Warlord of Heaven

by Adrian Cole

Overview

Adrian Cole’s acclaimed Star Requiem series welcomes readers to Innasmorn, a planet where the elements are worshipped as gods . . . and where mankind is considered the enemy.

As the last remnants of humankind face extinction at the hands of a ruthless alien foe, the ultimate battle is building. The terrible Csendook destroyers have gathered in the Warhive, a huge gladiatorial arena, ready to vanquish their enemy. But as the fearsome warlord Auganzar relentlessly searches the galaxy for his victims, internal and external forces conspire to bring about an end to the bloody, thousand-year crusade. It is only on the planet of Innasmorn where the last refuge of humanity lives, and it is up to the young, courageous Ussemitus to take up arms and defend their right not just to survive . . . but to thrive. A gathering storm of chaos and destruction looms . . . and only the strong will live.

Don’t miss the entire Star Requiem quartet: Mother of Storms, Thief of Dreams, Warlord of Heaven, and Labyrinth of Worlds.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781497621879
Publisher:	Open Road Media Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Publication date:	04/01/2014
Series:	Star Requiem , #3
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	356
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Adrian Cole was born in Plymouth, Devonshire, in 1949. Recently the director of college resources in a large secondary school in Bideford, he makes his home there with his wife, Judy, son, Sam, and daughter, Katia. The books of the Dream Lords trilogy (Zebra books 1975–1976) were his first to be published. Cole has had numerous short stories published in genres ranging from science fiction and fantasy to horror. His works have also been translated into many languages including German, Dutch, Belgian, and Italian. Apart from the Star Requiem and Omaran Saga quartets being reprinted, some of his most recent works include the Voidal Trilogy (Wildside Press) and Storm Over Atlantis (Cosmos Press).

Read an Excerpt

Warlord Of Heaven

Star Requiem: Book Three

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By Adrian Cole

OPEN ROAD INTEGRATED MEDIA

Copyright © 1990 Adrian Cole
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4976-2187-9

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CHAPTER 1

ULDENZAR

'He will be here tomorrow.'

The Csendook Zarull spoke softly, as though the shadows would steal his words and carry them like a threat beyond the stone walls and out to waiting enemies. Uldenzar did not feel secure away from the barracks of his warhall, even here in the castle of the Keeper. He was a huge Csendook, his muscled arms and stony face scarred, a warrior who had been involved in many fierce campaigns and who now trained his Zemoi hard, using them to make gladiators out of the human slaves, the moillum, who the wars had subjugated and cast into the schools, the warhalls. But Uldenzar understood fear.

Beyond him, at the edge of the torchlight, Cmizen sat stiffly, his mind on the promised arrival. His own unease was far more evident than Uldenzar's.

'Tomorrow,' he repeated. 'What does he want this time?'

'The Supreme Sanguinary will review the land beyond the towers, once again. He will never tire of it.'

'Since my reinstatement on Eannor,' said Cmizen tiredly, 'he has been here repeatedly. The Garazenda assume he is merely trying to ensure that there are no more accidents, tightening the security of this world.'

'Our master, Zuldamar, knows better,' smiled Uldenzar, though it took none of the fierceness from his face. He watched Cmizen closely, reading the fresh terror in the Csendook. Cmizen was smaller than most of his kind, though fatter, and did not have the look of a warrior who trained much. Had he ever seen battle, true battle? Uldenzar doubted it. It seemed to him as though Cmizen had been put here on Eannor merely as a puppet, easily controlled, but Uldenzar would not have been content to have such a cowardly warrior as an agent. It meant relying on his fears to control him, and although Cmizen was undoubtedly afraid to disappoint the Marozul, Zuldamar, he was also terrified of Auganzar, the Supreme Sanguinary.

'He will be looking for a sign of Vorenzar's return,' said Uldenzar.

Cmizen's face twisted with distaste. 'He will search until the world breaks apart. Neither Vorenzar nor his Zemoks will ever return.'

Uldenzar nodded slowly. He was almost convinced: Cmizen seemed sure of it. He would never speak in detail of the ritual that had sent Vorenzar through the forbidden gate to a realm beyond the cycle of worlds, but Uldenzar did not press him on the matter. He had his strict orders from Zuldamar, whom he served faithfully. He was here on Eannor to train moillum, and for a specific purpose.

