Hidden City: Vastus, #4

By Jaron Osiar

In this final volume of the Vastus tetralogy, the telepaths have discovered stolen dragons on Vastus and are determined to capture and return them to Mendje.  Humans and shapeshifters fear the telepaths will use the dragons to destroy their suffering civilizations. After generations of fighting, food is scarce in space. Remnants of the battle fleets are gathering around Vastus, desperate for its abundant resources. Those watching over the planet are suspected of treason and could be captured at any moment.

Elaina and Davu have been imprisoned in a strange and unfamiliar place that is nothing like they have ever encountered before.  They discover secrets that have been hidden for generations as they fight to defend their home against ruthless invaders and assassins. The stakes are high as each species looks to this young warrior and her dragon to vanquish their enemies and bring closure to endless war. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jaron Osiar
• Release date: Jun 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201023072

Jaron Osiar

Vastus is a four-book series that is told from multiple perspectives. The series follows a small group of Peace Bringers on an old, crumbling space station who are trying to stop a war by proving peace among their species is possible. They observe dragons, elves, humans, unicorns, and telepaths on a large island. A teen who is part elf, human, and telepath catches the Peace Bringers attention. Unfortunately, conflicts among the cities on Vastus make even desperate Peace Bringers skeptical.

Book preview

Hidden City

Jaron Osiar

Hidden City: Vastus Book 4

Copyright 2022 Jaron Osiar

All rights reserved.

Cover by: Harkalé Linaï

Map by: Justin Donaldson

Contents

Chapter 1: Ship of Gyev Nybin

Chapter 2: Ship of Gyev Nybin

Chapter 3: Ship of Gyev Nybin

Chapter 4: The Tutela

Chapter 5: Vastus Station

Chapter 6: Frialdt

Chapter 7: Clarus

Chapter 8: Vastus Forest

Chapter 9: Bern City

Chapter 10: Vastus Station

Chapter 11: The Aspire

Chapter 12: Bern City

Chapter 13: Bern City

Chapter 14: Bern City

Chapter 15: Bern City

Chapter 16: Bern City

Chapter 17: Vastus Station

Chapter 18: Bern City

Chapter 19: Vastus Station

Chapter 20: Bern City

Chapter 21: Vastus Station

Chapter 22: Bern City

Chapter 23: Bern City

Chapter 24: Bern City

Chapter 25: Bern City

Chapter 26: Bern City

Chapter 27: Vastus Station

Chapter 28: Bern City

Chapter 29: Frialdt

Chapter 30: Vastus Station

Chapter 31: Vastus Station

Chapter 32: Vastus Station

Chapter 33: Glanton

Chapter 34: Vastus Station

Chapter 35: Vastus Station

Chapter 36: Vastus Station

Chapter 37: Reges

Chapter 38: Bern City

Chapter 39: Bern City

Chapter 40: Bern City

Chapter 41: Bern City

Chapter 42: Bern City

Chapter 43: Epilogue

Glossary

Map

Chapter 1:  Ship of Gyev Nybin

Gyev Nybin had no qualms over obliterating another human battleship. When the captain sent a message requesting a conversation, Nybin’s desire for more information was the only reason for delaying his enemies’ destruction. Obviously, Nybin would try to spare the captain for a thorough telepathic interrogation, but why not let the human give him information willingly?

Large brown and orange hallways lined the ship, making Nybin feel he was at home on Mendje. Svilg Xreln’s ship was still connected to Nybin’s because one human battleship couldn’t possibly pose a threat to a full-sized gyev ship. Defeating the humans might result in minor casualties of expendable telepaths, nothing more.

The door to Nybin’s suite slid open as he calmly walked in. He relaxed in his chair, closing his eyes, telepathically studying the odd message the human captain had sent. Perhaps he would take a nap before responding to the captain’s request. Nybin fidgeted. One human battleship was an annoyance. Dozens were hazardous. What if more human ships were on their way?

Sitting straighter, he sent a telepathic request to his computer for a conversation with the human captain. Immediately the computer sent a projection of a human captain directly to Nybin’s mind. The captain had a squarish build that matched his jawline. On top of his head was an appalling amount of hair that reminded Nybin of a pest they had eradicated from Mendje centuries ago.

Nybin’s menacing voice didn’t need to be vocalized. He sent all his communication through the telepathic interface, What do you want?

The captain hesitated. Nybin grew impatient. Humans had no consideration for a valuable telepath’s time. Nybin was about to abandon the idea of conversing with the captain when he spoke, Have you studied the planet below?

A question? The human dared question him? Nybin ignored the human’s question and asked his own, Have you stolen our revgiln egg?

The captain squared his shoulders. We both know you have been aware of the egg’s location since it left Mendje. We never touched it.

What do you want?

. . . I am sending you the coordinates for a warrior who is a mixture of human, shapeshifter, and telepath. She is working with humans and telepaths on the surface to fight several tyrants.

Shapeshifter tyrants?

I am ashamed to say they are mostly human, though some are also part telepath.

Nybin scrunched his forehead. Why are you telling me this?

We are hoping for a ceasefire that will allow all of us to study Vastus.

What is the point of a ceasefire?

A chance for peace.

You want to have peace talks?

Yes. Examine these coordinates if you want to know more about the hybrid I mentioned. Her name is Elaina, and she has a revgiln called Davu.

