Kyra aimed sure and straight at its stomach area. When she threw the blast of creative energy, the scream that sounded was enough to curdle milk still in the cow. It scratched against her mind in excruciating pain. It attempted to fight and to resist the power of the Goddess. Each counter-energy strike it attempted to launch turned into wonderful, consuming power that sped up its demise. Finally, it couldn’t hold on any longer and exploded into minute pieces of robe.
Kyra watched as pieces of the robe fell to the ground like confetti. She waited and scanned the energy force of everything that she could now see. She saw everyone’s life force with clarity and was amazed to see vibrant colors where Tordin and the other warriors were. Cordin’s life force wasn’t as solid—more the wimpy, muted color of vomit. She returned her gaze to where the being had been to make sure it wasn’t a smoke-and-mirror trick. She didn’t want it trying to enter into anyone there. When she was sure she sensed no more of it, she came closer to the outer ring of its debris. The remnant piece of robe lay there as if glued to the ground. Once satisfied again that this thing was no more, she turned her attention to the cage. She saw the door open in her mind, and it was so.
Tordin was the first one out and rushed to scoop her up into his arms.
“You did it! Oh by the Goddess, you did it!”
She hummed as powerful currents sent restoring strength to her somewhat weakened mate. He responded to the transfer of energy, recovering as he held her. She felt like she had tapped into an infinite source of power and was careful not to release too much, too fast to him. Then Kyra realized it was both of them working together. Tordin’s touch had magnified her power level, too. She got it. He was her anchor, enabling her to hold more of the power of the Goddess that coursed through her.
He released her enough to look down as he asked, “What do you have on? You feel lumpy.”
Kyra laughed, remembering all the crystal she wore. “Oh, that’s the crystal the Goddess instructed me to wear to come into battle with that thing.”
“Oh, I see. If that’s the case, I’ll get enough of it to make you a robe to wear around.”
“No need. I think I may have overdone it, wouldn’t you say?” She looked back at the camp and how much she’d done.
As if in confirmation, one of the men who had started to pack the Skleen into the cage they’d just vacated pointed and said, “Look at the Goddess’ mark!”
All their attention went to where he pointed. The remnants of the being’s robe that had scattered to the ground were sprouting into wildflowers of different, vibrant colors. It looked like a patch of beautiful bouquets in the midst of a rock and crystal landscape. The warriors focused on her with an awe she’d never before felt and or even imagined.
“You know this will become a shrine to the Goddess, now that you’ve marked it as such,” Tordin said.
“How? I don’t understand.”
“Oh sweet, dear Kyra, the Goddess’ mark means a great shift of change happened at that spot. It is a physical show of her presence and blessing. You have left her mark here as a testament and truth to this fact. You have fulfilled the unction of the Goddess.”
Kyra knew she’d have to get Tordin to explain this in greater detail, but for now, she wanted to get him back to the ship and checked out by the healers. Somehow she didn’t feel like the Goddess was done with them yet, though.
“Okay. That’s great. Now can we get you all out of here?” she said, wanting to get back to the ship.
“Yes, as soon as we make an important stop,” Tordin replied, looking around for someone. She liked how he refused to release her, no matter what. When he found who he was looking for, he said, “Counselor Rilic, thank you. I knew you would come if my mate sought me. Thank you for your allegiance to me.”
“You are most welcome, Sire. The Lady here has a warrior’s heart like yours. You chose well,” he said and gave Kyra a warm smile. She did like him.
“I’m not sure I did any choosing. I think it was all the Goddess where Kyra is concerned. I am beyond blessed to be joined with her. Oh, and before I forget—would you please capture the Goddess’ mark for the historical documents and get a few eyewitness testimonials of what happened? We’ll leave here once you have them. I want to present them to the officials in the capital city of Ziar. That’s where we were headed before Cordin ambushed us.”
“Most certainly, Sire, but why Ziar and not our Olodian ally, Ampor?” he asked.
