Starblade

by Rodney C. Johnson

  From his thick belt, the Shotar removed a key and unlocked the strongroom. The doors to the central chamber groaned on their hydraulics. Within the vault rested the Rashalon Engine which had spawned the first Falcanians and on occasion even still created chrysali for new blood to enter the aeries. A glass crimson sphere rested in the grasp of a statue which represented Falcania. A throbbing glow illuminated the chamber and bathed the two men in a blood red flaming light.

  With respect Sharr walked to the statue and lifted his middle and pointer finger of his right hand. He made a curvilinear sigil similar to the Falcanian Kaliburn in the space between himself and the Phoenix Heart.

  Up Sharr stepped to the statue and reached out for the heart. Felt its pulsating life-force charge him. No more than the size of a softball, a platinum gray, eight-pointed chaostar clutched the crystalline orb. In the very center of the chaostar, an otherworldly emerald bort sparked with life. At first glance it looked like there were micro-fractures in The Heart's surface, yet closer examination would bring one to recognize that what seemed to be cracks, were in truth an embedded neural net. Sharr lifted The Heart from its place in Falcania's protection. A star burst shined at its center to illuminate the vault. Zoar brought forth an ark for the Shotar to set the orb into.

  Mia held Frederika’s hand while they made their way around the horde of Falcanians and a few human guests to get closer to the center of the festival plaza. An octagonal platform was constructed in the shadow of the Tahru's Temple where now a theatrical production unfolded. A single Falcanian woman on stage declaimed her final monologue: “Just as the star must go nova, you, to be truly alive must one day confront the void. Only in that moment of transition can your star-fire be rekindled.”

  Behind the actress a holographic sun bulged, and seemed to sigh in a feminine voice.

  “Goodbye,” shouted the star to at last reach its crescendo of death. Lights faded, and swallowed up the actress.

  The lines held for Frederika an unexpected finality.

  Applause erupted to honor the sun-actress.

  “Ashkaltai by Arduth Pol,” Mia explained. “Even suns must die is its theme. Curious, huh? In a culture that worships the Phoenix as an ideal, final death is so enshrined?”

  “It does seem odd,” Frederika said.

  The two girls found a spot to watch the ceremony. Guests waited while the actors left the platform and for the ritual to start. Sitara sat beside her mother and two of the Imperial concubines with them. A few high-ranking Falcanians Frederika had never seen before were also there, yet the Shotar could not be seen anywhere.

  It started out as a low whisper of sound. But soon it cut the air, almost whistled, and became a mighty noise.

  Thrump, thrump, thrump!

  The whoosh of wind pushed across strong silky membrane covered wings engulfed the plaza. Many of the humans turned their eyes toward the skies and witnessed a display which very few among them ever imagined. A phalanx of red armored Drakorian Guard who accompanied blue clothed Tahru clerics circled above. The Falcanians swooped back and forth, their tails trailing behind them in a majestic beauty, like a humanoid archeopteryx on a hunt. It was an inhuman sound, more like some kind of primal shriek which emanated from the airborne beings and resounded at an auditory range that no human could produce.

  Cries of “Falcania Jai!” greeted the warriors and Tahru.

  In a choreographed decent, the Tahru touched down to make an inner-ring and surround the arch. They faced outward toward the assembled crowd. The Drakorian touched down to form a disciplined ring on the outer edges of the platform.

  At the platform's center, beside the arch Sharr Khan landed, his wings folded back and away as he came out of his crouch. An impressive figure, dressed in his red and black jodtok. A golden circlet crowned his brow ornamented with an eight-pointed Tarik star. His tri-claw boots took the impact of his touch down for they were built to be shock absorbers. He made the Shakra salute and returned the shout of “Falcania Jai!” which was then echoed back at him.

  Under the arch rested the chest containing the Phoenix Heart. Sharr went over and removed the sphere from its place. He raised it above his head.

  Frederika's eyes widened at the sight of the orb the Shotar held aloft. She unconsciously fiddled with the Thor's hammer on her collar.

  “Vir arin, sra shyr'la vra sra Narshin!” Sharr intoned.

  We are the children of the Phoenix. He held the orb and it seemed to take on a whole new vibrancy, glowing in the hands of its keeper and protector. The green jewel throbbed for the Phoenix Heart was his eyes and he its hands.

