《Hail Thy Gods [ Fantasy Epic, Progression, Cultivation ]》


 Chapter 1: Ulima

    <hr>


    Kalon


    <hr>


    Chapter One: Ulima


    Galactic Quadrant: Darna Quadrant


    Ruling Government: Talum Merchant Federation


    Solar System: D-447


    Planet: Ora


    Location: Beneath the planet''s surface, Naro City, Yul Clan Assembly Hall


    <hr>


    I never understood people¡¯s fascination with their gods, as by the time I was twelve, I stopped believing in Hempki, the god of my Clan. Now that I have watched the twin suns set for many seasons, I see it for what it is¡ªa salve to the despairs of reality¡¯s embrace.


    I have heard stories of people making pacts with their gods to obtain great power, but I do not believe in these tales for children. I do not believe in the Gods, nor their teachings, if they do exist, they have long since left this place of eternal suffering.


    ¡°Kalon,¡± Nekam says, calling me by my name.


    Fickle thoughts slip from my mind as I turn to face him. Strands of his deep black hair dance over the scar just above his steel grey eyes. His large, calloused hand beckons me closer, leaning in now, speaking just above a whisper over the crowd''s voices he says ¡°Shame him.¡±


    My jaw tenses at his words. The command is simple, yet it will make me a target for reprisal with the other tribe. Nekam is my tribe¡¯s chief though, I do not have the right to refuse him, nor would I¡ªnot after he took me in as a child. Such a thing is not easily forgotten, especially among my people.


    ¡°Understood, my chief,¡± I say giving him a small bow. My eyes take in the room, there are more people here this year, more that are desperate. More that will be left wanting.


    As I approach the area I must fight, sweat trickles down my brow, the cold sparring mat drinks it up greedily creating a slick sheen. Across from me is a warrior around my age, the one I am meant to shame. He will be the third I have fought tonight, all for the right to be on the surface crew. Among my people, one must always prove their worth. Even more so when they are like me, an Ulima.


    My tribe''s chief, Nekam, does not ask things of me that have no purpose, regardless of the risk, I will not defy him. There is a time and a place for feeling sorry for oneself a wise man once said to me. My people called him the Sage, but to me, he was more than his wise words, he was a guide through the hells that life brings. In the nineteen years since my birth, I have never known anyone to be as wise as he was. He would have told me to be temperate and follow my chief¡¯s request. Yet, in the same breath he would have told me to understand the deeper meaning behind it.


    My opponent, the one I must shame, stands at the opposite end of the sparring mats, in my Clan¡¯s main chamber, the Yul Clan as others know us. Sheets of insulated metal welded into patchwork line the floors and ceilings. Dull flickering lights cast deep shadows from the ceilings. The smell of sweat and blood hangs in the humid air, though the chill from the frost beneath the floors keeps the room cool. The room is fit to house hundreds at a time, the crowd is thick and full of loud voices. Most are from other tribes, they came here for the same reason we did, to earn spots. Those who do not earn enough will have to work the mines for the summer, just to survive. Only the surface crews can thrive. My eyes focus on my next opponent.


    Blood mixes with sweat on the forehead of the man across from me, his previous matches were harder for him than mine were for me. I do not show that I am strong though, my shoulders hunched, my gaze low, I never show strength unless I must. My leg feigns a limp as I square off with him and give a weak customary bow. His eyes trace towards my false injury, as is my intention. A trick I learned from my tribe¡¯s chief, always show weakness where there is strength. Those who take advantage deserve the deception.


    Barnak, the high chief of our Clan steps forward between us. His dark brown eyes watch us intently as he scratches his thick grey beard. His face is marred with scars, a testament to what it takes to be the Clan leader. He moves to each of us, checking that our blades are dulled, blood taken with the intent to kill among Clan members has consequences. When he is satisfied, he coats the edge with black ink so we can mark where we strike. After he has measured us and our blades, he steps back and says ¡°Begin.¡±


    The man across from me wastes no time as he charges, moving towards my feigned injury. I pretend to stumble backward from it, luring him in further. When he is upon me and his body is fully committed to striking from that direction, only then do I plant on it and turn, spinning behind him and knocking him off balance. I do not stop as he stumbles, I press the advantage and strike him thrice, leaving black ink lines under his arm along where his arteries are and a pointed circle in his back where his left kidney sits.


    My eyes glance over to Nekam, his arms are folded in front of him as he gives me the nod. It was not enough that I beat him soundly, Nekam wants him to feel more shame. My teeth grit, but I extend my left hand outwards and drop one of my blades to the ground and put one arm behind my back. There is murmuring in the crowd and laughter from some of the other tribe chiefs.


    The man spits on the ground then pulls himself to his feet and comes towards me again in a fit of rage. He overextends and I strike him twice, between the ribs. He swings wildly around, I parry the blade and plant my foot between his, pushing him to the floor with my shoulder. He stumbles to his feet as I trace around him slowly, my breath even. It brings me no pleasure to beat him in such a manner, no pleasure watching his face turn from shame to anger.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    The iris of each of the man¡¯s dark brown eyes starts to glow dully as he glares at me. Our people are born with eyes that glow with bioluminescence, it happens when we experience extreme emotions. Fear, pain, sadness, and anger are the most common. It is considered shameful to let them glow without purpose. We, the Kuwathi as my people are known, pride ourselves on control over our minds, and the emotions inside us. My eyes flicker over to Nekam, a suppressed grin on his mouth.


    ¡°Ulima.¡± My opponent growls, his jaw clenched so firmly that blood comes from the corner of his lip.


    In the old tongue of my people, Ulima means - The Forsaken. They call orphans and outcasts by this. Some use it as an insult, like this man and many others, but I have grown to embrace it. Being Ulima has made me more aware of everything. Being Ulima has helped me survive.


    The man squares off with me again, ready to strike, even though he has already lost many times over, the ink upon his skin proof of it.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Barnak roars as the man lunges again, grabbing the man by the shoulder pulling him back.


    It is rare to see our Clan¡¯s chief yell. He is normally more composed. The crowd of hundreds becomes quieter as the whispers begin to rise. Nekam¡¯s intent for me to shame my opponent seems like it is having an effect, perhaps he wished to get a rise out of the Clan¡¯s chief, the man¡¯s grandfather. Though such a thing is dangerous, it makes me wonder what his goals are.


    ¡°I demand a rematch.¡± The man says after a time, he points to my leg ¡°He cheated me, pretending to be injured.¡±


    ¡°You are in no position to demand anything, Henek.¡± The Clan chief says sternly, then pointing to his eyes, he says ¡°Control your emotions.¡±


    The man, Henek nods to his grandfather and closes his eyes, controlling his breathing. When they open again the glow is gone. The crowd has grown almost silent except for the whispers. It is even more rare for the Clan chief to chastise the tribes in his inner circle, those of his blood. I begin to see the machinations of Nekam now as the pieces begin to move. Though his current goal I am still not sure of.


    ¡°He may not be in a position to demand, but I am, my chief.¡± A gruff man says, stepping forward, giving a light bow to the Clan chief ¡°Winning through such means is a shameful thing.¡± The man turns now towards Nekam ¡°Surely you would not be satisfied with a shameful win, Nekam.¡±


    I recognize the man, he is Keno, Henek¡¯s father and one of the tribe chiefs of our Yul Clan. Nekam and Keno have been rivals for many seasons now. There is a grumbling in the crowd as he speaks. He is not favored by many other tribes. Keno is the Clan chief¡¯s second son. His tribe and those in the Clan chief¡¯s inner circle often receive benefits others do not.


    Barnak, our Clan¡¯s chief scratches his beard, giving an eye to me for a moment, then looking out amongst the crowds. He does not answer one way or the other. A wise decision, one I can respect, he will let it be settled between the tribes. Leaving none of the blame on himself.


    My eyes glance over at Nekam, my tribe¡¯s chief. There is a glint in his grey eyes as they meet mine, one that I recognize. He sees an opportunity. An opportunity that he wonders if I will earn on his behalf. I nod to him in agreement, though there was never really a choice. A grin slides over his mouth for a brief moment as he steps forward.


    ¡°You are not satisfied with your son¡¯s failure and seek a rematch.¡± Nekam says pacing slowly around the mats, then turning to look upon Keno he finishes with ¡°What do you offer?¡±


    Nekam means to take more than a single spot from them. It is a bold move, one that if Keno refuses will make him look weak. Either way, Nekam will win something. Another lesson he often teaches us, when your enemy seeks something, you must seek more. I only wish that I did not have to be the one whom he uses to achieve whatever goal he seeks. Such is my lot though.


    ¡°Two spots to the winner.¡± Keno says, lowering his gaze level with Nekam¡¯s ¡°None to the loser.¡±


    Nekam scratches his beard pensively, then stops pacing and looks to the crowd, many give him nods and grins. He is well-regarded amongst the other tribe leaders, unlike Keno.


    ¡°Would it not be shameful, by your logic to take from you twice? Your son has already proven himself¡­ unworthy.¡± Nekam says, now only a few paces from Keno ¡°Perhaps we could spar and settle it between us?¡±


    There are cheers from the crowd, Keno¡¯s eyebrow twitches at the provocation.


    ¡°There will be no fighting between my chiefs, this is not the Madricka, it is for surface crew rights only,¡± Barnak interjects, breaking his silence finally.


    Nekam nods to him respectfully, he already knows this, we all know that tribe chiefs may only fight during the Madricka. It is held every five years. Nekam wished to shame Keno when he refused. There are few foolish enough to fight my tribe¡¯s chief, fewer still with such a large crowd to witness it. Barnak made another smart move here I realize, keeping order among chiefs and the Clan while protecting his son¡¯s honor, in the same breath one could say his own as well.


    ¡°What do you propose?¡± Keno asks, his jaw flexes even though he tries to hide his anger.


    The murmuring in the crowd rises as some people laugh. Keno does well trying to hide his anger, he is more tempered than his son whose fists are clench and eyes threaten to glow again. Would that he could understand that I do not wish to shame him. There is no choice in it for me. No pride for beating someone less skilled.


    Nekam raises his hand in the air extending some of his fingers ¡°Three of your spots.¡±


    ¡°Three of my spots?¡± Keno asks, turning to look at Nekam fully. His jaw rolls as he thinks about it. He turns to his father the Clan¡¯s chief but he says nothing.


    ¡°Are you afraid?¡± Nekam dares to ask, then doubling down ¡°Are you not confident in your own son?¡±


    Keno¡¯s eyes widen at the blatant provocation. My jaw tenses, Nekam will anger the Clan¡¯s chief if he continues.


    Nekam laughs loudly, and the tribes who do not like Keno join him. Every laugh builds the shame higher. Barnak shoots Nekam a warning glance, and Nekam¡¯s grin loosens a little as the laughter stops. Barnak moves towards his son Keno and whispers something in his ear that I cannot hear and slips something inside a pouch into his hand.


    ¡°I am confident in my son.¡± Keno says with a grin now, a grin that I can see makes Nekam wary as his eyes try to see what¡¯s in Keno¡¯s grasp ¡°I wonder if you are as confident in your pet Ulima.¡±


    Nekam¡¯s jaw rolls now as he treads more carefully ¡°What do you propose?¡±


    ¡°Five spots to the winner, none to the loser,¡± Keno says, his grin deepening.


    Nekam paces again as the whispers grow louder, people pointing to Keno¡¯s hand. We all know what could be in it. I can tell from Nekam¡¯s face that he wonders if it is a bluff. Using such a thing for the sake of one¡¯s pride would be a double-edged sword. However, Nekam has left himself no recourse, if he refuses he will look to be the weak one. Another move made by Barnak which shows how he became the leader of thousands.


    ¡°I accept,¡± Nekam says finally, his grin having faded and his eyes narrowing at Keno.

 Chapter 2: Maka

    <hr>


    Kalon


    <hr>


    Chapter Two: Maka


    Galactic Quadrant: Darna Quadrant


    Ruling Government: Talum Merchant Federation


    Solar System: D-447


    Planet: Ora


    Location: Beneath the planet''s surface, Naro City, Yul Clan Assembly Hall


    <hr>


    Keno beckons his son to him as Nekam beckons me, the crowd is louder now, anticipation high in the air. Nekam grabs my shoulder and leans in to speak.


    ¡°If he has what I think he has, keep your distance until you find your moment,¡± Nekam says, then turning to look at Keno and his son Henek. There is a wariness in his eyes as he says ¡°Do not show them your truth, when you get it from him, send it towards me.¡±


    I nod to Nekam. Now remembering the words of the Sage and his guidance. If they knew my truth, they may try to sell me, or worse yet, slay me. I am lucky that Nekam is not like them, or else he would have sold me years ago. Though, if I fail him today, that may not remain true. My jaw flexes as I prepare myself.


    Keno turns his gaze toward us now, his hand clasped on his son¡¯s shoulder. A grin rises on my opponent¡¯s face as he grips something firmly in his hand. I take the time to stretch my body, if he has what we suspect, I will be at a disadvantage, I must be limber and ready for what is to come.


    ¡°You have accepted the terms, yet I am not an unfair man,¡± Keno says, his chest puffed out, his pride returning to him even against the grumbles from the crowd at his statement, as he is known to be a particularly unfair man.


    Behind Nekam, I see my best friend Arrum coming towards us. His brow is heavy with sweat, he must have won his match as well, his face wears a grin as he nods to me. Behind him is Nevari, Nekam¡¯s only daughter, she gives me a warm smile and a nod as she approaches our side of the mats. Her eyes and mine linger for long enough that her father gives me a look. Calling me back to my focus.


    The crowds gather more now as other sparring matches end and everyone comes to see the commotion. Hundreds of sets of eyes searching for what will happen next. There is eagerness in their eyes, I can feel it. Yet, in me there is none. Regardless of the matches outcome, someone will despise me. Either Henek and his family, or Nekam and his. Even if I win, I still lose. Such is the lot of an Ulima.


    ¡°I wonder how deep the faith you have in this Ulima goes,¡± Keno says sneering at me before looking back to Nekam.


    ¡°Speak plain or not at all,¡± Nekam says, standing next to me, crossing his arms.


    ¡°My three versus your one, or my one with what is in his hand versus your one,¡± Keno says.


    Nekam¡¯s jaw flexes, Keno is trying to change the dynamic and keep everything in his favor. In making it Nekam¡¯s choice, he attempts to shift the shame of using unfair advantages. My eyes move towards my chief as he mulls it over for a moment. Before he speaks, Barnak the Clan chief gives him a look, one that says tread lightly.


    ¡°Three times the fighters, three times the prize,¡± Nekam replies, his eyes narrowing at Keno ¡°Fifteen spots to the winner, none to the loser.¡±


    Fighting three would be easier than fighting one with what they may have. Even though I am wary of the numbers, I am glad to have an alternative. If I win though, the shame will be deeper with greater numbers. My eyes glance at Nekam, his eyes stare back, telling me failure is not an option.


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Keno sneers through his unkempt brown beard, the whiskers hang over his lip, nearly hiding the voracious smile sliding across his mouth. The depth of it makes me uneasy, but I do not show it.


    Keno snaps his fingers and two men a few years older than me move through the crowd. My eyes take in their strides, trying to glean their movements before the match begins. They give me nothing, making me more uneasy. I feel a tug at my arm as my friend Arrum shifts toward me.


    ¡°They are brothers.¡± Arrum whispers to me, his gaze fixed on the two men that Keno called ¡°I fought the taller one, his right knee is injured from our fight. Exploit it.¡±


    I look towards the taller brother, he does not show it pains him, but I trust Arrum with my life, so I nod. Nevari comes to my side next. Her breath tickles my ear as she whispers to me.


    ¡°I did not fight the shorter one, but I watched his match, he overextends after parrying.¡± She says, then leaning closer still ¡°If you win, you will be one step closer to not being Ulima, win for me Kalon.¡±


    She pulls away, giving me a smile as her hand grazes mine. Much to the annoyance of her father, his eyes stare holes through mine as my gaze turns to meet him. She has a habit of getting me into trouble with him. One that despite my life as an Ulima, I cannot find the will to ask her to stop. Her affection is one of the only things I look forward to. A small light in the bitter darkness of reality.


    Across from us no more than twenty paces, Keno raises his hands to silence the crowds as the three square off with me. The two brothers and Keno¡¯s son. Three of them versus me. If I win, Nekam will surely reward me. If I lose¡­


    ¡°I give you one chance right now Nekam.¡± Keno says, the smile thick through his beard, his brown eyes glinting in the flickering lights ¡°Forfeit the two spots you owe me, and you won¡¯t lose fifteen.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°Let the blades decide,¡± Nekam says, folding his arms once more. The crowd roars in approval.


    Barnak steps forward before Keno can reply, the crowd grows quiet again as he moves to inspect our blades, coating the edges in fresh black ink. His eyes meet mine for but a moment, there is something hidden behind them, but he does not show what it is. My eyes focus back on my opponents, the two brothers stretch and prepare in earnest, meanwhile, Henek stares at me with bitter determination. He is angry, a mistake. Anger when working with others can cloud the flow of battle. I will exploit this as well, as I must if I want to win against three.


    The two brothers converse quietly when they finish stretching, one tall and one short, both with red hair, tied back in braids. With the sides clean shaven. Their eyes are blue like ice. Scars upon both of their hands and arms tell me they are accustomed to real blades. They must be like me and Arrum¡­ Ulima. This makes me wary of them, more so than Henek, as like me they have had to survive using their hands, as their blood was not enough.


    I must learn the breadth of their strides, so I keep my distance even before the match begins.


    Barnak moves back from the sparring mats, the air is thick with building expectations as he raises his hands into the air, looking back and forth between me and the three of them.


    ¡°Begin!¡± Barnak roars.


    Henek moves first, the others rolling into his shadow. My pulse quickens as I feel the first notes of their blade¡¯s song. There is disorganization as Henek charges though, yet still, I keep my distance, if they encircle me, it will be over before it begins.


    ¡°Do not run Ulima!¡± Henek yells as he lunges, I parry his strike meant for my chest. The two brothers move after, giving weak jabs to test my defenses.


    These two by themselves would have posed more of a problem for me than with him added. He subtracts from their fluidity, like oil added to water he churns between them, murking the melody of their blade song.


    I cannot remove him first though, I need him to win this. They are wary to outshine him, I can feel it in their stride, he is their chief¡¯s child. Yet they know if they fail they may be truly forsaken¡­ it is the same for me. If I do not perform, Nekam may abandon me to the cold. I would not blame him for it. It is the way of my people.


    My emotions temper as I harden myself against their plight, my own must come first. One cannot survive among my people with empathy alone. My eyes glass over as my heart hardens and my feet trace towards them, I exist in the moments between the chords of their song now, all other worries pressed from me. I begin to feel the battle''s rhythm.


    Their blades cut at the air, finding only my shadow as I turn and strike them after a roll. They look to Keno who shakes his head no, his father Barnak says nothing of the black ink that drips from where their arteries flow. My jaw flexes, but as I glance at Nekam, he does not seem upset, perhaps he expected this. With them not respecting the rules, if I do manage to win, then the shame only deepens, so too will their hatred. Nekam has put me in a bad position.


    They retaliate with a chaotic chorus of uninspired movements, all singing to me, all screaming their intentions¡­ intentions I intend to usurp. When I truly find the rhythm¡­ the tempo changes between us. My strides match and mix into theirs, moving between them now, I have found the melody that my blade sings to find theirs.


    I unleash a flurry of blows, left then right then right again, feigning another right and crossing with a left. The back of my blade drags across the shorter brother¡¯s throat, ink drips from them as their eyes widen. He steps back from the fight, showing he understands he is slain, as is our custom. I hear Keno spewing at him in the old tongue, but I cannot be distracted by it.


    The tempo demands my pace increase, I move onwards to the next who will hear my blade''s melody, three stabs between the ribs of the taller brother. After I parry the jab and slide my blade down his wrist, I roll to his back and kick out his knee, though not as hard as Nekam would have wished, it still sends him to the ground. Arrum was right, his knee was weakened. Even though it is three versus one, it brings me no pleasure to injure someone like me. As an Ulima, he will likely be made to work through his injury now.


    My focus turns towards the last one, Henek, the grandson of the Clan chief, the son of the rival of my tribe¡¯s leader. His eyes flicker back and forth at my work, not believing what he sees. As I move forward to close the gap he stumbles back, I see fear in his eyes as they glow lightly, the bioluminescence swirling in them as his chance of winning circles the drain.


    Then suddenly I feel a strike on the back of my head, sending me in a daze forward as I instinctually roll. As I recover on my feet, I see something that surprises me.


    The two brothers that I dispatched are on their feet, ink mixing into their sweat. My jaw flexes as I realize they do not mean to honor the rules. My eyes shoot towards Nekam, his gaze is upon Barnak the Clan leader. There are yells from the crowd, calling them cheats, yet Barnak says nothing. He will not accept victory unless I beat them more firmly. A move I do not respect. The Sage once told me that power is fluid, the more someone tries to grasp it, the less they control it.


    The two brothers abandon their previous attempt to not outshine their leader''s son and come at me in earnest. My head is still dazed, and now I am on the defensive, their melody has changed. I roll back twice to increase the distance, I feel a strike at me from the crowd hitting me in the head once more. My eyes look back and I see Keno sneering at me.


    ¡°You will say nothing my chief?¡± Nekam says loudly, his arms unfolded. Yet Barnak says nothing, pretending not to notice what has happened.


    Anger is rising in me rapidly. It was not enough that they dishonor the customs and pretend my blade''s ink is worthless, now they unfairly strike me from the crowd. I must be calm, anger is not what I need here. Moving between them I strike again and again, but they do not honor my blade''s cuts. Whirling around, I move so Keno is not behind me as I move towards the edge of the mats. There are roars of outrage, yet no one dares interfere without the Clan chief¡¯s permission.


    Another strike, again from behind, my head turns and I see another of Keno¡¯s tribe holding a metal rod. I feel warm blood trickling down my hair and rolling down my neck. My vision is blurred as I stumble forward, my head feels concussed.


    The two brothers grab me, pushing me to my knees after a series of blows, my eyes move to Henek and my jaw flexes as he holds up a clenched hand.


    I feel it in the air before I see it. A stirring in the very fabric of existence, a pulse of energy as he draws power from the object in his hand. My people know this energy as Maka, though the ones who rule above us call it by their own word¡­ Ether. In his hand, there is no doubt now, he holds a shard of Etherium. One of the things we risk our lives to mine in the deep tunnels. To use it for such a thing is unheard of outside the Madricka fights.


    The lights in the room begin to flicker faster, bright blue light erupts from the cracks in his hand¡¯s grasp as runic lines begin to etch upon his skin. I struggle, trying to rise, but they have pinned me, twisting my arms behind my back and stepping on the backs of my knees. I see Nekam and his son Neeba holding back Arrum who pulls fervently to come to my defense. I shake my head no to him, yet it does not stop him. Nevari¡¯s eyes are wide as she clenches her fists, her father gives her a look that says, do not. She turns back to me, then her eyes trace to the floor. My heart sinks with them.


    Nekam¡¯s eyes do not reach mine, he knows what I know. There is nothing he can do to help me, they are going to teach Nekam and other tribe leaders a lesson¡­ using my body as the canvas for their painting of cruelty.


    ¡°Sekat.¡± I curse under my breath.

 Chapter 3: Shaka-Ul Nupa

    <hr>


    Kalon


    <hr>


    Chapter Three: Shaka-Ul Nupa


    Galactic Quadrant: Darna Quadrant


    Ruling Government: Talum Merchant Federation


    Solar System: D-447


    Planet: Ora


    Location: Beneath the planet''s surface, Naro City, Yul Clan Assembly Hall


    <hr>


    The crowd is fervent with protest, there is outrage and yet as the blows come and strike my body there is no one to stop them. Neither Nevari nor Nekam¡¯s eyes reach mine. Only Arrum holds my gaze as they hold him down. He thrashes against them, despite me pleading him to stop with my eyes. Even if he were able to help me, they would punish him. I do not want this for my friend, only one of us need suffer for our chief¡¯s folly.


    Each strike silences more of the crowd, as though they feel it upon themselves. The message becomes clearer as the strikes batter my flesh. No one is to shame Barnak or his blood. He was tempered before, but Nekam pressed his patience too much, me beating three was a shame they did not accept. The anger from the pain swims to the surface and pulls at my mouth forming words.


    ¡°Using such advantages¡­¡± I say, spitting blood on the floor, a low growl in my tone as the anger flares ¡°You are proud?¡±


    The blows come quicker as Henek¡¯s strength enhances with the Maka that flows into him from the Etherium shard in his grasp. The lines of blue light deepen upon his skin. I feel my ribs threatening to crack even as I flex my body against the onslaught. I wrestle my arms, but the red-haired brothers hold me firm, I try to stand but they press on the backs of my knees still. They do not look at me, shame is written upon their faces, I know this is not what they wish, they have no choice like me, yet it does not stop my anger at them. The anger is rising as the pain increases. My jaw flexes tighter, yet the glow does not come to my eyes. I do not surrender this to him, my pride does not allow it.


    ¡°You are Ulima!¡± Henek yells, spit flying from his mouth as the savage look rises in him ¡°Who are you to question me?¡±


    He strikes again and again until Nekam finally breaks the silence.


    ¡°Enough.¡± Nekam says loudly, the room grows quiet as he says it, so quiet I can hear my own heartbeat ¡°We forfeit.¡±


    Bitterness and anger swirls with relief that the beating will be over. There is a stillness in the crowd now as Keno laughs loudly at what he said. Nekam¡¯s gaze slowly traces over to him, there is a look growing on his face. One that I have seldom seen.


    ¡°You wanted a fight, do not cry when you are losing. I do not accept your forfeit.¡± Keno says, folding his arms.


    The relief falls from me as despair begins to whisper in my bones. My mind hardens for the pain that will follow.


    ¡°Shaka-Ul Nupa!¡± Someone yells in the old tongue.


    ¡°Who said that?¡± Keno roars, moving through the crowd.


    Those who cry cheat, yet cheat to win. It is not a phrase that Barnak enjoys as he looks around the crowd for who said it as well. It is echoed through the crowd now in hushed voices. Too many saying it to punish. His jaw flexes. He must know that he is losing control of the situation. It surprises me that he would make such a move in the first place. He should have cut his losses after losing the fight. They have left themselves vulnerable here, and Nekam is treading us both into dangerous waters. The bruises forming upon my body are a testament to it.


    Henek¡¯s blows do not stop as the crowd whispers Shaka-Ul Nupa more and more, replacing their silence with protest again. Something is different now though, there is a difference in the air that stirs with me, it is my anger. It threads and weaves into my blade¡¯s song. Making a melody that is meant for the dead. All I need is an opening, yet the brothers who hold me do so firmly.


