The Magic Wakes

by Charity Bradford

  Talia stiffened. “I don’t know.”

  What would a psychologist see when reading my dreams?

  “Talia, remember we’re going to trust each other. I promise your secret is safe with me, but we need to share whatever knowledge you have about what’s coming. We can’t formulate a plan of defense until we understand the threat. Whatever it might turn out to be.” Landry squeezed her fingers, and she let out the breath she was holding.

  “Yes, I know. Can I scan them and send them to you? As much as I hate the dreams, they’re a part of who I am and I don’t think I can let go of the hard copies.”

  “That’s fine.” He leaned down until their eyes met. “Talia, I promise it’s going to be okay.”

  “I believe you. God help me, but I believe you.” Her voice caught and she swallowed back the lump in her throat. She wanted to believe him, and for a moment it was enough.

  Everything faded away as Landry moved closer and kissed her on the forehead. When he backed away, that bemused smile was on his face.

  Chapter 21

  That’s getting to be a habit, sir.” The Lieutenant stood beside Landry straight-faced.

  Landry glared at him.

  “Not that I mind, sir. I think everyone would be pleased to know you like girls after all.”

  “It’s time we concentrated on the matter at hand, Lieutenant. You can worry about my personal life later. Brief me on the bombings.”

  “Yes, sir.” The Lieutenant fell into step beside him. “The Signum attacked in three places, starting with the tram—an estimated three hundred and forty seven people on board. They also bombed the station, with over two thousand people inside at the time. It will be months before we have a positive body count. Finally, they hit the university with an estimated two hundred casualties.”

  Landry sucked in a breath as the numbers sank in. He sensed the Lieutenant was holding something back.

  “What are you not telling me?”

  “They used the CCE2s at the university. It looked like a test drive of sorts, but they took out both floors of the testing center before disappearing.”

  “Damn! Pull all our best men home. The Signum are our top priority until they’ve been found and those CCE2s recovered. Do we have a line of defense against them?”

  “The same lab sent over upgraded body shields this morning, but they haven’t been tested on live men.”

  “We’ll have to take our chances. Get them installed in all troop belts immediately.”

  “Prince Stefan thinks the attacks are diversions from the real threat.”

  “I agree. What is the real threat?”

  “We don’t know, sir.”

  Kansisi sat thinking about the mage his men were tracking. Although Werner continued to assure him there were no mages left, Kansisi did not want to take a chance.

  Many of his people died during the battle of Orek due to the combined efforts of the army and wizards of the planet. If Sendek still had mages to fight alongside the military, his job would be much harder. He reached over and spoke into the com.

  “Nysyk, report to the command station.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  When Nysyk entered, Kansisi sat staring at the view screen, drumming his long fingers on the table.

  “Kansisi.”

  At the sound of his name, Kansisi swiveled in his chair to look at Nysyk. The second Dragumon stood an inch or so taller than Kansisi with a curved scar on his left cheek marking where he had lost one of his face ridges in battle.

  “Ah, yes. I have an assignment for your team during the invasion.” He pointed to the green dot on the screen. “It must be removed. The main force will attack here . . .” He tapped a spot on the screen. “A team will take out the Signum, and you will take your team to this location.” He indicated the university campus. “The mage seems to reside in this area. We will fit you with a tracking device designed to pick up the electrical vibrations of the mage, but I want you to wipe out anything that moves to make sure you get the right human.”

  “With pleasure. You know Shishali is furious about staying aboard. She may not forgive you.”

  “Shishali is too bloodthirsty. She promised to settle down and start a family now that we are home. I’m going to hold her to that.”

  “A strong mother is better than a weak one.”

  “How would you know? How would any of us know? Go on.” Kansisi waved him out of the room.

  Jaron pulled himself to his feet. It was time to relieve Werner of his secret, the power to destroy the Dragumon. He reached into a box at his side and pulled out his last packet of renewal powders. He poured the powder into a cup of water and drank it. Immediately, his mind grew sharper and the weariness of his body faded away.

  He had one week before the effects wore off. Now, if he needed more time, he would have to rely solely on the demon for strength. He was beyond the help of magic potions.

  Jaron prepped his aircraft for flight, engaged the cloaking device, and eased up through the tree canopy. It didn’t take long for him to reach the edge of the city and hide the ship.

  He spoke the chant of disguise, concentrating on the image he wanted to portray. Then he left the ship and made his way into the city.

  This time, Jaron used a different entrance to the Signum’s home, using the passwords Ruin had given him. No one suspected him as he casually headed to the meeting already in progress in the main cavern.

  Werner stood before his followers once again, rambling on about how with the Dragumon’s help he would defeat the Royalist and become king. The man was stupid enough to believe the lies fed to him by the Dragumon.

  The Signum had stockpiled seeds, cones, and pollen spores, as well as tending a green house full of yearling trees of many species. Once the Dragumon removed the Royalist from power, the Signum planned to use these as weapons against the demon creatures.

