“Where are you projecting from, anyhow?” Race asked, returning to his chair.
“I am currently onboard the Rocinante,” Malcom turned to Jed, “The ship repairs are complete, and the Jannali has returned to Earth’s orbit. We can depart the space dock at your command.”
“What’s the rush?” Jed asked.
“We have several days’ journey ahead of us to Epsilon. There are important things we must share with you upon our arrival.”
Race leaned forward in his chair, “Care to give us any hints?”
“Of course.”
“Well?”
“Colonel Race Jennings, you must learn patience.”
“Sorry, I just can’t seem to get that down. The longer I have to wait for something, the more I want it. So if you please?”
“We are helping Earth prepare for the Warlord invasion.”
“If they were coming,” Race argued, “Wouldn’t they have already chased us to Earth?”
“Now Race, let’s hear what our friend Malcom has to say.”
“Thank you, Admiral Jedidiah Fitz.”
Jed looked up to Malcom with a raised eyebrow, “...and you don’t have to address us by our full title and name, just first names, please.”
“Very well, Jedidiah,” Malcom nodded, “We are still becoming accustomed to verbalizations.”
Race grabbed the arms on his chair in frustration, “Oh come on! The suspense is killing me!”
“Again, my apologies, Race.”
“What have the Eridonians discovered about the Antarians that you haven’t told us yet?” Jed asked.
“We have communed and discovered a great problem.”
“Wait,” Race said, raising a hand in the air, “How is it you can detect problems on such a distant planet, but you fail to have the ability to communicate with those you are in closer proximity to?”
“There is much you must learn. Distance is…relative, but often irrelevant,” Malcom answered, motioning with his hands, “However, the more questions you ask of me, the longer it will take for me to convey what I have to say.”
“Right, right...just lay it on us, Malcom.”
“I will first explain to you that I had a strong connection to the Antarian named Darnash. I connected physically and telepathically during my time on Serintin. This formed a telepathic bond. Now that his blood lust has been quenched, I am able to read his thoughts.”
“Really...what about Danielle? Did you have a bond with her too? What do you read from her?”
“That is the troubling thing. Yes, we had a similar bond. However, I have lost communication with her. This is disturbing.”
“Disturbing?” Jed asked.
“Yes, Jedidiah. It is disturbing because I was not able to have such a bond with Darnash until his blood spirit was removed.”
“What does that have anything to do with Danielle? Is she still alive?”
“Oh, yes. She is quite alive. However, we have deduced that she now holds the blood spirit.”
“How is that possible?” Race exclaimed.
“It is only possible if she partook of the blood of their beast. In doing so it may have altered her blood chemistry. She may very well be the threat we detect as the Warlords’ uprising.”
“How about me? Can you read anything from me? Maybe I can help you shed some light on the subject?”
“I think the room is bright enough, Race.”
“No, no...you misunderstand. I mean, if you can reach my mind, maybe there’s something inside my head that you can read.”
“Ah, I see. You were using another one of your metaphoric idioms.”
“Yes, right, whatever you call it,” Race smirked, “So, how about it?” he leaned forward and closed his eyes.
“It does not work that way. I must be in physical contact with you to scan you.”
“Oh, well, of course. Obviously.”
“And since I am merely projecting to your office, I shall need to wait until you arrive onboard.”
“Okay, so far you’ve answered the question about a possible Antarian threat.”
“It is more than a threat, Race,” Malcom stood with his hands in front, and his spindly fingers tapping together. “More like a desire that is unquenchable. We have determined that the Emperor is enraged and will stop at nothing to extract revenge on Earth for shutting down the Betelgeuse wormhole, not to mention the lost ships...oh dear,” Malcom’s expression faded into one of concern.
“What the matter, Malcom?” Race stood from his chair, “It looks like you just saw a ghost.”
“Ghosts do not exist,” Malcom answered with a nod of his head.
“So, what just happened?”
“It is Danielle.”
“What about her? She is alive, right?”
“Yes, I am afraid she is very much alive.”
“I don’t get it, Malcom?” Jed added.
“I am sorry,” Malcom said, regaining his composure, “I just read Darnash’s mind. For some reason, we have a new problem on our hands.”
“I think you lost us both,” Race said, with genuine concern.
“We no longer need be concerned over the Emperor. Dumakas has been removed. It is the Empress we should be concerned with now.”
“You’ve lost me. What are you saying, Malcom?” Jed asked, now standing to his feet.
“The situation on Serintin has changed. It seems Dumakas has been removed, and an Empress is now in power.”
“An Empress? How did that happen?” Race asked.
“The details are not clear. What I can sense is that a new, more dangerous evil has descended to the third moon of Lebencha.”
“...and you talk about us speaking in metaphors, you’re speaking in riddles.”
“You must take a shuttle to the Rocinante as soon as possible. I must probe your mind. Time is of the essence.”
“Oh for crying out loud, already!” Race threw his hands in the air, “Will you tell us what the heck’s going on?”
“It is Danielle.”
“I know, I know, you keep saying that there’s something about Danielle. We still don’t understand.”