    ¡°Arrum, no!¡± Nekam yells, but it is too late, hope rises in me, mixing with the anger.


    Arrum moves from Nekam and his son Neeba¡¯s grasp as he slips onto the mats, a look of rage on his face. He will be punished severely for this, there is no doubt. He moves towards the taller brother, keeping low, dodging a metal pipe from one of Keno¡¯s men, the same who struck me. Arrum twists through the air like water through a stream, his flow hard to follow. The taller brother has no choice but to let go of me to stop Arrum¡¯s assault. In this moment I throw my weight against the ground, pulling the shorter brother directly into Henek¡¯s next strike, knocking him out cold. His body slumps to the ground, releasing me¡­ and my anger.


    Henek¡¯s eyes dance with bioluminescence as I rise to my feet rapidly, clutching a dulled blade in my hand. To my left, I hear a scream after a sickening cracking sound. The taller brother clutches his knee which is bent sideways unnaturally. Arrum is being pulled back from the mats by Nekam and the others of our tribe. It takes four to subdue him, yet he still kicks and claws to get back out onto the mats to help me. I give him a nod as the blood drips from my lip, he has already given me more than enough to find victory. He has changed the dynamic.


    Keno moves towards me on the mats, but Barnak seems to have noticed the crowd''s displeasure and grabs his shoulder pulling him back. A move he should have done before, it seems to relieve some of the tension in the crowd. Leaving only me and Henek, who looks to his father for help. Even The Clan chief does not think me capable of beating Henek as I am now, battered and bruised. I have felt worse, been beaten worse than this. As an Ulima this is nothing. My neck rolls and cracks as my eyes narrow.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Even with the Etherium shard, Henek¡¯s cowardice shines through as he backs away from me, even with all his advantages, with my body sore and beaten and still he seeks more. Rage rises to meet it¡¯s brother anger, creating a fire of vengeance in me.


    My free hand picks up another dulled blade from the mats, the ink smears across the ground as I drag it before rising fully again. There is no intention in me to mock kill him with the edges. When I move now, my intention is to cause him as much pain as possible until he admits defeat since they will not give it. The message written in my eyes means that I will give back what I have been given, with interest. Still, the fight is not over. Moving to the taller brother who clutches his knee still, I kick him in the jaw swiftly, his body going limp like his brother¡¯s. Now I can focus on Henek, I must be wary of him. Maka can make a person unnaturally strong and fast, especially when they pull it from Etherium like he is.


    Letting him come to me, I dodge his first strike. Stabbing my dulled blade under his arm, kicking the blade from the hilt, driving it into his nerve bundle, following up with a roll as the blade falls, I strike again, this time at his shoulder, feigning up then dropping my body down as I strike behind his knee. The air rushes as his hand whips at where I was. He is much faster, but even enhanced, the gap between our skills is too wide. He was raised in privilege, I can feel it in his stance, in the snarl of his lip as he moves to follow me again with another miss. He did not survive the harsh winters among unfamiliar faces, he did not have to prove himself his entire life just to eat, my pride was forged from the skill I have honed¡­ his pride is of his birth, being above others.


    He channels more Maka from the Etherium shard, the air swells with it, so much I feel it leaching into my own body. His control is wild and unrefined, undisciplined and wasteful. My body breathes in the Maka, pushing it into my extremities, fueling my frame to move faster as my heart beats quicker, the steam beginning to flow from my skin. As the strength rises, I no longer have to evade. As the speed of my body increases, I meet him head-on.


    I turn on him now, matching his speed with my own. His eyes widen in disbelief as I strike him hard in the chest four times after feigning for his jaw. He coughs blood as the lines deepen. I strike as he recovers, and the Etherium falls from his hand to the floor, he dives to grab it, and I knee him in the ribs, pressing him from reach. My eyes move to it, I see his father Keno racing towards it to give it back to his son, but I throw one of my blades at it, I would have taken it, but I must not let it touch my skin¡­ lest they see my truth. My blade slams against the shard sending it towards Nekam who grabs it swiftly. Those in my tribe and others form around him, blocking Keno who tries to retrieve it.


    ¡°Cheat!¡± Keno roars at Nekam, now coming towards me with a balled fist, I twirl to evade a blow from him. His son rises to meet me now too and I slap him down, then follow up with three strikes to the nerves bundles in his neck, two on one side and one on the other. His eyes roll back as he passes out.


    Keno moves his hand towards his sheathed blade, not a dulled one, but the one he uses to slay men. Nekam moves like the first ray of light come dawn and intercepts Keno¡¯s strike as he draws the blade, throwing him to the floor, kicking the blade away as he pummels his face with a series of blows. The crowd roars as a brawl breaks out between the various tribes. I see Arrum leap to the man who hit me with a metal pipe during the match, wrestling it from him and striking him with it. Two more come to flank him, but Nekam¡¯s son Neeba comes to his aid kicking them back.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Barnak screams, but no one heeds him over the commotion.


    There is a man coming in Nekam¡¯s shadow now, my legs pull me to intercept him, but before I can there is a light thud in my back, I whirl around and see Nevari, Nekam¡¯s daughter holding back a metal pipe meant for my back. She rips it from the would-be attacker¡¯s grasp and kicks them thrice in the knee until they buckle and she finishes with a blow to the jaw using the metal pipe. Their body going limp. Our eyes lock for a brief moment, but there is no time to thank her, I turn and move to intercept Nekam¡¯s attacker, but he stops as a loud siren erupts over the noise of the fighting. Then there is a loud cracking in the air as Barnak discharges an energy weapon into the floor. The crowd steadily grows quiet as people separate.


    ¡°I said enough!¡± Barnak yells, others from his personal guard come now, also armed with energy weapons.


    None of the other tribes in our Clan have these weapons, it is illegal by the rules of the City chief for any except the Clan chiefs and their personal guards to own them. Punishable by death, not just for yourself, but your entire tribe. It is how they maintain order when disorder rises. It is why they can be unfair and most do nothing. It is not the first time Barnak has had to show this strength, but it is so rare that I have only seen it one other time. During the ration shortage years ago after the Sage¡­


    ¡°This is the Yul Clan Assembly Hall, you do not riot here, never here.¡± Barnak says, turning the barrel of his weapon to the ground ¡°If the other Clans saw this, what do you think they would do?¡±


    Keno steps forward, his face battered, his right eye beginning to swell profusely.


    ¡°They would come in the night and slay us, my chief,¡± Keno says.


    Barnak nods in agreement.


    ¡°We must band together, or we will fall,¡± Barnak says, putting the weapon back on his belt, clapping a hand on Nekam¡¯s shoulder and his son Keno¡¯s.


    Nekam¡¯s jaw flexes and his eyes move to the energy weapons that his guards hold before moving back to Barnak.


    ¡°Understood, my chief,¡± Nekam says, giving him a bow and extending his arm towards Keno.


    Keno does not embrace it for a few moments, he makes Nekam hold it there, to show him his place below him before he finally takes it in his grasp.


    ¡°Nekam you will receive seven spots, Keno will keep eight from the wager.¡± Barnak says, raising his hand before the crowd can get upset ¡°Both sides did not follow the rules, therefore the entire prize cannot be won.¡±


    There is a look that Barnak gives Nekam, one he gave before that says again¡­ tread lightly. Even though it is less than half of the original fifteen spots from the wager, it is better than no spots being gained. This is a smart move for him, despite the clear failures of leadership, it gives some show of fairness, yet he still shows dominance with his blood keeping the majority. Keno¡¯s face does not look pleased, his eyes move to his father, yet he says nothing to contradict him. Perhaps Nekam¡¯s fists have made him realize he is not untouchable.


    Nevari comes to my side as her father mulls over the high chief¡¯s decision. Looking at my injuries, her face shows concern as she brushes against my skin lightly. Entangling her pinky and mine until her father gives a glance toward us.


    ¡°We accept and thank you for your generosity my chief,¡± Nekam says, giving him the customary bow again.


    There is grumbling in the crowd, but no one dares be loud enough to be singled out, not with the guard tightly gripping their weapons.


    Barnak nods to him. Then addressing the crowd he says ¡°We will finish the rest of the matches tomorrow. Go home, come tomorrow with fresh minds and bodies.¡±


    The tribe leaders give him a bow and people begin moving to leave the assembly hall.


    Arrum rushes over to me, grasping my shoulder tightly, giving me a nod. As we move towards the exit, Nekam grabs my other shoulder and leans in, not breaking stride.


    ¡°Well done.¡± He says, giving me a nod of approval. He looks satisfied somehow, despite the results.


    When we reach the edge of the building and gather our clothes to dress for the frigid cold outside, I can¡¯t help but wonder how much of what happened was within what Nekam intended. Did he mean to rile up the Clan chief and start a deeper feud? If so, to what end? If there is an opportunity, I will try to ask him, the curiosity rises as the anger falls away.


    My eyes reach Henek¡¯s when I am putting on my thick boots, his stare is one I have known before. One that means the anger he holds will not end tonight. Yet another face that wishes mine did not exist.

 Chapter 4: Hakashen

    <hr>


    Kalon


    <hr>


    Chapter Four: Hakashen


    Galactic Quadrant: Darna Quadrant


    Ruling Government: Talum Merchant Federation


    Solar System: D-447


    Planet: Ora


    Location: Beneath the planet''s surface, Naro City, Yul Clan Assembly Hall


    <hr>


    The Yul Clan assembly hall''s main door stands before me, a large disclike shape with the Clan¡¯s symbol etched deep into it. My eyes follow the deep grooves, wondering after the hands that shaped it. It is said our clan is nearly four hundred years old. It''s one of the oldest I know of. Yet in nearly four hundred years we have never breached the city¡¯s center walls and taken refuge with the greater clans. It would seem we have always been content with being on the outer shell, battling the frost. Still, to have survived this long, there is merit in this. As my eyes trace the deep grooves in the door, I can¡¯t help but admire the craftsmanship. The flourishes in the metal speak to a better time.


    Arrum comes to my shoulder, having finished dressing faster than the rest, like me. His eyes dance across the design as well.


    ¡°Do you think we will see one when we join the surface crew again?¡± Arrum asks, touching the grooves of the creature depicted in our clan''s symbol.


    ¡°Pray that you don¡¯t.¡± Nekam says, coming from behind us ¡°The Shakal beast is not one to be trifled with.¡±


    We give him a small bow as he steps in front of us, now turning to look around the room, his eyes almost searching for something among the crowd.


    ¡°Anything that survives on the surface is to be feared.¡± Nekam says, then raising a hand and spinning it in a circle he finishes, now addressing the group ¡°We move.¡±


    The twenty warriors our tribe brought all answer in unison with ¡°Hakashen.¡± In the old tongue, it means simply ¨C Your will is my command.


    When all are ready and in a tight grouping Nekam pulls his Clan Talisman and inserts it into the door. The symbol of the Shakal beast illuminates as the thick door begins to recede into the wall, the cold air whips against us immediately, stinging our faces as we move onto the walkway. The door closes quickly behind.


    ¡°We move swiftly,¡± Nekam says, opening his stride. He takes point with his hand on his blade''s hilt.


    We cross the chasm that divides our Clan hall from the lower residential district. The thick metal is slick as we move, and icicles dangle from the side railing. It is a narrow bridge, better for defending raiders. Beneath the walkway is darkness, the depths where we mine during the winter months when the snows bury the surface. What lurks in the depths is often close in all of our minds. My breath tightens as I focus on the present.


    Looking at Nekam who is across first, I see there is wariness in his eyes as he scans the surroundings. He knows what we know, Keno and his tribe may try to slay us on the journey to our lodgings. Though the distance is not far, there is an opportunity to strike.


    My eyes flick to a noise behind us, but there is nothing but shadows in the dully-lit walkway. Stone blocks line the streets that we walk, and grooves notched in the blocks help us walk even with the frost that coats them. Though there is little wind that blows in the undersurface city, when it does blow it chills the bone.


    ¡°Hold,¡± Nekam says raising a fist in the air, we all immediately turn and look in different directions, waiting for his next command.


    My eyes turn to meet the noise and I see an older man moving towards the edge of the railings. His clothes hang loosely on his body, face sunken. He turns to look upon us. There are glowing red etchings running down his neck, where his runes once lay, spindles of darkness ebb from the lines. His left eye¡¯s iris is half red, the whites of his eyes now swirling with deep shadow.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    ¡°Netheric sickness,¡± Arrum says quietly. We all know the signs, we have all seen it, and some of us have even felt its embrace.


    The gaunt old man looks towards Nekam who clutches his blade¡¯s hilt in one hand and something in his pocket with the other. The man¡¯s head tilts quickly towards Nekam¡¯s pocket. He can feel what it is, the Etherium shard, the sickness has heightened his awareness to Maka.


    ¡°You will only find a blade, move on,¡± Nekam warns as the man takes a step towards us.


    A glow of his eyes says he understands the threat, yet he does not turn away easily, nor would any of us, were we he. There is desperation in his stance. By the looks of him, he does not have long until he loses all reason, perhaps a day, maybe two. The Etherium shard that Nekam took from Keno would help him, we all know this, yet Nekam will not give it, and the man knows he cannot take it. Yet we are wary of him still. The desperate do not always see reason. It only takes one wrong move to find a blade in your back. If we lived in a world where we could give it to him, we would, but we do not, such things of value we must horde for our own. Lest we become like him.


    ¡°Move on,¡± Nekam warns him again, drawing his blade now, the side of the blade is notched many times. One for each life it has taken.


    The man sees the grooves in the blade and rolls his jaw, now moving to the side slowly with his hands raised. Nekam moves his hand for all of us to follow him and we do, leaving the man. Yet we know it may not be the last we see of him.


    The walkways are mostly empty as night fast approaches. Only the desperate and the newly forsaken line it, huddling for warmth by the large steam pipes at the connection points. When Arrum and I were younger, before Nekam took us in, we did the same. We are careful as we move by the less fortunate, a blade can come from anywhere at any time.


    When we reach our lodgings Nekam pounds on the door, a slit pulls back and he speaks with the guard, giving him the passphrase. The gear-shaped door slowly pushes forward and rolls to the side, warm air greets us as we move inside swiftly.


    ¡°Welcome home, my chief.¡± The door guard says to Nekam.


    ¡°Any visitors?¡± Nekam asks them as Arrum and I move past.


    ¡°A member of the Dekarn Tribe.¡± The guard replies, handing Nekam a folded and sealed note.


    Arrum stops in his tracks looking back after hearing the Tribe''s name, the girl he is smitten with is one of them. He hesitates, but I pull him forward.


    ¡°Don¡¯t block the walkway brother,¡± I say.


    ¡°I wonder what it is about,¡± Arrum replies, moving with me into the main chamber now.


    Our tribe¡¯s lodgings are less than half of the Clan¡¯s assembly hall, yet the compactness of how we organize it fits our needs. Many eyes come to meet us as we enter, they look us over, meeting their loved ones with embraces and retelling the victories of the day. Arrum and I make our way to our bunk which we must split. Being Ulima we have not earned our own yet. We do not complain though, as we are the only Ulima in our entire tribe. We are lucky to be in the warmth.


    Were Arrum not Nekam¡¯s nephew by blood, I do not think he would have taken us in. Arrum¡¯s father betrayed the tribe many years ago to marry Arrum¡¯s mother. After they both died, Arrum and I traveled here, where we spent many nights in the cold waiting for Nekam to give us a chance to prove ourselves. In the last five years, we have done well, though he seldom says it.


    After we remove our heavy furs and hang them from the side of the bed, we move to the center of the room with the nearly three hundred others of our tribe. As I wait, I feel a tug at my arm from behind, turning I see the smiling face of Nevari. Some of her braids are fraying from the fighting earlier, I did not see her matches, but Arrum told me she won easily.


    ¡°You fought well, Kalon.¡± Nevari says to me, then while twirling a strand of her unbraided hair ¡°Though I expected as much.¡±


    ¡°I heard you fought well also,¡± I say giving her a light bow, as is the custom when talking to your betters. Though she would never say to, she is one of the few who speak plainly with me and Arrum.


    ¡°Cousin, you did well too,¡± Nevari says to Arrum, though he does not reply, his eyes are still on Nekam who reads the note from the Dekarn Tribe.


    Nevari turns to me again, this time more quietly so only I can hear ¡°If you keep doing that well, perhaps someday¡­¡±


    A whistle in the room stops her before she can finish, I am glad for it. Her words are sometimes dangerous, it is a fine line I must walk as an Ulima.


    ¡°Gather round,¡± Nekam says with a booming voice as he steps toward the center of the room. He looks towards Nevari then me.


    The lingering of his eyes on mine, tells me to tread carefully. It does not need to be said, that there is no future for me and Nevari. She and Neeba are Nekam¡¯s only children and they have a duty to the tribe. They will marry with other tribes to strengthen ours. It is our people¡¯s way. As an Ulima, I have nothing to offer the tribe other than my life and blade. Even though I know this, there is still some bitterness in me. Yet I do not let it show. Nor do I stop her advances when they come, even if it is folly.


    ¡°We will talk later,¡± Nevari says as her hand brushes mine. She moves quickly towards her grandmother on the other side of the room where Neeba and Nekam¡¯s sworn brothers stand.


    When the room is gathered and the voices are quiet, Nekam begins telling everyone of the victories of the day.


    ¡°We earned thirty-three spots tonight. By the end of the week, we must earn one hundred.¡± Nekam says, there are some whispers in the crowd at this statement.


    One hundred spots for a single tribe that is not of the Clan Chief Barnak¡¯s blood would be a feat. If we accomplish this, it will surely cause strife. There is wariness in the crowd¡¯s eyes because of this, yet none say it.


    Nekam¡¯s eyes narrow as he looks at each person, before finally saying ¡°I have a plan to accomplish this.¡±

 Chapter 5: Unata

    <hr>


    Kalon


    <hr>


    Chapter Five: Unata


    Galactic Quadrant: Darna Quadrant


    Ruling Government: Talum Merchant Federation


    Solar System: D-447


    Planet: Ora


    Location: Beneath the planet''s surface, Naro City, Nekam Tribe¡¯s Lodgings


    <hr>


    ¡°Give me your trust, and I will give you victory.¡± Nekam says, then he waits for a moment ¡°Those of you that fought today that will fight again tomorrow line up after I call you.¡±


    He calls a series of names, to which Arrum and I are the last ones to be called. We are not surprised by this, we were the best of our age during our tribe''s selection. What I am surprised by is that his son Neeba was not chosen to fight again tomorrow. Neeba¡¯s jaw is tight, yet he does not speak against it.


    After all of us that he called are lined up, he leads us into the chief¡¯s chamber, where he has us line up again. His mother, our tribe¡¯s healer looks us all over, her eyes are sharp as her hands prod us where our bodies are bruised, feeling if the bones are intact. She turns a few away, those who do not need any healing. Nevari and Arrum are amongst them, which is a testament to their abilities.


    Even though I was outnumbered, I cannot help but feel ashamed to have so many bruises on my body. The Sage always taught me to fight with my head before my fists. I should have kept my distance from the edge during my match, perhaps I would have won all the spots. Not expecting unfair people to cheat is like expecting the hungry to not steal food. Next time, I will remember this lesson.


    It takes some time for Nekam¡¯s mother to heal the others, she uses the Etherium Shard we won to channel it. Thinking on it, it surprises me that Barnak did not take it back from him. From the look of the shard, it does not have much left inside it, owing to Henek¡¯s unrefined channeling and it being a weak grade. The once bright blue crystal has begun to lose its luster, it is dull as it glows. Soon its shade will change from blue to red and it will transition into Netherium, becoming hazardous to touch. Taking Maka from its holder instead of giving it. The deeper the red glow, the more dangerous it becomes.


    When it is finally my turn, Nekam¡¯s mother pauses for a moment. She is one of the few who has seen my truth. Though her eyes are softer on me after proving myself for five years, they are still wary of me, she was initially against Nekam taking me in.


    ¡°You are ready?¡± she asks me.


    Nekam stands by the door, holding it closed. His eyes watch me closely though.


    ¡°I am, Unata,¡± I reply kneeling before her, bowing my head, addressing her by her title. It is the old tongue''s word for Healer.


    Her hands slowly move towards my skin, one hand clenches the Etherium shard and the other hand is extended outward, runes ignite upon her fingers. Her control is refined with almost no waste. When she touches my skin, I feel the Maka flow, warmth spreading through my skin, soaking into my body. Like existence itself is breathing into me, giving me life.


    Seeing my apprehension she says ¡°Do not fight it child, let the Maka flow.¡±


    Pulling air deep into my chest, I release it slowly with the tension. The Maka rolls deeper into my skin, flowing through my veins, my body feels lighter, my muscles fuller. The feeling is intoxicating as it courses into my bones. The pain from my injuries during the match begins to leave as my body heals. Her hands are deft as they guide the flow of energy inside of me. Healers are rare among my people. Fewer still are as skilled as she.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°How you have survived this long being as you are¡­ runeless, I will never understand.¡± She says, kissing the pendant of Hempki¡¯s hammer around her neck, the symbol of the God our tribe worships. Now turning to her son Nekam she nods.


    Runeless¡­ my truth. I have known it since I was a boy, and felt its reality my entire life. Were there others to share the shame with, it would not be such a heavy burden, but I am the only one I know that has been forsaken by the gods from birth and lived. An anomaly of misfortune. Forsaken by man and the gods alike.


    ¡°Eat, then rest, tomorrow will be long,¡± Nekam says to me as he opens the door and motions for me to leave.


    ¡°Understood, my chief,¡± I say, giving him a bow as I pass by, but as I leave he stops me for a moment.


    ¡°If you and Arrum earn ten spots tomorrow, you will have earned your own bunks,¡± Nekam says.


    My eyes blink at the words as I nod to him and depart. A difficult task, but it would take us one step closer to not being Ulima. My knuckles tighten as I think about tomorrow. Will he have me shame someone again?


    When I reach our shared bunk, Arrum is already sitting on it. He is mixing the ration bars into a small metal bowl. Mixing it with water makes it easier to eat, the dry ration bar is hard to swallow otherwise. He eats less than half then passes it for me to finish.


    ¡°Not hungry?¡± I ask him, sitting next to him and looking at the larger portion he left me.


    ¡°You need it more than me, I think he will use you again tomorrow,¡± Arrum says with a sigh as he leans his back against the wall.


    I do not waste time; I finish the food. It is bitter and salty. A familiar taste, it is what we all eat in the lower caste clans. Looking back at Arrum again I can see he is deep in thought.


    ¡°What troubles you?¡± I ask him.


    ¡°Thoughts of the heart.¡± He says.


    ¡°Thinking about the note from the Dekarn tribe still?¡±


    He nods, then looks at me with an eyebrow raised, his mood seems to improve as he says ¡°I imagine you can relate? I saw you talking with Nevari again today.¡±


    Rolling my eyes at him, I remember what Nekam said to me earlier.


    ¡°Nekam says that if we get ten spots tomorrow, he will give us our own bunks,¡± I say, returning his eyebrow raise.


    Arrum perks up at this, though he tries to hide his excitement a little.


    ¡°Only ten? He should have asked for twenty.¡± He jests.


    A grin curls over my lip for a moment then I slap him on the shoulder and move to the floor. The bunk is too small for both of us to lie down to sleep.


    ¡°You can have first rest,¡± I say to him.


    Within three minutes he is fast asleep. Soon I will follow. Memories of the matches play in my mind as I drift off. My mind searches for how I could have won the fight without Arrum¡¯s help. Before I find sleeps embrace, thoughts of Nevari trace the edges of my mind as well.


    ***


    Morning comes to meet me as the dim lights flicker on. We do our morning exercises quickly, making our bodies limber, and eating swiftly from our rations. There is anticipation as those who did not fight the day before join our ranks. I am surprised to see that Neeba is still not amongst us. However, I do not ask why he was not chosen. He is skilled, but unlike Arrum and I, he has never been at the top of our age group. His father Nekam is fair in this way, only those who prove themselves fight to earn spots on more than one day.


    As I pass Neeba who leans against the wall, there is an expression on his face, a look that I know too well. Disdain.


    ¡°Do not disappoint the tribe, Ulima,¡± Neeba says to me in a low growl.


    He has never liked me, he barely tolerates Arrum, his own blood. His sister Nevari and he are very different in this regard. Pressing the thoughts from my mind, I focus on the task. Today we must fight again for more spots so that our tribe can thrive on the surface crews. If we do not, only the mines await us. If Arrum and I can gain ten spots for the tribe then we will take the next step towards no longer being Ulima. Perhaps someday even being permitted to fight in the Madricka.


    After we have left the tribes lodgings, and when we are close to the bridge to our Yul Clan, I see the gaunt man from the night before. He looks worse. One of the irises of his eyes is now fully red, it has a dull glow to it. The other eye is half-turned now. The man is whispering to himself and scratching at the bulging ebbs of darkness that crawl along his skin, shimmering red lines moving back and forth on his skin. The Netheric madness has begun to take root in his mind. He stands looking down towards the depths of the chasm.


    ¡°So many pretty lights¡­¡± he whispers as he peers into the darkness. His eyes look over towards me now, his head tilting to the side, he mouths something to me, but I can¡¯t quite make out what he said.


    He moves towards us, but Nekam turns on him, extending his blade outwards.


    ¡°Do not be here when we return.¡± Nekam warns him sternly.


    The man hisses and moves towards the shadows under the pipes. Crouching down now, holding his legs and rocking back and forth, whispering to himself again. My eyes move towards Nekam, I can tell he is debating dispatching him now, before the changing. Yet, he decides against it as he sheathes his blade and bids us to follow.


    As I move towards the Clan doors, I see the glow of his fully red eye in the shadows, fixed upon me. Pressing it from my mind, I find my breath and focus once more on the fights that will come.

 Chapter 6: Kada

    <hr>


    Kalon


    <hr>


    Chapter Six: Kada


    Galactic Quadrant: Darna Quadrant


    Ruling Government: Talum Merchant Federation


    Solar System: D-447


    Planet: Ora


    Location: Beneath the planet''s surface, Naro City, Yul Clan Assembly Hall


    <hr>


    Thoughts of what the gaunt man might have said linger as we undress into our fighting attire. Though my people do not shy away from nudity, we wear just enough cloth so we are not naked. The Sage once told me that our way would seem strange to those who rule above us all. The ones that make even the City Chief bend the knee. Before I can think further about it, my eyes see the shorter red-haired brother that I fought yesterday. I do not see the taller one. Arrum wears a grin as he comes next to me.


    ¡°Looks like his brother did not recover,¡± Arrum says, giving eyes to the shorter brother who looks at him with spite.


    This is not something he should be happy about, despite them being our opponents, it does not mean they must be our enemies. If the taller brother is injured, being Ulima, he may be discarded or sold by Keno. Such a fate I would not wish on anyone.


