Richard: War Erupts: Richard, #4

By Michael W Hickman

Fresh off of his victory over the galaxy's greatest and most ancient foes, the extra-dimensional dragons, the boy-king Richard is ready for a break. After all, even with cosmic powers that allow him to teleport anywhere in an instant or conjure up objects out of nothing, there's still only so much a fifteen-year-old kid from rural Ohio can take. 

Now all he wants to do is enjoy life as the ruler of a galactic empire and spend time with his family, including his mysterious mentor, AAL, humanoid-fox mate, Amber, and their children, the amphibious Andreas, young satyr Zeus, and precocious half-fox twins Kit and Raider.

Unfortunately for Richard, other enemies, such as the power-hungry Spartacus family, wait in the wings. Even worse, tensions between humans and non-humans have reached the boiling point throughout the kingdom, and it won't take much to tip the galaxy into civil war. Richard will soon find that he's sitting on a powder keg—and the fuse is about to run out.

War Erupts is the thrilling fourth volume in the Richard series, a galaxy-spanning coming-of-age epic of romance, action, and adventure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael W Hickman
• Release date: Oct 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798988468011

Michael W Hickman

Michael Hickman currently lives in the hills of Ohio, where he works as an IT manager, programmer, and network administrator. In his off time, he can usually be found hunched over his keyboard, pounding out his next novel, or taking care of his two rescue dogs, Max, a Great Dane mix, and Bruce, a Beagle. In addition to writing, Michael enjoys camping, hiking, and spending time with his two sons and four grandkids. He’s also into genealogy, which led him to discover not only that his family roots extend back to the early settlers of Ohio, but that he’s related to Samuel Clemens and Zane Grey.

Book preview

Prologue

Bolt From the Blue

Richard stood with his son Little Raider at the edge of the woods behind his parents’ house on Earth. Henry waved to them as he climbed into his car with Brenda, his fiancé, and his best friend, Ron.

I envy their freedom, Richard thought as they drove off.

Today was his seventeenth birthday—and since Henry was his double, made from his DNA, it was his as well. Amber had thrown a party for the two in the underground complex. Afterward, she had taken Little Kit and Fern back to Krel. Richard, though, had wanted to talk with Henry, Brenda, and Ron a little longer, and Little Raider had decided to tag along. Richard had transported the five of them to the woods so they could walk while they talked.

He had spent the first fifteen years of his life on Earth, living the life of a normal kid in the hills of Ohio. But everything had changed when, while lying on a sofa in his basement, he heard, I am your gift. Now he had far more responsibilities than any teenager on this planet—or any other in the Milky Way—should have.

The wind blew his long blond hair around his head and into his eyes, and he absently brushed it away. With a sigh, he took his son’s hand and led him to the fallen tree. He and Henry would come here often when they felt troubled or just wanted to think.

Taking a seat on the barkless tree trunk, he looked up into the afternoon sky. Then he picked up his half-human, half-humanoid-fox son and sat him on his lap. As Little Raider snuggled against his chest, the warm glow of happiness spread throughout his body. The boy’s mother, Amber, a humanoid fox from the planet Beowulf, was the love of Richard’s life.

He smiled as he recalled the day he had been kidnapped and taken to the moon. Once on the lunar surface, he had been told he was heir to a vast kingdom that spanned the Milky Way galaxy.

And so the adventure began, he thought.

Richard had been taken to Krel, the capital world of the kingdom, and proclaimed the rightful king. His claim had been proven by a special marker in his DNA, unique to his family. What his subjects did not know was that he was not fully human. Even worse, he was part dragon.

Four months had passed since he and Olympus, a pure white pegasus, had made their desperate flight to save the kingdom from the dragons. Askook, the golden emperor of the dragons, had enslaved Richard’s ancestors. During the conflict, Richard and Olympus had been pulled into the other dimension when Askook wrapped his golden tail around them.

They’d woken on a dark planet. Olympus’s wing had been broken, and Richard had lost all his powers. The only way back was on Olympus’s back. All seemed lost until a dragon, Drake, offered to heal Olympus’s wing. In exchange, he asked Richard to bring him and his mate, Frostine, back with them.

Though Richard had banished the other dragons to the dimension once again, he’d allowed Drake and Frostine to come back with him. This news had not been well received by many in the kingdom, as the dragons had once ruled as tyrants over the Milky Way galaxy, enslaving all other races.

Despite this, all seemed quiet in the kingdom, and there had been few signs of unrest. But in the back of his mind, he could not shake the feeling the human sectors were not happy with his rule.

He lifted little Raider off his lap, stood, walked over to the stump and leaned against it. Little Raider went to all fours and sniffed the air. His tail twitched as his ears focused on rustling in the bushes. All at once, he ran off to chase a squirrel.

Don’t go far, Richard called out. He thought back to the party. I am happy Fern could join us. The centaur Fern, head of the palace, had just learned she was pregnant. A year earlier, she had lost a colt, and she and her mate, Ixion, were overjoyed with this news.

