SHADES OF DIVERSION

By Chris Raay

Shades of Diversion is the second and final chapter of the "Shades" saga, 10 years after their arrival on the planet. Everyone has settled into their new life, some have even excelled, until a religious order calling themselves "The Knights of Purity" threatens to totally destroy any and all Kryillion blood. Will they succeed in their quest

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Regency Publishers, US
• Release date: Jul 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781958517734

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Dusk was settling over the town when the stranger arrived, his Dapple Grey horse plodding along beside him, heavily laden with camping gear. The town guards watched as he passed wanting only to close the heavy iron gates leading into town for the night.

The stranger walked along the wide street, the hooves of his horse muffled in the sandy soil that made up the street, a light mist slowly descending, promising a heavy fog later in the night. It had been ten years since he’d last been there, yet he was still surprised at the lack of evidence from the horrific battle that had taken place back then. When Trask, bent on destroying Bryians and his team for the one blemish on his perfect record.

He reached the town square and stopped, a wide-open space dominated by a statue in the centre. He looked up at the larger-than-life-sized stone statue dominating the square. A man holding a stone manuscript in one hand, the other hand raised high, forefinger pointing to the sky. The sudden outburst of laughter from behind made him turn quickly, but it was only workmen drinking at a local tavern, the noise fading into the night’s stillness.

Built inside a long-extinct super volcano, the town was surrounded by sheer cliffs with only the town gates behind him and a harbour on the East side as entry points. He smiled at the term harbour, and pondered the length of time it would have taken the inhabitants to cut their way through the cliff walls to the narrow strip of beach and built the two wharves out into the sea. The east side of town harboured more than fishing boats. The seedy side of every town, with its disreputable inns and whore houses, they always seemed to congregate in that area.

North, ahead of him, was the town barracks, armoury, and more shops, including eating houses, smithery’s, and carpenters. Beyond them lay an open valley, framing a wide lake and waterfall at the very end.

In contrast to the East side of town, the West side of the town was a wide arrow-straight street, leading from the town square to the old manor house. Lined on either side with more ‘up market’ houses, sitting almost, shoulder to shoulder in a slow, gradual climb, with their neat little front yards, and small stables, broken only by narrow meandering alleys leading to other houses behind them. At the end of this road, sat the large manor house, where the original noble Lord of the town had lived and ruled. It sat dark and seemingly empty; its owner long gone.

The stranger turned back to the statue and smiled. Few would know the true irony behind that hand gesture. The resemblance was quite remarkable. They had captured that stern, intimidating stare he’d always held. The stranger looked around, and except for the statue, the place was much like every other town, only this one was clean. The shop windows were polished, and clean wooden boards were placed along the edge of the street for people to walk along and stay free from the mud and animal waste. Signs were brightly painted, depicting animal scenes and shop occupations.

The shop walls were washed, reflecting the candle lanterns lining the street. Even the droppings from animals that had spent the day in town had been swept away, leaving the air clear of smells.

His horse snorted its impatience. He dismounted and patted the animal’s nose absentmindedly. With a sigh, he rubbed the horse’s forehead and moved on. Reading from a map in his mind, he strode through the side streets into the residential area, a gradual climb past windows showing beads of light through closed curtains. Otherwise, all was dark and quiet. He walked steadily until he reached a house.

This one bore the trimmings of wealth without being overly pompous like many of the others he’d passed. A two-story grey stone building, with large bay windows on either side, the window frames were painted a bright blue colour made from the wittier flower. A small front yard, barren now, sat waiting for the Darktime snows to fall and pass. A narrow path led from the street boardwalk to the front door. A glance up and down the street showed that it was silent. Many of the houses were similar in style, and most had large overhanging metal doorbells shaped in the form of animals, hanging baskets of bright flowers, dead now that Darktime was near, and miniature statues, a pretentious display of wealth, but the streets were empty of people. No one was around. He hesitated, recalling a past memory, one mixed with both pain and friendship. Once again, he questioned his motives, pondering the response, both to this return and to his urgent need. He knocked once and stepped back away from the door.