“Because they are not the ones who need proof of the Goddess’ presence—especially that her power lives within the Princess of Olodia. Once we show them the evidence and get the parties to talk, this war should end. I know that in my gut. The Goddess has indicated as much.”
“Yes, Sire,” Counselor Rilic said and then added, “and thank you as well, Lady Kyra.” He proceeded to bow in respect in front of her. All the others followed suit and bowed for a protracted moment in reverence.
Tordin squeezed her with approval as he watched his warriors honor her with the highest show of respect. He looked down at her and said, “Shall we go to Ziar now, my Lady?”
“Yes, I think it’s about time we put an end to this war,” Kyra said and gave him a kiss.
They both ignored Cordin’s cries, pleading with them not to go into Ziar.
Kyra couldn’t help but wonder why Cordin wanted so intensely to keep them away from the capital. “My love?”
“Yes, my dear.”
“Why is Cordin so adamant about not going to Ziar?”
“There’s no telling, but we’ll find out soon enough.” He looked at the hover bike Jalek presented to him and then at Kyra’s backside. “Jalek, please don’t tell me you made the Crown Princess ride on one of these to find me.”
Jalek turned a flattering shade of lavender that matched his eyes as embarrassment took over. “Yes, sire. I didn’t think to bring the side carriage.”
Kyra looked at Tordin’s slightly frustrated expression and then over to the young warrior. “You mean to tell me there was a more comfortable option available? I could have ridden in a side carriage with more room and maybe even cushion for my as—backside? Hmm, Jalek?”
He looked like he wanted to hide under one of the surrounding rocks but said, “Yes, my Lady. In our haste and my concern for Lord Tordin, I forgot to get the carriage.”
He looked so sad and fearful that anything she might say to chastise him would crush him, so she remained quiet and let Tordin handle it.
“In the future, when any female or offspring travels with you and you use the land slider, remember to attach the carriage. Only if a grown female refuses do you not use it. Understand? The ride is extremely uncomfortable for them. Lady Kyra is going to feel this ride for days, and I don’t want to think about how many times the Goddess bearer will think about you whenever she winces from the soreness of it. Let this be a lesson—you must think about everything before you act. Okay, Jalek?”
“Yes, Sire,” Jalek said, sounding like a teenager who’d just been disciplined.
Kyra smiled. “Thank you for that, my love. I hated that bike, but at least I only have to ride it out of here.”
“No you don’t. I have a carriage with our bikes. They are about two leagues from here. I’ve already sent five scouts back to retrieve them. They should be back by the time Counselor Rilic finishes up. You’ll ride with me in a carriage. I always bring one, just in case. Maybe deep down inside I knew you’d find a way to join me on the surface, and I was preparing for it.”
“Maybe so but if my butt hurts for more than a few days, I’m going to turn Jalek’s butt into a flower patch. You got me?”
“Ha! He deserves more, but I think I’ve got you.”
16
“Lady Kyra, on behalf of the citizens of Ziar, I bestow our highest honor on you for your valiant efforts to thwart the manufactured and manipulated war between our neighbors and us. May you and the Goddess always remember us in blessing and kind thoughts.”
Kyra bowe
d and leaned over to allow the Governor of Ziar to put a diamond necklace around her neck that would make the crown jewels back on Earth look like pauper’s trinkets. The heavy weight of it let her know the carat count would be off the charts. She remembered to be gracious and not jump up and down with giddy joy. She had the biggest diamond necklace she’d ever seen, and it was from an alien planet. She looked down at the clear stones sparkling against her dark skin and was reminded of Tordin’s brilliant eyes.
“Thank you very much, Governor. I accept this on behalf of the Olodian people and will cherish it always,” she said remembering what Tordin had rehearsed with her to say if they offered her any gifts.
He told her if she said anything else, it could be construed as offering something other than simple thanks for the gift—like allegiance, support, compensation or any number of things. Apparently, alien diplomacy was trickier than dealing with the fabled Elves and and Fairies of lore on Earth. Tordin squeezed her hand in approval, and she released a breath when she stood up straight again.
