by Heidi Skarie
“Toe, what a wonderful surprise!” Erling said, kissing her on both cheeks. “Let me look at you.” He held her at arm’s length then drew her close.
“You look great. Married life must agree with you.”
Toemeka clung to him, feeling her chest constrict. During the seven years she’d known Erling, they’d grown close and she’d missed him more than she’d realized.
“What are you doing here?” Erling asked.
After Toemeka explained how she happened to come to Jaipar, Koriann said, “You must be tired, Toemeka. I’m sure you’ll want get settled and change out of your flight suit before dinner.”
Toemeka looked at the Queen’s exquisite tailored suit. “If it’s a formal dinner, I don’t have anything appropriate to wear.”
“Don’t worry,” Koriann said. “I’ll have an evening gown sent to your room.”
An evening gown? Great. She’d rather throw on a casual top and slacks.
A servant girl led Toemeka to her room, chatting as they walked. “I’m Garda, you’ll love staying at the palace. It’s magnificent. The Queen is restoring the gardens and fountains. So many of Jaipar’s buildings were destroyed in the war, but the palace was spared.”
Garda opened a door and Toemeka stepped into her bedroom suite. The sitting room contained a plush couch, two chairs and gilded framed windows that overlooked the ocean. The room was larger than the entire pod she shared with a family of four.
“And here is the sleeping room.” The sleeping room had a canopy bed, vanity and more ocean view windows. Gauze window coverings fluttered in the ocean breeze that flowed through the window.
“Wow! What an amazing room.”
Garda smiled. “This is one of the finest in the palace. You must be a special friend of the Queen.”
“Where’s my travel bag?”
“Your things are already unpacked. I’ll go fetch a gown for you to wear to dinner.”
Once Garda left the room, Toemeka collapsed on the bed, sinking into its soft comforter. She intended to rest for only a short time, but instead slipped into a golden world with a blue sky.
Master Bakka appeared and said telepathically, “There’s danger ahead.”
The scene shifted and she saw Erling sword fighting a dark-complexioned man. Toemeka screamed as the man thrust his sword toward Erling. In the next instant she stood next to Erling as he lay unconscious on an elaborate bed. He was deathly pale and severely wounded.
A persistent knocking penetrated her consciousness, but her attention remained on Erling. “Don’t die, Erling. Don’t die.” Deep sorrow filled her. She moaned, tossing in the bed.
“Wake up, Toe.” She recognized Erling’s voice, but how could he speak when he was unconscious? “You’re having a nightmare,” he said.
Confused, she groggily opened her eyes and saw Erling sitting on her bed. His eyes were filled with concern. “Erling!” She moved into his arms trembling, still caught up in the lucid dream experience.
“You’re safe, Toe.” Erling held her close and her distress gradually lessened. He’d comforted her many times over the years. Nightmares had haunted her ever since she’d seen her family murdered by Raptor troops.
“I dreamt you were seriously wounded.” She glanced around the room, trying to make sense of things. “I was in a room even more lavishly decorated than this one. It seemed so real. I was so scared you’d die.” She shuddered. “What if it wasn’t a dream, but a glimpse of the future? You need to be careful, Erling. I saw you fighting an evil man with some kind of glowing sword that split into two blades. I couldn’t see his face clearly.”
“I don’t put too much merit into visions. They’re unreliable. I came to escort you to dinner.”
“Was I asleep that long? It seemed like only a moment.” She got out of bed. “I’d better shower and change into something appropriate.” Her laptop lay on the dresser. “I’m editing Michio’s book. You might enjoy reading it while I get ready for dinner.”
“Sounds interesting.”
She typed in the passcode and brought up the correct file before handing it to him.
“The Call of Soul,” Erling said. “Interesting title.”
In the bathroom, she stripped off her clothes and stepped into the shower. She was still shaken by her inner experience. As hot water poured over her, she felt the residual tension ease from her back and shoulders.
