusam turned back to the group. “Hopefully, she won’t go back to Carnelian unless it is in victory over the darkness.”
The group cheered.
“All right, get on with it. You’re a tad longwinded at times,” said Sienna.
Qusam cleared his throat again. “The planet Topaz is in great danger…even unto possible destruction.”
The group quieted.
“Our task is to do whatever we can to stop Aqtal’s scheme. We will journey to the capital city of Laylon. If we can we will try to stop this wicked weapon of his devising. My friend and soldier Ryle Gelibor is working on this as we speak. If we cannot stop it, we must at least find and rescue the children of Onyx who are being left stranded, among them the family of Ambassador Aphiemi Waswin. We must link up with a secret team led by Jyssa Gelibor and Lygalia, one of our own kind and the kindred of our hosts.”
The wizards murmured amongst themselves. Rhema, a brown-haired female wizard from the country of Fazrain, spoke up. “Just us, Qusam?” Her twelve-year-old son, Avren, wizard-in-training, stood by her side.
“We are getting help from the Chrysolite Fleet.”
“What about the Light on Onyx? Shouldn’t it have turned back Aqtal’s fleet?” asked Rhema.
“The Archon fleet is still quite formidable. Even when we score a victory, Aqtal has a way of turning the tables,” said Qusam. “I advise everyone to be at your highest level of preparation. I don’t know what we’ll face when we get there.”
Once Qusam finished speaking and hopped down from the tree stump, Izil and Neyla emerged from the crowd to greet him. “Ah, my friends,” said Qusam. “Would you do us all the honor of leading in song?”
“Well, Q, I’m not sure if—” stammered Izil.
“We would love to,” said Neyla. She faced the group, tapped her staff on the stump, and began a divine, serene, and smooth ballad. Izil joined her and together their song grew stronger and louder. The other wizards, one by one, joined them, and soon thereafter a rousing song rose up from their midst, seeming to fill the air and the field around them with tangible joy.
Sienna could not contain her delight at being in the presence of so many like her with their music united as one. She smiled widely as the words flowed out of her mouth. Qusam’s shoulder brushed against hers as they sang in harmony.
After the first round of singing, a different group of wizards took the lead. The wizards from Perzan tapped their staffs on the ground and sang in a minority dialect spoken in their country. Some of the other wizards knew the words and joined in. Others simply hummed along, adding their hearts to the melody.
To Qusam, this was a simply wondrous event he wished could go on forever. Eventually though, he perceived the distant hum of ship engines. The approaching hum became a roar and two mid-size military transport strike ships hovered over and set down next to th
e gathering, bringing the music to a halt. The doors of both ships lowered to the ground and out stepped Bao Hixman and Quan Peex from the first and Rik Flaro from the second.
“Ah, our brave pilots have arrived,” said Qusam.
“Qusam!” said Bao, his face beaming. “This must be the place. I’ve never seen so many wizards together in one spot.”
“To be honest, neither have I,” said Qusam. “At least not the good kind.”
Bao laughed. “You know Quan and Rik, right?”
“We’ve met briefly before. Sergeant Peex, you were injured on Onyx, correct?”
“Yessir, Mr. Qusam. Doin’ much better now. I must say, this is the coolest mission I’ve ever been on.”
“What about the last mission?” asked Flaro.
“Yeah, Ryle’s great and all, but three dozen wizards? Nothin’ beats that.”
Sienna, unamused, shot them a stern look. “You might not be so jovial when we’re facing the wickedest of the wicked Qesem.”
“Now Sienna,” said Qusam. “These are seasoned warriors. Chrysolite’s finest.”
“Then I am worried,” said Sienna.
“Ma’am,” said Bao to Sienna. “We heard Lygalia’s in trouble. We’re gonna find her, I guarantee it.”
“And Jyssa and Mitchett too!” said Peex.
“Shall we?” said Qusam, motioning to their ships.
