Chronicles of Ror Sidi's Melding

By Karen Langolf

Captain Ror’s story continues in book six, Sidi’s Melding. Captain Ror has taken Gremon with him into the mountains to make trade, only to be captured by the new prophecy maker, Sidi, and imprisoned in her home, Melding. There, he finds that the former prophecy maker, Seer, is alive and has been held prisoner in order for Sidi to rise in the ranks and become the one and only prophecy maker.

A rescue seems unlikely as internal struggles are ongoing in White Rock. King Yimiry has welcomed three new Black Hair tribesmen into White Rock in order to assist with repairs and defending the wall against outside attacks. He is adamant that Sarah Gold should return to White Rock but he has an ulterior motive that surprises even his cousin, King Ryeloc, leader of the Black Hair tribe. He has kept this agenda a secret even from his own tribe as he worries the Elders might try to harm Sarah, since she is not a Rested Tribesman, but a visitor from Earth. If he is fearful that the Elders would go against his back and try to harm his future queen, he worries what might happen if they found out another visitor has already become pregnant inside of the walls of White Rock.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Karen Langolf
• Release date: Mar 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310447907

Karen Langolf

First time author publishing the Chronicles of Ror series.

Book preview

Prologue

My name is Ror, Captain of the Black Hair Tribe on the planet of Whisehitel. I am a half-breed with two bloodlines belonging to the Black Hair tribe and the Rested Tribe. Thirty-five years ago I was born during a time when mixing the tribal blood was forbidden. Abandoned by my parents, the ruling leaders of the Black Hair tribe found me and cared for me as one of their own. Bold Light, the king of the Black Hair tribe became my grandfather when his son Ryeloc adopted me. Both men were not true Black Hair tribesmen, but were Rested Tribesmen who had earned their place among the Black Hair over twenty years prior by saving the child of the former king, Princess Blake. Now Ryeloc is the king of the Black Hair Tribe having succeeded his father after his death.

Part of my duties are to protect the Northern Domain and its inhabitants from a variety of fierce beasts that lurk in the mountains, the wilderness and the frozen rivers. The average temperature is 20 degrees Fahrenheit, forcing those not of the Black Hair tribe to consume vast quantities of Heat Stock, a drink created by the Cave Dwellers tribe. They live deep in the caverns of Mt. Heil, a place most Black Hair cannot travel. As my appearance is not the black hair and tall bulking frame of a traditional Black Hair man, I am able to pass through into the mountains without being attacked. This enables me to also seek out trade for the Heat Stocks and other potions of great use to my tribe.

Dozens of tribes exist on our planet but the two most prevalent are the Rested Tribe, a group of powerful sorcerers, and the Black Hair Tribe, a group of hunters and fighters. The Rested Tribe is ruled by a powerful man named Yimiry. While some in the Rested Tribe have powerful skills known as Pulse, not everyone in the tribe has the ability to Pulse. Those with the ability are called Pulse Riders and their skills vary greatly between each Pulse Rider. I am one of these Pulse Riders and so far my more advanced techniques include throwing my consciousness out of my body, self-healing, and an electrical shock that can fry a small room full of Winged Beasts.

Every twenty-five years Portals to another world called Earth appear, often with deadly consequences. Those who come through and survive, are taken in by one tribe or another or immediately killed out of fear. Luckily for me, one of those visitors survived and has been become my best friend. This is Sarah Gold. We once thought these portals were random, appearing at their own will, but she has determined how to track when these portals will reopen and has successfully sent dozens of her own people home to Earth. At present, Sarah is gathering more visitors from across the domain to send back to Earth lest they are trapped for another twenty-five years awaiting the next round of portals.

Both tribes are in search of a woman to rule as their queen. The Black Hair tribe has not had a queen since Bold Light passed over twenty years ago. No woman has proven strong enough to sit beside King Ryeloc on the throne. King Yimiry of the Rested Tribe lost his wife around the same time, when the cannibalistic tribe of the Colleen Jade attacked their settlement in the Northern Domain.

One other aspect of the Rested Tribe is that they live for prophecy and the one who grants the prophecies is called the Seer. For the last fifteen years my prophecy has been to name the next queen of the Black Hair tribe and I name this woman with my kiss. In other words, the next woman I kiss becomes the queen whether I like her or not. Part of me believes Sarah is this queen but my heart is divided on this. For fifteen years I’ve sought an honest, intelligent, strong willed and powerful queen with a clear conscience. Sarah has taken one of my married friends for her bed. I am torn because she has all of the other qualities I was looking for but I cannot let this one go. My King Ryeloc continues to push me to accept Sarah as the queen but I simply cannot do it.