    ¡°Be careful of him,¡± I say, looking toward the shorter red-haired brother. Arrum sees my frown and his grin slides away, a faint remorse for his callousness plays on his eyes.


    Before we can speak further, the Clan Chief Barnak draws the attention of the room. We move through the crowd towards the rest of our tribe, waiting for him to announce the matches for the day.


    ¡°Each tribe will start with twenty spots, you are eliminated for the day if you lose them all.¡± Barnak begins, then after the murmuring stops he says ¡°The quota to keep your spots is fifty, those who make less than that forfeit them to me.¡±


    Arrum gives me a look, he is confused like I am. Usually, it is only ten spots and to keep them is fifteen. Our clan has five hundred spots given by the City Chief each year. We have fifteen tribes, which means that today will be the last day, usually it is three days. This is a strange move from Barnak, there is a growing displeasure from the crowd, it is palpable. This means that only a few clans will receive more spots today and that the majority will likely go to Barnak. My head turns to Nekam, his expression is calm, breath even. He does not complain as the others do, in fact, I almost see the makings of a grin on the corner of his lip. Did he expect something like this?


    Barnak¡¯s face wears a growing scowl as he listens to the protests growing louder.


    ¡°Those who do not agree are free to leave with no spots,¡± Barnak says sternly.


    A wave of silence falls over the crowd. We all need these spots, working the mines in the summer months is not something any of us want to do. For good reason, it is dangerous and gives little profit. Fifty spots can earn many months of rations if a tribe does well on the surface.


    ¡°Lay your challenges,¡± Barnak says, stepping back, crossing his arms, and petting his beard.


    Nekam and the other tribe chiefs step forward to the center of the room. Now come the challenges, the weaker tribes will wait until half the day is over to issue a challenge. In the hopes that they can fight worn-out opponents.


    ¡°Keno tribe,¡± Nekam says first before any can speak. His eyes narrow on Keno whose face has been healed from yesterday¡¯s beating. There is a smug expression on Nekam¡¯s face as he finishes with ¡°When you have more spots come and see me.¡±


    There is laughter in the crowd as Nekam taunts him. Barnak does not look pleased but says nothing. As I look around the room, I see many of his personal guards around the edges. More than three times yesterday¡¯s amount. Each of them carries an energy rifle. His own weapon stores have increased since yesterday. He is taking no chances today. One can only wonder at what price did he purchase them.


    ¡°Why wait Nekam?¡± Keno says with a sneer, he folds his arms like his father, looking down his nose at Nekam. Though he does not seem keen on the challenge, I can feel it in his stance. Behind the fake smile lurks a coward.


    ¡°Because,¡± One of the other tribe chiefs says ¡°I challenge the Nekam tribe.¡±


    My eyes blink twice as I see who it is. Arrum pulls at my shoulder, also not believing it.


    ¡°We accept your challenge, Dekarn,¡± Nekam says.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Barnak shifts as though uncomfortable at this development, but again he says nothing. Arrum pulls me in closer.


    ¡°The note,¡± Arrum says quietly, covering his mouth with his hand.


    It is strange that Dekarn and his tribe would challenge ours, they have been our tribe¡¯s allies for many years. There is more at play than meets the eye. Perhaps Arrum is right, and this is part of the plan. Perhaps the note spoke of it. As I think about it, my mind begins to distract me with countless theories. Closing my eyes, I breathe deeply, and as I exhale slowly, everything falls away. Arrum comes to my shoulder again about to whisper, but I put a hand up.


    ¡°Focus, we must be ready for our matches,¡± I say to him.


    His face is strained for a moment, but he pulls it back and nods to me reluctantly. Stray thoughts dull a warrior''s senses. Today is important for us, if we prove ourselves then someday we will not be Ulima. Arrum¡¯s eyes narrow as he stretches and sizes up the members of Dekarn¡¯s tribe.


    ¡°I am focused, Kada.¡± He says finally.


    ¡°Good, Kada,¡± I reply.


    In the old tongue, Kada means brother by bond. We are bonded he and I. He is the only one I have ever known worthy of the phrase. I would fight for my tribe, but Arrum, above all is my family. He is the only one that lives which I would throw my life away for without question. Without him, I would be lost. It is only he and Nevari that breach the confines of my hardened heart.


    ¡°Gather close,¡± Nekam says to those of our tribe.


    We all do as he bids and form a circle around him, awaiting his instructions.


    ¡°Save your strength for the matches with Keno¡¯s tribe.¡± Nekam says, looking towards Arrum and I ¡°You two will not be fighting yet.¡±


    Not fighting yet? How will we win spots? How will we prove ourselves? My jaw tightens to stop the defiance from finding my tongue. There must be reason for it. I must be calm.


    ¡°Understood, my chief,¡± I reply, Arrum simply nods, his face tells his truth though. He is angry.


    Nekam tells the other fighters what order they will fight in. Clan Chief Barnak moves closer to the mats, inspecting both tribe¡¯s fighters and blades. When he is satisfied, he dips the dulled weapons in the black ink.


    ¡°Begin,¡± Barnak says, stepping back.


    A fighter from our tribe and Dekarn¡¯s move swiftly to each other, meeting with an exchange of blows. My eyes move towards Barnak, I am surprised to see his eyes are not on the fight, instead, he watches Nekam as he moves slowly through the crowd. Their eyes are locked on one another, as though they are having some kind of conversation without speaking. Before I can ponder on it further another surprise finds me. The match is over.


    ¡°Dekarn tribe, winner.¡± Barnak says.


    Arrum looks to me, then back to the fighters. Our warrior has black ink on his throat. Careless. Nekam does not seem angry as he moves to our next fighter and whispers to them.


    ¡°Begin,¡± Barnak says to the next group.


    The fight barely begins and our fighter is coated in the black ink. My jaw flexes. How could two in a row be so careless? The Dekarn tribe has never been better than us at fighting, we are one of the strongest tribes. How can this be?


    ¡°Begin,¡± Barnak says.


    Another loss.


    ¡°Begin.¡±


    Again failure.


    The next fighter is Nevari, surely she will win. She rarely loses to anyone save Arrum and me. As she makes her way onto the mats, her father whispers into her ear like the others. Her face looks at him squarely for a second, a tensing of her jaw follows, but she nods to him. Her eye glances towards me for a moment, she looks away quickly, as though ashamed. Strange.


    ¡°Begin,¡± Barnak says, his arms are folded, and his hand pets his beard pensively.


    Nevari lunges forward, closing the gap on her opponent, spinning to meet their first strike with a parry. My eyes blink fast as she does not take advantage as they nearly stumble. We have fought many times, and in an instant, I know what is happening. She means to lose. Is Nekam telling them to lose on purpose? To what end? How will we get one hundred spots at this rate?


    When our challenge with Dekarn¡¯s tribe is finished, we have lost ten spots. Putting them at thirty and us at only ten. This will not do. Now we must battle uphill to get to fifty. Our fighters unlike most of the other tribes are rested, their matches over before they began.


    Keno roars with laughter as he comes towards Nekam after his own tribe secures all twenty of another tribe''s spots. They are only ten from fifty. Ten from keeping those spots. Yet, Keno does not challenge Nekam. Is he afraid of what Nekam can do with ten spots?


    ¡°Nekam tribe, we challenge you.¡± Another tribe says.


    Again it is a close ally of Nekam¡¯s that challenges. This must be part of the plan somehow. Does he mean to lower our spots so that Keno will challenge? Only the challenged can relinquish the fight. Is that what he is after?


    ¡°We accept your challenge, Yuri,¡± Nekam says.


    The results are nearly the same as we face them. Each match we lose, our fighters covered in the ink, their fighters bare. Still, Barnak says nothing, he is not unwise, and surely he sees what is happening. His own blood tribes do the same thing to ensure the required spots. Though they pretend they do not, we know it to be true. Only when they have more than enough do they fight in earnest with other tribes.


    We only have one spot now. A solitary spot left, a single loss now will make us forfeit. Keno¡¯s tribe has sixty-three now. He is confident when he walks towards Nekam, with his chest puffed out. He wants Nekam to challenge him, this much is clear when he preens around him in a circle.


    ¡°I have more spots, where is my challenge Nekam?¡± Keno says loudly so the entire Clan can hear.


    All fall quiet as they see it. Barnak mulls his beard in hand still, silently watching.


    ¡°Lay your challenge,¡± Nekam says.


    ¡°He with less spots should challenge their betters,¡± Keno says with a deepening grin.


    ¡°He who is a coward fears a man with less,¡± Nekam replies.


    Barnak clenches his jaw shaking his head at Nekam, but my tribe¡¯s chief does not rephrase, he lets the words hang in the air. There is a brazenness in his gaze as he looks at our Clan Chief Barnak.


    Keno looks to his father, unsure of how to answer. If he challenges us, only Nekam can relinquish it, which means we could win all of his sixty-three spots. Yet there is risk for us. If we lose our one spot then we will all have to work the mines, more so than we did in years past. We have never earned less than fifty spots since I have been a member of the tribe.


    ¡°Still a boy, pretending to be a man.¡± Nekam says to Keno, he folds his arms in front of him now and says ¡°Do you still need your father¡¯s permission or¡­¡±


    ¡°Nekam tribe I challenge you!¡± Keno yells, spewing spit as his temper rises to meet Nekam¡¯s provocations.


    A grin wraps itself around Nekam¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°We accept your challenge, Keno.¡±

 Chapter 7: Sekat

    <hr>


    Kalon


    <hr>


    Chapter Seven: Sekat


    Galactic Quadrant: Darna Quadrant


    Ruling Government: Talum Merchant Federation


    Solar System: D-447


    Planet: Ora


    Location: Beneath the planet''s surface, Naro City, Yul Clan Assembly Hall


    <hr>


    The muggy air is made thicker with anticipation as the other tribes finish their fights and come to watch. Our ally Dekarn steps forward and bows to the Clan Chief Barnak.


    ¡°My tribe withdraws with our sixty-seven spots, my chief,¡± Dekarn says.


    Barnak nods to him, waving his hand dismissively. Yuri moves forward next and gives the same customary bow to the tribe chief.


    ¡°My tribe withdraws with our seventy-one spots, my chief,¡± Yuri says.


    Both of our allied tribes fought against one of Barnak¡¯s blood tribes and won soundly.


    Again, the Clan chief waves them off dismissively. His expression is less suppressed than before, he is irritated, but he does not go back on his word and take the spots. There is commotion in the crowd at this. With both of them leaving the bout it removes more than one-third of the spots that are left. Of Barnak¡¯s blood tribes, only Keno¡¯s still has enough to keep. The desperation intensifies now for those left.


    As the two allied tribe leaders walk by Nekam, they embrace arms and give grins. Further inflaming Barnak who taps his foot waiting for them to leave the center. Once they have, Keno steps forward and meets Nekam in the middle. His jaw is clenched tightly as his pride struggles against Nekam¡¯s grinning face. Across the mats, I see Keno¡¯s son Henek wearing the same face as he stares me down. He is still angry I shamed him, revenge lingers in his eyes, I can tell that he wishes me to become a notch upon his blade.


    ¡°You seem upset Keno,¡± Nekam says, provoking him further.


    Keno loosens his jaw and gives a fake smile as he crosses his arms.


    ¡°No special deals to offer?¡± Nekam asks, raising his arms to the crowd ¡°It is strange, no?¡±


    There is laughter at this, much to the Clan chief¡¯s displeasure.


    ¡°What do you propose?¡± Barnak interjects before his son Keno can speak.


    The room falls silent, Nekam is almost taken aback by Barnak speaking, but he tries not to show it.


    ¡°Your three blooded tribes versus mine,¡± Nekam says, leveling his eyes to Barnak.


    ¡°Sixty versus twenty, in one-on-one matches?¡± Barnak asks him carefully.


    ¡°Yes, my chief,¡± Nekam says.


    Keno and those who support him laugh profusely at this. There is laughter in the crowd, people whisper insults about Nekam¡¯s intelligence. Calling him a fool. It is a ludicrous proposal. While we are better fighters, fighting so many, back-to-back. They will be able to rest more between fights and spread the burden on three times as many. Such a disadvantage, why does he seek it?


    ¡°You ask for much yet only have one spot to give.¡± Barnak says astutely, then petting his beard ¡°I will require all of the spots you won yesterday in exchange if you lose.¡±


    The crowd murmurs at this. Usually earned spots from previous days are protected.


    ¡°We accept your challenge, my chief.¡± Nekam says, carefully ensuring that he has the right of refusal if he needs it, then thinking quickly he adds ¡°On the condition that if either side uses Etherium, they forfeit.¡±


    A smart move. One we need, once we get fifty, we should withdraw. Surely this is Nekam¡¯s plan. Without an Etherium disadvantage, there may be a chance that we can succeed.


    ¡°No other rules?¡± Barnak asks, after a moment.


    ¡°The regular rules and no outside help, my chief.¡±


    ¡°That goes without saying,¡± Barnak says with irritation at Nekam¡¯s insinuation that he will somehow seek to cheat with such an advantage already.


    ¡°Then agreed. Again, we accept your challenge, my chief.¡± Nekam says, giving Barnak a deep bow.


    Barnak¡¯s blood tribes move to their side of the mats. Sixty of them, versus twenty of us. His firstborn has forty-nine spots, as does the thirdborn. Our allies left them with exactly one spot below keeping. Was that part of the plan as well? What is Nekam¡¯s goal in all of this? With Keno¡¯s sixty-three, that makes one hundred and sixty-one spots on their wager. Against our one left from today and thirty-three from yesterday.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    ¡°Sekat.¡± Arrum curses quietly. He turns to me, his eyes wide. I think he just realized it too.


    ¡°One hundred and ninety-five spots,¡± I whisper. My heart beats quicker at the thought of it. If our tribe won those, we wouldn¡¯t need to touch the mines at all for at least a year, maybe more. I calm myself quickly, Nekam will not risk taking all of those spots. He will likely stop when we begin to lose matches. I am confident that we can get close to fifty easily. At least two-thirds of Barnak¡¯s blooded tribes have fought hard matches today thanks to our allies.


    ¡°Gather,¡± Nekam says to us all.


    The tension is palpable, many eyes seek answers. Yet we are all loyal and do not question our chief in front of the other tribes. Even if we wish to.


    ¡°Arrum, you will fight the first three rounds, Nevari the next three,¡± Nekam says, then tells the others their order.


    When he is finished, he has not told me when I will fight. Anger froths, how can I prove myself if I cannot fight? My lips betray me as I begin to speak.


    ¡°My chief¡­¡± I say, almost surprised that I spoke out of turn.


    ¡°Patience.¡± He says to me before I can continue.


    ¡°Understood, my chief,¡± I say, giving him a bow.


    When the others move towards the mats, he grabs my shoulder and leans in.


    ¡°Save all of your strength. You will need it.¡±


    My eyes search him for meaning, but he gives little with his expression as he moves forward to the center of the mats. Keno steps back as his father Barnak takes command directly of the three tribes. He is risking nothing to his incompetent children. A smart move, one that I do not think Nekam fully expected. He will not be able to trick Barnak as easily as Keno. Our Clan chief has held power for nearly twenty seasons. Even though he has made many mistakes with Nekam¡¯s provocations, this match-up is not one of them.


    When Nekam withdraws after we hit fifty spots, he will have lost face with the other tribes for not seeking more, after provoking so much. This is the win that Barnak seeks. He seeks to damage Nekam¡¯s pride. He is confident that we cannot gain all of the spots from him, as am I.


    ¡°Fight well, Kada,¡± I say to Arrum as he steps forward.


    He gives me a nod and then moves fully onto the mats, stretching his body as he waits for Barnak to inspect his blade.


    His opponent is much larger than him, a man in his late twenties. Arrum is used to fighting larger opponents though. I am sure he will win, there is only one thing that Arrum is better at than fighting. Thieving, I have never met anyone who can steal as he does. He kept our bellies full on many nights before we joined the tribe. He was always better than me in this aspect. Fighting, however, is my greatest skill. It is seldom that he beats me in a fair sparing match. He is the only one in our tribe I have lost to this year. Though I have never fought Nekam in earnest. I have always wanted to take measure. He is the single greatest fighter in our Clan. There is no one who matches him, with blade or fist.


    Arrum bows to the man as is the custom, the tight knot of hair on his head bobs as he does. The sides of his head are clean-shaven, and his light gray eyes contrast with his dark skin as he looks up toward the man he is meant to fight. There is calm in his stance as he moves slowly around the mat, examining his prey.


    ¡°Begin,¡± Barnak says.


    The man rushes forward, but Arrum stands in place. Conserving his energy, as he must. He knows that Nekam will have him fight ten or more times before the night is over. The man tries to lunge when he is in range, but Arrum turns on one foot. Sliding his blade down the back of the man¡¯s thigh as he stumbles forward.


    Barnak says nothing to the injury, it could be argued that it is not a fatal wound. Though I know it would be, the line traces the artery. Arrum is unfazed by having to strike the man again. He soundly beats him in three more exchanges, having covered him in so much ink that Barnak must wet Arrum¡¯s blade again before the next match begins.


    The next is much like the first, Arrum stands upon a mountain above them in skill alone. Not to speak of his athleticism, he is agile, more so than he looks.


    His third fight causes him to drop a few beads of sweat, after trouncing the shorter red-haired brother. The brother¡¯s skill seems to have declined since the fight yesterday, his anger is fueled by Arrum¡¯s earlier mocking grin when we arrived in the hall.


    We now have four spots and they have one hundred fifty-eight. Some breathing room if we lose. Arrum comes to stand next to me as Nevari moves to the mats.


    ¡°Well done, Kada,¡± I say.


    He gives a weak smile as he catches his breath.


    ¡°Fifty will not be a problem, more than that, I am not so sure.¡± Arrum says, then looking to Nevari¡¯s fight he finishes with ¡°Between us three I think we can get twenty-five. The others must carry the rest.¡±


    Twenty-five between three fighters is a tough margin. I will reserve my opinion until I see the others fight at least one match. Though, I think he is right.


    ¡°Begin,¡± Barnak says.


    Nevari is fluid with her movements, her opponent is much larger than her. He tries to use his size to bully her, but he soon learns that will not help him. Were it a battle of strength she may lose, but it is finesse that decides these matches. Something she has an abundance of. Her dark braided hair bobs as she rolls behind the man, sliding her blade across the back of his knees and stabbing where his kidneys lay under the flesh.


    Barnak rolls his jaw as he announces ¡°Nekam tribe, winner.¡±


    Her next two matches go smoothly, she dances outside of their range as they overextend she strikes them flawlessly. When she finishes, we are now seven spots. Her breath is still even as she leaves the mats. She moves towards Arrum and me, looking me in the eye as she comes. Her grey eyes dance off her tan skin. Even though her whole family has eyes of this color, I cannot help but feel that hers are the most striking. The dark ring around the iris brings greater contrast.


    ¡°Well done, Nevari,¡± I say.


    She gives me a smile and nods, then turns to look at the next matches. My eyes turn to watch as well.


    ***


    In the course of three hours, our tribe has won most of the matches. Though the wear on everyone is beginning to show. Even Arrum and Nevari look exhausted. Drawing on their own bodies Maka reserves to fuel their movements so they can push harder. The other tribes are doing the same as well. Though much less efficiently, there is so much Maka in the air that even from the edge I feel my skin drinking it in. There have been many runes seen during the matches, I cannot help but feel inadequate in the face of those who are blessed. If I had¡­ no, I should not think of what if, I should use the tools I have. I am more than enough.


    Nekam calls up the next fighter, their feet almost sluggish as they move. Their matches were hard for them. However, the end draws near. We are nearly at fifty spots. Yet I still have not been called to fight, I cannot help but be upset by this. Arrum has won seven of his seven bouts, Nevari six of her seven. Why will he not call upon me? Frustration is rising in me rapidly.


    When we reach fifty spots, my hands clench. I am happy for my tribe, but I did not get a chance to prove myself. Nekam steps forward onto the mat towards Barnak now.


    ¡°My chief¡­¡± Nekam starts, but Barnak interrupts him.


    ¡°I accept your withdrawal,¡± Barnak says, turning his back on Nekam.


    Nekam¡¯s smoke-gray eyes dance with the fire of defiance as he looks toward the Clan Chief.


    ¡°My chief, we do not yield.¡±

 Chapter 8: Yalla

    <hr>


    Kalon


    <hr>


    Chapter Eight: Yalla


    Galactic Quadrant: Darna Quadrant


    Ruling Government: Talum Merchant Federation


    Solar System: D-447


    Planet: Ora


    Location: Beneath the planet''s surface, Naro City, Yul Clan Assembly Hall


    <hr>


    Barnak turns back toward Nekam slowly, tilting his head upwards to look down his nose at him. His eyebrow twitches unsteadily as a forced grin finds his lips.


    ¡°You wish to continue?¡± Barnak asks, but it feels like more of a challenging statement. His eyes give Nekam a warning.


    ¡°I do, my chief,¡± Nekam says, the fire in his eyes dances higher as he matches the stare.


    Barnak laughs loudly, but the crowd remains silent. None dare to speak. All focus on the exchange.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Barnak says, waving for the next fighters to move forward.


    Nekam returns from the mats, I want to ask him to fight, but his guidance before tells me to have patience. I can only hope he will let me fight. I must prove myself. All I can do for now is watch each fight intently, watching for the flaws in our opponents.


    ***


    Hours have moved by and my frustration has built higher. Why has he not let me fight yet? I am limber and able. As I look at the other warriors in our tribe, I feel ashamed. They are covered in bruises and blood trickles from them, mixing with the sweat.


    Each side has eighty-one spots now. Each side is battered from fighting, some of our warriors have begun to lose twice in a row. Nekam pulls them out, but he does not scold them. I could easily win ten fights against weakened opponents, maybe even twenty if I conserve my energy sparingly. Instead, he pushes our tired fighters until they can barely stand. Shaming me to stand on the edge, catching their gazes, some whisper insults as they pass me. Even Arrum is looking bad, barely winning a fight he would normally win in three moves. He is tired. They all are. The matches have become one of attrition. People are using the Maka stored in their body¡¯s runes to fight now. Many bear the early signs of Netheric sickness, having expended too much. Not so much that they won¡¯t heal naturally in a few days though. Barnak and Nekam would have stepped in otherwise. Pressing past the brink is beyond foolish, especially since our reserves of Etherium are low.


    It is not sustainable.


    ¡°My chief.¡± I say, coming to his side, bowing deep ¡°Please, let me fight.¡±


    ¡°Patience.¡± He says, giving me a stern look that says silence must follow.


    Keno stands with his siblings sneering at Nekam from the other side of the mats.


    ¡°Nekam where has your vigor gone?¡± Keno laughs as one of our fighters collapses on the mat after only a few exchanges.


    Nekam says nothing as he drags the fighter to the side and sends Arrum in to fight for the seventeenth time. Arrum keeps his distance, his legs sluggish, still he manages to win, only barely.


    Of the twenty fighters we brought only five still stand, the rest lay on the floor too exhausted to move. The other side still has forty that stand. We will never win all the spots. It is impossible. We went from ninety now down to eighty-five. Nekam should withdraw with what our tribe has won. Yet still he insists they go on. Nevari is the next to fall taking us to eighty-two spots.


    Arrum is the last to fall. Taking us to eighty-one spots. His face would be more upset if he wasn¡¯t so tired. The other tribe has thirty that still stand, all of them look worn from the fighting.


    ¡°What is wrong Nekam?¡± Keno pokes, his grin becoming deeper ¡°Did you really think you could win all the spots?¡±


    Nekam looks upon him, rolling his jaw.


    People in the crowd who support our tribe call for him to withdraw from the match.


    ¡°Eighty-one to eighty-one.¡± Nekam says, standing up straight ¡°There is pride in this.¡±


    ¡°Your pride is why you leave with less than you could have.¡± Keno sneers.


    ¡°I wonder, how deep does my pride go?¡± Nekam asks, pensively scratching his beard ¡°Deeper than yours?¡±


    Keno shifts at this, cocking his head to the side.


    ¡°You offer something?¡± Barnak says before his son can reply.


    ¡°All of my eighty-one and all of your eighty-one.¡± Nekam begins, the crowd gasps, and my eyes blink twice as my mind tries to process.


    He is betting all of our spots, all of it, on what? It must be on me. This is why he didn¡¯t let me fight. He wanted to tire them out. My pulse quickens at the thought of all that pressure.


    ¡°I was wondering why you weren¡¯t using your pet Ulima.¡± Keno says, waving his hand dismissively at Nekam ¡°We will not fall for your tricks.¡±


    Barnak raises a hand to his son, the crowd grows quieter, only whispers hitting the air.


    ¡°I would hear the offer,¡± Barnak says, mulling his beard in hand now too.


    ¡°Five against my one,¡± Nekam replies.


    Five against one, my eyes look at their fighters, all of them still feeling the other matches. Spindles of red lines hit their runes. They have little left to give. My tribe did well against them. I am confident I can take five this weakened.


    Barnak moves towards our side of the mats, looking me over.


    ¡°I saw him fight yesterday. It would not be a fair fight on our side.¡± Barnak says, shaking his head no.


    There is grumbling in the crowd at this statement. Others seem to not agree with him, but he is smart to ask for more advantage, my body is fit and ready, most of his fighters are exhausted.


    ¡°What do you propose, my chief?¡± Nekam asks.


    ¡°Ten of ours versus your one.¡± Keno blurts out.


    Barnak pulls at his beard shooting a look at his son. There is anger in his eyes.


    ¡°We accept.¡± Nekam says, then turning to the chief ¡°What say you, my chief?¡±


    If Barnak does not accept, it will make him look weak. This much Nekam knows, Keno has hurt his father with this offer.


    ¡°We accept.¡± Barnak says, then looking to Nekam ¡°No tricks or you lose all.¡±


    ¡°Understood, my chief.¡±


    Barnak nods, giving me a glance one more time before moving towards his side of the mats and picking those with the most strength left. Nekam comes to me quickly, pulling me in close.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    ¡°I have bet everything upon you, do not fail me.¡± Nekam says, now grasping my shoulder more firmly ¡°Show them the depths of despair, hold nothing back.¡±


    ¡°Understood, my chief,¡± I say, my hand is shaking now, so I clench it tightly.


    Everything my tribe has earned falls upon my shoulders, if I lose then we are all committed to the mines. Many may die as a result of my failings. Sekat. My eyes blink fast as I take measure of my opponents. Among them, I see Henek at the front and the shorter red-haired brother beside him. What if I fail? There are ten of them and one of me, what if¡­


    ¡°Yalla!¡± Arrum yells in the old tongue from the edge of the mats, he rises slowly to his feet with Nevari¡¯s help.