  Jaron shook his head in disgust. How could they believe the Dragumon were allergic to plants on Sendek when they had been created on this planet?

  He looked around the room at the faces of the Signum. Young, angry, eager for change. Any kind of change. They stood dressed in the armor of the dragon, another treasure hoarded by the Signum. Their strong, blood red, green and gold scales shimmered in the light. It seemed a shame that they would all be dead within minutes of the attack, but Jaron knew they didn’t have a prayer.

  Werner raised his arms and finished his speech. “My children, the time has finally come for us to take our place in history. With the help of the Dragumon, we will wipe out the Royalist. And then we will destroy the Dragumon, and this world will be ours!”

  The room erupted in cheers, and then the men and women left to complete their final preparations for the rise to power.

  Jaron watched them go, grateful the demon suffocated the momentary sadness at their impending death. When the room cleared, he walked behind the platform into a dimly lit corridor. Werner stood before his library door, jingling keys as he unlocked it. He looked startled as Jaron appeared, but recovered quickly.

  “My son, do you wish to speak with me?”

  Jaron made a few subtle changes in his appearance until he once again morphed into someone Werner recognized. The tattoos reappeared along his arms as well as the dragon brand.

  “How can this be?” Werner’s eyes grew wide and he extended a hand to the wall for support.

  “Yes, I survived the crash. Step into your library, and I will explain.” Jaron indicated the door.

  Werner backed through the door, trembling as the lock clicked in place.

  Chapter 22

  Stefan looked older than he had the day before. Landry experienced a pang of guilt as he stared at him expectantly.

  “I’m glad to see you alive. Why didn’t you call for pick up as soon as the tram crashed?” Stefan asked.

  “I don’t know. It didn’t even enter my mind. I’m slipping, aren’t I?” Landry sighed and collapsed on his cousin’s couch. “Sorry about that.”
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  “What is it about her that finally reeled you in? You’ve never allowed women to distract you before now. Normally, I’d be glad you’re paying attention to something other than our military, but your timing is off. We have a major problem here and you ignore a burning tram to get closer to a pretty face?”

  “Stefan, you know me better than that. I couldn’t do anything for the people on the tram. It happened too fast. If not for Talia, I would have died with them.”

  “I know, I read your report. I just don’t understand why you didn’t call for pick up immediately. It doesn’t make sense.” Stefan finally sat down in a chair, but his leg kept bouncing.

  “Talia isn’t like any other woman either of us has ever met—not by a long shot. She knows things that we need to know and I needed time to think.”

  “What kind of things? Is it about the Signum? Otherwise I don’t know of anything that’s as important right now.” Stefan placed his head in his hands and rested his elbows on his knees.

  Stefan’s com sounded, growing louder with each beep. “Yes?”

  “Your Highness? Is Major Sutton with you?” Lieutenant Terrell’s voice sounded anxious.

  “Yes, he is. What is it?”

  “I think you both should come to tactical immediately.”

  Stefan headed for the door and Landry followed.

  “We can continue this conversation later. I am glad you’re alive.” Stefan rested his hand on Landry’s shoulder for a moment and everything was right between them again. “Come on.”

  They arrived at tactical command just minutes after the Lieutenant summoned them. The room was darker than the corridor and it took a moment for their eyes to adjust.

  He waited for them in front of a dozen computers showing various areas of space. The room buzzed with the murmurs of the technicians and the beeps and clicks of the keyboards.

  “Your Highness, Major,” Terrell bowed his head in respect before indicating a small glass room to his right. “This way, please.”

  Terrell followed them inside and closed the door behind him. The three men gathered around the central view screen, which showed an endless expanse of space with the moon Atreus in one corner.

  “What is it? I don’t see anything unusual.” Stefan stared at the screen, brows knit.

  “Look here.” The keys clicked as Terrell typed and the screen changed to show an infrared map of the same space. Immediately a massive bubble of heat appeared in orbit around the moon. “These images are courtesy of Miss Zaryn’s newest satellite.”

  “There’s a ship there?” Landry immediately thought of Talia’s dreams and his mouth went dry.

  “A week ago we traced the Signum transmissions to this location. We also intercepted replies from this location. This ship hiding in the moon’s shadow has expanded cloaking technology. The entire ship is undetectable except by infrared.”

  “A week? Why wasn’t I notified, and where’s Colonel Rankin?” Stefan growled and glared at Landry. “Did you know about this?”

  “No.” Landry turned to Terrell. “Did Rankin know about the transmissions?”

  “He was here when we picked them up. We were told to keep on it and he would inform you of our findings.”

  Landry’s brow rose. He had been in several meetings with Rankin over the last week and the transmissions had never come up. “You still haven’t told us where Rankin is.”

  Terrell lowered his gaze a moment before looking directly into Landry’s eyes. “No one knows, sir. We’ve been trying to locate him for the last twenty-four hours, but he’s not responding to his com.”

  “What about his tracker?”

  “He removed his belt and left it at home. His wife has no idea where he is.”

