“How’d they break our frequency inscriptions?” the general asked, stunned.
Aleena laughed. “Really? Didn’t you see what they just did to that tower you said was indestructible?”
“Follow me,” General Baker ordered. He led them back into the bakery to a side table in the lobby. “Go ahead, son,” he ordered the communications specialist.
With the flick of a switch, a male voice came through the speakers.
“This is Lieutenant Nalvan on the Elven assault vessel Resurgence calling the Earthborn General,” Aleena translated. “The captain requests your location for an audience. We are here to provide assistance.”
Aleena watched as General Baker looked to each of his colleagues. One by one, the other generals nodded. Finally, General Baker turned to Aleena and did the same.
“Just talk right here,” the communications officer said, indicating a small microphone built into the system.
She spoke with the lieutenant for a short time, then turned to the general. “The captain is on his way. I suggest we meet him outside.”
“How will he arrive?”
“I don’t know. Let’s go find out.”
Aleena led everyone out of the bakery and into the intersection, looking up at the ship. Five pods launched into the air, then beelined toward them. As they descended, the pods broke into equal pieces, dropping fifteen mechanical warriors that landed in the center of the intersection.
One Alliance soldier raised his rifle toward the intimidating machines.
“Put that down,” Aleena commanded.
“Do what she says,” General Baker barked.
The soldier lowered his weapon.
The armored robot closest to them stepped forward. The front of the machine opened, and a black, short-haired Elven man climbed out. The Elf walked to Aleena, taking a shallow bow.
“May I?” she asked in Elvish.
The captain nodded, stooping to her height.
Aleena placed her forehead against the captain’s for a very brief moment. Then she stepped back in line with the generals.
When the captain straightened, he was a full head taller than all of them. He addressed Aleena in perfect English. “I’m honored to be of assistance to the Earthborn general.”
She felt Ethan’s finger lightly poke her in the back.
“A general, huh?” he whispered in her ear.
She stepped to the side, revealing Ethan to the red-and-gold-clad captain. “This is Ethan, son of Gabrielle, King of the Earthborn.”
“Uh, hi,” Ethan responded, waving awkwardly.
The captain bowed low before Ethan, his high collar rimming a muscular neck. “It is a pleasure, Your Highness.”
“And these,” she continued, motioning to the generals, “are the generals of the Alliance, the Humans’ army.”
The captain made a shallow bow to each of them.
“Why are you here?” General Baker asked somewhat rudely.
The captain glanced at Aleena, a slight hint of confusion on his face. “We were summoned by the Earthborn general. We have come to aid you in your war with the Urlowens.”
The captain paused, leaning slightly toward his tall collar, then spoke quickly in Elvish.
“What was that?” General Baker asked Aleena.
“Someone on the ship, General,” she replied. “Hush.”
He looked mildly offended but did as she said.
The captain straightened his head. “My men inform me that the Urlowens are in full retreat. We will not pursue. There is much to plan if we are to win this war.”
“And if we do win?” the general asked. “Then what? You’ll be our captors?”
The Elf was clearly offended. “General, we do not subdue other species. Earth belongs to the Earthborn.”
“Actually,” Aleena cut in, “Earth is shared now, between the Earthborn and the Humans. It’s both our homes.”
“Ah. Then today we reestablish friends of old and forge a new alliance—the Earthborn, the Humans, and the home world. What say you, General?”
General Baker turned to each of his colleagues, who gave their approval. He reached out to cement the alliance with a handshake. “We accept, on behalf of all humanity.”
The captain looked strangely at the extended appendage.
Aleena caught his eye and nodded toward the general’s hand.
Slowly he placed his hand in the general’s, and they shook.
Aleena pushed Ethan forward.
“Uh, right,” he said. “And I accept on behalf of the Earthborn.” Ethan shook the captain’s hand and then extended his to the general, who looked him up and down, then shook his hand.
“Wonderful,” the captain exclaimed.
Aleena motioned toward the bakery. “Why don’t we show him our positions and assets?”
“Do your other men need any refreshments?” General Baker said, motioning to the fourteen other mechanical warriors still standing in the intersection.
The captain laughed. “Oh, that’s kind but unnecessary. Those are drones.”
“That’s freakin’ cool,” Aleena heard Rayland whisper to Ethan.
“General Baker,” Ethan started, “we have some friends on the front with the Resistance regiment. Would you have a way for me to speak with them?”
“Of course.” The general motioned to the communications officer. “Major Healey here can help you out.”
Aleena followed Ethan and the major back to the radio console.
“You want the Resistance regiment?” the major asked.
“Yeah,” Ethan confirmed.
The major flipped a few switches on the field console, then spoke into the mic. “Major Healy for Sergeant Leon.”
Almost immediately, Leon’s voice came through the speakers. “Here, sir. What can I do for you?”
“I have, um”—he looked at Ethan—“King Ethan for you.”
“King?” Leon replied.
“Hey, buddy,” Ethan said into the microphone.
“King?” Leon asked again, that time almost laughing.
Ethan shrugged, even though Leon couldn’t see him. “Don’t ask.” He looked at Aleena. “Did Allison find you?”
