The Key of Astrea

by Nicholas Marson

  “You have snacks in your bag,” Rygelus said.

  “We need more than snacks,” Adriana said. “We haven’t eaten since breakfast.”

  “Which was at least ten hours ago,” Kensei said.

  “And I need to check the bandage on my shoulder.”

  “If we stop,” Brock added, “I’ll make my stew.”

  Rygelus perked up and looked at the group. “Okay, we can stop.” He looked around. “We can make camp at the clearing up ahead, but only long enough to eat. The Risi hunt these woods, so we must remain vigilant.”

  Jenny and the others made camp next to a babbling stream. Large butterflies and dragonflies flew in unpredictable patterns. Overhead, a bird called loudly, and two fluffy brown squirrels chased each other along a low branch.

  Kensei dropped his pack, then lost his balance and fell over. He rolled onto his back, looking like he was going to be sick. Jenny retrieved canteens from her burstepi and handed them out, giving the first one to Kensei.

  Brock needed a fire to cook, so Rygelus volunteered to keep watch while Adriana and Jenny gathered kindling.

  The air was crisp and aromatic in the shade of the ancient trees as Jenny and Adriana set out in search of firewood. Jenny picked up a branch from the base of a huge oak, and added it to her bundle. “I miss Lin,” she said.

  “Me too.” Adriana stared at the dry moss in her hand. “She had a way of seeing the potential in a person.”

  They walked in companionable silence for a while, searching for kindling. “Tell me something,” Jenny asked.

  “About what?”

  “Tell me a secret.”

  “Hmm.” Adriana adjusted her armful of sticks as she thought. After a short pause, she answered. “My family’s dirt poor.”

  “What?”

  “Yeah, not that you would know. We hide it pretty well.”

  “How can that be? You’re so fashionable!”

  “It’s exhausting.” Adriana sighed. “At first, it was like playing make-believe or dress-up. But now, I have to work a nighttime job just to buy the same clothes as the popular girls. Honestly, I was a nervous wreck most days. Continually checking in mirrors and afraid that someone was going to see me at my job. I was in such a perpetual state of anxiety that I started to get migraines and, shortly after that, blindness.”

  Jenny walked in silent thought as she picked up sticks. Adriana’s appearance is as much of a disguise as my gothness. Could I actually be friends with a girl like Adriana Thatcher? We have a lot in common. After all, we’re half-sisters with supernatural abilities. Jenny smiled. I’m starting to like this golden-haired girl. “What about your mom?”

  “She’s a bit crazy. Married at seventeen, and perpetually a teenager. Can you imagine getting married at our age?”

  “No!” Jenny knew that some Roma clans still maintained old traditions and married their daughters at young ages.

  “My mom has never mentioned a betrothal for me, not that I mind.”

  “That’s good.” Jenny was glad that her mom never discussed betrothal with her. “I don’t think we’re missing anything.”

  “Me neither. My mom was never the same after my dad’s…” She looked at Jenny. “Our dad’s indiscretion. I think it messed her up, and as I got older and more developed, she treated me differently. It wasn’t until later that I realized she was jealous. But I think my mom swore off the opposite sex altogether to focus on her art.”

  “Oh yeah? What does she do?”

  “Anything she can get her hands on. Paint, clay, wood, found objects, and she’s pretty good too. It doesn’t pay the bills, though, so she also works as a baker in a grocery store.”

  “Really? Sounds a lot like my aunt, in a way. After her husband died, she never even dated another man. She’s married to her business and is always talking about bills, and how I have to help out. Ever since my mom and I moved into her house, I’ve just been working for her by giving tarot readings to her clients.”

  “Wow, your aunt really is living like a Gypsy.”

  “Yeah.” Jenny laughed. “So, what do you do for fun?”

  “I love soccer.” Adriana grew animated.

  “That’s right, and you’re team captain?”

  Adriana nodded. “I practice three times a week. My mom and brother watch every game.”

  “That sounds nice.” Neither Bea nor Ruby had ever watched any of her fencing matches. She couldn’t blame them. After all, it was Thatch who’d originally gotten her interested in the sport. “What’s our dad like?”

