Chapter 12 - Empty Arrival
Jay was restless. She shifted her position in the small cot once again, turning onto her side and trying to close her eyes. She felt like she was exhausted beyond sleep, which didn't seem to make much sense but it was the only thing she could come up with. Finally, she threw the thin smelly sheet off of her body and got out of bed, feeling her way through the darkness. It had been their second day aboard The Roc, and having to get up at four the next morning so she could get a head start on breakfast, she didn't really understand her insomnia. Her first full day cooking had seemed to drag on forever, giving her way too much time to think about her life, past, present, and future. It had been so long since she'd been able to attach herself to anyone that her developing feelings for Ryne were scaring her. Ever since her parents died she hadn't opened her heart to anyone aside from her older brother. She barely even had time to socialize, let alone make friends and have romantic interests. She didn't know how she'd become so close to him in such a short time. Sure, he was attractive in an odd sense with his snow white hair and soft features, but was it merely just attraction? Or had he opened up something deeper within her, something she thought was killed long ago. Love was complex and couldn't be built in a day, a week, or even a year, but something was surely budding. The question was, could she handle it?...
"It's awful late for young women to be roaming around a ship full of repressed men."
Jay didn't even have to turn to know who it was.
"Don't you have something important to be doing." she said, annoyed.
"Nope, couldn't sleep. That guy friend of yours snores louder than dad used to." Leos said, leaning against the railing that edged the ship. Jay sighed and let her self fall to his side.
"Me neither. I think I'm too tired to sleep."
"I hate it when that happens."
They stood there in silence for a while, neither making a sound, just enjoying a rare quiet moment when they could be family once again. She rested her head against his broad shoulder, comforting herself with his presence. He was the closest thing to a father that she had. Though he might not have done the best at raising her from ten years old, she couldn't ask for anything more. He was there and that was enough. She didn't know how long he stood there, just letting her lean against him. All she knew what that before things began to get fuzzy, she felt herself lift into that air and start to move back inside the ship.
****************************** Ryne awoke the next morning to the sun shining hard into his eyes. Yawning, he bent his right arm over his face and lay for a moment more, trying to find the motivation to get out of bed. He could feel the ship rocking gently, the gentle hum of the engines threatening to lull him back to sleep. They were moving. Ryne gasped in a deep breath of air, coming fully awake with the realization that he was late. very late. Hurriedly he threw his shirt and boots on, running to the kitchen with his shirttail hanging out and his laces untied. As he ran through the hall he passed a very disheveled looking Jaycera coming out of the women's bunk room, wearing nothing more than an oversized shirt. She yawned and smiled as she saw Ryne rush past her and stop suddenly for a double take. The expression of pure confusion on his face was priceless.
". Aren't we supposed to be cooking or something...," He said, finally finding the words.
"Cold breakfast today. we cooked it yesterday after Dinner. remember?" She replied a look of supreme satisfaction on her face. Ryne just stared at her blankly. Jay shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Obviously not a morning person."
"Are you making fun of me?" Ryne said, his expression shifting to that of accusation.
"Indeed I am. what are ya gonna do about it?" She mocked, sticking her tongue out at him. Ryne surprised her by snatching it with in between his fingers and holding on tight.
"That's what I'm gonna do." He said, letting go and reaching around her head to stick his finger in her ear.
"Eww.," Jay recoiled and shoved him away. "You've been spending too much time with my brother."
"Can't help it. he sleeps right above me."
Celeste appeared in the doorway, wearing similar attire and leaning on the doorjamb, folding her arms in front of her. Her expression was sassy, and slightly amused.
"Well. aren't you two just cute."
Ryne grinned weakly and blushed. Jay just rolled her eyes and turned on her heel.
"I think I'm gonna take a hot bath." She said as she retreated.
"Sure ya don't want 'Raiyne' to help ya with that?" Celeste called after her. Ryne turned a deeper shade of red.
"Ha, ha. very funny."
The both watched Jay go, heading for the group bathhouse. The men and women each had a moderately sized pool in which to bathe. Water was too precious a commodity for there to be separate bathes.
"Has anyone ever told you how incredibly blunt you are." Ryne asked when Jay was out of sight.
"No. On the moon we don't beat around the bush as much as you Arcadians do. That and our mates are arranged by the hierarchy, so we don't have to deal with the whole 'courtship' issue."
Ryne mulled this over in his head for a bit. "You mean you don't get to choose your own husband?"
"That is correct."
"What about Love?"
"What about it."
"Well. don't you. how do you." Ryne stammered, trying to find the right words. "What if you have feelings for someone?"
"Feelings are not relevant. Feelings get in the way, cause confusion, and overall are too distracting."
Ryne couldn't argue with the logic of that. It was true, he was confused and distracted. But he didn't understand how you could just get rid of feelings, like so much excess baggage. He didn't ask however, just nodded his head in agreement, ending the discussion. Celeste just turned and walked back into the bunk room.
"I think I'm going to take a bath as well."
Ryne shook his head. He'd been ditched by two women within two minutes. He turned around and walked down the hallway, making his way toward the stairs that led to the deck of the ship. As he pushed the door open, a steady breeze caressed his face and tousled his hair. The winds of North Ocean weren't know for their ferocity, but they never let down, making sailing beautiful. In the distance he could see the jutting mountains of Valua peeking through the mist that always seemed to envelop the continent, giving a depressing feel and mood. They were less than day away from Imperial City at the rate they were going. Ryne walked to the railing and leaned on it, looking out at the all encompassing sky. To the starboard side he could see the Giant's Throne. or chair. he couldn't remember at that precise moment. He didn't know the landmarks of North Ocean that well, as he hadn't traveled them that often. His father had never had much reason to visit Ixa'Taka, and when he did it was usually just a social call.
