Empire's Son: An Epic Science Fiction Novel Series

My mind raced at what Vang had told us. That mysterious ship had gotten into the Empire. Not only that, it seemed like it wasn't content to just knock out a ship's power anymore. Vang had said that it had destroyed the Maxem, a squadron of star fighters, and a space station. Now it was coming here to Sora, but the Admiral hadn't bothered to say why. Did he know, or was he just not saying? Based on my dealings with the man so far, I was sure it was the latter.

Rainus had taken a moment to call his battle cruiser in orbit and order a shuttle to be sent down right away. He sent a quick message to Commander Dexter that we were leaving, figuring the man already knew about the trouble coming, or soon would. Markus then led us out of the conference room, sure he could navigate the quickest way to the designated landing area.

"So you have encountered these beings before?" Rainus asked as we walked briskly side by side. Jamiss fell in behind us as he came from a guard position outside the conference room door.

"Yeah, right before we came back into the Empire." I paused a moment, not sure I should have said that last part, and then tried to backtrack. "Ummm… I mean… near the edge of the Empire."

I felt a blossom of amusement from Markus, and he said. "We know Aragon took you outside the border."

Surprise washed through me. "Really? How? I thought only my father knew where I had been."

"Markus," Rainus said in a low and warning tone.

Irritation rushed through the man in front of us, but he didn't stop or falter as he led us through the busy corridors of the building. "Come on, pavi," clearly speaking in a way that made me think they had an ongoing conversation about this.

"Why don't you call Nathias and let him know we are leaving? Tell him anyone who can travel should meet us at the landing zone within the next ten minutes. The rest can follow later," Rainus said with a resounding command.

Markus threw back a heated look, but he didn't protest as he activated his unity ring and made the call to Nathias.

I felt uncomfortable as we continued our journey through the building. The tension between Rainus and Markus was palpable, and I struggled to keep up with their brisk pace. My mind was still reeling from the revelation that they knew about my journey outside the Empire. How much did they know? And more importantly, why were they trying to keep this information to themselves?

The King said nothing else as we made our way out of the building and outside. My questions and concerns were momentarily pushed aside as I got a good look at the surrounding area. The College had changed significantly since I'd last seen it. The once bustling small city that seemed set apart from the desert appeared now to be consumed by it.

Sand and dust were everywhere. There were even large piles of sand scattered about, as if the desert was trying to reclaim the College one dune at a time. There were also varying bits of debris flung about, including a large piece of machinery that had lodged itself in one section of the administration building, and the smattering of trees that had been in a nearby green space had all come out by their roots. I also saw that the roof of the weapon depot across the street had half collapsed. But the worst was the thick haze that hung in the air. My eyes, nose and mouth immediately filled with sandy grit, and I started coughing.

"You still have the absorber I gave you?" Markus was somewhere out there in the murky haze. He wasn't far. I could tell that much from how close his voice sounded, but it was hard to see through the haze, and I had to half squint from the grit.

I remembered the small cloth he had given me right after the shield had exploded. I'd stuffed it in my pocket after we had gotten down into the tunnel beneath the chalet. I quickly searched my pockets, and my hand brushed against the cloth. I was glad it hadn't fallen out in all the excitement. I pulled it out and put it over my nose and mouth with the loops behind my ears to hold it in place. It at least helped with the coughing. The longer I was out in this muck, the more my vision was affected. The grit filled my eyes, making it almost impossible to keep my eyes open.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"Got it," I told him, because I wasn't sure he could see me in this mess, but I could feel him, I realized.

There was a distinct pulsing of warmth coming from right in front and slightly to my left. As I focused on it in my mind's eye, I could see it as a steady thrumming vortex of gray and black with brilliant threads of crimson light swirling about the center. And there was a knowing that this was Markus and I would always know wherever that vortex would be in relationship to me. In fact, if I took three steps forward and reached out my arm, I was dead certain I would graze my fingertips on his shoulder, even though at this point, I could not open my eyes.

