Gift of Flight

by S. W. Gunn

  He announced them, “We don’t know how long we’ll be stayin’ here. You two will be stayin’ in the guest quarters.”

  He opened the door and gestured for them to enter.

  Feligrin stopped and said, “Do you have separate quarters for me? I think it is best that these two have some privacy.”

  Burdal nodded at Feligrin. Elyse gave him a wide smile and Jarron just chuckled. Jarron guided Elyse through the door and Burdal closed it behind them.

  Once the door was fully closed Elyse said loudly, “This place is amazing Jarron!”

  He could only nod sullenly. In the dozen or so times that Jarron had been to Kala-a-Karum he had never seen anything like this. Dalain’s home was a completely enclosed ecosystem. Jarron even spotted a few animals wandering around in the distance. He glanced through the nearby window out of curiosity and saw that the large domed ceiling of the enclosure had several hundred embedded lighting systems. Jarron could not tell what type they were, but he was left with the impression that they were designed to give a realistic feeling of normal daylight. Jarron was in complete awe of he was seeing.

  He finally replied, “It is.”

  Elyse drew herself closer to Jarron and with a coy look on her face said, “I suspect we have quite a bit of time to ourselves before Dalain is done with his meeting. What should we do with our free time?”

  Jarron chuckled because he knew exactly what she had in mind. Jarron slowly began to kiss her when the buzzer for the door rang. They turned to look at the door and Jarron could see the small monitor showing Feligrin standing at their door. Jarron chuckled.

  With an evil grin Elyse asked, “Should we answer it?”

  Jarron nodded. While he would deeply enjoy making love to her, he could not dismiss his friend so easily. He released Elyse and opened the door. Feligrin beamed a wide smile as the door opened.

  He said, “Hey guys. Burdal suggested we go to the market. He said that the markets of Kala-a-Karum are unlike anything in the galaxy and we shouldn’t miss a chance to see them. I was going to go and wanted to see if you both wanted to come along”

  Jarron turned to look at Elyse, who had a broad smile on her face. He had suspected even though she had lived a secluded lifestyle of a church healer she loved to shop as much as any other woman Jarron had met. She nodded eagerly to his visual inquiry.

  Jarron turned back to Feligrin and said, “We’d love to go.”

  Feligrin rubbed his hands in glee. Elyse took Jarron’s arm and they followed Feligrin back through Dalain’s residence. Jarron could swear that he even felt a soft breeze as they walked back towards the door out into the city. As they moved Jarron noticed Elyse slowly and deftly adjust her hair to make sure that her ears were not exposed. He felt that it was unfair for her to have to do it, but he understood the reason for it. She turned to look at him and saw he was watching her, which she responded to by beaming him a beautiful smile. He grinned widely and turned back to looking down the direction they were headed. As they passed through the city and towards the original central area where the marketplace was, Jarron was actually impressed with the efficiency of the Kalan. He was in such awe or just busy with whatever task he had been on the many visits before that he had noticed it before. They moved smoothly and evenly in an organized manner. All of the things about the Kalan that made them honorable people also held them to firmly follow the rules. It made Jarron chuckle because Jarron knew that the only rules that the Kalan respect in such a way were those set by the Kalan. In the many years Jarron had known Hain it was clear to him that Hain would break the rules set forth by others without issue. Galactic Union laws were fair game as well, especially when it came to interfering with Hain’s ability to make gold.

  As they moved closer and closer to the city center Jarron noticed that the conveyance pathways began to get narrower. At first he was confused but as they moved closer he realized that it was designed that way to ensure limited conveyance use in the area. Even the areas outside of the city center were older than human history and of all of the races in the galaxy, the Kalan respected history more than others. Jarron glanced from side to side admiring the artwork and the looking at the people.

  Out of nowhere a vaguely familiar female voice called out, “Jarron!”

  Jarron startled as he turned to look in the direction of the voice. He was surprised when he saw that it was Hain’s cousin who he had once dated. Her name was Pimi. Elyse and Feligrin both turned to look at her. She looked exactly as Jarron had remembered her. She was short and slightly stocky, with strong womanly curves and a very full chest for a Kalan woman. Her face was solid, as all of her kind, with soft white freckled skin. She had light blue eyes and long thick orange hair that she had braided into a thick braid along her back. She was wearing a tight fitting light blue tunic and black leather trousers.

