The only time she recalled seeing anyone other than the palace guards was before Delvin’s rescue. Even then, they only surfaced when the queen was addressing them. She wondered at the meaning behind that, if there truly was one. Nabalar was full of mysteries, yet not many answers. The only time they saw others outside the palace was when Mirsux agreed to help rescue Delvin.
“Where are the people?” she said under her breath. “Why allow the Migrels free run if they can be so easily defeated?” she continued.
But the sparkle of a rose petal brought her from such contemplations. She smiled, admiring the kaleidoscope of colors being cast by the Alzanuas when the light touched them. She approached a sizable patch of the entrancing flowers. The rose petals were transparent, like a delicate crystal shard. That transparency extended to its stems until it reached the leaves. Then the colors burst forth, enhancing the beauty of the rose.
When she drew near, it was as if they were aware of her presence, leaning in towards her. She cocked her head curiously, and stepped away. Just as she thought, the roses resumed their previous position. When she came forward again, they leaned towards her, beckoning her to come closer.
“This is amazing. It’s as if they know I’m here,” she said and then reached out a hand to touch a petal. After considering the move, she withdrew it. “Nothing is ever what it seems on Nabalar,” she reminded herself.
When she began to move past them, an odd sound caught her attention. It was similar to the sound horse’s make as they trot. This was the first time she had heard it. She peered around the edge of some flowering bushes. She espied a group of men similarly outfitted as the palace guards. As she continued her stare, another group of aliens came into view.
“Prisoners,” she whispered.
There were seven bound aliens that trailed the group of guards. Their hands were bound as they shuffled behind them. She noted several different species and then her eyes widened. The one at the end of the precession was human. She gasped, staring at the woman. She was very slight with long auburn hair, and angular features. Her face was covered with the magnetic dust of Nabalar. When the woman’s gaze found hers, Ariella clasped a hand over her mouth.
“Save me,” the woman mouthed. “Please.”
Ariella could not turn from her. The woman’s eyes were filled with terror, a feeling Ariella understood all too well. How did she get here? Are there more human captives? Her mind frantically pondered the questions.
After she was certain the guards were far from her, she went in search of Delvin. He was laying comfortably beneath a grove of amethyst colored trees. She smiled, shaking her head in amusement. Just one day past, the Migrels had captured him. Now, he rested peacefully in the magnificence of the garden. It was a pleasing sight, one that would remain etched in her memory.
“Captain,” she whispered, nudging his arm.
Delvin’s eyes snapped open as he leaped to his feet. He clenched his fist, turning to face whatever had come.
Ariella raised her hands, taking a step back. “It’s me, Sir,” she said. “I’m sorry to have disturbed you.”
“Ariella?”
“Sorry, Sir. Do you think it’s wise to sleep out here?”
“There’s not much else to do. Besides, this area is safe,” he said, brushing back his hair with his hands. “And I wasn’t asleep; I was merely resting my eyes.”
Ariella nodded, moving closer. “I think we’re in danger.”
“What?”
She peered at their surroundings. “I think we’re in danger, Sir.”
“From what?” Delvin scrutinized their surroundings as well.
“It’s not the Migrels. I think it’s Mirsux’s people.”
“What are you talking about, Sub-Commander? Report.”
All too familiar with that tone, she straightened her stance. “When I was in the gardens, I saw a group of guards. They had prisoners, Sir, and one of them was human.”
“Human? Are you certain?”
“Yes, Sir. We’ve got to help her or at least find out what’s going on. Mirsux didn’t mention anything about other humans. We need to ascertain the truth and then get the hell off this planet.”
Delvin raised a hand to calm her. “Even if what you think you saw is true, what are we to do? We can’t go and accuse these people of anything. This is their planet, and we need their help to be free of it.”
“I understand. I’m not suggesting we accuse them. But we need to learn more about the human. She begged for my help, Captain. I cannot ignore that.”
He sighed. “What do you suggest?”
“We can at least try to locate the guards. They couldn’t have gotten far. If we can find the prisoners, you can see for yourself. I’m not suggesting we attempt a rescue, but we need to learn the truth. Our lives could be in danger.”
Delvin agreed, following the lead of his Sub-commander. The procession was headed in the direction of the palace. If they hurried, they could catch up with them.
“Are you sure you saw them?” he asked as they continued their run.
“I didn’t imagine them. They were there, and we will find them.”
When he skidded to a stop, pointing, Ariella followed his stare to some fresh tracks plainly visible on the dust covered ground. They led to an odd space at the rear of the palace. No guards were posted around the area and that alone caused them fear.
They moved cautiously forward, positioning themselves behind a grouping of high shrubs. There appeared to be no place the group could have gone except inside the palace. From their vantage, the tracks stopped at the outer wall.
A frustrated sigh escaped her lips, reconsidering what she saw. Could it have been a hallucination brought on by the redolent fragrance of the Alzanuas? Anything was possible; they had learned that the hard way.
Before she could consider further, the ground opened, and what looked to be a platform raised from the opening in the dirt. The guards who had led the procession stood atop the platform.
“There!” she pointed. Once the guards stepped off the platform, the ground closed in around it.
