by John Migacz
CHAPTER 53
A knock sounded at the door as Janelle finishing dressing. “Just a minute,” she said and finished buttoning her blouse. The hot bath and nap had cleared her head somewhat, enough to allow her to worry about Bo’s slip of the tongue. She hoped that they hadn’t said what she thought they had said, and if they did, hoped Balthus and Adrianna hadn’t heard it. Damn. I must remember to stay away from wine.
When she opened the door, Bo pushed his way into her room. Rory followed and closed the door.
Bo ran a hand through his still-damp hair. “Ma’am. Do you have any recollection of what we might have inadvertently said on our way through town? Rory thinks I might have mentioned the Gless.” Bo pulled a chair from the desk and sat next to Rory who’d already found a seat.
“Lancelead,” she replied, “I think we might have, as you once so graphically put it, ‘stuffed the oucher’ on that one. But we didn’t get any questions or even so much as an odd look from either Balthus or Adrianna. They must not have heard us, didn’t pay attention to our drunken ramblings, or know more than we think.”
“Oh, they heard, Ma’am,” said Rory. “It would take a lot to catch those two off guard.” He paused in thought. “And does it really matter?”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“Well, Ma’am,” Rory rose and began pacing the room, “you can’t put spilled soga back in the envelope, so to speak. They heard us or they didn’t. Either way, what could they do about it – run up and down the streets screaming, ‘The Gless have left this plane of existence! The Gless have left this plane of existence!’?” He stopped, shot Bo a bad look, then continued his pacing. “It would have no effect on the development of this planet whatsoever. Balthus and Adrianna are not the ruling pair, whose every whim must be heeded. They will influence no one with this information and I believe that if they give an oath of silence, they will keep it.” He smacked his fist into his hand and continued pacing.
“The Dieya told us very little about these folks,” he continued, “but he seems to have taken them into his confidence, and that counts for something. But that’s not all… I’ve been around the galaxy a few times and there are only a few people I trust to be at my back when trouble comes calling. Balthus and Adrianna are definitely on that short list.” He stopped abruptly, as if realizing he was making a speech. He shrugged, sat back down and crossed his arms. “Well, that’s just how I feel.”
Bo and Janelle glanced at each other and smiled. “Well, Strikedag,” said Janelle, “that’s the most I’ve heard from you at any one time since this adventure began.”
“Sorry, Ma’am, that’s just the way it is. Balthus and Adrianna have earned my trust and become friends. A man should take care of his friends – and their trust.”
“Hear, hear!” chimed Bo.
“It’s good to know where you two stand,” she said. “Actually, I feel the same way, and I agree with you. This world is a millennia away from being able to join the Alliance, and anything Balthus and Adrianna might say in the meantime will not be a problem. However – ”
“I knew there was going to be a ‘however,’” muttered Bo.
“However,” continued Janelle, “the problem will be the Dieya. He has total authority on this world and he did give us orders.”
“Yes, total authority means he could toss all of us into a star if he sees fit,” said Bo. “And I wouldn’t put it past that character, either.”
“Maybe we’re judging the Dieya too harshly,” she said. “We didn’t meet under the best of circumstances, and possibly he would see it our way.”
Rory leaned forward. “The best way to go about breaking an order – and I know, having broken many – is to just do it and never let on you did it. It’s the old ‘what they don’t know can’t hurt us’ adage. We could feel out Balthus and Adrianna, see how much they’ve put together, then fill in the blanks with as much as we see fit. Then swear them to silence.”
“They are honorable people and they would keep silent if we ask them to,” said Bo. “Especially if we told them how much trouble it could get us into.”
“Yes, that’s good,” said Janelle. “Put the onus on them. I think that will ensure their silence. But what about us? Let’s discuss what this would mean if say – Balthus is really the Dieya in disguise and has been testing us to tell Headquarters of our insubordination.”
Bo jerked. “Some disguise! I suppose Adrianna is his hologram?”
“No, Bo. I know what Janelle is getting at,” said Rory. “We should think about what it might cost. I’ve got twenty-two years in the service. I retire in three, if I retire at all. My pension has already been assured, and I’ve been a private before, so I say let’s go ahead. I’m pretty much laserproof. Bo?”
“Ah, I see what you mean. Well, I’ve been in the service for three years. Joined because I was brokenhearted over a girl and wanted a change of scene.” He looked at the incredulous expressions on their faces. “I know. I was incredibly stupid. But that’s the way it was. Anyway, I passed the tests for the League’s officer school and off I went. On leave, my girl and I made up and we married. I have three more years to serve. I would rather be home with her than here with you guys. No offense.”
“None taken.” Rory grinned. “I would rather be with her than you guys too.”