Since the mysterious disaster in which Vorenzar and a large company of Zemoks and moillum had been, so the reports said, destroyed, there had been a number of developments on Eannor. At first there had been heated discussion among the Garazenda as to what the future of Eannor should be. Some felt that it should be properly sealed, as there were certain terrible dangers in parts of the world. However, the debates concluded with an agreement that Eannor should continue to be used as a training ground for moillum but that the dangerous areas should be stricdy forbidden to all Csendook, on pain of death. This was a rule that excluded a handful of warriors, those who watched over the areas where so many had died.

Cmizen, Keeper during the last disaster, had been restored to his post, as had his Opener, Etrascu. Both were weak, but they were unambitious and unlikely to desire to tamper with the danger zones, as Vorenzar clearly had. It was recognised that the zones were safe provided no one interfered with them. Whereas Auganzar had previously controlled the movements of all Csendook on Eannor, he now had less control. There were a number of gladiatorial schools here and various members of the Garazenda had an interest in them. Eannor had become the centre for the development of the moillum.

Auganzar's passionate desire to understand the mysteries of the forbidden areas was known to very few of his colleagues. And the Supreme Sanguinary had become even more guarded about it. But Zuldamar knew his intentions. He had ensured that the Garazenda's representatives were placed in all installations on Eannor. Auganzar no longer had control of the warhalls nor of the sentinel forces that watched over the forbidden regions.

Uldenzar suddenly chuckled. Cmizen's eyes widened, his whole manner one of unease. 'What amuses you?'

'I laugh at us. Our fear. We crouch in shadows. But the truth is Auganzar dare not lift a finger to harm us. We are Zuldamar's, and it is a well known fact. The Supreme Sanguinary is very limited in what he can do here.'

'I've heard that he has had Csendook murdered, on the very Warhive.'

Uldenzar shrugged. 'I'm sure he has. But he's drawn a lot of suspicion on himself. There are a good many of the Garazenda who admire him and who would doubtless turn a blind eye to his killings. But our own master has him pinned. Eannor is closely watched, Cmizen. You're safer than you've ever been.'

'Yes,' nodded Cmizen, though his expression betrayed his lack of conviction.

'Which is why we have been able to pursue Zuldamar's plan.'

Cmizen again nodded. 'There are developments?'

Uldenzar's mild amusement faded. He rose and paced the dark chamber, speaking half the time from its shadows. 'My warhall contains hundreds of potentially excellent moillum. Whatever one thinks of the Supreme Sanguinary and his ambitions, one has to admire his mind. The concept of moillum was quite brilliant. Man will eventually be subjugated, there's no question in my mind of that. Moillum are the means to the eventual victory. And they respond so well. Most of the gladiators that my warhall trains have accepted their lot, almost eagerly. They're worked hard but they have their pleasures. Some of them die but most of them accept the risks. It's up to them to survive.'

'You say most of them,' repeated Cmizen, leaning forward. 'Have you found anyone to suit our master's purpose?'

Uldenzar stopped pacing and snorted. 'There are a few rebels. They have great spirit. We never underestimate Men, Cmizen. Those of us who've fought in the wars know better. On a one to one basis they find it hard to match us, but as a military machine, they are powerful.'

'These rebels,' said Cmizen. 'They hate us?'

'All Men hate us. Inside,' Uldenzar grunted. 'But most of them hide their hate. They know it is sterile.'

'And those who do not?'

'I've had a few of them singled out and sent on to the island of Skellunda, where the recalcitrants are kept. So far I've not been able to shape their hatred.'

'I know what Zuldamar wants. But so far the Men who hate us enough would never help us. They let their emotions blind their reasoning. Skellunda! May as well send a Man to his death than that hell-hole.'

'Zuldamar must have an assassin.' Uldenzar sat down heavily. It was unusual for him to show his frustration at being unable to find a way around a problem. 'The difficulty is getting one of them to listen. As soon as one is found who would rather starve himself than become a moillum, or who would sooner put a sword to his neck than train with it, you take him aside. You hint that there would be a better life if he cooperated. You tell him that he could kill selected Csendook – aid in the assassination of high officials who persecute his kind.'

'It does not fire them?'

They do not trust us!' Uldenzar said again. 'Twice I have found excellent warriors. Men who I thought might develop into the killers Zuldamar wants. I went as far as to tell them precisely what was expected of them, the assassination of Auganzar.'

