Clouds of Tyranny Page 16

  They ran into the main entrance to see Smith and Luther facing a tall man of about six and a half feet with a large sword along his back wearing a black hooded cloak over a dark red sleeveless body suit. The man’s face was dark skinned with a long goatee, evil eyes, and a crooked smile of malcontent. “Leave my home, Krazz! We have nothing to speak about,” ordered Luther. “Give the empire what we desire or die.” Krazz’s voice was deep and without emotion. “Nobody threatens the Returners!” yelled Locke drawing his sword in unison with Ray drawing his newly purchased blade. “Locke, no!” yelled Smith. “So, this is Locke,” said Krazz turning towards Locke. “Yeah, you want some?” asked Locke. Krazz smiled like he was hungry for a fight, “Where is she? Where is my girl? The spellcaster, she belongs to me.” “She is not your property, she’s a person,” interrupted Ray. “That’s right Krazz, she’s one of us now,” said Smith with conviction. “I have vowed to protect her,” said Locke walking closer to Krazz, “And if killing you make her safer, so be it!” Locke rushed Krazz and swung his sword down trying to split his face down the middle. Krazz wrapped his fingers around Locke’s blade as it stopped in mid flight; Krazz’s blood dripped down the blood droplets falling to the floor. Locke struggled to move the blade down further but it refused to travel onward. Locke was shocked that this demon could stop his blade so easily. Krazz smiled maliciously before kicking Locke in the chest with his humongous boot sending Locke flying twenty feet back. Krazz threw Locke’s sword in the opposite direction as it bounced and clanged around. Ray thought about attacking but quickly realized that a predator to Locke would be his murderer, so he sheathed his blade. “Now, give me the girl, give me the castle and you won’t die!” yelled Krazz at Smith and Luther. Locke got to his knees as Krazz’s back was turned and drew a throwing dagger. Smith looked at Locke and nodded his head discouraging Locke’s idea. Locke glared at Krazz wanting retribution more than anything. Everyone was silent. Krazz wiped his bloody hand on his suit and began making his way for the door, “Have it your own way.” Locke stood up as Krazz left through the door. “How the hell did he get in?” asked Ray remembering all the surveillance in and around the town. “He’s Krazz,” answered king Luther. “Why the fuck did you stop me!” yelled Locke so loud his own ears vibrated. “Because, you can’t kill him,” said Captain Antleon walking down the stairs to them. “Think about it Locke,” started Smith, “If that ‘thing’ can stop your sword without even trying, then you don’t stand a chance. Besides…I sensed something from him. The same feeling I get from Terra.”

  Smith wanted Locke to get checked out in the infirmary but he rejected the request. Locke spent the rest of the day thinking. My girl? Who did he mean? Terra or Alex? The rest of them assumed he meant Terra because they don’t know of Alex’s past. But how would he know that I rescued Alex and that she didn’t just escape? Does he know about our involvement with Harmon? Will he be in Harmon? Smith senses Terra’s gift? Does he know about Alex too? Locke tried to come to some conclusions to his questions but didn’t arrive at any. Locke, Ray, and Smith stayed in Velxeer for four more days planning with Luther and his men the future battle in Harmon as well as a location where messengers from both sides could meet on a daily basis in case a war should break out in Luther’s kingdom; Chuck stayed behind. With three days till they had to position themselves within Harmon they boarded the train to take them home along with twelve Velxeer archers and Captain Reuben Antleon. On the trip back to Returner’s HQ the sixteen of them sat in the same car. Locke and Ray had noticed that pretty much everyone employed by the Velxeer army was a robot emotionally. “So…” said Ray breaking the silence, “How long you been with the military, Reuben?” “Captain Antleon,” corrected Reuben. “Excuse me?” asked Ray confused. “My name is Captain Antleon and you will address me as such. And in answer to your question: I have been with the military since 2618 when I turned fourteen. Anything else?” answered Reuben with debonair rudeness. Locke began laughing. “What’s the joke?” asked Reuben. “Nothin’. But rest assured, I don’t think ANYBODY will be asking YOU anymore questions,” laughed Locke at Antleon’s expense. “Mmmm,” hummed Chuck as he ate bread (an entire loaf in his hands with multiple bites taken out of it.) Ray leaned to Locke’s ear, “You think the archers are as much ‘fun’ as their captain?” Locke nodded.

