Star Warden 3: CC. Chapter 6

 

Sixty Seconds

Sam awoke in the medical bed with one thought on his mind. A soft hand swiftly answered it for him.

“Are you okay,” Kaguya asked.

“If I'm not. Then that should tell you how the other guy looks.”

She smiled. “If you can still jest then I have no need to worry. Can you move?”

Sam tested his limbs. “Looks like I can.”

“Good. Because I have a gift for you.” She gave him a gift-wrapped box.

He opened up the box and his eyes widened. It was a flight jacket, his flight jacket with a couple of his old military patches.

“I am sorry if some are missing. I had to relay it to the machine via memory.”

“No, baby. It's perfect. But well how? My jacket should be in ashes.”

“I will explain everything on the way. Are you hungry?” His stomach answered that question for him.

Kaguya explained that he was on Celes's starship. A Starseeker Class scout vessel, this one named Blackjack. Celes lost a bet to a friend named Locke and had to accept his naming of her ship.

The Blackjack was located on the far side of Aurora to hide from Daimos's sensors. He got a better view of the moon when he entered the galley. It was nearly the size of Earth itself with two continents connected like North and South America. There was even an island with a nearly ocean size hole in the middle filled with water.

Celes beckoned them to have a seat while white and green humanoid droids served them food. Sam's food was something he hadn't seen in a long time. Eggs, Bacon, and a big order of Pancakes with a bowl of cheese grits. Nothing to show they were of alien design it was as if they came straight from Earth.

He wasted no time chowing down.

After the meal was over they moved to the observation deck but on the port side so they could have a view of the stars. The image was simply a holographic projection instead of an actual window.

“When you told me you were coming back. I didn't think it would be so soon,” Sam said.

“The Council sees you as a top priority. I was to come back as soon as possible and I'm not alone. One of our command ships the Thunder Claw is just outside the system.”

“Then what are we waiting for! Bust out the cavalry!”

“Would if I could. But a frontal assault will not aid you. We lack the numbers to assault this world directly. Daimos's sensor net is also very sensitive and we would not get near Aetherium before a response arrived. There is also another problem.”

“Toy time,” barked Josie.

“Yes, about that. I'm sorry. I made some assumptions on my first visit. That you had certain technologies that are considered standard.”

“No harm done. Just take in the armor and put it through a refit.”

Celes shook her head. “Your armor is far too out of date. Retrofitting it to match galactic standards would be a futile gesture at this point. Never mind installing the Order's hardware or software onboard. It could not run the medical nanotechnology or other features.”

“Wait. Rewind the tape. Medical nanotechnology?” He spoke with the excitability of a young child. “You mean little micro-bots repairing me?”

She nodded then started to rattle off other features. Such as 360-degree vision, energy shielding, camouflage, and augmented support fire systems. A fancy way of saying, controlling drones and other weapon systems remotely. Celes even showed her heads-up display as an example.

It put his armor's systems to shame. Not an ordinary shame. A shame where one had to commit seppuku to restore any honor.

Josie barked. “To say it in a less mean way. Updating your suit would take as much time and effort as making a brand new one.”

“I was not being mean,” Celes objected. “In fact, I am astonished by the bravery you have displayed, Samuel. Fighting in this suit. If against any other forces such as pirates or bandits. I would not be as concerned about sending you back. I insist you stay here until the new suit is complete.”

“How long would that be?”

“A week or two at most.”

That would normally be considered quick but with the ongoing operations in the Unicorn Kingdom. A week was almost a year in comparison.

Celes explained. “Constructing it won't take long. But factor in the need for your own Talisman and the biological tests we need to do.”

“Biological tests?”

“The humans of this galaxy have implants and gene therapy treatments you do not have. I want to check to see if these differences will require us to make specialized versions of the equipment for you or if the standard will work.”

“Well you can take the tests but I need to get back to the surface as soon as possible. Just repair the armor as best you can.”

“I do not think you understand. How grossly overmatched you are in your current state.”

The view of the stars changed into a view of Aetherium's sun. The star was surrounded in all three dimensions by a swarm of metal and plastics. All arranged in the shape of a massive sphere. It was hard to see the yellow sun due to the sheer number of devices surrounding it.

“I was shown something similar by the Enchantress. They collect energy and matter from the sun,” said Kaguya.

“It reminds me of something I read in an old story. Something called a Dyson sphere. But they're usually more solid,” said Sam. “I mean it looks amazing even if it was built by someone who's one circuit short of a board.”

“There is more,” said Celes.

More screens appeared displaying other suns surrounded by these spheres some more solid than the others. There were images of asteroids and dwarf planets covered in sprawling mining complexes. Massive space stations orbited around them as they refined the raw metals into finished products. Rocket ships in numbers beyond counting traveled across the star systems loaded with cargo. Many of them in Aetherium's very own solar system.

In another time this would be Sam's dream come to life. A thriving space industry, orbital stations, and asteroid settlements. Humanity traveling the stars and living on a million worlds many of them artificial. But this was that dream turned dark as all these resources, all this technology, was just another cog in the enemy's military-industrial complex.

For many people, this would be a sign that they were outmatched. Doomed to fail against the incalculable resources of the enemy. But how did Sam Bailey react to it? He did not, for him this changed nothing. Outmatched, outnumbered, and outgunned was the situation since day one of his arrival.

Celes was doing no more than saying he would have his work cut out for him. Something he had accepted long ago.

“Okay. If we're done with the vacation photos,” Sam said. “We should get my armor repaired.”

