by S. E. Weir
Even from a distance, Phina could see both men tightening their jaws for different reasons. This match was the last chance for them. One of the two wouldn’t leave here alive. There were a few options available for the loser, but with this much animosity and jealousy on one side and intolerance for dishonor and greed on the other, death would be the only end. However, Link, Phina, and the Empire needed Geirik to win, not to mention the Balderian people themselves.
The two warriors swung and sliced at each other while the thousands present in the stadium around them roared encouragement. Phina couldn’t tell if the crowd rooted for Velof or Geirik since the cries all ran together. Perhaps they didn’t know or care which Baldere won. The two males pressed each other back and forth across the field, each looking for any small advantage. Phina saw they were tiring, though their strikes were still almost as powerful as when they had begun.
Geirik will win, don’t worry.
Phina still started whenever Braeden spoke in her head. She supposed it would take time to get used to the feel of someone speaking mentally. It was very different than when she heard Link or ADAM speak over the implant. That felt almost like she heard the words with her ears, but they were not audible to anyone else. However, when the Gleeks spoke, she felt the words more than heard them. The thought was just there in her head, but with a different tone than her own mental speech.
The group had questioned all the guards and finally found where the two Gleek bodies had been disposed of, so Braeden and the other Gleeks were more at ease now, knowing their brothers were not lost. There was a marked difference in how the Gleeks came across. The familiar ease between them all was less strained, and even Graeden had cracked a smile. Braeden, in contrast, had grown quieter and more withdrawn. Phina thought he had a lot on his mind.
Really? She tried to see what Braeden had in their actions, but though the two were slower than they had been a few minutes ago, there was no real change. How can you know?
I feel it. Geirik has felt resolve throughout the whole fight, and while he may occasionally grow alarmed if the fended-off attack was a close one, he has not wavered in that resolve. Whereas Velof’s feelings are tinged with desperation. He started off confident but wary. Now his desperation has grown and his confidence has flagged.
Interesting. Thank you. She mulled it over, marveling at how much Braeden could understand about the people around him by feeling their emotions.
Her attention was drawn back to the fight when Velof swung his hagrund at Geirik’s head. Geirik lunged to the side under the battle-axe and bypassed the shield to thrust his skalax into Velof’s exposed chest, piercing his body in two deep punctures. Given how deep the blades had sunk, Phina thought the Jeskir would die, but though he stumbled and knelt, he didn’t fall over.
Geirik used the opportunity to knock the hagrund out of the other male’s hand while he was weakened, then put his shield under his arm while he grabbed Velof’s shield and tossed it over his shoulder to land several paces behind him. The crowd inexplicably quieted.
“Do you yield?”
Geirik’s tone was calm, showing a steady strength she hadn’t thought to hear after they ran around the arena. Velof glared at Geirik as he clutched his chest. They all silently waited to hear the answer. After a moment, Geirik prodded him with his skalax, eliciting an icy growl.
“Fine.”
“The words.” Geirik stared at Velof, waiting, his tone even without any note of gloating or excitement that he had won.
“I yield.” Velof bit off the words as his eyes narrowed.
The crowd cheered, the roar building, but Geirik held up the hand that still clutched the skalax, his eyes not leaving his enemy and former friend before him.
“Do it.”
Before Velof’s face could do more than crinkle in confusion at Geirik’s words, Phina tapped a few buttons on her tablet and piped the audio through the arena’s system.
“Ziver, you take Narvid, Vodin, and Gaudun and take care of that Gleek snooping around. I don’t want anything to come back on us. We need those food shipments coming in, and I won’t tolerate anyone stopping us.”
“We still get our cut, hey?”
“Of course, Ziver. Now go.”
After a few seconds, Charles’ voice spoke.
“Velof, you know this isn’t sustainable. We will only manage a few more shipments anyway. Perhaps we should stop with what we’ve attained and move on to a different type of cargo. Once this Gleek is gone, the others will become suspicious anyway.”
“Come now, Charles. You aren’t growing weak now, are you? Because that’s what I’m hearing. You’re being weak, just like these Gleeks, and just like those Baldere who can’t do anything without direction and reassurance. These people think they know what it’s like to lead? They know nothing. The only thing that will keep us at the level of wealth and power we have grasped is to take more, whether it be from our allies or the people themselves.”
The crowd, which had murmured at the beginning, was roaring by the end. Phina stopped the recording they had shown Charles. No one would have heard it anyway with the level of noise the crowd had attained in expressing their displeasure.
Velof stared at Geirik, his face a sickly pale lavender. He knew his fate was sealed. Geirik raised his skalax again for silence. It didn’t take long for the crowd to quiet down, though a few hurled curses at the disgraced former leader for another moment. Geirik turned to face them, and they stopped. His voice rose, strong and commanding.
“My people, you have heard evidence of some of Velof’s crimes. Stealing cargo for his own gain. Ordering the deaths of two visiting Gleeks and attempting to kill five more. Conspiracy to commit criminal acts against our own laws. Attempting to defraud the Etheric Empire we have become part of. Disgracing the name of the Baldere and our entire race!”