Nybin abruptly closed the connection, his gray eyes intense as he analyzed what was said. He dismissed the idea that humans would comply with a ceasefire as more human trickery. Could a human who was part telepath exist? No. Obviously it was part of another human plot.

The revgiln, on the other hand, intrigued Nybin. How did Vastus acquire revgiln? Who was controlling it? Were there more revgiln or perhaps revgiln eggs? Someone on Vastus must have hatched the revgiln from an egg. It would have been impossible for humans to capture a hatched revgiln. If humans planned to control the revgiln, they would surely fail. Humans and their piddly technology didn’t stand a chance against the deranged, wild beast. Only powerful telepaths could control them.

Rumors of renegade revgiln might be true. Nybin followed a worthless telepath named Otayn who led him and his crew directly to Vastus, making it easier for Nybin to investigate.

Humans were always trying to divert a telepath’s attention from the most important parts of a situation. Before viewing the coordinates, Nybin scanned the planet for telepaths. Though the computer couldn’t immediately decipher a human from a shapeshifter, it could detect the use of significant amounts of telepathy.

Locating a large group of telepaths was a simple task. Nybin’s forehead scrunched in concentration. Rumors of the planet were true. Thousands of telepaths sat around campfires or wandered into tents. Wooden carts were scattered around partially built homes, surrounded by towering trees. Glinirv relaxed in wooden pens while a strange animal with long fur lazily munched on flowing grass.

To make sure Nybin wasn’t missing something obvious, he took a quick glance at the coordinates the captain sent. Nybin gaped at an image the computer sent to his mind of a young revgiln with wings and a warrior on its back, landing amongst scattered homes that were under construction.

Without glancing at oblivious shapeshifters around the city, Nybin studied the revgiln. Where was the vierd, the revgiln controller? This question alone warranted further study. Only a full telepath could be a Vierd. Who was the warrior? Her ears were large and looked more like a shapeshifter’s. Her eyes were yellow. Did humans have yellow eyes? Nybin couldn’t recall if they did.

Nybin telepathically ordered Vierd Sryel and Svilg Xreln to meet him in the interrogation prison. He ordered the computer to scan the revgiln and determine its age. Before the others arrived, the computer informed Nybin the revgiln had only hatched months ago.

Over a hundred fifty years ago, Vastus time, a disease killed sixteen revgiln before they hatched. The disease was rumored to dissolve a revgiln from inside the shell outward, leaving nothing but white dust behind. Interestingly, the age of the revgiln was reasonably consistent with the age some of the revgiln would be if their eggs hadn’t dissolved. Time discrepancies were common in space. A few decades were easy to account for.

Nybin stormed into the hallway. Telepaths under his command stepped aside to let him pass, their eyes darting around nervously. Nybin snapped, Prepare for battle.

Telepath attackers scampered into the bunk room to collect their meager weapons.

Svilg Xreln arrived in the interrogation prison. Black tints at the peak of pronounced ridges surrounding Svilg Xreln’s head wrinkled in concentration. His wide mouth turned into a frown at an image the computer sent to his mind of a revgiln flying over a forest, thick with blue, green, and purple leaves. What a strange planet. The abundant plant and animal life was confusing and disturbing.

Vierd Sryel arrived, the ridges around her head forming deep, orange grooves. What is a revgiln doing here? I thought only thirteen were left aside from mine. We don’t have a revgiln this size.

Do you recall the revgiln eggs that died from disease one hundred fifty years ago.

Yes. The disease killed the revgiln while they were still in their eggs.

No, it didn’t. We were tricked into thinking the revgiln died. It was probably another human plot.

Vierd Sryel peered more closely at the revgiln. Who is the vierd?

I’m not sure. No telepaths are nearby. I have been told that person is part telepath. She looks young for a human. Maybe she’s a shapeshifter. Nybin showed Vierd Sryel and Svilg Xreln footage of a warrior with long, black hair.

Vierd Sryel laughed menacingly. You think that thing is the vierd?

Of course not.

No one would ride on a revgiln unless they could control it.

It’s impossible for a human or a shapeshifter to control a revgiln. Even if she is part telepath, which I find difficult to accept, a part telepath who looks human can’t have a telepathic score above five. The human captain claimed she had a revgiln.

Vierd Sryel scoffed. It’s fortunate the revgiln is still young or she would have lost control by now. Finding a new vierd will be doing her a favor.

A hybrid can’t be a true vierd. Let’s gain more information about the revgiln from her.

Nybin requested the observer to scan the telepaths’ growing city. Is that . . . That’s another revgiln! How many are in this city?

The projection zoomed out, revealing two baby revgiln soaring over the telepaths. Nybin gaped at the projection in his mind. The other two revgiln are smaller than the first revgiln we located.

Vierd Sryel scrunched her forehead. Is the egg we tracked in our possession?

It’s on the space station. Humans claim they want to have peace talks.

More human trickery?

Obviously.

Svilg Xreln frowned. We should separate my svilg ship and move your gyev ship to a safer distance.

Nybin chortled. Why? Do you fear one human battleship?

No. Other battleships may arrive.

Watch for them. I want to discuss this . . . person and our people on the surface. More of our ships are on their way.

Svilg Xreln ordered the observer to zoom out, giving a better view of the telepath city. Even if they are all weak telepaths, their addition to our numbers can make a difference in the war.

We must grasp every advantage we can. Take telepathic readings on the children of the svilg and gyev to determine their telepathic score. That will give us an estimate of how powerful their parents are without alerting them to our presence.

