Dragon: Smuggler Tales

By James McCormick

After battling mutants on the other side of the galaxy and saving the young Prince’s life Sillow is rewarded with the rank of palace courtier.
Deciding the dubious honor is more a punishment than a reward he steals back his Dragon ship and escapes off world once again.

Tracking down the Herkulun warrior Brok, he makes his old partner a proposition, six months as smugglers to make the money they both so desperately need. Reluctantly the Herkulun agrees and so begins a whole new series of adventures that sees the ill matched and happless duo trapped in a subterranean hive of giant insects, framed for the theft of a priceless work of art and lost inside a supernatural nebula where angelic creatures dictate reality.
Who knew the pursuit of wealth would be so difficult?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Class Act Books
• Release date: Nov 14, 2014

Book preview

Dragon: Smuggler Tales

by

James Austin McCormick

Published by

CLASS ACT BOOKS

121 Berry Hill Lane

Port Townsend, Washington 98368

www.classactbooks.com

Copyright  2014 by James Austin McCormick

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

ISBN: 978-1-938703-48-5

Credits

Cover Artist: Bev Haynes

Editor: Sherry Derr-Wille

Copy Editor: Anita York

Printed in the United States of America

Dedication

To my great buddy Ernie, the real Hearnshaw in this book.

Prologue

The sleek, needle thin craft burst from the clouds and plunged towards the Arcadian landscape. Flying barely above Sylvan’s monolithic treetops, it followed the winding path of a fast moving river until it opened onto an enormous, crystalline lake. At the center lay an island, an isolated paradise amongst the still waters.

The craft flew low enough to disturb the surface, sending up a wall of spray as it sped towards the solitary landmass. Sensing the disturbance, a monstrous serpent reared up, a red-black eye scrutinizing the strange metal creature daring to pass so close over its domain. Its head coiled back on an elongated, snakelike neck as it prepared to strike. Before it could sink predator fangs into its intended prey, the craft was already out of range. The creature issued a bellow of frustration and plunged once more beneath the waters.

Metallic columns rose from the waters as the ship closed in on the island and laser cannons mounted on top turned in perfect synchronicity towards it, barrels glowing with building power. The craft gave a series of musical tones and energized air molecules danced and shimmered in a rainbow of colors before it. One by one the cannons stood down.

The vessel made for the gleaming structure in the middle of the island, an emerald paradise of interconnecting gardens, streams and palatial walkways. Tiny figures dressed in fine silks and regal attire glanced up as the ship sped overhead and a group of small children chasing each other back and forth around an ornate fountain stopped their sport to wave at it.

With incredible dexterity the ship slowed, then dropped towards the landing pad atop the palace. Thrusters fired, allowing the craft to set down gently. Immediately a side panel slid open and a lean, taciturn figure stepped out. He was tall for a Sylvan and wrapped in a grey militaristic long coat. His green hair was regimental short-cropped and graying at the temples.

The two waiting attendants gave deep bows. Greetings Captain Kalil, they said in unison. Lord Bahlik awaits you.

The Captain gave a curt nod of acknowledgment. Well then, he said. Let’s not keep him waiting.

~ * ~

His highness looks much improved, Kalil said as he regarded the sleeping form of the young Sylvan prince from the other side of a large Perspex screen. The boy still looked sick, however, with dark discolorations down each cheek. The swellings around his throat and chest were clear evidence the Suleiman spores were not completely out of his system. The Captain shuddered when he recalled what the Prince had almost become. Some of us feared he wouldn’t survive.

The smaller, rotund figure of Lord Bahlik stiffened at the comment. His stubby fingers pulled at the large, ornate silk sleeves of his gown. You may rest assured Prince Talus is being well cared for. I built this medical lab especially for him and hand-picked the very best physicians myself. As you can see, they watch over him day and night. He waved a hand towards the white-coated medics monitoring the boy, constantly checking the array of digital displays flashing above the bed.

Kalil managed a stiff smile at the self-important figure. You are to be commended for your loyalty and diligence on the Prince’s behalf, he said.

That sounds almost patronizing, Bahlik replied, his bloated lips twitching.

Kalil sighed inwardly. There was no dealing with this pompous little figure. His arrogance, paper-thin skin and prickly nature made him an impossible individual. ..and those weren’t the end of his unpleasant qualities. Another was the love of power. With Prince Talus’ parents now dead and he as the boy’s only surviving relative, Bahlik had quickly proclaimed himself acting regent. Whilst others worried about the heir to the throne’s life, he ceaselessly contrived to accumulate as many powers as he could into his fleshy hands. He was now not merely difficult but also dangerous as well. Kalil suspected Bahlik even wanted the Elesin crown for himself. His fleshy body positively quivered with the prospect.

The Captain forced his features to remain impassive. When he replied his voice was measured and calm. Not at all, the boy is most fortunate to have such a devoted uncle. He will need help and guidance in the months to come. He will also need protection. I personally pledge to protect him from danger, wherever it may come from.