Amber and Richard had two cubs. Their daughter, Little Kit, looked like her mother except for her eyes. Where Amber’s were golden, Little Kit’s were blue, like her father’s. Little Raider, on the other hand, looked human from the front—if you ignored his fox ears. Little Raider’s eyes were golden like his mothers’. His head and back, though, were covered in white fur, and the rest of him looked like a fox. Despite being four months old, Richard’s cubs were already slightly over two feet tall. Even stranger to Richard, they had been speaking and walking on all fours since they were a month old.

Children of our species had to grow quickly to keep up with the pack, Amber had told him. That, of course, was when we raised our cubs in underground dens. Little Kit and Raider will also grow quickly, to a point, and then their growth will slow. Though we no longer live in dens, this development has remained a part of our race, my love.

And now it is a part of our cubs, sweetheart, Richard had replied.

Little Kit would chase Little Raider around the palace on all fours. Richard marveled over how they moved their tails as they ran. Our tails help us keep our balance as we run, babe, Amber told him.

I have seen you do the same, but I did not give it much thought. But now, as I watch our cubs, they seem to depend on it as they run, Richard said as he watched Little Kit take down her brother.

Of course, their brother Andreas had little hope of outrunning them, and when they caught him, they would pounce on him as if he were their prey.

I do not mind them chasing me, Father, Andreas would say, but I wish they would not use their claws on my legs. Of course, his advanced body healed very quickly.

They are learning, Andreas, Amber said. This is how my kind learns to hunt. I will have a talk with them. Please be patient, my cub.

Andreas came from the ocean world of Okeanos. He looked like a humanoid dolphin, with a small fin on the back of his head and another between his shoulder blades. His eyes faced forward, but he had a small rostrum. He had been an outcast on his planet, raised by Okeanosens until Richard and Amber had adopted him and taken him back to Krel.

Little Raider came running back into the clearing, startling Richard from his reverie. The cub had a disappointed look on his young face. What’s wrong, Raider? Richard asked.

That thing outran me, Papa. Cocking his head to the side, Little Raider asked, When are you going to stop talking like Earth people?

Speaking in the king’s language all the time is tougher than I thought. And you can’t catch ’em all, Richard told him as they walked deeper into the woods. Little Raider just shook his head.

Richard’s path to the throne had not been an easy one. Senator Spartacus had also been in line, and after nearly a thousand years without a king, he had convinced the Senate that he should be given the position. Unfortunately for him, when Richard arrived, Spartacus’s claim to the throne evaporated—and Richard had made his first enemy.

Later on, Richard was kidnapped by Spartacus’s ally Antonius. He drugged and kept him at his industrial complex around a protoplanetary system. Richard’s friend and mentor, AAL, found him with the help of Spartacus’s cousin Wilfred, who sent a message to the Royal Knights.

To protect Richard and not reveal his powers, AAL had Henry take his place. Richard still felt terrible because Henry had died. Fortunately, they’d been able to remake him using the information stored in the crystals the two wore around their necks.

At least Henry’s back with us, Richard thought. He said to his son, Well, my cub, we need to get back to the palace.

Is Mother there?

She should be.

And Grandmother?

She and Andreas are still in the underground complex. Your brother wanted to play some of the games in the entertainment center.

Little Raider’s grandmother Kit was a reporter for GNN, Galaxy News Network. She was hard-pressed at times not to report on Richard’s and Amber’s powers. Richard had all but given up his family back on Earth and now thought of Kit as another mother.

AAL, an artificial lifeform with great powers, could have arranged an accident to make it look like he had died. That way, Richard could have left Earth for good. But Richard did not want his parents to suffer the death of a child. This was why Henry had been made.

AAL had also taken Richard to the Milky Way’s central black hole. Once there, he had evolved Richard to the point where he could transport himself and others to anywhere in the universe with but a thought.

At first, this led to some unexpected transports, and one nearly got Richard killed, so AAL dampened his abilities. Richard soon learned to control his newfound powers, and now he could produce food and form an energy shield to protect himself. What other abilities he had, AAL would not tell him.

Richard held his hand out to his son, Little Raider slipped his small, furry hand into his father’s, and then they disappeared.

They appeared in his privy chamber back in the palace. Amber was there, dressing Little Kit.

Where are you going, babe? Richard asked.

Little Kit wants to go out into the gardens, and it is such a nice day, Amber said.

Do you want to come with us, Papa? Little Kit asked.

Richard looked at Amber, and they rolled their eyes.

No, little one. I have to go to my office and do some paperwork.

I did not know paper could do work, Little Kit said in her innocent way.

Amber gave her mate a flat look and then smiled. Seeing this, Little Raider said, Kit, that must be another phrase from Dad’s homeworld.

And where... Richard began, but then he stopped and shook his head.