Bo continued. “I see any reported insubordination either getting me thrown out of the service or holding me back from promotion. I don’t think I’d see lock-down time.” He looked to Rory and Janelle for agreement and both nodded. “All in all, I wouldn’t lose too much. I’m not making the service a career, so…” Bo shrugged and looked at Janelle.
“I’m in the same boat as you, Bo,” said Janelle. “I don’t think I’d see any lock-down time either. The only thing I think I’d miss would be the promotion I’d be sure to get out of this. Not that I think much of wearing more gold ribbon, but I’d be allowed to research more classified material. The study of the Gless is fascinating, but my first love is other human cultures. If released from the service, I’m sure the paper I wrote on our experiences would assure me a seat on Prime University’s Cultures Study Board. So…”
“It’s spelled R-O-R-YT-A-N-N-E-R, Ma’am,” said Rory, smiling. “Just wanted to make sure you get it right when you write about our exploits.”
“Sorry to disappoint, but clinical dissertations don’t mention names. They contain the social strata and class interaction of this society and would be mostly a comparison of development between other worlds’ pre-industrial periods and this planet.” She hesitated a second. “Does anyone remember the name of this planet?”
“It’s called Dieya’d and Gone to Heaven,” said Rory. He and Bo burst out laughing.
“Ravar,” Bo chortled. “I believe Balthus called it Ravar.”
“All right, gentlemen,” she said, chuckling. “Perhaps I need to do a little more research, but I think we have come to an agreement. We share what we can with Balthus and Adrianna, going no further than filling in the blanks.”
Bo and Rory stood and joined Janelle in the center of the room for a three-handed shake as a knock sounded at the door.
“Come in,” yelled Janelle. Balthus and Adrianna entered the room and caught the end of the shake.
“We tried the other room and hoped we’d find you all here,” said Balthus. “Everyone all right? Survived the adventure at the monster-laden winery?”
“There was only one monster at the winery,” said Bo, “and she was locked in her room.”
They laughed and Janelle noticed Balthus giving each a silent appraisal. She couldn’t tell if he was doing it to see if they were still under the influence, or to see how ready they were for combat. Possibly both. When his eyes reached Rory’s, the Strikedag just nodded and smiled back. The silent communication of two veterans passed between them. At that point Janelle knew they had made the right decision.
They would answer any of Balthus’ questions, and return trust for trust.
“Well, my fine friends, you are in for a rare treat,” said Balthus, rubbing his hands together with obvious anticipation. “The Arms has the best food in the kingdom with the possible exception of the King’s court, and that’s only because he steals the Arms’ chefs! Come,” he said, ushering them to the door. “Tonight you will eat like never before.”
The dining area of the King’s Arms was as much a delight for the eyes as its food was for the palate. The honeywood floors were rich with ebony and gold inlays crafted in a masterpiece of design. Tastefully arranged padded mosaics hung on the walls to lessen the noise, while expertly draped cream-colored silks heightened the impression of intimacy. Richly appointed tables were set with gold plates, crystal goblets, and silver utensils. Strategically placed lamps, burning only the clearest unscented oils, lit the room.
When Balthus’ party arrived, the hostess immediately led them to a reserved private dining room. Balthus seated himself at the head of a small table with Adrianna and Rory on his left, Janelle and Bo to his right. Once seated, the hostess asked for a drink order.
“Mostaries’ Bitter Ale all around,” said Balthus. The waitress nodded and left, closing the door behind her. “Friends, let me introduce you to the culinary arts of the King’s Arms. Allow me to order for you and I promise your palate will be swept away from these drab surroundings to heaven above.”
“Lead on, Sir Balthus,” said Rory. “I can’t think of a better man to lead when it comes to food.” Laughter filled the room and the party was off to a good start.
Balthus ordered an appetizer of a fresh cheese and herb galette that went perfectly with the ale. He then moved them to a light salad accompanied by a sparkling white wine. The next course was the chef’s stuffed-boar specialty, served with a red wine that complemented the sauce of the entrée.
The small talk centered mostly on food and drink. Throughout the evening, a fellowship was formed by five people who respected each other’s skills and personalities and had lived every moment together for the last two weeks.
“Balthus, I must say,” said Rory, “this is one of the finest meals I’ve ever eaten. And I, too, am a man who knows and loves good food. My complements on your choices.”
“Ah, we’re not done yet, my friend. For dessert we are having a light honey cake and a Silvarian brandy that will make your tongue sing.”
“As long as you don’t, we’ll be all right,” said Rory.
“His voice isn’t that bad,” said Janelle.
“Don’t encourage him, Janelle, or we’re all doomed,” said Adrianna.
“This was wonderful, Balthus,” said Bo. “I don’t have the culinary experience Rory has, but this kind of dining must cost a fortune.”
“Tut, tut, Bo, nothing is too good for my friends,” said Balthus. “I spare no expense. Especially when I’m not paying for it.”
