by C A Ardron
‘Yeah,’ her partner replied, throwing another mistrustful glance at Falcon. ‘I want to see her fighting style. The information will be useful if she turns on us.’
It hung there a few seconds, Falcon was beyond caring though. Leopard didn't like her, that wasn't going to change so what was the point?
‘Any rules I should know about?’ She asked as Tiger walked into the hall. Falcon was going to do everything by the book. Leopard wasn't going to get any reason to attack her.
‘Rules?’ Tiger asked with a frown, stopping in the centre of the hall and turning to face her. ‘Not really. We're not using medallions so we don't need to worry about the Power.’ She grinned, ‘I wouldn't want to burn you.’
Falcon offered a cool smile. She didn't require a medallion to create ice, but there was no need for Tiger to know that. If this match was to be pure martial arts, that was fine by her.
‘Predgarians don't use the Insecta style,’ Tiger told her, ‘and steer clear of more dangerous moves in the other classes as well. No Pack Punches or Lash-Strikes to the throat.’
‘Neck-Strike,’ Leopard bit off out of the blue.
Tiger nodded in her direction. ‘Yeah, that's another one, no Neck-Strikes.’
Falcon snorted softly. ‘So basically avoid anything to do with the throat, I think I can manage that.’
Tiger flashed her a grin, moving into one of the basic Feline battle-stances.
‘Huh,’ Falcon muttered. That stance was considered “midway standard.” It was easy to initiate several strategies from the easy-going, limber pose.
Since she'd chosen an Avian medallion, Falcon disregarded her usual tighter Feline and opted for the Straight-Arrow Avian stance. She might as well take the opportunity to practice some Avian tactics.
Choosing such a stance would make Tiger assume she would counter the first attack with an Avian kick of some description. That wasn't Falcon's intent at all, but wanted Tiger to think it was.
Tiger grinned again and attacked with an aggressive Feline Jump-Start. Falcon moved into the Side-Claw, but as she started the evasive first part of the technique Tiger Cat-Rolled out of her reach. The quick woman found her feet and went back to the same starting stance.
Neither of them had come off better in that exchange and Falcon straightened, preparing herself for the next attack. She'd fully expected Tiger to have an aggressive fighting style, she didn't seem the kind to hang back and let the opponent commit first.
Tiger advanced again with the same technique, the Feline Jump-Start. That was fairly predictable but as Falcon used the Veer-Off to avoid the flying leap, Tiger landed and did not retreat as soon as she realised she'd missed as last time.
Falcon grunted as the Cat-Paw caught her in the stomach, and responded with The Claw, a heavy punch to the chest. She deftly avoided Tiger's next Lightning-Kick and jumped up into a Wind-Kick. Tiger didn't make it out of the way in time and was propelled backwards.
The Feline warrior skidded across the polished floor but was on her feet again instantly. She looked determined now, she obviously intended to win this match.
As Falcon took a couple of steps back, moving into a lower Avian stance, the thought came that Tiger had used nothing but Feline so far. She remembered their conversation in the kitchen, was Tiger perhaps a Feline purist? It would explain her interest in the subject.
If that was the case, this might actually be fun. As Tiger prowled towards her, using the Hunting-Cat technique, Falcon disregarded Avian, falling into her favourite Feline strategy. She initiated a short Cat-Rush, the old thrill and exhilaration washing over her as she saw Tiger's startled expression. She'd switched from an Avian stance into Feline, an unexpected move.
Catching the Predgarian off-guard with the change, Falcon's quick Cat-Claw found its target. She caught Tiger's wrist in the Feline Clutch as she tried to retreat. Falcon wasn't going to give her the chance to rethink. She yanked Tiger off balance as she pulled her closer and then let herself fall backwards, bringing her legs up in the classic Cat-Flip.
Tiger was sent sailing through the air. She skidded across the wooden floor for the second time. As Falcon found her feet she saw Tiger pound the floor with one fist angrily.
The Feline warrior rushed forwards unexpectedly with a Cat-Rush of her own, somersaulting across the space between them as she merged it with the Leopard-Star.