Do you want telepathic readings on the person riding the revgiln?

Even if humans are correct and she is a hybrid, she can’t be a real telepath. Don’t waste our valuable time.

Svilg Xreln scanned the area for telepaths wearing black, orange, and gray uniforms, marking them as gyev and svilg, the most powerful telepaths in the camp. He located some young telepaths who seemed to be the children and grandchildren of a family talking outside a house, wearing mostly gyev and svilg uniforms.

Nybin’s ship was on the other side of the planet from the telepath settlement and the readings required time. They all watched while the computer sent to their mind a projection of the human battleship, scans of the telepath children echoing in their minds.

Svilg Xreln mumbled, All the children around this campfire have the potential to be powerful svilg, vierd, and gyev.

The telepath family we scanned has lots of children, almost enough to guarantee we will win the war, especially if you add the revgiln.

We will destroy all other life on the planet to make sure humans and shapeshifters don’t add to their numbers as well. First, we need to find the revgiln eggs and gather animals to supplement our food supplies. Bring that person . . . Elaina aboard for an interrogation.

Svilg Xreln studied the image. Do you want the revgiln on board?

What are the risks, Vierd Sryel?

It would be impossible for a revgiln his age to break through the basic barrier in the interrogation prison. A fully grown revgiln could, but that one is still a baby.

What do you think, Svilg Xreln?

Elaina is primitive. What trouble can a child with a sword cause?

Very well. Vierd Sryel will make arrangements for the revgiln.

A weak Vierd is training on board. He can try a connection.

How long has he been training?

About forty years.

Nybin nodded. It would be best for him to wait, but this is an unusual situation. A telepathic connection to the revgiln must be created immediately. Has anyone seen evidence of the revgiln being deranged?

Vierd Sryel slowly shook her head. The vierd must be somewhere nearby.

We all know it is harder for a vierd to control a revgiln that is severely deranged. Tell the vierd to prepare for a new connection. It will be a difficult one.

A tiny projection of Elaina and her revgiln flew north, over the trees, oblivious that she was the center of attention on a gyev ship, a space station, and a human battleship.

Nybin glanced at Svilg Xreln. I want that thing awake immediately after she arrives in the interrogation prison.

Svilg Xreln overrode the automatic anesthesia dosage then programmed a small amount that was sure to knock Elaina out when she was transported aboard while making it easy to wake her with a stimulant. Seconds later Elaina and the revgiln appeared in the SRET room, unconscious. Elaina slipped off her revgiln and fell to the floor, her eyes closed.

Svilg Xreln stepped out of the interrogation prison, down a tall, wide, brown hallway then into the SRET room. Vierd Sryel followed. A grinding noise made Nybin cringe. Vierd Sryel was pushing against the revgiln’s wings. What should we do with these? This revgiln isn’t newly hatched anymore.

Nybin glared at the wings. We’ll figure out how to sever them after we arrive on Mendje.

Vierd Sryel impatiently waved at her revgiln. Get the revgiln into the interrogation prison immediately.

Obediently, the revgiln of Vierd Sryel fastened the smaller revgiln’s tail in her mouth, dragging him into the interrogation room, making the hallways screech in protest over the sharp, growing horns.

A doctor responded to Svilg Xreln’s call and came to the SRET room with a hover stretcher. He shoved Elaina onto the stretcher then turned on a basic shield to prevent her from falling off and protect himself should she awaken.

Nybin ordered the basic barrier in the interrogation room to engage. A bronze wall rose from the floor and locked in place, enclosing the child and the revgiln in an otherwise empty room. The shield around the medical bed collapsed.

All humans had to be somewhat conscious for an interrogation. Svilg Xreln added a stimulant to the air in the interrogation prison. Elaina’s eyes shot wide open in panic, her head moving about as she searched the prison. The revgiln groggily raised his head from the floor while Elaina climbed back on.

The three telepaths on the other side of the barrier exchanged surprised glances. Did you wake the revgiln, Svilg Xreln?

No. Did you Vierd Sryel?

Why would I do that? I have no reason to want that revgiln awake. Gyev Nybin?

Obviously, I didn’t wake the revgiln.

It must be a fluke. Did you adjust the revgiln’s anesthesia?

Of course not. The revgiln needed sufficient anesthesia or it would have been completely ineffective.

It must have been a computer error. We will have it repaired after we return.

It seems strange. I detect some telepathy from the child.

Yes. Perhaps she is a hybrid. Let’s move on with the interrogation. Her name is Elaina. She calls the revgiln Davu.

The small projection of Elaina huddled around Davu’s smooth horn peaked Nybin’s interest. He tapped his fingertips on a ridge that wrapped around the side of his head, gently probing Elaina’s mind. Much to his surprise, he was immediately and easily blocked. Can you make it through her block, Svilg Xreln?

A ridge on Svilg Xreln’s neck stuck out as he concentrated on the strange hybrid. How . . .

How can she be a strong telepath?

Precisely.

She can’t be a strong telepath. It must be human trickery.

Does it seem like human trickery Svilg Xreln?

. . . No.

Nybin tried once again to make it through Elaina’s block. Much to his dismay, he couldn’t interrogate her from outside the prison. Make all necessary plans for the interrogation to determine the location of the revgiln eggs. Regardless of why this . . . hybrid is a strong telepath, we are now required to bring her to Mendje. A strong telepath with her genetic background must be investigated. Make certain she survives. I must answer to Gyevt Taven if she dies.

