The Flying Fortress: The Crystal of Life, #3

By Dartanyan Johnson

The leader of the Triumvirate has been slain, but the war is far from over.

 

In the wake of tragedy, Moriq tries to piece together his shattered kingdom. But when the Sovereign suspects foul play within his ranks, all the Consortium's assassins are summoned to the Flying Fortress, and he must leave his ailing family in the hands of fate. Upon his arrival on the Kaveir's generation starship, Moriq discovers he has been selected as a Master Trainer for an upcoming gymkhana. However, the combatants aren't the children of nobles battling for prestige, but prisoners of war, forced to fight for the lives of their loved ones.

 

As he's preparing for the event, Moriq receives a once-in-a-lifetime offer--an opportunity so monumental, if successful, it would turn the tide of the Sovereign's decades-long skirmish against the Triumvirate.

 

But will he accept and help change the face of the Flying Fortress? Or will a newly disclosed knowledge prevent him from pulling the trigger? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: D.CATZ Publishing
• Release date: Sep 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9781952948060

Dartanyan Johnson

Tears will be shed.Hearts will be broken.The weak will not survive this journey.

Book preview

Prologue

Sovereign Rokton sat in one of the many conference rooms aboard his mothership staring at the diagram of Chatel (Shah-tel) Kingdom’s palace created by the Consortium’s only assassin team to successfully land on Lorse. The unit had been commanded by Lakosa, the first Crestonian he’d allowed to participate in one of his gymkhanas. Though the plan her team had designed was an elaborate one, Lakosa succeeded with astonishing speed, even managing to make her way into the palace. However, something went wrong, and one by one, each of the team member’s Consortium of Assassins bracelets began to go offline. Some were manually disabled with a self-destruct command—a member killing themselves before they could be captured and questioned—while others went offline after their heartbeats flatlined. Lakosa’s signal was the last to go offline, but it remained connected for three years before doing so. In that time, she could have given them an incalculable amount of information.

That’s the part that bothered the Sovereign. If she was caught, she should have executed the self-destruct command. The fact that she didn’t, meant only two things: she chose not to, or she was physically unable to reach her wristband.

That led to another troubling concern. The lookout post on the edge of the Gehli system, that had been assaulted by the Triumvirate force after using Korai’s portal, was not a significant one. In truth, when it was attacked, he was more upset about losing the destroyed equipment at the base than the bodies that had perished. He’d suspected the attack was either a random one, or a tactical one, but considering Lakosa was one of the people who was familiar with that base, he speculated it was likely the latter.

Then, there was the issue with the way her signal went offline. According to the Consortium’s technicians, her cause of death was unknown. There was no sign she’d suffered brain trauma, and there was no electric shock to her body. Her signal simply vanished. So, was she dead like her wristband had indicated, or did the enemy discover a way to remove the wristband, and it took three years for them to accomplish it? If she was still alive, was she the one who gave Korai the location of the lookout post via the Triumvirate? Or was there a mole within his ranks?

With a hand on the holographic diagram of the palace, Rokton rotated it, surveying all points of entry. A thud on the ground drew his attention.

Komaiga, Oriza, he called out to his twin sons, who were wrestling on the ground. Play somewhere else.

Heeding the warning, his two boys rolled off each other and stormed out of the room. They were born shortly after Rokton left Pelion’s star system to hopefully finish this war. His wife, Queen Lorela, was pregnant with their third child now. She was currently in her laboratory, fixing the blades of several specialized daggers so they’d seep out a potent poison whenever it came in contact with flesh, temporarily paralyzing their targets for possible questioning.

Lutz Kelvona, he called, and the captain of the Imperial Knights, who was leaning forward as he scrutinized the same diagram, turned in his direction.

Yes, Sovereign? Lutz responded.

I think we’re ready to penetrate the Triumvirate’s first line of defense, he said. The Triumvirate were not going to make the trip to Lorse an easy one. Their sensors must have picked up his mothership’s jump into the Jhuntel star system, because as soon as his ship had completed its systems check, its radars displayed a wall of bombers and assault fighters heading in their direction. The enemy were still several light years away, but they were closing the distance fast, ready for a fight.

I understand, Sovereign, Lutz Kelvona said. I will ready the interceptors. Should I have Admiral Kork deploy the recon drones as planned?

