2 of 33

Write now Article Tools

Jernard struggled wildly against his handcuffs, but it was no use. By this time, he was so angry and confused that he no longer cared about the intense pain going through his wrists. The deep red scratches that he was giving himself continued to fade away, only minutes after he grew too tired to struggle. Jernard couldn't figure it out-was what he was seeing even real?

"Where is she?! Please, just tell me she's alive!" Jernard pleaded again, this time with desperation in his voice. The guards just stared straight ahead like he didn't even exist. There was no sign of Rhaynan anywhere onboard. Judging by the direction the ship was heading, they were coming from Kydena and going toward Hannaria. Jernard knew he didn't have a lot of time to calm down and think of a better plan.

Even if he was able to break free, Jernard also knew the guards would still have him trapped. Yet another problem was going to be facing his father on Hannaria. After all this time, Cryuse was going to be furious that the only son that shared his gift had ran away from the responsibility it required.

Cryuse was the only elder ambassador for the current Emperor of Hannaria, a position that was required by tradition to be passed down to at least one child. Since Jernard was Cryuse's only son that shared his gift for language translation, he was the obvious choice-whether he wanted to be or not.

So while his peers were enjoying much more beneficial abilities such as increased strength or being able to move objects with their minds, Jernard was stuck listening to the conversations of marimoots and other Hannarian animals. This quickly became dull, since all they ever communicated was "must find food" or "I hear danger." All the people on Hannaria spoke the same language, and space travel was limited to only legal adults. So for a long time, his gift seemed pointless.

The problem was by the time he officially became an adult, Jernard would be elected-basically against his will-to an ambassador position. This meant he'd be sent to some distant planet for training until he used his ability to find his way back-if he could find his way back. The elders considered this a rite of passage and a privilege, but Jernard just considered it a cold and cruel thing to do to someone.

These circumstances lead him to the desperate plan of stealing a small royal charter ship. He flew it to nearby Kydena, an agricultural planet that basically fed the whole solar system. He needed a lot of time to think about his next

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Short stories: Science fiction for young adult readers?
We want to hear your view. Write now!