Kiran- the Warrior's Bride, page 17
part #2 of Rights of the Strong Series
“We wait for two days, then Demon will come for you,” Isinkhai told me the plan of action.
“Do you know what plans the khassar has regarding you?” He asked, after thinking for a while.
I shrugged, because I wasn’t sure.
“Okay,” the boss resolutely lowered his hand on the table. “Go to bed now. You’ll stay with Nakar for a while, and if things get hot, we’ll move you to our main facility. That’s all. Go and have some rest now.”
He hung up. I sat there and thought. It was difficult to think as my eyes kept closing, my tired muscles were slightly twitching, and I felt lousy. Using the stationary seyr, I tried to call mom, but she didn’t respond. Maybe she was asleep. Or maybe she was going through an asteroid belt right now.
I was sorry about Naska – he had suffered for nothing. Then I remembered about the cameras I had installed in my room and decided to find out what was happening there. I took my old seyr out and connected it to the display.
Turning the cameras on one by one, I saw that my chamber was empty. The floor where the warriors had fallen into my trap was a mess, but otherwise there was nothing. Silent bliss before the sunrise.
Then I saw a shadow! The shadow walked around the living room, came up to the window and in the rays of the rising sun I saw that the shadow held a small black scarf in its right hand. It wasn’t mine. It was mom’s! I felt an unpleasant chill going down my spine. The eerie feeling became stronger, when the shadow brought the scarf to its face and sniffed it.
“Ciara…” It said in a barely audible whisper.
The next moment, the shadow was gone. I checked all the cameras again and saw absolutely nothing.
“Hey, aren’t you going to bed?” Nakar walked into the room. “It’s morning already, Kiera.”
“Yes, I’m coming.”
I turned the seyr off.
Two days. Only two days, and I’d be on my way home. No more Eeristan. Ever!
End of Book 2
Rights of the Strong
Book 1: Kiran: The Warrior’s Daughter (Find it on Amazon)
Book 2: Kiran: The Warrior’s Bride (Find it on Amazon)
Book 3: Kiran: The Warrior’s Problem (Find it on Amazon)
Book 4: Kiran: The Warrior’s Heart (Find it on Amazon)
Book 5: Kiran: The Warrior’s Wife (Find it on Amazon)
From the Author
Dear friend!
I’m glad you’re reading my book and hope you enjoy it as well! I’ve put all my heart and soul into it and hope you liked reading it as much as I liked writing it. If so please remember to leave a revive now.
All your comments, reviews and opinions matters, your support inspires me to continue my writing day by day.
I have included a sample of the second book in the series ‘Kiran; The Warrior’s Problem’ for you to enjoy.
- Always yours, Ellen Stellar
https://amzn.to/2X3ndnw
Book Recommendations
A Medieval Tale by Lina J. Potter (5 books series)
A tale about a Medical school graduate who dies suddenly in a car crash… only to find herself reborn, in the middle of a dilapidated castle during Medieval times.
A bestselling historical fantasy fiction series about a strong and willing contemporary woman, who appeared in the dark Medieval times, will thrill readers around the world. A novel on the same wavelength with the Outlander.
Come and explore this truly epic Fantasy World and see just what happens when the modern world meets the old.
Join the huge following in the United States and Europe now to see why it’s a part of so many bookshelves in the USA!
*** Read for free with Kindle Unlimited ***
*** Listen on Audible ***
Becoming the Dragon by Alex Sapegin (5 book series)
An action adventure series about a coming of age boy and his extraordinary rebirth into a dragon.
From now on he’s got two hearts beating in his scale-clad chest and mighty wings behind his back. In the faraway planet of two moons he was born again as a dragon…
Being unwillingly stuck in a scientific experiment, Andy gets teleported to a faraway planet Ilanta, both inhabited by humans and supernatural beings. Andy gets no warm welcome… mortally wounded, he chooses to proceed with an ancient ritual to be reborn as a dragon, a.k.a. a Master of Heaven.