Celes shook her head in disbelief. “I can do very little for your armor. Your rocket pack can be repaired and the damaged material can be replaced with better metals. But you will still be vastly unequipped. I can not in good conscience send you back with this knowledge.”

“Then live with a guilty one. We don't have time to wait. The Queen just got captured. I don't know why he wants her. But whatever it is we have to move fast. For all, we know she could have knowledge of where one of the rings is. Daimos won't hesitate to take advantage of this information."

Celes sighed. “The lack of time is a problem I know all too well. You will be ready to leave in an hour.”

She kept her word and only sixty minutes passed in between Celes repairing the damaged armor and Josephine collecting the biological samples from Sam. From a cursory glance, nothing changed on the outside of the armor. A keen eye could see that some parts were darker or lighter than the rest of the suit.

The samples were streamed back to the Thunder Claw for testing. It would not take long for them to learn that Sam's biology had nothing that would prevent him from using technology from this galaxy. They would even test it for prolong compatibility and find it would work just as well. Then the process of constructing the armor would go smoothly, the only issue was time.

There was never enough time for Sam. Never enough for rest or preparation. Even when there was time to relax like at Cullen's Hand. The Domain always interfered and it was back into battle again. He never complained about it, for what was the point. The fighting had to be done and he had to do it with the gear he had.

Celes was apologetic feeling like she was throwing him into a Troll's den naked. But Sam brushed it off. There was nothing Celes could do to speed up the time. God willing he would get the advanced tech soon enough and go toe to toe with Daimos. For now, the fight continues as is.

Still, he did not go entirely without. Beneath his armor was a vest of nano mail. It had the feel and strength of the fictional mithril metal. It had more advanced capabilities but those were blocked off until he gained the new armor. But if his plating was pierced he would have a better chance of survival.

Kaguya also gained a gift in the form of a new ray gun that could overwhelm the nervous system of organic targets and electronics. Along with technology embedded into her very clothes. They would give her a more accurate idea of how people were injured so she could focus her magic along with a civilian-level energy barrier around her body. Such barriers were strong enough to protect from even the vacuum of space giving rescue services more time to save lives. Thus were common across many worlds in the galaxy.

“It is done. Little better than your old equipment in my opinion,” Celes said bitterly.

Kaguya floated up to give Celes a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Thank you. Even if you see it only as the least you can do. You have been a great help.”

“May the Powers protect you both.”

“May the Powers protect you as well.”

They returned to Aetherium through the gateway. Celes said a prayer to Kira and Mira. One thanking her for arriving back to Aetherium in time. The other to give them enough time for the Warden's new armor to be completed. 

Chapter 7

Chapter 5

Star Warden 3: CC. Chapter 5

 Royal Reunion

Dawn on Aetherium when the moon Fomoria slowly left to make room for the rising of Aurora. In this twilight hour above a pristine glade covered with morning dew. Two unicorns would make their appearance. One male and one female, sharing a pure white coat but the male had a silver mane and horn. While the female had a rainbow mane with a horn made from pure crystal. The moment the sky was clear, no moons above them, only with the bands of light. A magical transformation took place.

The unicorns became faeries. Covered by silken robes. Oberon and Titania. King and Queen of the Unicorn Kingdom. The handsome King had transparent wings to go with his silver-in-gray eyes. While the beautiful Queen had prismatic wings and crystalline eyes. Their horns had moved to the top of their heads.

A herd of Pegasi and Unicorns crossed from the woods and bowed their heads to their lord and lady. They would serve as the honor guard to escort the monarchs to their thrones. As days passed there would be parades and celebrations to honor their return, petitions would be heard, grievances resolved, and debts were forgiven. A week of jubilation for all.

Oberon took his wife's hands into his own. “We have returned to the world once again. What wonders await us this time, my sweet maiden of the stars?”

“I do not believe my imagination is sufficient for that task. Nor would I wish it to be. I love the surprises that mortals give me.”

“Then let us not tarry. Our subjects await.”

The horses made a sound of alarm as they spotted metallic spheres descend along with a flying craft of some description with red and blue lights. A wailing sound emitted from the black and white flying things.

“Stay where you are!” The voices were unnatural. “Lethal force has been authorized for any resistance.”

“It appears the surprises have come to us, my love,” said Titania.

Footsteps echoed from the woods as Minotaurs and large groups of metallic two-legged creatures walked out. “Yes, a great many surprises. Stay behind me.” Titania moved behind her husband clutching his shoulder. Oberon's sensed felt a foreboding presence from the metal ones. The fact that Minotaurs were here only added to it.

An albino one with eyes emitting some strange whirls and were clearly unnatural stepped forward.

“King Oberon. Queen Titania. By the authority of his Excellency, Daimos, Lord Consul of the Domain and Dictator of the Republic. You two are to be placed in protective custody.”

“What or Who are you protecting us from?”

“Rebel elements. Now come with us quietly or we will use force.” The horned monster smiled.

Oberon detected the implication. The creature wanted to cause a fight. The other Unicorns in the area were prepared for one. Digging in their hooves and horns pointed. The albino licked his lips and pulled out an ax. Titania's eyes went wide as she could sense the evil energy radiating from it.

Oberon began speaking and raised his hands ready to cast a spell. A spell of sleeping and a spell of obscurity so they could escape. Before he could finish a burst of sound disrupted his concentration. Two sphere-like objects with pulsing red eyes started bearing down on him. He focused on his incantation but the tell-tell signs of magic did not show.

The Minotaur laughed. “No magic can work here for either of you. Now last chance. Come with us or we'll make it really hurt.” He cracked his knuckles.