  Adriana shrugged. “I haven’t seen him in a really long time, but I remember that he was fun, like a big kid. Mom said he wasn’t good with responsibilities. He was more interested in goofing off with his friends than spending time with us.”

  Jenny nodded solemnly, remembering her only interaction with him. “I can see that.”

  “Right before I came here, we got a phone call from his sister. She told us that he has cancer.” Tears welled up in her eyes. She shook her head and continued. “He couldn’t even tell us himself.”

  “Do you think it’s the curse?”

  “The curse?”

  “That’s what my family called what we have.” Jenny picked up a stick and then dropped it for being too green. “The reason we either go crazy or die from cancer.”

  “Yeah, I guess he has a curse.” Adriana found a stick and added it to her stack. “Even though I haven’t seen him in years, I want to cure him. I want to bring him the siphonophores.”

  “Yeah.” Jenny hugged the bundle of sticks against her chest. “When I get home, I’m going to cure my aunt.”

  With kindling in hand, the girls returned to the camp. Jenny retrieved the fire kit from her burstepi while Adriana formed a pile of dry moss. Jenny added shavings of magnesium and showered the whole thing in sparks. Within seconds, a flame blazed to life. Adriana added more wood until they had a serviceable fire. They nursed the fire until a bed of glowing coals had formed.

  “That’s good.” Brock shoved six large potatoes directly into the coals. “Not too big, though—we don’t want to attract attention.”

  Brock pulled out small bags filled with spices, onions, and carrots. Kensei—who had recovered from his dizzy spell—offered to help. While he chopped onions, Brock worked on a broth.

  “I think I can speed this up.” Jenny focused on the stew and willed it to boil. The air around them grew cold and the pot bubbled.

  “That’s amazing.” Brock looked over at Jenny.

  Jenny grinned. At least I could be somewhat helpful on this journey, she thought.

  Soon, a heavenly smell drifted out of the pot and made her mouth water. “It smells delicious.”

  “This recipe has been passed down from father to son for generations.” Brock cut a slab of elk meat into large chunks and added it to the broth.

  “Do you have any kids?” she asked.

  “No, not yet,” Brock said as he added the carrot and onion that Kensei had chopped up. “I haven’t done well with relationships.”

  “Is that why you’re out here?” Kensei asked.

  Brock nodded. “I needed some time away from people for a while.”

  While the stew warmed up, Kensei took out his sketchpad and drew the trees and stream in the sun’s golden hour.

  Jenny pulled her uniform off her shoulder to check on her bandage. Red blood had seeped through in spots, but it looked pretty good.

  “Can I help?” Adriana asked.

  “Um, sure.”

  Adriana took one of the slim medkits from her vest. Taking out alcohol pads, she cleaned the wound and changed Jenny’s bandage. “It seems to be healing nicely.”

  “Yeah, it’s still sore and stiff, though.”

  “Well, you did get shot. It could have been a lot worse.”

  “I know, you’re right.” Jenny thought about those who hadn’t been so lucky. She lied back on the soft moss and listened to the babbling of the brook. Overhead, the bre
eze rattled leaves, and a couple of songbirds sang in the canopy. At that moment, it was difficult to believe that they were on a rescue mission in another universe.

  When the stew was ready, Rygelus returned from his watch. As always, Nimue accompanied him. Yet, as far as Jenny knew, only she could see her. Jenny found the bowls in her burstepi and handed them out. While they ate, Adriana created a portal that gave them a bird’s-eye view of their location.

  Jenny saw that they were near the edge of a massive, circular depression in the earth. It was a caldera, perhaps from a dormant volcano or an impact crater from a meteorite.

  “This stew is fantastic,” Jenny said. “I can’t believe you made it over a fire.”

  “He is an artist with food.” Rygelus smiled at his companion.

  Brock shrugged. “It would be better with some freshly baked bread.”

  “Oh.” Jenny dug into her burstepi and pulled out a blue-and-yellow bag. The label read, “The Buzz.”

  “What is it?” Kensei asked.

  Jenny looked at Kensei. “Lin bought me a loaf of bread from that cafe in Acacia City. I don’t know how fresh it is—but here.”