*** Read for free with Kindle Unlimited ***
https://amzn.to/2NYeGOS
Sinister Romance by Tatiana Vedenska (3 books series)
A crazy mix of Fifty Shades of Grey, a thriller, and mystery.
She is struck by the cruelty and violence that is erupting from his world. He is dazzled by her innocence, beauty and aloofness…
A deeply emotional, sensual, and steamy read for those looking for something darker in their romance.
A hot release, just translated! So enjoy this sensually seductive series and experience true pleasure.
*** Read for free with Kindle Unlimited ***
*** A new release ***
https://amzn.to/2U322zO
Whirlwind by Nicholas Metelsky (7 books series)
A novel inspired by iconic anime titles likes Neon Genesis Evangelion, Tokyo Ghoul, and Darker than Black.
An explosive mixture of science fiction and animesque settings, filled with inconceivable and tricky fights, modern magic, mechas, and the sin of human pride.
This book stormed to number one in Russia. Do not miss this new release!
*** Read for free in Kindle Unlimited ***
https://amzn.to/2DZ9t7e
Dear friends! Enjoy the next part of this series. We hope it might capture your imagination, and as a bonus from LitHunters we offer you a free sample.
- From LitHunters with Love
Excerpt
Kiran: The Warrior’s Problem
The city was asleep. The scorching dry wind blowing though the empty streets of the capital of the khassarat of Aigor felt hot even in the early morning hours. The wind rustled through the withering palm leaves and chased sand and litter around the streets. The sand squeaked into the closed shutters and swished over flat roofs, as if trying to hide in the cracks in a futile attempt to get away.
Dame looked out of his shelter, watching the phenomenon that was happening in each barbarian city of this seemingly backward world. He heard some muffled humming followed by the sounds of a strong wind rising. Then he saw a flash of dull light. Suddenly, there was a strange, almost frightening stillness. Dry wind silently blew through the streets of the sleeping city. The squeaking sand, rustling litter, leftovers, scraps of paper and chunks of manure were gone. The city was clean! Unnaturally, absolutely clean. The windows of the houses were gleaming, and the roads were spotless. All the sand brought by the wind from the scorching prairies was blown away, and withering plants turned green again.
All footprints were gone too, human or beast.
Officer Taim stood up and stretched, fully recovered after the tiresome night. He looked at the roof and saw that whatever was left from the fire that destroyed the space fleet cadet’s jacket had been picked up by this cleaning system, as well.
He had had a tough night. Getting the girl out of the city was fairly easy, but covering his tracks was practically impossible. He had hired two mercenaries on the Gerstoch asteroid before coming to Eeristan. The first one had been captured almost right away. The second had managed to get Kiera’s jacket, but trying to get away from the two black haitashis was hopeless—the clan Targar sleuths had already picked up his scent. The second mercenary was captured, as well.
Then the hunt for Dame began. For the first time since he had acquired the tahr-ehn abilities, he could not shake off his pursuers. Two of his safe houses were uncovered before he even landed, and Taim barely escaped his pursuers. He got the most trouble from the warrior who followed him persistently, anticipating his every move. Yet Dame managed to get away before dawn. Crawling through the aqueduct, he practically got to the center of the city. Luckily, the aqueduct was dry this time of the year. The tahr-ehns were unlikely to look for him there as they expected the fugitive to run away from the city, not back into it, so Dame took his chances.
“Did you recognize him?” He asked in his mind.
“It was Ayeh,” was the immediate answer.
“I got that. Can you be more specific?”
“He hid his insignia.”
“Too bad,” Dame looked at the city. “What about Kiran?”
“Kiran McVarras, the elder daughter of the khassar of Aigor, the great warrior Agarn, was given to warrior Nrogo, the great Kagan of Shayeg, and then promised to the great warrior Dyar, the first warrior of the khassarat of Aigor.”
“Given? Promised?” Officer Taim asked.