  She walked up to him and spread her arms for a hug, which Jarron replied by releasing Elyse’s arm giving her a quick hug.

  “I barely recognized you with the short hair!” She said excitedly.

  “It’s nice to see you again Pimi.” Jarron replied with a slight smile.

  He was very uncomfortable with both Elyse and Pimi there. Pimi turned to look at Feligrin first, who she gave only a casual glance before turning to Elyse. She must have seen Jarron release Elyse’s arm when he hugged her because she gave Elyse a thorough examination.

  Turning back to Jarron she said, “Who are your friends?”

  Jarron flushed slightly before replying while indicating towards Feligrin, “This is my friend and fellow crewmate, Feligrin Bumbletoes.”

  Jarron paused for a moment before turning back to Elyse before saying, “And this is my wife Elyse.”

  Almost yelling Pimi replied, “Your wife!”

  Jarron nodded sheepishly at her response.

  Elyse extended her right hand and said softly, “It is nice to meet you Pimi.”

  Pimi shook her head. Jarron could tell that she was stunned by the news. He had to admit that he too would have been stunned if someone over a month ago had told him that he was married and planning to settle down soon. Finally the stun of the news must have worn off as Pimi reached her hand out and shook Elyse’s hand.

  Pimi said, “Lass it’s nice to meet ya, but I have to admit I didn’t think that Jarron here was the marryin’ type.”

  Elyse chuckled and with a bit of sass her voice said, “I’ve heard that a few times Pimi.”

  Elyse’s response must have done the trick as Pimi laughed loudly and with a firm hand gave Elyse a solid slap on her shoulder.

  Grinning she said, “Lass ya must be somethin’ special to get him to settle down.”

  Elyse beamed a wide smile at Pimi’s words.

  Right as Elyse started to speak Pimi got an unusual look on her face and then suddenly yelled out, “Get down!”

  Jarron was confused and did not respond initially. Pimi dove right into Elyse and tackled her to the ground. Right at that point Jarron felt something sharp stab him in his side and he lost the ability to move. It was similar to when Elyse used her powers, but it felt off. Slowly he tilted to his left and fell sideways to the ground. When Jarron hit the ground he knew something was very wrong. Feligrin dove down next to him. Jarron could hear several dozen rough Kalan voices calling out and pointing in the direction that Pimi was looking before she dove.

  One Kalan man yelled in the Kalan language, “They went that way!”

  Jarron could see Pimi holding Elyse down for a moment before finally rising to her feet and helping Elyse stand. For a brief moment Pimi had an unusual look on her face as she watched Elyse rise. They both turned to Jarron, who still could not move at all. Pimi reached over his side and yanked on something. When her hand returned into his line of sight, she had an unusual looking black dart in her hand. She frowned as she examined it. Elyse had a look of concern on her face as she knelt down and placed her hands on Jarron. Unlike the other times she had used her powers, Jarron could not feel a thi
ng. He could tell when whatever was in the dart was cured as he suddenly felt her powers replace the numbness. She lifted her hands from his side and he could move again. Jarron was very unsure what had just happened as he slowly rose from the ground. As he soon as he was on his feet he and his friends were immediately surrounded by the Kalan police force.

  An elderly looking Kalan man in a red and white colored uniform stepped forward. He had thick gray hair that was tied back into a neat braid and his beard, which fell all the way to his knees, had a simple beard clip with the Kalan police force crest on it.

  He announced, “I need you an your friends to come with me.”

  Elyse looked nervously at Jarron and asked, “Jarron?”

  Jarron was very unsure how to respond. After all they were doing nothing wrong and were attacked.

  The Kalan man must have seen her concern because he said, “You folks are not in trouble lass. You were just assaulted, as several witnesses can attest to. We need to take ya to our headquarters for questionin’. Also, we should have your attackers in custody soon enough. All ways in an out of Kala-a-Karum have been blocked an the video cameras have already identified the perpetrators.”

