Eloquent Tales & Blues

Olyver threw the door open and stalked towards Quinn's desk. He growled as he slammed his hands down on it. "Where's Caitlin?" Quinn ignored Olyver's outburst as he flipped through his documents. "Does it matter, Olyver?" He pulled a file from his coat and snarled. "We are not making progress on the draft or the ships." "They're not ready to be completed." Olyver slapped the papers out of Quinn's hands before throwing his stack into his fellow triumvir's chest, "We've had this drafted for a month, and we haven't ratified it." Quinn leaned back, lifting the document. "What makes you expect it'll be approved?" Olyver's scowl intensified as he loomed over Quinn. "We agreed—" "No, we didn't." Quinn gathered the scattered papers around his desk. Once he retrieved the last sheet, he placed it on top of his skewed pile. He folded his hands together and glared at Olyver. "What needs to happen first is perfecting and completing the federation's charter." "Even if I agree with that, it circles back to Caitlin's whereabouts." The triumvir groaned and rounded his desk, encroaching into Olyver's space. "Why are you in such a rush, Olyver?" "I'm not impatient." Olyver pushed Quinn away as his eyes narrowed. "Why are you two sandbagging this?" Quinn shook his head before sitting on his desk's edge. He snatched Olyver's documents as he offered them to the other triumvir. "This draft is still three to five years from being implemented. You've seen the construction projections, Olyver." "Stop using that as an excuse for dragging this agreement through your roadblocks!" Olyver shoved the papers off Quinn's desk as he retrieved his. He slammed them onto the empty space and thumped Quinn's chest. "I'm tired of you and Caitlin trying to circumvent this crucial work with that trite argument!" "There's nothing dismissive with reality, Olyver." Quinn brushed Olyver's fingers off before he reclaimed the scattered papers. "Truth helps our cause." "Bah," Olyver said as he stormed off to his desk. "I need to bring something more substantial to my constituents." With his papers recovered, Quinn brandished them like a conductor's baton. "While the colonization ships have been designed, construction is still multiple years off. We cannot return to the stars until they are finished. You reviewed the same reports I did." Olyver slammed his palm against his desk, his eyes narrowing to slits. "If you two had not dragged your heels on everything, we would've already completed the first colonization ship." Dropping the stack down, Quinn slipped into his seat and leaned back, lifting the front legs just off the floor. He folded his arms across his chest and stared at the ceiling. "If we'd spent our time with the ships, we wouldn't have flourished." "But at what cost?" "I will not argue this point with you again, Olyver." Quinn's chair thumped down as he slammed the documents Olyver had given him...

A small team of defenders grabbed rough ropes, marching away from the wall. With each step, the guards dragged the heavy boulder across the ground, creating an exit in the settlement’s barrier. When the slab struck the reinforced section, Fenton waved his squadron forward. As the last member walked through the opening, Fenton took a deep breath and signaled another squad to close the gap. With a groan, the massive stone screeched as the rock slid into place, while Fenton stepped through the shrinking portal. He rested the stock of his rifle on the ground as his gaze drifted among the members of his unit. Once he finished the tally, he lifted his weapon to his shoulder and rubbed his chin. “Does everyone understand what Jarvis tasked us to do?” Alek raised a finger and pitched his voice. “We’re searching for food, fuel, and friends, and not necessarily in that order.” “Despite our friend’s attitude, he’s not wrong.” Fenton stepped beside the flippant man and swatted the back of Alek’s head. Fenton pointed at the treeline and licked his lips. “Keep your eyes peeled for anything that might prove useful or dangerous.” When the radio attached to Fenton’s hip chirped, he groaned and pulled it off his belt. “Jarvis, talk to me.” “Have you reached the trees yet?” The leader whirled around and kicked the stone barrier. “Are you in the crow’s nest?” “Yes.” Fenton dragged his fingernails down his face, swallowing a stream of curses. When his voice died, he looked up and forced his lips to curl into a grin. “If you look out the window, you’ll notice that we just walked through the wall.” “Then you might have a problem.” “Why?” “We’ve got movement in the trees.” Fenton spun toward the treeline. He tapped two soldiers on the shoulder, and in unison, the pair turned and leveled their weapons at the trees. As limbs swayed back and forth, Fenton inched closer. “You’re calling out to discuss some swaying branches?” “With the monsters roaming this planet, we’d be foolish not to jump when things sway against the wind.” The remaining rifles whirled through the air, joining Fenton. With the barrels focused on the swaying boughs, the squad closed in on the wall. When Fenton’s back met the stone, he steadied himself and edged toward the forest. As he stepped in front of his team, Fenton raised a hand, stopping the squad. “What exactly are we looking at?” After taking a few steps, a branch swayed against the wind, and a pulse of yellow light tore from the Crow’s Nest and swallowed the tree. “HEY!” Flames erupted along the trunk in an instant. Then Fenton’s unit bounced off the barrier. Fenton whirled around, slamming his fist against the slab. “Open this gate!” “Who’s out there!” a mysterious and gruff voice shot across the glade. “Hurry and haul this stone away from the wall.” Fenton shoved his radio onto his belt as he pressed his cheek against the stock. “I’d prefer not to deal with whatever’s tracking us.” A thick red beard pushed through the shadows as a heavy ax slammed into the ground beside the burning tree. He wrenched the blade free and cleaved it through the trunk...

Elena hadn’t meant to leave the trail, but her feet had other plans, getting her lost. After several minutes of searching, she caught a glimmer of light through the dense foliage, nothing more but enough to spark hope. Moments later, that simple flicker flared to life as she glimpsed more through the trees. She ducked branches as she weaved about the roots and vines. Each silent footfall landed on moss as she navigated the maze by the light seeping through the foliage. When she burst forth from the tree line, she stumbled, dropping to her hands and knees as if the very air had stolen her strength. The cool grass cushioned her fall. When she dared to lift her gaze, the world around her bloomed in silent wonder. Mist glided like breath across the ground, while a wide silver river cut through the clearing, its surface still as glass. Above the forest’s canopy, the clouds continued their slow drift across the lavender sky, like ink in water. Two stone arches, glowing with a faint violet light, stood beside each other on the shore. After climbing to her feet, she stumbled toward them, her breath catching. Each framed the same river cutting through a forest. Complete with a crooked branch jutting out to hang over the water and a black crow, with slick and motionless feathers, perched upon it. As her gaze bounced between the views, the birds did the same thing. Resting motionless on their perches as they stared at her. Elena ignored them and resumed studying the images. The trees were the same. The rocks were the same. Everything seemed identical between the two images. A gust stirred the mist, pulling it about her. As Elena whirled about, a low and melodic voice shattered the silence. “Ah, a threadwalker, bold and bright. Be ye drawn by fate or chance or fright?” “What!? Who’s there!?” A figure tumbled from the canopy, landing in a crouch. The rail-thin figure, no taller than a teenager, rose with a grin too wide for his face. A shadow of mirth curled behind his eyes as he bowed. When he rose, he stepped toward Elena, his hands drifting behind his back. She reflexively stepped away from the newcomer, covering her mouth. “Who — What are you?” The creature discarded an invisible hat with an exaggerated flourish. “Gaius, fool, guide, and test. I wear many names, none I detest. I keep the paths where threads unwind. It’s up to me to judge the walkers who dare to find.” Elena’s head shook as she inched away. “What do you mean, judge?” The creature danced a half-circle around Elena as his arms whipped about. “One path leads to the world that’s yours. The other? A shadow locked behind doors. Choose wrong, and you’ll be forced to stay. In someone else’s skin, day after day.” Elena faced the portals. “They’re identical. How am I supposed to make a choice between them?” Gaius clapped his hands like a giddy child. “Some weep, some choke. But some possess sight that burns through the smoke. Some find the thread that truths conceal. The path that bends, the world that’s real.” She stepped to the portal on her right and resumed studying it. It was the same scene. Everything was unchanged...

Jarvis closed his eyes and thumped the wall of his useless ship. With a grunt, he marched into the laboratory and leaned against the doorframe, studying the plasma cannon’s exposed innards. He folded his arms across his chest and cleared his throat. “Cecile, how’s your work progressing?” A curse echoed off the walls, and as silence rushed to fill the space, Cecile’s head crested the workbench. “You weren’t supposed to bother me for a couple of days while I performed my diagnostics.” “That’s why you got five.” “Has it been that long?” Jarvis nodded as he retrieved an implement from the bench. “Based on where you are, I’ll assume you’re poking at my engine.” Cecile snatched the tool from Jarvis, returning to the opening. “I’m following your standing orders to get this bucket off the ground.” He reached down and pulled her clear of the hatch. Jarvis’s thumb pointed at the workbench as he leaned toward her. “While that’s an important goal, your top priority was repairing and replicating that cannon.” With a shrug, Cecile waved her tool at the weapon scattered over her table. “Five days…?” “You’re in your element. I’m not surprised you lost track of time.” He stepped to the workbench, tapping the device. “Now tell me why you’ve abandoned the cannon.” “I haven’t deserted it.” Cecile swiped her eyes as her shoulders sagged. She hopped onto a stool and pulled an implement from her belt. She stuck the tip into the chamber and adjusted the wires there. “Whenever I wear out a mystery, I need to sink my teeth into something new.” Jarvis plucked the tool from her and patted the chassis. “Have you repaired the overload?” “Not yet.” “We’ve successfully used the other experimental weapon in three raids.” Cecile reclaimed the device and tapped it against the hollowed-out cannon. “There’s a difference between theoretical and operational. And given your proximity to the thing, I thought you’d appreciate that distinction.” Jarvis wrung his hands. “When will we receive more cannons?” “I’m not sure. While I’ve isolated the cause of their self-detonation, I haven’t corrected it. But if you’re eager to tempt suicide, I’ll produce flawed weapons for you.” Jarvis’s palm slammed against his forehead while gritting his teeth. “If you’ve identified it, why isn’t it fixed?” “Whoever designed the original was careless.” “Why’s that?” Jarvis asked, sitting down at the workbench. “The folks back home are pretty smart.” Cecile shook her head and dove into the open access panel. “Even the smartest people make mistakes, especially with a prototype...

