by Seven Steps
Praxis felt the energy of his captive audience rush over him. With each thump, each grunt, they fed him their energy, pledged their loyalty and friendship to him.
With each thump, each grunt, and stomping of his feet, Praxis pledged his loyalty right back.
The men and their king fed each other their adrenaline until they were worked up into frenzy. When he could take no more, Praxis raised his sword high in the air.
“I am Praxis the Immortal!” He cried. “Follow me!”
The crowd roared, rushing from their seats.
Praxis lead them from the stadium, through the streets, and straight to the spaceport.
It was time to save their brothers.
CHAPTER 36
ZENITH
The ground shook.
Pausing her frantic pacing, Embrya locked eyes with High Keeper Heedon before rushing to the window.
In the distance, Great Ocean boiled and bubbled.
Fear tightened in Embrya’s chest. Worse than any fear she’d ever known before.
“Magistrate?”
Dell fluttered her wings, her eyes wide as she flew into the room.
She felt it, too.
The fear.
Embrya turned to her.
“Mag-”
And then, in a poof, she was gone. The space that once held her small form turned empty.
One by one, the Zenithians disappeared from the surface of the ground, brought to nothing by the machine’s great power.
The great tree shook again, its purple foliage wilting, its golden dust drying up.
The great Magistrate Embrya’s power was gone, and so, the planet began to die.
Cold detachment seeped through her feet and spread through her. She’d never felt detached from the planet before, unable to tap into its power, to harness it, to share with it.
Now, without Zenith to protect her, what would she do?
Heedon laced his hands with hers.
“I will protect you,” he whispered.
She wished she could believe him. But, without Zenith’s power...
“The Martians are here with the machine.”
“My warriors are ready for them.” He brought her hand to his lips and pressed a warm kiss to her knuckles. “Stay here.”
Placing one hand on the black hilt of the weapon at his back, he strode from the room.
There was only one goal now.
Only one thing that mattered.
He had to protect Embrya.
CHAPTER 37
Heedon positioned his mighty Glorium army around the palace. The thousands of Warriors formed a circle around the tree, four rows deep. With the Zenithians gone, they would need to protect it, and the precious Magistrate that hid within.
“Warriors, ready.”
The warriors, dressed all in white, their red hair flaming, stood at the ready.
“Arm yourselves.”
As one, they pulled the black sticks from their leather casing and held them high.
The ground shook again. Closer this time.
Heedon’s gaze roved through the valley. The battle would be here, in this bowl shaped patch of earth and grass. Whatever crested that hill, they would have to kill and keep killing until the threat was gone and Embrya was safe.
There were no other options.
If Embrya were to be captured, the balance of power in the universes would shift. Her title and power as Magistrate would be transferred to someone else up on her death. Either someone she chose, or to the last person she touched, her murderer. He shuddered to think what the universe would look like in the hands of a mad man.
Or a mad woman.
The rumblings grew closer.
“Protect the Magistrate!” He cried.
The warriors barked back.
He closed his eyes, seeing the flame of life of each warrior in the dark. He would be able to locate each one of his warriors anywhere, just as they would be able to locate each other, and him. They had to use that flame now. Who knew who or what would crest the hill.
Venians?
Martians?
Something far worse?
Embrya had been so preoccupied with trying to get in touch with King Haggarty that she’d left the rest of her sector of the universe virtually unattended.
What hadn’t she seen?
The first of the beast crested the hill, making Heedon’s hot blood run cold.
Over thirty feet high with sloping foreheads, three eyes, and green skin. Six arms and four legs and barbaric pointy spears.
Mungogians.
If they were here, that could only mean one thing.
Someone had stolen the eye of Mungogia.
Jun-Su appeared, riding on the shoulder of one of the huge creatures.
She met his eyes across the valley, her third green eye shining in the middle of her forehead.
She smirked, as if she’d already won the battle.
He heard her cry out across the valley.
“Forward!”
The Mungogian monsters ran forward at frightening speeds.
“Glorium, ignite!”
The warrior’s sticks burst into flames.
Within seconds, the monsters were upon them.
“Attack!”
The outer row of warriors kneeled.
The row behind them jumped on their back and bent forward at the waist. The next row did the same, until they had formed a Glorium ladder nearly twenty feet high.
The last warrior, the one closest to the tree, ran forward, bounding his way up his brother’s backs, flaming stick drawn.
With a mighty jump, his drew back his weapon, and thrust it forward, directly into the third eye of the Mungogian.
The beast stumbled back, grabbing its eye and flailing its arms, trying to knock the warrior away.
Two more soldiers tapped their flaming sticks, then ran forward and apart from each other. A rope of flames stretched between them. They rushed at the Mungogians, their flaming cord cutting through the monster’s ankles and forcing it to the ground.
But, with the Mungogians outnumbering the Gloriums four to one, some of the beasts slipped through the lines and began to climb the great tree. At their forefront was Jun-Su, still perched high on one of her monster’s shoulders.