At this, many in the crowd shouted angrily, while others booed and hissed.
Velof sprang forward, pulling a knife from his belt as he lunged for his nemesis, his eyes glittering with hate. “You’ve taken everything from me!”
Geirik raised his shield and backhanded Velof across the face with it, then kicked the knife out of the male’s hand. Velof staggered back, then fell when Geirik slammed the edge of the shield into his chest, compressing the air from his lungs. He curled in on himself, trying to catch his breath.
“Kill the coward!”
A voice rose from the stands, eliciting raised shouts of agreement. Geirik raised his skalax again.
“The authorized representatives of the Etheric Empire and I have gathered, heard, and witnessed the evidence of all these crimes. You have heard the words from his own mouth. His accomplice, the Imperial Diplomat Charles Edwards, has already been appropriately dealt with by the Empire.” He nodded at Link and Phina. “The Imperial sentence for treason is death.
“We are here now to determine this Balderian male’s fate. So, my people, do you find Velof guilty or innocent?”
The crowd roared, “GUILTY!”
“What sentence do you give him?”
“DEATH!”
No sooner had the pronouncement been given than Geirik dropped his shield, drew the male up by the bodysuit layered under Velof’s armor, and sliced deep across his throat—too deep to heal before he bled out.
The crowd went wild as Phina sank against the barrier between her and the arena. She felt Link to her left and Braeden to her right.
“This is diplomacy?”
A few moments went by before a somber Link responded, “Sometimes.”
She heard the jeers for Velof and the cheers for Geirik as she watched the new Baldere leader close his eyes for a moment before seeking Fastel. “It’s done,” he mouthed. His bondmate nodded, her eyes full of love and sorrow. The new Jeskir slowly walked to meet her as Phina turned her eyes toward the two males with her.
“It’s not what I thought it would be.”
Phina felt Braeden’s mental presence wrapping her in comfort
. Link’s hand covered hers for a moment and squeezed.
“Life rarely is.”
Geirik felt Velof’s blood gush over his hand as he sliced the male’s throat. Though he should be proud that he had ended Velof’s treasonous and criminal activities, he couldn’t help the thought that the death of his former friend had been a waste.
Choices had led them to this moment—Velof’s choices, Fastel’s, and his own. Although he had never blamed his bondmate, Geirik knew they had all contributed to the decisions Velof had made. Even the choices of his people who filled the arena and were now screaming Geirik’s name had led them to this moment.
He hated that it had been his hand on the knife, no matter that Velof’s death was just or deserved. They had to do better as a people to guide their younglings so they would be as strong in spirit as they were in body. The Balderian people couldn’t handle another Velof.
He opened the eyes he didn’t realize were closed and saw that all life had left Velof. Geirik turned to find the one person who always helped him make sense of the universe. Fastel stood on the inside of the arena by the gate, without tears, and with the remainders of her own victorious fights proudly represented by bloody stripes on her body, though the wounds were already healed. Her face full of compassion and sorrow—for him.
“It’s done.” He knew she wouldn’t be able to hear him over the crowd, but he needed to get it out.
His bondmate nodded and held out her hand to him. Focusing on her blue eyes, he walked toward her, dropping his skalax just before reaching her so he could hold onto her hands and lower his head toward hers. After a moment of breathing her in and ignoring the quieting cheers of the crowd, he told her what was on his mind.
“This was a waste, my love. We need to do better with the next generation, hey? There have been too many Baldere in our path lately that didn’t have the strength to step up and say that Velof was wrong. We let this happen by not standing together and saying no. We have to do better.”
His voice hadn’t faltered, though his heart had bled all through the words. Geirik was so wrapped up in his musings that he almost missed his bondmate’s words in return.
“You will have plenty of time to practice with our own youngling, then.”
Startled, he pulled his head back to stare into her mischievous, smiling face.
“You are serious?”
“Mmhmm.” She lifted one of their clasped hands to her heart. “I solemnly swear that by this time next year, we will have a youngling of our own.”
It wasn’t until the crowd roared their approval and congratulations for their new Jeskir that he realized everyone in the arena had heard them through the microphone that had been placed on his bodysuit before the match.
Fastel took it all in stride as she looked around the arena. “Oops! Well, I guess the news is in the wind now.” She turned her deep-lavender face back to his and grinned.
Under the cover of the cheers, Geirik whispered into her ear, “Has it really been ten years since the last games?”
“Only just, but then we didn’t exactly wait until after the games now, did we?” She winked with a grin on her face, which ignited a core of happiness within him. They had too much trouble and strife behind them. Now they needed to live and make better choices.
With a roar, he lifted the female he loved and whirled her around, their laughter blending with the excited cheers of the crowd.
Etheric Empire, QBS Stark
“Ow. My head.” Maxim moaned as he slumped in his seat.
“Your head?” Ryan complained. “What about my chest and back? I feel like I got pounded.”
Drk-vaen weakly twitched his mandibles. “You did get pounded.”
