Prologue
Something must be done before it’s too late.
The insistent demand had the Oracle holding back a sigh. The ancestors had been noisy of late, agitated by what they could see coming, a peril that threatened the people of the planet Xaanda’s future.
“I am aware we must act,” she murmured to the voices only she could hear. “However, we must be cautious. The humans are a volatile species.” It meant treading carefully, and with much subterfuge, lest those they hoped to ally instead became their enemies.
It is time.
Time for the Xamian warriors that had been visiting Earth to reveal themselves, but once they did, the Oracle couldn’t see what would happen next. The forked branch to that future remained murky even to those who’d passed from the living world.
A knock on her chamber door had the Oracle composing herself. She adjusted her hood, because no one ever saw her face. Her robe fanned out, hiding her crossed legs. Clasped hands rested in her lap. “Come in, Yolenca’sur.” She didn’t need to ask to know who disturbed her meditation.
The young acolyte entered and then visibly stiffened before shaking herself and huffing. “Goodness, the ancestors are loud today. What has them in such a frenzy?” A young woman of promise, she could almost hear the voices clearly. Almost. Meaning the Oracle’s search for a replacement continued.
“They know we are at a crossroads that will decide if the Xamian shall rebuild bigger and stronger than ever, or if we will fade into obscurity.” A tragedy of years past had decimated the female population, leading to lower birthrates and too many unattached males, which led to all too many altercations. Without the gentling hand of a mate, the males fought over the stupidest things and had almost managed to eradicate themselves as a species.
With the help of the spirits, the Oracle had been instrumental in ensuring some of their best warriors found their true mates. However, the number of the unmated had become more than she could handle alone, and with a new threat on the horizon, the Oracle sought a way to shift the burden.
Yolenca grimaced. “Your success thus far has not gone unnoticed. The unmated have recently been increasing their attempts to bribe me and the other acolytes for an audience with you, or to move their request ahead of others.”
“If all works as planned, then soon they won’t need me at all.” A prospect that annoyed the spirits, who wanted a say in the future of the living. Every time they started their angry buzzing she reminded them of the looming blank spot in their future and the fact they’d run out of options. “I assume you’re here because the warriors I’ve requested have arrived?”
“Yes, Oracle. They currently wait in the antechamber.”
“Send them in.”
“At once.” Yolenca bowed before scurrying off to fetch the males the Oracle had requested. It had taken much arguing with the spirits before she’d decided upon this pair. Now she could only hope she’d made the right choice.
In short order, two warriors entered, both tall and fit, their flesh a healthy blue hue, their bodies well-toned but older than the usual males she dealt with. While they’d proven their worth, they’d never been matched because the Oracle didn’t usually waste time with those who wouldn’t increase the population. But it turned out they had a very important task to accomplish.
The males stopped a few paces from the Oracle and bowed.
“Thank you both for coming on short notice,” the Oracle stated.
The one on the left, Jaspar’uilla Var Jannu, spoke first. “You honor me with your summons, Oracle.”
“Is it an honor, though?” interjected the other male, named Cade’krinno Mer Acadu. “Maybe you submitted a request for a mate, but I most certainly did not.”
Jaspar cleared his throat. “Actually, I’ve not filed an application. Didn’t figure there was a point.”
The Oracle canted her cowled head. “It’s because you’re unmated that you’ve been selected for the upcoming mission.”
“Mission?” Cade’s expression brightened.
“How may we be of assistance?” a relieved-looking Jaspar added.
“You must depart immediately for the planet known as Earth.”
“Isn’t that the world where our warriors have been fetching most of our alien mates from?” Cade asked with suspicion.
“Yes. Your mission is to increase the number of bondings.”
“Us?” Cade exclaimed. “We can’t pair warriors and females. We’re not you.”
“I should hope not,” was her tart reply.
“What he means to say is, how can we aid you in this most important task?” Jaspar offered a diplomatic answer.