  “Outstanding.” Brock took the bread. The crust cracked as he tore it into six pieces, one for each of them. He studied the black-and-yellow bag. “Were you still in Acacia City during the raid?”

  “We were,” Kensei said. “You should have seen Jenny. An enormous giant charged at us, and she grabbed one of those polearms the guards use. Then, at just the right moment—” He made a thrusting motion.

  Jenny shifted in her seat. She didn’t want to relive the first time she killed another sentient creature, even if it was in self-defense. She looked at Brock and asked, “Did you see what happened?”

  “A little.”

  “We were in the treehouse during the raid,” Rygelus said.

  “So, they came through the Esperanza Waypoint. Did you see a mysterious person in a hood?”

  “We did,” Brock said. “After Sadi came through the Waypoint, we took her to the body you found. She was distraught, so we invited her back to the treehouse. We were curious about what the Risi were doing—after all, they can’t travel without a key. We were all shocked when they actually activated the Waypoint.”

  Kensei looked at Jenny.

  “So, it wasn’t Sadi.” Jenny didn’t think it was anymore, not after seeing the girl’s memories.

  Brock leaned toward Kensei. “So, what happened after Jenny stabbed the giant?”

  Kensei was happy to share more details about the raid, though he did embellish the story a bit too much for Jenny’s tastes. While he talked, Rygelus took frequent sips from his copper flask, and Heather trembled with fear. When Kensei got to the part with Blunderbore, Brock and Rygelus nodded. They seemed to be familiar with the leader of the giants.

  Adriana jerked backward. “I see something.” She set her bowl down and pointed at the portal. “There. Something’s moving toward us.”

  “Pack it all up.” Rygelus pulled the stew pot out of the fire.

  Brock covered coals. Jenny stuffed everyone’s bowls and canteens into her burstepi. Kensei slung the heavy backpack full of weapons onto his shoulders. Adriana deactivated her portal.

  “Quickly, we must hide.” Rygelus handed Jenny the stew pot to store in her bag.

  “Where?” Jenny looked around.

  “There.” He pointed to a grove of fir trees with low-hanging branches. “Climb those trees.”

  Heather didn’t need their invitations. He was already halfway up the nearest tree.

  “I need some help.” Adriana stumbled around the clearing. Her eyes remained rolled back in her head.

  “I’ve got you.” Jenny took her sister’s hand and guided her to a tree. She helped Adriana get to the first branch before finding her own tree to climb.

  Brock climbed his own tree, but Rygelus took cover behind a trunk.

  “What about Rygelus?” Jenny asked Brock.

  “Just climb,” Brock commanded. “He knows what he’s doing.”

  Rygelus strung his bow and readied an arrow.

  “What is he doing?” Kensei asked.

  “He’s leading them away,” Brock said.

  With her sore shoulder, Jenny struggled to climb the tree. When she could go no farther, she stopped and straddled a branch. She was only about nine meters off the ground. It would have to be enough. She leaned against the trunk and remained silent.

  The songbirds stopped their singing, and the forest grew silent. Across the clearing, a dozen dark shapes emerged from the dense woods. The giants wore padded armor and leather helmets. They carried clubs, javelins, and bows. Several of them each carried an elk carcass on their broad shoulders.

  A wild-looking, tattered Risi walked on all fours into the clearing. He sniffed at the air, then pointed in the direction of their abandoned campsite. The giants spoke to each other in a low, guttural language. The biggest Risi barked a command. Several of the giants charged across the clearing in great, clomping strides. Two of them stopped directly below Jenny’s tree and peered up through the dense branches.

  Jenny pulled her arms and legs closer to her body. She looked over at the others. Heather was the highest, followed by Kensei and Brock. But Adriana was only about five meters up. Jenny feared that her sister would be spotted.

  Sweat formed on Jenny’s forehead as she reached for her gun. She remembered what Brock had said earlier: We should avoid engaging them at all costs. But, he couldn’t have known we’d be in this situation. One of the giants leaned against Jenny’s tree and peered up the trunk. I have to try something. With her heart thundering in her chest, Jenny pried the clasp of her gun open. As she did so, a drop of sweat fell and landed on the Risi’s dirt-covered face.