  It was Terra, Ruthie, and Pearl’s last day in Sandria and they were determined to make the most of it. Terra was awakened at sun up by Pearl followed by Ruthie, “Come on girls. I have a surprise for you,” yelled Pearl running outside. “What’s she so bubbly about?” asked Ruthie. “That’s the same question I’m always asking you in the morning,” giggled Terra. “Leave me alone, I had a rough night,” said Ruthie holding her head. “Yeah I know. I was the one that carried to home remember?” “You didn’t carry me…you just helped me walk.”

  After thirty minutes, Ruthie was finally ready to get to her feet and leave the hut where Pearl was waiting on the outside. They walked over to the large log building in the center of town where Elizabeth was waiting. Pearl and Elizabeth led the way up the stairs to the second floor while holding hands and Ruthie and Terra followed. Once they reached the second floor they went to a door that covered a ladder leading to the roof of the inn. They got on to the roof and saw a long cord descending down into the ocean. “I hope your strong swimmers,” asked Elizabeth as she stripped to reveal her bikini. “I grew up in the water,” strutted Ruthie past Terra as she began to disrobe as well. “Terra?” asked Pearl taking off her shirt to reveal a tube top, but left her shorts on. “I get by,” smiled Terra being more than modest. “Your not gonna swim in your dress, are you?” asked Pearl. “She’s shy,” giggled Ruthie. Terra frowned as she slid her dress straps down her shoulders and slid down her dress, “Not anymore,” smiled Terra as she stood there in her underwear. Terra went over to the cord and grabbed the handle that would send her traveling down into the cool blue water. She took a deep breath and took a small running start and leaped off the building with handle gripped. Terra sailed through the sky a hundred feet in the air gradually descending, she felt the cool breeze brush her face and push her hair back. Terra had an idea; she closed her eyes and concentrated before releasing the handle in mid flight. She was over the sand when she released her only lifeline as she felt her body glide through the air without the use of any support. She was manipulating gravity, I’m flying! She opened her eyes to see the water fast approaching. She took a deep breath just before diving into the water headfirst. Her head popped back out of the water to see her three companions staring at her trick. Terra smiled and waved up at them, but they didn’t move.

  “That was really something Ter,” said Ruthie as the two of them walked back to their hut at sunset to get dressed for the night festivities. “Learn something new everyday, I guess,” said Terra smiling as she slid her wet hair back. “Ever seen sky fires?” “What’s that?” asked Terra with inquiry. “They’re these little balls of light that shoot up from the ground and when they get high in the sky they explode in sparks of color,” explained Ruthie acting out the effect with her hands. “Sounds like fun.”

  It was nightfall when Locke and the others returned to headquarters. Everyone in the car stood and Rueben looked at Locke and pointed his palm toward the door, “After you.” “No, by all means. I don’t like certain people behind me,” said Locke accusingly after Smith was out of hearing range. Rueben walked ahead and Locke was the last to exit the train. Once inside they saw that only a few people had returned home early, luckily the cooks were among them and dinner was being served. “Good to be home. Though…Velxeer was nice,” commented Ray. “Indeed,” agreed Smith, “Locke, show these men to the dorm. Captain Antleon will stay in the spare Returner’s room next to mine.” Locke nodded, “Come on guys.” The twelve men followed Locke toward the hall leading to the men’s dorm. “I’d like to speak to you afterwards,” called out Smith. “And I’d like to talk to you,” yelled Locke without looking back.

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nbsp; The men’s dorm was pretty much the same layout as the women’s, only twice the size. “Alright boys! Throw your belongings on any bed without a blanket and I’ll pass out blankets after dinner,” ordered Locke, “Any questions? I’m hungry!” “Where should I sleep, SIR!” yelled a voice from the group. “Was I not clear?” “It’s against my religion to share a room with men, SIR!” “Huh? Oh! You’re a… I apologize. Come with me,” said Locke realizing they had sent a female soldier. Locke walked alongside this girl towards the women’s dorm. “What’s your name soldier?” asked Locke trying to get a sense of emotionality from someone from Velxeer. “Number ten, SIR!” Locke rolled his eyes as they approached the door. Locke banged on the door three times, “Hello! Is it safe for a man to enter?” “Come on in,” said a dainty voice from within the room. Locke opened the door and entered with Ten to see that only a handful of young girls were present in the dorm. “Emma, can you give this young lady a blanket and show her to her bed. She’ll only be staying for a few days,” instructed Locke. “Sure,” answered the girl as she closed her book and stood up, “I can put her above Ruthie.” “Fine,” said Locke before leaving the room.

