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@kyronthearcanin You’re welcome!
Where'd I get ya this time? The liver? The kidney? I'm runnin' outta places to put holes in ya.
Ok, I suppose that makes a little more sense for the Felisaro, though even with that, this is going to be a major hindrance to their development as a race in comparison to the others as @keilah-h mentioned, but there is a lot of interesting dynamics you could get into with that if you wanted. Using short range weapons still seems odd to me though, unless they have elongated necks as I’ve mentioned. It would be akin to sword and dagger fighting with no movement but your wrist otherwise, though they may use their whole body to thrust and stuff. Do they hold those weapons forward from their face, or to the side?
He is perfect in Justice, yet He is perfect in Mercy, even when we fail Him. For this, He is good.
They hold them to the side. My original thought was that it would be awkward- and would look strange- for them to hold it straight out. Not to get into too much detail but an enemy could just shove the handle down their throat… Yeah, so to the side. Besides, in most battles (there are few for the Felisaro anyway, as they don’t have any huge enemies at the moment) the rule made by the Orythian council applies, meaning they can’t use long range weapons in organized battles. Dune, however, is a rogue Felisaro, and basically uses whatever he wants. He prefers a dagger when he really needs to fight.
Follow your heart, but take your brain with you.
That’s true, but side would be very hard for them to keep balanced, unless they were double sided, or just super small. Then once again, there’s the neck issue. If they never developed much for military, living in peace with one another as well as with the other races, then it would make sense that they don’t really develop their advantages in military, or hide their disadvantages, so that works for me if that’s the main reason.
He is perfect in Justice, yet He is perfect in Mercy, even when we fail Him. For this, He is good.
Full honesty, I started this WIP maybe a couple months ago, so it’s not very far along yet worldbuilding-wise🤣. These are all things I’m going to have to work out. Thanks for mentioning them, because it makes things so much easier when I can have some kind of list of things to tweak or change.
Follow your heart, but take your brain with you.
Of course, sorry if I come off as a know it all when I point anything out. My own worldbuilding is also very incomplete, and I agree on the list thing. Maybe I should start posting some chapters of my WIP sometime, though it gets a little creepy at parts, but it would be nice to have a nice set of critiques as well.
He is perfect in Justice, yet He is perfect in Mercy, even when we fail Him. For this, He is good.
You’re fine! Any help is appreciated, and you’ve never come off like that.
Also, if you ever do post a chapter of your WIP, I would love to read it and offer any advice I can!
Follow your heart, but take your brain with you.
Thanks! 🙂
He is perfect in Justice, yet He is perfect in Mercy, even when we fail Him. For this, He is good.
@kyronthearcanin Of course, of course! I’m kinda at that stage with worldbuilding on a story I started like a year ago and still haven’t even started writing.
Where'd I get ya this time? The liver? The kidney? I'm runnin' outta places to put holes in ya.
@thearcaneaxiom @keilah-h @godlyfantasy12 @gwyndalf-the-wise
@landric @anyoneHello again! Back with chapter three of Healer. Don’t feel like you have to read it right away, but it’s here for if you’d like to. Still, any critiques are definitely welcome and appreciated! 🙂
Chapter 3
The wind is roaring now as I follow Dune, weaving through the maze of the city. The Serpenree call it Spearhead, but I never give it a second thought. All Lacertilian cities are the same, no matter what the name. Filled with bloodthirsty lizards who take lives without a care in the world. Of course, then there are the nobles, honored veterans given glory for how many they’ve killed. The great “honor” is given to them by Dragor himself. They swagger around Spearhead like they’re kings and queens, ordering prisoners around like they are their personal servants. I’ve often ducked behind Quelin to avoid them spotting me.
The city isn’t pretty, but it’s efficient, and that’s all the Serpenree care about. Buildings range from twice my height to reaching into the clouds, almost a quarter mile off the ground. It’s all a bunch of stone and metal, and has a cold feeling to it. My breaths feel rushed, tighter in the city than on the battleplains, like the air is being squeezed out of me. Maybe I’m overreacting. The other two are fine. Dark colors on every building and the dull, prisonish feel aren’t helping.
Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately now, I’m used to it. But now freedom is at stake.
Ducking into an alleyway, I slide my back down the wall to sit on the ground. Dune and Sorren sit in a circle with me as I open up my satchel. Separating the scents, I take a jar of clear, thick liquid and rub a handful, maybe more than I need to, into my wound. The sting bites, but I grit my teeth and push through it. Then I grab a long bandage and wrap it four times around the wound, tying it together at the top so that it will stay.
I look up at Dune. “Let me see the gash in your head.”
He looks uncomfortable, but he leans forward. “I wouldn’t call it a gash. Just a little scratch, that’s all.”
I shrug, taking another jar, similar to the green liquid but pasty. “This should stop infection and the bleeding.”Dune flinches as I rub it in at the base of his ear. “Ouch! Isn’t there anything a little less painful?”
I nod. “I have a way to numb the pain, but it takes too much time. We need to get going.”
Sorren stands up, brushing off his armor. “Rina’s right. This is no time to wait around.” He shoulders my satchel. “I’ll carry this. Come on, before more of the Serpenree are after us.”
I lead the way, guessing the direction by where I’ve seen ships rise over buildings. It should be not too far ahead. Without the satchel, I drop to all fours and run a little faster, favoring my wounded leg. Dune is panting but keeping up, and Sorren is unfazed. I would do just about anything to share a bit of his energy right now.
A scent catches my attention, and I stop. “That way,” I say, pointing to the left. “It always smells like smoke when they’re about to take off. Looks like a few of the Serpenree are leaving for some reason.”
Dune grins. “They’re probably scared of us. Flee in terror, Serpenree!”Sorren raises an eyebrow, and I try to hide a smile. “I’m not sure that’s the reason, but if you say so. All that matters is that we find a ship and get out of here.”
I spot the ships after a couple more turns. Most are about twice the size of the Ombryn, but some are meant for solo flight. They’re all dull blue or gray, with a large slanted wing coming off each side like a Falcor. One of the ships spews smoke and then darts into the air, while the others remain motionless. Dune is hopping from paw to paw excitedly.
“Better than what you were expecting?” I ask.
His wide eyes remain fixed on the ships. “Just bigger. With a few tweaks, these could be new Ombryns. Maybe even better.” He flicks his tail towards a ship, larger than the Ombryn, but not the biggest. “There. That one is perfect. They’re all a little clunky, but from the outside they look to be in good shape.”
“How do we plan to get on this ship?” Sorren asks, giving the craft a skeptical look. “It’s most likely locked, right?”
I nod. “Almost definitely. The Serpenree are cocky, but probably not cocky enough to leave a ship for any prisoner to get away in.”
“Someone has to have a key or a password,” Dune muses. He turns to Sorren. “Alright, soldier, you come with me. We’ll go get some answers from a Serpenree. Rina, stay out of sight and watch the ship.”
I shoot my own glare at the ship. “I don’t think it’s going anywhere.”
Dune starts to walk away, and Sorren follows a little more slowly. “It is a ship. You never know. Besides, we can’t have you getting hurt worse than you already are.”
I sigh. “Fine. But hurry up. The Serpenree soldiers could come after us any time now.”
Dune nods, and a couple seconds later they’re gone. I’m left alone with the ships. While I wish they hadn’t made me stay here, it will feel good to rest my leg for a little while longer. After looking around, the only place I can think to hide is underneath the ship itself. Running forward, I duck underneath the ship and lay there, with only about an inch in between the tips of my ears and the bottom of the ship. It occurs to me that maybe I shouldn’t have left the satchel with Sorren, but it’s too late to worry about it now.
Underneath the ship, I let my mind wander. Just this morning I was a prisoner, a halfling kept alive only to help any of my wounded captors. Now I’m hiding while a Lupinari and a Felisaro- pretty much strangers- go looking for a way to get on board this ship. Will they really take me with them? It’s hard to tell.