"Ever been to this part of the ocean, boy?" A gruff voice ask from behind him. Captain Strong appeared leaning on the railing to his left.
"Yeah. once. with my dad." Ryne said, remembering the reason he was there in the first place.
"Ay. I won't press ya on that one, Lad." Ryne looked over and smiled appreciatively. "You've been doin a fine job with those two ladies of yours. I'm gonna be mighta sorry to see ya leavin when we reach Imperial City. Ryne Vyse."
At first Ryne didn't think twice about Captain Strong using his real name. Then he remembered the name he'd fabricated in order to protect himself and his friends from recognition of his infamous family name. His head snapped over to look Jerusha Strong in the eye, his mouth slightly open.
"How did you?..."
"Oh come off it, boy, I'd know you anywhere. How many other people on this world have silvery white hair when they're less than fifty? Plus, rumor's been going around that the famed family of Vyse has gone missing and I have this nifty little poster with your face on it."
Ryne's heart slumped. He sighed and let his head drop into his folded arms. so much for being incognito. He seriously had to do something with his standout hair t he wanted to be able to hide anywhere without being recognized. A hearty laugh began to ring in his ear, and he felt a large meaty hand on his shoulder.
"It's alright. you'll find no enemies of the Rouges on this ship."
Ryne set his chin on arm and continued his silent hunched vigil of the sky. Nothing ever worked out the way he wanted it to.
***************************************
The day passed slowly as Jaycera worked on the day's lunch which consisted mostly of sardis the men had caught yesterday. Celeste was working silently at her side, filleting and throwing the meat onto a pile for Jay to season and fry up. Mechanically she reached for another piece of slimy meat and tossed it in a shallow pan into some sizzling grease. As it plopped in some of the hot oil splashed out and hit her on the hand. Grimacing, she wiped her burnt hand on her apron. Frowning she looked at the back of her right hand, noting the numerous red burns on her hands that were constantly bringing her back to reality.
"Want some ice for that?" Celeste asked, not even looking up from her cutting board. Jay glanced down at the water puddle that was already forming beneath her feet.
"No thanks, I can handle it." She said, grabbing another piece of meat, seasoning it, and gently placing it in the pan and pulling out a finished piece.
She hadn't seen Ryne since that morning. Celeste told her that Captain Strong had asked him to help with preparing the ice shipment for when they reached Imperial City sometime during the night. Jay could feel the anticipation on the ship, filling the air with an energy that was contagious. She didn't quite understand it. She supposed that the sailors were eager to get off the ship and onto solid ground, but they were beginning to edgy, and a little giddy. They kept coming into the kitchen without saying a word and going back into the ice box and coming out with large chunks on wheeled dollies. She knew that Strong dealt in ice and wouldn't have thought anything of it except for the vibe the sailors were giving off. Jay sighed and shook her head. It was probably nothing. What did she know about reading people, she'd been living on a small ship with her brother for six years and wasn't exactly a people person. Finally, she just quit thinking altogether and let her hands work by themselves. They knew what they were doing.
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One more chance.Find the Boy.
Vaulrik's commands were ringing through his head, instructions coming into his mind through Fynis.
I have managed to subdue the woman by promising her that her son would not be killed if she cooperated. I will destroy the Ixa'Takan control point at midnight, valuan time. Take that chance to capture the boy. alive. If he dies, you die.
Gideon nodded mentally, not considering failure. He was growing impatient with waiting. He'd been trailing the large wooden ship where Ryne's energy signature was from beneath the clouds. He'd found the boy quickly after reaching the surface of Arcadia, but it would have been too difficult to capture him on a boat load of sailors without the threat of Ryne being seriously harmed, so he was waiting. But soon they would dock at the Valuan Capital, and the wait would be over.
*****************************************
Celeste lay in her cot, thinking. For her, the day had passed rather quickly and before she knew it she was here in her bed again, left alone for her thoughts to consume her. She wished she were back in the kitchen, preparing food for ungrateful sailors like a mindless drone. Anything was better than this. In her mind's eye she could still she the radiance of the silver oblique sphere, burning and crashing into the depths of the Ixa'Takan forests. The death of her only friend was still fresh in her memory, playing in front of her eyes at every idle moment, reminding her of the cost of her choice to defect from the Silvite hierarchy and join the group Eternum. She had been Elder Philia's last hope for peace on the planet of Arcadia, and now she was stuck here with a group of children.
You're still a child yourself...
She was only in her early twenties. why did she look down on these people as if they were juveniles?
Because they have something you don't.
But what? Celeste couldn't take it anymore. She pressed her face into her pillow and wept silently.
