Zein: The Homecoming

by Graham J. Wood

  Tyson grimaced. It was entirely his fault, if only he could master the magics.

  He remembered something else, ‘Bailey?’ Leila shook her head and then seeing the crestfallen look on his face realised that she had given the wrong message to her son.

  ‘He is in intensive care; he lost an awful amount of blood.’ Tyson still looked worried and she reassured him he would be fine with rest.

  ‘What happened?’ Tyson remembered feeling the magics build up inside him and remembered the anger bursting forward. Then all other memories of the battle were gone.

  Leila took him through the events, how Zebulon had acted when he saw the magics consuming him and had used his ability to remove the magics to stabilise Tyson. She told him that a man called Hechkle had died saving them. Tyson closed his eyes in grief and then asked after Bronstorm knowing the man would also be distraught. Leila confirmed he had struggled to come to terms with it but the others had rallied around him.

  Tyson thought back to Hechkle, remembering the big man fondly and Leila let him absorb the news, knowing other questions would be coming…and there it was. She saw Tyson’s eyes widen as he realised what she had said initially about the magics.

  ‘So I have no magics now?’ said a relieved Tyson.

  ‘Not quite,’ said another voice in the room. Tyson looked across the room and saw the cat curled up on a chair. The cat jumped off the seat and metamorphosed into Zebulon.

  Leila stepped away and Zebulon walked to the side of the bed.

  ‘I have removed the magics as best I could but I have never seen or felt anything like it, the power was incredible,’ said Zebulon, shaking his head in wonderment. ‘You should have no abilities left but I cannot be certain.

  ‘How did you do that?’ asked Tyson, searching for the magics within him and finding nothing. He felt just stone cold relief.

  ‘I can absorb magics and it does not harm me but flows out of my body into the surrounding environment,’ said Zebulon, still shaking his head. ‘But I have never seen so much power in one individual. It was wrapped around your body like a coiled spring.’

  Tyson tried to get up but he was too weak and after protesting slumped back into bed. His thoughts drifted to Amelia and Bailey, guilt assaulting him. Leila moved back to the side of his bed as Zebulon left, knowing she needed to be there. She would stay with him for a little longer before checking on the women and children rescued. They were now placed in a number of rooms on the tenth floor of the ship, with good food, bedding and medical treatment. Leila had popped in earlier and it was good to see them laugh and experience freedom. They had grown close to her. They also knew that for now her attention must be on Tyson.

  Kabel remained on Skegus with General Corder to meet with King Yi and agree new trade agreements with Zein and Earth. It was agreed that the Expeditionary Force would help with the retaking of Oneerio post the completion of any repairs. Once Tate heard the negotiations were complete and Kabel had returned from Skegus, he went to find him. Tate found him on one of the observation decks of the Elanda gazing morosely out of the window at the rapid rebuilding of Reinan.

  ‘Zylar has Gemma then?’ said Tate, just as Belina joined them from one of her many hours seeing to the injured. She ignored Tate, walking right up to the pensive looking Kabel and placing her arm around her brother, who in turn appreciated the comfort.

  ‘Yes, but we have managed to find out where he has gone,’ said Kabel. They had tracked the coordinates to a landing pad outside Quentine that had held the destroyers provided by the Xonians. They had rapidly left the Capulus Novus System and Kabel was informed that an analysis of their trajectory and direction of travel gave a good indication of where they were heading.

  ‘He has gone back to your Earth?’ guessed Tate. He had heard many stories about this land and he was intrigued by a planet that could have over six billion people living upon it.

  ‘Yes, he has my Gemma and he has to die and I will do it. Not Tyson, not you but I will see the life ebb out of his eyes for what he has done.’ said Kabel, his anger flashing in his eyes. Both Tate and Belina did not doubt him. The Lord Chancellor cast a formidable figure as he gazed out of the window, his back ramrod straight and at that point Belina struggled to tell him apart from Tyson. They were truly brothers, driven by a destiny written for them with no clear ending. She could only do what a sister could do and stand silently with him as his thoughts drifted to another planet and an uncle whom he would hunt down to his very last breath.