It opened a crack, and a mature, plump grey-haired woman peaked out, The Master is at supper. Go away, she snapped rudely, but before she could slam the door shut, as was her intent, the stranger was there, his foot blocking the door.

He will see me, the confident tone was not one the servant expected from a Kryillon, as they were now called. In her younger days, they’d always been referred to as savages — but times had changed.

The Lord of the house sees no one after nightfall, she sniffed and used the toe of her boot to try and push his foot from the door. It wasn’t right, Kryillons, savages, or whatever. They had no right to be knocking on doors this late.

Who is it, Dana? A female voice called from further inside the house.

It is a... Kryillon, Ma’am. The stranger at the door noted the pause before the use of the term Kryillon. Some things never changed. She tried leaning her weight against the door, but the foot wasn’t budging.

The female voice moved toward the door, she was in her mature years, and she wore them well. Her beauty and graceful manner were still as he remembered them. Soo Lockheed stood back and stared at her visitor, her hand moving to her mouth in shock. Memories flooded; of an arrogant boy, bravely defying them at laser point, a youth, learning love and companionship. A smile that had sent shivers down her spine and her true love almost destroying him.

Cross? Is it you? Is it really you?

Hello, Soo. Deja Cross hadn’t aged, but his skin had darkened to a deep tan. His body had filled out with hard muscle, but the smile was genuine and warm. And one Soo had only ever seen once, but she remembered it well.

Sensing defeat, Dana relaxed her hold on the door and allowed it to open.

Reed, Reed, it’s Cross. In all the years Dana had served in this household, this was the first time she’d ever seen the mistress flustered. And calling her husband by his first name. Quickly making the sign of protection as she watched aghast as her employer embraced the savage in a warm hug.

Come in, please. Where are my manners? Is Mira with you? she tried to peer around him, then hugged him tightly again. Dana, a look of sheer horror on her face, clasped her arms together in front of her, a clear indication that she didn’t approve.

She will be here tomorrow, Cross smiled, pulling away.

Cross? The male voice was deeper than Cross remembered, and he’d put on a little more weight. But Cross recognized his old enemy-turned-friend, Danieels.

Hello, I was in the neighbourhood...

Come in, come in, Reed Danieels gestured with a waving hand. Dana, have Toby feed and bed our guest’s horse. Like Soo, he’d thrown an all-encompassing glance out of the door, looking for Mira. All he’d seen was a large horse waiting patiently.

With a huff that told volumes of how she didn’t approve of their evening intruder in the house. Dana hurried off to the barn in her own fashion to rouse their resident stable-keeper, Toby from his supper so that he could stable and feed the horse.

Never one to openly question her employers’ orders, she had a way of holding and moving her amply round body that could convey everything that was on her mind.

Soo, stepped aside to allow Cross room — the entry hall was small for three people — and Cross was quickly escorted into the lounge, a large room that was warm and comfortable with a welcoming atmosphere. An open fire blazed against the rear wall adorned with pictures, creating a warmth that was more than the fire’s heat alone could provide.

Against the side wall sat a tall wooden dresser, where small ornaments of wooden animal figures, Kryillon made, Cross noticed, and native to the area sat against a glass backstop, giving the illusion of more figurines. Directly in the centre of the room, framing the open fire, a large maroon overstuffed three-seater and two overstuffed armchairs shouted comfort. The room was warm with love as well as heat. Cross felt it the moment he entered. He relaxed visibly. On the floor was a thick wool carpet in a natural brown. The walls were covered in wallpaper depicting forest scenes. The shadings of brown greens and yellows worked well with the carpet and contrasting furniture.

It’s good to see you again. How long has it been? Ten years? Danieels eased himself into one of the overstuffed chairs as Cross took the couch, leaving Soo to take the other armchair. He wanted to give his friend and one-time enemy a greeting hug but knew better; Cross had never been the touchy-feely type. Dana returned with a pot of hot tea and some sweetmeats, then stood, waiting, more out of curiosity for what was happening than duty dictated, but Soo dismissed her immediately. With a barely audible humpff," she left for the night.