“Uh-oh,” said Janelle. “We’ll be washing dishes for a year.”
“Not at all, dear Lady. I received a note from a friend at the front desk. Thoril Jedar has informed the King’s Arms that he is to be billed for our entire stay. So when the brandy comes, we will hoist a toast to our fine benefactor.”
“He’ll be surprised when he gets this bill,” said Bo.
“Only the part about the torn sheets,” mumbled Adrianna.
Balthus smiled at her, then continued. “I doubt it. Thoril Jedar is a very wealthy man. The winery is only a part of his holdings.”
“Well, my thanks to him,” said Janelle, and raised her glass. “This has to be the finest meal I’ve ever had.” She smiled and added, “On any planet.”
At that moment the brandy and cake appeared. Balthus sat patiently until the waiters left. He leaned back in his chair and casually sipped his brandy. “And how many planets have you eaten meals on, Lady Janelle?”
Bo and Rory leaned forward, placing their elbows on the table.
“Humm,” pondered Janelle. “I’d say about eight or so. But then, I don’t get out much.”
Balthus stared at her, then at Bo and Rory, his small smile unable to hide the surprise on his face. “I don’t know whether to believe you or not, Lady Janelle,” he said.
“No, it’s true,” said Rory. “She doesn’t get out much.”
The trio erupted with laughter and even Adrianna joined in, loving the confused look on Balthus’ face.
Rory was the first to speak. “Balthus, surely you have some guesses as to who and what we are. We’d love to hear your and Adrianna’s theories.”
Balthus sat forward and looked at Adrianna. Silent communication passed between them. He would take the lead.
“Well,” Balthus paused and stroked his beard, “it took us a while to put some of the pieces together, but my first guess would be that you are not from around here.”
The trio nodded.
“Putting your origin aside for now, I would say that you and Bo are military men of some sort and possibly Janelle also.” He stared, but received no looks of affirmation from anyone. He glanced at Adrianna for moral support, then continued. “Janelle holds the higher rank followed by Bo, then Rory.” This time he was rewarded with nods from the group. “You came here, not of your own choice, from a different world.”
Balthus was walking on thin ice and he knew it, but was encouraged by a smile from Rory. “You are engaged in a war with the Kraken and there is a possibility it could spread to Ravar.” Balthus leaned back, lifted his brandy snifter and hoped the embarrassment didn’t show on his face. He didn’t know why he felt so awkward. He reached for Adrianna’s hand for comfort, at the same time trying to look blasé.
Adrianna came to his rescue. “The Krill was one of the Kraken, and Dieya is here to watch for them. His magic is –” she looked at Balthus and patted his hand, “– just better tools. You come from another world but are human, just like us.” She looked across to Janelle. “And the Gless are… the Gless.”
Balthus recovered and sat forward, picking up the discussion. “I think Dieya told us about the Gless a while back. He put it in terms of ‘lesser gods.’ I think this is about as much as I want to know about them.” He sighed and sat forward. “So, friends, how’d we do? I take it you would not have put forth your question if you did not intend to give some answers.”
“You two are right on the mark,” said Janelle. “We are all in the military. I hold the rank of an officer, as does Bo. But they are fighting men and I am more of a scholar. I try to make sense of the information we have gathered about the Kraken.” Janelle shook her head. “But I am amazed at you two. You don’t seem at all upset or unbelieving at our tale. How are you able to adjust so quickly and so well?”
“Ha!” laughed Balthus. “We are seething with a thousand questions of how and why and where. How did we adjust? Well, we were getting small pieces of information a little at a time and our imaginations just ran with them. When we did piece the answers together, we had already run the gamut from the simple to the outrageous.
“As far as believing your tale,” said Balthus, “we have legends of ‘Travelers’ visiting from other worlds, so it’s not a new idea. It helps me to think of other worlds as if they were other lands, with a sea of stars in between instead of water.”
He received nods from around the table.
“A question for you, Lady Janelle,” said Balthus, leaning forward. “You said you’ve eaten on eight different planets. The astronomers tell us there are only three other planets, Argos, Mangor and Septula. Ravar has two moons, so if you count them all that still comes to only five. Are our astronomers wrong?”
The trio exchanged concerned glances.
“Uh-oh,” said Balthus. “I can tell I’ve gotten something wrong just from your expressions.”
Bo and Rory again looked to Janelle. She realized that they may have been
wrong about these two having guessed the whole truth. Balthus and Adrianna had grasped the concept in terms of their own known universe. Janelle wondered if she should tell them the truth, or hedge and make it easy for them. She pondered the difficulties for a moment.
“You took a long time deciding, Lady Janelle. Was my error so far off the mark that it caused difficulties?” asked Balthus.