“Oh, yeah.” Ryan sounded puzzled, as if he wasn’t firing on all cylinders yet. “Those Baldere really pack a punch.”
Maxim nodded in agreement and winced at the renewed pain. “Neven’s right hook was a beautiful thing.”
“Not so beautiful on the receiving end.” Ryan hissed as he attempted to sit up, felt like a truck lay on his chest, and flopped back down. “Vinger had a nice kick, though.”
Drk-vaen rubbed his legs with a frown, making sure they were still attached. “Don’t remind me.” He shook his head, then began to chuckle. “Did you see his face when he landed on his back on the table, then slid to the ground? He twisted once to try to land better, but it went wrong. So worth getting hit.”
“Yeah, man.” Ryan’s tone lightened as he grinned and held out his hand for a fist bump. “Totally worth it.”
“Yes.” Maxim agreed and fist-bumped the others.
Phina grinned at the exchange, watching as she sat sideways in her seat on the bridge, her legs propped over the armrest. Her wounds were healing quickly and didn’t hinder movement, though they itched fiercely. She had her eyes open now but stared at nothing in particular. By the time they returned to the Meredith Reynolds, it would be just over five months since that conversation with Anna Elizabeth in the General’s office.
She had more friends than she knew what to do with now. Gone were the days when the Phinalina duo sought adventures alone. Her life had become far more complicated. Being honest with herself, though, she had to admit that while she missed spending time with Alina, she enjoyed getting to know other people better as well.
Life had grown more complicated but also more interesting. While she knew a lot more now, she still had a lot to learn. Phina had a feeling Communications was the class that would not come as easily to her as the rest, what with translating abstract thoughts into practice and speaking in front of people. This trip had helped, but she still thought of herself as someone to keep in the background and not stand in the spotlight.
However, when it came down to it, she hadn’t done too badly. She thought back to her little impromptu speech to Charles Edwards. “The Diplomat’s primary allegiance is to the Empress and the Empire, and they will do all in their power to uphold honor and Justice throughout their service.” That, for Phina, was the heart of what she had learned.
Even if Anna Elizabeth still intended to uphold the deal she had made at the beginning—to give Phina a blank check to pursue her dreams—she knew she wouldn’t take it. There was no better place to fulfill her vow. The Diplomatic Corps and becoming the Diplomat Spy was right where she wanted to be.
Her tablet indicated a message had been received, breaking her train of thought. She tapped it open to read.
Phina!!!! Maxim just sent me a message to ask if we could message and talk to get to know each other better! It sounds kind of old-fashioned, but at this point I’m okay with it! Can you believe it?? I’m so thrilled, Phina, you have no idea!!! I had almost given up hope, but that hope is now restored! When are you getting back? We’ve got to talk about this rooming thing! See you soon!!! You’re my bestest friend ever!
Phina smiled in amusement at Alina’s excitement. Her best friend always made her feel better. Good for Maxim. She hoped this meant they would stop being broody over each other. Closing out the message, she saw another had come through while she read the first. Her back stiffened when she saw who it was from, but she opened it anyway.
Phina, I don’t know when it will be, but I hope to visit soon to discuss this matter of the Weres that you seem to fail to take seriously. If you won’t take it seriously for yourself, then there will be consequences. Please take care of yourself and watch your back until then.
Shaking her head to try to clear the confusion, Phina read the message again, but it still didn’t make sense. Why would she need to watch her back? Her aunt’s idea that Maxim couldn’t be trusted seemed over the top. And what did Faith think she could do that Seraphina couldn’t do herself? Her aunt hadn’t ever been and would never be a fighter. The thought of her challenging Maxim was laughable. And what consequences? Phina was an adult now. It wasn’t like she could be grounded in her room.
Irritation swept her, but she couldn’t dwell on it anymore. She needed to calm down. She directed
music toward her implant, then got up and moved to the small gym on the ship so she could practice her fighting positions and forms. As she went through the motions at quarter speed in deference to her still-healing wounds, half her mind focused on her movements while the other half dwelled on the haunting harmonic melody from her music class. The combination of high, middle, and low tones in perfect sync swept over her.
QBBS Meredith Reynolds, Secret Bar, Back Room
Two Weeks Later
Phina sat at the long table, a feast for two laid out on one end, complete with cloth napkins and glasses filled with wine. Steam rose from a few dishes, wafting aromas toward her that caused her belly to rumble with hunger.
She turned to examine Link, using the skills he had taught her, and she realized he was both nervous and a little reluctant to talk and was not sure if he wanted to be farther away or closer. Something must be really bothering him to forget to control his body language like this. Her heart beat faster even as she took even breaths to calm herself.
“Link, what’s going on? What aren’t you telling me?”
He stopped eating and placed his fork on the table, looking down for a moment to gather his thoughts. When he looked back up, Phina was startled to see the look in his brown eyes turn from slightly lost to resolved and determined.
“There are many things I haven’t told you, my dear. These past five and a half months have been just the beginning, with much to come. Before we discuss that, though, there’s something you need to know.”