Cross nodded, and long into the early hours of the morning, they discussed the old days, when they were together — not the happiest times in Cross’s life, but The pain of those times had dimmed into a vague memory, The torture, humiliation and re-education that he’d endured when his enemies stole his ship and raced away to a new life, with him stuck on board. Danieels brought him up to speed, with the new system of government in the town, Bryians had been writing a charter on Council elections before his death, he had written on how representatives from all guilds, could sit and debate the ideas that would improve life for its citizens, voting on what would be best for the town. The townsfolk had embraced and adapted their lives to the new idea.

The statue of their (former) Captain, Bryians, had been the idea of the townsfolk after he had died following the invasion that almost destroyed the inhabitants, and subsequently setting up the democratic Council that has continued to serve the town.

They had raised funds and commissioned the build themselves, only asking the elected Council for permission to stand him in the town square.

The talk finally petered into silence. Soo poured more wine. The teapot emptied long ago.

What of you? Danieels finally asked.

Cross smiled again, I will leave the stories to Mira, but we’ve had some adventures of our own. Notably....... His voice trailed into silence. Then continued, Remember how I said that we couldn’t change the timeline because the planet might be on a watch list because my people would never leave a good resource, and face it, this planet is a good resource. The people here are resilient and resourceful. They would watch and wait for the right time.?

Danieels nodded.

Cross continued. For a while, I thought I was wrong. I started believing that this might have been our home planet, which would have explained why there were other Kryans here.

But now you think it’s not? This was from Soo.

Why? Danieels pushed.

We found evidence that this was a conquered planet, but something went wrong, and it was abandoned, leaving a suicide squad behind to cover the last evacuation... Cross’s voice again trailed.

Only you found evidence to suggest they didn’t commit suicide, Danieels finished. They retreated and continued to live here. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. That would explain why they’ve always lived separately from the town’s folk?

Yes, the reasons behind the hatred and distrust have long been forgotten, but it’s still there.

But even that is dying, Kryillons have been made welcome here and come and go as freely as the townsfolk. Some have even set up business here, Soo indicated the wooden figurines with a wave of her hand.

It seems so here, and with your nearest neighbours, but not everywhere Cross stared at his half-empty wine. That’s not the reason I’ve come here.

What is it? Danieels prompted.

I have come to you with a warning, Cross replied, taking a small sip.

Warning? Danieels put down his drink.

A war is coming. Cross admitted, staring into his glass

Chapter One

The morning sun greeted the town with a fierceness that defined the start of Falltime. The gates were open, the farmers and merchants were already arriving and setting up their wares, chanting loudly about the superiority of their goods as they did so.

One of the stall-holders noted a town woman with three Kryillon children. A second young Kryillon woman followed at a respectful distance. Even in this enlightened era, it was an unusual sight. The eldest boy beside her pointed towards the residential area, and they turned and disappeared from the stallholder’s view. He returned his attention to a restaurateur who had stopped to examine his tatoes, and the scene was forgotten.

The group stopped at a house, and had anyone been there the night before, they would have noted that it was the same house that had received the evening visitor. It was opened by the same servant.

May I see Soo, please? the woman asked.

Do you have an appointment? The snap was slightly hostile. It still burned that she hadn’t found the reason for the visitor last night, and now this stranger asks for her mistress by her first name. It was unheard of. Utterly ill-mannered.

She is expecting me. Came the woman’s curt reply.

Mira? a voice hurried to the entry hall. Mira? Is it you?

Almost reluctantly, the servant stepped aside to allow her employer a view of the visitor. She almost slipped with a gasp when once again the two hugged like long-lost sisters.

It’s so good to see you, Soo stepped back to admire her friend. Mira Warsaw, She was in good health, no longer the plump little child with no confidence, that had been her companion on the ship. She was now a strong, muscular woman and showing a large baby bump.

Come in, come in. Please. When are you due? Soo stepped back away from the door.