Heedon called up into the branches of the tree.
“Archers, ready!”
Glorium archers, hidden in the branches, suddenly popped out.
“Fire!”
Fiery arrows rained down on the Mungogians, sticking into their eyes, attaching themselves to their long noses, finding their way into their mouths.
One by one the Mungogians fell from the tree, crushing the earth beneath them.
From behind, Heedon heard a low whistle.
He’d heard that whistle before.
Then shots.
He whipped around in time to see a line of Venian and Martian soldiers, picking off the Glorium army one by one from mid way down the hill.
Standing behind them was Boikis, the Martian Ambassador.
What was he doing here?
His Glorium warriors fell, their flames going out.
As their numbers dwindled, and more and more Mungogians climbed the tree, Heedon felt desperation fill his soul.
Is the end near?
CHAPTER 38
Praxis’s ship touched down at the spaceport, and he quickly unstrapped himself and ran for the door.
An army of Martian ships followed closely behind.
“The machine needs water to work,” he said to his brother. “They’ve most likely put it in the ocean. About twenty-five feet below the water line, in the center of the machine, you will find a hole. Go through it, and cut the wires. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
Praxis held his hand out to his brother. “Go with power, brother.”
Kiln nodded and shook his twin’s hand. “And you.”
Kiln wanted to say something to his brother. Something that would bridge
the gap of the last twenty years of their lives apart. But time was not on their side. With a three-finger salute, Praxis, his brother, was gone, racing through the spaceport, his army rushing to keep up.
“Let’s go,” Kiln said, grabbing Nadira’s hand and making his way through the crowd of soldiers. “We can take a lunchunt.”
They broke through to the outside, expecting to find one of the scaly creatures. Instead, there was only a row of empty carts.
“Where are they?” Kiln asked.
Nadira squeezed his hand. “And where are the Zenithians?”
CHAPTER 39
The Zenithian ground filled with the bodies of Glorium soldiers.
One by one, the Martian and Venian snipers had picked off Heedon’s men. Their numbers were dwindling, and fast. The Glorium’s only saving grace were the arrows that continued to flow down the Great Tree, keeping the Mungogian giants from the very top where Embrya and the remaining ambassadors hid themselves.
Heedon racked his brain for a plan, some sort of strategy that would keep his army alive. That would keep his Warriors from dropping like flies.
Suddenly, a voice boomed through the valley.
“Martians, kneel before your king!”
Immediately, the sniper shots ceased. Though the Mungogians continued to advance, each Martian soldier dropped to one knee, their heads bowed.
“Martians, to me!”
Heeded followed the sound of the voice.
King Praxis stood on the hilltop, an army of Martians behind him. On his hip was the Sword of Kings. In his hand, a Martian rifle. He surveyed the valley as the Martian soldiers retreated to him. When he found Heedon’s eye, he pounded his chest and gave him a Martian salute.
Heedon let out a breath of relief, pounding his chest in return.
The Martians were here, and they were allies.
Instantly, Praxis began issuing orders.
A bald, dark skinned man next to him ran down the hill, gathering troops as he went. He pointed at the Venian enforcers still gaping open mouth at Praxis’ return.
Instantly, the Martians turned on their former allies, grabbing the women and dragging them back up the hill. When the Venians realized what was happening, they tried to flee, but there was nowhere to go. The Glorium Warriors were in front of them. The Martian soldiers were behind.
A flurry of activity began on the hill, as equipment was assembled, and it didn’t take long before the missiles began to fire in the direction of the Mungogians.
The heat seeking missiles landed on their targets, engulfing the beast in flames.
Heedon nearly cheered.
The tides were finally beginning to turn.
CHAPTER 40
Kiln, Nadira, Lex, and Arees, stood on top of the machine. It was made of pure, grey metal, and hummed beneath their feet. The metal shimmered in the sunlight, made ever more radiant by the waters around it.
Amazing, that such a deadly machine would be so beautiful, Nadira thought.
“This thing is huge!” Lex asked.
Kiln stripped off his shirt and stepped forward.
“How long can you hold your breath?” Lex asked.
“As long as it takes,” Kiln replied.
“Wait, what are you doing?” Nadira asked, her heart starting to race.
“I’m saving us.”
“No, you can't just jump down there.”
“I’ll be okay, Naddie.”
She saw the lies in his eyes.
“No, Kiln. You can’t go down there. I forbid it.”
He stood on the edge of the platform, and gave her a sad smile. “Nadira, I have to do this. If I don’t, then everyone will die. Jun-Su and Boikis will make sure of it.”
“But, what about you?”
Kiln looked down at the water, before looking up at her. His smile turned genuine, and he shook his head.
“I love you, Naddie. I will always love you. Always.”
Nadira felt faint.
“Kiln, wait!”
Kiln jumped down, splashing into the water, before taking a deep breath and diving.
“Kiln!” Nadira screamed.
Lex put a hand on her shoulder.