A lithe man opened the door to the triumvirate’s office and stepped inside. He studied Caitlin and Quinn. With a smirk, he allowed the heavy door to slam shut. The thud shattered the silent room, making the two triumvirs jump in their seats. They looked up at the man with dirty-blond hair as he claimed his desk. “Good morning, Olyver,” Caitlin said as he claimed his desk’s seat. Olyver gave Caitlin a slight dip of his head, “Good morning, Caitlin. I hope you two are doing well.” “What do you want?” Quinn asked as he shoved papers aside. “To bring the two of you to task.” Caitlin slammed her hands onto her desk as she shot to her feet. “You’re out of line—” A whistle echoed through the office as Quinn stared at Caitlin. She stopped talking as she returned to her seat. Quinn’s gaze drifted to Olyver. “The triumvirate agreed that the conversations you’re seeking are best served by open discussion.” “That was the agreement my predecessor made.” Olyver folded his arms across his chest. “We searched for an appropriate time to hold these discussions. However, finding time for those talks has been difficult,” Quinn said. Olyver lifted a finger, keeping Quinn from continuing. After a few moments, he lowered his hand and spoke with clarity. “Quinn, you both outmaneuvered Malark with ease. He lacked the aptitude for a life embroiled in politics.” “We’re trying to lead our people back to the stars,” Caitlin said with a sigh. “We were not trying to outmaneuver your predecessor.” Olyver eyed Caitlin, studying her for a moment. “Your intentions don’t matter. What you’ve done is to keep us from moving forward. If we wait for consensus before designing, we guarantee a death by paralysis. If we begin design now, we give that consensus something real to react to.” “We do understand that,” Quinn said. “Before we colonize another world, we need the laws to govern them determined and codified,” Olyver said as if Quinn hadn’t interrupted him. Caitlin let her eyes flit to Quinn, and she saw his slight nod. She took a deep breath and folded her hands in her lap. “We know that as well, Olyver. But the scope of these conversations required us to shift the discussion to a forum to allow our citizens an opportunity to voice their opinions.” “A delay tactic,” Olyver said with grace despite the nascent snarl. “One the population is growing tired of dealing with.” Caitlin’s mouth parted for a moment before she snapped her lips shut. Her eyes lingered on Olyver for a second before shifting to Quinn. “And what would you suggest, Olyver?” Quinn asked as he lifted a pen from his desk. “For the three of us to have the very discussion you promised my predecessor and his constituents. However, I want more than a debate. I expect to derive a list of requirements for the ships, so that our engineers can start designing them. Also, we will draft the required legislation to guide our fledgling federation...

As the ship’s alarm blared to life, Dyrk’s voice crackled over the speakers, “We have incoming!” Jarvis dashed to the nearest station and activated it. “What’s heading for us?” “Would you believe a flying battalion?” Fenton shouldered Jarvis out of the way and punched the hull. “What did you say?” “You heard me. Move!” Jarvis pulled his hand off the terminal and pointed to the closest exit. “Stop antagonizing Dyrk! Get the best marksman we have.” Fenton backed toward the hatch. “What will they do against flying cavalry?” “You’ll keep them away from the defensive batteries.” “On it!” Fenton whirled around and raced through the open doorway. The upper decks had been converted into a defensive nest overlooking the settlement walls. Jarvis drove his knuckles into his forehead. “Dyrk, what do these creatures look like?” “I’m not sure,” the pilot hedged. As the silence built, Jarvis kicked the wall and drew in a deep breath. “You can’t call an invasion without visual contact.” “I have a visual, but I don’t even know how to explain what’s there.” Jarvis pinched the bridge of his nose and leaned his forehead against the hull. His eyelids closed as he exhaled. He took another breath and pressed the comm button. “Just tell me what you see.” “There is no way you believe my story.” “We’ve seen some outlandish things since we landed on this rock.” Jarvis sighed and stared up at the ceiling. “If you insist, the oncoming horde is spearheaded by a massive dragon carrying a swarming mass of those green-skinned maniacs. And the weirdness continues, with a slew of winged horses with crazed riders.” Jarvis slammed his fist into the bulkhead. His fingers flew across the console, making several adjustments before addressing every radio. “This isn’t a drill. Everyone, report to your stations and help repel the oncoming invasion. If those creatures reached the batteries, the settlement won’t last minutes...

As Thobin completed his circle, he pulled the stick’s tip off the earth and tossed it aside. He walked to its center and dropped to his knees, pressing his fingers into the soft earth. With a deep breath, he began chanting. Moments later, he ceased and withdrew his hands. Rising, he extended a palm over the ground and made a sharp motion toward the circle’s edge. The surface trembled before shifting, revealing something buried, a massive sheet of metal, dulled with age but undeniably foreign. Thobin’s brow furrowed as a rustle set his senses on edge. “What did you find?” Thobin turned to the voice. A man stood at the clearing’s edge, casual but watchful, his predatory eyes following Thobin’s every move. “I don’t know who you are, but if you’re a hunter, I’d recommend you leave. I won’t give you a second warning.” The man smirked, stepping forward. “Do you have an objection to someone finding food?” Thobin’s stance widened as he stepped toward the interloper. “You’re not a wizard, are you?” With a sly smile, the stranger lifted a hand. His flesh rippled and twisted, reshaping into a feline paw before returning to its human shape. “That’s all the magic me and mine can perform. But since you’re in our territory, I’d appreciate an answer to my question. If not, my friends might have to encourage your cooperation.” Thobin froze. He had sensed something earlier, but now, fully alert, he extended his awareness, finding predators lurking just beyond the tree line. His gaze flicked toward a trio of large feline figures, muscles coiled beneath sleek fur, waiting for a command. Then he found two more groups of silent sentinels. Slowly, Thobin raised his hands in surrender and turned back to the stranger. “I was simply trying to establish a home. When I attempted to shift the earth for my shelter’s foundation, I discovered this.” He gestured toward the massive metal plate. “It’s beyond my ability to manipulate.” The stranger’s feline eyes flickered toward the artifact. “What did you unearth?” “I’m uncertain.” Thobin hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “But it’s not natural. Though it isn’t dwarven craft, nor does it bear marking from any elven or human smith.” The stranger circled the exposed surface, his keen gaze scanning the oddly smooth metal. “You’re from the civilization of humans, elves, and dwarves, correct?” Thobin tensed at the careful wording. “And you are?” “Alric,” the stranger said. Thobin’s eyes narrowed. “You didn’t answer my question.” Alric’s smirk widened, but he didn’t offer more. Instead, he kneeled beside the artifact, brushing loose soil from its surface. His fingers traced strange markings from the sheet of metal. Thobin’s head tilted as he inched closer. “Can you read the markings?” “No,” Alric admitted, standing. “Do you know what it means?” “For a second, I thought you possessed knowledge of it.” “None of my kin have any knowledge of this.” The rustling of leaves signaled movement from the feline sentries. Their ears twitched, their sleek tails flicking in agitation. They sensed something. Alric’s expression darkened. “We’re not alone...

“Is everything in working order?” Fenton leaned against the conference room’s doorframe as his gaze tracked from Dyrk to Jarvis. But before either could speak, Fenton ran his hand through his hair. “How about you, Dyrk? Have you secured a source of fuel to keep the reactor running?” Crossing his arms, Dyrk huffed. “Nope, but that’s not my job.” “Enough. Both of you.” Jarvis struck the table and exhaled as he steadied himself. He flipped a switch, and the small screen next to him activated. Jarvis flicked through the camera feeds and sighed as the crews built the wall. “We don’t have the luxury of snapping at each other. Contrary to popular myth, we aren’t on the brink of ruin. There’s time before the reactor runs dry.” “Only if those monsters stop their assaults,” Fenton said. “If the assaults continue at this rate, we’ll burn through our reserves faster than we can build.” Jarvis deactivated the monitor. “Those recovered expedition archives do more than warn of an endless supply of threats. They catalogue what looms over our heads and haunts this world.” “All those records do is detail how we are going to die.” Jarvis held Fenton’s gaze. “The logs also mention potential friends.” “I’ve read Tarian’s entries,” Dyrk said. “But the dwarves and elves don’t come across as useful allies.” Jarvis closed his eyes for a moment, drawing a deep breath. With a sigh, he opened them. “Dyrk, do you suppose Dianna can locate the resources you’ll need to power the ship’s reactor?” “How should I know?” Dyrk cracked his knuckles with a harrumph. “But so far, I’m not sure this rock has anything compatible with this boat.” Fenton walked over and squeezed Dyrk’s shoulder, “Why can’t you help Dianna find fuel for your ship?” “I am trying to shield the ship’s engines, but I’m not the engineer.” Dyrk swatted Fenton’s arm and jerked his chin toward Jarvis. “Despite my string of failures, I am confident we’re close to isolating and resolving the cause of the power drain. Couldn’t you lend her a hand?” “Jarvis tasked me with procuring the raw materials for our defense.” Fenton sat next to Dyrk. “Once we’ve collected enough, we’ll be able to assist her in locating fissionable resources.” “I’m dragging Dianna off that search.” Jarvis pulled a tablet from the bag beside him and slid it across the table...

