Rise of the Warlords

By Brian K. Larson

Journey along with Gor’con of the Crimson Guild as he tells the stories of how his ancestors became the Warlords. Answering an urgent call from Empress Ruki’ Grey’con, Admiral Jedidiah Fitz and Colonel Race Jennings return to the Rising Star of Antares. When they arrive, their former Queen Danielle is told that the Kron'Shulooka has returned and so has the beast of the trenches - the deadly Antarian Dragon.

Empress Ruki' reveals to them that several tombs were discovered empty when the Dragon's screech returned to Serintin once again. Danielle's Bron Vis'Ka was not successful as the scrolls foretold, sending Danielle, and Jed's team, on a dangerous quest. Now they must unravel the mysterious disappearance of their missing dead and to harvest more of the dragon’s blood to partake of the blood spirit once again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brian K. Larson
• Release date: Dec 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463566053

Brian K. Larson

Brian was born and raised in Seattle in 1959. He grew up in the town of Mount Lake Terrace, a small suburb north of the city. Brian, being the youngest, had two siblings, his eldest brother, Mike and sister, Pam. School was challenging, as Brian suffers with Dyslexia, a learning disability that affects 1 in 15 Americans. That didn’t stop Brian. He was named "bookworm" in school because he always had his nose in a book.Brian received his MBA in 2010 in Business, now writes for fun, living his lifelong dream of writing science fiction books. He enjoys his off time, with his seventh grade sweetheart, Diana Rose now for going on sixteen years. She has been by his side and continues to supports his writing. Brian says that without her encouragement, his dream would never have become a reality. They now live in Marysville, Washington, and enjoy three wonderful kids and eight grandchildren. They range from newborn to thirteen, and he says they are so special and great to have around.It is Brian’s hope that through his writing he will fill hearts with joy to readers all over the world, sparking their imaginations.

Book preview

________________________

Rising Star of Antares

Lebencha’s Second Moon

Gornash

More Than

Fifteen Ma’nuta’ah Cycles Before

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Over one hundred Ma’Nuta’Ka cycles ago, Gil’Noc, ruler of the moon Gornash, stood an impressive nine and a half feet tall. Standing in the moon’s yellowed grassy field, surrounded by purple leaved trees with orange flowered bushes, dotting about the area. The tall Antarian held a red-hot piece of fashioned metal against the anvil. He lowered his arm, slamming his metal hammer to the rod. The singing metal echoed across the valley. He shaped and molded his new sword after blasting it in the furnace. He turned it to finish the nearly completed piece before beating his hammer on the metal several more times. The iron platform and hammer continued to ring in his ears with every strike. Satisfied with his work, Gil’Noc returned to the furnace to temper the metal.

The heat set him back a step as he approached the open stone furnace. Sweat caked across his hairy body from the intense hotness. Only his vest made from the finest leather, was his only protection from the blazing kiln.

Placing the sword in the fire, he pumped the billows to blast the fire hotter. Then he stepped back to admire the new red-colored moon that appeared on their horizon a few days before. Wiping his sweat laden brow, he turned and stepped over to a water bucket. Taking the submerged ladle by the handle, he withdrew and swallowed the cool liquid down his throat before letting the dipper plunge back into the wooden bucket.

Returning to the glowing metal, he carefully removed it from the fire with a heavy glove and turned back to his anvil. Taking the hammer, he swung it, striking the radiating metal several times, placing a sharp edge along one side. Turning it over, he struck the other edge as many times as the first. The ringing of the hammer continued to resonate its song across the yellow open valley of Gornash. The blue-leaved trees swayed back and forth from a stiff wind, their shimmer gave off a peculiar sound as the wind blew embers up into the air from the fiery furnace. The twilight sky glowed against the red-hot forge behind Gil’Noc. He held the new sword up to his face, making his sunken eyes widened below his protruding brow as he examined his new blade.

Ahhh, he smiled to himself before growling, This will be a fine weapon... fine indeed!

Swinging the sword around his head, he danced around the blast furnace wielding his new prize and testing its balance and poise.

As he came around to the other side of the furnace, he swung one last time and came to an abrupt stop as his sword clanked into another.

The two swords slid to each other’s hilts and the two Antarians stood face to face.

