After the Earth Wars

by Shana Rae

  "I thought you were in too much pain."

  "I am, but you can hold me can't you?"

  Quickly getting undressed, Zareli climbed into bed and gently wrapped his arms around Evahlia.

  "Is that better?"

  "Yes, much better…Zareli, I never slept with Vysani, or anyone in the Clan…though it might have been different if they had tattoos!"

  "That's all you want me for isn't it!"

  They both laughed.

  "So are you a member of the LightStar Clan again now?"

  "I don't know, I've been dispossessed so many times I might just go freelance."

  "I truly believed I'd never see you again Evahlia and I have to confess I went on a drinking frenzy…if Gabriel hadn't calmed me down…"

  "How is he?"

  "You already knew he was here didn't you?"

  "Yes, I sent him here on Vysani's instructions to keep his eye on you."

  "I walked into that one didn't I, well you may be interested to know that he runs security with me, I thought it best to keep him close to hand."

  "And how is Glevyn?"

  "The building work is virtually completed, the traders are busy, Brykesi and Tiarni are hopelessly in love…and now you're back with me…life doesn't get any better."

  "Was anything done about getting some of the knowledge in the Vaults published?"

  "No, maybe you could make that your project once you've recovered."

  "Well managing the data was always my responsibility, I'll have a word with Brykesi see what he thinks."

  "How did Vysani get hold of the data to create the implants?"

  "During one of your Clan's drinking sessions, he took the disk and erased all copies, you really should get Dumarrak to tighten up security, or stop them drinking."

  "I'll have a word with him tomorrow, when I told him of Vysani's plans, he was so angry I think he invented a whole new vocabulary of expletives. It was his idea to go in with the attack, he said Vysani had crossed the line, the time for talking was over. Were any CyberTelepaths created?"

  "Only one, Xacalei."

  "The one who set you up?"

  "Yes, but I don't think he poses a threat, I don't think any of them were that interested in becoming CyberTelepaths, it was all Vysani's grand plan. Zareli…would your Clan accept me as a member?"

  "You want to join the IceWarrior Clan?"

  "I underwent extensive warrior training on Del'ghao…"

  "Well I suppose that counts for something…now let me think, you were LightStar Clan, though your father was of the NightStorm Clan, then you were dispossessed by…"

  Evahlia punched Zareli in the ribs.

  "I don't need reminding thank you."

  "Give me one good reason why I should let you join our Clan."

  "Because I want to formalise our relationship of course, unless that doesn't count as a valid reason."

  "Are you serious Evahlia?"

  "You're a Telepath, you tell me."

  "I've only got to look in your eyes Evahlia to know that you are totally besotted with me."

  "Zareli, I swear you're turning into a hopeless romantic. I think you need some warrior training!"

  "Yes."

  "To what?"

  "Yes you can become a member of our Clan, yes I want to formalise our relationship and yes I do need some warrior training."

  "How do the IceWarrior Clan formalise relationships?"

  "We never do."

  "Pardon?"

  "In our Clan, the women are as much warriors as the men. They will fight each other over the men, and the men fight each other over the women, it's all very transient. When we were on Earth, life was too short to settle into relationships, that's how it started."

  "Then you've broken quite a few rules, resigning as leader and agreeing to a formal relationship with me."

  "You're worth breaking the rules for. Now I think you should get some rest, don't forget I can sense that you are still in a lot of pain. And I'm going to make you lie here until I feel that you're better."

  "It could take a long time for me to heal."

  "I don't mind, I'm just happy to have you back here with me."

  Zareli gently kissed Evahlia. She closed her eyes and quickly fell asleep.

  27

  It was late morning before Evahlia woke up, she propped herself up on one elbow and looked at Zareli.

  "I'm feeling well enough to get up, I'll take it steady."

  "All right, the slightest sign of pain and I'll bring you straight back here."

  Evahlia smiled and slowly got out of bed. She walked over to the closest.

