A Bastard's Oath

By Shawn Thompson

Planet Tirano creates a unique milieu for the stories of the series The Encircling Belts of Tirano Saga. Planet Tirano’s aristocracy consists only of pureblooded descendants of the leaders of the mother ship that landed two millennia ago. An order of genetically engineered women, all of whom were conceived in vitro, control Tirano’s computer network and hyperspace portals. The Vhirko, clones of women who died valiantly in battle, guard Tirano’s monarch at all times. Tirano has been at war for decades with a savage alien species that becomes sentient only if mentally linked in groups of four or more.

Tirano’s King Mhikhel unleashes fundamental, and uncontrollable, changes to this milieu when he acknowledges as his child an illegitimate son of a commoner and raises the child (Tarnlot) as a prince. Despite the aristocracy’s antagonism, Mhikhel grooms Tarnlot to serve as the Lord Chancellor (the highest governmental post, which is normally held by a member of the aristocracy) when Mhikhel’s heir (Prince Zhun’Mar) assumes the throne.

In A Bastard’s Oath Tarnlot must rescue the throne for Zhun’Mar’s by foiling both an aristocrat’s coup d’etat and the aliens’ coup de main. In the series’ second installment, A Dream Is A Pinhole In Time, Tarnlot and Zhun’Mar escape an ambush in deep space by entering a hyperspace fissure that strands them on a planet in an unknown galaxy: present day Earth. The third installment, Outliers of Tirano, begins the stories of Siniastra, Zhun’Mar's daughter.
Even though the installments occur in chronological order, each is an independent story. Accordingly, you can read the stories in any order.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shawn Thompson
• Release date: Mar 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301351633

Book preview

Prologue

Royal Reception Rotunda

Arvor Castel

Planet Tirano

Mhikhel couldn't take his eyes off the woman with the curly henna-colored hair and creamy skin. He never imagined anyone so alluring would be a delegate at the galactic trade conference. Duty dictated that he spend the welcoming reception mingling with as many delegates as possible. Duty could wait. He had to meet her, find out who she was.

An elbow tapped Mhikhel's ribs. By the Belts! That is one fine piece, Lieutenant Ohlav Nhoth said loud enough to be heard halfway across the rotunda.

Nhoth leaned closer to Mhikhel. I volunteer to be the one who meets privately with her, Nhoth said in a not-so-sotto voice. When I'm finished showing her what a Tiranoan man can do, she'll be the first to sign up for your military alliance.

Mhikhel jerked his head to glare at the young officer. Nhoth was staring at her, his eyes as wide as the Rwohn Gorge. He preened like a steppe-cock in a mating dance, utterly clueless to the harm his indiscretion could cause; or how much effort it took Mhikhel to keep from throttling him on the spot. Mhikhel knew he'd have to muzzle Nhoth. Too much was at stake to let a loose-lipped, young officer spill the real reason Mhikhel had called for a galactic conference.

If you even think about saying another word tonight, being a Nhoth scion won't save you, Mhikhel said through clenched teeth. I'll toss you out of the Koah so fast you'll think the Black Cavities swallowed you.

Nhoth's shaved head snapped back as if slapped in the face, exactly the reaction Mhikhel anticipated.

You idiot, Mhikhel whispered in Nhoth's ear. Even a raw KaNoa recruit knows better than to mention anything concerning strategic plans at a public reception.

Nhoth's eyes tightened. His face turned almost as red as his dress tunic. Mhikhel enjoyed watching Nhoth struggle to control his hair-trigger temper. If anyone other than Mhikhel had insulted Nhoth with the KaNoa comment, Nhoth would have exploded. Nhoth, like most Archonan, believed all KaNoa to be inherently inferior.

Do you understand, Lieutenant? Mhikhel emphasized each word.

This soldier understands. The muscle along Nhoth's jaw quivered. Sir.

Nhoth's scowl deepened. Nhoth would spend the rest of the reception seething like a wounded steppe-wolf. Mhikhel decided to let him sulk. If anyone had overheard, Nhoth could have blown all of Mhikhel's plans. It would be difficult enough to convince delegates from seventeen fractious planets to form a military alliance to resist any further Radani incursions. But to have a chamber full of quibbling delegates dissecting the idea before he had the opportunity to explain the details would only lead to disaster.