***************************************
Leos was tired. Normally he would have been able to call for a drop anchor at around nightfall so that he could get some sleep. But tonight, Captain Strong had insisted that they press on toward Imperial City. He looked up at the pale yellow moon through the dense cloud cover, estimating the time to be somewhere around eleven or eleven thirty at night. He could see the glow of lights over the edge of the mountains that told him he was almost there. Leos was headed for the northern channel that led directly behind the new capitol building of the fledgling city. The northern channel had been cut into the side of the mountains around fifteen years ago, in a desperate call from King Enrique to get people to work again. After the rains of destruction Valua had been in a horrible economic state, many jobless, starving, and blaming their new king. Enrique however, also broke and on the verge of losing his throne, came up with a plan to get people back to work again. He would start digging channels and tunnels through the mountain sides that would serve the dual purpose of letting more trade come through and generate more revenues for the kingdom itself, and give those who were jobless a change to get back on their feet, and start paying their taxes once more. What was produced was a strong new country, that was once again feared and respected. Leos was relieved when he finally saw the light shining through the huge gash that separated the mountains. As he neared, he saw two dephinus class warships keeping guard over the channel. He could see that they weren't armed with moonstone cannons, but they were a more than formidable match with their various array of cannons, all of which were pointing his way. One of them was powering their way, at a speed Leos didn't think ships that size could attain.
"PLEASE STOP AND PREPARE TO BE BOARDED." A booming voice called through a loudspeaker. Leos sighed and called to the engine crew through a talk tube.
"Hey guys, we're being boarded. Stop the engines."
Leos immediately heard the silence of the idle engines as they drifted slowly without propulsion. It took the Valuan ship no time at all to reach them, and pull the ships together. Leos could see Captain Strong walking across the deck to meet the oncoming Valuan representative who was guarded by a contingent of heavily armed and armored soldiers. The man was wearing the clothes and colors of an admiral, his decorative armor shining from under a heavy cloak. He looked slighted annoyed by the soldiers that encircled him, and shoved them aside to hop over the railings that separated their two ships. The confused soldiers followed after him, though looked rather clumsy as they tried to get over the railings in their heavy armor. The Captain stopped at mid-deck and clasped his hands behind his back.
"Ah, Admiral Gent. Nice to be seeing ye again, sir." Strong said, through his thick sailor's accent.
Gent smiled through his thick black beard and nodded, the moon reflecting golden hues on his slicked back hair.
"Jerusha Strong, to what do I owe this honor."
"I got a shipment of ice here for that King o' yers." The Captain said, straightening out his overcoat as if to make himself more presentable.
"I trust you have acquired the proper permits and have authorization to be here."
"Yeah, Yeah. I got ya dang papers." Jerusha reached into his breast pocket and pulled out some crisp papers which bore the seal of Valua. "I hear that King of yours is thinkin about stepping down. letting the people govern themselves now that the country's back on it's feet." The Captain said, talking idly while Gent checked his papers with a pale lantern.
"Cut the small talk Strong, I have specific orders to check your vessel thoroughly." Gent said crisply, ignoring the insignificant question. "The admirals are still reeling over the fact that King Enrique believes that you really went legit."
"I ain't lookin for no trouble Gent. I know we've had our run-ins in the past, but this is a lucrative business I got here. I don't have no need to ransack your city no more."
Gent just shook his head and handed the documents back to Jerusha.
"You do understand that my men are going to watch ever step you take while you're here." Gent said, turning to leave.
"I'm looking forward to it, Admiral." The old sailor said, bowing low and formally. Gent just shook his head again and hopped over the railings, his guards following not so gracefully after. The Captain stood and watched the other ship for a while, his hands clasped behind his back, making him look taller than he was. Finally, he turned.
"All right men, full speed to the palace dock!"
And with that simple order men scurried everywhere, getting back to their assigned tasks and preparing the ship for the dock.
*************************************
Jay awoke to a gentle thud which resounded throughout the ship. Her first thought was cannon fire and she sat upright in the small cot, which turned out to be a not-so-good idea as her head ricocheted off of the bunk above her, which Celeste currently occupied. Confused and in pain, Jay fell out of the cot and stood up rubbing her forehead vigorously. Celeste jumped off of the top cot and put her hand on her shoulder.
"Are you alright?" She asked, genuinely caring about her welfare. Jay just rubbed all the harder, grimacing.
"Yeah, I'll be alright. the only thing seriously injured is my pride."
Celeste chuckled under her breath and left her side and grabbed her only real possession. her hip pouch.
"You might want to gather up your things." She said to Jay, who was now standing fully upright and blinking her eyes furiously. "We've reached Valua."
Jay nodded shook her head as if to clear it. Celeste left the darkened room and Jay grabbed her duffel bag which she'd packed earlier in the day. The deck was bustling with activity. Men were running around frantically, shoving around large carts with huge blocks of ice on them. The blocks were covered in wet cloth, which Jay supposed were wet because the ice had started to melt. why the cloths were on them she had no clue and was really too tired to care. Captain Strong was in the middle of it all, giving directions when needed, but mostly just standing and watching as the carts were wheeled into the lit doorway of a huge and aesthetically pleasing building that was only visible dimly in the pale light of midnight. The Captain noticed the girls presence as they approached, looking about for Ryne and Leos.
"All ready, are ye?" He asked over the noise of wheels over planks. The girls just nodded, still looking for their male counterparts.
"Yer boys are helping to unload, but the next time they come out I'll give you your pay and you can go on your way."
Jay blinked hard and looked over at the old man. "Pay?" She asked, "I thought we were just working our way over to Valua."
The Captain chuckled warmly, "Ye were at first. but ye made some dang good food. Lifted the morale of my men. Nothing in the world is worth more than a happy crew."
