Ashlyn Chronicles 2: 2288 A.D.: A Time Travel Sci-Fi Fantasy by Glenn van Dyke, Renee van Dyke Read Free Book Online Page B

The ship has little weaponry, and it is far too large and slow to maneuver in battle. The Kisurra would be a much bett—”
    “Solon! Lord Steven is aware of the ship in question. You will not question his judgement again. Is that understood?” said Ninmah.
    “Apologies, Lord Steven, Lady Ninmah,” said Solon with great sincerity, giving a small bow.
    Ninmah turned to a human woman beside her. Steven assumed she was a servant, for she was not adorned with jewelry as were the Anunnaki women. She was however, very beautiful—which was likely the reason she’d been chosen. “Tara. I am going to have you stay behind with Lady Ashlyn. She will be going to Tiamat. I charge you with taking care of her. Never leave her. You will serve her like you serve me.”
    “Yes, Lady Ninmah. If I may ask, I am worried about my family. I fear what has happened to them.”
    “As do I, Tara, but I believe Lady Ashlyn will help you find them. I want you to teach her. Guide her. She has a lot to learn.” Ninmah watched the team taking Enki away. “Tara, come with us. You need to hear what we are going to discuss.” Ninmah motioned for two members of the crew to come and carry the still unconscious, Ashlyn. “Take Lady Ashlyn to my quarters.”
    Steven waved them back, picking Ashlyn up. “I can carry her. Lead the way.”
    Inside Enki and Ninmah’s quarters, Steven set Ashlyn down atop a large, luxurious bed. Tara, who had disappeared into a side room, almost instantly returned with a tray. Atop the tray was a glass of ice water, a bowl of warm water, and a small cloth. Steven stepped aside, making room for her as she approached. Tara put the tray down and sat on the edge of the bed next to Ashlyn. Taking the cloth from the tray, Tara dipped it into the bowl of warm water and dabbed Ashlyn’s face. She left the folded cloth to rest atop Ashlyn’s forehead. It roused Ash and she began to wake. “Lie still, Lady Ashlyn.” Tara put her hand on Ashlyn’s shoulder. “You’ll get your strength back in a few minutes.”
    Steven moved closer so that Ashlyn could see him. Their eyes met.
    “Enki?” asked Ash.
    Steven smiled, but it was Lady Ninmah who answered. “He’s alive. What you did gives him a chance. Thank you, Lady Ashlyn. If not for you—” Ninmah’s voice cracked. “I owe you a great debt.”
    Ashlyn glanced at Steven and back at Ninmah. “No, you don’t. We are forever in your debt, Lady Ninmah. Forever. You have both done more for us than you know.”
    Ninmah bowed her head. “I must leave for the Kisurra soon, but first, there is much we need to discuss.”
    Ashlyn tried to sit up—but seeing her lingering weakness, Tara quickly stepped forward and gave assistance. Once upright, Tara handed Ash the glass of water, which she gulped down.
    “This woman is Tara. I have given her to you, Lady Ashlyn. She will stay by your side and see to your needs. I’ve given her instructions to help you. I find her advice very helpful in understanding the people of Tiamat.”
    “Is this where it all hits the fan?” said Ashlyn to Steven.
    Steven nodded. “I have to take Destiny 2 to Hadaesia in a few hours. Soon as the Arkane is finished making repairs.”
    Ashlyn grimaced.
    “Lord Steven, am I correct in assuming that you have the ability to shift form?” asked Ninmah.
    “Yes.”
    Ninmah’s eyes narrowed as she bore down on the weight of the situation. “Then, when you arrive at—Hadaesia, you must enforce the will of the Council. Enlil cannot be allowed to ever again come into power. You must kill him or forever render him powerless.”
    Ninmah saw the exchanged glances of deep concern between Steven and Ashlyn. “Your eyes betray much. I can see that Enlil has already been a source of great grief for you. You must not let history repeat itself. This is your chance to do what must be done.”
    “I will,” said Steven. “I’ll do what must be done.” The cold, steely look in Steven’s eyes told Ninmah all that