Wrath of Acquisition, page 20
It allowed her to relax a little and take in the scenery. Being on the fourth level gave those on the outer halls the perfect view of the Azrom landscape. Rolling hills covered in flowers and a vast mountain range against the deep azure sky. The sun was slowly descending behind the hills as daytime ended.
Laughter. Loud. Vulgar. Ponnae felt her body stiffen, her stride shortening with her slowed pace. Across the way, coming towards them, were the three guards from before. They moved freely, harassing passersby and intimidating servants trying to avoid them.
The one on the right caught sight of her and tapped the soldier next to him, interrupting his taunting of a female servant hunched over in fear. He looked over, and the third did the same.
Their attention now distracted elsewhere; the servant was free to scurry off hurriedly. The three approached the entourage, disgusting grins on their faces.
“Look at this. The wench got herself on a royal detail.” The first one called out.
The second one snorted. “Guess it’s better to only have to bend over for two.” He eyed the two male guards. “Not all that great, is she?”
Both guards instinctively went for the hilt of their swords, then hesitated, remembering their code of conduct. Their hands did not move from where they hovered.
“Oh!” The third laughed. “Haven’t had a taste yet?” He glared at Ponnae. “It’s all used up and tainted, but beggars can’t be choosy, right?”
Ponnae was about to speak when a presence full of malice and fury radiated from behind her. She dared not turn around. The three guards’ expressions turned to terror. They backed away from the entourage, their mouths gaped open in fear.
She glanced down towards her right and saw black talons extended. Her gaze moved up to her counterpart next to her and saw his head tilted up, staring at Trinon, his eyes wide with fear as well.
She turned away and took a deep breath before looking herself. Her already stiff body froze in place. Her back went erect, and she felt like her insides were being scrambled. What she saw on Trinon’s face, his entire demeanor changed, was nothing she had ever seen before.
One Earth phrase she had heard came to mind that properly defined what she witnessed. Demon.
Trinon was used to others being unaware of his presence, despite his stature. He did it on purpose, so not to intimidate anyone. The three guards were in his view before Ponnae, or he knew who they were.
When Ponnae’s body seemed to deflate and her steps slow to a crawl before stopping, he felt her fear.
The moment they started spewing their disgusting words, his neck hairs bristled. The two guards were stuck in a hard place on deciding to attack should the three move towards them. He had no such dilemma. That last remark snapped Trinon out of his friendly mode. His vision turned red, his brow scrunched forward as his talons extended.
This I won’t tolerate!
The three guards backed away, drawing their swords. They stood together, ready to fight. Trinon swung his left hand, the rest of the entourage ducking down to give him full range. His talons sliced through the swords, cutting them in half. The metal clinked onto the marble floor, causing people witnessing the scene to winced at the sound.
Not deterred, the three stepped back further and regained their stance. Trinon moved forward. They will get a lesson in pain today. He was ready to deliver.
“No!” A voice rang out. “Not happening, manbeast.” Batis came into their line of sight. He stared unflinchingly at Trinon. “Stand down.” When he didn’t move, halted in a lunge, Batis stepped in front of the three guards facing him. “Right now, Trinon.”
Trinon straightened his posture and moved back to stand behind Ponnae and the two guards. His talons retracted, and he forced his vision to return to normal. He felt drool formed along his mouth and wiped it with the back of his forearm.
They all watched his demeanor shift instantly to that of a jolly giant. He forced a big grin, scratching his mane as he laughed, squinting.
“Sorry, guess I got a little mad.” His eyes still showed fury when they opened. “I don’t like that sort of thing.”
“I get that.” Batis nodded to the two guards flanking Ponnae. “You can move your hands from those hilts too.” They reluctantly complied. “Continue on.”
Trinon dropped his arms to his sides and waited for the others to start walking. When they were far enough not to hinder his long stride, he followed, eyeing the three guards once more.
**•**
Batis exhaled slowly. No one noticed his true feelings of terror at that moment. That was not the gentle manbeast they all knew. Transformed into some other beast, he was no longer beautiful. Batis scratched his chest, wondering what exactly made a manbeast. Shaking off his fear, he turned to the three guards formerly of his unit.
They looked relieved. Lowering their broken weapons, the guards grinned. The first one let out a “hmph!” The other snorted, following it with a sheepish grin. The third frowned.
“Commander!” The first one smiled. “Thank the gods of old. That manbeast has lost his sense of place.”
“That thing was going to cut us down,” the second one said. “Damned monster.”
In one swift motion, Batis unsheathed his longsword and swung it across the three guards’ chest. There was a heavy silence as bystanders and the guards stood in shock. Their breast plates cracked, and the lower sections fell to the floor. Red lines appeared to drip where they had once connected.
The three guards looked down right as their wounds opened from movement. They cried out in pain, clutching their chests, hoping to stop the bleeding. The third one looked up at Batis as he went down in a pool of his own blood. Batis saw the question in his eyes. Why?
“The fact that you never once saw anything wrong with what Lord Halfar had decreed and continued to terrorize that handmaid shows your lack of honor.”