Jay smiled, having the sudden urge to hug the old Captain. Finally, Ryne and Leos appeared out of the large opening in the monstrous wall, hefting a large but empty cart that had a big wet spot on top. They both looked incredibly tired, and had probably had not had a chance to rest all day. Ryne passed the cart to a waiting crewmember, who took it out of sight into the huge ice box below decks. Ryne was rubbing his right hand gingerly. Ever since they'd docked a twinge of pain had started shooting through his hand. He'd been working hard for too long he supposed.
"Hey Ryne, Leos, your lady friends are waiting for ye." Jerusha called to them, getting their attention his way. The men walked over slowly, and Jay noticed that both of them had their gear already packed and strapped to their backs. No wonder they looked tired.
Captain Strong tossed each of them a small pouch of gold, which was more than any of them expected and took them by surprise. "You've earned it." He said simply, them turned and walked to the upper deck of the ship to supervise the activity on the deck. Leos shifted the pack on his back, which was beginning to irritate him.
"So what do we do now? Go to the front door and knock?" He asked, in his ever-snide way. Ryne gave him a lopsided grin.
"More or less. I know this guy like family. I'm sure he'll be happy to see me alive."
*******************************************
Gideon stood on top of the large, hideously built palace watching from above. His long blonde hair twisted around his face in the ever blowing wind of Valua. He didn't mind. He'd been trained since childhood to ignore the small trivial things. The only thing that mattered was the mission. His life depended on it. He reached down and rubbed the silvery belt around his waist, silently asking the small metamorph for the time.
One minute to go His partner sent through the mind link
Allright then. combat armor
Gideon let out a deep breath as the sliver creature began to grow and creep over his body, sending shivers down his spine. Instinctively he sucked in breath of air as the metamorph reached his head and finally enclosed his body in a shining, almost impenetrable armor.
It's time.
****************************************
Ryne watched as The Roc sailed noiselessly away from the dock, making their way for a main port somewhere in the city. He was almost sorry to see them go. While on their ship he'd had a chance to prove his worth as a sailor, and get his mind off of all that was happening. He couldn't believe that it had been almost a month since his parents had disappeared. So much had happened since then.
"Well. I guess it's time." Leos said finally, starting to walk down the concrete walkway that edged the palace.
Ryne turned to follow, but instead let out a scream as his hand erupted in pain. White light shot out everywhere, illuminating the darkened form that was freefalling from above and finally landing on the concrete sending shards flying through the air, and cutting through clothes and skin.
Ryne was able to yell one last thing before his world collided into darkness.
"Run!....."
Leos felt as if his feet were made of solid stone. For the first time in his life since he'd watched black pirates murder his parents in front of his eyes, he was petrified with fear. The creature, appearing to be six feet tall and a silver color that seemed to refract the light around it, was crouched in a crater it had just made. Slowly, it lifted itself to its feet thrusting out its right arm a beam of jagged energy forming a blade of pure light. Leos finally found his motivation.
"Run!" He repeated Ryne's last wish as he turned to the girls. Jaycera seemed to be stricken with terror just as he was, though Celeste had a serene look of calm on her face.
"Hello Gideon." She said, walking up to the creature. Leos half expected it to attack and lop her head off before she had a chance to get any closer before he realized she had called it by a name.. Gideon. With its left hand it reached up and touched its own face, the metallic skin peeling away to show a smooth, handsome, young looking face. His yellow hair was waving in the winds of Valua, a look on his face that showed no emotion.
"Hello Celeste." He said, his voice flat. "You're supposed to be dead." He glanced over at Ryne's limp body, which Jay was hovering over. "Just like that boy over there. the second person I've failed to kill."
"None of us are going to die, Gideon." Celeste said, a stony look in her grey eyes. Gideon grinned, almost sadistically.
"Well. not him at least." And as if to signal that the conversation was over, he touched a spot on his neck, which trigged the liquid metal to cover his face once more. Celeste didn't move. Not until his blade of energy passed into her body. Celeste's eyes rolled back into her head as her body started to twitch, every nerve in her body being triggered. Finally, her limp body was thrown into the concrete wall and she fell to the ground like a rag doll. Slowly, his head turned to where Jaycera was crying, hunched over Ryne's body. He began a slow walk in their direction, letting each footfall resound in her ears, letting her dread build to a peak before he would make her world nothing. He owed it to himself. He stopped about three feet away from her, leveling off his blade to where it would strike her neck.
".no." was the only thing he heard other than sobs from the girl. Oh yes, he thought to himself with sick pleasure.
***************************************
Jaycera curled her fingers around the old sword that her family had passed down for generations. She could feel it vibrating with an energy that seemed alien to her touch. She could feel his presence behind her, but she didn't care anymore. She was going to end this. For Her. For Ryne. In one swift motion she pulled the sword out of the sheath on Ryne's back and slashed it through the thing's chest. Then Leos found his courage.
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Gideon was stunned. He looked down in awe at the gaping hole in his chest not realizing that Fyn had turned off his energy pike, saying something about conserving power. He looked from his open chest to the small, pretty girl wielding an oddly familiar sword, whose blade was ablaze with silver fire. It was in this confusion that another surprise took him. The black haired young man, who'd been frozen in his tracks not a moment ago, tackled him full on. Before he knew what was happening, he was freefalling into the depths of Valuan sky.
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Jay didn't have a chance to scream. Everything had happened to quickly. Stunned, she dropped the blade, which fell to the ground lifeless. In frenzied, confused movements she made her way to the edge of the platform where they were and fell on her stomach to gaze desperately into deep sky. She thought for a moment that she saw them just as they penetrated the thick cloud that covered deep sky, then they were gone.