  Chapter 32: Epilogue

  It took a few days for Tyson to be sufficiently well enough to drag his complaining body out of the Medicare bed. The first thing he did was to seek out Amelia. She was in a room close to his and when he first saw her motionless body lying on a similar bed he had been lying upon, his stomach lurched and he felt sick. A nurse was taking some tests and on seeing Tyson enter, quietly placed the vials of a blood test on a tray and carried them out of the room. He caught a glimpse of his face in his mirrored reflection on one of the side cabinets and was surprised to see brown eyes staring back at him.

  He sat down and took her arm, which was warm to his touch, taking in the array of tubes and monitors connected to the girl he loved and nearly killed. Amelia’s peaceful face looked back up at him and he rationalised that she was one girl who would look beautiful whatever condition she was in. He bowed his head, tears welling inside him, the guilt too much to take. He sat there for some time with his cheek against her arm and in the warmth of the room he must have dozed and slipped into one of his many dreams.

  He was in his home town, a cold day with a morning mist, walking arm in arm with Amelia, in the company of Kabel and Gemma, across an empty municipal golf course. They were laughing and larking around and then the laughter ended and darkness seemed to descend. The group tensed, peering through the mist. It was Tyson who saw him.

  Zylar was there almost like a ghost, gloating, and Tyson expected the rage to come from Kabel or him, but instead it came from Gemma. Tyson was holding her back, struggling, then they all fell in a tumble of arms and legs as Zylar’s dark shadow cast its net over them.

  Tyson woke up and frantically looked round as if he expected Zylar to be in the room with him. He saw that he was still holding Amelia’s hand. The vision had shaken him, why was he back in his home town, what was Zylar doing there? His eyes flashed across the still body of Amelia. Did that mean Amelia would pull out of this coma? He knew that some of his visions were nothing but wishful thinking.

  He felt useless, impotent. His grip on Amelia’s hand tightened and he closed his eyes, the anger at how she had been hurt by his magics hitting him hard, his emotions in overdrive…he did not hear the slight crackle or see the small spark as a bright blue tendril emitted from his fingers.

  The End

  Appendix: Clans and Key Figures

  Blackstone Clan

  The Blackstone clan led the Zeinonians away from slavery. This ensured the enshrinement in Zein Law that they would have the right to appoint a Lord or Lady Chancellor from their royal ranks. They brokered the deal for the use of “magics” from the Changelings under the suspicion from other clans that they obtained greater powers. The Prophecy is thought to be the destiny of one with Blackstone royal blood. Their principal magics are the ability to see in the future, telepathy and great speed, the latter enabling them to watch others movements in slow motion enabling them to act swiftly. Key figures and others:

  Earth Colony

  Lord Logan Blackstone: Lord Chancellor of the Zein Earth Colony prior to attack by Zylar on the Southern Quadrant. Husband of Melissa Blackstone and father of Kabel and Belina Blackstone. Died from poisoned wounds from an Ilsid attack.

  Lady Melissa Blackstone: wife of Logan Blackstone and mother of Kabel and Belina Blackstone. Died when fleeing a Zylar attack in the Southern Quadrant. Former princess of the Southgate clan.

  Egan Blackstone (Zylar): brother of Logan Blackstone and uncle of Kabel and Belina Blackstone.
Adopted the name Zylar, who wants to convert all clan magics to the “One Way” – which darkens the soul and unleashes power but also hate and madness.

  Kabel Blackstone: son of Logan and Melissa Blackstone rescued from certain death by General Malkin and raised by the Wheatstones in the Western Quadrant. Half-brother to Tyson Mountford. Hopes rest on him to lead the Zein people.

  Belina Blackstone: daughter of Logan Blackstone and sister of Kabel Blackstone. Taken as a baby by Egan Blackstone when he killed her mother, Melissa Blackstone, and raised in the Eastern Quadrant. Rescued by her brother and others during the attack on the communications mast.

  Morgan Blackstone: father to Logan Blackstone. Grandfather to Kabel and Belina Blackstone who led the Zein Expeditionary Force to Earth over 100 years ago.

  Prince Anton Blackstone: son of Egan Blackstone, nephew of Logan Blackstone, – killed by the Ilsid in the attack on the Southern Quarter Palace.

  General Malkin: Head of the Blackstone Royal Guard and named “Teacher” for Kabel Blackstone as he grew up in the Western Quadrant. Protector of the Royal Blackstones.