  Jarron was duly impressed with the Kalan police. Hain had never even dared to cross the legal system in Kala-a-Karum so Jarron had little idea just how good they were but was obvious that they were quite effective indeed. Jarron just nodded at the man and took Elyse by her hand.

  The Kalan man nodded and then said while indicating both Feligrin and Pimi, “You two come along as well.”

  The Kalan man turned and began walking towards the city center. Jarron noted that the dozen or so other Kalan police officers had formed a circle around their group as they went. Jarron had to admit it did feel as though they were either being arrested or protected. They slowly plodded along the main pathway and through the city until they arrived at a large building with the same Kalan police force symbol on it. Jarron had no doubt that the inside of it was going to be nothing like Dalain’s home. He was proven correct as they entered. The inside of the building was a highly organized series of offices. Jarron saw a main sign, written in Kalan that had directions to the different departments of the police station. The Kalan man turned towards the arrow that had the word ‘interrogation’ written in Kalan. They followed him into a larger conference room with a long square table that had a half dozen or so chairs. Jarron chuckled when he noticed that every chair was designed for a Kalan, which meant that he and Elyse would be sitting uncomfortably. The Kalan man stopped and gestured for them to enter.

  “Have a seat here. I must go check on the status of our suspects, but then I’ll be back for ya.” He announced.

  Jarron guided Elyse to a chair and sat next to her. Feligrin sat beside her and Pimi took a seat next to Jarron.

  As soon as the door closed Pimi said quietly, “Lad ya got some explainin’ to do.”

  Jarron was puzzled by her question so he asked, “What do you mean Pimi?”

  Pimi pointed over at Elyse and said in a soft voice, “Your wife has pointed ears. I saw ‘em when I helped her up. That means she’s an Eal’tain and they aren’t allowed here. So what is goin’ on Jarron?”

  Jarron paused for a moment. He knew that the Kalan hated the Eal’tain and the last thing that they needed was a situation revolving around that. He decided that it was in their best interest to be honest, especially since technically Jarron and Elyse were members of the same family as Pimi.

  “Pimi she is actually half Eal’tain and until recently she didn’t even know her Eal’tain father. We are involved in a very complex situation and to be honest it is best if you weren’t involved. It’s quite dangerous.”

  Pimi rubbed her chin and then chuckled before saying, “It’s a little late for that don’t ya think? Once we’re done here ya need to tell me everythin’.”

  He realized that she was probably right so he just nodded at her. Just then the door of the conference room opened and the Kalan who brought them there returned. He took a seat in one of the chairs across from them and then pulled out a data pad.

  Solemnly he announced, “It would seem that your paperwork is mostly in order, however we have one issue that we have found with yours.”

  He was looking directly at Elyse.

  “Which is?” She asked cautiously.

  He replied, “Well it would seem that there be some errors on your application for entry into Kala-a-Karum. It says here that you are related to Dalain Stonefist, but ya ain’t a Kalan. In fact the other issue revolves around your race lass. It would seem that ya appear to be Eal’tain, but our scans of ya show errors with that assessment. Perhaps ya can explain all of this to me?”

  Jarron glanced back to Elyse and he could tell immediately that she was very apprehensive and unsure how to answer the man. Jarron decided that honesty would probably be the wisest course of action.

  He said smoothly, “She, along with me, is indeed a member of Dalain Stonefist’s family. Recently there was an incident at his home on Kala-a-Drakal and we saved his life. He felt indebted to us and took in as members of his family. It is all within Kalan custom. You are correct that she is both Eal’tain and not Eal’tain. She is half. Her mother was human and her father Eal’tain. I believe according to Kalan law her race is irrelevant because she is a member of a Kalan family.”

  The Kalan man frowned and slowly rubbed his beard. Jarron could tell that he was upset, most likely due to the admission of Elyse’s racial heritage.

  He nodded slowly and said begrudgingly, “Very well. Once we have apprehended the folks who assaulted ya, then ya can go on your way.”

  He stood and left the room. There was an unusual awkward silence as they all sat in their seats. Jarron was totally unsure what to say.

  Pimi finally spoke, “So ya both are members of the family now?”

  Jarron and Elyse both nodded at her.

  A sassy grin crossed her face before she said, “Well I guess I won’t be tryin’ to steal ya back since you’re now my cousin.”

