Heaven Saga 1: The Lost Hero (30 page)

Brian smiled and laughed with him. “You really are
different than the others. I’m not sure of anything you just said, but I’ll
work with you. By the way, you mentioned the Three Wisemen. Who’re they?”

“I don’t know who the others are, but I’m the Wiseman
of the Past. I can tell you of all that has happened. The only clues I have
about the others are vague descriptions. The Wiseman of the Present is called
the Hawk, probably a Malcovin. The Wiseman of the Future is called the
Archangel. I’m not sure what that means, but I hope it helps you someday.”

“I didn’t come here to be the Warrior you speak of. I
came to get Seles,” Brian said.

“That’s true, but there’s much more for you to do now.
Since you were captured a civil war has broken out across Kalaidia Prime. Even
the near colonies have started fighting. The forces led by Delne have no leader
and are fighting for reasons they don’t understand. Delne wanted to give
Kalaidia to my people as a present. But now that won’t happen. Until they know
better the people of this world will fight. You’re their Herald, so it’s only
right you see this through,” Myden said.

“But that was a lie,” Brian said.

“True, but you mean more to Queen Celestia than that
of a lost Terran. You’re an outcast unable to return home. Like me you have
nowhere to turn to. You hold the fate of these people in your hands young man.
Do want them to die?” Myden asked.

What should I do? Do I have a choice? How can I help
them?
He thought as he looked to
Myden with horror in his eyes. “I remember something from Delne when she was
messing with me. The plague wasn’t a genetic flaw or disease of natural cause.
Whenever I see that memory, I see the face of your kind holding a vial before her.
It’s only a vague feeling, but something I’ve suspected for a long time.”

Myden close his eyes.
“Then let me show you the
truth. Long ago, Gaelic Kein left behind a legacy. He told me he had proof of
the true cause of the plague. In his sealed tomb lays the truth that can help
them move into the future. Without resolution, justice can’t be served. Present
the proof Gaelic sealed away to the High Council and they’ll know the truth
once and for all.”

* * *

Seles stretched her arms while yawning and looking up
at the sunny sky. Mira stood with her and enjoyed the sunlight. The Mjolnir
stood invisible to the eye while sparse jungle surrounded them.

“Are you feeling better?” Mira asked

“Your treatments are perfect. You’re more skilled than
I thought you’d be,” Seles said, smiling.

Mira raised her eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to
mean? I pull my weight on the Avoni. I may not be a Nova pilot but I take pride
in my work.”

Seles laughed before waving Mira off. “I didn’t mean
it like that. I’ve seen you as a musician more than a medical officer.” Seles
picked up a small rock and tried to skip it across the river in front of them.
“Are you really the famous singer Mira Kein?”

She picked up a rock and did as Seles just did. “That
was a long time ago,” she said. “I thought I was dead. I woke up six years ago
when some Reiki scientists revived me. No one knew my name or face in this era,
so I decided to start over. Father always pampered and sheltered me, so joining
the Avoni seemed like a fun, new experience.” Mira smiled. “And to be honest, I
enjoy performing songs for a few dozen people on the Avoni. It lets me be a
singer.”

“What about Brian? How do you feel about him?” Seles
asked.

“He’s more graceful than he looks and can sing with
the best of them,” she answered. “I have no doubt in a few years his name will
parallel my father‘s. Not just because of his Terran descent, but for his skill
in song and blade.”

“I’m not talking about his skills Mira,” she said. “I
want to know what you think of him as a man.”

Mira blushed. “He’s tall, strong, and handsome. But
the feature he gets me with is his kindness. Even under the circumstances he
lives, he tries to show everyone how gentle he is. I thought Terrans were
barbaric brutes, capable of little more than war. But the way he acts and the
ideals he speaks of, his people are a lot different than I thought. What I know
is I want to stay by his side. Even though he knows my secret, he treats me
like everyone else. The night when I slept by his side, I needed someone to
help me. I think that was the moment I fell in love with him.”