    The others of my tribe begin to yell the same, their words fill me. Its meaning to find the calm within resonates as I drop my blades to the ground. Closing my eyes, I find the calm with deep breaths and the slow exhale. All of my opponents have fought many matches today, I am well rested. Nekam would not have chosen me for this if he did not think it possible. My blade''s song begins to hum inside my ears until the chorus becomes a roar. All of the frustration and anger of having to watch presses up, folding into the calm that fills me.


    ¡°Begin!¡± Barnak yells.


    My eyes are still closed, I hear the slamming of feet upon the mats as they charge to meet me. Whoever brings me down will have won their tribe victory. I feel the hopes and desperation to prove themselves in the momentum of wind around me. Still, I do not open my eyes. Not until I become¡­ the calm.


    ¡°Ahhh!¡± the first yells as they are within striking distance of me.


    The toes of my foot grip one of the blades I dropped as I roll backward, launching it toward the voice. There is a choking sound as the owner of the voice slams into the mats. My eyes open finally as my hand grips the other knife after my roll is finished. The one who yelled first grips their throat tightly, black ink drips from it. I do not stop moving to observe it further. There are nine more I must fight, nine more who must hear the song my blade wishes to sing.


    They come wildly without form, each has greed to be the one to mark me. Each screams their intentions to my eyes with their movements. I dance between them, causing them to mark each other in the process. In the first exchange, four are marked.


    ¡°He is only one, come together and strike as one!¡± Henek yells to the remaining six.


    As they press closer together, forming a wall, I lean down and pick up my dulled blade which dispatched the first. I am careful this time to not get close to the edge on their side of the mats. They expect me to wait for them to come, so I explode my pace and launch an offensive. They stumble backward in surprise as I rush into their lines. Wild swings catch only my shadow as I roll between them, changing directions by shifting my weight. One of them drops their blades and tries desperately to tackle me, another does the same trying to grab my wrists. Rolling my arm, I break the grasp and use their inner thigh as a foundation for my foot to leap. Narrowly avoiding the other who tackles the wrist grabber. Before I land, I throw both of my blades at their back.


    They howl in pain as it strikes their kidneys firmly. As I land, I grab two more discarded blades and throw them in quick succession at the next attacker. She deflects one but the other hits her in the chest, between the ribs where her heart lies. Her eyes look down in disbelief. Barnak says nothing as she smears the mark and continues the fight.


    The crowd screams in protest as others who have been slain rise up to meet me again. I am not surprised by this, I expected it. They will not catch me off guard this time. My positioning is cautious. I only turn my back to the crowd on our side of the mats.


    ¡°Sekat.¡± Henek fumes as he smears ink along his arm''s artery.


    There are only three that I have not marked, yet only one of the nine still remains near the edge. The one who struggles to breathe.


    ¡°Break them,¡± Nekam says to me as I pass by, evading a knife being thrown. My jaw flexes at the command.


    Though I know he is right, I do not want to harm those of my clan. Some of them may be like me, being injured, they may be sold or abandoned. My jaw tightens as I harden myself against their plight. My own tribe must come first. Failure is not an option.


    The cold of the calm flows into my mind, suppressing my empathy for their plights. My focus shifts from causing pain to breaking them one by one. If they were rested, I do not think I would even have a chance to win this. If they had not expended all of their Maka reserves on the previous fights, I know I would not have had a chance. Nekam¡¯s plan to wear them down and bet it all on one fight seems to be working. Their sluggish movements are a testament to it.


    The woman whom I struck with a thrown blade earlier comes first, the others move in her shadow, waiting to strike. I throw both of my blades into the air at them, and they move, breaking rank. Leaving her alone to lunge. As she does, I move to the side and grab her wrist. My jaw clenches tighter, it must be done.


    Twisting her wrist fully as I throw her with her own weight. A sickening crack follows as she screams in pain. She does not stop though, she fights through the pain, and so when she lunges again, I break the next wrist, as I must. Slamming her on the ground with it. She moans in pain but tries to rise up, bitterness in her face as she looks at me. She is a warrior, so I treat her as such and kick her in the jaw. Knocking her out cold.


    The next come as three. They are wary of me, not wanting to lunge as she did. I do not have blades to deflect their¡¯s, so I must be cautious. They try to encircle me, but I cut their line and roll through them, kicking off the knee of one. They buckle to the ground as I kick again from the other side, the knee folding to the side unnaturally. This one crawls to the edge, yelling so loudly it can be heard over the crowd. My stomach churns but I do not stop, I must not stop. I cannot fail. I will not fail.


    The other two from the group of three join the other five, making seven left I must dispatch. Their eyes show weakness as they look upon me, my eyes return only the coldness of the violence I will bring them. The one on the farthest left moves like they want to exit the match, but Keno yells at them to engage. His face matches his father¡¯s, anger flows from them steadily. Almost so much that their eyes might glow from it.


    ¡°Come Ulima. Face us fairly. Enough dancing, fight us head-on.¡± Henek says, his lip is bleeding, yet I did not strike it today. His anger is getting the better of him again.


    The crowd laughs at his remark, though I do not think he realizes it is at him.


    ¡°I will remember your words,¡± I say, though I have no intention of fighting them fully head-on, not yet. They still have numbers, when they are fewer, I will give him what he seeks. My fist aches to meet his face.


    They try to encircle me again, throwing blades at me into the crowd. Some of the crowd on their side throw them again at me. So I slide them off the mats towards my side. As I know they will not count any of my marks. The anger is rising in me, our Clan Chief does nothing to stop this. Yet I know if a single blade from our side is thrown, the match will be over, as a loss for us. Calm fills me again, now is not the time for anger.


    Within two minutes, I have broken two more. I am becoming more tired, but so are they. Without runes, my body does not hold Maka well, so there is little for me to pull from. There are only five left. If I can break them, my tribe will win. There has never been a tribe that has won so many spots before, blooded or unblooded alike.


    Another five minutes pass and it is only Henek and the shorter red-haired brother left. They are exhausted by now. So am I. My body is slick with sweat as the steam rises from it to meet the air. Only two left. Pulling everything I have left in me, I finally meet them head-on. I do not try to twist and bend limbs or kick knees until bent. I strike with my fists, pummeling the shorter brother until he is unconscious. Before I finished him with an uppercut to his jaw, he managed to strike me twice in the face, dazing me a little.


    Were he fully rested, I would like to fight him again, I felt great skill in his stride. There is much I could learn from him. My focus turns to Henek now who keeps his distance. He is panting.


    ¡°Get up! Help me!¡± He yells to those on the edge, they turn their gaze from him, nursing their wounds.


    ¡°Cowards!¡± Keno yells at them, he moves to take the mats himself, but his father Barnak throws him back to the side.


    ¡°Come Henek, fight me head on¡­ enough dancing,¡± I say as Henek runs to his side of the mats, hopeful that the crowd will help him cheat me.


    ¡°Keep my name from your lips, filthy Ulima!¡± Henek spits, but he does not come to meet me in the center.


    He is barely upon the mats, others in the crowd are more on it than him, but still, the Clan chief says nothing. They wait for me to approach so they can grab me. I will not make the same mistake as before. Since I cannot go to him, I move to the center of the mats and sit upon the floor, and begin to meditate. Waiting for him to make a mistake.


    ¡°This coward will not come and fight me!¡± Henek yells to the crowds.


    Only his side echoes his words, all of the other tribes say nothing. Though they whisper things that make the Clan chief even more mad.


    ¡°Come coward! Face me!¡± He yells.


    I do not reply, I focus on my breath, trying to take in the Maka that coats the air. In the way that the Sage taught me as a boy. My moment will be like threading a needle during an avalanche, I must be ready for it.


    Someone from the crowd throws a dulled blade toward me, and Henek soon does the same. Each time they do, I grab them by the hilt as they come. Taking the discarded blades and laying them in a line in the center of the mats where I still sit. Only when I have twelve blades laid before me do I stand, because my moment has come. However, they have not realized it yet as I hang my head low, looking at the blades at my feet.


    ¡°If your Ulima does not engage I will declare him the loser,¡± Barnak says plainly.


    Nekam gives him a look, one that speaks a thousand words without a whisper.


    ¡°You hear that? The coward¡¯s going to lose.¡± Henek says.


    I do not respond, I stretch my arms and make myself limber.


    ¡°He will engage or he¡­¡± Barnak begins, but Nekam interrupts him.


    ¡°He has already won.¡± Nekam says, a grin moving across his face ¡°My chief.¡±


    Henek looks towards his grandfather, waiting for his response, as do all the others. Barnak¡¯s jaw rolls as he opens his mouth to speak, his mouth stops as his eyes move towards me, they grow wider as they see what I am doing. Two blades are already streaking through the air towards Henek.


    Keno sees the same and leaps through the air and swats them before they strike his son¡¯s face. He lands on his belly, trying to get to his feet. It is too late however, my feet kick up blades as fast as my hands throw them. Ten more blades sing through the air. Barnak moves to stop one, but will never reach it in time. Two more are stopped by another who tries to block them. My blades were not aimed in one place though, they trace where Henek will stumble as he is pushed to safety.


    Two of my blades strike him in the face, one nearly claiming an eye as it smashes his cheekbone and the other slamming his jaw so firmly that I am sure it is broken. His limbs go stiff and then limp as he falls to the ground. Unconscious, with blood drooling from his slack jaw.

 Chapter 9: Ula

    <hr>


    Kalon


    <hr>


    Chapter Nine: Ula


    Galactic Quadrant: Darna Quadrant


    Ruling Government: Talum Merchant Federation


    Solar System: D-447


    Planet: Ora


    Location: Beneath the planet''s surface, Naro City, Yul Clan Assembly Hall


    <hr>


    The crowd erupts in celebration and protest. A brawl almost breaks out on the edges again, but Nekam holds our tribe and our allies back, telling them no. Arrum¡¯s bruised face is full with a grin as he nods to me from the edge, standing with Nevari¡¯s help still. Her eyes though tired sing me praise.


    Keno slaps his son trying to rouse him to no avail. The other fighters can no longer stand to fight me either. They have lost, soundly. The crowd roars for Barnak to declare the winner.


    ¡°Nekam tribe¡­¡± Barnak says, eyebrow twitching, jaw flexing ¡°Winner.¡±


    Nekam comes to me first, grabbing my shoulder.


    ¡°You fought well.¡± He says, then moves to the other allied tribe leaders to converse. Something is bothering him, yet he tries to hide it.


    It is chaos as our allies jump and yell with excitement, my tired tribe comes to me and grabs my shoulders, no longer casting insults. Now they whisper praise, for the first time since coming to the tribe¡­ I do not feel like an Ulima. Arrum comes to me now with Nevari¡¯s help, the runic lines upon his body are faintly red, he gave much to ensure I could win. He plants his hand behind my head and pulls our foreheads together as we look to the floor that is coated in the sweat and blood of our tribe.


    ¡°Well done, Kada,¡± Arrum says.


    Nevari comes next, giving me a wide smile.


    ¡°I knew you would win Kalon.¡± She says.


    I thank them and the others, but I do not see Nekam celebrating like the rest. His face is calm, as are the allied chiefs Dekarn and Yuri. They speak in a small huddle with serious faces. There is a growing quiet over the room. My eyes move towards the source.


    The smile that once wished to blossom on my face begins to fall as I see all of Barnak¡¯s personal guards filing into the room. A hundred strong, with energy weapons. All wearing mechanical exosuits with metal plating covering their vitals. Even though it is old equipment, handed down from the City Chief¡¯s old stock, it would be folly even if all of us tried to fight them. They would surely slay us.


    ¡°One hundred and ninety-five spots,¡± Barnak says after the room becomes quiet.


    Nekam steps forward, but he does not show he is afraid. His eyes level with Barnak.


    Barnak laughs heartily, filling the silence.


    ¡°No tribe has ever secured so many before.¡± Barnak says, beginning to clap his hands ¡°You have done well Nekam.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, my chief,¡± Nekam says, now uneasy, yet he still stands tall.


    ¡°Too well,¡± Barnak says, Keno stands behind him now, grinning at Nekam.


    ¡°My chief?¡± Nekam asks, but he is not a fool, he understands Barnak¡¯s intent.


    ¡°If you intend to take all of those spots, then you seek...¡± Barnak begins, then without a veil, in the old tongue he says ¡°Ula.¡±


    The crowd becomes so quiet that I can hear the lights flickering on the ceiling above, my own heartbeat is loud enough to swallow the deafening silence. All of us know the meaning of the word¡­ Death.


    There are no whispers as all look to the weapons and suits of metal the Clan Chief¡¯s guard use. This is not a bluff, he will slay Nekam and all of our tribe. He seeks one thing from Nekam now. Submission.


    ¡°My tribe withdraws with our¡­ sixty-seven spots, my chief.¡± Nekam says, then bowing deeply as the guards grip their weapons tighter ¡°The rest we give back to you, my chief.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Barnak says nothing for a time as he looks down at Nekam who still bows. Nekam does not dare look up either, he holds the bow. My eyes flitter over to Arrum and Nevari, both of them wear a concerned expression. My eyes move back to Barnak who stares down at Nekam with his eyebrow twitching and a forced grin on his face. I do not think he liked that Nekam still kept so many spots, even if he returned more than half. The silence does not break until Barnak speaks again.


    ¡°I accept your offering.¡± He says, then turning to the rest of the room he says ¡°Collect your surface chits and disperse. In one week''s time, we march with the other Clans.¡±


    Each of the tribe leaders who won spots on either day come to the Clan Chief now and collect their chits, one for each spot they earned. Our tribe is last. Barnak makes Nekam bow deeply again, this time holding it for more than a minute before he gives him the total of our winnings. Sixty-seven from today, and thirty-three from yesterday. One hundred spots. Still a feat for any tribe. Yet there is no celebration anymore. There is uneasiness amongst all of the tribes that are not of Barnak¡¯s blood.


    We move toward the entrance, our pace is swift. With allies helping to carry our wounded warriors. Nekam shows that he is calm, but the way his eyes flit towards the guards, I know he is wary. When we are dressed, the silence in the room is broken by a yell of pain from a voice I know. Henek.


    My eyes turn to meet his, he clutches his jaw, trying to speak, but he cannot. It is broken. Even with a healer, it may take a week to heal fully, perhaps longer. He seethes when he sees me. More so than the day before. In this moment as I look into his eyes, I know in my gut. One of us will die by the other''s hand.


    ¡°We move,¡± Nekam says to the group. His eyes meeting Keno''s and then Barnak¡¯s one last time before we leave.


    When we are on the other side of the Clan¡¯s door, we move with swiftness like never before. Our allies carrying the wounded from both sides. I carry Arrum on my back, much to his reluctance. He knows he cannot keep the pace, wounded as he is. My eyes search for the gaunt man who Nekam warned previously, I see him farther down the walkway than before, on the opposite side of where we move. He laughs as he sees us, but Nekam does not stop to threaten him again.


    ¡°Faster.¡± Nekam barks, there is worry on his face as we rush, his eyes moving behind us.


    When we arrive at our lodgings, our allies do not leave as I thought they would, they file in with us. My eyes take in the room, all of our belongings are packed. All of my tribe that is not injured is saddled with full packs. My eyes blink but it takes me another moment to understand¡­ we are leaving. But to where? Is Nekam afraid Keno and Barnak will come to slay us? Would they do that? My mind races as I think back to stories I have heard in the past about them.


    ¡°Kalon!¡± Nekam yells from across the room, waving me down.


    I rush towards him, still in a daze. Still not fully sure what is going on.


    ¡°Listen carefully to me.¡± He says grabbing both of my shoulders ¡°I need you to do something for me.¡±


    I nod to him in understanding, looking around the room, many people are moving and making defenses out of the bunks now. I recognize some of the things, they are laying traps. In the way that we practice defending raids.


    ¡°The sick man who lingers outside the Clan hall, I need you to bring him to the Dekarn tribe¡¯s lodgings.¡± Nekam says, his expression is serious ¡°Do not kill him, you must bring him alive. We will wait for you as long as we can. If we are not there, go to Yuri¡¯s tribe.¡±


    ¡°My chief¡­¡± I begin, not understanding fully the task.


    ¡°There is no time to explain, go now,¡± Nekam says to me.


    Moving backwards, I turn towards Arrum who Nevari is holding up.


    ¡°We will take care of him, go now!¡± Nekam yells sternly.


    My legs move quickly, but I do not understand why I must grab the gaunt man. What purpose does he serve? Sekat. How will I convince him to come, and not stab me in the back? My hand checks for the extra blade in my boot as I turn the corner out of the tribe¡¯s lodgings. My feet echo on the arched ceilings. What is going on? It¡¯s all happening so fast.


    Running still, I turn the corner, now seeing the gaunt man. My steps slow as I approach him.


    ¡°So many pretty lights¡­¡± he says, staring over the edge of the railings into the abyss of the chasm below. His eyes are both completely red now. Shadowy lines ebb and flow under his skin like parasites.


    He turns towards me now, I take a step back, hand moving to my blade¡¯s hilt.


    ¡°You¡­¡± he says, tilting his head to the side, stepping towards me with a hand outstretched.


    ¡°I need you to come with me,¡± I say, still gripping my blade¡¯s hilt.


    He cackles, stepping closer to me, there is madness in his eyes that glow dully. Soon he will be beyond reason. I am about to try to convince the man, but I hear something strange in the distance. Metal boots.


    My eyes turn, looking beyond the pillar that hides me, in the distance, a hundred metal suits march towards us, they come from the direction of the Clan building. The gaunt man hisses and runs down the walkway.


    ¡°Sekat.¡± I curse under my breath.


    I sprint after him, he is faster than he looks. The only relief is that he runs towards where my tribe is. Instead of overtaking him, and then having to carry him, I let him run.


    Only when we approach my tribe¡¯s area, do I overtake him and throw him to the ground. My jaw flexes as he fights against me, he is stronger than he looks, those who are close to the changing usually are. I do not have time to argue with him, I must get back to my tribe. There is only one solution, so I hit him in the back of the head. He does not go unconscious as he squeals, scratching and clawing at me. Beating a sick man fills me with shame, but I must follow my chief¡¯s order, the look in his eyes told me it was serious. I strike him three more times until he is still. There is no time to even tie him up.


    Reaching our lodgings now, I bang on my tribe¡¯s door, but there is no answer.


    The metal boots are drawing closer, the cadence echoing faster as they increase their pace. Dragging the man to the next walkway, I peer between two steam pipes at the hundred guards. My heart sinks when I see it is Keno leading them. He pounds on the door.


    ¡°Nekam!¡± Keno yells, there is glee on his face as he says ¡°Did you think it was over?¡±


    There is no answer, so he motions for the guards to blast the door. Molten metal rolls to the floor until there is a hole large enough to enter.


    ¡°Bring Nekam alive.¡± Keno says to the guards, then folding his arms ¡°Kill half of the tribe, we will sell the rest. Father wants to send a message.¡±


    Keno waves them in. Single file they enter steadily.


    My mind is racing. Heart pounding. Did they manage to leave in time? Should I go to the Dekarn tribe as Nekam ordered? My hand clenches as I think of what might be happening behind the melted doorway.

 Chapter 10: Unaka

    <hr>


    Kalon


    <hr>


    Chapter Ten: Unaka


    Galactic Quadrant: Darna Quadrant


    Ruling Government: Talum Merchant Federation


    Solar System: D-447


    Planet: Ora


    Location: Beneath the planet''s surface, Naro City, walkway near Nekam Tribe¡¯s Lodgings


    <hr>


    My hand trembles as I worry about those who may be inside. Thoughts of Arrum and Nevari dying play in my mind. My breath becomes unsteady as I see more and more of the Clan guards going inside the melted entrance to my tribe¡¯s home. The worry rises, nearly half of them have entered. Sweat beads on my forehead as I am reminded of the last time I saw something like this. The ground feels unsteady. My heart slams in my chest as images of death flow into my thoughts. My eyes close, and I slam my fist into my chest. Focus. You are my heart, you beat to my rhythm. Blowing the air from my lungs slowly, my eyes open as the calm fills me.


    The tremble in my hand leaves as I become one with the coolness of the calm. The world feels solid once more beneath my feet. I need to move. Nekam told me to go to the Dekarn tribe, I must go there. Slinging the gaunt man over my shoulder, I move down the walkway. Before I am halfway, I feel a tremor and hear a loud explosion that shakes the walkway. Frosting the air with loose ice. Large sheets of ice crash around me onto the ground.


    I turn and move back to the edge, peering again between the steam pipes as I crouch low. I must know.


    A cloud of smoke plumes from the hole of my tribe¡¯s doorway. Guards stumble out, clawing at their armor, trying to rip it off. My eyes grow wide, deep red and black lines trace along their exposed skin. Red dust glitters in the air as the smoke presses further. Netherium.


    Keno runs away from the doorway towards the Clan building, fright on his face as the other guards who were outside as well back away swiftly. They are wise to do so, Netherium causes their suits and weapons to malfunction. It is why the City Chief has the Clans send tribes into the mines. Machines do not survive the mines, even parts of the surface are inaccessible by most machines. The guards that were in the direct blast, they will need Etherium to counter the Netherium which traces their blood from their lungs. Lest they become worse off than the gaunt man.


    ¡°Sparkly¡­¡± the gaunt man says.


    I whirl around, his eyes are fixed on the glittering Netherium dust as he crawls toward it, there is desperation in him to get closer to it. My fist strikes him again, knocking him out once more. Shame builds in me for more than striking him. He could have killed me while I was distracted, I made a mistake here. Taking no chances, I use his cloak to tie him crudely before I sling him on my shoulder again, more wary this time of my task.


    He is light, so my stride is fast. Jumping between the blocks of ice in the pathway. There are people from other tribes gathering in the walkways, moving towards my tribe¡¯s lodging. Curious about the explosion no doubt. They give me strange looks as I carry the gaunt man on my back, but they do not stop me.


    It takes me less than ten minutes to reach Dekarn¡¯s tribe door. I bang on it, again and again without an answer.


    My feet move towards Yuri¡¯s tribe door now. It is not far. Within five minutes I am there. Again, no answer.


    Did I take too long? Did they leave me? Where do I go? Focus.


    Steady breaths sharpen me, my eyes look around and I see something I recognize. A handkerchief upon the ground, one that I know well. It is Arrum¡¯s, the girl he cares for gave it to him. He would not have left this accidentally. I pick it up, and carved into the frost underneath is a single word in the old tongue. Unaka.


    It is our word for the mines, it means the depths. With my foot, I kick the word until it is gone, in case someone else may see it. Does our tribe go to the mines? With so many? With the young? It is unthinkable. It would be a disaster. Why does he want me to bring¡­


    I stop walking, shifting the weight of the gaunt man. The gears in my mind begin to turn now, taking in what I have seen. Nekam needs this man, there is no better guide than those on the edge of the changing. No one is better at finding Etherium. It is dangerous to keep them, so many do not do it. Nekam has never. Why would he now? Needing to focus, I breathe deep again. Questions can wait. Time is not on my side.


    Moving again with purpose, I head to the mines. It is a long walk, one that will be made longer if the gaunt man awakens, so I quicken my step.


    ***


    The raspy breaths of the gaunt man hang in my ear. I have only stopped once, taking the time to strengthen his ties. Even putting a cloth in his mouth so he couldn¡¯t bite me, something I was glad of. When he woke, he was very angry. Writhing on my shoulder, but I held him still. I do not want to fail my chief.


    It has taken me nearly two hours to reach the large archways that lead to the mines. Having to cross through the winding back tunnels, and taking the main walks between the outer Clans is dangerous without a large group. When I pass the first set of arched gates, I see there are many people gathered.


    The City Chief¡¯s guards walk the tops of the gatehouses, and below inspecting those who come. There are one hundred of them. All are much better equipped than our Clan¡¯s guard. My heart rejoices as I see members of my tribe near the entrance to the last gate. My step slows as I see our numbers are fewer though. Less than half. What happened to them? Where is Arrum?


    ¡°Kada!¡± Arrum yells. Springing life back into me.


    ¡°I found this,¡± I say when I finally reach him, giving him the handkerchief back.


    He smiles, depositing it back into his pocket affectionately. It is the only thing he has to remind him of her, it is not often they can see each other.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    I release a breath of relief again. Nevari helps him stand still. Though she herself looks worse for wear. Nekam comes next, inspecting the man on my shoulder. He grasps my other shoulder tightly giving me a nod of approval.


    ¡°My chief, Keno, and¡­¡± I begin.


    ¡°Not here.¡± Nekam says, looking around at the City guards ¡°Wait until we are inside.¡±


    A few minutes later, the sound of frosted metal gears opening the gate screech over the voices of the crowd. The majority of the guards keep rifles trained on the other side of the massive gate. The other side is nothing more than a platform affixed by chains that lower into the deep.


    Groups of people file out past us. They hold their bags closely. As they exit, the City guard takes half of their earnings before sending them on their way. Only once they are done do they allow us to step forward onto the platform. There are one hundred from our tribe and one hundred each from Yuri¡¯s and Dekarn¡¯s.


    We make three hundred strong, though some among us are wounded still. With these numbers, the mines are less dangerous, but it is hard to mine with so many. The tunnels are vast and narrow. Making numbers less useful the deeper you go. Still, it is good to have so many. It means we do not have to worry as much about other tribes and clans taking from us. A fight in such numbers would likely be a loss for both sides.


    As we approach the platform, I cannot help but shudder at the thought of descending. The creatures that lurk in the depths are what we all see when the nightmares come. These thoughts are reflected in the others as I look around.


    After we have all loaded onto it, the gate closes, leaving us in darkness. We will not waste the little fuel we have to create light yet. The chains creak as the platform begins to lower. Nekam finally comes to me again.


    ¡°You saw Keno?¡± he asks me. His voice is only loud enough to carry over the chains.


    ¡°I did, my chief.¡±


    ¡°Tell us what you saw.¡± Tribe Chief Yuri says.


    I can barely make him and Dekarn out in the darkness by their gaits as they move closer.


    ¡°Keno came to our tribe¡¯s home, with a hundred of the Clan guards,¡± I say.


    ¡°Vek.¡± Dekarn curses.


    ¡°Did you see what happened next?¡± Nekam asks me, there is patience in his tone, which is not in the others.


    ¡°I did, my chief.¡± I say, then moving closer, as I do not know if they wish others to hear, I finish with ¡°About half of the guard were inside when¡­¡±


    Yuri explodes with laughter, Dekarn gives a light chuckle, but Nekam makes no noise in the darkness.


    ¡°And Keno?¡± Nekam asks.


    ¡°He was outside when it happened. He ran back with the rest.¡± I say.


    ¡°Then your plan was nearly perfect Nekam,¡± Dekarn says.


    ¡°Were you seen?¡± Nekam asks me after being silent for a moment.


    ¡°By other tribes, but not by Keno, my chief,¡± I say.


