Elaina J. Davidson's Blog, page 358
March 3, 2016
March 1, 2016
The King's Challenge #232 and #233
TKC 232 and 233
Kay leans forward. “Commander Gennerin, no one here is saying another word until we know the truth of what is happening to Massin, and why.”
The man stares at Kay for a time. Slowly he nods and then abruptly smacks the table. We all flinch. “Allin, where is my coffee?”
“Coming, sir!” sails from the galley further along.
Gennerin continues to stare, this time at Hal. Finally he shifts backwards in his seat and folds his arms. “I am a soldier. I follow orders. I can tell you what is happening, but the why is not for me to know of, share or even question.”
The coffee arrives then. Allin bears a tray filled with metal mugs and vessels. The smell emanating from the large urn is beyond divine. I cannot help it – I lick my lips.
The older soldier laughs. “A coffee lover! You may pour for us.” He paused and quickly adds, “Please.” Maybe he realises he cannot command us. “Straight black for me, thank you.”
I stand to dispense the delicious brew, one mug to each. There is milk as well as sugar cubes, and I help myself, indicating to the others to do the same. Gennerin ignores everything to take a mouthful, hot as it is. His sigh after is one of pleasure.
Mine nearly is as well, but I refuse to give him further satisfaction.
We drink our coffee and all is silent. Corporal Allin has been waved away to other duties.
Eventually the commander barks a laugh. “Fine, I will talk. There are nineteen Glonu carriers in orbit. Just over thirty transports have landed. I estimate at least a hundred and fifty attack cruisers are already on patrol.” He places his forearms on the table, clasping his mug. “The carriers are massive, far bigger than anything we have, and carry the stores, weapons and the relief troops. The transports are huge and therefore usually land in open spaces away from the action. They are for ground infrastructure and bring both men and materials needed for battle on the surface of a world. Attack cruisers are self-explanatory, but know they are able to range far and carry much explosive armament.” He lifts one finger when Kay opens his mouth to speak. “Wait. There are at least a hundred thousand Glonu in orbit and there are a hundred thousand already on the ground. They have come to win and with those numbers they probably will.”
I cannot speak; it is difficult to even formulate a thought. The numbers are frightening, but the commander’s summation is even scarier.
Kay leans in to spear the soldier with a direct gaze. “What have you brought into the arena?”
Gennerin inclines his head. “Our ship constructions vary from theirs, but to make the comparison I will keep it simple. We have no carriers, therefore no additional leverage. A carrier is exorbitantly expensive to send into space. We, however, brought fifty transports. They are smaller, and much space is taken up by the shuttles, such as this one. They remain in a wider orbit as a safety measure against Glonu incursion in space. We will not at any time land them. The shuttles ferry men and equipment, and it is hazardous, for we must dodge the cruisers in our path. Thus far ninety shuttles have landed out of a potential two hundred. As vessels go, we have more, but theirs are better.”
“How many soldiers?” Hal rasps.
“Fifty thousand still in orbit. Ten on the ground.”
We all stare at him. No wonder he says the Glonu will probably win. On the ground at the moment, the Ilfin army is at ten percent of what the Glonu has fielded. All counted, the Ilfin are less than half of Glonu capability.
Kay leans forward. “Commander Gennerin, no one here is saying another word until we know the truth of what is happening to Massin, and why.”
The man stares at Kay for a time. Slowly he nods and then abruptly smacks the table. We all flinch. “Allin, where is my coffee?”
“Coming, sir!” sails from the galley further along.
Gennerin continues to stare, this time at Hal. Finally he shifts backwards in his seat and folds his arms. “I am a soldier. I follow orders. I can tell you what is happening, but the why is not for me to know of, share or even question.”
The coffee arrives then. Allin bears a tray filled with metal mugs and vessels. The smell emanating from the large urn is beyond divine. I cannot help it – I lick my lips.
The older soldier laughs. “A coffee lover! You may pour for us.” He paused and quickly adds, “Please.” Maybe he realises he cannot command us. “Straight black for me, thank you.”
I stand to dispense the delicious brew, one mug to each. There is milk as well as sugar cubes, and I help myself, indicating to the others to do the same. Gennerin ignores everything to take a mouthful, hot as it is. His sigh after is one of pleasure.
Mine nearly is as well, but I refuse to give him further satisfaction.
We drink our coffee and all is silent. Corporal Allin has been waved away to other duties.
