Disclaimer: I own anything you don't recognize. Everything else belongs to Tamora Pierce
I've been gone from this story for quite a while, very unsure as to how I wanted to proceed. I recently re-read the entire thing, and decided it needed to be changed. I start revising it within the month (I have to figure out how I want to go about doing that first), and I will not post a single chapter until I'm completely done and somewhat more satisfied. Also, I will not be posting it under the same title--Ruthless just doesn't apply anymore. I'm not sure it did in the first place. Sorry to all of you who have been waiting (patiently or not, I'm not sure, though I wouldn't be surprised if it's not), but I promise that what I end up with will be better (and more believable).
Sorry this is taking so long, but I really don't want to do a half-hearted job on my first serious fanfiction.
Key:
"speaking"
'thinking'
*italics*
{UniLang}- the language that is commonly used throughout the universe - Universal Language. I find it unreasonable for aliens to speak English, seeing as that's a human dialect, so I made up something different.
[Spanish]
~Ruthless~
Prologue
Kel slipped silently through the trees, growing more and more nervous the farther she got from the camp. If she went much farther, she would have to think about giving up the chase and returning to camp. She should have done so earlier, going back to get help, but something inside her was uneasy about letting whoever - or *whatever* - it was get out of her hearing.
Kel had been returning from the latrine when she had heard an odd *thump, thump, thump*, coming from farther into the forest. Something about that sound made her queasy, as she often had when up high before her experience on Balor's Needle. Curious as to her reaction, she'd followed the sounds as they led farther and farther from camp.
She heard them hesitate, and then the tone of the thumps changed, now sounding as if someone was pounded a cloth-covered fist on a shield. Situating herself behind a tree, she peered into the clearing where the owners of the thumps had stopped - and gaped at what she saw.
In the clearing were five creatures the likes of which the squire had never seen before. They were fairly human-like, but with only a single, muscular leg tucked beneath a massive torso, and a single arm protruding from the chest. Their bodies were covered with thick, matted gray fur that nearly covered a pair of slanted eyes set high on their heads(1). Slung across their backs was some sort of weapon - almost sword-like, but not(2).
They stood before an odd structure that seemed to be made of a metal Kel wasn't familiar with. It was somewhat rectangular, tapering down to a wide point at the front. In the back were three large nozzles. It rested on three legs - two supporting the rear of the structure, the last the nose(3). As she watched, a panel swung down to form a ramp leading into the interior, and the creatures began to hop up into it. That explained the odd thump, thump, thump, noise she'd been hearing.
It was now several minutes since the last of the creatures had hopped up the ramp, but still the door remained open. She began to grow nervous, but before she could wonder why, something connected to the back of her head, and everything went blank.
*~*~*~*
Raoul burst from his tent at the startled cries from the men of Third Company. "What is it?" he demanded of Flyndan. The captain merely pointed up to the sky. Confused, he glanced up -
And felt his jaw drop as he saw what had scared Third Company. Hovering above the trees several hundred yards off was...*something*. Even as he gaped, it slowly turned so its nose was pointed toward them and up. Fire seemed to explode from the rear of the thing as it leapt forward and up. Third Company dove for the ground as it passed overhead, then turned to stare at its retreating form, clapping hands to ears as a massive roar rose about them.
It was several minutes after the roar had faded that Raoul was able to speak. Still staring at where the thing had vanished, he asked, "What *was* that?"
Flyndan shook his head. "I don't know, sir. Whatever it was, it can't be good."
Dom stumbled up to them, hands hovering near his ears. His eyes darted all over the place, looking for something. "Where's Kel?" he asked, the worry in his voice clear.
The men stared at him, then each other. Finally, they lifted their eyes to the sky, to where the thing had vanished.
"Oh, no."
_______________________________________
-Six years later-
Admiral Keladry Mindelan stood on the bridge of the UDRS *Jupiter*(4) as the ship prepared to drop out of slipstream(5) ahead of her refugee fleet into System 66398 - more commonly known as the Praont System after the stellar cartographer that had mapped it - and go into orbit around the 6th planet out - Mendari VI(6). She steadied herself as they dropped out, and was immediately relieved to hear no alarms flashing - the Imperium(7) hadn't arrived before them. Recovering, she started barking out orders. "Lispath, wide-spread active and passive scanning of the entire system. If the Imperium has left us a surprise, I want it found now, before the refugee fleet drops out. Shanki, contact the rest of the fleet and have them drop out and form a perimeter around the planet. Jenist, have the refugee fleet on stand-by."
"Active scans completed, sir," Lispath, her sensor chief, called out. "Passive scanning results coming in now. No sign of any traps."