  Each of the Falcanians felt a personal synergy. At once their souls engaged in a great communion, each of their sparks joined together. Not only here but across space and time and reached far into infinite probability. The vibration of the Heart echoed and in response the Falcanian species returned that echo in a life-affirming cry.

  D’Har Tarik thought itself a religion of light, a philosophy of the stars. That light burned in each Falcanian and shone from within. All the eyes of the Falcanians became an eerie green, like the bort inside the Heart. The moment of commune passed and the ceremony of the spark concluded. Sharr replaced the Phoenix Heart into its ark. The ceremony ended with a hearty “T'Saar!”

  Afterward Sharr joined his family and friends at the edges of the platform. A robust cloaked figure came onto the stage, he began to sing in a deep baritone, rock music. Though the singer spoke Falcanian the tragic notes of the song were clear even to those who did not know the words. Falcanians had rock ballads. That bit of kitsch amused Frederika.

  Later he sat at a low table with Nadia and Kitana draped against his red and black uniform. They placed bits of food into their mouths while adoringly, they fed their Shotar. Tanusri sat on a cushion where she strummed her sitar and sung a somber tune. Sabina served the Imperial Family, her duties continuing on from earlier in the day. The Shotar had offered her attention and seemed happy to have her linger about.

  Followed by Sitara and her boyfriend the Drakorian Kulcarin Aranskrai, Frederika and Mia entered the thraj. The girls enjoyed the thraj’s luxurious accommodations. Sharr glanced up. His eyes glistened in the light of the many brass oil lamps when he caught sight of Frederika. He nodded at the dancer, his eyes feasting on the sight of her in a clingy red velvet dress that pulled attention to her every curve.

  When Sitara noticed Kvaltar Vron, she beamed and with no warning jumped onto his lap, almost like a little girl.

  “Kvaltar, it’s so nice to see you again,” she purred, even though her mother could be heard to make a sound of disapproval from beside her father.

  Kvaltar colored beet red. He had not expected for Sitara to maul him. An awkward moment to be sure, never mind the fact her rubbing on him had caused the affect she wished. No doubt the Princess was attractive, but Lord Vron knew better. Besides, he happened to be happily wed. Kiralia didn’t exactly appreciate Sitara’s ardent affection for him either. Gently Vron pushed his friend's daughter back into the hold of her Drakorian boyfriend.

  Frederika found it all rather entertaining.

  The newly entered group sat and received plates of food. This time roasted pig doused in a spicy-sweet tamaki sauce. Bits of cilantro stuck to the succulent crackling skin. Under the lamp light the roasted beast shined a rich warm brown awash in its own juicy warm fat.

  “Have you enjoyed the carnival, Frederika?” The Queen asked.

  Nadia's attention on her made Frederika most uncomfortable. She could not be sure how strong a telepath the Queen might be and so Frederika played the dumb blonde and flipped a strand of hair. “Oh, it’s cool.” She used way out of date slang, noticed her hair flip had not been lost on the Shotar for he looked on her intently. “A very pretty ceremony.”

  The Queen gazed back at Frederika as if to say You merely act the dumb blonde.

  Again Frederika felt her head tingle. The Queen was a threat. She needed to guard her thoughts more carefully. />
  “Rika, come sit by me,” the Shotar commanded.

  The dancer did as she had been bid.

  Most accustomed to her mate's lustful tastes, Nadia never denied him his toys. She was more interested by a wave of jealousy which suddenly overwhelmed her mental facilities. Not her own, nor the two concubines. This triad had long ago adjusted to the dynamics of the harem. Hard in truth not to miss where the jealousy came from. Sabina glared at Frederika.

  Luckily Nadia had other concerns, for she quickly turned her attention toward her child. “I have some good news, Sitara.”

  “Oh?” Sitara asked, giggling still at a remark Kulcarin whispered into her ear.

  “Yes.” Nadia grinned proud of her handiwork. “I am happy to announce that I’ve spoken with Kalpana, she agrees with me. You and Kulcarin should be wed.”

  The reaction was not what the queen expected. “I don't want to marry now!” The princess declared and very nearly stomped her foot in protest. “I should have been consulted, there are adventures still be had before I nest down and begin producing children.”