Janelle hesitated a moment longer. “Part of the problem is we don’t want to cause you two any undue stress or confusion. The information we have will not matter at all in your lives, but it could destroy your concepts of the universe. We do not want to jeopardize our friendship by giving you information that would upset you or cause you to push us away.”
“There’s an easy solution,” said Adrianna. “Give us the information and we will then tell you if it upsets us.”
Janelle smiled and plunged ahead. “First, I’ll start with a quick lesson in astronomy. Each star you see in the sky is like your own sun. They only look like pinpoints of light because they are so far away. Some of these other suns have planets, just like Ravar.”
Adrianna took in the information and stared into her snifter trying to adjust to this new idea.
Balthus sat straight up, spread his arms out and said something that sounded like “gagh.” The expression on his face was one of wonder.
Balthus finally found his voice and was still holding his arms wide. “You mean all those stars out there,” he said, once again sweeping his arms over his head, “they all have planets with people on them?”
“No, not all. In fact, very few do,” said Janelle. “But there are so many stars, ones so far away they can’t be seen with your eye, that if only one was inhabited out of ten thousand thousand, there still would be very many. We have found over six hundred populated worlds so far.”
“These inhabited worlds, do humans like you and I live on them?” asked Balthus.
“Yes, for the most part. There are some differences, but they are all very human.”
Balthus dropped his arms and slumped back in his chair, a giddy smile slowly growing on his face.
“Balthus, how are you handling this?” asked Rory.
“Well, I feel like I was just told I was a father.”
“What?” blurted Adrianna. She shook her head. “Balthus, you still manage to surprise me. How in the world, or worlds, does that information make you feel like a father?”
“I don’t know. It just does. I feel suddenly like a part of me has spread through the stars and it is all me and I am all it.”
Adrianna stared at him, mystified. “I feel like I am trying to put ten pounds of tubers in a five-pound sack. I’m still trying to get my mind around this, and you feel like a father?”
“I think I can explain it, Ma’am,” said Rory.
“Please do!” said an exasperated Adrianna. She stared at the still-smiling Balthus.
“Well, when a man is told he has become a father, he feels like he is now a part of something greater than himself. It’s like touching immortality, something that will go on long after he has gone. No matter what happens to him, things will go on. Is that it, Balthus?”
Balthus was still slumped in his chair, his smile having turned into a grin. “Yes, thanks Rory, that’s it exactly. I take it you have had this feeling before?”
“Yes, when my son was born, and once when I looked out at a star and realized I’d been there.”
Adrianna studied Balthus, whose eyes were shining like a kid with a new toy. She wasn’t sure how she felt about this new look at the universe. She would let it sit inside her and cook for a while. Any answers she might need would pop out later. She thought Janelle was correct though – this was interesting but it would not affect their daily lives. Unless…
She looked at Balthus again and could see the wheels spinning. Her stomach tightened. “Oh no, Balthus! Forget it. Not a chance.”
Balthus sat up and held her hand to his lips. “Oh please, please, please, please, please…”
“What are you two on about?” asked Janelle.
Adrianna looked at Janelle while Balthus held her hand and softly muttered “please” over and over. “Can’t you tell? My man’s feet were made with wanderlust. You just gave him an entire universe to roam in.”
“Oh, no. Sorry, Balthus, the Dieya would have our heads,” said Bo. “He gave us strict orders not to tell you two anything. If you even mention it, we will be in serious trouble.”
“That’s correct,” said Rory. “The Dieya is the sole authority on this planet and we have broken about sixty rules just telling you about the universe.”
“So blackie’s the man in charge, eh? Maybe we can wheedle it out of him.” He patted Adrianna’s hand.
“Don’t look to me for help,” said Adrianna. “I like it here just fine.”
“No, Balthus. The Dieya must never know,” said Janelle. “If he found out we disobeyed orders we would be in big trouble. I don’t know what it’s like in your army when someone disobeys a direct order, but in ours it means a lot of trouble.”
Balthus sat silently and digested this bit of news. Then he stood and raised his glass. “Friends, I salute you for telling us how things are, even though it might jeopardize your health. Your trust in us will not be betrayed. I so swear.”
Adrianna also stood and raised her glass. “By your actions you have shown what good friends you are. No one will hear of this from me, I so swear.”
Balthus and Adrianna clinked glasses, finished off their brandy, and threw their crystal goblets into the fireplace. With a musical crash, they smashed into a thousand pieces. They sat down and Balthus called for more glasses and more brandy.
“I was hesitant to smash the crystal goblets until I remembered who’s paying for this meal,” he said, smiling. “Teach him to foist his spoiled daughter off on us.”
The drinks and more glasses arrived and the group became a little more subdued.
Balthus sat forward. “I can give up my dream about eating in the best inns on each of six hundred worlds, but I still have many questions if you folks are up to the task.”
“Ask away,” said Bo.