When she reentered the bedroom, Garda was waiting with a flowing, blue-colored gown. She helped Toemeka dress, then fastened up her hair and did her makeup. Toemeka submitted impatiently. She usually just twisted her long hair into a bun and didn’t bother with makeup. She wanted to talk to Erling, not get dressed up.
Garda talked nonstop as she worked, chattering about the five-course dinner that would be served and all the important guests.
“Are you almost done?” Toemeka asked, glancing at her large navigator watch.
“I’m hurrying as fast as I can. You can’t wear that watch. It will ruin your whole look.”
“Oh, for goodness sakes! I don’t care how I look.” Toemeka slid off the watch, hoping it would speed Garda along.
Garda attached earrings to Toemeka’s earlobes, then said, “There, done. Major Erling is waiting for you in the sitting room.”
An adoring tone tinged Garda’s voice when she said Erling’s name. Toemeka was used to women having that reaction to Erling’s exceptional good looks and charismatic personality.
“Thank you.” Toemeka found Erling sitting in a chair, absorbed in Michio’s book. “I’m ready. Let’s go; we’re late.”
He looked up and whistled. “Quite a change. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a formal dress with your hair done up like that.”
“I’d feel more comfortable wearing a military uniform, like you are.”
“And deprive all the men of such a beautiful vision.”
“Stuff it, Erling.” She walked out the door and he followed.
He grinned. “Touchy. I’ve got a feeling things are going to be livelier with you here. By the way, I’m enjoying Michio’s manuscript. I’d like to read the rest of it while you’re here. How long do you think you’ll be staying?”
“I don’t know. I’m winging it. What are you doing here instead of defending Alandra?”
“Commander Flint ordered me to return to Jaipar.”
“How is the war on Alandra? When I saw the attack inwardly, I wanted to go there immediately and fight with our fleet.”
“I’m glad you didn’t.” He led her down the spacious hallways adorned with large landscape paintings. “The destruction to Tismus was extensive and many were killed when Coalition Headquarters was destroyed. The entire country of Jelmur was forced to surrender. Several other countries on Alandra have also surrendered. Samrat Condor intends to conquer the whole planet.”
“Will he succeed?”
Erling turned to look at her, his pain revealed in his eyes. “Yes, now that Coalition Headquarters is destroyed.”
Toemeka’s heart ached. Alandra had been home to her ever since Condor destroyed the village where she was raised and took over the planet.
They left the private quarters of the palace and entered an open area with marble pillars and floors. “How is your family?” Toemeka asked.
“They’re still in Tismus. Breezy and Suntaka have joined the underground resistance. Jake snuck across the Jelmur border to visit both our families and try to help them.”
Toemeka nodded in understanding. Erling and Jake grew up next door to each other and their families were still neighbors. Jake cared about Erling’s family almost as much as he did his own. “That was a foolhardy thing to do.”
“Commander Quintary had a fit when he found out. He threatened to ground Jake for a month, but of course it’s all talk, Quin can’t afford to have one of his best men doing office work when a war is on.”
“You and Jake are such a trial for Commander Quintary. Is there any way to get your family out of Jelmur
?”
Erling’s steps slowed down. “I don’t think so and it’s crazy, but they don’t want to leave. They feel they should stay and work to overthrow Samrat Condor.”
“Patriotism must run deep in your family.” Voices and the clinking of silverware floated into the hallway and she knew they’d almost reached the dining room.
“True enough. I’d be back there fighting if Koriann didn’t need my help.” A shadow crossed his face and he stopped walking. “Suntaka’s fiancé was killed during the takeover of Tismus.”
“Connor was killed!” Toemeka felt a rush of heat shoot through her and reached for Erling to steady herself. “Suntaka must be devastated. She and Conner were so in love. She’ll have a tough time healing.”
“Yeah. She’s pretty shaken up about it.”
Toemeka searched Erling’s eyes. “How about you? How are you holding up?”
“I’ll survive.”
“It must be hard to be here with Koriann engaged.”