“A secret entrance?” he stated more than asked.
They surveyed their surroundings and crept forward. She knelt to the ground, feeling for a lever or notch or something to activate the platform. When the ground began to part, they scrambled behind a half wall, peering around the side. Another guard stepped from the platform and moved off around the building.
Delvin nodded and they raced forward before the ground closed around it.
The darkness enclosed them as they descended underground. She took hold of Delvin’s arm, beginning to questioning the logic of her actions. As he turned towards her, a bright light caused them to shield their eyes. She gasped when the new area came into view.
The king and queen sat on a raised dais, presiding over a small gathering below. Another alien was seated beneath them. He leaned against a solid block type table holding a colored stone in right his hand.
As that alien spoke something they couldn’t understand, all eyes turned in their direction. Mirsux’s brow knitted as he stood and approached them. “What are you doing here?”
The tone of his voice caused her to take a step back. “We—we followed the guards. They had an earth woman with them. Why was she taken captive?”
“You are the only ones from earth on Nabalar.”
“I saw her, Mirsux,” she pointed towards a translucent cell. “She’s over there.”
When Mirsux turned, Delvin draped a supportive arm about her shoulder.
Several of the guards moved to the cell after Mirsux had given them direction. He turned to regard Ariella again saying something she didn’t understand. Immediately, the guards grabbed them, dragging them to another cell. She screamed, fighting against their grasp.
“Mirsux, no, please!” she shouted. “What are you doing?”
“Dammit!” Delvin groaned as they slammed him against the wall. The guards passed a crystal of som
e type over the entrance, sealing them in.
“No, you can’t do this! Please, Mirsux, please,” Ariella pleaded.
“Be calm,” Delvin’s words were commanding. “Do you think your pleas will reach him? Do you think he’ll even help us now?” He clasped her arms turning her towards him. “You are a Sub-Commander, Ariella. We beg for nothing. There is no Galactic Council, not out here. We have only ourselves.”
The cell contained only what appeared to be an open lavatory and six raised stools. Ariella took the furthest stool from Delvin lowering her head to her hands. She wanted to cry, to release all the anguish that roiled within her. Instead, she checked her emotions. She wouldn’t give the Nabalarians the satisfaction. They could imprison her, but she wouldn’t appear weak.
Delvin’s anger was plain and she couldn’t fault him for it. It had been her suggestion to leave the safety of the palace on both occasions. And with each trek, they faced dire circumstances. In frustration, she shook her head. She wanted to save the woman, but who would save them?
“They’re coming,” Delvin whispered.
One of the guards passed a crystal in front of their cell. After a fainter shimmer of light flashed across the entrance, the guard motioned them forward. They shared a glance then followed the guard.
When they arrived in the chamber, the human woman was kneeling in the center of the room. She smirked at Ariella, then lowered her head. Mirsux addressed the woman as the guards helped her to stand. They drew their weapons, surrounding her. After a signal from Mirsux, one guard released the woman from her restraints.
The woman snarled and lunged at them, her hands extending into long talons. The shape of her head morphed into what appeared to be a hawk. Ariella’s eyes bulged and her mouth fell open as darkness began to close in on her. Had it not been for Delvin’s support, she would have fallen.
“What the hell!” Delvin pushed her defensively behind him.
One of the guards pointed a red laser at the beast the woman had become. A loud crackle of energy sparked, hitting her squarely. The hawk woman fell lifeless to the floor.
Ariella felt a jolt of heat surge through her. She gasped, her body weakening.
“You disappoint me,” Mirsux whispered in her ear.
He moved to face Ariella and Delvin. “The edicts of Nabalar have been broken. You’ll answer for your disregard and your disobedience.”
Devlin stepped forward. “I’m in command and will answer for any crimes you feel we have committed.”
“You command nothing,” Mirsux snapped. “The Galactic Council has no representatives on Nabalar. You are both guilty and you both will answer for it.”
“Wait,” Ariella’s tears did fall then. “Please, we didn’t mean to break any of your laws. Please.”
Mirsux pulled a clear screen from his waist. “Two edicts have been violated. You were warned that no path could be taken that was not assigned, and that the business of Nabalar was ours alone.”
“Please, it was me. The Captain only followed to keep me safe,” she continued to plea.
Delvin shook his head and offered a comforting embrace. His eyes narrowed, staring over at Mirsux. “What punishment do you Nabalarians assign for such menial offences?”
“Menial?” Mirsux glared at him. “My father desires you delivered to the wastelands to face the Migrels.” When Ariella whipped around to face him, he raised his hand. “But I could not allow such a fate to befall you. You will be imprisoned instead.”
“No, please… please send us home. I’m sorry for what I’ve done. Please, we’ll never return, just send us home.”
“Enough!” Mirsux’s tone made her stagger back a step. “Nabalar is your home!”
“Please!”
“Silence, human!” The queen’s voice dripped with venom. “You could have remained on Nabalar as a princess, now you will face your fate. How dare you ask for clemency when you rejected the hand of my son!”
Mirsux bowed to his mother and she lowered into her seat. “The verdict has been passed, and the penance shall be served.”
