“We were just told Ariel’s unable to return from Kuras,” the queen informed the girls. “So we won’t see your twin this evening.”
Sitara pouted. “Oh, I had so hoped Ariel would be here.”
“She's still upset about Krada, as well as Shalimar's going away.”
Sitara and her half-sister at last went to find Sharr in his comfortable high backed chair. He held the accursed letter in his hand and on a nearby table a bottle of plum wine sat opened with a half empty glass next to it. The wine was an annual gift from the Tokugawa Shogun.
The Shotar's hard expression softened when he noticed his children. “Sitara, Alira!” Sharr Khan stood, and extend his arms toward two of his plethora of daughters. In return the girls hugged him.
“We wanted to give you your gifts before the party.” Alira handed a fabric wrapped saffron colored package to her sire.
He opened Alira’s gift to find a burnished hilt with jewels mounted into it and gold finishing as embellishments. “My first vajra,” Alira’s eyes sparkled as she witnessed her father's approval of the weapon. “I call it Jaikra. Mistress Teila says its one of the best she has ever seen.”
The Shotar nodded, pleased by the object. Over a foot long, the hilt was offset with a curve meant for ease of cutting. A subtle black burnish, the alloy gleamed. Drak leather bound the hilt of the monofilament weapon for a comfortable hold. Extending outward to a false blade the vajra ended in a point which left the sense that the blade once had been shattered. Three notches were incised in the spine of the false blade, a symbol of Kieva, Arntiraas Drakonis's faithful companions tattered right ear. Under the false blade, a tiny silver spike jutted out, the emitter. Here the monofilament blade “fired" from out of the hilt. When it was on, the cutting edge that formed just beyond the spike looked to be a reflective candle flame. Sharr unlocked the safety and pressed the jeweled control. A whir filled the room, the sound of induction rings within generating the magnetic shield. Titanium filaments condensed into a cutting blade, the shape of a single edged sword. A trace of flame lit the magnetically compressed filaments.
He tested Jaikra's resistance against the air and adjusted the blade to his preference. The space age sword met the Falcanians desire to echo a long gone dueling tradition while at the same time being pragmatic for battlefield concerns as an effective and deadly weapon.
Engraved on the false blade, in the old Trikash script, the sword's name had been inlaid in gold. An invocation to Falcania had been placed on the hilt and read:
Winged-forger of Kraris,
Lover of Arntiraas.
Daughter of Primal-Rage.
Falcania! Jai!
“Very nice, Alira!” The Shotar switched Jaikra off, and placed the vajra into a holster on his hip. "Brakcha gei zha takchra!" Sharr pressed on Alira's arm and kissed her cheek. “I shall wear Jaikra with my uniform this evening.”
“Gei arin mahar valshai zha Atari,” Alira blushed.
“This is for you.” Sitara handed her father a small box wrapped with golden paper.
Sitara had not been sure what to get her father. What do you give a man who has access to the best foods, wines, and the most beautiful women in the entire world? A man that has cutting edge science at his command could have whatever he liked. There wasn’t much out there to top any of that knew Sitara.
Sharr opened the box.
Inside sat an object usually located on a space ship’s helm, a pentagon shaped holocompass encased in dark wood and finished by jewels. The biggest jewel was the holo projector set on the compass's face. A long gold chain hung from the compass so it could be worn like a pocket watch. Sharr Khan pressed one of the jewels, activated the compass. In clear resolution, displayed in blue a holographic compass pointed the way in three-dimensional space.
“You've always told me to look to the stars,” Sitara explained about the gift. “What better gift for a Star-King than a compass to guide his way.”
Bong, bong, and bong! Clang, clang, and clang! From around the circular Great Hall muscular Drakorian Guards pounded mammoth drums and gunmetal colored anvils, which caused a low toned oscillation to fill the domed chamber. The drums hammered, and the blood pumped at a faster rate, to raise a fever of lust and desire, a march that revved up the guests. The Great Hall served many purposes, it functioned as both a communal meeting place and as the primary throne room for the Shotar's court. A place where food and drink were consumed. At low tables, seated on large tasseled cushions, members of the Dreikatha feasted with soldiers and craftsmen to honor the Shotar on his birthday. Blood-armored Drakorian warriors ate from their Padishah's larder. Beautiful winged-women, dressed in golden armor and who wore celandine-green trousers attended to them.