“She is the Empress.”
“What?” Jed and Race exclaimed in unison.
“Are you sure?” Race asked, “How can that be?”
“I do not have that information as yet. That is why you must move to your ship immediately. I must physically touch you so I can read all that is within your mind, Race.”
Jed nodded at Race, “You have everything packed?”
“Well, not everything I’d like, but enough. I can make do.”
“Good,” Jed nodded, “My shuttle can be prepped and ready within the hour.”
“That’ll give me time to finish packing,” Race nodded, and then turned to the exit.
“Do not waste any time,” Malcom said with concern. “We must depart for Epsilon and assemble the rest of your fleet as soon as possible.”
“Fleet? What fleet?” Race said, pausing from exiting Jed’s office, “Two ships?”
“You will see once we arrive at Epsilon. The Jannali, however, must remain at Earth.”
“Okay,” Race shrugged, and then looked at Jed. “I’ll be back in thirty minutes. Meet you at the landing pad.” He closed the door and then trotted down the corridor.
CHAPTER THREE
________________________
Antares Star System
Empress’ Chambers
________________________
“Welcome, Tumaleka,” Danielle greeted the approaching Antarian.
The old woman carried an ancient book under her arm. She bowed to Danielle, “Greetings, Empress Danielle. Tumaleka of the House of Delema, answers your calling.”
“Please come in, Madam,” Danielle waved her hand, “It is good to see you again.”
“I understand that you wish to examine more of the ancient scrolls.”
“Yes, Tumaleka of the House of Delema, I wish to understand the meaning of the last
words written into the scrolls.”
Tumaleka was the shortest Antarian Danielle had yet seen. The old woman laid the book on the table before Danielle. She reverently brushed dust from the cover with the sleeve of her tunic. Slowly she lifted the creaking cover.
“My Lady, I trust you understand that there are missing pages from these scrolls?”
“Darnash warned me of such. I must know what is written within the remaining pages.”
“You may find some of the things within these ancient texts troubling. Some of the prophecies have already come to pass. Others tell the shape of things to come.”
“You are referring to me becoming Empress.”
“Yes. Had I not brought this sacred book to the arena hall, Dumakas would have executed you.”
“Then you understand that this book is the reason I continue to breathe.”
“Yes, this book, and the Council of the House of Delema. The Council interprets the writings. The Council has held these texts as sacred for as many cycles as can be remembered.”
“The Council?”
“Yes, my Lady. The Council oversees these sacred writings.”
“Does not the House of Delema serve as the seers for your people?” Danielle asked.
“Yes, they are seers. The Council of the House of Delema met when you were announced as the stranger from an unknown house who killed the Boreshog in the Valley of Trenches. They were most interested in your people’s arrival to the Rising Star of Antares.”
“It is still hard for me to fathom, that I stand before you as your Empress. What are the views of the seers of the House of Delema?”
“They are certain that you are the stranger of an unknown house foretold in the ancient text.”
“What else is in the book?”
Tumaleka pointed at one passage, “Have you made plans to capture a Boreshog?”
“Yes. I have Darnash assembling the hunting party.”
“The texts say, ‘the stranger will capture a beast of the Valley of Trenches, because the stranger’s Blood Spirit thirsts for more.’ So, this too has been foretold.”
“I can feel the beast’s Blood Lust within me waning. I must have more live blood to replenish my thirst.”
“The prophecy continues to unfold before our eyes,” Tumaleka nodded. “It says that right here.”
“Do the writings tell you what becomes of this new Empress of Antares?”
“The writings we still possess, no. Some in the Council believe that is in the missing pages.”
“Do you know what happened to the missing pages?”
“No one knows for sure. They have been missing for thousands of cycles, my Lady.”
“There must be a legend or something about what was in the missing text.”
Tumaleka looked away, “You know he’s coming for you.”
“Who is coming for me? Do you mean Race Jennings?”
“I do.”
“He shall return to Serintin. My people will come, seeking my return. Of this I have no doubts.”
“Have you seen the writings, other than when we first met in the forest?”
“No, I have not. I have only laid eyes on those passages you presented to me, nothing more.”
“How can you be certain that your people will return? Never in the history of the Rising Star of Antares has any come to our home star once, let alone twice.”
“I knew before those words were shown me. It is the way of our kind. This is why I must defeat them before they return.”
“There are others who do not share your enthusiasm. They will not trust one who fights against her own kind.”
“You speak of the House of Gornash, the second moon of Lebencha?”
“Yes, my Lady. They opposed your appointment. This is why it is critical that you maintain your Blood Spirit, lest they remove you from your position.”
“I will not let this blood spirit pass from me. Your sacred scrolls confirm that this is what I must do.”
“Up to a point, my Lady.”
“Explain!”
“Yes, the ancient writings do speak of the capture of the beast, and that the new Empress will extend her reign over the Rising Star of Antares.”
“What more proof do you need, knowing that I am already planning to do just that?”
“We must tread very carefully, my Lady. The book hints at the fall of the new Empress. It does not explain the cause of this fall.”
