by Heidi Skarie
Back in her body, Toemeka sat up trembling. Even though Michio wasn’t in the physical world, a fall in the Inner Worlds could have killed him. If the tenth test was this difficult and dangerous, what were the next ones? She pulled her knees up to her chest and rested her head on them. “Please return safely to me, my love,” she whispered.
In the early morning, Toemeka rose and changed into her Coalition uniform. She spent the day going over the planet’s defense plan with Erling and was impressed with all he’d done to unite the countries on Borko. Even so, there was more to do.
Erling and Toemeka left in the late afternoon for the military space station. When they arrived, it was a buzz of activity. Aircraft and pilots were arriving from all over the planet and Jaipar’s fleets were running drills.
Toemeka and Erling stayed at the space station the rest of the week. They continued to work with leaders from all over the planet in a coordinated defense effort. It was an enormous job and seemed as if most of their time was spent in meetings. King Zanton was noticeably absent and Toemeka’s suspicions about him increased. She’d checked her laptop to see if the Coalition had done a more extensive report on him, but with their headquarters destroyed and the war on Alandra, her request had been ignored.
That weekend, Koriann hiked from her spacecraft to the mountain trailhead where she was to meet Erling and Toemeka. She asked them to join her for a hike and looked forward to spending time with friends away from the stress of ruling Jaipar. Fall, with its fairy dust of bright colors, had transformed the forest into another world. The wind whistled through the trees, sending leaves floating gently to the ground.
“Blessings, my fair Queen,” Erling said with a smile when he spotted Koriann. He came over and bowed. “I see you managed to give your ardent lover the slip.”
“He’s not my lover! I told you to stop calling him that!”
“Your heart-struck betrothed, then.” He smirked and Toemeka pinched his arm. “Ouch! What was that for?”
“You know,” Toemeka said, placing her hands on her hips.
“You’re supposed to be on my side. Kori is going to find herself dominated by Zanton the rest of her life if we don’t intervene.”
“Look, this is our first day off since I arrived and I want to have a good time,” Toemeka said, starting up the path. “If you don’t stop teasing Koriann, I’ll push you off the top of the mountain when we get there.”
“I’m real worried. It’s been bliss these last few months not having to put up with you,” Erling kidded back.
With a mischievous grin, Toemeka picked up a long thick stick and swung it at him. He ducked and grabbed a stick of his own, blocking her blows with his. They fought as if the sticks were swords in such a vigorous and agile fashion that Koriann soon realized they were both skilled swordsmen. Toemeka started laughing as Erling almost tripped over a root and barely managed to parry yet another blow. Taking advantage of her diverted attention, Erling knocked the stick out of her hand.
“I see you haven’t changed any,” he said. “Has Michio discovered how feisty you are under your soft exterior?”
“What do you think?” Toemeka asked.
“I imagine he has by now. Did you notice what a good friend I am? I never told him.”
“I’m surprised you both know how to fence,” Koriann said, breaking into the conversation, “It wouldn’t think that would be part of your Coalition training.”
“It’s not,” Toemeka said. “We fence for sport and to keep in shape.”
“And, it appears, for fun. Can we get going?” Koriann headed toward the woods.
Erling caught up to her. “It’s not my fault that Toe’s so rowdy.”
“I’m rowdy?” Toemeka exclaimed from behind them on the trail. “Who started a brawl in that bar on Moona Kea Island?”
“Quiet, Toe, Kori doesn’t want to hear that story.”
Koriann glanced back at Toemeka. “Yes, I would; it sounds interesting.”
“It was over a woman,” Toemeka said.
“Now don’t put me in a bad light in front of Kori. She already thinks I’m a player.”
“Does she? I can’t imagine why.” Toemeka’s voice rang with sarcasm.
They fell silent, enjoying the forest. Tall evergreens stood among clumps of white-barked, yellow-leaved trees. Ferns, moss and a variety of bushes provided lush ground covering along the dirt and granite rock trail.