To stress his displeasure, Mhikhel remained in Nhoth's face a moment longer. Nhoth took a deep breath and slowly unclenched his teeth. I should have known better, he said softly. I won't make the same mistake again.

Mhikhel decided to cut Nhoth some slack. He knew Ohlav would never knowingly do anything to harm Tirano's security. The Nhoths were a patriotic family. Just as the legends had Ohlav's father sacrificing to save Mhikhel from the Radani, Ohlav Nhoth would willingly die defending Tirano. Ohlav had merely displayed his a youthful lack of experience. After the reception, Mhikhel would try to find time to explain to him that in a room packed with sophisticated diplomats, even an innocuous comment could prematurely disclose sensitive information. Hopefully, Nhoth would learn the lesson, and in the future, exercise more discretion.

Satisfied that he'd corralled Nhoth, Mhikhel straightened his back and peered over the top of Nhoth's head. Even though most of the delegates huddled in clusters throughout the rotunda, he spotted her standing alone under the glass dome's golden vine chandelier. He smiled. She was watching him as if she waited for him.

He didn't intend to disappoint her. He grabbed two crystal glasses of white wine off a waiter's tray. Now if you'll excuse me, Lieutenant, I see someone I need to meet.

He jostled his way through the crowd toward her. To prevent anyone from trying to grab his hand and talk before he reached her, he held the glasses close to his royal-ivory gown and merely nodded and smiled at delegates. As he drew near, he saw that she was as tall as he. A golden neckband with a sapphire star-stone set accentuated her long neck. Her black strapless evening gown displayed a firm, almost athletic, figure. Even though her aquiline nose kept her from being classically beautiful, her unique looks captivated him. He wondered what world could create such an exotic looking woman.

When he stood in front of her, he smiled and bowed his head slightly and caught a whiff of Antigan perfume. I am Prince Mhikhel Arvor of Tirano. He extended one of the glasses to her. And this is some vehoner wine from one of Tirano's finest vineyards. I think you'll enjoy it.

I know who you are, and I have heard much about Tiranoan wine, she replied in a husky alto voice. She reached out with long slender fingers that lingered lightly on his for a moment before she took the glass. I am Mhargrava Nahtalie Lok of Tamok.

Mhikhel dipped his head in acknowledgment and clinked his glass against her glass. He should have studied his briefing papers instead of browsing the summaries. He sipped some of the fruity wine while he tried to recall what he knew of Tamok. All he could remember was that Tamok was a mining world on the other side of the galaxy that supplied some raw material necessary for the manufacture of stellarator sails, and that Mhargrava was the title of a mining noble.

And where does Tamok stand? Free trade or protective tariffs? he asked.

Nahtalie wrinkled her nose. Let's not ruin a pleasant evening by talking trade. I'd rather learn about your family's vineyard. I've been told it produces Tirano's finest wines.

Mhikhel realized she must have studied her briefing papers. Everyone knew Tirano produced the galaxy's only wines; few knew of his family's private vineyard. The Arvors hoarded its wine for their personal use. Tamok's intelligence sources concerning Tirano must be extensive to have learned of the vineyard. He wondered why she was divulging that Tamok had such sources.

I wasn't aware Tamok had such interest in Tirano's internal affairs, he said in a harsher tone than he intended.

I'm sorry. She bit her lower lip. I wasn't trying to pry. My father once attended a banquet here at Arvor Castel with your father. After the meal, they retired to your father's chambers and shared a glass of wine from your family's vineyard. My father says that wine was the nectar of the gods. I've always wanted to taste it.

Mhikhel looked into Nahtalie's hazel eyes and realized they held no deception, only a vibrancy that seemed to reach out to touch him. He vowed to become better acquainted with this Tamok Mhargrava.

I can do better than that. Tomorrow I'll take you to the vineyard. Give you a personal tour.

Oh, I didn't mean to force you into something like that. Nahtalie's cheeks reddened. She shook her head. I, I-

It'll be no trouble, Mhikhel interrupted. He didn't want to give her a chance to refuse. We can use my chopter. It only takes a deci-spin to fly to Rwohn Compound.

