BDS: Chapter Twenty-Five

Akila bustled about her lab beneath Mordán's country estate, cleaning up remnants of her latest experiment. She winced and grabbed the side of her abdomen as she bumped into one of the two high stone slabs that stood in the middle of the room. Her look of irritation shifted to a blank expression when the pressure seal on the lab door released, and Drasúl strolled into the room.

"How is Mordán's body feeling to you?" she asked him.

"Limiting," he replied simply, "but it will do."

"You let me know how the warrior's physical strength and stamina adjusts to his body. I have no way of knowing how using Aderes's form and blood for the merging of the Javen will result entirely. It has never been done."

"You used more than just his blood?"

"I preserved his body but told Mordán otherwise. I wanted to see if it could successfully merge with Mordán's for added strength. Although light energy leaves a warrior's body upon death, there may still be traces of his power within it that Mordán's body rejects."

"I am not concerned, Akila. You forget that my Mysteis power is restored fully."

"Still, I want to observe the progression, so don't wander about the planet too far. You are to assist me in distracting the warriors so I can kill Malik without interference."

"I told you that is the first thing I will do in return for you using my blood for the power of the Javen. I will then continue Nemerus's plans to rule Elsaria. With Malik's star energy fading, it should not be as difficult a task as I originally believed."

Akila looked up sharply. "Fading? You have seen the signs?"

Drasúl chuckled. "Oh, Akila," he waved a finger at her. "You are still young in many ways, although cleverer than most. Yes. The signs are subtle, but it is true—his energy is withering. More on that later, though. I have come to inform you that the Order allies from Tridaun have arrived."

"As expected. The fact that they consider our advancement so large a threat to call in the Alliance is a compliment. However, we will not be outdone for your allies have arrived as well and Ralian, their leader, is upstairs waiting for you in Mordán's—your—study."

"Good."

"Drasúl, he will sense your transformation, so do not attempt to fool him. I reminded Mordán about the ways of the Avehkal before."

Drasúl smiled. "I remember all of it—Sinial's, Mordán's, and even Aderes's memories. I have no intention of lying about who I am." He started toward the exit and paused. "Akila, Malik will come for you now that I have returned as a Javen."

"Let him."

"I know you have prepared yourself, but do not believe that he will show mercy because you are family."

"I have seen what he does to family," she replied quietly. "It is the reason I wish to kill him."

He smirked. "Very well. Just remember who he is."

He exited the lab and climbed the stairs to the first floor of Mordán's home. He continued through the house when he did not find Ralian inside.

Ralian and Thron stood outside by a grove of trees. Ralian ran his fingers along the tree leaves in appreciation as Drasúl approached.

"Forgive us for not waiting inside, Lord Mordán," he said without turning around. "It has been too long since my warriors have been immersed in scenery such as this." He glanced sharply at Drasúl. "You are not Mordán."

"No," Drasúl said casually. "I am not. I am Drasúl—I appear as Mordán, but I am much more than he ever could be. And know that along with this change, there have been some slight alterations to our previous agreement."

Ralian approached Drasúl slowly until he towered over him. Accompanying Avehkal gathered behind Drasúl. "My assistance requires the fulfillment of payment, and Mordán's deal still stands if you want our help in defeating the light warriors. After the work I have put into creating the weapons to defeat them, if I do not get what was promised, I assure you that your rule will not come to pass here."

"Relax, Ralian," Drasúl said with a dismissive wave. "That part of the agreement hasn't changed, but you will assist me in designing more weapons to take over Suál and Tridaun after the light warriors are gone."

Ralian laughed, his gold teeth reflecting in the daylight. "You wish to take control of the entire star system? This will not be a light task, even for you, Drasúl. Your lust for power clouds your judgment of possibility."

Drasúl's appearance suddenly changed. His silver-blue chrome eyes shone as the Mysteis markings appeared on his skin. His tribal markings brightened with a blue glow and silver-black light spread through his hand. He slammed one hand into Ralian's chest, smashing Ralian back into a tree, where Drasúl pinned him tight.

Ralian's companions moved to strike Drasúl but fell to the ground as a ray of silver-black light shot from his other hand and struck them.

Ralian's eyes hardened as he gazed at Drasúl's markings. He winced in pain as the light from Drasúl's hand burned through his cloak and into his chest.

Drasúl sneered. "I create all possibility. Remember, who is more powerful now. You may have intimidated Mordán in Rastar, but in spite of all your intuition and wisdom you do not frighten me."

Ralian glanced at Thron, who was getting up slowly. "Alright, Drasúl," he said cautiously, his face impassive. "We will alter our agreement. Upon the completion of what I have been assigned to do with the warriors, I will provide you with the means to take over the entire Vejar star system."

Drasúl released his hold on him, and the burn across Ralian's chest began to heal. Drasúl watched with an impressed gaze. "Where are your females?"

Ralian's eyes narrowed. "Not here," he answered in a controlled tone. He stared at Drasúl's thoughtful expression. "Drasúl, before you start pondering ideas of how to expand a new breed of Mysteis, we need to focus on how to approach the task at hand," he finished with impatience. "I have created a way to detect and scramble the frequency of the Inala's system of guard. However, they will discover the formula eventually. Then our location, even though underground, will be exposed."

"Meet me at the Androsa palace tomorrow evening to show me what you have designed, and we will plan from there."

Ralian gave Drasúl a nod, and he and his men disappeared down the stone steps beneath the horizontal doors in front of Mordán's home.

***