The Phoenixes Choice

By M.A. Abraham

Kyllan has come home to find several surprises waiting for him, one in the form of a man he had thought dead. Trysuil is most definitely not lost to their people, and he couldn’t be happier. His daughter, Alena, is ecstatic, for her love has been returned to her.

The Phoenixes saved Trysuil from what would have been a certain death, for he had more potential than anyone could have imagined. They kept him in a state of suspended animation, until the time was right, with the knowledge that their world was about to go through many changes in the future. In his new position of power, he will be known as the Adjudicator. He only answers to the Phoenixes; he is their judge and jury.

Those who have gotten to know Kyllan respect and admire him as a good leader of uncanny foresight and abilities. As they get to know Trysuil, they find out that he is fair, just and a man of vision. He will not abuse his position. He would rather help those who have come to live on Tantalus build a future for the generations that are to follow, but he can bring down the might of the Phoenixes to bear on them, if there is a need.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.A. Abraham
• Release date: Apr 17, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370289653

M.A. Abraham

I don’t really know what to say about myself.I have been writing books since before I became a teenager. Most are still hidden in the closet. I used to make up my own stories as a child, everyone used to act them out while we were playing outside. As a teenager someone issued me a challenge. I told her that her stories stunk, she told me to do better.My job growing up was to play guardian to my little brother, keep him safe. That meant I ended up getting into more fights than enough – makes sense now that I write about warriors.My family will try to tell you that I’m not innocent, I have a personality that keeps them on their toes. Over my lifetime and theirs I have earn several nicknames – The Godmother, The Evil Christmas Elf (comes from making my nieces wrap their own Christmas presents), Mistress of Ambush. My favorite response to them when they try to get me into trouble is just to look at them with a wide doe eyed expression and say “Moi?????”I have a seal point Siamese cat named Snoop, named after my favorite cartoon character and hobby. I have a “healthy” but small collection of Snoopy memorabilia. He is a character alright; never met a cat who can talk back like he does. He expects daily dosages of adoration on his schedule when he wants it – not when it’s convenient for me and he HATES snow.I come from a very large family (mostly brothers) and I could outrun the whole works of them (I’m the shortest!). It was called survival.This book has been in the making for a long time now. Over a half a year to write it, about the same amount of time to edit it, and probably about the same amount of time to get the art work and website! I have learned you can’t control the timelines of other people – Murphy likes to step in.So for now I am setting up good luck charms everywhere... didn’t know I had that many stuffed Snoopy’s. *Fingers, legs, toes, eyes and anything else I can crossed*

Book preview

CHAPTER I

Trysuil had spent the last twenty-four hours standing on the ledge of his aerie, watching the lights that signaled the approach of the Tantalarian Mother Ship. He could see it was getting closer with each moment, even as he sensed the power of his brethren within the safety of its hull. Each breath he took spoke of change, and it made him question the intelligence of his decisions. He realized there was no choice; he could already see the signs everywhere that forecasted new lives for everyone on Tantalus. They were going to have to make the alterations to their world to suit the circumstances. This was the beginning of a new era and, as he swore, he could hear the fates’ daughters amused laughter ringing everywhere around him. The joke, he realized, was that he was the one who would be the architect for the future on the planet.

Trysuil had been doing a lot of thinking, not only about the past, but of the future. Above all, he remembered Kyllan. He recalled that man’s actions the last time he had seen him. The Elder had opposed him one time too many, and Kyllan couldn’t stand the injustice of that man’s views any longer. Kyllan had been very visual in his declaration of contempt. He had decided it was time for action. It was the only way he could get his point across. The way he had shown his feelings had been blunt, as had been the unspoken statement he made when he turned his back on The Elder, and walked away from the Tantalarian Warrior doctrine that had once formed the cornerstone of their civilization.

Trysuil doubted if Kyllan even fully understood the full implications of his actions that day, or how it would affect everyone. Kyllan had declared the beginning of a new world order. The question that remained unanswered was, would Kyllan embrace the results of the seeds of development that he had sown, or would he leave them lying on the ground unrecognized for what they had been? Were their people ready to ride the undercurrents of change that was being brought home to them on the winds that were about to sweep across the planet? Trysuil had a feeling he knew the answers to all these questions. They had no choice, as the wheels had already been set into motion.

