Warrior Prince

by Nancy J. Cohen

  ****

  Nira kept her thoughts to herself as she drove toward Drift World the following afternoon. She’d spent the morning phoning her sisters and the police to let them know she was okay, and retrieving her Camry from in front of Grace’s house. She had left her makeup kit in the trunk, so at least her supplies were saved. Losing the rest of her belongings didn’t matter as much as losing Grace.

  She glanced at Zohar in the passenger seat. His gaze focused out the side window, his profile stern. Dressed in an ordinary T-shirt and jeans, he still managed to look fabulous with his powerful bearing, sculpted muscles, and firm jaw. Her heart somersaulted as he skewed a look in her direction, tightened his lips, and looked away.

  He’d barely spoken to her since last night. Claiming fatigue, he’d slept on the couch, leaving her to the bedroom. Had her responsiveness to his kiss turned him off? Didn’t he realize she’d siphoned courage from his embrace? She’d craved the comfort and security of his arms? Besides, it had felt so right to kiss him back. Surely he wasn’t put off by her forwardness, especially since he’d instigated the kiss.

  No more of that, Nira. Think about your mission for the day and how you’ll face those nasty Trolleks.

  The memory of those beasts made her stomach churn. Was she nuts for taking on this mission? Walking into the fire didn’t seem like the best course of action. Yet she’d committed herself to rescuing Grace, and Drift World was their only lead.

  Gripping the steering wheel, she clamped her mouth shut as Zohar paid the twelve-dollar parking fee. Then she proceeded as directed to an empty space in the immense lot. Visitors poured from their cars on either side, but no children were among them. Drift World was restricted to adults aged eighteen and over.

  Once on foot, she and Zohar followed the herd to a tram that took them to the front gate. She searched the sea of faces for Dal and Kaj, who’d driven there in the van. Zohar’s pals had brought Lord Magnor, who’d insisted on coming, but she couldn’t spot any of them. Hoping they had already arrived, Nira veered toward Guest Relations while Zohar got in line to buy a ticket.

  “Hi, my name is Nira Larsen.” She hoped the attractive brunette behind the glass partition wouldn’t notice the tremor in her voice. “I’m trying to get in touch with Algie, one of your staff members. She interviewed me for a job. I lost her business card and don’t remember her last name.”

  The woman’s eyes turned glacial. “I’m so sorry, Miss, but we deal with theme park related issues only. The employment office is in another location.”

  “I’m well aware of where it is…or isn’t.” Nira’s voice hardened. “Look, you can make a simple call for me. Tell Algie I’m standing here. She’ll be unhappy if she misses me.”

  Was this woman a human or a Trollek? If Algie was an example, their females could appear normal. How did one tell the difference?

  She glanced at Zohar, who’d secured his ticket and passed through the main gate. Lord Magnor waited by a gurgling fountain with a display of pink and orange flowers. The other guys must be close by as well. Reassured by their presence, Nira twisted the diamond ring Zohar had given her.

  He expected them to be separated, but should Nira need help, she could push on the polished stone to activate a distress beacon. She wore it on her right hand, and was aware diamonds were common on Karrell. The ring didn’t hold the same cultural significance for Zohar as it did for her.

  “Miss Larsen? Algie will meet you inside the entrance.” The guest services agent shoved a plastic card into the receptacle. “Take this pass. You won’t need a ticket.”

  “Thanks.” Nira snatched the pass then headed for the gate marked Restricted Access.

  She entered without a hitch and spared a moment to lift a brochure from the information booth. Her ears buzzed at a low decibel. Wincing inwardly, she fought to ignore the sound.

  Zohar sauntered over, pretending to examine a board listing special events. He’d donned a baseball cap, and it helped him blend in with the crowd.

  “What is your status?” He barely moved his mouth.

  “I’m waiting for Algie. They gave me a pass to get in. Think you could use it elsewhere on site?”

  “Maybe. Tell Algie you misplaced it if she asks.”