He allowed his eyes to remain locked with Bahlik’s for just a moment longer than he might otherwise have. The Lord colored and the Captain saw the Sylvan’s chins shudder with suppressed emotion. He’d made his point clear enough and as Captain of the planet’s military he was quite safe from Bahlik’s malign will, at least for the present. There was no doubt though the Prince’s uncle was at this very moment thinking of ways he could circumvent the Captain’s military armor and avenge himself for this personal slight.

Silla Low has done well, Kalil went on.

Bahlik’s bloated features twisted into a scowl. He merely did as ordered.

Kalil gave a good natured shrug. Going through the space gate, fighting those monsters half a galaxy away and bringing back the only known cure for the Prince’s disease? He shook his head. I would say that was more than duty. I’d say that was heroic.

The boy is a peasant, an orphan, Bahlik spat. You saw how he and that filthy Herkulun brute spoke to me on Opok.

Kalil suppressed a grin. He did remember and the incident still gave him considerable amusement. You are correct, Lord Bahlik, he replied. The youth lacks discipline and refinement. His time off world has given him unusual manners.

He has no manners, Bahlik shot back.

Perhaps not, the Captain replied. But he will learn.

Bahlik snorted. Ah yes, the orphan is to become a courtier I hear, outrageous. I cannot conceive of an individual less suitable.

Kalil said nothing. He had to admit Sillow was at best erratic and unpredictable, at worst…well, had anyone ever seen him at his worst? Perhaps it is time I spoke with him.

Bahlik looked at the other Sylvan with indifference. Do as you will, he said with a wave of his hand.

Kalil waited a moment. I had hoped he would be joining us. He glanced around. Where might I find him?

The Lord scowled. I have no idea where the peasant is. I asked no more than he keep out of my sight. He has been wise enough to follow my wish. He snapped his fingers and a servant appeared, a sallow-faced figure with large, pale protruding eyes never leaving his master no matter how deeply he bowed.

Summon Silla Low, Bahlik ordered, his voice bored.

The servant’s saucer eyes blinked rapidly several times as if conveying his obeisance in non-verbal language before hurrying off.

Kalil felt a knot in his stomach. Something was wrong. He sensed it. The servant appeared some minutes later, his eyes wider than ever and filled with anxiety.

Well? Bahlik said.

The servant licked dry lips. I’m afraid he’s not in his chambers, my Lord, he stammered.

Then where is he, fool? Bahlik hissed.

The servant’s nerve was wavering. It took a couple of attempts before he could utter his single word reply, Gone.

The knot in Kalil’s stomach tightened.

The servant sloped forward and placed a note into the Captain’s hand. He left this for you, he said, backing away slowly and carefully as if not to draw too much notice to himself.

Kalil scanned the message, scrawled hastily on the back of a silk handkerchief. As he finished the last line his eyes closed as if incredibly wearied. He turned to the servant. Check the docking area. See if the relic ship has gone.

Bahlik lips twisted into an amused sneer. Oh dear, he said, his tone suddenly good humored. The peasant has stolen the Dragon craft has he? The most advanced ship in known space.

For a moment the Captain was unable to answer. Borrowed, he said finally, his voice weak and somewhat breathless. Kalil waved the handkerchief. He says here he’s merely borrowed it.

Bahlik’s face lit up with a malign pleasure. Well then, it seems we have a written confession. He turned to Kalil. The crime as you must agree, Captain, represents an act of treason, an act which I should point out was committed within royal jurisdiction. I therefore assume complete authority in this matter.

The Captain shook his head, unable to contain his horror.

Bahlik clapped his small hands together, relishing the moment. I want a military division under my personal command. I don’t care how advanced the relic ship is, I intend to use everything we have to hunt down this peasant of yours. You are to co-operate fully in this. He inhaled his victory as he regarded the Captain. "And bring me the Merdine engineer, the one who put Dragon together."

Chapter 1

Get Me off This Rock

They came out of nowhere, an armada of heavily armored and weaponized Sylvan battle ships. Sillow realized there was only one way they could have found him. There had to be a tracking device of some type built into Dragon. He cursed himself as a fool for not taking the precaution of checking earlier but what opportunity did he have as he sneaked away from the palace, directly under Bahlik’s bulbous nose?

The thought made him grin but it was short-lived and quickly replaced by a small whimper as the energized crafts loomed into view. His heart raced and he knew he needed his nerve to get out of this one. He slipped a cigar from his tunic, popped it into his mouth and fired it into life in one fluid movement.

I’m so out of here, he muttered. The fingers of one hand blurred over the controls whilst the other pulled back on a lever. Seconds later Dragon’s engines roared with building power. Just great, the Sylvan groaned as something on the data readout caught his eye.

The area was being flooded in a cloud of positrons. That way even if he cloaked they could still