Neverwylde: The Rim of the World, #6

By Linda Mooney

Finally rescued from the half-world, Kyber and Kelen believed the worst was behind them. They were wrong.

Another ship has landed on Neverwylde, but are the visitors friend or foe? Kelen, Kyber, and the crew are hoping for a rescue, but preparing for a battle. The fight between Terrans and Seneecians has been put behind by those on the half-planet in order to survive, but the newcomers are not of the same mindset.

Even if they are rescued, where will that leave Kelen and Kyber? With neither being accepted by the other’s race, will they be forced to go their separate ways?

Everyone is hoping for their own happily ever after once and for all. But sometimes the worst terrors don't come from alien worlds.

They're closer to home.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda Mooney
• Release date: Jun 22, 2017
• ISBN: 9781941321720

Linda Mooney

Linda loves to write sensuously erotic romance with a fantasy, paranormal, or science fiction flair. Her technique is often described as being as visual as a motion picture or graphic novel. A wife, mother, grandmother, and retired Kindergarten and music teacher, she lives in a small south Texas town near the Gulf coast where she delves into other worlds filled with daring exploits, adventure, and intense love. She has numerous best sellers, including 10 consecutive #1s. In 2009, she was named Whiskey Creek Press Torrid's Author of the Year, and her book My Strength, My Power, My Love was named the 2009 WCPT Book of the Year. In 2011, her book Lord of Thunder was named the Epic Ebook "Eppie" Award Winner for Best Erotic Sci-Fi Romance. In addition, she write naughty erotic romances under the name of Carolyn Gregg, and horror under the pseudonym of Gail Smith. For more information about Linda Mooney books and titles, and to sign up for her newsletter, please visit her website. http://www.LindaMooney.com

Book preview

Chapter 1

Rescued

Kelen Chambliss stared in shock at the pale pink screen above her head. After weeks of fighting, struggling, and barely surviving on this half world, rescue had finally arrived. Rescue in the form of—she mentally counted the figures approaching the ice temple—nine Seneecians.

Why are they wearing full battle garb? she asked aloud for someone to answer.

If they are responding to Dox’s call for help, it is because they did not recognize who was sending it, Kyber responded.

What if they’re here because of some other reason? Sandow queried. What if they didn’t get the signal?

At least, we should thank the four gods they are here, Kyber noted. Somehow we have to let them know we are here as well.

Cooter hefted his rifle. Only problem is, they’re over at the ice temple, and we’re here at the garden temple. How are we gonna let them know where we are? Stand on top of the temple and shout at the top of our lungs? Wave our arms over our heads?

There’s no way we can transport over there. Not with the panels all smashed up, Fullgrath reminded them.

Then how in the hell are we going to let them know we’re here? Cooter muttered again.

Everyone continued to stare at the figures now entering the temple, when Jules spoke up. On the assumption they’re here because of the pings, what if we change the outgoing message?

They all turned to look at the ex-navigator. How? Fullgrath asked.

It should be pretty simple if Dox is using a basic algorithm to generate the signal. Want me to go back and see if he can divert them over to the garden temple?

Do it, Kyber said.

As Jules disappeared back down the tunnel to return to the nonagon, Kelen peered more closely at the new arrivals entering the ice temple. As they disappeared from view on that screen, they reappeared on the screen that gave them a wide angle of the temple’s interior. From what she could see, it was clear the Seneecians were also well-armed. She glanced up at her husband to remark about it, when she noted the deep scowl creasing his furry face.

What’s wrong?

I know that man, Kyber remarked. "His name is Duruk alem Kil. He is the D’har of the warship Den Tirim."

Why do I get the feeling that’s not a good thing?

Kyber turned his gaze on her. He is my brother.

Her initial reaction was one of surprise, until she realized Kyber didn’t seem too pleased.

What’s wrong, Kyber? You don’t seem too happy to see him.

My brother and I have never gotten along. Not even when I made the rank of Por D’har before him.

But you just said he’s the D’har, Sandow remarked.

Kyber nodded. He is, by the right of dominance.

In other words, what you’re saying is he challenged his D’har in one of those tooth and nail confrontations, and won? Cooter clarified.

You are correct. And he has never been bested since.

Wait a minute. Fullgrath waved his blaster at the screen. Didn’t you do the same thing when you challenged Plat? You won, so doesn’t that technically make you the D’har now?

