Crystal Heart (preview)

A sample of an in-progress sci-fi novel.

Chapter 1 — The Proposal

Xahira could sense that her brother was hiding something from her. She could almost see it, like a pale shroud hanging over him, but her eyes couldn’t focus on it. The rest of the council hadn’t seemed to pick up on anything. Perhaps he was just hiding nerves. Making a funding proposal to the council wasn't something to scoff at. She couldn’t imagine how stressed he must be, and a thin haze of green guilt seeped out into the air around her shoulders. She pushed her thoughts away, banishing the colour out of the Velince before the other councillors or Vlazimir saw it. The last thing she wanted was to distract him at this crucial moment.

Vlazimir stood on the dais at the centre of the room. He was nearing the end of his proposal, drawing back on points he’d made earlier, moving hologram images, diagrams and charts around him. Some showed designs and schematics of the permanent warp generator, detailing how the mechanisms interacted with each other. The rest were a mix of news article clippings and photos from distant ‘foreign’ planets along with relevant statistics and data he’d personally collected. So far, his research was only impressive in that it lacked any practical testing. His words were just icing on a hollow cake. Her fellow council members held mixed expressions, torn between varying degrees of wonder and horror as he continued. They sat in large stone chairs that were arranged in a semi-circle around the dais, raised up to be at equal height with whoever might be stood on it. It never felt equal to Xahira, but it was tradition.

Vlazimir moved new images into view, dismissing the photos and articles and shifting the construction plans into theoretical renderings of his machine.

“Once the Sceptre and Heart are combined and amplified by Gelerev’s universal positioning, we’ll be poised to bring aid to every galaxy from here in I’diri to as far as the Borynthynsis Nebula in seconds. The great High Councillor Aurriel’s Sentries have lay dormant for too long, wasting away as billions upon trillions suffer needlessly. With our ever-advancing technological capabilities in galactic travel, paired with these heirlooms of unimaginable power, I believe we could usher in a new era of unrivalled peace and prosperity for the known universe. Free the people of Brao from tyranny, help the Shirian’s overcome the great floods, end the Aigneil civil war. Let our people share the honour of pacifism with the universe.”

He left the hologram models of his machine hover in the air for a few seconds, turning gently so everyone could see it, then closed it all down. There was a pause for breath as the councillors steeled their expressions. The mention of the Sentries had sent a shudder of dark grey through the councillors. He hadn’t mentioned them earlier in the proposal, and it could’ve been dismissed as a speculative sentence, but the council was always wary of the Sentries. Even a whisper of them was cause for concern, and even beyond that, his proposal had many other concerning factors.

“Thank you for your time and consideration, Councillors,” Vlazimir added, taking a low bow toward Xahira.

Since she was High Councillor, it was the respectful thing to do and expected of all who entered the chamber for any reason. Xahira still found it strange to have her family bow to her. Not that they should consider each other family anymore, but it was a difficult thing to move on from. It had been a challenging childhood, since having two Seers born at the same time was unheard of, and when the council could only pick one of them to ascend to High Councillor, it had become an even more demanding adulthood. As Seers they had to wear the highest-level Refiners, full masks that covered the eyes and ears, wrapping around the head like decorative cages. She was still getting used to not seeing her brother’s face anymore, and perhaps he was hiding the same feeling of loss that she was, that they may never see each other’s faces again. She couldn’t blame him for wanting to keep his emotions private in that regard.

Nahoin, one of the eldest Councillors, leaned forward. His Refiner was an older headdress design, less decorated and restrictive, but representative of his wisdom and just as functional in protecting the senses.

“Thank you for your proposal, Vlazimir,” he said, gracing the statement with a short nod of his head. Nahoin rarely acknowledged anyone with such mutual respect, and Xahira had to bite back a pink tinted spike of surprise. “We will deliberate on your research and return with a verdict by tomorrow.”

