James Somers: Heir to the King

"Yes. How did you know that?"

"Both of you Barudii are written of in the city's archives. We have studied your history and trained our people in your fighting art for some years now," said Estall. "We came to the city nearly eight years ago to escape the Horva. After the Barudii were wiped out, the Vorn staged a massive takeover against the remaining clans. They released the Horva upon our people and killed millions. Some still remain in what was left of our clan cities. We chose to flee. At first we went into the wilderness, not knowing where to go. Then some of the elders among our groups suggested that we take refuge in one of the abandoned Barudii cities, since no activity really took place in this region anymore. Once we arrived, we realized how well the city was fortified and with the ample supply of fresh water and the irrigated gardens, we knew it was the right place to stay."

"Have the Vorn not patrolled here in all that time?" asked Orin.

"At first we feared they might eventually make their way back out this far. Many people began to research the Barudii archives and we discovered the warrior art. Our people began to train according to your ways. The weaponry was still functional and in good supply, and even without the special abilities of the Barudii, I think we've learned a great deal of the techniques," said Estall.

"Of that I'm quite sure," said Orin, "This young woman and Tiet nearly killed each other. I was quite impressed with the skill of your people."

Tiet looked again at the girl, only to find her gaze fixed on him. He looked away quickly, then back trying to appear as though he were surveying the room beyond.

"Dorian is my younger sister," said Estall. "She is only in her eighteenth year, but she has been an eager student of your ways. She has instructed many of our people."

Impressive! Each time he glanced at her, he noticed her eyes fixed unwaveringly upon him. He felt childish for his unwillingness to meet her stare.

"I guess you've been very eager yourself to be leading this people when you too are still fairly young," said Orin.

"He is young, but he has proven his courage and his wisdom to our people," said one of the elder men standing near.

They were talking, but Tiet wasn't listening anymore. He decided not to be a coward about it. He lifted his eyes to fix on Dorian. She was still standing behind the right side of her brother Estall with a straight faced stare on him. He returned it without expression. She smiled slightly, he noticed-he had definitely seen it. She broke away from the group and walked past him, back toward the public area they had come through. He suddenly realized he may have been smiling himself and pursed his lips to disguise it. Better to pay attention to what was important right now.

"If you don't mind my asking," said Estall, "the archives contained nothing concerning the last battle of your people. What happened?"

"Something we just weren't expecting," said Orin. "The Vorn were assembling a massive ground force and we were prepared to meet them. What we didn't realize was that they had developed some new technology. They just walked right out of the walls, like some portal in mid-air. There were thousands of Horva clones pouring into the mountain cities while we had our warriors on the surface preparing for the ground attack. Our king, Kale Soone, had chosen me to guard his wife and son. We tried to fight, but it was only women and children, besides me. The enemy got to his mother, but I managed to take Tiet and flee the city with him. I later investigated the scene and from what I could tell, the Horva in our cities came at our warriors from behind as they fought on the surface."

Everyone was silent for a moment. It was a tragedy that had cost all of Castais' clans their freedom.

"It now may be time to act, though," said Orin. "We've just discovered that their main cloning facility is no longer producing Horva."

"That would explain what our spies have been reporting," said Estall.

"I don't understand."

"We have spies that go into the cities on a regular basis. They have reported seeing hardly any Horva at all. The Vorn have taken to patrolling without them."

"It won't remain that way for long," said Ranul.

"Have you heard something specific?"

"I work in weapons development," said Ranul. "There has been a lot of talk about a fleet that is coming through the Transdimensional Rift some time very soon. They're supposed to be establishing actual Vorn colonies on Castai."

"It doesn't sound like we have much time to act," said Estall.

"We have to find a way to stop that fleet from coming through the rift," said Orin. "If your people could attack the main Vorn complex directly, then perhaps we could seize a ship from the main hangar, and take it through the rift to intercept their reinforcements."

"But we have a ship here," said one of the men with Estall.

"What kind of ship?" asked Ranul. "Is it Barudii? Is it operational?"

"Yes, at least most of the systems work," said the man. "We've never fully ignited the engines; there hasn't been a need."

"We had hoped that it would provide a last stand defense or escape if the Vorn discovered us," said Estall.

"They're going to discover you eventually," said Tiet.

"Estall, it's now or never," said Orin. "Your people are trained and the Vorn here are at their weakest moment, but the opportunity is about to pass to finish this war and free our people."

Estall considered a moment, looking at the other men with him. "Please allow me a few moments to speak with the elders."

"If it's alright, we should take a look at the ship," said Ranul.

"Of course. Millo will show you where it's docked."

Millo, one of the men with Estall, motioned them to follow as he led the way down another corridor out of the chamber. Orin and Ranul fell in behind his lead.

"I'm going to locate some more weapons and meet you down there, okay?" asked Tiet.

Orin looked toward the public square at someone beyond, and then back at Tiet. "Alright, but don't linger, we still have work to do."

Tiet turned and headed back toward the public area, only to find Dorian standing near the central fountain. When their eyes met again they were both smiling noticeably at one another. He walked over to the fountain, not exactly sure what to say next.

"I couldn't help but overhear that you need more weapons," said Dorian.

She either had excellent hearing or had been closer to the chamber entrance when he said it. "Well yes, as a matter of fact, I could use some help."

"I'll show you the way to the armory."

"Thank you."

The words seemed so difficult to get out and he wasn't sure why. After all Dorian was only a girl. They made their way down a passageway to yet another chamber. Dorian keyed in a code on the wall pad and the mechanical door slid aside into the rock wall allowing them access into one of the Barudii weapon stores. What a sight, he thought as he surveyed all the various weapons of his former people.

The walls of the long chamber were lined with blades and kemsticks on one side, and racks of pulse rifles and pistols like his own taking up space down the middle of the room. On the opposite side along the wall were combat uniforms of the Barudii with insignia for the clan upon them. They were fresh-looking in comparison with his admittedly somewhat shabby gear. He walked through the rows looking over the various items, and paused at the dark colored uniforms. They were the same that Dorian wore and the others that had met them in the entrance to the city.

"If you are going into battle, you should wear the uniform of your people." She looked him over for a moment, then retrieved one of the uniforms from the wall.

"Here, I think this one should fit well."