    ¡°You have done well, Kalon.¡± Nekam says, grabbing my shoulder ¡°I will not soon forget it.¡±


    The three chiefs move away from me now, whispering amongst themselves. I hear Arrum¡¯s limping stride coming next to me. His hand leans on my shoulder. He is steadier than a few hours ago. Once he rests more, he will be fine. He is tougher than most. I suspect it is why the chief took him with us despite his injuries.


    ¡°Where are the others?¡± I ask Arrum quietly.


    ¡°Safe.¡± He says, leaning in further ¡°He has told us little more than to have faith.¡±


    ¡°Hempki¡¯s hammer, that man smells of death,¡± Nevari says.


    She almost surprised me, I barely heard her approach. There is little light besides the glow of the man¡¯s eyes and the others who are losing themselves to the fears of the deep. Bioluminescence swirls in their eyes as they dart around at every noise.


    ¡°Do you know anything?¡± I ask her.


    She leans in closer, so close I can feel her warm breath upon my skin.


    ¡°My father said one thing.¡± Nevari whispers, her hand gripping my shoulder, pulling me closer ¡°Utakin.¡±


    My heart thumps, not just from the closeness of her body to mine, but from the word. I have heard it only once before when the Sage¡­


    The noise of people speaking and my thoughts fall away as the shrieks of the creatures in the depths fill the air. My hand clenches tighter. I hear people¡¯s breath becoming shallow as they listen intently past the creaking chains, searching between the screeches. It is not the shrieking ones we fear¡­ but the ones that watch silently in the shadows. Waiting.


    ¡°We are nearly there,¡± Arrum says quietly.


    The gaunt man slams himself up and down upon my shoulder, causing me to almost lose my grip on him. He is trying to speak through the cloth in his mouth, laughing hysterically then crying desperately. His body reeks of the changing, as well as the stench of him soiling himself.


    ¡°Be still,¡± I warn him.


    A deep crimson light begins to blossom from him the deeper we go, casting a red light across all of us. The faces of the unseasoned are filled with wide eyes and nervous glances towards the shrieks that come from old tunnels long sealed. Those who have spent many seasons in the mines listen to the melody of despair and show less fear, though I know they feel it. We all do.


    Finally, we reach the ground with a thud. We are deep beneath the planet¡¯s surface in the upper reaches of the mines now, in a natural domed room with ceilings so high it drinks all light. The Sage told me as a boy that rivers once ran through the stone here before the planet froze. The nip of the cold is much less here in the deep. Large pipes move up from the ground towards where we came from. It is the geothermal supply that keeps us all from freezing to death in the long winter. The hot steam from the deeper springs.


    Nekam stands in the center of us after we disembark the metal lift. He holds a lantern, the wick freshly lit, casting deep shadows across him. The fuel for it and the others we carry are made from the beasts of the surface, melting their volatile fats into jars. The odor from them is pungent, it is even worse when fresh. I am glad it is not fresh, there is enough stink with the gaunt man who now sweats in the warmer air. Feverishly so.


    ¡°Conserve the fuel, we may be down here for some time,¡± Nekam warns everyone.


    It is not long after he speaks that the platform we came on rises up into the darkness. Red flickers of lights in the hundreds of tunnels remind us we are not alone. Nekam comes to me now, Dekarn and Yuri in his shadow.


    ¡°Let him down.¡± My chief says to me, motioning to the gaunt man.


    Glad to be rid of him, I put him down.


    ¡°Untie him.¡± Nekam says.


    I do as he says, careful to step back after I do. He surely has some resentment towards me for striking him and dragging him to the mines against his will. As he stands, his back is now slightly hunched. His bones are shifting from the changing.


    ¡°So much light¡­¡± the gaunt man says, chewing on his fingernails then laughing ¡°So many choices¡­¡±


    ¡°Where is the light the brightest?¡± Nekam asks the gaunt man.


    ¡°The light is brightest there.¡± The man says, pointing his hand to the left of us, down a tunnel we have never ventured. On the edge of it is a carving of a skull and our word for death. Ula.


    The man suddenly tries to flee towards the tunnel, but Yuri and Dekarn grab him up and hold the man firm as he writhes in their grasp, hissing and snapping his mouth like he will bite, moments of clarity coming and going from him. I cannot help but feel pity for the man, to lose oneself to the changing is something we all fear. We could have helped him yesterday, but now, he is beyond help. My jaw flexes, if the world were not so cruel, he needn¡¯t suffer like this.


    ¡°Where do you see only darkness?¡± Nekam asks him plainly.


    The gaunt man cackles, his glowing red eyes rolling back for a moment. He points a craggily bone-thin finger towards me.


    ¡°There is the darkest of dark¡­ where the light does not shine.¡± He says, his eyes growing wider as the grin deepens, exposing his rotting teeth. Soon they will all fall out and be replaced with sharper ones. The changing has already begun.


    Yuri looks at me, eyes squinting for a moment. Then to Nekam who stares at the man still.


    ¡°You know what I am asking. Do not try my patience.¡± Nekam says to the man, his eyes narrowing at him.


    The man hisses, and a low screech follows. One that causes the tunnels to echo their own. A shiver runs down my spine.


    ¡°They call for me¡­ they want me to join them¡­ embrace the abyss they tell me.¡± the gaunt man says, a mix of glee and terror in his red eyes as they look around, his breath is threaded as he whispers to himself. His face twitches as he scratches deep at his skin. Blood oozing from the wounds.


    The air is thick with Netheric Maka from the tunnels. More so than in our city. Down here, as far gone as he is, he has an hour, maybe two at most. Then he will cease being a person¡­ becoming like the things that lurk in the dark. The shrieks grow louder as the man begins to howl, his jaw snapping wildly, his whispers coming in and out. As though he is speaking to someone which none of us can see.


    ¡°Where is the darkest place?¡± Nekam asks again, drawing his blade.

 Chapter 11: Ona

    <hr>


    Kalon


    <hr>


    Chapter Eleven: Ona


    Galactic Quadrant: Darna Quadrant


    Ruling Government: Talum Merchant Federation


    Solar System: D-447


    Planet: Ora


    Location: Beneath the planet''s surface, Naro City, Mines, Upper Reaches


    <hr>


    All eyes dance in the dim flickering flames, most look outwards, wary of the shadows. Mine look to the gaunt man, who stares at the blade in Nekam¡¯s hand, a smile wraps his lips that turns to a snarl. Madness has begun to dig deeper into him.


    ¡°You threaten me with the blade.¡± The man cackles, then yells abruptly ¡°Do I look afraid?¡±


    Nekam says nothing as he moves it slowly closer to the man, leveling it with him.


    The man¡¯s expressions shift and warp rapidly, his eyes flicker bright then dull. Uncontrollable shrieks come from him. The shadowy lines that ebb on his skin are thicker and more full now. They dance with spindles of red.


    ¡°There¡­ hush I am speaking¡­ no, no, no¡­ tell him yourself.¡± The gaunt man begins, then looking at Nekam fully, he yells once more ¡°There¡­ there¡­ there!¡±


    He is screaming now, pointing towards a tunnel to our right. There is a word carved into the stone above it in the old tongue, Ona¡­ empty. Sometimes this can be a trick from other tribes. Wanting to keep the riches for themselves. This is why having one close to the changing is common practice for some clans. Such a life is one filled with cruelty, being kept on the edge of life and death. Often it ends with many deaths for those that keep them.


    Nekam seems satisfied with this answer and steps forward to the man.


    ¡°Release us¡­ me.¡± The gaunt man says, pulling his head back with a grin and then a frown.


    ¡°I intend to.¡± Nekam says, and with a single swift motion, he stabs deep into the man¡¯s chest ¡°Go in peace.¡±


    Nekam twists the blade, as he must. Normal wounds are not fatal to the changed. Red blood sprays from the wound, there is no anger in the man¡¯s eyes when he approaches the end. His red eyes look at me, a smile wraps his mouth, then there is confusion, and then¡­ nothing. Dekarn and Yuri drop him to the ground. A dull thud and he is dead. The lines of red begin to fade, the ebbing darkness recedes soon after.


    His eyes haunt me now, even as they glass over. If I had not brought him here, he would still be alive. Such a life though, many think ending it to be a mercy. It is strange to think that in the moment that we die, we are dead. I often wonder what follows after, if I am to believe my people¡¯s teachings, then we find peace at last. Looking at the lifeless eyes of the gaunt man, I wonder if he has found peace.


    I did not know him, but his plight, it is one we all see too often. I do not think he knew peace in life, judging from the deep scars across his arms, he struggled for a lifetime¡­ and for what? To die by the hand of a stranger, with no one to mourn his passing. It is the way of our existence, or so we are made to believe, but the words of the Sage told me of another way. One where people need not suffer pointlessly. He told me of worlds filled with trees that give the sweetest of flavors, sweetness¡­ I do not even know the meaning of it. I have only tasted bitterness, sweat and blood.


    Looking around at the others now. No one speaks against what has happened. They all know that someone that far gone cannot come back from the changes. The next phase of the changing is the worst. Sparing him from it we are taught is a mercy.


    His body is left where it lies, the creatures will take it for them. Were he not Ulima, forsaken, perhaps they would carry him to the pyre to be made ash. But they will not waste the resources. Such is the fate of Ulima. Forsaken in life and death.


    Nekam wipes his blade. Many in the crowd of three hundred kiss the pendant of Hempki¡¯s hammer and whisper prayers to their god. He does not. Nor does he etch a mark on his blade.


    My jaw flexes as I kneel down to the lifeless body of the gaunt man. To become the food of the creatures, the Shulka as we know them. Does he deserve such a thing? What was his crime that he should be desecrated and swell the bellies of corrupted things. My hands move over to his, looking him over, I see no markings that say he is a thief, none that say he has committed any crimes. His only crime must have been, not being useful enough for someone to feed him. So to feed himself, he must have given his Maka. Which in turn led him to this. My jaw flexes as my teeth grind. I am mad, though I do not fully understand why. I did not know him, I did not even ask his name. Is this all that we are? Can we not be more? Must we all suffer, or do we make ourselves suffer so?


    The words of the Sage fill my mind as I begin to collect stones from the ground around me. Piling them around the gaunt man whose name I will never know. Shame fills me for not trying to help him, battling against the senses of self preservation I have forged in a lifetime of strife. Shame fills me for not even learning his name. A simple kindness, yet I did not even give him this.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    I hear a sigh behind me before Arrum kneels next to me, pushing the dust and stone against the mans body. He does not speak against me doing it. We know it is folly, the creatures will dig him out as soon as our light leaves it. Yet, it is the act that defines it. A last showing of respect for the deceased that we give, when others will not. Nevari kneels next to me now, though she does not help Arrum and me, her hand on my shoulder brings some comfort. I know this makes me look weak to the others, Kuwathi are not supposed to mourn the dead, we do not cry, we are not meant to dull our blades with feelings. This small shame though, I will bear it for this nameless man, even if it is folly. At least someone showed they cared in the end. This is all we can hope for as Ulima.


    ¡°Those of you from all tribes that are still wounded from fighting will focus on recovery. Dekarn¡¯s tribe, those of you who are fresh will go with your leader.¡± Nekam says. The other tribe leaders stand with him, nodding in agreement.


    Nekam points towards another tunnel that has a strange marking. One I have seen before. Three circles, in the shape of a triangle. It is the same symbol that the Sage used to wear on a pendant. A religious symbol. One signifying the three mothers. It is strange to see it here, but I do not dwell on it long. Dekarn and his tribe move to the tunnel, disappearing into its depths. The gaunt man is covered now, if only for a brief time until the creatures lay claim to him. It is all that I can give him besides hollow prayers to gods I do not believe in. Arrum grabs my shoulder now, nodding to me. Both of us rise as Nekam begins to speak again.


    ¡°Yuri¡¯s tribe will work on opening this tunnel and removing the markings,¡± Nekam says while pointing to the tunnel marked death.


    Yuri leads his tribe to it, they begin prying off the metal sheets and chiseling out the words.


    ¡°My tribe will work on setting up camp in that tunnel,¡± Nekam says, pointing towards the tunnel marked empty.


    He gives no other instruction. My mind is filled with questions. Why are we really here? What is the plan? How will we solve the issue of Barnak¡¯s wrath? As soon as we leave the depths we will be slain by their energy weapons. If we stay in the depths we will lose numbers slowly to the creatures and starvation. We cannot linger here. Judging by our supplies we have enough for four days, maybe six if we heavily ration it. So much of what Nekam has done appears foolish and yet¡­ as I look at him, he looks calm and collected. How can he be so calm? Surely he realizes we are at a disadvantage now.


    These thoughts though many, are at the back of my mind. I worry more about the quiet creatures whom I know watch us, waiting for us to become easy prey. Because of this, we do not separate ourselves too much. Those who venture alone never return.


    ***


    Minutes turn to hours, there is almost no sense of time or direction in the depths. We are still on the upper reaches. In the lower, where the heat is sweltering and the creatures number more, it would be worse. The Netherium is more abundant there, making it hard for most to breathe.


    ¡°Did you hear that?¡± Nevari asks, her eyes looking towards the dark expanse of the tunnel beyond where we make camp.


    Neither Arrum nor I answer as we too peer into the shadows. After a few more moments we return to our task. Placing the lantern a little further away, to give us warning if something comes.


    There are grumbling voices amongst some of the tribe, though none so loud they will speak against the chief. Some blame him for us being here. If he had not pressed Barnak so deeply, we would not have to hide. We would not have to risk ourselves down here.


    ¡°There it is again,¡± Nevari says, Arrum nods in agreement, gripping his blade tightly.


    My eyes squint into the darkness, but they glean nothing. Again, we scoot the lantern a little further. The groups around us grip their own lanterns, wanting to light them against the chief¡¯s orders. They do not, for they know if we run out of fuel down here¡­ we are surely dead.


    When we finish making camp and sealing the tunnel beyond it, we move back to the massive chamber, following the footprints in the dust. Occasionally seeing tracks from the Shriekers and Lurkers. We do not see any signs from the Carvers. It is rare to see them this far up from the depths. The lack of their tracks makes many give praise to Hempki and other gods.


    The Dekarn tribe still has not returned from Nekam¡¯s mission. So the three of us, Nevari, Arrum, and me move to help Yuri¡¯s tribe. They have removed all traces of the markings for death. Strangely they have gone back over it, trying to remove the fresh markings and masking it. As though they do not want anyone to see that it has changed recently. But why?


    They are deep in the tunnels, removing even the smallest proof that they were there. When we ask if anyone knows why we do this, they also are clueless. There is worry amongst Yuri¡¯s tribe, more so than our own. They do not know Nekam as well as us. So they fear more than us that his path may lead to death.


    When Yuri is satisfied with the work, he calls Nekam to inspect. His eyes travel through the tunnel slowly checking the work. It takes him an hour to be satisfied with the small changes. By then, the sound of the Dekarn tribe returning draws everyone¡¯s attention. With them, they carry fur-wrapped bundles. The contents are heavy as they thud upon the ground.


    Nekam walks around in the center of the circle now, opening the bundles. There are whispers in the group as I try to get closer to see. Spears, bows, and shields. Arrows in fur quivers, numbering thousands. Slings and throwing knives. I have never seen a weapon cache like this.


    ¡°Take your fill.¡± Nekam says loudly to the group ¡°You will have need of them in the days to come.¡±


    There is a rush in the group after a few moments of pause. People pushing to get their pick. Arrum and I stand near the back, watching what people choose. The bows are the first to go, then the shields and spears. The murmuring echoes in the cavern, drowning out the screeching from the creatures in the shadows.


    ¡°My chief, why have you taken us here?¡± A voice says from the crowd. Nekam¡¯s eyes level with them, causing them to look away, bowing their head.


    ¡°We have come here for one reason,¡± Nekam says.


    The group falls silent, waiting for an explanation.


    ¡°To wait for our moment.¡± Nekam finishes.


    Wait for our moment? My eyes look around at the other faces that dance in the lantern light. They too are confused.


    ¡°What of our families?¡± another voice asks.


    ¡°They are safe.¡± Nekam explains, turning his gaze to the asker ¡°Soon you will understand all. For now, you must trust me.¡±


    Jaws tense at his words, asking for trust without explanation. He asks much, but he is known to be wise. Our allied tribes have done well since joining us. We all feel that something bigger is at play. Now, feeling the weight of the weapons in our hands, we know war comes. But from where? And when?

 Chapter 12: Vutok

    <hr>


    Kalon


    <hr>


    Chapter Twelve: Vutok


    Ruling Government: Talum Merchant Federation


    Solar System: D-447


    Planet: Ora


    Location: Beneath the planet''s surface, Naro City, Mines, Upper Reaches


    <hr>


    Three days have passed since we came to the mines. Three days since Keno led a patrol of a hundred to our home seeking death. I wonder how those of the clan guard who were in our home when the Netherium traps exploded fare. If untreated, they will soon become like the gaunt man before he found what they call mercy in Nekam¡¯s blade.


    Since we have been in the depths, seven have disappeared. Making us two hundred and ninety-three. There were no cries for help, no warnings, just absence when we did the next roll call. Tensions are high as the food supply dwindles. There is little for us to do to pass the time. Nekam has forbidden us from venturing, saying we must be ready. For what he does not say.


    Yuri and a select few hammer and pound from the tunnel once marked death. The rest of us are forbidden from entering. Nekam assures us that in time we will understand. Yet as our bellies grumble from the rations, we cannot help but wonder if he knows what he is doing.


    We sleep in shifts, each sealed section of the tunnel we make camp has two guards posted. When Arrum and I finish our shift, we pass it off to two others. Nekam¡¯s son Neeba, and a woman I do not know from the Dekarn tribe. Sleep finds me after an hour passes.


    ***


    Realm of Dreams


    ***


    I find myself in the realm of my dreams, a place I often visit when the quiet finds me. Most times there is only despair that greets me. Seldom there is anything but pain. I am relieved to see bright colors and feel the warmth of the breeze.


    There is light here, freedom from the darkness of the mines. A much-needed reprieve. The sun beats down upon me, though it is not real, I rejoice at it. It has been nearly a year since I saw it last. The summer months are short and the winter long. Making the surface too cold to venture out. Burying the things we scavenge.


    This is a dream I have had many times, fields of many colors that sway in the breeze. A planet brimming with life. In the real world, I have only ever seen it in pictures and holos. The Sage used to show us them. Telling us of the wonders that the Galaxy holds.


    Something is different in this dream, something pulls my focus. As though I am being guided towards something deep in the brambles. I travel through the deep brush, the plants move from my path, where I walk the deep colors wither. This has never happened before. My jaw tenses, preparing me for the despair that must lurk beyond. The dream world begins to warp the deeper I move toward what pulls me. There is a whisper in the air that bites at my ear, so quiet I can¡¯t make out what it says.


    My heart is pounding in my chest, the sense of impending doom looming and breathing into me. The voice becomes louder, still only a whisper. It speaks a single word in the old tongue.


    Vutok


    I ignore the voice, moving towards that which pulls me, I am almost to it. Light spreads through the darkness from it. The voice comes louder now, no longer whispering.


    Vutok


    Ignoring it again, I press faster, feeling the dream world slipping away. I am almost to the light that pierces the darkness. When I get closer, I see a meadow of flowers, a woman stands in it, her hair as white as the first snow of winter. It covers her face so I cannot see it. In her hand, she holds something, I can¡¯t quite make it out. As I draw nearer, it appears to be a box of some kind, black in color, as I stare at the box in her grasp, I get an uneasy feeling from it. Darkness dwells within... instinctually, somehow I know this. Images I do not recognize flash in my mind as I peer deeper at it. The voice comes again, yelling so loudly it shakes the dream world, pulling my mind to focus.


    VutokThe narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    The dream world begins to fall away rapidly as I am pulled into the realm of reality. I try to fight against it, I want to see the face of the woman. However, I cannot, darkness consumes me before I can reach her.


    ***


    Realm of Reality


    ***


    I awaken suddenly, and thoughts of my dream play in my mind. My skin is slick with sweat, my breath is unsteady. My mind recalls the word the voice spoke in the old tongue. Its meaning is simple¡­ danger. A strange dream, though not the first I have had in the depths. I roll over to sleep once more, but I am distracted by something. There is a strange scratching noise. My eyes open but there is little light, only from the lantern by those who guard. Standing now, I can¡¯t shake the uneasy feeling, so I move towards the sound, it comes from where the guards are posted.


    My eyes widen as I reach the noise and my heart thrashes in my chest. Dark grey fingers, with long black metallic claws that affix to where their fingernails once grew. They move slowly, picking at the bolts that hold the metal sheets to the rock of the tunnel wall. There are hundreds of them, coming from every crack in the wall of metal we made. My eyes trace over towards the ones who are meant to guard. Nekam¡¯s own son Neeba and the woman from the Dekarn tribe. Both fast asleep.


    ¡°Wake up you fools!¡± I yell, kicking up dust at them.


    Neeba¡¯s eyes slowly open, anger in them when he sees it is me who wakes him. He is about to speak insult when he stumbles backward, now seeing the claws that scratch. Their once slow movements are more fervent now that I have yelled.


    ¡°Sound the alarm!¡± I yell again, such foolishness.


    His eyes dart back and forth at the claws. My body rushes towards the horn in his grasp, taking it from him, I push air with all my might until the tunnel is filled with its cry.


    Hundreds awaken quickly, many lanterns becoming lit, swelling the tunnel with their light. There is a low hissing as the claws slowly retreat into the darkness. My chest still pounds.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± Nekam asks, racing to us, blade drawn.


    ¡°The Lurkers were trying to open the wall, my chief,¡± I explain, pointing to the few claws that still pull away.


    Nekam sees the horn in my hand, his jaw flexes as he looks at his son Neeba.


    ¡°Why is he the one to signal? Were you not on guard duty?¡± Nekam asks, his voice is angry, more so than I have seen in a long time.


    ¡°Father, I¡­¡± Neeba begins, then looking at me ¡°He took the horn before I could blow it.¡±


    ¡°Because you were asleep!¡± Arrum yells, moving towards Neeba, pulling him by the shirt ¡°Do not try to hide your failings. Even when he woke you, you did not find the will to use it.¡±


    The other tribe leaders come now, though they are silent. Watching the exchange. They wish to see what Nekam will do. Nevari comes now too, her eyes dancing between her brother Neeba and her father. There is worry on her face.


    ¡°Bring them both to the center. All will come, except the next shift of guards.¡± Nekam says, then breathing more calmly, he adds ¡°Which is now doubled.¡±


    ¡°Father, he¡­¡± Nevari begins, trying to pull softly at Nekam¡¯s arm, he pulls it away firmly, giving her a look that is normally reserved for those not of his blood. Telling her, silence must follow.


    Her jaw tenses as she lowers her gaze and slopes her shoulders. Her eyes look at me for a moment, there is something in them I do not recognize. Turning my gaze, I see Neeba now staring at me.


    Neeba¡¯s eyes lock onto mine, there is fury in them. They sing to me of the blood they wish to spill from my body. They are almost as bad as Henek¡¯s eyes. I cannot help but be mad at this, it is his fault. Why should he seek revenge on me?


    ¡°The one from your tribe?¡± Nekam asks Dekarn as they move to the large space that leads to the lift and other tunnels.


    ¡°I will trust your judgment,¡± Dekarn says.


    The way he says it, it almost feels like a test. Yuri follows close behind. Still silent.


    Nekam does not reply to him. His jaw flexes as he looks back at his son whom Arrum drags by the shirt. I move to follow, but Nevari grabs my arm.


    ¡°Please, tell my father you were mistaken.¡± She says, her face is more desperate then I have seen before ¡°Tell him you lied if you must.¡±


    My eyes squint at her as my jaw rolls, wishing to speak to her in a manner it never has. She really wishes me to lie? When I joined the tribe, her father said he had two expectations, obedience and truth. I cannot break them. Not even for her. She knows this¡­ yet still she asks me.


    ¡°Please, Kalon.¡± She says, pulling me closer ¡°My brother does not deserve my father¡¯s wrath.¡±


    My eyes search her. But they do not recognize her in this moment. She must know that if I tell Nekam that, I will be beaten far worse than Neeba, perhaps even slain, or thrown to the darkness to become food for the Shulka. She would ask this of me¡­


    There is a tightness in my chest that I do not fully understand. I am reminded of the words of the Sage in these moments as I stare at the woman I thought I knew.


    One never truly knows what another will do for those of their blood


    In the distance, Nekam¡¯s voice brings me back to reality.


    ¡°Let this be a lesson to any who would fall asleep on watch.¡± Nekam says, rolling up his hands with cloth ¡°Strip them.¡±


    Nevari looks at me again, her eyes are pleading and desperate, each tug of her hand sends tremors to my chest, there is pain with the tightness now. As the first strike lands on Neeba, her eyes close as she turns her back on me. Unable to watch her brother be beaten in front of the tribes.


    Nekam beats them in front of everyone for nearly half an hour. With each strike to their nerve bundles, he speaks to teach.


    ¡°Vigilance is virtue.¡±


    Another strike.


    ¡°Complacence is death.¡±


    Another scream of pain.


    The strikes finally end when they both pass out, owing to the pain and exhaustion. Nekam is wise to have done this to his own son. Now we are all made to wonder, if his son fails and receives this, how will we be treated if we fail? Yuri and Dekarn seem satisfied with the result. We all know that Barnak would not have done this. He would have beaten or killed me instead.


    Another few minutes pass and Neeba and the woman are roused, made to redress. Nekam was careful with his strikes, there will only be bruises, it would not do to wound them severely down here. Nekam stands over them, looking at them with disdain and disappointment.


    ¡°Kalon come forward.¡± Nekam says, slowly unwrapping his knuckles, he places a hand on my shoulder ¡°Neeba, you will thank him for doing your duty.¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡­ Ulima.¡± Neeba says.


    Nekam slaps him in the mouth. Neeba¡¯s eyes seethe at me, as though I am to blame for his pain.


    ¡°Thank you¡­ Ka¡­¡± Neeba begins, his lip quivering as he finishes ¡°Kalon.¡±


    Nekam nods to him then me, motioning me to join the crowd again.


    ¡°No one is above the rules.¡± Nekam says, looking into each person¡¯s eyes as he moves between the crowd ¡°Many of us could have died this night. Before our time has even come.¡±


    He is about to speak, but all of our attention is drawn away. Hearts pounding as our heads turn upwards to a familiar sound. The creaking of the metal chains which brings the lift from above.