Batis sheathed his sword. His hands tingled from the strike. He hadn’t used his longsword in decades, usually opting for his short blade or crossbow. The guards struggled on the floor, gasping for air, then went still. Not dead, they were unconscious from blood loss. He glanced at the bystanders.
“I’m certain I said to continue on.” His tone was dark. The people left the area, leaving him with his fallen former subordinates. “I should have done something about all of you long ago,” he addressed them.
A group of guards arrived with the medical insignia on their collars. They positioned a floating stretcher next to the guards and heaped them atop each other onto it.
One of the medical guards wore a backpack with hoses attached. He pulled one out and sprayed the blood on the floor. It stopped flowing and turned to a gel like substance. He retracted the sprayer and pulled on a different one. It had a wide nozzle and when he positioned it over the gelled blood, it sucked up the mess.
The floor was pristine. Nothing had happened. Batis was thankful for the quick clean up. The medical unit surrounded the hover stretcher as they left. There would be rumors. He couldn’t stop them from spreading. But there was no evidence of the near carnage. For he was sure of one thing.
Trinon would have torn those three guards apart.
**•**
Trinon stepped into his private chamber and punched the wall near the entrance. He had not felt so much rage in a long time. And that he couldn’t contain himself made it worse. He could only imagine what he looked like to the others.
I’m losing it!
Looking under his raised arm planted on the wall, he saw a figure in the entryway and noticed Ponnae standing awkwardly. She finally let out a sigh and went over to his bed. She climbed on, scooting all the way to the headboard, then sat against it upright. To his amazement, she raised her arms for him to come.
Hesitant at first, he remained by the wall. She moved her arms forward, insisting. He went to her, laying his head in her lap. She caressed his mane, gently running her fingers through its thickness. His body sagged into her, and he closed his eyes. This too he hadn’t felt in so long.
The last time someone showed him such affection was when he was with his now deceased mate. She was more vibrant and full of humor than him. They had been a perfect match. He sometimes thought of her, bringing his mood down. Ponnae was different in every way.
Quiet, Loyal, determined.
She refused to let what happened break her.
He wrapped his arms around her waist. What she didn’t realize was that the damage had already been done. She could never erase it any more than he could in his case. They were now two beings trying to find out what they were alive for.
**•**
“He has to go.” Batis sat leaned against the back of his seat in Romnus’ private study. “If you saw what I did, you would say the same.”
“Yes, we have heard the rumors.” Rass tapped his fingers on the table. He sat sideways; his other arm thrown over the back of his chair. “But the whole purpose of him being here is to protect Farin.”
“The fourth house has backed down tremendously. I think they understand what measures we will take if necessary.” Batis reached forward to grab a piece of cured meat from the tray in the center of the table, then flopped back. “It’s not like you don’t have a second unit watching your beloved at all times.”
Romnus eyed him with contempt. Batis scoffed. Not much of a secret.
“It hasn’t even been a full year.” Kur twirled a tiny bone he had stripped of its meat. “I’m actually surprised he lasted this long without harming anyone.”
“Trinon needs counseling. Something is very wrong with him.” Rass unhooked his arm from the back of his chair and placed both hands on the table. “Farin will understand.”
“She’s probably the first to observe his behavior. She just won’t say anything unless she needs to,” Batis added.
“I’ll talk with her.” Romnus frowned. “This new enemy changed many of us.” He looked over at Kur who was oblivious to the scrutiny. Rass seemed to bristle. “A new way of thinking will be forthcoming.”
“Yes.” Batis chewed on his snack. “Azrom might has its limits.”
**•**
Farin stood back and watched Trinon sitting on a bench facing the outdoor maneuvers arena where Ponnae practiced with her full unit when she wasn’t on guard duty. She saw the distress on his face as he witnessed her focused movements. It saddened her. The moment Trinon stepped on Azrom soil, she knew he was no longer the joking prankster she loved.
I have to do it. She gathered her courage and went to stand by his side.
Trinon didn’t acknowledge her at first, opting to keep his sight on Ponnae. He moved his head towards her.
“I would chastise you for walking around alone, but I know your secret guardian, who isn’t all that secret, is close by.”
Farin rolled her eyes. Yes. Romnus left no stone unturned.
“Good. Then you know why I’m here.”
“I’ve frightened the masses.”
“No, Trinon.” She folded her arms around his shoulders. “You frightened yourself.”
She felt him go rigid in her embrace. The truth hit hard. Farin squeezed tighter. He turned his head forward.
“I’m sorry. I came here to protect you.”
“I know.” Farin buried her face in the back of his mane.
“I have a request.”
“Oh?” Farin raised her head and leaned over his right shoulder. “And that would be?”
“Release Ponnae of her title. Let her live on New Lassa.”
Farin sighed, slumping into him. She should have known that was coming. Seeing Ponnae do military maneuvers made her heart hurt as well. There was no reason for the former handmaid to continue living on Azrom with so many memories keeping her soul caged.
“Granted.” She felt him relax a bit. “But on one condition.” Trinon finally turned to look at her. “You have to take care of her. Make sure she’s safe, always.”