“Sure did. I’ve got to tell you, your girl’s a hell of a shot. She saved my neck twice out here.”
Aleena cringed at the words ‘your girl,’ but fortunately Ethan was no longer looking at her.
“Is she all right?” Ethan asked.
“She’s fine. Conner took a bolt to the leg, but he’ll walk again. Just not for a while. Allison seems pretty shook up about it. You should probably talk to her.”
A small smile crept onto Aleena’s face.
“If you don’t mind me asking,” Leon continued, “we’ve got a lot of questions out here. Like where in the world did that ship up there come from, and who are these people?”
“It’s a long story,” Ethan replied. “I’ll fill you in when you get back. Just trust them. They’re friends.”
“Well I’m certainly not going to get in their way. They cleaned house with the Urlowen troops out here. With firepower like that, we might actually survive this war.”
“That’s the idea.”
“Look, I’ve got men to attend to. You be sure to fill me in later like you said.”
“I will.”
The major shut off the line and Ethan turned to face Aleena.
“We did it,” he said. “You and me. We turned this war around.”
She thought about that for a minute. “Maybe.”
“What do you mean, maybe? The Elves from the home world are here pledging their support. They just beat the crap out of the Urlowens. We did it!”
She sighed. “Ethan.”
“Yeah?”
“We won one battle. I think the war has just begun.”
CHAPTER 24
Kalma entered the throne room behind Councilwoman Denetaa, wearing full battle armor despite that breaking every security statute concerning formal meeti
ngs of the Council of Five. He had two knives stowed by his calves, a full complement of seekers, a plasma rifle secured on his back, multiple side arms stashed at various locations in the armor, and a handful of explosives.
Behind him, Wren and Zavier walked side by side, decked out from head to toe in armor.
All eyes were on them as they entered and climbed the stairs up to the lowest tier. Mouths gaped and there were more than a few audible gasps followed by waves of whispers.
“What is the meaning of this?” a low, drawn-out voice called from the throne. As the man spoke, the other voices in the room immediately silenced.
The air sizzled with hidden energy, causing the hair on Kalma’s neck to prickle. It was all anticipated, of course. He held back a defiant smile. Malikyne would play his part perfectly.
The councilwoman approached her seat in the inner circle and sat before the standing Malikyne. Kalma, breaking tradition yet again, followed her onto the Council’s tier.
At that, gasps and whispers once again ran through the crowd.
Wren and Zavier remained on the tier designated for the Council Guard.
“You try my patience, Councilwoman,” Malikyne said. His voice was cold as ice. Once again, a wave of power sliced through the room.
Breaking throne room etiquette yet again, Kalma slowly turned his head to assess the others gathered. The full Council of Five were there, each with their lead Council Guard team dressed in formal uniforms, secretaries, policy advisors, and the traditional witnesses.
The others in the room were the wealthiest members of society. They served to bear witness to the proceedings of the Council.
Councilwoman Denetaa nodded in turn to each of the councilors. As each nodded in return, they sat in front of the standing Malikyne.
That was until she nodded at Councilman Raysaa.
As Kalma had planned, Raysaa stood taller, pulling back his shoulders and puffing up his chest.
From behind, Kalma couldn’t see Denetaa’s reaction, but there must’ve been a slight hint of surprise—maybe even fear—because Malikyne let a small sneer creep onto his face.
“Go on,” he said, his words dripping with humoring satisfaction.
Denetaa quivered slightly in her seat. Kalma placed an encouraging hand on her shoulder. At his touch, the quiver ceased. It was clear he had provided her with the strength she needed. After all, who could stand against him?
Councilwoman Denetaa nodded at Councilwoman Sheena. Sheena shook her head slowly and remained standing.
“Interesting.” Malikyne’s low, disturbing laughter rang through the room. “Not what you were expecting? A coup always reveals who your friends are though, doesn’t it? That’s what this is, right? A coup? I suppose I don’t need to remind you that removal of the High Councilman requires the unanimous support of the Council of Five. And that, my dear Denetaa, has never happened, making this, well, treason.
“Enough!” Denetaa stood. “It doesn’t matter. We will stand against you. We will free Urlow.”
“You and what army?” Malikyne spat. “Do you forget who I am?”
Kalma moved to Denetaa’s side.
“We know exactly who you are,” she replied. “You are no Urlowen. And you don’t scare us.” She looked directly at Kalma.
He nodded, using all his strength to conceal his smile. This was all so perfect. Better than he could’ve planned it. With this type of rebellion from the Council, Malikyne’s next move was obvious.
“Ah yes,” the High Councilman said. “Your great champion.” His voice was silky smooth. “His feats over the millennia have been magnificent. His magical prowess is nearly unmatched, and his combat skills are second to none. I’ll give you that.”
The blood drained from Denetaa’s face.
“Though there is just that one tiny, insignificant little thing about him,” Malikyne continued. “Through the years—and I assure you, there have been many, many years—he, like me, has learned to become whoever he wants. Whatever he wants.”
“No,” Denetaa exclaimed. “You lie.”
“Alas, young, naïve Denetaa, I do not. I raised your champion from childhood. I taught him everything I know. I am the only one who can best him, but I would never need to because… we’re family.”
