Page 1 of Fire Forged

Prologue

The moon Fuyra

Orbiting Etteria

Nerxbarelychewedthebite of kreso steak he shoved into his mouth.The succulent meat, as delicious as it was, served a purpose for the activities they’d planned for the day.He was trying to finish his morning meal before his brother, Kyerx, woke up.The magnus sun skimmed the horizon, casting its great rays across the silver landscape.was about to rise.

“You still eating,damu?”Kyerx beamed from the doorway.

Nerx grimaced, slowed his paced, and chewed.He should’ve known better than to out-awaken his older blood-bond.

Kyerx leaned his shoulder against the frame.In his armor, a dagger and a blaster strapped to his thighs, he cut a strong figure in his military garb.

“Expecting trouble?”Nerx gestured to the weapons.He wore his military pants and a padded vest.When they reached the Pools of Berrann, he’d strip faster than his brother would.

“I had food prepared for you, Kyerx,” Father said, entering the room.“All your favorites.”He gestured to the stuffed pack on a counter.

Kyerx straightened.“My thanks for your consideration.”

“Guard Kyerx,” Father snapped, tossing Nerx a glare on the way out.

Kyerx thumped Nerx on the back.“You will see.Once I am gone, he will show you favor.”

Nerx snorted.“You are perfect, and even though we both bear Father’s likeness, you did not kill Mother from the womb.”He downed his giyua juice, using the tart flavor to remind him that not all sour things in life were bad.“It is also no secret he hoped I would be a female.”

“A foolish hope when females are rare.”Kyerx hoisted the pack onto his back.“Come, let us not tarry.The shuttle awaits.”

“It is good Father knows not our destination.The southern sparring fields?”Nerx pushed out of his seat to trail his brother.“I do not know how you can deceive so when it is dishonorable.”

“With Father, some things are best not mentioned.I lie for his health.”

Nerx arched a brow at that silliness.He chose not to dwell on the reasons behind his father’s hatred.He could understand grief, but still, Mother hadn’t been Father’s Dar Eth.Nerx’s heart panged.Had Mother been more than a female, had she triggered the Ethera in Father, he and Kyerx would never have known him after she died.The loss of her and the bond the Ethera created would have taken Father too, orphaning Kyerx and Nerx.

Some days, when Father tormented Nerx more than usual, he’d wished him dead.And other days, with the way Father adored Kyerx, he’d longed for Kyerx’s death too.Now on the cusp of malehood, Nerx preferred to shove such bitterness aside.Soon, he too would leave for Gikaet and begin his training.He’d never see Father again.

“Nerx, my blood-bond, are you ready to disembark or would you prefer to waste your day dreaming like adamu?”

Nerx snapped out of his thoughts then punched Kyerx in the gut, but getting no reaction for his efforts.

“One more day of your personality is all I can endure,” Nerx said, then ruined the scathing remark with a grin.“You will miss me.”

“Of course.”With a smirk, Kyerx stepped into thekuta, dropped the pack on the grated floor, then assumed the pilot’s seat.

The rectangular shuttle was geared for mining with the console using the least amount of space.Miners and blocks of Fuyra stone would fill the compartment on normal days.Not even a rehydrator or replicator was fitted.Father prided himself on his efficiency and the mines’ increased productivity.

Nerx caught a hanging strap as Kyerx powered up thekuta.It rose then shot north under his smooth handling.

“They say there are no pools on Gikaet,” Kyerx said.

“That cannot be true.”Nerx stared out the open door as the stark landscape of Fuyra zipped past.“Gika need water to survive.”Pops of deep red trees added color to the silver-white mountains and lakes.Blinding sunlight brightened the orange-tinted clouds feathered across the gray sky.He’d heard that Etteria had a pink sky with red oceans and deep gray soil.Perhaps one day he would see it for himself.

“Perhaps they have underground sources?”He tossed Nerx a grin, drawing him back to the moment.

He huffed.“Do not search for one alone, and warn the males in your unit if you do fine one.Not all Etterians can swim.”

“Such a pessimist,” Kyerx called.“If I had known you would be this grumpy, I would have left you at home.”

Nerx gritted his teeth, just imagining what Father would have to say about not backing up his blood-bond.It took the better part of an hour to reach Berrann Falls.The clear river snaked toward a dark scar where a pale mist hovered, a rainbow arcing over it.They landed on the rocks beside the falls.Already the thundering of water forced him to lower his hearing sensitivity.He leaped out of thekutaonto the gray rock slick with water and yellow moss.He tightened his grip on the pack while he waited for Kyerx to join him.

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