Over near a wall stood Frederika, Mia, and the others who waited for the Shotar to arrive so Ch'Kran could present them to his Lord. Frederika hid a smile at Sabina's eagerness. The busty Cuban girl clad herself in a body tight blue slip dress with stiletto heels. She beamed in anticipation, this evening clearly was important to her. Frederika hoped Sabina would get what she wanted out of her journey to Vanguard.
Frederika had chosen to wear hip hugging black designer jeans and a halter-top which bared her navel and fastened in the front. The combination of cleavage and bellybutton went well with the local style. Clasped around her ankles were strappy patent leather platform shoes. A river of golden honey-blonde curls cascaded down her back. Around her neck on its black collar hung the silver Thor's Hammer Oberon had given her. A pair of hoop earrings dangled from her earlobes and had been all the jewelry she elected to wear. A small handbag, little more than a black pouch which contained a brush, lip liner and a small vaporizer of perfume dangled from her wrist.
“Who are those golden armored women that wait upon the Drakorian?” Frederika asked Mia. She had already learned of the fierce Drakorian elite guard who served the Shotar. Their distinctive angled blood red and black armor disturbingly familiar to her from her persistent visions.
“The Valküri.”
The German girl wondered if that had been intentional. “Valküri? Like Wotan's warrior maidens?”
“Supposedly, these women have mystical powers. They tend the Rishaak trees when not garbed for war. The Queen herself is their Reverend Mother.”
Frederika made a soundless “O”, while she watched the warrior women pour a milky yellow liquid into goblets fashioned like inverted pyramids, clutched by tri-claw talons. The female claw-boot she noticed were slightly different from what she had seen male Falcanians sport. Instead of remaining apart like the male claws the forward talons met at a point and the rear talon were like that of a high-heeled shoe which added height to the noble-looking women.
“His Imperial Excellency, the Padishah Shotar Sharr Khan Mingh Drakonis!” Chancellor Shreik Trakan announced amid the pounding of drums which signaled the Imperial families' entrance into the hall. All stood to greet their Padishah. Enormous egg-shaped emerald doors slid into the wall to allow the Imperial presence to enter the audience chamber. They were preceded by a group of Drakorian Guard that marched in triangle formation, the Shotar soon ascended to his mighty throne which had been mounted on a dais. Beside him his Queen and their daughter walked. All held hands.
Behind them were the other princesses and their mothers, the Imperial Concubines.
Frederika's eyes went wide as the entourage moved past.
Garbed in a red and black version of his normal jodtok, as much everyday clothing as they were battle togs, Sharr’s regalia recalled to one a 1930’s aviator jacket worn with jodhpurs. The notion of flight stitched into its make, with its high fur collar. The outfit looked snug, yet comfy. Sharr Khan marched toward his royal seat. On his belt he wore the compass that Sitara had given him. A heavy golden “Phoenix" emblem hung from a chain off the white fur collar of his uniform and shined in the firelight. As promised, he wore Jaikra secured at his side, his gloved hand resting easily on the weapon.
Proud, alight with fiery i
ntelligence, the Valküri Reverend Mother and Falcanian Queen wore a blueberry-hued, off the shoulder outfit with simple gold armbands. Nadia’s dark hair reached in sumptuous layers down her bare back, a delicate tiara on her head. The jeweled crown sparkled under the bright light of the hall. Sheathed in a jeweled scabbard that hung from a belly chain, her curved Valkris dagger remained in close reach.
Princess Sitara had chosen an ensemble which reflected both her social standing and one that would convey a religious subtext. From a hair ornament, a golden eight-pointed Tarik compass star dangled. It was set with an octagonal ruby, a guiding symbol of the Tarik Way. Her outfit, Imperial blood-red and gold, just as her father wore. Her attire minimal, meant to show off the tops of her breasts which were decorated with henna in the form of Kaliburn characters and a complex geometric pattern that numerically spoke of threes and its multiples. An OM symbol rested on a thin gold chain between the cleft of her generous breasts. Sitara wore the OM not only to acknowledge her Hindu heritage, but also because it served as a symbol of the Tarik Way. She had put a diamond stud in her nose, twisted wire bands were clasped to her upper arms, an iridescent opal placed in each. The Tarik symbol also decorated her navel and radiated outward from her bellybutton. Like her mother, a Valkris dagger hung close on her hip.