Falcon veered away quickly, going down into the Claw-Sweep. Even as Tiger lost her footing she lashed out, taking advantage of her close proximity.
Falcon grunted as the heavy Cat-Paw struck her. She countered instinctively with a straight Avian-Strike. She paused and retreated, she hadn't meant to do that.
Tiger massaged her bruised jaw, her face angry before launching herself into the Cat-Pounce with all the strength she could muster.
Things were serious now, Falcon decided, she'd stung the woman's pride. This needed to end before someone got hurt.
Falcon ran into Tiger's lunge, taking the Feline's Cat-Paw to the stomach with a muffled grunt before returning in kind with the Paw-Strike, putting as much force behind the move as Tiger had with hers. She forced her opponent back and once more moved into Avian, using the Spinning-Claw, a quick and accurate high kick. Falcon closed in, following up with some Claw-Strikes to the chest and stomach and finished with a Wind-Kick, propelling Tiger into the wall behind her.
Falcon remained where she was, still poised for battle. Tiger released a groan from where she was laid out by the wall. She picked herself up, moving onto her knees.
She met Falcon's gaze but didn't rise. Falcon lowered her fists, the fight was over. She turned as she heard movement behind her. Lion had just appeared in the hall doorway.
‘I've called Wolf and Hawk back in,’ he told them. ‘We need to locate a way into the tunnels.’ He looked down at the tired-looking Tiger. ‘Are you all right? You look...’
‘Beat up?’ Leopard suggested from where she was leant against the wall.
‘I can testify,’ Tiger said, trying to catch her breath, ‘that Falcon..is definitely a silver.’ She massaged her jaw again. ‘Ow, did you have to hit me that hard?’
‘Sorry,’ Falcon extended a hand to help the Feline to her feet. ‘I'm not used to sparring matches.’
‘Yeah, I can tell.’ Tiger rolled one shoulder gingerly.
‘As soon as Hawk and Wolf return, we'll head out,’ Lion told them.
Falcon grunted, remembering a certain friend. ‘Can I make a phone call? There's someone I need to speak to.’
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Falcon was relieved when Lion left her alone in his office after showing her the phone. It would've been awkward with him listening in.
She quickly dialled Red's number and waited.
‘Yo?’
‘It's Karen.’
‘S'up. I told you to leave it with me, girl, I'll sort it.’
‘Don't bother, my plans have changed.’
There was a lengthy pause. ‘You serious? We don't hang out so much, but I never figured you for one to run out on yer friends.’
‘I'm not, Red, I'm really not. An opportunity to rescue my friend has come up, and I think it'll be a lot safer than the trade.’
‘What kinda opportunity?’
Red sounded suspicious, but Falcon couldn't tell him about the Predgarians.
‘I can't go into details, sorry.’
‘Hey, no big, I know the rules to that game. You've got me worried though, girl. Don't go thinkin' you can turn into a Sarp to get him back and then walk. It don't work that way.’
‘I know that, Red, believe me.’
‘Yeah,’ Red's reply was slow and thoughtful. ‘I do, Kaz, I do. I gotta hunch you know more about Sarps than I do, and there ain't nobody on the street knows more about them critters than me, you get me?’
‘Yeah,’ Falcon told him, her voice going dry. ‘I get you. Is this the last time we'll be speaking?’
‘Nah, course not, you're a good contact. You
r heart's in the right place, Kaz, I can tell. I ain't go no bother with ya. Just be careful out there, will ya? If the Sarps nab you, I don't think we'll be getting you back.’
His words cut into her and Falcon started to shake. ‘I'll be fine,’ she told him, trying to keep her voice steady. She ended the call and let out a deep breath.
If she was caught, there would be no escape, Jackal would see to that. Until they put her to the coercion they'd keep her in the deepest, darkest pit they had. Then, in the coercion chamber..
Falcon stood straighter, her jaw tightening in resolve. ‘It won't happen,’ she muttered. ‘It won't happen.’
She schooled her features, about to walk out into the corridor. Instead, she picked up the phone again. Just in case Lion had one of those phones that logged the last number dialled, she punched in some different numbers.