    Nekam¡¯s head tilts upward towards the darkness ¡°It is time.¡±

 Chapter 13: Vitar

    <hr>


    Kalon


    <hr>


    Chapter Thirteen: Vitar


    Galactic Quadrant: Darna Quadrant


    Ruling Government: Talum Merchant Federation


    Solar System: D-447


    Planet: Ora


    Location: Beneath the planet''s surface, Naro City, Mines, Upper Reaches


    <hr>


    The chains to the lift sing a melody of death as the platform slowly descends. Nekam barks orders for us to move to the tunnel marked empty where we have made camp. Those from Yuri¡¯s tribe who have been doing secret things in the tunnel once marked death come to join us now, their bodies are ragged and bruised. Covered in dust from hammering stone. For what reason, I suspect we will soon find out. Heavy breaths fill the air as we wait around the bend of the tunnel, trying to block the light from the lanterns.


    We dare not extinguish our light yet. The orders from Nekam are passed slowly between us. As the words are passed down there is fear rising in the group. When he reaches Arrum and me, he leans in close speaking only loud enough for us to hear.


    ¡°You will take Keno alive when the time is right.¡± Nekam says, squeezing our shoulders tightly ¡°Do this and you will have earned your place in the tribe.¡±


    So he thinks it is Keno descending the lifts? How many will he have brought? Do they know we are here? Is that why they come? Or is it for Etherium? Their guard could still be sick, perhaps that is why, then all of this¡­ all of Nekam¡¯s plans. My eyes look at him deeper, he has planned this, I can feel it in the way his eyes look back. There is no surprise, only confidence and the calm. How long has he planned this? The bundle of weapons, how much has he planned? What happens next? My eyes try to search him, but I cannot see it all, not yet. Something is going to change, for better or worse, he has bet all of our lives upon it.


    Arrum looks at me, he knows it will be dangerous to complete this task, but there is still excitement in his eyes. We have longed for this day for many years now. Finally, our time has come. Regardless of the risk, we will see it through. We must, if we are ever to advance our station, it is now.


    ¡°You cannot fail this.¡± Nekam says, pulling our heads together he says in the old tongue ¡°Vitar.¡±


    Its meaning, strength of will, spurs the courage within. Something we will need desperately if this is to succeed. I feel my heart beginning to rise in tempo, my hand shakes until I clench it as the warriors blood fills me. I must harden myself before it is time, these hands will know death today, the knot in my stomach tells me this much.


    Nekam moves to the others, giving every group their instructions. When he is finished, we begin interlocking our arms in a long line, Yuri leads the front, Dekarn the back, and Nekam the center. Arrum, Nevari, and I are all in the center near him. I am glad for it. As we interlock, we make the treacherous journey through the darkness toward the sound of Barnak¡¯s blooded tribes. Judging by the noise they outnumber us at least three to one, perhaps four to one.


    It is nerve-wracking to walk in the shadows, knowing that at any moment we might be pulled into it, never to return. Becoming food for the Shulka that lurk in the darkness¡¯s embrace. When we have exited the tunnel, we crouch low, moving in a line towards them. When we are all out, we stop in unison, waiting for the signal.


    Keno seems to be in charge, barking orders at the other tribes. There are more than just Barnak¡¯s blooded tribes here, almost all of their close allies are gathered. They number more than a thousand. Sekat, more than three to one. The only relief is that they do not search for us it seems. They pull at a chain connected to a person in the early stages of Netherium sickness, much like the gaunt man was the first time I saw him. There is no mistaking the half-red eyes that pierce the dark and the ripples of red energy that pulses across their skin. I hear Keno¡¯s voice echoing through the tunnel.


    ¡°Where is it!¡± Keno yells, I hear the unmistakable sound of flesh striking flesh ¡°Hurry up Ulima!¡±


    ¡°Here¡­ here my chief!¡± a voice cries ¡°There is so much light from here, more than anywhere else.¡±


    The shuffling of boots against stone echoes.


    ¡°Hurry up! Father wants us back before the end of the day!¡± Keno roars.


    I feel a tap on my shoulder, telling me it is time. We move in a line again, still interlocking our arms, our lanterns extinguished. My chest thrashes again, holding firm with Arrum and Nevari¡¯s arms. The lurkers will take some of us, but if we show ourselves, Keno will order his army to turn on us, taking our advantage away. I feel tugging on my arm, Nevari presses closer to me, her body in step with mine. Her breath is heavy in my ear. Her hand trembles. Were it not for only a short time ago that she wished me to sacrifice myself for her brother¡¯s failings, I might find more comfort in it. My jaw flexes, it irritates me that despite what she asked of me, I still find her touch a salve to the despair around us.


    ¡°Hold!¡± Keno yells loudly, pointing for his guard to investigate a noise.


    More than half of his entourage are already down the tunnels. Our numbers are becoming more even now. Our group encircles them slowly. I hear shrieks for help cutting the air as some of our people are pulled by Lurkers. The yells disappear as quickly as they do. My teeth grind from the nerves, Nevari and Arrum¡¯s hands grip me tighter now, I can hear their breath becoming uneven as a pull comes from only a few people down. Sekat, we need to hurry.


    Keno raises a hand for people to stop moving, hundreds of lanterns are held high above heads as they squint toward us. Still, Nekam has not ordered any lanterns to be lit, nor will he. If we light now, we are dead. We must get into a better position.


    Another yell.


    Then another.


    Sweat beads on my brow, and my hands are moist with the terror that courses through me. My hand grips Arrum and Nevari tighter, if something comes for them, no, do not cloud your mind with hypotheticals, focus on this moment.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Keno asks loudly.


    We are finally in position when Nekam breaks our silence.


    ¡°Now!¡± Nekam yells.


    One hundred lamps ignite from our side. Nearly fifty Lurkers shriek loudly as they back away, exposed by the lanterns light, one less than a pace from me. My eyes are wide as I take in its features. Spikes of thin metal upon its elongated and hunched body. It wears the flesh of those it has slain upon it, hanging in strips. Some of them fresh, others grey and rotted. Its jaw shrieks at the light, and countless metallic razor-sharp needlelike teeth protrude from its mouth. Its face is molted and half-rotted, covered in rags of decayed flesh. The face of someone who went missing during the days before is crudely cut and placed over the top of its head. Its beady red eyes plunge open glowing fervently as it tries to slink back into the darkness, but it cannot, it is caught between our lights and Keno¡¯s.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°Focus fire on their lights!¡± Nekam roars over all the noise.


    Shriekers from the tunnels howl as they hear the Lurkers cry. We press them back with light, trapping them in between Keno¡¯s group and ours. Our spears thrust at them as we leave lanterns behind us to stop us from being swarmed from behind. We press them to Keno as our archers shoot out their lanterns, spilling fuel upon the holders, and engulfing them in flames. The others see this and abandon their lights and flee towards the tunnel once marked death. My jaw grinds as I hear the screams of those who die in the blazes of lantern fuel, so many more will die today, it is madness¡­ stop, I must focus, my own life, Arrum¡¯s life, these must come first.


    ¡°Steady push!¡± Nekam yells.


    We move as one, holding our shields interlocked with spears pushing inward. Tightening the encirclement on Keno, the blooded tribes and their close allies. Keno desperately tries to flee, but Nekam gives Arrum and me the signal with a glance. My heart slams in my chest as I pull Maka from the air and push it into my frame, my pace exploding to match Arrum¡¯s, his runes glow brightly against the darkness.


    The calm flows as the cold seeps into my veins, hardening me for what I must do. I move in front, Arrum comes in my shadow as we glide through the Lurkers who hiss at us. Our hearts pound but we do not stop, we cannot stop, lest we die. They swing their clawed fingers at us, but we are fast and we are agile, sliding to our knees to stop our throats being cut and then rolling forward between them.


    Keno¡¯s eyes widen as he sees us approach. In the corner of my vision, I see Barnak¡¯s firstborn son with an arrow in his eye, twitching on the ground. Soon the third born follows, engulfed in the flames of the lantern they clutched so desperately. So much loss¡­ focus.


    ¡°On me!¡± Keno screams to his guard.


    Most do not heed him, they flee from the creatures that follow behind us, being pressed forward by our group. Those that do heed him level their weapons at Arrum and me. My teeth grind as my blade finds grip in my palm. Blood sprays from the leg of the first that we cut down together, striking hard and fast. There is no time to think of those who will weep at their passing. We cut deep like we are trained, dragging our sharp blades along arteries and severing tendons as we go. The eyes haunt us as their face fill with panic, desperately trying to stop the bleeding.


    Another comes in Arrum¡¯s shadow, trying to stab him with a spear from distance. I feel one coming in mine, but Arrum rolls as I roll, each taking the others hunter, changing the dynamic in an instant. The one who came for Arrum¡¯s eyes grow wide as he stumbles backward. Tripping over the charred body of another. There is fear in their eyes, so much that it causes me pause. The Sage¡¯s teachings sting at the edges of my mind, the Ulima says cut their throat, slip a blade in their heart.


    ¡°Stay down.¡± I growl at them, moving to turn and help Arrum with his opponent.


    My back is turned for less than three seconds and I hear the whistling of a spear coming towards my back. Spinning, I slap it from the air, slamming it to the ground where I kick it up and throw it back. Spit flies from my mouth as I yell in frustration at the man who looks down at his chest, blood seeps steadily as his eyes fill with confusion. Another set of eyes that will walk in my nightmares.


    ¡°You did not have to die.¡± I say, turning from him, moving to Arrum now.


    Together we fell three, three more that will walk in both of our nightmares. The rest abandon Keno as they take to the tunnels, followed by the creatures our group presses after them.


    Keno struggles to join them, but we cut the tendons of his heels, sending him to the ground, crawling. He howls in pain, begging and yelling for help that will not come as we drag him back. He swings wildly like his son did, hitting only the air. Arrum¡¯s boot finds his head, it takes two kicks to make him still. We drag him back to our group, Dekarn, and Nekam now taking him from us.


    ¡°Do it now!¡± Nekam yells.


    Yuri and his chosen few that spent days working in secret, rush into the tunnel with large hammers, pounding at metal bracing until there is a rumbling in the ground. Stone cracks and falls, sealing the mouth of the tunnel.


    ¡°Tend to the wounded, make a circle of light! We make ready before the lift rises!¡± Nekam roars.


    It is chaos, yet somehow organized as all of us gather in a circle spreading out the light. Bringing the wounded to the lift. Some drag the corpses of their loved ones who were slain in the confrontation. Others hold each other, as there is no body left to take, the Lurkers who did not get trapped in the tunnel, surely feast upon them in the dark.


    As the light rises, the tribe leaders count the numbers.


    ¡°Two-hundred and fifty-one,¡± Nekam says, after counting twice.


    Forty-nine of ours have been lost since we came here days ago, but against the weight of their losses. None cheer for victory, none celebrate, there is solemness as we check our wounds and try to tend to the dying so the number does not increase.


    ¡°My father and the City Chief will kill all of you!¡± Keno bellows after waking up, laughing manically ¡°All of you are dead!¡±


    ¡°Be silent,¡± Nekam says, tying his mouth closed. There is no disdain as he does it as I thought there might be, he is calm.


    Nearly nine hundred souls are trapped in the tunnel. The rest of their original numbers, save Keno and those who did not get trapped we leave to their fates until our own are cared for. As they would leave us to ours. Such is the way of my people in times of war. Yet, as I move to the lift, my eyes travel to a young man around my age. He is chained at the joints, barely able to move, though not by us. It was Keno who did this. He is being held now in the circle with the others of the blooded tribes who yet cling to life. Hostages, like any who may survive the tunnel.


    My feet stop as I see him fully, his head hangs low as he clutches a lantern in one hand. In his other arm, he grips tightly a person, the one whom they also chained and called Ulima. The one they forced to walk the edge of the changing. I recognize both of them, they are the red-haired brothers who were made to fight me alongside Henek. The taller one who Arrum injured, I realize now is the one they forced the changing on. His leg is splinted crudely. My stomach churns from it. Arrum¡¯s eyes hollow as he sees what has become of them. There is no grin from him, only pity as he clenches his shaking hands. Looking down, I see that mine shake as well. Thoughts of those whose blood coat them still fresh on my mind.


    Arrum pulls my shoulder to move me, but I stop again after a few paces as I am surprised by the words the shorter red-haired brother speaks to those who pass. He asks them to help his brother, he does not beg for himself. When none answer his plea, he hangs his head, praying to the gods. His words are loud enough for me to hear.


    ¡°Hempki, hear my prayer. I offer everything I am, please look after my brother¡­ take from me what you will, but please¡­ spare him.¡± He says, his eyes hum with bioluminescence, sadness filling them, his blue eyes mixing with the red of the Netheric Maka that courses through him as he tries to give his own Maka to stop his brother¡¯s changing. It will not be enough, it is folly. He must know this, yet still he persists. He is in a great deal of pain, yet still, he does not cry for himself.


    As others pass, he begs again, bowing deeply to them, sacrificing his pride willingly, asking them to deliver his brother from his fate. Nekam¡¯s voice rips through the air addressing all of us. Pulling me back to focus for a moment.


    ¡°Half will stay and guard the hostages, keep the lamps lit, we will return before the night is over! The other half with me!¡± Nekam yells.


    ¡°We must go Kada.¡± Arrum says, pulling me harder ¡°This is not our plight.¡±


    The shorter red-haired brother does not beg anyone to save him like the others of the blooded tribes. Their screams cut into the air as they howl. He does not even pray for himself. This could be Arrum and me if our situations were reversed. My heart aches thinking of it. I move closer, my stomach turns in knots as I see the taller brother is not too far gone to save. It is possible to save him if treated today. It must be today though.


    ¡°Kalon, we can¡¯t help them.¡± Arrum says sternly, then looking at me seriously ¡°We can barely help ourselves.¡±


    ¡°If it were you.¡± I say, then turning to him fully ¡°If it were me.¡±


    ¡°It is not us.¡± he says, pleading to me with his eyes ¡°Do not take the weight of the world on your shoulders brother. You owe them nothing.¡±


    Arrum is right, I know he is. I owe them nothing, they belong to an enemy tribe, Ulima or not. Yet, the words of the Sage play in my mind though as I look upon him.


    It is not enough to simply survive, only with compassion can we as a people thrive.


    It was not the only virtue he preached, but he said it was the one our people lacked the most. Owing to our station and the harshness of our reality, it often is looked down upon as a weakness.


    My jaw rolls as my head hangs lower. Arrum and I have joined the others. Leaving the brothers to their fate. The chains rattle as the lift begins to rise. We are barely more than a hundred, the rest guard the hostages still and ensure the hundreds do not dig out of the tunnel. Nekam has not told us the next phase of the plan, only that we need to be ready for anything. Looking at my hand in the dull lamplight, I see it still shakes. Gripping it firmer with my other hand, I calm my nerves like the elders teach with the slow breath. It is not over yet. I must be ready.

 Chapter 14: Dena Pok Ulnah

    <hr>


    Kalon


    <hr>


    Chapter Fourteen: Dena Pok Ulnah


    Galactic Quadrant: Darna Quadrant


    Ruling Government: Talum Merchant Federation


    Solar System: D-447


    Planet: Ora


    Location: Beneath the planet''s surface, Naro City, Gateway above the Mines


    <hr>


    The lift creaks to a halt as the gears lock into place. We are all still, yet our breathing is heavy. The large metal gates swing open slowly, basking us in the light of the gatehouses. Nekam¡¯s stride is swift, we follow behind him in a disorganized group that soon becomes cohesive. He moves towards one of the City Chief¡¯s guards. The insignia on his shoulder tells me one thing, he is in charge.


    ¡°I see you have survived, despite my predictions.¡± The man says, looking Nekam and all of us over. His men hold fast their weapons, keeping them trained on us.


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Nekam says, extending his hand outwards, dropping a pouch into the man¡¯s hands ¡°As promised, fifty surface chits now, fifty later.¡±


    ¡°The price has risen.¡± The man says, cocking his head to the side ¡°Doubled in fact.¡±


    Nekam stares at him, but he does not argue, it would be folly.


    ¡°Understood,¡± Nekam says, giving him a bow.


    After he finishes with the man, he motions us to follow. His pace is even faster than before, forcing us to jog behind him.


    Where does he take us? What is the plan? Dekarn and Yuri drag Keno with a few others. He thrashes, trying to yell, but his mouth is bound.


    ***


    We have marched for nearly two hours now, steam rises from us as we approach our destination. The Clan Hall. Nekam holds a fist in the air, telling us to halt finally. We are tired, none of us fit to fight well, yet Nekam brings us here, my jaw rolls as I try to think of what plans he must have.


    ¡°Dekarn, Yuri, if you do not receive word before the night is over.¡± Nekam says quietly, between breaths ¡°Then I have failed, finish what was started.¡±


    They nod to him, dropping Keno, taking with them more than half the group.


    Just like that, they are gone. What can we do with so few? Even with half of Barnak¡¯s guard down from the traps, they still have suits of metal, not to mention energy weapons. If he means to bring us to fight¡­ we march to our deaths. My eyes trace to Arrum, he also has questions written in his eyes. If Nevari was with us, I could try to ask her, but she stayed with Neeba in the mines. Sekat. What are we doing here?


    Nekam takes a few more moments, catching his breath. Pulling his hair back into a tight braid. I see for the first time, his hands trembling. My eyes grow wide as his fear breaks into me. His eyes turn to look at me then the others. The tremble in his hand disappears shortly after. Calming us with it.


    ¡°Do not be afraid, our journey does not end this night.¡± Nekam says, there is power in his voice as he becomes the calm pillar of strength we have all known ¡°We move.¡±


    Two warriors from my tribe grab Keno under the arms and drag him behind us. It does not take us long to see the Clan¡¯s door, the bridge we must cross is covered in fresh frost.


    As we walk over the chasm, I see bloody bootprints smudged underneath in the old layers of frost. It must be from the guards that got caught in the Netherium traps days ago. I wonder how they fare and if they live still. They must all be close to the changing.


    Nekam inserts his tribe chief talisman into the door. Frost sprinkles to the ground as the gears turn. Warm air hits us as the thick circular door recedes into the wall. We follow in Nekam¡¯s shadow, my heart beats faster as I see the walls of the large assembly hall adorned with guards. Each points their rifles at us as we pass. Nekam¡¯s stride is calm and measured, he shows no fear as he approaches Barnak who sits upon the Clan chief¡¯s chair.


    A metal cup falling from Barnak¡¯s hand and striking the floor breaks the silence.


    Keno is laughing even through his gag now. His eyes are bloodshot from it.


    Barnak comes forward now, his eyes blinking fast. He looks at Keno on the floor, a blade to his throat to keep the laughter down.


    ¡°My eyes deceive me¡­¡± Barnak says, his mouth not fully closing as his eyes widen at his son soaked in blood.


    ¡°They do not,¡± Nekam answers.


    ¡°My tribes?¡± Barnak asks, stumbling forward almost.


    ¡°Alive.¡± Nekam says, then folding his arms in front of him ¡°For now.¡±


    ¡°Keno, does he speak the truth?¡± Barnak asks, coming closer still.


    One of the warriors moves to block him, but Nekam shoots them a look, causing them to sheathe their blade and back away. Barnak kneels in front of Keno, taking off his gag, and swatting the knife from his throat. Nekam nods to the man who holds it, he too backs away. Allowing father and son to converse.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°Kill them all!¡± Keno screams, the guards look to Barnak who says nothing as he looks upon his son¡¯s injuries ¡°I said kill them all! Fire upon them!¡±


    My group grips their blades, but Nekam is serene with the calm aura that wraps him. He does not even flinch at the words. His breath is so steady it makes my own calmer. His face is not of a man concerned with impending death.


    ¡°Does he speak the truth?¡± Barnak asks again to Keno.


    ¡°Father, why do they not listen?¡± Keno asks, looking to the guards ¡°Cowards kill them all!¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± Barnak says, gripping his son''s shoulders ¡°Does he speak truth?¡±


    Keno looks at his father, his face is confused, he is not the only one who feels it. It is written upon some of our faces as well.


    ¡°They ambushed us, yes.¡± Keno says, then looking to Nekam he spits upon the ground near him ¡°Like cowards they pressed us into the tunnel and then¡­¡±


    Barnak¡¯s eyes sink low to the ground as Keno retells what happened. His hand grabs softly at Keno¡¯s mouth after a time, closing it as he stands. Moving towards the Clan chief¡¯s chair and slumping into it.


    ¡°How did you best me?¡± Barnak asks Nekam after nearly a minute of silence. There is defeat in his tone, as though he does not intend to fight.


    ¡°Your first mistake was selling your Etherium reserves for more weapons and armor,¡± Nekam says.


    ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°The stone you gave your grandson to use in the fight, the marks on it were fresh. Meaning you just had it mined. That paired with the increased guard the next day. I was fairly certain.¡± Nekam says, then turning to look at him fully ¡°The City Chief¡¯s guards confirmed my suspicions with a little bribe.¡±


    Barnak lets out a weak laugh that dies in his throat, his eyes sinking deeper to the floor.


    ¡°So, you intentionally provoked me, knowing that our stores were low. Causing me to spend our reserve on weapons and armor.¡± Barnak rolls his jaw, scratching his beard ¡°You knew I would send my guard, into your Netherium trap.¡±


    ¡°Knowing that you would seek out fresh Etherium to cure your guard,¡± Nekam says, holding his head high, and looking down upon Barnak.


    ¡°So, the other tribes telling us you fled to another Clan¡­¡± Barnak says, then shaking his head ¡°I should have known, most have been unhappy for many seasons.¡±


    He lets out a long sigh.


    ¡°I fell right into your trap, every step of the way.¡± Barnak chuckles, but there is bitterness in it, mixing with depression as reality sinks in.


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Nekam says.


    ¡°Never have I been so soundly beaten,¡± Barnak admits.


    He leans forward, tenting his hands on his face.


    ¡°Only the Sage could have made such a plan,¡± Barnak says, his eyes turning up to meet Nekam.


    ¡°The Sage is long dead,¡± Nekam says.


    ¡°Is he though¡­¡± Barnak says, his eyes leveling with Nekam for a moment ¡°I wonder at that as I feel his hand in this exchange.¡±


    There is something strange in how he says this. The Sage is dead, why does he act like he isn¡¯t? Does he just mean that his schemes feel like something the Sage would have done? My eyes look to Nekam, but his face shows no signs of changing. If I had not seen the Sage... I would not be certain. Yet somehow hearing this causes me to doubt for the first time in many years. I brush it off as a prideful man¡¯s reluctance to admit defeat.


    ¡°What do you offer?¡± Barnak asks, leaning back in the chair, though his posture is still that of a defeated man.


    ¡°Your children¡¯s children I will spare. So long as you transfer peacefully, they will be looked after.¡± Nekam says.


    Barnak winces at this, hanging his head low. There is regret on his brow. Sadness lurking beneath his eyes. Still, he does not fall completely into despair, he gives a strong face even in the face of everything.


    ¡°I thank you for that kindness.¡± He manages to say, now resting a hand on his temple and leaning on the chair''s arm ¡°How am I to die?¡±


    ¡°Death by combat.¡± Nekam declares.


    ¡°You give me kindness again.¡± Barnak says to Nekam, leaning his back wearily against the chair ¡°I can choose my opponent?¡±


    ¡°Within reason,¡± Nekam replies, tilting his head, curiosity on his brow now.


    Barnak stands, moving towards Nekam, eyes level with his. There is a mixing of emotions in his gaze.


    ¡°The Ulima boy. The one you used.¡± Barnak says, looking at me now, pointing at me with his finger ¡°He is who I wish to fight.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Nekam asks him.


    Why would he pick me? My hands clench back my nerves. I have never seen the Clan Chief fight before. Though I have heard stories of him, in his prime he took on twenty men in the mines, clawing his way to being a tribe chief. Earning the favor of the late high chief before he passed through the veil. His descendants may not have earned their place, but he did. Even though there is grey in his hair, I am wary of him.


    ¡°My reasons are my own.¡± He says, looking at me.


    Nekam looks at me for a moment then back to him and nods saying ¡°Swear the oath.¡±


    ¡°Father!¡± Keno screams, snot drips from his nose as the tears stream from his fearful eyes ¡°You have the weapons, kill them!¡±


    ¡°To what end¡­¡± Barnak says almost in a whisper, the vigor he once had drained from him ¡°They are useless to save those trapped in the mines, and the City Chief has allowed this to happen. We may slay the men here, but a thousand of our own will die. Our entire line wiped out.¡±


    ¡°We can fight them, we can gather the other tribes,¡± Keno says, his words quick and pressured as though manic.


    ¡°There will be no Clan left if we all fight.¡± Barnak says, then waving a hand to his personal guard, he orders them to lower their weapons ¡°The other Clans will wipe us out.¡±


    He surprised me with this move, I did not think him so noble. He does not scold Keno even though he may wish to, his tone is soft and filled with care. Keno¡¯s eyes fill as he begins to wet the ground with his tears.


    ¡°Do not weep my son, soon you will walk with your mother and your ancestors.¡± Barnak says, holding him and whispering softly ¡°Be strong for your son.¡±


    ¡°Father¡­ do not forsake me.¡±


    Barnak leaves him after kissing his brow. Moving towards Nekam with a small blade in his hand.


    ¡°I make of you three requests,¡± Barnak says, cutting his palm with his blade, blood drips from it as he extends his arm to Nekam.


    Nekam extends his own after making the cuts to seal the oath.


    ¡°Do not exile those who supported me, they have served in this clan for generations. I will tell them to see reason.¡± Barnak says.


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Nekam says.


    ¡°Do not make my descendants Ulima. Give them a chance to prove themselves.¡±


    ¡°Agreed.¡±


    Barnak squeezes Nekam¡¯s arm tightly before he speaks the next demand, locking eyes with him.


    ¡°Do better than I did.¡± Barnak says, his eyes searching Nekam for this last answer more than the rest ¡°Lead them to greater heights.¡±


    Nekam nods to him sincerely ¡°I will.¡±


    ¡°The Gods are my witness.¡± Barnak begins, still looking Nekam in the eyes ¡°Dena Pok Ulnah.¡±


    To give victory and save others from defeat, it is a phrase given only when one admits true defeat. Giving up so that others don¡¯t needlessly perish. It is perhaps the most noble thing a leader can do in the face of despair. It is a sacred vow, one that each side is expected to honor. It surprises me that Barnak does this. The deaths of his children weigh heavy on him. After Keno told him of their end, something changed in him.


    There is a tear in my heart as I see this man showing so much grace in defeat. He could have killed us all with the flick of the wrist or a single word, yet he did not. He thought of those who yet live, trapped in the tunnels. He thought of their loved ones who pray for their return. He even sought to understand his downfall. His last request was to protect the Clan, he did not beg for a swift death. My jaw rolls softly as I mull it over. Was Barnak truly that bad? My mind replays his mistakes, the man before me almost a different person than he was during the proving. As I think of it, I realize his failing was his children, the man himself made few mistakes.


