Seas of Antrana, Book Two
INTRODUCTION
We have not always owned our men.
Our world changed two thousand years ago when the great coastal city of
Erska was demolished following the collision of the dual moons of Netra and
Heron. Netra disappeared, leaving only her eleven small orphans in orbit
around Aervanta, third planet from Solana, our bright and warming star.
Erska was known throughout the world as a prosperous center of commerce,
athenaeum of knowledge, and sanctum of art. A sparkling metropolis of six
million people, half the population was killed by the onslaught of towering
white waves from the sea. The survivors,
bruised and aimless, retreated inland where they suffered through
unimaginable centuries of famine and drought.
Morata Kretahla took control of the desperate and hopeless calamity facing
the people. She created an enduring warrior culture that led to
the establishment of a new city, Antrana, and together the survivors fought
to sustain life when there was no hope.
Civilization struggled to advance. The proportion of males to females
dropped to a debilitating level. Morata instituted the only plausible remedy
to keep the species from extinction: males had to be protected at all costs.
Ownership of males became the law of the land.
Prosperity returned two hundred years later. Food became plentiful. Animals
again roamed the grassy plains and dense forests. Antrana grew and
eventually rivaled that of Erska. But the male population remained
stagnant. Wars were fought over just a handful of men. Over time, the Erskan
warrior became the most powerful and feared woman in the world.
A precarious stability endured for centuries.
Danger once again came to us from across the mysterious and fearful sea when
Antrana was attacked by the Treaslok people, nine months ago. The Treaslok
were aided by ruthless criminals from Earth. These invaders would have been
successful if it were not for Alexi Malind, Earth Police Ranger, tracking
the trail of greed, blood, and sorrow.
But we knew the Treaslok, licking their wounds now, would assail our
defenses again. Stunned by their defeat, they would return with
renewed vengeance. Soon.
As an Erskan warrior it was my duty to protect our people, destroy the
Treaslok, and, finally, kill the Earth criminal known as Louis Corrigan.
As a direct descendent of Torino Morata Kretahla I would ensure that there
would be no sacrifice too great.
No distance too far to travel.
No sea too far to cross.
No mountain too high to climb.
My name is Vercella Tural.
This is how our world changed again.