Sorren left the battle just to join me. It’s hard to imagine he’d leave after all of that, but Dune? I’m still not sure if I can trust him, but I want to. He has this nervous air about him, even when he’s joking around. Either he’s hiding something, or that’s just how he is, but I’m not sure which. Maybe it’s a Felisaro thing.
When I’ve finally started to relax under the ship, ready for a long wait, I hear hissing voices. Serpenree feet stomp past the ship right in front of me, and I hold my breath. Their spears tap the ground with every step.
“Where are they?”
More hissing. “They must have left already.”
“Fool! None of the ships are gone. They can’t have left yet.”
A tail slithers right by me, nearly touching my nose. “Of course. You’re right, sir.”
Through the rain, I see black armor reflecting what’s left of the sunlight. It’s the commander from the battleplains, and he’s angry. I slide backwards underneath the ship. There’s no telling what he might do if he sees me.
Another Serpenree speaks up. “What do we do now, Zor?”
“That’s Commander Zor to you,” Zor snaps. “Spread out. Search the city. Spear the Felisaro on sight. The soldier, too. Bring the healer to me. Alive.” A couple seconds pass. “Well, what are you waiting for? Get going!”
Serpenree claws tap on the ground until finally they’re gone. I stay in hiding for a moment, then start to ease my way out. I have to get to Dune and Sorren, or the soldiers will kill them. Pulling myself all the way out, I rise to my feet, and freeze. A large green Serpenree in black armor stands before me.
Commander Zor smirks. “I knew you were here somewhere.”
Thunder echoes across the sky. I look left and right, knowing I won’t be able to get away. This Serpenree could very well kill me. There’s no room for mistakes. Shoulders slumping, I sigh, my hand inching towards the inner pocket of my cloak, where the dagger rests. “What are you going to do with me?”
He taps his spear on the ground, his eyes looking up at the sky. “Hmm. A good question. We’ve been told to keep you alive.” His eyes shift to stare into mine, and his tongue slips out between his fangs, twitching in a slight hiss. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t be hurt. In a battle, there are going to be casualties, don’t you think?”
My hand slips inside my cloak, and I feel around the dagger, finding the cross-guard and finally the grip. I try to command my voice not to shake like my arms already are. “Yes, but on which side?”
Zor lets out a barking laugh. His yellow eyes almost glow through the rain. “You’re bold for a prisoner, halfing. I doubt you’ve ever even held a weapon before.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.”
Desperately, I lunge forward, pulling out the dagger. His spear is out faster than I can think, and I quickly bat it away with my smaller weapon. He lands a hard punch to my shoulder, and I stagger back.
Zor doesn’t stop.
His clawed foot connects with my stomach, sending me backwards another few steps. I’m pushed against the ship now. Looking up from this angle makes Zor seem inches taller. He stares quietly at me for a moment, eyes narrowed until they’re almost slits. He’s watching, waiting for me to make a move. Taking a deep breath, I take a single step forward, raising the dagger.
He spins his spear around and uses the blunt end, bashing me across the head. Stars dance in my vision, and I drop my weapon. I hear a yell as if from far away. Through the pain, I realize I’m on the ground, facing the sky. Rain runs down my snout and into my eyes. When I close them, they won’t open again.
I black out to the sound of distant thunder.
~
“Rina! Come on, wake up!”
My eyes flutter open, and a dull pain radiates through my skull. Dune is leaning over me, and his frown turns into a grin. His brown fur isn’t damp from the rain anymore. “I knew it! See, Sorren, that wasn’t long at all.”
Sorren appears in my field of vision, smiling. “Decided to take a nap, did you?”
I sit up slowly. “Something like that.” I take in the scene around me. We’re in a ship, larger than the Ombryn. Memories come flooding back. The battle, the ship, the fight. This must be the Serpenree ship. My head is still spinning, so I lean back, propping myself up on my elbows. “You got the key?”
