Series: Empire of Stone — 2: Lost Sons «

King’s Son

One Song I carry the twins to the school. Hukal and my family follow. The crowd of children moves aside as we pass, and refuses to look me in the eye.

Niyta catches up to me, and leads us to a large empty room, where the whole school eats together. She sits us in [...]

An Honorable Death I leave Siksa and my family, again. Only Balshown is with me on the ship, and he is too quiet, lost in his thoughts. We pass unnoticed through the atmosphere, and accelerate past Siksa’s moon. Soon, we’ll be at a safe distance from the planet, where we can engage the star [...]

Far From Home

Ancient Wars Months have gone by. When I left the Veezal, I went back to the star where the captured probe was last seen. Since then, I’ve searched through many of the inhabited worlds along this arm of the galaxy. The worlds here are unsophisticated technologically, and know little of energy ways. Many have [...]

Dreams of Life and Death

Paths of Healing The airship flies toward the school, only minutes away. “Ilaz looks terrible,” says Keela.

Berek scans him. “He’s gotten worse.” “His pattern body was damaged when I drove out the alien.” Berek streams healing energy over Ilaz, but the energy has little effect.

“His breathing is so weak,” says Keela. “Have [...]

Children of Fire

Preparation I float again in a world full of stars, the ship’s simulation of the third arm of the galaxy. The Kizak homeworld is here. I zoom in, and stare at the sun and its planets.

The charts from the bird-man helped us identify the star, but what do I do with the fact?! [...]

Prisons of the Mind

Neyima The next day, Brewky arranges for me to leave my job, and come to work for the syndicate. My old boss isn’t happy, but Brewky pays him off.

“I’m surprised he didn’t just take you.” “I couldn’t say no.”

“I think he wanted to make me happy, and I suggested that he treat [...]

Beyond Darkness and Light

Cloud of Darkness The gate opens seven thousand feet into a dark sky, with no stars. Light rises from the ground and the sea. My field surrounds us and remains strong, even when the power of the nullifier runs out. There are no cages here.

“Who are you?” asks Fenik, as we float in [...]

Death of a Child

Wenri I’m dazed when I land, and it takes a few seconds for my vision to clear. My skin still tingles, but at least I can feel my body again.

“Are you all right?” asks a guard, peering down at me.

I’m sitting on wet rocks a few feet from the lake.

“I was [...]

Truth and Lies

The Rebellious Son “Wake up.”

I hear the words from far way, but they help me fight my way back to full consciousness. Finally I open my eyes, but everything is blurry.

“Good,” says the voice. “You’re in a med station.” “Do you remember what happened?”

“The attack on the prince.” “Is he all [...]

Fear of the Wild

Cruelty and Purpose The emperor calls me in to see him. “Congratulations, Neyima.” “Disu has made incredible progress in his fighting skills, and he told me that he has agreed to the Madar val.”

“Yes, great father.”

“I have a few questions for you.” “I want to understand the training that you’ve been giving [...]

The Heart Fountain