You know, said Amber, "your brother is going to have the whole kingdom talking like he does. And you do not help matters with the way you speak at times."

He wrapped his arms around Amber’s waist, and she draped her furry arms around his neck.

So, he said, should I give up being king and move us all to the underground complex, my love?

She shook her head slowly. No. If I am to be stuck with you, the kingdom is just going to have to put up with you and our cubs. She gave him a passionate kiss.

Come on, Mom, Little Kit said impatiently.

Mom and Dad were not proper forms of address in the kingdom. Neither were Papa and Mama. But Henry seemed to get a kick out of giving his niece and nephew words from Earth to use on their parents.

Hey, it could be worse, said Richard. My mother used to call her father ‘Pop.’

Your homeworld has some strange words, Little Raider said.

Can’t argue with that, kid, Richard said, and Amber slapped him on his shoulder.

Do you want to come with us, Raider? she asked.

No, the boy said in his gentle voice. Dad and I just came back from—

With a scowl, he looked up at his father. I am going to claw AAL’s legs the next time I see him.

He is helping us by not allowing us to say ‘Earth.’

Why can you say it, Dad? Little Kit asked.

Because I have learned the hard way not to say the word around others. Anyway, I need to go to my office.

I am going with you, Dad, Little Raider said.

It was a bright, sunny day, with a slight nip to the air as fall approached in the northern hemisphere of Krel. Amber walked through the gardens with Little Kit. With their fur, they hardly noticed the cold. When they reached the only pond, lined with white gravel, they stopped.

Little Kit bent down and picked up one of the stones. She was about to throw it into the pond when Amber gently took hold of her hand.

No, my little cub. You must never throw the stones into the pond.

Why is that, Mama?

The fish in the pond will fight over it.

Continuing their stroll, they saw Jupiter and Zeus taking a break from working in the gardens. The satyrs waved and walked their way.

Richard was sitting at his desk in the palace’s west wing, reviewing paperwork while Little Raider played under his desk, by his feet.

Ouch! What did I tell you about using your claws on me? he said to his son.

Sorry, Papa.

Kipp, Richard’s secretary, walked into the office. Your majesty, the Senate has sent you this document to sign.

Rubbing his leg with one hand, Richard took the document with the other and quickly looked it over. It was the order to move the palace to Aurora. He signed it and handed it back.

Every tenth standard year, the palace would move to the planet Aurora on the other side of the Milky Way. The citizens of the other side of the Milky Way wanted the royal family close to them at least some of the time.

The palace looked like any ancient palace castle on Earth. It was over twenty thousand years old, and at some point, it had been converted into a spaceship.

I was wondering when we would move to the other side of the kingdom.

We are well underway on preparing the palace, sire.

Very good, Kipp. This, of course, will be my first crossing.

Kipp bowed and turned to leave. He almost fell when Little Raider grabbed his leg.

Raider! Richard shouted. Sorry, Kipp.

High above Krel, one of the Spartacus family’s ships entered low orbit. On the bridge, Senator Spartacus sat in the command chair. Around him stood eleven former members of Richard’s Privy Council, all human, and the gnomish emperor, Tanwin. None looked happy. Tanwin was particularly upset because of the murder of his cousin Senator Banxi. He blamed Richard for Banxi’s death.

Emperor Tanwin had black hair and a bushy beard, and he stood no more than three feet tall. He clenched his gnarly hands into fists as he watched the holo-screen, focused on the palace on Krel’s surface.

Senator Banxi had been killed by Amber’s brother, Raider, after the gnome tried to kill Amber and her cubs. Raider was a tall, well-muscled white fox who always carried two swords, and he’d used them to great effect on Banxi’s neck. He could also move like the wind; no one had seen him remove Banxi’s head from his body.

Are you sure the palace’s defenses will not be active? asked the oldest woman, the former head of the council.

Yes, Spartacus said with a gleam in his eyes. My agent has sent a message. When they try to raise the shields, components will burn out.

My sector will back your actions, Tanwin said. Once you have killed the king, his queen, and their demon cubs, you must turn the Royal Fleet on Beowulf. Our fleet will follow. After the royal fleet has neutralized their defense, we will make their worlds uninhabitable.

Senator Spartacus nodded. Show me the palace and the gardens, he commanded.

A holo-screen appeared in front of them. Spartacus leaned forward and pointed at it. Zoom in on the garden area.

The image zoomed in, and they saw Amber walking with Little Kit by her side.

Good! Spartacus said as he sat back in his chair. We now know they are in the palace,

Jefferson, the communications officer, looked up from his console and stared at the front holo-screen with narrowed eyes.

Target the palace, Spartacus commanded.

Sir? the weapons officer asked.

You heard my order, Spartacus said to her with a snarl. If you cannot carry out my commands, you are relieved.

She stood stiffly and walked away from her console. When she reached the lift doors, Spartacus drew his blaster and shot her dead.

