Nor's Lair
Taz-Al, one of the men who participated in the raid at Ur Collective, positioned himself outside the door to Nor’s office. For all the fellow’s bulk and strength he was uneasy about entering the room. Notwithstanding the fact that the raid secured a little more than half of the supplies needed, Taz-Al was still certain his leader would be happy with his news of their captive. He said cautiously, “My Lord Nor?”
The rebel leader stood brooding at an expansive holograph of New Krypton’s red sun beating down upon a dessert area bordered on two sides by a ridgeline of red stone, a sharp boulder strewn incline, which would be nearly impossible to climb. Abruptly, sensing the other man’s presence, Nor snapped off the hologram turned to Taz-Al and growled. “Report! How many of the Viper ships did we lose?”
“Only one. The ship shot down by Mar-Ur’s son.”
Nor said in an grudgingly respectful undertone, “How ironic that Mar-Ur’s son is the one to destroy a much needed resource. This younger generation is going to be the death of me. What else?”
“Oya-Ti, the pilot using anti-grav chair, ejected from the ship. He landed close to where Dar-Ur’s ship came down, he saw a man dragging himself away from the wreckage. He was badly burned and had a broken leg. It only took a moment for Oya-Ti to signal one of the departing freighters to swing back and retrieve them.”
Nor’s eyebrow went up. “It is good Oya-Ti did not end his life. I have a very definite use for Mar-Ur’s offspring.”
“Oya-Ti thought we should bring him in for questioning.” Taz-Al swallowed nervously. He wondered if Oya-Ti might be punished for crashing the ship and returning with the man who shot him down.
A leaden quiet, like the ancient banners that decorated the room, hung between the two men. Nor’s hands were bunched into tight fists, he walked to where Taz-Al stood and studied the younger man’s features, a sheen of sweat broke out over his face, yet he did not back down.
Nor thought, one thing could be said of Taz-Al, he had backbone. In a soft tone, more menacing than his usual rumbling voice he asked, “Taz …what do the men say about this raid? Be honest.”
Taz-Al looked at his leader and put a firm tone in his voice and straightened his posture, his days as a former guardian apparent. “Victory didn’t take place at the Ur Collective. In the past we have had better results. We draw closer to the capital and soon our forces will destroy it!”
Nor touched the scar on his face and said flatly, “Yes we draw closer. But how soon is soon? Destruction of Kandor is not our main goal. Have we not spent moon rounds re-shaping this metal barren planet? I want to rule, return our people to their rightful traditions, but not over the remnants of a devastated city. This conflict has lasted long enough. I shall end it with one decisive blow. There will be no question as to whose bloodline will rule.” Abruptly he changed the subject and asked, “Where is Dar?”
“The infirmary, my lord.”
“Good. I am impressed he has survived this long. His strength will serve me well. Have his healer prepare him for travel. Inform him that he shall also accompany us in case of ‘medical complications’.”
“Travel?” Taz-Al said, failing to conceal the surprise in his voice.
“Yes. Have him ready. Prepare one of the Viper ships. Make sure Oya-Ti is the pilot. This time, he best be careful not to get shot down.”
With a quick bow, a relieved Tay-Al departed from the room.
Nor activated his communication pip and contacted Jen-Mai, the obsequious member of the Convoca had best answer, he needed to know where the current First Lord was.
***
It was early evening, the gentle illumination of the twin moons radiated down upon the hovercraft as it moved silently past the gates leading to Abondar-El. In the past seeing the beautifully designed gates of crystal and black stone meant home, comfort … family, now Kal-El only felt dread. Alura’s message had been urgent. After they had spoken with Kara to comfort her regarding Dar-Ur’s disappearance, Zor-El collapsed. Cla-Le was there now trying to stabilize his condition. But from the tone in Alura’s voice, the end could happen at any time.
The hovercraft stopped in the main courtyard, Kal-El exited the vehicle and mounted the wide steps to the double doors. Old Vaylor stood at the entrance and bowed, he said, “Good Evening my Lord. Lady Kara awaits you in the garden. Her mother and Healer Cla-Le are upstairs with your uncle.”