“You think it may be the splitting of the houses of Antares?”
“The House of Gornash may succeed with their petition to the House of Delema to reinstate Dumakas.”
“If the House of Gornash wins that appeal, then Dumakas will be released. But what if I maintain my Blood Lust and the Council denies the House of Gornash’s appeal? Dumakas remains in his cell...”
“Then two things could still cause your fall, my Lady.”
“I’m listening. Understand that I am on your side. I must have all the available information to take the proper action.”
“I understand, my Lady. There is much at stake. If the House of Gornash fails with their appeal, then your fall may very well be from the second encounter with your people. It could be that the House of Gornash splinter group frees Dumakas upon news of the appeal’s failure.”
“There are extremists that will do anything they can to restore Dumakas to power?”
“Yes, my Lady. There are such. Radical fundamentalists. These radicals will take whatever measures, no matter how drastic, to ensure he regains power.”
“This is a complicated matter,” Danielle nodded.
“These dissenters may try to assassinate you. That would solve their problems since the Council will then have no choice but to release Dumakas and restore his power.”
“If they decide to take me out, they will have my elite guard to fight first.”
“How can you be certain that every member of your elite guard is true to the House of the Empress?”
“I have no reason to believe that any are not. My trust is in Darnash, my second in command.”
“Darnash is of the House of Delema, this is true, and he is a fine choice to fulfill that role. Just remember that he left the House of Delema and joined the ranks of Gornash. He may not be the Antarian you think he is.”
“How do I know where his loyalties lie then? Is there anything about Darnash that I must be made aware of, other than his desire to know and understand the ways of the Warlords of the House of Gornash?”
“No, I’m afraid I can tell you very little about Darnash or his family linage. The only thing I do know is that he was loyal to his ship captain, Thelix of the House of Gornash.”
“Thelix was the ship’s captain that captured Race, Malcom, and myself. Darnash was his first officer. He’s the one that brought us to Serintin.”
“Yes, this is true.”
“Whatever happened to Thelix? Was he recovered from his corsair?”
“He is presumed dead. The ship was destroyed in the skirmish at Betelgeuse.”
“I’m sure he suffered the same fate as Darnash has.”
“The loss of his blood spirit?”
“Yes, Darnash turned and assisted us in our escape. It was my blood that caused his sickness. It may be better that Thelix was killed rather than suffer as Darnash had.”
“Will Darnash submit and partake of the Boreshog bloodletting?”
“It is of my opinion that he will submit,” Danielle smiled. “He does show his loyalty to the House of the Empress. I do thank him for saving our lives, but he must restore what was lost.”
“And if he does not submit to the Boreshog’s Blood Spirit?”
“If he does not restore his blood spirit, then I must kill him.”
“This is good, my Lady. The Council of Delema will be pleased that you will uphold the law of our Blood Lust ritual.”
“Yes, of course, Tumaleka. I have experienced the Blood Lust for myself. I understand that this is the very basis of our.
..of Antarian existence.”
Tumaleka’s crooked fangs shown through her smile as she nodded in agreement, “The Blood Lust rituals are what make Antarians the Warlords of the Galaxy.”
“This should provide me with much favor within the Council. Should I win their support, they will surely deny the appeal from the House of Gornash.”
“Be aware that the separatists may make a move on the House of the Empress. Dumakas would like nothing better than to see you removed from office.”
“He will be denied that luxury. Speaking of Dumakas...”
“Yes, my Lady?”
“Have you visited him since his incarceration?”
“As his grandmother, yes. I visited him twice.”
“How did he seem?”
“He was not pleased with his imprisonment. I could see it in his eyes; he will take any opportunity to take you out, my Lady. Have you been to visit him?”
“No, but perhaps I shall very soon.”
“I would tread cautiously, my Lady. Do not give him any audience, lest he takes the prospect of killing you.”
“Then perhaps I should strike first.”
“My Lady?”
“Then I should kill him before he has his chance.”
“That would not be a wise course...”
Danielle leaned closer to the Antarian woman with lowered brow, “Do you say this because he is of your blood, Madam?”
“No, my Lady,” Tumaleka answered, standing up to Danielle, “It is against our code.”
“But it’s alright for him to kill me and resume as Emperor?” Danielle argued.
“No, my Lady. You are not Antarian.”
“That may be so. However, I do have Antarian Blood Spirit coursing through my veins.”
“Yes, I suppose you are correct on that point.”
“I know you helped save me, and I do thank you for that. But do not cross me, old woman.”
“Oh, I assure you, my Lady,” Tumaleka slyly smirked, “Do not take me wrong. I would execute Dumakas myself should you order me to do so. I am loyal to the House of the Empress.”
“Thank you, Tumaleka.”
“Yes, my Lady.”
Danielle leaned closer yet, “Never cross me.”
“Never, my Lady. Never.”
“See to it that you do not!” Danielle pulled her jewel inlaid dagger from her side and held it to the old Antarian’s neck, “Unless you wish to cease breathing.”
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