CHAPTER ONE
The Launch for War
Definastine stood in his small viewing chamber. Beneath his hood his expression was fierce. His claw-like hands, somewhat deformed, rested against the stone arch of his window. It was plain to see that the fingernails on his right hand had rotted away. The host of the Starstone had been responsible for that: somehow, during his first contact with the boy, his fingernails had withered and his skin had bubbled and blistered before turning black. On each stump was a lumpy scar to remind him of the boy.
That had been three months ago when the Starstone had been within his grasp. He stretched out his leg. It had mended well after the young woman had shot him. In fact, since the operation, it was probably stronger than ever.
The wind howled loudly outside, gently stirring the robes he wore. A deep rumble sounded from the hooded figure. It travelled from the pit of his stomach to the back of his throat. He growled again, like a beast. In truth he was a beast. He had certainly never been human.
For thousands of years Definastine had made Dramian his home. He could recall every contour of the land and those who inhabited it. He had recreated a world where his created servants could exist. But it wasn’t enough. It would never be enough.
He sensed a new era beginning, a time in which he would have more control. His dream was to become the ultimate ruler of the Universe. Power at his fingertips. His red eyes widened, power hungry. It was his destiny.
He had been inactive for too long. Today was the turning point.
But things weren’t all going to plan. He slapped the cold slab of stone impatiently. The weather, over which he had no control, was playing a game with him.
For the past few days a cool breeze had stirred restlessly. Today it had increased tenfold. The howling gale was now terrorising the landscape. Ripping skeletal plants from the surface it blew them away into the darkness. Small tornadoes swept up the mountains, leaving an icy residue in their wake. The wind whistled shrilly, echoing through the thickest of stone walls. These winds could last for weeks.
Definastine growled impatiently. He had no power over nature to stop this intrusion.
‘You will not prevent me from leaving,’ he whispered to the winds.
He wrapped his cloak about him as he walked from the room. Descending a short flight of spiral steps he entered his chamber. He sat down in his high-backed chair filled with cushions. On the floor, lying close to his feet, was a glowing object.
‘Oh, Heartstone. Why do you play such games with me?’ he asked, leaning forward and peering down at the object.
Imprisoned within a large crystal rock was a small person, no taller than four inches. She was sitting with her legs crossed, looking extremely annoyed and frustrated. She was glowing orange.
‘I like playing games!’ she replied, tightening her lips.
‘But you’re trapped,’ he smiled cruelly. ‘You’ve nowhere to go. Surrender to me. Become one with me. We’ll be powerful together.’
‘You may have me trapped but you’ll never use my powers! I won’t let you!’ She may have been small but her voice was strong.
‘Perhaps I can persuade you to change your mind.’
‘Never!’ she cried.
‘When the time comes, you won’t have a choice,’ he spoke slowly.
It sounded like a threat. Or was it a promise?
The tiny creature looked horrified. She slowly stood up. Her delicate hands touched the crystal.
‘What are you planning to do with me?’
‘Now, that would be telling,’ he laughed coldly and stood up too. ‘Let’s just say, I’m keeping you in suspense.’
‘What are you planning?’ she cried desperately. Her small fists banged hard against the crystal. ‘Tell me what you plan to do!’
Definastine laughed, drowning her cries. Picking up a piece of cloth, he flung it over the crystal to conceal her. Then he walked from the room, shaking his head in amusement.
Definastine’s castle was brightly lit. However, the torches at the entrances could not withstand the menacing winds. One by one the lights flickered out. Without the torchlight it was difficult to see where the blackened sky met the shadowy mountains as they merged into one dark mass.
Definastine’s chamber was situated in the highest peak of the tallest mountain. At this moment three figures were hurrying along the grand stone corridor. They passed the elegant pillars rising upward to the arched ceiling. Seated by the walls were hundreds of ugly stone gargoyles, with short muscular arms and legs. They had fat curling lips, which seemed to snarl at the three passing figures.
‘It gives me the creeps walking along here,’ mumbled the larger of the two Armatripes. ‘I’m sure those things are alive. They can probably hear everything we’re saying.’
Like giant beetles the Armatripes possessed hardened shells over their backs, forming natural body armour. But although very strong, Armatripes can be incredibly stupid.
‘Nah,’ replied the second of them. ‘If those things were alive they wouldn’t let me hit them like this!’ With that, he lifted his hands and began to hammer his fists on the nearest gargoyle, laughing gleefully.
‘Stop it!’ snapped the short stooped man in front. His head was scarred and lumpy, with tufts of grey hair poking out from it. ‘This is no place to speak of such things!’