He gazed imperiously around the bridge. Is anyone else going to disobey my orders?

No one moved.

Attwater! he shouted. Take her station and lock weapons on the palace!

Attwater, Spartacus’s first officer and lifelong friend, was a tall, well-built man with black hair and gray eyes.

Jefferson turned back to his console and quickly typed out a message. Before he could complete it, a blade plunged into his back. As he fell forward, his hand hit send, and the message went out to the Royal Knights.

Captain, we have received a partial message from a ship in orbit.

Captain Pricher was working on a holo-screen. Partial! Send it to me.

After reading the message, he stood and shouted, Raise the palace shields! We are under attack!

Yes, sir.

The captain sprinted for the exit. At the door, he stopped and said, Everyone, go into combat mode on your armor. And get those shields up! Notify the Royal Fleet we are under attack and send the location of that ship to them.

He raced down the corridor to the king’s office. As he ran, his armor morphed into a single, solid piece, though it was still flexible in all the right places. A helmet grew from around his neck and covered his head, leaving an opening in the front.

He passed Raider in the corridor. Without a word, the fox dropped to all fours and followed him.

What is it, Apollo? he said as they rounded a corner.

There is a ship in orbit. We received a partial message that it is about to launch an attack on the palace. And where is your armor, knight? You know you must wear it at all times!

It was malfunctioning and is being repaired, sir.

You should have it now, Raider. I do not want you to be harmed if this is a true attack.

Yes, sir.

As they ran, realization dawned on Raider. Amber! She is in the garden with my niece!

Without another word, he sprinted down a side corridor, headed for the palace exit.

Emperor Tanwin, Spartacus said calmly, do you want to give the command to kill the boy and his fox creatures?

Nodding, Tanwin turned to the screen. In his gravelly voice, he said, Fire! Destroy the palace and the surrounding area. Leave no one alive.

Mama, look, Little Kit said. Uncle Raider is running out of the palace.

Amber noticed that the palace’s shields had partially risen, but as she watched, they fell again. Come here, my cub.

As Raider sprinted toward them, he seemed to be shouting something, but he was too far away for Amber to hear him.

What is it, Mama?

I do not know.

Richard was still in his office, diligently making his way through the mound of paperwork on his desk.

Guardian said in his mind, My king, a ship in orbit is preparing to fire on the palace—

Apollo came sliding into the room, cutting Guardian off. We are under—

The palace exploded around them.

Senator Spartacus sat back in his command chair and watched the palace’s destruction unfold. After three additional blasts, every structure in the area had been flattened.

Tanwin placed his small hand on the arm of the command chair. Now, my king. It is time to go before the Senate, where you will be made king.

Then I will order the Royal Fleet to Beowulf, where your people will finally have your revenge on those fox creatures.

The ship streaked away, unmolested.

Chapter 1

The Aftermath

Richard! Captain Pricher yelled as he fought his way free from the rubble that had once been the palace and Richard’s home. The blast had thrown Apollo from the palace, and he’d landed at the outer edge of the gardens. Thankfully, his armor had formed a shield around him; otherwise, he’d be dead. Where the palace had once stood, all that was left was fire and smoking rubble.

His armor morphed into a powered exoskeleton, and he threw large chunks of blasted stone out of his way, working his way back to the remains of the palace.

Relief flooded him as he saw other knights digging their way out of the rubble. They, too, had been protected by their armor. Aside from the men under his command, a hundred or so knights, he did not know how many people were in the palace during the attack. The number was likely high considering that preparations to move the palace to Aurora had been well underway.

But where is Richard? he wondered. He had been standing next to his friend when the palace had exploded around them, but there was no sign of the king or his cub.

The ground was littered with human and alien bodies as far as he could see. Many were charred and smoking, while others were still on fire. Several centaur guards lay among the rubble, their once-magnificent bodies turning to ash.

The palace’s tall towers were gone. In fact, very little of the building had been left standing. He gazed up into the clear blue sky of Krel. There was no sign of who had made this vicious attack.

As he made his way through the rubble, a swarm of shuttles soared into view. As he watched, several shuttles landed, and scores of Aries soldiers and gnomish warriors piled out and marched his way.

The soldiers surrounded him and the other knights. The breasts of the Aries soldiers’ armor bore the symbol of a dragon clutching a human in one of its claws and a white pegasus in the other. The gnomish warriors carried square-headed hammers and axes.

A larger, burly man strolled out of a shuttle and up to the group. Apollo was seven foot three, but this man was a good head taller.

Captain Pricher, he said in a deep baritone. I am authorized to take you and your knights into custody for treason to the king.

As Apollo looked around, he saw that the Aries soldiers and gnomish warriors were pointing their weapons at him and the knights nearby. In the distance, other knights were being forced their way. Above, the shuttles’ cannons were trained on them as well.

And who brings these unfounded charges?

