by Frank Torkel
Part I
Scyth smiled faintly as the young man walked out of the portal. He hadn't seen Kyle in many years, and he only wished they could now meet again under better circumstances. As Kyle approached Scyth, he too smiled, looking around at the strange world he was now on. The sky was black as if it was night, yet the planet was fully illuminated, while a number of moons could be seen in the distance. The five suns of Kalikar seemed so far away, yet so close.
The two figures embraced each other, while a series of pictures and emotions flooded through Kyle's mind.
"You look good Scyth, never too worn for wear, are you?"
The response took the form of another series of flashes and emotions in Kyle's mind, almost chaotic, yet understandable nonetheless. It was like dreaming while awake, as if two minds were squeezed together into one.
The young man frowned. "Please Scyth, you know how I hate that."
The visions ended abruptly, breaking off in mid thought like a dream that ends at the climax.
Scyth frowned in response. "I'm sorry Kyle; I forget your kind does not use mind-magick." His voice was deep and inhuman, definitely alien.
Kyle chuckled, remembering his old friend's voice. "No need to apologize, Scyth. It's just that I've been on a ship for three weeks trying to get here and that mind stuff just wears me down"
Scyth nodded. "I understand. You must learn though that language is too slow, Kyle. You must learn to awaken your mind and understand both language and thought simultaneously. Then will you come closer to transcending, and achieve a higher state."
"I'm afraid I'll never transcend, Scyth." Kyle grinned, placing a hand on Scyth's shoulder. "I'm just too human."
Scyth made a face synonymous with a man rolling his eyes. "Yes, human. Perhaps we should change the subject matter at hand."
He turned around, slowly walking away from the portal. Kyle nodded, looking back at the portal as it closed, then continued to follow Scyth.
"That portal thing is weird, definitely not a viable means of transportation."
"Oh no?" Scyth looked back at Kyle.
"I mean, how do you transport supplies from the planet to the moon bases? Or what if you're attacked? How do you get people off Kalikar?"
Scyth frowned, looking forward again. "Kalikar as you call it, will never be attacked. Our kind would rather die than allow any enemy into the system."
"So how do you send soldiers to the moon bases then, so they can defend the system?"
"The portals, Kyle, can be resized. The Council sees to that."
"Okay, but how do you fit thousands of people through them? That would take a portal the size of a moon!"
Scyth stopped and turned around. "Exactly."
Kyle looked bewildered, pondering the whole thing. "So you're saying you can open a portal the size of a moon? That's impossible!"
"Is it? We've done it twice in the last two hundred years. I assume we can do it again if we tried."
"All right, forget I mentioned it. You're going to confuse my whole paradigm."
Scyth grinned, continuing his journey. "There is a lot you do not know, Kyle."
"Yeah, there's a lot no one knows about the Kalikari."
"And that's exactly the way we intend to keep it, Kyle."
"So why did you summon me anyhow? I didn't exactly find those gremlins or whatever they were too funny when they broke into my quarters."
"Why is that, Kyle? Did they scare you?" Scyth grinned again.
"No, they didn't scare me, but cleaning up their dead carcasses after they exploded was a pain."
"Hmm... They exploded you say?"
"Yes, all over the couch."
"But they gave you my message..."
"Obviously. That's how I knew to come."
"I must not have considered the impact of your planets tolerance to their patterns. Next time I'll..."
"Just send a telegram, Scyth, it's a lot easier and a hell of a lot less messy."
"So be it, Kyle."
"So why'd you summon me?"
Sycth turned around, now serious. "There will be war Kyle. War amongst my kind."
"What?"
"Let us continue our walk to my haven and I will explain."
Kyle nodded, now confused.
"For millennia have we existed behind the Shroud, the mystical barrier hiding our system from the prying eyes of the galaxy. Two hundred years ago however, we removed the Shroud so that we may walk amongst your kinds without hiding our true selves. No longer did we observe you from hidden observation stations but we gave you the chance to learn of us."
"Yeah, you told me that once. You guys knew we were around before many systems were even in the space age."
"Correct, and we then made you aware of our presence."
"Right. So what's the point?"
"I'm getting to that, Kyle. When we decided to trade with other systems we were forced to utilize your techno-magick, which we did to make trading easier."
"And that's what the moon bases are for, so incoming ships can dock without having to sacrifice their technology for your native magick."
