Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2004 20:18:00 -0500
From: Rhaven <rhaven2002@hotmail.com>
Subject: Star Child Chapter Eleven

This is a story of full fiction, no robot or fantasy creature was
harmed in its creation. Please check out the ALL-NEW Rhaven Lore at
www.rhavenlore.com

Coming soon to Rhaven Lore. original artwork for Star Child


STAR CHILD

RETURN TO THRAE


CHAPTER ELEVEN

They call it 'the Lost Encampment', the gathering grounds for
survivors of Prime's madness. In the shadow of Anon Mountain, tents
dotted the flat barren ground. There was a constant flow of troops
coming into the camp or patrolling the area. In the center of the
encampment, at the largest tent, a caravan of small nude Ellers had
arrived. Ochen of the Rose Konig Clan looked up at tall humans and
forced a smile. He had been asked to attend a meeting with the humans
to discuss the threat of the renegade autonoid. He motioned for his
guards to remain outside the tent, there was a time that Ellers wouldn
't even speak with humans, after the Brood Wars ended, all the Ellers
wanted was to forget that this arrogant race existed. The human
soldiers opened the flap for the small Eller and gestured for him to
enter. Ochen ignored the superior look the soldiers gave him; he had
learned long ago that humans believed they were the chosen race.
However, Ochen knew that within the human's conceit was a fear that
they were truly only savages. In the center of the large tent was a
heavy oval oak table.

"Welcome Grand Master Ochen, thank you for coming." Lady Friah said
standing as the other humans around the table also stood at the Eller'
s arrival.

"Thank you." Ochen said awkwardly. "I have come because of your
request, though I do not know what it is you wish of me." Ochen looked
around the table at the surviving Lady's and Lords of Salvane. Lord
Quess of Wakabay, Lady Patnea of Cleas, Prince Lynn of Rostra, Sir
Illion of Chechen and Lady Friah of Bain, all forced a brave face for
Ochen's benefit. However, he wasn't fooled, the sense of desperation
willed with room like thick smoke.

"We wish." Lord Quess said nervously stroking his long white beard.
"As you know the beast from our past, has assaulted our kingdom.
killing our noble King. We ask for your assistance in destroying this
monstrosity."

Ochen opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Lady Friah.

"Grand Master, I know that our races do not have a dignifying past
together. Five hundred years ago, humans used you as a weapon, as
slaves. But I ask you now to put aside our differences and aid us in
combating this evil." Lady Friah forced a gentle smile.

"Sweet Lady, we have long since put aside our anger for you and your
kin." Ochen began. "But this is not our war. Prime has purposely gone
out of his way to avoid conflict with my kind."

"Because you have been spared, doesn't not mean you are safe Grand
Master." Sir Illion yelled, slamming his fist onto the oak table.
"Strike with us now, before that devil turns his gaze upon you!"

"Illion calm yourself." Friah said calmly. "Grand Master Ochen, I know
what we are asking from you, to involve yourself in a war that is not
yours. But we are looking at the extinction of our race."

Ochen sighed heavily and averted his eyes from the group of humans. "I
am sorry, but there is nothing I can do to help." Ochen stood and
bowed to the gathered humans and walked out of the tent.

"Godless creature." Barked Lady Patnea. "We should slit his throat for
speaking to us that way."

"Surely." Lady Friah laughed sarcastically.  "And have the Ellers join
the war against humans, as if Prime isn't enough." Friah turned her
attention to Quess. "Have we heard from the Centaurs or the Meedran?"

"Our messengers have not returned yet. I have been informed that the
Poleviks have declined our invitation and the giants refuse to even
talk to us."

"Then." Lady Friah took a deep breath. "Then we are doomed."

"My Ladies and Lords, I have a peasant here who wishes to speak with
you." The soldier said keenly.

"Send them in." Lady Friah said indifferently. The council stared as
the thin woman staggered into the tent.

"Please forget my intrusion." She said falling to her knees.

"Stand woman, we don't have time for formality. Tell us your story and
quickly." Lady Patnea spat.

"What is your name sweat woman?" Lady Friah interrupted.

"Ema, servant to Lord Aero." Ema said meekly.

"What information do you have for us Ema?" Lady Friah said looking
cautiously to the rest of the members around the table.

"My Lord Aero has sided with the devil, taking him into his house."
Ema said shamefully.

"Then the rumors are true, that dog is aiding the enemy." Lord Quess
growled.