It does. But as I said, he and I do not get along.

Is he your older or younger brother? Kelen questioned her husband.

Older, by five seasons. He looked down at her. "One other thing. He and Plat are ivomah. Their bond is stronger than blood."

Kelen frowned. Are you serious? Their bond is greater than family? How the hell is that possible?

She was answered with a snort from the security officer. Well, that’s fuckin’ great, Cooter drawled. And here we are, holding Plat prisoner. He ain’t gonna be none too thrilled when he finds out.

Heads up! Sandow directed everyone’s attention back to the screens. Looks like they’ve had a change of plans.

It was clearly evident that something was happening. The Seneecians had gathered into a little knot inside the temple and were in discussion about something. Kyber spoke up to give the others some idea of what they were watching.

They are speaking over their communication devices. It is possible Dox’s little box may indeed be responsible for them being here.

If that’s the case, we’re going to need to get upstairs to the temple, Kelen said. No sooner had she commented, the group of Seneecians disbanded and left the temple, reappearing seconds later on the first screen as they presumably made their way back to their ship.

Agreed. And we must hurry before they decide to leave for good. Taking her hand, Kyber led her out of the viewing room, back to the nonagon where the others were waiting in the center of the chamber with excited expectation.

They’d barely exited the corridor when Kleesod confronted him. Is it true? Has a Seneecian squad landed on this world?

Kyber waved for their attention. I want Plat to be present when I say what I have to say, but we must move quickly.

Mellori hurried into the apartment where Massapa and Gaveer were keeping guard over the former D’har. Moments later, the two Seneecians half-carried their reluctant prisoner into the main area. Kelen noticed how Kyber’s gaze was directed at the bound man as he addressed the rest of them.

A military unit of armed Seneecians landed on the ice side of this world. On the assumption they were drawn here because of Dox’s signal, I asked Jules to see if that signal could be changed to alert them to the fact that we were on another part of the planet. Kyber threw a silent question at the former navigator.

Jules nodded. It was pretty simple. Thanks to Gaveer’s help, we were able to devise a short code that Dox could use.

Color me curious, but what kind of code? Cooter questioned.

Jules grinned. It said, ‘Green, not ice.’

And it appears to have worked, Kyber continued. The unit has left the ice temple. We can only assume they are searching for the temple above us. Which makes it imperative we leave now if we are to make the climb topside and present ourselves before they decide to abandon their search.

Taking a step toward Plat, Kyber narrowed his eyes at the man. Duruk alem Kil is leading the unit.

The white-furred Seneecian didn’t try to hide his initial surprise, or the satisfied smile that slid across his face. What an interesting turn of events, Kyber Nau. Guess we will see how justice will serve you and me when he hears the truth about how you usurped my authority.

Do not assume your version of the truth will be accepted once the men have given their testimonies, Kyber almost growled.

Plat’s grin widened, but he didn’t reply.

Let’s go, people! Cooter called from the entrance to the corridor leading up to the temple. It’s going to be a bitch of a climb, and we’re burning daylight!

Kyber took Kelen’s hand again and together they followed the man into the tunnel, with the others not far behind.

Chapter 2

Ascent

They knew the climb would be strenuous. Even with the gradual, low-angle slope, in their weakened state they found themselves gasping for breath barely a hundred meters inside the tunnel.

Kelen first felt her leg muscles burning. Not long after, they grew weak, almost rubbery. To the point where they almost went out from under her. She stumbled, falling against the rough rock wall and painfully scraping her arm and elbow. Kyber started to lift her into his arms to carry her, but she waved him off.

No. You’re too weak yourself to carry me. I’ll be fine. I’ll make it, she reassured him.

In spite of her refusal, he slipped an arm under hers to give her support. She didn’t refuse the offer. He also made a point to make frequent stops to allow them the chance to catch their breath. Although they were only a minute or so in duration, they were crucial because of everyone’s deteriorated physical state. They all knew it was imperative that they reach the temple before the Seneecian unit left the planet, but if they pushed themselves too hard, they might not reach the summit at all.

Their overall physical strength was seriously depleted. Their stamina was almost nil. Their morale and need for self-preservation were their only strong points. This could be their only chance to get off this half world. However, if they missed this opportunity…

Kelen tried not to imagine what it would be like to be forced to live the rest of her life on this dangerous planet. The only thing she could say with certainty was that none of them would make it past five years, at the most.

