Chapter Seventy

The Queen’s Ship

When Sorgan realized the radiation had been deployed, he had quickly removed his flag ship from battle and taken her directly to the Queen’s ship. He already knew Trieste was dying. He could sense it.

As he neared the throne; he held his head down as it became clear his beloved was in her last few hours of life. Beside her stood the human Carla Stevenson and Safrec.

The Kronan moved forward in defiance as the Malchian leader drew closer, to protect his Queen. Sorgan was angry now.

“Move aside Kronan. I am the Queen’s chosen one and only I should stand by her side.”

Safrec drew his battle sword. You will not be as lucky against me this time Sorgan. I am will kill you.”

Sorgan stepped forward; his hand grasping his own sword. Like Safrec he was in full battle dress, the deep red and black tight fitting suit, accentuating his powerful body and making it quite clear of his ultimate intentions.

“Enough. Safrec, lay down your sword. I am still your Queen I am ordering you.”

The Kronan grunted and begrudgingly withdrew his sword to his side. He stepped back once but still stood between Sorgan and the Queen.

“You have failed to protect your Queen, Sorgan. When all else failed, The Malchians, unaffected by the radiation have also failed.”

“The failure is yours Safrec. You had an opportunity to destroy the whole Alpha fleet but neglected to notice when the radiation ships splintered off. That will live with you forever Safrec.”

“How dare you blame me for your failures? The Malchians are supposed to protect the Queen. Look at her now. She is dying and you are responsible.”

Sorgan lunged forward and grabbed Safrec by the throat, knocking Carla to the floor. The Queen was powerless to do anything. She tried to push herself up from the bed she had been moved to, but she was too weak.

The two Kryl leaders exchanged blows, the physical taking over the mind as both resorted to delivering head and body blows to their opponent. Now the psychological battle took over as each tried to enter the others mind. Safrec knew once again how powerful Sorgan was and he realized he could not beat him this way. As he lunged forward again, with his fists, he pulled the sword again from its scabbard and delivered the death blow. He plunged the sword through the Malchians abdomen and out through the small of his back. Sorgan gasped. Blood was already trickling from the corner of his mouth. He stood back and smiled and then he pulled the sword back through his body and lifted it upwards and then downwards.

“You have not won this battle, Safrec.” His strained vocal chords choked with blood as he spoke, “My Trieste is dying and I shall lay by her side forever and ever. She will always be mine.”

Sorgan forced his aching body forward to the Queen’s side and gazed into her eyes. “My beloved…”

His voice was faltering now as he grew weaker and weaker. “I will love you and be with you forever.”

Trieste gazed into her chosen ones eyes. She knew these were his last moments. She kissed his hand and watched in horror as Sorgan, the great Malchian Commander slipped to the floor and died.

There was silence in the Queen’s sanctuary as realization set in. Carla sat up, but could not stand. She was still stunned by the force of the blow from the Kronan. The Queen spoke first.

“Safrec…you have brought Sorgan and I closer together, rather than split us apart. Soon we will be together again.”

She looked at Carla and then back at Safrec. “Help Carla to her feet. You will need her to help broker a new relationship between our people, once I am gone. Go to your chosen mistress and bring her to me. I can sense she is unaffected by the radiation. We have much to discuss.” The Queen fell back into her pillow exhausted. She would die soon and then she would be with her chosen one forever.