by Drew Cordell
An announcer began to call the houses. “House Aera. House Brae.” He was pausing between houses, giving them time to enter. I took a deep breath. “House Carson. House Gareth. House Kai. House Kasra. House Orin. House Rylan. House Sylas. House Windhelm. House Zaris. And the soon to be House Ashton!” the voice finished.
I took a deep breath and pushed open the door. I entered a huge room that held a massive table in the center. Heavy crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling and a crowd of people had gathered, all wearing different colored clothes. A band played classical music in the corner quietly, and everyone was clapping and smiling for me, welcoming me to this new life. The massive walls of the room were ornamented in paintings and sculptures that covered parts of the extravagantly decorated wallpaper. Large golden drapes covered the rectangular windows lining the walls; they concealed the view of the outside of the building and the cold night sky. Even through my shoes, I could feel how soft the carpet was as I walked across the floor.
I did my best to smile as I walked toward the servant who was ushering me forward. A strong looking man walked to greet me; he was wearing a dark black suit with a copper and gold tie. His dark black hair was neatly cut and combed to the side. He had a beard much like Marwin’s, except it was black instead of gray. He held his arms open in a wide arc. The man I could only assume to be Supreme Leader Adrihel was right before me, welcoming and polite. The leader of the Government.
“Ah, Jacob Ashton. It is my great pleasure to welcome you to my house and this ceremony today,” he told me as he shook my hand with a powerful grip. The man towered over me despite the fact I was almost six feet tall. He gave a friendly smile, his white teeth contrasting against the dark clothing he wore.
“The pleasure is mine, Supreme Leader Adrihel. Please call me Jake,” I responded as I shook his hand.
“We are honored to have you join us in Olympus and can’t wait to see how your work will influence the Absolute Knowledge project. We haven’t had a Paragon Thought in some time. I am very grateful to Baron Zaris for finding you and bringing you to us in one piece,” he said jovially, his voice bellowing throughout the crowded room.
“It’s an honor sir,” I said as I maintained my composure despite the overwhelming magnificence of the hall.
“Let us commence the ceremony!”
A strange sense of familiarity swept over me as something in my peripheral vision pulled my gaze.
It was Mary.
32 HOUSE ASHTON
∆∆∆
Mary was wearing a dark green dress and her hair was twirled into long ribbons. She was wearing makeup, but I was certain it was her. She was standing there smiling at me with all the others. I could feel my body go into shock, and I fought to focus and try not to draw attention to the fact I was in distress. The man in front of me motioned for everyone to quiet down and the music stopped.
“I am pleased to appoint you as Baron Jacob Ashton, the first of House Ashton. Your estate is being prepared as we speak and will be ready for you shortly. You are now Royalty of Olympus!” he exclaimed, then turned to the other houses that were standing around us. My head swam as I forced myself to focus on Supreme Leader Adrihel rather than Mary. I couldn’t comprehend anything he was saying.
“We are reminded and humbled once again that the mind is a beautiful thing. A single mind may stand out on its own, but the collective power of our people is a greater force than any other. With Baron Ashton’s Paragon Thought, the thirteenth and the rise of House Ashton into our ranks, we celebrate!” he shouted in a voice pitched to carry through the massive dining hall. He wrapped a muscled arm around my shoulder and pulled me in close. “We are truly glad you are here, Baron,” he said through a warm smile, speaking only to me now.
“Thank you, Supreme Leader Adrihel,” I responded as Marwin had instructed.
“When it’s not official business, please make it Colton,” he said as he gave me a firm squeeze as if we had been lifelong friends. “Now, let the feast begin!” he called to the surrounding houses as huge platters of food were brought through doors on both sides of the room by robot and human servants.
I was seated next to Supreme Leader Colton Adrihel and his wife, Supreme Lady Chelsea Adrihel, sat to his side. On my left sat Baron Neris Gareth, an older man who was wearing a gray tunic with purple trimmings. Beside him sat his wife, Lady Eleanor Gareth, who was dressed in a vibrant purple dress.
My plate was stacked with huge piles of steaming meat and vegetables before it was placed in front of me. Beside my ornamented plate were three different forks, two different knives, and two different spoons. A dark purple liquid was poured into my crystal glass by a servant, and as I thanked the man, he nodded graciously. A bowl of some sort of white soup was brought to everyone at the table, and the feast began. I couldn’t stop thinking about Mary. Was I going crazy? Why the hell was she here?
Taking the lead of Colton Adrihel and Neris Gareth, I mirrored how they used their utensils as they switched between different forks to eat the vegetables and meat, then switched between spoons on the same bowl of soup for different bites. The difference in the soup, I had gathered, had to do with how deeply they were scooping. The heavier of the two spoons was used for scraping the bottom of the soup and pulling out delicious bits of some sort of aquatic meat, and the shallow, smaller spoon was mostly for scooping the soup broth itself without any solids. It didn’t seem logical or intuitive at all.