“The family code of the Eeristani tahr-ehns is difficult to explain. A warrior may request a night with the given one as repayment of a blood debt, and the father of the given one may grant his permission. Kiran was given to the Kagan of Shayeg.”
“You mean will be given?” Dame asked again.
“I mean she was already given. The debt has been repaid.”
Dame clenched his teeth, trying to keep his anger in check. In his mind, he saw a vivid image of the fragile girl that was Kiran McVarras—a cadet of the highest S-class ranking of Space University. She had such a bright future ahead of her. With this training, she would have been appointed a military cruiser captain at least or an admiral at most.
S-class meant that she was the elite of the military space fleet! But instead of making her career, fighting in glorious battles and getting medals of honor, this green-eyed girl was given like cattle to an old Eeristani tahr-ehn. The khassar simply used his daughter to repay his debt.
“How could he do that?” Dame groaned in his mind.
“It is the right of the khassar of Aigor. He is the father and the ruler.”
The voice in Dame’s head was calm and emotionless, as usual.
Imagining the huge body of the khassar of Shayeg on top of such a young and fragile girl, and knowing that she didn’t have a single chance to fight the native of Eeristan, Dame swore, “The bastard!”
“The law of Eeristan is simple—the strongest warriors get the best women. Nrogo is strong. By the right of the strongest, he can lay his claim on the eldest daughter of the khassar of Aigor.”
Dame barely managed to contain his rage. He forced his emotions back under control of his enhanced mind and processed the information.
“You said ‘promised’. What does that mean?” He asked another question.
“’Promised’ means that she will become somebody’s wife,” as usual, the answer was cold as ice.
“She is promised to the great warrior Dyar, first warrior of the khassarat of Aigor?” Enhanced by the presence of another mind, Dame was able to remember everything word for word. “That is, the khassar of Aigor didn’t let Nrogo marry her?”
“No. Kiran McVarras will become the wife of Dyar McVarras.”
“Did Agarn give his daughter to his son?!”
“He is a warrior, and his son is a warrior. So they are not really blood kin.”
Taim sighed deeply and asked the next question, “What else did you find out?”
“The ruling clan is keeping a low profile, but the leaders of the clan are here.”
“Ok,” Dame gave the city one last look. “It’s time.”
He jumped from the twenty-foot-tall building and landed softly on the ground. His body tensed, his feet painlessly absorbed the impact and his muscles flexed with the usual force. Dame started running with great determination. Nothing could stop him. Nothing.
Except for…
He froze in his tracks before he could even see the three tahr-ehns of clan Ayeh. He looked around, evaluating the situation. Empty street, wind blowing quietly and the warriors blocking his way. One was in the center, the second stood to the right of him, blocking the way to Shodanar, while the third warrior on the left blocked the safest route to the entertainment quarter.
“What are my chances?” Officer Taim inquired mentally.
“None,” his symbiont answered after a brief pause. “This is Ayeh.”
“Let’s take a risk!” Dame tried to keep calm.
“This is Ayeh,” his symbiont repeated. “Their reaction speed is one hundredth of a second, while yours is two tenths. You have no chance, surrender.”
“Yeah, right.”
“We are in Aigor, so you are under the jurisdiction of the khassarat. This means that you will be taken to the khassar’s palace. These guys were tracking you, and they know that you are not just a visitor from another planet, so they’ll call the aytnah-khassash for interrogation. So, we have two options: either we escape from the khassar’s palace or Kiran helps us.”
“Kiran?”
“She’s S-class, Dame.”
“Very funny,” Dame couldn’t conceal his bitterness. “When do we have to leave the khassar’s palace?”
“Before sundown.”
“Got it.”
“It will be painful.”
“I’m aware of it!”
The next moment, officer Taim raised his hands and shouted, “I surrender.”
The two tahr-ehns blocking his escape routes glanced at the warrior standing in the center, and Dame could clearly tell who had the highest rank among them.
