Eternal Horizon: The Chronicle of Vincent Saturn (Eternal Horizon: A Star Saga Book 1) by David Roman

all that really mattered.
    He advanced to the large section of monitors built before the oversized window panels that opened a view of the ship’s hull stretching for miles. Two of the soldiers sat before the monitors, lazily observing them. Seeing him approach, they jumped to their feet in unison.
    “General!” They bowed down at the waist, almost kneeling.
    “What is the prisoner’s status?” Na’ar asked.
    “Well… he is… stable, sir,” said one of them, barely ousting the words.
    Na’ar looked at the soldiers and curled his lip in disgust at their petty anxiety. “Leave… the both of you,” he commanded. “ Now. ”
    The troops hurried away by taking long steps backwards.
    Lately he had begun to even dislike his soldiers; they had no principle, no discipline. Even the ones who swore unmatched loyalty could be broken under certain circumstances—not like the man he was observing in the monitors, the man who was dishonorably bound and injected with hallucinogens that deprived him of his powers.
    Na’ar crossed his arms and brought up one hand, caressing his goatee—a habit he’d do when he was in deep thought. This is perhaps the lowest thing I’ve ever done in my life… Not a minute had passed since the attack on Zazaban when he didn’t feel this way… when he began to doubt his zeal… when he questioned his own loyalty. He was becoming a man blinded by his own crimes.
    “Master,” a voice came from behind.
    Na’ar didn’t turn around; he felt his student approach a great deal before the latter spoke.
    Marz took his place next to his superior. “We’re making the final approach to Heradonn.”
    “Yet that is not why you sought me. Speak what’s on your mind.”
    Marz looked over at Na’ar in confusion, at his all-knowing master who always seemed to be able to read his mind. “Oryon’s ship was spotted on Sebalon 2,” he proclaimed with a hushed sigh.
    There was a moment of silence as the general processed the critical news given to him—news that both terrified and relieved him at the same time. Finally he turned and looked up at his student. “So, he has survived,” he said indifferently.
    Marz lowered his gaze and swallowed. “Evidently.”
    Na’ar looked away. “Zeth… of all the men I’ve known, none are more twisted…” He clenched his fist in anger. “Every word of his is a pure lie, and every act he commits is according to his selfish will…”
    “You mean to say that Zeth’s lying about his confrontation with Oryon?”
    Na’ar didn’t reply and became quiet again, back to his thoughts. There was too much at stake. How did this situation veer itself out of control? But one thing was obvious—Oryon’s vengeance would be bitter.
    “They will come for him,” he said, looking back at the screens.
    “Should I announce it?” Marz asked after a moment.
    Na’ar cocked an eyebrow. “And scare the living hell out of the entire crew? I think not—I don’t need panic. Do it discreetly. Tell them to take top security measures and double up on the sentries at every entrance. Inform only the Centurions, and have them prepared for action.”
    “As you wish.” Marz bowed slightly but didn’t leave. “Sir, if I may,” he said after a brief second.
    “What is it?”
    Marz cleared his throat and said, “I feel at fault… Sage Duell is a great warrior, and to have him bound so is… is—”
    “Low? Yes, I agree,” Na’ar concurred. “Yet, it is a necessary precaution, for his safety, as well as our own. He wouldn’t be taken alive otherwise.” At that instance, Na’ar knew that he, in fact, was extenuating his own actions.
    “It simply stands against everything you’ve ever taught me. Against the Kasar Delia… ”
    “Now, you’re crossing the line.”
    “But—”
    “No buts!” Na’ar shot his student a furious glance. “We are at war, Marz. And he is the enemy. We must know the information he possesses. He is one of the main leaders of the