After receiving a ceremonial sword made out of a metal that looked like titanium with a jewel-encrusted hilt and giving his thanks, Tordin bid the leaders of Ziar goodbye. Kyra was tired, and the day had been long. Her body clock was off since it was late night here on the surface but most likely only late afternoon by Olodian time back on the ship.
Tordin placed her in the carriage that was a hundred thousand times more comfortable than the bike he rode. She looked around to see Cordin poured into a carriage attached to Malm’s bike, and she fought the urge to jump out and punch him before Tordin or Malm could catch her. That male was rotten to the core, pure and simple.
When they’d first entered the city limits of Ziar, Cordin’s protests had grown louder. They quickly found out why he didn’t want to be there when they had to fight off a gang of outlaws that ambushed them. This was getting tired fast, and Kyra was ready to blast Cordin into a botanical garden.
She’d been right about his wickedness. Cordin had welched on paying this gang to connect him with that souped-up Skleen and his companions. This group wanted payment or his head. She’d watched as the warriors had to subdue thirty-plus gang members before they could even find out why they were being attacked.
If it had been up to her, she would have done the deed herself, presenting Cordin’s head on a dressed-up platter for their inspection. Not only was Cordin wicked, selfish, power-hungry and delusional, he was also a deadbeat who didn’t pay his debts. How could two brothers be so different?
Tordin went off to the side to work things out with the leader. After a half hour, he’d returned, and they continued to see the officials in the capital compound.
When he’d gotten back on the bike and started it up without saying a word, Kyra couldn’t stand it. She wanted to know why they’d been cornered and assaulted.
“So what was that about?”
“Cordin was up to his usual antics,” he said, brushing the incident off like it was something that happened all the time. She eyed him until he looked over at her and saw that she expected details. Tordin continued, “He thinks since he’s the Emperor’s son he can make deals and then conveniently not pay up when time comes. I used to pay the debts out of my own account when I went to clean up after him. Recently my father gave me direct access to his trust fund, and now I pay them out of his fund—with interest. His account is getting low. Too low to finance another coup for a while.”
“Your brother is lowdown. I say you block him from his funds. If he wants to act like an evil baby, then he shouldn’t be able to use your father’s money to do so. Let him earn his own money.”
“Yes, I agree. Now that he’s been kicked off the council, that money is no longer coming in, either. He’s completely dependent on my father again, and love of my father is the only thing keeping me from cutting him off. Hopefully now he will see how bad Cordin’s gotten and stop supporting his foolhardy mission to steal the throne.”
“So does he owe anyone else? I don’t like getting jumped at night on the streets of a strange planet, do you?”
“Knowing him, I’m sure he owes so many more, but for now, we need to wrap up this mission and get back to the ship. I called ahead for an emergency meeting to get all the warring factions into a room to kiss and make up.”
“Hear, hear, I couldn’t agree more. Let’s get this over with. Do you think everyone will show up to the meeting?”
“They had better, or they will incur the wrath of Warrior Lord Tordin.”
“Ooh, that’s what I’m talking about. I love it when you use your warrior power, meow!” Kyra said, laughing, as they raced to the capital compound.
* * *
After all was right within the world of Nenndi again, and everyone clearly saw how Cordin had agitated the situation to start the war in the first place, they’d signed binding treaties and agreed to Tordin’s terms for better export deals. He’d even gotten them to regulate their currency to the one used by the rest of the galaxy. Kyra realized that just because he didn’t want the Emperor’s job didn’t mean he wasn’t highly qualified for it.
She’d observed everyone’s awe of him and his superior understanding of their issues. He had the heart, patience and wisdom of an elder statesman.
When they’d concluded the long hours of meetings and received their gifts from the planet’s various civil alliance areas—the equivalent of continents on Earth—Tordin had whisked her out. He apologized for their hasty departure, but the Princess needed to go home to rest after such a trying and long day.