“I’d rather not talk about it.” He started walking again.
She hurried to catch up, letting the subject drop. She knew he would open up to her when he was ready. She changed the topic to another one that weighed on her mind. “How did Jake take the news of my marriage?”
“He was shocked, upset, but with the war on, I don’t think he’s dwelt on it.”
“I’m sure he’s already found another woman to comfort him.”
“When did you get so cynical?” Erling asked sharply. “He loves you.”
“He cheated on me—that’s not love.” They arrived at the entrance to the dining room. She put her hand on Erling’s arm and they walked in together. Finely attired people were seated at a large table set with china and crystal glassware. Queen Koriann sat at the head of the table. A servant seated Toemeka to one side of the Queen while a different servant led Erling down to the opposite end of the table.
“Toemeka, I’m glad you’re here,” Queen Koriann said. “We were just about to begin.” She gestured to the man sitting on her other side. “This is my fiancé, King Zanton Duborginact.”
Toemeka looked across the table into the gray eyes of a dark-complexioned man with a broad-shouldered build. A shiver went through her and she was immediately uneasy. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“I’m glad to meet you as well. You make a charming addition to the table. Where are you from?”
“Alandra,” she said, not revealing Kanai’s existence.
“It’s good that you’re here now, away from the war.”
“I’d rather be fighting for Alandra’s freedom. I fear Alandra’s fall will bring the war here.”
The king lifted his goblet. “We are well prepared for war.”
Toemeka felt a wave of heavy dark energy coming from him. Her spine tingled and she became more alert and wary. She focused on his aura and saw black light shot with red streaks surrounding him. She drew in a sharp breath. Why did he have such a negative aura? She noticed he was watching her closely, almost as if he knew she could see he wasn’t what he appeared to be.
“Why are you here?” he asked. His eyes bore into hers.
Toemeka sensed hypnotic power behind his words, a power meant to bring her under his control. “I’m a Coalition agent and Erling’s partner. I’m here to help with Jaipar’s defense.”
“In my country, men fight wars to protect their woman and children, instead of making women serve in the military.” He turned to Koriann and said in a more pleasant voice, “Did I mention some of my friends from Haklute will be arriving later this week for a visit?”
“It will be nice to meet your friends,” Koriann said. “I’ll order a feast for dinner and have rooms prepared for them.”
Toemeka watched the exchange between Koriann and Zanton with interest, noticing an undercurrent of tension. Their relationship seemed rather formal and guarded, considering they were to wed soon. She also wondered about Erling’s placement at the end of the table and speculated that Koriann must be trying to keep some distance between Erling and the King. Toemeka realized she’d stepped into the middle of more than a pending war.
10
City of Silver Light
When Toemeka returned to her sitting room, she brought up the Coalition Intelligence site on her laptop. She typed in her password, then pressed her finger against the ID pad. A message appeared. “Access denied. Agent Toemeka Ganti current status: inactive.” She leaned back in the chair frustrated. She’d have to return to active duty to get into the system. She impatiently tapped her fingers against the table. If she returned to active duty, she could be sent on a mission. But more likely they’d want her working with Erling, organizing Jaipar’s defense. An office position was safe work. She typed in a request to return to active duty.
Once reinstated, she gained access and brought up information about King Zanton Duborginact. The report noted the government was totalitarian and King Zanton ruled with absolute power, but there weren’t any negative reports on him. His country was large and powerful and would be a good ally for Jaipar. Moreover, he had many allies who would join the fight if his country went to war. After Toemeka finished reading, she realized she needed a more in-depth investigation and requested King Zanton be investigated further.
A knock at the door caused Toemeka to quickly close the computer as Garda came into the room. “How was your evening?” Garda asked.
“You were right; it was a fabulous dinner. Can you help me out of this gown? I’m exhausted.” Garda unfastened the row of small buttons on the back of her dress, rambling on about the beautiful gowns Koriann was having made for Toemeka. Interrupting Garda’s monologue, Toemeka asked, “What do you think of King Zanton? I’m curious as to what kind of man the Queen is marrying.”
