Chapter 15
“Say what?”
“I said, I am your father.”
“That’s not possible.”
“Your mother would get that same disbelieving look. I had to stop myself from staring at you in the Emperor’s tent. You look so much like her.”
“If you knew her, then why don’t you show up in her Memory Stone?”
“I am a Knight of the First Order of the Order of Saleen and exceptionally gifted in the Element of Time. No Memory Stone in existence can record me if I don’t want it to.”
“Prove it.”
“Look at the past few minutes of you own stone.”
I pulled out my stone and did as he asked and sure enough, he wasn’t recorded. It was as if the stone just stopped recording a little before the blast went off.
“I’m not dead so why did it stop recording?”
“I am holding the recording spell in an alternate time. It will pick it up again when I release it. I did the same thing with you mother during the time we were together. I didn’t know that she was married at the time or I wouldn’t have been with her. I only found out that she was married at the end of our time together.”
“How long were you with her?”
“Two weeks.”
“So what makes you so sure that you are my father instead of her husband?”
“A human male cannot impregnate a Kier female. It is impossible.”
“How do you figure? Our genetics aren’t that much different. The Emperor’s son has a human mother.”
“This is not the kind of conversation I want to be having with you.”
“Too bad. Start talking or go away.”
“Fine. Kier males were designed for their DNA to adapt for compatibility and to prevent inbreeding. The females were not, although there is a rumor that the females were born with the latent ability to temporarily shift their gender, but that has yet to be proven. A male’s DNA would adapt to be compatible with the mother then lie dormant until it was awakened by another Kier after which it would begin to change the host DNA into Kier DNA. It is not a very pleasant process for the host.
“The way that we were designed make it impossible for any species other then the Kier and the Children of Dr` Agon to get a Kier female pregnant. The egg walls are too thick and regenerate too fast. The females were designed to choose the gender of the child so that the race could repopulate as long as one Kier male existed. Understand now or do you want me to spell it out for you?”
I sat in silence trying to take it all in. I tried a couple of times to say anything, but I couldn’t seem to be able to form a coherent thought. Finally I managed to say, “So what your saying is that there is a possibility that I can turn myself into a guy? Skyler is not going to like that.”
His mouth dropped open, “That is not what I was saying at all. Were you even…”
“I know. I get it. Mom married a human, couldn’t have kids with him, hooked up with you, and had me. It’s called sarcasm. I use it to cope when a whole butt load of crap is dropped in my lap that I have to no idea what to do with yet. Deal with it.”
“It’s bloody annoying.”
“That’s kind of the point in using it. This still doesn’t prove that you are my father and you sure as hell haven’t earned the right to be called dad yet, so what do you plan on doing now?”
“First, prove to you that I am your father, then I guess I will find out what I have to do to get you to call me Dad. What do I have to do?”
“You can start by telling me your name. I can’t go around calling you Wizard all the time.”
“I am Ja` Sair Dr` Ekar. I am not from one of the thirteen Clans of this world.”
“If you’re not from one of the Clans, then what Clan are you from?”
I am from the Dr` Ekar Clan. The rest of my Clan is scattered throughout the universe. I am descended from one of the Wings of the Division that destroyed our home world. That Division was part of the Order of Saleen on our home world. When they found themselves here after the destruction they chose to remain separate from the Clans that were forming and the Clans were happy to let them because they blamed the Order for the destruction even though there were others who had been planning on doing the same thing.”
“Great, another name to add to the list. Pretty soon I am going to have to write a book just to sign a piece of paper.”
“What do you mean?”
“Mom’s husband was a Silverstone but Grandma officially adopted me. I was named Le` Than’s Heir and add that with your name, which would go on the end since a Saleen Clan is more powerful then a regular Clan, and I become Yarianna Nicole Silverstone Sorenson Sa` Tain Dr` Ekar. I tell you it’s a bloody mouthful. I dare you to say it ten times fast without getting tongue-tied.”
“Oh, for Kier’s sake child, you don’t have to use them all, and I am not going to say it ten times fast. I have enough trouble with my own name.”
“But it is fun trying to make people say them all. How are you planning on proving that you are my father?”
“The same way a human would go about it. With a DNA test. Know any medics that you would trust to do it?”
“Yeah, but I don’t know if she has the equipment for it.”
“We won’t need the equipment. I can show her how to do the test without it.”
“Well, then can you take me back to my city? They are probably panicking right now trying to see if I’m still alive.”
“Sure. Take my hand.”
He offered his hand and I hesitantly took it. The sensation of being turned inside out, sucked through the eye of a needle, then reassembled on the other side was just as unpleasant as it was the first time.
I shook my head, “Bloody hell, next time I want information from somebody I’m just going to have you take them across the room a couple of times like that. You could make a rock talk after that.”
“Eh. You get used to it after a while.”
I shook my head again then sent a thought to Skyler, “I’m here. Let me in please.”