Story One: Promenading, Kidnapping and Running Underground
I had a strange dream. I dreamt that I was completing a training exercise and the beacon was hidden somewhere in the mountains. I had no equipment whatsoever: no cables, no safety accessories, no special footwear. I was climbing up, when I slipped and barely managed to grasp some protruded rock with my fingers. Then I pulled myself up and continued climbing. I heard Instructor Lodgen’s voice in my earphone, “Progress: Fifteen percent. Very bad, McVarras.”
I really wanted to say that I was screwed here without any equipment, but this was not by the book, so I clenched my teeth and kept on climbing. I understood that there was no way I could reach that ledge ten feet above me without a hook, but I had my orders, so I continued climbing. My every move brought me closer to the ledge of the cliff…
“I won’t be able to climb it. I have to go around it,” I thought and woke up.
I heard the beating of the waves outside and birds that sounded like they were fighting over fish. My room was full of fresh sea air. I felt great! Great and victorious! First, I ran away from father. Second, I have two days to look around Eeristan. I must admit the planet was quite intriguing. Third, it’s time to make somebody pay his dues.
Anyway, I had a lot on my plate and it was time to get up.
Stretching quietly, I accidentally pushed Eekhas. He growled with indignation, and I petted him to calm him down. Fluffy followed my example and stretched, arching his back in a funny way. Then he yawned, and I looked at his frightening teeth in awe. Squinting, Eekhas opened his mouth even wider, showcasing all his fangs. They were very sharp.
“Are you making fun of me?” I asked him, smiling.
The beast snapped his jaws shut, growled softly and crawled closer to me. Then he stuck his nose into my ear and made funny snuffling sounds. His nose was cold and wet, so I got up, cringing, while the cunning beast sprawled over the entire bed, wagging his tail with great affection.
“Just look at him!” I thought.
Eekhas wagged his tail even faster, then stretched again, enjoying the fact that I had gotten up and there was more room for him. Then he yawned and buried his nose in my pillow, insolently demonstrating his wish to continue his nap.
“You lazy bum!” I pretended to be mad.
The beast snorted, wagged his tail and closed his eyes. In other words, this sharp-toothed fluffy beast was letting me know that I should move along and not disturb his slumber.
Barefoot, I shuffled out of the room, went down the spiral stairs carved into the rock and walked into the kitchen where Nakar made me my dinner yesterday.
Since I was yawning when I walked into the kitchen, I didn’t realize right away that Nakar wasn’t alone.
“Wow,” someone said huskily.
“Is this the new girl?” A woman asked.
“Where did she get the tattoo?” Inquired another guy.
I stopped yawning and looked around the small kitchen. Nakar in his grey training suit was tinkering with the coffee machine, while a group of thugs was sitting at the table. Among them was a dark-haired woman in a very tight green dress and too much makeup on her face.
“Wassup, I’m Kiran,” I felt I had to introduce myself.
“Jem,” said the woman, batting her two-inch long fake eyelashes.
“Geyto,” said the man with the goatee, raising a glass.
Judging by the man’s looks, there was alcohol in the glass.
“Henry,” nodded the dark-skinned guy.
“Sid,” the very tall thin man could barely speak, which wasn’t surprising—he obviously had been recently hit in the face.
“You don’t need to know my name,” the thin man with the mustache and deep scar that crossed the left side of his face said. “Nakar, what kind of bird is this?”
“A rare one,” Nakar replied. “Boss said we should take good care of her.”
I got a few evaluating looks. The woman snorted. I could see what the men thought, just by looking at their faces.
“Okay, okay. I know I have a pretty face,” I said and passed by the thugs to get some coffee. “Nakar, did the boss call?”
“Yep,” he passed me a plate with some breakfast. “Your mom called too. They both said you should stay here and keep low. Demon will pick you up. Your mom will wait for you on Itarsah.”
“Cool,” there was nothing else to say.
I just stood there, holding my plate and cup of coffee because there was no place for me to sit. The kitchen was filled with different equipment and there was only one table. Geyto noticed my puzzled expression and finally thought to scoot over.