His Commander, Leg’Alos held the opposing sword. Gil’Noc laughed his reply, Do you oppose your ruler and leader of Gornash this day, Lord Leg’Alos?

"Nigh, my Lord, only I come to your bidding. You summoned me, Lord Gil’Noc."

The two swords slung their song as the two parried, each holding their swords out before them crossways, standing in their defensive positions.

Yes, I did summon you, Lord Leg’Alos.

Challenge you, I do not this day, my Lord, Leg’Alos sheathed his sword and knelt to one knee.

Very well, Commander. Stand to your feet before me!

Yes, my Lord, Leg’Alos said, quickly obeying his leader.

Gil’Noc held his sword in the light of the gas giant, Lebencha You like?

Leg’Alos stepped over to his leader and ran the palm of his hand across the sharp blade, Yes, my Lord. Quite nice. But what is the occasion that you require a new sword?

We will travel to the new moon, Serintin this day!

This is not a new moon, my Lord, Leg’Alos reminded, It has always been there, we only now have discovered this new celestial body that circles our home.

If it were not for the pole shift of Lebencha, this new moon would not be growing on our horizon.

Yes, my Lord. The pole shift does provide new revelation to us.

"You shall prepare The Poleaxe for Delema at once!"

Yes, my Lord. I shall prepare your battle cruiser. I have commissioned Lord Rah’Mon and Lord Shu’Kaa to pilot us this day, but why must we travel to the desolate moon of Delema?

We have a pact, my Commander. We shall bring them and their technological advancements with us to discover what this moon has to offer the Rising Star of Antares.

We shall be ready to depart within the hour, my Lord.

I will meet you at your ship within thirty ma’na’ta. I require sharpening further of my new sword before departing.

Yes, my Lord, Leg’Alos bowed before turning to begin his preparations.

Chapter One

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Rising Star of Antares

Lebencha’s Third Moon

Serintin

~ Present Day ~

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The star, Antares, settled low on the red horizon of Serintin. Blues and purple colors bled across the scattered cloud cover showing the inhabitants of the third moon, night was before them.

Ruki’ Grey’con, the new leader of the Rising Star of Antares, stood on the Palace’s landing pad. Her father, Akua Grey’con stood by his daughter’s side. His proud smile across his crooked fangs displayed his pleasure. Felvek and his brother Davan stood with folded arms behind their sister Ruki’. All of them stared at the sky as the sun continued to set on the moon’s horizon.

Laboolaron, the Palace keeper of the elite guard, slowly raised an arm and pointed with his hairy index finger, There!

Darnash stood by Laboolaron and covered his brow with one hand, Yes, I see them too. They are on final approach.

A small support ship came into view, leaving a white contrail from behind. The Area Combat Enhancement craft slowed as it came upon the Palace. The pilot lowered the ship’s landing struts and floated high above the group waiting for their arrival.

They watched as the ship’s pilot expertly lowered down and finally setting the rear skids on the landing pad, followed by a high-pitched whine from the turbine engines as the nose came to a rest.

The engines whine slowed as a burst of air expelled, blowing the wind at the waiting Antarian dignitaries, which gusted at the Antarian fur until the ship quieted.

The side door on the small ship vented a burst of steam before the unlocking mechanism announced the opening door. The raising hatch revealed a smiling Admiral Jedidiah Fitz, shadowed by a one, Colonel Race Jennings and Danielle Cooper, who were holding hands. Danielle let Race’s hand free and pushed past the two. She quickly jumped from the short-winged craft, her expression displayed great pleasure in seeing her Antarian friends. Danielle landed firmly on the one-third heavier gravity of the celestial body, before she bolted in a full run to greet them.

With a wide smile on her face, Danielle grabbed the nine-foot tall Darnash first. She squeezed her arms around his furry body as far as she could stretch them, she pulled the unsuspecting Darnash close to her voluptuous bosom.

Darnash gently wrapped his arms around the short woman and returned his affection.

God, I’ve missed you, Darnash!

Darnash uncomfortably patted Danielle on her shoulder before gradually pushing her away, I too have missed you, my Queen.

Danielle stepped back and held her palms before the group, Oh, no... no no, I’m no longer your Queen. Just Danielle, okay?