I felt him send back, “Thank the gods, I will be there in a moment.”
While I waited I took a look at what my blast had done. Most of the Imperial Army was simply gone. The Emperor must have gotten a shield up in time because it looked like the blast had been deflected around his tent. I just barley missed West Fork by a little less then a mile.
I heard the rock crack behind me as Skyler and Sasha came running out and both hugged me. They let go and Sasha slapped me hard enough to make my vision go white and knock me to the ground. She was shaking when she said, “If you ever do something like that again, so help me I will rip you into so many pieces the gods wouldn’t even be able to identify your remains.”
Skyler waited for me to stand up then looked at Sasha, “Slap her for would you?”
I held up a hand, “I get the point.”
He glared at me, “Really? Because I don’t think you do. You keep putting yourself into situations that kill anybody else. Gods, I can’t take much more of it.”
I looked at him, “Everything I have done was for the protection of my people.”
“Well how about letting your people protect you for once? You slap them in the face every time you put yourself in harm’s way.”
“I don’t mean to. I’m just not used to relying on other people.”
“No. You became Kier and forgot that you are still Yarianna.”
I didn’t know what to say. I knew that I didn’t want to be standing in that spot anymore. I didn’t even notice the feeling of being turned inside out. I found myself sitting under the tree where Skyler and I met. I finally let go and cried. I let all of my fear, pain, hurt, and frustration go and cried until I didn’t have anything left in me to cry. I’m not sure when they showed up, but I found myself with my head in Skyler’s lap and Sasha running her fingers through my hair, encouraging me to cry it out.
I started to say something but Skyler cut me off, “Don’t. We already know.”
I nodded and smiled, “We should probably get back though. We are, after all, in Imperial lands.”
Sasha snorted, “Just tell them that you are going to build an Embassy here and that it is now your land. After that blast They will probably offer to be your footstool just so you don’t glare at them.”
I sighed, “I could only wish. I have the feeling that even if they concede to us now we are going to have problems in the future when they recover.”
Skyler smiled, “You at least bought us some time, but you are right. We do need to be getting back. Speaking of which, What the hell was that thing you did to get here? On moment you were standing there and the next there was a pop and you were gone.”
“To be honest I’m not really sure. I knew that I wanted to be somewhere else and this place flashed in my head about the same time I kind of pushed myself with energy. Kind of don’t want to try it again for a bit.”
I felt a slight distortion behind me and raised my head to look. Ja` Sair was standing a short distance away. I sat up the rest of the way and looked at Skyler, “By the way, this is Ja` Sair Dr` Ekar. He claims to be my biological father. Ja` Sair, this is Sasha Na` Sean, my Head of Housekeepers and good friend, and Sk` Yler De` Cain, my Captain of the Guard and boyfriend.”
Skyler looked at Ja` Sair, “Her father huh? Well, hello. Dr` Ekar. I don’t recognize that House name. Is it Imperial?”
“No, nor is it from one of your seven Clans. We chose to remain separate from the Clans when we found our way here.”
“Ah.” Ja` Sair looked at me, “Yarianna, apperating like that is dangerous. I would suggest you piggyback a few more jumps before you try it again.”
“Is that what it is called?”
“Yes. I take it there are not many Time Spinners among the Clans?”
Skyler shook his head, “Not many. I don’t know about the Imperials.”
“Well, that is unfortunate. Time Spinners make things interesting.”
“Interesting huh. I’ve learned that Kier have a rather unique definition of interesting. Is it the same among your House?”
“Yes. Although I fear your definition may be rather tame comparatively. We really should return to your city rather soon. The Emperor is on his way there. He is requesting a meeting with Yarianna.”
I looked at Skyler, “I will meet you there. Let Ja` Lynn know and have him get a Patrol ready.”
“Ok. See you in a bit.”
Sasha and Skyler left and I looked at Ja` Sair, “You probably shouldn’t be seen with me when we meet with the Emperor. It might get ugly.”
“I have nothing to fear from him, but I will do as you ask. I will be watching to make sure nothing happens.”
“You don’t have to.”
“No, but I would like to I never really got the chance to know your mother. I would like to get to know you though.”
“We will have to see. Let’s go before they come back to look for me.”
We apperated to the entrance to the cavern just before Skyler came out with Ja` Lynn and a Patrol. I looked at Ja` Sair and nodded. There was a popping sound and he was gone. Ja` Lynn gave me a curious look I shrugged, “Apparently he is a Time Spinner. He is going to keep an eye out for mischief.”
Ja` Lynn nodded, “Sounds good to me. Any idea what the Emperor wants?”
“All of us to die painfully. With this meeting, I don’t know. Maybe he wants to surrender.”
We shared a laugh then started toward where the Emperor had stopped. I looked at Ja` Lynn, “Do me a favor and have a Quad provide an escort for Anna Marie. I have a feeling we are going to need her.”