The Senate. Stepping close, the man added in a softer voice, Please do not resist. I have my orders to take you into custody, and your suits have been deactivated.

Captain Pricher looked at the display in the right arm of his armor. It flickered and went dead.

If you resist, we have orders to kill all of you.

Apollo stared into the man’s brown eyes. Looking around, he saw his knights were ready to attack. He drew his sword and stared down at its metallic surface. The metal seemed to flow. With both hands, he handed it to the taller man.

In the underground complex, between the entertainment center and the miles-deep shaft, Richard crouched around Little Raider, still shielding his son from the blast they’d successfully avoided. Looking up, he was relieved to see Amber holding Little Kit. Then his heart froze as his gaze landed on Raider. The fox lay face down behind Amber. All the fur on his back had been burnt off, and he was not moving.

Richard! Amber screamed. She ran over to her mate. As they embraced, their cubs stared at one another with wide eyes, shocked over what had just happened.

Amber looked over her shoulder at Raider. Then she took Richard’s hand and led him over to her brother.

Richard could not believe that Raider was not dead. What happened to him, Amber? he asked.

He came running out of the palace, she replied. I did not know what was happening. He leaped for us just as the palace exploded. I transported us away, but not before Raider was caught in the blast.

Amber handed Little Kit to her father and knelt beside her brother. Where his fur had been singed off, the skin was an ugly red, and blisters had already begun to form. Fortunately for him, he was unconscious and could not feel the pain.

Quick, Amber said, we must take him to the medical center.

She held out her hands, and Raider’s body floated up, coming to a stop about three feet in the air. Followed by Richard and the cubs, she rushed her brother into the medical center and gently set him face down on a device, the same one that had brought Richard back to life.

Richard hurried to Amber’s side. He touched a control, and the device came to life. Their cubs huddled in a corner, hugging each other.

Blue energy rose from the sides of the device and curved over Raider until it enveloped him. Amber nudged Richard aside and took control of the device. Seeing the frightened looks in his cubs’ eyes, Richard walked over to them and sat on the floor. He held out his arms, and they leaped to the safety of their father.

It will be all right, my cubs, he said. We are safe here.

Papa, what happened to our home? Little Kit asked as she looked at her father with her blue eyes.

Hugging his cubs tightly, Richard said, It is no longer there. This will now be our home. No one can harm you here.

Little Kit pointed her small muzzle into the air and let out a high, mournful howl. Hearing this, Amber rushed over with her ears laid back and fangs bared.

Amber, it is all right! It’s me, your mate! Richard shouted.

She dropped beside them and pulled them to her breast. I am sorry, Richard. It is instinct to protect my—

Richard placed a finger on the front of her muzzle, and she nipped it. We have just been through a brutal attack, my love. It’s all right. I understand.

She pulled Richard’s lips to hers, and they kissed. I do not deserve you, she said.

How is Raider doing? Richard asked.

The device is healing him. Then she hesitated. I do not know if his fur will grow back. His burns were deep. If only I could have—

It is all right. There is no need to dwell on what could have been, my love. You did your best.

As they sat there, Henry came running in with Brenda by his side and Ron close behind. Stopping just inside the door, they stared at Raider’s limp form. Brenda brought a hand to her mouth.

A moment later, Kit and Andreas rushed into the room. Raider! Kit yelled. She ran to her son, her eyes wide, took his hand and cried.

Andreas sat by his father and leaned his head against his shoulder.

Richard, what happened? Henry asked.

The palace was attacked, and we barely escaped with our lives. I am sure it is now a pile of rubble.

Who would have done this? Ron asked.

Brenda sat beside Amber. Little Kit leaned over and hugged her.

I am sure it was the humans! Richard said.

Once the device had done everything it could for Raider, Amber and Richard moved him to a room with a bed. He will sleep for now, Richard said.

They went to meet the others in the dining area. When they arrived, everyone took a seat at the central table.

Brenda asked, But why would the humans do this to you?

Five cups of hot cocoa appeared on the table, but no one touched them. They are upset that the non-human sectors are finally receiving the recognition they so richly deserve, Richard replied. And they are willing to go to war to stop it.

But don’t the non-human sectors outnumber the human sectors? Henry said.

Yes, they do, AAL said as he walked over to them. And thank the stars that you are all right.

I was wondering where you were, Richard said.

I had an errand to do and was off planet.

Brenda took a cup of hot chocolate and sipped. Amber did the same. Little Kit was sleeping in her arms, and Little Raider was sleeping in his father’s lap.

Richard wanted to stand, but he did not want to disturb his son. Do you know who attacked the palace? he asked AAL.

AAL rubbed his forehead. No, but I am assuming it was humans.

It could have also been the Gnomish Empire. Emperor Tanwin vowed to get revenge. He blames me for the death of his cousin Banxi.

You had nothing to do with his death, said Kit. She added with pride in her voice, It was Raider who killed him.