  “Sitara!” pleaded Nadia. “This is your duty.” The Queen spoke with command. “It also shall prevent your father's enemies from using you to get to his throne.”

  Sitara turned to her father for help. Surely he'd understand. Why her? Why couldn’t they sacrifice her twin on the altar of politics?

  Sitara knew the reason – Urksa Vorskrai.

  “Your mother’s right,” the Shotar agreed.

  “No one even asked me!”

  Kulcarin didn't seem to have a problem with the arrangement as he'd said nothing to support her case which angered Sitara even more. Outraged she had been manipulated, the Princess stormed from the tent, her bangles clanging in her rage and tears dripped down her lovely angular features.

  “Will she be okay?” Frederika whispered in Sharr's ear.

  “Sitara will get over it,” Sharr said while he nudged her ear with his lips. “She understands her duty. Though she’s like her mother not all that long ago, willful and –”

  Nadia cleared her throat and cut Sharr off.

  “Go. Enjoy the festival.” The Shotar patted Frederika on the bottom to abruptly usher her away. “When you return to the palace come to my apartments.”

  She got the hint. Frederika stood and smiled. “By your command. I'll see you tonight.”

  Frederika grabbed Mia and fled the thraj. She had the impression the Shotar and his Queen were about to have a very vocal disagreement. Frederika hoped the presence of Sharr's friends would keep the shouting to a minimum.

  [Royal Palace Saxe-Coburg Germany]

  “What's this?”

  Colonel Kreis looked in awe at the strange waveform that pulsed within the holosphere. Eight points of light throbbed with vitality. A three-dimensional star that rotated on its own axis. He had gifted his ward with a device that would monitor her situation. Though she had no idea the Thor's Hammer she wore on her collar was in truth intended to send back data from the Falcanian's island.

  “It's not an Abraxas Coil signal, sir. A very unusual reading,” the tech said. “I've never seen a power source of that nature.”

  Oberon nodded, looking at the strange waveform dance within the hologram emitter. “Keep monitoring it,” the Colonel ordered. “Whatever it is, Frederika is close.”

  [Vorkrür Island Evening]

  Kheira sat alone inside her favorite garden and she listened to the sounds of the festival. Her family went into the city to attend the Falcania Kralin. The princess had no wish to be ogled over, as those of her kind tended to be at such functions so she amused herself here, enjoying the engineered plants and animals in solitude.

  Like all her species, she took part in the moment of synergy when her father joined himself with the Phoenix Heart. She experienced joy in that moment. She still did now, basking in the shining light of the commonness of the shared minds.

  She looked up at the sky. The stars sang to her. Kheira did not share this fact with the others. Each point of light had its own voice, which had born witness to the birth of the Universe. This gave the Princess comfort.

  A flash of light momentarily blinded Kheira. As her vision cleared, she noticed a shimmer out of the corner of her eye. An object uncloaked itself in the garden, a humanoid mecha covered with coruscating gold skin. Hinting at a predatory nature the mechenoid examined her with eerie green eyes, like that of the eye shine of a Falcanian's own optic receiver.

  Strong emotional impulses could cause the micro-lenses to flash on and induce the green effect. The figure crouched, one attenuated, mechanical arm, which terminated into a lanky five fingered hand cupped its face in contemplation while the other sharp fingers tapped the ground.

  The creature scrutinized the girl with large angled eyes. Its ears swept back into points. Kheira flinched. It looked more Falcanian than human.

  The haunches the mechenoid rested its lithe winged body on appeared strong enough to in one leap propel the mechenoid hundreds of feet into the sky. Behind the golden Mecha a flat gold and black armored burnished tail cut the air, clicked a retractile claw to match the pattern it's spindly fingers made on the stone. Kheira realized had the being stood at its full height, it would tower at least ten feet above her. In its current stance the mechenoid being appeared prepared to vault into action. It burned with potential energy waiting to be released.

  “What are you?” she whispered.

  “Like you, I am also a Falcanian. I come from a far future,” the melodious voice sang. “This mechanical shell you see is no more than armor our kind wear. It is a garb that allows gods to walk among mortals.” The metallic face smiled pleasantly at the princess showing what appeared to be fangs. “My true form is much more magnificent to look upon. You and your sire have seen it in your dreams when you walk Char.”