The Armatripes glanced at each other, shrugged and said no more. The crippled man too remained silent. His eyes were busy watching the dumpy gargoyles. The Armatripe was right. The stone ornaments did carry life within them but not many servants knew this. They acted as Definastine’s eyes and ears whenever he had use for them.
The man, who was known as Krydon – remembered many occasions when Definastine had told him to remain in his chamber. Peering through the keyhole he had noticed one or two gargoyles squatted outside his door. Like guards. Were they there to protect him? Or keep him imprisoned in his room? He had never dared to ask. Now, without turning, he could feel the lingering eyes of the gargoyles burning into his back. It was only when they turned right up the servants’ stairs, out of their sight, that the sensation stopped.
They hurried up the long winding staircase, panting nervously at the top. Then they walked briskly along another corridor, which eventually led to a large double door.
Krydon spoke again.
‘Wait here,’ he whispered, taking a deep breath. He knocked hard on the wooden doors.
While he was waiting for a reply, the Armatripes had noticed another stone gargoyle, seated on a shelf above the arched doors.
‘He sure is ugly,’ the smaller Armatripe observed.
‘Hideously so,’ said the other.
Krydon knocked again, louder this time.
Suddenly the gargoyle opened its eyes and glared down at them.
‘Oh, it’s you,’ it sneered in a superior manner. It began to gather up some loose stones. ‘His Highness is expecting you.’ With that, it began pelting the stones hard at the astonished Armatripes, who quickly rolled themselves into two balls. The stones bounced off their toughened backs. ‘I’ll give you ugly!’ it screeched.
When the doors swung open, the crippled man wasted no time in hobbling into the darkened room. He was vaguely aware of the Armatripes anxious whispers behind him – about how they’d never heard a gargoyle speak before, let alone one that threw stones.
‘I’m here, Master,’ Krydon spoke. ‘Master?’
When the doors slammed shut behind him, he jumped.
He waited near the door for a reply. His hunched shadow flickered behind him from the glare of the fire, which offered no warmth. He glanced nervously about the large, cold chamber. He tried not to breathe too deeply for a foul smell occupied the air. Apart from himself, no other living creature appeared to be in the room.
Realising Definastine wasn’t in the main chamber he allowed his focus to wander. It came to rest on the bright light in the corner of the room. It was half covered by a cloth, wine red in colour. He ste
pped closer, curiosity fuelling his courage.
Was that what he thought it was – the ensnared Heartstone? He gasped in awe or was it terror? He desperately wanted to see her. Legends spoke highly of her and her twin – the Starstone. The two of them were supposedly the first beings ever created in the entire universe. Whether or not this was true was another matter. Krydon had only learnt of their existence through the whisperings amongst Definastine’s devoted servants. Almost in a trance, he reached forward to take a look, but stopped dead in his tracks.
There was enough light in the room to illuminate the shadows of small lifeless creatures hanging on hooks about the room. Krydon cringed. He slowly backed towards the door. His desperate urge to uncover the Heartstone had gone. If Definastine had caught him his curiosity would probably have cost him his life.
He heard footsteps approaching from a back room. ‘Krydon? Is that you?’
‘Yes, Master,’ he answered quickly – perhaps too quickly, he thought. I must remain calm. ‘The preparations are complete. The Armatripes you sent for are outside the door waiting on your word to continue.’
There was a pause. Definastine’s piercing red eyes studied him for a while before replying in his usual coarse tone, ‘Yes, very good, Krydon. You’re not on your usual form today. You seem – on edge. Is there something you want to tell me?’
‘No, Master. Nothing at all. Everything is well. Extremely well.’ Krydon bowed his head low, trying to hide his anxious expression.
Another pause.
‘So be it.’
Stepping slowly from the shadows, the mysterious shape of Definastine came into view. A loose hooded robe fitted snugly over his form. In all the time Krydon had served Definastine, he had only once seen his face.
It had been a mistake. Krydon had arrived to see Definastine, as arranged. The gargoyle had opened the door and said his Majesty was expecting him. So Krydon had entered the room. He hadn’t realised Definastine was snoozing in his chair by the fire until it was too late. He walked to the front of the chair, accidentally knocking back his master’s hood. It had slipped, revealing his grotesque features in the dancing flames of the fire. Krydon had wanted to scream. Instead he had run straight out of the door, making hurried excuses to the gargoyle.
For days it had plagued his mind. His master was a hideous beast, neither living nor dead. That was the only way to describe what he had seen.