Ruki’ lowered to one knee, her arms by her sides and with lowered head, the young seven-foot tall Antarian formally addressed her, My Queen, she began. The rest of the group followed Ruki’ to one knee in reverence.

On behalf of all three houses; Delema, Gornash and Serintin, I welcome you to the Palace of the Rising Star, Antares. We welcome our Queen with open arms. We thank you for returning to this high ground.

Oh please, Danielle begged, please don’t do this. It’s okay, really. You can stand up. Please.

Jed and Race joined Danielle at her side. Jed extended his hand to Ruki’, Thank you for having us come back, Lady Ruki’...

Race quickly interrupted Jed, Yeah, I like what you’ve done with the place.

Jed turned to his friend and glared before returning back to Ruki’, We’re more than happy to come for a visit...

Race interrupted Jed once more, ... I mean the arena is gone, that’s always a good thing! I hated to see that last time... bad memories... real bad...

Race abruptly stopped with Jed’s second glare, Sorry, Sir... Sorry.

Shush it!

Yes, Sir... I’m shushing... trust me... I’ll remain quiet... I promise.

Jed continued with his glare as Ruki’ smiled at the Human antics, It’s all right, Admiral. Race is an inquisitive human. Do not confuse his enthusiasm for disrespect, Ruki’ smiled as she shook Jed’s hand.

See? Race beamed as he greeted the Antarians with the rest, I’m just being enthusiastic...

Wonderful, Jed chuckled, "Just don’t wear out that enthusiasm, m’kay?"

Race held his hands out in submission, No, Sir. You don’t have to worry about ol’ Race Jennings here. I’ll be sure to not wear out...

Race slowed his speech to a halt as Jed furrowed his eyebrows.

Got it... uh, Sir...

Like I was saying, Lady Ruki’, it’s nice of you to invite us to visit Antares. It’s been over a year now, right?

Yes, Admiral. It has been one year and three of your months.

... So, that’s about two full cycles for Antares, right? Race interjected.

Yes, Colonel, Ruki’ answered, We are starting our third full cycle since Bron Vis’Ka.

It seems like it’s been a lot longer to me, Danielle added.

My Queen, Ruki’ said, dropping Jed’s hand, she turned a solemn face to Danielle, I am sorry. I wish we could have asked you to return to Antares under more favorable circumstances.

I’m afraid I don’t understand, Danielle quizzed.

Ohhh man, Race exclaimed, I’m not feeling real warm and fuzzy anymore!

And with good reason, my irritating, human friend, Darnash said.

Now wait just one minute, Race protested, Irritating! Really? Is that how you greet distinguished guests; with insults?

Relax, Race, Jed assured, "You are irritating... that’s just the facts."

Hey!

Shush it, Race, Danielle added to the mix.

Okay, okay... I see how Ya’ll are... I’ll shush it already!

We do have more pressing matters to discuss, Ruki’ urged, We must delay no longer.

Okay, Jed said, with eyebrows raised, You’ve got my attention. What seems to be the problem?

Off in the far distance a loud screech was heard. The deafening animal cry pierced the group’s ears.

Oh no... this can’t be good, Race again interjected.

Quite right, Race, Darnash nodded, The cry of the Boreshog has returned to the Rising Star, Antares.

I thought the Bron Vis’Ka sent them back to a fossilized state?

Yes, my Queen, Ruki’ answered, This is a great puzzle and one that we required to have our Queen present in order to know for sure.

What’s that supposed to mean? Danielle asked, placing her hands on her hips.

It would seem, my Queen, Darnash added, The Bron Vis’Ka was not permanent.

But we did not know for sure until you set foot on Serintin, my Queen, Ruki’ finished.

Run! Laboolaron shouted as he pulled his long sword from his scabbard.

The screeching gradually got louder before they saw the winged creature swoop down toward the crowd standing on the landing platform.

The Antarians ducked low and protected the humans from the reaching talons of the creature as it sailed close to the ground.

Quickly! Laboolaron shouted, Take cover!

A swing from his sword, accompanied by the other Antarians wielding their weapons at the creature, caused the beast to bank left. Beating its large wing expanse, the creature came in for another pass at the humans, targeting Danielle.

Darnash dove over Danielle, sending her to the ground. He shielded her body with his large girth. Felvek stabbed at the hovering creature as it looked down at the fallen woman.

