Cloud Rebel (R-D #3)(28)

"What distracted them?" Winkler dropped his hands and turned dark eyes on me.

"What they were sent here for in the beginning," I shrugged. "The Dark King and Bright Queen have sent them to find their crowns."

"They're not here," Winkler growled.

"We know that; they do not," Val interjected. "Rinnelar and I know where the crowns are in the future; the current King and Queen will never see or touch them again."

"What are we supposed to do about these four, now?" Winkler asked. "It took Ashe to defeat them before."

"Ashe was only coming into his power at the time," Val pointed out. "Perhaps Rinnelar and I can do something about them, now."

"It looks as if your hands are full already, if what Matt says is accurate."

"Matt is still in the dog house, in my opinion," I said. "Meanwhile, those Elemaiyan murderers think they'll get away with this."

"I can have the Corpus Christi Pack hunt them in two days, at the full moon," Winkler offered.

"At least one of them can level power blasts," Val said. "Your wolves will die if they attempt to take that one."

"This sucks," Winkler muttered.

"Perhaps I will ask my father to notify Ildevar Wyyld of their betrayal," Val said. "It will require careful maneuvering, but it can be arranged."

"Do it," I said. "Somebody needs to reel these f*ckers in before more people die. Families died in those blasts, Val," I flung out a hand.

"Then I will contact Father now," he said and disappeared.

"I'd give anything to be able to do that," Winkler sighed.

"Come on, I'll make coffee for you," I offered. "He'll be back in a few, but you look like you haven't slept for a week."

"I feel like it, too," he said and followed me into the house.

*

Wyyld II

Ildevar Wyyld, Founder

Reth Alliance (future)

"I barely remember that," I said. Nefrigar and Valegar, his second son, stood in my study. They'd brought news of an event that had happened more than four centuries earlier.

"In my estimation, at least twenty-two humans died in those blasts," Valegar said.

"In the past, I don't recall hearing of this," I countered.

"Humans attributed it to other causes, because they didn't have evidence or reason to believe otherwise," Nefrigar said.

Nefrigar, Chief Archivist for the Larentii Archives, was a depository of information in his own right. Most of what he housed in the Archives also resided in his head.

"How will this affect the timeline?" I asked.

"It will not affect it, if you or your past self asks for help from the powerful to intervene."

"Whom should I contact, then?" I asked.

"I suggest someone familiar with that world," Valegar said.

"Who?"

"Belen."

"He outranks me, you know."

"We're aware," Nefrigar admitted. "Nevertheless, he could prove himself invaluable in this case. It is my suspicion that Belen is one of the few who can transcend the timelines in any guise and at any point."

"Fascinating theory. I'd like to discuss that with you, sometime."

"As you wish it," Nefrigar smiled. "I think of him as a recurring comet, who travels at will through the universes. I believe he was created for that purpose."

"Now, my curiosity is certainly aroused," I said. "Perhaps I will discuss this with Breanne when I see her again."

"I would very much like to hear what she has to say," Nefrigar offered a slight nod. His eyes were alight with speculation, however, which was wondrous to see. I think even the higher gods would pause before engaging in debate with the Larentii Archivist.

"Very well, I shall contact Belen immediately," I agreed. "I will present your request most persuasively."

"We thank you," Nefrigar said. He and Valegar disappeared, leaving me to ponder his words.

*

Unofficial communication from:

Geethe Cheriss, Prime Potentate of Lyristolys

To: Outland Commander Fisk Boralus

Subject: Drug Survivors, Clones and Contraband Drug Supplies

Communication received on multiple survivors and clones. It is the decision of the Hidden Council and myself that planet Earth be eliminated. Ensure that it appears to be the work of dissident members of the population. Standard protocol is engaged. Accomplish destruction at earliest opportunity. All evidence of this communication must be destroyed upon receipt.

Fisk looked up from the comp-vid to study his team. It included a mute Sirenali, who'd had his tongue removed at birth. Keeping the Sirenali with the team ensured that the powerful would have no knowledge of his presence—as long as they remained within the Sirenali's protective range. The Sirenali had been appropriated by the Lyristolyi government after dismantling a criminal organization. He'd been subjugated by the Hidden Council ever since.

Fisk smiled grimly. He had a job to do—and a planet to destroy. "Standard protocol is engaged," he announced and erased the message on his comp-vid.

*

Corinne

Val, Rafe and I accompanied Winkler to Star Cove—at least the remnants of it. News crews were milling about—streets into the small community were tied off with crime scene tape.