Kyllan had always been the harbinger of change that was the thorn in The Elder’s side. He was the type of man to continue to fight for what he believed in, no matter what. He believed in progress, and the freedom of his people. If Kyllan hadn’t regressed over time, he would continue to fight for these things, even as he embraced the difference this would require. Kyllan was a man of honor, one Trysuil was sure he could work with. He was also looking forward to reconnecting with him. They would make things happen in this world, as well as embrace the challenges that the fates were throwing at them.

In the fortnight since his revitalization, Trysuil had spent his time studying the people who had come to settle on Tantalus. He had concluded that although they appeared to be different than his people on the surface, they were fundamentally the same deep inside, where it counted. He was sure they could create a harmonious culture, where everyone would be happy. He had noted a few who could be trouble, but he figured that wasn’t anything he couldn’t handle. These people could be reasoned with. They were capable of forming rational decisions and this, in the back of his mind, was a big step in their favor.

At first, no one seemed to pay much attention to Trysuil on the Earth Ships. To them, he was just another Tantalarian Warrior. Granted, he was one of the largest Tantalarians they had encountered, but they were certain the Tribunal Elder was much bigger. As he didn’t speak to anyone, didn’t intrude in their space, or do anything to call attention to himself, they thought he was no one important. It didn’t take long for them to adjust that impression. For when he took command, he quickly moved to establish an order that they soon learned to follow. If they didn’t, they found out what it meant to reap the ire he was capable of. If there was one thing Trysuil insisted on, it was peace and the combined efforts of everyone to work towards the greater good of the entire population. For some of the settlers, this was totally foreign to everything they knew, and decided not to listen to him without a fight.

CHAPTER II

The Tribunal Elder decided that the only Tantalarian Warriors who would be allowed to return to the surface of the planet would be ones that had remained unmated. They would take the Humans who had come along with them to Mars back to their homes, and then report for duty to Mitchel. The newly mated Tantalarian Warriors would remain to guard the Mother Ship, in as inconspicuous a manner as possible. It wasn’t a matter of trust, but one of common sense. Although the Human population onboard would have no idea how to control the Mother Ship, it would be foolish to assume that they wouldn’t try, given the chance.

Set the safeguards and prepare for entry into the stratosphere. Kyllan ordered Tribune Vasalon, as they slowly descended into the outermost perimeters of Tantalus.

One minute to destination point, Tribune Vasalon reported before adding, Tribune Synric says that the landing parties are ready to descend onto the surface of the planet when you are.

How about the rest? Kyllan wondered. He had heard disgruntled remarks being strewn around by a select few, and knew that not everyone was happy about his decisions to keep them confined in the ship. It didn’t really matter to him if they were happy with his order or not. He was not about to allow them to run wild on Tantalus, without food or cover. He would not be held responsible for the death of anyone.

The Human population is to be confined to quarters, where they can watch our approach into the atmosphere. They know how the transfer will be carried out, but are still anxious about the experience. They walked up the ramp, rather than be flown, so they didn’t get to experience how this particular procedure is carried out. Tribune Vasalon replied with an amused grin. He was finding the situation amusing, for he had also heard the comments being shared so generously by the male Humans. The main emotion surrounding them was jealously. They would have liked to go down to the planet’s surface like the others. It was something Kyllan hoped wouldn’t last too long. The Earth Ships weren’t very far behind, and there would be homes for everyone when they landed.

The task of the Tantalarians was to make sure that the landing pads were secured and safe enough to be used. Mitchel had assured them that the word from the sites had been that this had been progressing well, although he complained that his work force was stretched to the limit. He also reported that the Humans were doing what they could to help for a change. He added that even the members of the Arc Royal were willing to contribute to their efforts, and were actually pulling their weight, which was unusual. When asked how he had managed that, he had refused to expand on the statement.

Tribune Vasalon had caught the note of humor that Mitchel had used in that comment. Because of it, he was determined that he would be the one to accompany the Tribunal Elder to the planet’s surface, to get the story first hand. Something had happened on Tantalus during their absence, and he wanted to know what. He had asked Kyllan at one point but if that man knew, he wasn’t telling.

The moment Kyllan left the bridge, Tribune Vasalon turned to Tribune Waterford and ordered him to take control of the craft. Tribune Waterford hadn’t been too enthusiastic about the idea. He had also wanted to return to the surface of the planet to find out what was happening but, with no other choice, he took the helm as ordered. He did, however, make sure to let them know it was being done under duress.

I was going to accompany the Tribunal Elder to the surface of the planet. This isn’t well done of you, Vasalon.