"Where is he?" Caitlin glared at the empty seat, her finger tapping against her desk. Looking up from his papers, Quinn sighed and glanced at his friend. "I'm not surprised, considering Malark knows how much his tardiness annoys you." "Excuse me?" Caitlin's eyes narrowed as her gaze shifted to the other triumvir. Quinn shrugged with a lopsided grin. "Why do you think he's always late?" "Is expecting a degree of decorum unreasonable?" "It's not. However, if you learned to ignore his antics, he'd stop squandering our precious time." Caitlin rose and walked over to Quinn, her eyes narrowing when the door flew open. With a glance over her shoulder, she spotted the heavy-set individual waddling into the room. Caitlin huffed as she stalked back to her desk. Before she returned to her seat, the new arrival entered and spoke with a tired voice. "I apologize for being late. A meeting with several concerned citizens occupied me." Caitlin lifted her pen as she shook her head. "Malark, it's still far too early to discuss the eventual workings of the federation that'll replace the Larian Federation." "Why's that, my dear?" Malark marched across the room and relieved his legs of the strain of supporting his bulk. Once Malark's carved chair supported his weight, the plump man withdrew a small rectangular rod. He unclipped one end of it and opened the fan. As he began fanning himself, Malark's eyes became harder as he continued. "It's been five years since the two of you founded this triumvirate. That question still lacks a satisfactory answer the people are willing to accept. They're more worried about this issue than either of you are prepared to admit." "Malark, there are more pressing concerns we have to deal with." Quinn shuffled the papers on his desk. "What you're talking about is fifteen to twenty years distant." "We disagree on that, Quinn." Caitlin narrowed her glare on Malark. "And who is we?" "Plenty of the population disagrees with you. Besides, they possess the resolve, not to mention the funding, to alter the makeup of this triumvirate." Malark fanned himself as he offered a smirk to Quinn. He recognized the deliberate threat and looked over at Caitlin. When she noticed Quinn's look, he shook his head. The objection on her lips died as she settled into her seat. Quinn returned his gaze to the pudgy man as he steepled his fingers under his chin. "What do these individuals desire to discuss with us?" "We feel that the new colonization ships need to be approved." Malark swiped his fan onto his desk. Then he tapped the fan on its uncluttered surface. "The final topic we must discuss is the codification regarding the guidelines for the equality of planets. Without those laws secured, the issue will revert to the status quo of the Larian Federation." Caitlin clenched her fists and released a breath. "You know full well every planet was equal under Larian law." "Maybe," Malark stated slowly. "It was for some, Caitlin. However, the vast majority got no equality under the law. Hence why the great colonization ships were overcrowded." "And you want to ensure the constituents such a law will exist." Quinn raised his hands and leaned back in his chair. Malark leaned forward, closing his fan. "I do." "You realize we'll have to manufacture more warships to protect the smaller colonization ships as a result." Quinn tapped a scrap of paper in front of him...

A shot whizzed over Fenton's head, driving him to the ground. Earth beside him detonated, showering him as alarms shrieked from the ramp. His lips curled into a snarl as his eyes whipped up. "Why are you firing at friendlies?" "Careful, Fenton. It's been volatile since your departure." Fenton climbed to his feet and brushed the dirt off his clothes. He waved his squad on and resumed his jog. "How hectic was it since we left?" "Nothing you'd call stable." Jarvis's gaze swept the compound as Fenton's team marched through the makeshift checkpoint. His jaw tightened before he spun about and strode up the ramp. "But we need to talk, and everyone else needs to join the effort to build the wall around this boat. Use any materials you can find." Rubbing his temples with ragged fingers, Fenton followed his commander into the vessel. "What aren't you telling me?" "There's too much to discuss." At the top of the ramp, Jarvis hurried into a side chamber, claimed the closest seat, and grabbed the tablet off the table. "I believe you mentioned filling a storage assembly." With a nod, Fenton withdrew the device and traded it for the pad. "Tarian's warnings should provide answers with enough study, but for the time being hint at our welcome." "We had to repel coordinated raids." Jarvis sighed as he connected the assembly to a screen. Once the logs filled the display, he skimmed through them. When he finished, his eyebrows crept up. "It looks like creatures similar to those that attacked us devastated the original colony." "Have you found any reports on trees?" Jarvis's head turned away from the text as his lips pursed. "What?" Fenton jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "On our return to the ship, a pair of them charged my team." "You mean the forest tried to assault you?" With a grim shake, Fenton wrung his fingers and patted his rifle. "I meant what I said. They walked, spoke, and attempted to kill us. Though neither were expecting our weaponry." "Are you serious?" Fenton nodded and slipped his weapon off his shoulder. "The creature's bark, or rather skin, ignited upon impact. When the attacking creatures couldn't douse the flames, they dashed through the trees, still trying to extinguish themselves. Then the forest answered with a tremor beneath our boots." "You said multiple ones attacked you?" "Once the initial pair disappeared, another group emerged and chased my team, and if not for leapfrogging, they would have run us down." Fenton rested his head against the bulkhead and slammed his fist against the metal. With a huff, he turned and lifted the tablet. "But enough about our experience. Based upon our greeting, should I assume you encountered something just as bizarre?" Jarvis snatched the pad and tapped it against the table. His gaze dropped to the device as he released his breath. "Do two waves of green-skinned creatures count?" One of Fenton's eyes widened as he claimed a seat. "Green men tried to overrun the ship?" "They ranged from tiny to gigantic." Jarvis stared at the bulkhead with a vacant expression. "And I'm afraid I underestimated them...

Solomon withdrew a photo from his vest, its corners worn. Even as he scanned the corridor, he studied the woman’s features. The smile looked careless and alive. He covered her hazel eyes with his thumb and held them a second longer than necessary. He flipped the photo and reread the message. The ink pressed hard enough to leave grooves. Please save Sandra. Peering down the hall, he saw an ajar door. He folded the photo once and slid it back into place, as if returning something fragile to a vault, and retrieved a small periscope. He brought the device to his eye and inched closer. Through the gap, he saw a filthy woman chained to the far wall. It took him seconds to see through the grime, but he’d found Sandra. However, she wasn’t alone. In the middle of the chamber, a different woman tended a bubbling cauldron. As she stirred the contents, she tossed in fresh ingredients. After swallowing a litany of curses, he tilted his periscope toward the ceiling, revealing three crouched shapes overhead. To her left, three winged creatures dangled from the ceiling, talons hooked into makeshift perches. As Solomon’s scowl deepened, he let his gaze linger on the monsters, studying the scaled hide stretched over their bones. Solomon stepped away from the open door as he shoved his periscope back into its place. He ejected the magazine from his rifle and tucked it under his arm as he leaned against the wall, tilting his weapon toward the ceiling. He cupped his right hand over the ejection port while he pulled the charging handle back, ejecting the round from the weapon. After catching the bullet, he eased the breach closed and slid it into the magazine. He skimmed through the loaded magazines on his chest. When he found the one with a thin line of red electrical tape, he exchanged them. Solomon rolled his neck as he depressed the release and inserted the magazine. After removing his thumb, he tugged on the inserted mag, ensuring it was seated correctly before pulling the charging handle back to load his initial shot. With his weapon prepared for the encounter, Solomon took a deep breath before slipping his fingers into the opening. A heartbeat later, he flung the door open and hopped into the doorway, his rifle trained on the woman standing behind the cauldron. Despite keeping his weapon trained on the wiry and deranged woman, Solomon shifted his gaze to Sandra. “You’re going to release the woman you kidnapped now.” “Or what, you will shoot me? Your reputation precedes you. You slaughter beasts without hesitation. But you do not shoot people, even if you believe them to be wicked.” The woman added a measured pinch of powder to the cauldron. She finally lifted her eyes, filled with madness and certainty. “You’re bound by meaningless morals...

“Fenton, where are you all?” “We are heading back to camp.” The squadron leader clamped a hand on his radio and signaled his team to stop. “Jarvis, unless you’re planning on diverting us to investigate another mystery, learn how to relax.” “Don’t be snippy. Your report is the bedrock of our expedition.” Fenton scanned his squad and motioned them forward. “We’re heading back from the ruins.” “Why are you all dragging out this quick jaunt?” Shandri grabbed Fenton’s shoulder, her fingernails digging into him. “Did he actually say that?” With an explosive sigh, Fenton pushed Drew’s back, driving him forward. Drew grumbled as he glared back at Fenton before continuing his march. After several heartbeats, Fenton took a few slow breaths and squeezed the radio. “Please tell me you saw what that woman considers brief.” “I’m aware of the actual distance.” “Then stop giving us grief for the delay,” Fenton’s gaze drifted to Shandri. “Do us a favor and educate Diana on the correct definition of a reasonable jaunt.” “That’s already done. What do you have for me?” Fenton’s head swayed as he resumed. “Can’t you wait until we’re back?” “I need to know what happened to the previous colonists.” Fenton groaned and wiped the sweat from his face with his forearm. “That’s not a straightforward question.” “Were you able to discover any valuable information?” “Something tore through the colony’s perimeter and leveled most of its buildings. You’ll have to wait for our return to get our detailed report.” Fenton kicked a stray stone into the forest as he released his weapon and pulled the storage device from his vest. The added logs made the device heavier. “I skimmed enough to know you wouldn’t have approved this jaunt to begin with. The ship had limited power. I copied what I could before leaving.” “I didn’t realize you brought a storage device. How extensive are the logs? How much of the database were you able to retrieve with your portable unit?” A shiver ran down Fenton’s back as a branch cracked deep in the forest, echoing Tarian’s warning. He examined the forest’s shadows. “Well, the first entry I found was from a man named Tarian, the expedition’s leader.” “What did it say?” Fenton’s head snapped to his right while shoving the device into his vest. He brought his rifle up and inspected the undulating shadows. Fenton stepped away from the trees, clearing his throat, “He spent most of that entry documenting the forest. Then he wrote about the ‘things,’ his word, that moved inside it. We haven’t reviewed enough of the tattered logs to understand what we’re dealing with.” “Fenton, you’re more seasoned than that. What’s got you on edge?” “You won’t get all the details over the radio. All I have is what I read and a gut feeling. We’ll return from our short walk soon, and then you’ll be able to read the logs and form your own opinion.” Fenton lowered his rifle, spun around, and scurried after his squadron. Fenton switched the channel on his radio, silencing Jarvis. “Everyone fall in on me on the double!” Ignoring the confirmations, Fenton continued his march. When the last member of his team fell into step with him, Fenton stopped and leaned against a tree. “Has anyone seen anything interesting in the forest?” “No,” several members replied. Drew shouldered his rifle as he scrutinized the surrounding undergrowth. “What did you spot?” “Nothing,” Fenton’s fingers crept along his gun, ejecting the power cell. His eyes flicked to the cartridge’s indicator, and he slammed it into place. “Probably just the wind.” “Forget that.” Alec poked the bulge in Fenton’s vest. “Ever since you skimmed those logs, you’ve been different. What’s in there?” Fenton brushed Alec’s arm aside and drew in a sharp breath. “I said I’m fine. Besides, we don’t have time to talk about this. Jarvis is getting punchy...

