by A A Warren
“May the golden stars receive you,” she said.
She passed the torch to Talon, and he lit the second sphere.
“May the golden stars receive you.”
As it drifted away, an image of Salena glowed to life. The early morning light was dim, and they could see both flames burning bright as they drifted far into the distance. For a time, the two spheres bobbed next to each other, side by side. Eventually, the waves and the tide carried them apart. They continued on their separate journeys, until they both disappeared on the dark horizon.
Talon and Avra climbed back onto the main deck of the small boat. The craft rose and fell with the motion of the water. They were in the middle of a vast ocean, surrounded by water on all sides. Rippling waves stretched as far as the eye could see. Avra activated the craft’s auto pilot. It hovered on a lifter field and sped across the water’s surface, taking them back toward the floating port city.
She sat down next to Talon. They watched the sun rise, as sea spray kissed their skin and the breeze whipped through their hair.
“Have you decided where you will go?” she finally asked.
He nodded. “I’ve signed on with a compliment of Merchant Marines. They’re working out of the Free Consortium, guarding shipping lanes. I thought it would be a good way to see more of the galaxy.”
“I’m sure the prince… I mean the emperor… would be more than happy to offer you a naval commission.”
Talon shook his head. “No. No more favors. I’ve had enough of emperors and gods. Enough of destiny. I’ll make my own way now.” He looked up at her and smiled. “And what of you? The Star Claw is yours. Where will you take her?”
She brushed a strand of windswept hair from her face. “I’ve decided to return to the Sorari training center. See if I can make things right. I don’t know if that’s even possible, but I want to try.”
Talon nodded. “You’re one of the best warrior I’ve ever seen. They’ll be lucky to have you. When do you leave?”
“Tomorrow.” She looked into his eyes. “And you?”
“Tomorrow as well.”
“Doesn’t leave us much time to say goodbye.” She leaned against him, and he slipped his arm around her.
“That reminds me,” he said. “You told me Sorari take what they are owed. Well, I still owe you something. We made it back alive, after all.”
“That’s right,” she said, laughing. “Your name. Your true name.”
“No. My true name is Talon. Regardless of my past, this is who I am now. This is who I chose to be. But if you want to know my No’varran name, it’s—”
She held a finger to his lips and grinned. “That’s not the deal. You said you would tell me when this is over.” She slid her arms around his neck. Her emerald eyes gazed into his dark, brooding stare. Her lips parted as she pressed her body against his. “It’s not over yet. We still have one more day.” Her voice lowered to husky whisper. “And one more night.”
One night of pleasure, he thought.
Talon crushed her mouth to his and drank deep. They slipped down to the deck, and she moaned beneath him as the boat raced across the waves. Above them, the sun continued on its path into the sky, lighting the heavens and burning away the last vestiges of darkness and night.
Talon returns in…
The galaxy’s deadliest warrior is back… Talon is stranded on a hellish ice world infested with savage creatures. His only hope for escape is a bargain with a seductive queen, who may prove even deadlier than the planet itself…
TALON THE RAIDER
COMING FEBRUARY, 2019
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What to Read Next
Thank you for reading Talon the Slayer. Talon’s adventure is just getting started…
TALON THE GLADIATOR
Readers Group Exclusive
COMING SOON!
TALON THE SLAYER
Tales of Talon Book 1
TALON THE RAIDER
Tales of Talon Book 2
TALON THE HUNTER
Tales of Talon Book 3
Tales of Talon Book 2
TALON THE RAIDER
Is coming soon!
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A. A. Warren
A. A. Warren’s Recipe for a Science Fiction and Fantasy Author:
Mix one part Star Wars with one part Star Trek. Stir in liberal amounts of Conan the Barbarian (books, movies, comics… all varietals.) Toss with Dune, Flash Gordon, Dungeons & Dragons, and Saturday morning cartoons. Add a pinch of video games, and season to taste with comic books, Stephen King novels, B-Movies, and whatever speculative entertainment you have on hand. Let simmer in a New Jersey suburb until partially mature, then finish in La La Land, Southern California.
Sear with Godzilla’s atomic breath. Serve with an ice cold beer and cheese platter.
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