by Heidi Skarie
STAR RIDER
AND
Bonds of Love
HEIDI SKARIE
Blue Star Visions
Minnetonka, MN 55345-1128
USA
http://Bluestarvisions.com
Info@bluestarvisions
Copyright © 2021 by Harriet Skarie.
Cover design by 100 Covers
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
Reference
1. Skarie, Heidi 2. Science Fiction 3. Romantic Science Fiction 4. Visionary Fiction
.
DEDICATION
For my husband with love.
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The story reveals the exciting events that led up to Toemeka joining the Coalition and becoming an undercover operative.
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PRAISE FOR STAR RIDER ON THE RAZOR’S EDGE:
Book one of the Star Rider Series
“Fast-paced! I couldn’t put it down. Waiting for the next book.”
—Carolyn Veno
“I’d recommend this novel to everyone who likes sci-fi action novels infused with spiritual insights.”
—Iva Kenaz, author of The Goddess Within
“Skarie’s writing has great appeal. I admire her ability to thread the uncertainties and heat of romance into a high-tech plot set well into the future—one that maintains our interest with its unusual weaponry, modes of transportation and surprising tactics… Star Rider keep you guessing on several fronts until the surprising end.”
—Chloe Callan
“Fantastic book… very well written… I cannot recommend this book highly enough.”
—Amazon Reviewer
“This is a sci-fi adventure/romance, the first in a series. Ethereal and fascinating descriptions, mixed with everyday realism, spring from the pen of this skilled writer. Toemeka's code name is Star Rider and everything changes for her when she meets Michio and discovers he is an Ahimsa Warrior. They are both on a mission with narrow escapes from deadly screeching tawkus and unexpected rescues in a fast-moving narrative with breathtaking action. Will their separate missions drive them apart or bring them together? You won’t know till you reach the end of this thrilling story!”
—Marie Flanagan
“The first book in a brand-new series, Star Rider is full of action, adventure, science fiction, and romance. The author introduces you to a fascinating new world. It is a fast-paced book. There is also a spiritual side to the book that surprised me. I will definitely be reading more of this series. It is a highly entertaining read.”
—Jen Sut
“Star Rider on the Razor's Edge had me from page one! It has the perfect combination for quality entertainment—I didn't want to put it down, but I also didn’t want it to end.”
—Lyndra Hearn Antonson, author, How to Find Love: A Spiritual Approach
“Without a doubt, Star Rider on the Razor’s Edge by Heidi Skarie instills creative imagination. It takes you to realms where illusions of power for the enslavement of the many are soon uncovered… It was exciting, spell-binding, artfully choreographed and provocative!”
—Jean Weber, author of Pets Are Soul, Too
Contents
Chapter 1 Setting Traps
Chapter 2 The Child
Chapter 3 Cadmus
Chapter 4 New Challenges
Chapter 5 Tests
Chapter 6 Devil’s Eye
Chapter 7 Double-Cross
Chapter 8 Repercussions
Chapter 9 Escape
Chapter 10 Reunited
Chapter 11 The Ring
Chapter 12 Master Bakka
Chapter 13 Hard Choices
Chapter 14 Prison Camp
Chapter 15 Unholy Sacrifice
Chapter 16 Ceremonial Hall
Chapter 17 Desperate Measures
Chapter 18 Wilderness
Chapter 19 Unexpected Complications
Chapter 20 Bvundo Mountains
Chapter 21 Rushing Water River
Chapter 22 Owayan Tribe
Chapter 23 Misunderstandings
Chapter 24 The Fight
Chapter 25 The Attack
Chapter 26 End of a People
Chapter 27 Waiting
Chapter 28 Farmhouse
Chapter 29 Heart of the Enemy
Chapter 30 Home
Chapter 31 Nyla
Chapter 32 Dangerous Enemies
Chapter 33 The Trap
Chapter 34 Final Battle
Chapter 35 Epilogue
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
About the Author
1
Setting Traps
Country of Jaipar, Planet Borko
The sound of steel-against-steel rang in the cavern as two Borithon swords crashed together. The last rays of sundown sliced over the rock wall, shining on Michio Kimes. He moved agilely away, watching his footing on the uneven ground as his blond sparring partner, Prince Erling Fenian, slashed his sword at him. Michio was now in the shadows and Erling stood in the shaft of light with a confident smile on his well-formed features.
Michio watched for Erling’s next move, tension building in his arms and shoulders. He’d never fought with a Borithon sword before and was having trouble getting used to the weapon’s unusual qualities. It vibrated in his hand and seemed to have a life of its own. It repelled or attracted the other Borithon sword in an unpredictable manner.
Erling leapt onto a boulder and Michio came after him, slashing the sword in a wide arc. Erling barely managed to deflect the blade. Michio relentlessly struck again and Erling swept up his sword, meeting Michio’s blade in midair. The two swords locked, causing a flash of light to shoot out. Pulling back, Michio lunged, feinted, then thrust again, while struggling to keep his balance on the uneven terrain.