"Please continue." Lady Friah said to Ema, ignoring Quess's comment.

"I fear he has a hand in the destruction in the House of Soldaat." Ema
looked warily around the room. "I. I overheard him talking with the
autonoid about sending a mercenary to find Prince Asrais of Soldaat."

The group exploded in murmurs, arguments about the young prince being
alive. Lady Friah raised her hand to silence everyone. "Please. Please
everyone. Let's allow Ema to go on."

Finally, once the group had quieted down, Ema began talking again.

"I wish that was all the news I had for you my Lords and Ladys. but
there is more." Ema swallowed hard and forced herself to continue.
"Lord Aero and the autonoid have left the castle, aided by the horde
of Darellers in search. in search for the Star Child."

"All the God's right hand! I will not allow those bastards to find
that which is most sacred!" Screamed Quess.

Lady Patnea drew her sword and slammed it into the table. "That
traitor Aero will die by my sword, so I swear."

"Yes." Lady Friah stood, her head lowered in exhaustion. "Aero will
die. Tell me Ema, which path does Prime take and how many robots has
he for protection?"

"To the west towards Pallatora, as for the number of robots, it is but
a handful at best. His horde has been sent against another target, of
which I know not."

"Then he is vulnerable." Smiled Friah. "Send out the word, we march
tonight." Lady Friah turned her attention back to her fellow council.
"Our destiny is at hand, soon it will be determined if man has a place
left in this world."



"Come on you two, we've got things to talk about." Puck yelled irately
from somewhere down the corridor.

"We're coming. we're coming." Ash yelled back. It had been very early
in the morning he had woken up. Filled with an excellent sleep and
expressed love, Ash was overflowing with energy. He and Otto had gone
exploring and found a goldmine of dehydrated foods. Though Ash couldn'
t read the descriptions, his mouth was already drooling over the
possibilities of eating something other than dried beef and fruit.

"Backpack is stuffed full." Otto declared. "And I would say there
enough food still here to last us for several years." Otto said
looking down the endless rows of silver packs of food.

"I almost hate to leave this place." Ash admitted.

"Once this is all over with, I don't see why we couldn't return for a
nice vacation." Otto suggested. "We better go."

"Yeah, before Puck's head explodes." Ash giggled. Otto and Ash headed
back up to the second level. Ash instantly knew something was wrong,
by the dark look in Puck's eyes.

"We need talk." Puck said harshly. "We've wasted too much time. too
much time."

"What's wrong?" Ash rushed toward his friend.

"What's wrong?" Dango spat, shaking his head disgustingly.

"Please Dango, let me talk." Puck insisted. "I think we need to split
up."

"What are you talking about?" Ash asked, looking back to Otto.

"I've thought about this all night long." Puck began.

"You're telling me." Barked Dango.

"This quest. this recovery of the Star Child is desperate for the
survival of our world. Dango and I will travel to Sememman Sea, while
you and Otto continue to the Maelstrom Mountains."

"I don't understand? Why this idea of splitting up all of a sudden?"
Ash asked.

"Puck had a dream. he saw." Dango started.

"I saw Prime getting a hold of the sword. Ash you have to believe me
on this one. Sometimes my dreams come true and this one. this one we
can't afford to ignore."

Ash nodded weakly, feelings of abandonment lumped up in his throat.

"Are you sure about this Puck?" Otto asked, putting a comforting hand
on Ash's shoulder. "We can be at Golden Mines by tonight; the Sememman
Sea is perhaps four or five days away."

Puck shook his head. "I just don't think we can wait that long.
something bad is going to happen, if we delay any longer."

"Right then, we'll divide the food and head to our chosen
destinations." Otto said.

It was hard for Ash to see his friend leaving, heading south as he and
Otto continued west. Puck wasn't even in the mood for a hug, so their
farewells were quick and sterile.

Otto obviously believed in Puck's dreams, for he drove Ash hard over
the rocky terrain, through path or no path, it didn't matter. By
midday, when Ash expected to stop for lunch, Otto only gave him a
slice of dried beef, saying there wasn't time to break.

Ash couldn't help but gaze southward, hoping he would spot Puck and
Dango. There was something bothering Puck and it was more than what he
had said, Ash saw the dark worry clouding Puck's eyes. The more Ash
thought about his friend, the angrier he got at him. Ash had always
shared his feelings with Puck, it never accord to him to hide anything
from him.