Cmizen's eyes took in every shadow of the room, as though he expected to see their enemy rise up from the very stones. 'And?'

'Both Men assumed it was a test, a trap for them. They would not bite on the bait. And I could not let them live with such knowledge. Ironically I had to have them put to the sword.'

'Must it be a Man who hates us?'

Uldenzar nodded. 'If we are to get an assassin to Auganzar, we must be sure of his loyalty to us. If we send in a Man who has merely capitulated with us, and who has no more than his own personal needs at heart, then he'll be susceptible to bribes, to the lure of betraying us. How easily such a Man would become Auganzar's puppet! No, we need a Man who hates the Csendook so intensely that he would stop at nothing to kill our Supreme Sanguinary. Zuldamar is right and very shrewd: hatred is the fire that will drive that Man. But so far, it has blinded him.'

Cmizen looked even less comfortable. This is not the news I prefer to take to Zuldamar when I report.'

'Auganzar's warhall here on Eannor is strictly controlled. And I've no doubt the moillum he trains there are as loyal to him as his Thousand. It simply is not possible to get an agent in there, never mind an assassin.'

'And Skellunda?'

Uldenzar growled. 'I'm not sure if I shall pursue it again. They fight among themselves and there are many deaths. The island is little better than a prison. Auganzar created it because he thought it would ultimately produce the best of the moillum. But that is not how it seems to be working, not from what I hear. Haven't you visited it? As Keeper, you have every right to do so.'

Cmizen ignored the challenge in Uldenzar's tone, the hint of mockery. 'Not for some time. There seems little point. Like you, Uldenzar, I cannot see it being anything other than a cage for wild beasts. The hatred you seek is there, but it could never be channelled.'

Uldenzar rose. 'No. Perhaps not. Very well. I have nothing more to report. I will, of course, continue with my efforts.'

Cmizen rose and nodded. 'I will tell Zuldamar.'

Uldenzar nodded and left him to his thoughts. The shadows closed in. Cmizen sat at his table, his mind roving back over the events of the past months. He had hoped to be free of Eannor once but his destiny seemed to have chained him to it. And Auganzar would be here again tomorrow. Would he seek Cmizen out? Attempt to trap him, betray himself?

They had spoken a number of times since the events surrounding the disappearance of Vorenzar. Auganzar wanted information but, as Uldenzar had said, he dared not be too open on the matter. If Auganzar could be implicated in any way with Vorenzar's interference with the forbidden area, he would be withdrawn from Eannor, and probably stripped of his title. If the Marozul could prove that Auganzar actively sought a gate out of the world cycle, in search of the Imperator Elect, they would have him dismissed from office. Auganzar knew it and trod the ground very carefully. Meanwhile, Cmizen knew that his testimony alone would never be enough to trap Auganzar, and Zuldamar knew it as well. Thus the elaborate dance of treachery continued, and the nights grew darker for the Keeper.

The knock on the door was gentle but it startled Cmizen. However, he gathered himself and went to the door. He guessed who it would be.

Etrascu stood in the open doorway for only a moment before entering. The Opener looked as though he had been listening to every word that had passed between his master and Uldenzar.

'Has he gone?' said Cmizen.

Etrascu nodded. 'He does not stay in this place any longer than he has to.'

'I wonder sometimes if he trusts me,' mused Cmizen, though he did not find the thought amusing.

'Has he any reason not to?'

Cmizen met the round-eyed challenge, though it was an empty one. He closed the door and motioned Etrascu in. 'You and I are inextricably bound up in this matter. I've told you that often enough.'

'Yet it might serve you better to betray Zuldamar,' said the Opener as he took the liberty of seating himself. He had grown more obese with every passing month; his huge face was like a moon in the torchlight, his mouth slack and wet.

Cmizen looked away from the disturbing visage. 'Our position is precarious. Auganzar is bound to attempt to intimidate me. Does he know about the Paths?'