Nevertheless, said AAL, there are reports that the human sectors are gathering their forces.

Richard shifted in his seat as Little Raider stirred. I was afraid of this, he said. I had the members of the king’s council return to their sectors and warn them of just this possibility.

I did not know this, Richard, AAL said.

I told them to spread the word to ready their forces. I am sure they told the other non-human sectors to prepare for an attack from the human sectors. AAL frowned at this, and Richard hastily added, I did emphasize that they not attack the humans first. But I did not want them to be caught off guard.

AAL nodded.

And our forces, AAL? asked Richard. How do you think—

AAL held up a hand. Richard, you must return to Krel. Spartacus is holding an emergency session of the Senate. He gave Richard a sober look. They will soon vote to make him king.

Amber, you stay here with our cubs and Mother, Richard said.

But I want to be by your side, she half demanded.

I know, babe. And I want you by my side. But your place is here with our cubs. They are frightened and need you now more than ever.

She looked down at the girl in her arms and then at her son, sleeping peacefully in Richard’s lap. Without another moment’s hesitation, she nodded.

Amber handed Little Kit to her mother, while Richard passed Little Raider to Brenda.

Brenda’s eyebrows knit with surprise. This will give you practice for when you and Henry have kids, Richard told her. Still unsure, she peered down at Little Raider and kissed him on his fur-free forehead.

Amber ran over and threw her arms around her mate. Richard wished their kiss could last forever. He did not want to let her go.

When they finally reluctantly pulled apart, Amber looked up into his blue eyes. Please stay out of trouble, Richard.

Hey, when have I ever gotten into trouble? he said with a smile.

Be careful, brother, Henry said.

Amber took her mate’s hand. Richard, Jupiter and Zeus were in the garden. We were walking their way when the palace exploded.

Richard’s eyes went wide. I will find them, babe, he said. Then a thought struck him. Fern, was she in the palace?

No, she went into Center City on an errand.

Richard sighed with relief. A moment later, AAL stepped beside him, and they vanished.

The two appeared where Richard’s office had once stood. All that remained was rubble. Richard’s jaw clenched at the sight of hundreds of bodies scattered throughout the remains of the palace and its once-famous gardens.

A hand came to rest on his seventeen-year-old shoulder. What is it, AAL? he asked as he reached up and placed a hand over his mentor’s.

I know I have said this too many times, said AAL, but we must not act until we know where the attack came from. If the Royal Fleet went after the wrong sector, it could push others away from the kingdom.

Richard spotted a hand sticking up from the rubble. AAL, help me, please.

They pushed aside the rubble, revealing the crushed body beneath. A jolt of shock shot through Richard as he gazed at the face of his secretary. Oh, Kipp, he said softly. Tears came to his young eyes.

Richard suddenly realized there were no knights among the dead. I wonder where the Royal Knights are?

That is a good question, Richard.

Their armor protects them, so they should have survived. Come on, let us have a look.

The smell of burnt flesh, hair, and fur hung in the air. Some of the bodies were still burning. Richard wanted to use his abilities to put out the flames, but AAL, sensing his desire, placed a restraining hand on his shoulder.

As they walked away from the palace—or what was left of it—Richard’s eyes darted right and left, searching for signs of Jupiter. He stopped when he saw a pile of black fur. No! he cried as he ran over.

A few feet from the bodies, he stopped, horrified. Jupiter’s once-powerful form lay sprawled over the charred ground, his arms wrapped in a protective embrace around his son. There were no signs of life. The large satyr’s body was still smoking. AAL waved a hand, and the smoke stopped.

Richard, he said.

The young king fell to his knees and wept.

After a minute, he stood. Crying out, he raised his arms high, and bolts of energy shot from his hands. As they snaked up through the atmosphere like lightning, the ground beneath his feet glowed. AAL’s eyes widened as the bolts of energy coalesced into the faint outline of a dragon.

Richard roared in rage. AAL’s eyes grew wide, and he took two steps back.

A fleet of shuttles and emergency medical hovercraft approached swiftly from Central City. Richard, please, said AAL. Control your rage.

Why can’t everyone just get along? Richard screamed, his voice so loud it hurt AAL’s ears.

Richard! AAL shouted.

The energy bolts ceased, and Richard lowered his arms. The ground’s glow faded and winked out.

AAL Ran to Richard and embraced him. Richard, hovercraft are coming. Please—

I know, Richard said as he cried into AAL’s chest.

But as the tears flowed down his cheeks, Richard made a silent vow—he would make whoever did this pay, and he would find them even if they fled to the far end of the galaxy.

Chapter 2

A Delayed Rescue

Richard composed himself as over fifty hovercraft approached through the smoke-filled air. Wiping tears away, he stood with his back straight and head high. The hovercraft landed on the edge of the devastated area. Many were emergency search and rescue craft, and the others were shuttles from the medical center in Center City.