"Again, Kyle, you are correct. As you know, our culture is based solely upon magick. While we believe technology to be simply another form of magick, we believe it is very weak, and so we abandoned it thousands of years ago. Magick is the root of our power, and it has allowed us to remain hidden and structured throughout the ages."
"So what's the problem? Your magick is dying?"
"No, not at all. The problem arose shortly after we removed the Shroud. When we decided to support technology on our moon bases, the younger members of our kind decided it was a superb idea, and began utilizing technology more and more."
"But you said that technology is just another form of magick to the Kalikari."
"Yes, a weak one, fully structured and against the traditions of our kind. You see, although we believe everything to be just another form of magick, they do not all necessarily conform to our standards. There is bad magick and good magick. Any magick designed for a single purpose is bad, and thus against the will of The Council. Only unstructured and chaotic magicks are what we consider to be worthwhile, while all other forms lead one astray from transcending this universe. One cannot achieve a higher plane of consciousness when one is corrupted by the banes of the physical."
"And because technology takes such a form, the Kalikari elders weren't too pleased when the technology was accepted."
"Yes, technology was outlawed as a means of existence long ago, and another technological age is unsatisfactory."
"Okay, so why didn't the elders do anything about it?"
"When the younger ones began toying with technology, it was thought they would just discard the concept as weak and pathetic, and merely use technology when interaction between another culture was necessary."
"But they didn't."
"No, they did not. Instead they slowly adapted technology to fit their magickal forms, and began restructuring our traditions. Eventually they were able to convince a great number of us to join them, and now we stand on the brink of a civil war."
"Magick versus technology."
"Correct."
"So I fit into this equation where?"
Sycth frowned. "A storm approaches, we must stop."
"What kind of storm?"
"I don't have time to explain, it will hit us in a matter of seconds."
Kyle looked around, seeing no clouds or lightning or anything of the sort. Scyth read Kyle's mind, not an uncommon trick of the Kalikari.
"We rarely have anything that weak, Kyle. This is far more dangerous." Scyth extended both his arms upwards, allowing his black cloak to tumble down from his wrists to his shoulders, his gray arms now clearly visible.
"What are you doing?" asked Kyle.
Purple streams of energy exploded from Scyth's hands, blinding Kyle as they shot into the air and stopped a few yards above the men's heads. The beams refocused, forming a dome around the two men, as Kyle stumbled about rubbing his eyes.
"You can tell me in advance when you're about to do something like that! You know that don't you?"
Scyth grinned as huge torrents of rain swept across the land outside of his bubble. A loud crash could be heard when a raindrop landed, leaving behind a small crater about an inch wide.
"Want to dance in the rain, Kyle?" Scyth grinned again.
Kyle blinked a few times as his eyesight returned, looking through the transparent purple dome at the rain.
"That's quite all right."
"Very well. I believe you asked me where you fit into this whole thing."
Kyle nodded. "Yeah, that's right."
"Well, as I told you, a civil war is brewing and open warfare is inevitable. The Anarchs as we call these traitors have begun allying themselves with other races, especially those we particularly don't like. They have apparently promised that with the destruction of the elders and the establishment of a more technological society, trade will flourish and these other races will receive great profit. The Anarchs do not care about the ancient traditions we hold, and they are willing to sacrifice the entire system if it will grant them more power."
"Okay, so you're asking me to do what?"
"To ask your kind for assistance. You must persuade others to join our cause and maintain peace. We can crush the Anarchs ourselves, but you must make sure no one else opposes us. We are not prepared for war with other species, and although we can withstand an onslaught, it will not be without heavy damages."
"So as a diplomat, you're asking me for help."
"Yes Kyle, and as a friend. You must inform your race of our problem and make sure they remain neutral, while persuading others to remain so as well."
Kyle nodded, standing up just as the dome above him began fading. A final blast of rain came from above, and then all was once again quiet. Scyth continued on his way.
"So where are these Anarchs anyway?"
"Their main base is on one of our moons, where they control most of the populations. We cannot attack them there since the moon would be in danger."
"It's only one moon, Scyth."
"One moon is as an ancient tome containing all the powers of the universe to us. Our system is sacred to our kind, Kyle."
"Can't you do some of your magick to get rid of them?"
"Yes and no. The phase of this planet makes the moon particularly vital this year, and any magickal attempt at an attack may destroy it. When the time comes, we will remove the threat with our powers, but until then we wait."
"So they can attack you, but you simply won't attack them."
"Not until they leave the moon."