Vlazimir nodded once, politely, then turned and walked off the dais and out of the room. As soon as the double doors shut behind him, the councillors shifted into more comfortable positions, leaning toward each other over the arms of the highbacked chairs. They murmured in furious discussion, voices buzzing with anxiety. Pinks, purples, and tinges of red seeped into the air, blending freely now that the council was alone. Xahira considered silencing them, but that would be an abuse of her position, and the only reason for it would be her own comfort. The curse of being a Seer meant she was the only one bothered by the brilliant colours of the Velince filling the room. Unlike the Councillors, she and Vlazimir didn’t get a choice in whether they saw it or not. It was a constant distraction at the best of times.

Nahoin turned to her, leaning on the arm of his chair. His grey skin was leathery with age and experience and wrinkled with kindness. Tsanairis leaned from the other direction, her Refiner was newer, but her eyes were as equally crisp pupilless white as Nahoin’s. They were considered the wisest advisers to the head of the council with Xahira pinned between them.

“What he’s suggesting is total authoritarian control,” Tsanairis said, shaking her head. “And that’s not even touching on the moral ambiguity of his intentions.”

“You have to admit,” Nahoin said more calmly, “his designs for inter-planetary travel are beyond anything we’ve ever seen. Even without practical tests.”

“It’s barely a theory,” Tsanairis replied, evening out her tone. “I can’t in good conscious approve this proposal.”

She had the blueish green tint of an apology around the edges of her form and Xahira resisted the urge to call her fellow councillor out on the emotion. Just because she was young and inexperienced didn’t mean Tsanairis had the right to tiptoe around her like she was an apprentice. Familial ties meant nothing in politics. They all knew that Vlazimir’s proposal would have to be judged without consideration for their relationship. Nahoin peered at her, tilting his head, and Xahira forced her jaw to relax.

“Considering your relationship,” Nahoin said, raising his voice to catch the council’s attention. “I think it would be unfair to continue this deliberation in your presence, high councillor.”

Although he spoke carefully, she didn’t miss the empathetic edge of golden yellow to his words. The other councillors had fallen silent, clearing the air, and now just watched, patiently.

“I agree,” Xahira replied. She stood up, legs tingling from sitting so long, and thankful that her long council robes hid their shaking. “I encourage you to make this decision regardless of my position.” She bowed respectfully.

Nahoin had told her once that she was the only High Councillor in living memory who ever bowed to them, but Xahira felt like she didn’t do it enough. Their wisdom and guidance were more that she could’ve ever hoped for.

They each nodded back to her, and she stepped down from the chair’s platform, walking out the same double doors that Vlazimir had left through. As soon as they shut behind her, she took a long breath. The council robes were heavy and elaborate, but she couldn’t remove them here in the corridor. Especially not with so many guards standing watch or moving between rooms on patrol. It would be horribly inappropriate.

Through the tall, wide, windows lining the corridor, she could see the five suns beginning to set, taking their turns to dip toward the horizon. The city was bathed in deep orange light, the dark stone buildings and walkways twisting and winding across Gelerev’s surface. Hues of Velince intersected everything, fliting in and out of her vision as she pleased. At this distance she could choose what to focus on. The five settings only came once every few weeks. There wouldn’t be anyone outside at this time, the radiation would be too strong, but the Fire Eaters would be settling down for a feast. She should really call them by their proper name, Helliors. ‘Fire Eaters’ was just a name that she and Vlazimir had come up with as children. It wouldn’t be right to use childish nicknames anymore.

Xahira turned away from the window as a ripple of pinkish red approached. Raxania, her Apprentice, ran down the corridor toward her. Her eyebrows were pinched with worry, shoulders ringed in shades of pale red. Her circlet Refiner sat a little crooked.

“High Councillor!” she gasped. “The Heart is here.”

