Eternal Horizon: The Chronicle of Vincent Saturn (Eternal Horizon: A Star Saga Book 1) (31 page)

“Let us enjoy this evening in peace,” Galadan continued, “for it may be the last time we’ll ever get an opportunity to feast like this. Let us remember the times of Urtan and our leaders who made this world the way it is today. May the One bless us all!” Galadan downed his drink and sat down.

The room continued its numerous conversations.

“That’s much better.” Spaide slumped back in his chair after consuming several plates. “Although I could’ve used a good steak.”

“I noticed there isn’t any meat. Why is that?” Vincent asked.

“Because they’re vegans,” Damocles explained.

“What?” Spaide scoffed. “Are you serious?”

“Gaia informed me of it,” the big guy said, loading up another plate. “The Urtans don’t believe in killing.”

“But… but they’re reptiles,” the Dirsalian said in an undertone.

Damocles chewed down his food, and said, “Now you see why she’s showing so much compassion for them.”

“Impressive,” Vincent commented.

Spaide put a toothpick in his mouth. “It’s okay. I can live without meat for a while. Nothin’s like a good meal after a tough day of adventure.”

“Adventure?” Vincent asked, remembering his own desire for
adventure
. “Is this adventure a part of your daily routine?”

“Not really. Most of the time we train and study. But there’s always some warlord or gang leader that we meet along the way. Oh, yeah, bounty hunters can be a pain too.” Spaide paused, pulled out his toothpick, and then said, “Honestly, I hate
killin
.’ I didn’t want to kill today, but under the circumstances, I had to. They chose to serve this regime.” He shrugged. “They pretty much deserved it anyways. Every single one of ’em”

From the corner of his eye, Vincent noticed two Urtans across the table staring at them in appall as Spaide spoke of murder with such lack of concern.

“Hi!” The Dirsalian grinned at them. “My name’s Spaide Caroon, and I’m your average thief, smuggler, arsonist, and recently branded an assassin. But don’t get me wrong now… I’m a very nice guy once you get to know me.”

The Urtans got up in a hurry, graciously bowed, and left the room.

Damocles nearly fell over his chair in laughter. “Assassin,” the big man roared. “Spaide, you never cease to amaze me.”

“I know… right?” Spaide smiled—delighted at the fact he’d gotten the young man’s mind off recent news. He then reached over and grabbed a jug full of a crimson substance. “Now, I’ll indulge in a little alcohol.” He poured himself a glass. “Drink?” he asked Vincent.

“No,” Vincent said. “I don’t want the headache to come back.”

“Suit yourself.”

“Why do you fight, Spaide?” Vincent asked. “I mean, I get the Xenians and their situation, but I still don’t understand yours.”

“It’s a long story. I know you’d expect to hear a sad yarn, but the reason I started fightin’ was mainly because I was bored.”

“Bored?”

“Yes, bored.”

Vincent stared at the Dirsalian in stupefaction. “Tell me.”

“Well, I lived in an orphanage till I was about seven or so,” Spaide began. “My parents, I never knew. They died
durin
’ the Imperial takeover, which caused a civil war on my planet, Dirasali. Dirasali is known for its numerous crime guilds, exactly where I ended up as a teen.
Growin
’ up, I stole on a daily basis, mostly to survive, but it was the only way of
stickin
’ it to the Republic…” He paused for a second, recalling his early years.

“My greatest zeal was in studying the engine. I was always fascinated with how it works and why, and I dreamed of one day becoming the best pilot in the galaxy. That led me to some very dire people, and at the age of fifteen, I became a smuggler. Money was good, but my life was
borin
’, except for the thrill I’d get
outrunnin
’ Imperial fighters…

“By twenty, word of my
pilotin
’ skills had reached far beyond Dirasali. That was the time when I took my most bizarre mission. There were no drugs and no guns—just a simple ride for a stranger offering me more money than I ever took. That was when I first met Oryon Krynne—an encounter that’d change my life forever. I had never met anyone with so much knowledge, such dignity, such character… and a killer beneath it all. Of course, with Oryon, my simple
drivin
’ task eventually turned into pandemonium. As our mission turned crazy, we became closely associated. I was excited to learn from him the art of
creatin
’ explosives and target
shootin
.’ So, after our work was over, I left everythin’ behind and decided to follow him… and I mean
everythin’
and
everyone
. Before I knew it, my life had a
meanin
.’ He saved me. Days became weeks, weeks became years… I watched the twins grow up and Duell become the master he is today. It’s been over thirteen years now. They’re my family; they’re all I got.” He leaned over and encircled his arm around the big guy’s neck.

Damocles grunted and shoved off the Dirsalian.

“I see,” Vincent said. “It’s funny, you know, how my people take things for granted, completely unaware of all this.”

“Once, I took things for granted too,” Spaide said. “I thought
gettin
’ women and money and
makin
’ people fear and envy you were the only things in life. I was so stupid…” He then sat up, taking a passionate tone as he said, “You see, Oryon gave my life importance—a purpose. I had so much potential, ‘the mind of an artist,’ as Duell would say, the struggle to be different, and that’s what made me follow the way of the Warrior Sage. Now…”—he stared down into his glass—“they’ve killed the man I considered to be my father… Now it’s personal.”

