Eternal Horizon: The Chronicle of Vincent Saturn (Eternal Horizon: A Star Saga Book 1) (28 page)

The narrow streets were carefully paved in the most alluring white and grey stepping-stones, with fountains, benches, and statues lining up the clean sidewalks. But despite that spirited view, various parts of the city were decimated. As they traveled further down, some of the buildings were scorched, showing signs of recent warfare.

The Urtans were a quiet people and behaved in the most impeccable manner, making way for the group and generously bowing. Most of them were hard at work, cleaning up the mess and restoring the magnificence of their city.

“Look!” Spaide pointed upward. A gigantic bird-like creature soared high above their heads, mounted by an Urtan warrior. The creature’s body was similar to that of a feline, aside from the pair of wings spreading from its sides and its long feathery tail which was similar to that of a peacock. Its head, supported by a rather long neck, was like that of a bird as well, having a huge beak and covered in feathers.

“I wanna ride one of those,” Spaide said.

Vincent couldn’t believe his eyes. “What is it?”

“
Hurry!
” Exander shouted at them for lagging.

“The Uruzu,” Galadan gave an answer to their curiosity as they caught up with the rest of the party. “A loyal creature which lives, fights, and dies alongside its master—one of the few remaining wonders of our world.”

The streets began to widen, and they entered a massive courtyard. Thousands of Urtan soldiers formed ranks throughout its length, preparing for the onslaught that was headed for their homeworld. Tanks, catapults, and numerous odd military machines were parked in the middle of this once-tranquil plaza, their cannons pointed into the sky. Small jets and more of the Uruzu creatures circled above.

They passed the multiple tents and the machines, heading for the end of the courtyard to a flight of stairs that led up to the castle.

The castle was a neoclassical structure with a round central dome that rose up for many stories and two long wings with flying buttresses, gargoyles, and numerous towers extending to the sides.

A portico led to the entrance with rows upon rows of three-story-high columns, their plinths elaborately sculpted, each portraying a different myth. After several dozen rows of pillars, they reached the gate: a colossal door made of gold and thoroughly engraved with symbols. Two Urtan guards equipped with axes bowed and opened the gateway before the party.

The inner chamber was even more magnificent than the colonnade. Its high ceiling was covered in tempura murals of Urtan heroes warding off dragon-like creatures. Chandeliers with thousands of crystals hung from the ceiling on long cables. A soft melody—produced by an unknown instrument similar to a harp—wafted through the air, soothing the atmosphere.

Galadan stopped as they entered. “You surely must be tired and hungry,” he said. “But I must insist you join me for a short meeting with my generals. Your presence alone will provide them with hope.”

“Tired I am, your majesty,” Duell replied without showing any signs of exhaustion. “But we must confer on the matter at hand.” He then looked at the rest of his party and added, “Whatever it is that you require us to do.”

Exander nodded and glanced at his brother. Finally, they were going to get to the bottom of this entire hullabaloo.

“Of course,” Galadan said, throwing Gaia a questioning look.

She sighed and looked down, for she hadn’t told Duell the true purpose of Galadan’s imploration.

“Please, follow me,” the Urtan King said, taking the lead once more.

The party ascended the spiral stairs to the second level. Vincent noticed more crystals glowing on the walls. Somehow, the Urtans managed to store energy within those crystals without using any means of electricity.

Galadan’s chambers were at the top of the castle’s main tower, facing the courtyard. It was a circular room with a balcony that provided a view of the city. In the middle of the room was a black crystal table hovering three feet above the floor that was topped with a soft, red carpet. Hundreds of books lined the shelves alongside the walls and delicate weapons such as swords and bows were mounted above them along with a few monitors.

Five men sat around the table. Four of them were Urtans of various shades of green, clad in golden outfits and covered in war emblems; they got up in unison and bowed their heads. The fifth man, a humanoid alien, insolently slumped back in his chair, arms across his chest, smirking at the party. He was the size of a regular man, but with pale grayish skin. The back of his head formed a small cone, and a stripe of black hair extended down his large forehead, connecting with the rest that seemed to grow only on the sides and the back. He had pointy ears, thick, bushy eyebrows, and sideburns extending far below his jaw line. He sat there staring at them with cat-shaped eyes.

“Thanatos!” Exander shouted as he recognized the man.

“Ah…” The man smiled, his voice revealing sarcasm. “The famous Sons of Liberty. Yet I don’t see the man in charge.”

“What’s
he
doing here?” Exander asked, turning to the Urtans. “This hired killer!” He pointed at the man. “He might be a spy for all we know!”

“
Exander!
” Duell raised his hand, and his student was forced back.

“A hired killer?” Thanatos taunted the blonde. “Oh, what a price I can get for your carcass… But please, don’t insult me by saying you don’t accept payments.”

“We don’t kill innocent people for it!”

“I hope you’re not speaking of your grandfather, because I’d have to disagree with you on that matter,” Thanatos replied bitterly.

“Damn you, you lowly vagabond!” Damocles stepped in, infuriated with the mentioning of his late grandfather’s name in such a foul accusation.

Exander reached for his sword.

The alien continued sitting there, grinning.

“Enough of this!” Galadan shouted. “We have a common enemy! Must we fight among each other?”

“Exander! Damocles!” Duell shouted.