"I'm sorry for rushing you." Otto said, stopping for the first time
since morning. He looked worryingly at Ash, examining him with his
mechanical eyes.

"I'm fine. it's fine." Ash looked up at Otto and sighed.

"You seem upset." Otto said quietly.

"I guess I am, I'm mad at Puck and it makes me feel stupid." Ash spat
out, it was too tired to explain what was the matter. "We shouldn't
have split up."

"I agree, though I have great faith in Puck's dreams, I would have
been more comfortable for us to remain together." Otto said seriously.

Ash sighed again, his shoulders going slump. "This really sucks."

"Well I do have good news for you." Otto said grinning.

"What?" Ash said indifferently.

Otto stood next to Ash and pointed ahead of them. "See that mountain
range? That is the Maelstrom Mountains."

Ash gasped, he had been so busy pouting he hadn't noticed the huge
black mountains looming on the horizon. If mountains could express
emotions, then the Maelstrom was anger. Vicious black peaks pierced
high into the sky; from top to bottom, this black rock was a jagged
mess. Ash forgot all about being angry with Puck, the sight of the
monstrous mountain exhausted him.

"How are we going to climb that?" He dared to ask.

"My understanding is, the Dwarves have carved out a pathway to their
entrance. It won't be as difficult as it looks."

"Is sure hope so, I'm not sure I can walk much further." Ash said,
though he was feeling new energy flowing through him at the thought of
seeing his first Dwarf.

Onward they traveled, with a purpose in their steps. The sun was
hidden behind the grand mountains as they began their climb upwards.
There was indeed a path up, though just as difficult as climbing. The
trail was narrow, with so many twists and turns, Ash thought maybe a
blind man had built the path.

Night was in full bloom before they finally arrived to the huge stone
doors of the Golden Mines. All Ash wanted to do was sit, his feet
hurt, his legs ached and his back was killing him, he wasn't sure he
could take another step.

"What do we do now?" Ash said slowly, looking up at the large doors.

"I believe we should knock." Otto banged on the doors as if made from
wood. A resounding boom echoed from his knocking.

Ash waited, looking up occasionally to Otto, the doors did not move.
Otto knocked again. This time, the doors slowly screeched open. Ash's
first glimpse of a Dwarf was having a spear shoved at his face. At
least thirty Dwarves had rushed out of the doors, all bearing spears.
Ash was too interested in seeing the Dwarves to be frightened. They
were shorter than Ash, with bubble round faces and bouncing bulbous
bodies. Their eyes were huge almost owl-like, but not as large as
their outsized noses. Unlike the Ellers, the Dwarves were clothing,
layers upon layers of clothing, as if bare skin was sinful.

"Who bangs upon our grand entrance?" Barked a Dwarf wearing a heavy
winged helmet and unlike the others wore a long blonde beard. "Speakth
now, who dares bang?"

"I. I banged on your door." Otto confessed. "We seek help from the
Dwarves."

"Help?" The bearded Dwarf said laughing. "A strapping brute of obvious
prowess, asks us Dwarves for help? Tis help for ye young lass?"

It took Ash a few seconds to realize the Dwarf had called him a girl.
He looked down at his bare chest and then to Otto and back to the
Dwarf.

"I'm a boy." Ash corrected, but no one seemed to hear him or care what
he had to say. The Dwarves were more concerned with Otto.

"I am Otto, in service to PRINCE Asrais." Otto emphasized the word
'Prince' and gave Ash a wink. "We have traveled from Palla. from afar
with word of extreme importance and would speak with your Chieftain."
Otto had almost said Pallatora, but decided not to test the Dwarves
tolerance on Ellers just yet. The Dwarves gathered into a tight circle
and began mumbling; occasionally glancing back apprehensively at the
towering Otto.

"He thought I was a girl?" Ash whispered to Otto, trying not to giggle
too loudly.

"We shall grant thee thy request." The bearded Dwarf said." Though I
cannot speak for our Sovereign and as such, cannot guarantee thee will
have words with him." The Dwarf pushed his way through the others and
motioned for Otto and Ash to follow him.  There wasn't much light
within the Dwarven home, from what Ash could see, it was enormous. The
entire mountain had been hollowed out. The street they walked on
winded down like a monstrous corkscrew, with buildings and houses
carved straight out of the walls of the cave. Ash dared to looked over
the edge and gasped; there was no way of telling how deep this hole
was, he could only see about thirty levels deep, but darkness
enveloped what might have been past that. As they followed the bearded
dwarf, Ash realized that the busy streets would part, stop their
activities and stare as they passed. He was beginning to understand
the Dwarves confusion in gender, it was impossible for Ash to tell the
women from the men.