“Please, enough,” the big man said. “Change the subject.”

“Hey, did you forget about me?” Gaia appeared out of nowhere.

“Your highness,” Spaide said, rolling his eyes. “Shouldn’t you be out there yellin’ at someone?”

“I’ve had enough for the day.”

“Have a drink?” Spaide stretched the jar.

“So, are you beginning to adapt?” she asked Vincent, ignoring the Dirsalian.

“I’m impressed with everything on this planet,” Vincent said. “I expected some sort of technological paradise, but instead, it’s this classical world with such an artistic taste.”

“I expected barbarians,” Damocles added.

“You’ve seen it for yourself, Damocles,” she said, “the Urtans lead a life of honor similar to yours.”

“I agree.”

“That’s why I love this place. And if I die here, so be it.”

“Don’t say that!” Spaide intervened. “Nobody’s
dyin
’!” He then leaned back in his chair and muttered, “I’m not, that’s for sure.”

They sat there for hours sharing stories: tales of Oryon and Duell, of Spaide’s daredevil adventures, and about the twins’ successful rescue of the Princess. For that period of time, Vincent entirely forgot his situation and laughed and talked along. They were no longer aliens to him. They were people—regular people like anyone you might meet on Earth.

*

Duell and Galadan stepped out on the balcony to continue their talk in private.

“I must say, Galadan,” Duell said, “now I know why Jamon described your world with such passion. Are you familiar with Oryon’s
Memoirs
?”

“But of course. That book was one of the biggest inspirations behind our uprising.”

“Oryon would’ve loved your world. It would remind him of the days he spent on
Kienor
…”

Galadan nodded, then leaned on the balustrades and looked out at the courtyard. “I’m sorry, Sage Duell.”

“There’s no need to apologize.”

“I feel the need to say this in case I don’t get the chance. I’m sorry to have dragged you into this.”

Duell stood still, hands crossed behind his back. “You didn’t, my friend. It’s my choice to remain here.”

Galadan whirled. “But you are aware of the odds we’re facing?”

“Galadan…” Duell said, noticing that the King was about to break apart.

“Do you think we stand a chance?”

“I wouldn’t stay if I didn’t.”

“We’re all going to die, aren’t we?” the Urtan said in a half-whisper, his eyes filling with tears.

“Don’t be so pessimistic, Galadan,” Duell stated calmly. “We
will
triumph.”

“I’m sorry, Duell.” Galadan wiped his face. “But I don’t believe in miracles.”

“Then I’ll take it upon myself to make you.”

*

“It’s late,” Gaia said, getting up. “We’ve a long day ahead of us. Let us try to get some regular sleep.” She wished everyone goodnight and left the hall.

“You know,” said the big man as she left, “if I were a bit older, I would’ve definitely—” He didn’t finish his sentence as he stared at the door.

Spaide and Vincent turned to see Exander at the entrance.

“Here’s the party crasher,” Spaide groaned.

“You big moron!” the blonde snapped. “Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?”

“What did you want me to do?” Damocles asked.

“Help me with my research and not think with your insatiable stomach!”

“We’re guests.” The big guy defended himself. “We need to show our respect.”

“Yeah, I see how you show respect! Merrily passing your time!”

“Oh, shut up!” Spaide said. “I’m sick and tired of your
moanin
’ lately!”

Exander threw the Dirsalian a cold look, turned around, and left the room.

“
Ex!
” Damocles called out.

“Ah, let him go,” Spaide said. “He can be so aggravating sometimes.”

“Goodnight.” Damocles followed his brother.

“Well, I guess I’m the bad guy again.” Spaide sighed. “At least there’s always someone to blame.” He poured himself another drink.

“What’s with them?” Vincent asked. “They miss their grandfather?”

“They’ve a bigger burden on their shoulders than you can possibly imagine. In time, I’ll tell you, but for now I’m gonna ask you just what do you plan on doin’ ’bout Gaia?”

“What do you mean?” Vincent was stumped.

“The Princess likes you, man!” Spaide smiled. “You’d be a complete fool not to notice.”

“Come on.” Vincent blushed, his heart beginning to wildly beat. “What makes you say that?”

“I’m an expert on women,” Spaide continued.

“Oh, you’re an expert on women too?”

“Yes, and a girl like Gaia—someone who’s always fightin’—has no time to meet anyone under normal circumstances. All of the Xenian men she’s around are spoiled bastards who only care about money. But you… well, you’re different. Plus, you look like them, especially like her race with that brown hair of yours.”

“You’re drunk,” Vincent said, denying the sensation inside—the sensation that made him feel like a kid. The idea of that woman actually liking him both excited and terrified him at the same time. She was the most beautiful, most alluring woman he’d ever seen, yet she wasn’t human. Had he lived amongst this melting pot of races, perhaps things would’ve been much different. He yawned, brushing off the thoughts. “I’m tired, Spaide. Let’s head back.”