"That's suicide."
"It is the way of our kind. We will not ravage our own lands."
Kyle paused for a minute, stumbling on the now rocky terrain every few steps. "The ground moves here, Kyle. It will stop as we progress."
"Moving? Damn. I was wondering why I kept tripping over these rocks."
"Yes, the ground here lives off an ancient energy. We have decided to drain it in 30 years so we may construct a temple nearby."
"The Kalikari are odd, that you have to admit." Kyle struggled with a particularly stubborn crater, finally dislodging his caught foot.
"No more odd than any other species, Kyle. Especially those who cannot, or will not, utilize magick."
Kyle glanced over at Scyth, watching as Scyth's extended hand seemed to force the ground before him to remain still.
"Exactly what can you do with your magick anyway?"
"Anything."
"Anything?"
"Correct."
"So you can kill me by just thinking about it?"
"If I chose to."
"What!"
"And if I was well rested beforehand."
"So you can blow up the sun by willing it to?"
"No, that would take many of us, or a particularly potent elder."
"Wait a minute. You're saying that you can destroy whole stars?"
"Our magick works off our sheer will. By willing anything to happen, it does. Of course, more powerful alterations of reality will take more of us, so destroying a star for example would take many of us, and probably take a long time."
"That's crazy!"
"But true."
"So what can you do?"
"Myself or another of my kind?"
"Both."
"I can kill you but with a thought if I was well rested beforehand. I could stop your heart from beating, meld the earth into a sword, and escape death for many years at a time. My children can phase through solid matter, shoot beams from their hands and destroy disease or create it. My grandchildren can heal simple wounds and speak with their minds, while my great-grandchildren can do nothing extraordinary. When they mature and age, they too will gain in power, as will I and the other's of my kind."
"You gain more powerful with age then?"
"Yes and no. Age gives us the potential to gain power, while without power we cannot age very long."
"How old are you anyway?"
"117."
"And how old do most of your kind get?"
"Usually around 100. If we are lucky enough to gain power while we are young, through a variety of means, we will be able to age more and gain more power. With one comes the other, while without the second, there will be little of the first"
"So how come you lived for so long?"
"I found an ancient tome when I was thirty-three, and was lucky enough to study under a great master. When he died I took his place and learned a great many secrets from his library. It's nothing too extraordinary, but with that knowledge I have been able to save my life many times."
"So with these powers you have, you can do anything if you're ancient enough."
"More or less."
Kyle frowned. "So how old is the oldest Kalikari?"
"A few thousand years old, I would imagine."
"A few thousand?"
"Yes, he is the one who rules above The Council. No one has seen him in many years, and it may just be possible that he is a legend. If he does exist, then he is certainly a god by now."
"A god? You mean he achieved this transcending thing you keep talking about?"
"No, that is what we all hope to achieve. If any of us have every done so, they would have left the galaxy by now."
"Where to?"
"Kyle, you are here to learn more of our predicament, not receive a history lesson. When this civil war is over then maybe I will tell you more of our history."
"All right Scyth, have it your way."
"Besides Kyle, I'm sure you're pretty tired by now and would rather sleep for a while."
"Yeah, but..."
"There." Scyth pointed out his haven to Kyle, a large gaping cave leading underground. It was a magnificent sight, the entrance carved out of rock, the only unnatural structure of any sorts for miles. Columns carved out of the rock took the form of golems holding up the roof, as if guardians to some great temple. Scyth smiled.
Kyle gawked at the structure, unsure of what to say.
"Come Kyle, my servants cleaned up a room for you, and dinner is ready."
Part II
The inner-cave was not dim as he had expected, but rather light as most rooms he was used to were. Even odder still was the source of the light - there simply was none. Looking around at the stone walls and at the high ceiling above him, he just couldn't seem to pinpoint the origin of any light whatsoever. There were no candles, lights, or even any sort of projection devices lining the walls.
"You wonder too much," said Scyth, the 117 year old Kalikari diplomat. He smiled at Kyle sitting at the huge stone table, as two small lizard-like beings came in with two trays of food.
Kyle smiled back. "I was just wondering whe-"
"Where the light comes from. It doesn't 'come' from anywhere, Kyle. I created it, just as I created these servants and this table."
Kyle's smile faded. "With your magick?"
"Yes, with my magick. I told you I could do such things."
The servants placed the two trays on the table in front of Kyle, turning around again to leave without speaking a word.
"Charming people you have working here."