“How do you travel between worlds? Is it like the way Dieya disappears? And how is that possible?”
“Yes, very similar. The science to travel like the Dieya isn’t even understood by most people, they just take it for granted,” said Bo. “It was explained to me that the device bends the world we see like this…” He took his napkin and held the corners out away from each other, then brought them together. “…so two points are next to each other. They form a gateway between them.”
“Just so! You need not board a ship or luse, just step through?” asked Balthus.
“Yes.”
“And no one can see or feel this bending?” asked Balthus.
“No. It’s nothing that can be seen. It’s like, ah… you know that Ravar is round, correct?” asked Bo. His face said he hoped he wasn’t opening another can of worms.
“Yes, I’ve been to sea and watched the ships sail over the horizon. It is not a new idea for us.”
“Well, even though you are on a round ball, it seems flat to you.”
Balthus nodded and leaned closer.
“Um, there are dimensions, that is ah, er, perceptions, ah…” Bo paused.
“Balthus,” interrupted Rory, “there are spaces or worlds around us we are not aware of. The gateway uses these. The Dieya has a gateway concealed near Brightmoor Castle that we will use to get home.”
Balthus sat back and relaxed. “Thanks, Rory. It’s still confusing but I think I understand.”
“Yes, thanks, Rory. I was beginning to feel like I was drowning,” said Bo as he fanned himself with his napkin.
Everyone laughed.
“Let’s just say that a lot of things have been discovered and have made travel easy,” said Bo.
<
br /> “I bet with these advances you have better weapons as well,” stated Adrianna.
“Yes, we do,” said Janelle.
Adrianna nodded. “If the weapon Dieya used to destroy the Krill was any indication, your wars must be pure hell.”
“How much skill does it take to wield a weapon the likes of which Dieya used to destroy the Krill?” asked Balthus.
“None, really,” said Rory. “Just point and touch the trigger.”
Balthus sat erect. “You mean any lout can have that much power without training or practice?”
“There are laws against it, but yes, that’s what it means,” answered Rory.
Balthus looked at Adrianna and shook his head. “I don’t think you have to worry about me going any further than here, my Love. It sounds too dangerous out there.”
“I begin to see why Dieya is so protective of the people of Ravar, and wants to hide this secret,” said Adrianna. “Just think if some of those weapons fell into the wrong hands.”
Rory held up his dinner knife. “And those weapons are like this knife compared to others that we have.”
Balthus looked at each of the trio. “Then the war with the Kraken must be a horror beyond all horrors. I hope there is song and happiness somewhere in your worlds,” said Balthus.
“Yes, but we must always remain vigilant,” said Rory. “In fact, that is our service motto – ‘Eternal Vigilance.’”
“Hear, hear,” said Bo, raising his glass.
“Such is always the price of freedom in any land,” said Balthus, joining them in their toast. “The war with the Kraken – it goes well?”
“No one is sure, Balthus,” said Rory. “Each world is like its own outpost with the Kraken sometimes hitting them like raiders, and sometimes destroying the entire world. We banded together, but we don’t know where the Kraken come from or even where their home world is.”
“Or why they attack us or even what they look like,” added Janelle.
“It sounds like red war just the same, fought on a grander scale.” Balthus shook his head in disbelief. “You don’t know why they are at war with you? Do they take and hold lands?”
“No, they just destroy,” said Rory. “It’s a war of extermination. Sometimes they do take prisoners but we think they just want to examine us.” He shrugged. “The war has been fought thus far against their ships and machines we call battle droids. They are like metal men and have independent actions.”
Balthus shook his head in amazement. “You say you don’t know what they look like? Isn’t the Krill one of them?”
“Yes, but the Krill is just a construct made by the Kraken. They are not the Kraken themselves.”
“Yes, Dieya mentioned something like that.” Balthus looked into his brandy glass. “Let me tell you of our fight with the Krill and you can tell us how it fits in.”
He related the battle with the Baron of Yorburg and his destruction by Dieya.
Rory raised his glass in silent toast to both Balthus and Adrianna.
“How did the Krill get to Ravar? Through one of those gateways? And how did he become the Baron?” asked Balthus.
“The Krill is just an evil machine that enters a human body and takes it over, changing it as it sees fit, with a pre-programmed agenda,” said Rory. “It has the ability to harden the bone and muscle to an almost metal strength, but it burns up the host quickly and the body decays after about six months. Outside of a human body it is powerless – it can do nothing.”
“Yes,” said Janelle. “We had some of our own captured people returned to us as Krill and do some serious damage before we found out how to detect and neutralize them.”
Adrianna looked at Balthus, then back to Janelle. “Then someone has to place it in a human body for it to work?” When she received nods she turned to Balthus. “Then there is still a Kraken agent on this planet, the one who started this whole thing.”