“Do you know what plans the khassar has regarding you?” He asked, after thinking for a while.
I shrugged, because I wasn’t sure.
“Okay,” the boss resolutely lowered his hand on the table. “Go to bed now. You’ll stay with Nakar for a while, and if things get hot, we’ll move you to our main facility. That’s all. Go and have some rest now.”
He hung up. I sat there and thought. It was difficult to think as my eyes kept closing, my tired muscles were slightly twitching, and I felt lousy. Using the stationary seyr, I tried to call mom, but she didn’t respond. Maybe she was asleep. Or maybe she was going through an asteroid belt right now.
I was sorry about Naska – he had suffered for nothing. Then I remembered about the cameras I had installed in my room and decided to find out what was happening there. I took my old seyr out and connected it to the display.
Turning the cameras on one by one, I saw that my chamber was empty. The floor where the warriors had fallen into my trap was a mess, but otherwise there was nothing. Silent bliss before the sunrise.
Then I saw a shadow! The shadow walked around the living room, came up to the window and in the rays of the rising sun I saw that the shadow held a small black scarf in its right hand. It wasn’t mine. It was mom’s! I felt an unpleasant chill going down my spine. The eerie feeling became stronger, when the shadow brought the scarf to its face and sniffed it.
“Ciara…” It said in a barely audible whisper.
The next moment, the shadow was gone. I checked all the cameras again and saw absolutely nothing.
“Hey, aren’t you going to bed?” Nakar walked into the room. “It’s morning already, Kiera.”
“Yes, I’m coming.”
I turned the seyr off.
Two days. Only two days, and I’d be on my way home. No more Eeristan. Ever!
End of Book 2
Rights of the Strong
Book 1: Kiran: The Warrior’s Daughter (Find it on Amazon)
Book 2: Kiran: The Warrior’s Bride (Find it on Amazon)
Book 3: Kiran: The Warrior’s Problem (Find it on Amazon)
Book 4: Kiran: The Warrior’s Heart (Find it on Amazon)
Book 5: Kiran: The Warrior’s Wife (Find it on Amazon)
From the Author
Dear friend!
I’m glad you’re reading my book and hope you enjoy it as well! I’ve put all my heart and soul into it and hope you liked reading it as much as I liked writing it. If so please remember to leave a revive now.
All your comments, reviews and opinions matters, your support inspires me to continue my writing day by day.
I have included a sample of the second book in the series ‘Kiran; The Warrior’s Problem’ for you to enjoy.
- Always yours, Ellen Stellar
https://amzn.to/2X3ndnw
Book Recommendations
A Medieval Tale by Lina J. Potter (5 books series)
A tale about a Medical school graduate who dies suddenly in a car crash… only to find herself reborn, in the middle of a dilapidated castle during Medieval times.
A bestselling historical fantasy fiction series about a strong and willing contemporary woman, who appeared in the dark Medieval times, will thrill readers around the world. A novel on the same wavelength with the Outlander.
Come and explore this truly epic Fantasy World and see just what happens when the modern world meets the old.
Join the huge following in the United States and Europe now to see why it’s a part of so many bookshelves in the USA!
*** Read for free with Kindle Unlimited ***
*** Listen on Audible ***
Becoming the Dragon by Alex Sapegin (5 book series)
An action adventure series about a coming of age boy and his extraordinary rebirth into a dragon.
From now on he’s got two hearts beating in his scale-clad chest and mighty wings behind his back. In the faraway planet of two moons he was born again as a dragon…
Being unwillingly stuck in a scientific experiment, Andy gets teleported to a faraway planet Ilanta, both inhabited by humans and supernatural beings. Andy gets no warm welcome… mortally wounded, he chooses to proceed with an ancient ritual to be reborn as a dragon, a.k.a. a Master of Heaven.