Once again I am headed for Mt. Heil in order to do trade for more Heat Stock and Endurance. I am not alone in my travels, my friend Gremon of the Cat Tribe is with me and I sense his talents will be needed. Winged Beasts and Colleen Green lurk in the caves. His claws might be the only thing to keep me alive.

Chapter One

White Rock…

King Yimiry sat at his favorite chair in his study thinking about his granddaughter, Cystal. It had been months since he’d sent her away and he missed her. She was his family, his blood. The desire for his family to be close to him was so great it hurt to think about her.

She will be dancing in the halls of Oldsmith, my little Cystal. She is down there dancing the halls with her cousins, no doubt showing the other royal lines how to walk through walls. He spoke to himself and felt peace come over him.

Alone in his room was the only place he could think of Cystal. Outside of the walls he dared not mention her name. She was heir to the throne but she was still too young to rule. Prince Mabu already had her under his control once. Nothing would stop him from doing it while she was on the throne.

Yimiry put his head into his hands. His own granddaughter was too weak willed to rule. There were few left he could rely on to take the throne, and keep Mabu off of it.

I’m running out of time. Our blood line is too weak to resist Mabu. He will challenge anyone I try to put onto the throne. Bold Light’s line is strong willed but none of Ryeloc’s sons are fit to rule White Rock.

A soft male voice spoke through the room. Yimiry didn’t hear him speak at first but then his head lifted and he looked around for the source of the strange voice.

King Yimiry, cousin. Are you there?

Ryeloc, is that you? Yimiry’s voice called out into the room.

Yes. I’m at the Water Window. He spoke swiftly, hearing the nervous tone to Yimiry’s voice.

Yimiry rose from his chair and found the Water Window near the fireplace. It had dulled down to a mild roar but the room had yet to cool down to where he felt obligated to throw another log into it.

Cousin. Yimiry spoke as he removed the reflective barrier from the Water Window.

Cousin. Ryeloc replied with a hearty cheer to his voice. You look pale. Did I catch you at a bad time?

You always look dark to me.

The sun is my friend. Ryeloc stated.

It is not mine. Yimiry replied and then let out a little chuckle. I haven’t said that to you in many years.

I think it was before Chear was born. Ryeloc told him. Then again, maybe it was before Cystal was born. That wasn’t quite so many years ago.

Yimiry kept the smile on his lips. Cystal’s name gave him reason to smile. Cystal was born but I think you did not say these things to me at that time.

Perhaps not. Ryeloc agreed. I’ve called to let you know Mirr, Symp and Jheila will be coming to White Rock. They should arrive any day.

King Yimiry let out a little sigh of disappointment. They will not be welcome. The Elders have reconnected with the settlement. Anyone who wasn’t here prior to that point will not get in.

It’s good that these three helped to rebuild White Rock. They will be able to cross the reconnection. Ryeloc told him.

Ah. You didn’t forget I see.

No, I didn’t forget. Your tricks are the same as always.

Not mine, cousin. The Elders.

What have they done now? Ryeloc asked.

They are seeking out a wife for me. King Yimiry told him and the smile immediately left his face.

Did you not tell them that you wished to marry Sarah?

That is not their concern.

You did tell them but they refused.

I knew they would refuse. I am king and I will choose my own wife.

Who are they looking at?

Does not matter to me. They will not be able to convince me to marry anyone of their choosing.

Ryeloc sighed, knowing his cousin would not change his mind.

Sarah will not return to White Rock, Yimiry. She does not feel safe there.

Is it White Rock that makes her uncomfortable or me? Yimiry asked bluntly.

Prince Mabu makes her uncomfortable.

My brother is not here, Ryeloc.

Where is he then?

The mountains I assume. He was sending supplies from White Rock to the Cave Dwellers and then bringing more supplies from their harvest to White Rock.

You mean the iron ore. Has Tiffany Featherlight used all of the ore from the stocks already?

Yes. Harry Kaufman taught her how to make connections to flow this electricity throughout the study and she has taken to plugging in more machines. This horrific noise blares out of that room nearly half of the day. I am beginning to think she must be deaf to listen to something that loud for so long.

Ryeloc gave him a half smile. It’s music to Tiffany.

This is not music.