Svilg Xreln’s eyes narrowed. I’ll get to work on it later. We should discuss other plans, before more humans arrive and destroy the telepath settlement. You know how humans are. They take every advantage.

If we lose valuable telepaths for failing to protect them, I will be investigated by all the gyev.

Vierd Sryel, Svilg Xreln, and Nybin determined it would be easy for them to destroy Vastus Station and the human battleship, but they wanted to be certain the egg on the station was in their hands again, and they wanted to search for any revgiln eggs that might be on Vastus.

The second gyev ship wouldn’t arrive for several hours. Nybin’s ship continuously scanned space for more human ships. The area was clear.

Will you oblige the humans and attempt peace talks? Vierd Sryel asked.

Peace talks are pointless. Humans will never stick with any agreement we make.

Vierd Sryel sniffed with antipathy. Why does this hybrid cling to the revgiln that way. Is she emotionally attached to the senseless beast?

Svilg Xreln’s eyes narrowed. Possibly.

Vierd Sryel shrugged her bony shoulders. The child will not be our concern for long. She only needs to make it to Mendje. Surely the gyev won’t allow a child like her to survive.

Svilg Xreln scrunched his forehead. Unless we can recruit her.

Recruit a part human?

We now have her telepathic score.

Vierd Sryel scoffed, And you believe it?

Svilg Xreln leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. We can’t interrogate her from here, she likely awoke the revgiln, and the computer says her telepathic score is four hundred forty-three. For her age, she’s a strong telepath. We can’t kill her unless she proves to be a traitor. At this point, we have no evidence that she is our enemy.

I suppose our rules don’t make an exception for strong telepath hybrids.

Why would we have laws concerning part telepaths? Vierd Elaina is the first part telepath we have seen.

You have the nerve to call her Vierd Elaina?

She is obviously the revgiln controller and is sufficiently powerful to be a vierd. You know our rules. Vierd Elaina should be addressed by her title.

Vierd Sryel scrunched her forehead. Fine.

Nybin studied the image of Vierd Elaina and Davu . . . No. Not Davu. The revgiln of Vierd Elaina. Soon Vierd Elaina would understand that beasts weren’t named. They were owned by the vierd. This day has certainly been interesting. The revgiln will soon return to Mendje where they belong, and we will have enough powerful telepaths to easily win the war.

Chapter 2:  Ship of Gyev Nybin

The wide room Vierd Sryel, Svilg Xreln, and Gyev Nybin gathered in was built to accommodate revgiln. It was near the main door on Gyev Nybin’s well-controlled ship. Dispensable telepaths were required to remain in the bunkroom prior to battle and whenever the gyev wanted silence.

The revgiln of Vierd Sryel couldn’t see Vierd Elaina in the interrogation room. Revgiln were not capable of using the telepathic viewer, nor were they allowed access, but she was apprehensively listening to the conversation among the telepath leaders when she could.

Centuries ago, the revgiln from Mendje discovered they could use telepath enhancers on board telepath ships to speak with each other. They were always cautious to ensure the telepaths would not discover what the revgiln were capable of. Fortunately, telepath enhancers didn’t require physical contact. They only needed a sufficiently strong telepath to reach the enhancer. The signal could then be sent over long distances. Some telepath attackers used them briefly to contact family and friends on other ships or telepath stations. Svilg and gyev didn’t regulate telepath enhancers because only telepaths could use them.

The telepath enhancers were designed for Mendje telepaths, not revgiln. It wasn’t possible for the revgiln to pass images between each other. They must resort to clumsy, human speech. They also couldn’t pass emotions to each other, the way telepaths could. Still, they only needed to send a message.

It was fortunate that all revgiln had enough telepathic strength to reach the enhancer when they were placed on a svilg or vierd ship. The revgiln of Vierd Sryel collaborated with the remaining revgiln in space, annoyed by constant delays in their conversation during her urgent situation. She analyzed what the telepath leaders said, informing the revgiln who were available of all she saw and heard. Those revgiln contacted others who were beyond the revgiln of Vierd Sryel’s reach.

After deliberating over her situation, the revgiln of Vierd Sryel cautiously communicated with the captured revgiln, Is the telepath with you a vierd?

Davu’s confusion was obvious. A what?

The revgiln controller?

What’s a revgiln?

The revgiln of Vierd Sryel heard Davu relay the question to Vierd Elaina who seemed even more confused than Davu. I’ve never heard of a vierd. What are revgiln?

How strange that Davu immediately contacted Vierd Elaina. Davu’s trust in her was obvious because Davu wasn’t blocking his emotions. Should she speak with the strange telepath? It seemed risky, but the Revgiln of Vierd Sryel understood she must take a chance eventually, and she couldn’t think of a better candidate. Vierd Elaina was different from other telepaths. She didn’t dismiss Davu as the other telepaths did. Watching Davu and Vierd Elaina interact through Davu’s eyes gave the Revgiln of Vierd Sryel courage and hope. She must investigate the matter.

Reluctantly, the revgiln of Vierd Sryel responded to Vierd Elaina in hopes of gaining more understanding of the hybrid. What do you call the beast in the room with you?

Beast? What beast?

The one I spoke to.

. . . Do you mean Davu? He isn’t a beast. He’s a dragon.

How strange to willingly speak with a telepath! Was she making a mistake? The revgiln of Vierd Sryel sensed kindness in Vierd Elaina’s voice, a unique experience. Maybe. Are you the dragon controller?