Everyone gathered their things—staffs, swords, etc.—and loaded onto the two ships. The first ship, piloted by Peex, was called the Orca One. Flaro piloted the Orca Two. Qusam, Sienna, and Bao rode on the Orca One. Indeen and Rhema joined Flaro on ship two. Every seat was filled on both ships as the entire group squeezed in. After more discussion, questions, and planning amongst the wizards, the ships launched out.
* * *
Admiral Swaqmota observed on his tactical the Orcas One and Two entering his sector. “Looks like our wizard friends are joining us. Lieutenant, enemy status?”
Lieutenant Noff, poised for the question, responded quickly, “They’ve moved slightly, now sitting in Sector 10, sir.”
Swaqmota, admittedly doubtful the wizards would show, had to consider his next move. This was a rare event at least in recent history—a group of wizards on an outbound mission to an Archon planet. “Give the Orcas a squadron escort, for now. And two cargo transports.”
Noff punched in the command. Twelve fighters—refurbished captured Archon Havocs—along with two transport ships, exited the Kyanite’s hangar bay and surrounded the Orcas in tight formation.
“Get ‘em on the comm, please,” said Swaqmota. Noff hailed the Orca One. “Orca one, I hope the escort is helpful.”
“Thank you, Admiral,” said Bao. “We could use some more transports though. This is a rescue mission too.”
“I’m aware, Lieutenant Hixman,” said Swaqmota. “I’m afraid we just can’t spare any more at the moment. This is gonna get rough.”
* * *
“I understand, Admiral,” said Bao, sitting in the Orca One’s co-pilot chair next to Peex.
“We’ll be in touch. Swaqmota out.” The call ended.
“So much for that,” said Bao.
“It’s fine for now,” said Qusam. “Lieutenant, may I have a word? Sergeant Peex may listen in as well.”
Sienna entered the cockpit. “Here I am at your request.”
Qusam shut the door to the cockpit and locked it.
“What’s going on, Q?” asked Sienna.
Qusam took a deep breath and explained the threat to Chrysolite from Topaz’s planetary chunk, should Aqtal’s plan work. And he explained why he did not mention it to all the gathered wizards—partly in order to keep them focused on the task at hand and because the president personally charged him to keep it under wraps.
Sienna fell into an open swivel chair and swiveled back and forth, deep in thought. Bao and Peex remained silent. Sienna said, “Our wizards deserve to know about this.”
“I don’t disagree,” said Qusam. “But…all in good time.”
“When’s a good time, exactly?” said Sienna.
“Who all does know about this?” asked Bao.
“I just heard it from the president who heard directly from Ryle. Only the president’s inner circle and high military command are aware,” said Qusam.
Sienna said, “Well, one thing’s clear. We must not fail, no matter what.”
“Absolutely, Sienna,” said Bao. “Nothin’s gonna stop the Hixman Wizard Brigade.”
“Hey, I want my name on that too,” said Peex.
Chapter 53
General Heedin lounged in his comfortable saddle leather command chair aboard his starship, the Wild Boar, as it rose into the atmosphere above Laylon when the call came in. Heedin sighed and answered the comm. “Yes, Lord Aqtal. Operation is proceeding well. Very well. We are exiting the planet now.”
“General, you must return to the surface and personally supervise Contingency Plan C,” said Aqtal. “I want no possibility of error.”
“Return? Uh, yes, Lord. Plan C. Got it. Got it! We will head back immediately.”
Aqtal ended the communication. Heedin grabbed a flask of Amethyst Rum and drained it. The rum ran down his face and uniform.
“Did Lord Aqtal say ‘return’?” asked the navigator, Lieutenant Sewgl.
Heedin wiped foam off his lips. “You heard him, Lieutenant, did you not? Take us back down. Start with the southeastern mine. Let’s just get this over with. Over with.”