Etrascu shuddered at the very mention of the Paths that had been opened beyond the world cycle. He and Cmizen knew well enough that it was possible to break through what had once been considered an impassable barrier. But the Marozul, and in particular, Zuldamar, had not wanted the secret known. He had once instructed Etrascu to attempt an Opening in pursuit of the Imperator Elect, knowing that he did not have the power to succeed. Zuldamar had not wanted the Path opened. It would have meant the pursuit of the Imperator Elect, the prolonging of the war. Etrascu wondered if there were other reasons, terrible prices that had to be paid for tampering with the very fabric of the worlds. Vorenzar had learned that Zuldamar had tried to use Etrascu, prior to his own opening of the Path through his own Opener, Ipsellin who had been an Ultimate, high in the order of his kind and far more powerful than Etrascu. But one thing about the opening of the Path was not certain: had Vorenzar communicated with Auganzar since he had gone through, if he had survived at all?

'If Auganzar knows that Zuldamar deliberately failed to open a Path,' said Etrascu, 'surely he would have used the knowledge against the Marozul by now. Would he not have brought the matter to the attention of the Garazenda, thus discrediting Zuldamar?'

Cmizen shrugged.

'If he had done so,' Etrascu went on, emboldened by his own logic, 'the Garazenda would have given Auganzar exactly what he wants: the right to bring another Opener, another Ultimate.'

'We must assume that Vorenzar has not communicated with Auganzar since he went through. As we have said before, he may well be dead.' The Keeper looked exhausted, his face pale, his eyes ringed with darkness, misery.

'It must be why Auganzar waits.'

'My feelings on the matter have not changed. I am sure Auganzar is waiting for word from Vorenzar. He seems certain that he was successful and will at least get a message through. Which is why he returns again and again to Eannor.'

'If Vorenzar does return, or one of his Zemoks comes through,' said Etrascu, 'Auganzar will destroy Zuldamar. The Garazenda would have no choice but to dismiss him from office. The pursuit of the Imperator Elect would begin afresh, with Auganzar even more firmly established. It might even lead to his promotion to the Garazenda, even to the Marozul.'

Cmizen swore. 'Yes, yes. I'm sure that is what Auganzar plans.'

'If that happens,' breathed Etrascu, lowering his voice 'you and I are dead. Our loyalty to Zuldamar is understood. Especially by Auganzar.'

Cmizen banged a fist down on the table. 'Why torment me with this! We have discussed it many times. Always we come back to the same argument. A simple choice—Zuldamar or Auganzar.'

'At first only I, Etrascu, was permitted by the Garazenda to open Paths to and from Eannor. That has changed. Auganzar has convinced them that in order to control events here thoroughly he needs to have a team of Openers. Admittedly Zuldamar and other Csendook who have warhalls here can use these Openers. But it is yet another gain for the Supreme Sanguinary.'

'What do you suggest?'

Etrascu drew in a deep breath, his bulk quivering. He had little respect for the Keeper, but he recognised in Cmizen the same fear that was in himself, and the understanding that both of them were minor characters on a wide stage. They both desired freedom, a place far from the events of history. Etrascu wanted to protect himself as much as Cmizen. They were indeed inextricably bound together.

'Auganzar gains in strength. He may prove the stronger,' said Etrascu at last.

'We agreed to choose Zuldamar.'

'Only because his servants spoke to us of his plans. This assassination attempt,' Etrascu added, a hint of impatience in his voice.

'When Auganzar falls, many of his loyal servants will fall with him. If we side with him –'

'When he falls,' echoed Etrascu. 'But who will hold the knife? Where is the Man who will be won over to our cause?'

Cmizen looked at him sharply. He did not relish the idea of Etrascu listening in to conversations, though he knew the Opener had certain skills. 'You were listening to Uldenzar.'

'I did not need to. His concern is easily seen.'

Cmizen rubbed at his eyes, sitting back. 'Well, it's true – The plan to find a human assassin is not proving easy. Zuldamar is patient, just as Auganzar is. They both seem capable of amazing self-control. But I'm certain that Zuldamar cannot wait indefinitely.'

'Then what will he do?'

'How can I predict—'

'I can imagine what he will do. He will arrange for a choice to be made. It will be forced upon us. Uldenzar will be made to select the Man most suitable. Whether the Man is ideal or not.'

'And risk failure?'

'I don't care if Zuldamar wishes to risk his own life. But it would put our lives at risk, too.'

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Warlord Of Heaven by Adrian Cole. Copyright © 1990 Adrian Cole. Excerpted by permission of OPEN ROAD INTEGRATED MEDIA.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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