Karma (Metatron's Army Chronicles, Book 1)

By Elizabeth Maxim

The War is Over. An alliance formed out of necessity doesn’t erase the fact Isolans cost thousands of Azlaan lives. When warrior Kael of Azur is assigned to protect one as punishment, he learns that there is always more to the story and enemies turned allies have much to offer.

Conflict Isn’t. Her family’s village destroyed in an Azlaan attack, Livia Daru has little reason to trust Azlaans, even if their blood does run through her veins. But duty calls and she is asked to protect not one but two of their elite even as the secrets she holds could cost her her life for doing so.

Penance or Karma? In a post-war universe where nothing is what it seems and everyone wears masks, the two are forced to put aside prejudice or risk plunging their species back into war.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Maxim
• Release date: Apr 3, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463919019

Elizabeth Maxim

If Elizabeth were to map her life’s journey, it would resemble the chaos of a Pac-Man game but out of this chaos came the foundation for her stories. She draws from knowledge, personal experience, and imagination in creating strong independent characters who steer their own destiny... often with a little help from love.Elizabeth studied alternative medicine with an MD for several years before earning a doctorate of philosophy in that field. She also holds a bachelor's degree in holistic childcare. Currently living in the Pacific Northwest, she is the author of multiple books, fiction and nonfiction, as well as two blog sites.You can follow Elizabeth at elizabethmaxim.com.

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Other titles by Elizabeth Maxim

Fiction

Advantage*

Bishop Pair*

Zwischenzug*

Positional Play*

Simultaneous Display*

Pawn Storm*

Dark Bishop*

Pin*

Bind*

Diagonals*

Promotion*

Analysis*

Adjudication *

Metatron’s Legacy*

Cauldron of the Gods^

* Metatron’s Army

^ Dragon Core

Published by Doorways Publishing House

Copyright © 2020 by Elizabeth Maxim

All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher except for the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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CHAPTER ONE

Don’t tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results. – George S. Patton

Azlaan, Vetria System

Azlaan Warrior Compound

Rare were the times Ryn of Azul, Commander of the Azlaan Warrior Forces and senior member of the Dynamic Government found himself surprised. Even rarer did he find himself robbed of speech. The man sitting on the opposite side of his desk had managed to do both.

I take it by your silence you’ll help me?

Before I answer that, he said at last, sparing a moment to look out onto the compound that served as both headquarters and home to the men and women under his command. If he wasn’t mistaken a personal grind between two of them was about to erupt into something more. Not that he was surprised. The two warriors were hotheaded, opinionated, and, not unlike himself, arrogant and while such qualities made them excellent fighters it meant they were prone to disruptive behavior, a problem in the chain of command. Not to mention it was drawing a crowd of people who should be minding their own duties, not spectating.

He’d known for some time he was going to have to do something about the situation but with the Council removed from power and the coalition style government that replaced it newly installed he was busier than ever. It irritated him that much of what time he did have was spent on petty bureaucratic issues, like entertaining requests from diplomats who thought they were more important than they were. Diplomats such as the man waiting patiently for him to continue.

Yes, the war was technically over, but the Twelve Star Systems was vast. There were plenty of pockets of evil that needed to be dealt with. It irritated him that as a leader who knew this, a warrior who could do something about it, he was stuck behind a desk watching his men get into schoolyard spats. He considered. Maybe there was a way to kill two birds with one stone. He turned to the diplomat whose attention was still fixed on him. What’s your interest in the woman?

The man, an Azlaan of indiscriminate age, simply gazed back with eyes that were more orange than golden yellow which told Ryn he was from the outer regions of the planet and thus an unknown quantity. Since the man’s need put Ryn in the driver’s seat of the negotiation, he would overlook that irritation. For the moment. If I’m going to ask one of my people to put their life on the line I need to know why.

It’s a matter of diplomatic governance.

Ryn grunted. Diplomatic governance. Bullshit speak for I don’t have to tell you a damn thing. And though he hadn’t said as much there was no doubt the irritating old man would go to the Azlaan monarch, another irritating old man who happened to be Ryn’s uncle if he pressed the issue. He was about to discuss mission parameters when shouting and a shove alerted him that the time to do something had arrived.

He stood. I need to deal with this. I’ll be right back. At the door he turned. Don’t touch anything. It’s all laser locked.