Two beams of energy destroyed the orbs. Hiding in the tall grass on the outer edges of the glade were elves armed with bows, blades, and particle pistols. They fired with disciplined silence on the enemy forces. Oberon recognized their uniforms as being with Ranger Company.

A figure on a white metal horse rode over to the King and Queen. The figure was dressed in blue armor with stellar heraldry: a white star with red trails.

“Your Majesty. I'm the Star Warden and I'm here to help. Ready to get out of dodge?”

******

The ambush had gone perfectly. Ranger Company and the Marauders were providing covering fire and taking out the remaining spheres. The Sprites were using their magic to divide the minotaurs and the SWAT-bots from each other. Everything was going to plan so far. More reason to get out of dodge before their luck ran out.

King Oberon nodded at the Warden and turned to his wife. “Go with the Star Warden and get to safety. I will meet you there.” Titania made a face wanting to protest but she did as asked. Climbing onto a Unicorn she rode off with the Princess and Warden by her side. While Oberon re-cast his spell of sleep.

One by one the beasts would fall leaving only the machines to fight. The Sprites focused on keeping them barricaded letting the King and his escort retreat in good order. Everyone then split up into smaller groupings. Keeping the machines busy chasing after multiple targets and giving them more time to escape with the royals.

The Warden and Kaguya were keeping a brisk pace in the woods. Being only a day's ride from Gloriana they had no time for anything else.

“Where exactly are we going,” asked the Queen.

“To a safe place. We will explain everything when we arrive.” He switched to his Talisman. “Merlin, how's that signal?”

“I am disrupting the signal to the full extent of my abilities. But my functions are limited in these matters.”

The red lights from those spheres were not just for show. They were designed to also bathe the King and Queen with an energy signature that could be tracked. The Warden discovered it by scanning the Queen. He suspected that Daimos would take precautions, doubly so when he learned that the Warden was in the Kingdom. After the events on Ramia, Sam was on the lookout for any disguised tracking.

Merlin was doing its best to keep the signal from being tracked for both King and Queen. But the familiar could only do so much. This scrambling software was good against passive scanning systems. But there was no guarantee that it would hold up under the scrutiny of active scanning.

This was mostly due to the programming itself and unfortunately, it could not be improved. For one the Free Realms lacked the resources to improve it. Peace's skill and knowledge mostly came from Daimos's code. Tuatha code was still beyond him. There was also the fact that Talisman itself was limited.

Much of the device was still locked by the bio-signature of the Enchantress. Like a computer with a guest account. Sam only had access to certain functions of the device. That meant his familiar only had access to certain functions and programs on it as well. Removing biometric security was not an option. As the time and effort needed for it would be better served in just having one made for the Warden from the ground up.

“Incoming Plasma,” shouted Merlin. Kaguya blocked it and the others that followed with her barrier.

Pursuing the three were multiple packs of mechanical dogs. Red optics and bodies of gleaming titanium. They blasted plasma from their maws as they got ever closer to their prey.

Sam drew Dawnbringer from its scabbard. Two dogs leaping from the tree branches got close to fire plasma at point-blank range. Sam deflected the blasts then cleaved one dog cleanly in half. Kaguya knocked the other one away with a blast of light turning into scrap metal on impact with the ground.

“To the river,” said the Queen. “It will aid in ending their pursuit.”

The Warden rode hard to the river in question. Leaping across it quickly. The Queen sang a beautiful melody. The river expanded and started to flow faster as if a torrent of rain had been poured through it. When the dogs attempted to leap across they could not make it and were swept away by the tide.

“Way to go, Queenie,” Sam shouted.

“Queenie?” Titania gave him a bemused look.

His celebration was cut off when a high-pressure stream of wind cut through his horse. It collapsed into pieces forcing the two to the ground. The Queen's unicorn was hit with a stream of chemicals from the air. The horse bucked the Queen off sending her to the ground as it began to neigh in excruciating agony.

A disgusting sight unfolded before her. The Unicorn, mercifully quick, began to liquefy and dissolve into a swampy puddle. That puddle combined with the liquid from the initial attack started to spread across the wood. Once healthy grass turned brown, the trees began to rot and die. Spawning maggots from their corpses. The chemicals reached the expanded river turning it brown and creating a smell that spread the chemicals further. Birds began to drop like flies.

Titania began singing a song of restoration. Leaving her open for a creature to descend upon her. One with sickly green scales, feet, and legs like a dinosaur, a long serpent-like neck with the head and wings of a bat. A Jabberwocky.

It was a creature the Star Warden slew on his first adventure after recovering from burning alive. Though that one had a more draconic appearance. This one was being ridden by a figure in bronze and black with a helm whose face imitated the appearance of a jack o lantern. A baleful glow emitted from the eyes and mouth.

The Jabberwocky's claws snatched the Unicorn Queen and took off north back to Gloriana. The Star Warden took flight to pursue them, Dawnbringer's runes at the ready. Only to be shot down from behind. His rocket pack was damaged and blood started to drip from his back.

“What kind of blast was that” he thought. “My armor can usually take a SWAT-bots hit.”

He attempted to rise and suppress the pain in his back. But the immense pain was far too much, forcing him to focus all his willpower on not falling into shock. 

“SWAT-bots,” Kaguya said as she began to heal him. “A new model from their appearance.”

The SWAT-bot mark 2. Black with gold accents. Skull faces openly displayed instead of the usual face plate and visor. Their visual sensors were gold like a wolf's but with blood-red pupils. They moved without making a sound thanks to anti-gravity technology replacing the rockets of the Mark 1s.