Frederika watched the Shotar sit in his massive throne. Nadia and Sitara were placed to either side of him on low-backed embroidered ottomans.
“Who is that girl to his left?” asked Frederika. “A concubine or wife?”
“Neither. That's Princess Sitara. She has a twin sister,” Mia said. “Both are highly intelligent and I understand that Sitara is a commander in the Falcanian Armada.”
“They're so beautiful, Nadia und Sitara.”
Frederika looked in awe as the Shotar easily leaned back in his burgundy covered mahogany throne. She locked eyes with him for a fleeting second before he returned her gaze with open approval. In the Shotar's glance she could make out age and wisdom and a thing she had not thought to find, pain and regret. To her, he carried the weight of the world on him.
A glow distracted Frederika, her attention turned to look at the other gathered princesses. She noticed Kheira who had joined her sisters at a table near her father's throne. By their looks they ranged in age from six to nineteen. The princesses talked and laughed with their fellow Imperial progeny. Clearly the Shotar had his fill of women to produce so many daughters. “Und that one?” asked Frederika as she nodded at the table of princesses. The vibrant light from Kheira fascinated her.
“Kheira. She has a genetic anomaly.”
Kheira sensed herself being stared at, turned her attention toward her father's exotic dancers, offered an imperious glance, but took a moment to give Frederika a curious, focused stare when she noticed a blue sparking aura from the dancer. Only one other person had an aura like that – The Queen. Kheira shook her head, at last returned her attention to her many sister’s gossip and admiration of Drakorian Guardsmen.
“It is called rahli'ka,” Mia added. “The Tahru, the 'priest' caste, seek the vralis, the one who shall bridge the way for the Falcanians in their ascendancy as gods. They believe those with the rahli'ka to be honored beings.”
T’Saar Sharr Khan! Jai, jai, jai!, filled the domed hall.
Sharr Khan let the cheering go on for a minutes. At last the Shotar raised his hand to bring silence to his gathered friends and Drakorian Guard. “My thanks,” the Falcanian ruler said and stood, his right hand rested on the ornate hilt at his hip. Sharr motioned for the holosphere to be activated so all his people could hear what he had to say. “Together we have built much…” his thoughts trailed off to a time before the war, when life had been much less complex. Sharr had not intended to give a speech, but the moment called for him to speak. “The world has changed in these decades. It’s become a world of technological feudalism. Our lives, what we are, have been made possible by genetic engineering, the blind have been made to see and those paralyzed can yet now walk. The prominent role of technology in our lives must be recognized. True miracles have been brought forth by the science of biorobotics, cybernetics, and genetic engineering. Cures for ailments that only a god could once have undone now are ours to hold.”
The Shotar paused in his speech, glanced over at his wife and daughter, who smiled up at him.
“Today begins the Falcanian Kralin,” declared the Shotar. “Let us salute that Rai who guided Arntiraas Drakonis in his self-evolution. Let us recall the teachings of the shards and what they mean to us all.” His hand dropped to a pouch on his belt that contained the so called Phoenix Puzzle. “I thank you all for these many years that you have stood with me upon the 'long road'. Inside you a Falcanian heart beats, a primal spark drives us forward to become Charis!” Sharr drew Alira's gift from his hip and raised the vajra above his head. He knew the moment was right for his salute. “Falcania Jai!” shouted the Shotar; his holographic image appeared over Vanguard Island and the palace in Kuras. The sight of the vajra held aloft above him would be an inspiration to his people. He pressed the firing node to extend the coruscating electric blade.
More cheers overtook the hall. “Falcania jai!”
Frederika's emerald eyes widened, enraptured by the scene that unfolded before her. Her lips parted, she watched Sharr Khan tap into the primal urges of his people.
Once the cheers lessened, Sharr replaced Jaikra into its holster and sat back on his throne. The Queen leaned close and kissed her mate on the lips.