“It was a number code, actually,” Dune said. “It was one, six, four, seven, five, three, zero, two. By the looks of it, I probably could have just found a way to hack into the ship, but it would have taken too long.”Sorren’s eyes shift to the front of the ship. “We’re not going to crash into anything, are we?”
Dune shakes his head. “No. Radar says we’ve got a clear path for the next few hours, at least.”
“Wait.” I put a hand to my head, staring out the window, where all I can see is blackness and distant stars. I swallow, pushing down a wave of panic. “We’re in space?”
Dune laughs. “Yeah. But you didn’t miss much. Sorren took out that commander guy, and then we flew the ship back to the Ombryn and grabbed the supplies we needed. After that, it was off to space.”
Great. I finally get off of Lacertilia, and I miss it. I try to slow my breathing. But maybe missing takeoff was a good thing. “How long have I been out?”
Sorren thinks for a moment. “I’d say about an hour. We found you just as the Serpenree hit you with his spear.” He pointed to my satchel on the floor a few feet away from me. “I didn’t know which one of those would help.”
“By now, it’s mostly just a headache,” I say. “The bright yellow liquid works to reduce pain.” I frown as I pull it out. “Unfortunately, I’ve only ever used it on Serpenree. Not that I had much choice.”
Dune’s eyes are darting around, studying the ship, but he finally meets my eyes. “So, what is your story? I never got to hear it.”
Sorren nods. “I’m curious as well.”
I sigh. With a flash of panic, I realize my hood is down. There’s no hiding that I’m a halfling now. Surely it will raise questions. But right now, they’re my only real friends, if I can call them that yet. After all, they did save me from Lacertilia and the Serpenree. I set down the jar. “I… Okay. You deserve to know.”
While I tell the story, they listen with rapt attention. I tell them about my original home, on the planet Lupus. I leave out my parents, not wanting to bring back the memory. I tell them about my terrible decision that wasn’t really my choice at all, the secret that even I don’t know, and about Quelin, my unusual Serpenree guard. By the end, they’re both staring at me with their mouths hanging open. I stare down at the ground, fidgeting with my paws and waiting for them to speak.
Dune recovers first. “Whoa. So you’re really half Arcanin.”
Sorren leans forward, reaching out a paw to touch the star on my forehead, but I dodge him. He smiles apologetically. “Sorry. Do you mind?”
I shake my head slowly. “No. I guess not.”
Sorren touches his hand to my fur, tracing the star. “I haven’t seen an Arcanin in a very long time. Amazing.”
I scowl and move my head away. “I’m not an Arcanin. I’m a halfling. The Serpenree know that.”
Dune cocks his head. “But doesn’t that bother you? I’d rather be called a Lupinari or an Arcanin than a halfling.”
“But that’s what I am!” I shout, startling myself, but I barrel on, my words coming out so fast my thoughts can’t keep up. “And it’s not a bad thing, or it shouldn’t be, but it is, and it’s all I have.”
Dune and Sorren are silent for a moment. I bite my lip. I know I shouldn’t have yelled at them, but the events of the past day have really rattled my brain. This kind of thing doesn’t happen. And yet, here I am, on a ship with two strangers, hurtling through space.
Dune jumps to his feet. “Are you two hungry? I’m hungry. I’ll go get some food.” With that, he runs across the room and disappears through an automatic door.
I let out a long breath and face Sorren. “Look, I’m sorry. It’s just been a long day, and-”
“It’s okay,” Sorren interrupts. “No need to explain. You’ve been through a lot.” He pauses. “If it means anything to you, knowing you’re a halfling doesn’t change my mind. I’m still sticking with you. You’re as much Lupinari as I am.”
Before I can respond, or even get my thoughts straightened out, Dune walks back in, holding a small container in his teeth. He sets it down, his strange grin having returned, though his eyes are darting around nervously. “Says it’s venison. Just add water.”
Sorren peers at it, moving closer as Dune opens the lid. “Deer meat doesn’t have water in it, does it?”
Dune snorts. “Maybe that’s why you have to add it.”