No longer smiling, Erling countered in a circular parry, turning aside Michio’s blade in an equally aggressive move and retaliating with forceful blows. The spirited battle continued with neither man getting the upper hand. They were too well-matched in size, strength and ability.
Michio began to tire from the energetic encounter, but he didn’t dare let down his guard.
Wiping sweat from his brow, he watched Erling.
Erling’s blue eyes flickered and Michio knew he was going to release the second blade on his sword. In one fluid motion, Michio leapt aside and pressed a button on his own sword.
The two blades split apart, opening at a forty-five-degree angle joined at the hilt; it was as if the weapon was a pair of shears. Michio swung the lethal sword at his adversary, meeting Erling’s double blades with his own. His arm shook from the force of the impact.
Erling drew back his sword. Michio paused, watching for Erling’s next move. Fighting with two blades was difficult and he couldn’t afford to make a mistake. Two bla
des came slashing at him again. This time he hit one of Erling’s blades head on—the other blade sliced into his jacket.
Michio moved above his discomfort with the unfamiliar weapon and fought with renewed vigor, instinctively sensing Erling’s next maneuver. Michio’s sword flashed out in a fluid, smooth rhythm and his body moved gracefully in total harmonious control.
Erling’s thrusts were less certain, his arm unsteady. Michio forced him to back up as he struck repeatedly.
“Stop at once!” a woman’s voice exclaimed, breaking Michio’s concentration.
He glanced toward the door of the virtual reality workout room, relaxing his grip on the sword. Erling leapt forward and slid his blades between Michio’s, one over and one under, then gave a quick twist. The sword flew out of Michio’s hand.
“Effective maneuver,” Michio said, realizing he shouldn’t have taken his attention off the match for even a moment. He knew how good Erling was from their days of fighting together in the revolt that won Jaipar’s freedom.
“What do you two think you’re doing?” demanded Queen Koriann, the youthful ruler of Jaipar. Captain Zachary, head of the royal guards, followed her into the room and hit the control button on the wall. Images of canyons disappeared from screens around the room and the setting sun and clouds disappeared from the ceiling. Boulders sank back into the floor.
“Sparring, love,” Erling replied, grinning impishly at his wife of several months. “We need to keep up our skills.”
“Sparring! Without epee masks or energy shields for protection?”
“It’s better to practice without them,” Michio said, turning off his weapon. “It makes for greater concentration when there’s real danger.”
“You’re worse than Erling!” Koriann’s eyes flashed.
Michio straightened, annoyed at being taken to task by a woman almost ten years his junior. “Sparring isn’t for fun. Knowing how to use a Borithon sword may save our lives someday.”
“They’re too dangerous to spar with! Erling nearly died from a poisoned blade just six months ago. I understand target practice with blasters or hand-to-hand combat training. But fencing with ritualistic swords used only in Haklute, a country we occupy, is an unnecessary skill!”
“A warrior has to master an assortment of skills,” Zac said. “You know that. It was drilled into you since childhood.”
The queen glared at him. “Erling’s a ruler now. He doesn’t have to keep up the skills of a warrior.”
“Don’t blame Zac,” Erling said. “It wasn’t his idea. He’s just returned from visiting your former sweetheart, King Zanton.” A teasing grin spread across his face.
“That treacherous snake was never my sweetheart!” She returned her attention to Zac. “How was your visit? How’s Zanton taking being a token ruler of an occupied country?”
“Not well. He’s furious about the new ordinances. He’s accustomed to power and could pose a serious threat to us. I’ve already advised Prince Erling to imprison him.”
Erling’s expression turned grave. “When I was trapped on his spaceship, I gave my word that he could still rule Haklute. If I hadn’t, he wouldn’t have let me and my pilots live. A man’s reputation is built on his word and I won’t go back on mine. Besides he’s been stripped of power and the Haklute government is now controlled by our military.”
“He’ll cause trouble,” Zac said. “The Haklute people believe their monarchs are chosen by God. It won’t take much to trigger an uprising. King Zanton hates you and will stop at nothing to kill you. He’s a threat as long as he lives.”
Koriann’s eyes widened with concern.
“He’s impotent,” Erling said. “But you’re right; he should be watched closely. At any rate, it was thoughtful of him to give us these Borithon swords.”
“Zanton gave you those?!” Koriann exclaimed.
“Sure did,” Erling said, breaking into a smile again.
“He probably hopes you’ll kill each other with them and you almost obliged him. I assume you had the sense to be sure there wasn’t poison on the blades.”
“One of my most trusted men cleaned the blades,” Zac said.
Koriann frowned. “Your sleeve’s singed, Michio. Some residue must still be on the blades. Did the sword cut into your skin?”
Zac rushed over to Michio, his face pale. “Don’t touch the poison. I swear the blades were clean. I supervised it myself.”
