Star Rider and Bonds of Love: A Sci-Fi Space Opera with a Touch of Fantasy

by Heidi Skarie

  Far away she heard Erling’s voice, “Toemeka, it’s all right.”

  She slid back into her body, feeling shaken. “Cadmus is blocking me from reaching Michio.”

  Erling put his arm around her. “What’s going on? You cried out in contemplation.”

  “Cadmus is hunting for me in the astral world. What if he knows where we are?”

  “He can’t know; we’re in a nest.”

  She leaned her head on his shoulder. “I suppose, but he’s closing in, trying to entrap me.”

  “Be attentive and on guard against him. You can do it; you’re strong.”

  “What if he attacks while I’m asleep?”

  “Shield yourself, even when you’re asleep. Ask for Master Bakka’s protection.”

  “I’ll try. I know he has no power over me if I don’t allow it.” She visualized the Master’s inner presence. As she drifted off to sleep, she thought about being reunited with Baymond. She didn’t intend to ever leave him again.

  In the middle of the night a piercing screech awoke Toemeka. Half-asleep she didn’t know if she was dreaming or where she was. It was pitch-black and she couldn’t see a thing. She heard the beating of large wings, then saw two bright eyes staring at her. Panic overwhelmed her as she wondered if she was looking into the eyes of a tawku, Lord Falcon’s dreaded creatures from lower astral hells.

  ***

  The hair stood up on the back of Zac’s neck when he heard the growl. Whatever made the noise sounded close.

  “It’s a bashe,” Benray said from where he stood a short distance away. “Back away slowly. Don’t run. It’s just above you on a tree limb.”

  Zac looked up and saw a large bashe among the leaves and branches. Its round eyes seemed to glow in the moonlight. “Why don’t I just shoot it?”

  “We don’t want any Raptor scouts to know our location.”

  “Being killed by that thing seems like a more immediate threat.” Sweat dripped down Zac’s forehead as he started backing away. The bashe growled again—a low, deep growl.

  “Wave your arms and look as big as you can.”

  Zac raised his arms and started waving them. “He doesn’t look intimidated.”

  “Watch your footing. You’re about to step into the stream.”

  Benray’s voice sounded much closer and Zac now smelled the familiar odor of his unwashed body. He glanced down and stepped away from the rushing stream water. His heart constricted in fear. Facing the large cat again, Zac said, “Go. Go,” in a soft voice. He took another step backwards, still waving his arms. The large cat disappeared into the dense leaves.

  Zac jumped when Benray clamped a large hand on his shoulder. “You did well. I’m glad Richwood wasn’t here tonight. He might have done something stupid, like run.”

  “What would’ve happened if I ran?”

  “The bashe’s instinct is to chase running prey. Now let’s fill up our water containers and get out of here. I’ll stand and keep an eye out for the bashe. If we’re both squatting down, he might decide we’re easy prey and jump on our backs.”

  “Why don’t you fill up the jugs while I guard?” Zac said, waiting for his heart to stop racing.

  “Nervous boy—well, I can’t say I blame you, but all the same I’m much bigger and more intimidating than you. He’ll think twice before tangling with me.”

  Benray had a point, Zac thought, as he pushed the large water container under the cold water to fill it. Benray’s presence might’ve been why the bashe didn’t attack.

  “Everyone’s hungry,” Zac said, “and our rations are nearly gone.”

  “You want me to kill that bashe with my knife, so we can eat raw bashe meat?” Humor tinged Benray’s voice, so Zac didn’t think he was serious. Anyway the bashe was gone—maybe. It could be sitting among the dark leaves, watching them.

  “I just meant we can’t stay in the sinkhole much longer,” Zac said.

  “Hiding in the sinkhole was a stroke of genius. Don’t spoil it by getting too eager to leave.”

  Zac starting filling the second water container. “Do you think the bashe is still there?”

  “Could be. Just like those Samrat soldiers could be still scouring the forest for us.”

  26

  End of a People

  Michio twisted his wrists in an attempt to loosen the rope binding. When Cadmus’ men stopped for the night, the handcuffs were removed so he could eat, but then he was bound to a tree trunk. Jake was close by, tied to another tree. The soldiers slept, except for two guards who walked the camp perimeter.