I lean over Sorren’s shoulder. Inside the container are clear packages with powder inside. Being familiar with powders, I sniff the air as Dune slices one open, and instantly regret it. It smells like a mixture of a blood-stained battlefield and the Serpenree soldiers’ cafeteria. Right. This is Serpenree food.
“I wouldn’t eat that,” I say as Dune wrinkles his nose. “Serpenree have horrible taste. I should know.”
Dune moves the container away with a claw. “Beyond horrible. How you survived on Lacertilia for so long, I have no idea. Just the smell of that stuff could kill someone.”
“I assume it’s because they managed to kill most of the animals on Lacertilia,” Sorren says. He turns to Dune. “You brought food from the Ombryn, right?”
Dune nods. “Yeah, probably enough for the three of us to eat for a week. Maybe four if it was just me. I hoped our supply would last longer, but I’m not eating that Serpenree food until it’s life or death.”
Once Dune returns with more food, we eat real meat. The taste is strange but welcome on my tongue after all those years eating what the Serpenree call food. When we’re done, Dune wanders the ship with his tools, making “tweaks” that I hope don’t break the ship. Sorren paces the front, silver eyes watching the stars outside the window. Out in space, I suddenly feel very small.
Every time I get too close to Dune, within a few feet or so, he gets all jumpy and nervous. Is it because I’m a halfling? An Arcanin? I can’t imagine why anyone would be scared of me.
Searching through my satchel, I find that everything is safe and as it should be, despite its rough ride earlier today. My headache is mostly gone now, and I stand up and stretch, pausing a few minutes to look over a map of our galaxy, which is spread out on the wall . I might as well explore the ship while I have the time. I’m glad Quelin let me run; it might be a long while before I get to again. The ship is too small, and it wouldn’t be the same.
Walking through the automatic doors on the left, I find a room each containing two uncomfortable-looking bunk beds that most likely smelled like Serpenree, which I’m already accustomed to anyway. There’s a Serpenree spear hanging horizontal on the wall above each bed, most likely in case of invasion. behind the automatic doors on the right.
Returning to the original room, I walk inside the only door that isn’t automatic, right in between the others. A hallway leading to a washroom and a galley occupies the space, along with a room across from the washroom that won’t open. Finding the end of the galley, I find another door. Inside is a large empty room with a cold floor. Chains and manacles are attached to the walls, each separated by a couple feet, and there’s enough room for twelve prisoners. Shivering, I don’t stay long.
I assume there’s an upper level to the ship, maybe through the door across from the washroom, but I decide to wait for the others to check it out. I don’t want to mess anything up, especially today. Escape from Lacertilia is only the beginning. Getting caught could mean anything from Dune and Sorren’s deaths to my capture, and I have no idea what they’d do to me now.
Back at the front of the ship I find Dune messing with the dashboard. Sorren is watching with arms crossed. After a moment Dune nods, apparently satisfied. “Alright. Communications are on. We should be able to hear any messages from outside our ship.”
Sorren cocks his head. “But they can’t hear us?”
“Nope.” Dune nods at a small flashing red button near the top of the dashboard. “Just don’t press that button unless you want to talk to all the ships in range. Which, according to the radar, the only ones close enough right now are the ships still on Lacertilia.”
I step forward. “Could they find us on their radars?”
Dune shrugs. “They probably could have before, but the Serpenree put a cloaking device on all their ships. Helpful for them, but not so much if a ship is stolen.” He scowls. “I heard a Felisaro prisoner helped them with that.”
I glance back at the center door. The prisoner could have been taken to Lacertilia on this very ship. I want to leave, to find something like the Ombryn with no trace of the Serpenree, but right now that’s impossible.
“Wait, here’s something.” Dune turns a knob, bringing first heavy static, but then a voice. He keeps turning it until the words become clear.
