Knightqueen - Page 81

The warrior inclined his head. “King Gayel is arriving soon. You have our full support.”

She swiveled to face Ashtin. “Do you have more intel on the Gek’Dragar ship? How did it get this close? Where is it now?”

It was Kaden who stepped forward, resting his palms on the light table. “It got this close to Oron because it isn’t a Gek’Dragar vessel. It’s an Urata ship that they’re using.”

Carys nodded. The Urata were traders and welcome in Oronis space. One of their ships wouldn’t raise any suspicion.

“And it’s not a cargo ship,” Nea said, her face set in hard lines. “From what the sensors detected, it is a warship. A large one.”

Carys sucked in a breath, and beside her Sten cursed.

“It will be filled with Gek’Dragar soldiers,” Carys said.

“It doesn’t matter how many there are,” Ashtin snapped. “We will take them down.”

“It would be best to take this ship out before it lands on Oron,” Kennedy said.

Carys nodded. “Agreed. Do we know its current location?”

“No,” Ashtin said. “It’s cloaked. We have ships scanning the area, so they can’t hide for long.”

Sten crossed his arms, staring hard at the map on the light table. She wanted to reach out and touch him.

Then Kaden spoke. “I talked with some of the other knighthunters. Everyone has been reaching out to their networks.”

Knighthunters were the Oronis’ best spies. She was well aware they had vast networks of contacts across the quadrant and beyond.

“There are whispers that the entire Gek’Dragar leadership is aboard. They want to destroy Oron, and be here to watch it and claim victory. Cement their own greatness.” Kaden’s lip curled in disgust.

Carys clutched her hands together. “The entire group of eight?” They knew that there were eight Gek’Dragar leaders who sat on the Council. They were the strongest and meanest of all. The stories her knighthunters had gathered said the council were selected by fights to the death.

She straightened. “They think we’re weak because we live in peace and harmony. Because we value art, and learning, and beauty. Because we value duty and honor. Because we care for our sick and weak.” She whirled, making eye contact with all her people. “We will show them just how strong we are.”

Kaden nodded. Nea smiled. The others all met her gaze, steady and composed.

“What makes us strong are our values, our friendships, our family.” She looked at Sten. “And our love for one another.”

Suddenly, an alarm started blaring, and the lights changed, washing the room in a deep red glow.

“The ship’s been sighted.” Ashtin leaned forward, swiping the light table screen. “Gul. It’s approaching Oron in minutes.”

Everyone scrambled. Davion made contact with the Eon ships in orbit. Ashtin barked orders to his Knightforce ships. Kennedy tapped on the table, and a projection speared into the air.

Carys saw the huge silver orb of one of Oron’s moons.

And the outline of a large Urata warship.

“We need the BlackBlade to intercept,” Ashtin said sharply.

On the screen, the lead Oronis warship swung into view. It was made of pure black metal, and covered in spikes. The forked bow of the ship had a blue ball of energy crackling in the center of it.

Usually, Ashtin would be on the bridge. She could tell from the look on her knightmaster’s face that he wished he was there now.

“Stop that ship,” he ordered. Then he slammed his hand on the light table. “I should be there.”

Kaden stepped up beside Ashtin and gripped his arm. “Come on, then. You’ll be better use up there.” There was a flash of red light and the men teleported out.

For a second, Carys marveled at Kaden’s unique ability. It was very rare among the Oronis.