  "What do women in your Clan wear Zareli?"

  "Nothing, they walk around naked."

  She turned to face him.

  "I should know better than to ask you a serious question."

  "Well you look good naked."

  "You seriously want me to go and see Brykesi like this?"

  Zareli laughed.

  "They wear more or less the same as I do, trousers, top, jacket, boots. Just that some wear it better than others."

  Evahlia looked in the closest, she found a pair of black tight-fitting trousers, a top and a jacket. She got dressed, then slipped into her thigh-length boots from her LightStar Clan outfit. She turned round to face Zareli.

  "Will this do?"

  "Shit."

  "Is something wrong?"

  "No, you just look so damn sexy."

  Evahlia smiled and walked over to Zareli who was just putting his jacket on.

  "Now you know what effect your body has on me."

  She ran her fingers down Zareli's chest.

  "Evahlia…"

  "I'll be healed enough later."

  Zareli fastened his jacket.

  "I'm going to go and check in with Gabriel, will you be all right?"

  "Yes, I'll go and see Brykesi first, I presume he still uses the office here?"

  "Indeed."

  Zareli and Evahlia left the room, as Zareli headed over to his fighter, Evahlia went to Brykesi's office.

  "You're not busy are you?"

  Brykesi looked up.

  "Evahlia, please come in, it's good to see you again…your outfit…"

  "IceWarrior Clan, well near enough. Zareli seems to like it."

  "So you're not rejoining the LightStar Clan?"

  "No, Zareli and I intend to formalise our relationship, I felt it would be easier if we were in the same Clan. Is that a problem?"

  "Not at all."

  "We can move to Glevyn if you prefer?"

  "That won't be necessary. So what do you plan to do now your back on Iosera?"

  "With your permission, I'd like to see what knowledge can be published, do you remember it was an option we discussed before I left?"

  "Yes and of course you have my permission. The author I mentioned at the time is living in Glevyn, I'll ask him to come and see you."

  "Thank you. So what other news do you have for me?"

  "I'm sure Zareli has told you most of it, the building work is nearly complete…oh and Gabriel now works with him in security."

  "Yes and he also told me about you and Tiarni."

  "We've become very close."

  "How close?"

  "Evahlia how could you ask such a question."

  "Quite easily…but you don't have to answer, the look on your face says everything."

  Brykesi decided to change the subject.

  "The report about your father was quite a surprise."

  "Yes, sadly it didn't make the NightStorm Clan like me any better."

  "Well now you're back on Iosera, you might be able to find more information about him if you want to."

  "I read most of it on Del'ghao, but I can see if there are any other records. Now if you don't mind I'm going to head over to Glevyn and see what's going on. I might as well find that author while I'm there, what's his name?"

  "Toruk-lor, he was of the ScorchedCrimson Clan."

  "I don't know
anything about them."

  "None of us do, Toruk-lor is a bit of an enigma."

  "It sounds intriguing, well I'd better get going, unless there is anything else you have to say?"

  "Only to reiterate that it's good to have you back."

  Evahlia smiled as she left the office.

  She headed over to her ship, launched and headed to Glevyn. As she flew over the community, she was surprised by how much had already been built. Evahlia went into land and walked over to the security office.

  Gabriel was sitting with his back to the door, Evahlia quietly walked up behind him and put her hand on his shoulder. He jumped to his feet and turned round to face her.

  "Evahlia…are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

  "How close did I get?"

  "Pretty close, are you looking for Zareli?"

  "I think I can manage to find him without asking for his whereabouts. Actually I've come to look around Glevyn. How have you been?"

  "Once Zareli and I sorted out our differences, I quickly settled down to life on Iosera, it's such a beautiful place."

  "Indeed it is, well I'm going for a walk, I'll send a telepathic message to let Zareli know I'm here."

  Evahlia walked through security and out onto the streets of Glevyn. There was a large map showing where all the shops were, she found the location of Tiarni's shop and headed down the street.