Kel nodded as the rest of her military fleet dropped out of slipstream around her and began to take up positions around Mendari VI. "Jenist, have the refugees come on out. As soon as they're in normal space again, they're to retreat behind the screen." As the secondary comm officer relayed her orders to the refugee fleet she had been put in charge of, she spoke to her helm officer, Lieutenant Ambaugs. "Lieutenant, don't bring us into the screen until the last refugee ship is inside." He nodded.
It had been six years since she had been abducted by the Glondi(1) scouts and subsequently rescued by a UDR(8) raiding party, and only a year since she had been a part of the frantic evacuation of the primitive (to a point) planet called Earth by the natives, Terra by the rest of the universe, then witnessed its poisoning. Supreme Commander Stevan had been devastated at the destruction of her home world, but when she had discovered that Kel, also a human, and the captain of the *Jupiter*, was not from Terra, she had ordered her to take the majority of the human refugees to *her* home world of Mendari VI, the largest remaining settlement of humankind.
It had also been six years since she had prayed to her gods.
As the refugee fleet began to drop out of slipstream one by one and make their way to the planet that was a shining jewel of hope in their eyes, Kel bowed her heard and spoke aloud, clearly, well aware that her bridge crew could hear her. "It's been a long time, Mithros. I know you want to know what we're doing here, and we're ready, willing, and able to explain. Please, talk to us." She paused, and then added, "They know who and what you are."
There was a startled gasp from her weapons officer, and Kel looked up. Looking slightly amused, Mithros, the Mendari 'sun god,' stood in the middle of the bridge. Kel sighed with relief. 'Well, there's step one. Now step two - get him to listen.' "Thank you, Mithros. Please, we have a room prepared to talk, if you wish." The 'god' raised his eyebrows, but followed the woman to her conference room adjunct to the bridge.
Kel motioned to one of the chairs, and the sun god sat. Kel also sat, chewing nervously on her lip.
"You've been gone a long time, little one," Mithros commented. "I assume you know what I am now."
Kel closed her eyes against the memories that popped up even as she nodded in agreement. "Yes. I'm not surprised - nor do I blame you - for taking up the role of 'gods' for the Mendari(9)."
Mithros raised an eyebrow. "You speak of your people as if you are no longer a part of them."
Kel tasted blood - she had bit too hard on her lip. "I *feel* like I'm no longer a part of them. I'm more like the Terrans I've brought here than I am like the Mendari. They know nothing of the universe apart from what is on Mendari, and even *that* is limited to the Eastern Lands."
"Do you begrudge them their simplicity?" Mithros asked.
Kel shook her head. "No. I'd give anything to feel that way again. But that's not why I'm here."
"Nor, I gather, are you here to discuss me and my people's reasons for pretending to be gods to the Mendari when we are not," Mithros agreed. "Perhaps we will discuss that another time." Kel felt her hope rise at his words. That he had said that hinted that he would be accepting of her situation - maybe even her proposal. "Why *have* you brought the Terrans here to us?"
"Well, to ask a favor, of sorts. About a year ago, a planet called Earth was targeted by an organization called the Heron Galactic Empire(7). Earth, or rather, Terra, was neutral in the war between the H.G.E. and the UDR - United Devonille Regime. She didn't even know about it. But because one of the leaders of the UDR was a human from Terra, the Deon - the head of the H.G.E. - wanted it wiped out. The UDR managed to evacuate about 1/1000 of the population before the Imperium poisoned the planet. Now Mendari is the only planet left with a sizeable population of humans, making it a rather large and annoying target. The UDR believes that it must be protected at all costs."
"But of course," Mithros agreed.
Kel nodded. "That's one reason I'm here. I'm also here to start several colonies for the refugees. I would like your permission to settle them here on Mendari, and to remain in-system until further notice to protect them. This planet is pretty much the last hope humankind has for survival."
"I'm sure that they could always start over again on some other planet with other refugees that your superiors didn't hand over to you, but I see your point." Mithros nodded. "I have no objection to the colonies, nor to your fleet staying in-system. As far as I and my people are concerned, as soon as they set foot on Mendari soil they are under our protection."
Kel let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Thank you, Mithros. You don't know what this will mean to the Terrans."
Mithros shook his head. "I probably have a better idea that you think."
Kel studied him, but the 'god' had already moved on. "Do you have a map handy?"
The next few hours was a whirlwind of activity as the woman and the 'god' selected places for the Terrans to establish colonies - all out of reach of the Eastern Lands across the Roof of the World. When a site had been selected, the coordinates were relayed to the refugee fleet, and ships were dispatched.
As they were finishing up, Mithros said, "Have you any extras?"
Kel checked her status board. "Um...Two ships, but we can disperse them throughout the other colonies."
Mithros shook his head. "Not necessary. I'd like one colony in the Eastern Lands, so they can observe the Mendari."