Again the musicians began and the lights dimmed. A lone Falcanian female stood with her hands crossed before her face. Her amber-wings caught the diminished light and diffused it through the membrane to make it seem as if they glowed with an internal fire. The rhythmic music played and Tanusri parted her hands, revealing golden eyes. The concubine's hips swung and whipped her tail about dancing enticingly for her Lord. Her curly hair bounced around her with each pulsation. A teasing expression brightened her oval face. Hands still on her hips she thrust her upper body forward seductively swaying before the Shotar. Up the dais she gyrated, her pierced navel, its diamond stud refracting the flames in the hall. In a pause in the music Tanusri blew Sharr a kiss. She turned and placed her hands on her hips. Then from over her shoulder she winked suggestively at Sharr to give him a scorching smile that oozed with allusions of sex and love to be given later. With a bow the concubine finished, she walked up the dais where she planted a kiss on Sharr Khan. They exchanged some quiet words. Sharr Khan motioned for an ottoman to be brought for his favorite concubine which denoted her status as a prize among his treasures. Once she had sat, Tanusri nodded for her sitar. Nadia bent forward,and whispered to the concubine as she strummed on her instrument which had been placed beside her maroon ottoman. Clearly the two women shared not only the fondness of the same man but also a close relationship.
At last, the time had come for Ch'Kran to present the exotic dancers to his Lord. He stepped before the throne and bowed to the Shotar. “T'Saar, my Shotar!"
“Welcome home, my friend.”
“Let me present to you my Lord these beautiful valka to entertain and act as hostesses for your most Imperial Self.” Ch'Kran knew how to be rather dramatic, not unlike his own father the current Chancellor who had once served as the Shotar's majordomo. “Each young woman comes from across the globe.” Ch'Kran walked around the dancers. “From as near the Shogun's Japan.” He informed as he went past a tiny Asian woman. “And as far as Germany.” Ch'Kran deliberately stopped beside Frederika. “I hope that they are to your liking my Lord.”
“Indeed they are.” Sharr eyed the array of pretty women, his gaze lingered on Sabina and Frederika. To Mia he gave a nod of recognition that caused the girl to blush.
Under the Shotar's inspection, Frederika felt giddy. She could sense her moment to be close at hand. It was clear to her that Sharr Khan thought her attractive. She noticed the Queen also inspected her with curiosity. At first Frederika assumed Nadia simply gauged the ri
vals for her mate's attention, yet there seemed to be something else. A brief moment of dawning crossed the female Falcanian's Persian features, her lips parted and brilliant-blue eyes suddenly lit up when she looked at Frederika. The Queen buried her reaction, and leaned toward her mate to whisper in his ear.
Nadia glanced at Frederika, recalling her from a recent vision. This exquisite girl, hatching from out of a green egg. Yet more than that, this girl felt familiar in some manner to her. Could it be? Nadia moved in close to Sharr and spoke in Skora: “That blonde in the black jeans and halter top. Ask her to sit with you.” Purred Nadia while she took firm hold of Sharr's hand.
“T'Kara why her?” Asked the Shotar as he breathed in the sweet aroma of his Queen while at the same time he eyed the blonde with great interest. Did Nadia play a game with him? She of course knew his tastes. Indeed the blonde, who at the moment gave him a sultry smile was very beautiful.
“I think she's the perfect gift for you,” Nadia murmured.
The egg-shaped doors slid open. A group of Drakorian walked in, Kulcarin Aranskrai at their lead. He was dressed in full ox-blood Drakorian armor, his stylized bird helmet under his arm. Aranskrai bowed while he looked up at Sitara beside her father. She smiled back at him, yet he kept his expression neutral, only acknowledging her with a nod. He and his crew found themselves a place to sit.
“As you wish, Nadia.”
Sharr gestured at Frederika.
Her heart pounded. The Shotar had motioned for her to come up the dais. Frederika had not expected to make contact so easily. Ch'Kran gave her a nod of encouragement and made it clear she should step up to the throne as commanded.
Clearly her father had taken an interest in the blonde dancer. Sitara made up her mind to go to Kulcarin. He had greeted her in an atypically cold manner. She sensed something wrong with him. The blonde moved to join her father and so Sitara excused herself and pressed on her sire's arm as she got up from her ottoman.
Starblade Page 8