Doubt lodged deep into Caitlin's mind over the world she had urged them to seize. Housing charts shifted weekly, but supply rosters never stabilized. Fists pounded tables in every hall as arguments spilled into the streets. Each proposal dissolved into shouting before it reached a vote. Unity became a relic of polite conversation, the way it vanished with the Federation. She recognized many familiar faces, all hard workers, but tonight they looked ready to turn on her. No one tried to meet her gaze. For a moment, even Quinn avoided her. As she slumped in her chair, her mind sought an answer, but she kept circling back to the fact that everything had changed. The loudest voices carried an edge she had never heard before. Caitlin dug through her notes and hoped the meeting would be more productive. As the clamor grew, she leaned over to Quinn, covering her microphone. "Is it too late to change our minds?" Quinn flashed her a satisfied grin as he patted her back. "Yes, we made the decision, and it stands." With a groan, Caitlin began tapping her mic, and the raucous crowd stilled, one stray voice at a time. When silence settled upon the hall, she addressed the latest batch of concerns. "Every attempt to debate the efficacy of rebuilding what was lost is a moment we cannot recover." Her gaze swept across the gathered colonists as she drew a breath. "While I agree in principle that things must be altered, it's a discussion that's not relevant in our current circumstances. We are shelving the idea of colonizing other worlds and reforming the Federation. We need to build a solid foundation for our home. Once we've established our new world, we'll shift our focus back to the stars." "You're the one who brought us here! You don't get to decide what comes next!" A man shouted. Several others rose to their feet, voices cracking with anger. "We cannot fracture. We need unity that holds." Caitlin raised her hands, urging everyone to calm down. When the talking ceased, she folded them on the table. "Our immediate need involves developing our new home. Once complete, we'll adjust our platforms to work without the requirement of going through the Larian hub. And remember, the Federation is gone. As my esteemed colleague said, nothing is shielding us." Caitlin gestured at Quinn before she pressed her palms to the table. "We have a dire need for proper ships if we're ever to protect this fledgling coalition. We must deal with our greatest threat, not gamble on distant futures." Nodding, Quinn stood up and greeted the crowd with a smile, "Everyone here knows I opposed this plan, but after working with Caitlin, I realize this is our only genuine option." "What should we do first?" asked another nameless voice from the group. Caitlin drew a sharp breath as she leaned forward. "We need to establish clear leadership so we can advance in a united fashion." A murmur rolled through the chamber, hardening into a chant. Several seconds later, Caitlin and Quinn nodded when they recognized the demand. "Create a triumvirate...

Fenton peered around a tree trunk, leveling his rifle at the ruins in the clearing. He dropped his eye to his scope and studied the damaged structures. With a few adjustments, the distant images snapped into focus, pulling a curse from his lips. He touched the comm jutting from his ear and slid down to the ground. “Everyone fall in on my signal, double time.” Rolling to a knee, Fenton examined the crumbling walls. As the silence lingered, he spun away from the devastation and sat down to watch his squad’s arrival. When the last member of the squad approached, Fenton rose and wiped his face. “Anyone discover anything dangerous during the brief walk?” “We...” Shandri turned around. “Need to correct Diana’s definition of that term.” “Quiet!” Fenton jerked his thumb at the ruins. “What oddities did we encounter?” After a series of negatives rang out, Fenton nodded. He shouldered his rifle and walked through the trees toward the ragged structure. “No matter, I’m sure Jarvis is already cataloging whatever wildlife we missed. Let’s hustle over there and explore the remains of our ancestors’ colony.” “What are we looking for?” Fenton snickered as his eyes studied the path. He patted a tree and smirked at the woman behind him. “Brianna, I thought our mission was self-evident. We’re here to discover what happened to that outpost.” “Is anyone else nervous that we haven’t come across any wildlife?” Drew asked as his head spun, attempting to focus in every direction at once. Brianna shoved her shoulder into Drew’s back with a chuckle. “Don’t be jumpy.” He jumped, training his weapon on her. Brianna batted his rifle away. “Calm down! The landing wasn’t stealthy. I’m sure all the critters and creatures scampered away. Before long, we’ll run into all the mysterious things Dyrk and Diana discovered from orbit.” “Their descriptions make me uncomfortable.” Drew lifted his gun while resuming his meticulous inventory of the surroundings. “The simple reasons are most often the right ones.” Fenton ran his hands along the fragmented edge. He punched the wall and turned to face his team. With a deep breath, Fenton jerked his head toward the damaged barrier. “While there is some decay, it’s obscuring the actual source of the damage.” “What happened?” Shandri asked, examining the rupture. “Among everything else, an explosion devastated the remains.” Fenton wiped his face as his gaze slipped to the structure’s interior. “What?!” Alek stalked to the gap and traced the devastation arrayed along the breach. “Why would our ancestors bomb themselves? What could have prompted that decision?” Fenton pointed at a building in the distance. “Morris, you take Brianna and Shandri and inspect that structure.” “What’s our job?” Drew asked. Fenton shook his head and gestured at another form. “We’re examining that.” The skittish man squealed as he leapt back from the colony wall...

As the sun crypt up the sky, Ramas shook his head. With every motion, the wanderer’s helm softened and elongated. Within moments, the steel had transformed from a protective piece of armor into a hooded cloak. When the edge of the garment reached his calves, he pulled it tightly around his shoulder before pulling the hood down to obscure his milky white eyes. With a sudden inhalation, he emerged from the shadows, stepping onto the town’s main thoroughfare and weaving between the early risers. Halfway down the street, someone emerged from a crossing path and stepped in front of Ramas, forcing the wanderer to stop. Prior to scanning the area, the stranger leaned in so closely that Ramas could discern the man’s last meal. “What kept you?” Ramas’s shoulders relaxed as he identified his mark upon the newcomer. With an obscured smile, his hooded eyes soaked in everything despite their deformity. “I’m not that late, Jandar.” Ramas inched closer as he ran his thumb across his lips as he lowered his gaze to the ground. “Besides, Emily’s soldiers are everywhere. In order to avoid them, I needed to take a circuitous route, which delayed my arrival slightly. However, I’m not exceedingly late.” “I would have rather you had gotten here earlier than you did.” “That’s a detail we can bicker about later.” Ramas reached out, grasping his informant’s shirt as his head bobbed. “For now, let’s focus on the actual issue, Emily’s soldiers. Is their presence here an abnormality? Or does she truly enjoy the support she’s apparently receiving in this section of the continent?” “We cannot talk out here,” Jandar said, grabbing Ramas’s arm. With a gentle tug, he retreated down the side path, dragging the wanderer behind him. Every time Ramas pressed about their destination, Jandar would raise a finger, forestalling the discussion. After the third silent rebuke, Ramas resigned himself to following his informant on their own circuitous path through the city. After what felt like hours, Jandar pulled up beside a secluded and unkempt building. His head whipped about as he reached for the door’s handle. “Once we’re inside, we’ll have ample privacy for our inflammatory discussion.” Ramas tugged his hood as he stared at the establishment’s wall. With his altered sight, the solid structure was nothing more than lightly packed sand suspended in glass, letting him make out the collections of stars just beyond the barrier. His fists clenched as he silently ground his teeth. When his gaze shifted back to Jandar, the similar cluster beside him confirmed the ambush. With a groan, Ramas freed himself from Jandar’s grasp. “Why did we have to come here?” “Emily has many spies,” Jandar said, opening the building’s door and ushering Ramas inside. “Inside, we won’t have to worry about them. We can have candid conversations.” Ramas released a pent-up breath as he sauntered into the doorway. He lingered in the opening for a couple of heartbeats before he thumped the frame. “Jandar, you’ve worked with me for many seasons. Must we talk inside?” “You need to come inside so we can talk.” “No,” Ramas said, unclenching his fists...

“That was one of the best landings I've ever had,” Dyrk said as he powered down the ship. He unbuckled and stretched his arms overhead. "After establishing base camp, what do you expect Jarvis's first course of action will be?" His co-pilot turned toward him, pulling her legs tightly into her chest. "We're a good hike from the remains of the previous ship. I’d say it's even odds that Jarvis’s first order will be dispatching a team to explore the remnants or cataloging the local wildlife." "Let's find out." Dyrk activated the internal comm with a shrug. "Jarvis, as you can guess, we've touched down. However, that brings my expertise to a close. What's first on my new agenda?" "How far away is the missing ship?" "It's a bit of a stroll," Diana replied as she worked at her console. When her fingers stilled, she leaned back as her mouth curled into a tight smile. "I've sent everything to your system. You can debate the distance shortly." The silence broke with a curse from Jarvis. "In what special world is that considered a stroll? That’s more of a day’s march than a casual walk. Couldn't you have gotten us closer to it?" Diana stared through the windshield and studied the surrounding forest. The swaying limbs calmed as the landing winds died off. A flock of strange birds launched from the trees, darting off towards the horizon. As she watched the creatures disappear, her hands clapped as she leaned toward the clear barrier. "I selected this location because it was the only suitable site that would allow us to maintain the integrity of what we're searching for." "Dyrk claims he could land anywhere." "He could have landed on top of the vessel and destroyed crucial evidence." Diana sighed and collapsed into her chair. Her eyes darkened as she lifted a finger. "Which isn’t our primary task." "Fine. Help establish base camp instead of combing through the local wildlife." "On it, Jarvis," Dyrk replied, shutting off the comms. He rose and tugged her arm. "You heard the boss." "I heard his orders," she replied, pointing at her display, "but something about those creatures appears strange." "We knew this rock wasn't like home," Dyrk opened the cockpit's door and jerked his thumb through the opening. "But you've been given orders." Her hands flew across her console as she returned to the seat. Dyrk jostled her shoulder. "We have to get moving." "Those weren't birds." Diana jumped up and pressed her face to the windshield. "They were winged lizards." The creatures sliced across the sky with practiced precision. Nothing about their flight suggested surprise, panic, or fear. Dyrk ambled to her chair, his jaw tightening. "That's a terrifying concept. Are you telling me dragons exist on this already dangerous planet?" Diana spun and shouldered her way past Dyrk as she fled the cockpit. Dyrk's eyes fell to her console, studying Diana's scans of the creatures. A knock tore his attention away, and he jumped back, hands flying to his chest. Diana snickered and leaned against the doorframe, "A little jumpy, aren't we?" "Do you enjoy scaring people like that?" With a wink, she left, and without looking back, she said, "Weren't you talking about following orders?" "Yeah, I mentioned that." Dyrk ambled towards the doorway, his stride lengthening with each step. As he stepped through, hands slammed into his chest.