They began to speak but the Warden could not hear it. Built-in encryption devices made the voices come out as a series of beeps and static to organic hearing. A security measure to ensure none could understand what they said and enhance their intimidating looks.

Kaguya acted quickly creating a platform of light to spirit them away. The Mark 2s gave chase firing their built-in particle cannons and missiles. These missiles unleashed nanites upon each impact. Slowly the platform and barrier of magic began to erode forcing Kaguya to put more magic into each. But this division would only delay the inevitable, so she chooses to focus on the platform, hoping to get out of reach.

It would not be so. The sonic spheres cut them off and blared in unison. Causing the platform to crumble beneath them. The Mark 2s launched a barrage of energy on the Princess before she could react. She tumbled to the ground bleeding and unconscious. The Warden used his rocket boots in an attempt to catch her. But was intercepted by a machine punching him in the face. The front of his helm shattered into pieces and he fell to the ground with only an effort of will keeping him conscious. One of the drones put a cyberfield on his arms and legs pinning him to the ground.

One of the robot soldiers walked over him cannon at the ready. Its eyes turned fully red and a familiar voice came out. “Greetings, Star Warden.”

“Daimos.”

“As you can see the Mark 2s are a marked improvement over the original.” He laughed at the pun.

“Free advice: Don't quit your day job. Here's some more: If you're going to vaporize me get it over it.”

“Oh, I plan to. But not through vaporization. Considering burning you alive did not kill you. I fear you may somehow recompile yourself from the atoms. So I will use the one means I know will work.” The robot's left arm shifted into a state of liquid metal then solidified into a blade. The blade heated up as the nanites vibrated at a high frequency.

“Time for you to join your father. In my trophy room!” He slammed the blade on Sam's throat and the blade broke.

“WHAT!” The broken piece began to dissolve into liquid followed by the rest of the blade.

Daimos continued to bellow but only static came out of the frozen machine. Arcs of plasma in the form of green lightning bolts struck the Mark 2s. The Warden heard a loud barking ringing in his ears and the thump of a grenade launcher. Smoke blanked the area with only the flashes of particle cannons and plasma breaking through it.

The cyberfield dissipated from his limbs. “Greetings. All will be well.” The synthetic voice was soft and female. Its source was a dark-furred golden retriever in some sort of battle suit.

“Josie?” His voice was weak as he was slowly losing his will to stay awake. “Kaguya in danger,” he moaned.

Her ears drooped as her suit's sensors relayed how wounded he was. “All will be well,” she repeated. “You will see Kaguya again.” She barked something and it translated into binary which opened up a Bifrost gateway that swallowed Sam and Josie.

Celes called back her nanites as they left the disabled Mark 2s. Summoning an anti-gravity pad from cyberspace. She safely brought the faerie princess through a gateway into her ship. Familiar chrome and white walls with a dash of green electronic lines filled her vision as she put Kaguya inside a medical pod alongside Sam's.

Medical nanites entered into their bloodstreams to began mending their bodies.

Chapter 6

Chapter 4

Star Warden 3: CC. Chapter 4

 Family Matters

A meeting of the War Council had been called. One day before the return of the King and Queen to Faerie form. The events in Cullen's Hand were the primary reason but Connor had more than that to discuss. All met in the War Room, carved deep into the trunk of the tree. Light was provided by various plants.

“Something has drastically changed with the enemy's operations,” Connor said. “First we are ambushed and tracked into the roots. Second Cullen's Hand is openly attacked. Lastly, we have gotten reports that our usual areas of refuge have been emptied out entirely of all sapient life. Most likely taken back to Gloriana.” Gloriana being the name of the Kingdom's capital.

“Clearly “King” Falstaff has woken up. Fat sack of lard and excrement like him tend to nap for two centuries.” said one of the Rangers.

“No, Falstaff is not this aggressive or would let the monsters run wild like this. There were also no sightings of the Royal Guard. Only machines and those Minotaurs.”

“Then either Falstaff is under pressure to produce results or he's not entirely in command anymore,” said Sam.

But who was in command was a question with a nearly infinite list of answers at this point. There was also the larger question of why the Domain was taking a more active role in the Unicorn Kingdom. The King and Queen returning was the obvious answer but it was unclear if he was planning to capture or kill them. 

The meeting continued for an hour as they debated over their plans. If Daimos was after the monarchs then they would lie in ambush. Wait for them to make the first move, they would also have the advantage of the cloak of night to make their escape. Connor was the first to leave the meeting once it was adjourned. Sam and Daniel looked at each other.

“Want me to come with you?”

“No. Let me speak to him. At least a few minutes alone.”

Daniel took a deep breath and kissed the crucifix necklace. Praying to God to give him the strength to weather what was to come.

He found his brother overlooking one of the internal gardens from a wooden railing. The Sprites were cultivating the fruits below.

“I'm surprised you're not working down there yourself. When you were younger you would wake up early in the morning to help dad stomp grapes to make wine.”

“Stop with the small talk,” Connor replied curtly. “You have no right to speak to me as if nothing happened. Murderer.”

“Then to business, Brother?”

“You have no right to call me that as well. Now state your business and leave.”

“I came to talk.”

“Then your business is concluded.” 

Daniel sighed. “About the past. I want to apologize. For not being a good brother, for my piracy. Not going to father's funeral. For all of my sins.”

Connor gave him a look of cold disgust. The faerie stood up from the railing and drew a dagger from his hip. He slowly pressed it against his hand and without a sound of pain cut across his palm. Blood dripped from his palm and for each drop, Connor spoke a name. A name from a ship that Daniel plundered or destroyed. Each ship name carried hundreds of others left unspoken; his victims.