    My eyes trace towards Nekam who is still a pillar of calm order. If he had not pressed him, would he have gone to such lengths? My mind twists and turns, unable to find a resolution. I am pulled back to reality by the sound of Barnak ordering his men to surrender their weapons and armor to us. Nekam orders us to take them and bind the guard. Sending a runner to give word to Dekarn and Yuri. Now we wait, there is tension in the air as the guards murmur discontent. Fear brushes their eyes as they look to us now holding their prized weapons.

 Chapter 15: Soliloquy of the Fallen – Barnak – Part One

    <hr>


    Barnak


    <hr>


    Chapter Fifteen: Soliloquy of the Fallen ¨C Part One


    Galactic Quadrant: Darna Quadrant


    Ruling Government: Talum Merchant Federation


    Solar System: D-447


    Planet: Ora


    Location: Beneath the planet''s surface, Naro City, Yul Clan Assembly Hall


    <hr>


    There is a song that my mother used to sing to me as a boy, it has been nearly forty years since I last heard it. Have I truly been alive for fifty-three years? Time passes so quickly the older you get. I remember as a boy I was always in a hurry to grow up. No one ever thought I would rise to be the chief of a Clan, certainly not me. The song plays in the back of my mind now as I ruminate on my failings. Two of my sons are dead, the last soon to follow them.


    ¡°Father, please¡­ do not let them win.¡± My son Keno pleads.


    My hand grasps his head into my chest, like when he was a child. There is deep regret in me for not disciplining him more. I knew he was not fit to lead, yet I pushed it on him and my other children, despite the old Clan chief''s warning. I did not heed him as I ought. His words ring in my ears, mixing with the melody of the somber song.


    Our children are precious to us, but it does not mean they are fit to lead


    He was a wise man, wiser than me. He would not have failed the Clan as I have. There were warning signs, I knew them well. Yet, I did not heed those either. I kept thinking that someday Keno and the others would learn, until then I decided I must protect their honor. It was all in vain. My son weeps now, but I do not think he understands the lesson. It is not the time to chastise him though, soon he will leave this world. The least I can do as his father is comfort him, it is my fault he is here. My children were my greatest joy¡­ and my greatest failing.


    ¡°The other tribes are almost here,¡± Yuri says to the usurper Nekam, he glances at me for a moment then averts his eyes.


    ¡°What of the ones trapped in the mines?¡± Nekam asks him.


    Yuri nods, glancing back at me for a moment ¡°Dekarn has sent word. Two-thirds of those with the weapons wait by the exit as ordered.¡±


    My chest tightens as I worry about those in the mines. Nekam has prepared well. I can only hope the casualties will be low. With my children dead, they are without a leader, hopefully, they will not throw their lives away. It would only deepen the shame of my failings.


    ***


    Hours pass, and Nekam does not have me bound, he is trusting in my honor, as I have trusted in his. Though at this point there is little I could do, he has secured all of the weapons and bound my loyal guard. It pains me to think it, but perhaps he will be better than I at leading the Clan. The way his loyal look to him is something any leader would be envious of. When did they stop looking at me this way? How many seasons have I slipped and become what I am now¡­ a failure.


    My focus shifts over to the Ulima boy who I will fight. He meditates on the mats, there is diligence in him. What is it they called him¡­ Kalon? I have seen his prowess on the mats. Not even in his prime yet and he is the best fighter of our Clan. He must wonder why I chose him. I too wonder why. Perhaps it is that it would be fitting, he is Nekam¡¯s blade. No, that is not it. It is my pride¡¯s last protest. I would see with my own hands how he bested my warriors. I would know his blade¡¯s song.


    The other tribes are almost all here now. Among them, I find relief in seeing familiar faces. Though their numbers are fewer than I had hoped. How many families will weep because of my failings¡­ too many this night. The weight is heavy upon my shoulders. If I had killed Nekam and the others, the numbers of the dead would have been more though. There is some solace in this, even if it is bitter.


    Those that return, their eyes do not meet mine as I look out amongst them. Some blame me for their losses, as they should, I am¡ªor was¡ªtheir leader. Others look away in shame, feeling as though they have failed me. There is a hole forming in my heart as the regrets rise and I know that soon my last child will be sent beyond the veil.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    My knees feel wobbly as my grandson Henek comes through the crowd. I lean toward my son Keno¡¯s ear.


    ¡°Your son needs you to show strength. Do not let his last memories of you be as you are now.¡±


    Keno looks at me, tears still filling his eyes. With my hands I wipe them, kissing his forehead.


    ¡°Do not leave this world with only regret,¡± I say.


    ¡°I am only regret¡­¡± Keno says, looking towards Nekam now ¡°and hatred.¡±


    My heart pangs as I hear this. I squeeze him tightly.


    ¡°Do not fail him as I have failed you.¡± I plead.


    Keno buries his face in my shoulder, wiping his tears on me as his hands are bound.


    ¡°Father!¡± Henek yells, rushing to Keno, his eyes swelling with tears. His jaw is nearly healed now. Though I can tell that speaking still pains him.


    ¡°Be strong boy.¡± Keno says, mustering the strength to do what he must ¡°Be strong for me.¡±


    ¡°Father¡­¡± Henek says, choking back the tears.


    My heart is breaking as I see him hug his father one last time.


    ¡°Nekam!¡± Keno yells, straightening himself ¡°I am ready.¡±


    Nekam looks at me for a moment, there is pain in my heart as he steps forward to Keno.


    There is a hushing in the crowd as all who can fit have gathered.


    ¡°Keno stands accused of marching upon my tribe with the intent to kill. This is against the laws of the Clan.¡± Nekam says, he paces around Keno now ¡°How say you?¡±


    Keno looks at me, my jaw is tight as I nod to him. He looks to his son, mouthing our word for strength before he faces Nekam.


    ¡°Let me stand,¡± Keno says, unable to do so on his own, with the tendons of his heels cut. Nekam motions for others to help him.


    There is pride mixing with heartbreak as Keno stands proud as a man of honor.


    ¡°I admit my guilt.¡± Keno says, then locking eyes with his son ¡°I accept my punishment, I only ask it does not fall upon my children.¡±


    ¡°Let it be known, your sins were your own. No hand is to fall upon Keno¡¯s children or tribe for his actions.¡± Nekam says, handing him a shard of Etherium. Allowing him to give what Maka he has for the Clan.


    Netheric lines flicker across Keno¡¯s skin as he pushes what he has into the stone. Sweat forms on his brow as the dark ichor rises.


    ¡°The Clan accepts the offering of your Maka and your life as tribute for your crimes.¡± Nekam says, pulling his blade ¡°Go in peace knowing your children will thrive.¡±


    The blade plunges into Keno¡¯s heart, his eyes growing wide, but he fights against the fear, looking into his son¡¯s eyes, and showing him strength. My heart grows colder as the life fades from his eyes. They place him on an embroidered linen, they will give him the right of the pyre. Another kindness Nekam has shown. One that I would not have.


    My knees buckle as I fall to the ground upon them. Clutching my chest, there is so much sadness in me. So much regret. My eyes look towards Henek, my grandson. His eyes are hollow as they look upon his lifeless father. I must stand, I must find strength, he should not see me like this.


    There is a hand that grips gently beneath my shoulder, pulling me up slowly. As I turn to look, I see it is the Ulima boy, the one they call Kalon. He does not shame me with his gaze upon my weakness, he averts his eyes until I am steady on my feet, moving away from me, returning to his meditations. A strange Ulima, showing compassion to his enemy. When I was Ulima, I never would have.


    ¡°Clan Chief Barnak will speak now,¡± Nekam says over the voices of the crowd.


    There is a hollowness growing in me as I look out at all the faces, most do not meet my eyes. It was not long ago that these same eyes would have met mine. When did it begin? The failings which have led to my fall. Words scarcely wish to find my mouth, seeing my child die, I find myself wishing to jump into the chasm. No parent should outlive their child. Tears threaten to form, but with the last of my strength, I hold them back. I will not further fail the Clan by dying a coward. I must meet my failings and help to provide a peaceful transition. This is all that I can give and give it I must.


    ¡°Four hundred years our Clan has survived.¡± I say, looking out at all of them, in a way, they are my children too, so I give them my strength ¡°Do not let my death lead to more death.¡±


    The silence is deafening as the eyes begin to look upon me finally.


    ¡°Nekam has won the right to be the Clan¡¯s Chief, do not conspire against him. Give him the chance to show you the path to thrive.¡± I say, my grandson¡¯s eyes are still upon his father, I must be strong for him ¡°The Yul tribe has lost many this day, do not dishonor them by destroying what they spent a lifetime building. Nekam is now your leader, accept this, accept him.¡±


    Nekam remains silent, allowing me to speak still. A man of his word to the end. I can only hope he does better than me.


    ¡°I give him my title and my tribe, declaring him the Yul Clan Chief. He has assured me that you will thrive. To honor him is to honor me. I beg you, find peace and come together.¡± I say, the eyes meet me now, those who are most loyal have a glistening to their eyes ¡°The Yul Clan does not fall this day, it rises anew, ready to soar to greater heights.¡±


    Nekam pounds his chest in rhythm, as is our way at the changing of leaders, it is the last honor given to the old. Again, he surprises me. There is some hope that he will keep his promises.


    ¡°Barnak has spoken.¡± Nekam says, looking to the crowd ¡°Is there any among you who challenge it?¡±


    Henek grits his teeth, but his mother holds him back. I am thankful to her for it. There is silence in the crowd.


    ¡°Then it holds.¡± I say, moving to Nekam, embracing his arm for the last time, it pains me to hold it, taking everything I have to not claim the hand that slew my son, I pull him in closer ¡°Do not fail them as I have.¡±


    Nekam pulls me in closer still, his eyes meeting mine, they are not cold like I expected. There is almost a tinge of sadness in them. He embraces me fully now, leaning into my ear.


    ¡°I take no pleasure in this.¡± He whispers, gripping me tighter ¡°When I was Ulima, you took me in. For many years you were a father to me. I promise you this, your descendants and the Clan will thrive. On my honor. On my life. I will see it rise, beyond the outer gates.¡±


    My heart twists at his words, I can hear the somberness in his voice. It is true that I took him and his brothers in after their father was slain. After the rest of their old tribe was slaughtered and sold to the four winds. I helped him track down his mother, freeing her from bondage. My teeth grind. Were he not the Clan¡¯s best chance at surviving, I fear my anger at his betrayal would outweigh my hope for the tribe. Still, despite all of my anger, and all of my sadness. There is some pride in me, that this adopted son was not among my failings.


    ¡°Make peace with your Gods.¡± Nekam says, pushing me away slowly ¡°It is time to meet them.¡±


    The song my mother used to sing me, plays on my mind again as I kneel to pray, asking the Gods to bless the Clan and my descendants.

 Chapter 16: Soliloquy of the Fallen – Barnak – Part Two

    <hr>


    Barnak


    <hr>


    Chapter Sixteen: Soliloquy of the Fallen ¨C Part Two


    Galactic Quadrant: Darna Quadrant


    Ruling Government: Talum Merchant Federation


    Solar System: D-447


    Planet: Ora


    Location: Beneath the planet''s surface, Naro City, Yul Clan Assembly Hall


    <hr>


    My heart is heavy and cold, there is little hope in me. Only the last shards of my pride that linger force my legs to hold me upright. Even if I beat this Ulima in combat, my fate is sealed. It is a mere formality. A kindness to let this old warrior die in battle. Still, besting him might be enough for my shattered pride. I would know firsthand the depth of his resolve.


    ¡°Begin,¡± Nekam says.


    Kalon does not move, his eyes watch me carefully. Measuring my movements as I close the distance between us, rolling the blades in my hand, trying to find an opening. If I can slay him, I will have gained back some pride for my¡ªthey are dead though¡ªso, is this for me? My anger spurs, thinking of how Nekam bet it all on one Ulima. If he had only failed. His eyes move to meet mine as he takes his first step. It is strange though, I feel my pulse quicken. My feet step backward. What is this feeling?


    Gathering my resolve, I press forward again, meeting him for an exchange of blows. He is reserved as he strikes, none of them have any true intention. His blade¡¯s song is silent.


    Our next blows produce the same result. When will his attack come? When will he¡­


    His eyes move to my leg for only a moment, eyeing an old scar, an old injury. He will surely exploit it. That is where he will come from. His body moves in rhythm as he moves to advance again, aiming himself towards it. I ready myself.


    He slides the blade outward, the glint of the lights reflecting off its sharpened edge. I turn myself to meet the strike, but his eyes¡ªthey have deceived me. I feel a shallow cut crossing my other leg, barely managing to move in time. My breath is rising in pace as he moves to strike again, I cannot follow where he goes. The melody of his blade¡¯s song is elusive. Everchanging, he is fluid. He moves again and again, leaving marks upon my flesh. Blood forms in small drops striking the floor. None of the wounds are fatal. My teeth grind as I realize I cannot win against him as I am now.


    I know that I should not waste the Maka, I should preserve as much as I can for the Clan. Yet, my pride, he is shattering it more than I thought possible. Pressing deep within my body, I pull forth my Maka, igniting my runes, and fueling my body. I will make him show me his runes. This much I can do. He never used them in any of the other matches.


    ¡°I will make you show me your runes,¡± I say confidently.


    He does not respond, he moves as though in a trance, as though all of his will is concentrated on every single movement. As I become faster with my Maka fueling my body, I outpace him two to one. Finally managing to land glancing blows on him. He is on the run now, evading me. Why does he not excite his runes? Does he mean to shame me? Have I not already been shamed enough?


    I press harder, faster, and faster. Yet with each strike, something strange happens, I feel the Maka being pulled away from me¡ªlike he is taking it. Such control at his age? Impossible. Yet his pace explodes right after, almost like he is burning the Maka as it comes. Fluid control? No, his runes would blossom with light if that were the case. His skin is bare, with no sign of even the faintest of runes. How?


    Pride shatters completely as he outpaces me now, using my Maka against me, he is a monster. A demon of refined skill. I have never seen a warrior like him before. My heart beats faster as his pace dazes me again, three times he strikes, blood drips from my wounds as I slam to my knees. My eyes widen, when did he cut my knee¡¯s tendons? I cannot even stand now. He encircles me slowly, like a beast hunting prey, his eyes meeting mine. He is cautious, even when his victory is at hand.


    He bows to me now, but why?


    ¡°Adul Ak Napa.¡± He says, there is sadness in his tone. Does he shame me with his pity?


    You fought with honor, meet your end with pride¡­ my end? But I am not¡­ My eyes look down as I feel warmth spreading across my skin. My hand reaches to my chest, touching it, and as I bring it to eye level¡­ I see that I am bleeding, heavily. The room is spinning as I slump further down. He has stabbed me in the heart, between the ribs. I did not even see it. Was it before or after my knees? Were the other stabs a distraction? My vision blurs¡ªmy end comes. As I fall to my side, I feel my head and shoulders landing softly.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Looking up, I see Nekam cradling me in his hands. He passes me the Etherium shard. Giving me the chance to honor the Clan one last time. The shard itself is weak, offering little resistance, allowing me to push all of the Maka I have left into it. I feel the heat leaving me, the cold chill of the Netheric Maka spreading in my body. My runes change from blue to red. Before my eyes have changed to match, my vision fails. I feel death¡¯s embrace upon me, pulling me. The regret soars high in me, strangling my spirit as the whispers from beyond the veil call to me. They speak to me of my failings, telling me that my Clan will fall.


    The song my mother sang to me becomes silent as the world descends into shadow.


    In my last breath, I muster all of my strength to say ¡°Thrive¡­¡±


    ***


    Realm of Spirits


    ***


    There is darkness all around, it swallows everything. I can hear the cries of the dead that linger now as I do. So, this is what happens to those with regrets? I could not even pass in peace. Yet another failing. Did the Gods forsake me? Where am I?


    Light flickers in the hazy shadows, and there are voices among the cries. The words are hard to distinguish as though muffled. Lines forming shapes fill the haze around me. The shapes become the shadows of people who still live. I can barely make out my surroundings. I am in the Clan hall. Most have left, I see Nekam speaking with a shape that is cast fully in shadow.


    ¡°We do not have enough Etherium for everyone.¡± Nekam says, crossing his arms ¡°What do you offer to demand such a thing?¡±


    ¡°My chief, I would give up what I have earned if you will help them.¡± The figure cloaked in shadow says.


    ¡°You understand what that means?¡± Nekam asks the figure of shadow, he peers deeply at him ¡°You will remain Ulima if you ask for this.¡±


    ¡°I understand, my chief.¡± The shadow says, there is an echo in the darkness as he speaks. It is strange, like it is resonating somehow.


    I know the voice. It is the Ulima, Kalon. The one who has slain me. He gives up the chance to be a full member of the Clan, for what though? Who does he seek to help? Peering closer, why does the shadow cling to him so deeply, where are his runes? I can see Nekam¡¯s shimmer with his heartbeat, as does everyone else¡¯s. But in Kalon, I see only the void. Is he runeless? No, that cannot be, the runeless cannot feel the touch of Maka. They cannot survive here, the Netheric Maka corrupts them before they are even born, killing the mother.


    To be runeless is to be forsaken by the Gods. All that can live here bear their marks. Yet, I see no runes, only darkness. How can this be? Is that why he did not show his runes in any of the fights? If that is true, then he has survived all these years, runeless. I find myself feeling pity for him, the one who slew me. He will never rise above his station. So much potential is wasted upon a runeless. It reminds me of something that the Sage, Artemeus once said.


    When the Gods give with one hand, they take with the other


    If he was runed, what could he become? Such a tragedy, to be so blessed yet so infinitely cursed. Forsaken by man and God alike. It is no wonder he has so much diligence and focus, without it, he would have died many seasons ago.


    ¡°Your prize while great is not enough for two lives,¡± Nekam says to him, pensively scratching his beard.


    ¡°Then I would give my reward as well, my chief.¡± Another says, kneeling next to Kalon, bowing his head to Nekam.


    ¡°Arrum¡­¡± Kalon says, giving a distressed look. Another ripple as his words vibrate in the darkness. Strange.


    It takes me a moment, the haze making it hard to distinguish, but I recognize the young man that kneels beside Kalon. He is Nekam¡¯s nephew. Made Ulima after his mother and father died. I remember him fighting, he fought so well I learned his name. His runes swirl, illuminating the darkness. They are strong runes, intricate, and well-formed. Who is so important that they would trade being a full member for such a price? When I was Ulima, I would have done anything to remove the shame. Being Ulima is akin to being cursed by fate itself.


    ¡°Then you accept responsibility for them as well?¡± Nekam asks.


    ¡°I do.¡± Arrum replies.


    ¡°You have my blessing then.¡± Nekam says, then raising them up he finishes with ¡°I hope you both do not come to regret this.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, my chief,¡± Kalon says, bowing deeply, giving Arrum a concerned glance.


    Nekam hands Arrum something that pierces the darkness, it is the Etherium shard that Keno and I¡­ sadness stirs in me as I remember Keno is dead. As are my other children. I do not see him here, nor my other children, I can only hope that they passed in peace. My mind drifts to deeper sadness and the world becomes darker, the lines blending with shadow. If I dwell on the failings, I will become like the ones that linger and cry out to the darkness. Never able to join my children beyond the veil. Be calm, and find peace.


    The world becomes clearer again. I see Nekam and the two young men Kalon and Arrum moving towards red lights in the distance. It is too hard to make out, so I move towards the lights, curiosity distracting the despair. When I reach the red lights, I see two other figures I know well, two of my old chiefs, Nekam¡¯s allies, Dekarn and Yuri.


    ¡°We should sell them before they are too far gone.¡± Dekarn says to Yuri, folding his arms ¡°We already used all of our stores on Barnak¡¯s guard.¡±


    Then Nekam honored his promise and helped those of my tribe recover from Netherium poisoning. He is honorable. My eyes take in the scene before me. Dekarn and Yuri hover over the red lights, only now do I realize the red lights are people. Netherium sickness, so this is what it looks like in this realm. It is the two Ulima from Keno¡¯s tribe¡­ again I am struck with sadness thinking of his death.


    ¡°Nekam said we are not to sell any of the tribe members,¡± Yuri says.


    ¡°They are Ulima, not tribe members.¡± Dekarn says, then turning to face Yuri he adds ¡°The cost to heal them would be high. There might be lasting damage as well. I think we should sell them while they would still have use for other tribes, or we should use them to get more Etherium. Some value can still be had.¡±


    It strikes me now, I never bothered to learn the names of the two Ulima brothers. I look down at them, their red hair is matted and dirty from the mines still. They fought well during the proving, but when they failed, I did not dissuade Keno from pushing them to the changing. Another of my failings¡­

 Chapter 17: Soliloquy of the Fallen – Barnak – Part Three

    <hr>


    Barnak


    <hr>


    Chapter Seventeen: Soliloquy of the Fallen ¨C Part Three


    Galactic Quadrant: Darna Quadrant


    Ruling Government: Talum Merchant Federation


    Solar System: D-447


    Planet: Ora


    Location: Beneath the planet''s surface, Naro City, Yul Clan Assembly Hall


    <hr>


    ***


    Realm of Spirits


    ***


    ¡°The chief forbid it, Dekarn.¡± Yuri warns, folding his arms, the Maka from his runes flares against the darkness as he looks at Dekarn.


    ¡°I know what the chief said, but they will have little value once the changing begins, they are already barely on the edge.¡± Dekarn says, pointing to the shorter red-haired Ulima brother ¡°This one has only made himself worse trying to help the other. Soon both will be worthless.¡±


    ¡°Please, I will do anything, help my brother, he is strong and a hard worker, he will not disappoint you.¡± The shorter brother says, then with more desperation in his voice he adds ¡°Send me to the mines, I will get him what he needs.¡±


    Dekarn sneers down at him.


    ¡°Send you to die in the mines, then you will be truly worthless. Selling you would benefit the Clan more.¡±


    Nekam arrives now, with the Ulima Kalon and Arrum behind him.


    ¡°They are not to be sold,¡± Nekam says, an exchange of glances between him and Dekarn tell me there is tension between them about this decision.


    ¡°My chief, their value¡­¡± Dekarn begins.


    ¡°They are not to be sold.¡± Nekam repeats, this time giving Dekarn a stern look.


    Dekarn nods to him, taking a step back. He may try to test the boundaries over the next few months, Nekam must remain firm, lest the other chiefs might not respect his decisions. It is difficult when one becomes Clan chief, many will seek to gain advantage, some may even betray. It took me two seasons to fully secure everyone¡¯s loyalty¡­ though, that did not last forever. I can only hope Nekam will improve upon where I have failed.


    The eyes of the shorter brother ignite as relief washes over him, tears falling freely as he bows his head to the floor.


    ¡°Thank you, my chief.¡± The shorter brother says, pressing his face deeper into the floor ¡°I will never forget this. We will not disappoint you.¡±


    Dekarn gives Nekam a look, still seeking explanation. He will need to be careful with this one.


    ¡°Their lives have been traded,¡± Nekam explains.


    ¡°By who?¡± Yuri asks him, then looking behind him towards Kalon and Arrum he finishes with ¡°By them?¡±


    Nekam nods, looking down at the two brothers who are close to the edge of the changing. Netheric Maka swims upon them, dancing back and forth as tendrils of darkness ebb into them, crawling beneath the skin.


    ¡°What could they possibly offer?¡± Dekarn protests, seeing the look in Nekam¡¯s eyes he finishes with ¡°My chief.¡±


    Nekam does not address Dekarn, instead he looks down at the two brothers, the taller one barely conscious, fading in and out, muttering to himself, fever ripe on his brow.


    ¡°Kalon and Arrum have given up their own standing in the Clan, remaining Ulima so that you might live.¡± Nekam says to the brothers, then with a stern look ¡°Do not dishonor their sacrifice by dying.¡±


    They are who they traded for? To save their enemies? Looking around the room, I see no other Etherium shards. I understand now why Nekam demanded such a price to exchange it. It is the last of his stores. He should not give it. He should keep it or use it on those close to him that may need it. Yet, making fighters such as them beholden to him again. Perhaps that is a price that even I would have paid.


    Nekam motions for Arrum to go now with the Etherium shard. Kalon stands near, but for some reason does not try to touch the shard to help guide the Maka into them. Perhaps he fears the others will see what I see, that he is runeless. It is strange though, Nekam must know this. Yet he keeps the cursed Ulima still. Why? Why still have they given their freedom for their enemies? I have never known anyone to do such a thing. If they were father and son, or family maybe I could see it, but there is no connection¡­ is this compassion? Ulima should not have such a thing, it is instilled in them that only death finds the compassionate. Most never survive, always expected to plunge into danger. They are always the first to be discarded.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Nekam turns now, moving towards the Clan chief¡¯s private quarters. Yuri follows close behind, matching his stride. Following him now, I move behind them. Looking out at the glimmers of light, those who used to call me chief now look at Nekam with wary deference. He must prove himself soon, or he will fall and so too will they all.


    When he reaches the quarters, his hand hesitates as he holds my old Clan chief¡¯s talisman, staring at the grooves in it, the blood that coats it and his hands dances in his grey eyes.


    ¡°Do not distrurb me unless it is important.¡± Nekam says, opening the door.


    ¡°Understood, my chief.¡± Yuri says.


    The door slides closed after Nekam and I enter. He takes a moment of pause looking about the room. His eyes catching a bucket of melting ice on the table across from the fur covered seats. He moves to it, pushing his hands into it. Scrubbing slowly at first, then quicker as he sees it does not come off easily. Moving now towards the wall, he tries to grab a towel, but his movements stop as he sees something on the wall¡¯s shelf. Something that sits with other trophies of fond memories from my time as Clan chief. He grabs it, his hands shaking as he does, as though some kind of tension is breaking in him.


    His knees fall to the ground as his head hangs low, in his hand he holds something I recognize. A large tooth from a Shakal beast, its significance tears at my heart. He carved it for me, after we felled it together. More than ten years ago now. So much has changed. Regret swirls in me, thinking back on the years. Trying to recall when it all began to change. His hands shake as he pulls it closer to his chest, bioluminescence swirling in his eyes, his breath becoming uneven as he whispers.


    ¡°I am sorry, father.¡± Nekam says, tears striking the ground as he begins to weep, pulling at his hair in pain now ¡°I swear to you, I will honor your will, I will take them beyond the city¡¯s center. They will thrive.¡±


    My heart twists and turns, there is so much mixing of emotions in me. I have never seen him like this, he is always calm and never shows his emotions. His head lowers as he raises his hands, palms facing upwards, as is our custom for praying.


    ¡°Hempki, hear my prayer. Bless those that have been slain this day, bless¡­¡± his voice catches in his throat as the words break from sadness¡¯s embrace ¡°bless the father that took me in, the one that raised me up when I had nothing, the one who freed my mother from bondage¡­¡±


    His eyes drip as he pounds his head softly against the floor, his runes flicker and twist with the pain inside him.