Not yet, the Sovereign said. We’ll send the recon drones after the Triumvirate’s first retreat. A sneer marred his features as he thought about the upcoming destruction. It was finally time to show these ingrates the unyielding might of Sovereign Rokton.

Part 1

For Our Future

Chapter 1

Vorcela (Vor-sel-luh) sat on her bedroom floor, staring at the single candle that burned in front of her in the otherwise dark space. She searched for a mental connection with the flame, but the flickering light refused to cooperate.

It’s too hard, Papa, she complained. I can’t sense anything.

Placing a hand on her shoulder, her papa knelt next to her, speaking in a quiet voice. You can do it, Vorcela. I know you can. Yesterday, you almost had it. All you have to do is believe in your abilities. He paused, then asked, Why aren’t your eyes closed?

I want to see the flame when it disappears, she said.

Her papa chuckled. "I figured you’d say that, but you don’t need to see it; you’ll feel it disappear. Trust me. Go on now; close those eyes and concentrate. If you sense anything, I want you to focus on it, all right? Don’t overthink it. Just go for it."

Okay, she said with a touch more conviction than she felt, but if Papa said tonight was the night her gift would finally awaken, then she’d give it her best effort.

Eyes closed, Vorcela explored her aura, seeking the mental connection with the flame once again. For a long time, all she felt was her father’s hand on her shoulder, and the warmth from the candle on her outstretched palm.

She sighed inwardly, suspecting her father had been wrong about her gift, but the moment she considered giving up, she thought she heard something—a soft voice echoing in the back of her mind. She mentally shifted toward the echo, and when she did so, the voice spoke again, louder this time. It sounded like someone was chanting. A sudden tugging sensation accompanied the voice, beckoning her to the source of the sound. The sound manifested in her mind like a physical object. Envisioning her hands moving toward the object, she closed her fingers around it, and the noise vanished.

Vorcela opened her eyes. The flame on the candle was gone.

You did it! her papa said with excitement, shaking her shoulders. Didn’t I tell you? I was eight the first time I absorbed my first flame. You’re only five years old. Incredible.

The overhead lights came on. Standing near the light switch, her mama beamed.

Vorcela mirrored the expression, then went back to reverently staring at her hand. She could feel the flame, though there was no visible sign of the fire. Now what do I do? she asked, her eyes drifting to her papa.

Well, now you have to release it. Since it’s only a single flame, I doubt it’ll shoot far. But just to be sure— He pointed to a corner across the room.

Vorcela’s mother strolled across the room and sat on the bed. Please don’t encourage her to burn down my palace.

Papa smiled in response, then winked at Vorcela. Okay, I want you to form a ball of fire in your mind. When you have it, point your hand, palm forward, toward your target. Right now, any point near the corner of the room will do. You got that?

Vorcela nodded. Closing her eyes again, she concentrated, picturing the fire she’d absorbed swirling into a ball. When the image coalesced into existence, she opened her eyes and thrust the flame out. A marble-sized ball shot from her palm, traveling the distance of a few inches before petering out.

Her papa clapped. You’re a natural, Vorcela. How do you feel?

A little tired, she admitted.

Her papa nodded in understanding. Holding in the fire for long periods of time will make you feel that way. It’s affecting you so soon because you’re still young, but the more you practice, and the older you get, the easier it’ll be to hold it in. In no time, you’ll be able to walk around for days keeping the fire at bay. And that’s not all. As your power matures, anytime you’re near fire, you’ll hear it calling to you, begging to be absorbed. It’s a bit annoying at first, but eventually you’ll learn to zone it out.

Vorcela’s room door burst open, and one of the kingdom’s High Guards stepped into the room.

King Vora, he said with a hurried bow, then charged forward, looking like something was bothering him.

Vorcela’s papa rose to his feet.

Sovereign Rokton’s fleet has made it past our third line of defense, the guard reported.

King Vora nodded. I am not worried, Shusai. How long has it been since the Sovereign’s fleet showed up in our star system? Seven years? How many times have they gotten this far, only to be forced into a retreat? War has many stages, and we’ve only just begun. We’ll take him down not before long.

Of course, my king, the High Guard said, and with a salute, he left the room.

Papa let out a slow breath, then glanced at his wife.

Vorcela averted her attention to her hands. She’d done it. She actually absorbed the fire and released it. It hadn’t gone as far as she hoped, but next time, she’d shoot the fire all the way across the room.

