The Last Narkoy: Gathow: Book 2

by Elizabeth Price

  “Really? I thought you were serious,” she called back.

  The shots stopped followed by, “We got them!”

  “Come on,” Tremble waved from beside Sedom. She grabbed Danstu, lifting him off the ground. “You good to walk?” she asked.

  Danstu nodded, holding tight to his shoulder. “Flesh wound. I’m fine.”

  They continued to follow Sedom through the forest. The other two groups met them in route. “Keep your heads down. There are vines in the section of the forest who would love to eat you,” Sedom called out over her shoulder.

  Ahead, she could just make out the outline of a downed ship, hidden within the broken branches of a Limble tree. Above them, several white Tiketi birds circled, probably hoping for an easy meal. “Over here!” she called.

  The group quickly converged around the ship. Everyone in the group worked together to remove the branches except Danstu. In the back of Sedom’s mind, she could hear Zion warn her he was rusty in the field. Now, she believed it.

  The cockpit shield slid back, revealing a human male pilot and a male child about four years old, his face badly burned. Sedom hoisted herself up to look inside the cockpit. Carefully, she rested her hand on the child's neck.

  Tremble climbed up beside her. “Over here, quickly. There's injured,” she called as she cut a harness off of the pilot. “It looks like he has multiple broken bones.” She felt to the pilot’s ribs. “Ribs too.” She tapped the man’s bruised face. “Hey, can you open your eyes for me?” she asked the pilot.

  The man grunted and then coughed up a small trickle of blood. His weak and bloody eyes opened to Tremble. “What...”

  “He’s got a concussion also,” Tremble relayed to Sedom.

  “We have internal bleeding here,” Sedom returned, feeling the child’s stomach. “I need you to lift him out of here for me,” she ordered to Tremble.

  They switched places, allowing Tremble to gather the child.

  The man inside turned to Sedom, looking at her with pain-filled brown eyes. His shoulder and across his chest was covered with red blood.

  She rested her hand on his cheek, “Have no worries, we're your friends. You've been shot down by the Marisheio. We're attempting to get you free. Just relax,” she assured.

  “My… my son. Take care of--” the man passed-out before he could finish his sentence.

  Rosanheer hurried over to Sedom, helping her force back the cockpit’s shield. Four more men converged on the area, including Zion, and proceeded to help pull back the cockpit’s shield. Rosanheer reached within the ship, cutting the man's harness away from the other side of his body while Tremble removed the child from the back seat. She handed the child down to Danstu.

  He set the child on the ground, allowing Sedom room to scan him. With a quick scan she nodded to Danstu. “Can you take him back to Gathow, quickly? Tremble, go with him as back-up and two orbs,” she called to the eight orbs which circled above.

  “Yes, Chadon,” both replied at the same time. Danstu grunted as he lifted the small child. The three disappeared into the forest heading back to Gathow.

  Sedom turned her attention back to the man trapped in the ship. Rosanheer was tediously attempting to cut away the belt that held him in place.

  “We’re running short on time, people,” called one of the new soldiers, the one called Zeloo, if Sedom remembered correctly.

  Two men dragged the pilot from the cockpit. Sedom managed a quick scan of the man before she order Zion and Zeloo to carry him back. The rest of the group remained behind them, guarding each other as they hurried back to Gathow.

  Rosanheer hurried beside Sedom. “What about the ship?” he asked.

  “When the area is clear of Marisheio, have a team return to retrieve what’s left. For now, let’s focus on getting back to Gathow,” Sedom ordered.

  ***

  Danstu rushed inside the infirmary, setting the child on the first table he came to. Doctor Orion, a tall, spunky young man fresh out of med school, rushed over to the table.

  “What happened?” he asked, while examining the child.

  “Ship crashed in the forest. They are bringing his father in as well. Sortec was concerned and ordered me to bring him in right away.”

  Orion scanned over the boy, nodding. “Good you did. Doctor Noral, I need your assistance.” He forced Danstu out of the way while they examined the child.

  Moments later, Zion and Zeloo entered the infirmary, carrying the pilot. The two massive men rested the weak pilot onto an adjoining bed. Orion hurried over to the man, scanning him.