  Remo Shanks: Officer of the Gate (Southern Quadrant Palace). Senior officer in the Blackstone Royal Guard, tough, experienced and never say die attitude.

  General Jika Chad: served with Remo Shanks within the Blackstone Royal Guard. Mercenary who joined Zylar as his right hand man. Killed in the Eastern Quadrant Palace during the attack on the communication mast.

  Lieutenant Anders: young soldier killed whilst defending the attack on the Southern Quadrant Palace with Remo Shanks.

  Lieutenant Lavelle: Communication Officer on the Elanda

  Zachary Harris: Navigator on the Elanda.

  Zein

  Lord Ricken Blackstone: previous Lord Chancellor and husband to Safah Blackstone. Father to Jaida Blackstone.

  Lady Safah Blackstone: wife of Ricken Blackstone. Mother of Jaida Blackstone who relinquished her right to be Lady Chancellor when her husband was killed in a Pod attack.

  Jaida Blackstone: sultry daughter of Safah Blackstone who has had relationships with both Taio Southgate and Tate Malacca. Skilled fighter.

  Bertrand Mallory: junior officer, communications runner in the famous Battle for the Aeria Cavern.

  Lady Cilan Blackstone: historical figure who led the Zeinonians from the repression of the Xonians and first colonised Zein.

  Malacca Clan

  They are a warrior clan, who provide one of the largest armies, along with the Blackstone clan. There is a long standing feud with the Blackstone clan due to their lower standing in history which influences them to side with renegade, Egan Blackstone (Zylar). Not overly prosperous, the riches of the Core are an attraction. There principal magics are the ability to feel or recognise strength of magics and can levitate their bodies. Key figures and others:

  Earth Colony:

  Lord Barkley Malacca: father of Manek Malacca and working with Zylar. Vicious and has dreams of dominating Earth and Zein. Befriended and brutally killed the late Lord and Lady Tyther and their family. Killed in the Battle for the Core.

  Manek Malacca: son of Barkley Malacca and just as vicious as his father. Killed in the Battle for the Core.

  Cronje: Head of the Malacca Army who is a principled and experienced fighter who follows orders. Leads the defence of the Core against the Fathom Army and Tyson Blackstone. Becomes Vice-Chancellor to Lord Chancellor Kabel Blackstone in The Earth’s Inner Council.

  Reddash: second-in-command in the Malacca Army and reports into Cronje.

  Milano: housemaid and long term friend to Belina Blackstone in The Eastern Quadrant Palace. Treacherous and is killed when she leads the friends into a trap.

  Chet: Eastern Quadrant soldier who guards the prisoners and is killed.

  Morgan: Eastern Quadrant soldier who guards the prisoners and is killed.

  Linus: Malacca soldier on the Elanda.

  Zein

  Lord Lambert Malacca: Lord Chancellor of Zein killed in a Pod attack. Husband to Darya Malacca and father to Tate Malacca.

  Lady Darya Malacca: mother of Tate Malacca, strong reliable sensible.

  Lord Chancellor Tate Malacca: son of Lord Lambert and Darya Malacca who has stepped into the main role as protector of the Aeria Cavern. Skilled fighter.

  Captain Kron: seasoned fighter, used to follow Lord Lambert Malacca but now second-in-command to Tate Malacca. Has an injury to his arm and eye from the frequent Pod attacks.

  Clancy: soldier for Zylar who is appointed to guard Leila Mountford and the other human prisoners on Zylar’s ship and also in Quentine.

  Southgate Clan

  Historically the Southgate clan are strong supporters of the Blackstone clan. Politically astute clan, who support their prosperity by utilising their ability for compromise and negotiation. They have formed militias rather than run a large army. They are the last quadrant conquered by Zylar and hold the protection of the young Blackstone royal blood in their hands. Their principal magic is the ability to leap great distances. Key figures and others:

  Earth

  Lord Edgar Southgate: leader of the Southgate clan in the Western Quadrant and most senior lord after the Blackstone clan. Husband to Lucinda Southgate and father to Melissa Blackstone. Grandfather of Kabel and Belina Blackstone.