All right, Vorcela, her papa said, bending down once more, "let’s try to absorb two flames. It’s going to be a lot harder, mind you, but if you follow my instructions, you’ll do just fine."

It took several hours for her to concentrate long enough to absorb both candle flames, but when she finally did it and shot the condensed flame all the way to the corner of her room, she was exhausted. Her papa, on the other hand, was jumping for joy.

You’re incredible, baby girl, you know that? he praised. In time, you might even be stronger than your old pa.

Vorcela wanted to join him in the celebration, but she desperately needed sleep.

The door swung open again, and Shusai stepped into the room. Vorcela’s papa eyed the man apprehensively.

News, Shusai?

Yes, my king, the High Guard said hurriedly, almost in a panic. A portion of the Kaveir fleet broke away from the group. They’ve made it past our orbital defenses and are now headed here—to Chatel. He moved in close and spoke quietly, but Vorcela heard what he said. Evacuation protocol, sir?

Papa thought for a while, then responded with a brief head shake. Not yet.

Very well. Shusai backed away. Your brothers, Tomal and Clem, are outfitted in their battle attire, just in case the starships land and a ground unit tries to storm the palace.

King Vora hissed out a breath, then nodded curtly. The guard bowed and retreated from the room.

Is everything fine, dear? Mama asked.

It’ll be all right, Elorise.

Yawning, Vorcela rose to her feet. I’m sleepy, Papa.

I bet. You’ve been working really hard. How about you take a nap, and when you wake up, I’ll have your favorite dessert waiting for you?

Vorcela grinned.

Hefting her up, he carried her to Mama. When he sat her on the bed, she climbed into her mama’s open arms.

I’m going to check on the battle’s progress, her papa said.

Don’t take too long without letting me know what’s going on, her mama said. I don’t want to be in here worrying myself to death.

Eyes now closed, Vorcela heard the smack of a quick kiss. When the room door shut, her mama began rocking her while humming a tune. It didn’t take long for Vorcela to drift into a dream.

* * *

Vorcela awoke to the sound of thunder. Still cradling Vorcela in a warm embrace, her mama had a distant look in her eyes.

Hi Mama, Vorcela said, smiling and rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

Her mama peered down at her, her expression brightening. Hello, my little lady.

A deep boom sounded outside, accompanied by flashes of light. It no longer sounded like thunder, but it rumbled the palace all the same. What’s that, Mama?

Footsteps pounded on the other side of the room door. A moment later, the door swung open and her papa, dressed in his silver and orange armor, charged into the room, a group of High Guards spilling in after him.

You need to leave, now, he said in a commanding voice. Do you remember the route to the hidden bunker in the forest?

You’re not coming with us? Mama asked, getting to her feet.

I can’t. A pained expression crossed his features. The palace needs me here to protect it.

I’m not leaving without you, Vora, Mama said. If the situation is as dire as you’re making it appear, then you should come with us.

I wish I could, Elorise, but the Sovereign and his soldiers have decimated our ground unit. He’s almost at the palace gates.

The Sovereign is here? Mama asked in obvious surprise.

He is. Papa gathered Mama’s hands in his. If I can kill him now, I can put an end to this war.

But what if —

Please don’t make this harder than it has to be. He placed a hand on her cheek. You must make it to safety and rally the army if I fall. The Triumvirate is counting on us to lead them to victory.

Vora, she pleaded, tears forming in her eyes.

Vorcela wasn’t sure what was going on, but her mama’s sadness made her chest ache. She reached out for her papa. He was always the one who made her feel like everything was going to be all right.

Hey, Princess, he said, taking one of her hands in his. She tried to pull herself to him, but he shook his head. You and your mama are going away for a while, all right? I have business to attend to. Papa will see you later. He kissed her knuckles.

I want to come with you, Papa, she called out.

King Vora, Shusai said, standing next to her papa, a finger held to his earpiece. We just got word that the Sovereign has passed through the gates. He’ll be at the front door shortly. Your brothers have joined the fight.

Papa pulled away from Vorcela and turned to the High Guard. Shusai, take my family to the bunker. The secret hatch is in the middle of the forest.

I know where it is, my king, Shusai said.