Not the music of the Lunar tribe, that is true. When you first told me about Tiffany Featherlight, I thought you had taken a Lunar tribeswoman for your company. Ryeloc laughed.

Do not ever think such an atrocity about me ever again! Yimiry protested.

You said the elders were looking for a new wife for you. Ryeloc teased, sensing the disgust his cousin was giving off was in jest.

In truth, she prefers the younger blonde men to my company. Yimiry stated. I know she has slept with at least one of my lieutenants yet she speaks nothing of it.

You expect her to tell you if she is involved with someone? Honestly, Yimiry, what type of fool do you take her for? She doesn’t want to die.

That is why she will not speak up. I would allow her to be with my people, she has qualified to become the wife of a Rested Tribesman.

Then why don’t you tell her that? Ryeloc posed.

Because it’s fun to watch her squirm. Yimiry said with a laugh. I am waiting for her to tell me to my face that she is going to marry one of my men and have their children. My worry is that she is not brave enough to do so. If she could do that it would please me very much. White Rock needs strong willed women.

You are a good man, Yimiry. Ryeloc stated. You have ruled wisely over these last few decades.

I am sorry to admit, cousin, that my time as ruler may soon be over. Though my bloodline continues, I do not have a strong enough heir to oppose Prince Mabu.

He does still want the throne after all. Ryeloc muttered.

Without an heir he is no longer qualified, either. His wife is dead, his daughter is dead.

Picking a new wife is not difficult. Just give him whoever the Elders would have offered to you.

Unfortunately there is no humor in that joke for me. Yimiry said frankly. Should he marry and have children, the Elders will force me from the throne and give it to him. He knows this. He was hoping DeeDee would succeed to the throne but when she died that hope died with her. In all rights he should have taken a new wife right at that moment.

What of Gallant’s son, Zinn?

Yimiry sighed. Zora had the sense to send him away as soon as Gallant was determined to be dead. I wish I had sent Cystal away as well. His exact whereabouts are unknown. I know he is safe somewhere in the Southern Domain but he is not at Oldsmith.

Do you want me to seek him out? I can send Captain Brecht to look for him.

Yimiry shook his head but a dark foreboding shadow crossed his features. Do not look for him. He is safe so long as I do not know where he is.

This is the most you’ve spoken of Cystal since Gallant’s death. Ryeloc stated. Did Mabu do something to you, cousin? Has he imprisoned your mind?

Yimiry did not answer and Ryeloc believed that he could not answer.

I’m sorry for asking such a question. With the talk of strong willed women, I was beginning to believe Mabu had gained a mind control strength over you.

If he has then marrying Sarah would not be wise.

She is very strong willed, Yimiry. She might be a good choice for you.

I am surprised you say so. You want her to rule over your Black Hair tribe, not my Rested Tribe.

I agreed that she would be a good wife to you. I didn’t say I like the idea. Ryeloc jested before sighing. Mirr, Symp and Jheila should be there soon.

I will have someone greet them but there will be a fight. They will need to prove they can enter the settlement.

Mirr and Symp will be happy to fight, Yimiry. They are Black Hair.

They are half Rested tribe. Yimiry reminded him. They look like Rested Tribesmen but the Elders will not see that. Walking into White Rock with the garments of the Black Hair will make them outsiders.

Which is why Jheila is going with them. He plays the part of the Rested Tribesmen enough. Ryeloc said with a laugh. perhaps one day you and I can meet in person to talk.

I would like that, cousin, but it will be a long day off.

Good bye, cousin. Ryeloc said and the Water Window resumed its reflective surface showing King Yimiry his own old wrinkled face.

It took Yimiry more than thirty minutes to dress for the weather outside of the settlement. By the time he made it to the doors leading to the outside walls he knew the Black Hair tribesmen had arrived. Shouting could be heard through the walls long before he opened the door. He had purposely chosen the doors leading to the highest platforms in order to look out over the top of the settlement.

They are blondes. Someone yelled from below.

They are Black Hair! Do not be fooled! Someone else hollered.

Are you sure, they all have blonde hair! Hollering continued from one platform to another.

They are Black Hair!

What is all this ruckus? King Yimiry bellowed as he stood at the top of the stairs looking out at the various platforms. Instantly all eyes were on him, Rested Tribe and visitor alike.

Your majesty. A younger Pulse Rider bowed his head. Three Black Hair tribesmen have arrived sir.

Are they inside the gates?

No, your majesty. The Elders have forbidden them from entering.