“How do you apologize to them?” 

“Do my best to save lives now where I once took them.” Daniel's face was resolute. Truly there was no other way to apologize. No word or gesture could truly do anything for the dead and nothing could be done about the past. Daniel had long resolved himself that only future actions could make up for it.

“Yes, The Dark Lord gave you quite a convenient excuse. But I admit that was a better answer than I expected. It does not absolve you of your crimes.” Even with such admittance, his voice stayed cold.

“It may never will,” Daniel said solemnly. “Forgiveness is not the reason I wanted to speak to you. I only wished to say my piece to my brother before it was too late. I've lost too much family without saying goodbye. How is mother?”

Connor just glared at him. “I know. I have no right to that,” said Daniel. “Just tell her I said hello or pray for her on my behalf.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Because if the Powers don't forgive me then she won't see my prayers. If she has indeed passed on.” Daniel turned to leave only stopping when Connor asked.

“Are you aware that you have several outstanding warrants for your arrest and execution?”

“You are free to judge me once this adventure is over. Though you might have trouble explaining it to your sister-in-law and nieces.”

“You have a wife? Does she?”

“Yes,” Daniel interjected. “Every sordid detail. My daughters will too once they are older. All my deeds good and ill will be known and they can judge for themselves. I won't take up any more of your time with my presence.” Daniel left the room.

Sam watched silently as he did. He looked at Connor as he turned back to the railings. He whispered a prayer.

******

In occupied Gloriana the Domain made their own plans. The soul extractors worked overtime creating new servitors to labor away. The sky ports were filled as weapons, vehicles, and machines were being unloaded from rocket ships. The streets were empty as the SWAT-bots and Minotaurs strictly enforced a curfew on the remaining living inhabitants. The few that still remained. 

Inside the royal palace Daimos appeared in holographic form as Ahrimus was giving a report. The Star Warden was in the Unicorn Kingdom as he expected. He laughed evilly. 

"Oh, how I do so love being right. Did he happened to mention anything about the Spellbinder or Cosmic Ring?”

“No, Master.”

“No matter. We will alter the plan accordingly. Inform Lorcan at once.”

Ahrimus openly grimaced but he dare not disobey the command. “Yes, Master. Anything else?”

“Has Falstaff been a bother?”

“No, Master. He's been enjoying his feasts with his “invited” guests. He pays us no mind.”

“Hopefully he stays that way. Carry out your orders. But this time to the letter. If I catch a repeat of what happened at Cullen's Hand. Well, let's just say there are parts of the galaxy that consider Minotaur meat a delicacy.”

The message was loud in clear and Ahrimus bowed. “Yes, Master. I won't do it again.”

Walking down the corridors and ignoring Falstaff's party of sycophants he entered a dark room. He held back his disgust at the stench of death and oil around him and asked.

“Commander Lorcan?”

“What is it,” responded a raspy and synthetic voice.

“The Star Warden is in the Kingdom and we've been ordered to change to the secondary battle plan.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes.”

“I will ready the Mark 2s. Dismissed.”

Ahrimus left without another word and he was thankful for it. If only he could put galaxies between him and that..thing. He never wanted to know the means or methods behind his creation. Just thinking about the ghoulish implications was more than enough for him. 

Chapter 5

Chapter 3

Star Warden 3: CC. Chapter 3

 3

“Put another log on the fire!” Two minotaurs threw a young elven maid screaming into flames while the third one laughed.

An albino Minotaur with baleful red eyes. His name is Ahrimus. He was older than his compatriots. A survivor of the great Minotaur Horde. But he was just a lowly warrior back then, now he had his own clan. That clan was putting Cullen's Hand to the torch. Which was somewhat against his orders. But he had a reason to bend the rules.

When his clan attacked the town someone yelled to fetch the Star Warden. Ahrimus decided to burn the town in order to lure him out. He had a score to settle with Samuel Bailey, an old score. A score he is not aware of yet, but Ahrimus would make sure he was. His communication link beeped.

“Clan Master! He's he.” A guttural noise followed then the link was severed confirming the Minotaur's death.

“Warriors! Send me his location then stand down. I want to deal with him.” Ahrimus ran across the town and saw his target. The Star Warden in that garish blue armor with a white and gold cape.

“Warden!” The human turned to him. “Face your executioner!”

“Better men, monsters, and machines have tried!”

“They lacked the personal touch. Time to repay your father's debt!” A phantom of acidic burns flared behind his artificial eyes.

“If you thought you could take my dad in a fight you were already blind. He just made you aware of it!”

The Minotaur drew his ax and charged. Slamming headfirst into an invisible force field conjured by the Warden's talisman. The Warden himself took advantage of the surprise sending a stream of thermal energy from his ray gun. Fires ignited or expanded near Ahrimus who responded with an energy shield to block the flames and return fire.

The Star Warden evaded his fire with his rocket boots, moving like an Olympic figure skater. Keeping his distance he fired another blast from his ray gun freezing the Minotaur's ax and arm in place. Ahrimus chanted words quickly causing dark runes to appear on his weapon. The ice shattered and he quickly surprised the Warden with a parry then slapped him with his backhand hard enough to send him to the ground.

“You're not the only one with a magic weapon!” The ax glowed with a malicious aura and he slammed it down with great force. Chunks of dirt and stone flew everywhere but it missed its target. Dawnbringer and the enchanted ax clashed, energies of dark and light, Celestial and Abyssal. Pushing against each other for dominance, though Sam knew his weapon was stronger he had to hold back.