Right. Her papa grabbed his helmet from a nearby guard and began to stride off, but paused at the doorway, looking from Vorcela to her mother. You two are the best things that’s ever happened to me.

Don’t you dare speak like this is goodbye, Mama called out.

I love you, Elorise—the last woman I’ll ever love.

A sob escaped her mama. I love you too, Vora.

Papa put on his helmet.

Vorcela, caught in the moment, started to cry. She reached out to her papa once more, but he had already stormed away.

Come with me, my queen, Shusai said. Several High Guards surrounded him.

Wiping at her eyes, Mama stepped forward. Holding Vorcela tightly, she followed the guards out of the room.

The thunderous sounds coming from outside had ceased, but as they exited the front door to their quarters, Vorcela could hear a lot of noise coming from the front of the palace. People were yelling and shouting. Some of the shouting sounded like it was coming from people in extreme pain.

After a brief run, they made it to a door at the end of the corridor. Shusai opened the door, and her mama dashed into the space and down several flights of stairs until they arrived at a large metal door.

Shusai cracked the door open. A roaring wind almost pushed it closed, but he pressed a shoulder against the shaking door. If we get separated, my queen, don’t stop running, he said, peering over his shoulder at Mama.

Mama clutched Vorcela tighter.

Shusai pulled a knife from its sheath and handed it to her. Just in case.

Vorcela’s mama repositioned her and tucked the knife away.

Protect the queen with your life, Shusai commanded to the guards. They all replied with shouts of affirmation. Pushing the door open, they ran into the night.

Vorcela noticed they were in the back of the palace, on the side where the beach lay. The river lapped against the rocky shore as the stiff wind blew violently, pressing her clothes to her skin. She nestled her face deeper into Mama’s bosom to prevent the wind from nipping at her nose and cheeks.

A burst of red light whizzed by, and everyone turned. A man in a dark uniform was running toward them, pointing a weapon in their direction.

Leemani, Halahn, stop him, Shusai ordered.

Two High Guards drew their weapons and fired at the man.

My queen, Shusai called out, we have to keep going.

Turning, her mama and the remaining guards trotted off. When they made it to the steps that led down to the shore, there was only Mama and Shusai left. The other guards had stayed to fight off the man who was apparently still coming for them.

They made it down the steps and onto the bridge. Another burst of red light shot by them. Mama turned around, then said a very bad word.

All the High Guards are down, she announced.

Never mind that, Shusai said, grabbing her by the elbow. We’re almost at the forest.

Moments later, they were across the bridge. A low fog seemed to stretch throughout the forest, and Vorcela was having a difficult time seeing anything beyond the nearest few trees.

Another shot fired, and Shusai let out a grunt as he dropped to the ground.

Shusai! Mama said, kneeling and placing a hand on his shoulder. Are you hit?

Shusai groaned and staggered to his feet, his left arm limp at his side. Do you think you can make it by yourself? he asked. I need to stop that guy.

Mama scanned the area, brows furrowed in a slightly confused expression. I should be able to make out the way.

Shusai handed her his blaster pistol. Let the strength of our people guide you. He pulled another weapon from his side holster, and after a curt nod, he turned, firing at the pursuer. I’ll hold him off the best I can.

Mama ran deeper into the forest. Eventually, her trot dwindled to a halt. Turning in a circle, Mama looked around, then said another very bad word.

This way . . . I hope, she muttered, then bounded off. Not too long after her declaration, she gasped. There it is. She picked up the pace again, Vorcela bouncing in her arms. Suddenly, a beam of red light shot past Mama and she yelped, dropping to her knees.

What’s wrong, Mama? Vorcela asked, but as soon as she voiced the question, she saw blood on Mama’s arm.

The shape of a man coalesced from the fog. He had a gray face and yellow hair.

Get away from us, Mama said. She moved in front of Vorcela, then turned the blaster pistol in his direction.

The gray-skinned man fired first. Both Mama’s hand and the weapon she was clasping whirled in the air, landing on the ground several feet away. Mama let out an agonized howl. With her lone hand, she brandished the knife Shusai had given her. Still on her knees, she tried to stab the man when he was within range, but the blade slid harmlessly against his leg armor. He pushed her over with a foot.