  As she opened the shop door and stepped inside, Tiarni appeared from the back of the shop.

  "Evahlia!"

  Tiarni ran over and embraced her.

  "I never thought I'd see you again, Brykesi told me you'd returned, I couldn't believe it."

  "I've heard about you and Brykesi…Tiarni I am so happy for you."

  "Thank you, he's been teaching me about the ways of the LightStar Clan, I've never been so happy."

  "I am so pleased for both of you."

  "What about you and Zareli?"

  "We're going to formalise our relationship, I know I haven't been back long, but when you know you're with the right person…"

  "You don't need to say any more Evahlia, I know that feeling only too well."

  "Now, I'm looking for Toruk-lor, do you know where I might find him?"

  "Yes, there's a small café in the square, he spends most of the day there. Look for a man in a crimson suit, you won't be able to miss him."

  "Thank you Tiarni, we'll talk later, I need to organise some new clothes."

  "Which Clan?"

  "The IceWarriors."

  "You've joined Zareli's Clan?"

  "Yes, is that such a surprise?"

  "I just thought you'd automatically rejoin the LightStar Clan, but I suppose with you and Zareli formalising your relationship, it makes sense. I've made outfits for some of their Clan members when I was on Kalocia, not too dissimilar to what you're wearing…apart from the boots."

  "They were all I had available, if you can arrange some outfits for me, I would be most grateful."

  "I'll call you when they're ready."

  "Thank you Tiarni."

  Evahlia left the shop and walked over to the square, she found the café and straight away recognised the man she was looking for.

  "Toruk-lor?"

  He looked up at Evahlia.

  "Yes, I am he."

  "I'm Evahlia, may I sit down?"

  "Yes, please do."

  Evahlia sat facing him.

  "I believe Brykesi has spoken to you about publishing some of the knowledge from the Vaults. Are you still interested?"

  "Most certainly, I've been managing on my savings and the kind generosity of friends. It will be good to earn an income again."

  "Have you published books before?"

  "Yes, I still have all the necessary equipment, all I need is something to publish."

  "Well there's plenty of data to choose from, when would you like to start?"

  "Would immediately be an inconvenience for you Evahlia?"

  "Not at all. Tell me, why do you still wear your Clan's outfit?"

  "Because I haven't actually been dispossessed, but that's a story for another time."

  Evahlia felt that Toruk-lor didn't want to reveal any more, so she got to her feet.

  "I have my ship parked over in the landing zone. We'll go to the Vaults and see what is of interest to you."

  When they got to security, Zareli was standing by the door.

  "On your way back already?"

  "Yes, I'm taking Toruk-lor to the Vaults to see what he'd like to publish."

  "Then I'll see you later."

  Zareli watched Evahlia as she walked over to her ship, Gabriel came out of the office and stood beside Zareli.

  "You're a lucky man Zareli."

  "I know and so are you."

  "Why?"

  "Because if Evahlia hadn't come back to me, you'd have to endure more of my drunken rages!"

  They both laughed.

  28

  Once Evahlia arrived back at the main landing zone, she took Toruk-lor to The Vaults. He looked around the vast cavern in amazement.

  "This place is legendary, you can almost feel the history contained within these walls."

  Evahlia sat down at a terminal, Toruk-lor sat down beside her.

  "So what data would you like me to search for?"

  "I'm thinking of one of the greatest legends Earth has ever known…King Arthur."

  "I'm not familiar with his reign."

  "Evahlia, you have not lived until you've read about Camelot, the Knights of the Round Table, the Holy Grail, Merlin…I think it is just the kind of story people would love to read…need to read. It was the age of chivalry…"

  "All right, I'll wait until you publish the book."

  Beginning her search, Evahlia found many references to King Arthur.

  "There is quite a lot of data, I'll save what I find to disk, then you can decide what you need."

  Taking hold of Evahlia's hand, Toruk-lor gently kissed it.