Why would I be the controller?

We are companions, Davu explained.

Vierd Elaina paused. You’re a dragon as well, aren’t you? I can sense a difference in your telepathy.

The revgiln of Vierd Sryel didn’t want to call herself a revgiln. A dragon sounded fitting and free. Yes.

I didn’t know of a dragon older than Davu. We must be far from Bern City. How did we arrive here?

The revgiln of Vierd Sryel rested her head on the floor. I can best describe where you are as a different continent.

I cannot contact even Ranvir or Bijan.

The revgiln of Vierd Sryel hesitantly explained, Only a joined connection can reach this far without an enhancer. Who are Ranvir and Bijan?

Friends of mine.

Are they revgiln?

That’s your word for a dragon, right?

Yes.

One is a dragon, the other is a dragon companion.

You speak to me differently than other the vierd do.

I don’t even know what a vierd is. How should I speak with you? Have I offended you?

Offended me?

This is how Davu and I talk.

Your dragon has a name?

Of course, he has a name. Why wouldn’t he?

You named him?

Davu chose his own name.

You allowed him to choose a name?

Why shouldn’t he choose his own name?

The revgiln of Vierd Sryel could sense Vierd . . . No. Not vierd . . . Elaina’s confusion. No vierd cared about revgiln, nor did they communicate with revgiln as if they were good friends. Elaina couldn’t be a vierd.

It was also obvious that Elaina cared about Davu, because she could sense their congenial bond when they spoke to each other. The revgiln of Vierd Sryel carefully investigated further. You do not give your revgiln orders?

When we are in battle I do, but we work together. He gives me orders too if he sees something dangerous and doesn’t have time to explain what is happening. We study strategy together and help each other.

You do not send your dragon into situations when you know he will die?

What a horrid idea! Davu and Ranvir are my best friends.

Elaina would never put me in a situation she knew would result in my death, Davu said firmly. On the contrary, she has protected me several times.

Who is Ranvir?

He’s . . . Elaina began. He’s my boyfriend.

Is he a hybrid, like you?

Yes.

Shock coursed through the revgiln of Vierd Sryel. How could Elaina compare Davu to another hybrid who must be her equal. Does your companion care about you, Davu?

Yes. Davu showed the revgiln of Vierd Sryel fleeting memories of defending Bern City with Elaina and how they spent their days. The revgiln of Vierd Sryel listened enviously, imagining Davu and Elaina flying through the sky. An aching in the revgiln’s back reminded her of the wings her vierd severed the day she hatched to make way for a propulsion pack that would enable her to maneuver in space. She had never flown the way Davu did. What would it be like to fly freely through the air?

Elaina’s anxiety revealed to the revgiln of Vierd Sryel that she was not oblivious of the danger she was in. These questions seem strange to me. What is happening?

You are being held captive, The revgiln of Vierd Sryel explained.

. . . Are you an interrogator?

The revgiln of Vierd Sryel almost laughed, a foreign sensation for her. No. Revgiln cannot be interrogators.

Why not?

We aren’t allowed.

Are you a captive?

Yes.

If we escape, can you create a telepathic connection with someone else?

Can I make a connection?

The way Davu created a telepathic connection with me.

Davu chose you as a companion?

Yes. Don’t you have a companion?

No. Only a controller.

How do you remain sane?

Sane?

Yes. How do you protect yourself from episodes of insanity?

I don’t understand.

Do you have occasions when you can’t think clearly or struggle to control yourself?

Yes. When we struggle, telepaths say we are deranged.

Deranged?

Yes. If I become deranged my vierd forces me back to her will.

That doesn’t sound like a mutually beneficial arrangement at all!

The revgiln of Vierd Sryel noticed Elaina’s pity. It was astonishing that a strong telepath was concerned for her welfare. Yet Elaina wasn’t a Mendje telepath. She was only part telepath and looked more human, from what the revgiln of Vierd Sryel recalled while hauling Davu into the interrogation room. The revgiln of Vierd Sryel noted a familiar sensation that made her want to lash out against her vierd. Elaina was right. Having a controller was not mutually beneficial.

The revgiln of Vierd Sryel continued her questioning, How many dragons died before you successfully hatched a dragon who lived through its first month of life?

None, of course! Davu hatched for me because he wanted to. Only one dragon has died on Vastus. Kaida hatched without a telepath companion and became insane. She died protecting us all. We take good care of the dragons who hatched during the first month of their life.

The other dragon companions didn’t kill a revgiln while trying hatch them?

None of the dragon warriors have killed a dragon! Dragons are valuable citizens of the southern cities. Dragon warriors and their companions help each other, and the rest of our people.

How do you help the dragons?

We keep them telepathically stable.

How do you keep Davu stable?

Through our telepathic connection, Davu is always stable. I don’t have to force him to calm down. He’s fine while our telepathic connection is strong.

Davu interrupted, Elaina spent hours every day teaching me to hunt and kill animals for food. We study together and learn together. Elaina helps me protect the eggs and I help her protect the southern cities. She has never tried to control me.

Why are dragons helping the telepaths.

Humans are forming an alliance with some telepaths to fight criminals. We are all working together, but no dragon has a full telepath as a companion. The other companions were all human.

The revgiln of Vierd Sryel could not have been more determined to follow through with her plans. I am going to free you and ensure the safety of the other revgiln on the planet. Will you take care of them for us?