The other Barons, Baronesses, Ladies, and Gentlemen of Olympus were talking amongst themselves in small isolated groups. I scanned the table and saw Mary staring at me, her gaze firm and intent. I made eye contact and tried to gesture, indicating I was confused. She fixed her face with a smile that looked all too fake.
“So, Jacob. I know this is all very new to you, but I’m looking forward to getting to know you better. I’m sure you will enjoy life in Olympus,” Colton Adrihel said as he finished his soup, pulling me away from Mary’s gaze.
“Yes. I am enjoying my stay very much so far,” I replied. Even though I knew without a doubt it was her, I asked, “That girl over there, the one in green. I know her from the Slums. She is Mary Dunn, correct?”
“Yes,” he replied, a puzzled look growing on his face. “We recently learned she was a descendant of House Aera, somehow lost in a system bug by the Omniscience Engine. We brought her to her new life rather recently. It’s kind of interesting how connected everything is,” he remarked.
“I should like to speak with her later if that’s all right,” I said, remaining calm despite the fact that talking with Mary was the only thing on my mind.
“Why of course! You will have adequate time after the feast and during the dance. Please, try the wine,” he said as he swirled the glass in the light, smelled the contents, and then sipped it thoughtfully with a look of satisfaction on his face. “It’s quite delicious. A rare case of Gutte D'Or, bottled in the early twenty-first century.”
I smelled the wine in my own glass before taking a slow sip. It was strong and sour, but it went well with the meal, contrasting with the savory and buttery flavors of the soup and meat.
“It’s magnificent,” I remarked as I swallowed another sip. “Was it bottled after the flood of 2039?”
He eyed me with curiosity. “Before. It’s a two thousand and four, and it has been stored well for all this time.”
“The name of the wine is rather unfamiliar to me,” I said.
“It’s a French wine,” he responded as he drank again. “Ah, Jake. I forget you’re from the Slums. As royalty, you’ll be able to learn more about our country’s actual history soon enough. Letting the Slums have access to that knowledge would impede our progress with project,” he said as he finished the glass and waved for another.
I downed the last of the wine. “I see. I would be very interested in learning all I can about the project so I can better serve my country.”
“And you will, Baron Ashton,” he remarked. “We are delighted to have you wi
th us and look forward to the accelerated development of the project with your Paragon Thought and continued efforts. I’ll have you taken to the facility to learn all about it from our lead engineers whenever you are ready. Let’s get you settled into your new life and home first, though,” he said as he drank from the new glass of wine.
Lavish desserts were brought to complete the delicious meal, and compliments were made to Colton Adrihel. The servants cleared the table from the room so there was adequate space for dancing and other festivities. The band in the corner began to play loudly, and the dancing started. I was unfamiliar with the style of the different court dances being performed, so I mostly stood idle in the corner, sipping on wine, appreciating the music and watching the movements of the people.
At one point, Baroness Jex Brae pulled me from my spot and handed my wine glass to a servant. She took me to the dance floor and walked me through the necessary steps of one of the easier dances. Her twirling blonde hair and bright blue dress flowed with elegance and grace as she went through the motions. Having no prior experience with dancing, I decided to try to follow her lead to the best of my ability.
“I’m glad you are here,” she told me as she lifted my arm and spun under it with a quick motion, her glittering makeup sparkling in the bright lights. The music quickened, and she upped our pace as we glided over the dance floor. One of my hands held hers while the other was placed on her firm waist. There was a quick succession of rapid notes, and she dipped down, leaning back against my arm in an exaggerated motion as the song finished. There was a wave of applause as the song ended, and I noticed everyone’s eyes were on me. Baroness Brae leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. “Thank you for the dance, Baron Ashton,” she whispered in my ear. I felt myself blush. Marwin approached and smiled at the both of us.
“Baroness Brae, our new Baron needs to refrain from vigorous physical activity for the coming days as he recovers from a wound incurred in the Slums. Perhaps you will allow me the next dance so he might recover?” Marwin raised his hand to hers.
“Of course, Baron Zaris. I do apologize, Baron Ashton. I look forward to when you are well so we can participate in some vigorous physical activity together,” she cooed. Giving Marwin a sly smile, she took his hand, and they returned to the dance floor when the music continued.
I took my place on the side of the room again and saw Mary approaching me from the other side. My heart started pounding in my chest.
“Baron Ashton,” she regarded me as she approached, wine glass in hand.
“How the hell are you here?” I whispered, my voice low and sharp despite the control I exhibited over my facial expression.