“I . . . um . . . it’s not my place to say anything about the future King of Jaipar.” Garda pulled the gown over Toemeka’s head and carried it to the closet.
Toemeka put on her nightgown, wondering why the talkative woman was suddenly so tentative. “I just thought you might have heard something about him from his servants.”
“Actually, his personal servants keep to themselves. They’re an unfriendly . . . or perhaps cautious lot.”
Once Garda took down Toemeka’s elaborate hairdo, Toemeka dismissed her, then washed off her makeup and went to bed. It was always at night that she missed Michio the most. They used to lie in bed and talk or make love. Afterwards they’d often journey out of their bodies and meet in the dream worlds. Tonight she felt drawn to him, sensing he needed her. Perhaps she could reach him.
Toemeka put her attention on Michio and her heart filled with love. Gradually the sound current began humming in her inner ear, then she rose up and out of her body in full consciousness. Pleased at her success, she focused on Michio and was instantly transported to a mountainous region where she saw him climbing the side of a steep cliff. An unusually tall, dark-skinned man was with him. Neither one of them had any climbing equipment. If either slipped, they would certainly fall to their deaths. The sun was setting and the wind blew with such intensity that it made the climb especially dangerous.
She felt Michio’s uneasiness as he scrambled onto a narrow ledge. Once there his face glowed as he looked at the spectacular view of distant craggy mountains and violet sky. He wasn’t aware of Toemeka’s etheric presence and she hesitated to manifest, concerned that he could be startled and lose his balance.
“You have three tests left,” the man with Michio said. “You have passed the first nine quickly. This one you will not pass so easily. No one has ever had the courage to try it the first time they’re brought here.”
“What is the test, Mazarka?”
The man pointed across the valley to a distant mountain peak. “You must fly to that ledge.”
Michio’s face drained of color and Mazarka smiled maliciously, his pleasure apparent. “I told Master Jadock it was a waste of time to bring you. You aren’t ready for this test. I’ll take you back down.�
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“No, I can do it. I just need to center myself.” Michio closed his eyes and Toemeka felt him letting go of all fear and limitations. She was puzzled; Mazarka seemed to want Michio to turn back. Spiritual brothers usually rejoiced in each other’s advancements.
Michio opened his eyes and looked across the valley.
“You still want to try it?” Mazarka asked, the arrogance gone from his voice. Michio nodded. “There’s no shame in turning back,” Mazarka said with a begrudging look of respect.
“Each time I’ve come to a test, I wondered if I had the ability to pass it. Yet Master Bakka has always been beside me inwardly and he will be with me this time as well. I trust that Master Jadock would not have you bring me here if I wasn’t ready.”
“All right, I’ll go first. Watch how I do it. You must ride the wind currents.” Mazarka leapt off the cliff edge with his arms and legs spread wide and started gliding across the valley. The wind seemed to lift him up and carry him to the distant mountain ledge. He landed and looked across the valley at Michio.
Toemeka couldn’t figure out how Mazarka flew across the valley. Flying wasn’t possible in the physical world and yet she’d just seen him do it. Michio stepped forward. Toemeka felt the hammering of his heart as if it were her own. He leapt off the ledge and soared toward the other peak. Suddenly, he faltered as if realizing flying was impossible. He started tumbling downward. Toemeka manifested beside him and grabbed his hand, stopping his fall. Together they were suspended in air.
His eyes widened in surprise. “Toemeka! Where did you come from?”
“I was drawn to you. Fly with me and together we’ll ride the wind.”
“I can’t fly!”
“Here, you can. Somehow you’ve crossed into the Inner Worlds where flying is possible.” Together they rose upward and flew across the sky. The wind tore at their hair and clothing as they flew over the lush valley below. At last, they made it to the other side and landed beside Mazarka. Toemeka disappeared before his astonished gaze.