by Scott Baron
Hap was smiling as well, but patiently waiting for his father. Not too long ago, the boy would have simply rushed to him and wrapped him in a hug, but the child had seen much and endured many hardships since he’d been taken from their home. He’d been forced to grow a bit, but this was something else. This was maturity.
Training with a variety of masters in the short time he’d been with Hozark and his friends had tempered his enthusiasm and taught him restraint. But even those lessons flew out the window when his father finally drew close.
Hap ran forward those few steps and hugged him hard. Visla Jinnik wrapped his arms around his son, tears of joy running down his face. Once, he would have proudly held them back, but he was a changed man now, and for the better.
“Look at you,” he said, releasing his embrace. “You look like you’ve grown since I saw you last. And is that muscle you’ve put on?” he asked, squeezing the boy’s shoulders. “It seems you’ll be a man sooner than I’d expected.”
“I got to train with a bunch of really great teachers,” the boy said, his characteristic excitable nature bubbling back to the surface. “I even got to spend some time with Master Turong!”
Even Jinnik had heard of the legendary master. He’d trained a great number of men and women who went on to do amazing things. He had even taken on some young gladiators once as a favor, though he swore never to do so again. But those fighters became some of the finest the arenas had ever seen. He turned to face the Ghalian where they had gathered.
“Thank you. Thank you for all you have done.”
“It was our pleasure,” Hozark said.
Henni strode out of the ship, a big smile on her face at the sight of the boy and his father together again.
“Henni!” Hap called out.
She hurried over and gave him a hug. “Heya, Hap!”
“You’re back!”
“Yep, I am. You good while I was gone?”
“Yeah. And I got to learn all kinds of cool new stuff.”
“Really? You’ll have to show me.”
Jinnik watched the exchange with amusement. It seemed his boy had formed some true friendships during this whole ordeal.
“You have gone far beyond merely retrieving my son. I owe the Ghalian a debt. If you ever need my help, you have but to ask.”
Corann nodded but said nothing. The offer, however, was cataloged in her mind, though she hoped such a favor would never need to be called in.
“Happizano has proven to be a most pleasant young man,” she said. “And he has shown great promise in both the magical and martial arts. But I prattle on. I’m sure Happizano has much he wants to show you.”
“Yeah, come on! Henni, you wanna come?”
“Will there be knives?”
“Of course.”
“Then sure, sounds like fun.”
“Great!” Hap tugged at his father’s tunic. “Come on, the training room’s this way. And there’s a target there. I can throw knives now! Did you know that?”
“That’s wonderful, son. I can’t wait to see.” He gave Corann an apologetic but thankful smile.
She fully understood. There was a time for discussion, and a time for bonding. It was clear which was more important at the moment.
“Go on, you two. We can talk further after dinner.”
Jinnik followed his excited son, his heart full and his spirits restored.
Late that evening, long after the others had finished their meals, chatted over some tea, and finally gone to bed, Visla Jinnik sat alone in front of the dwindling magical light of the small fire in Corann’s sitting room, deep in thought. He was so focused that he did not even hear the footsteps of the woman approaching.
Of course, she was a Wampeh Ghalian. He likely wouldn’t have heard them even if he’d been trying.
“Would you like a little company?” a warm voice asked.
He turned to see the matron of the household standing in the doorway.
“Of course, Corann. I was just thinking, I will depart in the morning and take Happizano home. To try to restore his life to some sort of normalcy.”
“The boy deserves no less. But do keep up his training. He has not only an aptitude, but also an enjoyment for it. Do not waste the opportunity.”
“You’re right, of course,” he said with a little smile. “And thank you again for your hospitality. For me as well as my son. Especially him.”
“It has been my pleasure. Happizano is a good lad.”
“He can be a handful at times.”
“What boy his age isn’t? And considering the trauma he has gone through, I would say he has emerged from it all in surprisingly good condition, all things considered.”
“You are wise in your council, and your words are appreciated. You know, he seems to almost be unaffected by what has happened, though I still sense the change in him when he lets his guard down.”
“Children are like that,” she replied. “But he is strong in his power. Like his father.”
“I noticed that. His powers are far more developed than when I last saw him. And he can actually propel and guide a blade now? Oh, how my boy has grown in such a short time.”
“Yes, he has. But I was not referring to his powers. I was referring to the strength of his character, just like you.”
A shadow fell across Visla Jinnik’s countenance. “I fear I am not worthy of that opinion any longer.” He paused, searching for the right words to express what had been troubling him for so long. “I have done terrible things, Corann. Horrible crimes.”
“Done in order to protect your son. It is understandable, and most would do the same.”
“But most are not me. They don’t have my power and the responsibility that comes with it.” He paused, a look of true despair peeking out from behind his mask of calm. “I have killed, Corann. I know for the Ghalian that is a normal occurrence, but I am not a violent man.”
“So I have heard.”
“But because of my actions, thousands have suffered enslavement or even death. I have done the bidding of my Council masters like a good pet, and it haunts me every moment I breathe free air and they do not.”