  Jarron could not help but laugh loudly at her joke. Elyse and Feligrin joined in. The door slammed open, which cause Jarron to startle slightly. Jarron spun his head around and saw Dalain stomping in the room.

  In a loud voice he said, “Where are they? Keepin’ my family locked up isn’t a way to endear me with the Kalan police force.”

  The Kalan man who brought them in was behind Dalain and spoke loudly and clearly in response by saying, “We’ve kept ‘em here in the conference room for their safety as they were attacked.”

  Dalain spotted them as he fully entered the room. He looked relieved to see that Jarron and his friends were well.

  “I see that you’re okay.” He announced.

  Jarron nodded at him and replied, “We’re fine Dalain. The Kalan police are doing a good job of keeping us safe.”

  Dalain nodded and then turned to the Kalan policeman before saying, “Well I appreciate that but I will be takin’ my family with me. My guards will keep ‘em safe as we need to head off for my meetin’ with the King.”

  He nodded in response to Dalain’s words. Dalain gestured for them to follow him. Jarron stood, which Elyse and the others responded to by standing as well. They followed Dalain as he headed through the station and out the front door. As soon as they stepped out of the building they were immediately surrounded by about fifteen Kalan, all heavily armed and armored. Jarron could see that Dalain was not taking any chances. Dalain guided them deeper into the center city.

  Chapter 12

  It had been some time since Jarron had last been to the city center of Kala-a-Karum. He was just impressed this visit as he was with every other one before. Unlike the modernized outer areas of the city, the center was formed and designed in the ancient Kalan manner. Old runes and various statues of long dead warriors were everywhere. The buildings were smaller, much closer together and made from an old dark gray stone. They looked very much their age. Jarron had heard that th
e Kalan actually had large crews of Kalan whose sole job was to work on maintaining these buildings and statues in their current condition. Jarron glanced over at Elyse and Feligrin. Both held facial expressions that could be only described as awestruck. They continued to walk along the main path deeper and deeper into the city center. Jarron was unsure where they were headed because he had only been in the area a few times. He did however notice that the buildings were slowly becoming more opulent as they went. It led him to believe they were headed into an area of much more wealth. Instead of just basic dark gray stone buildings these buildings started to have an increase in color, rare gems and plenty of gold. The Kalan were notorious in their love of gold and gems.

  After going further for a bit longer they stopped at a security checkpoint just outside of a massive gate made of heavy steel and decorated with thick plates of gold that was covered in a variety of gems and shaped to form a crest that was centered with a large ram. Jarron recognized it immediately as the royal family crest. They were at the entryway to the meeting hall of the King of the Kalan. Dalain led them to the end of the long line. Jarron slowly examined the people in front of them. It seemed as though they were probably the wealthiest of the Kalan. Each wore the finest clothing; many Jarron noticed preferred a silk-like material that the Kalan loved called Iarn.

  Dalain must have noticed Jarron examining the Kalan in front of them because he announced with a chuckle, “The King loves to make folks wait on him, even the most powerful Kalan in the galaxy get to wait in line here.”

  His words made Jarron chuckle because Jarron had known that the Kalan were much like humans in the sense that those in power tended to love flaunting that power over others. It was probably one of the largest dividing forces between Jarron and his father. The wait and eventual entry through the gate was a lot longer than Jarron would have thought it to be. Each person was scanned and their bags searched. Jarron was surprised that nothing was said when Elyse was scanned. He had thought for certain there would be a fuss about her racial heritage. He was only left to assume that Dalain had already cleared that hurdle. Dalain led them through the gate and Jarron found himself in even more awe as they moved to the front entrance of the palace of the King. It was a massive domed building that had a slowly curving spire centered upon the top of it. The dome was lined with large pillars that held the domed roof in place on top of the building, which was circular in shape. Each pillar was a huge statue of a Kalan that was holding a weapon upwards and into the dome. It was designed to appear as though the statues themselves were holding the dome up with their weapons. Some of the Kalan held two handed hammers and others axes. One even had a curved staff as their weapon. Of all of the statues Jarron only recognized one, a statue of Nichan Truehammer. Like the other statues, he too was holding the dome up with his two handed hammer.