“Hopefully that is what the Dieya is taking care of now,” said Rory.
Balthus pondered the information he had been given. Perhaps Dieya was trying to keep them out of the Kraken war, but in his gut he felt that want it or not, war was coming on. He raised his glass. “Another toast.”
The others raised their glasses.
“To Dieya. May his work be fruitful.” He drained his glass and refilled his and Janelle’s. “Gentlepeople, I meant for this to be an evening of friendship with no worries. Let’s table this discussion of war and just get to know one another better.”
“Good idea, Balthus,” said Bo. “The three of us don’t even know each other that well. We’d only been together a few days before you met us.” He turned to Rory. “Rory, you mentioned earlier that your pension has already been assured, yet you have three years until retirement. I thought a marine’s pension wasn’t guaranteed until after twenty-five years. How did you accomplish that, and can I get some?”
“I don’t think you’d want it the way I got it,” said Rory. He looked down into his glass and swirled the brandy.
“How did you get it?”
Balthus looked at Rory’s face and knew Bo would do well to let it lie, but that was between them.
Rory took a deep breath and let it out. “I’m a holder of the Alliance Battle Star.”
Bo’s eyes widened and Janelle’s mouth dropped open.
“What is the Alliance Battle Star?” asked Adrianna.
“The Star is the highest decoration we have in the Alliance,” said Janelle. “In two hundred and fifty years of war and thousands of awarded medals, less than eight hundred Battle Stars have ever been awarded. It is most prestigious.”
Balthus could see that Rory didn’t want to talk about it and tried to change the subject. “And it comes with a pension. Nice going, Rory! Let the King pick up the tab once in a while, I say. You mentioned before that you had a son. Is he in the service, too?”
Rory looked down into his glass again. “He was,” he said, not looking up. “He’s gone now. We served together for a little while. We were both at Duebuy.” He drank the remainder in his glass and reached for a refill.
Balthus could have bitten off his tongue. He looked to Bo and Janelle and could see the shock on their faces.
“Sorry, Rory,” said Balthus. “I didn’t mean to bring up unhappy thoughts. Just the opposite.”
“I know, Balthus,” Rory said, and gave him a little smile.
“I’m sorry too,” said Bo. “As your Lancelead I should have known about the Battle Star. I just never got around to it.” Bo hung his head.
A slight smile touched Rory’s lips. “Sir, did you go over my proficiency records?”
“Why, yes but –”
“Do you know my area of training and skill levels?”
“Yes, but –”
“Do you know how my skills can be best utilized in action?”
“Yes.”
“Then you were doing your job as Lancelead. It doesn’t matter what a man did as a marine, only what he can do now. The rest doesn’t matter.”
Bo took a moment to absorb that fact and nodded his head. “Thanks Dagger. You are right. But I have to say it is an honor to serve with a member of the Duebuy Defenders.” He raised his glass, as did Janelle, and saluted Rory.
“I have to ask, my curiosity has gotten the better of me,” said Adrianna. “Duebuy?”
“Duebuy was a planet on the rim where the Alliance’s First Space Marine Division was stationed,” said Janelle. “Twenty-five thousand strong. Their base was at the entrance to the only inhabited valley on that world. A valley where some three hundred thousand unarmed civilians lived. The Kraken opened several dimgates outside the marine base and pushed through more than half a million battle droids of all sizes and types before the marines could close them down. The Duebuy Defenders fought for forty-five days, not allowing a single battle droid into the valley. At the end of the battle, ev
ery battle droid was destroyed. Of the twenty-five thousand defenders, only one hundred and forty-one survived. The Alliance awarded each survivor the Alliance Battle Star.”
Balthus and Adrianna stared at Rory.
“You do what you have to do,” Rory said with a shrug. “Sometimes you’re lucky, sometimes you’re not.”
Adrianna reached across and touched Rory’s hand.
“Couldn’t your gateways be used to get help?” asked Balthus.
“There are devices that make the gateways inoperable,” said Janelle. “Several times the Kraken have brought in a dampener that can neutralize an entire planet’s gateways. No one escapes.”
Balthus wanted to pull the attention from Rory, whom he sensed could use a break. “My friends, we have had some interesting talk and a fantastic meal. But the night is still young. There are places to go and people to see.”
“Balthus, I know you’d like to go tavern hopping but I think we should get an early start on the morrow,” said Adrianna.
“All right, we’ll only go to the Blue Boar.”
“The Blue Boar?” Adrianna gaped. “If you wanted to go somewhere nice I might be of like mind, but the Blue Boar – no way. That place is only good for getting into fights.”
“Not the only thing,” he said, smiling and running a finger along the edge of his brandy snifter. “I hear they have a bard singing tonight.”
“No bard could be good enough to get me to go to that hole,” she said.
“Not even Sahar?”