Kel frowned. "Do you have a specific spot in mind?"
He nodded. "The Tusaine Mountains, in the region of the Golden Lake. Could you get an image of it?" Kel nodded. On the screen hovering between the two, she called up an image of a portion of the Tusaine Mountains near the Golden Lake - near Fief Goldenlake. "Magnify the lower right-hand corner by 75%." Kel did so. A field in the middle of the forest came into view, large enough for a beetle-ship {transport} to land, though just barely. A fair-sized stream ran along the northern border, with tributaries flowing through the field and the trees to the north. The majority of the field was flat, good for farming and building. The trees around the field on al sides were sparse, gradually thickening farther out. They could be cut down for lumber and to make room for more farms. Sensor readings showed that the vegetation was rich, the soil fertile. It was far enough from the Golden Lake and the fief that it was unlikely to be found by the Mendari, almost across the border in Galla. Better yet was the fact that there was no sign of immortals.
All in all, it was a dream home.
"It's perfect," Kel breathed. "I'll take it."
*~*~*~*
Harailt of Aili, head of the royal university in Corus, pulled back from his telescope slowly. He had been studying the stars as he did every night, ever since the mysterious vanishing of Squire Keladry of Mindelan. When Raoul had told the king of her disappearance, along with the skyship, Harailt had begun to think that perhaps the gods had whisked her away for some reason. He had proposed the idea to the courts, suggesting that the gods might want her with them for some time. They had agreed reluctantly, and allowed the noble girls that had been planning to begin training as knights to do so. Now Harailt was beginning to doubt that the gods had had anything to do with Mindelan's disappearance. And tonight discovery made that doubt even stronger.
After all, why would the gods suddenly put 135 new stars in the night sky, all clustered close together? And then let 15 of them drop from the sky as the night progressed, disappearing over the horizon to the north, east, south, and west of the Eastern Lands? The mage was confused. Very confused. He went to find Numair.
_______________________________________
-Three years later-
"Have you *ever* gone this far into the Tusaine Mountains?" Lisan of Avalanche Point asked Raoul. She, Raoul, Alanna the Lioness, Nealan of Queenscove (Lisan's knight-master) Captain Whiteford, Lerant of Eldorne, and Sergeant Domitan of Masbolle and his squad were riding in the mountains near Raoul's home fief of Goldenlake. Raoul had taken Third Company - and, consequentially, Alanna, Neal, and Lisan, who had been riding with them - to his home to rest rather than the palace in Corus, something he had begun doing ever since Keladry of Mindelan's disappearance nine years ago. As they had been resting there, reports had come in of rouge centaurs making nuisances of themselves in the forests of the Tusaine Mountains near the Golden Lake. Now they were riding to investigate.
"Actually, no," the big knight admitted. "This is beyond the borders of the fief. I've never really explored this far. I'm not sure anyone has."
Before anyone could comment on that, they heard a shriek of terror. They urged their mounts on faster and burst into a glade.
A group of six centaurs stood there, normally too small a number to oppose a squad of the King's Own plus three knights and a squire. But this time was different.
This time, the centaurs had a hostage.
The lead centaur held a terrified young boy no older than ten before him as a shield. Raoul could just make out the form of another child fleeing deeper into the wood.
Alanna cursed. "What are *children* doing out here?" she demanded.
The lead centaur sneered. "You wouldn't attack with the risk of hurting one of your own, now would you?"
Alanna cursed again.
*~*~*~*
Kel had returned from ship duty aboard the *Jupiter* a week ago, and was pleased to see that the harvest had been plentiful. She had visited the other colonies before returning to her unofficial home on Mendari, Columban. She, Regent Breman, and Cavalont, her chief of security, were riding through the farming district that made up the southern border of the Columban settlement. Even now farmers were bringing in the harvest - it was more than enough to last them through the winter. Much of the excess was being prepped to be shipped to Rockyard Point, a village on the far side of the Roof of the World that had lost most of its crop due to flooding. What little food they had managed to reap was barely enough to last even a fourth of Rockyard Point even a month into winter.
"How have things been here?" Kel asked Breman.
He scowled. "The immortals have gotten interested in us. Centaurs have attacked us three times in as many weeks. We haven't lost anyone yet, but it's been a near thing. We're about ready to petition the *Jupiter* for a team of Sheook, though Heaven knows we'd rather ask help of Nazis than bother them again."
Kel laughed. "It's not a bother, Breman. We love to hear you asking for help. It makes us feel less useless and more like we're still needed."
"You'll always be needed, Kel," Breman admonished her. "But you've already done so much for us! I mean, all of the UDR pitched in to get us off-planet, and *you* gave up your home for us!"