  Nira picked up a map, her hand brushing Zohar’s as he did the same. She slipped the pass into his palm before turning away. He strode in the opposite direction, while Nira heard footfalls approach from behind. She whipped around, facing her nemesis. Swallowing, she suppressed a quiver of apprehension.

  Algie’s blue eyes narrowed upon viewing Nira, but she pasted a smile on her face. She looked as perfectly groomed as before, not a hair on her coiffed blonde head out of place, her figure sleek in a low-cut sundress.

  “What a pleasant surprise, my dear. I did not expect to see you so soon.”

  Nira lifted her chin with a show of bravado she didn’t feel. “We never quite finished our interview. I reconsidered your offer. I’ve been wanting to visit Drift World, and this is still my best chance.”

  “You expect me to believe that?”

  “Not really.” She curled her hands into fists so Algie couldn’t see them shaking. “How about this: I’m trying to find out more about my background. I was adopted as a baby, and I want to locate my birth parents. You may be able to help me.”

  Algie studied her as though weighing a decision. Before Nira realized her intent, Algie clasped a hand on her arm.

  Nira shook her off. “That doesn’t work with me, remember? I think we’d both like to learn why. Let’s make a deal. I’ll answer your questions if you answer mine.”

  “So you’re not really here for a job as a makeup artist?” Algie’s scornful glance said she knew that all along.

  “It depends. I still need the money.” She fell into step beside Algie after the other woman gestured for her to move along. “Are all the employees like you, or are some of them human?” Glancing about, she didn’t notice any hulking male Trolleks but they could be lurking behind the scenes.

  Algie’s mouth pursed. “How did you learn about us?”

  “I’ll tell you, if you make my time here worthwhile.”

  She had to stall long enough for Zohar to do his reconnaissance. He sought the Trollek jamming device, but Nira didn’t think it would be so easy to find.

  Algie turned right at an intersection while Nira dodged a young couple consulting a directory. A pair of men in overalls strolled past, their eyes straight ahead, their movements robotic. Nira halted, watching them with rounded eyes. A middle-aged woman bumped into her and kept going without an apology in much the same manner. What was wrong with them?

  Algie tapped her arm. “Come on, I’ll show you our medical center.”

  “Why there?” Dread filled her stomach. She could imagine lots of reasons for Algie taking her to a clinic, none of them pleasant. Memories of their last encounter rose to engulf her.

  “We’ll have more privacy. Don’t worry, it’s one of the venues where guests play out their fantasies. All of our equipment works as it would in the real world, though. We try to make the experience as genuine as possible.” Algie’s grin reminded Nira of a cat eyeing a mouse.

  She gulped. “Maybe we should tour the other stations first. How do people decide what role to play?”

  Algie flicked a speck of lint off her dress. “They choose their post during orientation.”

  “Where does that happen?”

  “I’ll show you later.”

  Algie gestured for her to move on. Nira picked up her pace, glad she’d put on sensible walking shoes.

  “You said you’d cooperate.” Algie gave her an oblique glance, her eyes gleaming in the sunlight. “I’d like to take a sample of your blood when we’re in the med lab.”

  Nira’s gut clenched. “My blood? What for?”

  “So I can run a few tests to see what makes you so…unique.”

  She’d like to know the answer herself. Her pulse pounding in her ears, Nira squeaked
out a reply. “All right.”

  Besides, if guests manned the workstations, it couldn’t be so bad, right?

  Her ears tuned in to the buzzing noise in her brain. Beyond the omnipresent sound rose the splash of water, the droning of an airplane overhead, the flap of a flag in the breeze. Absent were the happy chatter and laughter of families like at other theme parks. Why this struck her as odd, she didn’t know. But something wasn’t right about this place.

  Feeling like a lamb being led to slaughter, she hoped Zohar would gather his information fast so she could bust out of there.

  ****

  “You haven’t been through orientation, sir. Please come this way.”

  Zohar glanced up from the map he was studying in the middle of a plaza to confront the individual who’d accosted him.

  “I can manage on my own, thanks.”

  The speaker gave him a plastic smile. “As a guest, you must make your career choice so we can assign you a work slot. Please come with me.”

  His eyes had a glassy look, prompting Zohar to wonder if he’d been confounded.

