by Rena Marks
“I don’t remember much except the fear,” Violet said. “There was an elusive monster, always beyond my memory’s reach. Now I know what it is and I’ll never forget.”
“Every single second plays over in my head in my dreams,” he admitted.
“Why was I taken to your planet?”
“Come with me? Trust me enough to listen? I will explain what I know, I promise. I did not betray you.” Cadoc realized he wasn’t unarmed after all. Words were a powerful tool. Truth would be his weapon of choice. And to some, truth was indeed a weapon.
Violet nodded and followed him to his room. Once inside, he sat her in a large chair, far from the bed. He wanted nothing to come between them. Her beautiful eyes were shining, and her pale face was filled with anxiety.
“I will tell you what I know,” Cadoc began. “We have alliances with those not of our world. Suppliers who give us creatures we battle for when we come of age. If a boy loses, fails to pass the warriors test, the Berserker receives the reward.”
“What does a Berserker do with the reward?”
“He eats it.” He saw Violet swallow hard. If it was possible, she paled further. “I was very young to battle, as you saw. Berserkers are a fierce lot, even if a boy can call up his weapons. Some boys have a tattoo for a year before knowing how to find the magic, the passion to retrieve the weapon from it. I only received my first tattoo that morning.”
“You ran at the beast with nothing, until the last second.”
“That’s true. I tried all day to call to my sword but it wouldn’t budge. Nothing I did helped. When the cage was settled to the ground, it took me a moment to even find you, you were so tiny. When the crowd saw you, they were enraged. It was apparent you weren’t some strange animal. The warriors were livid. We are not a cruel species. But there are laws. I was alone, and there was no help to save you.
“The idea of that Berserker getting his filthy hands on you sent me into a panicked rage. The battle before mine—the boy who had lost, played in my thoughts of what would happen…” Cadoc felt his face tighten. The gruesome remembrance of those dead limbs of the being, waving at the crowd, were almost his undoing.
“If the warriors were outraged, why would they let a little boy fight?” she asked, and Cadoc could see she was struggling to understand.
“The fight was mine—my warrior challenge. While in battle, there is never to be outside interference. And afterward, well, the Berserkers are quick. They claim their prize immediately. There is a clear but solid, impenetrable wall around the arena when a Berserker is set free, but only on one occasion. If a female is present. Few of our females ever watch, but that day my mother was there. She was on her dais, and since nothing is allowed to harm a female, that is why there was the added protection of the wall. By the time a warrior would have gotten close enough to save to you, it would have been too late. My mother was bent on seeing me become a man. In doing so, she put your life in danger. She had no knowledge of you until she saw you. I think it might have been my father who put her up to going, knowing the wall would be erected, rendering another warrior’s help useless. I was supposed to lose. She was livid with my father.”
“Why were you supposed to lose? I was little more than a baby. Why would your father be so cruel?”
“I don’t know. To this day I have no clue. He was stripped of his position afterward, shunned and shamed. A disgrace. I asked my mother what you were but she didn’t have any idea. All I knew, or what I thought I knew, was that you were a flower. My people had never heard of humans. In fact, until we inform them otherwise, they will still think of you as flowers.”
“Are you sure? Are you positive someone didn’t know?”
Cadoc studied her. “What do you mean?”
“Maybe your father knew what I was. What I am. There are times I’m ashamed of being human. It doesn’t always mean humane. For all you know, he could have come across a video, something like the one of you, only of past wars. Humans do the unthinkable to each other at times. I was recently betrayed by an ass who I was supposed to spend the rest of my life with. Only he wanted to spend his life with my money.”
Seeing her hurt, Cadoc dropped to a knee before her and took her hands. “I swear on my mother’s grave I did not kidnap you. I was only a boy. No boy is ever shown beforehand the prize. Seeing you in that cage made me furious. It also terrified me. I was responsible for your life. Or your death. When I faced the Berserker, something my mother said filled my entire being. Anyone can be a warrior, even if it’s only for a few moments. Pick up a sword, a dagger, a club, raise a fist. But not every male is a real man. That must come from within, within your heart and soul. The gut searching quest, the most important one of your life, is finding out what you are.
