Rival: A Fate of the Stars Novel by Arwen Paris

Author:Arwen Paris
Language: eng
Format: epub

Chapter 13

KENAT

I pace before the high, black, glossy walls of the central lift aboard the Star Fire. I wish these transport lifts had numbers or directions, something to let me know how much longer until it will arrive. Maybe that would alleviate the terror rising within me at what I know will be a huge fight. What am I going to say to her? Acid churns in my empty stomach with a loud growl.

With a deep sigh, I force myself to stop moving and just wait. I don’t know why, but vivid memories of my last argument with Mom race through my mind. It was the morning after Eenoki invaded my body and I was left unconscious on the beach all night. A horrible mix of loss and anger rages within me. Mom only wanted what was best for me.

The lift opens, revealing a massive silver platform that’s empty. No one else would choose to face the High Priestess unless their duty dictated it. I walk inside and the door seals shut behind me.

After a moment of movement, the walls change color, fading to a translucent glowing orange and revealing the interior of the Star Fire. My jaw drops at the unreal view. A ball of brightness shines like the sun above huge suspended rings of all manner of blooming plants of various colors and shades. Each level grows vast sections of a single variety, followed by another, creating a beautiful landscape masterpiece. The base levels below me are shaded by the rising rings, and luminous whites and blues fade like fireflies in the nest of dark leaves. In the sections above large shrubs grow, covered in glossy leaves and a variety of bright flowers and fruits. As I continue to rise in the lift and admire the natural plant life in this spaceship, I’m shocked that full-size trees with thick trunks stand tall around the top ring. It’s a spectacular view to watch so many tiny individuals wander among the massive plants, harvesting and caring for them. I wonder what the scent in there is like. Sweet, earthy, damp? I bet the smells are amazing.

This planet killer could feed thousands, maybe even tens of thousands. They must grow all of their food in here. How could they fit all of this aboard a starship? It doesn’t seem practical, but I don’t think I could ever get tired of this stunning view. The lift continues to rise above the bright orb at the heart of the Star Fire. Then the walls switch back to darkness as I pass through the upper ring and climb higher into the pinnacle of the ship.

I swallow a hard, sour lump in my throat and wait with hands clasped behind my back for the lift door to open. As it does, a surprised Vongjar flinches at my appearance, then bows for a moment before rising. His crimson tunic isn’t the hide of the soldiers, but the same slick armored fabric that Tarem gave to me. He wears no symbol of a Pride, or the marks of a Priest on his dark red robe.

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