I also knew that he could do the same to me, and I shivered as the full realization of our bond came over me. This was going to change my life forever, and I wasn't sure how I felt about that. I mean, yes, on one hand I could see that this might be a very good thing for Markus and I. Though, on the other hand, this felt like an invasion of privacy for both of us, not to mention that I found it to be quite disorienting and maybe a little weird.

I felt a surge of reassurance from Markus, and I let it wash over me. That part I could get used to––the reassurance and support. It was nice to know I wasn't alone anymore, and I found it was settling a lot of anxiety I'd been having since the foundation of my life had been ripped out from under me just a short time ago.

"Jamiss, you have pavi?" I heard Markus asked.

"Yes, maybe we should head back inside to let this let up some?" Jamiss replied from somewhere off to the left. I could feel Rainus's physical presence beside me, but nothing beyond, though Jamiss' voice made it sound like he was just on the other side of the King.

"You weren't in on the conversation, but our need to get off this planet is urgent. I was planning on stopping by the depot across from us to get some breathers," Markus said.

"Alright," was the clipped response from the other Protector. I could tell by Jamiss's voice he wasn't happy about something, though I wasn't exactly sure what. Maybe he didn't enjoy being out of the loop?

I felt Markus move forward, and I moved with him. I know it wasn't long. Maybe only two minutes at most, but with my eyes watering like crazy and not being able to see, it felt like a lot longer than that. Markus finally stopped. He then backtracked, grabbed my arm, and pulled me forward. I could sense us passing through a door and into a structure. A moment later, a cloth was thrust into my hands. I immediately used it to wipe away the sand. Relief filled me as I blinked away the last of the grit and could see again.

We were in a wide corridor of dark gray that extended before me for quite a way. It was lined with wide doors on each side. Many of the doors were opened as I saw a handful of Pledges and even a few retired Protectors pulling out items. Many were large black crates, and I could just see into the closest box. It had one of those black suits that Markus had used in the Hall of Renowned to abduct me.

Markus moved past that box and found a much smaller crate that had the words KXU REBREATHERS on the side. He cracked it open and pulled out what looked like gas masks with the face part a clear material and framed on the sides were large black cylinders, and at the mouth, the cylinders fed into a large circle where it must provide the oxygenated air. He handed each of us one. I studied mine for a moment to see how to put it on.

Markus had already secured his and came up to me. "Just slip the strap over your head and that's it. Once in place, it activates."

I nodded as I heard his distorted voice through the breather. He was right. I slipped a black band over my head, and as soon as the mask came into contact with skin; it sealed tight against my face. A moment later, a force of oxygen rushed into my nose and mouth. I breathed deeply of the clean air.

I turned to see Rainus slipping his mask over his head. Jamiss already had his on. I looked around for Markus. He had disappeared. I focused for a moment and felt his presence down the passage and through one of the rooms ahead. Half a heartbeat later, he ducked back into the corridor and headed to us. He was holding two medium-sized black cases, one in each hand.

The only markings were of the College's dragon crest stamped on the front. I smirked, having just met who that crest was supposed to represent. It looked a little like Razivi, but really, it didn't do her justice. I would not soon forget seeing her considerable and fearsome form as I woke up in her lair. Let me tell you. Dragons really exist! What a marvel.

I also found it kind of funny that the truth was right there in the open for everyone to see, but most people––like myself until a few hours ago––thought it was just a representation of a fierce animal that helped give the Protectorate a strong face. Ha! I bet whoever decided on the dragon as the official mascot for the College is still laughing from his grave at his little joke.

As he came back, Markus handed one case to Jamiss, who took it with a nod. Markus held firmly onto the second.

"Better?" Markus asked me.

I nodded.

"Then let's get going." Once again, he took the lead, and we stepped back into the haze, but with far better results this time. We made it across the College with no further delays, and with me chuckling to myself most of the way.