"Working?" Scyth laughed.
Kyle looked down at the food placed before him. Picking up two eating utensils he smiled and began eating his dinner, when he noticed Scyth just sitting before him, smiling. "Not hungry, Scyth?"
"I try not to be."
Kyle grinned. "And what's that supposed to mean?"
"I no longer require food."
Kyle's grin disappeared. "You're kidding me! You don't require food? What kind of nonsense is that?"
"It's not nonsense, Kyle. I merely no longer require the intake of organic minerals."
"That's crazy! When we first met you used to - "
"Yes, yes, Kyle. That was then and this is now. I have changed much since we last saw one another."
"You're telling me, Scyth!"
Kyle paused for a second before continuing.
"You know, you could have sent me some kind of message in the past 15 years at least letting me know you were still alive."
"I was busy dealing with the Anarchs, Kyle. I had no time to -"
"Had no time to do what? Let me know you remembered me? I've spoken to friends from my childhood more often in the past 15 years than I have to you. For crying out loud, Scyth, we spent 5 years together on Ignimus."
"I'm sorry Kyle, but I felt the further existence of my kind was more important than an old friendship."
Kyle frowned, trying to shrug off the last comment. He looked down at his food, continuing to eat in the silence. After a few more minutes, he once again looked up at Scyth.
"How can you not eat? Even if you don't have to, why would you not want to?"
Scyth also looked up, placing the scroll he was reading on the table.
"Eating, Kyle, is a waste of time. Sometimes I wish to eat an old favorite dish of mine, but I don't want to get addicted. It's like a drug, and when you've had it once you'll probably want more soon thereafter. Besides, the time I save when not eating more than makes up for the pleasure of some food in my mouth."
Kyle just shook his head. "None of the Kalikari eat?"
"No, they eat. I used to eat, you know that. But as we get older and more powerful we see how pointless it is. A sign of mortality."
Kyle shrugged, continuing to eat his food. "Well, I don't want to live forever anyway. I'm sure it gets boring after a while."
"Surely it does, but the yearn of transcension is far greater than the yearn for death. That's why the Ancients go on, because they know that one day they shall transcend, and then their years of existence will have finally paid off."
"All right Scyth." Kyle put down his eating utensils on his empty plate. "I'm going to bed. Too many revelations in one night isn't good, and I'm beat."
Scyth smiled. "We're both a bit stressed. Graq will lead you to your room and I will see you here in the morning. Then we will continue our discussion."
Kyle nodded as one of the lizard-like servants approached. "Goodnight, Scyth."
The next morning, Kyle awoke from his quarters completely refreshed. He found himself on the soft bed he crept into the night before, right across some sort of projection device. Standing up he stretched his arms out high above his head, then walked over to the display. Apparently it was another sort of magickal thingamajig which would just confuse him. He hated the paradigm on this planet, so unstructured and un-technological. Not that Kyle hadn't been to magickally oriented societies before, but they were at least structured, with a sense of organization to their magick. They used spells and fetishes and all sorts of normal things, but here on Kalikar everything was just too weird.
Pondering these things, Kyle looked into the display which very much seemed part of the wall as if a painting. He poked at it a few times, wondering if he could make it do anything. Giving up, he walked around the perimeter of his room.
The room itself was fairly large, bigger than most cabins on a ship, and definitely better looking. Carved out of rock as was the rest of Scyth's haven, the room was remarkably warm, with that same uncanny light coming from nowhere. Near the door stood two tall statues, sentinels slightly larger than the average man, one positioned on either side of the door. There were no technological devices here, as well as no scrolls or spell books or staffs. Kyle sighed, still confused.
There was a small table beside his bed as well as a few chairs. Other than that and the bed itself, the room was remarkably empty. In fact, this room was probably never used unless company came, and from the looks of the gateways to Kalikar, few came. It was surprising to Kyle that the planet was so uninhabited in the first place, since it was the only major celestial object in the system. Instead, the Kalikari lived on the moons which orbited the planet, leaving Kalikar itself as a sort of sacred place. Apparently it was only the esteemed Kalikari that were allowed to take up residence on Kalikar, and even then they had to be doing something worthwhile on the planet.
Walking around the room for a second time, Kyle was interrupted by the projection on the wall.
"Master Kyle, your breakfast is ready."
Kyle nearly jumped at the screen, making himself aware he was still a bit edgy from the flight.
"Yes? Are you the local synth?"
