Page 2 of Adtovar
“What?” I would do anything in my power to give what she asked but decided to play it cautiously—in case she wanted me to tell Charick I loved him or something equally distasteful.
The deep blue eyes danced again, but her face was a mask of seriousness. “Keep your ass out of the pit. You don’t have to fight anymore.”
My heart swelled at her protectiveness. She knew all too well what my time as a gladiator cost me. Willa was determined that I find happiness in my new life—a second chance she called it. I let my gaze settle over her and Charick, feeling affection warm my soul. We were all different species, each of us from separate words, yet we had made a family as precious as any borne of blood.
“I will stay out of the pit,” I promised. Hopefully, with the strategy we had in place, I would not even have to travel planetside.
“Promise?” Willa crossed her leanly muscled arms across her chest and glared.
“I promise.” I raised a fist to my chest and tapped three times, the signal of a sacred vow for an Aljani like me.
Willa opened her mouth, but before she could speak, a low, mournful horn throbbed through the air.
“What the hell is that?” she grumbled, rubbing her ears. “It sounds like a dying cow.”
“It’s the call for officers to report to the bridge.” I reached over and muted the speaker.
Willa made a face. We talked every week, but there always seemed to be an interruption.
“We’ll see each other soon,” she promised. “Word has it that Isabella Rayne is giving a concert on the Ardeese Valout in a couple of months. Maybe we could meet up for that?"
“What is an Isabella Rayne?” I did not recognize the moniker. If it was Earth-related, I knew enough about humans to know it could be anything from a person to a tooth cleanser.
Willa’s eyes widened, incredulously. “Isabella Rayne? She’s a famous singer from Earth that we rescued and....” Her voice trailed off, noticing the confusion on my face, and her expression twisted into one of exasperation. “You know what? Never mind, you aliens are ridiculous.”
Charick and I shared a commiserated grin.
“I love you, Earth daughter,” I laughed, watching Willa trying to hang on to her aggravation and lose to a giggle.
“I love you too, Grandpa.”
The horn sounded again. For me, no doubt. Duke Ako was an excellent captain but suffered from impatience.
With a nod and a smile, I hit the small gray button that ended the comm, feeling a sense of warmth settle around my heart like a hug. I adored Willa. Charick was what humans referred to as ason-in-law. Despite research showing that most fathers and sons-in-law did not get along, the bond between us was one of deep respect and genuine affection, though I’d never admit it to him.
I stood, stretching and feeling the vertebrae pop in my back. A short span ago, this would have caused me pain. My time in the Garoot Healer not only healed the stab wound that nearly took my life but refurbished my body to the glory of youth, erasing the aches and scars from a lifetime spent as a gladiator. During my captivity, the Ulkommanian enhanced my physical capabilities, increasing my size, strength, speed, andsensory perception beyond those of other Aljani. I’d sworn to Willa to stay out of the pit, but curiosity tickled at my brain. I’d been a formidable gladiator even in my later years. I couldn’t help but wonder about my prowess now. I pushed the thought aside, straightening my uniform. I had a new purpose now—a new reason not to fight.
My feet pounded against the metal grates of the corridors as I strode through the ship, exchanging nods with my fellow crew members. As First Mate, it was my responsibility to oversee the bridge crew, manage daily operations, and maintain the safety of our vessel. In Duke Ako’s absence, I was in command. Those who passed me nodded in respect for my position, symbolized by the navy tunic and pants I wore—an officer’s uniform. A visual reminder of my duty to lead them safely on our journey through the stars.
Two double doors slid open with a faintswishas I stepped onto the bridge. The space held an array of intricately designed workstations, each with its own unique purpose. A commanding helm chair sat at the front, reserved for the captain. A massive screen lined the walls, displaying crucial information and stunning views of the vast expanse of space. It was a hub of activity and technology, buzzing with energy.
Duke Ako stood leaning over the helmsman’s console. At his side, Cristox, Xabat, and Zahavi gathered. All were former gladiators, nowHistoriaofficers like me. I had known Duke Ako for many years. He was a good male as well as a fair and kind ruler. He’d pledged his armies and fortune to rescue human slaves, in part due to the guilt he felt after discovering his son in cahoots with the Kerzak criminal, Ambassador Yaard. The Ambassador had used Nansar’s conflicted feelings toward his human mother to turn son against father and manipulate the young man for his own gain.
Cristox, Xabat, and Zahavi had quickly proven themselves to be skilled and honorable males—males I trusted, despite only knowing each for a short time. Willa, Charick, and I were fortunate enough to have these three by our side as we maneuvered through the dangers of Nansar’s gladiator pit. Their unwavering loyalty and fierce protectiveness toward Wila showed me everything I’d needed to know regarding their character.
Duke Ako’s pale blue eyes caught my entry onto the bridge, motioning me over. With the punch of a button, the display on the helmsman screen ported onto one of the larger screens surrounding us with stunning clarity.
Budak.
Even from orbit, one could make out the crimson sand dunes and craggy rocks that covered the planet. Memories fought for prominence as I stared at the display. Charick wasn’t the only one who’d fought in the desolate pits that dotted the planet like bloody jewels. There was nothing on Budak but horror and heartbreak, something no female should have to endure—especially a human female.
“Do we have more intel?” I asked, coming to stand beside the Duke. Ako wasn’t one to call unnecessary meetings.
“Yes,” he sighed, his eyes trained on the display. “But not about the human.”
“We must adjust our rescue plan.” Cristox shifted on his feet, tugging at the neckline of his navy tunic. Cristox was a Stranac, a leonine species, large and muscular with a thick, dirty yellow mane that always seemed to invade the neckline of his tunics, making them too tight. He’d ended up in the pit by giving himself up to captivity to save a human female. As a distant cousin of the spymaster Siemba, and with his past experience as a spy, Cristox was the perfect choice for Intelligence Officer aboard theHistoria.
“Why?” Xabat was a Kaelaks, a massive male covered by green-scaled skin with deep purple eyes. Willa had christened the coated wire-like strands that covered his headdreadlocks, and he’d adored her ever since. Xabat was an exceptional warrior and had taken on the role of War Chief with great relish.