Kyra was happy, because she was dead on her feet, but she still wanted to tie up the loose ends called Brantley and Cordin. Those two jokers needed to be dealt with before they could find ways to cause any more havoc.
On the way back to the ship aboard the Jump, Kyra brought this up with Tordin. It had begun to eat at her, and she realized the Goddess was giving her a clue as to the potential harm.
“Tordin, I need to talk with you about Cordin and the thorn in my butt named Brantley. They need to be disciplined. What are you planning to do with them?”
“Ah, mate, you are really becoming spot on with our connection. I have been thinking the same thing. In keeping with IGA mandates, I have to turn Cordin and the remaining Skleen in our custody over to the IGA for trials and sentencing. They are all in one of the Jumps, which will go to the penal ship, where Brantley is already held, for transport back to Olodia. As soon as we get to our private quarters, you and I will contact my father on the visual communicator and let him know what has happened. I’m sure he’s dying to meet you officially. I think it would be a special treat for him, since we have such good news about the outcome—except for Cordin’s deception.”
The only bit Kyra heard from that last part was that she would meet her father-in-law with her hair looking like it had been fried in a desert. Technically it had, but she didn’t want to meet anyone until she’d had time to freshen up. Men! No matter what species or planet, they all acted the same.
“Tordin, make sure you keep Brantley and Cordin separated. I don’t want them to scheme and plan. Promise me so I can rest better. As for the other request, I’ll be happy to meet your father after I’ve had an hour to soak in a pool of gaiata. I have to tame my hair and get this grime off me.”
“On the matter of my brother, he’s in solitary confinement. It’s my understanding that they’ve already done the same with Brantley. You taking time to get cleaned up is fine, as long as I can join you,” Tordin said, betraying a hint of arousal.
“I’m looking forward to it. Now—are we there yet?”
* * *
“Tordin, by the Goddess, she’s beautiful!” Emperor Gordin said, looking at Kyra from the large monitor in their rooms. “Son, you’ve been extremely blessed by the Goddess. The entire planet is excited to meet her. Before you even called, word had gotten back that she’s kissed with the Goddess’ power.”
Tordin squeezed Kyra’s hand and asked hi
s father, “How did that news travel so fast? We just got back to the ship an eighth of a cycle ago.”
“Counselor Rilic sent the documents of the Goddess’ mark and some live action footage of the scene for the archives. One of the clerks told someone who told someone else until it spread like wildfire. Kyra’s being called the Amber Princess. Now looking at her beautiful amber skin, I see why. You do know that amber is the sign of purity and purification, and son, that is exactly what she has done for us. She’s purified us from shame and dishonor.”
Kyra wanted to say she was right there, still in the room, but she didn’t want to offend the older Emperor. She remained quiet, listening to his lovely conversation with his son. Tordin looked like a younger version of him. She was happy to know that when her mate was older he’d look like the best Earthly renderings of Zeus. She could easily see Tordin holding a thunderbolt and leading a pantheon of his warriors. She must have worn a stupid grin on her face, because her father-in-law was chuckling as Tordin attempted to get her attention.
“Huh—what? I’m sorry. I drifted off for a minute there,” she said, feeling embarrassed at getting caught daydreaming.
“I only hope I had some role in that daydream,” Tordin said.
“You were the star of it,” she said, allowing him to kiss her.
The sound of coughing snapped them back to the fact that the Emperor could see them. When Kyra realized they must be giving him a show, she gently pushed Tordin back into his seat and straightened her top to show respect for the Emperor.
“You two remind me so much of your mother and me. This is true love, and I am so very pleased to have you as my daughter, dear Kyra. Do you have a father back on your planet?”
The question caught Kyra off-guard, but she answered with a strength that surprised her. “No, my father and mother died in a car accident when I was a child. I was raised as an orphan—that means my government raised me instead of my parents.”
Rescued By Tordin: Olodian Alien Warrior Romance Page 19