Eventually the commander barks a laugh. “Fine, I will talk. There are nineteen Glonu carriers in orbit. Just over thirty transports have landed. I estimate at least a hundred and fifty attack cruisers are already on patrol.” He places his forearms on the table, clasping his mug. “The carriers are massive, far bigger than anything we have, and carry the stores, weapons and the relief troops. The transports are huge and therefore usually land in open spaces away from the action. They are for ground infrastructure and bring both men and materials needed for battle on the surface of a world. Attack cruisers are self-explanatory, but know they are able to range far and carry much explosive armament.” He lifts one finger when Kay opens his mouth to speak. “Wait. There are at least a hundred thousand Glonu in orbit and there are a hundred thousand already on the ground. They have come to win and with those numbers they probably will.”
I cannot speak; it is difficult to even formulate a thought. The numbers are frightening, but the commander’s summation is even scarier.
Kay leans in to spear the soldier with a direct gaze. “What have you brought into the arena?”
Gennerin inclines his head. “Our ship constructions vary from theirs, but to make the comparison I will keep it simple. We have no carriers, therefore no additional leverage. A carrier is exorbitantly expensive to send into space. We, however, brought fifty transports. They are smaller, and much space is taken up by the shuttles, such as this one. They remain in a wider orbit as a safety measure against Glonu incursion in space. We will not at any time land them. The shuttles ferry men and equipment, and it is hazardous, for we must dodge the cruisers in our path. Thus far ninety shuttles have landed out of a potential two hundred. As vessels go, we have more, but theirs are better.”
“How many soldiers?” Hal rasps.
“Fifty thousand still in orbit. Ten on the ground.”
We all stare at him. No wonder he says the Glonu will probably win. On the ground at the moment, the Ilfin army is at ten percent of what the Glonu has fielded. All counted, the Ilfin are less than half of Glonu capability.
February 29, 2016
The King's Challenge #230 and #231
TKC 230 and 231
I do not want to discuss Horin and his orb, not when I am trying to wrap my mind around this new knowledge. Heir? Ruler of a world? What does that make Lyra? Is she his sister everywhere or only on Massin due to an accident of birth?
Kay murmurs about needing that shower and thankfully Ross takes the hint. We enter the shuttle behind him. The guards give us the once-over, but ignore us when Ross shakes his head.
It is huge. There is the cockpit area, all chrome and white, filled with gadgets and blinking buttons, along with four ergonomic chairs. A large and empty space with loops embedded into the ceiling is the main space. It is a military transport, Ross tells us. The soldiers hold onto the loops and really pack it in. He grumbles under his breath about nearly being squashed in the press. I like him more and more; he is a boy trying to be a man.
There is an ablution facility, a stores chamber, an armoury and a galley as well, and everything is spotless and sterile. It is so impersonal, I dislike it, but I am also admittedly agog. This is technology and nothing like it exists on Massin.
Ross introduces us to Corporal Allin. The man is a taskmaster; it is instantly obvious. He barks orders at us as if we too are soldiers. Being somewhat older than Ross, he takes his duties serious. Ross winks at us behind his back and leaves us in the corporal’s care.
Within minutes we are in the showers, a mixture of high pressure steam and a few drops of water. A minute after that we are commanded to dress. Kay lifts an eyebrow, but says not a word. Hal, however, tells Corporal Allin to mind his manners, that he must remember he is the stranger here. The soldier does not react; he simply departs. Marian splutters into laughter on seeing Hal’s expression.
The uniforms are dark charcoal, almost black, in hue and of a tough material abrasive on my skin. The moment I pull the breeches on is also the moment I desire to take them off again. How do they stand wearing this? Then, to my surprise, it is as if the material reads my body form and temperature, for the cloth over my thighs expands slightly, while the extra space at my shoulders contracts to fit snugly. Now it feels as if I am wearing something lightweight, something created specifically for me. I am neither hot nor cold; I am at optimum operating status.
“Now this is something different,” Marian murmurs. “I’m not naked, am I? Certainly feels like it.”
This time I burst into laughter, having just had the same thought.
The boots likewise are perfect for every foot. “One can really kick butt with these,” Kay states.
Corporal Allin is back. “Commander Gennerin will be with your shortly. Please follow me; I have your meals prepared.”