  “Sortec says he has several broken rips, a concussion and his left eardrum is damaged,” Zion mentioned as he stepped aside to allow Noral to pass.

  Orion glanced over his readouts, grinning. “She missed two broken fingers,” he added. “She missed her calling. She should have been a doctor,” he mentioned.

  Sedom lumbered into the infirmary, followed by the rest of her team. “I’m a warrior, not a healer,” she mentioned in a growl. “I wish it were the other way around, but sadly no.”

  “I’d say you’re good at both,” Zion spoke up. He motioned to his cheek for Sedom to check her own cheek.

  Sedom turned to Tremble, feeling a trail of blood across her cheek. “You’re crazier than I am,” she joked as she wiped the blood away with the back of her sleeve.

  “Glad to be of assistance, Chadon,” Tremble joked back.

  Danstu turned to Zion, smirking as he motioned to Sedom. “Are we sure that Tremble was a good idea to guard Sortec?” he asked low.

  Zion shrugged. “We won’t know until Tremble is dead,” he joked back.

  Sedom took a step back, examining her new team from those who she just battled with to those healing the injured. They were everything she wanted in a team. They almost reminded her of Iya and her crew, but better. She crossed her arms over her chest, nodding pleased.

  “What’s with the look? You seem amused for once. I’d go as far as to say you’re happy,” Zion asked in a low mumble as he stood beside her.

  “Everything’s starting to fall into place. This,” she motioned to the group, “is what I dreamed of,” she mentioned low.

  Zion grunted. “You had doubts?” he questioned.

  “Didn’t you?” she returned skeptically.

  He shook his head. “No. The impossible comes natural to you.” He motioned over to Danstu, who was now speaking with one of the new doctors. “I told you he’d work out.”

  Sedom grunted. “He’s too good, other than the fact he keeps forgetting his weapon... and his head in the field. He made a stupid mistake out there that could have got him killed.”

  Zion chuckled under his breath. “No offence, but he needs to remain behind a desk. I don’t want him back in the field unless he’s had some training. He’s going to get himself killed… or worse, caught,” he mentioned. “We can’t risk that.”

  Sedom cocked a troubled eyebrow. “I agree. As head of security, I’m going to need you to arrange for someone to train him. I gave him a lot of power around Gathow and I need to be assured he can defend himself. He’s helping us lead a military, he will be a target.”

  Zion returned with a grumbling sigh. “I’ll handle it. I should probably assign him guards as well.” He started to walk away, only to be held back by Sedom.

  “Do me a personal favor,” she asked. He nodded, waiting for her to continue. “Please, tell him how to dress. Starting tomorrow, I want everyone in uniform who’s on duty. We have enough people now I believe uniforms may be a necessity. No exceptions, including Danstu. I know he feels like he’s above wearing one, but I will be wearing one as well.”

  He agreed.

  SEVENTEEN

  “We worked well as a group out there today,” Sedom commended as she raised her glass to toast the group's accomplishments.

  Zeloo rose his glass hesitantly, unsure if it were appropriate or not for Sedom to be drinking. He finally had to ask, “Are you old enough to drink
?”

  Zion cleared his throat, motioning to Zeloo that his question wasn't appropriate. “Typical age restrictions don’t apply to the Chadon,” he mentioned low.

  Sedom scowled. “Would it matter?” Sedom smarted back. She downed her drink then handed Zion her glass for another. “I was weaned on this wine. This was my family’s idea of fruit juice.” She motioned for Danstu to drink. He moved his glass away, waving his hand over it as if to say he would pass.

  “Bet bedtime wasn’t a hassle in your house,” Qilo joked.

  Sedom laughed. “I have two little sisters. Sleep was…” she paused, staring down at her wine glass. “You know, I think I’ve had enough for one night. I’ll catch you all in the morning.”

  The men and Tremble raised their drinks to her as she stood. Sedom nodded her thanks then continued out into the streets.

  Outside she took refuge behind one of the empty buildings. Tears clouded her eyes as she took hold of a lamppost.

  “You okay, Chadon?” Hasapoi asked from behind.