“Commander Ziln, calling all members of the five races, Serpenree, Falcor, Lupinari, Arcanin, and Felisaro. A halfling prisoner has escaped. Anyone to spot a lone Serpenree ship is to kill all other passengers and return the halfling to us. The reward will be 10,000 coins of pure Lacertilian silver. The halfling will be a Lupinari-Arcanin named Rina. Danger is not out of the question; we are not yet sure what kind of magic she possesses. Hail Dragor!”
The ship is silent for a long time, besides a quiet hum coming from the dashboard. Sorren’s eyes are on me, I can feel it, but I don’t want to see his expression. Dune shifts on his paws nervously.
Finally Sorren speaks up. “Why are they so worried about finding you if they don’t even know what kind of power you have?”
I shake my head. “I don’t know. I’m not even sure who Commander Ziln is.”
“Oh, this is bad,” Dune says. He shifts from paw to paw nervously. “Actually, being alone on a ship for the past few years is bad. Dying after a short few years of living alone on a ship is really, really bad.”
I growl. “We’re not going to die. Not now, when we’re so close.”
Sorren nods. “Rina is right. We’ll make it, somehow.”Dune sighs. “I love the optimism, but I’ve learned to expect the worst.” He makes a face. “Like my father used to say, ‘expect death, but live life.’ He wasn’t a poet, but he was smart.”
Sorren grunts, clearly not convinced. “Hmm. Can this ship go any faster?”
“Not without risking losing all our fuel,” Dune replies. “And I, for one, don’t want to be stuck in space forever. We won’t have enough oxygen for that.”
Sorren thinks for a moment, then walks over to stand in front of the map on the wall. In the center is our sun, Blasyx, and around it are all five planets. First Leor, then Arcania, Aavian, Lacertilia, and Lupus, with a larger than normal gap in between Lupus and Leor. In the center of the gap is what looks like some kind of asteroid or comet formation, clouded with something like dust. I notice most of the planets are along the “left” side of the sun, with the dusty formation centered on the right.
Sorren taps the Serpenree planet with a claw. “Which direction are we from Lacertilia?”
Dune tilts his head to the left. “Towards Aavian. Going back towards Lupus would mean going too close to the Serpenree, and possibly running out of fuel.”
“Then Aavian it is,” Sorren says. “I’ve been there only once to negotiate peace with their queen, Ashe, but it’s nice enough.”
Dune nods. “I’ve been a couple times for fuel and food. The cities are spread far apart, so hopefully we’ll land near one. But maybe not, because they’ll think we’re Serpenree since we’re in one of their ships.”“We might be able to pick it up on the radar.” Sorren turns to me. “Is that alright? There’s not really anywhere else to go.”
“Yes.” I nod, still thinking. What I really want to do is take the risk and turn back towards Lupus. I can almost feel the snow underneath my paws. But Dune is right. We’d be caught, he and Sorren would be killed, and I would be right back where I started, and maybe even worse. I doubt Quelin will be my guard if I return. I’ll be all alone, a halfling surrounded by Serpenree.
Sorren pats my shoulder. “There’s no use worrying about it now. Show me the medicine in your satchel. I’ve always been interested in healing, but never really had the time.”
I lead him over to my satchel, knowing he is trying to take my mind off of Ziln’s message. I doubt it will work. Still, I sit down and open the bag, emptying its contents carefully onto the ground. Each jar is small, about half the size of an apple. I show each to Sorren, telling him their names and what they’re used for. There’s Vyvene root, Tetaracil powder, Sparasal juice, Evona leaf, and a few dozen others, each with different uses, and all jammed tight in the satchel.
Sorren points out a gray liquid that shimmers under the lights of the ship, lifting it in his paw. “What about this one?”
I swallow and grab it from him. “I’d rather not talk about that one. Just, don’t use it.”
He shrugs. “I won’t.”
I give him an apologetic look. The jar holds what the Serpenree call Liquid Death. When a Serpenree was in too much pain, beyond or almost beyond help, they made me give it to them. Any time I wouldn’t use it, another Serpenree soldier would kill them himself. Just the thought of it makes me queasy. The only reason I decide to keep it around is because, no matter how much I hate the idea, I might need to use it someday.