I disagree, Tribune Vasalon chuckled, as he continued to run for the exit, I think I did very well. Take care of our ship.

I am surprised you got away with that, Kyllan noted, as Tribune Vasalon walked up to his side mere moments before he was about to leave the ship.

Tribune Vasalon grinned smugly, as he responded, I do manage to pull off a few on Waterford, although I must admit they are not many, and they are very far apart.

Kyllan chuckled. He knew how difficult it was to catch Tribune Waterford unawares. He could only imagine how Tribune Vasalon had gotten away with this. The moment the exit doors of the Mother Ship opened, Kyllan, Tribune Vasalon, and Tribune Synric, spread their wings, and led those who were leaving the ship with them to the surface of the planet.

The first thing Kyllan noticed, as he took to the air over the planet, was a large white winged Tantalarian, who was flanked by his family on either side. Who was he? Mitchel hadn’t mentioned anything about him, and the only white winged Tantalarian he remembered leaving behind on Tantalus, was Tribune Sterling. This man was not Tribune Sterling, so who was he? He also wondered where Alena was, for while Erin and Karia were present, she was nowhere to be seen. Had something happened during his absence that he had yet to hear about? He reached out to Mitchel to find out.

Who is the Tantalarian by your side? The one with the white wings?

Karia, and she is holding our daughter, Mitchel replied, as he pretended to misunderstand the question.

You know better than to play that game with me, Mitchel. I want to know what has happened during my absence, Kyllan replied sharply.

It is a long story, and you will hear it shortly, Mitchel answered. The Tribunal Elder was getting closer with every moment, and the information he wanted to hear would take a while to share. It would go quicker to let him hear it from Trysuil in person.

Kyllan didn’t recognize Trysuil immediately, but the absence of his daughter, along with this Tantalarian Male’s presence in his family lineup, set off alarms in the back of his mind.

Where is Alena? Kyllan’s question came out sounding more like a snarl than anything else.

Trysuil opened a wing to reveal Alena, and she laughed out loud at the confusion she saw on her father’s face.

Kyllan’s eyes moved from Alena, to Trysuil, as he tried to place him. It didn’t take long before a look of recognition lit up his face, and the two men smiled, as they moved forward to embrace.

How? Kyllan asked. He knew he didn’t have to expand on the question. Everyone would know what he was talking about, and there were others standing close by who would want to know too. How had Trysuil survived? Everyone knew he had been murdered, even if his body had never been found. Fendor had even admitted to it.

We wondered if you would remember me, Trysuil replied. I was taken into the care of the Phoenixes. I will never know the details, which is probably for the best. Suffice it to say that I am happy to be reunited with my love, Alena.

As we are to see you alive and well, Kyllan admitted.

The Phoenixes have sent me to pass on their plans for the future, as well as to help guide our developing world, Trysuil informed Kyllan.

What do they have in mind? Kyllan asked.

I am getting constant glimpses into their plans for us, as those form in their minds. From what I can tell, the future of our people will be filled with changes. The extent of what happens will depend on whether you are willing to work with me or not, Trysuil answered.

If I am willing to work with you? Kyllan responded. He then followed up his question with a comment, Something tells me there is about to be even more changes on Tantalus than I expected.

Trysuil nodded in agreement, as he explained in as few words as he believed Kyllan needed to understand what was about to happen.

I am the Adjudicator, Liaison to the Phoenixes. From the moment they claimed me as their own, and returned me to this world, I became their voice on Tantalus. Trysuil explained.

Kyllan remained silent, as he allowed the full meaning of those words to take form in his mind. When he thought he understood their meaning, he smiled, and answered.

I think we will be able to work well together, although it won’t be easy. The Phoenixes may seem like benevolent creatures, but they are apt to be more demanding that most of us believe possible.

They say the Humans need direction. It is something they will fight in the beginning. They feel that our guiding hand will be kinder than theirs would be. We share a past with the Phoenixes, as well as a connection with them, while the Humans do not. The Humans also will listen to us, where they most certainly would balk at receiving their orders directly from them. Trysuil explained.

You share the same connection with the Phoenixes as our females, don’t you? Kyllan wondered speculatively.

Trysuil allowed a slow smile to cross over his face, as he replied, Perhaps even more, for they have accepted me as one of their own, and joined their spirits with mine. They did this to keep me alive. When he noted Kyllan’s puzzled expression, he continued. Yes, Kyllan, we have a lot to talk about, and you will be surprised at some of the answers that I will give to your questions.