I sent nudge to Anna Marie letting her know I wanted to talk to her. A short time later se sent back, “What?”
“If I asked you to save the Emperor would you do it?”
“Isn’t he the one trying to wipe our Clans out of existence?”
“Yes.”
“It would have to be for a good reason.”
“Um I think it will be.”
“Fine. I’m going to need some help bringing some stuff…never mind. You knew I would say yes, didn’t you?”
“I guessed that you would. I just have this feeling that you will be needed”
“I will be there in a few moments.”
She broke off the connection and Skyler asked me, “Why are you sending for a healer?”
“I have the feeling that she will be needed. I can’t really explain it.”
“Ok. As long as you don’t plan on needing her for yourself.”
“I will when we get back. I got a few cuts in the aftermath of the blast.”
“Yari…”
“I know. They have scabbed over. I just want her to look at them to make sure they are not infected.”
We traveled the rest of the way there in silence. When we got there the Emperor’s tent was already set up and the sides were rolled up so that we could see inside of it. I could tell that it was a new tent and most of the guard were wearing dented and blackened armor. It looked like they had tried to clean it up, but I could see that it wouldn’t get too much cleaner. The Emperor wasn’t sitting up and the Sergeant that had escorted me to the Emperor the last time came forward. His face was still deep red and he had a bandage on his cheek that had blood soaking through.
He looked at my Patrol and sighed, “Lady Sa` Tain, I have been asked to deliver the Emperor’s words, as he is not able to do so at the moment. The Emperor has agreed to the terms you set forth for his survival to be signed into effect as soon as possible. The terms being as follows. One, the Kingdom of Solstice is released from the Empire to the care of Queen Valora Sorenson and her bloodline. All those who wish to remain part of the Empire will be provided with homes and employment within their fields in other parts of the Empire. Two, The Eastern Waste is recognized as the Territory of the United Clans of the Kier. It is recognized as being separate from the Empire and in no way subject to Imperial Rule. The Boundary being set at the boundaries of the former Kingdoms of Fireflow Mountains and Southern Steppes and the Current Kingdom of Solstice. Three, the law forbidding Kier to exist is hereby repealed and banned from being signed into effect ever again. Four, All Kier within the boundaries of the Empire will be allowed to leave the Empire if they so choose. All choosing to leave will be provided safe escort to the Territory of the United Clans. Five, All Kier bearing the Clan Markings of the United Clans shall be granted immunity within the boundaries of the Empire. Any in violation of Imperial law shall be escorted to the Territory of the United Clans with a list of the laws violated. Six, the Blood Feud between Clan Sa` Tain and Clan Kh` Oman is hereby ended at the signing of these terms. The Emperor hereby releases Clan Sa` Tain from any Blood Feud generated by the blast created by Yarianna Nicole Sorenson Sa` Tain and takes full responsibility for the blast. As per the terms of the survival of the Emperor these things shall go into effect as soon as the Emperor is in the condition to survive from the blast. The Emperor has already signed the document. All we need for this to be in effect is your signature.”
He handed a rolled up document to me and Skyler took it. He opened it and read over it then handed it to me. I read it and saw that it was as he had read it. Anna Marie sent me a thought letting me know that she was there. I read over the document again and looked at the Sergeant, “I will not sign it until my medic lets me know if the Emperor can be saved.”
He nodded, “I figured as much. He is this way.”
Anna Marie and the Quad with her followed me into the Emperor’s tent. She examined him very thoroughly. Finally she looked at me and said, “I can do it. It’s not going to be easy on him, but it can be done.”
I nodded and signed the document then looked at Anna Marie, “Do it.”
She nodded then got to work. The Sergeant looked at me, “You know that this battle is still ongoing until the Emperor himself declares it over. All that document does is let you know that we agree that we are an invading army. We can take you hostage if we chose to.”
I smiled at him, “You could. You’re not going to though. You have too much honor.”
“Why not just let him die? He did try to kill you, after all.”
“Yeah, he did. It’s not all that easy to do apparently. I would have been pissed if he would have succeeded in it. I have too much crap to do to die just yet.”
He laughed, “Blasted Death. Always getting in the way. How did you know the Wizard would get you out of the blast?”
“I didn’t.”
“You really were prepared to die?”
“Yes, if that is what it took to end this thing.”
“Well, then on behalf of the Imperial half of Clan Sa` Tain I, Re` Than Sa` Tain thank you for ending the Blood Feud with Clan Kh` Oman. We have been little better then slaves to them for three generations now. They declared a Blood Feud with Clan Sa` Tain and got the other Clans to go along with it. He forced our Heir to marry him and take his Clan name so that he could force our Clan into whatever he wanted then had our Clan Head killed before we could appoint a new Heir.”
“Wow. That is an unexpected surprise. To be honest I hadn’t planned on actually getting what I asked for.”
“Well, planned or not, thank you.”
“Your welcome Re` Than.”