‘Hutchmoore Residential, how may I help?’ A pleasant female voice asked on the other end of the line.
Falcon recognised the voice as Carrie's, Judith must be out of the office.
‘Hello?’ The lady asked.
Falcon quietly hung up. If all went well, by tomorrow morning she'd be out of Steiron. They'd replace her at the care home easily enough. She'd let them discover she wasn't going back by themselves. They'd be relieved, even the ones that hadn't hated her on sight had been wary of her. It wasn't so easy to hide her past, even from civilians.
Falcon opened the office door, relieved that the Predgarians were down the hall, talking quietly. She'd been nervous of them eavesdropping.
They were all in armour, waiting for her. She glanced down at the silver medallion hanging from her neck about mid-chest. Well, she had to activate it at some point, might as well be now.
She reached for it with one hand but stopped as the phone behind her in the office started to ring. Lion strode towards her briskly and she made room for him so he could reach the phone.
‘West Sector Predgarian Centre,’ he said into it when he picked it up.
Falcon wandered down the corridor to the others, she didn't want the captain to think she was purposefully listening in.
Lion was only on the phone very briefly and joined them again. ‘I've just received some news.’
Falcon turned quickly to look at the armoured man. He sounded serious.
‘Green Swallow of South Sector has sent a message through the temple reception. She says the Sarpiens have disappeared in both West and East Sectors. She suspects something amiss and suggests we contact the Dakkonin if we're serious about an offensive.’
Hawk frowned. ‘How could she know all the Sarpiens have disappeared?’
Tiger shrugged. ‘Swallow's an experienced Predgarian. She probably keeps an eye on things like that, especially if she knows the Dakkonin have their hands full.’
‘Falcon?’ Lion asked. ‘Are you all right?’
Falcon realised she was scowling and stopped. ‘It's probably nothing,’ she told him, but couldn't hide the concern in her voice.
‘What's bothering you?’ Wolf asked.
She glanced behind her at the hulking grey warrior. The large man seemed friendlier than earlier in the day.
‘Something seems a bit off, that's all.’ She didn't know how to describe what she was feeling, but it was there, real and tangible.
‘What do you mean?’ Tiger asked, her voice sharp.
Falcon struggled with it, trying to voice her worry. ‘The Sarpiens disappearing like that, it doesn't make sense. Even with someone as talented as Jay in the city, Jackal sending out all of his Elite was a bit excessive. He wouldn't use a diversionary raid just for that purpose, it's a terrible waste of time and warriors. Jackal wouldn't do that.’
'Well, he did,' Leopard pointed out.
Her abrasive tone was normal to Falcon now.
‘You think he might have something else in mind?’ Lion asked.
Falcon shrugged uneasily. ‘I don't know, with the raid into East I would've been sure he meant to attack West Sector, but what Sarpien general would commit to a serious attack in the morning and in broad daylight? He's left it far too late to attack now. It probably won't be long before the Dakkonin return, if they haven't already.’
‘So what are you saying?’ Tiger asked, impatient.
Falcon sighed. ‘I don't know. It just seems odd, none of it makes sense,’ she repeated. ‘I can't shake the feeling that there's something going on that we're not seeing.’
***
Jay was beyond fear. His mind had settled into a sort of numbness, a frozen state that was not calm, but allowed him to become desensitised. He was still very much afraid, but it didn't matter to him anymore. He kept glancing at the inky-black maw that the sclithe had slithered off to. If he managed to get out of this alive, he didn't think he'd be scared of anything ever again.
Jackal had left him under the watchful eye of two men. Jay glanced at them again. They didn't seem to have medallions like the others did, or have those sinister snake marks on their arms. They followed Jackal's orders willingly though.
As Jay glanced around at the other Sarpiens in the cold, torch-lit chamber, his thoughts turned to escape. His gaze stopped at one of the distant torches resting in its sconce embedded in the stone wall. If only he could bring the fire inside him to the surface, he might have a chance to get away.
He glanced back at the stone steps which led up and out of the chamber, swallowing hard. Jackal and the others would be after him in a flash if he ran for it, and he had no idea what route to take to escape the tunnels.
