A New Dawn for Nimara

By Tanya Bourton

Bruno, now twenty one years old, is just about to ask Summer a very important question when both of them are suddenly transported back to Nimara. They learn that the existence of the Gwarks and their planet hangs in the balance. How will the Nimarans react to their forthcoming doom? Could this really be the end of the Gwarks?

All will be revealed and more in this exciting and heart felt final part of the trilogy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Oct 24, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504993302

Tanya Bourton

Tanya Bourton was born on March 17 1973, in Swindon, England. She gained a combined honours degree at the University of North London in English and Theatre Arts. After studying a PGCE course at Warwick University, Tanya became a teacher of English at secondary level in September 1997.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

NEW LEADER, NEW TIMES

THE COMMANDER STARED at the screen and watched as the enemy’s ship was moving towards his planet. All of his men were on standby, ready to fire the moment the ship was in range. As he watched the screen, he placed his hairy hand on the side of his hog like snout and growled to himself. It was now four years after their last battle and since then there seemed to be a sense of peace amongst the planets. This was mainly due to word getting round about the new reputation of the Nimaran people. Who would have thought that such a pathetic nation would be highly respected and indeed feared? The Gwarks were humiliated by their defeat and lost the power of inflicting terror over the other planets in their solar system.

The Commander had no idea whose ship it was or where it came from, but he was certain that is was not coming in peace. What he found most strange about all this is that it looked more like a cargo carrier; what could be on it? He was not going to take any risks. He decided to shoot now and ask questions later.

The Gwark continued to stare at the screen but his thoughts were elsewhere. He could almost feel the skull splitting under his axe as it sliced into the Commander’s head. He could almost smell the sweet and metallic smell of the blood that trickled out of the gaping wound. Best of all, he could remember the way she fell in a heap on the ground, the blood mixing with the dirt. This made him smirk. He had hated the woman intensely. All of the Gwarks had despised her and the way she ruled and because he was the one who got rid of her with the fatal blow, he was made the new Commander. He remembered what he had promised his people that same day, as she lay rotting outside on the dusty ground. ‘New leader, new times. Our nation is free to live as we once did, to govern and terrify the rest of our solar system. We shall never live in fear again!’ Once more he growled. If it was not for the Nimarans, he would have been able to keep his promise.

His face darkened with the memory of talking with the human boy, Bruno and his suggestion of creating peace between the Gwarks and the Nimarans. This proposal only intensified his hatred towards them, especially after being crushed by them so easily. He and his people could only think about seeking retribution and proving that they are the most powerful and fearsome nation in the whole of the universe. The Commander, instead of acting quickly against the cargo ship, got distracted inside his sinister thoughts. His black eyes grew intense and he bared his long, sharp teeth and growled loudly. A red button by the screen began to flash. The cargo ship was within range. The Commander banged his fist on the green button next to the flashing red one which sounded the alarm. All of the men who stood on standby moved into action, prepared to push their button that would launch the missiles from various points of the planet. All were aimed at the cargo ship. After the buttons were pushed, a barrage of missiles sliced through the air and sped towards it. As one of the missiles left the launching bay another was set to be fired. Each one exploded as it hit the ship, ripping bits of metal from it. It seemed impregnable and carried on making its way towards the planet and now almost filled the Commander’s screen. More and more missiles were launched and the flames and clouds of smoke made the cargo ship hardly visible. Suddenly, with one almighty blast, the ship was completely destroyed. There was a huge ball of flames that lit up the black sky and debris was scattered across the whole area. Then a green mist emerged from the flames and dust came down onto the buildings, the ground and into the lungs of the Gwark nation.

Unaware of the fact that this green mist was a deadly poison, the Gwarks failed to protect themselves. Freely the dust settled on their fur and found a way into their skin. Breathing normally, they inhaled the fumes. Tasteless yet deadly, the poison soaked into every fibre of their bodies. The Commander stepped to the window and breathed in the stale and hot Gwark air. He too allowed the poison to work its way into his system.