A wry smile twisted his lips as he sheathed his gun. If it isn’t Queen Elorise. This night keeps getting better and better. He opened his mouth to say more, but something seemed to catch his attention. He pressed at his forearm with a finger, then brought it to his mouth. This is Lutz Kelvona. Come again? He listened intently. We’re retreating? The Sovereign is badly injured? He sounded alarmed. Then, his smile returned, and he let his gaze land on Mama. King Vora is dead?

Vorcela knew the man had to be lying. King Vora was her papa, and her papa couldn’t be dead.

I have the queen with me now, the man said. We’re in the forest on the south side of the palace. My locater is on. Send a drone. The man lowered his forearm. Looks like this war is as good as ours.

With a wild growl, Mama leapt at the man, repeatedly stabbing with her knife. The man deflected the strikes, then punched the side of Mama’s head. She collapsed to the ground.

Mama! Vorcela screamed, running to her. She tried to shake her awake, but Mama didn’t budge.

The man hefted Vorcela and held her painfully against his body. She tried to wriggle free, but he was too strong. Ignoring her, he knelt and picked her mama up with one hand, tossing her over his other shoulder.

Some time later, a spotlight shone on them. The man backed up as something large with bright lights descended through the gap in the trees. When it landed, Vorcela saw it was an aircraft, just big enough to carry a small party. The side of the aircraft opened, and the man tossed her and her mama inside.

A person with yellow hair and a black and yellow suit Description automatically generated

Chapter 2

The aircraft rose above the canopy, blasting off toward flashing lights in the distant sky. As their aircraft closed in on the light show, hundreds of ships flew around shooting at each other.

Her mama groaned.

Mama? Vorcela said, whirling. She shook her mama’s shoulder. When she received no further response, she nuzzled into her and shut her eyes, imagining that once she reopened them, she’d discover she was still in her room, Mama was still rocking her, and this was all a terrible dream.

Their aircraft landed in the middle of a dozen large starships. When the door opened, thousands of gray-faced soldiers in black uniforms scampering about came into view. A group of soldiers broke away from the horde and marched toward the man who called himself Lutz Kelvona.

Captain, one soldier said with a salute. We’re pulling out and regrouping.

You said the Sovereign was injured?

He took a direct hit to the face with a fireball, the soldier began. It came right out of Vora’s hand. The Sovereign will need surgery, but he’ll survive. Who’s the little girl?

Vora’s daughter—the princess.

The soldier’s eyes widened.

Captain Lutz Kelvona, another soldier said as he approached. He, too, saluted. The Triumvirate won’t make this a peaceful retreat. The moment we drop the energy shield surrounding our ground fleet, they’ll attack with everything they have.

Understood, Lymol, Lutz Kelvona said. Take me to the Sovereign. He tugged Mama from the aircraft while another man grabbed Vorcela.

Vorcela kicked and screamed, reaching for her mama, but the man holding her shook her violently while squeezing her arm. Hey, you keep doing that and I’ll break your neck, kid. You got that?

Vorcela stopped screaming; he looked like he meant what he said.

The man yanked her toward a starship. This one had several soldiers standing in front of it with weapons drawn and looking into the sky. Vorcela followed their gaze. High in the sky, a glowing light stretched over the land, covering the area the gray-skinned men were on. There were aircraft on the other side of the barrier shooting at the soldiers on the ground. The barrier shimmered from the blasts, but none of the shots got through.

With a hand to her back, the soldier led Vorcela up the starship’s ramp, and once she was inside the aircraft, she looked back to ensure her mama was being carried up as well. Mama’s head swiveled left and right as she groggily took in her surroundings.

Vorcela stumbled forward but kept her balance. The soldier guided her into a spacious room, and her gaze locked on to the back of the largest man she had ever seen.

Sovereign Rokton, the man who was gripping her tightly said.

Slowly, Sovereign Rokton pivoted. Half of the man’s face was blackened. Thick blood stuck to the split skin around his cheek and jawline. Instinctively, she pulled away from her captor, trying to stay out of reach of the hideous giant.

"What do you have for me, Todurus (Toe-door-us)?" the giant asked.

Her captor—Todurus—thrust her forward. This little girl is King Vora’s daughter.

The giant assessed her, then his eyes slid over to Mama as Lutz Kelvona dropped her to the ground.

Queen Elorise, the giant said. It seems like I have a couple of bargaining chips.

At the announcement of her name, Mama struggled to a kneeling position, cradling the arm of her missing hand, sweat drenching her face.