Adrianna stared, her eyes misting over for a moment. “Sahar is playing at the Blue Boar tonight?”
Balthus smiled and nodded.
Adrianna stood. “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!”
Balthus laughed and glanced at the trio. “Sahar is one of Ravar’s best bards – and Adrianna’s favorite, in case you haven’t guessed. The only reason he sings at a hole like the Blue Boar is because his uncle owns the place and he does it as a family favor. Sahar is so good that even I, a jealous man, will let him live after watching his effect on Adrianna.”
“Come on, Janelle, you’re going to love him!” said Adrianna excitedly.
“See what I mean?” said Balthus to the men.
They stood to leave and Balthus dropped several silver pieces on the table for the hostess.
Cool night air revived the party as it washed away the heaviness of the earlier conversation. Once again they were just friends out for a good time.
The walk to the Blue Boar emphasized the difference between the better part of town and the worst. Janelle commented on the dichotomy of the people’s finery near the King’s Arms and the horribly deformed beggars as they neared the Blue Boar.
“Yes, Freetown has all extremes,” said Balthus. “Extremely rich, extremely poor, base degenerates and religious fanatics. That’s what keeps it interesting.”
Arriving at the Blue Boar, Balthus led them through a stench-filled alley to the rear of the inn. As they entered the back door, the owner rushed over and shook Balthus’ hand. Janelle thought she saw a glint of gold change hands.
“All is ready, Sir,” said the proprietor. “Please follow me.” He led them through the kitchen to a table in the main hall very near the small raised platform that would serve as a stage. He gestured to a waitress and left.
The oil lamps were turned low except for a few with reflectors focused on the single chair on the platform. It set the scene for a hall that was crowded but subdued with anticipation.
“I think we got here just in time,” said Balthus as the waitress arrived.
“Yes,” said the maid as she served the group weak wine. “He’ll be out in a few moments.” She hurriedly filled their mugs and left. The crowd grew hushed as a lone figure carrying a lute walked through the dark and ascended the platform.
With one look, Janelle knew the incredibly handsome bard could be a top entertainer on any world. Sharp, chiseled features lent him an aristocratic air, but deep-blue, sympathetic eyes softened his face and attracted the eye of every woman in the room. He wore white leggings and a white tunic with a gold embroidered pattern. His entire body radiated charisma from his long golden ringlets to his sandal-covered feet.
Sahar took his seat, removed his soft white cap and placed it on the stage. He bowed his head to the audience and played a flurry of chords and short melodies that served as his overture.
As he began, the rich timbres of his baritone voice transported Janelle into his story. A story of true love lost. Sahar played while he spoke, changing tempo and tune to fit the narrative. He broke into a song about the young lover’s first meeting and Janelle was reminded of her own first love as the melody stirred her heart. Sahar’s tale finished with a bitter-sweet song of parting lovers. As the last chords faded into the darkened hall, he bowed his head low.
The crowd roared.
Janelle found herself on her feet applauding madly and surging toward the stage along with everyone else. Adrianna applauded franticly and elbowed her way closer to the stage.
Sahar held up his hands in acknowledgement and asked if the crowd would like another. With cries of “Yes!” the crowd settled back down and he began. This time the tale was of a knight and his choice between honor and duty. Once again Sahar’s playing and voice became a vehicle that transported the listener into the story.
For two hours, Sahar played, varying his tales from the homespun to the heroic, from the comic to the sad. As he finished his last tune about the birth of a couple’s first child, all the women and a few men wept.
Sahar stood and bowed as applause rocked the room. A serving girl picked up his hat and walked around the audience, taking a collection. By the time she had finished, she needed both hands to carry the hat. The applause died down as Sahar left the stage and servants scurried to light more lamps. The mixed crowd of rich and poor alike flowed toward the front door.
“Let’s wait till the crowd empties out a bit before we try to leave,” suggested Balthus. “What did you think of our bard?”
“He was magnificent! He could be a star on any world,” said Janelle.
“Thanks for bringing us,” said Adrianna, touching his cheek.
“Yes, he was great!” joined Bo.
Rory nodded.
As the hall emptied, a loud deep voice shouted, “Horned helmet! Horned helmet!” A sudden movement of people being pushed aside at the far side of the inn drew their attention. The crowd parted like water. A seven-foot giant of a man staggered to the middle of the room and pointed a sausage-sized finger at Balthus.
“I knew our paths would cross someday!” he said in a drunken slur.
“Uh-oh,” said Balthus. A stoic look replaced the worry lines that had creased his face for a moment.
“What’s going on?” asked Rory. “Who is that giant?”
“Oldwick,” said Adrianna. “Someone Balthus insulted a while ago. Evidently he hasn’t forgotten.” She grabbed Balthus’ arm. “Balthus, run for the back door, now!”