“It was the same for me,” Seles said. “I would’ve died
if it weren’t for him. He held me close and warmed me with his body. He cheered
me up when I felt down. He was so inexperienced, so ignorant of his existence.
I asked him a question when we were stuck there, a question I understand a lot
better today.”

“What’s that?” Mira asked.

“I asked him: If we couldn’t get off this moon, what
would he do? He answered the question with this,” Seles coughed before lowering
her voice to simulate Brian’s; “If I have to spend eternity on a frozen rock in
the middle of nowhere, at least I get to spend it with a beautiful alien girl.”

Mira chuckled. “That sounds like him alright.”

Seles laughed with her. “He’s a big fool. He came all
the way to this planet and lied in front of the High Council just to save me.”

Mira leaned over. “Maybe it’s because he enjoys your
presence in his quarters so much.”

Seles turned red while Mira laughed. “Oh stop, it’s
not that funny.”

Mira stopped laughing. “I hope someday he comes to
save me for the same reason. I should try ensnaring him with my charm when we
get back to the Avoni.”

“I don’t know Mira; I don’t think he has a thing for
girls with pink hair,” Seles said, smiling.

Mira flipped her hair. “I think he likes it just fine.
I don’t think hair color determines his draw to women.” She smiled coyly. “And
as you know, it’s tradition for noblewomen to share a
Maigar
if they
both want him.”

Seles laughed. “I should be mad at you saying that,
but I’ve already dealt with that issue.”

“Until Celi can spice things up by making a few clones
of him,” Mira said, laughing.

Seles shook her head. “I don’t know if I could handle
that. Having to deal with one Brian is enough.”

The Avoni flew into orbit of Dega Jul and headed for
the Heimus. Valis sat on the bridge with her crew at their battle stations.

She turned to Daes. “Does it look like other ships are
heading to the given location?”

Daes turned on the scanner. “I can’t see any other
Kalaidian ships other than the Heimus.”

Valis sighed before turning to Kivi. “I really hope
we’re not the only ship to answer the call.”

“I’m sure more ships will come soon enough,” Kivi said
while watching the monitor.

As the Avoni approached the Heimus, Zae turned to the
captain. “We’re receiving a hail from the Heimus.”

“Put it through,” Valis commanded.

“Yes captain,” Zae said. The image of Captain Lena
Obril on her bridge appeared. She stood up and approached the screen.

“It’s been a long time Captain Valis,” Lena said. “I’m
glad to see you and the Avoni doing well.”

Valis stood up. “It’s been six years since we last
spoke. Against my better judgment, I’ve decided to join you in this battle. The
queen and I have had our disagreements in the past, but she’s a just and
competent ruler. I believe our home needs significant change, so I’ll aid the
queen for now.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that Valis.” Lena’s eyes
widened. “I didn’t expect this many.”

Valis turned to Zae. “How many ships are heading this
way?”

Zae scanned near space. “It looks like two hundred and
thirty ships are entering orbit right now. The port authorities are going crazy
right now.”

Kivi joined Valis. “It looks like we won’t be going
alone.”

“No it doesn’t.” Valis turned to Lena again. “It looks
like every warship that defected six years ago will be joining us.”

Lena smiled. “I’m glad to see such fervor for the home
world. I need to end this message for now Valis. My ship has many people trying
to get through at the moment.” Lena saluted before the screen went black.

* * *

Brian sat back down on the bed and looked at Myden. “I
need some time think, alone.”

Myden put his hood back up. “Take your time.” He
opened the door and turned back to Brian. “You may be young, but you’re
appearance has long been expected. Remember that there’s much more than just
your desires to take care of. Unknowingly you’ve already changed the way the
Kalaidian people think and feel. All I ask is for you to finish what you’ve
started.”

Brian nodded. As the door closed he rolled on the bed
and stared at the ceiling.
What should I do? I’m not ready for this kind of
thing.
He rolled over and searched under the mattress. Out came the amulet
of Kali Valis had given him earlier. He put his armor on and turned on the com.