It is going to take time to get to the bottom of this, Kyllan agreed. I have a lot of questions.

I have a lot of answers. We will need to work together to make the changes that are happening on Tantalus successful. I am willing to make the effort, Trysuil replied, as he asked, Are you?

Our partnership begins as of this moment. I also am pleased to see my daughter looking so happy once more. You are good for her, you always were. For that reason alone, I am happy to see you. I look forward to many interesting discussions in your common room in the future, Kyllan assured Trysuil, before turning to Alena with outstretched arms.

I needn’t tell you how pleased I am to see you smiling again. It has been too long since I saw you looking this happy.

My world is filled with love. I am told that without your intercession, this would never have happened. The Phoenixes decided to give us another chance at a life together, because of your actions in front of The Elder the day that he tore Trysuil and me apart. Alena explained.

I will have more questions to ask about that as well, but perhaps later. For now, I want to see my Great, Great Granddaughter, and make sure all is right with my family, as well as my people and the planet we share. Kyllan admitted.

We have been busy, even those who were reluctant to share in the labors at first, Alena told Kyllan.

I assume there were several who fit into that category, Kyllan snickered.

Alena grinned, as she replied. You would be very surprised how quickly people were willing to pitch in. Especially, when they see the head of their group hanging in midair, suspended by the back of a shirt, held by a fully riled Tantalarian male.

I am sure I will hear about that several times over, Kyllan grinned. He was looking forward to hearing that tale too.

Undoubtedly, though some are apt to embellish the tale by exaggerating the size of the flames that were coming from Trysuil’s wings, Alena added.

Yes, Kyllan thought, that was one story he would be sure to follow up on, and the one he would talk first to on that was Mitchel. Mitchel was less apt to blow the tale out of proportion.

As Kyllan made that decision, Mitchel replied, I will be more than happy to retell that tale, as well as others. You will be astounded by some of them, amused by others.

I look forward to hearing about them, Kyllan answered. He had a feeling he was going to like it. He thought back to the Trysuil he had known before Alena and Trysuil had met and mated. Trysuil had been a strict but conscientious teacher, as well as a Guardian of great stature. He was a very educated man, one who believed in the powers of learning. He equally hated ignorance and injustice; both of which he reacted swiftly to correct, when he was confronted with them. He never made a decision to act on anything, unless he was sure of his facts first. In his opinion, the Phoenixes had made a good choice, when they picked Trysuil to be the Adjudicator.

CHAPTER III

As the Tribunal Elder flew over the landing bases that had been made into sites for the Earth Ships that were expected to arrive within the next few days, he noted how much had been accomplished. There were twenty-one valleys in different stages of being finished off. Sixteen of the landing pads were ready to be used, and two more were nearly ready. He also noticed that there were fields in different stages of growth. When he had asked Mitchel about that, he had explained that Trysuil had conducted a quick study about the growth patterns, maturity times, and uses of different vegetables, before ordering their seeds planted. In some cases, there would barely be enough time for them to produce a crop before the Phoenixes began their rest periods. But, as he assured them, there would be time to see them reach maturity and harvested, before the cold weather set in.

To help matters further, the Tribunal Elder ordered all nonessential personnel from the ship brought onto the surface of the planet. He had to admit it didn’t take long for Trysuil to put everyone to work. No one was spared, from the youngest members of the settlers, to those who were in command. It was something that hadn’t gone unchallenged in the beginning and the Tribunal Elder had watched the confrontation with interest.

Who said you could give my wife orders? A young Human male had angrily approached Trysuil, as he stood in the middle of a field overseeing the planting that was going on there.

Trysuil had looked at the man as he stormed up to him for a few moments, as he figured out who he was, and what he was talking about. When he finished figuring it out, he answered.

Your wife is young, and very pregnant, too much so to be of use anywhere else than where I have placed her.

She shouldn’t be doing anything in her condition, the young Human male argued.

Your wife is about to become a mother. She has no training, and no idea what to expect when her time to give birth is upon her. By getting her to help with the care of the very young, she is not only gaining experience, but also knowledge of what to expect when it is her turn to give birth. This light activity will not hurt her or the baby. It will do her good to move around, and in the end, the exercise will make it easier for her to give birth, Trysuil explained, before turning to see to other matters that he considered more important.

The young human male didn’t like being dismissed in this fashion. On Earth, his family was wealthy and no one treated them like this. He was not about to stand for it.

I am not finished talking to you.