  "Evahlia I cannot thank you enough for giving me this opportunity, all my dreams have come true."

  "If you're this enthusiastic now…goodness knows how you'll be as we start uncovering more data."

  "I shall be ecstatic Evahlia."

  Smiling at Toruk-lor, Evahlia handed him the disk. She stood up to leave, with one last look around, Toruk-lor followed Evahlia out of The Vaults.

  When they got back outside, Evahlia turned to Toruk-lor.

  "I'll take you back to Glevyn."

  "No need, I shall walk, the air will do me good…"

  Toruk-lor took a small datapad out of his pocket.

  "And I can be reading some of the data on the way."

  Evahlia couldn't help but smile, there was something about Toruk-lor, his energy, his boundless enthusiasm that was so infectious.

  "Bless you Toruk-lor. When you're ready for more data, let me know."

  Once again, Toruk-lor kissed Evahlia's hand before walking off down the path to Glevyn.

  Laughing to herself, Evahlia went over to Brykesi's office.

  "Evahlia, you seem very happy."

  "I've just taken Toruk-lor to The Vaults, he is a lovely man, so enthusiastic about his work. He even kissed my hand…twice!"

  "I can imagine that is quite a contrast to Zareli. So what data did he want?"

  "Something about a King Arthur, said he was once legendary on Earth. He said it was about Knights and a Holy Grail, sounds like a religious text to me."

  "Did he tell you anything about his Clan?"

  "He was so enthusiastic about King Arthur I forgot to ask."

  "To me he always seems as if he's from another world, everyone has a lot of respect for him."

  "That isn't hard to understand, he certainly has my respect."

  "Didn't you offer to take him back to Glevyn?"

  "Yes, but he said he would walk and read some of the data on the way. I just hope he doesn't get too engrossed, or we might find him sitting in a field tomorrow!"

  "So we
re you impressed with Glevyn?"

  "Yes, it's beautiful, you've done an excellent job. And I saw Tiarni, she's going to make some new outfits for me. I've never seen her looking so happy. Though I have to say I'm not too sure about your security staff…"

  Evahlia laughed.

  "I have to confess I sneaked up behind Gabriel, the shock was almost too much."

  "Evahlia, Zareli has scared him enough without you starting. He was in a really bad state when he got here."

  "On my orders."

  "Pardon?"

  "Vysani felt it might be a good idea if we persuaded Gabriel to come here to watch Zareli for us."

  "Does Zareli know?"

  "Of course, you can't keep secrets from a Telepath, he wasn't angry with me, he knows I was acting on Vysani's orders."

  "Zareli mentioned something about Vysani creating CyberTelepaths."

  "Yes, initially it was just going to be an elite force to maintain order in this galaxy, if necessary. Then Vysani decided he'd like the entire Clan to have the implant. And that's when I decided to pass the information on to Zareli."

  "Well all I can say is that I'm glad your back here and working with Toruk-lor. Sounds much safer to me."

  "I agree…now if you'll excuse me I sense Zareli coming in to land. I'll keep you informed about Toruk-lor's endeavours."

  Evahlia left the office, as she walked across to the landing zone, Zareli was disembarking. She ran over to him and threw her arms around his neck. He picked her up and kissed her.

  "What are you so excited about?"

  "Apart from you…I met Toruk-lor today, I've given him some data to publish."

  "Well just me would have been better!"

  "Always you Zareli, always."

  "Damn that makes me feel good."

  "I can make you feel even better…"

  Zareli picked Evahlia up in his arms and carried her over to their quarters.

  29

  The next morning, after Zareli had left for security, Evahlia got a call from Toruk-lor.

  "May I come and see you Evahlia?"

  "Of course…I'll come and fetch you if you like."

  "That won't be necessary, I enjoy the walk, Iosera is so beautiful. I'll be with you soon."

  Toruk-lor ended the communication. Evahlia sat for a moment wondering what Toruk-lor wanted to see her for, then left her quarters and went to Brykesi's office.