Davan leaped into the air and landed on the creature’s back. Just before he would shove his sword into the creatures back, Danielle screamed, NO! Don’t kill her! I will tame the creature once more!

Darnash picked himself off the ground and helped Danielle to her feet. She closed her eyes and concentrated, I know you hear me, she thought, Do not harm my friends! You must obey my commands, she beast!

The creature flapped its wings over the assemblage and gained altitude away from the swinging swords. Davan held his sword at the ready, but did not finish his attack.

Let Davan down and then you will take your leave! I shall seek you out to commune... know that I am Queen Danielle of the Rising Star of Antares. You must obey my command!

The creature slowly flew away from the landing pad and set down on its hooved feet. Lowering her neck to the ground, Davan jumped off the creature, granting the she beast her freedom. Flapping wings caused dust and sand to fly into air as the Boreshog took flight and headed back to the Valley of Trenches.

Danielle opened her eyes and fell to one knee. Race came to her side and helped hold her from collapsing the rest of the way to the ground.

Are you alright, Danielle? Race excitedly asked.

Darnash knelt with Race at their side and placed a concerning hand on her shoulder, Yes, my Queen, are you alright?

Y-yes... Danielle struggled to answer, I-I’ll be fine... just give me a minute.

Ruki’ stepped up to the kneeling Danielle, Now we know.

Race looked over at Ruki’ now at eye level as she knelt with the others, You mind telling us what this is all about, now?

Of course, Colonel Jennings, Ruki’ answered before standing, Laboolaron, please escort them to Gor’con where he awaits them at the center court. We have much to discuss and Gor’con is not getting any younger.

Gor’con, as in leader and holder, of the Blood Scroll of the Crimson Guild?

Yes. Gor’con of the Carnelian Clan. He ages and is ill in health. He is the one that requested your presences... and now, with the appearance of the Boreshog, it is certain that what was warned is coming to pass.

The group followed Laboolaron as he led them though the palace. The tall winding passages were illuminated with torches that lined the walls. The Palace open air structure now displayed the full colors of the sun completing its setting on the moon’s horizon. They walked through the corridors, watching the sun fade from view, sending Serintin into the darkness of night.

The group finally arrived at an open courtyard. A bonfire roared with heat and flames warming the area.

Seated on the far side of the fire on a bench, that encompassed the raging fire, was an old and greying Sasquatch.

He stood to his nine-foot height and braced his aging legs with his ten foot tall staff. The old creature bent down on one knee seeing Danielle, My Queen. It is good to see you once again.

Danielle stepped over to the kneeling Sasquatch, Rise, Gor’con of the Crimson Guild and look me in the eye.

Gor’con rose from his prone position and returned to the bench where he could better be in line with Danielle’s eyes. She stood before him. He rested his staff by his side and took her face in both hands. Danielle returned his gaze. His eyes now full of greying cataracts in both eyes, the aging creature was now nearly blind.

I can see through to your deepest soul, my Queen.

Danielle continued to allow the Sasquatch to peer into her.

I know now that what I have foreseen is a truth.

Race stepped over to the pair, Will someone please tell us what in the hell is going on? Why all the secrecy, anyway? We can take it... if it’s bad news... we can take it, okay? So-so, just get on with it.

Gor’con, not taking his eyes off of Danielle answered, Will someone please put a muzzle on the irritating human before I stab him and send him to Revein’sev?

Hey now!

Race is quite correct, Ruki’ said, coming to Race’s defense, We must get on with it, Gor’con.

Yes, yes, I have examined the Queen and it is as I have said.

Oh, come on, now!

I have to agree with Race, Jed insisted, I’m getting a bad feeling about this, myself.

Gor’con released Danielle and motioned to the others, Sit, warm yourselves and I shall tell you.

The group eagerly found a place on a bench and intently listened to the old Sasquatch.

Gor’con took his staff and placed it in front of him. Bracing himself he looked on into the blazing bonfire, The Kron’shulooka is returning to the Rising Star, Antares.

Race quickly asked, But I thought Danielle defeated Dumakas and removed the Blood Spirit?

Yes, Queen Danielle did defeat the Kron’shulooka with her Bron Vis’Ka.

This time Jed was quick to ask, Then what happened that has allowed this blood spirit thing to return?