CHAPTER TWO

HARRY MAKES A DECISION

ROSE WAS QUIETLY sobbing as she gently held Harry’s hand in her own. She looked down at her brother sleeping. His face was gaunt, with hollow cheeks and dark half-moons under his eyes. His lips were slightly parted and his breathing was a whispered sigh. His skin was transparent and thin. Rose could almost see his life slipping through her fingers like grains of sand. She felt frustrated because with all the medical breakthroughs that were made and the abilities to cure almost anything by their doctors, nothing could prevent God from taking one of his children when their time came. Holding his hand she was willing him to live for as long as possible.

The window was open and the beams of light from the two suns and three moons filled the room. Golden glitter made a reflection on the floor. The soft breeze pushed the curtain aside and waltzed inside spreading the fragrance of the exotic flowers. Rose inhaled the air deeply and took comfort from its freshness.

Carefully, she kissed his forehead lovingly and released his hand. Her back was starting to twinge and she needed to sit in the arm chair opposite to relieve the pressure off her aching muscles. Slowly she eased herself down into the cushioned chair and sighed quietly. Once settled, she continued to stare at Harry who appeared to be sleeping soundly.

In the silence, listening to the steady rhythm of the sleeping man’s breathing and the sound of the soft breeze, Rose began to drift off. Her eyes were heavy and swollen from the many sleepless nights and tears she had shed. Harry was the only living relative she had left and they had always been so close. Thinking about losing him caused her heart, literally to break in two.

Since the time Harry fell ill, the atmosphere across the whole of Nimara had grown heavy with sorrow. He was respected and loved by all of his people. Due to his leadership and determination, Nimara was now in its platinum age, everyone lived good and fulfilling lives. Due to their success in two wars, no planet wanted to start a new one against them. They felt safe.

Rose was suddenly pulled out of her light sleep as Harry stirred in his bed and gave a quick groan. She sat up and watched as he pulled the cover up towards his neck and frowned as if he had just tasted something sour. His eyes opened slowly and he murmured, ‘Rose… Rose?’

Rose, jumped out of her seat with energy that she did not know existed in her frail and fatigued body. Holding Harry’s hand once more she gazed down on him and whispered, ‘Hush… my sweet brother, relax.’

However, Harry shook his head agitatedly. It was obvious that he had something very important to say. Knowing his determination and stubborn attitude, she respectfully remained silent and waited to hear what was on his mind.

Harry struggled to swallow and even though Rose offered him the glass of water by his bed side, he pushed it away with a quivering hand.

Rose did not argue with Harry but placed the glass back on the side table and returned her attention on him. His raspy breath became heavy and he gasped for air. He coughed twice, licked his dry lips and then in a thin, quiet voice ordered, ‘Get Charlie.’

Rose frowned and again Harry repeated in a more commanding voice, ‘Get Charlie, now.’

Rose stood up and moved reluctantly towards the door. Before she left the room she glanced back at Harry to make sure that she could leave him on his own for a few moments. He simply smiled and beckoned her to go, waving his frail hand.

Harry listened to the silence and felt the breeze brush against his face. His chest felt heavy as if weighed down by thick lead and every breath he took was like trying to suck air through treacle. He knew that his time was swiftly coming to an end. This did not frighten him at all as he was comforted by his belief that an all loving God would not send anyone to eternal damnation. Thinking back over his own life, he gave a chuckle. There had been some great times but also, there had been much suffering. However, Harry felt that he would not have changed a single moment and that consoled him. The only regret he felt was saying goodbye to Rose. She would be the one who would miss him the most. He loved her dearly.

The silence was broken by the door swishing open and Charlie running in. He collapsed on his knees at the side of Harry’s bed and with wide eyes, looked up in adoration and sorrow at his beloved Master.

‘You called for me,’ was all that Charlie could say. His eyes were moist and puffed. It was clear that he had been crying.

Harry regarded the wonderful person before him and smiled. ‘Yes, I have something very important to tell you.’