"Not really," Kel said. "The entire Mendari civilization is concentrated around the Eastern Lands. That's a small area of land - no bigger than the continental United States(10). No one needed or was using what was left, and it would be selfish to hoard it when you needed a place to live. It only counts as me giving up my home when you are placed in the Eastern Lands - in large numbers, and in populated areas. I mean no offence, but you're not a large number - not yet - and this wasn't populated before you got here."
"None taken," Cavalont assured her.
"Still-" Breman started to argue as they turned their horses back towards Columban, but was cut off when a terrified shriek split the air. Not even hesitating, the trio whipped their horses around and headed for the thicker forest beyond the fields in the direction of the Golden Lake, each checking for their mausquers(11).
As they lost sight of the fields behind them, Kel began to hear sounds of fighting and urged her horse, Hoshi-lan, faster, drawing her weapon and flicking off the safety. She barely managed to bite back a curse as a child burst from the undergrowth ahead of her. She yanked back on the reigns hard, causing Hoshi-lan to rear in her hurry to obey her mistress, neighing in protest. Kel heard similar reactions from Apple-glad and Emberfyre, Breman and Cavalont's mounts, respectively.
The girl whimpered, but looked hopeful when she saw Kel. It nearly broke her heart. She'd seen that expression on so many innocents caught in the crossfire...Kel shook those thoughts from her head as the girl cried out,
"Regent Kel! Centaurs! They've got Malcolm!"
The admiral cursed mentally as she nodded, waving Breman forward. Even though the man was powerfully built and as loyal as they came, he wasn't cut out for battle. "Take her back to Columban," she ordered. As soon as she saw the girl seating in front of the Brazilian, she and Cavalont prodded their horses into a gallop, headed in the direction the girl had pointed.
Headed even closer to the Golden Lake.
*~*~*~*
Lisan had drifted back until she was behind Dom's squad and taken up her bow, aiming carefully with a griffin-fletched arrow given to her by Lord Raoul. They'd belonged to - been fletched by - his former squire, Keladry of Mindelan. He'd said that she'd earned them by being the first to follow in her footsteps, as well as being an excellent archer with all types of bows. She adjusted her aim, and then let it fly. It flew straight and true, nailing the lead centaur between the eyes. Then all Chaos broke loose.
The boy ducked out from beneath the collapsing centaur and retreated to the trees as the Tortallans surged forward, hacking left and right with drawn swords and weapons. Despite Raoul's compliment, Lisan didn't trust her aim enough to continue attacking with the bow, so she strapped it to her saddle and drew her sword, riding up beside her knight-master.
Raoul beheaded a centaur, then shouted in surprise as he heard a shriek of...*something*, and a centaur standing behind him fell, a smoking hole in the back of his head. Tortallans and centaurs alike looked up to see two mounted figures emerge from the trees, looking rather ticked off and armed with small, deadly looking weapons(11). The centaurs cried out in dismay and turned to flee, but three shots from the riders connected with three centaur heads, and there was silence in the glade.
The Tortallans stared as the riders as they rode further into the glade. Or rather, at the woman, who appeared to be the leader of the duo. She was older - the years showing on her face and in her not-so-dreamy hazel eyes - her hair had been grown out and was wrapped in a crown around her head, and she ware odd clothes, but there was no mistaking it.
She was Keladry of Mindelan.
Definitions/Terms
(1) Glondi. They are a one-armed, one-legged species that serve the Imperium as shock troop - similar the Star Wars storm-troopers.
(2) Mausquer rifles. Basically high-tech high-powered rifles.
(3) A shuttle.
(4) UDRS *Jupiter* - a really big space ship.
(5) Slipstream - how the ships travel long distance - kind of a cross between Star Trek's warp speed and Star Wars' hyperspace.
(6) System 66398 - Praont System. The system Mendari IV is located in. Mendari IV is the name of the planet that the Eastern Lands are on. A stellar cartographer is someone who maps the stars - same thing as someone who makes maps of Earth, just they do space instead of a planet.
(7) Heron Galactic Empire (H.G.E.), also known as the Imperium or HG Imperium. Very similar to the Empire in Star Wars. The big kahunah is a person referred to as the Deon - a title similar to Emperor.
(8) United Devonille Regime (UDR). Started out as a rebellion against the Imperium, but soon became a legal government of its own right. Still fights the Imperium. (They eventually win, by the way).
(9) Because of my beliefs (I'm a Christian), I'm reluctant to portray Tamora's gods as actual gods. So I'm making them beings that exist on a higher plane than us, giving them abilities that we don't have. They also have full use of their brains, whereas we only use 10%.
(10) This is just an estimate. I didn't find a book that had a scale on it so I could figure out the distances and stuff, so I just guessed. It could be larger, it could be smaller.