---

As always, the dock bustled with activity. Ships were taking off and arriving, flying in precise routine formations to maximize efficiency. Pilots and crew ran in organized groups to and from their ships, loading or unloading cargo. Others performed maintenance or repairs, filling the air with the smell of burnt metal and Verminium oil. Since it was a central planet within the solar systems around the five suns, Gelerev had developed into a major hub for industrial shipping and commerce. It also helped that its people were generally more reasonable and open-minded than many of the other powerful planets.

Xahira really shouldn’t have been wearing her council robes in the dock, it wasn’t usual, but this was a situation that couldn’t wait. She’d sent Raxania to fetch the Librarians for her, and they only just managed to catch up with her as she burst through the dock doors. She led the group across the massive room, staying, for the most part, within the designated foot traffic markings.

The dock was shaped like a wide cone with the open end for air traffic, and doors spaced out along the sides. Old architecture, and probably in need of remodelling soon. Thin orange light stretched in from the open side where the last two suns dipped slowly below the horizon and out of sight, the summer heat somewhat mitigated by the wind shields and approaching night fall.

Vlazimir stood near a ship that had clearly just landed, his body still and relaxed. He hadn’t seen her yet. Xahira watched the doors lower as Darxian and two guardsmen walked off the ship. Between them was a small cargo box, hovering a few feet off the ground. Even from a distance, she could see black and purple crackling around it, bits of empty white void dripping away and evaporating back into the Velince. It had to be the Heart. Darxian said a few words to Vlazimir, but before he had time to respond, she was on them.

“Vlazimir!”

He didn’t seem surprised to see her, but it was hard to tell with his Refiner on. He kept any colour pulled in tight and hidden. She wished he could see the fury in her expression, but the dark red radiating around her would have to be enough. Darxian stood at attention, bowing his head respectfully. The other guards saluted once, crossing their hands in front of their faces, then bowed low. At least they still had the decency of social customs.

“Are deliberations over so soon?” Vlazimir asked, perfectly innocent, and a little coy. As if he wasn’t currently violating dozens of council rules. She knew he was just riling her up, but it still worked.

“How dare you bring it here without council approval!” She snapped.

“I meant no disrespect,” Vlazimir put his hands up in defence, but it was too little too late. He lowered his head slightly, and a twinge of green eased toward her, anxious and nearly apologetic. She could only hope he was being honest and turned to the Librarians.

“Take it to the archives.”

They moved forward, their violet Refiners nearly black in the orange light. One of them typed a command into the side of the cargo box and it began to hover between them instead. The guards stepped back as Raxania moved to head the new procession, and Xahira leaned close as they walked past.

“Don’t let it out of your sight.” She murmured, and Raxania nodded once, pale face pinched with concern.

She felt guilty for putting so much responsibility on her Apprentice’s shoulders. It wasn’t customary to do so, especially with one so young, but this was an unprecedented situation. No one had ever defied the council so openly, even someone of Vlazimir’s status, and the Heart hadn’t been removed from its temple on Renvoth for hundreds of generations. Who knew how the rest of the council might perceive her brother’s actions, but she doubted any of it was good. Something uneasy rippled around them through the Velince. It was black and blue and left her mouth dry, but it was gone before she could acknowledge it properly.

The Librarians clustered tight around the cargo box, and Raxania fell into step just ahead of them. Xahira waited until they were out of earshot, then rounded on her brother and Darxian.

“I should have you both sanctioned for the rest of your natural lives for acting outside of council directives,” she said. “Especially you, captain, regardless of your loyalty.”

It was a harsh thing to say, but Darxian kept a straight face. Loyalty was a prized trait in Gelerevian culture, but Xahira often wondered if his was ill-placed. They’d been best friends growing up until Darxian showed no signs of sensitivity and was regulated to the military ranks. Despite being isolated to his role, he’d remained a loyal friend to Vlazimir and had worked hard to earn the rank of captain in the council guard. Xahira wanted to believe his friendship and loyalty still extended to her as well, but lately she wasn’t so sure. She knew he would accept any punishment willingly, but it wouldn’t solve the problem they’d created. She waved a hand at him and his guards.