The diplomat stared coolly, his orange eyes glowing. There isn’t a code I can’t break. Not that you have any secrets I don’t already know.

Deciding the man was bluffing he was about to step through the door when the unknown quantity put a hand to his arm staying him. He glanced at the diplomat’s hand, debated the benefit of teaching him a lesson for daring to touch him.

You can trust me, Ryn of Azul.

Not bothering to respond to such a ridiculous comment he went out to deal with the other irritation of the morning.

* * *

Such an assignment is beneath a warrior of your status Clovis. In accepting it you dishonored your standing.

The words stopped Ryn in his tracks. Curious as to what assignment Kael was referring to, he waited.

I don’t have to explain myself to you.

Your honor should have you -.

Honor has nothing to do with it, Clovis replied, the almost bored tone evidence the senior warrior was far from concerned. I do not respond to fools.

It is not foolish to -.

You are unaware of the mission parameters and yet you judge me. That makes you a fool.

Sound logic, Ryn decided but it still didn’t explain what mission -.

We are not players in one of the Princess’ fairytales.

Ryn raised his eyebrows at that. Fairytales? None of the missions -. Puzzled, he tried to sort it out.

The princess in question was Cirhce of Ivar, graduate of Dynamic Military Academy and leader of Metatron’s Army. Head of the Dynamic Government, she was a princess though he’d never seen it be a problem. A soldier, she’d consistently shown she was more than willing to put her life on the line. He doubted Kael had a personal issue with the leader of the fledgling government. Fairytale, he repeated to himself. He frowned. Was the warrior referring to the playful stories the princess told the children of the Compound?

Cirhce frequently brought her daughter to the Compound to play with Ryn’s nephew who would someday play a role in her government if not her army. The two were often joined by other children who lived on or near the Compound that housed the fierce warriors. He’d heard the playful tales she told, tales of dragons to be slayed and knights whose job it was to protect. What did that have to do with -? Understanding dawned. He stepped forward. I gave him that assignment, Kael. He wondered briefly how the warrior found out about it. If you have an issue with any mission you bring it to me. When the hothead opened his mouth, he pointed. In my office. Now.

* * *

Ryn hauled the senior warrior to his feet.

Thanks, Clovis mumbled as he slapped dust from his lapels.

Ryn smirked. Tough day at the office?

Clovis snarled for the crowd of onlookers to disperse before replying. He was within his rights.

Interesting. Was it possible the two had managed to get to the point they could agree to disagree? He hoped so as it meant he would be able to assign them as a team. He looked to where Kael was stomping his way to the administration building located at the center of the vast compound. That he didn’t understand the full nature of the mission nor what it represented told him his faith in Clovis had not been misplaced. The arrogant warrior had not bragged.

You kept your word.

It said much about his character for it would have been tempting for someone so young and so arrogant to brag about the unique and unusual mission.

I kept my word, but Kael is smart. He deducted the truth on his own. I simply refused to confirm it.

Do you think -?

He will not say anything. That is not why we fought.

Tell me.

He is disappointed because he only sees the actions not the why of them. He feels the actions have compromised my integrity and if there hadn’t been a larger context, he would be right.

Has something happened? If the man was having second thoughts he needed to intervene.

No. I am simply putting myself in Kael’s shoes. For all his strength and intellect, he is young. He lacks experience.

Ryn nodded. I am about to rectify that.

Sorry about the disruption.

As it served a purpose – letting him vent safely? I’ll overlook it. He was going to do more than that.

Generous.

Go get cleaned up then take the rest of the day off.

Clovis cocked his head.

You kept your word. You deserve the day off.

The canny warrior grinned. I was thinking of taking a week.

Ryn regarded him curiously. He’d just let him off from punishment and he was asking for more?

I am rotated off. I was thinking of heading out.

So, the fight happened off hours. For one of them at least. That Clovis hadn’t pointed that out – simply graciously accepted the decision - told Ryn the man before him was indeed maturing. Got a destination in mind?

Catana. Figured I’d do a little gambling.

Spying you mean.

Of course.

The planet’s capital was a gathering point for spies and mercenaries, making it the best place in Vetria if not the Twelve Star Systems to gain information and there was no better place within that capital to go for it than the gaming hells. He handed him a card. I expect a return on my investment.