Seven moon cycles, and it’s going to be twins, Mira beamed. The two had been inseparable friends before Cross had appeared on the scene. Soo and Reed had been like a surrogate family to Mira. And I’ve brought my other children. This is Bryan, Daniel, and Arlene. this is Soya, waving her hand towards the Kryillon woman in their company.

Soo waved them in. Dana. Please, set more places at the kitchen table. Then see that Toby feeds their horses. Soo giggled at her friend again. Let me introduce my family. She was still smiling as they entered the kitchen. It was a very large room, with thick wooden beams stretching across the ceiling. At the far end was a wood-burning stove, surrounded by wide dark wood benches, which circled a wooden cutting table. A cook was busy preparing food, and her back turned away from them.

Lilly, we have guests for breakfast. Could you whip something up? Soo then turned back towards her guests, but everyone heard Lilly’s huff clearly.

Twice the size of the servant Dana, Lilly was a massive woman, even so, she could move around the kitchen with ease, and some might call grace. Her face was hard, almost masculine, as were her thick short hands, which could weld a chopping knife and reduce mounds of food into neatly sliced condiments with ease. Yet when she saw Mira’s two youngest children step into the room, her entire demeanour changed. Childless herself, she would lavish attention and food on any child that she could find.

Soo ignored her and gestured to a ten-seater dining table that almost took up the rest of the kitchen area. At one end sat two children, much the same age as Mira’s.

Meet Chandelle, my oldest. She will be eight on her next birthday. And Leedan, he’s just turned six.

Mira smiled, and her group joined Soo’s family as Lilly brought over platters of eggs, bacon, and hot toast for the adults and then bowls of honeyed porridge for the children.

The room fell silent while everyone enjoyed the warm breakfast. Dana served tea, noticing that the Kryillon that was introduced as Soya sat quietly on her own without speaking. When all had finished eating, she gathered the children outside. Bryan stood reluctantly, but after a stern look that promised far more than a lecture from Mira, he followed the others out of the room.

Where is Dee? Mira started once they were alone.

Soo looked at her friend, head cocked in a question. Oh, Deja my husband, I call him Dee Mira laughed.

Danieels called an emergency meeting. Cross went with him to explain things in more detail. Soo explained, after Mira’s explanation, Soo realized that in all their time together, she had never heard his first name before.

What’s happening? Soo asked, throwing a curious glance towards Soya.

Mira looked down at her plate. The room fell silent, and Soo wondered if Mira was going to answer. Then finally, almost hesitantly. It’s all been my fault, I’m sorry. I’ve brought this upon you all.

Why? Soo suddenly saw the old Mira, the nervous child with no confidence, return. The tears were brimming behind her dark blue eyes, and she changed the subject immediately. They would find out what Mira meant, and this was not the time to push for answers...

Your eldest boy, he’s the spitting image of Cross.

Yes, Mira laughed, recovering. He’s learning to track, and Dee set him the task of finding you. He did really well, even amongst all those market people. I’m quite proud of him.

Soo was shocked. But he’s only, what, ten?

Nine, Mira replied, the pride in her voice unmistakable. And don’t look so shocked. Remember, we are nomads and move around a lot. The first thing the kids learn is how to find us if they fall behind. Mira took a sip of tea. I only wish that Dee wouldn’t give them nightmares with stories of what was expected of him, at their age.

You don’t mean he’s told them...? Soo threw a quick glance at Lilly. She was busy washing pans and then at Soya, who sat statue still, in her place at the table. The plate of fried eggs and bacon sat untouched before her, but Soo knew she must be listening to every word, as was Lilly.

Mira noted the quick glance and understood. About the years he spent with us townsfolk? No. She winked her understanding. They both smiled.

Let’s retire to the lounge. It will be more comfortable. Soo continued refilling her and Mira’s teacup as she stood to leave the room. She held the pot out to Soya. Would you like to join us?