“He has to do this,” he whispered.
Nadira’s wide eyes searched the waters, waiting for her lover to return.
CHAPTER 41
A dozen ambassadors pressed together in Embrya’s throne room.
With no Zenithians to attend to them, the Magistrate was forced to play both hostess and protector.
“Calm everyone,” she said, positioning herself in front of the window. She fluttered her wings, hovering above them. “Let’s all just stay calm.”
“What are those things attacking the palace?” One of them asked.
“They’re Mungogians. Someone must have stolen the eye of Mungogia, but don’t worry. Heedon’s armies are holding them far away from us.”
Lies.
“But who could steal the eye from the Mungogians?”
The muttering among the robed beings persisted, growing louder and louder until it reached a fevered pitch.
Embrya’s cheeks reddened and she took in a deep breath, determined to force the ambassadors to be calm.
“I asked for quiet!”
Just then, the glass behind her shattered. A giant, green hand reached in, and plucked her from the crowd of screaming ambassadors, before sweeping her outside.
“Hello Embrya,” Jun-Su purred from her perch on the Mungogian’s shoulders.
“Release me!” Embrya commanded.
The Mungogian squeezed her harder, crushing her fragile wings and stealing her breath.
“In time,” Jun-Su replied.
The world shook as the Mungogian began to climb back down the tree.
“What do you want, Jun-Su?”
“You mean the great Magistrate Embrya doesn’t already know?” Jun-Su chuckled.
Embrya sneered at her.
“I think you know what I want,” Juan-Su replied.
“My throne.”
“No. Your power.”
“You’ll have to kill me to get it.”
“That won’t be a problem.”
“Unless I give it to someone else.”
Jun-Su chuckled again. “Look around you, Embrya. There is no one else.”
Embrya looked at the quickly approaching ground and gasped.
On one side of the battlefield were the Mungogians. On the other side were the Martian and Glorium Warriors.
“Were you expecting your precious Venians to save you? Well, have I got news for you. They’re dead.”
Embrya gasped. “No.”
“Yes. That just leaves you and me. There is no one to save you now.”
Fear crept into Embrya’s throat. If what Jun-Su said was true, then there was no recourse. She was going to die today.
CHAPTER 42
Kiln’s lungs burned as he swam down through the clear water. He kept one hand on the machine to guide him and tried to count the feet as he descended.
One foot.
Two feet.
Three feet.
He passed the widest part of the diamond shaped machine, the center of it, before it narrowed again. A dark hole came into view in the crystal clear waters.
The service panel.
Kicking his feet, he swam to it, then inside.
Darkness surrounded him on all sides. The space barely accommodated his wide shoulders. With no light, he could only use his sense of touch to feel around the enclosed space. Finally, a seam.
He slid his fingers around the seam until he found a hole. Lungs burning, he yanked the door open. His head began to cloud.
No. Not yet.
His fingers ran across what seemed like dozens of wires.
Which ones turned off the machine?
It didn’t matter now.
Kiln’s lungs trembled as he ripped out every wire his fingers touched. He didn’t know if it worked or not. He could only pray it would.<
br />
Mother Goddess.
He snatched out another bunch of wires.
Please protect Nadira, Lex, and Arees.
Rip. Snatch. Tear.
Keep them safe.
Tear. Snatch. Rip.
Forgive them for sin of love. And still, please, let them keep it.
Tear. Rip.
When his fingers found no more wires, he wiggled out of the small space.
Maybe.
He kicked his feet as hard as he could. Then, lungs his lungs rebelled, and took in a heavy heave of water.
Stars exploded in front of his eyes.
He forced his feet to kick, though his arms flailed wildly.
His lungs forced the water out, before taking another shot of water in.
No.
Kick. Kick. Kick.
A ball of light appeared before his eyes.
He reached a hand up.
Around him, everything felt weightless, as if he were floating in a cloud.
A cloud that was taking him away.
Far, far away.
Away from the light above.
Away from his friends.
Away from his love.
Far, far away.
CHAPTER 43
Boikis kept his distance from the man who stood on the hill, searching for him.
Praxis.
How did he get out? Namic and Etree were supposed to kill Kiln and the others, not let out Praxis.
He carefully made his way across the battlefield, toward the Great Tree. If he could just find Jun-Su, he’d be safe. After all, she had the Mungogians with her.
The Martians had turned the tide to this battle, but not all was lost. The Mungogians still descended into the valley like a plague from the south, even as the Martians attacked from the North.
Boikis stepped around the beast’s gigantic legs, and ran across the field to the Great Tree.
Half way there, he looked behind him.
Praxis was staring at him. In his blue eyes was a fury that Boikis had never seen. With a frown, Praxis slowly descended from his place on top of the hill. His steps were slow. Leisurely. As if he had all the time in the world.
Boikis increased his pace. He had to get to Jun-Su, and fast.
He arrived at the tree just as the feet of the Mungogian who held Embrya touched the ground.