The matter is settled, Trysuil stated.

The fuck it is, the Human male swore.

Those four words were the last the Human male managed to get out, before Trysuil turned on him with a snap of his wings, and his temper was shown clearly on his features. He acted swiftly, grabbing the man who was before him by the front of his shirt and lifted him eighteen inches off the ground. He looked him straight in the eyes, as he spoke.

You will not address me in such a manner. In fact, you will clean up your vocabulary, or you will not like the consequences. While you are at it, you can spread the word that the same is expected from everyone else. There is no need to be vulgar or crude on this planet. Your wife will appreciate your efforts I am sure. She will also continue to see to the tasks that she was assigned. You will return to the work you were told to do as well. If you are finished with those, you can let me know, and I will send you into another area. There is no shortage of work, and you are wasting both your time and mine with your ignorance. Am I making myself clear?

The words Trysuil had spoken hadn’t seemed to seep through the Human male’s fright and anger. He tried to strike out at Trysuil, with both hands and feet, instead of listening. It was a poor idea, for Trysuil reacted by shaking him for a few seconds, before he tossed him aside, and then told him to get to work. He was livid. The man continued to spew foul words at him, as well as threats. This was not something he was going to put up with, but he feared that if he remained in contact with him, he was going to resort to violence.

The Human male could barely believe what had happened. Trysuil had lifted him with one hand and actually thrown him aside, like so much trash after. He wasn’t certain how to react to that. He had to admit, this was the largest Tantalarian he had ever seen. He lay on the ground for a few moments, while weighing his options, then decided he didn’t have that many to think about. He was on Tantalus, not Earth, and money meant nothing here. On Tantalus, if you weren’t productive, you were considered useless. A part of him considered this form of living feudalistic, although there were no surfs or slaves. No one lorded it over anyone, not even Trysuil, if he had to be honest with his outlook. In fact, the Tantalarians were working even harder than anyone else. He wondered, as he slowly got off the ground, how long this cooperation would last.

Trysuil watched the Human male he had thrown aside, to see what his reaction would be. The last man scrambled to his feet and tried to attack him a second time. He had struck him lightly with the back of one of his wings, and sent him flying. This man was considering his options, before deciding what he would do. He looked like he had a lot of questions to ask, but didn’t table any of them. The ones foremost in his mind were probably the same as any of the others who were working to make their lives bearable in the upcoming future. They all wanted to know what type of label they could put on the newly forming society they were living in. They wanted to know if it would continue in this manner, and they wanted to know how it would be maintained. He had no answers, but he had reasons why it would work, and this he was willing to share.

There are no social levels in this world. Our government has been set up for the good of everyone. Our laws will be enforced to ensure the safety of those who live on the planet. We have no politicians to vie for power, so they can sit on the top of a pyramid and watch others work for them. Most Tantalarians do not want the responsibility or workload of their leaders. We have no lawyers. When everyone can read your innocence or guilt clearly from you, there is no need for them. There are no known religions, where men and women can bend the words of the creator to suit their own philosophies. If you want to survive on this planet, you will work and help your neighbors do the same. Those who offer nothing to others will receive nothing in return. No one knows what the Tantalarian winter will be like for people living on the surface of the planet. But, everyone is certain it will not be easy. Keep this in mind. We work for the greater good of all. It is the only way anyone is going to survive, Trysuil informed the Human male.

Trysuil then watched, as the man gave him a curt nod, turned, and walked off. He could read the intent on his mind. He was going to return to the fields to continue helping with the harvest in the area he had been assigned to. His wife could learn how to change diapers, bathe children, and listen to the others talk about childbirth. There weren’t that many babies on the planet yet, but it wouldn’t be long before there was. There was no birth control on Tantalus, and he could already see signs of women in different stages of pregnancy everywhere.

The Human male had heard other things since his arrival too. The younger Humans weren’t as wild on Tantalus as they were on Earth. They got into little scrapes, as they would have at home, but they were quickly learning that their actions had consequences. They were expected to work, as well as play. If they didn’t, they soon found out that they would come up on the short end of the stick. It wasn’t fun to watch others eat if you had nothing. Ignorance resulted in subtle forms of punishment that didn’t hurt, but taught the perpetrator a lesson. If you followed the laws, life on this planet held the potential of being pleasant, if not opulent.

As Trysuil turned his attention from the Human male to other things. The first thing he noticed was a couple of men trying to pull a heavily laden cart. It was nearly