Good. King Yimiry replied with a curt smile. Show them to me. King Yimriy was escorted to the walls where he immediately looked over to see the vast Briarwoods Wilderness. At the edge of the wilderness stood three blonde men with silver streaks running through their hair. If not for the dark brown vest and leather pants, no one would have questioned their lineage.

Black Hair. King Yimiry spoke. Welcome to White Rock.

The three blonde men bowed their heads in unison.

Ereglan and Raki were both suddenly rising up the stairs. You cannot allow them inside! They have no right to be here! Raki hollered at the king from the top of the stairs. They rushed forward but King Yimiry held up a hand to them.

Are you ordering me around, Raki? What bullish world are you living in where you, a mere elder, order a royal blood around?

Raki froze the instant his hand waved in the air. King Yimiry turned his head back to the outside wall but kept his hand towards Raki so that she could not move forward.

My king, you are using Pulse on your own elders! Ereglan protested to him. That is audacious!

Oh Ereglan, the days when you were so quiet it was peaceful. King Yimiry said simply like he was reciting a story to a child. The forefinger of his hand holding Raki in place bounced as though listening to a strong beat and Ereglan’s voice suddenly vanished. She could not speak, the words and sounds would not leave her mouth.

Black Hair, you must pass a challenge through the walls of the settlement on your own in order to be welcomed into White Rock. The Elders have reconnected in order to reinforce our shields. If you can pass through the shields, you may enter.

Symp approached and paused at the spot where the shields were located a good three feet from the walls of the settlement. He looked up briefly at the king, locking eyes in defiance.

All of White Rock held their breath while the two men locked eyes and waited for the Black Hair to try to step forward.

Tim Burns rushed to the wall nearly eighty feet below the platform where the king stood high at the top of the settlement.

What is going on? He asked Lieutenant Lach.

See for yourself. Lach moved from the window and Tim took his place looking out to see the three blonde men outside of the settlement.

That’s Symp. What’s he doing?

Defying the Elders. General Hiro whispered. They are acting incompetent.

They are being Black Hair which is not incompetent. Tim countered as he looked to Hiro. They’ve come to ensure King Ryeloc has a presence in White Rock. They could be a big help.

Only if they get past the shields the Elders put up. Lach argued.

Look! Hiro murmured and Tim immediately turned his gaze back to the window.

Symp put a hand to the invisible shield. Tim found it funny to watch this powerful and strong Black Hair tribesman tip-toeing around the shield, like it was freezing cold water. He was about to jump head first into.

Before Tim knew it, Symp had pushed his hand through the invisible shield. Bright pink dust flew all around his hand, enveloped it and remained against his skin like a glove.

Tim drew in a breath. What happens now? He asked.

I don’t know. Lach said.

Nothing. Hiro replied, dropping the excitement from his tone. He’s already passed through.

Huh? Tim asked, perplexed. What about the pink fairy dust stuff on his arm?

That? He’s making the dust. Hiro replied.

He’s not doing that. Lach retorted in disagreement.

Yes, he is. Hiro countered.

No he is not. Lach replied, disagreeing once again.

Okay, so what is he doing? Tim asked watching as Symp moved forward into the shield and his entire body became covered in the pink dust. Without further delay Symp walked to the wall and extended his pink dust covered hand to it. Another hand came through the wall to greet him and pulled the pink dust covered Symp into the wall.

Looking over the side of the platform, Tim tried to find Symp, suddenly very worried that someone had pulled him into the wall to leave him there dead. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Symp clapping hands with one of the other Pulse Riders below, leaving pink dust everywhere he touched.

There were jokes and laughter followed as Symp talked to friends he hadn’t seen in a while. Above them the Elders remained where they were but the annoyance of Symp’s triumph was apparent on their faces. They were displeased with Symp’s behavior but at the moment they said nothing.

Tim shook his head at his own foolishness.

Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle. He did it. Tim stated.

Of course he would. He was here when we rebuilt White Rock. General Hiro muttered making sure Lach was aware he explained everything for him, not for Tim. That dust is a cleansing. He is cleansing his form before he touches the wall as a way to defy the Elders.

You mean he’s telling them he thinks they are dirty? Tim asked and then clapped a hand over his mouth to stop from laughing. Wow. I didn’t think anyone did that here.

No traditional Rested Tribesmen would. Lach told him feeling the weight of Hiro’s eyes on him. Mirr and Symp are half breeds. They would cause this type of defiance.

Who is the last guy? I can’t see him from up here.