*** Read for free with Kindle Unlimited ***
https://amzn.to/2NYeGOS
Sinister Romance by Tatiana Vedenska (3 books series)
A crazy mix of Fifty Shades of Grey, a thriller, and mystery.
She is struck by the cruelty and violence that is erupting from his world. He is dazzled by her innocence, beauty and aloofness…
A deeply emotional, sensual, and steamy read for those looking for something darker in their romance.
A hot release, just translated! So enjoy this sensually seductive series and experience true pleasure.
*** Read for free with Kindle Unlimited ***
*** A new release ***
https://amzn.to/2U322zO
Whirlwind by Nicholas Metelsky (7 books series)
A novel inspired by iconic anime titles likes Neon Genesis Evangelion, Tokyo Ghoul, and Darker than Black.
An explosive mixture of science fiction and animesque settings, filled with inconceivable and tricky fights, modern magic, mechas, and the sin of human pride.
This book stormed to number one in Russia. Do not miss this new release!
*** Read for free in Kindle Unlimited ***
https://amzn.to/2DZ9t7e
Dear friends! Enjoy the next part of this series. We hope it might capture your imagination, and as a bonus from LitHunters we offer you a free sample.
- From LitHunters with Love
Excerpt
Kiran: The Warrior’s Problem
The city was asleep. The scorching dry wind blowing though the empty streets of the capital of the khassarat of Aigor felt hot even in the early morning hours. The wind rustled through the withering palm leaves and chased sand and litter around the streets. The sand squeaked into the closed shutters and swished over flat roofs, as if trying to hide in the cracks in a futile attempt to get away.
Dame looked out of his shelter, watching the phenomenon that was happening in each barbarian city of this seemingly backward world. He heard some muffled humming followed by the sounds of a strong wind rising. Then he saw a flash of dull light. Suddenly, there was a strange, almost frightening stillness. Dry wind silently blew through the streets of the sleeping city. The squeaking sand, rustling litter, leftovers, scraps of paper and chunks of manure were gone. The city was clean! Unnaturally, absolutely clean. The windows of the houses were gleaming, and the roads were spotless. All the sand brought by the wind from the scorching prairies was blown away, and withering plants turned green again.
All footprints were gone too, human or beast.
Officer Taim stood up and stretched, fully recovered after the tiresome night. He looked at the roof and saw that whatever was left from the fire that destroyed the space fleet cadet’s jacket had been picked up by this cleaning system, as well.
He had had a tough night. Getting the girl out of the city was fairly easy, but covering his tracks was practically impossible. He had hired two mercenaries on the Gerstoch asteroid before coming to Eeristan. The first one had been captured almost right away. The second had managed to get Kiera’s jacket, but trying to get away from the two black haitashis was hopeless—the clan Targar sleuths had already picked up his scent. The second mercenary was captured, as well.
Then the hunt for Dame began. For the first time since he had acquired the tahr-ehn abilities, he could not shake off his pursuers. Two of his safe houses were uncovered before he even landed, and Taim barely escaped his pursuers. He got the most trouble from the warrior who followed him persistently, anticipating his every move. Yet Dame managed to get away before dawn. Crawling through the aqueduct, he practically got to the center of the city. Luckily, the aqueduct was dry this time of the year. The tahr-ehns were unlikely to look for him there as they expected the fugitive to run away from the city, not back into it, so Dame took his chances.
“Did you recognize him?” He asked in his mind.
“It was Ayeh,” was the immediate answer.
“I got that. Can you be more specific?”
“He hid his insignia.”
“Too bad,” Dame looked at the city. “What about Kiran?”
“Kiran McVarras, the elder daughter of the khassar of Aigor, the great warrior Agarn, was given to warrior Nrogo, the great Kagan of Shayeg, and then promised to the great warrior Dyar, the first warrior of the khassarat of Aigor.”
“Given? Promised?” Officer Taim asked.
“The family code of the Eeristani tahr-ehns is difficult to explain. A warrior may request a night with the given one as repayment of a blood debt, and the father of the given one may grant his permission. Kiran was given to the Kagan of Shayeg.”