Balthus looked at Adrianna and smiled. “You know I can’t do that, Love.” He slowly rose to his feet.
The crowd made a wide ring around Balthus’ table and Oldwick. Janelle smiled at Adrianna, then stood.
“Balthus, is this big jerk bothering you?” She winked at Rory and Bo.
“Janelle,” said Balthus. “Poking a bull with a sharp stick isn’t the way to calm it down.”
Janelle held up a hand. “You relax, Balthus. I’ll handle your light work.” She turned and stepped toward Oldwick.
Balthus started to come around the table but Rory held him back. “Wait – give her a moment.”
Bo said, “Are you crazy? He’ll break her in half!”
“Have you ever seen a Denwabi gold-ring-holder in action?” asked Rory. Bo stopped halfway to his feet, smiled and sat down.
Rory held onto Balthus’ arm, preventing him fro
m moving. “Watch,” said Rory.
Janelle stood in front of Oldwick with her feet shoulder-width apart and her hands on her hips. “He’s a friend of mine who’s buying me drinks. I suggest you leave us alone.”
The crowd gave out a scattered titter of laughter. Oldwick saw her for the first time.
“Out of my way, woman!” he yelled and tried to push her aside.
Janelle grabbed the extended hand and suddenly Oldwick was lying on the floor. The crowd gasped with a cry of disbelief. Janelle moved toward the center of the circle.
“I said, leave us alone. He’s paying for my drinks!”
Oldwick sat up and looked around, obviously perplexed as to how he wound up on the floor. He staggered to his feet and, roaring, lunged at Janelle. She crouched and spun, sticking out a leg. Oldwick tripped, crashing onto a table and several patrons. He rolled over and stared at her, oblivious to the patrons under him or the table he had just turned into kindling.
“Stand still, woman, so I can crush you!”
“If that’s the way you want it,” said Janelle.
Oldwick rose to his feet, aided by the people under him. He walked to her slowly this time, his two ham-sized fists clenched before him. Janelle leaped straight into the air and, spinning, kicked him with a hard-booted foot square in the temple. He went down to his knees. This put them about eye to eye. Janelle hit him with a series of quick open-handed stabs to pressure-points on his neck and chest then backed away. His eyes slowly closed and he fell face down on the floor.
The inn rang with cheers as Janelle walked back to a smiling Bo and Rory, a surprised Adrianna, and a totally stunned Balthus.
Rory patted Balthus’ arm. “See, I told you there was nothing to worry about.”
“But how did she? I mean – what did she do?”
Adrianna raised her voice above the din of the patrons. “Let that be a lesson to all you men. Don’t get between a lady and her wine!”
The room erupted with laughter and people once again filed toward the door while Oldwick’s drinking companions bent to help their fallen friend.
“I suggest we leave before he wakes up and finds a weapon,” said Adrianna.
They made their way to the door, Adrianna pulling a speechless Balthus. As they passed the still-prone Oldwick, one of the men helping the giant glanced up at Balthus and nodded. Balthus’ body tightened. He nodded a greeting back to the kneeling man and they left the Blue Boar.
Once out in the street, Bo laughed and danced around the group. “What a night!” he said. He walked backward in front of the group and occasionally did a few dance steps. “She moves, he falls, she moves, he falls, he moves, she kicks his butt!” he said, leaping into the air.
“Lady Janelle,” said Balthus. “Please don’t ever do that again. You could have been seriously hurt or killed.”
“He wasn’t armed and he was pretty drunk. Besides, you have to allow me to help you out once in a while.”
“Where did you learn to do that?” Balthus asked.
“Oh, I’ve been practicing that discipline for a number of years.”
“That was something to see, Janelle. You must show me a few moves,” said Adrianna. “It would come in handy from time to time.” She shot a look toward Balthus.
“Oh boy,” muttered Balthus.
They walked on a while in silence.
“Balthus,” said Adrianna. “Who was the man kneeling by Oldwick? I noticed you recognized each other.”
“Hawke,” said Balthus. “Eli Hawke. We were in the war together.” He shook his head.
“I take it he is not a friend of yours,” said Rory.
“No. We were on the same side, that’s about all.”
“There’s more to it than that,” said Adrianna. “I felt you stiffen when you saw him.”
“Yeah, well…” Balthus grew silent for a moment and stared at the ground. “He’s the quickest and deadliest man I’ve ever seen.” Balthus looked her in the eye. “And he’s a stone-cold killer. He makes me uneasy.”
“I’ve known some like that,” said Rory. “They just like to kill.”
“No, that’s not it. I’ve known that type also, but that’s not him. He doesn’t do it for enjoyment. He just does it. It means no more to him than crossing the street or eating bread. Someone with absolutely no conscience bothers me. It’s unnatural.” He grew silent, alone with his memories, as did the rest of the group.
The walk back to the Arms was quiet.