Core of Confliction Read online

  In the doorway stood Jakar watching the scene with the same look as Und. Bragging was a young manbeast’s thing. After so many scars and battles it was just natural to forget about all that. With a sigh, he reached over and grabbed Mota by the mane, pulling him out of the commons onto the walk path with him.

  “I was just getting to the best part!”

  “Hmm.”

  “You don’t even have any! Your body is still pristine after getting your core back.”

  “I know how to not get hurt in a battle.”

  Mota was insulted, he could tell. His younger brother was just as good at fighting as Jakar and he was in no way suggesting incompetence on the battle field.

  “Maybe I don’t avoid hand combat like some others.” Jakar stopped walking and letting Mota know he had gone too far. “I don’t mean that.” He whispered.

  “I should not have said that either.”

  Jakar resumed walking. They were already late for the debriefing with the council.

  Chardon was already in talks with one of the agricultural engineers regarding the planet bomb meant to jump start the planet’s growth. Halfar was coming through the gate as they spoke. The success of the mission was debatable. On the one hand, they were able to close the gate leading to Earth and on the other, Kur was not quite dealt with along with a handful of Halfar’s advisors who managed to flee.

  While Modas escorted Halfar, the two warriors conversed. It was strained since they had no amicable relation with each other but, they knew it was in their best interest considering their mates were related. As they neared the commons, Halfar slowed down.

  “I want to see Farin.”

  “There’s no time.” Modas kept his stride towards the council chamber. “We’re late.”

  “Of course,” Halfar let out a heavy breath of air. “Are your little ones well?”

  “As could be.”

  “I heard one your sons had an accident during training.”

  “His claws were broken off.”

  It was said so nonchalantly that it did not register with Halfar at first. He halted.

  “That is horrifying.” It made him shudder.

  “He heals fast.” They had reached the outer door of the council chamber. “After you.”

  During the meeting, there were many opinions on what would be a good target for the planet bomb, from agriculture to natural resources. When it came down to the main factor, the sun and its lack of light and warmth, their focus on the matter took priority. This was much to the chagrin of the scientists, engineers and Ganna. Halfar turned the meeting over to his chief science officer who he brought with him from his home world, then signaled Chardon to leave with him.

  Outside, they both walked up the short hill and through the fields to the commons where all the little ones congregated. Farin was now able to crawl a bit on his own, but could never find out how far he could go because the older children often picked him up by his middle like a baby manbeast to play. Jaron had left the meeting early so she was the culprit that grabbed him this time. As she raised him up she caught a glimpse of Chardon from the corner of her eye.

  “Is the meeting over?”

  “No. The scientists are going over strategy to do something about the sun.”

  “Oh.” She turned her attention back to Farin. “Not interested.”

  “Can I have my child for a moment?” Halfar held out his arms. Jaron squinted at him but gave the little one up. “Thank you.” He pulled Farin to him and smelled his skin.

  “He’s worse than a nursing maid.” Jaron quipped and Chardon whacked her in the back of her neck. “That was uncalled for!”

  “I need to speak with Kur soon.” Halfar said his full attention still on Farin.

  “I can take you to him. He may be a bit hostile.”

  “He’s awake?” This was unexpected so soon.

  “Ganna was going to take him back down and dissect him. Of course, she was going to reassemble and revive him.”

  “I’m sure she would have.” His sarcasm did not go unnoticed to Jaron who snorted.

  Kur nor Rass had moved from their positions on the bed that barely held them. It was a strange sight for Halfar and he wasn’t sure if disturbing them was a good idea. The way they were entangled together like two exhausted lovers made him feel regret asking Rass to rid them of Kur. As much as he hated to do it, he went to the bed and jostled Kur awake.

  On reflex, Kur shot out an arm and grabbed Halfar by the wrist ready to toss him across the room but found his prey would not budge from the weak pressure he had applied. Opening his eyes, he saw Halfar staring down at him with pursed lips. Bearing the pain in his body, he let go and eased up into a sitting position.

  “My lord,” He bowed his head glancing over at Rass.

  “Don’t wake him.” A closer inspection made him notice Rass had not stirred, he turned to Chardon. “What’s wrong with him?”

  “This is your doing.” Kur sneered then averted his gaze.

  “Is it? I am not the only one at fault.”

  “No, it isn’t.” Kur hung his head further down in defeat.

  “Tell me why? What could you have possibly accomplished with this plan?”

  “I was reassured by your advisors I would be given free reign over the armada and there were some hostile worlds needing to be conquered to expand our reach in the galaxy. I know now that Earth was picked at random because they were no real threat to us. It was to get rid of you all along. I was just a pawn to do the deed.”