The giant turned to Lutz Kelvona. Do you have any news for me?

As instructed, I made it to the prison underneath the palace—Lakosa’s last location before her Consortium wristband lost its signal. There were rows of metal doors preventing me from seeing what was inside, but luckily, a control station with cameras revealing what was behind the doors sat in the corner of the room. Only one room had an occupant, and to my surprise, chained to the wall, was none other than Lakosa Crestahn.

So, she’s still alive after all this time, the giant said thoughtfully. Interesting.

Unfortunately, the controls were password protected. While I was trying to figure a way to bypass the codes, I noticed several figures on the surveillance screen escaping out the back of the palace and decided those targets might be more important.

The starship shuddered, then ascended. Now that Vorcela wasn’t being held by her captor, she ran to her mama, who collected her in a tight hug, cooing words to put her at ease. Mama’s body trembled, and her face was damp with sweat.

Bind them, the giant commanded.

I’ll get the restraints, Todurus said.

The giant pulled Mama to her feet by her collar. My terms are the same as they’ve always been. If you’re finally willing to hand over authority and ensure the rest of the Triumvirate does the same, you could end this war.

Never, Mama said defiantly.

The giant smirked. There was something cruel in his eyes.

The door opened. Todurus arrived with black bands in one hand and a small device in another.

Mama scowled as the man worked a band around each wrist, but her expression shifted to worry when he bound Vorcela.

She’s just a little girl, Mama protested. Let her grab on to my shirt instead. She won’t leave my side.

Power on the restraints, the giant said.

Todurus pressed a button on the small device, and suddenly Vorcela’s arms stretched outward and stiffened. She couldn’t move her arms no matter how hard she tried, and from the looks of it, neither could Mama.

Initiating thrusters, a voice overhead said. The starship ascended faster. Shield down in three . . . two . . .

Bring them to the bridge, the giant said before walking off.

Todurus shoved Mama forward aggressively by the shoulder. The starship sped up, giving Vorcela the sensation of falling.

After marching through several corridors, they stepped into another large room where more gray-skinned people sat, their hands flitting over controls. Beyond them was a wide windshield. Vorcela saw that there were incoming aircraft—hundreds of them. Lights flashed from the starships, and almost instantaneously, a blue light rippled in front of the windshield. Their starship rumbled.

A score of starships flew in front of the giant’s ship, speeding toward the opposing aircraft and opening fire.

We’re about to power the thrusters to full capacity, a man she assumed was the pilot said, turning in his seat.

Mama was forced into a chair, her arms still jutting forward. She glanced over at Vorcela as she was being strapped into a seat. Tears collected in Mama’s eyes.

After the giant and the other two men that had accompanied them found seats, the pilot swiveled to face the windshield again. Brace yourselves.

The starship’s sudden acceleration pressed Vorcela into the seat.

Activating jump drive, another voice said.

The starship thrust forward impossibly fast, then a few beats later, seemed to stand still. Facing them was another cluster of starships, but they resembled the ones that were protecting the giant’s ship. Far ahead awaited the biggest aircraft Vorcela had ever seen. The exterior of the ship was black—she had mistaken it for part of the sky at first—and what she thought were stars were actually lit windows.

They approached the enormous starship from its open underbelly. After an array of commands from the giant, who was now pacing the bridge, the ship’s ascension slowed. Moments later, they were inside the larger starship.

Todurus unstrapped Vorcela and pulled her to her feet. Mama’s captor did the same. They traversed the same path they took to get to the bridge, and when the exit slid open, Vorcela caught sight of more gray soldiers than she could count. They all turned and saluted when the Sovereign strolled by, then glared at Mama. Mama didn’t seem bothered by the nasty looks; she held her chin high.

The group entered an open elevator.

The ride down was long and quiet. When the door opened, Vorcela was surprised to see that the room in front of them resembled the inside of a home. Everyone exited the elevator. Straight ahead was a living room with a sofa and a large blank screen, and to the right, a kitchen. What appeared to be an entertainment station was set up to the left, where three kids—two boys and one girl—were playing a game. They stopped what they were doing and eyed Mama, then Vorcela, with suspicion. The two boys appeared much older than Vorcela, but the girl didn’t seem much older than she was.

Where is my wife? the giant asked.

The thinner of the boys