Corann appreciated his candor just as much as his view on slavery. He aligned well with her own personal beliefs on that topic, which was one more reason she found herself liking the man. Despite his enormous power, and possibly rather entitled existence, this whole fiasco had broken him out of that shell and revealed who he really was. And he was a good man.
“It is true, horrible things have happened, and you were a part of that. But you were a tool being used, not the hand wielding it. While I know this will haunt you, at least know it was not entirely your doing. Not your fault.”
A faint crackle rippled across his skin. It seemed his powers were returning, and with them, the tell-tale sign of his agitation. A visible reminder of just how dangerous he could be.
“I want to make amends, Corann. To do whatever that would entail. But I cannot take on the Council of Twenty.”
“No, you cannot. But you can return home and be the best father, and best ruler your people have ever known. They are under your care, Visla, do not squander that opportunity.”
His mood seemed to lighten a moment, but only just. “But how, Corann? How can I rule now? The Jinnik name is pariah. The very mention will bring anger and sadness whenever it is spoken.”
“Then change it,” she said, simply.
“But I…” He struggled with the concept.
It was so simple, yet such an alien thought to a man whose whole identity had always been as Visla Dinarius Jinnik. Corann watched him struggle with the idea. It was only natural he would be reticent.
“If not for you, then for your son,” she said.
More than his own needs, those of his boy were paramount. And if something as difficult, yet also simple, as a name change would spare his boy a life burdened by his father’s actions, then he would do it.
“You are wise, Corann. Far bey
ond your years.”
“Oh, I am not so young these days.”
“I would beg to differ,” he replied. “You are as lovely as any I’ve encountered.”
Corann smiled and accepted his kind words, as a tactful woman would, then changed the subject back. “So, what name will you choose?”
The man soon to no longer be Jinnik cocked his head a bit in thought, but the answer came to him almost immediately.
“Happizano should bear a name he can be proud of. The name of a great person. The kindest one I ever knew, and whom I loved with all of my being,” he said. “His mother’s family name would do him well. Henceforth, we shall go by Palmarian.”
Corann nodded her approval. “Well, Visla Palmarian, I wish you the best of luck.”
Chapter Fifty-Six
It was a bittersweet farewell.
Hap, despite his bumpy start, had become close with his unlikely guardians, and they had, much to all of their surprise, grown to feel the same way. Even the master Ghalian had developed an affection for the boy, despite his prior, and well-known, dislike for children.
Henni razzed him like a big sister would, and he gave as good as he got, while also making her promise to come visit. She readily agreed, of course. Free food and board in a visla’s estate on Slafara? It would be epic.
“Palmarian, eh?” she said. “I kinda like the sound of it.”
“It’s gonna be weird, though.”
“Only at first. You’ll get used to it. Hell, you got used to all of us, right?” she said with a bright laugh.
“Good point,” the boy replied.
He had already said his farewells to Corann and the others over the course of the morning, and more than a few tears had been shed. This was likely the single greatest experience of his young life, and now it was coming to an end. But he would be home with his father, safe and secure.
And after watching his son excel at so many spells and fighting moves learned in their separation, the visla was very much looking forward to not only teaching his boy to control his magic, but perhaps accompanying him to learn the more physical arts from one of the great masters. A novel bonding experience they could share as father and son.
And so, the pair left their new friends, bound for a home soon to be renamed. A fresh beginning for them both.
“Will I see you again?” Hap asked Hozark as he and his father boarded the ship Corann had arranged for them.
The Ghalian master rested his hands on the boy’s shoulders. “Young Palmarian, I would enjoy nothing more. You may count on it.”
Hap’s smile warmed his heart, and watching the door seal behind him and the ship quickly shrink into a dot in the sky, Hozark was surprised to realize he would actually miss the boy.
“Well, that’s what I call a happy ending. At least for Hap. If only we were so lucky, right?” Bud joked. “I mean, we’ve still got one really, really big task on our agenda. Once we figure out where Maktan has actually gone off to, that is.”
“Indeed. And when we do, we shall make an end of the troublesome man once and for all,” Demelza said.
Corann cleared her throat. “I did not wish to interrupt the happy family’s departure, but about that location.”
“You have received word?” Hozark asked.
“Only just before the Palmarians began saying their farewells.”
“But there wasn’t anyone here,” Laskar said. “Just the porter carrying the––hang on, that man was one of your spies?”
“She was.”
“She?”
“You should know by now, Dohria is exceptionally gifted, even among our kind.”
“But it was a man.”
“Your point being?”
Laskar seemed a bit flummoxed at the woman’s talents. The others, however, found the rest of the matter of more interest.
“We have a location, then?” Bud asked. “Just give me a name and I’ll reach out to Lalaynia for backup.”
“Thank you, Uzabud. It is appreciated. And gratefully accepted,” Corann replied. “In fact, I shall also be calling in the aid of a particular group of mercenaries as well for this contract.”
