Starwalker (Starborn 1) (Sci-Fi Fantasy Romance) by P. Jameson Read Free Book Online

guardsmen filed in and took their seats.
    The Nova Guard of An`gel was approximately two-hundred soldiers strong. Of those, a hundred or so—including Breckken—took their residence inside the city. The rest were housed at the outpost. It was strategic to have soldiers both inside and outside of the city.
    He sat next to Trellan, who had entered the guard the same year as him and also lived in the city. He nodded at the man, and within minutes, the whole of the guard was joined in the room.
    No one spoke. All faces registered serious. They were calm, collected. No nervous ticks. No shuffling of feet. No clearing of throats. They were well trained. First lesson of a guardsmen: to remain in control and be thinking at all times.
    “A threat has been leveled on An`gel,” the commander said in a steel tone. “At noon today, we received this recording from Davian, leader of The Helix.” The commander pointed to his second, Sir Harmon, and he clicked the button to play the recording.
    “Let it be known that we, The Helix, seek to take An`gel within the month. We have long avoided the city out of respect for the fallen king, but we can no longer wait. It is irresponsible for all liquid resources to belong to the cities. We are reaching out one last time to the Nova. Surrender water rights unto the Helix before sundown tomorrow or we will consider the city as hostile. This is your last chance.” There was a drawn out sigh. “It is with deep regret that we have found ourselves in this position, but we’ve been left with no other recourse. I await your swift response.”
    The sound machine clicked off and the silence that followed was like a slice through skin. Sharp. And promising pain.
    Davian was the cruelest of wrens. His “Helix”, as they were called, was comprised of Land Dwellers who thought it unfair that water abounded in the cities but had to be harvested in the lands. Their purpose was to take control of the liquid assets in the frozen cities. At whatever cost. Including the innocent lives of wrens and maidens. Even children. And their cause was not noble as they tried to make it sound. They desired revenge upon the cities for withholding water resources.
    But the liquid belonged to the cities. It wasn’t for the lands. End of story. Land Dwellers were never entitled to the flowing abundance that pooled in the ice. And even though the water belonged to the Ice Dwellers, they’d never banned Land Dwellers from taking residence in the cities and therefore gaining access to water. They did draw the line however, at piping water outside of the city bounds.
    Besides, there was plenty of water to be had in the lands. But it must be worked for. Harvested. And this was what the Helix resented. Ironically, what they fought so hard for was laziness.
    Entitled bastards.
    Their total disregard for innocent life made them the number one enemy of the Nova Guard.
    The commander turned to the lightboard behind him.
    “Helix armies were last reported here and here.” He pointed to two spots on a map. Both were close enough to An`gel for Breckken to worry. “We believe they will congregate here, possibly with extra forces.” He pointed to another spot, this one even closer to the city before turning back to the guard. “As you are aware, we will not , under any circumstance, meet their request for water rights.” His words snapped out of his mouth like they were poison on his tongue.
    Beside Breckken, Trellan grunted and crossed his arms over his chest. He was an Ice Dweller, so hatred for the Helix ran deep with him. Word was, his sister, a former member of the Nova Guard, had been killed by the rogue group.
    “We’re getting more intel by the hour but I want each of you armed around the clock. From this point on, we are on full alert. Patrol the streets but try not to worry citizens. Those of you who dwell in the city, keep your eyes open for Helix spies. If they plan on attacking within the month, they’ll be sending