The Conquest (Kelderan Runic Warriors Book 1)

by Jessie Donovan

  She peeked out from under her arm at Kason. “That doesn’t sound like much of a plan. If Geneva and the others can’t find the true culprit of the attack, we may never get off this ship. That won’t be good for either of our worlds.”

  Kason moved to her side and looked her directly in the eye. “Have faith in me, zyla. I have suspicions of who might’ve done it, but I need proof. And if I can make those assumptions here, I trust Thorin will, too, with all the resources he has at his disposal.”

  “Who do you think did it?”

  He leaned to her ear and whispered, “Remember the disgruntled warriors we sent back to Keldera, the ones who wouldn’t accept females aboard the ship?” She nodded. “If they reached out to the right people, they could’ve set us up.”

  She frowned. “But your sensors would’ve picked them up, right?”

  “Perhaps. However, a skilled pilot knows to use satellites, planets, and other objects to hide their position, especially with a smaller ship. Or, they could’ve commandeered one of the two fighter ships my father sent to possibly assist us. Either way, our communications weren’t shielded or secure, so once they heard about the ECA being involved, they saw it as their opportunity to strike.”

  “Why would they do that? From what you’ve told me, Keldera desperately needs a colony. Why ruin their chance on Jasvar?”

  “Because they can ensure the ECA never returns to this system and then they can pounce. Many of the disgruntled warriors wanted to take Jasvar by force.”

  Taryn growled. “I won’t let that happen. We need to get off this ship.”

  “And we will. For now, rest. I’m going to need your help soon. You’ll know when it’s time.”

  Searching his eyes, she wanted to ask for specifics. However, the guards posted outside their cell could be listening.

  She nodded and took Kason’s hand. “Stay near me, Kason, and watch over me.”

  “Of course, zyla. I will protect you with my life.”

  As she stared into Kason’s gray eyes, she knew he meant it.

  Between his trust in her, wanting to include her, and viewing her as his equal, he’d wormed his way into her heart. She was halfway in love with him already, and if he risked his life and even his sister’s life to protect her people, Taryn would fall the rest of the way.

  But it wasn’t the time to share feelings. Too much was at stake.

  So she merely raised her head to kiss him and settled back down on the bed. Closing her eyes, her mind wanted to think of ways to escape or even how to convince Geneva of Keldera’s innocence in the attack.

  Then Kason squeezed her hand and brushed the hair from her forehead, and a sense of peace came over her. Even in dangerous and less-than-stellar situations, her prince could ease her nerves.