  Michio closed his eyes, drained. They’d been forced to walk for hours and it was well after midnight. Despite the fatigue, he was too worried to sleep. “I hope Toemeka and Erling make it,” he said to Jake.

  “They will. Erling’s familiar with these woods. Cadmus and his men aren’t,” Jake said. “With any luck, Erling and Toemeka will reach the farm within three days.”

  “Unless they decide to come back for us.”

  “I’m sure Erling’s figured out by now that Toemeka’s not safe on Alandra.”

  “He sees her as a Coalition agent. She may convince him to search for us.”

  “Well, she was a Coalition agent for five years and a good one,” Jake said. “I have to admit, I wouldn’t mind being rescued. The prospect of torture, then execution is rather grim. I like being alive.”

  “So do I, but it’s too dangerous for them to come after us. Cadmus is a powerful sorcerer.” A soft shuffling sound behind Michio startled him. A moment later, someone tugged at his ropes. He stifled the impulse to turn around and see who it was.

  The rope fell away from his hands, but Michio continued to keep his arms behind him. A short distance away a guard sat by the campfire, staring into the flames.

  Michio whispered to Jake. “Someone just cut my ropes.” When the dark figure moved silently behind Jake’s tree, Michio saw it was Kumaroo. Once Jake’s bonds were cut, Michio and Jake slipped into the woods with Kumaroo, who led them away from the camp.

  A shout rang out, followed by more shouting. Kumaroo quickened his pace, leading them to two axterdons. Upon seeing the creatures, Michio’s heart lifted in the hope that they might actually escape. Kumaroo mounted one and Michio and Jake the other. The axterdons started off at a lumbering gate.

  Kumaroo kicked his axterdon in the sides and made a clicking sound. The beast broke into a fast run, weaving through the large trees. The axterdon Michio and Jake were on followed without urging.

  Michio tightened his grip. “Who would’ve guessed axterdons could run so fast!” he exclaimed.

  “I sure didn’t.” Jake’s voice sounded jerky from the axterdon’s uneven gait.

  “With them, we’ve got a good chance of losing the soldiers.” Michio found he didn’t have to do much more than hold on. Their axterdon stayed right behind Kumaroo’s, racing for over an hour at that harrowing pace before Kumaroo slowed his beast down.

  “How are you holding up?” Michio asked Jake.

  “All right. I’m grateful to be riding an axterdon. I don’t think I could’ve made it far if I’d had to run all this way.”

  “I wonder where Kumaroo is taking us.”

  “I’ll ask.” Jake called out to Kumaroo.

  Kumaroo let them catch up and ride alongside him. He and Jake exchanged a few words, then Jake said, “He’s taking us to their new camp.”

  “Thank Kumaroo for rescuing us.”

  Jake translated. “He said you’re his blood brother now and he’s honor-bound to help you.”

  “Ask him if many survived the attack.”

  “I already did. Most were killed.”

  Michio was sick at heart.

  Kumaroo drew up his axterdon and made the sound of a bird cry. They waited and soon an answering cry rang through the air. Michio looked around, but couldn’t spot anyone. They proceeded forward until they reached a small camp.

  Kumaroo signaled for them to stop and they dismounted. Michi
o was glad to be off the axterdon. On stiff legs, he followed Kumaroo to a campfire.

  Kumaroo spoke to Jake who translated. “I’m to stay here. You’re to follow him.” Kumaroo handed Jake a bowl of stew before leading Michio over to someone lying on a fur. When he got closer, Michio saw it was the medicine man. His face was ashen and he looked asleep, but when Michio sat beside him he opened his eyes. Michio focused inwardly until he felt an inner connection. You’ve been wounded. Is there anything I can do?

  No, it’s time for me to return to the Source. The laughing river calls me. I’m glad Kumaroo freed you and the circle between you is complete. Everything happens for a reason.

  You knew I used what your people call magic to win the fight with Kumaroo, yet you defended me, Michio communicated.

  I know you used magic, but only because you love the woman. The Master told me to protect you.

  What will your people do, now that so many of their warriors have been killed?

