Core of Confliction Read online

  He heard it explained before but it still did not make sense for people to spend it at some random smorgasbord cluster of shops in the middle of nowhere. They called it convenience. Halfar had another less tasteful name for it. Chardon would agree.

  Rass came out of what looked like an abandoned building but was in fact a safe house for local dealers whenever the law enforcement officers decided to do a crackdown. It made Halfar laugh. He marched up to Halfar and came as close as possible so he could whisper.

  “Some government officials have sent spies into our territory and we caught them a few days ago. One of the spies was able to get a message out about the barrier but he was dispatched immediately after. Needless to say, our time table has been moved up unexpectedly.”

  “How long before they can get someone to test the rumor?”

  “I say in the next 48 hours. They can’t just send reinforcements, there is a protocol to go through and this just happened about five hours ago.”

  “Drop the barrier for seventy two hours, starting now, just in case.”

  “As you command.” Rass made a bow and left.

  It had been awhile since he had been outside among the humans and he remembered why he stayed in his throne room. The air on Earth reeked. He could never figure out where it came from but it was all over, even in other countries. Maybe a planet destroyer would do it some good and cleanse the whole ball of wretchedness.

  On his left he saw a drunk couple stagger out of a bowling alley and into the clothing store next to it and an ice cream parlor. It was two in the afternoon. Halfar shook his head in disbelief along with the human patrons who bore witness. It was official; he hated strip malls.

  **~**

  Down on the ground with his weight on the balls of his feet, Chardon planted his hands deep into the soil and retched until vomit spewed from his mouth. Being so enraged had formed knots in his stomach causing nausea. Spitting the last of it out, his let his hearing focus on distance and he could hear the muffled laughter of manbeasts along with Jaron and Mara. He felt played for a fool. His fists slammed into the dirt and he was ready to weep silently.

  “It was bound to happen.” Kelin stood a few feet from him looking haggard, his sudden appearance cutting Chardon’s self-pity short.

  “Was I wrong to grant the two of you lenience?”

  Chardon rose brushing dirt off of his robes then wiping left over vomit and spittle from his mouth. His eyes were bloodshot so he didn’t turn around. No one needed to see their leader in such a state.

  “We are grateful for it but the people may not have agreed with your decision.”

  “How is Talas?”

  “Screaming his heart out while Ganna seals his wounds.”

  “I am sorry.”

  He frowned, hearing it sounded like he was apologizing for more than just Talas. As if picking up on it, Kelin stepped closer.

  “What exactly were the negotiations for back then?”

  “Just like we had discussed.” Chardon’s eyes narrowed at the off topic question, not liking the direct approach.

  “But, you seem a little more than distraught about what happened. More so than Talas and I.”

  Chardon unclenched his fists and let out a heavy sigh. Keeping secrets was going to become more difficult as time went on but he was going to hold fast until there was no other alternative. Turning to face him, he moved a few steps away from Kelin to gain some distance and laid a hand on his shoulder.

  “I am because as our race’s leader, their lives were my responsibility, I failed everyone.”

  “You made a decision that you thought was right.”

  “And I was wrong. Possibly this time as well. But I stand by it.”

  “I need to go check on Talas.”

  Kelin went off to the medical chamber, leaving Chardon standing alone looking confused. He could tell Kelin knew he was dodging the question and it would confirm his suspicions even more.

  **~**

  As the battle date grew closer, everyone did their part to make sure all preparations were underway. The population was on the verge of tripling in such a short time and the workers had found a way for the planet’s soil to yield more produce. All the willing volunteers of warrior age were being trained on a daily basis and they had improved considerably.

  Mota watched with arms across his chest as Trinon, now a good four feet tall, clawed his way up the monolith determined to reach the top, which he was unable to do yet. The look a sheer will on his little face made Mota grin. He was a bit disappointed that Trinon was no longer small enough to be tossed against the wall anymore, but he had found other ways to torment him. Their mother had another litter so new victims were imminent for next season. He could hear their little mews even from this distance.

  Back to watching Trinon, he noticed his progress had taken him halfway up. That was too far up for him. If he fell all his bones would be broken, so Mota jumped from where he stood and landed a few inches above Trinon on the wall and snatched him off. He landed on the ground below in a soft thud with Trinon tucked under one arm screeching up an angry storm.

  “Not so fast, little snotter.” There was literally snot coming out of his nose. Calling him that only made him yell more. “Now, what would you have done if you fell from there?”

  “I can land!”

  “No, you can’t. I have seen the way you ‘land’ and it is not a pretty sight.”

  “Why don’t you go pick on Und? He’s almost a quarter of the way up!”

  “Und may not be able to climb as high as you yet but he knows how to land.”

  Trinon pouted and started to try and wiggle his way out of Mota’s arms. He flicked him hard in the forehead making him yelp and bring tears to his eyes. Und stopped climbing to look their way, a dead expression on his face. He hung securely from the wall almost lazily. This apparently made Trinon jealous and angrier. He had yet to master digging his claws in deep enough to hold on like that even though he could get up quite high really fast.