"I don't believe the Dwarves get many visitors here." Otto whispered,
as he noticed the wide-eyed reaction from all the Dwarves.

"This place is amazing; it must have taken them centuries to dig it
out."

"Five centuries, young lady. Five centuries of continuous digging and
bailing and chipping and carving." The bearded Dwarf said without
turning around. Ash frowned at the mention of 'young lady'. "How did
he hear us?" Ash said barely audible.

"We have been truly blessed with excellent hearing." The dwarf
replied, still not bothering to look at them. "We possess a superb
nose as well."

"And must be able to see in the dark." Ash grumbled as he stumbled
over something, in the road.

"We have arrived." The dwarf said stopping in front of a wide oak
door. It was odd seeing wooden doors here, Ash found it almost
surreal, with all this stone and rock.

Otto had to duck down to enter through the oak doors, but thankfully,
the great room was oversized with vaulted ceilings. A long table
rested in the center of the room where a single Dwarf sat, stuffing
his face with food.

"Stone Master Abim, what is this ye have brought before me?" the Dwarf
said spitting food across the table. Ash noticed that this Dwarf's
beard was so long it dragged the floor; apparently, it was a symbol of
one's power.

"Sovereign Abto, this be Otto in service of Prince Asrais. He asks for
words with thee of dire importance." The Dwarf called Stone Master
Abim said with a low bow.

"Dire importance." Sovereign Abto laughed. "Of what dire importance
could these ragamuffin pair have for me?"

"I have news of war." Otto said calmly.

"War with humans or Dwarves, for if it be humans, I fear that I can't
even mock concern."

"If you could just please hear me out." Otto said stepping closer to
the table. Ash scurried forward too, feeling the need to be close to
Otto in this strange place. Dwarves weren't exactly had he had
imagined them to be. Now that he was with them, it was like walking a
nightmare, realizing that things of dreams really existed.

 "I will leave thee with thy guest my Sovereign." Stone Master Abim
said with a graceful bow.

"Yes, wise Stone Master. And we shall discuss ye admittance procedures
upon a later date." Abto said gruffly.

"If you would allow me to explain." Otto said quickly.

Abto frowned, cocked his head to the side and finally pushed his
plates to the side.

"Yes, do enlighten." Abto said relaxing back into his chair, stroking
his long beard lovingly.

Ash stood quietly as Otto lowered his head collecting all the
information he needed to explain their situation to the Sovereign of
the Dwarves.

"I know of the differences your kind has had with humans throughout
the ages, but a dreadful circumstance has happened. A villain from the
past has returned and ." Otto looked sadly towards Ash. "This villain
has murdered the King of Salvane."

"King Jerico?" Abto said quickly. "Jerico has been slain?"

Otto smiled faintly. "No Sovereign Abto, King Jerico died almost three
hundred years ago, it was King Verloren." Otto rested his hand on Ash'
s shoulder. "Prince Asrais is now the last of the House of Soldaat."

"Dreadful news indeed." Abto moaned. "Jerico was our fair friend, it
has been so long since a human has visited us, I have forgotten of
their wistful short lives."

Sovereign Abto sighed and stood, almost disappearing behind the large
table. "We do not seek news from the outside world, Otto in service to
Prince Asrais. In addition, as such, have become ignorant in things
not Dwarvish. But that does not mean we will not listen." Abto clapped
his stubby hands together, instantly two smaller, beardless Dwarves
entered from a side door. "Please Otto in service of Prince Asrais and
fair lady have a seat, I will have food and drink brought to you."
Abto nodded towards the two Dwarves and they bowed low in the
understanding and left the room as quickly as they had appeared.

Ash followed Otto to the table and took a seat next to him.

"Is there any way." Ash whispered. "Any way to let these guys know I'm
not a girl?"

"I'll try, but it's probably been about three hundred years since they
've seen a human." Otto explained trying not to smile. "Don't take it
personal."

"All right. I'll try." Ash said huffily. "But if they suggest I wear I
dress.I'm going to kick someone's butt."

Sovereign Abto sat back into is chair and guzzled down his drink,
spilling most down his long beard. "Please Otto in service of Prince
Asrais, continue ye tale."

