Near her were several large metal tables covered in what looked like the remains of humans but it was difficult to tell because the bodies was dismembered in several sections and the organs that were once inside now floated in transparent containers that were attached to tubing and other devices, one of the bodies had its head removed and sliced open and all flesh had been removed, the brain itself had been carefully dissected and a machine was scanning each section and relaying that information into a some kind of data collection device. If the face of the man had been intact he might have been recognized as Captain Grevas of the Mac-Mar Alliance but he and the Selcarie girl had never met so did not matter. As Andra looked closer she could make out dark forms moving about in the darkness, large shadows that disappeared when she tried to see them clearer, they scurried about and the air was filled with unintelligible whisperings.
Where am I? Andra thought for the last image she had was of herself clashing with several slow moving apponents, she tried to move but found herself held tight against a metal table angled upright so that she could see her surrounding and not stare only at the ceiling, has her head cleared more she noticed that her she was naked with several tubes running into her flesh that she surmised were supplying her with nutrition and fluids, but at least she was in no pain and for that small reward she was grateful.
I must be in one of their prisons she thought, and she began planning her escape but she saw no doorways or windows, I will wait until someone comes then I will attack.
What the Selcarie girl did not know was that in the very same chamber but hidden from view was another member of the Almadra tribe, and old woman bound naked and unconscious against yet another table, but if Andra could have seen her she would have instantly recognized the worn face of the Holy Mother and the woman who gave birth to her mate for the Gods had seen fit to place Egmar in the hands of their unknown enemy.
Arn and Cian were not challenged as the continued their journey for they met no others human or otherwise along the shoreline but as the light began to fade they came across more broken timbers and sailcloth and footprints in the dark sand and being a hunter as well as a warrior the King knew that they could only have been made by the foot of a woman.
Moonbud, the Nomad thought, but there was no way of knowing if his mate was alive or dead or if there was another female walking as they did, perhaps Andra did make the impressions but now she was dead killed by some beast or enemy? But in his heart he hoped that the Gods had spared her life.
Cian was also a hunter but his knowledge was of the water, but he could see that the planking and other debris came from the Cronos and he had been carried a great distance by the storm.
“The storm has destroyed my ship” the Akuna said, “but I was saved, perhaps Andra's fate is the same as mine”.
The King eyes followed the marking in the sand, “That way” and he pointed up the beach to a break in the cliffs, and before the Akuna could utter a word Arn moved quickly in the direction the footprints indicated, and like before the Outlander and the Wave-rider made their way up the narrow canyon.
I will find her the King thought, the Gods brought her to me and I will not let her go.
Cian also wished to find her but like his friend he also found it hard to see her leave his side for she had touched his heart along with his body and unlike other females before her he wanted to possess her and forsake all others, but what of Arn, would he betray him? That was something that the Wave-Rider refused to think about and drove that question from his mind.
After a time Arn and Cian came to the great steel door, the ground was marked with many footprints and the King could not know if his mates were among them or not but seeing no other way he took hold of the thick handle and began to pull with all his might.
Cian could see what his friend was trying to do and taking hold of the rusted handle he added his sea born strength to that of the Nomads, it took the combined might of both the strong men to move the massive portal door but with one last tug the barrier swung on its rusty hinges and the way was opened for them.
Arn did not hesitate to enter but the Cian wavered for his people had a natural aversion to going underground, it was true they did hibernate in caves during the Burning Time but they still hated the darkness but summoning up his strength the Akuna leader followed the Outlander into the unknown.
When Ivar received word that his son was found alive he gave orders for him to be brought to him at once and overlook the usual medical scanning and intelligence debriefing now he waited in his command center dressed in his formal uniform and all the trappings of his rank for he wished to greet his offspring as a General and reward him for his survival. Surrounding him was his personal guard also wearing their best and the battle flags of the different regiments were shown proudly as they should be.
My son is a true warrior of the Mac-Mar the thought proudly, he will take my place when I am gone and our name will live on and on. The General straightened his officer’s hat as he heard soldiers approaching then the doors to the chamber opened and in walked Captain Romar along with a contingent of troopers.
For a moment or two the General did not know what to think for his son was dressed in the clothing of the enemy? What has he done? He thought, has my son become a traitor, an enemy to our cause? But he held down his anger and watched his son snap to attention.
“Captain Romar-Anoon commander of landing ship seven nine one reporting in sir!” and he waited stiff backed until his father acknowledged his words.
“At ease” the General said, “You were reported missing and your ship lost, can you explain this?’ his voice was stern and held no trace of affection at finding his son alive.
“Sir, my ship was hit by an electromagnetic wave emanating from this planet and despite all efforts we crashed on the surface and most of my crew was killed”, the Captains voice was also devoid of feeling at seeing his father.
“And how is it that you survived?” the General asked.
“The remainder of my men and I set out to find our base but along the way we encountered resistance and they were all killed, I managed to stay alive by killing one of the enemy and taking his garments as a disguise”.
“Understood” replied the General, “What can you tell me about their weaknesses and their mood of battle?”
“Very little sir” the Captain answered, “They are strong and fierce warriors but other than that I can’t say”.
“Very well, report to medical and take off that ridicules costume and change into a proper uniform”.
“At once sir!” Romar saluted again and left the command center leaving his father behind.
Ivar watched him go, he is alive and a hero and he will be rewarded for his bravery he thought, but being the person, he was he would have never said that to his son.
Chapter 33.
Warriors in the Darkness.
Both the Outlanders and the Akuna share a common thread, although one is bred for warfare on land and the others are at home on the sea they both are warriors and when the fighting madness is upon them there are few who can stand against their fury.
From the writings of Oshismarie Inastro Sistashion.