  After a few more minutes of his touch, Taryn fell into a deep sleep. It wasn’t long before she was dreaming of a future where her planet was virus-free and she had Kason at her side.

  ~~~

  A few months ago, Kalahn tro el Vallen, the sole princess of Keldera, never would’ve stood in front of a warrior with her hands on her hips and stared him down.

  In the present, however, she never broke eye contact with the warrior and trainer in front of her named Jerrick. She needed his help and wasn’t about to give up. She only hoped all the years of watching her brother Kason handle the warriors around him paid off. It was a bit harder for a short female with little-to-no muscle to speak of to be as imposing, but she stood taller and tried her best.

  Jerrick finally sighed. “Your brother will kill me for agreeing to help you.”

  She ignored the flare of hope and asked, “Which brother?”

  The corner of Jerrick’s mouth ticked up. “Both of them.”

  Kalahn waved a hand. “Keltor will forgive me anything and considering Kason is no doubt now a prisoner, if we can get him free, he’ll overlook it as well.”

  “I’m going to remember your words, in case I end up in a dungeon somewhere.”

  “There’s no time for teasing. We need to act quickly. Are you sure you have a few more warriors who can be trusted?”

  Jerrick nodded. “Yes. But to make this work, you need to meet me in shuttle bay five in fifteen minutes. The fewer people who see you, the better, especially if you’re traveling with her.”

  He motioned toward Vala.

  “I will also take care of that. I’ll see you in fifteen minutes.”

  Before he could say another word, Kalahn guided Vala out of the training area and into a room across the corridor. Once she locked the door, Kalahn headed straight for the computer’s replicator machine. “Computer, two pale blue dresses like those of a Kelderan merchant, in proportion for Vala Yarlen’s measurements and my own. I also need two decorative head wraps and two sets of daggers made for female hands.”

  “Working,” the computer answered.

  Vala’s voice piped up behind her. “Wearing anything but the traditional brown dress of the Barren is a crime, as is wearing anything to cover the tattoo on my forehead.”

  Kalahn turned toward the female she never would’ve paid attention to a few weeks ago. “If anyone reports you, then I will say I forced you to do it.”

  Vala searched her eyes. “But why?”

  “Because you and I have more in common than you think. Thanks to Taryn, I now see that women can hold their own with men and succeed. I don’t think I could go back to a sheltered life. I’m fairly certain you’re the same.” Vala opened her mouth to protest, but Kalahn beat her to it. “Making exceptions for one Barren shouldn’t cause a stir. I want to help the rest, but right now, saving my brother and his bride is my top priority. Besides, if we’re going to enact any long-term changes on Keldera, I think we’re going to need Taryn’s help. So, are you willing to risk breaking the law to help me?”

  The computer finished synthesizing the dresses, head wraps, and daggers and they appeared on the replicator’s panel. Vala walked over and picked up one of the dresses. “Taryn is my friend. She needs our help.”

  “Good. Now, hurry up and change. We don’t have much time to meet Jerrick.”

  As Vala dressed, Kalahn picked up a set of daggers. She might have little training with them, but she’d rather be safe than sorry. After all, Taryn’s advice about taking someone down when they least expected it might come in useful. As long as Kalahn could convince herself to stab someone, she would have a form of defense, even if it wasn’t guaranteed because of her lack of skill.

  Once all of this was over, she was going to learn how to use daggers and blast guns. Kalahn had meant what she’d said about never wanting to go back to a sheltered life at the palace. Her brothers might be a little more supportive of her dreams if she could prove she could take care of herself and handle a threat.

  But first, she needed to save her brother’s life. She only hoped her plan would work.

  Once Vala was dressed and they’d stashed their daggers out of sight, Kalahn picked up her merchant’s dress and head wrap before leading them to shuttle bay five. Thanks to Vala’s disguise, no one paid much attention to them with their heads down.

  As Jerrick had promised, the shuttle bay was empty. One small ship sat near the sealed exit.

  They approached it and Kalahn whispered, “I hope you’re as good in real life as on the simulator.”

  Vala missed a step. “You want me to fly a ship?”

  “Yes. While I wish it was me, I acknowledge that you’re better.”

  “But what about Jerrick and his warriors?”

