Ashes Sample Chapters

ONE

Jvor scurried along the flatland where it met the low hills. Normally he wouldn’t dare hunt in such an open area. It would mean certain death at the hands of the Adamant. But his cruel masters rarely ventured out this far any more, so distant from the protection of their fortified city. Time was that they ran in huge packs and killed everything that crawled, flew, or swam. Leaving their trappings of civilization behind, they prowled naked in groups of hundreds and ripped their victims apart with their teeth and claws. The howls and barks were deafening, easily heard miles away.

But for reasons unknown to Jvor, such stampedes of death hadn’t been witnessed in years, decades possibly. He was old enough to remember the sound of terror in the air. That made his bold move of seeking prey in the open nearly unthinkable. Nearly. But the rains had come. Insects were everywhere in such numbers that it was as joyful to see them as it was to gobble them up. And soon, if the weather held, grubs would start appearing. Crunchy, sticky grubs. Once they were prizes only for the Adamant. Now the gooey, creamy delights grew to adulthood routinely, such were their numbers.

Jvor wondered what it felt like to eat so many rich grubs that his belly swelled until he was forced to find shade and sleep off the burden. It was the stuff of dreams. He stopped behind a large rock and sniffed the breeze. Not a whiff of a hound. Only the richness of bountiful game. Sweet rich—

A stick snapped, and Jvor darted back behind the rock. He was set to curse his foolish gamble when he caught sight of a creature walking on two long legs. Unlike the Adamant, this one seemed to be designed to stride in such a manner. How odd. What prevented the quirk of nature from falling in any direction? True, he’d heard of species with fewer legs than his. If ten weren’t necessary, at least four or five seemed mandatory. This beast would have to fall over to fit into a safe hiding spot, and even then, it was so long that its bottom sections would hang out in the open. Oh well—its problem, not Jvor’s.

Keep walking, Jvor said to himself. That’s right, pass by and proceed to your certain doom, makeshift misfit.Don’t smell, see, or hear clever old Jvor in his cover, so perfect. He couldn’t wait to return to his lair and tell his wives and spawn what a silly— No. It stopped right in front of this rock. Now it was just standing there like it’d reached where it journeyed to. Go, demon. Leave Jvor, or feel his—

“Hey, little fellow. Come out from behind that boulder. I won’t hurt you. I promise.”

How could that abomination say words Jvor understood? Its mouth was far too large, and it was affixed to its body by a skinny tube of flesh. And where were its trumpet and oral appendages to manipulate it? It couldn’t possibly generate Hipnaic speech. It was a demon. Surely Jvor’s ten souls were in the greatest peril.

“Seriously, dude or dudette, I’m a big cream puff. I wouldn’t hurt a bonubib to save my life.”

Cream was what a grub exuded when crushed in one’s jaws. A puff was a cloud of smoke from a fire. How could the demon claim to be both? And if it were both in one, was that a good or bad thing? Evil? Appetizing? No, it was much too large to bite into. Jvor began backing away.

“If you try and escape, I’ll just have to run you down. To me, it’s all the same, but I bet I’ll scare the scat out of you in the process.”

How could it know he was retreating? Even demons couldn’t see through stone—every bonubib knew that.

“Look, just stick your face around the corner, and I’ll stay right where I am. I just want to ask you a few questions. Then I’ll be on my merry way.”

It sounded friendly enough, but wouldn’t any sensible demon try to appear so, to put its best feet forward? Well, Jvor would look at it. But one wrong move on the eternal evil’s part, and he’d pounce on it with all his fury. Yes, the fury of his ten righteous souls fighting as one. He inched his face forward. “I see you, demon, and clearly I know your nature. Speak briefly or you will experience the wrath and fury of my ten—”

“Stop, little guy. Seriously, are you listening to yourself? First, I’m like eight times your size. Second, you have basically no offensive skill set. Your teeth are like needles but are so tiny they wouldn’t break my skin. Third, you can’t do this.”

He raised his right index finger and cut a nearby tree in flaming halves.

“Fourth, I’m not a demon.”

“How can you prove that, demon?”

“Easy. Parley with me awhile, and you’ll see what a fun guy I am. I’m way too nice to be a demon.”

“Demon or not, I am prepared to do battle with you if I become displeased. Ask your questions and leave before I grow tired of your presence.”

“Talk about me having a lucky day. You sure are a tough guy, I’ll give you that, little friend.”

“Would you please stop calling me little? I am the fifteenth largest bonubib in my gene pool.”

“Wow, you li—guys keep that close a record of your sizes?”

“Who doesn’t?”

“Look, no problem. Tell me your name so I can stop using the word little.”

“One does not yield one’s name to a demon. You would own me if I did.”

“Wait, you just made that crap up, didn’t you?”

Jvor struck uncertainty. He had somewhat invented that concept. It certainly sounded good, so it was possibly even correct.

“I am Jvor. Your questions, please.”

“That’s it? Just Jvor? I mean, you are the fifteenth biggest tool in the shed, right? Seems like you should have six or seven more names to go along with that status.”

“Your name?”

“Jon. Jon Ryan, at your service.”