Jay was restless. She shifted her position in the small cot once again, turning onto her side and trying to close her eyes. She felt like she was exhausted beyond sleep, which didn't seem to make much sense but it was the only thing she could come up with. Finally, she threw the thin smelly sheet off of her body and got out of bed, feeling her way through the darkness. It had been their second day aboard The Roc, and having to get up at four the next morning so she could get a head start on breakfast, she didn't really understand her insomnia. Her first full day cooking had seemed to drag on forever, giving her way too much time to think about her life, past, present, and future. It had been so long since she'd been able to attach herself to anyone that her developing feelings for Ryne were scaring her. Ever since her parents died she hadn't opened her heart to anyone aside from her older brother. She barely even had time to socialize, let alone make friends and have romantic interests. She didn't know how she'd become so close to him in such a short time. Sure, he was attractive in an odd sense with his snow white hair and soft features, but was it merely just attraction? Or had he opened up something deeper within her, something she thought was killed long ago. Love was complex and couldn't be built in a day, a week, or even a year, but something was surely budding. The question was, could she handle it?...
"It's awful late for young women to be roaming around a ship full of repressed men."
Jay didn't even have to turn to know who it was.
"Don't you have something important to be doing." she said, annoyed.
"Nope, couldn't sleep. That guy friend of yours snores louder than dad used to." Leos said, leaning against the railing that edged the ship. Jay sighed and let her self fall to his side.
"Me neither. I think I'm too tired to sleep."
"I hate it when that happens."
They stood there in silence for a while, neither making a sound, just enjoying a rare quiet moment when they could be family once again. She rested her head against his broad shoulder, comforting herself with his presence. He was the closest thing to a father that she had. Though he might not have done the best at raising her from ten years old, she couldn't ask for anything more. He was there and that was enough. She didn't know how long he stood there, just letting her lean against him. All she knew what that before things began to get fuzzy, she felt herself lift into that air and start to move back inside the ship.
****************************** Ryne awoke the next morning to the sun shining hard into his eyes. Yawning, he bent his right arm over his face and lay for a moment more, trying to find the motivation to get out of bed. He could feel the ship rocking gently, the gentle hum of the engines threatening to lull him back to sleep. They were moving. Ryne gasped in a deep breath of air, coming fully awake with the realization that he was late. very late. Hurriedly he threw his shirt and boots on, running to the kitchen with his shirttail hanging out and his laces untied. As he ran through the hall he passed a very disheveled looking Jaycera coming out of the women's bunk room, wearing nothing more than an oversized shirt. She yawned and smiled as she saw Ryne rush past her and stop suddenly for a double take. The expression of pure confusion on his face was priceless.
". Aren't we supposed to be cooking or something...," He said, finally finding the words.
"Cold breakfast today. we cooked it yesterday after Dinner. remember?" She replied a look of supreme satisfaction on her face. Ryne just stared at her blankly. Jay shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Obviously not a morning person."
"Are you making fun of me?" Ryne said, his expression shifting to that of accusation.
"Indeed I am. what are ya gonna do about it?" She mocked, sticking her tongue out at him. Ryne surprised her by snatching it with in between his fingers and holding on tight.
"That's what I'm gonna do." He said, letting go and reaching around her head to stick his finger in her ear.
"Eww.," Jay recoiled and shoved him away. "You've been spending too much time with my brother."
"Can't help it. he sleeps right above me."
Celeste appeared in the doorway, wearing similar attire and leaning on the doorjamb, folding her arms in front of her. Her expression was sassy, and slightly amused.
"Well. aren't you two just cute."
Ryne grinned weakly and blushed. Jay just rolled her eyes and turned on her heel.
"I think I'm gonna take a hot bath." She said as she retreated.
"Sure ya don't want 'Raiyne' to help ya with that?" Celeste called after her. Ryne turned a deeper shade of red.
"Ha, ha. very funny."
The both watched Jay go, heading for the group bathhouse. The men and women each had a moderately sized pool in which to bathe. Water was too precious a commodity for there to be separate bathes.
"Has anyone ever told you how incredibly blunt you are." Ryne asked when Jay was out of sight.
"No. On the moon we don't beat around the bush as much as you Arcadians do. That and our mates are arranged by the hierarchy, so we don't have to deal with the whole 'courtship' issue."
Ryne mulled this over in his head for a bit. "You mean you don't get to choose your own husband?"
"That is correct."
"What about Love?"
"What about it."
"Well. don't you. how do you." Ryne stammered, trying to find the right words. "What if you have feelings for someone?"
"Feelings are not relevant. Feelings get in the way, cause confusion, and overall are too distracting."
Ryne couldn't argue with the logic of that. It was true, he was confused and distracted. But he didn't understand how you could just get rid of feelings, like so much excess baggage. He didn't ask however, just nodded his head in agreement, ending the discussion. Celeste just turned and walked back into the bunk room.
"I think I'm going to take a bath as well."
Ryne shook his head. He'd been ditched by two women within two minutes. He turned around and walked down the hallway, making his way toward the stairs that led to the deck of the ship. As he pushed the door open, a steady breeze caressed his face and tousled his hair. The winds of North Ocean weren't know for their ferocity, but they never let down, making sailing beautiful. In the distance he could see the jutting mountains of Valua peeking through the mist that always seemed to envelop the continent, giving a depressing feel and mood. They were less than day away from Imperial City at the rate they were going. Ryne walked to the railing and leaned on it, looking out at the all encompassing sky. To the starboard side he could see the Giant's Throne. or chair. he couldn't remember at that precise moment. He didn't know the landmarks of North Ocean that well, as he hadn't traveled them that often. His father had never had much reason to visit Ixa'Taka, and when he did it was usually just a social call.