But he didn't have to hold back too much. He kicked the Minotaur's face launching a blast of heat from his rockets. The Warden planted a grenade on his chest then kicked off his body to getaway. Ahrimus was flung back from the force of the explosion and thrown into the flames. While he was not a fan of kicking someone when they were down. The Warden didn't hesitate in blasting Ahrimus with some of Dawnbringer's magic. Any rubble still intact was annihilated by the resulting inferno.

The Warden moved to either slay or drive off the remaining Minotaurs. Kaguya would use her command of the winds to kill the oxygen for the flames. The only part of the town that was mostly intact was the Summer district. Thanks to Kaguya playing defense. Ahrimus still lived but barely, only bits and pieces of his skin remained on his body. It was due to medical nanomachines that let him cling to life and sheer willpower that allowed him to crawl to his hovercraft and flee.

The townspeople choose to stay and rebuild. Sam and Kaguya offered to help but they declined as a way to thank them for saving their lives. Sam gave them some emergency medical supplies and food from his horse before leaving.

“Well at least it wasn't a total wash right?”

“Do not blame yourself. Despite the unintended interruption, I had a wonderful time.”

She hugged him, her understanding flowing into him.

“You deserve so much more,” He thought. She accepted the best he could do. He wanted his best to be so much better. “I'm tired of Daimos being an excuse for not being better.” Even if it is an acceptable excuse. He didn't like having excuses for not being his best.

“Darling,” Kaguya said in a somewhat stern tone of voice. “Do. Not. Blame. Yourself.” She gently pinched his cheek. “I am truly happy that we were able to do most of what you had planned. Until Daimos is stopped events like this will happen. But that does not speak ill of you. In fact, it speaks very well of you, willing to do what you need to do despite poor circumstances.”

“I wonder what I ever did to deserve you,” Sam said. He wrapped his arms around her. “Thanks, Sunshine."

Chapter 4

Chapter 2

Star Warden 3: CC. Chapter 2

 

A Brief Respite

After relaying to Daniel what he had learned from Connor. Sam spent the rest of the day training. Since returning from Ramia he had focused on mastering Dawnbringer's true state: Excalibur. He had studied the seven celestial runes learning the meaning of each one and how to use their energies properly. The more he controlled it the more he learned the truth about Excalibur

Excalibur was a no mere sword. It was not sun-forged blessed silver or crafted from the Powers. The blade was the Weave, Everglow, and Dreamscape all in one. The energies of Light, Life, and Law did not just flow through it. The sword was the chosen physical expression of all those powers. Forged from the very Well-of-All Stars to serve as the weapon for its destined wielder. As they waged The Great War. The True Great War: The Eternal Conflict between Good and Evil.

Sam took a deep breath as he let the energies of creation flow through his body. Focusing on the sounds of the nearby waterfall to keep him focused. Runes formed across his bare arms and chest. No pain and no strain as he focused on the fire inside his body. It was a dangerous fire of such raw power and strength that could put star systems to the torch. But it was also a warm fire tempered by compassion and mercy. One that could spark hope in the lowest soul or soothe even the deepest wounds. While his power was more martial compared to his wife's this was deliberate.

As King Arthur and Queen Guinevere were before them. The male took the martial powers and the female the restorative powers. The female was divine inhabiting mortal flesh while the male was mortal blessed by the divine. One a compliment to the other, one to slay and the other to heal. Both to bring peace and stand fast against the forces of darkness led by their destined evil counterpart. While Mordred was the son of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere and thus had a more intimate connection to the past Champion and Emissary. Daimos's actions, both creator and creation, assured that his fight with Sam and Kaguya is also a personal one.

When history does not repeat, it rhymes.

Sam personally did not have much of an opinion when it came to such matters. Destiny was up to God. He did not concern himself with esoteric or metaphysical concepts and focused on directly doing good. After all, what could he do about such forces? He couldn't change them or object to them. What he could do is choose how to play the hand he was dealt.

Speaking of dealt hands, he had a card to play today. That card was a date with Kaguya. The Unicorn Kingdom unlike most of Aetherium was not heavily damaged from the conquest. It was one of the few nations that could resist the Domain military directly. So the majority of the land was kept intact.

It was only through internal treachery by Falstaff, Lord Steward of the Regency council, that the Kingdom fell. Falstaff declared himself King of the Maiden Islands and used his control over the palace guard to arrest the other councilors. Many nobles sided with Falstaff and withdrew their house forces from the kingdom's military. Leaving only forces sworn to the Council itself which were divided in loyalty. The SWAT-bots then moved in and the fall of the Kingdom was complete.

But King Falstaff was content to leech from the land through taxes and throw extravagant parties. Ranger Company and other rebels focused mostly on fighting the Domain's resource extraction efforts. The majority of the countryside still lived as if the invasion did not happen. Working in the fields, taking care of animals, and having families. Many of these villages even gave food, supplies, and refuge to rebels.

Using that knowledge he arranged to arrive in the Unicorn Kingdom a few days ahead of schedule. Thus allowing himself and his wife to have a brief respite before the fight ahead. The small township chosen for this rendezvous was called Cullen's Hand. Named for the monument of a red gauntlet in the center of it. A knighted cleric named Father Cullen slew a demon on the very spot of the town's founding. Leaving only a red gauntlet behind as he died in the fight.

The township sat in a dale that bordered the coastline of the main island. It was this fact that caused Sam to select it for his date. He liked being reminded that he was near the coastline and the fact that his godmother was raised in such a place as well. A fact she shared with his birth mother Hannah. Though Hannah was born in Los Angeles, Long Beach to be precise, not a coastal village by any means but still by the sea.