  Immediately Sedom reached for her pistol. To her surprise, Hasapoi was standing about ten footsteps away. “Oh, you. Don’t frighten me like that,” she cursed. “You’re really good at sneaking up on people.”

  “Not my intention. I noticed you were upset. I thought you might want to talk…”

  Sedom held up her hand to make the man stop. “Ghosts, Hasapoi, just ghosts haunting my thoughts. Occasionally I forget my family is dead, my people gone. What can I do, hum? I let it get to me when I shouldn’t.” She wiped away her tears. “It’s probably a good thing I don’t have a moment to myself anymore. I’d probably crumble.”

  Hasapoi leaned against the wall, his balding black hair shining in the dim light. “You’ve been through a tragic and traumatic situation. I’m surprised you’ve managed to cope as well as you have.” Hasapoi mentioned. He took Sedom’s fingers, squeezing them. “Tears are healthy. You can’t keep it all bottled up inside. One day it will all come out, and usually it happens at the worst time,” he mentioned.

  Sedom gulped back her tears, yet several still escaped down her cheeks.

  He motioned for Sedom to join him on a walk. Sedom followed. Typically she wouldn’t bother, but her sisters had been on her mind a lot since the city incident and talking to someone, other than Garric, seemed like a good idea. That and she really didn’t want Garric, or anyone else seeing her crying.

  “You saw your family murdered,” he mentioned.

  Sedom nodded. “And all of my caretakers,” she added in a whimper. “Oh, great, listen to me,” she huffed.

  “It’s not easy dealing with ghosts. Your people have a deep connection with the dead. You feel their energy even when they’re no longer with us. , but here, in Gathow, you’re depriving yourself of their ghosts, that energy.”

  “So what’s the best way to get rid of ghosts?” she asked.

  Hasapoi shrugged. “Have you been back to your city since the attack?”

  Sedom shook her head. Returning to her old city was far from her thoughts. “I haven’t wanted to be shot by the Marisheio,” she pointed out.

  “I thought the Dormin cleared out the cities and are now in control?” He questioned.

  “They are… I just can’t bring myself to go there. I know the Dormin returned, buried the dead and tore down most of the buildings. There isn’t much left.”

  “Graves?” he asked.

  Sedom closed her eyes, forcing her tears inward. “All that’s left,” she gulped.

  “Do you know where your family is buried?” he continued. Sedom nodded. Jasper made certain to send her that information after he returned to Carmintor. “Then you should visit them. It will bring a sense of closure to you.”

  Sedom nodded as she thought about what he had to say. “It’s a good idea. When I can spare a moment, I will. Thanks, Doc.” She patted his shoulder.

  “Sortec,” Danstu called from a distance away. He hurried over to her, slightly out of breath. “Are you okay?” he asked, looking straight into her eyes.

  She stared right back, believing she had wiped away her tears. A stray tear ran down her cheek, forcing her to turn away. “Oh, great,” she sniveled, embarrassed. “Uh, sorry. I’m fine.”

  “Are you sure?” he questioned, concerned for her.

  She turned to him, smiling. From behind her, she could hear Hasapoi clear his throat. “Oh, uh, this is Hasapoi. I brought him on a while back to help Dranium. Hasapoi, this is Danstu Keriney, my new Chisarel.”

  Danstu started to shake the man’s hand only to pull back before making contact. “Windrit,” he stated. Hasapoi nodded. “You’re a psychologist?”

  Hasapoi tucked his hands behind his back, feeling Danstu’s sudden anxiety. “And your mind is blank to me. I always find it remarkable when non-Windrits can hide their minds. You must have had a good teacher,” Hasapoi mentioned.

  Danstu grinned, unable to hide his amusement. “Gehan--“

  “Moll… ah, from the Ocnar Mind institute?” he interrupted.

  Danstu nodded. “Yes, you know of him?”

  “I was his assistant for two years. I heard our new Chisarel had studied on Loos,” he paused, glancing over to Sedom. “Well, welcome to Gathow,” Hasapoi said with a bow. He hurried off, leaving Sedom to speak with Danstu.

  “I didn’t expect you to hire a psychologist nor talk to one. You don’t seem the type,” he mentioned.

  “To have emotions?” Sedom questioned.