"What is a synth?"
"Never mind. What is it that you want?"
"Your breakfast is ready."
"Who are you?"
"I am Graq, your servant."
Kyle nodded to himself. "Sorry, Graq, I didn't recognize your voice."
"Perhaps that's because I have never spoken."
Kyle nodded again. "Perhaps. I'll be right out, I just have to change."
"Change into what?"
"A new pair of clothes."
There was a pause, then Graq's voice came back. He chuckled. "Oh."
Another pause, then Graq's voice again. "Master Scyth has acquired a new robe for your wear on this planet. It is under your bed."
"Thank you Graq."
"Your welcome, Master Kyle. I await you on the opposite side of the door."
Kyle quickly rushed over to his bed again, looking under it. He smiled when he found the small, flat chest with the robe inside. Quickly changing, he left the room and his dirty flight suit behind.
"Good morning, Kyle. I see you found the robes."
Scyth seemed refreshed as well, greeting Kyle as he made his way down the long hall into the main room of the cave.
"Yes I did. Graq was very helpful."
"How were his linguistics?"
Kyle looked confused. "Fine, why?"
"He never spoke before. I bestowed upon him a voice this morning so he could better serve you."
"You mean he really never did speak?"
"No. He never needed to."
Kyle sat down, pondering this whole planet again. Scyth just laughed.
"Kyle, eat your breakfast and I'll tell you more."
Nodding, Kyle began eating his breakfast, looking up at Scyth and expecting him to be busy with another scroll or something. Scyth was eating.
"I though you didn't eat anymore?"
Scyth grinned. "I don't."
"But?"
"Well, I was thinking about the time we were on Gravik, in that run down space station. We had that good alien food for breakfast that morning, and after our discussion last night I decided I'd have the servants fetch the recipe and make some up."
Kyle just grinned without saying a word.
"What?"
"Nothing," Kyle said. He just grinned.
Part III
Darkness.
It was about damn time, he thought. For the past three weeks Kyle had stayed on Kalikar, the homeworld of the Kalikari Empire. For the past three weeks, there had been no night, only an eerie light which came from nowhere. It wasn't that he really minded, but along with the many other nuances of the Kalikari culture, Kyle had slowly become a bit perturbed. Although he was slowly adapting to this new culture, as all diplomats should, he couldn't help but smile now that night had arrived. At least something was normal. "How long did you say it'll remain dark?"
"Three days," said Scyth indifferently. Obviously he was used to this erratic pattern of day and night.
Kyle sighed. "So is there any pattern to this at all, or is it completely random?"
"That depends."
"Oh?" Kyle rolled his eyes.
"Yes. It depends on whether or not Qerim is in a traditional phase."
Kyle looked up into the dark sky, squinting to see Qerim, the fifth great sun of the Kalikari Empire. From what he had been told, this star orbited the other four, which held Kalikar in a perpetual state of stillness. Looking down and ahead, Kyle decided there was no pattern. "Whether or not there is a pattern to our suns has been a great mystery to our kind throughout the ages. While some say it is merely a chaotic system of entropy, others believe there is a distinct order to the movements of our stars, movements which grant our race certain powers during the many different phases. It is a dispute which will most likely go on for many ages to come."
Kyle sighed again, trying to change the subject.
"So you'll send a group of diplomats our to my world after I set up the meetings?"
"Correct. I have a few friends out on Serabim ready to take on the mission."
Kyle grinned as he spoke. "All right, so you'll keep in contact this time."
Scyth just nodded, pointing ahead at the portal. "We're here."
The two men stopped walking, as Kyle looked his friend in the eyes. "I'm gonna miss you Scyth, it's been fun. Odd, but fun."
Scyth placed his hand on Kyle's shoulder, smiling. "In a few days you will hear from me, and we will get this thing underway. When the Anarch threat is gone, I may even have time to come and visit you myself."
"Okay, Scyth, and if not I'll just have to sneak onto Kalikar myself."
Scyth nodded, giving Kyle a firm press on the shoulder, then motioning towards the portal. "You will find yourself on Berat when you leave here. I have arranged a transport to take you back to your ship so you don't need a passcode."
Kyle frowned, looking down at the ground. "Okay, Scyth. Until we see us again."
"And we will, Kyle, I promise you."
Looking up at Scyth, Kyle knew this was goodbye. He nodded and smiled, giving Scyth a quick huge. Images and emotions flooded through Kyle's mind, the goodbye scene at the end of a dream. The emotions were overpowering, making Kyle feel sad and shaken. He looked up at Scyth a final time, then turned to face the portal.