Trinon’s eyes narrowed. “Of course I will.” He angled his body towards her, shifting his weight on the bench. “I just don’t like the guardian Romnus picked to be in your shadow.”
“That’s no longer your concern.” Farin released him and stood.
“Until I leave, it is.” His tone was harsh.
You really don’t like him. Farin giggled, causing Trinon to stare at her in exasperation. She gave him a mischievous grin. Have you forgotten? I can take care of myself. He seemed to catch her thoughts and snorted, turning away from her.
**•**
For half a day, Ponnae fumed. Her commander had come to her chambers early in the day to announce the royal decree that she be removed from duty. She had protested, picking up her gear to leave, regardless. Ordered to not join Queen Farin and the other two guards, she languished, still wearing her uniform in her quarters.
The thought of taking it off would seal the deal. A new outfit sat in a neat pile on the edge of her bed. A simple blue tunic, light brown leggings, and a matching robe with a sash. The only thing she would keep from her guard gear were the boots.
Her head hung planted in her hands to cover her face. She had stopped crying an hour ago and felt too exhausted to even move from that position. All the training she had endured physically and mentally was all for nothing. And she knew its truth deep down. A battle was nearing. Her death would be instant on the front lines.
Ponnae finally sat upright and glanced at the clothes. Defeated, she stripped off her uniform, placing each piece in its own neat pile. The new clothes fit perfectly, and she wondered if Queen Farin had picked them out.
Who else would know her measurements besides Lord Chastan? The fabric was soft, hugging her body. She had never worn that kind of attire before. Having gone from handmaid to soldier, it was an extreme transition in wardrobe.
Footsteps approached. She turned around to see Trinon halt in the entryway, then lean against its arch. He eyed her for a moment, taking in her new look. She felt her body shrink from the scrutiny as she blushed.
“Come with me,” Trinon’s voice pleaded.
His demeanor matched her own.
Ponnae figured out Trinon had made the request. And Queen Farin would have granted it no question. Her argument to stay would fall on deaf ears. She stared down at the Azrom issued longsword. The only thing that kept her empowered over the years.
She could feel Trinon’s displeasure. At the last moment, she snatched it up, clutching it to her chest, and went to him.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I can’t leave it.”
“I know.” Trinon pivoted around to follow her down the outer corridor.
They walked in silence towards the other side of the palace where the stone staircase led to the rooftop. The gate operator was visible halfway up, his hands maneuvering over the console. With ships being allocated for missions, this was the best and quickest way back to New Lassa. Waiting for them was Queen Farin, flanked by the two male guards, Lord Romnus and his entourage.
Ponnae held the sword tighter as Queen Farin’s eyes narrowed at it. Batis let out a small laugh.
She cringed at the sound.
“Let her keep it,” Batis said. “She’s earned at least that.”
“I’ll allow it.” Lord Romnus had a similar look on his face. He didn’t like it either.
“Thank you.” Ponnae loosened her grip on the sword.
My sword.
The gate opened, bringing the whipping hot air that was in contrast with the icy cold of space. The black tunnel of stars swirled behind the operator’s right shoulder. Queen Farin came forward and embraced her, squeezing hard.
“I wish you happiness. To find some small bit of peace.”
Ponnae struggled to stop herself from falling apart. She felt the tears run from her eyes uncontrollably. Her arms moved on their own and returned the hug. When Queen Farin let go, she stepped away, shamefully wiping her face. To her surprise, Queen Farin moved towards Trinon with fervor, her expression angry.
“Down,” Queen Farin ordered.
Trinon knelt before her, his head just below hers. She cupped his face in both hands and the two stared into each other’s eyes for what seemed like too long, in Ponnae’s opinion. No one said a word, not sure what to do.
“You,” Queen Farin finally spoke. “I need you to find out who you truly are.”
Trinon’s head jerked back, but her grip was firm, not letting him move any further. Ponnae could tell he wanted to run. To not see how he looked in her eyes.
“Because I need you. Always.” Queen Farin pulled his head to her bosom and held it there. Trinon’s arms hung limp at his sides. She let go so he could raise his face to her. “Understood?”
“Understood.” Trinon got to his feet, towering over her. “I’m sorry, Farin.” He brushed a hand across her cheek. “I thought I could…”
“I know.” She stepped back to stand with the others. “Now go. We have a lot of work to do. Here and on New Lassa.”
Trinon’s expression turned sour, as if he had tasted something bad. Ponnae pursed her lips, not wanting to know what the manbeast was thinking. She walked to the opened gate and waited for Trinon to stand beside her.
“Ready?” He asked, not looking over at her. She nodded. “Let’s go home.”
Home. Ponnae liked the sound of it. She was born on Azrom yet never felt it was a place where she would prosper and be safe. A new beginning was on the other side of the vortex. Together, they walked through the gate.
To Start a War
Adan tapped the keycard in his right hand on the ship’s navigation dashboard. He was filling in until its operator came back from a break. He glanced over at the communications board. Nothing had come through yet from Commander Veris. He was certain everything had gone as planned.