“Thank you, Vaylor. Please continue with your duties.”
With another bow, Vaylor disappeared into the house while Kal-El walked through the living area and into the garden, there he found his cousin. Standing, looking out over the dark landscape. The last time he had been here was a family dinner, Dar-Ur, and some of his friends from the Ur Collective were in this very garden. Kara stood with her parents also talking with confidence about their plans once Nor was caught, the war end and they could go back to their lives as cultivators. The energy and joy of that day reminded him so much of Terra, his own friends and most of all of Lois.
It was bright and cheerful with red sunlight pouring its heat and rays over the foliage that reminded him so much of the Tuscan landscape. Several of the iconic plants of Terra such as rosemary, lavender, and Italian cypress matched some of the Kryptonian variety. The natural stone, terracotta planters and low walls reflected the Mediterranean colors beautifully in the warm sunshine. It was a place to eat, gather and let time slow down for the inhabitants to reflect on the joy of one another’s company. Now the place seemed drab, the ebullient laughter silenced, and Kara was alone.
He felt awkward approaching her, wondering what words to say. No reports had reached him regardless of a diligent search, informing him as to whether Dar-Ur was found … either dead or alive.
She turned and looked at him and even with the low light from the house, he could see dark smudges under her eyes, she had not been sleeping of late. But when Kara spoke her voice was firm. “Thank you for coming Kal-El.”
“I …I am sorry about Dar-Ur. We will find him. You too are close …”
She bowed her head and said, “At one time he was more of a brother than a friend. As children we roamed around the grounds of our homes discovering different plants and animals. He and my brother, Narn-El would often pretend to play sword fight or aerial combat games. I guess that’s why he developed a love for those occupations."
“Wasn’t he interested in working the land of Ur Collective?” Kal-El asked.
A beaming smile spread over her lips, “Oh yes! He loved the land and studying better, and more efficient methods of increasing crop yield was something he could talk about for hours. The three of us were always testing the soil samples of Ur Collective and Abondar-El. Narn-El had plans to help him build an experimental separate vineyard for the famous Ur ice wines. Dar’s father would never allow him to touch the main vineyard. Sadly, my brother died before all their plans could become a reality.” Her voice became soft as her mind filled with unvoiced memories.
“I wish I could have met him.” Kal-El said.
“Yes. I think the two of you would have been close friends. After my brother’s death Dar and I were inseparable, over time our friendship matured into something richer and deeper. We decided to talk with my parents first; inform them of our feelings for one another.”
She touched the delicate gold chain at her throat and pulled out a crystal pendant bearing the symbol of Ur house. Its colors were celadon and lavender.
Recognizing it as the Kryptonian version of an engagement ring he couldn’t hide his pleasure. “Bonded?” Kal-El said softly. He felt his cousin’s pain anew and wished it could be removed.
“Yes. Sadly, that hardly matters now …” She looked upwards towards the window leading to her parents’ sleeping chambers.
Kal-El gave Kara a gentle look and said consolingly, “It does matter. Dar-Ur was to be your husband, that …that fact must be acknowledged.”
“Acknowledged? Cousin, so many have been injured or perished in this madness. What good will acknowledgement do? It could not bring my beloved back.?” The words were bitter as they departed from her lips.
Kal-El sighed deeply, Kara was in pain, grieving for the possible loss of Dar-Ur and now her father’s health had taken a terrible downturn.
Before he could answer, his aunt entered the garden and spoke. “Zor-El is calling for you nephew. This situation with the attack on Ur Collective and Dar-Ur’s disappearance weighs heavily on him.”
Kara took a few steps towards her mother and said, “Father mustn’t strain himself! Surely cousin Kal-El and I can handle the situation with assistance from Grandmother Lo. He has given so much to our people …” The younger woman’s words trailed off as her voice broke.
Placing a consoling arm around her daughter’s shoulders she said, “Your place Kara …is here with your father and I. Please Kal-El, go to him. Cla-Le is upstairs as well, once you leave, he will give Zor-El a mild sedative so he can sleep.”
The odd inflection of Alura’s voice spoke volumes. Vaylor stood nearby ready to Kal-El to his uncle’s sleeping chambers. As he made his way out of the garden and into the house, an insistent humming noise teased at the edge of his hearing, but he ignored it.