"Ever been to this part of the ocean, boy?" A gruff voice ask from behind him. Captain Strong appeared leaning on the railing to his left.
"Yeah. once. with my dad." Ryne said, remembering the reason he was there in the first place.
"Ay. I won't press ya on that one, Lad." Ryne looked over and smiled appreciatively. "You've been doin a fine job with those two ladies of yours. I'm gonna be mighta sorry to see ya leavin when we reach Imperial City. Ryne Vyse."
At first Ryne didn't think twice about Captain Strong using his real name. Then he remembered the name he'd fabricated in order to protect himself and his friends from recognition of his infamous family name. His head snapped over to look Jerusha Strong in the eye, his mouth slightly open.
"How did you?..."
"Oh come off it, boy, I'd know you anywhere. How many other people on this world have silvery white hair when they're less than fifty? Plus, rumor's been going around that the famed family of Vyse has gone missing and I have this nifty little poster with your face on it."
Ryne's heart slumped. He sighed and let his head drop into his folded arms. so much for being incognito. He seriously had to do something with his standout hair t he wanted to be able to hide anywhere without being recognized. A hearty laugh began to ring in his ear, and he felt a large meaty hand on his shoulder.
"It's alright. you'll find no enemies of the Rouges on this ship."
Ryne set his chin on arm and continued his silent hunched vigil of the sky. Nothing ever worked out the way he wanted it to.
***************************************
The day passed slowly as Jaycera worked on the day's lunch which consisted mostly of sardis the men had caught yesterday. Celeste was working silently at her side, filleting and throwing the meat onto a pile for Jay to season and fry up. Mechanically she reached for another piece of slimy meat and tossed it in a shallow pan into some sizzling grease. As it plopped in some of the hot oil splashed out and hit her on the hand. Grimacing, she wiped her burnt hand on her apron. Frowning she looked at the back of her right hand, noting the numerous red burns on her hands that were constantly bringing her back to reality.
"Want some ice for that?" Celeste asked, not even looking up from her cutting board. Jay glanced down at the water puddle that was already forming beneath her feet.
"No thanks, I can handle it." She said, grabbing another piece of meat, seasoning it, and gently placing it in the pan and pulling out a finished piece.
She hadn't seen Ryne since that morning. Celeste told her that Captain Strong had asked him to help with preparing the ice shipment for when they reached Imperial City sometime during the night. Jay could feel the anticipation on the ship, filling the air with an energy that was contagious. She didn't quite understand it. She supposed that the sailors were eager to get off the ship and onto solid ground, but they were beginning to edgy, and a little giddy. They kept coming into the kitchen without saying a word and going back into the ice box and coming out with large chunks on wheeled dollies. She knew that Strong dealt in ice and wouldn't have thought anything of it except for the vibe the sailors were giving off. Jay sighed and shook her head. It was probably nothing. What did she know about reading people, she'd been living on a small ship with her brother for six years and wasn't exactly a people person. Finally, she just quit thinking altogether and let her hands work by themselves. They knew what they were doing.
***************************************
One more chance.Find the Boy.
Vaulrik's commands were ringing through his head, instructions coming into his mind through Fynis.
I have managed to subdue the woman by promising her that her son would not be killed if she cooperated. I will destroy the Ixa'Takan control point at midnight, valuan time. Take that chance to capture the boy. alive. If he dies, you die.
Gideon nodded mentally, not considering failure. He was growing impatient with waiting. He'd been trailing the large wooden ship where Ryne's energy signature was from beneath the clouds. He'd found the boy quickly after reaching the surface of Arcadia, but it would have been too difficult to capture him on a boat load of sailors without the threat of Ryne being seriously harmed, so he was waiting. But soon they would dock at the Valuan Capital, and the wait would be over.
*****************************************
Celeste lay in her cot, thinking. For her, the day had passed rather quickly and before she knew it she was here in her bed again, left alone for her thoughts to consume her. She wished she were back in the kitchen, preparing food for ungrateful sailors like a mindless drone. Anything was better than this. In her mind's eye she could still she the radiance of the silver oblique sphere, burning and crashing into the depths of the Ixa'Takan forests. The death of her only friend was still fresh in her memory, playing in front of her eyes at every idle moment, reminding her of the cost of her choice to defect from the Silvite hierarchy and join the group Eternum. She had been Elder Philia's last hope for peace on the planet of Arcadia, and now she was stuck here with a group of children.
You're still a child yourself...
She was only in her early twenties. why did she look down on these people as if they were juveniles?
Because they have something you don't.
But what? Celeste couldn't take it anymore. She pressed her face into her pillow and wept silently.