Hozark raised a brow. “Andorus and his crew? Highly unusual, Corann. What prompts this? A massive diversion, while a favorite trick, might seem a bit obvious given our recent tactics in retrieving the others.”
“This is not merely a deception, Hozark. Maktan has been confirmed to be on Rimpalla, as Laskar’s sources suggested,” Corann said.
Laskar beamed with satisfaction. “See? I told ya.”
“But he is not alone.”
“Well, of course he has guards.”
“Far more than guards, I am afraid,” Corann replied.
“Hang on a sec. What?”
“Visla Maktan is in the company of several powerful Council representatives. Power users, most of them, though not on the Council itself. And it would seem another of the Twenty is there as well. Visla Egrit has joined him at the Council estate on Rimpalla.”
“Egrit?” Laskar asked. “He’s partnered up with Egrit?”
“It would appear that way, though we cannot be certain.”
“But Egrit’s far less powerful than he is.”
“But possesses many connections in systems Maktan does not,” she replied.
Bud seemed more than a little concerned. “This means there will be two Council members there. And both vislas. Oh man, this is not good.”
“Do not forget their high-ranking underlings,” Corann reminded him.
Bud shook his head. “Oh, we are so screwed.”
Hozark shook his head. “We are not screwed. We must simply adapt our strategy appropriately.”
“But why would he do this now? He doesn’t usually engage with the other members of the Twenty. I mean, except Ravik, that is. But that guy’s fucking dead, so…”
“I would posit that perhaps he finds himself forced to attempt to consolidate power in a different way now that his secret weapons cache has been destroyed. Even though some had been deployed, it was an enormous blow to his plans when we not only rescued the visla and Henni, but also stumbled upon that stockpile.”
“Shit, I hadn’t thought of that. I mean, I guess it makes sense. The guy just lost what? Months of work? More? And not only are those weapons gone, but even if he gets a new smelting operation up and running.”
“Which he undoubtedly will,” Demelza interjected.
“Yeah, no question on that. But when he does, he’s still gotta find a new way to charge all of them now that we’ve got Henni back and Jinnik is gone.”
“Palmarian,” Corann corrected. “But you are correct. His plans have been set back significantly.”
“So this is the time to strike!” Laskar said.
“Indeed, it is,” Hozark agreed. “It shall be a challenge, but I believe it is an objective we can achieve.” He turned to Demelza. “You and I shall make an approach under cover of our shimmer ships while the others prepare their diversion.”
“Like we just did?” Bud asked. “Don’t you think they’ll be expecting that?”
“We shall land far enough away that they do not note our arrival. Once on the ground, Demelza and I shall then apply our strongest disguise spells and make our entrance into the facility on foot.”
“You’re going to use the Quommus?” Laskar asked.
“No, there is still some study required to learn its secrets, and Corann will be hard at work attempting to ready it for use. But even so, until an actual threat is perceived, Maktan will not be expecting the Ghalian, and thus his guard will almost certainly be down against magical disguises.”
“So, we just have a bunch of mercenaries and pirates bum rush the compound to try to kill the guy? It’s going to be a madhouse with that many people going after him,” Laskar said.
Corann shook her head. “No, the others shall not know of the Maktan contract, nor shall they be directed to the area where he is determined to be. They will be paid well
, and there will be ample pillage and plunder should they succeed. But all they shall be informed is that there is a resetting of the balance of power against the Council’s forces. That is all they need to know. And given their dislike of the Council, I think that shall be more than enough incentive.”
“It’ll be quite a blow to the Council, that’s for sure,” Bud said. “I mean, losing not one but two members in such short order? Three, if we wind up taking out Visla Egrit in the process. Damn, that would really put those power-hungry bastards back in their place.”
“It will lessen their aspirations for conquest. At least for a little while,” Hozark agreed. “But they will still possess enormous power.”
“Seems like it’ll knock them down a peg or two, though,” Laskar said. “At least until they straighten out their leadership in the restructuring. So, when do we do this?”
“Arrangements are already being made and payments forwarded,” Corann replied. “You shall depart at sunset. By then things should be well in motion.”
Henni looked at the others, a bit shell-shocked at how quickly things just ramped up from some relaxing downtime after rescue to an all-out assault on one of the most dangerous power users in the galaxy. But that seemed to be how life was with this lot, and she was glad to call them her friends.
“So, if that’s the case, we’d better start eating now,” she said, drawing amused stares from the others. “What? Who knows when we’ll get to eat again?”
“Admittedly, she has a point,” Demelza noted.
“Yes, she does,” Corann agreed. “Come, let us have a proper meal to ready your bodies as well as your spirits.”
“A good idea,” Hozark agreed. “And then we shall put an end to this troublesome visla once and for all.”
Chapter Fifty-Seven
The approach to Rimpalla was a tricky one. The assassins, pirates, and mercenaries were more than up to the challenge, of course, but with not one but two members of the Council of Twenty present, there was sure to be additional protection even beyond what they had been told of.