Soya blinked as if coming from a daze. Thank you. I will watch over the children. The voice wasn’t impolite, but it held a vein of coldness. Soo watched as she eased herself out of the chair like a ballet dancer and glided gracefully towards the back door, where the children had disappeared. She was young, lean with a natural beauty that all the Kryillons seemed to possess. Her skin was dark tan, and her eyes were almost as black as her hair which hung down to her waist, tied only with a single deer hide tie at the back.

There is no need. Dana is watching over them. Soo offered the disappearing back.

It’s okay. She’ll be happier outside, Mira held Soo’s arm. Making it clear that Mira would be happier if Soya was outside as well.

In the back yard, Bryan watched as Chandelle played with Arlene. Leedan and Daniel had become instant friends. They were both close to the same age, both lean and full of life. Leedan was slightly taller, but Daniel was bolder and the instigator of new games. They started playing hide and seek in the vegetable garden.

And where do you come from then? Dana asked in what she hoped sounded like a casual voice. She was annoyed to find the savage joining them. It cramped her style. The way she just stood there, apart, and watched without moving.

Nowhere — we are always moving This sounded to Dana like a taught reply. She tried again.

And what brings your parents here then?

Mum and your lady knew each other before we were born. I guess she wanted to see her, he had never taken his eyes off his siblings as he spoke, and Dana realized she would have to play this very carefully if she was going to learn anything. It grinded against her teeth if she had more than the few left in her mouth to hear her mistress’s lady friend referred to as mother by this Kryillon savage.

Your...father... she hesitated over the word father, as a shudder ran down her spine, and she resisted the urge to make the sign of protection. He seemed to know the Mayor.

Bryan nodded — he remembered his father saying to him that the townsfolk were untrustworthy, and he should always be polite, truthful but say nothing. He did not want to disappoint his father, but this task was hard, and he didn’t like this person anyway. She smelt of camomile soap and talked down to him. He looked towards Soya, knowing that she would not come to his aid with this lesson on how to deal with townsfolk he had to learn.

Chandelle was trying to pick up Arlene, but she was slipping out of her arms. Thanking the great one for the chance to move away, Bryan stepped over to intervene, picking up his sister and cuddling her.

I’ll take her if you like, Dana held her arms out towards the child. She’ll need changing, no doubt.

I will do it. Soya appeared beside them. She took the young girl from Bryan’s arms and proceeded to change her nappy.

Dana was feeling frustrated — the boy was falling just short of insolence, and the presence of Soya hindered her questioning. Then she spotted Toby coming out of the stable.

Toby, she waved him over. This young lad is a tracker too, She beamed.

Nice, Toby wiped his hands on a filthy rag he kept in his pocket, knocked his pipe clean, and made to move away as he refilled it.

You two must have stories you’d like to swap. Man to man like. Dana halted him.

Doubt it, Toby answered. He became absorbed in puffing the pipe back to life. He was tall, lean, but all muscle. His face and hands were worn with years of outdoor work. Yet, he lacked the natural tan of the Kryillons. His skin was wrinkled and dry, with weather scars giving him an aged, weary look, when he walked, he limped as if his left leg wouldn’t bend at the knee. Dana had found him attractive, but he had made it clear that he thought very little of her and her prying questions. He suspected this to be another annoying ploy of hers.

Come now, don’t be modest. The young lad tracked his father here through the market this morning, Dana wouldn’t give up.

That so? Toby turned towards the boy. His interest peaked. The pipe, still unlit, disappearing back into his overalls. He’d worked as a blacksmith until a bad case of flu almost took his life. He could no longer stay outside for long periods without fits of coughs, which meant he had to give up working a smithy. But Toby enjoyed working with animals, and he flatly refused to be confined indoors as some dumb houseman. So, when Danieels offered him the job as a stable keeper, he jumped at the opportunity. The stable kept him free from droughts without making him feel trapped, and he was still able to work with not only horses but also the few other livestock that Danieels kept. Toby loved his life here. Animals were so much nicer and easier to understand than people. That’s quite a feat, son.

Bryan looked embarrassed, Yes, but I know his horse, which made it easy.