Michio looked down at his jacket, his stomach turning when he saw the singed sleeve. He hadn’t felt any pain, but a warrior learns to ignore pain during battle. Concerned, he pulled off the jacket. How could he have been so careless? Even a slight wound from a poisoned blade could be fatal. Koriann was right to reprimand him. He was a married man, soon to be a father. He had more than himself to think about.
Michio pulled back his shirtsleeve and was relieved to see the sword hadn’t cut into his arm. He was careful not to touch the poison as he handed Zac his jacket.
“I’ll have the residue on the jacket and swords analyzed. This will be investigated.”
Michio felt on edge. Had someone put poison on the sword blades after they were cleaned in an attempt to assassinate Prince Erling?
“Bring me the results as soon as you have them,” Erling said. He shook Michio’s hand. “Thanks for the match. It was a good workout. That was a great move when you anticipated my releasing the second blade and released yours. How did you know that’s what I planned to do?”
“By watching your eyes.”
“Think of your wife, Michio,” Koriann said, still sounding annoyed. “Toemeka needs you to be supportive of her—not take unnecessary risks.”
“Toemeka would understand,” Erling said. “You should see the way she and I worked out when we were Coalition partners. We never bothered with energy shields. She’s an excellent fencer. Challenge her to a match sometime, Mich. She’ll give you a good workout.”
Michio slid his sword into its sheath, glad that his wife no longer served as a Coalition field operative. No one wanted their spouse to have a job where they had to carry a suicide pill when sent out on a mission. Being reminded of her past brought the interplanetary war to mind. It had only been nine months since Jaipar overthrew its tyrant, General Bhandar—a minion of Samrat Condor—and regained its freedom. More recently, Samrat Condor had completely taken over planet Alandra where the Coalition Headquarters was located. The remaining Coalition operatives were spread across the galaxy, stationed at secret bases.
Michio’s thoughts shifted back to the present moment and Erling’s comment, realizing Erling saw Toemeka much differently than he did. “Toemeka’s about to become a mother. She doesn’t need to keep up her skills.”
“Actually, that’s why I hunted you down,” Koriann said. “Toemeka’s in labor. She couldn’t reach you on your communicator, so she called me.”
A rush of nervous energy flooded through Michio. “I turned off my communicator before sparring. I didn’t want the distraction.”
He tapped the face of his watch communicator and said, “Call home.” On the third ring Toemeka answered and her lovely face appeared on the screen.
“Koriann just told me you’re in labor,” he said. His voice revealed his concern and he took a deep breath. He didn’t want Toemeka to pick up on his emotions; he needed to be calm for her.
“It’s nothing to worry about. I’m still in the early stage.”
He winced, realizing she’d picked up on his uneasiness. “I’ll come right home.”
“There’s no rush. I feel great—excited.”
“Should I bring Dr. Tenzing?”
“No, it’s too soon. I love you.”
“I love you, too.” Her image disappeared from the screen.
“How’s she doing?” Erling asked.
“Do you want us there?” Koriann added before Michio could answer. “We’re the closest she has to family.”
“She’s fine and doesn’t want everyone sitting around for hour
s, waiting for the baby to arrive.” Michio raked a hand through his hair. “I’m about to become a father.”
2
The Child
While flying home, Michio wondered how Toemeka’s labor and delivery would go. First births were often long, but she was strong and healthy so he expected it to go well.
He landed the Viper 4X near their country home that lay at the edge of the mountains. Once in the house, he dashed upstairs. “Where are you?”
“In the nursery,” she called back.
He found her folding baby clothes into a drawer. Upon seeing him, a smile lit her lovely face. Her long, black hair hung in loose curls down her back and she wore a blue dress that bulged out around her large belly. She looked the very picture of motherhood.
“I’m glad you’re home.” She held a small baby sleeper in her hands that looked as if it was made for a doll rather than a real baby.
“Shouldn’t you be resting?” he asked, giving her a kiss.
“It’s better if I move around and I want to be sure the baby’s room is ready for him.” She’d painted the ceiling blue with soft fluffy clouds and over the crib she’d hung a mobile of the planets in their solar system.
“How are your contractions?”
“Still irregular. They—” she stopped mid-sentence, breathing deeply, then spread a blue blanket in the crib.
“Are you feeling okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. I don’t want you fretting over me.” She looked at him with a soft expression in her brown eyes.
Michio drew her into his arms. “I’ll try not to.”
“Pretty soon when you kiss me, there won’t be this baby bulge between us,” she said, placing her hands on her swollen womb. “And I can go back to being slender and pretty.”
“You’re beautiful pregnant. You have a special glow about you.” A feeling of overwhelming love spread through him.
***
As the evening wore on, Toemeka’s contractions continued to be irregular. She sat on the bed, editing a manuscript Michio had about the experiences he’d had in his search for enlightenment. Through reading it, she was coming to a much greater understanding of her husband. His training began in his youth. When he was a toddler, his mother taught him how to travel out of his body and into the Inner Worlds. He told about his love of flying in the clouds and the games he played with one of the Masters.