Excerpt: From the Depths We Call

Fleet Commander Sector Four nodded. ‘You are correct there is only one possible candidate for the post. After all Sector three was attacked last. Obviously you are the most feared of the Fleet Commanders. And Vidiya sent her codes to you.’
‘What!’ Semyon stood stunned, as the remaining five Commanders knelt in the sand at his feet.
He glanced up at the Presider. ‘This isn’t possible. The laws…’
‘I believe that Sector Five has proposed a motion, that the laws be relaxed in this unusual situation in which we find ourselves. Accept or reject in the usual way.’
‘No!’ said Lord Semyon, but his word was drowned in the clicking of the voting.
He turned this way and that, frantic to see how the voting was going. White ball after white was added to the count. He looked up at the computer tally. There were no votes against his ascension – there were not even any abstainers.
He was trapped.
The Presider looked down at him.
‘Lord Semyon how say you? There is a most unusual unanimous decision of this Synod. You are the only one who can save the Dragons of War. Will you accept the post offered to you?’
In a nightmare, he sank to his knees his head bowed into his hands.

Nano-novel 2008 Ends

Start Nano-novel 2009

From the Depths We Call

Chapter 1

The image of Vidiya Talwyr as he had last seen her played through Semyon’s memory. Facing death, not with fear but with resolution. He only wished he had that courage.
The extra responsibility could kill him. He could feel his heart straining against the strict controls he held on it.
A cool hand touched his wrist and Semyon looked up. It was the young doctor who accompanied him everywhere now.
‘My Lord, how are you feeling?’
‘I…’ Breathless, that’s how he felt.
The doctor produced the spray he kept handy at all times, but Semyon waved him away. He would not be medicated in front of everyone. Two more breaths and he had his racing heartbeat under control.
Using the Doctor as a prop, he rose to his feet. Looking at the Presider he said, ‘I must accept your decision.’
The Presider nodded, she looked concerned between him and the young doctor, who still had his hand in his pocket on the medication.
‘Bring out the Warcup,’ the Presider said.