Twelve. Massapa’s voice sounded thin inside the narrow corridor. Kelen glanced back at the Seneecian who was keeping count of the air ducts they passed. Each duct also signaled a disguised cross tunnel intersecting with this main one. And, like everything else on this world, the number of ducts would be a multiple of three. With the way ahead still dark, Kelen knew they had at least three more ducts before reaching the surface of the planet. Privately she hoped there were only three left, but she doubted it.

Hey, Kyber? Jules’ voice floated up to where she and Kyber walked at the head of the group, but behind Cooter, who took point. Kyber glanced back at the man but didn’t respond, making it clear he’d heard the ex-navigator. Jules took it as a sign to continue. Kyber, say we manage to make contact with the Duruk character. With them being Seneecians, and because Seneecians and Terrans have been at war for years, what are the chances they may try to blast us out of existence the moment they see us?

He’s got a point, Fullgrath added. I’ve been thinking the same thing. Have you got any kind of strategy planned in the event we hook up?

Actually, I have given it much thought, Kyber admitted, giving Kelen’s hand a little squeeze. Massapa, Gaveer, Kleesod, if we do manage to connect with the search party, I want each of you to take two of the others under your protection. Put yourself in front of them in case any of Duruk’s men have been ordered to attack without orders.

What about pasty-face here? Fullgrath questioned, referring to Plat.

Mellori and Sandow can watch him as I present myself to my brother.

Nothing more was said as they continued their slow but steady ascent to the temple on the planet’s surface.

At one point, Kelen checked to see what Dox was doing. He was using the group’s last workable tube light to fiddle with the inner workings of the box that sent out the rescue signal. In the light’s glow, the tiny furry appeared almost luminescent, a golden radiance riding on the young man’s shoulder. The next time they paused, she called out him.

What are you working on this time, Dox?

Both Dox and Five were nose deep inside the machine. After a few seconds, Dox lifted his face to look at her. Changed the signal.

Oh? She’d suspected as much, but to hear him say so still surprised her.

It was my suggestion, Sandow admitted. We’d been putting out that ‘Green, not ice’ message for nearly an hour. I figured it was time we honed them in a little closer.

What does it say now?

Survivors here.

In Seneecian, Gaveer added.

Kyber gave a nod. Smart move. There is a code of honor among warrior castes that no man is abandoned when there is the chance he can be saved. That should convince Duruk to continue searching for a little longer, giving us that much more time to reach the temple. Time for us to move on.

Do we have any way of knowing if the Seneecians are trying to signal back to us? Mellori questioned Dox.

The young man shrugged slightly, forcing Five to clutch Dox’s ear to keep from falling off. Maybe. Can’t tell.

The belief that the Seneecian unit might extend their search a bit longer gave them some hope. Regardless, they kept their pace even, despite the fact that they knew they were gradually slowing down.

Eighteen, Massapa announced.

Kelen felt Kyber squeeze her hand again, signaling he was about to call for another brief rest, when Jules shouted, Hey! Is it my imagination, or is that a light ahead?

Cooter whirled around from where he stood. I was about to say the same thing. It looks like we’re about there.

The announcement gave them the strength to forge ahead, yet they continued to struggle to place one foot in front of the other. Another dozen or so meters, and the light ahead was discernably brighter.

Anybody know what time it is? Mellori asked.

Daytime, Fullgrath muttered. No one responded with laughter. They were too exhausted.

The entrance soon came into full view. With less than a handful of meters to go, Kyber stepped away from Kelen and signaled for a halt. Cooter, hold back, he whispered to the point man. Giving his fellow Seneecians a wave to join him, he faced the others. We will emerge first and confront Duruk. I will inform him of your presence here, but I will demand that you be given asylum status.

What if he refuses? Sandow queried. What if he insists on taking us prisoner? Pointing to the bound and gagged Seneecian, he added, What’s going to happen to him?

We will not know until it occurs, Kyber admitted. My first priority is to get all of us off this world. We will deal with the consequences later.

He softly caressed Kelen’s cheek with his fingertips. There is much we have to discuss, once we leave here.

She nodded but didn’t reply, and watched in silence as her husband and his shipmates exited the tunnel.

Chapter 3

Prisoners

How do you plan to inform Duruk about the Terrans?

They stood on the edge of the sloping platform at the edge of the