(11) Mausquers. High-tech handguns (pistol, revolver, etc.).
I've been gone from this story for quite a while, very unsure as to how I wanted to proceed. I recently re-read the entire thing, and decided it needed to be changed. I start revising it within the month (I have to figure out how I want to go about doing that first), and I will not post a single chapter until I'm completely done and somewhat more satisfied. Also, I will not be posting it under the same title--Ruthless just doesn't apply anymore. I'm not sure it did in the first place. Sorry to all of you who have been waiting (patiently or not, I'm not sure, though I wouldn't be surprised if it's not), but I promise that what I end up with will be better (and more believable).
Sorry this is taking so long, but I really don't want to do a half-hearted job on my first serious fanfiction.
Key:
"speaking"
'thinking'
*italics*
{UniLang}- the language that is commonly used throughout the universe - Universal Language. I find it unreasonable for aliens to speak English, seeing as that's a human dialect, so I made up something different.
[Spanish]
~Ruthless~
Prologue
Kel slipped silently through the trees, growing more and more nervous the farther she got from the camp. If she went much farther, she would have to think about giving up the chase and returning to camp. She should have done so earlier, going back to get help, but something inside her was uneasy about letting whoever - or *whatever* - it was get out of her hearing.
Kel had been returning from the latrine when she had heard an odd *thump, thump, thump*, coming from farther into the forest. Something about that sound made her queasy, as she often had when up high before her experience on Balor's Needle. Curious as to her reaction, she'd followed the sounds as they led farther and farther from camp.
She heard them hesitate, and then the tone of the thumps changed, now sounding as if someone was pounded a cloth-covered fist on a shield. Situating herself behind a tree, she peered into the clearing where the owners of the thumps had stopped - and gaped at what she saw.
In the clearing were five creatures the likes of which the squire had never seen before. They were fairly human-like, but with only a single, muscular leg tucked beneath a massive torso, and a single arm protruding from the chest. Their bodies were covered with thick, matted gray fur that nearly covered a pair of slanted eyes set high on their heads(1). Slung across their backs was some sort of weapon - almost sword-like, but not(2).
They stood before an odd structure that seemed to be made of a metal Kel wasn't familiar with. It was somewhat rectangular, tapering down to a wide point at the front. In the back were three large nozzles. It rested on three legs - two supporting the rear of the structure, the last the nose(3). As she watched, a panel swung down to form a ramp leading into the interior, and the creatures began to hop up into it. That explained the odd thump, thump, thump, noise she'd been hearing.
It was now several minutes since the last of the creatures had hopped up the ramp, but still the door remained open. She began to grow nervous, but before she could wonder why, something connected to the back of her head, and everything went blank.
*~*~*~*
Raoul burst from his tent at the startled cries from the men of Third Company. "What is it?" he demanded of Flyndan. The captain merely pointed up to the sky. Confused, he glanced up -
And felt his jaw drop as he saw what had scared Third Company. Hovering above the trees several hundred yards off was...*something*. Even as he gaped, it slowly turned so its nose was pointed toward them and up. Fire seemed to explode from the rear of the thing as it leapt forward and up. Third Company dove for the ground as it passed overhead, then turned to stare at its retreating form, clapping hands to ears as a massive roar rose about them.
It was several minutes after the roar had faded that Raoul was able to speak. Still staring at where the thing had vanished, he asked, "What *was* that?"
Flyndan shook his head. "I don't know, sir. Whatever it was, it can't be good."
Dom stumbled up to them, hands hovering near his ears. His eyes darted all over the place, looking for something. "Where's Kel?" he asked, the worry in his voice clear.
The men stared at him, then each other. Finally, they lifted their eyes to the sky, to where the thing had vanished.
"Oh, no."
_______________________________________
-Six years later-
Admiral Keladry Mindelan stood on the bridge of the UDRS *Jupiter*(4) as the ship prepared to drop out of slipstream(5) ahead of her refugee fleet into System 66398 - more commonly known as the Praont System after the stellar cartographer that had mapped it - and go into orbit around the 6th planet out - Mendari VI(6). She steadied herself as they dropped out, and was immediately relieved to hear no alarms flashing - the Imperium(7) hadn't arrived before them. Recovering, she started barking out orders. "Lispath, wide-spread active and passive scanning of the entire system. If the Imperium has left us a surprise, I want it found now, before the refugee fleet drops out. Shanki, contact the rest of the fleet and have them drop out and form a perimeter around the planet. Jenist, have the refugee fleet on stand-by."
"Active scans completed, sir," Lispath, her sensor chief, called out. "Passive scanning results coming in now. No sign of any traps."