Hiro looked and gave nod to Lach. Jheila came. That is surprising.

Why is it surprising?

He is full blooded Rested tribesman. Lach answered. He considers himself a Black Hair since he’s lived among them most of his life. It would not surprise me if he thinks he is just like King Ryeloc.

Oh. Tim said, still uncertain what all the fuss is about.

Mirr followed Symp’s example and let the pink dust cover his entire body before boldly walking through the shields to the wall. The same hand came through the wall and took Mirr through it bringing him into White Rock where he clapped hands with his twin brother.

I wonder if Jheila will perform the same insult. Hiro said simply, watching the older blonde man down below with anticipation.

The other two did, why wouldn’t Jheila? Tim asked. You said he considers himself a Black Hair.

He’s more traditional. Hiro replied. Leave it to Mirr and Symp to put on a show but Jheila is less fussy.

Fussy? Is that a technical term? Tim joked but Hiro didn’t laugh.

Jheila immediately followed but he simply walked through the shield and then proceeded directly through the wall as though it was not there.

Tim’s jaw dropped. That was impressive for a guy who thinks he’s a Black Hair.

You haven’t seen anything yet. Hiro whispered.

King Yimiry floated down the stairs as he descended to the ground level where the three Black Hair tribesmen had gathered. Behind him were Ereglan and Raki, their faces flush with anger at being silenced by the king at the top level of White Rock.

Welcome Black Hair. King Yimiry stated again, his enthusiasm had dwindled to nothing. King Ryeloc told me you were coming.

Your majesty. Jheila bowed his head once. We are here to assist with defending against any approaching enemy.

I sense your skills will be of much use. King Yimiry stated.

Our enemy attacks have not been as frequent as before. Ereglan interrupted, pushing her way to stand in front of Mirr and Symp, her eyes glared at them with as much hate as she could muster. You are not needed here.

She is right. Raki came to join her. If you wish to stay you’ll have to fight us.

Fight with you, dear Elders? Jheila stepped in front of Mirr so that Raki was forced to look into his eyes instead. Fighting with you is like fighting with our own hearts. Perhaps fighting with another would be better.

Jheila. Raki whispered but in her tone no one knew if she cared for the young man or despised him. Jheila, you will step aside.

Step aside? Jheila made it a question. To step aside would be a coward’s way, Raki. I am disappointed that you believe I am such a coward. His voice held a hint of remorse as though her insult was intended and had hit home. The performance was good, too good. Tim couldn’t tell if he was genuinely insulted or if it was all an act for the Elders.

Black Hair are not welcome here. Raki tried to look past Jheila to Mirr and Symp as though to say they were the only Black Hair tribesmen and Jheila was not one of them.

I am Black Hair and I am welcome here. Jheila countered her words. It is a pity…

Raki! King Yimiry’s voice thundered as he interrupted Jheila. The instant she turned to look at her king, his hand swept down across her face so hard she fell to her right hitting the hard ground below.

How dare you! Ereglan immediately bellowed and was hit by the same hand not an instant later. Unlike Raki, Ereglan remained on her feet but the blow spun her nearly in a full circle. Her hand reached up to her nose and came back to find drops of blood on her fingers. She let out a little cry and looked at her king in horror.

What place do you have to change my commands? King Yimiry demanded but his tone was quieter, more subdued compared to the instant rage he’d seemed to possess only seconds before.

Hiro and Lach exchanged looks.

I will go and defend him against the women. Lach immediate said. He was stopped when Tim gripped his arm.

Don’t.

I must honor my king. Lach replied.

You’ll do more honor by staying out of it. Tim told him.

Lach is right, Tim. We must honor our king.

Not by going down there you won’t. Tim told him. I’m telling you, stay out of it.

We must show who we side with. Lach took his arm forcefully from Tim’s and pushed him out of the way so that he could walk to the steps of the platform and head down to the ground.

Hiro tried to follow but Tim gripped both of his arms. Don’t go, Hiro. I’m telling you to stay out of it.

We must show our unity to the king.

You will, but not like this. There are three Black Hair Tribesmen down there and the king is trying to show that he is the supreme power. Don’t get in the middle of that.

King Yimiry was back talking to Jheila by the time Lach made it to the bottom of the steps.

Thank you, your Majesty, for welcoming us. It is an honor to have returned to White Rock. Jheila bowed his head again, acting the polite intermediary once again.