* * *
Heedin, with his armed trooper escort, landed their shuttle on the desert plain outside of the southeastern mine. As they neared the entrance, Captain Gall and a warbot approached.
“General, is it time for us evacuate? Everyone else has left, but our orders have been to stay put,” said Gall.
“Until now. Plan C, Captain,” said Heedin. “Straight from the Supreme Archon himself. Plan C.”
Gall’s eyebrows raised. “Plan C. Aye, sir.”
“And I’m supposed to make sure you do it right,” said Heedin. “So get to it so we can all get out of here. Out of here.”
Gall motioned to the warbot who without a word spun around and marched toward the mine entrance. Gall barked orders at two junior officers who ran to the entrance and set up equipment while a half-dozen troops scampered up the ramp and exited the mine.
“Gall, are those enough explosives?” said Heedin. “We don’t have time to make a supply trip.”
“It is, General.” Gall waved to the men and shouted the order. He glanced back at Heedin. “Cover your eyes.”
They activated the explosives. The blast showered them all with sand and dirt. Heedin opened his eyes and examined the smoky entrance that was now firmly covered with piles of dirt—impossible for anyone to get out.
“Good work,” said Heedin. “Are there explosives ready at each of the mine sites?”
“There are,” said Gall.
“Perfect. I need you and your company to do the mines to the east of here. I’ll take care of the rest.”
“Aye, sir.”
“If you don’t comply, Aqtal will know. He’ll know!” said Heedin, pointing his finger at him.
* * *
Heedin traveled as fast he could from mine to mine around Laylon, yelling at the squad leaders to hurry and seal them up—prisoners inside and alive. At the final mine near the city, Heedin, tired and ready to leave, stumbled out of his shuttle to the sight of columns of children running up the ramp out of the mine entrance. He turned pale and nearly vomited his rum.
“Hey! What is happening?” Heedin’s thick legs pushed with all their might through the sandy dirt path toward the entrance. He yanked out his rod ready to beat someone. Through the dust he spotted a tall, robed figure, presiding over the children as they escaped. “Farash? What in the name of Sarkos…? Are you letting these prisoners go? I have orders from Aqtal.”
Farash, not responding, calmly waited until the last child had exited.
“Are you g
oing to answer me?” said Heedin, panting.
“I have new orders, General.”
“And what are those?” said Heedin, his hands on his hips.
“Allow me to show you something…down there,” said Farash as he pointed down the dirt ramp into the mine.
“Where?” Heedin went over to the ramp and stared down. “I don’t see anything.”
Farash put his right hand on Heedin’s back, yanked Heedin’s comm off his belt, and shoved him down the ramp. Heedin rolled huffing and puffing down to the bottom. Farash checked to make sure no one else was close and threw the switch to the explosives, caving in the entrance. Through the smoke, Jyssa and Mitchett emerged and blasted two Archon troops who had burst out of Heedin’s shuttle in reaction to the explosion.
“We should have captured and questioned him,” said Mitchett.
“You would have gotten nothing useful out of that selfish slob of a man. Are the children well?” said Farash.
“Mostly,” said Jyssa. “But how are we getting them out of here? And how can we get to the other mines?”
“We just captured a wild boar,” said Farash.
Chapter 54
After examining the wide tactical view containing both Onyx and Topaz, Exla reached his conclusion. “We’re closer to Ryle than Swaqmota is. Set our course for intercept. Maybe we can stop the disaster before it happens. Since we don’t know his exact coordinates, we’ll start with Sector 21. If the Archon wants to stop us, they can try. It’ll at least divert attention away from our Topaz fleet.”
“Yes, sir,” said Lieutenant Wys as he punched in the course sending the command throughout Exla’s fleet. The battlefleet responded with boosters firing at full speed toward Topaz’s northwestern quadrant.
Thirty minutes later, with Exla and his staff obsessively monitoring sensors, he asked, “Any sign of an Archon strike group beyond Topaz?”
The Topaz Operation Page 25