We follow to the large space where there is now a metal table and chairs that seem to have sprung up from the floor. Metal plates await us filled with a mixture of vegetables. We sit and eat. We eat everything, yes, being beyond hunger, but never has anything tasted as bland.
“Your choice of drink,” Allin states as boot steps sound on the ramp outside.
“Coffee,” I say. “Please tell me you have coffee.”
“We do. Our commander refuses to travel anywhere unless there is coffee aboard.” Finally the corporal unbends a little to crack a smile. It is wiped off when the commander under discussion stomps in.
“Allin, tell me you have a fresh brew,” he states, and takes a seat at the table with us.
“Yes, sir. One minute, sir.” Allin vanishes with alacrity.
Commander Gennerin stares at us. “Tell me about the orb.”
I do not want to discuss Horin and his orb, not when I am trying to wrap my mind around this new knowledge. Heir? Ruler of a world? What does that make Lyra? Is she his sister everywhere or only on Massin due to an accident of birth?
Kay murmurs about needing that shower and thankfully Ross takes the hint. We enter the shuttle behind him. The guards give us the once-over, but ignore us when Ross shakes his head.
It is huge. There is the cockpit area, all chrome and white, filled with gadgets and blinking buttons, along with four ergonomic chairs. A large and empty space with loops embedded into the ceiling is the main space. It is a military transport, Ross tells us. The soldiers hold onto the loops and really pack it in. He grumbles under his breath about nearly being squashed in the press. I like him more and more; he is a boy trying to be a man.
There is an ablution facility, a stores chamber, an armoury and a galley as well, and everything is spotless and sterile. It is so impersonal, I dislike it, but I am also admittedly agog. This is technology and nothing like it exists on Massin.
Ross introduces us to Corporal Allin. The man is a taskmaster; it is instantly obvious. He barks orders at us as if we too are soldiers. Being somewhat older than Ross, he takes his duties serious. Ross winks at us behind his back and leaves us in the corporal’s care.
Within minutes we are in the showers, a mixture of high pressure steam and a few drops of water. A minute after that we are commanded to dress. Kay lifts an eyebrow, but says not a word. Hal, however, tells Corporal Allin to mind his manners, that he must remember he is the stranger here. The soldier does not react; he simply departs. Marian splutters into laughter on seeing Hal’s expression.
The uniforms are dark charcoal, almost black, in hue and of a tough material abrasive on my skin. The moment I pull the breeches on is also the moment I desire to take them off again. How do they stand wearing this? Then, to my surprise, it is as if the material reads my body form and temperature, for the cloth over my thighs expands slightly, while the extra space at my shoulders contracts to fit snugly. Now it feels as if I am wearing something lightweight, something created specifically for me. I am neither hot nor cold; I am at optimum operating status.
“Now this is something different,” Marian murmurs. “I’m not naked, am I? Certainly feels like it.”
This time I burst into laughter, having just had the same thought.
The boots likewise are perfect for every foot. “One can really kick butt with these,” Kay states.
Corporal Allin is back. “Commander Gennerin will be with your shortly. Please follow me; I have your meals prepared.”
We follow to the large space where there is now a metal table and chairs that seem to have sprung up from the floor. Metal plates await us filled with a mixture of vegetables. We sit and eat. We eat everything, yes, being beyond hunger, but never has anything tasted as bland.
“Your choice of drink,” Allin states as boot steps sound on the ramp outside.
“Coffee,” I say. “Please tell me you have coffee.”
“We do. Our commander refuses to travel anywhere unless there is coffee aboard.” Finally the corporal unbends a little to crack a smile. It is wiped off when the commander under discussion stomps in.
“Allin, tell me you have a fresh brew,” he states, and takes a seat at the table with us.
“Yes, sir. One minute, sir.” Allin vanishes with alacrity.
Commander Gennerin stares at us. “Tell me about the orb.”
February 27, 2016
The King's Challenge #228 and #229
TKC 228 and 229
I look to Hal, who nods at me. He confirms these are Ilfin soldiers in that tiny action. Returning my attention to the commander, I say, “There is much you need to be aware of.”
He studies each of us then and slowly nods. “We will talk, but now you need a wash, fresh clothes and something to eat.” Without awaiting our response, he gestures a nearby soldier to come forward, one of those who found us under the tree. “Take them to the shuttle and show them how to use the showers. Allocate from the spare uniforms and have Corporal Allin feed them.”