"Declan, the colony is just about finished how goes placing the platform?" Declan looked up from the platform's glowing red center with dread pouring visibly from his face. "Brielle, we have a problem." Brielle looked from the worried platform technician to the glowing red crystal next to his knees, and she began to take on his concern. "Declan, these platforms don't have issues." Swallowing the lump that formed in his throat, Declan looked up and explained, "There's only a single reason why the crystal glows red, and we all know what it is." "Stay here, Declan," Brielle commanded as she nodded her head. She abruptly spun away from Declan and raced off towards the captain of the colonization ship. She raced through the corridors as fast as she could, and she just managed to avoid all of the tight corners and the occasional colonist roaming the halls. She ran until she eventually came to the new colony's civic center. The captain always worked from there while they established a new world for the Federation. Once she found the right doors, she paused outside so she could catch her breath. When she was able to breathe naturally, she opened the door, and her eyes immediately found the captain. She walked up to him and reported her dire news. "Captain Quinn, something has happened to the homeworld." Confusion settled into the captain's face with her words prompting him to ask, "Brielle, what are you going on about?" "The platform's crystal is glowing red, sir." The captain's face went white as he began to process those words. He looked at Brielle and with great hesitation sought confirmation. "Red, you're sure?" "Yes, sir," Brielle answered as she forced a lump down her throat. Quinn lifted a hand and snapped a finger as he cried out, "Connor!" A man poked his head into the room, saying, "Yes, sir?" Quinn looked at the young man and commanded, "Get my portable communication pack, we need to raise homeworld." "Yes, sir." the disembodied head replied. "Connor, I wanted it here an hour ago understood?" "Yes, sir." The man responded as his head disappeared, letting the door fall closed behind him. Quinn looked at Brielle and tapped his fingers on his desk. She hesitantly watched his fingers as they continued their dance upon the wooden surface, but she slowly averted her gaze to his solemn and scared eyes. "Sir, has anything like this ever happened before?" Quinn looked up and stared into her eyes as he answered, "No, no one has, but we all know what it means." He saw the unease behind her eyes, so he offered her what little comfort he could. "This could be a glitch on homeworld's platform. All we know is we cannot connect to this platform's twin back home. They could have taken it offline." Before Brielle could say anything, the door flew open and Connor came in with the portable communication device placing it on the desk and stepping away, allowing Quinn access to the device. Quinn quickly configured the device to communicate with the homeworld and tried to connect. When the first attempt failed, he made other attempts, but each failed. Faltering Quinn attempted to connect to other worlds in the Federation. And with each failed attempt to contact other colonized planets, the fear behind Quinn's eyes grew. Quinn looked between Connor and Brielle and spoke at them both, "Go fetch Caitlin and the other senior colonists. We'll need to come to a decision."

Dyrk adjusted the craft’s trajectory and then flipped the communication switch. “Is anyone manning the comm back home, control?” “Yes, we’re still here.” Diana jostled Dyrk’s shoulder as she deactivated the comm. Narrowing her eyebrows, Diana tapped her armrest and sighed, “Were you expecting them not to be listening?” He licked his lips and drummed his console as he winked at her. “I figured everyone manning control might be on a break.” Diana slid forward and covered the microphone. “You’re aware we’re retracing the colonization vessel’s trajectory. And it vanished the moment it entered this atmosphere, right?” “I’m aware of the history.” He peeled her hand from the comm before reactivating the system and clearing his throat. “We’ve located the remains of the colonization ship.” “Any signs of survivors?” Dyrk’s tongue ran across his lips as he scrolled through the results of the scans. “Wendell, I’m uploading a full copy of the report now. But while you’re waiting, I can describe the eclectic array of life on this rock for you.” “Please do,” Wendell muttered. Dyrk took a slow breath, refreshing his display. As the records flowed across the screen, a whistle leapt from his lips. “While there are plenty of creatures that look familiar and would have been brought with the colonization team, they’re outnumbered by the creatures I don’t recognize.” Silence filled the spaceship’s cockpit, and just before it became uncomfortable, Wendell’s voice shattered it. “Repeat that.” Dyrk rubbed his eyes and leaned toward the comm. “The majority of the lifeforms on the planet appear to have been plucked from popular fiction.” “Excuse me?” Dyrk pressed his back into his seat and folded his hands. “Are you aware of the fantasy novels that have been popular these days?” “What about them?” Dyrk flexed his fingers as he reached for the controls. “You’ll need a sampling of them to identify the more unusual creatures in the report.” “You’re not making any sense.” Dyrk shook his head and tapped the microphone. “Wendell, that’s not the strangest thing.” “And what would that be?” His fingers flicked to the bottom of the report as he gnawed his lip. He released a pent-up breath and tapped the screen. “We’ve performed multiple checks and keep getting the same results...

Sebastian stepped up to the railing as he studied the gleaming ocean. A second later, he looked over at his friend and clapped his shoulder. “How are you doing, Jimmy?” A wry chuckle emanated from his friend’s mouth as his cupped hands slid up to his chest. He peered at Sebastian while keeping his eyes on what he was holding. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” “We’re taking a trip. What’s there to feal bad about?” Sebastian asked as he slapped the railing. He leaned against it and thumped Jimmy’s chest. “We’re about to enjoy a cruise. Can’t you relax?” Jimmy opened his hands, revealing a frog. “I’m pretty sure this fellow is bad luck.” Rolling his eyes, Sebastian rose and gripped Jimmy’s shoulder as he wiggled his finger over the animal. “What are you talking about!? It’s just a frog. You can’t provide for the thing. Why not release it?” “It’s mine,” Jimmy said, pulling the frog away from Sebastian. “When I first grabbed it, I thought it was lucky. However, ever since, I’ve had nothing but a run of bad luck.” “What are you babbling about now? It’s just a frog!” “No sooner had I picked it up than a seagull nearly slammed into my head.” “You grabbed the thing’s lunch,” Sebastian said, slapping his friend’s shoulder with the back of his hand. “What did you expect...

The council members sat in the hall, whispering among themselves as they waited for the session to begin. As the whispers grew, one voice sliced through the din. “There’s no scheduled vote today. Why are we here?” “I called everyone here to discuss the failed attempt to colonize Morven.” The statement silenced the council as the lights dimmed, and millions of bluish-white spheres emerged from the central dais. When the orbs coalesced into an imposing figure, it inclined its head, pressing its hands together. “Long ago, some of our forefathers sent an expedition to our sister planet to form a colony.” A councilor stood, clearing her throat. “Chancellor, while it’s unfortunate that some of our ancestors vanished in the foolhardy expansion, we should leave well enough alone and ignore Morven.” The towering holographic Chancellor bowed toward the council member. “That’s been our mantra since we lost contact.” “We don’t want to risk a second expedition to that cursed world!” Another councilman cried out as he slapped his thighs. “Distracting our thoughts with an attempt to re-colonize our sister planet is a mistake,” a distinct voice declared. As a hush descended on the council chambers, a woman rose and leaned upon the railing. The silence lingered for an instant before she clasped her hands to her chest. “There are too many issues here that require our entire attention.” The hologram cleared its throat as it scanned every councilor in the auditorium. When the holographic eyes latched onto the standing woman, the figure widened its stance. “We have established programs to address each of those concerns, Jasmine.” “And you’re aware of the positive reaction to those initiatives,” she said. The Chancellor waved her worries away and addressed the room. With a smile, the hologram lifted an admonishing finger. “It is long past the time we discovered what befell our kin. We can no longer bury our heads in the comfort of our own affairs. We must explore the planet whose orbit we share.” Another councilor stood and clapped methodically. The mocking echoes silenced the murmurs as he offered the hologram a false grin. He waggled a finger as he descended to the edge of the dais. “However, you’re not being honest with us...

Wan moonlight bathed a stocky man’s pale arms as he leaned against the metallic rails, whistling a simple tune. “Anton, stop making that awful racket!” The sporadic notes stopped as Anton twisted his head and pushed against the railing. “Norman, the silence is eerie.” Anton marched across the deck and swatted the consol. “Why don’t you have a radio or satellite on this boat?” “You weren’t hired to be entertained.” Norman released his grip on the yoke and pointed at an indention in the massive frozen cliff. “I enlisted you to assist me with my cargo. Besides, there aren’t many options available when you’re this far removed from civilization.” “Whatever, Norman,” Anton said, waving his hand as he sauntered back to the rail, staring at the looming glaciers. “Can you explain why we fled the civilized world?” Anton chewed his lips as he wrapped his fingers around the metal bar. “Specifically, why you are steering us right into a hunk of ice.” “We’re out here to dump my cargo in my decontamination facility.” “Out here in a glacier?” A dark smile spread while Norman throttled the ship’s engine. As the craft approached the icy wall, he spun the wheel, guiding the ship into the gap, plunging them into darkness. “Fortunately, out here the world’s pesky regulations don’t exist.” Distant howls ripped through the tranquil atmosphere, chasing a shudder down Anton’s spine. With shallow breaths, his whitening fingertips dug into the boat. Closing his eyes, Anton took a few deep breaths and twirled his hand toward the star-filled sky. “It’s creepy navigating through all these massive chunks of ice. With the pale light, those cliff-faces look like giant gravestones.” Norman turned off the engine and pulled a slender stick from the console. With a crack, a sickly green illumination leapt from the tube, chasing away the darkness. With a series of quick motions, Norman cracked another rod and tossed it on the approaching dock. Norman sauntered to the bow and twisted a section of rope off the cleat. When the vessel crept alongside the small metal wharf, Norman hopped on, securing his craft. “Privacy, is as precious as gold in most cases.”