Elaina paused. It sounds as though your plan is dangerous. Will you be okay?

You worry about us?

Why wouldn’t I?

Our greatest hopes have come true. Follow my lead, and you will be safe once again.

. . . Okay.

The revgiln of Vierd Sryel laid her head down in the bland room and closed her eyes, concentrating on collaborating with the remaining revgiln. The captive revgiln were determined to break free.

The telepaths never suspected the revgiln would turn on them. After all, if the revgiln were to survive, they needed telepaths. The last five telepath battleships held thirteen Mendje revgiln. Three revgiln lived on the Mendje surface, the telepath’s home planet. Some of the revgiln eggs on Mendje might be harmed in their plan, but only one in five revgiln survived through the hatching process and their first three weeks of life. The revgiln who did survive were permanent slaves to their vierd. The revgiln had little to lose and much to gain.

The revgiln had all dreamed of freedom and lashing out against their masters. The revgiln of Vierd Sryel had spent her life dreaming of how she could take out a gyev ship by herself. Despite Vierd Sryel’s dominion over her revgiln, Vierd Sryel did not know her revgiln would attack the ship holding her as she made plans to take back the revgiln eggs. When a revgiln was deranged, the vierd had at least a few seconds to brace themselves for a telepathic battle. All the vierd were well-trained in forcing the revgiln under their control, preventing the revgiln from thrashing around uncontrollably. At the moment, Vierd Sryel had no warning because the revgiln of Vierd Sryel was not deranged. She was making a conscious decision to save the Vastus revgiln.

Svilg Xreln and Gyev Nybin never suspected something was about to go terribly wrong as they considered what interrogation method to use on the hybrid who was clinging to her revgiln and how many svilg should aid in the interrogation. Gyev Nybin didn’t imagine his ship would be attacked by an enemy more powerful than the human battleship aiming weapons at them, an enemy that lived within the gyev ship’s walls, patiently waiting for an opportunity.

Like a bolt of lightning on a clear day, the revgiln revolt began. The revgiln of Vierd Sryel knew from watching the wall that the prison shield was not engaged. Obviously Gyev Nybin didn’t see Elaina as the threat she was. Only a basic prison door slid closed after Elaina and Davu were placed in prison. Before taking out the door, another task must be completed, a task the Revgiln of Vierd Sryel had waited her entire life to execute.

The revgiln of Vierd Sryel thrashed her tail at Vierd Sryel, knocking her to the floor, killing her instantly. She scrambled down the hallway and slammed her tail into the wall holding Elaina and Davu captive. Door fragments rumbled across the room. The revgiln of Vierd Sryel noticed Elaina telepathically connect to her, allowing the Revgiln of Vierd Sryel to understand Elaina’s thoughts. In order to succeed, Elaina knew they must work together.

It was a strange sensation, voluntarily working with a telepath, rather than being ordered and forced into action. Finally understanding how much she had missed through her life under a cruel controller’s rule, the revgiln of Vierd Sryel fought with more vigor and determination than before.

Elaina used a shield to protect herself then pulled a steel dagger from its scabbard in her shoe. When her eyes scanned the revgiln of Vierd Sryel, Elaina paused, filled with sorrow and disgust. Who would take a dragon’s wings?

Arrogant oppressors. Hurry!

Through the jagged hole Elaina and Davu fled. Fire from the Revgiln of Vierd Sryel filled the room, making it impossible for Gyev Nybin and Svilg Xreln to see. Elaina used a shield to protect herself from the flames. Davu pushed through intense flares that wrapped around his knees, unharmed.

All svilg were trained to fight a revgiln when necessary. The revgiln of Vierd Sryel reprimanded herself for not taking out the svilg when she killed her vierd. Svilg Xreln didn’t need to see the revgiln to attack telepathically. The revgiln of Vierd Sryel groaned as she struggled to fight off Svilg Xreln. Help me, Elaina.

Immediately, Elaina tossed a steel dagger into Svilg Xreln’s chest. The Revgiln of Vierd Sryel then flung her tail at Svilg Xreln to ensure he could not interfere with her plans. Gyev Nybin peered at Vierd Sryel and Svilg Xreln in shock. He raised his hyinth, firing at Elaina on full power.

Elaina formed an invisible shield in front of her, squinting her eyes to see more clearly through the orange glow. Though the revgiln of Vierd Sryel knew Elaina couldn’t see anything come toward her, Elaina sensed the laser hit her shield then reverse direction to the shooter. Gyev Nybin fell to the floor, lifeless. Was it possible for telepaths of such power to be fragile?

Anger, resentment, shock and excitement over seeing how easily telepaths were killed made it difficult for the revgiln of Vierd Sryel to concentrate. Struggling to regain her composure, she vaguely recalled the plans she had made.

The revgiln of Vierd Sryel led Elaina and Davu down the hall then burst open the door to the engine room. Fire from the revgiln of Vierd Sryel’s mouth engulfed the room, wrapping around the central engine core and destroying all hope of piloting the gyev ship. She slammed her tail into the chamber holding the engines’ exotic matter, making sure to leave all controls and exotic material for gravity on the ship in place.

Elaina and Davu scanned the orange and brown hallway, trying to decide where to go next.

In here! Revgiln of Vierd Sryel called.