Going on one knee and bowing, Charlie answered, ‘Your will is my duty.’ His whole body trembled as he fought back the tears not to upset Harry.

‘I do hope so Charlie, I really do,’ Harry replied quickly and then tried to lift himself up into a sitting position. He did this with a great deal of difficulty and struggle. Even though he grimaced and moaned, Charlie knew better than to offer help. Harry needed his dignity to the end.

‘Charlie, as your leader, I want you to bring Bruno and his friends to me. I would like to say my farewells to them.’ Harry managed to say this through shallow breaths. ‘And, as your friend, I ask you to take over leadership of Nimara.’

Charlie stood up in astonishment and tried to voice his objections. Harry simply closed his eyes and raised his hand. Charlie seeing this, shut up quickly.

‘Charlie, I trust you above many of my friends. You have proved to be loyal, honest and extremely strong, even though you do not know it. You have been through so much and yet you got back on your feet every time. You were responsible for the transportation of the humans and our soldiers to the Gwark planet. You accomplished the challenge successfully in every way. I cannot think of a better leader. My time is short and you must take command straight away. Do not disappoint me.’ Talking for this length of time made Harry break into a cough, but this time he accepted the water when Charlie offered it to him.

He took two gulps and then continued, ‘I wish Simon was still here to be your advisor but the burden of his mistake was too heavy for him to cope with, God rest his soul. I know Rose will be there for you in any way that she possibly can and I am sure Tim will be your faithful friend. However, I trust you to find your own way and be a great leader. I have every faith in you Charlie.’

Charlie listened dumbfounded and could not take in the responsibilities that were laid upon his little shoulders. Stuttering, he whimpered, ‘I will get Bruno and the others for you.’

CHAPTER THREE

FOUR YEARS ON

‘SUMMER, WE HAVE been together for a long time now. We managed to stay together even when you went to University. My job here is steady and the garage is doing better than expected. My dad tells me that within a year, he will make me a joint business partner with him. Little do you know but for some time now I have been saving money. I have enough in the bank to put down for a deposit on a house. OK, it will be small but given time we could build up together. I guess what I really want to say is… Damn that sounds rubbish.’ Bruno was practicing his speech to ask Summer to marry him while he was running his hand through his thick, neatly cut hair. Instead of the roughly spiked style that he once loved, his hair was now shorter and far easier to cope with. This change was more through necessity than choice. From the time he completed his apprenticeship, his father allowed him to take a more active and responsible part in the business to prepare him for the time when it would be his. This kept Bruno completely occupied and gave him little time for himself. If he was not repairing the cars, he was dealing with clients and then before he could call it a day, there was the question of book keeping. It was his job to make sure that they were always in order. Mornings began earlier and evenings finished later. At times he hated his father, especially when he dragged himself home, covered with oil and intoxicated by exhaust fumes. His bathroom always ended up coated in black sludge which had to be carefully washed off before he could take an extra shower to make sure he was completely clean. Still the underlying aroma of petrol remained soaked into his skin. His beloved hairstyle had to go. It was a pain to get rid of the grease and grit that found its way to the scalp and to maximise time for sleep, he needed something easy to cope with. However, as he now faced the mirror in the back room of the garage which served as an office, listening to the blare of the radio and the tap, tap, tapping of metal on metal as his dad was busy fixing a car, he had to admit that it was all worth it. At the age of twenty one he knew exactly where he was heading financially and with his career. He felt ready to take the big step of building a future with the woman that he loved. Once more he looked in the mirror and tried to get his speech right. With a deep intake of breath he began, ‘Summer, there is something I need to ask you. You know that we have been together for a long time and we have always been exclusively a couple…’

‘Sounds like you want to break up with her not marry her son.’ His father had entered the office without Bruno noticing.

‘Dad, I…’ He had gone a deep shade of red that clashed with his hair. ‘I have been meaning to tell you and Mum that I was planning to ask Summer but I just didn’t get round to