Chapter 6: A Grandfather's Curse

Chapter 6: A Grandfather's Curse

Jack arose the next day as thunder crackles rolled over the land two hours before the sun's rise. His window balcony faced the desert, and he stood there looking over the trees into the sands rising in the sky. Lightning flashed in various colors as it struck the mountains, taking on the hue of the elements within. He heard the hum of his sword as it thrummed with the clap of thunder. Its Mythrillian blade longed to be released, to fight for a glorious cause and annihilate its foes.

He'd only ever drawn the blade twice. The first time was when he received it. The void-like blackness of its metal made him wonder what it had been made of back then. His efforts to learn of its origins proved primarily fruitless, but he had learned some things about it. The Darkstar sword—Ba’aron—was a legendary sword, so it was told. It had been made with a combination of Mythrillian ore and Denizen crystal, his grandfather had said before he passed. Jack swiped a tear from his cheek as he thought of the geezer. His chi'yen had had all the grit and drive of a true explorer and miner. The methods used to make such a weapon had long been forgotten as far as he knew. The sword had been a relic of his ancient ancestors, the Shi’ah—an obscure but holy sect of assassins. Only they knew of its purpose and how to use it properly. And that was about as much factual info as he had. The stories about it were something else altogether.

One story told of a league of starships disappearing after one swipe of the blade. Jack knew that was false. He’d swung it once, and nothing happened. No discharge of energy and no strange reports of anything going missing afterward. It did have a deadly edge, however. His second time drawing it had been against a Craterworm on an asteroid out in the Gantz Sector. It obliterated the giant creature with but a simple swipe of its tip toward it. After that day, Jack had sworn never to wield it against any person unless forced to. The way it ripped the worm apart wasn’t pleasant. Not pleasant at all.

Jack shuddered with that last thought and decided to let the past stay in the past for now. He walked back into his room as the water began to fall from the sky. Chances were it might have traces of ash mingled in it, so most folks stayed inside for nearly every storm. It seemed that damn dragon’s presence was more burden than anything. But no one knew how to take it down or had ever been successful in trying yet. He’d pondered using the sword against it once or twice but feared it might upset the delicate ecosystem this planet had. More knowledge about the monster was needed—a lot more.

Two knocks disturbed his silence, then followed by four more in a quicker rhythm. It was Stevey’s signature knock. He stepped over and released the wooden lock on the inside, making sure to slip his blaster into his hand on the off chance someone was impersonating him. Slowly, he opened the door. Stevey stood still, waiting for Jack to wave him in. He’d seen too many people get stun-locked before for entering rooms without permission. Funny as it looked, he’d heard the tales of excruciating stiffness being a week-long adventure following the initial day, even after it wore off. Jack waved him in.

“So, what’s the good word?” Jack asked as Stevey settled into the nearest chair. “Everything’s set, mate. The rides, the equipment, and the knowledge.” He pulled two rolls of parchment from his bag. “I made copies of everything I could find on our crystal mystery. Combine that with your little bit of info yesterday, and we should be able to extract that core not too long after we get there. Assuming, you’ll let me go with you.”

“Sounds good. And yeah, I could use the backup should anything go sideways,” Jack responded, sliding the blaster he’d grabbed onto the table. Stevey noticed the setting on the handle—4. Just below a death kill, but definitely, a good day’s stun if he had used it. He relaxed as Jack did and smiled, liking the idea of an adventure to get him out of the town for a while.

“So, a two or three-day run, which is it, Jackie?”

“Two and a half, if things go well. Three to five if something stalls us like a Wind or Sun Surge. We might want to pack enough food for at least four days and water for eight. Just to be safe. The Aquos I rested in should be around the halfway mark. We can refill the canteens there if needed.”

“Sounds like a plan, buddy. Need me to make the arrangements downstairs.”

“No, I’ve already called it in with the Inn. We’ll just need to check it before leaving. Once this storm subsides, we can head out. For now, relax. Eat a little something. They should be bringing up a spread soon.”

“Sweet, I’m starving. You sure know how to treat a fellow, Jack.” Jack laughed.

#

“Sir, the sword’s presence has been identified to be on Kharm, sir.” A cadet saluted and reported to General Farrow.

“So, the blade is within the lair of the beast,” Farrow mused. “I wonder if two problems can be eliminated in one action.” The cadet stood motionless nearby, stuck in his stance. Farrow stroked his chin. The beard and mustache he wore bristled slightly. “Hmm, send an order to stay on standby, cadet. I wish to talk with Jack Harron when we get there. No one is to act without my instruction.”

“Yes, sir, General, sir,” the cadet saluted.

“Dismissed.” The cadet marched away to relay the command.

“Jack, it’s been a long time since we last conversed,” Farrow spoke to himself. “I wonder if your position has changed since then.” Farrow closed his eyes, reflecting on their past.

#

Jack shuddered just as he finished his meal. “Was it that good, mate? Stevey joked, noticing Jack’s behavior.

“Nah, I just felt a sudden chill like a trap has just been laid.” Stevey started talking as Jack’s mind wandered. What could have caused that shift? I know I felt something this time. Once is a fluke, twice is happenstance, but three or more means—. Grandpa, what kind of curse have you left to me? Jack’s eyes drew over toward Ba’aron, resting behind Stevey on the wall. The hilt seemed to glow.

Jack snapped back to his faculties as Stevey was snapping his fingers in his face. “Jack, you alright, mate? You seemed rather warped out there for a moment.”

“Sorry, yeah, yeah, I’m fine, my friend. Just a touch stranged, I guess. A bit of déjà vu, I think.” Jack straightened himself and raised his cup toward his face. The warm, velvety liquid of myith slid down his throat. Its soothing texture calmed his nerves some, and he felt it once more. Something is coming, and he knew it. How he knew, he didn’t know. But his and Stevey’s path was about to get more adventurous than they had originally thought.

Stevey had returned to eating, trying to scarf down the remainder of his meal. Between the clinking of the dishes and utensils, Jack just listened as his friend talked in between the mouthfuls, responding as if nothing had changed. But a heaviness crept on his shoulders. What was going to happen now, he wondered.