  The end of the cycle draws near as we saw in the vision. Our chief was killed and I will soon join him. Kumaroo will lead our people now.

  Why didn’t your magic hide us? Why didn’t your scouts see Cadmus coming and warn the camp?

  Cadmus’ magic is stronger than mine and he used it to find our camp. Our scouts were killed. Many more of them should have been guarding the camp, but my people depend on my spells to protect them. You need to find your woman and return to your people. Kumaroo will give you supplies. My time is done; I go now to the river to join the ones who have already crossed over to the other side.

  Michio slipped out of his physical body. In the Inner Worlds, the medicine man looked much younger and his translucent body was surrounded by Light. They walked to the laughing river where many of the Owayan tribe gathered. Michio recognized some of the men from the Owayan camp.

  The tribe greeted the medicine man warmly. When they started to lead him away, he turned to Michio and clasped his lower arm. We’ll meet again.

  Michio nodded. I’ll watch for you. He reentered his physical body and saw the medicine man was no longer breathing. Michio signaled to Kumaroo who immediately came over. When he saw the medicine man was dead, he sat down and started chanting lah-ku. The other warriors gathered around and joined the chant.

  Michio focused his attention on God and served as a pure channel for the Life Force to flow through. The chanting went on for a long time and finally Michio’s concern for Toemeka caused him to whisper to Kumaroo, “Toemeka.”

  Kumaroo turned to him with concern in his eyes. They left the circle of men surrounding the medicine man and returned to where Jake slept. Kumaroo handed Michio a bowl of stew. Michio hadn’t given a thought to eating, but upon smelling the rich aroma he realized he was starving. This was likely to be the last warm meal he’d have for awhile. While Michio ate, Kumaroo packed supplies on an axterdon.

  “What’s going on?” Jake yawned and sat up.

  “The medicine man died. Kumaroo is giving us use of an axterdon and supplies so we can find Toemeka and Erling and get to Kossel.”

  Once the axterdon was loaded, Kumaroo handed Michio and Jake rifles and knives.

  “Jake, thank Kumaroo for the weapons and our lives,” Michio said.

  Jake relayed the message, then translated Kumaroo’s reply. “What he has is yours.”

  “Tell him we are truly brothers in Spirit and I will inwardly always be with him and his people. If he wants to contact me, all he needs to do is listen within to the wind that flows through all things.”

  Jake cocked an eyebrow. “You want me to tell him that? It doesn’t make any sense.”

  “He’ll understand.”

  Jake spoke to Kumaroo and again translated his reply. “He said your magic is strong, otherwise he would’ve won the fight. He will look for you inwardly when he fasts for visions and together you will soar like eagles.” Jake glanced at Kumaroo, smiled, then continued. “He is glad he lost the fight because now it is you, not him, who has to go after the woman. Toemeka and Erling disappeared into the wilderness and the Owayan warriors haven’t been able to pick up their trail.”

  “Tell him Toemeka is my heart and Soul. I will gladly go after her.”

  Kumaroo replied through Jake. “Owayan warriors protect their women, too. Kumaroo would fight and die for his wife.”

  “He already has a wife!” Michio exclaimed. “Why did he want Toemeka then?”

  Jake translated. “The Owayans can have more than one wife. Kumaroo liked her exotic skin color and the way she boldly looked at him.”

  Kumaroo held up his thumb and Michio touched his sun-darkened thumb against Kumaroo’s blue one. Then he and Jake mounted the axterdon and left camp.

  ***

  Too terrified to move, Toemeka stared at the enormous dark form sweeping toward her, screaming keeow, keeow. The screech sent shivers up her spine. She heard the beating of its wings as it drew closer and she threw up her arms to protect her face. Huge talons reached toward her and large wings hit against her body.

  “Look out, Toemeka!” Erling yelled. He sprang to his feet and waved his arms, shouting at the bird, “Get out of here!”

  It turned on Erling and Toemeka frantically felt around for her blaster. Before she located it, Erling grabbed her arm and pulled her up. “It’s a giant night buzzard! We’ve got to get out of its nest!”

  “Wait! I can’t find my blaster.”