He stepped into a simply decorated room in the center of which was a large bed, its occupant, the former First Lord lay quietly, his body surrounded by medical instruments. They had not known each other long, but the younger man had come to love and respect his uncle, the last living link to Jor-El. Kal-El fought hard to hold back tears.
“Come closer, nephew. I heard about the attack on Ur Collective and my daughter’s fiancée’s brave defense of his family’s home. The young man shows much promise. Optimistically, he will be found whole and safe.”
“Uncle, don’t worry about that. Save your strength. All of us need you.”
A rasping sound escaped Zor-El’s lips, but his voice was surprisingly strong and firm. “Kal-El, as much as I wish that were possible …as you can see my days of assisting yourself, the Convoca as well as my dear family are coming to an end.”
Kal-El reached out to the older man, taking his dry, withered hand in his strong one in an effort to provide comfort. He wanted time to speak, but the words evaporated on his lips. Instead Kal-El, once known as Earth’s Man of Steel, wept.
“So much …like your father are you Kal-El.” Zor-El said haltingly. “He tried to conceal his emotion, sadly it was a task which yielded little success for him. Our father knew that Jor-El’s future role as First Lord would depend on controlling them.” A faint smile played across Zor-El’s lips. It is one of the reasons Lady Lo and her husband, the late Talc-Ve were not in favor of bonding their daughter to him. “But your mother would have no other. Considering her mother, the stubbornness comes naturally to her.”
Kal-El, grateful to his uncle for changing the conversation and allowing him to get his emotions under control, asked, “What other reason could there have been? Surely, bonding my mother to a man who would someday be First Lord was incentive enough.”
“Jor-El was more scientifically inclined than politically.”
Kal-El chuckled, “Being emotional and scientific rather than political. Now those are certainly good reasons to halt a marriage.” He thought about some of the differences between himself and Lois. They worked to overcome and sometimes even rejoiced in their differences.
“Your maternal grandparents came from a different era and with both having military backgrounds your father, despite his future prospects, did not impress.
“As you are well aware, marriage alliances among the elite are motivated not only politically, but genetically as well. It is why Zara was chosen as your future wife while still in your cradles.”
Considering how much grief his marriage bond had brought to him and Lois, Kal-El said bitterly, “My parents should not have done that. I could have remained on Terra …Earth and lived peacefully with Lois.”
Zor-El shook his head and said, “At that time it was the prudent thing for Lara and Jor-El to do.”
A contemplative quiet fall over the room. Kal-El was pleased to hear this bit of family history about his parents rocky road to a successful marriage. After all he and Lois had endured just as much to have their first date, it was probably an El family characteristic. Another time it might have been humorous, but with Zor-El’s life ebbing away he wanted to have a serious discussion about New Krypton’s future. Nor’s actions were that of a desperate, cornered man and such people were inherently dangerous.
As these thoughts moved through his mind, Zor-El said, “The raid against Ur Collective was an act of desperation. It speaks volumes about Nor’s supplies, they may not be dwindling but they are getting low. He wishes to both bolster his troops and frighten the general populace by attacking so close to the capitol.”
“I saw the reports, the ships guarding the freighters were of the new Viper class. Sixteen of those ships were manufactured from Ordnance division. Oddly, only twelve are still in our possession. Young Dar-Ur destroyed one, so Nor have stolen the remaining three in his control.”
“Dar-Ur did that? My daughter has chosen her future bondmate well. I pray he returns to her.” Zor-El said with admiration.
A tiny smile came to Kal-El’s lips, “He flies with the same recklessness as his swordplay.”
“Doubtless he learned that and more from Tre-Vil. As a younger man, on Krypton, the Master Guardian had a fierce temper. During duel of honor, Tre-Vil’s sword sliced through the skin and shattered Nor’s cheekbone.”
Kal-El gave a low whistle. He knew the Master Guardian as a man who held himself in tight control and could not imagine him wielding a sword with wild abandon. “What set him off like that?”