“You gave me the passion. Because of you, I unlocked the magic in my tattoos. But the only magic of these tattoos is who I am. There are differences in warriors. Some fight to live, others live to fight. I do neither. My warriors do neither. Your word humane is a good one. You built a passion that fires my insides. In those few short minutes of meeting you, you made me discover my compassion, my empathy, and maybe something more.”
Cadoc stood up and stepped back. She gasped when his long sword magically appeared. He held the extension of himself and placed the tip of the blade to his steel wristband. The orange glow of his eyes brightened to reflect back.
“My father hasn’t been able to call to his weapons since that day, Violet. He is no warrior and he’s no man. I think it’s time we asked him why you cause such terror.” His lips twitched when he captured her in his sights. His weapon disappeared back to darken his arm.
She was a danger for certain. Long dark lashes that fanned her high cheeks. Soft silken hair flowing around her shoulders. Legs built to wrap around his waist while he plunged his weapon of choice into her hot sheath. Though her breathing was slow and even, her breasts rose and fell. Cadoc longed to lose himself in her perfect full lips.
“Cadoc?” The male voice interrupted suddenly.
Cadoc growled. “Talpin, this better be good.”
“There is a large ship approaching. A battleship. There are many on board, it looks to be a war vessel. So far the shields are down. A show of force.”
“So much for my twenty-four hours.” He gazed at Violet. “The vessel is a compromise, I believe. Neither your ex’s vessel, nor ours, will be allowed to have you it seems.”
“Cadoc, the ship we saved the flowers from—I mean, the human females—has backed up behind the vessel that just uncloaked. Their shields are up and they’re powering their weapons.”
Cadoc gave Violet a hard glance. What, besides the obvious, was so important about human females? Why were other species so determined to go on a mating voyage, and what about their own females. They must have females of their kind. Or did they?
“Come on.” Cadoc grabbed Violet’s hand and raced from the room. The bridge was filled with activity.
“I’ve sided with the earth vessel,” Talpin said. “There is no intent with them except to see these females safe.”
“Talpin, the manual you found me, is there anything else the aliens on board that ship were supposed to fill out?”
“Yes, there is,” Violet said. “Mine was filled out by…”
“The horned demon—Talpin, access his,” Cadoc commanded.
Talpin was silent for a few seconds. “Hmm, he likes a female who will enjoy his hard body and will appreciate his stunning looks. Seriously. Who writes this kind of crap?”
“Does it say why he is on the ship?” Cadoc pressed. “Why not a female of his own kind?”
“It looks like for every ten males on his planet there is one female and she can be choosey. Unless you’re a wealthy demon, regardless of your stunning looks,” he drawled. “Your hope of finding one is slim to none and slim obviously left the building for that character.”
“I think he’s cute,” said Josie.
“You would,” said another.
“Roxian is simply misunderstood,” Josie claimed.
“What was the name of that vile creature? Draconis?” Cadoc asked.
“Cadoc, it’s only one species aboard that war vessel. Serpent demons. Was there one aboard the vessel you were on, Violet?” Talpin asked.
“Yes. As Cadoc said, his name was Draconis.”
“There isn’t any information on him,” Talpin said.
“He’s teamed up with Joshua.” There was an angry snarl in Violet’s voice.
“Shots fired!” Talpin yelled.
Everyone waited. The blast was directed at the earth vessel. Violet grabbed Cadoc’s arm.
“No one should die because of me.”
“They won’t shoot at my vessel with their prizes aboard,” Cadoc said.
“But they are shooting at an earth vessel,” Violet cried out.