"Of course Sovereign. " Otto said nodding to the Dwarf. "We have been
searching for the hidden Star Child and believe that Jerico has placed
within your care part of this sacred item. If Prime, the monster who
killed King Verloren, recovered the sword first, his power will be
unstoppable."

Abto said nothing; the small Dwarf leaned back in his chair and waited
for the servants to lay out the banquet of food for Ash and Otto. Once
they had finished Abto gestured for one of the servants. With a quick
whisper to the servant, Sovereign Abto turned his attention about to
his guest. "You are on a fool's errand, Otto in service of Prince
Asrais. There is neither piece nor splinter of the Star Child here."

"I don't understand." Ash interrupted. "You knew Jerico and that
song.the song directed us here."

"You have been deceived. Though I confess in knowing King Jerico, we
are not concealing the Star Child." Abto stood again. "I hate to be an
imperfect host, but I believe it is time for ye to depart."

Ash stood up looking defeated; he was half way to the door before he
realized Otto wasn't behind him. "Otto." Ash whispered loudly. "Otto
we're leaving."

"I don't think so." Otto said remaining seated. "Sovereign Abto, I
understand your reluctance in talking with us. but I assure you Prince
Asrais is of the House of Soldaat. By family name, he holds true
rights to the Star Child."

"You dare call me a liar?" Abto screamed. "I am Sovereign of the
Golden Mines, leader of 2 million strong."

"And I am Otto, X3-A133-455-7175 created at the time of the Auto War."
Otto raised his voice and stood, towering over the short Dwarf. "I am
over 1000 years old and do not like being lied to."

"Otto." Ash said cautiously. He wasn't sure if he was ready to take on
the entire race of Dwarves even with the autonoid by his side, Ash
didn't think it possible for them to win. "Otto what are you doing? If
Sovereign Abto says he doesn't have." Ash didn't finish his sentence,
suddenly a stabbing pain struck him between the eyes. It was like
standing in front of a huge speaker, blasting Kid Rock. However, Ash
didn't hear anything, he felt it deep inside his mind. Then the blast
softened into a single angelic voice. 'Save me', it begged.

"Ash are you all right?" Otto asked at the awkward silence.

"Someone needs help." Ash said weakly. "I hear someone asking for
help."

Otto rushed over to Ash's side, helping him stand on legs that
suddenly seemed too weak.

"Who needs help?" Otto asked.

"Not. not sure. I hear them in my head. saying 'save me'. What's going
on Otto?" Ash's strength returned as the voice vanished, replaced with
a gentle singing. He couldn't make out the words to the song, but it
was the loveliest song he had ever heard. Otto clinched his fists and
turned to face Sovereign Abto. "What the hell are you doing to the boy
Abto?"

Sovereign Abto grinned, his face wet with tears. "Truly we be all
blessed."

"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?" Otto yelled. "Whatever you are doing to
Ash, it better stop now!"

Abto scrambled off his chair and rushed towards the pair. "I am doing
nothing. it is the Star Child. do you hear singing child?"

Ash nodded that he did.

"Sweet songs of heaven. Tis proof that this girl. um boy." Abto
corrected himself and cautiously put his hand on Ash's arm. "This boy
is the successor of Jerico. We built the Golden Mines as a vault, for
one purpose only." Sovereign Abto clapped his hands once again. The
servant he had whispered to, reappeared, this time carrying a box
inlaid with gold and gems.

"I wish ye to know." Sovereign Abto said, pausing a moment to open the
elegant box. "We swore to protect the hilt, to the last Dwarf, we
would have fought to the death, so that no evil could harm it."

Ash looked into the box and gasped, sitting on a cushion of red silk
was the hilt, looking almost naked without its blade. It was made from
a metal Ash had never seen, as if it was created from solid light.

"The last hand to touch this was King Jerico." Abto said solemnly.
"Take it Prince Asrais, claim your birthright."

Ash wearily reached into the box, let his fingers slip around the long
grip. The pommel on the hilt was sculpted to look like a flaming star,
once Ash's hand made contact; he swore that it sparkled from his
touch. Carefully, as if the hilt was made from delicate glass, Ash
lifted the hilt into the air. Ash closed his eyes as the warmth
flooded over him, like gentle hands over his body, caressing him,
loving him. He didn't see the room illuminated in pure white light, he
didn't hear Otto call his name. Ash only heard and felt the beautiful
song, sung only to him.