Malikyne turned his gaze to Kalma. “My dear boy. I grow tired of this charade, don’t you? No more hiding. Come take your place at my side.”
No one made a peep. The tension in the room was palpable.
Denetaa turned to him and placed her hands on his shoulders. Kalma looked deep into her pleading eyes and smiled wide.
“As you wish, Your Eminence.”
Brushing the woman’s hands from his shoulders, he stepped forward, crossing the space separating the Council from Malikyne. As he approached, Malikyne beamed and stretched out his hand to Kalma.
“My axe, please,” the High Councilman said.
Kalma reached into the empty air beside him and grasped the handle of an ornate double-headed axe that appeared in his hand. The blades glowed a translucent silvery blue, and whips of energy danced around the imbued metal. The haft was studded with jewels and extended three feet from the head, ending in an enormous finely cut diamond.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Malikyne’s question was directed at Denetaa. “I made it myself. It took me years to find such flawless jewels.”
As Malikyne took the battle axe from Kalma, his form began to quiver. Slowly he shrank to half his height and widened by nearly the same amount. His hair grew out and turned a stark silver, and a long beard grew into place.
Despite the transformation, not a sound emanated from the assembly. Fear gripped them all.
“That’s better, wouldn’t you say?” The Dwarf said, turning to him.
Kalma nodded.
“Go ahead,” the Dwarf urged him. “After all, you’re finally home. Back where our glorious reign took shape. Where I found you in the rubble, a young man in need of my guidance.”
Kalma turned, facing the crowd. His subjects. He would not rule from the shadows, hiding himself with the body of another like Malikyne. The Urlowens would bow before his natural form. They would use his name.
An image of the woods outside his childhood home flashed before him. He’d tripped on an oversized root and scraped his knees. He must’ve only been five or six. He’d repressed those memories long ago. Forgotten his family. Turned his back on the Earthborn. Assumed a new identity, a new life.
Why now? Something had broken the vault of memories he had locked away inside.
Tears fell from the little boy’s eyes, until a soft hand wiped them from his face. The touch was full of love and compassion.
“You’re all right,” a young girl’s voice told him. “I’ll protect you.”
But she hadn’t. She wasn’t there when Malikane found him. She wasn’t there when the Urlowens murdered their mother. Anger flooded the little boy’s face.
“You’re strong,” the girl said, lifting the boy’s chin.
His eyes fell upon the girl’s blonde locks and traced them up to her kind face. His sister.
Kalma’s face began to shift, taking on the same slight angles as the girl in the vison. His ears drew up to a gentle point, and his jet-black hair turned golden blond.
Malikyne turned to the crowd. “I hereby dissolve the Council of Five.” His axe flew from his hand, ending Councilwoman Denetaa.
The room broke into chaos. The Guard, many of whom had smuggled side arms below their uniforms, raised their weapons but didn’t fire, their allegiance split. Who did they serve—their councilor or Malikyne? Several witnesses screamed and ran for the doors, only to find them sealed by Malikyne’s magic.
The floor rose up around Councilmen Urmyne and Talik enveloping them. Just as suddenly, it flattened, leaving only empty space where the rotund man had just stood.
Bolts of energy shot out from the High Councilman at Raysaa, Sheena, but just before striking, a purple energy shield rose up arou
nd them, absorbing the blows.
Malikyne spun on Kalma.
“Remember your place,” the dwarf bellowed. “You were nothing before I found you. You would be nothing without me. Stand beside me or die.”
Kalma laughed. “You’ve become weak, both in governance and power. I have siphoned your magic for centuries preparing for this moment. I will expand the empire. I will rule the galaxy. Everyone will know my name—Alinar of Avenfall.”
Get all the latest updates on my new releases, events, special offers, and tons of entertaining content by joining my newsletter. I love interacting with readers, so be sure to hit that reply button on the emails.
Click here to join my newsletter.
Or direct your internet browser to:
https://www.matthewdevore.com/newslettersignup
Earthborn Legacy Book 3 is coming. Join the newsletter to stay up-to-date.
If you enjoyed Earthborn Alliance, please leave a review on Amazon.
Click here to leave a review.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First and foremost, I’d like to thank you for reading Earthborn Alliance. I hope you loved it.
A huge thanks goes out to my editor Kristin Scearce at Hot Tree Editing. Your work is gold. Also, to my beta readers Kolleen Fraser and Crystal Earl, your input is extremely helpful. Thank you. Virginia Gaylor, thank you for your final eyes read-through and catching all the little stuff.
I’d also like to thank my advance reader team. You guys are awesome.
Last, I’d like to thank my wonderful wife for her input, reading the manuscript multiple times, and her encouragement.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Matthew S. DeVore is the author of the Earthborn Legacy series. He loves writing stories where science fiction and fantasy intertwine. He’s a fan of shadowy characters with hidden motives and epic heroes with personal flaws. Science has a special place in his life, as he holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Kansas. Rock Chalk! He lives in the Midwest with his wife, daughter, and two dogs.
Visit Matthew’s website to learn more: www.matthewdevore.com
Earthborn Alliance Page 22