  His thoughts were so transparent that Mota flicked him again and carried his crying bundle to the washing chamber for the little ones. Trinon was filthy, covered in gravel and sweat. He also stunk which kept Mota from bringing him forward for Jaron to see. Their mother had a sensitive nose these days. Once they entered the washing room, Mota fought trying to undress him.

  The wailing between flicks and rough housing brought their mother into the chamber looking annoyed at the noise. She bent down and came nose to nose with Trinon.

  “Stop it!” she hissed. Her direct stare made him stop in mid tantrum. She turned to Mota. “You better make sure he is clean, understood?” Mota also went speechless, so nodded his head. Jaron left the room.

  “That was scary, huh?”

  Trinon gulped and nodded. There was no more fighting while Mota washed him up but there was some protest when it came to cleaning behind the ears.

  Und came in and observed the scene from the doorway. It amused him to see the dynamic between his two brothers. He was more like their father, quiet yet fierce and that’s why Mota didn’t spot him on the wall much. If anyone came to check on his progress it was Jakar.

  Und could see why everyone focused on Trinon. If he could master his climb and landing, he would be just as great a warrior as their father. His temper needed some work though. For such a small manbeast, Und prided himself on being more intelligent than his siblings. He sat on the dirt floor at the entrance and waited for the two of them to finish so he could take his bath alone.

  Without knocking or announcing his entrance, Modas entered Chardon’s chamber to find their leader soaking in the large circular basin built into the floor. It protruded up at least two feet making it four feet deep. A ledge ran the perimeter on the inside of it.

  Chardon was in female form with her head thrown back and eyes closed. Her skin had an almost golden sheen to it blending with the incoming sunlight. He noticed because she was flushed with ecstasy. It made his skin crawl kn
owing who she thought of at that moment. He spoke, jolting her out of her reverie.

  “The council wants a meeting.”

  Water swished out of the basin onto the floor as Chardon abruptly sat up in surprise. Her eyes burned with anger when she turned her head to acknowledge his presence. Modas stood motionless. She eased forward up out of the water exposing her full nakedness, then leaned over to grab her covering robe on the opposite wall. Chardon never bothered to dry off and wringing water out of her hair was good enough most days.

  “I really don’t appreciate you coming in unannounced.”

  “My apologies.”

  “It’s disrespectful and obviously intentional.”

  “That is not my…”

  “Did you not all have a good laugh at my expense that day?” Chardon turned around to face him from across the basin. He was back in male form.

  Modas narrowed his eyes. “I did not find it amusing.”

  “But your family did.”

  He came around to the changing curtain and dressed in his council robes on top of the covering robe. He apparently had no inclination to stay with the council any longer than necessary and return to his chamber after the meeting.

  “Let’s go.” He didn’t wait for Modas to answer him.

  “You trimmed your hair.” Modas noticed it as Chardon came towards him to leave.

  “Yes, well it would have been a nuisance during battle.” With that he left the chamber.

  Modas glanced at the basin. It was made by Chardon’s request but had been suggested by Halfar long ago. It was the first time Modas had seen it, let alone being used.

  Walking after Chardon he could tell his leader was struggling with demons of his own. Secrets were something that could tear a planet apart but he knew why he had to keep this one.

  Chardon’s mate was not who she had seemed to their race. Modas wanted to kill her many times over but her reach was long in the galaxy, she made sure of that. It was all in the guise of her being a loving mate to Chardon who she despised for his diplomacy. Falling in love with Halfar was probably inevitable.

  Their race could not know just how horrid their beloved Sestis was and their leader being a shifter in love with the enemy who nearly destroyed them. They reached the council room and Modas took his place by the doorway to stand guard. He remembered when he had first learned of Halfar and Chardon’s secret rendezvous.

  **~**

  It was a late afternoon with everyone involved in the negotiations taking a much needed rest. Modas had just finished escorting Halfar and his entourage back to the gate. The council wanted to have another session to discuss the proposals Halfar suggested and he could not find Chardon.

  On a whim, he had gone to Chardon’s personal chamber to see if he was in there. And Chardon was there; in female form. The fact that she was naked didn’t bother him; it was the smell coming off of her permeating the room. She seemed to have been in the process of trying to clean herself off but had passed out. Candles flickered even though it was not yet sunset.

  “What have you done?”

  Modas covered his nose with the sleeve of his robe. He fought the urge to gag, feeling his throat contract from nausea.

  Chardon turned her glazed eyes towards him, her body still flushed with sweat from mating. She tried to sit up but her body would not listen. One arm flung out from the under the bed covering to dangle on the side of the bed. Modas braved the stench to get closer to her so he could hear her speak. Her lips were moving.

  “You can’t…” Was what he heard.

  “Something is wrong with you.” He turned to leave in search of help and Chardon’s iron grip held him by the wrist.

  “You can’t.”

  Her eyes pleaded with him even as he saw them go off far away and her body arched slightly on the bed. A breath sounding like a moan escaped her lips and she thrashed about for a split second from an orgasm. Mota wanted to wrench away from her, her actions tossing up more of the vile smell.