Damocles nodded in apology to Thanatos, and Exander sheathed his weapon.

“As you know, Thanatos is Dargonian,” Galadan said, sitting down. “His extraordinary abilities are vital to our goal. I’m aware he has quite the bad reputation, but I took the privilege of inviting him myself. His past acquaintances with the members of the Order will provide us with critical information. After all, we all deserve a second chance.”

“I have a personal score to settle with that Sect,” Thanatos explained, sweeping the room with his feline gaze. “And I will leave it at that.”

As everyone settled down, the party took seats across the Urtans.

Vincent sat back and crossed his feet under the table, awaiting the news of yet another fracas that his new buddies were getting dragged into.

“So, what occurred at the Senate?” Duell began, getting right down to business.

“Well…” Galadan lowered his head. “I proposed our cause to Vermont and the rest of the Council, and…” He paused, sighed deeply, and then said, “In conclusion, I was ordered to lay down our weapons and surrender to the Order while the Council sends a peacekeeping force to investigate my
allegations
.”

“They’d never have it,” Duell said. “As I explained to the Princess earlier, the entire Senate—or the Republic, for that matter—is a hoax, and Vermont’s there to keep the systems in line.”

“Vermont is young and has a kind heart. He nearly accepted my offer, were it not for Zeth.”

“The warrior he once was is long gone. He’s more a follower of a sad man’s false dream to one day unite the galaxy than a tyrant. Nevertheless, he’s one of them and doesn’t make any critical decision without the consent of Zeth and Na’ar’.”

“I figured it out. Too late, but I did.” Galadan got up and approached the open balcony, gazing at the plaza. “So much for the Imperial Republic…” He remained quiet for a few seconds and then turned around, fear in his eyes.

“Damien’s outraged,” he said. “You should’ve seen him. No one has ever stood up to Cosmos before, and now this appearance at the Senate! I could barely control myself. The things I’ve said! Such daring will not be tolerated. He’s bound to make an example of us.”

“A large army is amassing at Corsair,” Exander said. “The likes of which the galaxy hadn’t seen since the Intergalactic War. Damien’s gathering the Horde from every corner of Dahanburg.”

“How many fighting men do you have, Galadan?” Duell asked.

“Slightly over three hundred thousand,” the King replied forlornly.

“
Three hundred thousand!
” Exander exclaimed, nearly jumping out of his seat. “The Order is bringing an army of over ten million! This is suicide!”

“
Exander!
” Duell shouted. “Do you want to wait outside?”

The intolerant youth’s lip quivered. “No, master,” he responded, lowering his head.

“You must understand that most of my people have fled,” Galadan continued. “No other system dares come to our aid. My army’s composed of soldiers who remained loyal to me and the poor who’ve no ways of escaping and thereby no choice in the matter. And we have very few weapons—only those we managed to salvage during the reign of the Order.”

“I see…” Duell said, his eyes fixed in the corner. “What of the women and the children?”

“We’ll hide most of them throughout the shelters along the continent farther from the capital. A small number of them will remain here and aid the troops. If we had any carriers, perhaps we could’ve sent them all off to Dorior.”

“And when do you suppose this army will reach Urtan?”

“Two days from now… in two days,” Galadan replied. “They won’t care if it’s a woman or a child. They’ll kill us all.”

Everyone became quiet again, looking at Duell.

The Xenian leaned back in his chair. “Very well, then,” he finally said. “Galadan Dox, I will fulfill my late master’s wish and assist you with whatever I can. However—”

“What?” Exander couldn’t hold it any longer. “You can’t be serious!”

“
However
,” Duell repeated, louder, “we cannot fight off an army for you. Time for frolicking is over… What is it, really, that you propose we do?”

The twins and Spaide eagerly turned to Galadan and Gaia, expecting the answer they’d been waiting for.

“The impossible, of course,” Galadan said, looking around the table. “Something that couldn’t be done for eons: I want you to kill Cosmos.”

Baffling silence swept over the room.

“What…?” Thanatos broke the stillness with a scoffing laugh.

“I’m serious, Thanatos,” Galadan insisted.

“Well.” The Dargonian got up, continuing to chuckle. “I’ve come to the conclusion that you’ve lost your mind.”

“Why is that, Sir Thanatos?” asked one of the Urtan generals. “Do you truly believe he’s a god?”

“
No!
” Thanatos frowned, and then asked, “But have you ever seen
what
he can do?”

“I have, “Duell said.

The Dargonian turned to the Xenian master. “Heh? And still you think we have a chance against that?”

“I’m fully aware of the situation’s difficulty, Sir Thanatos, but since Galadan’s bringing up such a proposal, I’m sure he has means to deal with it,” said Duell and then to the Urtan King, “Please continue.”

Thanatos became quiet and sat back down, sulking, although showing signs of surprise at the Xenian’s calm attitude.

“Cosmos’ armor is a mechanism.” Gaia’s voice turned the heads of the listeners. She got up and approached Galadan’s side. “It is said that he’s indestructible, invincible, overall a god, but beneath that armor, he’s as helpless as any other carbon-based life form. It’s a breastplate made by the technology of the Ancients: a plate that reflects any energy. However, it’s a machine, and as such, it has flaws. The screen that surrounds him is calculated on timing, capable of shielding him from the fastest of weapons.” She leaned on the table.