“You mean will be given?” Dame asked again.
“I mean she was already given. The debt has been repaid.”
Dame clenched his teeth, trying to keep his anger in check. In his mind, he saw a vivid image of the fragile girl that was Kiran McVarras—a cadet of the highest S-class ranking of Space University. She had such a bright future ahead of her. With this training, she would have been appointed a military cruiser captain at least or an admiral at most.
S-class meant that she was the elite of the military space fleet! But instead of making her career, fighting in glorious battles and getting medals of honor, this green-eyed girl was given like cattle to an old Eeristani tahr-ehn. The khassar simply used his daughter to repay his debt.
“How could he do that?” Dame groaned in his mind.
“It is the right of the khassar of Aigor. He is the father and the ruler.”
The voice in Dame’s head was calm and emotionless, as usual.
Imagining the huge body of the khassar of Shayeg on top of such a young and fragile girl, and knowing that she didn’t have a single chance to fight the native of Eeristan, Dame swore, “The bastard!”
“The law of Eeristan is simple—the strongest warriors get the best women. Nrogo is strong. By the right of the strongest, he can lay his claim on the eldest daughter of the khassar of Aigor.”
Dame barely managed to contain his rage. He forced his emotions back under control of his enhanced mind and processed the information.
“You said ‘promised’. What does that mean?” He asked another question.
“’Promised’ means that she will become somebody’s wife,” as usual, the answer was cold as ice.
“She is promised to the great warrior Dyar, first warrior of the khassarat of Aigor?” Enhanced by the presence of another mind, Dame was able to remember everything word for word. “That is, the khassar of Aigor didn’t let Nrogo marry her?”
“No. Kiran McVarras will become the wife of Dyar McVarras.”
“Did Agarn give his daughter to his son?!”
“He is a warrior, and his son is a warrior. So they are not really blood kin.”
Taim sighed deeply and asked the next question, “What else did you find out?”
“The ruling clan is keeping a low profile, but the leaders of the clan are here.”
“Ok,” Dame gave the city one last look. “It’s time.”
He jumped from the twenty-foot-tall building and landed softly on the ground. His body tensed, his feet painlessly absorbed the impact and his muscles flexed with the usual force. Dame started running with great determination. Nothing could stop him. Nothing.
Except for…
He froze in his tracks before he could even see the three tahr-ehns of clan Ayeh. He looked around, evaluating the situation. Empty street, wind blowing quietly and the warriors blocking his way. One was in the center, the second stood to the right of him, blocking the way to Shodanar, while the third warrior on the left blocked the safest route to the entertainment quarter.
“What are my chances?” Officer Taim inquired mentally.
“None,” his symbiont answered after a brief pause. “This is Ayeh.”
“Let’s take a risk!” Dame tried to keep calm.
“This is Ayeh,” his symbiont repeated. “Their reaction speed is one hundredth of a second, while yours is two tenths. You have no chance, surrender.”
“Yeah, right.”
“We are in Aigor, so you are under the jurisdiction of the khassarat. This means that you will be taken to the khassar’s palace. These guys were tracking you, and they know that you are not just a visitor from another planet, so they’ll call the aytnah-khassash for interrogation. So, we have two options: either we escape from the khassar’s palace or Kiran helps us.”
“Kiran?”
“She’s S-class, Dame.”
“Very funny,” Dame couldn’t conceal his bitterness. “When do we have to leave the khassar’s palace?”
“Before sundown.”
“Got it.”
“It will be painful.”
“I’m aware of it!”
The next moment, officer Taim raised his hands and shouted, “I surrender.”
The two tahr-ehns blocking his escape routes glanced at the warrior standing in the center, and Dame could clearly tell who had the highest rank among them.