“Return to your post,” she said, voice softening with a sigh.

Darxian bowed low, glancing up at her once before leading the other guards away.

Vlazimir watched them silently, hands clasped in front of him, as calm and collected as ever. Xahira waited to face him until Darxian was out of earshot as well. The red in the air faded as she pulled it back, folding her hands in front of her to match him. She was still angry, but she didn’t need to show it anymore.

“You chose not to deliberate then.”

“It isn’t for me to decide,” Xahira replied, with clipped annoyance. “Why did you have it brought here? Do you realize how this looks?”

Vlazimir took a deep breath, then began walking slowly out of the dock, back along the marked paths. Xahira fell into step beside him, pushing a strand of pale-yellow compassion gently toward him. A trick they’d learned to calm each other as children, but one that no longer helped during these ever-frequent fights. She could feel his frustration, simmering anger that twitched back at her, red and yellow refusing to mix. She wondered if he could feel her own guilt and frustration, or if he’d closed himself off to her. It had been a difficult few years, but surely not so long that he had forsaken her.

“I hoped that by bringing it here I might gain some favour through practical testing,” Vlazimir said carefully. “Considering the lack of realistic foundation to my proposal.”

“You did well, even Nahoin thought so, but you know I can’t sway their verdict. This is…” she didn’t know how to convey the severity in words. She could only push a thin pink twinge of fear across and hope he understood.

“Your support would’ve been appreciated,” he replied. “But never mind that now. What would you say to dinner? It’s not often that I get to see you for so long.” He tilted his head toward her, and Xahira held back a sigh of relief.

“Don’t think you can charm your way out of this mess, I’m not finished.” She allowed a small smile, “But, seeing as I’m free from council duties for an evening, it would be a pleasure.”

Vlazimir returned her smile, “Maybe leave those robes behind and we can enjoy the upper balconies?”

“They are dreadful, aren’t they?” Xahira lifted a hand to show off a sleeve. The tension between them eased, like relaxing a muscle.

In the soft yellow calm that feeling of uneasy blackness returned. Something was wrong and out of place. It darted navy coloured at the corners of her eyes. There was something vital she’d missed, seeping through the Velince toward her, prickling at the edges of her mind.

Darxian’s sword. It was upset, she’d sensed it only moments ago, but with so many shades of red and the Heart’s negative space between them, she’d neglected it. The blade was ancient, one of the last known Lemmoir War Swords, said to house the soul of a great protector. It had a life and purpose of its own and could only be used by those who it deemed worthy. Only three were still conscious in the known universe. The one Darxian carried was called Liehra. She’d sensed it’s discomfort, a dark blue flecked with red, it was just as upset as she was. But why?

“Shall I see you there?” Vlazimir’s words pulled her out of her thoughts.

They were in the corridor now, at a junction, having long left the dock. Xahira ducked her head, embarrassed at losing her attention, even with family.

“Yes– sorry,” She gave him a nod. “See you there.”

He nodded back, apparently unfazed. Nothing seemed to bother him the same way it bothered her. They parted ways, and Xahira tried not to worry about the Heart now sitting in the archives, or the uncomfortable nagging in her head that there was something even worse than an unhappy sword coming. She just didn’t know what it was yet.

---

A note from the author:

Thank you so much for reading this little preview! I hope you’ve enjoyed and let me know what you think of it (good or bad) everything helps.

This was originally written for my dissertation for my MA, hence why it’s in British English instead of American English. I’m too lazy to swap it back to American.

If you’d like to subscribe for more updates/chapters, feel free, although (just as a fair warning) progress may be slow. I’m also not entirely sure if I’ll be posting the full novel here or not, you may need to wait for a publication to know how it ends, sorry.

Thank you again for reading! Happy writing! <3