Cadoc could see her fear and his heart melted. She felt responsible and she shouldn’t. That still didn’t solve the problem. He turned to Talpin.
“It’s time to take away their reason for battle. Warriors,” he called. Each warrior went to their handrail. Dozens of silver dagger shaped handholds placed strategically around the bridge. With one hand on the rail, the other at their wrist, Cadoc shouted. “On my command. Now.”
Each warrior simultaneously touched the red button on their wristband. If alone, the button would take a single warrior home to the arena. If anything followed, it would be met with a barrage of warriors. Together, the warriors transported the entire vessel into their own air space.
There was a sensation of being dizzy, then floating, and then it seemed like there was no time. A day could have gone by…or a few moments. Then everything cleared.
“What is that?” Violet asked. All of the females crept towards the view screen.
Cadoc gazed at Talpin who seemed grim. “It’s our planet. Welcome ladies, to the home of the Docadians.”
“Seriously, you kidnapped me again?” Violet’s eyes flashed.
“I took away the reason for fighting. I am certain as we speak, neither vessel is warring. They are panicked, no doubt. You females have nothing to fear.”
“There are flesh-eating Berserkers on your world. Panicking,” Dahlia said.
“Roxian,” Josie whimpered. She seemed obsessed with the strangely horned demon.
“Are we going to be put in cages?” Violet quietly asked.
There was something in her tone that caused him to look closer. A flicker in her eye. Subtle, strength, determination.
“I swear on my life I’ll kill anyone who would try to cage any of you,” Cadoc said.
“Agreed.” One by one, the warriors pledged the same thing. Lining up before the women, a fist to their chest over their heart.
* * * * *
Cadoc was amused with Violet. He and she were the only ones to have left the vessel. The other humans would be kept a secret until he could confront his father. On his planet, females were placed on a dais for comfort. Instead of lounging, her feet dangled as the floating carrier drifted beside him. She ignored the pillows and silk sheets. She had yet to taste any delicacy on the overflowing platter beside her.
“I feel like a genie on a carpet,” she grumbled.
“The other females didn’t seem to mind.”
“Yeah, because this thing goes straight into the air at the first sign of trouble.”
Cadoc grinned. On the ship, the females were informed how the dais worked and some had an entertaining time. Others were obviously delighted. They were given instructions on how to use them. Violet didn’t appear to be huge on instructions. Being shot up into the air was an eye opener. When he called to the dais to return her, she was belly down. Spread eagled, she had held on for dear life.
“If you had listened, you would have been spared the scare. Also, if you had fallen, your dais is designed to never let you hit the ground. Go ahead, jump.”
Scowling, she did. The carrier was under her feet instantaneously. “So that’s it? I can’t ever walk again?”
Cadoc stopped surprised. “You want to walk?”
“Um, yeah.”
“Why?”
“Because I do.” She tried to jump off three more times but was rescued. “For crap sakes, call it off.”
Cadoc was torn between bemused and amused. As a boy, he loved to ride with his mother. She would take him on secret trips out of the domed area much to his father’s annoyance. She allowed him any sweet treat he wanted. Normally their females had only one child. Because of that, it was fine for the women to dote on their girls, but Cadoc’s father insisted she would ruin him. At eight, Cadoc remembered his father telling him he was weak. After that he tried hard to build muscle mass.
He avoided the female area for a week. When Cadoc’s mother found him one day, she asked him what troubled him. Cadoc told her he wanted her to be proud of him. She pointed out he was much larger than many eight-year boys. She coaxed him to sit with her. All the way back to the domed area, she boosted his ego with soft talk and sweet words. Cadoc kept his visits with his mother as secret as possible. But he loved her. There was no denying it. He was trained to protect a female, but only his heart taught him to love.
“I suppose there is no harm in allowing you to walk, but stay near me.” Cadoc took Violet’s hands to make certain she landed gently.
Cadoc concentrated and the dais disappeared.