Kel nodded as the rest of her military fleet dropped out of slipstream around her and began to take up positions around Mendari VI. "Jenist, have the refugees come on out. As soon as they're in normal space again, they're to retreat behind the screen." As the secondary comm officer relayed her orders to the refugee fleet she had been put in charge of, she spoke to her helm officer, Lieutenant Ambaugs. "Lieutenant, don't bring us into the screen until the last refugee ship is inside." He nodded.
It had been six years since she had been abducted by the Glondi(1) scouts and subsequently rescued by a UDR(8) raiding party, and only a year since she had been a part of the frantic evacuation of the primitive (to a point) planet called Earth by the natives, Terra by the rest of the universe, then witnessed its poisoning. Supreme Commander Stevan had been devastated at the destruction of her home world, but when she had discovered that Kel, also a human, and the captain of the *Jupiter*, was not from Terra, she had ordered her to take the majority of the human refugees to *her* home world of Mendari VI, the largest remaining settlement of humankind.
It had also been six years since she had prayed to her gods.
As the refugee fleet began to drop out of slipstream one by one and make their way to the planet that was a shining jewel of hope in their eyes, Kel bowed her heard and spoke aloud, clearly, well aware that her bridge crew could hear her. "It's been a long time, Mithros. I know you want to know what we're doing here, and we're ready, willing, and able to explain. Please, talk to us." She paused, and then added, "They know who and what you are."
There was a startled gasp from her weapons officer, and Kel looked up. Looking slightly amused, Mithros, the Mendari 'sun god,' stood in the middle of the bridge. Kel sighed with relief. 'Well, there's step one. Now step two - get him to listen.' "Thank you, Mithros. Please, we have a room prepared to talk, if you wish." The 'god' raised his eyebrows, but followed the woman to her conference room adjunct to the bridge.
Kel motioned to one of the chairs, and the sun god sat. Kel also sat, chewing nervously on her lip.
"You've been gone a long time, little one," Mithros commented. "I assume you know what I am now."
Kel closed her eyes against the memories that popped up even as she nodded in agreement. "Yes. I'm not surprised - nor do I blame you - for taking up the role of 'gods' for the Mendari(9)."
Mithros raised an eyebrow. "You speak of your people as if you are no longer a part of them."
Kel tasted blood - she had bit too hard on her lip. "I *feel* like I'm no longer a part of them. I'm more like the Terrans I've brought here than I am like the Mendari. They know nothing of the universe apart from what is on Mendari, and even *that* is limited to the Eastern Lands."
"Do you begrudge them their simplicity?" Mithros asked.
Kel shook her head. "No. I'd give anything to feel that way again. But that's not why I'm here."
"Nor, I gather, are you here to discuss me and my people's reasons for pretending to be gods to the Mendari when we are not," Mithros agreed. "Perhaps we will discuss that another time." Kel felt her hope rise at his words. That he had said that hinted that he would be accepting of her situation - maybe even her proposal. "Why *have* you brought the Terrans here to us?"
"Well, to ask a favor, of sorts. About a year ago, a planet called Earth was targeted by an organization called the Heron Galactic Empire(7). Earth, or rather, Terra, was neutral in the war between the H.G.E. and the UDR - United Devonille Regime. She didn't even know about it. But because one of the leaders of the UDR was a human from Terra, the Deon - the head of the H.G.E. - wanted it wiped out. The UDR managed to evacuate about 1/1000 of the population before the Imperium poisoned the planet. Now Mendari is the only planet left with a sizeable population of humans, making it a rather large and annoying target. The UDR believes that it must be protected at all costs."
"But of course," Mithros agreed.
Kel nodded. "That's one reason I'm here. I'm also here to start several colonies for the refugees. I would like your permission to settle them here on Mendari, and to remain in-system until further notice to protect them. This planet is pretty much the last hope humankind has for survival."
"I'm sure that they could always start over again on some other planet with other refugees that your superiors didn't hand over to you, but I see your point." Mithros nodded. "I have no objection to the colonies, nor to your fleet staying in-system. As far as I and my people are concerned, as soon as they set foot on Mendari soil they are under our protection."
Kel let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Thank you, Mithros. You don't know what this will mean to the Terrans."
Mithros shook his head. "I probably have a better idea that you think."
Kel studied him, but the 'god' had already moved on. "Do you have a map handy?"
The next few hours was a whirlwind of activity as the woman and the 'god' selected places for the Terrans to establish colonies - all out of reach of the Eastern Lands across the Roof of the World. When a site had been selected, the coordinates were relayed to the refugee fleet, and ships were dispatched.
As they were finishing up, Mithros said, "Have you any extras?"
Kel checked her status board. "Um...Two ships, but we can disperse them throughout the other colonies."
Mithros shook his head. "Not necessary. I'd like one colony in the Eastern Lands, so they can observe the Mendari."