“It is never wise to speak ill of a man’s late bondmate. Belena was a devoted and loving wife. In a fit of temper, Nor was foolish enough to say something that put that loyalty into question. Tre-Vil challenged him to a duel and nearly killed him for the insult. If Dever had not intervened, the Master of the Sapphire Guardians would have done so.”
Again, Kal-El was surprised. “My valet, Dever?”
“One and the same. He was not always an old man. Regeneration techniques in those days were not as good as they are now. From what I understand, the healers had to concentrate on repairing the cheekbone. By the time they were able to repair damage to the skin, the scar had had time to set and stretch, he will take that mark to his grave.” Zor-El said thoughtfully.
Kal-El, although fascinated by this information, needed to get back on the subject. “Where did Nor get those ships from? It must have been recently. Jen-Mai swore in the Convoca to look into the matter and provide answers. Although what I have seen of the man does not fill me with trust.”
Zor-El made a face and said, “Jen-Mai? His …loyalty has always been questionable to me. Have someone trustworthy follow behind his ‘investigation’.”
The younger man quirked his eyebrow up and said, “What are your reasons for being suspicious?”
Jen-Mai has never fully supported myself or Polara during our tenures as First Lord and First Lady. I understand that your arrival at Kandor was not as it should have been. Jen-Mai failed to make your entrance into Kandor II the welcome home event befitting the son of Krypton’s First House. Cla-Le and others have kept me informed of his …myriad activities. Clark’s journalistic instincts came into play, he could almost feel the pen and notepad in his hands, ready to write up the story. How he wanted Lois by his side!
“Wait, why didn’t these people come to me?” He asked.
“Your focus was on more important matters such as running the government and overseeing putting down numerous raids. There are many who grumbled about Polara, yourself, and me, should all such ones be reported on? What might that have done to your confidence? No Kal-El, concentrate on helping the people through the aftermath of this latest attack. Delegate the task to someone who can slip into the Ordnance department and get to the bottom of the matter.”
“Ken-Ja?”
Nodding in agreement, Zor-El said, “Ken-Ja is positioned perfectly to find out how four of our most technologically advanced ships suddenly found themselves in Nor’s hands. Contact him before you leave here. He can quietly lead the investigation as no one else can.”
“All right, I will Uncle. Now please rest. Alura and Kara are very worried about you.”
Zor-El fingers sporadically clutched at his tunic to keep them from trembling, he said, “One last point before you go. Ken-Ja, Tre-Vil, even crusty Akak-Ar are of the old generation, they shall give their lives for our new home if asked. I do not say this lightly, use them and their talents well my nephew. It may be the difference between our civilization’s complete destruction or eminent survival.”
Kal-El nodded thoughtfully, in the time he had lived on NK, these men and others showed steadfast loyalty and courage. Once they had realized Kal-El’s determination to learn the ways of his father’s people while encouraging a gradual shift from traditions which on this world were ineffective.
“Kal-El!”
Zor-El’s eyes flashed with fear, he said, “That was Alura’s voice!”
Faster than he thought possible without his powers, Kal-El jumped up and in two strides was out the door and in the corridor. He saw Cla-Le coming up the stairs as quickly as his legs could carry him.
The healer ran to him and said, “There’s a disturbance in the courtyard. I came to get you.”
Kal-El nodded and said, “Keep an eye on my uncle. I need to see what’s happening to Aunt Alura.”
Kal-El was quickly downstairs and in the entry hall wondering where were the guards. He kept running towards the direction of his aunt’s voice in the front courtyard of the villa. Some of the servants, seeing his rushing form and grim expression, followed behind. One of their number, the family’s old cook, Melia, was brandishing a heavy metal staff and shouted, “No rebels are planting their muddy boots in my clean kitchen!”
If the circumstances were not so dire, Kal-El knew he would laugh.
They all ran through the open front double doors; the sound of their heavy boots filled the courtyard as they moved down the wide brick steps into the night. The sight that greeted them in the bright illumination of the courtyard stopped them dead in their tracks.
Light spilled over several figures, some clad in black armor, wearing the symbol of the deposed house of Il. Others wore the red and black of the house of El. Both groups of men were armed and ready to fight.