  “But, why get rid of me, the ruler of our world?”

  “They told me that you planned to cede our home world to Razznians and they would control your armada.”

  “That’s outrageous!” Halfar could not believe what he was hearing. “Where did such a lie come from?”

  “With the invasion of Lassa, a deal was made to enslave the remaining population on Razzna in exchange for rulership over the Grata system which has seven planets.”

  “Who would be ruling that solar system?” Halfar was confused but Chardon had a sickening expression as she held her abdomen.

  “That female Lassian, Sestis. The deal went south of course when the planet was not only scorched but destroyed with her on it. It was said that you brokered the deal with her since there were rumors you wanted her mate, Lassa’s leader.” He turned to Chardon making eye contact. “I figured they were right after seeing his obsessive behavior regarding your core.”

  “I would never…” Halfar was shaking with rage. Sestis had set in motion more devastation than anyone thought. Chardon stood pale next to him.

  “This is not over.” Kur finally stood. “The Razznians will not be happy that her end of the deal was not fulfilled. With news that her race has survived and now on a new world, they will come after you.”

  “How long do we have?”

  “Maybe ten years before they find this world and launch an assault.”

  “We will be ready.” Modas had entered the chamber more silently than ever.

  “I wish to redeem myself,” Kur slid off the bed and knelt painfully down to one knee, “if it is your will.”

  “Stand up!” Halfar snapped. “We have something more serious than your redemption to consider!” He strolled up to Modas. “How many manbeasts are there, truly?”

  “Enough. In ten years there will be nearly ten thousand.”

  Chardon tapped her lower lip and her eyes narrowed. “Sestis.” Everything stemmed from her devious actions to gain power at the cost of her race. “Well, I guess we have to fight for our survival after all.”

  “This time, you will have my armada.”

  The news traveled quickly around the planet and soon everyone was preparing for a new battle. Months went by gathering knowledge for new technology and how to ration supplies. Halfar sent Kur and Rass to their home world to rectify the bizarre events that his former advisors had created.

  A Rising

  Trinon stood, now five feet eight inches tal
l, in front of the giant stone monolith looking up at the top of it. In silent admiration of its size, he unwrapped his hands letting the bandages fall on the ground. Without taking his eyes from the summit, he extended his talons thicker and sharper than before from aging, and leapt high in the air.

  He landed halfway up the stone wall and using his claws reached the top at an unimaginable speed neither out of breath or stamina. Satisfied, he did a back flip off the summit and sailed into the air laying back into the free fall with his eyes closed. The air concaved around him and his body's resistance felt good.

  Mota, Jakar, Mara, and Und watched him from their position on a hill across form the monolith as he landed on the ground below in a kneeling position, his fist deep in the dirt. The impact caused a crater ten feet in diameter and a few inches deep around him. He stood up straight, looking up at the summit again.

  “I think he may be ready in five or ten years.” Mota announced proudly.

  “Or less,” Modas added. Jakar nodded in agreement.

  “I’ll go spar with him.” Und volunteered in a defeated tone.

  “Oh, you won’t get away that easy,” Mota quipped. “You are just as ready.”

  Und smiled knowingly, his droopy lidded eyes holding a glimmer of excitement. He couldn’t wait to get into a real fight alongside his siblings.

  END

  Acknowledgements

  A huge thank you to NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) for having a platform to support writers’ creative juices. Without them I would not have met Laurel Standley who helped keep me on track and contributed in more ways than I can express. For all of my friends and classmates, the wait is over. It took a little over two decades, but better late than never. To my early stage beta readers: my sincere condolences and immense gratitude.

  I hope you enjoy the first installment of Core of Confliction.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Maquel A. Jacob has had a passion for the written word since the age of seven, reading everything she could get her hands on which included encyclopedias and the thesaurus. At twelve, she had her first encounter with a Stephen King novel and was hooked. She became inspired to write her own brand of fiction. Combining multiple genres is her way of keeping things interesting.

  She is also a huge Anime fan, loves a great bottle of wine and rocks out to heavy metal music. Green and lush Oregon is where she currently resides spinning imaginary worlds in her head and daydreaming.

  To contact the author visit:

  www.maquelajacob.com

  Maquel A. Jacob on Facebook

  Also find her on Goodreads

  Books by

  MAQUEL A. JACOB

  CORE OF CONFLICTION SERIES

  CORE OF CONFLICTION: BOOK 1

  SEEDS OF CONVICTION: BOOK 2

  BONDS OF CONTRITION: BOOK 3