She stood gaping. “Where did it go?”
“Here.”
He pointed at a tattoo. Her mouth widened further. “That is the coolest tattoo ever.”
“You must remember, if I ever have need to call it forth, run for it. It’s geared to my magic and my emotions. You will be safe. Even if I am killed in battle, it will continue to hover until another warrior can rescue you. Once you climb onto his dais, only then will this one disappear and return to my body.”
“How can you be so caring and your father so cruel? You must take after your mother.”
Cadoc cringed for a moment, being referred to as a female. He could see she meant it as a compliment. He did take after his mother in many ways. She was filled with life, love and her devotion to him was until the day she died.
“My father was always cruel. I didn’t realize it, not at first. He was leader and his son should be the best at everything. His words that should have built me up were said in a way that hurt. Many boys laughed with their fathers. Mine was certain I would fail you, my first challenge. I think I hurt him that day. I disproved every nasty thing he said while I was growing up. I gained the respect of many and if it weren’t for my age, I would have become leader that day.”
“Are you the leader now?”
“No. I wanted to see what was out there in the universe. Maybe I was searching for you. I can claim my right today if I wish.”
“Not if you’re dead.” The growly voice sounded behind Cadoc.
Violet screamed when a Berserker came into view. The dais scooped her up and she was sent flying into the air. Cadoc called his sword. The Berserker was young but huge, twice his size and weight. Cadoc wondered if it were weaned. There were times a Berserker offspring got loose.
“Warriors and Berserkers do not fight to the death,” Cadoc said. “Return to your mother.”
“You killed.”
The Berserker was bred knowing it wasn’t allowed to touch a warrior. Yet this one was obviously after Cadoc, not Violet.
“Cadoc, bring me down,” Violet demanded. She seemed like she wanted to help him. He would have thought it cute, until the Berserker gazed up and bellowed a laugh.
“My prize. You look to be a tasty morsel.”
Cadoc’s rage sparked. “She is female. You do not threaten a female. Ever.”
The Berserker was unprepared for his wrath. Young or not, this Berserker was defective. He must be dealt with.
Cadoc ducked when a huge, hammering fist was powerfully aimed at his head. His sword sliced upward but was deflected. Spinning, Cadoc tossed his
dagger and it lodged into the Berserker’s eye. The Berserker howled in agony.
“Never mind,” Violet called. “Up here is good.”
He wanted to grin. His female was smarter than their attacker.
The Berserker was kneeling when Cadoc slit the creature’s throat. Anything that would threaten a female must be destroyed. It was then Cadoc felt a rock in his belly. He swallowed hard. On the dais was his father’s demise. By bringing home the human females, he had proof his father attempted to kill one, and how could he possibly know they were here? The penalty was death. It would be Cadoc’s duty to order him killed. Too late he realized why the humans were banned, the information outlawed and supposedly forgotten.
Cadoc had to hide these females until he could figure out what to do. He had to hide Violet immediately. How do you destroy your own father? As Violet lowered to the ground he grabbed her into his arms and crushed her to his chest. If he sequestered her away, would she think it another betrayal?
Chapter Seven
He pressed the button on his wrist that transported them directly back to the ship.
“Talpin!” he bellowed, and the footsteps of his second thundered down the halls. Then, they were echoed by the smaller steps of human flowers chasing after him.
“What is it? What has happened?”
“I think my father sent a Berserker after us. How would he know to try to destroy the humans?”
“Well, Carpin and I have been talking…” the feminine voice that came from the loudspeakers of his ship sounded strange and giggly, much like the flowers.
“Jilly?” Violet asked, from her position in his arms.
“Hi, Vi! I asked big, strong Carpy to allow me access to roam free.”
Talpin looked slightly sheepish.
“It’s Talpin,” Violet corrected.
“Oh, yes. I get him mixed up with strong, sexy Cadpin…”
“Bitch! He’s mine.” Dahlia said.