I don't know. She hesitated a moment. Won't it cause gossip for the two of us to fly off alone?

Mhikhel chuckled. He nodded toward the female in a skin-tight black uniform standing a step behind him. We won't be alone. By Tiranoan tradition a Vhirko must accompany me at all times until I am married. I'll assign a Vhirko to accompany you also if you like.

Nahtalie arched her thin eyebrows. A Vhirko?

Mhikhel would have laughed but for Nahtalie's sincere puzzlement. Either her intelligence sources were nonexistent or she read her briefing papers even less than he did. A corps of elite female warriors trained to guard the royal family. I'll have one of my Vhirko pick you up after first meal. Wear some sturdy clothes. We'll be tramping around the vineyard and it'll be hot and dusty.

Her smile melted. I don't have anything with me but formal attire. Perhaps we can go in a few spins after I've had time to shop for something appropriate.

He frowned. Can't. The conference starts in two spins. After the conference began, he'd be too busy to travel to Rwohn Compound. She was too intriguing to let this chance slip through his fingers. His eyes traveled the length of her gown. He nodded at the Vhirko behind him.

I'd say you're about the same size. I'll send you a Vhirko jumpsuit to wear. It's snug, but quite comfortable.

Her smile returned.

*

Mhikhel couldn't have planned a more dramatic moment. A layer of soupy fog had blanketed the valley floor from the Castel to the Rwohn foothills. When the chopter's auto-pilot finally ascended up the Rwohn Mountains and broke through the fog bank, a panoramic view of a terraced hillside vineyard greeted it.

Oh my, how beautiful, Nahtalie said as she peered through the oval window next to her seat. I would never have believed anything so green and lush could grow on such a steep and rocky hillside. I think there are more green leaves in your vineyard than on all of Tamok.

Mhikhel realized he'd been chewing on his lip. He'd been afraid she'd be disappointed, and he wanted her approval. The vineyard often has that effect the first time an off-worlder sees it. Something about it displays a natural beauty that touches something deep in all beings, perhaps even the Radani.

I can understand why. Nahtalie leaned to stare out the window. The skintight jumpsuit hid none of her. Mhikhel liked what he saw and couldn't keep from ogling.

Tamok certainly has nothing like it. Tirano is so lucky to have such a wonderful native plant, she said softly.

It's not native, Mhikhel said. Our ancestors brought the vine with them when they settled Tirano.

Nahtalie turned her face to Mhikhel and arched her eyebrows. Tirano's not your people's mother world? Where did your ancestors come from?

No one knows. The ancient archives speak of a mother world Tira that was the home of the vine. The ancients fled a cataclysm devouring Tira. Somewhere in space near the Tira, our Goddess Ghaeah opened a portal and transported the ship to this galaxy. After a long search, they discovered Tirano, a planet almost identical to the mother world. The ancients could never map how to find the portal again and return to Tira.

Nahtalie tilted her head slightly. A little lore to add to the mystique of the vine?

No, he said. Either she hadn't studied her briefing papers or the Tamok didn't place any importance on the importance of heritage in Tiranoan culture. We take this unique heritage seriously. The Sovereign must be able to trace his genes only to the Archonan, the leaders of the original ship. The purity of the Sovereign's Archonan heredity is paramount. It can't contain a drop of non-Archonan blood.

Nahtalie tilted her head even more and wrinkled her forehead. Mhikhel chuckled nervously, uncertain whether her look was one of puzzlement or disapproval. He pulled on the sleeve of his gown. But you came for a tour, not a history lesson, he said as he leaned closer to her. He could smell the fragrance of her intoxicating Antigan perfume. And after I show you the vineyard, we'll visit the wine cave to cool off. He smiled mischievously. And taste a few samples from the barrels.

*

Mhikhel watched Nahtalie's eyes widen as she entered the refreshing coolness of the wine cave. He followed her gaze as she took in the sight of the rows of muhrwood aging barrels stacked from the black marble-tiled floor to the ceiling. Her mouth opened slightly when her eyes reached to top row of barrels and saw the cave's vaulted ceiling carved out of the granite mountainside.