  Noting a couple of chunky types gathering nearby, Zohar debated the odds. He could easily subdue these riffs but didn’t want to initiate a fight. Besides, if he accompanied the fellow, maybe he’d discover an entrance to staff quarters as per his plan. Dal and Kaj were reconnoitering the surface while keeping an eye on Nira, with Lord Magnor as backup.

  Zohar frowned, realizing he might be walking into a trap. He couldn’t vouch for Lord Magnor’s loyalty. Proof would tell in the action.

  As for Nira, he hoped she could hang on long enough for him to complete his task. He couldn’t worry about her and focus on his job. Nor did he dare think about how he’d tossed restlessly on that infernal sofa last night while burning to join her in bed.

  He followed the guide toward an entry labeled Guest Orientation, lustful thoughts consuming him until a handshake jolted him to reality.

  “Welcome to Drift World.”

  An attractive woman in a khaki uniform gripped his palm while horror blossomed in his chest. Chariots of the gods, he’d forgotten to polarize himself that morning. He had just exposed himself to the Trollek spell.

  He stared at the female who’d ensnared him. Just like his father, he’d be confounded and have to follow her commands. How could he have forgotten his training so completely? Was his mind so clouded by Nira that she made him lose sight of his goals? Sweat beaded his brow.

  The cold-eyed blonde dropped his hand. “Find a vacant console and put on a headset.”

  Too stunned to respond, he mutely obeyed.

  Yet no compulsion overtook him as he sat at a free console facing a blank screen. He’d come of his own free will, hadn’t he? Were spellbound victims aware they’d been subjugated by another mind?

  He risked a glance at his fellow guests, whose eyes all stared forward while they listened intently. Copying their behavior, he donned a headset while mentally counting the number of male employees in the vicinity. Husky brutes, they wore hats that matched their khaki uniforms but did little to hide their abnormally proportioned features. It would be difficult to give them the slip. If he could, he had an idea that might work.

  “Welcome to Drift World,” a voice said in his ear, “the place where your dreams come true in a realistic and imaginative environment. Have you wondered what it would be like to be a fireman, police officer, surgeon, or scientist? Now is your chance to experience the job of your choice. Make a selection now.”

  A series of buttons lit up offering a multitude of careers. Seeing no way to escape until he finished the segment, he debated between an actor, archeologist, athletic star, or TV news anchorman. And those were just the A’s. With a wry smile, he pushed the Astronaut button.

  Expecting to be directed to the proper venue outside, he raised his eyebrows when a drawer slid open to reveal a set of dark eyeglasses.

  “Put these on and your adventure will begin,” the voice droned on. “This innovative, interactive technique brings cutting-edge VR into your own personal world. When you are done, you’ll be trained for your special role.”

  What? This was some sort of virtual reality session?

  “At the conclusion, follow the instructions of the staff member who greeted you at the door. He is your kabak, and you will obey his commands. He’ll supervise your experiences throughout the park.

  “When your trainer releases you, you may return home. Tell your friends how much you’ve enjoyed this experience and encourage them to visit. You’ll receive further orders at a later date. Now sit back, relax, and enter the world unfolding before your eyes.”

  Music played in his headset, but Zohar didn’t wait any longer. He ripped it off, scraped his chair back, and stood.

  Before the startled eyes of the staff, he headed for the door. “Sorry, I must use the, uh, restroom.” He’d almost forgotten the word for a sanitation facility. Silly term. Who rested in there? Emerging outside, he blinked in the sunlight.

  “Sir, all visitors must complete orientation.” One of the husky fellows blocked his path. He caught Zohar by the wrist. “You are not permitted access to the rest of the park until you’re tagged.”

  “Is that so?”

  The brute’s grip tightened. “Come with me. Now.”

  Zohar glanced at the beefy paw and back to the man handler. He still didn’t understand why their touch didn’t affect him, but he could puzzle that out later. Instead of resisting, he threw an arm over the riff’s shoulder.

  “I shall be happy to oblige, but I really must visit the men’s facility first.” Maybe the guy would think his brain was addled by his bladder and that’s why the confounding didn’t work.