Though this fact was not the only reason he brought Kaguya here. When they first walked into town they were greeted by faeries with dragonfly wings. Who escorted them into a section of town where many of the Empire's refugees fled too. They gave Kaguya and Sam yukatas, one with a flowery white and gold design for Kaguya, and one stars and stripes design for Sam.

Surprised by all of this, she planted a kiss on Sam's cheek. “Thank you,” she said.

Their first destination was dinner with rice, vegetables, and a large flamingo. The flamingo meat was a surprise to Sam. But Kaguya enjoyed it immensely.

“I have not had such meat for years,” she said. “We had islands in the southern hemisphere where we used to breed them. There was even a special sauce that was made for flavoring the meat and then there were the spices.”

Sam listened intently about the various spices that went with flamingo meat. The spices were so good that an Emperor had flamingo production brought under direct imperial control to ensure its supply. It did make it more expensive with all the bureaucracy now involved which only made it more desirable to the nobility. Its rarity could be used as a way to one-up their rivals during feasts. Combined with individual house recipes that came with the different use of the spices.

After their meal they traveled to the theater. The play was some sort of farcical comedy concerning a merchant and his family's efforts to stay afloat. Some of the jokes passed over Sam's head but Kaguya was enjoying it. It ended on a happy note with a marriage between the merchant's daughter and a highborn son. Following the play, they enjoyed the sights of the town, including taking part in some makeshift festival games some of the faeries arranged in preparation for Kaguya's arrival.

When the sky darkened and both moons occupied the sky the time came for the final activity. A nice relaxing bath in a hot spring. These springs were located in the hills that surrounded the valley. Various inns and bathhouses had been set up in the area, built around or connected to the ruins of old buildings that contained the springs themselves. Through magic or technology or both the Tuatha built the bathhouses to be a part of the land. Where the hills end and the ruins began could not be determined with eyesight alone. It made the new inns look more like gatehouses or courtyards for the true building.

The couple took an outside bath which they had completely to themselves. Enjoying the hot waters and cool evening breeze. Capped off with the sight of the twin mooned sky and the bright town below. The staff brought a plate of sweets for them. Kaguya hand-fed the sweets to him as her form of thanks. He didn't argue with her. 

Once they were done and fully dressed they took a spot on the hill and waited for the fireworks display. This one Sam had no hand in, Kaguya's people wanted to celebrate their visit and date. The Princess sat in Sam's lap resting her head on his chest with her husband's arms wrapped around her.

“Today has been wonderful,” she said. A purr escaped her lips. “You have spoiled me for two lifetimes over.”

“Only two? Looks like I'm out of practice.”

“Oh dear, please stay that way.” She giggled. “If this day was any better. I fear I would die from sheer bliss.”

“I guess we'll have to take that risk then. Can't let a poor review get out and ruin my reputation.” She laughed at that.

A large glow caught Sam's eye. “Looks like the fireworks are starting.”

They turned to look only to see that the glow was not coming from the sky but from the ground. The township of Cullen's Hand was on fire. By the hands of Minotaurs.

“No!” Kaguya was distraught.

Sam stayed calm and pulled out his Talisman from one of his pockets. He had asked for a pocket to be installed just in case a situation like this would happen. He hated being right. 

“Merlin,” he said. The golden-winged orb manifested before him.

“Yes, Sir Bailey?”

“Winter Contingency.”

The Warden's armor and weapons were summoned alongside Kaguya's staff. Stored in a compressed data state inside the Talisman.

One of the Talisman's functions was the ability to transmute physical items into data so they could be stored for later. Sam liked to call it the bag of holding function.

Armor fully donned and weapons equipped. The Star Warden rocketed into battle. Kaguya flying right behind him. 

Chapter 3

Chapter 1

Star Warden Book 3: CC. Chapter 1

Star Warden Book 3: Celestial Champion

By

Donavan F. Walker

The Spring Kingdom

 Copyright©2021 by Donavan F. Walker

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.

Praise the Celestial Powers for their infinite mercy. It was the first reason nothing was on fire yet. The second was that the great roots were wet.

Warriors in light silver mail, covered in cloaks of brown and green. Ranger Company, also known as the Spring Rangers, protectors of the Unicorn Kingdom was in dire straits. Plasma and particle fire from the SWAT-bots rained down relentless on their heads. Arrows with enchanted tips flew back but were few in number and decreasing by the second.

The leader of this band was the Captain of the Ranger Company, Connor. A faerie with fiery orange skin and dirty blond hair under his hood. His mind was rushing with thoughts all stemming from one subject: How to escape without aiding the enemy? No answers had dawned yet and time was growing shorter.

It all started with a simple mission to destroy Domain operations at a nearby labor yard. Such missions had been easy for Ranger Company. The traitorous Falstaff, may his name be cursed for all time, never really put much effort in suppressing rebels. It is what allowed the Rangers effective free reign in the countryside. Many in the company, Connor included, did gain a sense of complacency. Falling into a sense of routine as they sabotaged or destroyed the Domain's resource extraction efforts.

Because of this, they let down their guard allowing them to be tracked, attacked from multiple directions, and lead the machines to the great roots in their panicked retreat. Connor led his band on a roundabout way to ensure the SWAT-bots could not find their base. While successful, they had eventually reached a dead end. He resolved himself to a final stand for the most part. But he still looked for some way out, a final miracle so he and his band could live to fight another day.