Meanwhile, Definastine strolled across the room to retrieve his staff. Krydon kept his gaze low, knowing his master detested anyone looking at him directly.
Then, in a much sharper tone, Definastine snapped. ‘Well, don’t just stand there – you fool. The time has come!’
‘Yes, Master,’ Krydon replied, bowing in deepest respect.
‘Get those fools in here now!’ he shouted. With a loud crack his staff slammed on to the floor.
‘Certainly, Master.’ Krydon bowed. He hurried backwards, colliding clumsily with the doors. He spun round sharply. He heaved the double doors open using all his strength.
The Armatripes stood attentively, having heard Definastine’s booming voice through the door. They entered the room, bowing their heads. Their body armour was dusty. The gargoyle looked oddly satisfied.
‘She’s over there,’ growled Definastine. ‘Raise her up gently. She’s feeling temperamental this morning.’
The two guards nodded. Approaching the lighted object their expressions began to change. They had finally caught a glimpse of the Heartstone, looking very upset. She sat cross-legged, refusing to look at anyone.
Definastine lowered his voice to a whisper: ‘I’ve waited so long for this moment and I won’t let anyone spoil my big day now.’ He stood still for several long seconds with his face turned towards the Heartstone. ‘You will help me, my little pixie.’
The Heartstone stuck out her chin and raised her head high. ‘Humph! That’s what you think!’ she squeaked.
There was further silence as Definastine narrowed his cruel eyes. No one dared breathe or move a muscle. The silence became unbearable. Krydon wanted to clear his throat but he knew better than to interrupt his master. He struggled to remain quiet. When Definastine spoke, it made Krydon shake. It was like a knife slicing through his body.
Definastine’s attention turned to the guards. His voice was loud. ‘Take her straight to my ship, and remember – whatever you do, don’t drop her. For if she escapes I’ll have your heads!’
Trembling slightly, the two Armatripes secured their grip on the crystal. It was surprisingly light. Once the object was firmly held between them they hurried from the room.
Definastine spun round sharply, his robe twisting about his legs. He pulled a lifeless creature from one of the dangling hooks and took a bite from it, as if it were a chocolate bar.
Krydon cringed.
With a firm grip on his staff, Definastine exited the room hastily. Krydon followed close behind him, struggling to keep pace.
Their footsteps echoed loudly on the stone-tiled floor. They travelled through winding stone corridors. Krydon’s hips were now starting to hurt. He hadn’t walked this far for ages.
The route brought them to a large metal door. On seeing Definastine, an Armatripe bowed and quickly unbolted the door. No words were spoken.
On the other side of the door was a small glass-like lift. They stepped inside it. Suddenly the scenery changed like magic. They had transported to the next mountain.
Definastine never usually discussed his plans with Krydon; it was quite a surprise as he now began to do so.
‘I wanted the Starstone. Until now it was not to be, but I haven’t given up trying to trace its whereabouts. Today I have sent one of my servants to join forces with the boy’s parents. When I have them, the boy and the Starstone will come to me. But for now, the Heartstone will help us destroy the home planet of my old enemies the Stanchies. I will not be defeated by them!’ he roared. ‘She escaped once but I shall capture Princess Kia again. She will be the first to fall, followed by her father – King Lomair. He will not know what has hit him when I arrive with the full force of my army. The Kingdom of Galareem will soon be mine forever!’
‘And what will become of me, Master?’ Krydon asked.
‘You’ll stay here and not leave the southern tower. Is that clear?’
‘Yes, Master,’ Krydon replied, turning his gaze to the floor. From this angle he was able to hide the relief on his face.
Definastine studied his servant’s face, reducing the harshness in his voice. ‘You are special to me. Think of your time here as a holiday while I am away.’
‘Yes, Master.’
‘I have left Ruben in charge to carry out my wishes. You’d do well to stay out of his way,’ Definastine warned. ‘Razor and Raven are still away, trying to locate the human boy.’
Krydon wanted to laugh. Keep out of Ruben’s way? He’d been doing that for years. Ever since Definastine had the ghastly man brought to their homeland, Krydon had avoided him like the plague. It was clear, from the very first moment they met, that they couldn’t bear the sight of each other.
Four long years ago, Definastine had kidnapped four agents from Earth, who worked for the AAA – Alien Agents Alliance. They had wanted to capture Definastine. But unfortunately their plans had backfired. Definastine caught wind of their plan and abducted them instead. They were never seen again.