  “I can’t risk him being seen, in case someone tries to open communications. Having two females at the helm will help our chances of being caught instead of being destroyed.”

  Vala frowned. “Wait, what? You want to be caught?”

  “Of course. Once we find and can prove the source of the missile, we need to get aboard the ECA ship.”

  “That’s not only risky, but I’m sure the chances of failure are greater than success.”
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br />   Kalahn stopped at the shuttle and faced Vala. “If we can’t prove another ship fired, then Kason and Taryn may never be let free. Whoever fired the weapon will be looking for big ships or ones piloted by males. However, a merchant and her cousin might be able to talk their way out of it, especially if we stick to the story that our pilot killed our husbands and ran off with our cargo. We then had no choice but to try to fly the ship home on our own.

  “And before you protest about not being a merchant, you’ve worked with them your whole life. I’m sure you know enough to fool a few warriors.”

  “But your highness, we have no idea if the attackers are even Kelderan.”

  “Who else would it be? The pirates wouldn’t want to alienate a potential client, and the Brevkans’ honor would never allow them to frame a Kelderan ship. They’re too proud and would use their own weapons.”

  Vala searched her eyes a second before asking, “How do you know so much about this?”

  “Just because everyone thinks I’m a decoration that exists to be married off without a complaint doesn’t mean I haven’t used that assumption to my advantage. Keltor in particular has let me listen in on meetings when I wished. He always hoped a warrior or politician would catch my eye.”

  Jerrick’s voice whispered behind them, “And I’m sure after today, both of your brothers will wish that had happened.”

  Kalahn looked at Jerrick. “After today, they may wonder why they kept forcing me to learn painting or dancing instead of using my brain to help our kingdom.”

  Jerrick put up a hand. “I’m not going to get involved. You can work it out with your brothers later. Let’s board, and you can quickly tell me your plan before we leave because once the outer doors open, someone will come to investigate.”

  Thorin’s voice echoed from the shuttle bay entrance. “I’m surprised you have so little faith in me. This is currently my ship. Of course I’m going to keep a close watch on it.”

  Kalahn turned toward Thorin. For a split second, she wondered if she could stand up to the powerful warrior who never seemed to like anyone. Then she thought of her brother and Keldera’s future. It gave her the strength to stand tall and say, “Are you here to stop us?”

  Thorin closed the distance between them. His gaze moved to Vala for a second and then back to Kalahn. “Putting aside the fact the Barren has broken the law, tell me what you plan to do.”

  Kalahn blinked. “Wait, what? Since when are you open to a female’s suggestion?”

  “Don’t get used to it. However, I think the warriors we banished to a remote Kelderan base might be responsible. Kason may have created this problem, but I’m still determined to succeed in any way possible. The victory will secure my future.”

  Thorin’s words were a bit cryptic, but she focused on the bigger picture. “You aren’t going to like my plan.”

  “Tell me and I’ll decide. Hurry, as my crew needs me back as soon as possible,” Thorin replied.

  Kalahn quickly explained her plan and said, “So? Will you let us try?”

  “Your plan has merit. However, I can’t guarantee your safety. I hope you realize that.”

  “Of course. But I need to try.”

  Thorin studied her a second before nodding, “Then go. I want you to record your transmissions. We’ll also keep a secure line clear in case of emergency. Once we know the culprits’ location, provided you find it, then we’ll take care of them and access their computer logs for the fired missile while you talk with the ECA.” He waved a hand toward Vala. “Once she returns, she must remove the illegal clothing. If she does, I’ll overlook it.”

  “She has a name.”

  Thorin ignored her and looked to Jerrick. “The princess’s life is in your hands. I trust you to do what’s necessary to protect her with your life.”

  Jerrick made a fist and pounded it over his heart. “I will.”

  Thorin turned toward the door. “Then hurry. I’ll send you the flight path of the missile, in case that helps you locate the ship that fired it. I have no idea who is in charge, but they may still be close, waiting to confirm the ECA ship’s departure.”

  Thorin exited the room, and Kalahn looked to Vala. “I’m sorry he pretends you’re not a person.”

  Vala smiled. “It’s okay. I don’t think he likes anyone.”

  Kalahn snorted. “Good point. Now, let’s go before Thorin changes his mind.”