  The hairs on the back of Landry’s neck stood on end. There were only two possibilities, and he didn’t want to consider one of them. “Continue searching for Rankin, he may need help. All other resources should be focused on the transmissions and identifying that ship.”

  “Sir, we just broke the encryption. That’s why I called you down here.” Terrell gripped the back of the chair in front of him. “The Signum have been in contact with a group calling themselves the Dragumon, forming an alliance with the mutual goal of removing us from power. They have been coordinating—”

  “An invasion.” Landry finished for him.

  The room became deathly still. Stefan was the first to break the silence.

  “How did you know, and when?”

  “I learned about Miss Zaryn’s dreams last night. In the dreams, these creatures invade the planet, starting with Joharadin.” Landry paused and tried to decide how to convey the information without sharing his deeper connection with Talia. “She described them like the creatures your father told us about, part human and part dragon.”

  Landry didn’t need to sift their emotions; he could see the disbelief on their faces.

  “You can’t be serious.” Stefan shook his head. “She played you, and you let her go.”

  “Stefan, I know how it sounds, but trust me on this. Did the messages give any idea as to a time frame?” Landry turned to Terrell who did a good job looking un-phased by the strange story his superior conveyed.

  Terrell brought up the message on the view screen. “The last transmission received today was short and to the point.”

  In large green type on a black background, the words blinked. BEGIN COUNTDOWN. Below it, a timer counted down the minutes.

  “Six hours, twenty-four minutes. That doesn’t give us long.” Landry pushed the fear away.

  Stefan paced as he said, “Evacuate the palace and relocate headquarters to our secure location in the Acaran Mountains. We need to decide how to inform the general citizenship of Joharadin.”

  “We must be careful not to cause a panic,” Landry added. “We should evacuate one sector at a time without making a general announcement. Begin with the outer sectors and move inward, also mobilize the troops and secure the university. We won’t worry about the palace, just evacuate completely and don’t leave anything behind that might be an asset to their cause. Stefan, do you agree?” Landry looked to his cousin.

  “This is insane, but yes.”

  “I want to collect Miss Zaryn from the university myself. It’ll only take a few minutes, and then I’ll be at your disposal.” Landry’s mind replayed the pictures of Talia burning to death.

  “No, our way of life, our very existence might be in danger. Rankin is missing, and I need you here to help evacuate the palace. Do this first and then you can return to evacuate Miss Zaryn.” Stefan locked eyes with Landry.

  “Talia has dreamed about this invasion her entire life, and in every dream she dies. I have to believe her death is as much a possibility as the invasion itself. I can’t leave her.”

  “You’ve only known her two weeks.” Stefan turned to walk out of the office, pausing at the door. “Fulfill your duty to our family first. Help me move my father to safety, and then collect Miss Zaryn. If you want, send her a message to be ready to leave as soon as you return.” Then he walked away without waiting for Landry’s reply.

  “Major Sutton, I can send someone to bring her here.” Lieutenant Terrell spun a stylus in his fingers.

  “Thanks, I guess I’ll owe you one.” Landry headed to the door. “Call me with any news on Rankin as well.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Talia set the computer to scan and placed the stack of journals in the slot. It would take an hour or two for the process to be completed. She paced around the living room. The nervous energy wouldn’t let up. She had showered and tried to read, but nothing eased her mind.

  The day after drinking the sunsrise usually went well, but not today. Her insides churned, building a panicked frenzy that made her sick to her stomach. Was it because Landry knew all her secrets? She had to trust he would keep his word.

  Whatever bothered her, Talia needed to get out of the apartment. Running had helped distract her the day before. Maybe it would work ag
ain. She programmed the computer to send all scanned files to Landry’s account, and she headed out the door in her workout clothes.

  The com beeped as the door closed behind her, but she didn’t bother to go back in. Whoever it was would have to leave a message.

  Chapter 23

  That’s some amazing technology you’re using there.” Werner squared his shoulders and tried to stand taller. “You here to sell it?”

  Jaron laughed and let the disguise fall completely away. Relief washed over him and his mind and body grew stronger with its release.

  Werner gasped and took a step back. “Amazing. How does it work?”

  “There’s no tech that can match the power of the mind. I’m here for the records on the Dragumon.”

  “What?” Werner took another step back and bumped into a chair. “I don’t understand.”

  Jaron stepped forward, the demon visibly swimming around as a cloud of smoke within his icy stare. “Give me the parchments detailing their creation and exile.”

  “I . . . you can’t just—” Werner swallowed. He looked to the door and back at Jaron. “Who are you?”

  The demon screamed through Jaron’s veins, taking over muscle control inch by tingling inch. Jaron felt the strength, and the anger. He reached out and grabbed Werner by the throat, pulling him away from the chair and toward the locked bookshelves.

  Werner gasped and stumbled as he tried to break free, but Jaron had given his body completely to the demon’s control. The iron grip kept Werner in motion until he slammed up against the glass cabinets. The demon smirked at the pale face in front of him.

  “Tell me about the dragon lord, Thraned,” the demon hissed from Jaron’s mouth.