With medical devices in hand—or tentacle—humans and non-humans swarmed out of the craft and ran towards anyone who looked like they needed help. Whenever one of them reached a body still on fire, they quickly smothered the flames.

Richard watched the proceedings with a stone-cold expression on his young face. He could not understand what had taken them so long to get here. Two physicians ran out of the shuttle nearest Richard and raced over to him. Both men were of average height and wore medical scrubs.

Their mouths hung open as they looked him up and down, shocked that their young king seemed completely unharmed.

Are you just going to stare at me? Richard said harshly.

Their mouths snapped shut, and they knelt.

Rise, Richard said with irritation. And what the hell took you so long to get here?

The men stood, their legs a little shaky. Your majesty, we were told by the Aries Prime guards and the gnomish warriors not to approach the blast site until given permission.

Richard’s face darkened. And where are my Royal Knights?

Sire, said a voice behind him, I was observing from the medical center.

Richard turned to find a tall, gaunt man with black hair and green eyes. The man went to one knee.

Rise.

Sire, your knights were surrounded by hundreds of the Aries guards and gnomish warriors. I, like many others, ran to windows to see where the booming sound came from. To our surprise and horror, we saw the palace was gone. Being a surgeon, I touched my thumbs and forefingers together, and holo-screen formed. I moved the view over the palace and magnified the image. When I did, I saw the knights’ captain hand his sword to the tallest Aries Prime guard I have ever seen.

Do you know what happened to my knights?

They were pushed into transports and taken to the Senate Hall, sire.

Looking past Center City, Richard saw that the hall’s black dome was now underground. His eyes narrowed.

Sire, said the taller of the two physicians, we also saw energy bolts coming from this area. Do you know their source?

It could have been an after-effect from the attack, AAL told them. They looked at their king, who was still staring at the Senate Hall.

But, sire, we thought we saw an image of a dragon within the energy bolts, the smaller of the two physicians said.

The atmosphere must have distorted what you thought you saw, AAL said.

If I may ask, sire, said the gaunt man, how did you survive? And are your queen and children well?

Richard’s eyes softened at the man’s concern for his family. They are all well, and thank you for asking. His gaze turned to the rescue groups combing through the rubble.

Is there anything we can do for you, sire? the tall physician asked.

No.

Just then, two of the rescuers reached the remains of Jupiter and Zeus. Richard rushed over.

Cooper, one of the men said to the other, have someone come over here and dispose of these satyrs. Seeing their king approach, the men knelt. Sire—

Rise. These satyrs were my friends. You will treat them with the dignity that their race deserves.

Yes. Ah, yes, sire. We—

You will have them prepared for burial according to their race’s funeral rites. Richard’s tone left no doubt in their minds that if this were not done, heads would roll.

Yes, sire, the two men said together.

Many other non-humans were in the palace. Centaurs are among them. If I hear of any of them being treated without proper respect, I will have those responsible punished. Is that understood? Richard called out for all to hear.

Everyone froze. Then he remembered that centaurs’ bodies turned to dust when they died.

He dropped to his knees next to the bodies, kicking up a small dust cloud. Wiping tears from his eyes with one hand, he placed the other on Zeus’s head. As he ran his fingers through the satyr’s curly black hair, the child moaned. Richard’s eyes went wide. Physicians, bring your medical devices over here. The young satyr is still alive!

The two physicians rushed over.

Richard reached down to pull Zeus from his father’s embrace, but he stopped when one of the physicians said, Sire! Do not touch the young satyr. You do not know the extent of its injuries.

He stood. This is Zeus, and he is male.

One physician ran a hand through the air above Zeus’s body, and an image of the young boy’s body appeared there. As the physician stripped away the layers of the image, Richard saw a number of broken bones and damaged organs.

I must leave, he said. Give the boy the best possible care. I will check in on him later. Then he went to one of the hovercrafts and told the pilot to take him and AAL to the Senate Hall.

The pilot’s eyes were wide as the shuttle sped down the tunnel leading to the Senate complex.  Sire, I have never been in the Great Hall, and I do not know if I am allowed to enter.

You are transporting your king, AAL told him. I will explain it to anyone who might ask.

The pilot still looked uneasy.

Richard stared out the side window at the passing walls, a stony expression on his young face. He noticed that they were slowing.

What is wrong, pilot? he asked.

The hangar door’s outer hull is in place, sire.

I’ve never seen the entrance covered before, AAL, Richard said as he stared at the black wall in front of them.

It is only closed when the complex is under attack, AAL replied.

Or to keep someone out.

That would be my guess, sire.

Leaning close, Richard whispered, Can you open it?

AAL nodded.

Good. I can guess who would want to keep people out, but I am not so sure as to who would be allowed in.

Since both Aries troops and gnomish warriors took your Royal Knights into custody, it is safe to assume it would be humans and the gnomes.

Richard’s lips pressed into a thin line.

Please move forward slowly, AAL told the pilot.