They crossed a small wooden bridge that passed over a mountain stream and picked up the trail on the other side where it followed the stream bank. Some trees had exposed roots that looked like arms reaching down to hug the large rocks below. The trail led to a scenic overlook and Koriann stopped to show her friends the view of a deep valley and the mountains beyond. The lower part of the mountain was covered with a sea of fall color. Tucked at the bottom of the valley was a clear blue lake.
“I love it here,” Koriann said. “My father used to take me hiking on this trail.”
“It’s an amazing view,” Toemeka exclaimed. “I can see every color of the rainbow as I look across the valley. I’d love to paint it.”
“I didn’t know you were an artist,” Koriann said.
“I used to draw and paint when I was young, but since working for the Coalition I haven’t had much time for it.”
“This is one of the most spectacular views I’ve seen in all my travels throughout the galaxy,” Erling said.
Koriann was pleased that he liked her home planet. Since Toemeka arrived, he seemed almost himself again: happy, teasing, fun-loving.
He smiled at her. “You must be proud to be the ruler of such a great country.”
“I am, but it’s a lot of responsibility and it forces me to make decisions I wouldn’t make otherwise.”
“I know.” Erling draped his arm over her shoulder and she slipped her arm around his waist. It felt natural and right to be with him and she realized how much she enjoyed his company. She glanced up and saw his vivid blue eyes fill with love as he gazed back at her.
They continued to climb up the rocky trail, resting at scenic lookout points to enjoy the view and periodically drink from the stream. Toemeka and Erling continued to kid around and tell stories of their past adventures together.
They stopped for lunch at the top of the mountain where they could see across the expansive valley filled with trees dressed in fall color. In the distance lay the temple-like buildings of the City of Silver Light at the edge of the cobalt blue ocean.
“Listen to the sound the wind makes blowing through the trees,” Erling said, removing his backpack. “Like a roaring river.”
“It makes me feel as if I’m in another world,” Toemeka said as she dug through his backpack for their lunches.
After they ate, Koriann rose. “Let’s explore before going back.”
“Sounds good to me,” Erling said, standing.
“You two go without me,” Toemeka said. “I think I’ll take a nap. The warm sun feels good.”
“You’re getting lazy in your old age, Toe,” Erling teased.
Toemeka lay back with her eyes closed, completely relaxed. “Watch out, Erling, we’re at the top of the mountain; I may push you off at any moment.”
“I’m real worried.”
“You always are.”
As Koriann and Erling started into the woods he said, “It was thoughtful of Toe to pretend she was tired, so I could have you all to myself.”
“She probably is tired.”
“I don’t think so. She just wants to give us time alone together.” Erling drew her close and leaned down as if to kiss her.
She wiggled out of his embrace. “Behave yourself.”
“Is there any reward for good behavior?”
“Don’t you want to be an honorable gentleman? After all, I’m engaged.”
“I never claimed to be a gentleman.” Despite his light reply, he walked away from her. She sensed an abrupt change in his mood and was sorry she’d brought up her eng
agement. She hurried after him. After awhile he sat down at the cliff edge near the top of the mountain and fiddled with a stick. She sat down beside him; he glanced at her, then looked out across the colorful mountain valley.
As they sat in silence, Koriann felt the tension between them. Finally, she said, “Erling, we need to talk. I know you don’t approve of me marrying Zanton.” He turned toward her and in his open, unguarded expression she saw the depth of his pain and sorrow.
“You don’t need my approval.”
“No, but I want it. I want you to understand at least.”
“All right, why are you marrying Zanton? He may offer military support, but he hasn’t been helpful in organizing the planet’s defense. And he still doesn’t have many troops in Jaipar.”
“He says his troops can reach Jaipar’s military space station as fast from his country as from Jaipar, whenever we need them. There’s really no point in bringing them now. Plus he brought in more of his royal guard. There are almost as many of them here as my royal guards.”
Erling cocked his head thoughtfully. “How is it you were let out today without a bodyguard?”