This is so elegant. To think I've always associated caves with grimy mines and stale air. She took a deep breath. I've never smelled anything so heady. I don't ever want to leave.

Everything about her fascinated Mhikhel, and he found her joy infectious. He was glad the workers were finished for the day. He and Nahtalie would have the cave to themselves and could spend as much time tasting as they wanted.

It tastes even better than it smells, he said. I'll show you how we sample from the barrels.

He turned to the Vhirko standing behind him. Check the cave and then guard the door. I'll call if I need you.

The Vhirko trotted off.

Mhikhel grabbed Nahtalie's hand and led her toward the barrels. Is it complicated to make wine? she asked.

He heard the Vhirko return and knew she would stand at attention next to the door until he called. Not really. The technique hasn't changed since the first vine was planted on Tirano. Crush the fruit, ferment the juice, and then age it in muhrwood barrels. Simple technique for a complex result.

He stopped in front of the first row of barrels. Ah, here it is. He picked up a long cylindrical glass tube lying next to several tulip goblets on the top of a barrel. We call this an abductor because it allows us snatch some of the wine from its sanctuary in the barrel.

He pulled a large syncork plug out of the top of the barrel and dipped the pointed end of the abductor into the opening. He waited a moment before placing his thumb on the flat opening on the other end of the abductor. He lifted the abductor out of the barrel, its bottom half filled with a golden liquid.

Last loop's vehoner. Let's see if it's ready for bottling.

He held the abductor's pointed end over a goblet and released his thumb on the flat end for an instant. Wine flowed into the goblet. He repeated the procedure over a second goblet and released the remainder of the wine into it. He set the abductor on top of the barrel, picked up a goblet in each hand, and handed one to Nahtalie.

To your first visit to Rwohn Compound. He clinked his goblet against hers. May it be the first of many.

I'll come whenever you want, she said. She raised the goblet to her lips and sipped. Delicious. Like drinking the petals of hahnyflowers.

Mhikhel smiled. I was hoping you'd like it. He picked up the abductor. Bring your glass and come with me. There is much more to taste.

He wound his way through the row after row of barrels, stopping frequently so they could sample numerous varietals and vintages. All of which Nahtalie drank with delight. Mhikhel couldn't remember the last time he'd drunk so much wine. The slight tingle in his ears told him he'd drunk more than he should, and he thought Nahtalie had probably consumed more than she had in her whole life. But she obviously enjoyed every moment, and he enjoyed being with her. Not only did he find her exotic looks captivating, her vibrancy excited him. An excitement he knew he'd never find in the company of the dull Archonan women.

Mhikhel didn't know how long they'd been in the cave or how many barrels they'd sampled when they reached the rear of the cave. This is the oldest vintage of shirnaz still in the barrels. We hoard this wine and drink it only on special occasions. And with special people.

He handed her the abductor and pulled the syncork out of the top of the barrel. She started to hand the abductor to him. He shook his head. He took her goblet from her hand.

Your turn. Let's see if the girl from the mines has learned anything in the wine cave.

The smile on her face reminded him of a child turned loose in a sweets shop. She leaned over the barrel and stretched an arm to dip the tip of the abductor into the barrel. Mhikhel's pulse quickened as he admired her long legs and the curve of her hips. She carefully set her thumb on the open top of the abductor and slowly lifted it out of the barrel. She turned to face him, a delighted smile lighting her face.

I knew I could do it. I've been around mines long enough to know what to do in a cave.

He held the two goblets in front of her and she carefully filled each with some of the purple liquid. She laid the abductor on the barrel. He handed her a goblet.

Swirl it like this. His hand rotated in a tight circle. Then lift the glass to your nose and inhale. The bouquet is spectacular.

She slowly rotated the goblet, lifted it to her nose. Her eyes widened. Oh, my. How could anyone drink anything that smells so wonderful?

Like this. Mhikhel lowered the goblet to his mouth and sipped. He wasn't sure if his head felt light from drinking so much wine, from the fragrance of the barrels filled with shirnaz, or from being close to her.

Now you.

She swallowed a mouthful of the wine. Father was right. This is the nectar of the gods. She leaned forward and kissed Mhikhel on the cheek. "Thank you for sharing all of