“Jonjonryanattyourservice, do you hear anyone laughing?”

“Why no, now that you mention it, I do not.”

“That is because your last insult was not funny.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll try to behave myself. All I want to know is if you’ve seen any Adamant lately?”

“Demon Jon, are you one of their minions?”

“No to both demon and minion. Jvor, it’s my turn to speak in riddles. How many stars are there in the night sky?”

“Millions.”

“That is how many Adamant I have killed. I do not serve them. I exterminate them.”

“I have seen none of the ghouls in many months.”

“How many?”

Jvor had to think on that. It was wet when he last saw a paw print, so it was a year. No, it was before Tador passed, because they both saw and smelled the mark. “Three years.”

“And that’s unusual, right?”

“It’s unusually welcome.”

“I’ll bet it is. I meant to ask if they didn’t come around more often in the past.”

“As you say. They once lived in these parts. Even after they left, they returned to kill with sad regularity.”

“That’s my puppy dogs all right. I ask because I wish to understand why they’ve pulled back. Why they are less adventurous. Do you have any theories why, Jvor?”

“Theory? Hah. No. I know the reason.”

“Do tell.”

“I told them to depart or face my—”

“Wrath and fury. Right, gotcha. Small wonder they turned tail and yelped all the way home.”

“As it is now yours to do in kind. I am done speaking with you. Go while such an act is still within your power, demon.”

“Okay, but only if you promise we’ll still be friends, Jvor.”

“We were never friends. To befriend a demon is ludicrous.”

“Don’t you just love that word? Ludicrous. It’s a low note and a hiss all squished into one. Outstanding. So, if we’re not friends yet, then I haven’t stayed long enough. Mind if I pull up a rock to sit on while we friendlyize ourselves?”

“No. I misspoke. We are friends. What was I thinking?”

“And we’ll stay friends, right?”

“If it will help you leave and never return, yes.”

“That’s my bonubib. I love you, dude. Happy trails.”

Jon turned and began walking. Jvor squatted where he was and relieved himself while repeating the demon’s name.

TWO

Two Paws sat alone in near darkness. He was in his office and the hour was late. But there was nowhere he’d rather be. He loved his literal seat of power. He was the Secure Council’s Prime. His office was just off the main chamber where the council convened. For seven years he’d controlled the body with an iron paw. He was driven, amoral, and most of all, ruthless. With pride, Two Paws would tell anyone who cared to listen of the fear and loathing his fellow councilmates directed toward him. In fact, the few who courted familiarity with him disappeared with stunning speed. He was not in the friend business. His trade was death, and his field of study was power. Nothing more mattered. Thinking on the subject always made him smile.

Today had been a particularly good one. He’d ordered the destruction of three entire planets because of their inhabitants’ sedition. Five rebellions were slated to be crushed with as much violence and mayhem as possible. Twelve of his political rivals were hanged in public on ten separate worlds, their corpses destined to rot where they dangled. Yes, Two Paws had made some spectacular teaching points to any who might doubt or challenge him. Harsh overreaction and seemingly insane vengeance did not actually come naturally to him. No, it took great study and practice to hone those necessary skills. Now he was the master of unpredictable wrath. Now life was good.

A soft knock came at the door. How excellent. Someone was volunteering to die for daring to disturb him. The perfect end to an otherwise perfect day.

“Come,” he barked harshly.

The door opened and Shegra entered.

Two Paws’s face dropped. Turds in sour milk, he raged in his head. She was one of the few canovir he couldn’tmurder with impunity. No, she was the emperor’s daughter and the oaf’s personal High Council. Plus, Two Paws was married to the bitch. It was so unfair that his main conduit to power and domination was beyond the reach of his lust for whimsical carnage.

“This had better be good, wife. I have important work that needs doing.”

“Yes, I can see that plainly because I, too, can see in the dark.”

“You come to insult me, you saggy-teated wench? You grow mentally feebler with each passing day.”

“That would account for why I allow you to live, you sagging-sacked fool.”

Gods and Powers, how he loved that bitch. She was his soul mate and every bit as devious, vile, and just plain mean as he was. A match made in hell, to be certain.

“Come sit on my lap. We’ll talk about the first thing that comes up.”

“Oh, and I’m a foolish schoolgirl who’s likely to fall for that one.”

“If you’re not here to please me and you are here to taunt me, please leave. The empire does not run itself.”

“I bring what you prefer that isn’t eating, drinking, or sex. Useful, usable information. You will thank me for this morsel, I promise you that. Perhaps more than once.”

“The emperor is dead, having choked on his own stupidity?”

Shegra sat across from her mate and waited for him to stop giggling before she would speak. “Please recall you are denigrating my blessed father. You can be so insensitive at times.”

“No, I am insensitive at all times. And please do not protest too much. You hate him more than I do, and you know it.”

“Yes, but he loves the liver treat of his eyes.”

“I know. He sired three litters with you before he moved on to the next thing.”

“Dearest, I believe you were his next thing. If you will recall, that is how we came to meet.”

“Enough of this unproductive amble down memory lane. What news do you bring me?”

“It seems Pralaf died quietly in his sleep earlier tonight.”