They shook hands in front of everyone just like two enemies would just before going to war. Tim watched with utter amazement, wondering when the world might explode, and if he had been wrong tell Lach and Hiro not to rush to their king’s aide.

Lach was by the king’s side not a second later. Your majesty. He bowed his head and turned to the two women. You will be punished for this. How dare you challenge the king’s commands. He spoke clearly to them.

Are you a king now Lach? King Yimiry thundered once again and Lach’s eyes bulged. He turned to see the full weight of the king’s eyes glaring at him.

Your majesty? Lach made it a question.

King Yimiry stepped up to him so that he was eye to eye with the young blonde man. Who are you to promote punishment? Who are you to tell them that they will suffer when I have not given such an order?

Lach’s Adam’s apple moved up and down out of fear. My apologies, your majesty.

Today is a day full of challenges from old and young alike. Raki and Ereglan think to change my will and you think to impose your own over mine!

Your majesty. Lach stepped back and bowed down to his knees remaining there as though waiting to be beheaded for committing a capital offense.

This is not good. General Hiro stated watching from the platform.

I told you to stay out of it. Tim whispered, letting go of Hiro’s arm now that he saw just what type attitude the king was in.

How did you see this when we did not? Hiro whispered.

Any time another tribe has been around, King Yimiry has had to prove he is the main squeeze here. Tim told him.

Sometimes I just do not understand you. Hiro replied.

It’s a show of power and obedience, Hiro. Lach just tried to trump the king. Stupid thing to think of at a time like this.

Instead of trumping the king, we need to become what he wants us to become. Hiro gave Tim a quick nod of appreciation and then walked to the stairs.

Hiro! Tim called with a hushed tone.

Do not worry. I am not Lach. Hiro whispered back. He could see Ereglan already pointing her finger at Mirr and Symp once again in frustration.

This is not good. Tim muttered as he watched Hiro descend the stairs. Ah crap. I need to follow him. Lach is right, I need to show my support. Without another hesitation, Tim walked towards the stairs and followed behind Hiro.

These Black Hair need to fight to stay here! Ereglan was sputtering as she waved her finger at them. Win to stay here!

Fight to stay, do not need to win. Mirr said simply.

Only fight. Symp agreed with his brother.

If you do not win you cannot stay! Ereglan stated and once again King Yimiry back handed her this time she fell beside Raki on the ground.

You continue to impose your own commands! King Yimiry said simply. Are you now the ruler of White Rock, Ereglan?

Her hand was holding the side of her face where she’d been slapped twice and with as much strength as she could muster, Ereglan forced her eyes to stare back at King Yimiry.

We can enforce whatever we like! This is our home, we have reconnected to it!

King Yimiry looked down upon them like a father would look at their disobedient and uneducated child who was trying to throw temper tantrum.

Tim and Hiro were now beside Jheila who stood silently. All three Black Hair simply stood there waiting for the display to end. Had Tim not been to Black Tier and seen what the Black Hair were capable of, he would never have believed they would just stand there and wait but that was exactly what they were doing.

They all watch this like it’s some kind of sport. Maybe it is to them. They came from King Ryeloc, how do I know what he’s got going on in his head?

Is now an appropriate time to tell me of your defiance? King Yimiry made it a question and Tim suddenly realized that this was not just a power struggle, but a show of force.

So Raki and Ereglan were trying to force his hand and see what he would do. Two of them alone had not been enough to force the king’s compliance apparently, but there are at least six other Elders in the settlement. If this is just a test, will there be another?

We wait to fight. Symp said eventually when the silence lingered on. Tim’s eyes quickly looked over at Symp, thinking that the Black Hair might have been too hasty to speak.

King Yimiry looked at the Black Hair but there was no anger in his eyes. The old man seemed defeated as though the entire struggle tired him out.

Then fight you will. King Yimiry stated without a care. At his side a sheath hung with a three foot blade in it. The old man reached for the handle of his blade intending to draw it out.

Tim eyed the king and then he looked back to Hiro as though to ask if the king was going to fight himself.

General Hiro held out his arm to the king. I volunteer to fight with them, your majesty. There was no hesitation and no inclination that Hiro intended to impose on the king his own will. Still, Tim couldn’t shake the feeling that Hiro might have just made an error.

The king’s eyes were hard. He, too, was contemplating whether Hiro had just tried to force his will on him. Then, his hand dropped from the blade at his side and he gave a little smile.

General Hiro has volunteered to fight the Black Hair Tribesmen. What type of combat do you prefer?