Story One: Promenading, Kidnapping and Running Underground
I had a strange dream. I dreamt that I was completing a training exercise and the beacon was hidden somewhere in the mountains. I had no equipment whatsoever: no cables, no safety accessories, no special footwear. I was climbing up, when I slipped and barely managed to grasp some protruded rock with my fingers. Then I pulled myself up and continued climbing. I heard Instructor Lodgen’s voice in my earphone, “Progress: Fifteen percent. Very bad, McVarras.”
I really wanted to say that I was screwed here without any equipment, but this was not by the book, so I clenched my teeth and kept on climbing. I understood that there was no way I could reach that ledge ten feet above me without a hook, but I had my orders, so I continued climbing. My every move brought me closer to the ledge of the cliff…
“I won’t be able to climb it. I have to go around it,” I thought and woke up.
I heard the beating of the waves outside and birds that sounded like they were fighting over fish. My room was full of fresh sea air. I felt great! Great and victorious! First, I ran away from father. Second, I have two days to look around Eeristan. I must admit the planet was quite intriguing. Third, it’s time to make somebody pay his dues.
Anyway, I had a lot on my plate and it was time to get up.
Stretching quietly, I accidentally pushed Eekhas. He growled with indignation, and I petted him to calm him down. Fluffy followed my example and stretched, arching his back in a funny way. Then he yawned, and I looked at his frightening teeth in awe. Squinting, Eekhas opened his mouth even wider, showcasing all his fangs. They were very sharp.
“Are you making fun of me?” I asked him, smiling.
The beast snapped his jaws shut, growled softly and crawled closer to me. Then he stuck his nose into my ear and made funny snuffling sounds. His nose was cold and wet, so I got up, cringing, while the cunning beast sprawled over the entire bed, wagging his tail with great affection.
“Just look at him!” I thought.
Eekhas wagged his tail even faster, then stretched again, enjoying the fact that I had gotten up and there was more room for him. Then he yawned and buried his nose in my pillow, insolently demonstrating his wish to continue his nap.
“You lazy bum!” I pretended to be mad.
The beast snorted, wagged his tail and closed his eyes. In other words, this sharp-toothed fluffy beast was letting me know that I should move along and not disturb his slumber.
Barefoot, I shuffled out of the room, went down the spiral stairs carved into the rock and walked into the kitchen where Nakar made me my dinner yesterday.
Since I was yawning when I walked into the kitchen, I didn’t realize right away that Nakar wasn’t alone.
“Wow,” someone said huskily.
“Is this the new girl?” A woman asked.
“Where did she get the tattoo?” Inquired another guy.
I stopped yawning and looked around the small kitchen. Nakar in his grey training suit was tinkering with the coffee machine, while a group of thugs was sitting at the table. Among them was a dark-haired woman in a very tight green dress and too much makeup on her face.
“Wassup, I’m Kiran,” I felt I had to introduce myself.
“Jem,” said the woman, batting her two-inch long fake eyelashes.
“Geyto,” said the man with the goatee, raising a glass.
Judging by the man’s looks, there was alcohol in the glass.
“Henry,” nodded the dark-skinned guy.
“Sid,” the very tall thin man could barely speak, which wasn’t surprising—he obviously had been recently hit in the face.
“You don’t need to know my name,” the thin man with the mustache and deep scar that crossed the left side of his face said. “Nakar, what kind of bird is this?”
“A rare one,” Nakar replied. “Boss said we should take good care of her.”
I got a few evaluating looks. The woman snorted. I could see what the men thought, just by looking at their faces.
“Okay, okay. I know I have a pretty face,” I said and passed by the thugs to get some coffee. “Nakar, did the boss call?”
“Yep,” he passed me a plate with some breakfast. “Your mom called too. They both said you should stay here and keep low. Demon will pick you up. Your mom will wait for you on Itarsah.”
“Cool,” there was nothing else to say.
I just stood there, holding my plate and cup of coffee because there was no place for me to sit. The kitchen was filled with different equipment and there was only one table. Geyto noticed my puzzled expression and finally thought to scoot over.