  Another shrill cry pierced the air. “Its mate’s coming. Move!” The buzzard swooped in again and Erling slammed his forearm into it, then grabbed Toemeka around the waist and swung her onto the branch. “Crawl! Now!”

  Toemeka crept toward the tree trunk looming ahead. A second giant night buzzard flew at her and its talons closed around her arm and jerked her off the branch. She screamed and tumbled downward, falling through leaves and thin branches. She grasped a limb, caught hold and swung in the air for a moment. The branch cracked, broke and she plummeted again. Slamming into a large branch, she landed flat on her back—the wind knocked out of her.

  “Toemeka!” Erling yelled. “Where are you?”

  She heard alarm in his voice, but was too winded to speak as she struggled for breath. Finally, she drew a wheezing gasp of air into her lungs. The raptor flew down to where she lay and she kicked at it. The raptor flew upward, screeching angrily.

  “I’m okay!” she shouted hoarsely to Erling. “Just stunned. I landed on a branch.”

  “I’ll climb down to you. Meet me at the trunk. Can you do that?”

  “If the damn bird will let me!”

  Toemeka carefully rolled onto her hands and knees, then started crawling toward the tree trunk. The giant night buzzard closed in again and she wrapped her arms and legs tightly around the limb.

  “Frek! Let go!” she yelled as the bird’s talons closed around her leg, trying to drag her off the branch. “Erling, hurry!”

  “Hang on; I’m coming.” His voice sounded farther away than before.

  “Where are you?” She slammed her elbow into the raptor, hitting a mass of feathers.

  “I just reached the trunk.”

  “Hurry!” The limb swayed as Erling dropped onto it. His dark form ran along the large branch toward her. He shouted and waved his arms, as he sprinted toward the buzzard.

  It released her and flew upward. Erling pulled Toemeka to her feet and they ran to the tree trunk.

  Once there, Erling said, “It’s too dangerous to tear around in the dark. Let’s wait and see if they leave us alone now that we’re out of their nest.”

  Toemeka stood still, waiting for her pounding heart to return to normal as she listened to the buzzards’ cries. “It didn’t leave me alone before, when it tried to pull me off the branch.”

  “Giant night buzzards kill their prey that way. I saw one pull a young tajir over the edge of a cliff. It fell to its death, then the buzzard flew down to eat it.”

  “Tajirs are big animals.” She inwardly pictured the Giant night buzzard pull
ing the large antlered tajir off a mountainside. “You’re not making me feel better. I should’ve slept with my blaster in my pocket. Now I’ve lost it!”

  “I don’t care about the blaster.” Erling put his arm around her and drew her close. “I thought you’d fallen to your death.” His voice was gruff with emotion.

  She shuddered. “It happened so fast I didn’t have time to panic.”

  He examined the torn sleeve of her leather jacket. “You’re bleeding.”

  She glanced down at her throbbing arm. Her leg hurt as well. “Its claws dug in when it grabbed me.”

  “Were you hurt anywhere else from the fall?”

  “I’m okay.” She moved out of his comforting arms. “Did the buzzards get you, too?”

  “One bit my hand. The scar will give me bragging rights. Not many can claim they were attacked by a giant night buzzard—and lived.”

  “You might not want to admit you were stupid enough to sleep in their nest.”

  “True. Listen.”

  “What? I don’t hear anything.”

  “That’s the point. The buzzards stopped screeching. I think it’s safe to sit down.” He sat on the limb and leaned against the trunk.

  Toemeka peered into the darkness. “I wish we could see them in case they attack again.”

  “So do I.”

  Toemeka’s legs felt wobbly—a nervous reaction from her fall setting in. She sank down beside Erling and pushed the light button on her aviator watch. It was well past midnight, but she was too keyed up to sleep. This had been one of the worst days of her life, she didn’t even know if Michio was alive. Tears filled her eyes as she thought of him. “We have to search for Michio and Jake tomorrow.”

  “It’s too dangerous to go back.”

  “Danger never stopped us before.”

  He snorted. “Point taken.”

  “We’ll start searching when the sun comes up.”

  “Why don’t we talk about this after we’ve rested and had time to look at the situation from all angles?”