Kel frowned. "Do you have a specific spot in mind?"
He nodded. "The Tusaine Mountains, in the region of the Golden Lake. Could you get an image of it?" Kel nodded. On the screen hovering between the two, she called up an image of a portion of the Tusaine Mountains near the Golden Lake - near Fief Goldenlake. "Magnify the lower right-hand corner by 75%." Kel did so. A field in the middle of the forest came into view, large enough for a beetle-ship {transport} to land, though just barely. A fair-sized stream ran along the northern border, with tributaries flowing through the field and the trees to the north. The majority of the field was flat, good for farming and building. The trees around the field on al sides were sparse, gradually thickening farther out. They could be cut down for lumber and to make room for more farms. Sensor readings showed that the vegetation was rich, the soil fertile. It was far enough from the Golden Lake and the fief that it was unlikely to be found by the Mendari, almost across the border in Galla. Better yet was the fact that there was no sign of immortals.
All in all, it was a dream home.
"It's perfect," Kel breathed. "I'll take it."
*~*~*~*
Harailt of Aili, head of the royal university in Corus, pulled back from his telescope slowly. He had been studying the stars as he did every night, ever since the mysterious vanishing of Squire Keladry of Mindelan. When Raoul had told the king of her disappearance, along with the skyship, Harailt had begun to think that perhaps the gods had whisked her away for some reason. He had proposed the idea to the courts, suggesting that the gods might want her with them for some time. They had agreed reluctantly, and allowed the noble girls that had been planning to begin training as knights to do so. Now Harailt was beginning to doubt that the gods had had anything to do with Mindelan's disappearance. And tonight discovery made that doubt even stronger.
After all, why would the gods suddenly put 135 new stars in the night sky, all clustered close together? And then let 15 of them drop from the sky as the night progressed, disappearing over the horizon to the north, east, south, and west of the Eastern Lands? The mage was confused. Very confused. He went to find Numair.
_______________________________________
-Three years later-
"Have you *ever* gone this far into the Tusaine Mountains?" Lisan of Avalanche Point asked Raoul. She, Raoul, Alanna the Lioness, Nealan of Queenscove (Lisan's knight-master) Captain Whiteford, Lerant of Eldorne, and Sergeant Domitan of Masbolle and his squad were riding in the mountains near Raoul's home fief of Goldenlake. Raoul had taken Third Company - and, consequentially, Alanna, Neal, and Lisan, who had been riding with them - to his home to rest rather than the palace in Corus, something he had begun doing ever since Keladry of Mindelan's disappearance nine years ago. As they had been resting there, reports had come in of rouge centaurs making nuisances of themselves in the forests of the Tusaine Mountains near the Golden Lake. Now they were riding to investigate.
"Actually, no," the big knight admitted. "This is beyond the borders of the fief. I've never really explored this far. I'm not sure anyone has."
Before anyone could comment on that, they heard a shriek of terror. They urged their mounts on faster and burst into a glade.
A group of six centaurs stood there, normally too small a number to oppose a squad of the King's Own plus three knights and a squire. But this time was different.
This time, the centaurs had a hostage.
The lead centaur held a terrified young boy no older than ten before him as a shield. Raoul could just make out the form of another child fleeing deeper into the wood.
Alanna cursed. "What are *children* doing out here?" she demanded.
The lead centaur sneered. "You wouldn't attack with the risk of hurting one of your own, now would you?"
Alanna cursed again.
*~*~*~*
Kel had returned from ship duty aboard the *Jupiter* a week ago, and was pleased to see that the harvest had been plentiful. She had visited the other colonies before returning to her unofficial home on Mendari, Columban. She, Regent Breman, and Cavalont, her chief of security, were riding through the farming district that made up the southern border of the Columban settlement. Even now farmers were bringing in the harvest - it was more than enough to last them through the winter. Much of the excess was being prepped to be shipped to Rockyard Point, a village on the far side of the Roof of the World that had lost most of its crop due to flooding. What little food they had managed to reap was barely enough to last even a fourth of Rockyard Point even a month into winter.
"How have things been here?" Kel asked Breman.
He scowled. "The immortals have gotten interested in us. Centaurs have attacked us three times in as many weeks. We haven't lost anyone yet, but it's been a near thing. We're about ready to petition the *Jupiter* for a team of Sheook, though Heaven knows we'd rather ask help of Nazis than bother them again."
Kel laughed. "It's not a bother, Breman. We love to hear you asking for help. It makes us feel less useless and more like we're still needed."
"You'll always be needed, Kel," Breman admonished her. "But you've already done so much for us! I mean, all of the UDR pitched in to get us off-planet, and *you* gave up your home for us!"