  Locke went back down the hall into the dining room where he smelled boiled chicken cooking, then he proceeded to Smith’s room where Smith and Lars were already talking. “Locke, we were just discussing Harmon,” said Smith who was sitting at his desk while Lars was leaning against the wall. “Smith was telling me that Chuck had to stay behind, but I think we can manage anyway,” confirmed Lars, “I’m going to give you guys some privacy.” Locke grabbed Lars by the arm as he tried to leave and whispered, “I didn’t see Alex in the dorm.” “Haven’t seen her in a few days,” whispered back Lars just before leaving the room and closing the door behind him. “Well…” asked Locke to Smith. “I know about Alex, Locke,” said Smith glaring at Locke. “You know.” “Yes, you’re a fool to think I didn’t.” “Oh man. Listen, she’s a valuable asset despite what we both know about her.” “I’m not talking about Alex, this is about you.” “Me? What about me?” “I specifically ordered you to not get sexually involved with anyone inside these walls and you promised me!” yelled Smith as he slammed both fists down on the table. Locke was relieved, “We haven’t been sexually involved yet.” “Yet is right. I see the way you two look at each other, its unstoppable. Just…keep it to yourselves, please.” “We will.” “You had something to talk to me about?” “What? Oh right. Why are you so spineless with Luther? You act like he’s your king when he’s not.” “I am being tactful, Locke. Something you know nothing about. Think carefully, you act hostile to the ruler of a kingdom and he wont want to help you. Or he could simply just wipe you out because he doesn’t like you, that can’t happen. As Returners we have to survive, we have to prevail. That is why I have already sent out messengers to the Returners positioned around this half of the continent; for aid. With their help, Velxeer, and ourselves we can defeat the empire in Harmon.” “Yes sir,” said Locke as he saluted Smith, which he rarely ever did, then left the room to have dinner.

  At dinner, the present Returners sat together as always, the inhabitants of HQ were scattered among the tables, and Captain Antleon was with his archers who absolutely refused to sit with anyone involved with the Returners; they segregated themselves in their own private table. “Clyde, how’s the leg?” asked Ray. “Almost a hundred percent,” he answered. “Good,” said Locke after chewing some of his chicken leg, “Then you will be joining us in Harmon.” “Yup, gonna have a good number what with the Velxeer military at our side, providing that the girls make it back unscathed. Oh and Docs coming too,” said Clyde. Lars scoffed, “Looks like it’s gonna be Smith all by himself here. And the little ones of course.” The wheels in Locke’s head began grinding against one another, We will be away at Harmon leaving defenseless people here, Alex, an ex-imperial told me of this attack and right now she’s missing. Locke couldn’t eat another bite; he was beginning to feel full and his brain was busy with other matters. After dinner everyone went off to their beds to get some sleep, Harmon was four days away.

  The moon was directly over her head as Alex crept quietly into the Returner’s hideout, she entered the dining area; pitch black. Alex took a quick look around tuning her ears into the elements to hear movement of breathing as she tip toed toward the hall leading to the women’s dorm. Suddenly, a hand flew over her mouth muffling her lips and another hand bent her left arm back. Her assailant spun her around and threw her into one of the stonewalls, she felt her back crack as her attacker’s right hand was now on her throat and the left hand was holding a knife to her heart. “Where were you?” said the voice. “Locke?” she asked squinting to make him out. He pulled her towards him by the neck and shoved her back into the wall again, “Answer me.” “I…was…in Pan’dier.” “Are you setting us up?” “I cant breath.” “No shit,” said Locke holding the knife closer so she could feel it, “Why were you there? Will I be seeing imperials at my front door?” Locke’s right hand could feel the struggled breathing from her throat, so he released and she dropped to her knees trying to get her breath back as she hacked saliva onto the cold, hard floors. She looked up at him, “If that was the case. Why would I come back?” “To throw me off the scent.” “No baby, I swear. I went there to seek out more help. Able bodied persons willing to fight for our cause.” Locke looked down at her as tears streamed down her face, not tears of a death fearing girl, but those of a woman that lost the respect of a man she cares for. Locke may not be tactful but he could spot a liar when he looked into their eyes and he didn’t see a liar crying on the floor. Locke sheathed his knife back onto his leg and offered her a hand, which she took as she came to her feet. “And…” asked Locke wiping the tears from her cheeks. “Fifteen more. Snipers that will meet us at the rear entrance at dawn, not imperials,” she assured him. “I’m sorry, Alex. The pieces just fit, you AWOL, all of us in Harmon on your word alone, it just sounded like a trap to me. My Returner’s instinct overpowers my heart.” “I’ve never seen you like that before. So cold-blooded.” “I’ve never seen you weak before.” “I liked your intensity,” flirted Alex. “Go to bed, we’ll inform Smith of our new advantage tomorrow.” “Right,” said Alex as she grabbed Locke’s shirt and pulled him in for a kiss, “You smell like whiskey…I like that too.” Locke smiled and went off to bed.