"Hurry!" Keldon barked as he lifted his side of the beam. "We have to fix the wall before the horde can flood in and wipe us out." Caleb lifted the other end and grunted. "You'd think looming devastation might revive Tarian's mind." "That's enough, Caleb!" Keldon glanced over his shoulder as he hefted the slab of metal. With a slight stumble, he shot Caleb a wicked glare. "Lloyd's death hit him hard. I doubt anything will bring him out of his funk anytime soon. Now be careful, or I'll end up breaking my neck." Caleb slowed as he shook his head. "It's remarkable those monsters haven't attacked yet." "Be thankful for small favors." Keldon glanced over his shoulder as the beam fought his grasp. "Wayne, please assist us in getting this into position." When the weight lessened, Keldon whipped around and found Tarian beside him. "Allow me to assist you. After all, you've helped me carry my burdens lately." Keldon burst into laughter, but his foot caught on a rock, and he tumbled to the ground. "Under normal circumstances, I'd lend you a hand, Keldon," Tarian said as his arms twitched. "But I trust you appreciate why I've refused to help out." "Don't worry about it." Keldon propped himself up while he rubbed his heel. He staggered to his feet, waving at the crowd of people sealing the breach in the wall. "Please take your time," Caleb said, sweat erupting from his brow. "It's so much fun holding up this slab of metal." "I'll forgive you, Tarian." Keldon grabbed the beam and glared at the man across from him. "Caleb, it's good to know you're enjoying yourself. But how about we hurry up and seal that breach?" "Funny," Caleb said as his eyes narrowed. "Thank you for picking up the slack," Tarian said as the men resumed their march. "Tarian, I'd be happy to have this conversation with you," Keldon started as he tightened his grip on the beam. "But can we wait until we've brought this over to Wayne's crew?" "Sure," Tarian said...

A paw slammed to the ground, crushing the scattered remnants of the surrounding trees. With a grumble, a furry beast emerged from the forest’s edge. As the animal strode from the protection of the forest, it halted when the crunching twigs and leaves gave way to an undulating sea of purple flowers. While the massive creature stared at the field, the sun’s golden rays crested the distant mountains and raced toward the swaying plants, bathing them with their first meal of the day. With each passing moment, the din of the forest diminished. As the silence intensified, the bear rose to its hind legs while ripples washed over its body. When the rippling ceased and the last of the dark fur receded, a stout man stepped closer to the flowers, running his hand through his thick hair. As the individual stood there, the chattering wind chipped away at the nascent stillness like a chisel striking a stone. “Lander, why are you here?” Without tearing his gaze from the ever-shifting lavender carpet, Lander reached up and interlaced his fingers behind his head. “Neville, why are you bothering me?” “You shouldn’t be here wasting your time.” “Where should I be?” “Preparing for the fight looming over us.” The towering figure turned to Neville, his lips drawing into a harsh line. “Is there a problem with my separating myself from the inevitable maelstrom to bathe in the sight of something beautiful?” The newcomer rushed forward, pinching the bridge of his nose before gripping Lander’s arm with rough fingers. “Nobody thinks you have to abandon things of beauty.” “Then, before we rush into something terrible, stand here with me and appreciate this moment.” “While I agree,” Neville said as his hand swept across the violet field, “that this is a stunning view. You have responsibilities that require your personal attention.” Sucking his lip, Lander tapped Neville’s hand with a loose fist...

Tarian clambered to the wall's edge and stared into the barren field. When he discovered a solitary figure, his fingers turned white around the gray stones. "That's a massive creature. What is it? When did it arrive?" "I'm not sure what's out there, but it's been there since the sun came up," Keldon said, closing his eyes. "Keldon, who's our best surviving sharpshooter?" Tarian's gaze turned ice cold as his lips curled into a snarl. "Bring that individual here and destroy that monster!" Keldon lifted his telescope and studied the distant creature. When the scope lowered, he tapped it against the wall. "Given the recent attack, there's a significant chance it's a shapeshifter." "Does it matter what it is?" Sherry stepped in front of Keldon, her hands on hips. "Tarian's right. One of our marksmen could end the threat." "I'm more concerned with whatever's beyond our field of view." Keldon laid a hand on Tarian's shoulder, pulling him close. "That thing's the tip of the oncoming storm." Sherry threaded her fingers through her hair as she stared at the creature. "Why are you trying to distract us from the simple solution?" Keldon's fist slammed the wall as he glared at Sherry. "We're not in a position to defend ourselves from another assault." Sherry blanched as she gripped her chest. "We're prepared for this kind of situation, right?" "Unfortunately, Lloyd's dead." Tarian stepped up to the wall and examined the towering monster. With a hiss, Tarian spun around and leaned against the wall, collapsing to the floor. "Besides, a pair of shapeshifters tried to steal a significant amount of our ordnance...

Shawn glanced from the assignments in front of him to his watch. He laid his pen down and folded his hands on the pile of papers, “Zachary, you’re the last one here, and your time has expired. Please turn in your exam and start your weekend.” “Can I take another minute?” Shawn shook his head and thumped his desk, “You are out of time. I’ve already given you an extra thirty minutes, now give me your test, or I’ll be forced to reward your hard work with a zero.” Zachary slipped his pen behind his ear with a groan and strolled up to Shawn’s desk. He dropped his exam next to the assignments his professor was correcting, “Thank you for giving me what you could. Do you have anything planned for the weekend, aside from grading those?” Shawn grinned and lifted Zachary’s test and slipped it into a drawer. He locked it and propped his chin on a hand, “Normally I would grade these tests tonight. However, this time that’s a job for my teacher’s assistant, because I’ve got important plans for the weekend.” “Did you finally find a new place?” Zachary looked around the lecture hall as he shoved his hands into his pockets, “Cause living in a university lecture hall is a little strange.” Shawn’s fingers drummed on his desk while his other hand stabbed toward the door, “Run along, Zachary, and enjoy your weekend.” “Bye, Professor,” Zachary retorted as he rushed to the exit. He walked out of the auditorium, bumping into a woman. The young man looked away and tipped his head, “I’m sorry, are you looking for Professor Tillman...

Tarian lifted his head from the desk as the alarm blared. With a groan, he turned toward the noise. When he couldn't locate the source of the racket, he started blinking the sleep away and stumbled toward the window. He leaned on the sill and saw the ordnance storehouse lights flashing across the field. As his gaze tracked the beams, the scene made sense. Tarian spun and bolted from his quarters. When he burst out of the building, Tarian dashed toward the depot. As he crossed the courtyard, a hand yanked him to a stop. Tarian reached back, grabbed the stranger and twisted his arm behind his back. "What are you doing?" "Nothing," Lloyd said with a whimper, his face paling. He raised his free hand in surrender. "However, you rushing headlong into an unknown raid isn't one of your better ideas." As Tarian relaxed his grip, he spun toward the armory as his hand flew to his side. He reached for his sidearm, but his fingers brushed an empty belt. A curse flew from his mouth as he whirled toward Lloyd. "Do you have a spare gun?" "You're lucky you ran into me first." Lloyd drew a handgun and thrust it toward Tarian. "Next time the alarm blares, you might remember to secure your sidearm before you try to take on a mystery unarmed." "That's enough," Tarian said as he took the weapon. After a brief check, he aimed the small firearm at the depot and inched forward. "You shouldn't be the first to enter," Lloyd said, pulling Tarian's shoulder. With a few long strides, Lloyd pulled ahead of Tarian and placed an ear against the depot's door...

“Didn’t you learn your lesson last time?” The man peering down the chasm smiled, waving his arms over his head. He glanced down at a collection of stones, and knocked them off the ledge, watching them plummet toward the lake. When the rocks plunged into the tranquil water, ripples spread across the surface. He turned around and scampered to his friend, resting his cast on the guy’s back. “Ethan, why are you worried?” “Daniel, you broke your arm the last time you tried making that jump!” Daniel pulled Ethan closer, smirking as he nudged his friend’s shoulder. “You make it sound so unpleasant.” Ethan pushed Daniel away, as he thrust his hand toward the far side of the gorge. “That gap’s over ten feet wide, and I’ll remind you of two things. First, your earlier try came up short and second you almost killed yourself when you plummeted thirty feet into the lake.” “Bah,” Daniel waved his cast over his head as he hustled back to the gap and peered into the calm water. “I can see the rock outcropping that gave me this lovely billy club.” He turned, waving Ethan over to the ledge as he pointed at the still lake. “To avoid a similar mishap, I’ll jump over the darkest patch of water...

Keldon grabbed Tarian's shoulder and spun him around, slamming him against the wall. His brow furrowed as he took a deep breath. Keldon jabbed his finger into Tarian's chest. "Tarian, you can't keep bothering the scientists." "Caleb secured their live sample of that shifting monstrosity," Tarian said, brushing Keldon's hands off before he straightened his jacket. "Didn't you hear Caleb's report? That thing wore his face, making it even more dangerous." "I know," Keldon said, stepping back and lifting his palms. "But you're not helping them." "If that monster had approached either your team or Engrim's, we wouldn't be having this conversation." Tarian rubbed his temples as his chest swelled. He grabbed Keldon's shirt and pulled him close. "So, if my constant visits help expedite their work, they're worth the headache." "But they don't!" Keldon pushed himself away from his friend, his eyes narrowing. "That's what I'm trying to tell you. Your visits cause nothing but chaos, and it takes far too long to reclaim their original calm." Tarian's face tightened as he stared into the sky. He reached for the doorknob, giving it a sharp twist before shoving the door open. "They'll survive the intrusion. It took ten darts to put that thing in its cage...

The elderly man turned his head as the pounding intensified. His fingers twitched over the flipping pages of his floating tome, a venomous snarl curling his lips. With each crash, another page tore free from the book and joined the howling, arcane storm around the frantic mage. As the sheets spun past his twitching brow, light devoured the scribbled ink. When the glow enveloped each sheet, they popped out of existence. “Thobin,” a husky voice called, punctuated by a mighty and ominous thud. “Open the door!” The man’s steely gaze whipped toward the voice. Still, his fingers danced over the whirling pages. The pounding gave way to cracking wood, a splintering rhythm that echoed through the tower. Then a sharp female voice cut through the din. “This isn’t going to end well for you!” “By a unanimous decree of the ruling council,” the gruff voice said as the pounding increased, “you are required to surrender yourself and all of your tomes to our authority.” A swirling wind whipped about Thobin, throwing his long, wild, silver-streaked hair about his head. As more pages tore from the tome, he rolled his shoulders, sending a series of cracks bouncing off the walls. “I respect neither that institution nor you. Enter at your own peril.” “Thobin, you can’t win this fight. However, if you submit yourself to our authority, you’ll be rewarded with a place on the council.” “Bah!” Thobin’s fingers whirled faster as more pages tore free from the tome. When the last page freed itself, Thobin turned to face the cracking door, hands clasped behind his back...

