The Legend of Earth

conceal them, meaning he was either issuing a challenge to the Juirean or his race did not subscribe to such covenants.

“So Lord Hydon, here you are in the flesh,” Jonnif said with immense joy in his voice. “I believe you made a vow that I would never gaze upon your intact body.” Jonnif poked Hydon with a clenched fist. “This does not appear to an apparition standing before me, so I assume you must be very troubled by the circumstance you now find yourself in. I hope so, because your trials have only just begun.”

Jonnif turned to address the officer holding Hydon’s arm. “Who has delivered the Elder to me? Bring him forward.”

The officer motioned for McCarthy to step forward. The two creatures faced each, both of similar heights and builds. McCarthy’s face remained stoic.

“You are a Human?” Jonnif asked, truly seeking the answer.

“That’s right. My name is Nigel McCarthy. You promised amnesty to the one who brought you Hydon, as well as a financial reward for Adam Cain.”

Jonnif gazed past McCarthy at the group of bound Humans standing next to the large transport. “Which of you is Adam Cain?”

Adam took a step forward. Jonnif motioned for him to be brought to him. The Kracori commander then looked back and forth between the two Humans as they stood next to each other. “I find this so confusing: a member of your own race has decided to trade you for the promise of credits.” Jonnif said to Adam, shaking his head. “The only Kracori imprisoned by other Kracori are those who have committed crimes against the race. From my understanding, you are an accomplished warrior among your people and the leader of a force fighting against the Juireans, so hardly a criminal.” Jonnif then turned his attention to McCarthy. “And yet you still take him prisoner and present him to me — for monetary gain? I find this fascinating. Your kind truly is an enigma and highly unpredictable.” The Kracori commander looked at the other of his race now standing next to him and laughed. “I will have to be on my guard with these creatures, Mininof, and tremble with fear in their presence.”

After a moment more of sizing up the Humans, Jonnif nodded to McCarthy. “I will honor my offer to you, both of amnesty and of credits.”

“For me and my team.” McCarthy’s boldness caused the Kracori to widen his eyes.

“You fascinate me, Human. We must speak further; I must seek to find your legend. And yes, your team is as one with you. You will all share in whatever fortunes befall the one.”

Once more, Jonnif turned his attention to Adam. “The same goes for you and your companions. Mininof, make preparations for a test of these warriors. Humans are rumored to be the most superior fighters in the galaxy, at least according to our former associates the Klin. I wish to see this for myself.” He looked at McCarthy again. “Come with me now; we will talk.”

McCarthy entered the nearest tent, followed by five Kracori and Hydon Ra Elys. There were various partitions within the tent, dividing it into several compartments. Jonnif entered one of the sections and sat on a couch placed along the outer wall of the tent. There was another long couch opposite him and he motioned for McCarthy to take a seat. Hydon remained standing behind the couch and under heavy guard.

An attendant entered and brought Jonnif a drink in a large mug. “Forgive me, but I am terrible with alien names. What was yours again?”

“Nigel McCarthy.”

“That is correct. Very odd, but I will respect your ways. I would offer you a liquid, but until you have been tested, what I offer could kill you.” Jonnif laughed; his mood almost giddy. He’s really stoked by his good fortune, McCarthy thought.

After another long swallow of his drink, Jonnif smiled at the large Human. “I have seen how your race is able to deceive others, as you did in the battle of Falor-Kapel. Are you aware of that battle?”

“Yes, I am. At the time, I was the lead Human advisor to Pleabaen Linuso of the Klin on Marishal.”

Jonnif was truly shocked by the revelation. “Forgive me once more, but I was not aware I was in the presence of such an important dignitary. In such a large galaxy, it is a miracle of fate that we have met. How was it that you came to be in the service of the Klin?”

“I was one of the people taken from the Earth when the Klin were building their army. Their former advisor had grown old and sick and the Klin needed a replacement. I volunteered for the job.”

“You must know by now that the Klin have not been working in the best interest of the Humans.”

“I knew that. It just didn’t matter.”

Jonnif smiled wider and then finished off his drink. He gestured for another. “Is this attitude you’re exhibiting common among the Humans? Is there no such thing as loyalty in your race?”

“That depends,” Nigel said. “Some are more loyal than others. I happen to be more loyal to myself than to others.”

“I suppose that attitude could come in handy; it certainly has for you this day, I must admit. You not only brought me the Juirean leader, but also a very effective and dangerous warrior of your own kind — along with his support.”

It was McCarthy’s turn to smile. “I am very good at what I do. And my services might be available for hire by the Kracori as well.”

Jonnif moved to the edge of the couch, his hands resting on his legs. “You would offer to advise the Kracori in the ways of the Humans? You understand that we are just as determined to rid the galaxy of the Human race as we are the Juireans?”

“That’s fine with me, just so I’m properly compensated for my expertise and advice.”

Jonnif actually slapped his knee is a show of excitement. “Of course, Nigel McCarthy! The Ludif Council would welcome your assistance — and be willing to provide a planetary fortune in return.”

McCarthy raised his eyebrows. “I’m okay with that,” He smiled, full-toothed and unabashed. “When do we start?”

“Immediately,” Jonnif declared, rising from the couch. “You will accompany Hydon on his faithful journey to Eilsion. I will send along a recommendation to the Ludif Council and allow you to present the Juirean personally. The Council will be very impressed. Kaddof!” Jonnif cried out.

Jonnif’s second-in-command entered with a quizzical look.

“Nigel McCarthy, the Human here, has just now joined our ranks. He and the other members of his team are to be afforded our greatest respect. He will escort Elder Hydon to Eilsion and present him to the Ludif’s. Have them all moved to Dagorif’s ship for the most expedient departure.”

“Yes, Jonnif.” Kaddof turned to McCarthy. “Follow me. We will gather your companions and depart in approximately three hours.”

As Nigel McCarthy followed the gray being out of the tent, he was feeling an almost overwhelming excitement. A planetary fortune and respect from the Kracori! I’m really brill, I am!

Chapter 21

Adam’s day wasn’t going as well as Nigel McCarthy’s. All the prisoners had been taken to another tent and tied to the center support poles. They now sat on the grassy floor, struggling as best they could against their restraints. The tent served as some sort of workshop and storage facility, with several long benches set along the canvas walls of the tent and a prodigious number of crates stacked to the rear. They were offered no food or drink.

Jym was apoplectic, while Kaylor tried to assure him that it was only Adam and the other Humans the Kracori were interested in.

“Our races are known well to the Expansion, Jym,” Kaylor said. “Nothing will be gained by testing us.”

“And yet we always seem to be included in whatever misfortune befalls them.”