by Luna Hunter
The blue warrior frowns, and the pit in my stomach grows.
“I wish it were so,” he says, “but us monks do not control the warships. The Thaboist Warrior Regiments do, and convincing them to help human aid workers in another galaxy would be a feat indeed!”
“Then we need to send the message, as soon as possible!”
“Yes. We must venture to the Trade Ports on the Arcor Moon then.”
I stand up. “Let’s go then!”
“Now?”
“Yes now! What are we waiting for?”
Davor rises and grabs his temple cloak, tucking those gorgeous wings of his behind his back. He grimaces as the cloak slides into place.
“It is not that easy, I’m afraid, Leah. I must register you as a guest of the Sacred Order before we can cross through the jungle.”
“What?” I say, my anger rising. “There is no time!”
“Those are our laws,” he says. “Without approval, the Regiments will hunt us down and imprison us.”
All this red tape is making me see, well, red.
“I brought you here,” Davor says, “So I will fix this problem. Trust me.”
Chapter Fourteen
Davor
Leah Booker.
What a gorgeous specimen. So full of energy, so damn beautiful! The way she fidgeted with her tunic made me want to wrap my arms around her tightly and never let go, and the way she looked at me when I took my cloak off made me want to pin her down on the floor and have my way with her…
But what have I done!
With all my good intentions, I have wrestled her away from her family, her friends, everything she knows and loves, and in this time of crisis!
Her home is under attack, and all my tournament victories, my standing in the Sacred Order, it all means nothing if I can’t help Leah.
If I can’t help the person who means the most to me.
She feels it too. She must! This connection, so profound, so deep. It is still early, and we have had barely any time to talk about it, but I know she feels it too.
I cannot wait to make her mine.
These thoughts are running through my mind as I rush through the busy Ua halls of the temple. I brush against several elders who are on their way down to the underground lagoons, the air thick with Lovespores even up here. I race up the stairs, taking two steps at a time, and arrive at the Sacred Mother’s private quarters out of breath and sweaty.
I don’t bother knocking and simply barge into the room.
Mother Dragica looks at me in surprise, her pink forehead all up in wrinkles. She lowers the paper she was reading and eyes me curiously over her spectacles.
“Davor,” she says, “I’d tell you to come in but you’ve already taken that liberty. How can I help you?”
Mother Dragica is one of the oldest Sacred Mother’s in the entire Kazimir Order. I’ve always admired her — I’ve found her to be strict but fair. If anyone can help me in this time of need, it’s her.
I hope.
“My Chosen,” I say, gasping for breath. “She is here, and we need your help.”
“Here? On New Exon you mean?”
“In my very room!”
“By the Mating Star,” she exclaims, her eyes growing wide. “Are you sure?”
I pull my sleeves and show her my brightly glowing symbols. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”
“How am I only just hearing of this?!” She says sternly. “You should have come to me right away!”
“My apologies, Mother,” I say. “I wanted to figure it out myself, first.”
She shakes her head. “Men,” she tuts under her breath. “Explain how this came to pass.”
“There is no time!” I say. “We must travel to the Trade Ports as soon as possible!”
“You will start at the beginning, young monk! The sooner you start, the sooner you can go on your foolish adventure!”
Despite the fact that I’m a tournament winner and accomplished warrior, no one can chide you quite like Mother Dragica. I swallow the urge to cuss her out and instead start at the beginning, rattling off everything that has happened to me at a record pace.
She leans back and pushes her spectacles up her nose.
“Remarkable,” she says. “Absolutely remarkable. You teleported her here? You’re absolute sure about that?”
“I’m positive, Mother,” I say. “But Garna is still under attack. We need to send a message to the Galactic Aid Corps as soon as possible. And I need your written approval to take an offworlder through the Thaboist jungles.”
“Hm,” she frowns.
Hm?! This is no time for hms!
“I wish I could help you, Davor, I really do, but your Chosen has arrived at a most inopportune time I’m afraid. In fact, I don’t think her timing could possibly be worse. Are you familiar with Theros?”
“The Thaboist warrior? One of their champions? What does he have to do with anything?”
“I’m afraid he has everything to do with your situation, young monk. Our Thaboist warrior has recently returned from Corlis Station — with a human mate. Well, she’s partial blooded, but visually human. They too are Chosen. Their public mating ceremony was held only yesterday, and this has caused some… tension, in the Warrior Regiments.”
“I don’t give a damn about tension!” I say, slamming my balled up fist down on her table in an unprecedented loss of control. “The lives of her friends and family are at stake!”
“I understand your frustration, believe me, Davor. However, I can’t risk another incident with the Regiments, not so soon Theros and Anaya’s Mating Ceremony. Garna is under Federation jurisdiction, so as far as the Zoran are concerned, it’s a human, internal affair.”
I am gobsmacked.
I had never expected Mother Dragica to be such a coward. I simply refuse to believe she’s shutting me down just to avoid ruffling some feathers.