For his own warped pleasure, Definastine had made the men the subject of his latest experiment. They were transformed into his strongest team – known as ‘The Four’. The men were only part human by the time the experiments had finished. Their minds and bodies had been mutated beyond recognition, and to destroy all memories of their former lives a microchip had been inserted inside their brains.
Raider had been killed three months ago; now there were only three of them left: Ruben, Razor and Raven.
Definastine wondered if the humans would try coming back while he was away. The last time they were here
they had freed all the children including the most powerful one of all – Sheena. He smiled cruelly. He was content with the knowledge that if a battle were to commence then his secret army would awaken.
Definastine couldn’t wait to travel to Galareem. It was the biggest and most successful planet of all. He was looking forward to destroying its three suns, so darkness could reign across its lands. If all went to plan he could destroy the planet in a single day.
‘I will first make a detour to collect my vast armies from the other planets now conquered. When all my armies are together, I’ll lead them to the Stanchies’ planet,’ he whispered.
Krydon shivered.
They travelled swiftly to the launch site of his ship. Armatripes lined the corridors as they passed. One – who was standing out of line – was immediately hit hard on the head by Definastine’s staff. Immediately the ranks straightened like a wave along the corridor.
Soon they entered the huge chamber, harbouring the gigantic spaceship. By now a thick line of Armatripes were following behind. Red circular lights lay along the length of a wide, black platform, leading towards the ship. The chasm on either side of the platform was so steep you couldn’t see the bottom, whereas the ceiling rose upwards like a giant dome made from a strange metal material, much like the walls.
Up ahead Krydon could see the Heartstone disappear into the massive mouth of Definastine’s metal ship. Lines of Armatripes were patiently waiting along a wide platform leading to the ship entrance.
‘Follow me, Krydon,’ Definastine ordered. ‘I have much to discuss with you on the way.’
Definastine’s black cloak billowed behind him. Krydon’s legs were burning with weariness.
Definastine stopped to gaze upon his magnificent ship. Several Armatripes collided into one another, falling off the side of the platform to avoid bumping into him.
Definastine shook his head, growling softly. But it didn’t matter: Armatripes were easily replaced. He resumed his walk along the platform with Krydon hobbling at his side.
‘I am going to bring back more slaves and have access to greater technology!’ Definastine rejoiced. He lowered his voice, turning to Krydon. ‘Stay out of trouble and remember this – for if I ever find out you have betrayed me your life will not be worth living. You are forbidden to go down below the ground level of the castle. I have dangerous pets down there that may kill you on sight. Heed my words well, Krydon. I wouldn’t like anything nasty to happen to you.’
An Armatripe sniggered. His laughter ended quickly. Snarling angrily, Definastine pointed his staff at him. A fraction of a second later, a blast of light exploded from its end and the Armatripe vanished into a cloud of dust. A deadly silence followed.
At that moment, a huge creature flew through the arched door towards them.
‘Master!’ a breathless voice called. Definastine turned abruptly. ‘We’ve received news… of the two human spies… that you sent your faithful frump, Clay… to capture.’
‘Well!’ roared Definastine. ‘Spit it out! Can’t you see I’m going somewhere!’
A huge black bird, slightly smaller than Definastine, swooped down to land and bowed its head before him. ‘They’ve been captured.’
‘Good!’ snarled Definastine. ‘Take them to the dungeons. I’ll meet up with them when I come back.’
‘But… well…’ the ugly bird muttered uncomfortably. ‘Clay’s gone.’
‘What do you mean, “Clay’s gone”? I told you to destroy him! How could he have gone?’
‘He broke his pact and turned himself invisible,’ the bird explained nervously.
Definastine scowled with fury. ‘I want him caught and brought back here. I’ll deal with him personally when I return. Do you understand?’
‘Yes, Master.’ The bird bowed its head and immediately departed through the same door by which it had arrived.
Definastine turned abruptly, leaving Krydon behind. The Armatripes took their positions. They marched up the sloped platform, disappearing into the huge metal spaceship.
Finally, as the door of the spaceship was sealed shut, Krydon sighed with relief. He smiled for the first time in ages, though seeing Raven glaring at him from the other side of the platform, he quickly hid his delight.
As the spaceship fired its engines, a sudden idea struck Krydon. At first he thought he must be mad. He tried telling himself that he shouldn’t think such things. But try as he might, he couldn’t rid himself of this particular idea. It dominated his thoughts, until he began to believe that it actually might be possible.