  33

  Selkan Preparation

  The Tamarack’s crew began restocking the city-size warship the moment they entered Earth’s orbit. It had been months since they had visited any planet. In addition to the basics, like air and water, they imported luxury goods such as sugar and coffee. Now, a steady train of supply ships flew back and forth from Earth’s Pacific orbital launch platform to the massive ship.

  Victus’s spaceplane merged into the supply chain until they reached the Tamarack. They broke off and entered the Tamarack at hangar eight. The plane jolted as docking clamps gripped it. Then, its passengers and crew floated out of their seats and entered the airlock.

  As Victus waited for the air to cycle, he wondered about Jack Spriggan. Had the man run away? Had he been discovered as a spy and killed? Before leaving, Victus had questioned the Endeavor’s personnel. The last time anyone had seen Jack was in the mess hall. I should have interrogated their leader, Lin Song, before I killed her. He pinched the bridge of his nose. I screwed up. Now I may never know of his fate.

  At least I did not leave empty-handed. He looked down at Cassadi Stevens. She’s only a few years younger than me, Victus thought. And I sense great potential in her. But not as much as that the girl with the black hair. If only she had joined us. Such a waste that any of them had to die. They would all have been powerful allies in our quest to maintain peace in the galaxy.

  The airlock door opened with a hiss, and Victus led Miss Stevens onto the ship. As they floated down the main corridor of the Tamarack, he described each station of the ship. Cassadi displayed great interest in the vessel, and he soon found himself enjoying her company.

  As they reached the center of the ship, artificial gravity took over, and they walked to the lift. Victus led Sadi up to the crew deck and down a long hallway. He stopped in front of a door. “I hope these quarters will suit your needs, Miss Stevens,” Victus said as he opened her assigned cabin.

  Cassadi walked inside and went straight to the porthole window with a view of Earth. She unfastened her braid and shook out her curly brown hair.

  Victus watched from the door and smiled. “Take your time, look around.”

  While Cassadi inspected her room, he stud
ied the Riftkey. It was perfection. Two impossibly reflective plates held a block of pure darkness. When activated, that darkness would glow a bright blue that could disintegrate anything it touched.

  I will need to have a scabbard made as soon as possible, Victus thought. He looked up at Cassadi, who was inspecting the closet. “I can come back later…”

  Cassadi walked up to him and searched his face with her deep brown eyes.

  Victus was impressed that she didn’t shudder at his black one. “If you need more time.”

  Cassadi glanced down at the Riftkey, then jerked her gaze away. “You mentioned a task suitable for my talent.”

  “You are correct.”

  “And, please call me Sadi.” She smiled.

  Victus cleared his throat and turned toward the door. “Follow me, Sadi.”

  Together, Victus and Sadi left the crew deck and boarded a lift down to the lower levels. They exited onto a level with white walls rather than the standard gray found throughout the ship. It was silent here, and well guarded. After passing through three security checkpoints, a muted conversation could be heard from the end of a long hall.

  Victus led Sadi into the room at the end of the hall. It was filled with a terrible stench. Sadi pulled the collar of her black Tyran uniform over her nose. Along the left wall, at least twenty Selkans filled a small pen. They lacked space to sit, let alone lie down, and their fur was matted with excrement and urine. Bright lights lit a stainless steel operating table in the center of the room. It was fitted with a surgical halo device and sturdy straps.

  Two men in white lab coats were arguing. One was young, a cadet with close-cut hair. The other was old, with wild, white hair. Doctor Abrams was in charge of integrating Selkans to the ship. Currently, he was berating his young assistant. Neither of them noticed the visitors.

  Victus approached the doctor.

  Doctor Abrams turned slowly to see Victus and Sadi. He glanced at the Riftkey in Victus’s hand. “I see you found it.”

  “I did.” Victus set the Riftkey on the operating table. It was a heavy thing, and he had grown weary of carrying it around. I really need to get a scabbard for it. He turned to the doctor and asked, “What is going on here?”