The Morning Song (UWOC)

3 - Betrayal

"Zubin, I don't like this. Something is not right."

I stared at the aliens all around us. We were sent as emissaries to this bustling city in a galaxy I'd never heard of. After finding the young prince and uniting him with his pet, Pashi, we learned that there was some evidence that the sealed room had been left open purposely in hopes the prince would venture in and die before he was found. 

Since the Kymari are not a devious race, this was highly unusual, and the Elders wanted it investigated immediately. As we were already involved, we were asked if we would mind traveling to talk to a female Kymari who had been banished. We were not told how they think she knows something.

I looked around me while my senses checked for any dangerous animal. My nose told me all was safe, but I did pick up on the body language of all the alien species walking around the marketplace. This was a shady area that a Kymari would only go to if to fight.

"I do not like it either," Zubin whispered.

The two guards accompanying us looked around with weapons in hand but not extended. Most of the population did the same, so we did not stand out. 

I looked at the brightly colored booths as we slowly walked past each one. My memories told me what some items were, but most were a mystery. My sight caught on the Kymari at the second-to-last stall, selling fabric twisted into belts.

"Is that her?" I asked as my handler glanced at me and followed my line of sight.

The lady in question glanced around, and I saw her take a double look at the three Kymari approaching. Her eyes never left us as we stopped in front of her stall.

"I have paid my dues and am not in Kymari space. Why are you here?" 

Her harsh words took me aback, as this race is always polite and respectful to each other. I have never seen a Kymari speak to another in this manner unless a family member was in danger--or a bonded animal.

"I wish to speak with you, if possible," Zubin said politely. The woman seemed taken aback by his tone, and her expression changed to fear with her following statement.

"What do you want? You should not get to close to me. The Council of Elders has banished me." I have a feeling she has been treated badly by other Kymari who have passed through here.

I noticed she has a scent that is not typical for a Kymari. It was based on iron ore, as if she were working in a mine. The smell of the race was still there, just secondary.

"We believe you have information about the young prince. Would you consent to talk to us?"

I glanced at the two guards and noticed their heads were on a swivel, watching the market around us for danger. While they could hear the words, they were unconcerned that she posed a threat.

I didn't believe that for a minute.

"If you're looking for the plot to kill him, you need to search closer to home. Only a few knew of the secret room. You didn't need to come here to find me." Her stance took one of someone who was bracing for a hit. "Why are you here?"

I knew the trail had hit a dead end back at the palace. Each person who had access was questioned intensely, and none had motives or signs of mental imbalance. 

Throughout the galaxies, it is known that only a Kymari with a mental imbalance will betray their kind. While it does happen, it is rare. This race has eradicated almost every virus known to them, and they live to be hundreds of years old. It is expected to die in battle or of old age. They are taught to know the signs of any mental or physical issues and go to get checked immediately. That is why it is so rare.

"We have evidence that a specific group was involved, and you know that group," Zubin replied softly. "It could be worth it to you to help us."

"If I wish to keep breathing, talking to you is not worth my while. However, I personally do not like people who prey on children." She studied Zubin for a moment before turning her gaze to me. "Is she a fire lizard?"

Zubin stood straighter at the eager tone of salespeople who found something valuable. His following words were quite deadly.

"She is not for sale. She is a bonded animal."

The lady bowed slightly and raised her head with a blank look, which I had seen many times within my years with Kymari. It is the look of acceptance.

"Do you know who I am?" she asked softly. Her eyes never left his.

"You are Genesa Wayn. Your brother, Janya, was killed by guards when he tried to kill an Elder. Since you did not tell anyone of his mental status before the incident, you were banished from all Kymari planets." My handler was still trying to stay polite, but I could tell it was taking a toll on him.

"Correct." She glanced behind him before making eye contact again. "You may wish to move to your left." Her words were drowned out by the sudden yell from the guard to his right as the spear was knocked to the ground that would have landed in Zubin's back.

"I told you not to get too close to me." Genesa's voice was flat as she withdrew the dagger from her belt and flung it a few yards away. It landed in the chest of a race I could not identify with red skin, three eyes, and horns where his ears should be. 

I glanced around and noticed no one in the marketplace seemed to care that this was happening out in the open. Like it was a common thing--

"If you return me to Kymari society, I will help you. Do you have that type of power?" She stated as she walked over and removed her dagger from the dead body.

Zubin took a moment to stare at the dead alien before returning to her.

"I do. But I can not guarantee where you will end up," he said slowly. It was apparent that his power was limited.

"Deal."

*******

Prompt 3: 

"I told you not to get too close to me." A betrayal.

(1059/3197 words)