  Lady Lucinda Southgate: wife of Lord Southgate and mother to Melissa Blackstone. Grandmother of Kabel and Belina Blackstone.

  Hilal Wheatstone: guardian to Kabel Blackstone whilst he was growing up. Part of the Inner Council in the Western Quadrant and killed when Zylar invaded with his Ilsid.

  Maggia Wheatstone: guardian, mother to Kabel Blackstone whilst he was growing up – a healer.

  Philander Wheatstone: sister of Maggia Wheatstone. Aunt to Delilah and Drogan Wheatstone.

  Drogan Wheatstone: son of Hilal and Maggia Wheatstone. Bother to Delilah Wheatstone and adopted brother of Kabel Blackstone. Recorder for the Inner Council of the Western Quadrant. Killed when Zylar invaded with his Ilsid

  Delilah Wheatstone: daughter of Hilal and Maggia Wheatstone. Sister of Drogan Wheatstone. Adopted sister of Kabel Blackstone, kidnapped by Zylar to tempt Kabel to follow.

  Elder Vois: respected member of the Western Quadrant Inner Council who is killed during the invasion by Zylar and the Ilsid.

  Elder Barthelme: member of the Western Quadrant Inner Council and a supporter of Lord Malacca.

  Zein

  Lord Eben Southgate: grandfather to Taio Southgate and influential member of the Aeria Cavern Inner Council.

  Taio Southgate: grandson of Eben Southgate, fiery and at odds with Tate Malacca. Husband of Cadence Southgate. Vain as much as he is fiery.

  Cadence Southgate: sister of Eva and Mia Fathom, wife of Taio Southgate, formerly a Fathom who married Taio Southgate when her father was killed in a Pod attack.

  Tyther Clan

  The Tyther clan are the designers and architects of the city villages and skilled users of the advanced technology. They pride themselves in being the best in the Universe, although the Oneerions would challenge that. Their senior ranks are made up of hard working and pragmatic men and women. They have a small ceremonial Royal Guard only. Their main magic is the ability to change their height which enables them to build and construct in different environments. Key figures and others:

  Earth Colony

  Lord Benjamin Tyther: father to Gwen, Titus and Hector Tyther. Killed brutally by Barkley Malacca.

  Lady Sarah Tyther: mother to Gwen, Titus and Hector Tyther. Killed brutally by Barkley Malacca.

  Gwen Tyther: young daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Tyther. Suffered the same fate as her parents.

  Titus Tyther: young son of Benjamin and Sarah Tyther. Suffered the same fate as his parents.

  Hector Tyther: new arrival, baby of Benjamin and Sarah Tyther. Suffered the same fate as his parents.

  Zein

  Lord Quinlan Tyther: senior Lord – Hard worker and engineer. Father to Kingsley and Brisis Tyther.

 
; Aaila Tyther: wife of Quinlan, killed in a Pod attack. Mother to Brisis and Kingsley Tyther.

  Kingsley Tyther: son of Quinlan Tyther - young, headstrong and wants to be a warrior rather than an engineer

  Brisis Tyther: older daughter of Lord Quinlan Tyther. Honest and hardworking.

  Fathom Clan

  The Fathom clan are the merchants and miners of Zein. They have considerable skill in mining zinithium and the use of the powerful raw material. They excel in business and are the richest clan. They have a very capable smaller professional army to protect them in the Core. Their principal magics are the ability to change their shape and also their fighting instincts. Key figures and others:

  Earth Colony

  Lord Gregory Fathom: respected leader of the Fathom clan who rules over the mining colony in the Core. Father to Evelyn Fathom.

  Princess Evelyn Fathom: fiery young woman who is the daughter of Riley Fathom. She falls for Tyson before Zylar kills her in the Battle of the Southern Palace.

  Elder Elme Polter: member of the Fathom Inner Council and a respected Elder.

  Hechkle: warrior in the Fathom Royal Guard. Strong and fierce. Looks after the welfare of the younger warrior, Bronstorm.

  Bronstorm: warrior in the Fathom Royal Guard. Young, quick and a master of all weapons. Rescued by Hechkle as a boy and fiercely protective of the older man.

  Corporal Anders Riley: supports Hechkle and Bronstorm in the fight of the Lower Town in the Battle for the Core.