In an instant, Kyle was swallowed up by the portal, leaving Scyth alone in the desert and without a friend. "Goodbye, Kyle."
Darkness.
It was all about him like a swarm of bees. It almost hurt.
Three bodies were thrown across the room and slammed into the walls. A glowing orb of light exploded from Scyth's hands as he sought out his attackers. Two in front of him, one behind him, unconscious from smashing into the wall. A low growl emanated from Scyth's throat, as he bared his teeth like a wild animal.
There was the sound of a moan, then a sprawling motion coming from one of the men in front of him. The second man leaped up, pulling out a large knife in the air as he fell towards Scyth.
Clenching the orb of light tight, Scyth jumped to the side to evade his attacker, throwing the orb straight into the armed figure. Another explosion, this one generating an inferno that burned the attacker into a crisp. Scyth quickly looked to the other man, now missing from his former resting place. A series of mind probes went out, as Scyth immediately became aware of his attacker. He lunged to the side as the second attacker leapt towards him. Forging large claws on his hands, Scyth struck at the man, tearing into his body with an amazing show of force. Blood splattered across the room as the man collapsed, now quiet and harmless.
Creating another orb of light, Scyth slowly walked towards the unconscious man, picking him up by the neck and slamming him into the closed door. Emotions of rage and images of death flew through the attacker's mind, as he shook himself awake and found himself at the mercy of his prey. Etiquette and tradition were shook aside by Scyth as he spoke in his own voice, making himself seem all the more barbaric and wild. His voice came out deep and furious, like a mad warlord just humiliated before his court.
"Who are you to attack one of the Elders?"
The man's eyes grew wide, sending thoughts of apology and dishonor. He didn't know what to think, so he just sputtered what he could. "I am Kahrik of the Third House. I was instructed to take you prisoner so that my family could speak with you." Kahrik's voice was pitiful, speaking in quick bursts which merely made Scyth angrier.
"And why does the Third House wish to speak to me?" Scyth tightened his grip on Kahrik's throat.
"They need to know you reasons for speaking with the foreigner."
Scyth dropped Kahrik, turning around to think. "And why do their wish to know this?" Scyth began pacing as his voice slowly calmed. Kahrik stood aghast as he rubbed his bloody neck to ease the pain.
"My House has chosen to cut off all contacts with outsiders and has begun a campaign to reinstate the Shroud."
Scyth turned around and stared at Kahrik mercilessly. "What I do is none of your business, nor is it that of your House. I was on a diplomatic mission which does not concern your family nor anyone but government."
Kahrik slowly slid downwards, his feet giving way under the pain.
"You will stand when you speak to an Elder," Scyth commanded, rushing forward to grab Kahrik by the neck once more and pick him up. He slammed Kahrik into the door once more, his eyes now voids of frenzy.
Kahrik's strength was failing him, and his magick was growing weak. Better to use it to keep himself alive than attempt an attack he thought.
Scyth nodded, overhearing Kahrik's thoughts. He growled again in rage as he spoke. "Like your House, you and your magick are worthless. Tell them, oh faithful Kahrik, that I have received your message and will meet them when I so decide.
Kahrik nodded as quick as he could, thankful he would be spared.
Scyth smiled a savage smile, no kindness or mercy behind his eyes. "Spared, yes. Kept alive..." He squeezed Kahrik's throat as he swung him across the room, crushing Kahrik's throat at the last second. Scyth reached out towards the dying body, grappling onto something that wasn't there.
If any being besides a Kalikari were there, they would have seen a fantastic display of lights and sounds. For Scyth however, this was just another telegram. Holding Kahrik's soul, Scyth shot three wavy beams of red light from his hands, making a sound similar to the roar of an engine. Almost drowned out by Kahrik's now preternatural scream, the sound stopped, as Scyth stared into the floating soul, the beams eaten by the mass of darkness which was now Kahrik.
Scyth looked at Kahrik a last time, walking backwards through the door into the busy streets of the city. With a wave of his hand, Scyth was gone.
Part IV
The door opened, three dead guards decomposing on the lawn behind him. Balls of flame covered his two hands, now slowly extinguishing into a thick, black smoke. He marched down the hallway into an underground section of the castle, focusing his energy beyond the doors and walls to pinpoint the man he was looking for. Scyth had toned his energies for many years, now finding the use for them he always knew he would have need of.
