The Furyan's Return: Chapter Six

NOTE: This story is based on the director's extended version of The Chronicles of Riddick, not the theatrical release. I claim no rights to characters from COR.

The Necro frigate descended on the planet, circling the landing pad. Kha Maruk was green and lush with waterfalls hundreds of hectares tall. The temple glittered is hues of rose, the marble walls reflecting the morning sunlight.

Riddick still brooded behind his goggles over Aereon's smug certainty as she led the way down the ramp and onto solid ground, three Necro guards following in their wake. Riddick did not wear battle armor upon Aereon's suggestion. If he was going to meet his future queen-bride, he should look less like a military commander and more like a suitor, she reasoned. But he still thought the flowing black robes made him more like a holy man than a suitor.

A woman in flowing red robes descended the steps in front of the temple and approached to greet them. She had graying red hair that flamed in the sunlight. Riddick made out a face that looked sun-kissed and creased but seemed to be the same age as Aereon. The woman had a wide smile while she greeted Aereon. They crossed their arms across their chests and bowed from the waist. Once they broke the formal greeting, they instantly fell into hugging each other and laughing.

"Aereon! It's been such a long time," the woman said.

"Malenka, it's been too long. I'm sorry this isn't a social occasion."

Malenka sobered and said, "Yes, of course." She turned to Riddick. "This is the one?"

Riddick didn't appreciate the idea that they had obviously discussed him before.

"Yes, this is Riddick, Lord General of the Necromonger fleet and future king of Furya," Aereon replied.

Malenka bowed formally to Riddick who bent slightly from the waist. "You are well come, Lord Riddick. I am not sure how smoothly your trip will go here, but I am willing to help anyway I can."

"I appreciate your help," Riddick tried to sound enthusiastic, but his replied came out strained.

"I should warn you, my Lord." Malenka hesitated and flickered a glance at Aereon who imperceptibly nodded. "Sunara remembers some things… She has had nightmares since she was a young girl. Her visions include the Necromongers." Malenka nodded to the guards flanking Riddick.

Riddick turned. "Captain, you and your men return to the ship."

The captain looked concerned and confused. "But, my Lord…"

"Do as I command, Captain," Riddick growled threateningly and turned back to Malenka.

She smiled more pleasantly. "Please follow me," Malenka turned and walked back up the steps and down a long hallway to a large simple room with a desk, assorted chairs and some braziers. The door to the office closed behind them.

Malenka took her seat on the far side of the desk while Aereon took the chair on the opposite side. Riddick chose to stand.

"My Lord, you must understand. Sunara knows nothing of her heritage or the circumstances that brought her here. She was a baby, and later was told only that her parents had both been killed in an attack on a distant world. While she's been here, she's become like a daughter to me." Malenka paused. "It might do you well to remove your goggles. It's difficult to have a conversation when one cannot see one's eyes."

"Very well," Riddick said, removing the goggles and was instantly almost blind. His eyes shone brightly with the fires of the braziers.

"Ah yes…," the red-haired woman said melodically. "I have heard of your background." And with a wave of her had, all but the pair of braziers in the center of the room went out. With the light from outside coming through the high stone-cut windows and the braziers, the room was dim but bright enough to see clearly.

Riddick was startled – a Fire Elemental. He had not had a chance to meet any others but Aereon although he knew they existed. No wonder Aereon and Malenka knew each other.

Malenka smiled calmly as Riddick adjusted to the new information.

"Riddick, please… You need to let me handle this. She may be very fragile. If we want to be successful, you'll need to show some patience," Aereon said.

"I know the rules, Aereon. I promised to behave," Riddick drawled. "I'll be patient… for awhile. Time is running out."

They were disrupted by sounds on the other side of the door. Riddick retreated to the shadows on the side of the room just before it opened. In walked a lithe young woman wearing a simpler pale gold robe, but the robe also had a cowl that was pulled up over her head and obstructed her face. She was tall and stood straight as she walked in carrying a tray with glasses and a teapot.