"Not really," Kel said. "The entire Mendari civilization is concentrated around the Eastern Lands. That's a small area of land - no bigger than the continental United States(10). No one needed or was using what was left, and it would be selfish to hoard it when you needed a place to live. It only counts as me giving up my home when you are placed in the Eastern Lands - in large numbers, and in populated areas. I mean no offence, but you're not a large number - not yet - and this wasn't populated before you got here."
"None taken," Cavalont assured her.
"Still-" Breman started to argue as they turned their horses back towards Columban, but was cut off when a terrified shriek split the air. Not even hesitating, the trio whipped their horses around and headed for the thicker forest beyond the fields in the direction of the Golden Lake, each checking for their mausquers(11).
As they lost sight of the fields behind them, Kel began to hear sounds of fighting and urged her horse, Hoshi-lan, faster, drawing her weapon and flicking off the safety. She barely managed to bite back a curse as a child burst from the undergrowth ahead of her. She yanked back on the reigns hard, causing Hoshi-lan to rear in her hurry to obey her mistress, neighing in protest. Kel heard similar reactions from Apple-glad and Emberfyre, Breman and Cavalont's mounts, respectively.
The girl whimpered, but looked hopeful when she saw Kel. It nearly broke her heart. She'd seen that expression on so many innocents caught in the crossfire...Kel shook those thoughts from her head as the girl cried out,
"Regent Kel! Centaurs! They've got Malcolm!"
The admiral cursed mentally as she nodded, waving Breman forward. Even though the man was powerfully built and as loyal as they came, he wasn't cut out for battle. "Take her back to Columban," she ordered. As soon as she saw the girl seating in front of the Brazilian, she and Cavalont prodded their horses into a gallop, headed in the direction the girl had pointed.
Headed even closer to the Golden Lake.
*~*~*~*
Lisan had drifted back until she was behind Dom's squad and taken up her bow, aiming carefully with a griffin-fletched arrow given to her by Lord Raoul. They'd belonged to - been fletched by - his former squire, Keladry of Mindelan. He'd said that she'd earned them by being the first to follow in her footsteps, as well as being an excellent archer with all types of bows. She adjusted her aim, and then let it fly. It flew straight and true, nailing the lead centaur between the eyes. Then all Chaos broke loose.
The boy ducked out from beneath the collapsing centaur and retreated to the trees as the Tortallans surged forward, hacking left and right with drawn swords and weapons. Despite Raoul's compliment, Lisan didn't trust her aim enough to continue attacking with the bow, so she strapped it to her saddle and drew her sword, riding up beside her knight-master.
Raoul beheaded a centaur, then shouted in surprise as he heard a shriek of...*something*, and a centaur standing behind him fell, a smoking hole in the back of his head. Tortallans and centaurs alike looked up to see two mounted figures emerge from the trees, looking rather ticked off and armed with small, deadly looking weapons(11). The centaurs cried out in dismay and turned to flee, but three shots from the riders connected with three centaur heads, and there was silence in the glade.
The Tortallans stared as the riders as they rode further into the glade. Or rather, at the woman, who appeared to be the leader of the duo. She was older - the years showing on her face and in her not-so-dreamy hazel eyes - her hair had been grown out and was wrapped in a crown around her head, and she ware odd clothes, but there was no mistaking it.
She was Keladry of Mindelan.
Definitions/Terms
(1) Glondi. They are a one-armed, one-legged species that serve the Imperium as shock troop - similar the Star Wars storm-troopers.
(2) Mausquer rifles. Basically high-tech high-powered rifles.
(3) A shuttle.
(4) UDRS *Jupiter* - a really big space ship.
(5) Slipstream - how the ships travel long distance - kind of a cross between Star Trek's warp speed and Star Wars' hyperspace.
(6) System 66398 - Praont System. The system Mendari IV is located in. Mendari IV is the name of the planet that the Eastern Lands are on. A stellar cartographer is someone who maps the stars - same thing as someone who makes maps of Earth, just they do space instead of a planet.
(7) Heron Galactic Empire (H.G.E.), also known as the Imperium or HG Imperium. Very similar to the Empire in Star Wars. The big kahunah is a person referred to as the Deon - a title similar to Emperor.
(8) United Devonille Regime (UDR). Started out as a rebellion against the Imperium, but soon became a legal government of its own right. Still fights the Imperium. (They eventually win, by the way).
(9) Because of my beliefs (I'm a Christian), I'm reluctant to portray Tamora's gods as actual gods. So I'm making them beings that exist on a higher plane than us, giving them abilities that we don't have. They also have full use of their brains, whereas we only use 10%.
(10) This is just an estimate. I didn't find a book that had a scale on it so I could figure out the distances and stuff, so I just guessed. It could be larger, it could be smaller.
(11) Mausquers. High-tech handguns (pistol, revolver, etc.).