Two armed guards saw him, running at him with large swords of energy. He spun around, his long cloak flying up into the air behind him. He faced his enemies and smiled, ready for a battle. They continued on their course, ready to spear Sycth and remove his life. It was all too confusing for them when Scyth vanished.
He had already wasted too much time on the guards outside. However hungry he was for battle, there was no need to kill everyone. Having found the room he wanted to go to he simply decided to teleport himself there, and much to the amazement of Lord Hyren, Scyth appeared with a smile.
Lord Hyren was an old mentor of Scyth, a middle-aged Elder who once tutored him in Kalikari politics. Although they had known each other for some time, neither were ever good friends, just mutual partners in a fair amount of political escapades.
"Ah, Scyth, how nice of you to - "
"Quiet!" Scyth was in no mood for talk, especially in this barbaric manner.
"Scyth, how rude of you to just come in here and order me around." Hyren's voice was mocking. "Did I hurt your feelings?"
Sycth glared at Hyren. "Hurt my feelings? Your men tried to abduct me!"
"Yes, and the didn't do a good enough job apparently."
"No they didn't, and I let them know that."
Lord Hyren frowned, his voice becoming more serious. "Yes, unfortunately they did not. Reshaping Kahrik's soul like that was a real pain to undo you know."
Scyth shrugged, wondering why he was conforming to Hyren's standards. He immediately took up his own traditions and commenced the communication he was so used to.
Hyren blocked out his mind, shaking his head. "Will you never learn, Scyth? Our kind used speech long before telepathy. It's just as much tradition as anything."
Scyth too shook his head. "Yes, one that's arcane and barbaric."
"But for someone so well versed in our language, it's a pity you don't speak it as much."
"I'm not here to talk about linguistics."
Hyren sighed. "No, you're not. You're here to find out why I sent Kahrik and his friends to kidnap you."
"Yes."
"Well, let me tell you a story, Scyth, one which I'm sure you know."
Scyth looked at Lord Hyren earnestly, cracking a knuckle in contempt.
"Long ago we decided to establish the Shroud to protect ourselves from outside influences, ever the while learning their secrets to further our own transcension. We removed the Shroud to trade openly, and above all find new land to inhabit, for we know all too well that we will one day have too great a population for all of us to live in this system."
"I grow weary of your stories, Hyren. Perhaps you ought to tell me something I don't know."
"Calm yourself, Scyth, or I will remove you from this office myself."
Scyth was powerful, but not nearly as old or as powerful as Hyren. He decided to wait.
"Now however, we see that removing the Shroud was a mistake, for Anarch activity has only been growing since. With alliances growing wide and mighty, the Anarchs have already besieged Och'yut and plan to invade the Southern cities of Berat. As leader of the Third House, I will not allow our traditions to be so desecrated by these young fools."
"And you plan to do what?"
"Reinstate the Shroud."
Scyth laughed. "You're a greater fool than I thought, Hyren. The masses wouldn't approve that in a million years."
"Actually, Scyth, we hold enough power in government to bring about a second dark age."
"No way I'll let that pass, Scyth. Keeping the Shroud down is the only chance we have to learn alongside the rest of the galaxy."
"That it is, but also the most dangerous path for the Third House. We can't afford to keep spending money on deflecting Anarch raiding parties, so it's either the Shroud, or..." Hyren trailed off, hoping Scyth would understand what he's proposing.
"Or what, Hyren?"
"Or you make sure my House comes to control Och'yut when the Anarch rebellion is quieted."
"And how do you suppose I can do that?"
"You are one of the most esteemed diplomats in our system, Scyth, and you have the power to bring about a new era for our House. With the backing of the Q'ran diplomat, our House can take over Och'yut and reestablish it's society. We have the resources, Scyth, all we need now are a few kind words to the Grand Council from the majority of our diplomats. You, Scyth, decide if we control Och'yut or not."
"And what do I get out of making you one of the most esteemed leaders in history?"
"You get what you want, to do what's best for our kind. You keep the Shroud down, so you can go about your little diplomatic duties in peace."
"Why are you doing this, Hyren?"
"Simple, if the Third House is declared leadership of Och'yut, I will have enough reason to order the House to forcefully remove the Anarchs. If not, then sending my troupes into the battleground will merely make me seem insane."
"And it will raise questions to your leadership position."