  The staffer led him around the corner where they ran smack into Lord Magnor who bopped the Trollek out cold with his fist. The beast crumpled to the ground.

  “Great Cosmos, what have you done? Have you been touched?” The swordsman’s eyes glittered.

  “Yes, but it had no effect. I am protected.” Let his friends believe he’d polarized himself that morning. He had no other explanation, unless…

  “We should collect the others and leave.” Lord Magnor swept his forest green cloak behind him.

  “Not so fast.” Zohar mustered his most authoritative tone. “I have a plan.”

  Chapter Six

  Nira spotted the squat gray building labeled with a red cross and dragged her heels about approaching. Once Algie got her inside, she might be trapped. Was the risk worth it for what she might learn about Grace?

  “What’s that place over there?” She pointed to a structure with half an airplane sticking from its side.

  “That’s our aerospace center.” Algie lifted her chin in a proud tilt. “One of our most popular choices is being a pilot. See the café next door? Guests work there as chefs. And that auditorium beyond the seal sculpture is a theater for live performances. You can act out just about any dream job here.”

  Wasn’t it all pretend play? She didn’t see how guests could be trained so fast otherwise. Could the chefs really cook? Could the pilots manage flight simulators? Could the people acting as doctors know how to suture wounds? If not, how did it seem so real?

  While the sun burned her scalp, she glanced at glassy-eyed visitors scurrying past. They didn’t speak, intent on their destinations. Uniformed staff members roamed among them. The smell of hot dogs drifted her way from a food vendor. It gave her a craving for potato chips. Salty snacks were both her comfort and her bane during times of stress.

  Water sprayed from a nearby fountain. Glancing sideways, she spotted Dal loitering in an alley. A surge of relief swept through her. At least he was around in case she needed help.

  Now if only she could eliminate that dreadful buzzing in her head that erupted whenever she came into proximity with Trolleks. Movie theme music burst from a set of loudspeakers, adding to her budding headache. Someone must have turned up the volume. She hadn’t noticed it before.

  “I
’ll show you around later. Let’s go inside.” Algie gave her an irritated glance.

  Climbing the steps into the medical center, Nira summoned her courage. She and Algie were both interested in learning the same thing: what made her immune to a Trollek’s touch. She’d copy the results later so Zohar’s people could use the info.

  A receptionist behind a wide counter greeted them. The ponytailed woman appeared to be a human playing an administrative assistant.

  Nira and her guide ended up in a treatment room down the hall. A strong antiseptic smell pervaded her nose, reminding Nira of her mother’s last days, when she had maintained a bedside vigil. To this day, the sight of IV bags and heart monitors made her pulse race.

  After collapsing into a chair, she allowed a technician to approach until she noticed his bulbous nose and ears. He glared at her when she recoiled.

  “I thought one of the guests was going to draw my blood.”

  “It’s best not to trust something so vital to untrained personnel.” Algie’s tone hardened. “Roll up your sleeve, Nira.”

  Nira forced herself to remain motionless while the tech punctured her vein. When he’d finished, she addressed Algie. “It’s time for you to answer my questions. I did what you wanted.”

  She squeezed a wad of gauze in the bend of her elbow until the tech replaced it with a Bandaid.

  “In a minute. Doctor Sawyer,” Algie called.

  A man wearing a white lab coat shuffled into the lab from an adjacent room. “Yes, mistress?” He peered at Algie from behind a pair of wire-rimmed eyeglasses.

  “Prepare an injection of lythix serum for our guest.”

  Nira stiffened. “What’s that?”

  “Just something to help you relax, dear.”

  “No way.” Her pulse accelerating, she surged to her feet.

  Algie and the technician exchanged glances. “All right, you’ve been agreeable so far,” Algie said. “Doctor, hold that order.”

  “As you command.” He stood by, a vacant look on his face.

  “You’ll answer my questions first, Nira. Who sent you?” Algie leaned forward as Nira sank back into her chair. A wavy strand of blond hair curtained Algie’s face, hiding her expression.