Tim’s jaw dropped a little but he immediately picked it back up. We, Tim started stepping up with Hiro. We prefer a hand to hand combat, sir.

A visitor will fight with the Black Hair! That is ridiculous! Raki growled from the ground, finally recovering from the blow she’d been dealt.

He will lose on purpose. Ereglan agreed with him.

Loose on purpose? What type of schmuck do you think I am? Tim muttered under his breath and rolled his eyes.

Your majesty. I seek to volunteer. Lach said with his head still bowed down so that he looked at the ground instead of his king.

So be it. King Yimiry stated quietly. Mirr, Symp or Jheila only need defeat one of you in order to stay here. King Yimiry walked towards the staircase leaving Raki and Ereglan behind.

By defeat that doesn’t mean kill, does it? Tim asked bluntly.

King Yimiry turned around to look at the visitor. You should not have sought to volunteer if you did not wish to die.

Dying will happen sooner or later, your majesty. Tim replied. I just don’t want to kill a friend.

The king held his gaze on Tim for quite some time.

Wiser words are not often spoken. King Yimiry said. Though these men may not be your friends for very long. They are trained to kill.

There was something in the way King Yimiry looked at him that threw Tim off. It was almost a fondness that he saw in the king’s eyes. It was the same look he’d seen Detective Ron Smith give Sarah Gold whenever they were together. It made Tim bold.

Well, I’m trained to sing so we should be about equal footing. Tim replied with the quickest smile he could. There was a hint of a smile on the king’s lips but it vanished, and the king turned back towards the stairwell and instantly floated up the steps. The king’s feet never touched a single step as he swiftly ascended over two hundred flights of steps by floating over them.

It blew Tim away that he’d waste Pulse strength to do something like that.

Seems like a waste to fly up stairs. Then again he’s in his eighties. Maybe walking the stairs would kill him. I can’t imagine the SNL skit that could be done with an eighty year old man trying to make it up two hundred flights of stairs. It would take two hours just to watch him make it up.

Trained to sing? That is your strength? Lach asked and was suddenly very leery.

You can thank me later. Tim replied.

For what? Lach asked, suddenly annoyed.

For not getting any of us killed. Tim stated and immediately walked over to Symp. Hey, remember me? We hung out for a while at Black Tier.

Symp’s lips broke into a smile. Remember yes. The Black Hair man eyed Tim up and down as though searching for something. No case?

Nah, left it back in the study. Can’t play music and keep guard at the same time.

You’re taking Symp? Lach asked as he paired up with Mirr and the two immediately locked arms at the shoulders. Although Lach was a good fighter, he was not going to defeat Mirr, Tim already knew that. The first move Mirr made took Lach to the ground where he landed flat on his back.

I’ve watched enough wrestling to know that Lach just screwed up. Tim muttered and Symp gave him a funny look before eyeing Mirr and Lach. Apparently the Black Hair man saw the same thing in Lach’s movements that Tim saw and he immediately nodded his head in agreement.

We fight? Symp asked Tim.

Sure, why not. Just don’t kill me if you don’t mind. I really want to finish this ballad I‘ve been working on.

Ballad? Symp asked.

I’ll sing it for you sometime.

Tim made two fists and went into a boxing pose but Lach suddenly flew in front of him forcing Symp back two steps to avoid being struck by him. Lach landed in a crowd of five young Pulse Riders who caught him, but his weight plus the amount of force he’d been thrown with sent all six of them toppling to the ground.

Mirr was smiling boldly at Lach and then started to clap his hands.

Well, I think you guys are welcome to stay already. Tim stated to Symp who was shaking his head at his own brother.

True. Symp said simply. Still fight?

Still fight. Tim agreed and took his boxing stance once again. Let’s see if any of that Wii bowling helped me out.

Symp flew at him immediately and Tim blocked the shot to his face but missed the shot to his gut. He doubled over and stepped back, his air gone from the single shot.

That was freaking hard. I don’t think he was even trying. I’m going to have to try harder, these guys are super tough.

Putting his hands back up, Tim approached Symp and gave him a right hand jab to the jaw but Symp moved out of the way. He tried it again letting out three successive jabs at Symp but the Black Hair man moved fast getting out of the way of the jabs with lightning speed.

Tim had watched fights all over the Colleen Jade Wilderness, but nothing was as hard on him as this fight against Symp.

There is a reason why these guys are renown.