“I’m not asking you to send the war fleet,” I grind through my teeth. “I’m asking for safe passage across the surface of our own damn planet. If you cannot give me that guarantee, then what kind of society do we even have?! Is New Exon a dictatorship, ruled by the whims of the Regiments?!”
“Of course not,” she bristles, “and I don’t appreciate your tone, young monk! Know your place.”
“No,” I say, barely resisting the urge to flip her table and trash her entire office. “You should know your place. You’re our damn leader, you should be looking out for us, and instead you bow down to the Thaboists purists like a scared dog.”
I stand up with anger smoldering inside of me and head for the door.
“Davor,” she says sharply. “In all my years I’ve never been spoken to that way.”
I turn, doorknob in hand, waiting for her to tell I’m expelled from the order. Instead, I find a bemused smile on her thin lips.
“It’s what I like about you. You are a breath of fresh air amongst all these stuffy robes. Very well, I will see what I can do, but you must wait for my approval before you venture into the jungle.”
“Mother,” I say. “I appreciate the effort, but there is simply no time to waste!”
“I understand, but it will take me at least a day regardless. Be patient, Davor.”
How am I ever going to explain that to Leah?
“And?!” The human female jumps to her feet as I close the door to my quarters behind me. “Can we go?”
I haven’t even spoken a word and already my heart is breaking. I’m supposed to be her protector, her savior, and instead I’m flailing aimlessly.
“We have to wait,” I say, forcing the words out. “The permit — it’s complicated. It’ll take a few hours. Maybe more.”
“What?” She says, tears forming in her eyes. “My people are dying! Who cares about some stupid permit?!”
“I know,” I try, but I can tell my words aren’t landing. She retreats into her shell, withdrawing from me… and I don’t blame her.
Even wi
th all my strength, I feel absolutely powerless right now…
Chapter Fifteen
Leah
Let me see them.
Please.
I’m begging you.
Just a glimpse.
That’s all I’m asking.
Just a hint. A shadow. Anything!
I try as hard as I can, but my powers give me absolutely nothing. I recall all the feelings that have triggered my powers in the past — anger and fear, and stars know I’m both seething with rage and quivering with fear right about now — but noting seems to work.
I can’t even catch a glimpse of my parents. What use are these stupid, bizarre powers if I can’t even use them to save my own family?
All these powers have brought me nothing but pain.
Well, that’s not completely true. They’ve also brought me to Davor, the blue Zoran warrior who is snoring on the floor, leaving his massive bed to me.
He could fit in here easily, and I secretly wish he’d climb in and wrap those big arms of his around me, but I couldn’t find the words.
The alien warrior thinks I’m mad at him, but I’m not. I’m mad at the world. What’s happening is so unfair, but it’s not his fault. I can tell his intentions are good, and that he is as frustrated as I am.
Still, he has managed to fall asleep, where I can not. SINTRA is doing god knows what on Garna, and here I am, wrapped in luxurious sheets… it doesn’t feel right.
I’d give up everything just go back to the good old days of cleaning up Luba dung and being pelted by mud by the Rinjin. I’d never thought I’d miss my parents asking me nosy questions, or having to double check Larry’s work, or the simple things like drinking home-brewed beers in the summer sun after a hard day’s work behind the GrowSilo.
You know what? Fuck it.
I can’t sit around here, counting sheep and waiting for some ink to dry. That’s not the girl my parents raised. They need me, more than ever before. If I need to sneak out this damn Zoran temple and traverse the New Exonian jungle all on my own… then that’s what I’ll damn well do!
Gulp. You’re sure you’re not biting off more than you can chew here?
Stuff it, conscience. I have no time for stuffy things like risk assessments and planning. Those are luxuries I can’t afford right now. It’s time to prove my mettle.
I tip-toe out of the room as quietly as possible. Luckily for me, Davor doesn’t wake up. I follow my nose to the dining halls, because I’ll need provisions for my journey.
Several older Zorans, dressed in long robes, are having quite a meal. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say they had the midnight munchies, but that’s impossible.
“You must be Davor’s guest,” one of them says, turning to me. He offers me some type of biscuit. “Care for a bite?”
So much for being stealthy! Still, no one else seems to react to my presence. They’re all completely focused on the piles of food in front of them.
“Yes please,” I answer, grabbing handfuls of the biscuits and stuffing them into my pockets.
I have no idea how long my journey is and how much food I’ll need, so I’d rather take too much food with me than too little.
Are you sure this is a good idea?
That’s my bloody conscience piping up again.
That winged Zoran is waiting for you, and you’re just going to sneak out on him? That’s not very nice now, is it. What would mom say?
Mom needs my help! If you’re not going to help me then shut up, stupid brain!
“What was that?” The elder Zoran asks.
“Nothing,” I mumble. At least, I think I didn’t say a word. If I’m starting to talk to myself out loud I’m worse off than I thought.
“You must be quite hungry if you’re taking that much food,” the man says. He offers me his satchel. “Here, this will help.”