Besides the jars, there are a few spools of strong thread for stitching wounds, bandages, and a small knife for if I have to remove something from a wound. Many times I’ve been punched or slapped with a tail for causing a soldier pain, even if it’s necessary.
“So these work on all the races?” Sorren asks when I’m done. “I mean, not just the Serpenree?”
I blink at him. “I guess I never really thought about it. I’ve never treated anyone that isn’t a Serpenree until today.” I look down at the jars. “I’d assume they can be used for anyone, but I wouldn’t always know how. Scales are a lot different than fur and feathers.”
Sorren nods thoughtfully. “I guess I thought it might be weird, just like how the Arcanin are immune to the toxic rain of their planet.”
I wince. “Yeah, I probably should have thought of that sooner. But right now, it’s the only medicine we have, so we’ll have to hope it does more good than bad.”
Sorren bobs his head, then smiles. “It seems like we have everything covered. You’ll be the healer, Dune will be the pilot, and I’ll be the soldier who fights everyone off. Actually, Dune can fight, too.”
Dune turns from his work at the front of the ship. “The only fighting I’ve done is on the spot, no training. So far, though, I’m really good at not dying.”
Despite our situation, I laugh. Sorren and Dune are a lot different than the company I’m used to. I’m used to grumpy Serpenree, including Quelin. Sorren is still a soldier, and stays serious when he can, but I get the feeling he would make a good father. He’s a good listener, and a good guide. Dune, on the other hand, has a lot of nervous energy, all mixed together with quirky humor. The fact that the three of us met and are here together is beyond wild.
“By the way you took out that soldier, you’ll still be helpful,” Sorren says. He looks at me. “Not that you can’t fight, but… I just thought, after that, maybe it’s not such a good idea.”
I grin at him. “Trust me, I don’t want to have to do any kind of fighting. But if I have to, I’ll give it a try.”
“Well, you’re brave, so that part is covered,” Dune says. “You took on a Serpenree commander with a spear using only a dagger, and you weren’t even wearing armor.” He shrugs. “I mean, kind of dumb, but it was that or be a prisoner again. Probably what I would have done.”
I cock my head. “I’m not sure whether to take that as a compliment or not.”
He points at me with a claw. “Yes. Do that. Definitely a compliment.”
Sorren yawns. “Well, either way, I’m tired. Dune, you and I can share a room. Rina can have one to herself.”Dune is already occupied with the dashboard again. “Yeah, yeah, sure.”
Sorren and I make our way to our separate rooms. Entering the door on the left, I find myself in a large room with four beds, nothing like my small, hot, blinding white room back on Lacertilia. I take the bottom bunk on the right side, knowing I would roll off if I took the top. The blanket is stiff, and the mattress is a metal slab, and there is no pillow, so I raise the hood of my cloak. It occurs to me that the floor might be more comfortable, but I’m too tired to move.
For the first time in years, I finally feel free.
Follow your heart, but take your brain with you.
@kyronthearcanin Awesome job! Are all of the planets in the same orbit, more or less, or are they increasing distances from Blasyx?
Where'd I get ya this time? The liver? The kidney? I'm runnin' outta places to put holes in ya.
Thanks!
They are more or less in the same orbit, though some are a little farther than others. Lupus is slightly farther, while Leor is the closest. Aavian, Arcania, and Lacertilia take their places in between the distances of Lupus and Leor.
Follow your heart, but take your brain with you.
Love it! I don’t have any major points or criticisms for this one, though I will ask why your calling it a galaxy and not a solar system?
He is perfect in Justice, yet He is perfect in Mercy, even when we fail Him. For this, He is good.
Actually… I really don’t know. 😅 Now that you mention it, it’s definitely a solar system, not a galaxy, so that was just a mistake on my part. Thanks for catching it! 🙂
Follow your heart, but take your brain with you.
Anytime!😅
He is perfect in Justice, yet He is perfect in Mercy, even when we fail Him. For this, He is good.
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