  CHAPTER 14: WELCOME HOME

  Locke awoke the next morning with a grueling headache as he replayed the previous night’s events in his head over and over again. Alex was flirting with him less than two minutes after he threatened to kill her. Was it an act or is she just like him and believes that there is thick line of separation between business and emotion? Locke forced his body to get out of bed and get dressed. He went over to the sink and splashed some water on his face and gargled some antiseptic.

  As Locke walked into the dining area he saw Ray standing next to the ‘Returners’ door staring toward the middle of the room holding a cast iron mug that shot out steam like a chimney. “Coffees ready,” said Ray not looking to Locke as he spoke. Locke stared at Ray who looked hypnotized. Locke turned his head in the direction that Ray’s eyes were fixed on and he too froze at the bizarre sight. The twelve archers from Velxeer we standing at attention should to shoulder in the center of the room staring dead ahead at nothing. “What are they doing?” asked Ray out of the corner of his mouth. “Like I would know?” scoffed Locke. They shifted their gaze to their left where Reuben and Smith were emerging from the ‘Returners’ door. “Hey Reub, something’s wrong with your men,” said Ray handing the mug to Locke. Locke smiled to himself as he put his palm under the hot mug and quickly slipped his finger in the ring handle. “Captain Antleon,” corrected Reuben. “Yeah stupid,” said Locke sarcastically. The Captain walked past them over to his men as Locke and Ray shared a laugh until they saw Smith who was glaring at them, “You promised me.” Locke rolled his eyes, “We ain’t in Velxeer anymore.” Smith gave Ray a look and walked to h
is usual table as Locke took a sip from their mug. “What was that look for?” asked Ray confused. “Sit!” yelled Reuben at his soldiers. The twelve of them sat down at the table with hands folded in their lap waiting patiently for breakfast. “I knew they were robots,” chuckled Locke. Locke and Ray got two fresh mugs of coffee and sat down at their table and were soon joined by Lars and Clyde. The Velxeer archers were served first at breakfast, which prompted Locke to ask Smith, “That was your doing wasn’t it?” Smith didn’t so much as turn his head to face Locke.

  When Locke and his friends received their food finally he kept wondering where Alex was; did she leave again? Then, halfway through his breakfast Alex came strolling out of the door leading to the women’s dorm. “Hey guys,” she said as she sat down with Locke and the other two men. “See our new guests?” asked Ray. Alex looked up from her breakfast of oatmeal and brown sugar to see the thirteen people at their own table wearing exactly the same outfit with the exception of the Captain. “Hmm, who are they?” she asked. “Velxeer archers,” said Locke, “They’re gonna help us in Harmon, but I’m skeptical.” “Really? How come?” “Never mind that. Where have you been the past couple days?” asked Lars glaring at her. “Pan’dier. Reconnaissance and enlisting more fighters,” answer Alex stirring her oatmeal. “I didn’t okay that,” said Smith turning around to look at her. “You weren’t here and it seemed like a good idea. Anyway, I got fifteen more that will meet us in Harmon at dawn on the day in question.” “Next time clear it with someone, don’t go rogue like that,” said Smith in a thankful way, “How’s the imperial situation in Pan’dier?” “Died down, it seems,” answered Alex eating her oatmeal. “Honey?” asked Clyde holding up the jar of sticky, golden honey. “I’m allergic,” answered Alex. Another weakness, thought Locke.