“I told Captain Orneil, the head of my guards, you were guarding me.”
“I hope they don’t tell Zanton that. He won’t like it.”
“My men don’t report my activities to Zanton.”
“I don’t think King Zanton will make you happy,” Erling said, his eyes holding hers.
“Happiness comes from within, from being strong spiritually. I’ll be happy enough.”
He lifted her chin and she met his gaze. “It’s easier to be happy with someone you love.” His voice was warm and his eyes tender.
Koriann fought down an impulse to melt into his arms. It would be fatal to do so, she had little restraint when it came to him. If he were to kiss her, she would respond with every fiber of her being. Struggling for control, she drew back from him. Her heart beat so fast she knew he must be able to see how deeply he affected her. It took a moment before she was able to steel herself for what she had to say. “Please try and look at it from my viewpoint. King Zanton is a powerful ally and a good man. He can protect Jaipar.” She risked glancing at him again and his guarded eyes revealed how much she hurt him. She wanted to ease his pain and her heart opposed her as she continued. “We’ve been through this before. I know you don’t place any importance on being a ruler, or wealth, or power, but, well . . . I was born to these things. From the time I was a small child, I was raised as a princess.
“When the palace was attacked and my family killed, I was taken by my handmaiden, Chandra, to live with Embrosa and Leyran, who became my stepparents. Right from the start, they raised me to be the ruler of Jaipar someday as we worked toward overthrowing General Bhandar. They taught me military strategy, how to use weapons, and fly aircraft, instead of letting me enjoy my childhood. They emphasized the importance of always considering the needs of my country before myself because I was the last remaining Marsindi.
“The Marsindi Dynasty has ruled for centuries. I’m a Marsindi and, like my ancestors before me, I will always put the best interests of my country before myself. Erling, please don’t despise me; I need your support.”
“I don’t despise you, Kori. I . . .” He faltered, looking uncertain, then stood. “We’d better go back and find your chaperone. You’re not safe alone with me.”
“Erling, be serious,” Koriann said, rising.
He tenderly clasped her upper arms and turned her so she fully faced him. “You think I’m not serious? I’ve never been more serious about anyone or anything in all my life. But don’t worry; I’m not going to cause you any more friction. I’ve decided to leave Jaipar. I’ll request a transfer and someone else from the Coalition can be of service to you. Someone who isn’t emotionally involved.”
“But you’ve united all of Borko. The world leaders trust you.” Koriann’s stomach twisted into a hard knot and she began to tremble from his touch. She couldn’t bear the thought of him leaving. He looked so handsome with his warm sky-blue eyes looking at her intently and his blond hair shining in the sunlight. The strength reflected in his classic features and his words made her realize just how much she loved him; she couldn’t deny how she felt any longer.
He released her. “Someone else will have to because it’s not working for me to be here. You have your life to lead and I’m just in the way.” He began walking back to where they left Toemeka.
“Erling, wait!” Koriann said, running to catch up with him. “If you’re leaving, at least let us enjoy this one last day together.”
“I don’t know what you want or expect from me. I can’t pretend to be happy when I’m not. If you want to spend an enjoyable afternoon with someone, go find King Zanton Duborginact, ruler of Haklute—someone fitting to your station.” He strode away.
A mix of emotions ran through her: sadness, fear, anxiety. She knew the sadness was because she would miss Erling terribly. But the fear and anxiety made her pause and she realized how deeply uneasy she felt around Zanton. She wanted to tell Erling her fears and feel his arms around her, but it wouldn’t be fair to him unless she was willing to break off the engagement. Should she break it off? Zanton would be furious, and there was no telling how he’d retaliate. And what was best for Jaipar? She felt alone. Her position as Queen isolated her from others and she didn’t have any close friends or confidantes to turn to. Erling’s absence would be a terrible void in her life.
She silently followed behind him, feeling great loss and emptiness. Tears filled her eyes, but she wiped them away and held her chin up stoically. She was a Marsindi; she put the Marsindi Dynasty back into power and she would see that it stayed there.