***************************************
Leos was tired. Normally he would have been able to call for a drop anchor at around nightfall so that he could get some sleep. But tonight, Captain Strong had insisted that they press on toward Imperial City. He looked up at the pale yellow moon through the dense cloud cover, estimating the time to be somewhere around eleven or eleven thirty at night. He could see the glow of lights over the edge of the mountains that told him he was almost there. Leos was headed for the northern channel that led directly behind the new capitol building of the fledgling city. The northern channel had been cut into the side of the mountains around fifteen years ago, in a desperate call from King Enrique to get people to work again. After the rains of destruction Valua had been in a horrible economic state, many jobless, starving, and blaming their new king. Enrique however, also broke and on the verge of losing his throne, came up with a plan to get people back to work again. He would start digging channels and tunnels through the mountain sides that would serve the dual purpose of letting more trade come through and generate more revenues for the kingdom itself, and give those who were jobless a change to get back on their feet, and start paying their taxes once more. What was produced was a strong new country, that was once again feared and respected. Leos was relieved when he finally saw the light shining through the huge gash that separated the mountains. As he neared, he saw two dephinus class warships keeping guard over the channel. He could see that they weren't armed with moonstone cannons, but they were a more than formidable match with their various array of cannons, all of which were pointing his way. One of them was powering their way, at a speed Leos didn't think ships that size could attain.
"PLEASE STOP AND PREPARE TO BE BOARDED." A booming voice called through a loudspeaker. Leos sighed and called to the engine crew through a talk tube.
"Hey guys, we're being boarded. Stop the engines."
Leos immediately heard the silence of the idle engines as they drifted slowly without propulsion. It took the Valuan ship no time at all to reach them, and pull the ships together. Leos could see Captain Strong walking across the deck to meet the oncoming Valuan representative who was guarded by a contingent of heavily armed and armored soldiers. The man was wearing the clothes and colors of an admiral, his decorative armor shining from under a heavy cloak. He looked slighted annoyed by the soldiers that encircled him, and shoved them aside to hop over the railings that separated their two ships. The confused soldiers followed after him, though looked rather clumsy as they tried to get over the railings in their heavy armor. The Captain stopped at mid-deck and clasped his hands behind his back.
"Ah, Admiral Gent. Nice to be seeing ye again, sir." Strong said, through his thick sailor's accent.
Gent smiled through his thick black beard and nodded, the moon reflecting golden hues on his slicked back hair.
"Jerusha Strong, to what do I owe this honor."
"I got a shipment of ice here for that King o' yers." The Captain said, straightening out his overcoat as if to make himself more presentable.
"I trust you have acquired the proper permits and have authorization to be here."
"Yeah, Yeah. I got ya dang papers." Jerusha reached into his breast pocket and pulled out some crisp papers which bore the seal of Valua. "I hear that King of yours is thinkin about stepping down. letting the people govern themselves now that the country's back on it's feet." The Captain said, talking idly while Gent checked his papers with a pale lantern.
"Cut the small talk Strong, I have specific orders to check your vessel thoroughly." Gent said crisply, ignoring the insignificant question. "The admirals are still reeling over the fact that King Enrique believes that you really went legit."
"I ain't lookin for no trouble Gent. I know we've had our run-ins in the past, but this is a lucrative business I got here. I don't have no need to ransack your city no more."
Gent just shook his head and handed the documents back to Jerusha.
"You do understand that my men are going to watch ever step you take while you're here." Gent said, turning to leave.
"I'm looking forward to it, Admiral." The old sailor said, bowing low and formally. Gent just shook his head again and hopped over the railings, his guards following not so gracefully after. The Captain stood and watched the other ship for a while, his hands clasped behind his back, making him look taller than he was. Finally, he turned.
"All right men, full speed to the palace dock!"
And with that simple order men scurried everywhere, getting back to their assigned tasks and preparing the ship for the dock.
*************************************
Jay awoke to a gentle thud which resounded throughout the ship. Her first thought was cannon fire and she sat upright in the small cot, which turned out to be a not-so-good idea as her head ricocheted off of the bunk above her, which Celeste currently occupied. Confused and in pain, Jay fell out of the cot and stood up rubbing her forehead vigorously. Celeste jumped off of the top cot and put her hand on her shoulder.
"Are you alright?" She asked, genuinely caring about her welfare. Jay just rubbed all the harder, grimacing.
"Yeah, I'll be alright. the only thing seriously injured is my pride."
Celeste chuckled under her breath and left her side and grabbed her only real possession. her hip pouch.
"You might want to gather up your things." She said to Jay, who was now standing fully upright and blinking her eyes furiously. "We've reached Valua."
Jay nodded shook her head as if to clear it. Celeste left the darkened room and Jay grabbed her duffel bag which she'd packed earlier in the day. The deck was bustling with activity. Men were running around frantically, shoving around large carts with huge blocks of ice on them. The blocks were covered in wet cloth, which Jay supposed were wet because the ice had started to melt. why the cloths were on them she had no clue and was really too tired to care. Captain Strong was in the middle of it all, giving directions when needed, but mostly just standing and watching as the carts were wheeled into the lit doorway of a huge and aesthetically pleasing building that was only visible dimly in the pale light of midnight. The Captain noticed the girls presence as they approached, looking about for Ryne and Leos.
"All ready, are ye?" He asked over the noise of wheels over planks. The girls just nodded, still looking for their male counterparts.
"Yer boys are helping to unload, but the next time they come out I'll give you your pay and you can go on your way."
Jay blinked hard and looked over at the old man. "Pay?" She asked, "I thought we were just working our way over to Valua."
The Captain chuckled warmly, "Ye were at first. but ye made some dang good food. Lifted the morale of my men. Nothing in the world is worth more than a happy crew."
