Warrior's Link

WARRIOR'S LINK

By

Kathleen Garnsey

© copyright by Kathleen Garnsey, December 1999

 Cover Art by Amber Moon

 ISBN 1-58608-213-2

 New Concepts Publishing

 Lake Park, GA 31636

 www.newconceptspublishing.com

This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author’s imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.

Prologue

The Legend

Find the one who wears the chain

And keep her by your side,

For in her is your counterpart,

From which you cannot hide.

Travel into lands unknown,

Will bring your goal to sight,

Trust chosen few along the path,

To fortify your plight.

Let your heart forever guide,

In conscience and in deed,

Learn to trust the other one,

To strengthen virtue's lead.

Together you will travel far,

To destroy evil's source,

A magic battle to be won,

Will hasten victory's course.

Two flames converge as one,

As passion meets the test,

Unleashing nature's mystic power,

Atoning Ora's quest.

Those who seek life's reward,

Must trace their steps again,

For only those with purest heart,

Perceived the souls of men.

The evil one will build a wall,

And flames must meet the test,

As duty falls before revenge,

Your heart can do no less.

Those in high positions know,

The pain you've had to bear,

Restore peace, end your quest,

For counterpart and heir.

Chapter One

"Dacton Rovarn," the High Council doyen began. "It has been decided that you alone shall investigate the dire situation on Ora. We feel our best warrior can accomplish what an army cannot."

Anticipation surged through tightened muscles, and Dacton silently thanked the Council for the unequaled challenge. Thirty Protectors had lost their lives trying to stop Zotar Alucard, including his brother, Baleko. Now Dacton had the opportunity to make Zotar pay with his blood for the lives he so callously destroyed.

The doyen's long black robe dusted the polished marmoreus stone floor as he paced behind the other twelve council members seated behind the ornately carved table. "We did not reach this decision easily." He paused, studying the dark-haired Protector who stood at attention before him. "Some of us believe you are too full of vengeance to carry out this mission. What do you say, Chief Rovarn?"

"The Protectorate, as always, has my complete loyalty." Dacton took a deep breath. If the council wants Zotar Alucard destroyed, I will be happy to carry out that order."

The doyen cleared his throat and returned to his seat at the center of the half-moon table. "We need your solemn oath not to turn this mission into a personal vendetta to avenge your brother's death. We want Zotar brought before the council alive to stand trial, to become an example for anyone who thinks they can defy The Protectorate."

"As Chief Protector, I give my word." Dacton scanned from left to right, analyzing each council member. "Duty to The Protectorate has always been my first priority. The people of Ora are struggling for existence. The loss of my brother's life is inconsequential when compared to the greater picture."

The doyen nodded. "Zotar Alucard is a heinous being, and must be captured. We are not ordering his death. Is that clear?"

A frown creased Dacton's forehead. "I will follow the council's orders."

"You will leave immediately for Ora." The doyen stood and slowly made his way toward Dacton. "The government has been infiltrated by Zotar's men, so trust no one. Your only contact will be our Watcher, Kolere. Although he has become High Priest, Kolere is still a trusted member of The Protectorate. You will meet Kolere outside the desert settlement of Destiny. Do exactly as Kolere instructs. He knows the planet, the people, and their history."

Dacton maintained his undaunted stance before the leaders of The Protectorate. Since the age of ten he had trained to be a Protector, the most elite force of warriors in the universe. Protectors were the peacekeepers of the galaxy, but as long as Zotar drew breath, there would never be peace.

"Your mission is Two-fold. You must eradicate the reactor in the Peaks of Venda to stop the weather threat, and you must bring Zotar back to stand trial. How you accomplish this will be between you and Kolere. Your survival will depend on following Kolere's instructions."

The doyen briefly placed his hand on Dacton's shoulder. "This will be a difficult mission, but The Council has faith you will succeed. May the Powers of the Universe be with you, Chief Rovarn." The doyen extended his hand.

Dacton accepted the briefing chip from the doyen, saluted, then turned on his heel and marched in proud military form into the outer hall. He prayed he could fulfill the mission in the manner the High Council demanded while he walked toward the supply office. The council was right, he wanted vengeance in the worst way. He hadn't lied about duty being his first priority, but it would be difficult not to kill Zotar. He had always carried out orders to the letter, but accidents did happen. Behind the high counter, Mattra snapped to attention, saluting his superior officer.

Dacton returned the gesture, then checked the appropriate boxes on the requisition card and handed it to Supply Officer Mattra.

Mattra inserted the card into the side slot of the computer and scanned the list that appeared on the screen. "Your request promises a most interesting mission."

Dacton nodded, knowing his friend could not ask questions, any more than he could offer answers. It was the code of The Protectorate to maintain strict confidences, and every Protector respected the life and death rule.

When a man became a Protector he accepted demanding schedules, physical pain, and loneliness. Trained to be silent warriors, with duty as their mistress, there was little time for friends, or family. Until mandatory retirement at forty annual-cycles, he was bound by the marriage ban. He could pleasure himself at the Protector's Retreat anytime he wanted to, but he hadn't been there since Baleko was killed. Being with a woman that didn't know him was no longer appealing. "Please have the two man explorer readied and equipped within the hour." Dacton smiled at the impish grin on Mattra's round face.

"Very well, Chief Rovarn." Mattra saluted, then began punching codes into the computer.

Dacton noted Mattra's subtle smirk as he walked away. It was his way of saying, "Be careful." Mattra and Baleko graduated from the academy together, they had been like brothers. He knew Mattra missed Baleko as they shared an all-knowing look. Zotar's face flashed in Dacton's mind. Their days in academy were spent as adversaries, not friends. Zotar's sister died in a fiery crash the same night he was expelled, and Zotar blamed him. Zotar swore when he left he would get even, but how many people would he kill before he accepted the blame for his own actions?

The door to his quarters whooshed open when he touched the print identifier. When he stepped inside Dacton heard his mother's gentle voice from the call-screen. She was still distraught over Baleko's death, and panicked whenever he, or Falcon left on a mission. But he had to tell her before she heard of his departure from the public updates. "Mother," Dacton greeted when her image appeared on the screen.

"From the sound of your voice, son, I fear you have some disturbing news for me."