“Thank you!” I say. “You are too kind.”
“Please. If there’s anything I can do to help, just ask.”
“Well,” I say. “Could you point me in the direction of the Trade Ports?”
The elder points straight up and laughs.
“You will have to go to the moon, darling,” he says.
“The moon?” I frown.
Is he telling me off or is he serious? I can’t tell.
“You can catch a shuttle about a day’s march north of here, but beware of the Thaboists — oh, she’s gone already. So impatient, today’s youth…“
There are no guards outside the temple, nothing to stop me from wandering off into the jungle except my own survival instinct.
The sounds of owls and other nightlife greet me, and the tall grass rustles underneath my feet.
This planet is nothing like Garna. My home planet has trees, sure, but no overgrown jungles, no trees so wide a Zoran wouldn’t be able to wrap their arms around the trunk.
The sky is filled with bright stars, with a moon that that exudes light to top it off.
That must be the Trade Ports then. Now, I just need to find my way north.
I look up the stars for a familiar constellation, but a dark pit in my stomach forms the moment I realize I can’t find any.
Of course. I’m on a completely different planet, so I can’t let the stars guide me.
In the distance I see several blinking lights streaking through the sky. That’s gotta be the docks where I can hop on a ride to the moon!
I set off on my path, ignoring my guilty conscience as best I can.
The hours pass slowly as I traverse the jungle, and after a long night, day breaks. As the sun rises the temperature ramps up quickly. My clothes are sticking to my back and sweat drips down my brow. With every step I become a little more unsure of my current course.
Too late to turn back now, I tell myself. You’ll arrive at the docks any moment now, you’ll see. And they’ll have a pitcher of ice cold ice tea just waiting for you.
And then something slithers past my feet, and I jump back.
Whatthehellwasthat?!
I whirl around and my heart skips a beat when I realize I’m looking right in the gaping maw of a gargantuan reptilian beast.
Davor never warned me about those!
I take a step back only to find my back placed flat against a massive tree.
Perhaps going back is not such a bad idea after all. If this beast will just let me pass, I’ll be on my way, yes sir.
Just don’t eat me.
The reptilian slithers towards me, its narrow, red eyes focused on its prey. Me.
“There there,” I say, channeling my inner alien-wildlife expert. I’ve worked with wildlife my entire life, for stars sake! I should know how to diffuse this situation better than anyone… but, on Garna, there’s nothing like this scaly beast.
It’s not a Rinjin, and it certainly isn’t a Luba! No, this one is all claws and teeth and scales, and it looks like it can devour me in a hot minute… and is planning on doing just that.
“Step back!”
That low growl! It’s…
Davor descends right out of the sky, his massive wings spread wide as he swoops down magnificently. My heart stops a beat as I watch my savior land in front of me, his torso bared, his muscles slick and shiny with sweat.
My heart is flooded with relief at the sight of him.
The beast lurches towards him, and he turns around in a snap and catches its widespread jaws between his two fists. He drops down on one knee and flings the reptilian monster over his shoulder. With a heavy thud it lands on the jungle floor, before quickly scurrying away into the thick undergrowth.
“Thank you,” I pant with fear. “Thank you!”
Davor rises up. His beautiful, glittering blue eyes are now filled with disappointment.
“You should have waited for me,” he says. “You are off the path. If I hadn’t spotted you in time, the Qro would have torn you limb from limb.”
“You are right,” I say, my shoulders dropping. “You are right.”
As the
fear subsides, it’s replaced by shame, by defeat, by helplessness. I slide down to the floor, my head hanging low as hot tears sting my eyes.
I can’t do anything right.
Davor walks towards me and gently lifts my chin up. I avoid his eyes, the shame is simply too great.
“I couldn’t sit still,” I blabber through the tears. “I wanted to do something. I never meant to endanger myself, or you…”
He nods. “I understand. However, I’m afraid that we are in terrible danger.”
Suddenly, shadowy figures step about from behind the trees all around us. They’re Zorans — but my relief is short lived when I see the heavy armor they’re wearing, and the scowling look on their faces.
These are not our friends.
Chapter Sixteen
Davor
“Well, well, well. What do we have here? A filthy mongrel and his equally disgusting pet?”
I recognize that voice in an instant. I could dream it — it would have to be a nightmare though.
Resha.
My nemesis. He’s a commander in the Thaboist Warrior Regiments, and he regularly competes in the Tournaments. I’ve defeated him in hand-to-hand combat more times than I can count.
By the look of his eyes I’m sure he’s counted every single one of them.
“Resha,” I growl angrily. “Tell your men to stand down.”
His squad has got their rifles pointed right at us. Aiming a weapon at a fellow Zoran is completely unacceptable. If we have problems, we fight it out, using our fists.
Rifles are reserved for our enemies.
“Never,” he says, gesturing at my wings. “You are… unnatural. A perversion. The laws don’t apply to freaks like you.” He spits on the ground near my feet to illustrate his point. “I always knew there was something off about you.”