    ¡°Bless the one whose blood stains my hands¡­¡± Nekam says, weeping fully now ¡°Do not let Keno wander, I beg you, embrace him as he embraced me before I¡­¡±


    Nekam pounds his head harder now as the weeping intensifies. My hand betrays me as I find it resting on his shoulder. Though he cannot know that I am here, the years that I cared for him as a son come rushing back. I did not realize how difficult this must have been for him. I had thought he hated Keno. When they were younger, they were inseparable, there was scarcely a time that they were apart. I don¡¯t remember when it changed. Healthy rivalry devolved into bitterness when Keno could no longer best Nekam. Instead of celebrating his achievements, he grew to resent him. Another of my failings, I should have reconciled them before it became what it was.


    ¡°Hempki, I give you all that I am, trading my place in the afterlife, doomed to toil in the hells, if you would but grant them mercy.¡± Nekam says, pressing his forehead firmly into the stone ¡°Please, I beg of you, do not let any of those who died this day wander.¡±


    A knocking at the door calls his attention. His eyes close as he takes in a deep breath, rising to his feet, wiping the tears from his eyes. He places the carved tooth back delicately, his jaw tensing as he pulls back his long black hair into a tidy knot once more. The calm expression I have seen from him for years comes back to his face. Unlocking the door, he opens it slowly.


    ¡°What news?¡± Nekam asks.


    ¡°The Dorasi Clan has sent a runner, my chief.¡± Yuri says.


    Nekam does not turn to face him, his eyes are still bloodshot, the glow having only just left them.


    ¡°I will meet with them soon.¡± Nekam says with a sigh.


    The Dorasi Clan, one of our neighboring Clans, honorable, but ill mannered. If they have sent a runner, it is because they wish to congratulate and also gauge the Clan¡¯s strength. They smell blood in the air, they will search for the wounds now. Taking from our Clan whatever tribes do not believe in Nekam. I can only hope that my blooded tribes do not leave, if they do, the Clan will surely fall or be made a vassal of an inner Clan. Such a fate would make my failings even deeper.


    Nekam waves Yuri out, though he does not shut the door, his eyes close as he begins to meditate, his runes shimmer as he finds the calm.


    Leaving him and moving into the Clan¡¯s main chamber now, I head toward the Ulima brothers, curiosity in me as to their fate. Wondering if the Maka given from Keno and I was used in vain.


    Coming upon them now, I see Arrum¡¯s brow is thick with sweat. Dekarn stands over him, watching with a distasteful look on his face. I never liked Dekarn, he was given his position by his father, always looking down on Ulima, never having been one himself. Pondering on it now, I realize that is like my children. Perhaps the lack of struggle is what made them ineffective leaders, perhaps being the lowest caste helps one find perspective that cannot be inherited. My mind swims with thoughts, trying to understand my failings and how I could have done better. It is the only way to keep my mind from the despair of my loss.


    As I watch the red runic lines upon the brothers slowly filling with blue, something strange stirs where my heart used to be. The thought of Keno and I¡¯s Maka being used to save those whom we wronged and discarded; it stirs something greater in me. What is this feeling? I look down and see that my spirit glows and pulses, why though?


    Something else is strange. The darkness around the Ulima Kalon is swelling and it ripples as he looks down at the blue growing more steadily and filling their runes. The darkness is resonating again, even though he does not speak. Then, from the darkness emerges something inside of him now, barely a speckle of light that cuts at the darkness. Coming from his chest. I move closer to it with my hand, somehow, I am drawn to this tiny light that defies the darkness, but why? What is it? As I get closer, the feelings of despair begin to wash from me. Warmth flows into me the closer I get. When the finger of my spirit reaches it¡­

 Chapter 18: Chapter Eighteen: Adul Ak Napa

    <hr>


    Kalon


    <hr>


    Chapter Eighteen: Adul Ak Napa


    Galactic Quadrant: Darna Quadrant


    Ruling Government: Talum Merchant Federation


    Solar System: D-447


    Planet: Ora


    Location: Beneath the planet''s surface, Naro City, Yul Clan Assembly Hall


    <hr>


    My eyes watch closely as Arrum channels Maka from the Clan¡¯s last shard of Etherium. Though it may not look it, this shard is special, because it has been passed down for generations. Each chief and Clan member close to their end gives the last of their Maka to it. The color is duller than I remember as a boy. The last few seasons have not been kind to us. Many near the end of late sell their Maka in the market, instead of giving back to the Clan. There is still enough Maka left in it to do what must be done though. Barnak and Keno¡¯s last act, there is beauty in that it will save these two brothers. Two more lives among the countless that were lost that may yet still blossom.


    ¡°What did he say?¡± Dekarn asks Yuri as he comes back from speaking with Nekam.


    ¡°He said he will speak with them soon,¡± Yuri says.


    ¡°That is all he said?¡± Dekarn asks him, crossing his arms with a strained expression.


    Yuri nods to him, then looks down at the brothers, inspecting Arrum¡¯s work.


    ¡°Would a healer not be better?¡± Yuri asks, looking at Arrum, though he speaks to Dekarn.


    ¡°Risking a healer for Ulima is not wise,¡± Dekarn says, his jaw rolling at Arrum.


    Arrum¡¯s eyes glance up towards him for a moment, a flicker of anger. My bonded brother has despised Dekarn for many seasons now. He has always forsaken his attempts at his niece¡¯s hand because he is Ulima. Guilt slithers through my veins, Arrum has given up his chance at his lover¡¯s hand to help these brothers. Were he not Ulima, he would be allowed to try and wed her. She will be angry with him too. If I had not offered myself, I do not think Arrum would have. Leaving the blame with me, even if it was his choice.


    ¡°Arrum,¡± I begin after Dekarn and Yuri leave us to speak with Nekam who moves with a swift stride past us, but the look in Arrum¡¯s eye as he glances at me tells me to leave him alone.


    He is angry with me, it is my fault that he felt obligated to give his spot in the tribe. He knew that Nekam would have asked something of me to spare the second brother. Something that I very well may not have survived. The guilt rises again, frothing in my throat. It swallows the happiness of seeing the shorter brother¡¯s runic lines almost fully blue now. The taller one, still may not survive, the darkness infects him still. Rolling on his skin, thrashing against the Maka.


    Were Arrum not extremely skilled with Maka, even the shorter brother may have been consumed. His control is nearly flawless, almost no waste brushes the air.


    His control over it reminds me of my fight with Barnak¡­ more guilt rises. It is strange to think that I took his life. My hand shakes still, as it always does after taking a life. He makes another soul that I have helped pass the veil this week. Another set of eyes for my nightmares. I have doubled my blade¡¯s notches now, though I have not decided if I will add Barnak to it. The thought of it stabs in my chest, like the blade I put in his.


    I think of the words I spoke to him, Adul Ak Napa, You fought with honor, meet your end with pride. His eyes did not fill with pride before they glassed over. They were filled with the darkness of regret. Something else bothers me, joining the guilt. If I had lost either time that Nekam had bet on me, I wonder if Barnak and the others would still be alive. My stomach groans as it curls with the thoughts, I fear that Barnak¡¯s demise was my fault. All the dead, my fault.


    ¡°Haki, be strong.¡± The shorter red-haired brother says weakly. He grips the taller one.


    A name, with a meaning in the old tongue. Big demon.


    ¡°Help Daki first, please.¡± The taller one called Haki says to Arrum.


    Another name with a meaning. Little demon.


    ¡°Be still, he is already helped,¡± Arrum says, not hiding his annoyance.


    Haki looks to Daki, a weak smile as he squeezes his brother Daki¡¯s arm. Tears threaten to fall, but he holds them back.


    ¡°Why have you helped us?¡± Daki asks, lowering his head to Arrum.


    ¡°Because we are fools,¡± Arrum says, giving me a look.


    ¡°We have little to give, but all that we have is yours,¡± Haki says, his voice is hoarse, though he is looking more like he will recover. I am glad for it.


    Arrum says nothing, so they look to me for a response. Their eyes are sincere, something I am not used to.


    ¡°Repay us first by surviving.¡± I say, then looking to Daki who no longer bears the signs ¡°Meditate and restore your rhythm. There will be little time to rest in the days to come.¡±


    ¡°We are to go with the surface crews?¡± Haki asks, he is about to say more, but Arrum speaks.


    ¡°I told you to be still, this is not as easy as it looks.¡±


    Arrum lets out a frustrated sigh, sweat beads on his brow from the exertion. Guilt that I cannot help him joins the rest. Making a sea of twisted emotions inside of me. A familiar face coming closer to us brings me back to the present.


    ¡°I heard your fight with Barnak was remarkable,¡± Nevari says, coyly coming into my shadow, almost playfully so, like she did not wish to see me beaten instead of her brother less than a day ago. My mood turns not just from remembering that, but from thinking about killing Barnak. So I give her a weak nod, refocusing on Arrum working on Haki.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°My father told me you were to be made a full member of the tribe for what you have done.¡± Nevari says, her hand grabbing my face and turning it to hers, she is so close it causes my heart to beat faster, her hand grips mine openly now ¡°How does it feel to not be Ulima?¡±


    She does not know yet. My jaw tenses. There is a knot in me for her still. One that I cannot unravel. There has been no time to process. Her eyes look at me strangely, as though they are disappointed I do not return her affection.


    Her head tilts as she sees it is Haki who is being helped, her eyes narrowing at the shard, its unmistakable carvings of the Shakal beast, our Clan symbol making her turn to Arrum now ¡°My father gave permission for the Clan shard to be used?¡±


    ¡°He did.¡± Arrum says, then turning to look at me now ¡°Ask him the price.¡±


    Nevari turns back to me now, her smile fading fast as she searches me for answers. My jaw flexes, not wanting to say. I had not thought of what she would say when she found out. In truth, I had not thought of her at all, it was the words of the Sage that guided my tongue to trade my freedom.


    ¡°What was the price, cousin?¡± Nevari asks Arrum, but her eyes are locked to mine.


    ¡°A life for a life,¡± Arrum says, there is bitterness in his tone, so much so that Daki and Haki look away in shame.


    ¡°I do not understand.¡± Nevari says, taking a step back, releasing my hand, her expression twisting for a moment ¡°You¡­ you became Ulima again?¡±


    She points to the two brothers, her eyes hum with bioluminescence as her Kuwathi eyes glow in anger.


    ¡°You remained Ulima for them?¡± she asks loudly.


    ¡°I¡­ did,¡± I admit, unable to meet her eyes now.


    ¡°Did you not think of me?¡± she asks, pressing her finger into my chest, then louder ¡°Did you not at least consider how it would hurt me?¡±


    She is so loud that it has drawn Nekam¡¯s attention too, but he does not move over to us yet. His eyes find mine for a moment before I plant my gaze on the floor. Did I not think of her? My tongue wants to ask if she was thinking of me when she asked me to become the receiver of her brother''s pain.


    ¡°Do I mean so little to you?¡± she asks me, her voice strained as it blossoms with sadness.


    Despite the frustration, the guilt soars to greater heights now, drowning me in it. Still I avert my gaze, there is a pain in her eyes that I cannot take.


    ¡°Look at me!¡± she yells, her hand shaking in a balled fist, but she does not strike me, I look up into her eyes and she speaks again ¡°It was not bad enough that you threw our future away, but you have also thrown Arrum¡¯s away.¡±


    Arrum looks at me for a moment, there is a mixing of emotions on his face too. Nekam moves towards us now. His eyes look to Nevari, whose eyes glow still.


    ¡°Control your emotions, daughter.¡± He says sternly.


    She grits her teeth, giving me one last look before she turns her back to me.


    ¡°Go and meditate,¡± Nekam instructs.


    She bows to him and departs, leaving me with my heart twisting more than before she arrived. Nekam looks at me, in his eyes I see the warning. The words do not need to be spoken to be heard. His eyes tell me to stay away from her. It is a warning I do not think I will have trouble heeding for once.


    ***


    It has been hours since she left, yet her words play on my mind. Arrum has finally finished helping the taller red-haired brother Haki. Both brothers bow deeply to him, but his mood is bitter so he waves them off.


    ¡°Rest.¡± Arrum says to them, then turning to me ¡°Come with me.¡±


    Not wishing to anger him more, I follow close behind in his shadow. He takes me to the far side of the Clan Assembly Hall, where others cannot hear the words he wishes to speak. There is dread in me as he rolls his jaw, mulling his thoughts.


    ¡°You are mad. I do not blame you.¡± I say.


    He comes closer to me, looking me in the eyes. They do not glow as Nevari¡¯s did though. He controls his emotions even now.


    ¡°Can I not be mad and proud?¡± Arrum asks, pushing me backward ¡°Am I so simple that I cannot feel both?¡±


    ¡°That is not what I meant.¡± I say, though I am confused, so I ask ¡°You are proud?¡±


    ¡°How could I not be?¡± he asks me, clenching his jaw ¡°I was also raised by the Sage with you.¡±


    He feels the Sage¡¯s hand in our actions, in the compassion we showed. He did not just do it to save me. Knowing this, I am more proud of him now, it must have been hard for him as well. Knowing this takes some of the guilt from my shoulders, not all, but enough that I can breathe.


    ¡°I know that what we did was right.¡± Arrum says, now slumping against the wall ¡°I am¡­ frustrated.¡±


    ¡°Speak it,¡± I say, sitting next to him now, though I know already what truly bothers him.


    ¡°It was hard fought for us to earn such a prize. I simply wonder, when will we be able to claim it again.¡± Arrum sighs, looking to the ceiling ¡°I wonder if I will ever be able to¡­¡±


    He does not need to say it, I see what is on his mind. He worries about the girl he loves, Isola. Her chief Dekarn will never let her be with an Ulima, nor will her parents. He has given much to help the brothers, he has given much to live by the Sage¡¯s example.


    ¡°There will be a chance, perhaps even on the surface,¡± I say, hoping to encourage him.


    ¡°I cannot make her wait forever, Kada.¡± He says, looking at me ¡°We need to rise.¡±


    Before I can speak on it further, Nekam¡¯s voice carries across the room.


    ¡°Gather.¡± He booms.


    We do as he asks, amongst our tribe who have taken lodgings in the Clan Chiefs Hall are the leaders of other tribes. With them they have enough warriors to travel quickly in the walkways. Some greet Nekam with an arm while others clench their jaws. So soon after Barnak¡¯s death, this much is expected though.


    ¡°Tomorrow we will march with the other Clans to the surface.¡± Nekam says, walking between the crowd, paying special eye to those who are angry ¡°The other Clans have already begun, we are behind.¡±


    There is grumbling in the crowd as he speaks. His eyes trace to those who do until only silence follows.


    ¡°We had five hundred spots, now only three hundred,¡± Nekam explains.


    The two hundred he paid as a bribe to the City Chief¡¯s guard, I had nearly forgotten about it.


    ¡°Whose fault is that?¡± someone belts from the crowd. Other voices agree with it, shaking their heads. Though they do not challenge him directly and when he looks at them, their gaze falls to the floor.


    I do not blame them for being angry, our Clan has had many losses because of his actions¡­ because of mine too. We can only hope that he will lead us to prosperity. Lest the dead that we carry will linger and haunt our nightmares.


    ¡°Most of us have few spots.¡± One chief says ¡°Even before you ascended, Barnak did not let us earn.¡±


    ¡°You did not earn because you are weak.¡± One of the new tribe leaders says. A cousin of Henek.


    ¡°Because your grandfather was a cheat.¡± Another says.


    Voices raise as sides are formed.


    ¡°We should do another proving, this time fair!¡± a voice in the crowd yells.


    Nekam raises his hand in the air, some listen and fall silent, others continue spitting insults. Our Clan is more divided now than we were before Barnak¡¯s death. I am reminded of the Sage¡¯s words now.


    One can rally many for a common cause. The problem is when that cause is gone.


    Replacing Barnak was enough to get the support of the many. He is gone now, the people seek something else to rally behind. If this continues, we will tear ourselves apart before the other Clans even get a chance to.


    Nekam walks between the crowd still, looking at each person who speaks, unnerving them with his gaze. He does not need to fire energy weapons like Barnak. There is not a person here who does not fear his blade.


    ¡°Four hundred years we have survived. Yet, we still live beyond the outer gates of the city. We are made to scrape to survive. We are the bottom caste.¡± Nekam says once the room becomes silent.


    He walks among us, his eyes piercing beyond our differences, seeing what we can be.


    ¡°For too long we have struggled to survive, while the other Clans thrive in the city center, rich from our labor.¡± Nekam says, there is an intensity to his speaking, something that brings rise to feelings deep within us all ¡°Before the winter comes again, we will rise in station, we will take our rightful place among the inner Clans.¡±


    I feel it in the air, my arms prickle as I feel him inspiring us. Giving us a common cause, something to rally behind.


    ¡°No longer will we cower in the shadows, no longer will our children¡¯s bellies grumble in the cold nights,¡± Nekam says, his eyes now glowing with purpose as the bioluminescence swirls.


    Others in the crowd begin to match it as they feel him call for them to dream of a future where we do not suffer under the boot of those above.


    ¡°We will not kneel any longer. Together we shall thrive,¡± he says, pounding his chest.


    He moves toward the Clan Chief¡¯s chair, tracing his hand along it, still looking at the crowd. When he finally sits upon it for the first time, he says confidently.


    ¡°I have a plan.¡±

 Chapter 19: Zemek

    <hr>


    Kalon


    <hr>


    Chapter Nineteen: Zemek


    Galactic Quadrant: Darna Quadrant


    Ruling Government: Talum Merchant Federation


    Solar System: D-447


    Planet: Ora


    Location: Beneath the planet''s surface, Naro City, Near City Markets


    <hr>


    ***


    Present Time


    ***


    ¡°That was not a plan,¡± Arrum says shaking his head, his angry breath steaming against the frigid air of the walkway. He kicks an icicle shattering it, the frost sprays outwards, crunching beneath our boots as we move.


    ¡°At least he told us something this time,¡± I say, pulling my furs tighter, my clothes a little looser from the time we spent on rations in the mines.


    The two of us, Arrum and I have walked for nearly three hours now, on orders from Nekam. In truth, I would be angry, but my mind still lingers on Barnak. It hasn¡¯t even been a day since his blood wet my blade. Before him, the others still haunt me. Looking at Arrum, I can see he feels the same, being angry at Nekam when no one can hear is his way of distracting himself.


    ¡°You call that something? One could discern more from a fart than his veiled I have a plan remarks.¡± Arrum says, glancing at me, his eyes are not angry at me anymore, they search me to see if I am alright.


    We do not often speak about the shakes that come, nor the eyes that we see in our nightmares. It only takes a look for us to know the other''s mind though. A thousand words spoken in a glance.


    Arrum looks again at me, his expression more concerned. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes and push out the thoughts, giving him a nod after they open again, the calm filling me once more. He gives me a nod back.


    ¡°Nevari seemed very upset with you,¡± Arrum says, nudging me with his shoulder as we pass around a corner, lightening the mood with an eyebrow raise.


    My jaw rolls, thinking about her, the words evading me.


    ¡°Perhaps you should make it up to her,¡± Arrum says raising another eyebrow at me, playfully pushing me.


    ¡°She is¡­¡± I begin, trying to find the word ¡°Zemek.¡±


    ¡°Complicated?¡± Arrum chuckles, letting out a sigh as he looks around the next corner ¡°Matters of the heart often are.¡±


    Giving him an eye roll, I round the next corner, immediately pulling Arrum back as I see three figures in the distance.


    ¡°Is it them?¡± Arrum asks.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet,¡± I say, my breath slowing as I try to listen to them speaking.


    Their voices have stopped though, they must have seen me. Sekat.


    ¡°We should retreat and get a better position,¡± I whisper, being cautious.


    ¡°We should stay,¡± Arrum whispers back, his eyes pleading with me.


    He does not want to risk failure, there is too much at stake, too much to gain, and he is not thinking clearly. Nekam¡¯s reward for success has clouded his judgment.


    The crunch of footsteps coming towards us quickly causes my pulse to increase as my hand reaches for my blade. Arrum steps back now with me as they round the corner. There are three of them, I recognize the symbol on their garb immediately, the Dorasi Clan.


    ¡°My, what do we have here?¡± a fierce-looking woman says, her eyes a deep and striking green. There is an out-of-place smile on her face that does not match the others. She flicks back her head to remove the strands of green and black hair that covered her eyes.


    ¡°Yul Clan¡­¡± one of the men behind her growls, pulling a blade from under his thick furs.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    ¡°Clan chief said kill on sight.¡± the second man with her says.


    ¡°Indeed he did,¡± the woman says, tilting her head to the side and looking back and forth at Arrum and me. The strange smile still holds her lips.


    My mind replays the memories of Nekam¡¯s instructions as my hand grips my blade tighter.


    ***


    Four Hours Ago


    ***


    ¡°I have a plan,¡± Nekam says, staring out ominously at all of us gathered.


    Arrum and I look at each other, both thinking the same thing. Last time his plan nearly got us all killed. Many did not return from his last plan. There is grumbling in the crowd that quickly dies down as Nekam stands from the Chief¡¯s chair and walks amongst us again.


    ¡°Everyone must be ready.¡± Nekam says, then louder now ¡°Tomorrow we make ready to attack the Dorasi Clan. We will meet them head-on before they can strike us.¡±


    Murmurs erupt almost instantly in protest. Attack them? Why? How will we do this? We are supposed to march to the surface tomorrow to join the other clans. We will not thrive with such a late start.


    ¡°You will send us to our graves!¡± someone yells.


    Nekam moves to them now, swift like the cracking of ice he is upon them before they can even blink. He does not even need to draw his blade to make their eyes grow wide. His presence alone is enough. Words from the Sage fill my mind seeing him use this tactic to maintain control.


    A wise person knows that fear can be a powerful motivator, but only a fool rules with it


    Nekam may hold their tongues today, but tomorrow he may also find a blade in his back. This is not sustainable. Evoking fear when we need unity, promoting war when we need peace. There is something amiss with the way he says it though. Something larger is at play again. I cannot help but feel this may be some kind of misdirection. Nekam never openly tells his next move until it is time. Arrum gives me another glance, he is thinking the same thing. His gaze turns to Nekam now who walks by us. Giving us a look that means he has work for us. Arrum lets out a low sigh after he has passed.


    ***


    Arrum and I have waited for nearly an hour by the time Nekam comes to speak with us, having already spoken with his tribe chiefs. Nekam¡¯s eyes search the room, looking at those who speak in hushed whispers.


    ¡°Follow.¡± He says to us, his eyes still on others in the room as he turns toward the Clan chief¡¯s private quarters.


    His stride is fast as he moves, giving nods to those who look at him with deference and a menacing stare at those who do not.


    ¡°Yuri, with me,¡± Nekam says as we pass by him and Dekarn.


    ¡°Coming, my chief,¡± Yuri replies, following in stride.


    Dekarn gives Arrum a look as we pass him. Arrum, unlike other Ulima, returns the look in kind, turning to walk backward so he can know his intent is disrespect. My eyes flicker over to Nekam who has seen it, but says nothing.


    ¡°You need a leash for that Ulima, my chief,¡± Dekarn says loudly to Nekam who walks to his private quarters still.


    ¡°And you need a bath, my friend,¡± Nekam says without turning to face him.


    Dekarn gives another look to Arrum, a vein bulging on his forehead. Arrum gives me a look that almost makes me break stride to laugh. Arrum tugs at my arm motioning for me to look behind us, I see Dekarn lifting his arm and smelling himself. A grin slides over my mouth for a moment as I suppress the laugh. A brief respite from the darkness that crowds my mind.


    When we enter the Clan Chief¡¯s private quarters, Yuri closes the door behind us. My eyes take in the room as Nekam paces, deep in thought. There are seven seats adorned with furs sounding a metal table, the walls are painted with murals from Chiefs who have passed the veil. It will be Nekam¡¯s duty to paint Barnak¡¯s legacy, I cannot help but wonder how he will be remembered. My mind wanders more as I take in the room, blades line the wall, past Chiefs and heroes of the Clan, their names engraved in the stone shrine on the far side of the room. The shrine of Hempki¡¯s hammer. Compared to the works that I saw in the Sage¡¯s holos, it is crude, but there is a beauty to it. All things which bear a person¡¯s aspirations have beauty, if one knows how to look. Or so the Sage always said.


    ¡°My chief, are you sure I can¡¯t just¡­¡± Yuri begins, finally breaking the long silence.


    ¡°I am sure,¡± Nekam says before he can finish.


    Nekam sits now at one of the seven seats, Yuri joins after him.


    ¡°I have a mission for you both,¡± Nekam says.


    ¡°It will be dangerous,¡± Yuri says, folding his arms and looking at Arrum and me.


    ¡°If you fail, all of our plans fail,¡± Nekam says next.


    ¡°Understood, my chief.¡± Arrum and I answer.


    Nekam motions for us to sit at one of the seven fur-covered seats, an honor usually reserved for chiefs. To have an Ulima sit here is unusual. Arrum glances at me before he sits down. He wonders what kind of task it must be. My jaw tenses as I sit down, whatever it is. Arrum and I will be in danger. This much is clear.


    ¡°You will be meeting with my younger cousin.¡± Yuri says, rolling his jaw for a moment, giving Nekam a glance before he continues ¡°They will give you the second part of the plan, you will know them by the phrase they use. If you answer them correctly, they will know to trust you.¡±


    ¡°If you succeed with the mission,¡± Nekam begins, leaning forward and tenting his hands ¡°You will be Ulima no longer.¡±


    Arrum¡¯s eyes widen and his breath becomes uneven as he shifts in his seat, a grin pressing out onto his mouth. No thoughts of worry in his mind. What could be so important, that Nekam will give us full privilege and make us full members of the Clan?


    ¡°Hakashen.¡± Arrum says, bowing his head to Nekam ¡°Your will is my command.¡±


    Nekam¡¯s eyes trace over to me slowly, waiting for me to respond. An uneasy feeling creeps over me. A shallow sigh daring to leave as I bow my head, trying to find the will to utter the phrase, despite the implications on our lives, I cannot refuse him. Such is the fate of an Ulima. A fate that I have placed on Arrum by helping the brothers. This is my chance to atone for that. My jaw flexes as I speak.


    ¡°Hakashen, my chief.¡±


    ***


    Present Time


    ***


    ¡°There are four types of people, the strong, the wise, the weak, the daft, and¡­¡± The woman says, twirling a blade in each hand, pausing now, as though waiting for us to finish.


    ¡°What are you on about?¡± one of the men with her says, turning to her with a confused expression.


    ¡°You already said four types.¡± The other man says, not taking his eyes off of us, blade in hand ¡°Learn to count.¡±


    ¡°Ulima,¡± I say.


    Her head tilts back as she stares at me, her grin deepening.