* * *

Valis paced about the bridge as they waited for news
from the Heimus. A light flared up on Zae’s console. “We’re getting a message
from the Heimus.”

“Put her through,” Valis ordered.

Lena appeared on screen again while wearing a smug
smile.

“After thorough discussion with the other ships
they’ve nominated you as their leader. Do you accept this duty?” Lena asked.

Valis bit her lip. “Who would take command if I
refuse?”

Lena sighed. “Captain Ezra of the Daevoni, though she’s
not very excited at the prospect. I wouldn’t worry about it too much Valis. You
have the most battle experience within this fleet as a commander.”

“Alright, I get it. I accept this assignment, but all
of us require compensation Lena,” Valis said with a smile.

“Don’t worry, the royal families’ coffers are still
full of money if that‘s what you‘re wondering. I hereby promote you to Admiral
Valis Kein of the twelfth Independent fleet,” Lena smiled. “Have fun Admiral
Valis,” she said as the monitor turned off.

Kivi stood up. “A field promotion hasn’t occurred in
over a century captain. You should feel honored.”

Valis shook her head. “That’s not funny. Didn’t tell
you I had no desire to become an admiral?”

Kivi smiled. “Many times captain, I mean admiral.”

Valis shrugged in frustration. “The only difference
between a captain and admiral is how many one commands. I’ll bet they won’t
even give me a bigger cut of the bounty.”

“You could always order them to their deaths admiral.
That way there’s less ships to compensate after the battle,” Kivi said.

“I’d never do such a thing,” Valis said. “Anyways, the
rank’s only temporary.”

“I know,” Kivi said, turning to Zae. “Zae, please make
a compilation of all the ships within the twelfth Independent fleet. I’m sure
Valis would like to make preparations.”

“I’ll get right on it,” Zae said.

* * *

Celestia lied in her bed, half asleep in her night
gown. As she turned to get up a message came through her communicator.

“I’m sorry to disturb you my Queen,” Jabril said over
the com, “but a priority message is coming through for you. It’s Brian on a
secure channel.”

She put on her circlet and went to the monitor at her
desk. “Put him through.” Brian’s image appeared on screen. “Are you alright?”

“Yes,” he answered.

“My soldiers found a lot of your blood,” she turned
her face away from the monitor, “I thought you may have died. I’m glad those
fears didn’t come true.” She composed herself. “How’s my petulant daughter
doing?”

“She’s enjoying the sun outside,” he answered.

“Tell me, were you the one who killed Delne Raekar?”
Celestia asked.

“No, Seles was the one who did it. I don’t think there
was any other choice given the circumstances. But, the reason I’m contacting
you is because I need to confess the truth to you, the real story.”

“Why did you come here?” she asked.

“Let me start at the beginning,” he said before taking
a moment to gather his thoughts. “A little over a year ago, I was taken from my
home world by the Greys. I escaped their mind effecting technologies and killed
the crew. I was left stranded, clueless on how to control their ship. I fell
unconscious and later found myself onboard the Avoni.”

“Valis’s ship?” she asked.

“Yes, I was saved by Valis and her crew. Once I woke
up Celi injected me with nanomachines. I was guarded by Seles at the time.
That’s when a Grey vessel attacked. It destroyed the captured Grey vessel and
nearly killed us. The Avoni barely survived, while Seles and I were forced to
flee using an escape shuttle. We landed on a frozen moon in the middle of nowhere.
For twelve days, Seles and I survived together. She taught me the basics of
your culture and language and in return I helped her cope with the situation.
We narrowly escaped being captured by a group of Malcovin mercenaries, but we
did. Afterwards, Valis took me in and trained me as a
Rakna Maigar
. As
time passed, I grew to enjoy my time on the Avoni, especially with Seles. She’s
the reason I live and I owe my life to her. I came to take her home, but it’s
obvious my leaving would only cause more problems. I’m going to help you in my
own way.”