The Bron Vis’Ka has faded, Gor’con answered, Not completely, but nonetheless, we are losing the Bron Vis’Ka effect.

Losing it? Danielle exclaimed, I thought the Blood Scroll said it would be defeated forever?

"Yes, the Blood Scroll does say this. However, you did not drink of the adolescent’s blood, rather, did you not inject the last dose? You did not ingest it, is that correct?

Yes, I suppose that is correct. I thought it would be faster acting... the beast was going to kill us... she vowed to kill us all, so I had them load it into an injector.

This is an unfortunate turn, Gor’con said, his head lowering.

I’ll say, Race once more interjected, Say, do we have to worry about you turning on us any time soon?

Not until the Bron Vis’Ka is no longer.

But with the return of your Blood Spirit... Danielle began.

... yes, we will once again become the Warlords of Antares.

I knew I had a bad feeling about this, Race said, How long do we have before our welcome is worn out?

Gor’con looked up at Race, We hope to stop the return of the Kron’shulooka.

How you gonna do that? Danielle asked.

"My Queen, we hope to infuse the Bron Vis’Ka into your blood once more. Sit and I shall begin with the tale of old on how our ancestors came into power. We hope to discover a way before it is too late.

The group listened intently as Gor’con prepared to recount the story of his ancient ancestors.

Is this going to take long?

Be not concerned my irritating human friend. We have enough time... for now.

Jolly fun... okay then, Race said, placing his hands on his knees, Let’s have it.

Chapter Two

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Rising Star of Antares

Serintin Palace Courtyard

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The flames from the roaring fire glowed. The fiery blaze flickered their intensity across Gor’con’s face as it warmed him and the entire group.

Race sat by Danielle next to Gor’con, his arm wrapped around her shoulder, So, tell us, Gor’con. How did this happen? How did the Boreshog return to Serintin?

Laboolaron stood closer to the blaze, keeping the wood stoked and the coals stirred with his stick, There is more that Gor’con must tell you.

There’s more? Danielle exclaimed.

Gor’con lowered his head as he somberly nodded, Yes, Laboolaron does tell a truth.

Well, I for one, Race added, can’t wait for this one!

Very well, Gor’con said, looking up into Race’s eyes, You shall wait no longer.

Good, Jed interjected, I think we’re all ears.

Gor’con sat upright and stroked his chin, I fail to understand how you are all ears.

Race leaned across Danielle, It means we’re listening to what you have ta’ say, big guy.

Danielle pushed Race back, Thanks for that, Race. Now will you let Gor’con speak, please?

Sure, sure, sure, I know... I’ll keep quiet... I promise!

Gor’con hesitated a moment to ensure his irritating human friend was finished, Yes... well, you see, Dumakas’ tomb is empty.

In spite of the glowing fire reflecting on Danielle’s face, her color faded with each of his words, How could that be?

Did someone steal his body? Raced asked.

No one has been inside the tomb and his sarcophagus was sealed. However, his body is missing.

You always make it a habit of visiting your dead?

No, Race, Gor’con answered, We did inspect his tomb after the first Boreshog was sighted.

What about Tumaleka’s body? Danielle quizzed the old Sasquatch. Is it still there?

Yes, Tumaleka’s body was still there the last time we looked, Gor’con answered.

When was that? Jed interjected.

Ruki’ spoke up before Gor’con had the chance, I inspected her tomb just yesterday evening, before your arrival tonight.

Have you placed elite guards to ensure no one else goes in there?

Or leaves, Danielle added, glancing over to Race.

Gor’con nodded, Yes, two at the sarcophagus entrance and two at her tomb. We run them in three shifts.

Where are the tombs located?

They are not at the Palace. Rather, they are located five kilometers to the South and West at the Land of Tombs.

It is a dangerous trek with the return of the Boreshog, My Queen, Laboolaron added.

Race looked above the open-air courtyard, What about here? This doesn’t look too safe after our attack on the landing pad!

It is okay, my human friend, Gor’con chuckled, With the power grid online; the Palace’s blue shielding protects the open areas. With exception to the landing pad so shuttles and transports may come and go. That is the only location that is vulnerable.

Good to know, Race smiled, Note to self: avoid the landing pad until we’re leaving! Got it! Next?