  “You reek of something unnatural. You need to clean yourself off, now!”

  “I’m trying.”

  “The council is reconvening by sunset to discuss Halfar’s proposal.” Modas hissed at her.

  “Help me up.” He yanked her out of bed and into the washing station next to the changing curtain. “I’m sorry.” She whispered. “Thank you.” Her eyes glanced back at him. “I’m still beautiful, am I not, Modas?” A mischievous smile crept on her lips.

  “I’ll wait outside.” He stopped. “We have to eliminate that stench.”

  He knew she was not listening since now her focus was on getting clean and shifting back into her male form, his failure to answer her question forgotten. From the window he saw the field of herbs nearby and dashed out to grab a hand full.

  Back in Chardon’s chamber, he burned the herbs and waved them throughout every corner of the room. A small amount he didn’t burn went into the wash basin Chardon was using. There was a bowl of powdered ice near the bed so he picked it up and dumped some of it on her.

  Chardon stood erect from the shock and back handed Modas with such unexpected strength that he flew backwards into the wall on the opposite side of the room. The bowl and remaining ice landed on each side of him.

  Chardon’s body shook from the chill and rage but immediately vanished as she came to her senses. He could see the clarity return to her eyes. She finished cleaning herself off and dressed in council robes at the same time reverting into male form. It was a seamless transformation.

  “You will tell no one!” He said it soft enough for Modas to hear but with an edge of anger.

  “Understood.” Modas wiped a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth.

  “After you,” Chardon motioned towards the doorway. His body trembled slightly.

  Modas closed the door after them and helped Chardon whenever he faltered. It would have been better if he could rest until the end of the day but the council waited for their leader.

  **~**

  Pale skin ran the lines of the now closed wounds where new skin had begun to form. Talas studied every section and decided it was no so bad. The patterns left from the scars made them look like imprints in his skin. His admiration was witnessed by Kelin standing near the changing curtain.

  “Does it make you proud to have survived the wrath of the manbeast?”

  “He is right, it is a reminder but not the way he wanted. It gives me resolve.” Talas twisted his naked body to get a better view in the harshly made mirror. The surface was not as clear as the ones on Earth but they made due with the resources this new planet had to offer. “Not to your liking, my beloved?”

  Kelin walked over and traced the white scars with his index finger. He went around from back to front until they were face to face. “Nothing can ever take away your beauty.” He replied softly.

  “How wonderful to hear.” Talas encircled him in his arms and they touched foreheads.

  “By the way, I was right.”

  “About what?”

  “My theory, about Chardon.”

  Talas leaned back. “How do you figure?”

  “He basically avoided answering my question. He is just as guilty as we are.”

  “You asked him outright?”

  “It was a window of opportunity.”

  “Hmmm. I think you should have waited a bit longer.”

  “What secret could be so dire that even Modas has to keep it?”

  Talas pulled away from him and dressing in a covering robe sat on the bed. “Did it not seem odd to you that Chardon has not mourned the death of his beloved mate? It’s as if he could care less.”

  Kelin’s eyes opened wider than normal. The idea of someone not mourning their mate seemed extreme. No matter how much you may disagree, that person was still your mate and Sestis was beloved by their people. Her core and vessel had been destroyed but at the memorial ceremony, her name was never mentioned by Chardon or anyone else from the council.

  “I th
ink you need to figure out what is really going on. You’d think we would have had a separate mourning for Sestis by now, but we didn’t. No one has brought it up yet so we all just continue forgetting about her.” He saw Kelin’s temple wrinkle deep in thought.

  “Was it something that Chardon did or was it something Sestis did?” Kelin paced.

  “Maybe both.” Talas shrugged.

  “But she was harmless. Her soft nature could do no wrong.”

  “Just so you know, she was not all that soft.”

  Kelin whipped around in shock. “What do you mean?”

  “I saw her grab a little one and shake him until he went limp, all for running into her while playing with some friends. They were chasing each other and he was on the tail end. No one saw it happen but me, I guess.”

  “That’s…” Kelin advanced on him with such speed, Talas fell backwards on the bed. Kelin was on top of him eyes boring into him. “Why would you not say anything to anyone?” He yelled.

  “No one would ever believe me. I was not well liked to begin with, remember?”

  “So our beloved Sestis was some sort of monster? But what does that have to do with Chardon’s guilt over our world being destroyed because of our stupidity?”

  “If Halfar saw my displeasure in Chardon’s decision making, don’t you think he would have gone to Sestis as well? She felt Chardon was being too steadfast with the negotiations. He was not going to budge.”

  “We were just pawns in a big scheme?” Kelin frowned then a new expression replaced it.

  Talas almost laughed at how adorable Kelin looked all confused and awe struck when he asked it.

  “Afraid so, my beloved. But,” Talas sat up, his lips so close to Kelin’s, “you must not confront anyone with this. If they think you know more than they think you do, it could get messy. I need you to stay safe.” He kissed him softly, teasingly until Kelin settled down on top of him. They both knew there was no point in arguing at this junction since mating was far more important.