  A part of her felt an urge to call for the Drakorian Guard, yet she stilled the desire. Kheira felt it inside her. A kinship to this creature, a vibration she felt in her soul synced with this enigmatic other.

  What had her people evolved into, that required them to use an exosuit to walk among normal beings? She thought about what this creature’s true form probably looked like. Kheira had seen in her dreams a Phoenix-like being. She always assumed it to be a fantasy given shape in Char.

  “Why have you come?”

  “To warn you, child.”

  Her brow arched and the glow of her skin increased. She moved closer to the Golden One. “What is the danger?”

  The mechenoid Falcanian who now stood at its full length walked around the girl with an elasticity ease indicative of its lithe body. “Beware the Eye of Ishallrav,”said the coruscating being in its song-like voice. “Darkness has entered the Falcanian soul. Chaos burns and seeks to be unleashed upon this planet.” The Golden One took a considerate pause, declared: “You are the key, child.” The Golden Falcanian took her face delicately between its light-handed fingers. “The Shadow, the tool of the Eye, will try to destroy you. It wants to undo the light. Beware of Kranix!”

  “Kranix,” Kheira whispered the name and felt its shadow.

  She saw a convergence in the commonness of the over-soul. Looking into the Golden One's green eyes, she could see he did as well for an expression of concern crossed its oddly articulate metal face.

  “Do not speak that name out loud again,” the Golden One warned. “Take my admonition to your sire and the Valküri. They shall understand what to do.”

  “Why should they listen to me? I am a child.”

  “Sharr will believe you.”

  “Aunt T'Kara will not.” Kheira had not always had the best relationship with Queen Nadia. It echoed her tangles with Sitara. “It is she who leads the Sisterhood. You must give me proof,” demanded Kheira. “What do I call you?”

  “Shiertar.”

  “Dark-Star,” she murmured, a name of foreboding. “Of what aerie?”

  “That does not matter. But as you said, you require proof.�
� The future Falcanian walked about on its limber stride, almost as if gravity did not matter. “I will let you look upon my true form and even the Queen will be unable to deny the veracity of your statements when she pulls the image from your shining soul.” Shiertar grinned. “A Falcanian knows a Falcanian.”

  “Why not simply tell me where to find this…” for a second Kheira thought the name of Kranix but repressed it. “…this Shadow so my father's forces can eradicate it from our being?”

  “To do so would risk undoing what we are to become, little one. The Skatha have a role to play.”

  Shiertar realized he chanced his own being in coming here. Alas his presence had not been his doing, Shiertar knew himself to be marooned here. He came because of what had been unearthed in the Valküri’s vault. His light would shield her from the Eye of Ishallrav, she who would be the first to ascend. In the records of the Valküri, Shiertar’s presence in this time had been preserved. His fate determined, if not inescapable. He could not direct his forerunners to destroy Kranix or the Ascension would not come to pass.

  He had already interfered too much. For months he watched. Waited. Hidden. Then the Sword of Doom came to Vanguard Island. When he looked upon Frederika, he took his first action and prevented Sharr from dying of heart failure. In Shiertar's time that was an unknown fact, the first Shotar had always been thought to be in perfect health. It was also a historical fact that Sharr did not die such a death.

  “I have gone much further then I dared should have, Kheira.” Shiertar pitied the girl for the religion which would be invoked in her name. But it could not be avoided. “And the Shining-Star, she who dwells on the White Mountain, shall ascend as the first Charis. To become a goddess to guide her kind to the flaming light!”

  Shiertar cursed the one who would whisper these things to the general Falcanian populace and create a religion not meant for the Falcanian kind. It would come to pass and ensure The Sundering. “In my time a war rages. Shadow and Holy Light combat each other. In contest is command of our world. A place of technological wonder,” Shiertar said, the horror of his world weighed heavily upon him. “The galaxy burns and we have set it aflame to battle the Eye. Creatures known as Skatha, an offshoot of our species have taken hold and they kill my kind. Our feral cousins were bred to make war by their master Lord Skar who is enslaved to The Eye.” The tragedy Shiertar felt to speak of Skar. Kulcarin had been such a noble man to have fallen to Kranix proved such a waste. “Our jeweled home of Falcania-Vor is to become home of new gods.”