I would like to travel to this Land of Tombs, Danielle insisted, Ruki’ will you take us there when the Sun rises on this moon Serintin?

Yes, my Queen, Ruki’ answered, We will travel there... and I see your blood song is already beginning to awaken within.

Why do you say that?

You are beginning to speak with our dialect, my Queen.

Jed’s eyebrows rose before facing Ruki’, Why don’t we just take our shuttle?

This is sacred ground, Admiral, Ruki’ answered. No machines are allowed. Only by foot may we travel to the Land of Tombs.

I’m not really likin’ that prospect, Race gulped, What about the Boreshog?

We will have a troop of elite guard accompanying us on our journey.

Race looked over to Laboolaron, Well, that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy!

Be not worried, my human friend, Akua nodded, As soon as our Queen partakes of the beasts blood spirit, we will not be harmed by the Boreshog.

Just hope nothin’ else out in that jungle will eat us, Race protested.

Only the Mu’Dooth or Gosh’En.

Race slapped his forehead, I’m afraid to ask... but I will anyway...

Yes, my human friend, Gor’con chuckled, We already know you will, indeed, ask. So, I shall tell you.

Race squinted his eyes tight, bracing for what was to come next.

The Gosh’En is similar to a creature of your Earth. It is likened to what you call, a ‘Black Panther.’ Only the Gosh’En is much larger and its front appendages are not legs, rather they are short arms with three fingered hands. Not only could the claw of the ‘En slice your arms from your body, their jaws are fitted with thousands of razor-sharp teeth that could dissect even the largest of Antarians into shreds.

Wonderful, Race gulped, How much larger?

About twice the size of one of our large Howlers.

Race gulped once more, ... and the Mu’Dooth thingy? What, pray tell, is that?

Mu’Dooth is a snake, Laboolaron answered. Nasty bit of creature, that is! I tangled with one or two of them in my day.

Well, you’re still living, Race smiled, At least that’s something?

Laboolaron pulled his loose-fitting sleeve to reveal a chunk of flesh missing from his upper arm, This is one scar from the ‘Dooth.

Ouch, that thing did this to you?

Yes, it was five Ma’Nuta ago. Three of your years, Laboolaron answered, returning his sleeve.

You said that was one. Where’s the other one?

Yes, that one I cannot show you in present company. I am sorry, my Queen. No offence.

None taken, Laboolaron, I can understand.

So, Race began, What about this Gosh’En creature? You ever have a run with that?

No! That is something that should be avoided at all costs.

Second note to self: avoid the Gosh’En at all costs.

We shouldn’t have any worry for the Gosh’En beast. They are night dwellers, mostly. Gor’con laughed.

Again, that’s not making me feel real warm and fuzzy.

Watch for the crawling ‘Dooths. They will hide in the jungle’s canopy and attack from above. They will go for your arms first. Then they will wrap themselves around your torso and consume you headfirst.

How about I just stay here at the Palace, Hmmm? Yeah, I think that’s a great idea, don’t you think so, Admiral?

I need you with us, Race, Jed nodded, Sorry buddy. You have to put on your big-boy pants tomorrow.

Damn!

It will be okay, Colonel, Ruki’ smiled, Stay close to me. I will protect you from the creatures of the Jungle.

Danielle chuckled, That makes two of us, because I’ll be right by both of your sides.

Yes, we all shall stay close together. It will be grueling...

Race’s hand, still firmly planted on his forehead, slid down the side of his face, How grueling?

It is a three to four-hour trek.

Why so long?

You are not acclimated to Serintin’s gravity. The extra pull will cause fatigue if we do not travel slowly, Ruki’ said.

Laboolaron took it up from there, This is not an easy path. There are many ravines, rivers and rocky faced hills, making travel to this scared ground nearly impossible.

Race rested his sliding hand under his chin, I can see why nobody typically goes there, sheesh!

Indeed, that is a truth, my human friend, Gor’con smiled through his snarled teeth.

Danielle snuggled closer to Race’s warm body as she gathered enough courage to ask her next question. Clearing her throat twice, she finally managed to utter the words, So, you expect me to drink more of that blood?

It is the reason your Bron Vis’Ka no longer burns within you.

"You’re saying that, in order to stop the return of the Kron’Shulooka, I have to go through all that again? I don’t know if my body can go through