“Do I guard them, Commander?”
“They are friends. Leave them with Allin and return here.”
The soldier nods and gestures for us to follow him.
“Wait. Siri Mur, you desired to test me,” Commander Gennerin states.
I grin at him. “You have already been tested. You passed.”
His eyes narrow and again he studies us. “One of you is a Delver? You are aware of your talents?” He releases a massive breath then. “Lord Makar and an aware population; this is excellent … but we will talk in a while. Soldier, you may go.”
We follow the soldier out, leaving the fort behind as we trudge towards the shuttle. It is still raining. The plateau’s wet season is still if full command, by all appearances.
“Does it always rain so much?” the soldier mutters as he leads us.
“Wet season,” Marian murmurs, speaking for the first time. “Another month of this before the weather breaks.”
The soldier swears under his breath, causing Kay to laugh. “What is your name, soldier?”
“Ross,” the man replies, lifting his visor. He has blue eyes in a youthful face. “This is my first tour beyond our homeworld.”
“Is Massin very different to where you come from?” I ask.
“Not so much … except for this rain,” Ross grins.
“Where is your homeworld?” Kay asks next.
“Our commander will answer that better than I can. All I know is it is far from here – took damn long to get here.”
Kay laughs again. Soldiers do not enjoy inaction or long journeys. “And the name of your world?”
We are paces away from the shuttle. A door is open, a ramp leads from it to the soggy earth, and a contingent of guards watches every shadow. Ross stops to face us. “I overheard you mention Enris Makar.”
Ice flows into my blood. Hal straightens, his eyes narrowing.
“And?” Kay prompts. He seems calm, but I notice his fingers are white with tension.
“Our world is known as Makaran,” the soldier Ross informs us, and shifts his head as if to gauge our reactions.
Kay frowns, Hal does not react at all, and I shrug, but Marian draws in a breath, the enlightened kind. “Makaran … Makar.”
Ross dips his head. “Indeed. The Makar are our rulers. Our world is named for them, and Enris is the current heir.”
“By the stars!” I blurt.
The soldier laughs. “We say that as well!”
Kay remains serious. “It has been thousands of years since Enris Makar came here. How is he still the heir?”
“I do not know how it works exactly, but it has something to do with a device only Enris is able to wield. This device has not returned to Makaran and it means he is alive in some form, and therefore his status remains unchanged.”
Kay rubs his cheeks in astonishment, while I murmur, “The orb.”
“You have seen it?” Ross blurts out. “I thought it a story told to keep his name alive, to prevent the family from fighting each other. So much time, as you said, how can he be alive still, I thought, and now … wow.”
I look to Hal, who nods at me. He confirms these are Ilfin soldiers in that tiny action. Returning my attention to the commander, I say, “There is much you need to be aware of.”
He studies each of us then and slowly nods. “We will talk, but now you need a wash, fresh clothes and something to eat.” Without awaiting our response, he gestures a nearby soldier to come forward, one of those who found us under the tree. “Take them to the shuttle and show them how to use the showers. Allocate from the spare uniforms and have Corporal Allin feed them.”
“Do I guard them, Commander?”
“They are friends. Leave them with Allin and return here.”
The soldier nods and gestures for us to follow him.
“Wait. Siri Mur, you desired to test me,” Commander Gennerin states.
I grin at him. “You have already been tested. You passed.”
His eyes narrow and again he studies us. “One of you is a Delver? You are aware of your talents?” He releases a massive breath then. “Lord Makar and an aware population; this is excellent … but we will talk in a while. Soldier, you may go.”
We follow the soldier out, leaving the fort behind as we trudge towards the shuttle. It is still raining. The plateau’s wet season is still if full command, by all appearances.
“Does it always rain so much?” the soldier mutters as he leads us.
“Wet season,” Marian murmurs, speaking for the first time. “Another month of this before the weather breaks.”
The soldier swears under his breath, causing Kay to laugh. “What is your name, soldier?”
“Ross,” the man replies, lifting his visor. He has blue eyes in a youthful face. “This is my first tour beyond our homeworld.”
“Is Massin very different to where you come from?” I ask.
“Not so much … except for this rain,” Ross grins.
“Where is your homeworld?” Kay asks next.
“Our commander will answer that better than I can. All I know is it is far from here – took damn long to get here.”
Kay laughs again. Soldiers do not enjoy inaction or long journeys. “And the name of your world?”