Lord Hyren smiled. "Correct."
"And this way there won't be a need to raise the Shroud, since there won't be any Anarchs left to attack anything."
Hyren nodded.
"And you are willing to kill half your House to remove a group of Anarchs less than one eighth it's size?"
"There's always some rooting out that must be done. With a new start and a moon to run, there's enough room for expansion without having to keep every foul member of the House."
"You are insane, Hyren."
Hyren grinned. "Yes, I am."
The desert was a hot place, and without an escort it was a real pain to trek through it. Did he know where he was going, how much longer it would take? No, not really, but he had some idea at least.
His men were tired, his feet were sore. He had walked two days now in this blazing inferno, taking cover ever so often when one of those darned storms came through the area. It was wonder enough that they had made it this far, past the moon stations and through the portal to the planet's surface. It just didn't seem as though it had taken so long to get there the last time he was here. Of course, then he had someone to lead him.
"Rider approaching!" came a cry. One of the men had spotted a man riding towards them on some reptilian creature.
Kyle took out a pair of binoculars, focusing them on the approaching figure. "Sand warrior, I've heard of these things," said one man.
"No, I doubt they have them here," said Kyle, wondering if this was true. "Ready your weapons in case it's hostile.
The men nodded, readying their blasters and swords both, hoping at last one would work. In a matter of minutes, the rider was upon the men, as Kyle slowly walked ahead of them and put out his hand in greeting. "Hello, sir! My name is Kyle Zendir, and I am head of a diplomatic team sent to Kalikar under the authorization of Scyth, the diplomat of Q'ran. My men and I are in need of shelter, can you provide us with some infor - "
"No. I can only provide you with death this day."
Kyle took a step back, watching the cloaked man calmly. "Excuse me, sir?"
"I can only provide you with death this day."
There was something familiar about this man's voice.
"Sir, we come under the authorization of Scyth, the diplomat of Q'ran."
"I know who authorized your visit. It was a mistake, one that I must repair here and now."
Kyle began to get worried. "You must know Scyth, he is the diplomat on - "
"I know who he is."
"So then you will let us pass?"
"No, you must die."
Kyle's men began readying their weapons.
"Sir, we come on a mission of peace."
"As do I, peace for my kind." The cloaked man raised his hands into the air.
Kyle lunged to the side, reaching for his weapons. "He's gonna fight!"
Kyle's men charged the cloaked man, some firing blasters while others ran towards him with sharp blades. Kyle too attacked, but it was too late. The lasers were merely absorbed into a glowing shield around the man, while the swords and spears bounced from it's energetic stream of power. A flow of electric strands erupted from the mounted Kalikari, blasting into and through the diplomats. Yells and screams were heard, as the smell of burning flesh made it's way to the Kalikari's nose. Blood covered the ground as the lightning beams tore off limbs, ruptured organs and charred the bones of the foreigners. In another instant, the Kailikari dropped his hands and removed his shield, a few moans coming from the few survivors that would soon die anyway.
The Kailikari removed his hood, looking up at the night sky. He looked to Och'yut where a battle above him raged, where the Third House would have the victory Hyren so wanted. It was done now, for with the death of the alien diplomats there would be no foreign diplomatic interaction with his kind. His race wouldn't owe anyone anything, and the Anarchs would be to blame for the diplomat's death. It had to be, for the survival of his kind. Nothing else mattered.
The moans died down until there was only one left, for Kyle's heart was strong and tried to maintain his life as long as possible. He had promised Scyth he would aid him, and now he had failed.
The Kalikari looked away from Och'yut and the war which waged above, and looked around himself.
Darkness.
The sky was black as if it was night, yet the planet was fully illuminated, while a number of moons could be seen in the distance. The five suns of Kalikar seemed so far away, yet so close.
The two figures looked at each other, while a series of pictures and emotions flooded through Kyle's mind.
Looking into the Kalikari's eyes, Kyle sighed. He struggled to speak. "You look good Scyth, never too worn for wear, are you?"
The response took the form of a series of flashes and emotions in Kyle's mind, almost chaotic, yet understandable nonetheless. It was like dreaming while awake, as if two minds were squeezed together into one.
The young man frowned. "Please Scyth, you know how I hate that."
The visions ended abruptly, breaking off in mid thought like a dream that ends at the climax.
Scyth frowned in response. "I'm sorry Kyle; I forget your kind does not use mind-magick." His voice was deep and inhuman, definitely alien.