  ~~~

  Vala checked all her instruments one more time. So far, they were flying at a steady pace in the direction of one of the nearby moons.

  If Jerrick and the other warriors hadn’t sat in the back room, she might’ve been too nervous or self-conscious to do a proper job. However, with Kalahn sitting in the copilot’s chair, the two of them easily controlled the ship as if they’d been doing it together for years.

  As the moon drew nearer, Vala took a second to admire the glowing orb. Combined with the nearby blue-green planet and the vast field of stars, the sight outdid anything she’d ever seen on a view screen or during a simulation program. Provided they survived the mission, Vala wasn’t sure she could ever go back to a life at the citadel. Hopefully, helping the princess would allow her to remain on one of the Kelderan spaceships.

  She wasn’t about to hope that she’d be placed on the colony transport ship if the agreement went through between Keldera and Jasvar.

  One of the sensors beeped, and Kalahn spoke up. “There are two large objects behind the closest moon. They might be the two ships my father sent to assist, but I think we should investigate.” Kalahn looked at her. “Are you ready to play your part?”

  Kalahn was the only non-Barren she felt comfortable enough around, to tell the truth. “I’m nervous, but I should be able to do my part. I hope I don’t disappoint you, your highness.”

  Kalahn waved a hand. “While we’re onboard this ship, I told you to merely call me Kala so that no one guesses who we are.”

  She eyed the princess. “Even with your head wrap and different dress, you hold yourself like a princess.”

  Kalahn slumped a little. “Thank you for reminding me.” She tapped out a sequence on the panel in front of her. “Jerrick, we’re approaching some unknown vessels. Stand at the ready in case they board.”

  Jerrick’s voice filled the space. “Understood. I’ll wait for the crisis word of ‘supak’ before acting.”

  Kalahn smiled at some memory Vala didn’t know. “Good. I’m cutting off all audio to your section.” She typed in the command. “Okay, ‘Valyn,’ take us right into their path.”

  She barely paid attention to her pretend name and guided the shuttle behind the nearest moon. Once they reached the far side, two Kelderan ships came into view. The instruments registered a scan before the communications light beeped with an incoming message. Taking a deep breath, Vala put on an expression of fear and hit Receive.

  An unknown male’s face came on the screen. His eyes widened a second before returning to an unreadable expression. “State your name and affiliation.”

  “I-I’m Valyn and this is my sister-in-law, Kala. We’re merchants’ wives from Keldera.”

  “You’re far from home. Where are your husbands?”

  Thinking of a time when she’d broken her arm, tear prickled Vala’s eyes. “They were k-killed. Our cargo was stolen. We’re just trying to get home but don’t really understand how to fly this shuttle. We’ve had to rely on autopilot.” She took a deep breath. “And there was some sort of missile that flew by.” She sniffled. “I’m starting to think we’ll never make it back to Keldera.”

  The sound cut off as the male talked with someone at his side. Eventually, his voice returned. “There is nothing to worry about, Valyn. The missile was fired by mistake from our ship. Come aboard and we can protect you.”

  Kalahn spoke up in a slightly higher-pitched voice than what she regularly had. “Th-thank you. We’re in your debt.”

  The male smiled. “It is the duty of any Kelderan male to protect the fem
ales. I’m sorry your husbands failed. But we won’t. I’ll send you docking directions. If they are too complicated, I’ll send someone out to help you. Our communications will respond straight away.”

  Vala nodded. “Thank you. We’ll try, but may need your assistance.”

  “Good. Then I’ll see you again once you’re aboard my ship.”

  The screen went blank, and Vala typed in the command to ensure no one could hear them from one of the other ships. The instant she finished, Kalahn growled, “It’s that bastard, Ilren.”

  “Who?”

  “One of the warriors from our ship. I saw him enter the lovers’ cave several times with different Barren females. If he’s on a different ship, that means Kason sent him away.”

  “And he admitted to firing the missile,” Vala added.

  “I’m patching through a secure channel to Thorin. He can handle the rest so we can make our way to the ECA ship.”

  She noticed Kalahn’s clenched jaw. “We found the guilty party. Is there something else bothering you?”

  Kalahn glanced at her. “I hate how he dismissed us so easily because we were female. I suppose as a princess, I never really appreciated the liberties granted by my father.”

  She tilted her head. “In this case, it is a positive. Because he dismissed our intelligence, he didn’t hesitate in telling us he was guilty.”

  “I know. But Ilren will sit for greater crimes.” Kalahn took a deep breath. “Okay, I’m contacting Thorin now.”

  Part of Vala wanted to retreat to the back room so she wouldn’t have to feel Thorin’s disdainful gaze.

  Then she remembered what she’d accomplished in the last few days and decided she could handle his hatred. All that mattered was saving Taryn and Prince Kason.

  Chapter Twenty

  Kason watched as the relief guards entered the area where he and Taryn were being held. The only time the force field came down was for meal times. He’d observed it carefully while pretending to meditate for the last day. He hoped the pattern was similar for this one as well.