Oh, you’ll have it, he replied taking the monetary chip. Any particular direction you need me to look?

Not bothering to glance at his office, he nodded, gave a name.

That’s it? Just the name? No planet of origin or current -?

She’s at Dynamic but I don’t think she’s Eolighten.

Good enough. Any idea her field of study?

Interspecies Physiology.

Ryn could see his lieutenant wanted to ask why such an individual would garner his interest but was wise enough to keep his thoughts to himself.

It’ll be done.

Never doubted it, he replied then made for his office to deal with the two irritants inside.

* * *

Chest heaving, Kael stalked past the onlookers - many of whom were smirking - toward the Commander’s office. He was about to go inside when a hand grabbed his arm. Snarl on his face, he turned.

I’d take a moment to center yourself if I were you.

What business is it of yours? he growled at the Azlaan who was Ryn’s assistant.

Watch your tongue young one or I’ll be reminding you who’s the superior warrior. Don’t think I can’t.

No longer able to fight due to an injury sustained during the Light Being Civil War, the elder did deserve his respect. And Kael didn’t doubt he could make good on his threat. That didn’t mean he had to listen to an old man nagging.

I apologize. I will -.

There is someone of importance inside, the warrior – for he was still considered such – interrupted. He, too, deserves your respect. He pointed at the courtyard with a hand that still trembled despite several surgeries. If you don’t want to find yourself demoted or worse you’ll learn to cool your temper. You have a lot of promise, Kael. Don’t waste it.

Thank you for your counsel, he managed. May I go inside? I promise to put on my best manners.

Loga shook his head and stepped back to let him pass. Hot-headed impulsive -.

Were you any different? a voice drawled from the outer doorway.

Is that why we get along so well? he asked his commander. Peas in a pod? When Ryn made to step past he reached out. Ryn.

The tone startled Ryn. It was the tone of an elder about to impart something of import but damned if he could guess what. He glanced at his office door. Was his assistant about to a lecture him on his temper?

Your visitor.

His eyes narrowed. Yes?

There’s more going on than you know or understand.

Isn’t that always the way? In his life at least. Thanks for the head’s up. He made to go in but Loga tightened his grip.

I know him.

He waited.

I’ll not say more but know this. I never expected to see him again and I doubt he realizes I recognize him.

Which meant the man sitting in his office was not a diplomat. Or perhaps he was but that was not all he was.

"There isn’t a code I can’t break." He looked at the door to his office, mentally sighed. A spy. That he could so easily break codes meant that like himself, the diplomat was an Energy Tracker.

All Azlaans had energetic abilities that could be exploited, turned into professional assets. Energy Trackers were able to perceive energy either visually or audibly. In his own case, he detected the subtleties of energetic cohesion visually which meant he should have recognized the energetic resonance in the diplomat. Or perhaps not. Though they were both Azlaan they were from cultures that had diverged over the centuries, their evolutionary paths distinct and separate. Because of the war.

"Thank you for your counsel on the matter. Now may I go inside?"

With another shake of his head, his assistant stepped back to let him pass.

* * *

I take it you two have introduced yourselves? Ryn asked as he went to stand near the window. With the light at his back, even muted as it was, his expression would be hidden, at least partially, giving him a tactical advantage.

We have, the senator confirmed. I assume since he is here this is the one you have chosen?

He is. Did you tell him?

Not wise until I confirmed he was the one, the senator replied then handed a portable communications device to the warrior.

Ryn studied the Azlaan senator. The diplomat’s arrogance had gone far to cover the fact he was a man used to being in charge. Which told Ryn that whoever he was he was a leader, in truth not just a political figurehead. He wondered briefly if he would have been able to detect that had Loga not tipped him off. That he couldn’t answer told him he’d lost sight of the forest for the trees and would do well to consider taking a break himself. But later, after the irritants in his office had been dealt with.

* * *

What’s your interest in this woman? Kael asked handing the missive back to the diplomat. On the whole of it he found diplomats tedious. That he found himself having to babysit one told him his little stunt in the courtyard had cost him. At least he assumed the woman needing protection was another diplomat. It wasn’t possible she was only a student. He may have pissed off his Commander by fighting in the courtyard, but