Reaching out, Caleb brushed the damaged branch with his fingers. He kneeled and scrutinized the ground, finding more disturbed undergrowth. He pulled out his radio and switched channels. "Engrim, where are you?" "About a click or two east of you. Have you found any signs of shapeshifters?" Caleb moved a branch out of the way and studied the markings. "I may have, and I'd like a second opinion." "Isn't Keldon leading a unit out here?" Engrim asked. Caleb clicked his tongue, rising to examine the damaged branch. He turned to his squad, raising a finger to his lips. "He headed south the moment we departed the settlement. If we wait to get his thoughts, whatever left these marks will be long gone and out of reach." "Fine, we're on our way." Caleb tore his gaze from the tracks and scanned the foliage. "Something passed through here, and it's proving difficult to determine whether the trail was accidental or deliberate. Everyone, fall in on me. Keep your heads on a swivel and be alert. I don't want to frighten off whatever is watching us." Mika tapped Caleb's shoulder as she cleared her throat. "Are we spreading out?" "Yes, though stay in sight." Caleb leveled his rifle above the agitated foliage. "It shouldn't take Engrim's team long to get here." Mika spun away from Caleb and stared into the forest's dense shadows. "And what information can you glean from the tracks?" Caleb followed the markings...

A wanderer adjusted his position against the tree. When a snowflake landed on his outstretched hand, he shook it free, climbing to his feet. The man dragged his hair from his face as he pulled his spare cloak from his pack. Without missing a beat, he wrapped it around his shoulders. He clutched his bag under the covering as he strode toward the road. As he neared it, he checked both sides of the path before easing out from the underbrush. As the snow clung to him, the man tugged the outer garment tighter about his neck and forced himself through the growing mounds. After walking for what felt like an eternity, the wanderer noticed a structure hugging the horizon, and his steps quickened. When he reached the building, his trembling hand brushed its rough stone. A grin spread as his fingers traced the chiseled rock. He cocked his head, and his smile widened when he scanned the surrounding buildings. He ignored the blacksmith and the numerous merchant establishments. When his eyes landed upon the inn, he dashed toward its entrance and yanked in vain. With a grimace, the wanderer slammed his fist against the sturdy wood. “Is anyone there!” The entrance groaned, revealing an intense gaze through the opening. “There aren’t any rooms available. You must look elsewhere.” “Please,” the wanderer cried as he wedged his foot into the opening. “No one could survive this snowstorm.” “I cannot allow you to enter,” the innkeeper replied. The man pulled a stone from his pack, flashing the brilliant green gem to the owner. “I can pay.” The innkeeper shook his head as he shoved the door. “Money isn’t the problem. This storm comes every year, and my storeroom isn’t endless. I can’t provide for you without harming my existing patrons, considering that jewel won’t fill a single belly...

Tarian threw the doors open and marched into the makeshift lab. The cracked table bore the white-fleshed creature. He pointed at the milky corpse as he pulled the scientist closer. “What can you tell me about this thing on your slab?” Francis stepped away from his work and glanced around the room at his colleagues. When he saw everyone else glance elsewhere, he cleared his throat. “We’ve found nothing definitive.” Tarian’s fist clenched as he looked at each of the scientists. When his gaze fell back on Francis, he licked his lips. “You’ve had this body for a week. Keldon told you I needed answers.” “He did,” Francis hedged. “Then why have you been dragging your heels?” Tarian inquired as he took a step towards Francis. While Tarian loomed over the scientist, he prodded the corpse’s abdomen and his finger slid into the creature. With a shudder, he pulled it out. “Rotting or not, I need answers.” “If our most sensitive equipment still worked, we’d have given you the intelligence already.” Francis wrung his hands, avoiding Tarian’s glare. Tarian wiped the frustration off his face as he backed up, licking his lips. “We don’t have that luxury.” Francis’s gaze drifted toward Tarian, the corner of his eye twitching as he tugged his collar. “Well, we triggered its flesh into changing.” “How?” “What we might’ve seen was nothing more than a twitch...

“My army surrendered!?” Namen slammed his fist against his throne, the wood shuddering beneath the blow, and snarled. “What did my cowardly force do after they laid down their weapons to these rebels?” The messenger’s hands trembled behind his back as his stoic face locked onto the King’s ornate chair. He bowed, spreading his arms like a bird in flight. “I wasn’t there to witness the results, sire. I carried only the message I was dispatched with. Do you want me to discover the fallout of the surrender?” “No, there’s nothing you can accomplish,” the King grumbled as he crumpled the missive in his fist. He flung the wadded paper at the messenger’s face. “Kameron will locate these traitors!” The messenger ducked the parchment projectile, while an advisor sitting close to the King interlaced her fingers and cleared her throat. “Your Majesty, I believe it would be best to collect any information that Baxter has before deciding on how to deal with these deserters. Consider the cost of dispatching another battalion to a captured keep.” The King’s eyes narrowed as his lips trembled. He lifted his fingers from the ornately inlaid armrest of his throne, glancing toward the ceiling, as if the spymaster could overhear him. “Baxter is troublesome enough during peaceful times. But when it comes to war, his riddles are unbearable.” “Baxter is unique.” The advisor smiled and leaned toward the King. “But he’s the best spymaster we’ve ever had.” “I’m aware, Kerri!” Namen struck his chair with both meaty fists. “But I won’t deal with him if he’s communicating with his spies. Go discover everything he’s learned about these rebels and traitors.” Kerri rose, inclining her head, and flowed across the floor. She grabbed the messenger’s arm and guided him from the meeting hall. When the door closed, she spun the fool around and slapped his face. “Why did you deliver that message straight to Namen?” “It’s my job. Last I checked, you’re just an advisor, with no authority.” The messenger’s gaze sharpened to a knife’s edge as his fingers explored his reddening cheek. After a moment, he shoved his hands behind his back. “How would Namen react if he learned you struck one of his messengers? I believe he’s ordered protection for those carrying his commands.” “True,” Kerri flicked the messenger’s nose as her lips parted, displaying her canines. She thumped his chest with two fingers. “Unfortunately for you, Namen never gave you the protection of a command. Never forget who your friends are, messenger.” Kerri spun on her heels and stormed down the hall. When she reached the nearest stairwell, she sighed and flew up the stairs. Upon reaching the door to the roof, she flung it open and stared at the man standing on the ledge, obscured by flapping butterflies, wings etched with heavy secrets, their markings whispering burdens. One landed atop an outstretched fingertip. He pulled it to his ear. She cleared her throat and marched toward him. “Baxter, I need your counsel...

Tarian sat in solitary silence, taking in the emptiness of the meeting hall. The crack ran the entire length of the conference table, and the sneering crevasse mocked him. He gripped the hilt of his dagger with white knuckles. Tarian lifted the tip of the blade and rammed it into the pockmarked slab. He twisted the knife, enlarging the hole as he took a deep breath. As the seconds ticked away, he stabbed its point into the table several times. Between strikes, the door swung inward. Keldon stepped inside, eyeing his friend’s assault on the ruined furniture before letting out a sigh. Tarian drove the blade into the wood again, and Keldon claimed an empty seat. He waited for his friend to stop, but the knife didn’t cease. He cleared his throat as he leaned toward his friend. “If everything were normal, I wouldn’t butt into your affairs.” “Why are you starting the habit?” Tarian asked as he drove the dagger into the table. Keldon lifted two fingers. “Two reasons. First, sitting here and wallowing over what’s happened for weeks isn’t healthy...

Tired and exhausted, Glen pressed the down button. He groaned when there was no immediate ding. After a lengthy shift, he wanted nothing more than to return home and collapse into bed. Glen stumbled to the folding chair propped against the wall across from the elevator. He pulled it out and sat down while he waited for the old and creaking elevator’s arrival. The elevator bell dinged after what felt like an interminable wait. He rose and repositioned the chair against the wall. When the doors slid apart, Glen noticed a man and a woman inside. He waited for a moment, but neither moved to escape the confines, so he sauntered inside. Glen glanced at the floor buttons, realizing that only the ground floor one glowed. He smiled as he took a position near the rear of the car, to wait for the doors to close and the car to resume its trip towards the lobby. Two floors later, the elevator stopped. When the doors slid apart, Glen glanced up, seeing a man glide into the car. He flashed the newcomer a polite smile. The stranger returned the gesture before spinning about to obscure his face. Glen shrugged, slouched to the wall, and waited for the elevator to resume its march. As the car descended, the new figure pulled something out of his jacket and flicked his wrist. The little tube in his hand extended, and his arm flicked like a whip, smashing the video camera. After disarming the security’s eyes, he spun towards the other man, his lips curled into a snarl. “Kent, I want the key!” “You can’t have it, Jon.” The last figure in the elevator backed into its far corner, wrapping his arms around his suitcase as if it were a diamond. “Please don’t do this.” However, Jon ignored Kent’s plea and struck his arm with the baton. When the rod hit Kent’s shoulder, both he and the woman screamed. Jon turned towards a stunned Glen and the woman, his eyes burning with rage. “If either of you wants to walk away from this, mind your own business...