Jackal moved closer again and gestured to the guards. Jay gasped as he found himself grabbed by them and taken backwards. They stopped when they reached the rocky cavern wall behind them, releasing him again.
Jay's eyes lit up in desperate hope as he looked at the fiery torch just a few yards away now. Perhaps he could use it to fuel his power. He was distracted as the Sarpiens started to roll boulders away from the centre of the large cave.
Despite his predicament, Jay watched, wondering what they were doing.
‘Good enough?’ Jackal called over to the Sarpien in the bronze snake armour.
The other Sarpien looked around and took hold of the medallion at his chest. He burst into a bronzy-brown pillar of light before reappearing again, reminding Jay he was Unician.
The sight of him made Jay angry. Unician, just as Karen had been, but this man was nothing like her. To Jay, Karen represented something good. She'd been heroic, willing to risk her life for him. This man was the complete opposite, a Sarpien.
‘Yes,’ the short Unician man replied, sounding pleased. He took out a radio from a deep pocket in his black trousers. ‘Bring it down,’ he spoke into it.
Jay was still wondering what the Sarpien could mean when there was a deep rumbling overhead. He gasped, his gaze shooting upwards as the crack in the roof started to enlarge. There was a terrible screeching as the rocks above started to grate apart.
There was bright light up there, but it was blocked out as some large object was lowered down.
Jay stared up at it, squinting to try and make out what it was. It appeared to be a large sheet of circular metal. On taut ropes it slowly descended until it was deposited on the rocky floor. Jay could see now that it was more than just a metal disc. There were four metal beams rising up from the smooth base. He followed their lengths with his eyes, his head lifting as he studied the way they curved inwards, almost meeting in the centre with sharp steel points that resembled needles.
Now the strange construct was resting on the ground, the ropes slid down from the roof, wriggling down through the air like worms until they fell in piles to the floor.
The Unician man immediately went up to it and opened a large panel on the closest beam, examining the display and dials he found there.
Jay saw Harrier come closer and he swallowed again. He remembered waking up just as the Sarpien had been pushing him into his cell.
The young Sarpien crossed his arms as he stood looking a
t the machine. ‘All right, Cobra, I give up. What is it?’
Cobra smirked at him and closed the panel door before turning to face his associates. ‘This,’ he stated, gesturing with both his hands, ‘is the Power Converter.’ He patted the steel pillar fondly. ‘My greatest ever invention.’
‘What’s it for?’ Swallow asked. She still sounded cross and more than a little sceptical.
‘As you all know,’ Cobra began in a lecturing tone, ‘sclithe need climersh-riisk, or green gold in our tongue, to survive. What the Power Converter does, is transform other objects into more powerful versions of climersh-riisk.’
‘Seems a bit much,’ Swallow said, eyeing the machine critically. ‘All this just for bigger chunks of green gold?’
‘Not bigger,’ Cobra corrected with a broad grin, ‘more powerful. The type of green gold produced in the Converter will sustain a sclithe for longer, make them more powerful and eventually even change their form.’
Jay wasn’t liking this conversation at all. He had no idea what they were talking about, he'd never heard of green gold or that other alien-sounding word they'd used. He felt that all this talk about gold and power couldn't be a good thing, especially if the Sarpiens were acting this happy about it.
‘Change…their form?’ The giant Rhino asked.
Jackal nodded. ‘If Cobra can produce enough of this type of climersh-riisk, then Lord Trine might change from green to black.’
‘A black of Avergask?’ Harrier asked in a reverent whisper.
‘Before you get too overawed,’ Jackal told him, his acerbic tone making the Avian flinch. ‘If Cobra doesn’t get this thing running none of us will be serving any sclithe, let alone a black.’
‘You still haven’t explained why you've been traipsing around playgrounds rounding up children,’ Swallow put in.
Jackal stared balefully at her and then gestured for Cobra to explain.
‘There are only certain forms which can be transformed into climersh-riisk,’ the sorcerer explained. ‘The average Courinese citizen is a prime resource we've been throwing away needlessly for some time. Of course, most of them have too little power to be worth refining. However, there are exceptions.’