Read Online Sentience 1: Storm Clouds Gathering by Gibson Michaels - Free Book Online Page B

were always a closed event, as it involved some of the Raknii’s most closely guarded secrets — the entire foundation upon which Rak civilization depended. Afterward, Raan was then dispatched back to Troxia with imperial instructions from Supreme-Master Xior to suspend offensive operations against the Trakaan, according to Drik’s logic. The decision would not be popular with the masses, but few would dare openly criticize orders issued directly by the Supreme-Master.
    Xior generally issued few imperial edicts, generally preferring to delegate responsibility for most issues to the region-masters most closely involved. There had always been sound, logical reasons for doing so, but now Varq’s sinister prophecy had him rethinking that policy, as much of the decadence that had infected the Rak people, and so incurred Dol’s wrath, had occurred under his lax imperial paw. Xior realized that his “paws-off” approach had acerbated an already insidious problem growing within Rak society, and he now deeply regretted his blasé approach to governance. While not specifically contributing to the problem, Xior realized that he certainly hadn’t done anything to eradicate the disease either — a disease that he now realized infected virtually all of Raknii civilization.
    Xior instructed Drik to bring Varq to him in closed audience, so that he might hear the prophecy directly and question the old Raknii oracle personally. From past experience with Region-Master Glan, Drik had half-expected Varq to refuse to acknowledge even the supreme-master, but Varq was surprisingly cooperative and conversant with Supreme-Master Xior… almost pleasant, in fact.
    Towards the end of the audience, Xior asked Varq, “Is Drik the one?”
    “He is,” answered Varq.
    “ The one” what? wondered Drik.
    “I thought he might be,” answered Xior. “Your task is complete, Varq, and you have performed it with your usual excellence. Are you ready for your restoration?”
    “I live to serve, Master,” said Varq. “If it is your wish, I will return to my former duties… but I will admit that I will miss Drik considerably.” That comment startled Drik, as Varq had rarely expressed affection of any kind... and certainly never an actual attachment.
    “No need, for as much as I desire to have your wisdom close at hand, you shall be accompanying Drik on his next assignment. He will need you in your full authority to... ah, smooth his way, so to speak.”
    “Understood, Master,” answered Varq.
    “After your renewal, consult with your brethren and have them begin the winnowing process — save for the youngest, who still shows minor potential warranting further survival consideration.”
    “As you command, Master.”
    At that, Varq bowed to Xior and, with the barest glance of acknowledgement towards Drik, turned and left the audience room. Xior turned from Varq’s retreating back and studied the young squadron-master seated across from him. Drik had never been alone in the presence of the supreme-master before and found being the sole target of his intense scrutiny, more than a bit disconcerting.
    “You want to ask, but dare not,” chuckled the supreme-master. Drik nodded guiltily. “I’d imagine after hearing my last exchange with Varq,” Xior continued, “you’re probably quite confused by what we didn’t say. Rest easy, Squadron-Master. All will be made clear in time. Now, tell me of your childhood in Glan’s household.”
    Drik couldn’t begin to imagine the supreme ruler of the Raknii race being interested in the childhood memories of an insignificant squadron-master, but Drik did as he was bid… never realizing that only moments before, that except for the youngest, Supreme-Master Xior had just ordered the execution of all of his own male offspring.

    The next time that Drik saw Varq, he was no longer stoneless. Between Varq’s eyes was the diamond sunburst of the High-Rak, surrounding a large black onyx stone, very like the