Page 153

Riv smiled. ‘Mirage was generous in parting with one of her quantum nodes, which she’s implanted into a facsimile of her android frame. They can be your eyes and ears on Katáne and be a connection to us from the other side of Pegasi.’

‘To be honest, it’s the one thing that calmed me down about letting you leave for Katáne without me,’ Élisa added. ‘It’ll be a vulture’s nest you’ll be arriving at, and you’ll need all the support you can get.’

Killen’s eyes widened. ‘This is beyond generous, Father, Mother, Riders. Not sure what our new friends will think of it.’

His eyes wandered to the two Katánian warriors standing beside their war hawk ships, waiting for their King to say farewell.

Killen lifted a hand, and Kaxim strode forward.

The imposing young man addressed his Armorer. ‘I have been given a gift. An AI android whose body conceals and powers a quite sophisticated intellect. How do you think they’ll be received in the Hawkstone Realm?’

‘With suspicion, Your Highness,’ Kaxim clipped, cutting to the chase. ‘Seeing as our culture rejected artificial intelligence many years ago. The Kingdom also eschews most of the technology in the cities, preferring our magical system instead. It was a ploy that directed all scientific development to the war machine. The time has come for change, so I’m all for it. Take your chances,Kíríga,and be the agent of renewal.’

Killen inclined his head. ‘Sante. In that case, I accept the gift, Father.’

He reached a hand out to the android, who took it.

‘What will we name you?’ he asked.

‘That’s up to your discretion,Kírígaof Katáne.’ Its voice was smooth, mellow, and inflected deeper than Mirage’s.

Killen thought for a moment with his eyes closed, the android’s hand still held in his large palm. ‘Your essence rests on being a Diamond in the Sky,’ he said. ‘And for that reason, you shall be called Kalani.’

When he opened his eyes, he found the android staring at him, eyes wide. ‘I have been waiting days for a designation, and your thoughtful choice honors me.’

They bowed and stepped aside.

Killen turned to face his family. ‘There’s nothing more to be said, loved ones, except that Storm Pale, theKírígaof Katáne, says his farewell.’

He embraced Élisa. ‘I look forward to seeing you on Katáne, myKiaMalkia.’

Élisa dashed tears away. ‘Go well, son. I love you. Don’t take too long to send for us.’

Next, he hugged Riv. ‘Father, I can’t wait for more conversations and Tansinian whiskey nights when you make it to Katánopolis.’

Riv clenched his jaw as emotion overflowed. ‘We’ll be there as soon as you need us.’

Just as Killen was about to walk off, Riv reached out a hand and clamped it over his arm. ‘I’ve got something for you.’

He pulled a small, leather-bound article from his back pocket and thrust it into Killen’s hands.

His son bucked, shaking his head as he stared at the gold leaf title. ‘Nada,Father, it’s your most precious possession.’

Riv shook his head. ‘Your Mother is, but you’re mistaken about the book. This is my second volume of Ancient Poems. The first I’ll never part with, but this one is just as loved and cherished. I want you to have it.’

Killen’s silver eyes, so like his progenitor’s, misted over. ‘Sante. I am grateful, Father. I’ll read it as often as I can.’

‘Do so,’ Riv murmured as his son slipped the gift into his chest pocket. ‘It holds much wisdom and the most virtuous words to seduce even the coldest hearts.’

Both men laughed and broke off their embrace so Killen could hand out similar ones to all the Riders as his parents composed themselves.

When all was said and done, he gave the gathered group a slight bow, a wistful smile, and a quick salute.

Swiveling on his shining boots, he turned and strode up the rampart into one of the waiting war hawks.

Kalani followed close behind, and minutes later, the gunship’s rear bay doors closed.

The Riders and their women walked back into the spaceport and headed to the viewing gallery on the port’s roof.