One of whom Kal-El was shocked to see. Even though they had never met, their eyes caught one another’s across the expanse of Abondar-El’s courtyard. Those dark eyes contained no mercy and stared at the inhabitants of the El estate with utmost disdain.
Nor.
He had a full head of thick, long black hair, a sharped beard flecked with gray and sharp, almost hawk like features. Behind him Kal-El saw Kara bent over an anti-grav stretcher bearing a body. By her side stood Alura, glaring calmly at Nor, her breathing under control, Kal-El was fairly certain she was, like himself fearful about why the traitorous lord was here.
For the boundless space of two heartbeats the two men stared at each other and studied the vast differences: to Kal-El, Nor embodied all that was wrong with New Krypton and he as the newcomer, was the symbol of its hope and progress.
Kal-El spoke, his words true and clear. “Why are you here?”
Nor turned and waved an arm back towards Kara, the stretcher and then at the staff he held with its white flag. “For the moment I come in peace. As a token of my goodwill, behold Mar-Ur’s son, Dar. He is unharmed by me. The burns and injuries come from the aerial battle.”
Alura spoke up, “We must let Cla-Le tend to his wounds until he reaches a regeneration chamber!”
“I did not give leave for your words, woman.” Nor snarled. “I am here to discuss matters of import with your nephew. Now, be silent or this staff’s symbolic meaning will be invalid.”
By the older man’s blunt words and aggressive behavior, Kal-El suddenly understood what his grandmother and the Convoca had had to deal with. Pushing down his anger and using a diplomatic voice he said, “Abondar is Lady Alura’s home and her family’s land, Nor. Due to the truce, she has every right to speak. What do you wish to say to me?”
Nor turned and gave Alura a cold stare, which she returned with equal coldness. Ignoring her, he looked back to Kal-El and spoke words that surprised them all. “Nor, of the house of Il, presents the challenge of Single Combat to Kal of the house of El before these witnesses, to decide who shall rule New Krypton, once and for all.”
The tension in the courtyard was beyond anything Kal-El had ever experienced. The guards from both sides dared not touch their weapons in order not to start a fight. There were innocent lives at stake, his aunt, cousin, and the servants, he dared not put their lives at risk. Nor had just challenged him to a duel …to the death. He was surprised. Everything this man had done since breaking with the Convoca was about slicing away at the government and the people of New Krypton. Now he suddenly wanted to fight with him, to end the guerilla warfare.
His lips parted and he was about to speak when Nor, cut him off.
“Boy, where were you when this planet was being colonized? What land did you till? What buildings did you assist in erecting? My family’s blood is here! Where is the house of El? Jor-El’s brother is nothing more than a shell of a man. His only surviving heir a mere female.”
“It is whispered that you love a Terran woman, that your betrothal to the Lady Zara is a sham. That if it were possible, you would bring that outworlder here to rule by your side.” He turned around and gesturing dramatically with an outflung arm said, “Shall this alien’s halflings rule this world …”
Laying his hand over his chest, Kal-El spoke, “That’s enough of your bullying insults Nor! Kal, of the house of El accepts your challenge. We fight to the death!”
Alura closed her eyes and silently began to weep. The El house steward, Vaylor, old when Krypton was destroyed, stood as straight as his ancient spine allowed. He remembered the days of Kal-El’s grandfather and knew his late master would be filled with fierce pride for his grandson.
A cool smile appeared on Nor’s lips, and he said, “The challenge is accepted. Tell your Grandmother, when it is over, my family shall finally rule New Krypton!”
“Monster” Kara whispered as she took Dar-Ur’s cold hand in hers.
Shocked silence held within the courtyard. Nor’s guards stood in rapt attention, waiting to see what would happened next between the noblemen.
A sound, small with its execution, yet thunderous in breaking the tableau. A voice strong and commanding filled the air. “My Lord Nor-Il, what you have done since breaking with the Convoca down to this very moment has been inexcusable, but this challenge shall forever place your house in shame.”
All turned to see Zor-El, with Cla-Le standing beside him. The former First Lord’s ruined body was straight and proud. He spoke using righteous indignation to propel his words. Kal-El wanted to go to him but saw Cla-Le give a tiny shake of his head, as if to say, ‘Let the man speak.’