That’s still a fine job through the market and all. Bryan felt a connection to Toby. The man had handed him a compliment without overdoing it. It made him feel like he’d truly earned it.

Toby warmed to the boy as well. The kid wasn’t showing off or overly modest. I was about to put the horses out in the paddock, give ’em some grass before the snow’s hit. Wanna help?

Bryan looked at his siblings. His responsibility was to look after them, but the chance to get away from the nosey housemaid was tempting. He looked towards Soya, silently asking her consent with his eyes. A slight nod, hardly noticeable to anyone else, was all he needed.

Bryan was happy to follow Toby back into the stable. Dana smiled. Hopefully, Toby would learn something from the rotten little half-breed. This time, her back to Soya, she did make the protective sign. shoulder to shoulder, chin to chest, and tried to start a conversation with Daniel and Arlene. Soya, having changed Arlene, had retreated to her spot.

Chapter Two

The town Councillors shuffled into the large room. It had once been the Lord Markham’s throne room where he’d meet the commoners of the town and listened to their grievance: as if anyone had been foolish enough in those days to complain. He had been a hard ruler. None of his subjects ever mourned his demise. His time had been spent sitting on his throne and receiving tributes from his subjects, rather than fixing the many problems that plagued the town.

The throne had been removed, and in its place sat a long solid oak dining table with twelve high-backed chairs, all of which had survived the war. It sat in the centre of the room, on top of the expensive silk carpet that had covered the floor. The bloodstains had been cleaned, and sections that couldn’t be cleaned had been cut out and expertly resewn. Now, it looked as good as it had the day it was laid. The walls and windows had been repaired or replaced, and the room was decorated with a few chosen paintings that had survived, still intact. Against the far wall sat a large oak buffet table, where a maid would serve tea and cake at the conclusion of meetings. It sat empty.

The first to walk in was Tuck Welsh, from the Seaman’s Guild. He was a short man, but none who knew him would dare cross him. He was pure iron. There was not an ounce of fat on his entire lean body and he had a temper that was quick to boil, slow to cool. He’d taken on the task of Council voice for Sailors because, in his own words, he was getting ‘too old to haul rigging,’ and ‘too young to stand by and watch those useless know-all hotshots do his work for him.’

Next to walk through the doors was Josh Webb from the Merchant’s Guild and Brad Proud of the Shop Owner’s Guild. Both had been minor nobles before the Demon Wars, and both could read and write. They had both adapted well to the new style of ruling, and both profited from their positions.They walked in with their heads together. No doubt, they were plotting their next move to make sure they got the upper vote on Council policies. Josh was a large man, in complete contrast to Brad Proud. Josh looked like rolls of fat moving with great difficulty across the floor. His heavy, laboured breathing could be heard long before he was seen. When he sat in his chair, Cross was expecting it to break under his weight. Danieels, as always, was fascinated by the way his chins wobbled in cascading effect every time he greeted someone.

Brad had a mean look about him. Lean, with prominent cheekbones that almost hid his blue eyes, which would constantly be shifting from one person to the next, as if he was looking for a spy and trying to catch him in the act. He always sat and walked with a slight hunch, as if hiding a large bar of gold against his chest. He rarely smiled, and Danieels had never known him to laugh. As usual, he was demanding the meeting start the moment he sat down. The others ignored him. They all knew the rules. Six of the eight members had to be present.

Hugh Proctor from the Builder’s Guild and Corn Tripp of the Workers Support Group walked in together next. This didn’t surprise Danieels, even though the two were often at odds with each other. Corn was always demanding the workers have better pay and time off, while Hugh always argued the opposite that the builders needed more work from their workers, apprentices, and helpers. Hugh, as with all in his profession, was a large, strong man. He could easily lift a tree and joke about what to lift with his free hand. Danieels never doubted it. Hugh was always good-natured and was quick to share a joke, and laughing came naturally. He was surprisingly gentle, despite his great muscular bulk. Hugh was also passionate about his role of looking after the rights of workers, and many heated arguments could be attributed to him and Corn, who was very