The SRET room was open. Why wouldn’t it be? Only svilg, gyev, and vierd could use it. Elaina rolled through the smoke. The revgiln of Vierd Sryel and Davu thrashed their tails at two svilg who ran into the SRET room in hopes of being transported away. Elaina jumped off a shield then over a telepath. Her hair grazed the ceiling as she threw her dagger in the center of a svilg who arrived in the doorway. Elaina pulled her steel dagger out of the telepath. Davu and the revgiln of Vierd Sryel killed the remaining telepaths in the room with a simple swipe of their tails. Telepaths tumbled through the fire then clanged against the wall.

The revgiln of Vierd Sryel swished her tail over a blue circle in the middle of the SRET room. Tell the SRET where to transport you.

Elaina shook her head in confusion. What?

Tell the SRET telepathically.

Elaina gulped. I don’t know how. Who am I supposed to talk to?

If you don’t know how to talk to the SRET, we’re all dead! Without you our revolt will fail, and we will only survive as slaves. Why didn’t I figure out how to get you home?

Elaina closed her eyes, concentrating on the room, following the revgiln of Vierd Sryel’s directions. She searched for a telepathic interface, something that could follow her commands but wasn’t alive. With all her might, Elaina thought, Send me back to where I was.

The ship denied Elaina access to the SRET. The revgiln of Vierd Sryel listened carefully to Elaina’s thoughts. Elaina was unfamiliar with the technology and where she was. Without knowledge of her surroundings, she was lost concerning what she should do. Ideas raced through her mind. She hoped the revgiln of Vierd Sryel would help her contrive a plan. She couldn’t win a battle against an army of svilg. Elaina was certain she was only still alive because she had the element of surprise on her side.

Explosions rocked the ship, sending a blaze toward Elaina. Searing flames wrapped around her shield flicking its way around her body. White flames erupted around Elaina. She was sure that death found her when she felt herself drifting. Darkness engulfed her, bringing an end to Elaina’s agony.

The revgiln of Vierd Sryel didn’t know where the SRET sent Elaina and Davu. Was she still alive? Hope of their young revgiln finding companions was better than slavery. Even if Elaina didn’t make it back to Vastus or survive, there must be a way to find more dragon companions. It might take decades, but the revgiln of Vierd Sryel desperately clung to hope. The revgiln of Vierd Sryel couldn’t stand the thought of all the baby revgiln living the life she had endured. The gyev and svilg ships must be destroyed.

The revgiln of Vierd Sryel attacked weak structural points along the outside walls, creating catastrophic breaches, adding to the chaos. She incinerated dividing walls between the hallway and telepath suites, broke into the environmental control room, then tore apart life support systems with the lethal horns on her tail. Finally, she returned to the engine room and pounded through the wall near the emergency shield until she broke through to the shield generator. She tore apart the generator with her teeth then stormed into the engine room where she released the exotic matter that controlled gravity aboard the ship. No one was going to stop the revgiln of Vierd Sryel, not even a fragile telepath.

Chapter 3:  Ship of Gyev Nybin

When the revgiln revolt began, the Revgiln of Vierd Vildn was waiting by his vierd near Svilg Xreln’s ship. An older revgiln, he had spent his life observing ships and telepaths, planning and conspiring. His first act in the revgiln revolt was to dispose of his vierd, a task completed with a simple swipe of his tail. His vierd didn’t have time to consider defending himself.

The revgiln of Vierd Vildn tore through the door connecting the svilg ship to the gyev ship and stormed down the hallway, destroying the shield generators. Attackers on the ship cried out, Where is Svilg Xreln?

I can’t contact him.

The revgiln of Vierd Vildn roared. The telepath’s horror ricocheted around the room. It was satisfying to see their roles easily reversed. He roared again, with a fury that had accumulated from centuries of slavery and oppression. The revgiln of Vierd Vildn felt himself snap. Through his hazy mind he knew the idea that revgiln became deranged was not a myth. He shook his head, trying to regain himself after letting loose his frustrations. He must focus, a task that was more difficult without his vierd.

Despite his attempts to control himself, the revgiln of Vierd Vildn knew he was not in complete control. His entire frame shook, his tail struggling to follow through with what was necessary.

Telepath attackers tried to hide behind stacked beds, firing an array of lasers at the revgiln of Vierd Vildn, making his scales burn in protest. The revgiln of Vierd Vildn slammed his tail against the floor, making the ship tremble. Before the telepaths could regain their footing, he roared an immense fire at the helpless attackers.

The revgiln of Vierd Vildn left the attacker’s bunkroom in flames then charged onto Gyev Nybin’s ship, straight through the walls, leaving gaping holes that not even the emergency shields could patch. On his way through the wall, he smashed the emergency shield generators. He charged the YAG cannons, obliterating them with his tail and setting them ablaze.

A svilg probed the revgiln of Vierd Vildn’s mind, making the revgiln quake with fear. With all his might the revgiln of Vierd Vildn fought against the svilg’s attempt to control him. Flames from the revgiln’s mouth skipped across the ship. Agony from the svilg who dared attack surrounded the revgiln of Vierd Vildn as the svilg fell into the inferno. How satisfying to sense the svilg’s power dissipate in the flames!

The Revgiln of Vierd Vildn made his way to the chemical supplies. From past assignments, he knew many maintenance supplies were fire hazards. He found the flammable section then watched with satisfaction as his first voluntary assignment came to a catastrophic end. The svilg and gyev ships were helpless against a series of explosions that spewed hazardous chemicals and flames, making the walls buckle in protest until even aurium couldn’t withstand the force.