But—

It will be all right.

But—

Pilot! said Richard. Do as AAL has asked.

Swallowing hard, the pilot said, Yes, sire.

Gripping the controls so tightly that his knuckles were white, he moved the craft slowly toward the hull. When they drew close, it vanished, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

Inside the massive hangar bay, there were very few personal shuttles. Richard had been hoping to see more.

Now, fly over to that column, AAL said. The pilot did as he was told.

The shuttle landed next to the column, and Richard hopped out, followed by AAL. You may return and help with the recovery effort, AAL said.

Richard looked back at the nervous man. Thank you.

AAL walked over to the double doors in the column and touched them, and they vanished. Then he and Richard stepped into the lift and rode it down into the bowels of the Senate Hall.

Richard flexed his fists as they descended. Do you think they are keeping them in the detention area?

That is the most likely spot.

Those little gnomish bastards better not get in my way, Richard growled.

Please control your temper, AAL said testily. The demonstration you gave in the rubble of the palace, well, we were lucky no one saw you.

I will try.

Please do more than try.

Richard looked at the floor and then nodded.

Can you block all communications? Richard asked.

I have already done so.

I don’t want the traitorous senators to catch wind that I’m back. And AAL, can you send word to the non-human senators that I will need them to join us in the hall?

Certainly.

And keep the outer hull from reforming around the hangar opening. The senators still on Krel will need to have a way in.

The lift stopped, and the doors vanished. In the detention center beyond, a group of gnomish warriors and Aries guards stood in front of a row of cells, taunting and laughing at the Royal Knights imprisoned within. Their backs were to the lift, and they were enjoying their sport so much that they hadn’t heard Richard and AAL’s arrival.

Why do we not lower the fields and allow them to battle us? one of the gnomes asked in a gravelly voice, brandishing his ax. This was the first gnome Richard had seen with red hair and beard.

Their armor has been deactivated, so it will be a fair fight, another said.

We have our orders, an Aries guard said. They are to be taken before the Senate, where they will be tried for treason.

They will then be convicted and sentenced to death, another gnome added, his dark eyes gleaming. Spartacus will command it once he is king, and we will be their executioners.

Everyone laughed.

This really pissed off Richard.

Allow me to go first, AAL said softly to Richard. I will announce you.

Richard nodded and stepped to the side of the lift, where he could not be seen.

As AAL strode into the detention center, one of the gnomish warriors looked back, saw him, and yelled, There is the dead king’s ALF! Kill it!

AAL called out, His majesty, Richard Plantagenet.

Everyone froze as Richard strolled into the room. His eyes found Apollo, who had a broad smile on his face. Release my knights and do it now! he yelled.

A few gnomes reached for their weapons, but AAL beat them to the draw, pulling two blasters from behind his back.

He will kill the first one of you that moves, Richard growled. He pointed at a guard from Aries Prime. You. Release my knights. And do it now!

The guard’s hand fluttered over the controls, and the cells’ force fields fell. The Royal Knights rushed out.

Captain, said Richard, place our guests in the—

A hammer came flying at his head, but AAL shot it out of the air. Richard pulled a blaster from behind his back and shot the gnome who had thrown it, putting a single hole through his head. 

He swept the blaster’s muzzle over the guards and warriors. Does anyone else want to die?

The Royal Knights quickly disarmed the enemy soldiers and forced them into the cells. They tossed the weapons into two piles, one for hammers and axes and the other for blasters.

Come with me, Richard said to his knights.

Captain Pricher ordered two knights to stay and man the detention area, and then the rest followed Richard into the hall.

Captain, Richard said, I need you and your men to go in stealth mode. And be ready for anything.

Sire, replied Apollo, our armor has been deactivated.

Look at your forearm, Captain Pricher, AAL said.

When Apollo looked down, the holo-screen on his forearm was again active.

The Senate is coming into session and will be voting to make Spartacus king, AAL said.

The knights murmured and muttered, cursing under their breaths.

Sire, what do you wish us to do? Apollo asked.

I do not know who will be in the gnomish delegation, said Richard, but it is safe to say they will not be happy when I walk into the Senate Hall. Nor will the humans. Order your men to spread out to all the observation areas. I am sure there will be more gnomish warriors and Aries troops in and around the hall.

Yes, sire. I will also call for the security forces in Center City to come to our aid.

Very good, Captain, Richard replied confidently. Inside, though, he wasn’t so sure.

It wasn’t the warriors and soldiers that gave him pause. If worse came to worst, he and AAL could always handle them. No, what worried him were the hearts and minds of the kingdom’s citizens. Had he pushed them too far, too fast? Was civil war inevitable?

Very soon, he would know the answer whether he liked it or not.

Chapter 3

Spartacus’s Unwelcome Surprise

Senators, I stand here before you at a tragic time, Senator Warren said as he floated on the speaker’s platform in the Senate Hall.