“Evil wife, that is hardly news. With all the hanati poison I slipped into his drink at the council meeting, I’m stunned he lasted that long.”

“My father has decided you will select his replacement.”

Two Paws leaned his chair back and rolled his head. “Again, not much of a news flash. I am the council Prime.”

“He has decreed you may appoint me to the vacancy.” She grinned widely.

“Now that is a significant update.” He scratched behind an ear while considering that information. “But that’s impossible. One thing we know for certain is that in the million plus years of the Adamant Ascendancy, there has never been a woman on the Secure Council.”

“There will be now.”

“But the oligarchy will not stand for it. Giving a female access to power? It’s unthinkable.”

“TP, I believe by now most canovir have figured out that if they stand in opposition to you, they should never buy green bananas. With us working together on the council, we will be unopposed in our efforts to advance our goals.”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself, my personal curse. I might not select you to fill the opening.”

“Of course you will, my eternal lament. I know where you hide the hanati.”

“You present a compelling case for your candidacy.”

She smiled vacantly and rose. “I must be going. The pool service technician is waiting to work on my private spa.”

“Not that overgrown pool dog again?”

“Pool service technician. Please give the canovir his due. The hound’s a professional.”

Two Paws popped back to his desktop and inspected the papers scattered across the surface. “Well, let me know how his pumps work.”

“I’ll give you a full report when you return home.” She turned and walked out quietly.

“Fine, fine. I’ll be another couple of hours. I have one more pathetic life to drain from its worthless host before I may rest.”

Without looking back, Shegra called out, “There’s a good tyrant.”

THREE

We were sitting back drinking thousand-year-old Scotch, Sapale and I. That was one of the privileges of immortality. If one knew one was going to live forever, one need only buy a case of the good stuff every year and store it for ten centuries. Before one knew it, one had an endless chain of mystical liquor. And for the record, excellent hooch aged properly for millennia was sublime. Anyway, we were relaxing, enjoying each other’s company. Refreshingly, the conversation was not about war, our next act of subterfuge, or how the Adamant could be overthrown. No, for once it was pleasant, idle speculation on our long lives.

“So, what do you think ever happened to Toño?” Sapale asked out of the blue.

“I’ve not heard one word, not even a teeny-tiny clue,” I replied, after savoring a sip. “He left me that letter for when I first woke up. You know, the one saying how Al had insisted on remaining behind to stand guard over me? But that was it.”

“And it didn’t mention where they were going?”

“Nope, just that they were abandoning the asteroid for good. They set it adrift when they were all off safely.”

“I wonder what he did?” Sapale mused softly.

“Me, too. What’s stuck in my craw is that I learned after the fact that he made a copy of you that could be, wasin fact, transferred to an android host. I wonder if he copied anyone else I knew with the same intent.”

“Curious notion. I’d never considered it.” She sat up and set down her glass. “I didn’t know of anyone he did that for. But then again, it’s not like he’d necessarily tell me if he did.”

“No. He was too private for that. He also felt the transfer was deeply personal.”

After a moment, Sapale spoke wistfully. “I wonder if he copied any of our kids. JJ, Fashallana, Draldon?”

“He could have. But I think one of the kids would have documented he had at some point.”

“You’re probably right.” I could tell she felt a twinge of pain. She missed her kids more than she did air. It would be nice to see them again.

“I had a wild thought,” I announced with a grin.

“What?”

“Maybe Doc secretly recorded everybody. Then he made androids of them. As we speak, he could be seated in pseudo-Houston with the original Ark pilots and several of our kin.”

“DeJesus’s Disneyland.”

“I’ll drink to that,” I said, raising my glass.

“But wait, that would mean he’d have reanimated Saunders, too.”

“Nah, Doc’d make Captain Kangaroo an android and put him in charge. Much nicer that way.”

We shared a good laugh.

“One thing’s for certain.”

“What’s that?”

“If he is still alive, he’s not looking to find us.”

She tapped her glass to her chin. “No. If he were looking for us, he could have done so easily.”

“Which leads me to presume he’s dead. Otherwise, I have to believe he’d feel the need to find us to help him defeat the Adamant.”

“Agreed. He was nothing but loving and kind to me up until I lost track of him. Toño’d have no reason to avoid me. No, he’s dead, the poor dear.”

“Probably let his power cells slowly run out so he faded unspectacularly into nothingness.”

“With a book on his lap and a cigar in the ashtray.”

“Not a bad way to exit,” I remarked. “Not a bad one at all.”

We were very quiet for several minutes.

“I miss him most every day,” I said sadly.

“Me, too. And if he’s alive, he’s missing us just as much.”

“But what would stop him from contacting us? Nothing. So, it can only mean he no longer exists. If he did, he’d get word to us, at the very least.”

Sapale came over and hugged my shoulders. “He was a good man. We shall both miss him forever.”

I lofted my nearly full glass and drained it. “To Toño Sánchez Villa-Zorros DeJesus. The best damn friend, robot, and transhuman there ever was or ever will be.”

Deep in thought, Sapale kissed the top of my head. “To Toño, that he lives in eternal bliss.”