Tarian drew his finger along the table and tapped against the document. "Fitik, you know Caleb. Do you suppose he forged this to implicate you or your kin?" The dwarf's scowl deepened as he glared at Variel. He ran his tongue across his lips before downing his mug. Fitik's fingers clenched the tankard until it cracked in his grip. He looked between them. "No. Caleb is no liar, and neither am I. That mark disgraces us both." Variel pointed at the incriminating paper. "Then explain your signature!" Fitik leapt to his feet and banged his fists on the table, cracking the wooden slab. Armed men rushed into the small hall, weapons bared. Tarian raised his hand, stopping them in their tracks. He kept his attention on Fitik as he addressed them. "We're fine. Return to your posts." "Are you sure?" Keldon asked as he lowered his rifle. "Leave us, Kel!" When the door closed, Tarian lifted the sheet of paper and rounded the cracked table. "Fitik, can you agree this raises questions?" "It's as suspicious as Variel possessing the antidote to that creature!" "We created the remedy after finding the beast." Variel's hand drifted to Tarian. "The tonic saved Keldon's life, not to mention yours, Fitik. Though that coincidence isn't as curious as the missive holding your signature...

While Jonathan Gates was starting his day, one of the company’s disgruntled employees stormed over to him and glared at him with furious eyes. When the man was close enough, he grabbed the oblivious worker and pulled him right into his face, a roughness seeping into his voice. “Why’d you rat me out?” Jonathan tried to get the man off him as he replied, “Curtis, what happened to you was your own fault.” “No, you ratted me out, Jonathan!” “You stole from the company!” Jonathan said as he dislodged from his co-worker’s grasp. “This is all your fault.” “You got me fired,” Curtis said as he peered through slitted eyes, “and I won’t forget it.” Because of the commotion, a guard approached the two men, positioning himself behind Curtis, and said, “Do we have a problem, Mr. Reyes?” “There’s no problem here. I was on my way out.” Curtis turned around with a sneer, shaking his head as if the man he’d been arguing with disgusted him. As he stomped away, Curtis turned his head and muttered loud enough for Jonathan alone to hear the threat. “You’ll pay for this, I promise you that.” Jonathan ignored the implication of Curtis’s words, pretending they hadn’t unsettled him, and returned to his shift. The night work wasn’t glamorous, but he needed the money...

Caleb raised a fist and sank to one knee as he stared into the forest through his rifle’s sights. Derek coughed into his clenched fist. “Nobody else can see your hand signals.” With a glance at Derek, Caleb’s mouth went dry as he stared into the dense woods, every breath tight with unease. He raised his radio and chirped, “Comms check.” “Here,” Zeke’s voice echoed from the radio. “So are we,” Mika’s response came a moment later. Derek kneeled beside Caleb, examining their trail. When he couldn’t find anything, he tapped Caleb’s shoulder. “What are you expecting to find?” Caleb exhaled slowly as he lowered his weapon. He leaned against the tree, rubbing his nose as he continued to study the foliage. With a grunt, he spun to look at Derek as he pulled the radio to his lips. “I want everyone to fall in on me, double time.” “Roger that,” Engrim said smoothly. “Copy,” Zeke said. Derek arched backward as he sighed and climbed to his feet. He brushed his palm against rough bark as he passed another tree. With a cough, Derek pulled his canteen from his belt and took a long drink. With a sigh of satisfaction, Derek wiped his mouth as he stared into the thicket. “Caleb, I know you. Before they fall in, tell me what’s got you freaking out...

As the sun crested the horizon, two black orbs snapped open and fixed on the newborn light. The eyelids fluttered as twin branches flexed and swayed to position their leaves to drink in the light. When the glow wasn’t enough, its trunk split, and one half stepped out of the ground. Freed from the soil, the being slowly strode into the patch of sunlight breaking through the forest and spread its limbs wide, drinking in dawn’s first warmth, as if greeting an old and sacred friend. The sun revitalized the creature as a flock of birds circled above the walking tree. It lifted its boughs, and the songbirds weaved among its extremities. The treant smiled, its twigs spreading like fingers. A bird landed on the massive creature’s shoulder and tweeted. The being gently stroked the tiny bird, voice soft as moss. “How are you doing, little one?” The creature’s wings flapped wildly as it jumped and drifted in front of the treant’s face. As it hung there, a cascade of fevered notes erupted from its beak. “Calm down, little one.” The fevered song cut off, and the treant positioned a branch under the bird, letting it perch upon the limb. “This time, speak slowly and explain the problem from the beginning. Leave nothing out.” As the songbird detailed its message, the flock descended beside it. When it finished, the treant’s face fell, then narrowed into a snarl, roots trembling beneath the soil. The living tree stomped out of the sunlight, and the birds clung tightly to its branches. “How many beings are attacking your homes, and my brethren...

Tarian rushed into the infirmary and seized Keldon's hand. "What's his status?" The doctor wrapped his arms around his pad as he sighed. "The odds aren't good." Tarian's brow knotted as he shut his eyes. "Spit it out, Dalton." With another sigh, Dalton dropped the pad onto the bed and nudged Tarian's shoulder. "He's not going to make it." "I want to find whatever did this to him." Tarian rounded the bed and grabbed the doctor's shirt, pulling him onto his toes. "Caleb, what do we know?" "Nothing," Caleb said, pulling Tarian off the doctor. He patted his chest. "Keldon was the only member of his team to survive. And he never told us where they went." He paused, glancing down at the injured man. "Don't forget, the elves are the only reason he's here." Tarian slumped into the nearest chair. "I need answers." "Neither of us has any," Caleb said. A thunderous clap tore through the infirmary as Tarian climbed to his feet. He pulled up right next to the doctor as his lips quivered. "Save his life." Dalton glanced from Tarian to Keldon as he wiped his brow. "I'll do what I can...

“I can’t believe we’re holding another banquet already,” Tarian said, studying the makeshift hall that still reeked of freshly hewn timber. He rubbed his forehead as a heavy sigh escaped his lips. Keldon swallowed, glanced over, and smirked. “You look annoyed, my friend.” Tarian’s gaze scanned the chamber. “This is the second banquet, and we’re still no closer to securing an alliance.” “Has it only been two?” Keldon asked as he stabbed a chunk of meat with his fork. Tarian’s fingers began drumming next to his empty plate. He examined the tables and benches before lifting his glass, eyeing the pale amber liquid. He took a sip, managing not to cough from the strength of the wine. “Yes, Kel. Two banquets with the elves and dwarves, plus the one after the siege. And each has pulled another thread we can’t quite identify.” Laughing, Keldon clapped his friend’s back and lifted his goblet. He winked, took a swig, and sighed. He set the cup down and leaned over, lowering his voice. “If you’re serious about this alliance of yours, Tarian, you’ll have to get used to drinking this wine...

Lloyd walked over to Tarian. “The dwarves have decimated the rear ranks of the enemy.” Tarian shifted the telescope toward the rear and watched the dwarven axes cleave through the retreating remnants of the horde. Relief washed over his features as his shoulders slouched. “The elves and dwarves arrived just in time.” Sherry’s fingers covered her lips as she stared out over their allies. “What do you think they’ll want from us?” Lloyd glared at her as his fingers curled into fists. “The enemy crumbles under the elven arrows and dwarven blades.” “That’s my point.” Sherry stepped toward Lloyd as her eyes narrowed. “Now we owe them. What are they going to demand from us?” “Give me a break,” Lloyd said as he kicked some debris. “This is serious,” Sherry said, her voice bordering on shrill. “I can’t be the only one afraid they’ll prove untrustworthy.” Standing up from the crumbling wall, Tarian turned around, putting a hand on Lloyd’s and Sherry’s shoulder. “Sherry, we needed help, and they answered our call. Examine the battlefield. It’s taken all our collective power to eradicate this scourge.” “Tarian, we can’t trust them,” Sherry said, her voice only a whisper. “We don’t have the luxury to isolate ourselves,” Lloyd said, matching her tone...

Bethany was having an outstanding day, soaking in the last moments of her family’s beach vacation. On their final day, she took one last walk along the shoreline. Bethany took comfort as the waves lapped up against her legs and the salt-laden wind nipped at her unbound hair. It felt like the world was holding its breath, precious and fleeting, when her bare foot stepped on something hard. Heart racing, she bent down and unearthed whatever her foot had struck...

Tarian rushed to the center of the crumbling defenses and seized a rifle from one of the fallen. A tear welled, but he blinked it away. The dead deserved better, but mourning would have to wait. Among the fallen, he recognized Soren, one of the youngest members of this expedition. He had hoped to start a family here. Tarian's chest tightened as he kneeled beside him, fingers brushing the man's cooling skin...

Once upon a time, two neighborhood friends, a boy and a girl, spent every free moment playing in the woods behind their homes, even when snow-covered. The forest felt far more familiar than home, thanks to their countless hours spent there. Its silent beauty always hid a faint, mysterious edge beneath the snow. Their parents only had one rule regarding this favored playground. They had to stay close to their homes. Unfortunately, today, both children pushed the boundaries of their...

As he paced about the wall, Tarian stopped when he came to a devastated section. He ran his fingers along the shorn stone and glanced at the boulder, now entrenched in the ground just behind the wall. Thankfully, the defenders stationed there evaded the massive rock hurtling past them, saved only by a defender's shout. Tarian shook his head and turned back to the swelling ranks of monsters...

Once upon a time, a young girl woke on Christmas morning, a broad grin stretching across her face as she bolted from her bed. She flew down the stairs, stopping before the glittering Christmas tree. The little girl ignored the presents under the tree, locking her gaze on the hanging stockings packed with goodies. She picked up her stocking and found a thread trailing from its edge into a nearby closet. She eased the door open and followed the thread...

Keldon froze beneath a ring of arrows. When he shifted his gaze to study the deadly points, every bow pulled tighter, as if daring him to move again. Keldon raised his hands, gesturing his surrender to their silent command. "I'm not looking for a fight." "Why are you here?" asked one creature, preparing to release his arrow...  

Walking down the corridors of the Gemini, Samantha held her mother’s hand with her right and clutched her most precious possession, the doll she had gotten for her birthday, to her chest with the other. As the two journeyed towards the ship’s hospice ward, Samantha spotted a lot of the people wearing a black armband with a series of red dots running along the center of it. The child shifted her gaze from the metallic corridors of her home to her mother’s left arm...

Caleb stopped at the closest tree to check his weapons. Once done, he reoriented and scanned for the faint trail left by his team's last hunt. The landscape offered no guidance. Everything looked the same. He sighed, holstered his sidearm, and lifted his rifle before continuing. A fine mist hung heavy with the scent of moss and earth, obscuring his view. Even the birds had stopped calling...