Wrapping his left arm around Symp’s head he managed to get the blonde man trapped so that he could jab at his gut with his right fist. He landed four fast punches before Symp pushed him away and took a few steps back.

Good. Symp exclaimed with a happy smile on his face.

Uh, thanks. Tim replied.

Symp immediately was on him and hitting him left and right. Both of Tim’s arms went up to protect his head which was where Symp was concentrating his blows. Suddenly Symp’s arms were wrapped around Tim’s midsection and he was taken to the ground. The hand to hand combat was apparently over and now it was an all-out brawl.

A woman’s voice from a distance memory came to the front of Tim’s mind. It was Aeriy’s voice, he knew that.

When you are pinned down to the ground, use the weight and strength of your legs to free yourself. If you can, knock the man pinning you down to the ground. From there you will dominate and defeat him.

Symp sat on Tim’s torso, keeping his knee planted into Tim’s chest as he attempted to punch Tim’s face. Tim’s hand gripped both of Symp’s wrists, but the Black Hair man was much stronger and continuously broke free.

A single punch hit Tim’s face and the world spun.

This was the stupidest idea I’ve ever had.

Kicking up both of his legs Tim managed to get a good shot at the back of Symp’s head and the Black Hair man fell forward and off of him.

Tim took a second to breathe and try to stop the world from spinning.

That was easier than I thought.

Shaking his head only got a ringing sound to start in his ears. It threw his balance off and he teetered as he tried to walk.

I’m going to pay for this later.

Symp was back on his feet and hunched over waiting for Tim. He let out a primeval cry and charged at Tim immediately wrapping his arms around the red head’s waist and rushing backward with him intending to hit the wall. Out of the corner of his eye Tim could see the wall and knew that’s where Symp was headed.

What’s he doing?.

Fear ran through Tim knowing that the impact of hitting the wall would kill him. He struggled trying to break free of Symp’s grasp but the Black Hair man had too strong of a grip on him.

Stop it Symp! I told you not to get me killed! Tim yelled but with the speed at which Symp was moving he doubted the Black Hair would stop in time.

Oh crap! Tim hollered.

The wall inched closer and before Tim could shut his eyes they had passed through it and were outside of the settlement.

Symp looked left and right, shocked by the sudden change.

Not right. He muttered to Tim and let go of the red head. Immediately he turned back around and touched the wall with both hands. The powerful expression he’d worn only a moment before was not confused, frightened. Not right. Symp stated again with a quiver to his voice.

Tim’s heart beat so hard in his chest he was hunched over trying not to pass out. If Symp was going to give him a second’s break then he was going to take it, but just a few seconds.

By the time he looked back up at Symp the Black Hair man was running his hands up and down the wall frantically as though he were looking for a secret panel on a wall that would magically make it transparent.

You did it just a minute ago, man. Tim muttered, still out of breath.

Not right. Symp continued to repeat over and over again as his frustration mounted, and he couldn’t find what he was looking for.

Nearly two minutes went by as Symp relentlessly searched the wall for something completely unknown to him.

Tim watched and became concerned when the normally dark red skin of Symp’s face suddenly got bright red.

He’s working himself into a fright. I’ve never seen a Black Hair frightened before. I’ve got to get him to calm down.

Symp. Calm down, man. You’re okay.

Not right.

What’s not right? Tim asked and approached the wall and put both hands against it. It was solid just as Tim expected it to be. He couldn’t fathom why Symp was so upset. It’s a wall alright.

Not right. Symp repeated.

Okay, can you explain what’s not right? It’s a wall. Tim asked and finally the Black Hair man looked at him.

Not walk through wall. Not me. He said finally.

Two hands reached through the wall and latched onto Tim’s right wrist and Symp’s left. With a sharp yank the two men fell through the wall landing on the dirt inside of the settlement.

Looking up, Tim saw Jheila before them and he crossed his arms over his chest.

Mirr stood beside a battered Lach with a beaming smile on his face.

You went through the wall! Mirr exclaimed. There was joy in Mirr’s expression but the amount of joy the blonde man felt made Tim clueless.

So what? Tim asked brushing the dust off his legs.

Symp has not gone through the wall before. Jheila replied. This is a big step for him.

He had said not walk through wall. Did the event frighten him? He’s a Pulse Rider after all why should walking through a wall frighten him?

Symp rose from the ground and straightened. Both of his arms extended out above his head and Tim heard the familiar pop of the muscles as they were stretched back into place.

Welcome Black Hair. King Yimiry called from the top of the platform. Tim looked up to