We are paces away from the shuttle. A door is open, a ramp leads from it to the soggy earth, and a contingent of guards watches every shadow. Ross stops to face us. “I overheard you mention Enris Makar.”
Ice flows into my blood. Hal straightens, his eyes narrowing.
“And?” Kay prompts. He seems calm, but I notice his fingers are white with tension.
“Our world is known as Makaran,” the soldier Ross informs us, and shifts his head as if to gauge our reactions.
Kay frowns, Hal does not react at all, and I shrug, but Marian draws in a breath, the enlightened kind. “Makaran … Makar.”
Ross dips his head. “Indeed. The Makar are our rulers. Our world is named for them, and Enris is the current heir.”
“By the stars!” I blurt.
The soldier laughs. “We say that as well!”
Kay remains serious. “It has been thousands of years since Enris Makar came here. How is he still the heir?”
“I do not know how it works exactly, but it has something to do with a device only Enris is able to wield. This device has not returned to Makaran and it means he is alive in some form, and therefore his status remains unchanged.”
Kay rubs his cheeks in astonishment, while I murmur, “The orb.”
“You have seen it?” Ross blurts out. “I thought it a story told to keep his name alive, to prevent the family from fighting each other. So much time, as you said, how can he be alive still, I thought, and now … wow.”
February 26, 2016
February 25, 2016
The King's Challenge #227
TKC 227
I present my left wrist.
The commander regards the action in surprise. “You have done this before. How is that possible?”
I give him my expressionless stare, the one Damin always attempts to nudge me out of. “There is much you do not yet know, Commander. When I know your identity, I will tell you.” I wiggle my wrist. “Test me.”
He frowns before taking my arm firmly and pressing the tuning fork against my pulse. As he proceeds to count, I study the engraving in the handle of the device. A triskelion. On the count of five, he lifts the fork and holds it up, careful to contain his grip to the handle only. His attention focuses on the orb that finishes the handle’s design, and thus my attention centres there also.
After a further count to five, the orb transforms from silvery metal into a gentle green glow. It is familiar to me; it is as the orb Horin is ever deploying. This one, of course, is not free to move.
“Satisfied?” I murmur.
“I have the distinct impression you have seen this before,” Commander Gennirin states as he lowers the device. He watches the glow fade.
Drawing my wrist to my chest, I say, “I have indeed, but that orb is autonomous.”
His gaze lifts to mine. He does not say a word.
“His name is Enris Makar,” I reveal.
The man’s entire being undergoes transformation after my words. His jaw slackens before a massive smile blooms upon his face. He loses the rigid military stance soldiers unconsciously adopt and leans in to peer into my eyes. “Lord Makar is alive?”
Blinking, I can only nod. He has astonished me.
“By the stars,” he murmurs. “Then we can win this.” The commander swivels to his soldiers and hollers, “These are Ilfin! They are allies!”
I present my left wrist.
The commander regards the action in surprise. “You have done this before. How is that possible?”
I give him my expressionless stare, the one Damin always attempts to nudge me out of. “There is much you do not yet know, Commander. When I know your identity, I will tell you.” I wiggle my wrist. “Test me.”
He frowns before taking my arm firmly and pressing the tuning fork against my pulse. As he proceeds to count, I study the engraving in the handle of the device. A triskelion. On the count of five, he lifts the fork and holds it up, careful to contain his grip to the handle only. His attention focuses on the orb that finishes the handle’s design, and thus my attention centres there also.
After a further count to five, the orb transforms from silvery metal into a gentle green glow. It is familiar to me; it is as the orb Horin is ever deploying. This one, of course, is not free to move.
“Satisfied?” I murmur.
“I have the distinct impression you have seen this before,” Commander Gennirin states as he lowers the device. He watches the glow fade.
Drawing my wrist to my chest, I say, “I have indeed, but that orb is autonomous.”
His gaze lifts to mine. He does not say a word.
“His name is Enris Makar,” I reveal.
The man’s entire being undergoes transformation after my words. His jaw slackens before a massive smile blooms upon his face. He loses the rigid military stance soldiers unconsciously adopt and leans in to peer into my eyes. “Lord Makar is alive?”
Blinking, I can only nod. He has astonished me.
“By the stars,” he murmurs. “Then we can win this.” The commander swivels to his soldiers and hollers, “These are Ilfin! They are allies!”