  Danstu shook his head. “Not what I meant. You tend to keep your distance from most people, emotionally and otherwise. I… am glad you talk to someone.” The two began to walk. “I heard rumors of what happened to you after your city was destroyed. It couldn’t have been easy for you,” he mentioned.

  “Is this an attempt to be my friend?” she asked. She whisked a strand of her hair from her forehead that was tickling her. He didn’t respond, only waited for her to speak. “From the age of ten to just recently everyone I knew had died. Sometimes… it bothers me and I have difficulty holding back my emotions.”

  “Like the comment about your sisters? “I have two sisters,” not had. I noticed,” Danstu surmised.

  Sedom grinned awkwardly again. “I’ve been fighting so hard to stay alive these past few years, it really hasn’t sunken in that my family and all I loved are now dead and that I’m truly alone. It’s hard to fathom knowing you are the last of your species.”

  Danstu offered his hand for her to take. Hesitantly she took it. “You’re not alone. You have friends who’ll watch your back and give their lives for you… I among them. If you need to talk, I’m here for you. Please, please, consider me in the same regards as a big brother. I’ll watch out for you as I hope you’ll do the same.”

  She squeezed his hand tenderly, surprising him slightly. “Big brother, hum? Nom’kel knows I need one. I still don’t understand why you’ve come to stay in Gathow. Rumors I’ve heard about you suggest that you may want a more… enlightened career. I’m not sure if I have the translation correct.”

  “Innocuous would be a better translation,” he corrected.

  Sedom thought about the word, scowling. “If that is the case, you’ve better leave now,” she joked.

  “Too late,” he said smirking back. “I am where I’m needed. Did I ever expect to be second in command of a Narkoy military base?” he asked, shaking his head no. “But I am here now.”

  “I appreciated everything you’ve done for Gathow. But understand I don’t want any more of my friends’ blood on my hands. I have difficulty making decisions that could put their lives in jeopardy.”

  Danstu released her hand, tucking his hands behind his back. “Unfortunately it’s inevitable. The entire point of opening Gathow is to go to war. Death will happen, it’s only a question of when… and how to keep it to a minimum,” he pointed out.

  She ran her fingers through her long white hair, her eyes distant as she thought. “I know.”

  He turned to her,
resting his hand on her left shoulder. “I can never imagine what you went through. In a way, I wish I could somehow. Your past fuels your passion for making Gathow and the Tasgool great.” He pulled his hand away as he shook his head in frustration. “I was only privy to the reports that came across my desk. I am… humbled by the sheer thought that you managed to stay alive. No one in this galaxy knows how you managed and no one would want to. The thought is too horrific, even for me to think about. I have yet to meet anyone who’d have the strength as you do to survive,” he admitted.

  Sedom shied away. “I had no option,” she pointed out.

  “Yes you did, to give up, but you didn’t. There is a reason you were spared. Because you were spared makes be believe this is a cause to fight for,” he added.

  “Keriney!” Rosanheer called from a distance away.

  Sedom turned to Danstu, caressing his cheek as a Narkoy would to a friend. “Thank you.”

  He flinched suddenly seeing the night Sedom fled from her home perfectly as if he had lived it. His mouth opened to scream, but the sound failed to come. Everything felt real, the smell in the wind thick with burning flesh, the energy of panic in the air, even the horror of seeing her own family dying.

  “Be careful what you wish for… Brother,” she whispered, noticing tears filling his eyes. She continued to walk on as Rosanheer rushed over to Danstu.

  Rosanheer stood next to Danstu, feeling his emotional torment. He grabbed hold of Danstu, hearing him weep. Danstu turned to him, tears welling in his eyes. He wiped his tears aside, looking into the concerned face of his friend. “I’m… okay,” he sniveled. “I wasn’t ready for that.”

  “For what? What happened?” Rosanheer asked.

  “No one told me she was an AO,” Danstu said in shuddering words. He closed his eyes, seeing the images Sedom had given him play in his mind. “Everyone… dead,” he gulped.

  “Whoa, it’s okay,” Rosanheer comforted, feeling just how emotional his new friend was. “She really got to you? What is an AO anyway?” Rosanheer questioned. “That power thing she does to heal people?”