Sadly it appeared not to be and so he focused on the one thing he could. Killing those damnable rat-men. These specifically were the white-furred warlocks equipped with cybernetics and other instruments to make magic with their machines. With their tools, they had managed to break through the Ranger's enchantments that ensured their boots would make no tracks or give away any sound.

Connor fired another arrow at one of the warlocks. It was of no use as it crumbled when impacting a barrier of acid.

The Warlock laughed and then spoke in the common tongue. “Resistance is futile, rebel!” It conjured lighting from its metal claw. The bolt struck his cover setting it ablaze. The warlock commanded the machines to focus their fire on it. The flames started to spread only being slowed by the dampness in the rest of the roots. Connor rolled away into nearby coverage with other rangers.

Down to their last arrows, the captain gave the order to draw their swords. It was clear the only option was to sell their lives dearly. Before they could begin the charge of the light brigade a flash of light filled the area. When his eyes readjusted Connor looked at himself, surprised he was not dead. Noticing the enemy's fire was no longer coming toward them he braved a look outside of cover.

The Star Warden had arrived on a white mechanical horse and Dawnbringer in hand. He rode through blasting and slashing through the robots. Enemy fire bounced off or missed him entirely. Connor was surprised at his arrival but also at the poor aim of the machines, robots do not feel fear. The answer to his question arrived on golden wings as Princess Kaguya sung a melody disrupting their targeting computers and creating a shield for the Warden.

One of the warlocks was filled with particle fire from Daniel backed up by a few Marauders as they charged into the cave. To finish closing the trap the “dead end” opened up and Sprites poured out. Taking animal form or launching spells and arrows to finish off the remaining forces.

The last warlock was slain by the burning blade of Dawnbringer. Its body collapsing into a heap of meat and sparks.

“The Warden came, The Warden saw, The Warden conquered!” The surviving Rangers cheered caught up in Sam's confident speech. “Ranger Company. Sound off. If anyone is hurt talk to my wife. But talk with your mouth, not with your hands. She's mine.”

That caused many to laugh and Kaguya to blush. “Please direct me to any of the wounded and I will do my best.”

The Sprites cleaned away the robots and rats while the Star Warden was brought inside deeper into the tree. The Great Old Tree as many called it. The first tree to exist on Aetherium, at least as far as Bridget told him. Large as a mountain and whose roots created a network of caves under the island. Allowing the Rangers to move throughout without detection.

While the machines found one of the entrances today it was only one out of many. Traveling the roots was a labyrinth to the uninitiated. As for orbital bombardment, the Dark Lord would not take that option without confirming their position first. Even if he knew where the Rangers lay their head they had one advantage the Guardians did not. A pool of concentrated Weave energy that the Sprites could use to deflect the bombardment. It also ensured that they would be kept aware of any future breaches in the roots.

Sam would be quickly brought over to the company mess hall for a hearty meal and a talk. The other Rangers had only known him by reputation so they were excited by the chance to meet him. All except Connor.

Everyone saluted when the Captain walked into the room including Sam. Connor returned the salute.

“My gratitude for the rescue.” Connor's voice was curt. “Now, why are you here.”

“Straight to business. I'm here to help, Captain.”

“In what regard?”

“To protect their majesties the King and Queen. They're going to turn back into Faeries soon.”

“What do you know about the King and Queen's return?”

“I know exactly when and where they are coming back and so does Daimos.”

“Impossible. The location can only be revealed by the tapestry. While the Dark Lord might have one of the two copies. It would take a cipher only known to a senior cleric of the faith for him to acquire the information.”

“I promise you he does. If you don't believe me let Kaguya take a look at the Tapestry. After that, we can start making a plan to rescue them.”

The Captain turned to one of his rangers. “Take her to the Tapestry once she's done healing the wounded.”

“Yes, sir.”

He turned back to Sam and lowed his voice. “With me. We must talk.”

Sam was taken to the Captain's quarters. The door was made from leaves that moved like an automatic door.

“Are you aware of the individual that you brought here?” Connor's voice was bitter.

Sam knew what he was walking into here. But he did agree to help. He took a deep breath and spoke plainly. “I know who he is. He wants to make amends.”

“Do you know he is a thief and a murderer?” The anger rose in his voice even if his face was stoic as a rock.

“I know what he has done. Even what he did to you. He wasn't a good brother. But he has changed.”

“I see. He's not only a pirate but a mummer as well.”

“You don't have to believe me only him. I'm only here to.”

“Then you are wasting your time.” Connor interrupted. “I have known Daniel for years. Everything he has done now is to save his own skin.”

“Perhaps you're right. But you two haven't spoken for years. Now's your chance to see if that's true.”

Connor folded his arms around his chest. “What is your stake in this?”

“You are family. Daniel is my godfather and I have two little sisters with a godmother in Rose. That makes me your nephew.”

“I am not in the mood for humor, Warden.”

“If it was a joke you would be laughing. I should know everyone laughs at my jokes.”

“Charming.”

“Just talk to him. All I ask. Even if nothing happens from it. Just talk. He could be gone tomorrow or you.”

“And one conversation will make up for all the things he's done? All the lies, death, and destruction. I still have the warrant for his arrest. I can have him hanged right now and it would be completely legal.”

“But could you give his life back if you had regrets? To quote a famous wizard: “Do not be so quick to deal death in judgment.”

“A wizard?”

“Just focus on talking to him. Should the worst happen at least both of you can say you tried. Before it was too late to do anything at all.” Sam then stepped out of the room leaving Connor to his thoughts. 

Chapter 2

Book 2: Interlude 3