When they reached Toemeka, she was already awake from her nap and had packed the backpack. As Erling slipped it on, Toemeka looked from him to Koriann as if sensing the tension between them, but didn’t say anything. The mood had shifted from the earlier playfulness between Toemeka and Erling and enjoyment of their outing to a more serious tone.
They started back down the mountain in silence. At a scenic overlook, Toemeka and Erling walked to the edge of the cliff to enjoy the view of the colorful valley. Heavy-hearted, Koriann watched them from the path, feeling the burden of being a Marsindi.
“Look an eagle.” Toemeka said, pointing to it.
Koriann started to move closer for a look when a shot rang out. Toemeka gasped in pain and lost her balance. As she fell forward, Erling tried to grab her arm, but it slipped from his grasp as she tumbled over the edge of the cliff.
At the School of Eagles Michio stepped onto the mat in a white loincloth. He faced Mazarka who had the advantage of two additional feet in height and years of training in the art of Namay. Moreover, he’d never been defeated. Many students gathered around to watch them.
Michio was aware that no student had ever reached the eleventh level as quickly as he did, passing the first ten tests in a matter of weeks. Most of the students took years to pass even one test. Michio tried to downplay how quickly he’d passed the tests, but he knew his rapid advancement was constantly talked about.
The instructor stepped forward. “Remember at all times your goal is to reach self- mastership. This match is to teach you about yourself. Never forget its true purpose. Center yourselves.”
Michio closed his eyes, aligning himself with the positive force. It would be a joy to fight such a skilled opponent. He welcomed the chance to test his internal and external strength. This match would determine whether he was ready for the twelfth test. In preparation, he’d spent much of the night in contemplation. He wasn’t as concerned with his lack of experience in Namay because it was very similar to a form of martial arts he’d practiced since he was a child.
“Greet your brother,” the instructor said.
Michio went to the center of the mat, touched his spiritual eye and bowed to Mazarka.
When he stood back up, Michio saw hostility radiating from Mazarka’s eyes like
spears and was puzzled. He hadn’t seen this degree of antagonism when Mazarka fought the other men.
The instructor bowed. “You may begin.”
Mazarka sprang from the ground, twisted his body in midair and flew toward Michio, feet first. Michio evaded the kick and threw up his arm to block another blow aimed at his neck. Michio counter-attacked with flowing movements, drawing on his inner strength. He was in perfect harmony and balance with his body. He fought from a high level of awareness where he instinctively knew what each of Mazarka’s moves would be.
Mazarka used his body like a lethal weapon: a spear he could hurl through the air, a knife he could slash with, a club he could pound with. His movements were controlled, fast, and unyielding. Again and again he attacked as Michio defended himself and counter-attacked. Neither man got the upper hand. As the fight continued, both were pushed to the limits of their strength and endurance.
Mazarka spun and slammed his foot into Michio’s side. Losing his balance, Michio fell to the ground and rolled aside quickly as Mazarka followed through with a deadly stomp. Michio sprang to his feet in one fluid motion, ready for Mazarka’s next move.
Suddenly, Michio felt Toemeka reaching out to him in terror. He switched his attention to her and felt her closeness to death. As he moved out of his body to search for her, Mazarka attacked, slamming the side of his foot into Michio’s head. Excruciating pain exploded, everything lit up in a flash of light and then went black. Michio felt his legs give out and he fell to the ground.
11
Sniper
Erling instinctively grabbed Koriann and pulled her behind a boulder, his thoughts on Toemeka. Where was she shot? How far did she fall? He wanted to go after her, but the Queen was his first priority. He hit the call button on his watch transmitter.
“Major Fenian to Captain Orneil, code one. Agent down.”
“Acknowledged. Location?”
“Blue Ridge lookout point. Over.” He thrust the handle of his blaster into Koriann’s hand. “Stay hidden. I’m going to see what I can do to help Toemeka.”