Zor-El’ exoskeleton propelled him with greater speed than typical towards Nor, the unpleasant sounds from the exoskeleton’s gears mesh were uncomfortable to the ears and filled the courtyard as he walked down the stairs and then up to Nor until the two men were only a meter apart. Again, the contrast could not have been greater; Nor, the warrior wearing heavy black armor and bristling with health, demanding rights and privileges which were never his. Jor-El in soft gray tunic and pants, his body supported by a mechanical device, nonetheless held himself by all the dignity of his house. In that brief slice of time, none present thought him weaker than Nor, when he spoke, even the most insolent of the rebels listened closely.
“This madness you have brought down upon us is not about returning New Krypton to the old traditions. It is about your family’s ancient bitterness against mine. Instead of accepting the first Council’s decision, the men of your family with each generation nurtured resentment, allowing it to fester and grow until nothing remained but a determination to destroy not only the house of El, but everything good and decent upon Krypton.”
Nor’s eyes narrowed, and he said, “Like my ancestor, the warrior Ven-Il, before me, I refuse to accept second place.
Zor-El matched Nor’s glare, his strength of purpose like a brilliant flame intensified, rather than diminished. “Second place? The house of Il was prominent among the elite of Old Krypton. Most, if not all of your family and servants were able to escape the catastrophic event that annihilated our home world.”
Kal-El thought, how could Nor’s family survive and yet my parents died? He put the thought aside and listened as his uncle continued to reprove Nor.
“On this new world, your resolve and diligence created a thriving collective that help solve many of the agricultural challenges we all faced. The results of which paved the way to turn this once inhospitable planet into our new home.”
Alura spoke, "I remember how your dear wife was such a help to many. Her example inspired many women of the noble houses to stand up and take positive actions. Helping with the cultivation of the land and construction of homes."
“Ha! Don’t forget the atmospheric sickness that took so many. Including my wife. Her 'positive actions' did not save her. Nor said with a sneer. His words had little weight; all knew there was scant affection between the couple.
Zor-El shook his head sadly and continued, “Remarriage to a noblewoman, raising a family to carry on the house of Il and becoming a leading voice in the restructuring of Kryptonian culture after that plague were always options. Yet you squandered precious time, no doubt using it to create this ‘army’ of vandals and malcontents.” He said this while looking out contemptuously over the men wearing the Il symbol.
Some of those same men had the grace to look down at the ground, not wishing to face the elder statesman’s anger. One man, Nor’s distant kinsman, did not. Arc-Tal paid no attention to Zor-El’s words, he kept watching the First Lord, Kal-El. He wanted the outworlder dead, but there was no way while he stood in the back of other guards that he could get a shot off.
“Now you come to Abondar-El and challenge my nephew to single combat? One has to wonder why the challenge had not been issued before my illness manifested itself or my son’s death. Were you perhaps a little afraid?”
With an incredulous expression Nor barked, “Afraid of a pampered First Lord? Never!”
“Well now, we’ll never know, shall we?” Gears creaked as Zor-El leaned forward and said with a sneer, “Remember, he and I trained with Tre-Vil and have no doubt the battle between us would have been glorious. Perhaps before I killed you I would make certain that the scar on your face was not alone.” He looked at his wife and daughter standing beside the stretcher. “I thank you for bringing home my daughter’s betrothed." with a wave of his hand he snarled, "Now get off my land and take that rabble with you!”
For the briefest of moments Nor paled, regained his composure, turned, and walked away. Ignoring everyone in the courtyard. Most of his guards closed ranks around their leader and followed him to the ship. All those present watched until Nor’s party entered the craft and then flew away.
Alura ran to her husband and wrapped her arms around him, laying her head on his chest. Kal-El could hear her whisper, “Bravely done my love.”
A weak smile of pleasure touched Zor-El’s lips as he looked into his wife’s loving eyes and with his last bit of strength, caressed her tear stained cheek, and then he said, “The flame shines brightest at the last ...” Than, without another word, he collapsed. Zor-El, former First Lord of New Krypton breathed his last.