The Revgiln of Vierd Vildn had lived with constant pain. He hardly noticed the rubble that tore through his scales. With only minutes left to live, his days of pain would soon be gone. The revgiln of Vierd Vildn was finally free.

When the ship exploded, the revgiln of Vierd Vildn found the revgiln of Vierd Sryel floating amidst drifting, hazardous rubble. Though revgiln could hold their breath for hours, both revgiln were injured in the attack. With his tail, the revgiln of Vierd Vildn haltingly flicked a container that was clearly marked as flammable into the dying flames. The svilg ship exploded, brightening his scales. Pushing his hind legs off debris, he drifted toward the revgiln of Vierd Sryel. Together they watched the flames dissipate.

Being free for the first time in their lives was supposed to be a relief, but both revgiln noticed their minds slipping away. Their tails flung wildly as their heads twitched. They struggled to think clearly a little longer and managed to find a telepath enhancer to savor the last moments of their lives.

An egg that once belonged to the revgiln of Vierd Sryel waited in a cave on a mountain near Bern City for a companion, not a Vierd. The revgiln of Vierd Sryel didn’t want Onella to know about her severed wings or the horrid deeds she did at her vierd’s orders. Instead, she listened to Onella speak with the other dragons. Onella could wait for several years before hatching and was content to wait for a companion that would suit her. Until then Onella would listen to stories from the hatched dragons. One day, she was certain, Elaina would find a suitable companion and she would be free of the egg that protected her while she waited for her life to begin.

The revgiln of Vierd Vildn carefully searched the planet for an egg of his own. Instead, he found Yadira, soaring through the sky with Louie on her back. The revgiln of Vierd Vildn listened as they joked and swooped down, clipping the tops of plentiful trees with Yadira’s wings and tail. Louie laughed at the soft leaves flying around him. He ducked, right before a branch collided with his head. That was close!

Not close enough! Yadira replied.

Ahhhh! Not a fiveral branch!

Yadira changed the angle of her wings, making a steep ascent above the branch. Ha, ha! I scared you!

After I can make a stronger shield, this game will be very different.

If you can make a shield the way Elaina can, I’ll throw you off then watch you glide down on your own. The game won’t be as much fun.

Do you think anyone will get mad at us for clipping tree leaves?

It can’t be as bad as breaking a roof.

We probably shouldn’t have done that.

Elaina was furious!

Yeah. We did injure Bern City citizens. With her strength spent, Yadira landed.

The revgiln of Vierd Vildn jerked uncontrollably, trying to sort his thoughts. What would happen to a revgiln who did something wrong? Yadira and Louie were not nearly terrified enough for Elaina to be a cruel leader. Louie and Yadira’s voices grew distant. The revgiln of Vierd Vildn’s life slipped away as he dreamed of flying with wings he never used, flipping stems and leaves off the trees over which he would never soar.

Chapter 4:  The Tutela

The crew onboard the Tutela command deck awaited their orders, dreading another battle. This was not the first time the Tutela had faced a gyev ship, but it was likely to be the last. With only one human battleship, victory against a large gyev ship was highly improbable, even with a clever captain like Captain Hendriz.

Last messages from the crew shot through space with hope that loved ones would hear their final words. Shining red lights reflected off well-polished tables where the crew members squirmed at their station, their fingers itching to move through the controller for an armament capable of disintegrating the Vastus moon.

Lieutenant Veikis attentively scanned the area around Vastus Station in search of Revgiln. Any large gyev ship was sure to have at least two. If revgiln attacked, they often took ships by surprise, plowing through walls in the least likely places.

Captain Hendriz didn’t know how much time they had before a battle would begin. Moments earlier the gyev abruptly stopped their conversation. Captain Hendriz held onto a glimmer of hope that the gyev would consider peace talks or they would at least gain more time for additional battleships to arrive and aid in a desperate battle.

A projection of the gyev ship floated in the center of the flight deck. The svilg ship was still attached to the gyev ship. During battle the svilg ship normally separated. The svilg ship was likely standing by, ready to separate from the gyev ship and begin an attack that would obliterate the Tutela within minutes. It was almost offensive that a single battleship wasn’t sufficiently threatening for the telepaths to prepare for battle. Still, it was a relief to see the svilg ship attached to the gyev ship. The telepaths were taking their time, good news for the Tutela. More human ships would arrive soon.

Next to the projection of the gyev ship was another projection of Elaina and the dragon, Davu, traveling north from Clarus. Halfway between Clarus and Bern City, they disappeared.

Elaina and Davu weren’t on the Tutela. The SRET room on Vastus Station needed repairs. Obviously, the telepaths had transported Elaina and Davu to their ship. If the telepaths were going to observe Elaina and Davu, they could have from their ship. Transporting Elaina and Davu to the gyev ship was clearly done with little information and seemed cruel. Surely, Elaina would be confused and terrified.

Captain Hendriz resisted the urge to wrap his arm around his stomach to stop an ill turning. Why was he enough of a fool to think the telepaths could understand reason? Why did he bother giving them a chance? More human ships were heading toward the potential battle at top speed, but according to an urgent report he recently received another gyev ship might fight in the battle as well. Captain Hendriz was not going to give up and admit defeat before the battle began. He tried to contact the telepaths to reason with the gyev but received no response. Captain Hendriz then accepted the telepaths would not discuss peace. Still, he was not going to destroy even the