Jay smiled, having the sudden urge to hug the old Captain. Finally, Ryne and Leos appeared out of the large opening in the monstrous wall, hefting a large but empty cart that had a big wet spot on top. They both looked incredibly tired, and had probably had not had a chance to rest all day. Ryne passed the cart to a waiting crewmember, who took it out of sight into the huge ice box below decks. Ryne was rubbing his right hand gingerly. Ever since they'd docked a twinge of pain had started shooting through his hand. He'd been working hard for too long he supposed.
"Hey Ryne, Leos, your lady friends are waiting for ye." Jerusha called to them, getting their attention his way. The men walked over slowly, and Jay noticed that both of them had their gear already packed and strapped to their backs. No wonder they looked tired.
Captain Strong tossed each of them a small pouch of gold, which was more than any of them expected and took them by surprise. "You've earned it." He said simply, them turned and walked to the upper deck of the ship to supervise the activity on the deck. Leos shifted the pack on his back, which was beginning to irritate him.
"So what do we do now? Go to the front door and knock?" He asked, in his ever-snide way. Ryne gave him a lopsided grin.
"More or less. I know this guy like family. I'm sure he'll be happy to see me alive."
*******************************************
Gideon stood on top of the large, hideously built palace watching from above. His long blonde hair twisted around his face in the ever blowing wind of Valua. He didn't mind. He'd been trained since childhood to ignore the small trivial things. The only thing that mattered was the mission. His life depended on it. He reached down and rubbed the silvery belt around his waist, silently asking the small metamorph for the time.
One minute to go His partner sent through the mind link
Allright then. combat armor
Gideon let out a deep breath as the sliver creature began to grow and creep over his body, sending shivers down his spine. Instinctively he sucked in breath of air as the metamorph reached his head and finally enclosed his body in a shining, almost impenetrable armor.
It's time.
****************************************
Ryne watched as The Roc sailed noiselessly away from the dock, making their way for a main port somewhere in the city. He was almost sorry to see them go. While on their ship he'd had a chance to prove his worth as a sailor, and get his mind off of all that was happening. He couldn't believe that it had been almost a month since his parents had disappeared. So much had happened since then.
"Well. I guess it's time." Leos said finally, starting to walk down the concrete walkway that edged the palace.
Ryne turned to follow, but instead let out a scream as his hand erupted in pain. White light shot out everywhere, illuminating the darkened form that was freefalling from above and finally landing on the concrete sending shards flying through the air, and cutting through clothes and skin.
Ryne was able to yell one last thing before his world collided into darkness.
"Run!....."
Leos felt as if his feet were made of solid stone. For the first time in his life since he'd watched black pirates murder his parents in front of his eyes, he was petrified with fear. The creature, appearing to be six feet tall and a silver color that seemed to refract the light around it, was crouched in a crater it had just made. Slowly, it lifted itself to its feet thrusting out its right arm a beam of jagged energy forming a blade of pure light. Leos finally found his motivation.
"Run!" He repeated Ryne's last wish as he turned to the girls. Jaycera seemed to be stricken with terror just as he was, though Celeste had a serene look of calm on her face.
"Hello Gideon." She said, walking up to the creature. Leos half expected it to attack and lop her head off before she had a chance to get any closer before he realized she had called it by a name.. Gideon. With its left hand it reached up and touched its own face, the metallic skin peeling away to show a smooth, handsome, young looking face. His yellow hair was waving in the winds of Valua, a look on his face that showed no emotion.
"Hello Celeste." He said, his voice flat. "You're supposed to be dead." He glanced over at Ryne's limp body, which Jay was hovering over. "Just like that boy over there. the second person I've failed to kill."
"None of us are going to die, Gideon." Celeste said, a stony look in her grey eyes. Gideon grinned, almost sadistically.
"Well. not him at least." And as if to signal that the conversation was over, he touched a spot on his neck, which trigged the liquid metal to cover his face once more. Celeste didn't move. Not until his blade of energy passed into her body. Celeste's eyes rolled back into her head as her body started to twitch, every nerve in her body being triggered. Finally, her limp body was thrown into the concrete wall and she fell to the ground like a rag doll. Slowly, his head turned to where Jaycera was crying, hunched over Ryne's body. He began a slow walk in their direction, letting each footfall resound in her ears, letting her dread build to a peak before he would make her world nothing. He owed it to himself. He stopped about three feet away from her, leveling off his blade to where it would strike her neck.
".no." was the only thing he heard other than sobs from the girl. Oh yes, he thought to himself with sick pleasure.
***************************************
Jaycera curled her fingers around the old sword that her family had passed down for generations. She could feel it vibrating with an energy that seemed alien to her touch. She could feel his presence behind her, but she didn't care anymore. She was going to end this. For Her. For Ryne. In one swift motion she pulled the sword out of the sheath on Ryne's back and slashed it through the thing's chest. Then Leos found his courage.
***********************************
Gideon was stunned. He looked down in awe at the gaping hole in his chest not realizing that Fyn had turned off his energy pike, saying something about conserving power. He looked from his open chest to the small, pretty girl wielding an oddly familiar sword, whose blade was ablaze with silver fire. It was in this confusion that another surprise took him. The black haired young man, who'd been frozen in his tracks not a moment ago, tackled him full on. Before he knew what was happening, he was freefalling into the depths of Valuan sky.
*************************************
Jay didn't have a chance to scream. Everything had happened to quickly. Stunned, she dropped the blade, which fell to the ground lifeless. In frenzied, confused movements she made her way to the edge of the platform where they were and fell on her stomach to gaze desperately into deep sky. She thought for a moment that she saw them just as they penetrated the thick cloud that covered deep sky, then they were gone.