“There must be a way. Please, Mirsux, I beg of you.”
The sadness in his eyes betrayed his words. “You broke the edicts of my people; I can do nothing to save you.”
Chapter 7
For three days Ariella remained locked in the cell. Albeit, she wasn’t certain of the passage of time. Only the meals the guards delivered and the frequency of attire changes gave hint to the passage of a day. Trapped deep beneath the surface of Nabalar, the light was always the same.
She sighed, trying to find a comfortable position on the hard cot. This space was nothing like her accommodation in the palace. They didn't even allow Delvin to remain with her. She was tortured by guilt and regrets. She felt responsible for their predicament, knowing he also suffered because of her choices. Because of her, the Migrels had taken him earlier, and now they were imprisoned. This time, Mirsux did not come to their rescue. In fact, Mirsux hadn’t come at all.
At that thought, she raised from the cot. She had not seen him since the day he had pronounced their judgement. She found herself pondering the reason, and then shook her head. “You are Sub-Commander Vega,” she said, reminding herself of her rank. The captain’s fate was unknown and she detested herself for brooding over the very person who had condemned them. Cursing under her breath, she paced the room, considering her limited options. The Captain had charge of this mission, of every mission. She knew that. She had over-stepped her boundaries and had condemned them both.
She recalled numerous episodes of her insubordination, souring her mood further. By all rights, the captain should have reprimanded her. Had they been aboard the Demac-109, that would certainly have been the case. But Delvin had not reacted in such a manner; in fact, he had allowed her to lead on many occasions. She shook her head again, knowing she was responsible for their imprisonment. Their passage had been secure until she saw the captives. She pictured the hawk creature then, and cursed. That wretched thing had manipulated her. Never had she been so easily deceived by anyone or anything. She cursed again, feeling her heartbeat quicken. There had to be a way to escape, and she intended to find it.
The fourth day was better. The quality of the food improved as did the clothing they provided. However, whatever sense of relief she felt quickly dissipated. With her wrists bound, she found herself being escorted deeper into the darkened depths of the complex. The air was musty and a chill surrounded them. Along the way, she noticed other prisoners from planets around the galaxy. Metal cuffs at their wrists and ankles bound them to the dark musty walls. She couldn’t believe the relief she felt when they escorted her into a modest cell furnished with a cot and bench. Although her wrists were bound, she could move freely. It was not as spacious as her previous cell, but it was better than those she had passed.
On the fifth day, they removed her restraints. She winced, gingerly rubbing her chafed wrists. When she noticed the guard’s stare, her movement ceased. She watched his eyes lasciviously devour her body. Ignoring his stare, she took a deep breath and walked through the opening when he motioned her forward.
Back in the chamber that resembled a courtroom, she noticed immediately that none of the royal family was present. She scanned the small group of prisoners that were there, but saw no sign of Delvin. Her heart ached at that realization. She had to find him or at least know that he was all right.
The prisoners were chained and forced onto the platform. She was surprised to see that their sun had set once they reached the surface. Although, that did not matter. None of this mattered. Only breaking free from these aliens and escaping was of importance.
When she stumbled, the guard roughly nudged her shoulder. He grunted and indicated for her to keep moving forward. She wanted to protest, but thought better of it. As far as they were concerned, she was nothing.
They continued to walk until her feet ached. The foot coverings they supplied offered little support and had grown tight on her s
wollen feet. The small strap across the top dug into her flesh. Blisters had formed on her heels. She limped, grimacing with every step.
She had so many questions, wanting to know where they were being taken and what they would face. But she remained silent and in her place. Thinking of Delvin, she smiled, despite her circumstances. He was her family and she needed his strength right now. She desperately wanted to know he was all right.
At times, she thought of Mirsux as well. Why she desired him so, she couldn't fathom. He was the one who sentenced them and yet a heat passed through her at just the memory of his touch. “No,” she whispered, taking a deep breath while fighting for control of her body and her emotions.
When the precession halted, a feeling of relief washed over her. She needed to rest and remove the slippers torturing her feet. However, upon taking a deep breath, the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. There was something familiar about this area, something she was supposed to know. She peered around with narrowed eyes. What was it? She took another deep breath and then nearly gagged. “The Migrels,” she whispered with a quivering voice.
The guards took a position behind, prodding them forward. When one of the prisoners protested, a bolt of energy shot forth, striking him in the back. His body convulsed and he nearly fell to the ground. The guard yelled a command she did not understand, but the other prisoners moved forward. She stood motionless, her eyes wide, frozen in place until shoved forward.
Stumbling behind the others, she hesitated, dreading what they soon faced. She then noticed the guards had disappeared and turned to retrace her steps. Determined she wasn’t going to face the horrid creatures again, she increased her pace. The physical pain she felt was overcome by the fear in her heart. As she began to trot, she smashed into an invisible barrier. She cried out and then immediately placed a hand over her mouth, stifling her scream. The guards had erected some kind of force field, trapping them inside the Migrel’s lair. There was no escape.
Awakening: The Prince of Nabalar (The Princes of Uvieroein Book 1) Page 6