***
Mason, Tremaine, Pete, and Ventrowe had hidden behind a truckload of tools and supplies. Ventrowe activated his ring to scan for life.
“Nothing, it is totally dead, my ring has been deactivated.”
“Well, at least it is not going to blow up,” commented Pete.
“It can only mean one thing,” groaned Ventrowe.
No one said a word as they knew what he meant.
The area looked deserted. They were only twenty meters away from some small escape pods that they may just be able to fit in. It would be uncomfortable for a long journey, but anywhere was better than here.
“Or we could try and take a larger ship, but they are farther away, about another two-minute ride,” Ventrowe suggested. “Those pods are only designed for two persons; our weight would hinder the ship.”
“We’ve come this far,” said Pete. “A little further won’t hurt. We have nothing to lose now.”
They headed back to the Tremulus. Upon exiting, the Tremulus automatically locked so Ventrowe pushed the key pad with his code again.
Nothing happened.
He tried again, with the others anxiously looking on.
“Shalash!”
He ran to another Tremulus but could not open it. He turned to them. “It’s not just my ring. The access codes no longer work, I think—”
“Well now, teaming up with some human friends, doctor?” bellowed a voice from behind them. They whirled around to see the flashy gold and black robed Trimadian that had picked them up on Ahmadeus and had sent them directly to the mines. He glared at the humans. “Oh, I’m sorry. I never really introduced myself. I am Soma, second in command to Lord Talokta, and you are, overdue for your appointment,” he laughed.
There was nowhere to run, as a large contingent of soldiers surrounded them, closing in with gloctols drawn, spitting their fiery embers. Tremaine was experienced enough not to try anything and signaled to the others to lay their weapons down.
Kalvich strode into the room, with Cemel slightly behind. Both men stopped and quietly stood out of sight, observing the scene.
“Well, well, Ventrowe, you stinking traitor,” Soma mocked him, shaking his finger. He turned to a guard. “Take the humans to facility BX5.”
Soma was under strict orders to avoid violence at all costs for the queen’s sake. Ventrowe watched the dejected men taken away. He knew he would never see them again. He should have known better, all that hard work for nothing. Now, he was going to suffer the fate of all traitors.
Soma grabbed one of his men’s Gloctols and changed a setting on it and pointed it at Ventrowe. “It is set to kill, Septen, and if I had my way I would kill you right now. However, the Supreme Ruler wants to deal with you later. Take him to the interrogation chambers. If he tries to escape, kill him.” He threw the Gloctol back to his guard who shoved a petrified Ventrowe out of the room.
Soma stepped up to Leah, who looked disorientated, obviously drugged. Ventrowe would pay a big price for that. He studied her, still wearing a nightdress, his eyes flicked over her body.
I wonder if she remembers me. Mmm, she is one sexy female I could have…
He jumped when she stated, “So, you are Soma, second in command to Lord Talokta.”
He stared deeply into her eyes.
She smiled, her voice melodious, “Do you remember me?”
How could he forget?
He would be a hero in her eyes for rescuing her. He nodded, his face lit up with smug satisfaction.
Leah held his gaze.
He noticed all the mock bravado and sarcasm that was present when he and his men met and collected Kate Willard from Ahmadeus was gone. In the queen’s eyes, he saw a hypnotic coldness–he felt it clamping around his soul. Her eyes–he could not look away.
“I suggest you mind your manners and address me correctly.”
He frowned and realized his mistake; his lewd thoughts. But it was too late. He grabbed his throat, tearing at seemingly invisible hands choking him. An immense pressure bent him forward like a marionette displaying a makeshift stiff bow. Violently he was thrust to his knees. His guards stared at him, not quite knowing what to do.
“Please!” he gasped.
Leah bent over him, her voice a deathly whisper, “You had better beg forgiveness for your insolence.”
Kalvich and Cemel were taking it all in. Cemel was delighted. He could feel the power inside her, filling every pore of her skin, every inch of her being. How far would she go? If she wanted to kill him, so be it, let her have a taste. It was happening now. These walls were feeding her, and she was learning, first hand just what she was born to do, with his influence of course.
He had waited six thousand years for this moment.
And it could only get better.
Kalvich was the same. “The power is developing,” he whispered hoarsely.
“The ceremony will take place without hindrance,” Cemel whispered.
Leah saw Kalvich walking slowly towards her. She stopped her torture on Soma who flopped on his side gasping for breath and groaning with pain.
With a graceful sensuality, she stepped towards him. Time itself seemed to have slowed down with the thick, heady atmosphere.
The Trimadian warriors backed quietly out of her way, avoiding eye contact. When they saw their master moving towards her, they fell to their knees bowing their heads, wondering if the same fate would befall them.
Kalvich smiled warmly at Leah, greeting her with a deep bow.
“Your Royal Highness, the time has come to formally introduce you to your new home, your new subjects. Welcome.”
He took her hand and marveled at the piercing red eyes staring back at him.
She smiled back.
“I am home.”
***
“Oh my godfathers!” Sam Bennett exclaimed. “Don’t stop now! Please go on. What happens next? You must tell me!”
“Patience, son, this is only the beginning. I’m sorry, it is very late and I need sleep. You will have to wait until tomorrow.”
###
About the Author
Debbie Renner was born in Wellington, New Zealand, moving to Australia in 2005. In her youth, Debbie enjoyed gymnastics, music, and singing. After searching for something more unique, she turned to professional wrestling, competing under the name “Tasmanian Devil.” Now into the twenty first century, given the opportunity, she would write full time. Her love of science fiction developed at an early age with an appreciation for the night skies and TV series such as Star Trek and Lost in Space. Books like, The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Phantom Tollbooth, and Alice in Wonderland were childhood favorites. She enjoys works from authors such as Arthur C. Clarke, Robert Ludlum, John Grisham, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Alistair MacLean. Her favorite author is the late, great Sidney Sheldon, who “shared many a bath with his books.”
Odyssey Bourne Force began life as a hand scribbled two-page fantasy essay one sticky Aussie evening in mid November 2005. Then, decided to sprout arms, legs, and a personality in the process. Though this is her first contribution to the genre, she promises more action and adventures in this captivating, intricate tale.
Visit her website at https://debbierenner.com
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