Definastine was leaving. This would be a perfect opportunity for Krydon to flee the wretched place. There would be no one now to hold him back. He gasped with excitement. Then a niggling doubt crossed his mind. His smile faded. No, he must never leave. What if Definastine caught him? His life wouldn’t be worth living. Then, as if a light had come on in his mind, it dawned on him his life wasn’t worth living now.
As the grey reflective spaceship rose upward, huge metal spikes sprang out from the rounded vessel. It resembled a curled up hedgehog. The top of the mountain shifted. A deep thunderous noise rumbled as the walls gradually moved apart. As they opened to their maximum width, the ship accelerated into the darkness overhead. It was suddenly gone, leaving nothing but a ringing in Krydon’s ears.
Ruben immediately advanced towards him.
‘You’d better keep out of my way!’ he growled, pulling out a dagger and pressing it uncomfortably close to Krydon’s throat.
Krydon raised his head as the pointed tip of the knife threatened to pierce his skin. He looked away.
Ruben growled menacingly. ‘The master’s not here to save you now. If it weren’t for him wanting a crawling parasite as a pet, I’d have killed you a long time ago.’
Ruben replaced the blade in its sheaf, gathered his cloak and stormed off, shaking his head in annoyance.
Krydon was shaking like a leaf. How much more of this could he take? Ruben always robbed him of any strength he had. But his grew soon turned to anger. At first he was angry with himself but then with Ruben. A small seed of courage had been planted and began growing inside him.
The room was now empty, apart from a small creature resembling a furless spider monkey, which was watching him intensely. The Simiana – for such it was – slowly approached Krydon. When it spoke it sounded wise and knowing.
‘It’s predicted to be a long slow journey before they reach the Stanchy planet,’ it said. ‘For no matter how much power Definastine has at his disposal, he has neither the technology nor the materials to create a faster spaceship. But if his plans succeed, this will all change. As I understand it, with the unwilling assistance of the Heartstone, he will soon be reaping his rewards – however unjust.’
Krydon stared at the small creature speaking so disrespectfully of his master and tried to remember who it was. What was its job here? As the innocent creature continued looking at him, a curious smile spread across its face. Krydon felt his cheeks warming with embarrassment when he realised the Simiana must have witnessed his humiliating experience with Ruben.
‘What are you looking at?’ Krydon snapped, feeling suddenly insecure.
‘I’m looking at someone who does not know his true self, someone who does not know who he really is,’ it replied.
Krydon stared hard at the creature. It spoke with warmth and its little black eyes shone with purpose. ‘What are you talking about? What do you know about me?’
‘I know you were once much more than you are at present,’ the creature told him, bowing its head in respect. ‘For you should be a prince – possibly a king by now.’
‘I’ve no time for riddles.’ Krydon dismissed the creature by waving his arms in the air impatiently, hobbling away. ‘You know nothing about me.’
‘Ah, but I do,’ the creature replied, springing after him. ‘I saw you when you were first brought here.’
Krydon was forced to stop, as the Simiana blocked his p
ath at every turn.
‘I saw you before Definastine gave me orders to change your appearance forever,’ it continued.
‘What are you talking about?’ Krydon whispered. ‘Definastine didn’t change me. I’ve always been like this.’
The Simiana was shaking its head slowly as a look of sadness slowly spread across its face. ‘No, he created you. I saw you as a baby, as you really were, before Definastine ordered your transformation. You were born to be one of the greatest grimphs that ever lived,’ it replied.
‘Grimph?’ puzzled Krydon. ‘What’s a grimph?’
But the Simiana didn’t appear willing to discuss it any further. ‘Come, follow me. There’s much to talk about, but not here. Too many eyes could be watching us.’
As the Simiana lightly moved towards the door, Krydon found himself hobbling after it. He didn’t understand anything the Simiana spoke of. It didn’t make sense at all. He was a human, not a grimph. But why would the Simiana say anything different? Funnily enough it didn’t worry him too much; just having someone speak kindly to him lifted his spirits. Especially when that someone had called him a prince. Could it be that he had finally found a friend in this wretched place after all?
End of sample
Other books by the same author
The Series of Pilly-Pod (ages 4+)
The Story of Pilly-Pod – Book 1
Pilly-Pod and the Pirates – Book 2
Pilly-Pod and the Missing Girl – Book 3
Pilly-Pod and the Two-headed Bear – Book 4
The Starstone Trilogy (9+)
Connor Clover and the Lost Children (Book 1)
Connor Clover and the Slaves of Dramian (Book 2)
Connor Clover and the Starstone’s Quest (Book 3)
A Wish for Marcus (age 8+)
The Amphiblets (11+)
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