“Apparently I’m a descendant of House Aera. I thought you were dead,” she said, tears forming in her eyes despite her calm composure.
I suddenly felt guilty for everything, a sinking feeling blanketing me and burning in the pit of my stomach.
“It turns out I’m a Paragon Thinker. I thought the Enforcers were after me again for the purse incident. That’s why I ran that day. I want you to know I’m sorry.”
“You haven’t been yourself ever since that Enforcer broke your wrist,” she said. “I know you’re hiding something from me, and if you don’t want to tell me what it is, then that’s fine.” Her voice turned cold as steel. “But don’t you dare lie to me.”
I hadn’t made any attempt to layer my thoughts to try to establish truth to the lie. I had no reason to guard myself around Mary, but I knew I couldn’t tell her everything that had happened. The stakes were too high. One mistake here, and I was dead. I had the feeling my actions would be watched closely as I was initiated into my new life.
“I’m sorry I can’t tell you more right now,” I said, utterly defeated. “Could we talk once I’m settled in and we have a little more space?”
She nodded. “Baron Ashton,” she remarked with a small curtsey and walked away from me as quickly as she had approached.
The rest of the night dragged on painfully. I had no desire to socialize, to attempt to meet new people or to dance, but I was forced to maintain a fake smile as I was introduced to all the members of the other houses. I was confident I would forget most of their names by morning. My conversation with Mary continued to replay in my head. Something wasn’t right here; I knew it when I first arrived despite the appearance of everything. I realized since I arrived, my guard had slipped dramatically. I felt the effects of the wine on my body and knew I had to be more careful. If I wasn’t, one reckless mistake could cost my life and Mary’s. Now that I knew it was actually her, I couldn’t do anything to endanger her life, and that meant distancing myself and limiting what I told her. I realized with grim certainty I might not ever be able to tell her the truth and our relationship—or whatever was left of our relationship—could be lost forever.
“I thank you all for attending tonight’s lovely feast. I look forward to another soon!” Supreme Leader Adrihel called after the final notes of a song.
With that, the party disbanded, and the houses left House Adrihel in their transport ships. I was surprised to see a ship was waiting for me, the same model as the others. It was painted in charcoal gray and bright orange, the colors of my House.
“I hope to see you tomorrow, Jacob,” Marwin said as he waved from the entrance of his ship.
I waved back and climbed into the seat of my transport. The side hatch closed and the robotic pilot in the front seat flew me to my new manor, which was illuminated by bright orange lights. All I could do was think about Mary.
By the time I had arrived at my new home, I was exhausted. The floor, much like Marwin’s, was polished stone, but it was darker. The walls were vastly undecorated, but a few furnishings were scattered throughout the main hallway. The robotic pilot guided me to the master bedroom and bowed as it exited.
I flipped on the light and was unsurprised to see the most comfortable looking bed I had ever seen in my life. The room was carpeted instead of tiled, and a huge TV sat on a wooden dresser that was pressed against the wall. There was a massive closet filled with clothes in my colors, and a set of doors beside it lead to my master bathroom. I couldn’t see any cameras or anything to indicate I was being watched or listened to, but I would have to be careful, especially not to talk in my sleep.
I decided a bath would do me some good and entered the bathroom that was almost exactly the same as the one in Marwin’s estate. After toggling a switch on a control panel, the bath fired up, and the scent of mint filled the room as pale green water flooded the huge tub. I climbed out of my dress clothes and slipped into the hot bath. I had to find a way to get in contact with the Guild, but I had nothing to share yet. I knew nothing more of the Absolute Knowledge project other than the fact something called the Omniscience Engine was the driving technology behind innovation, and I had helped speed up its progress.
Caeldra probably thought I was dead right now. If she hadn’t made it back yet, the Guild would think we were both dead and the Government knew everything.
The bath did little to help me relax, and I wrapped myself in a thick robe after toweling off. I turned off the lights and faded into a deep sleep on the extravagant bed.
I awoke to beams of sunlight piercing through the windows on the edge of my room. It was already almost eleven, and I had no idea what my itinerary would be for the day. Stretching my arms above my head, I yawned and then frowned when I couldn’t move my leg. I grabbed the pill bottles and hobbled to the bathroom sink where I scooped up a handful of water from the faucet and downed the pill concoction. Though I was wary of drinking from the tap, the water was some of the clearest I had ever seen. I supposed it was to be expected in a place like this—my home, I thought bitterly.
After the pills kicked in, I was able to walk down the hallway to the common area, which consisted of the kitchen, dining room, and one of the three living rooms in my estate. A robot stood in the kitchen, cooking some breakfast in a gleaming skillet over a low blue flame. There was a familiar
bubbling sound as I looked to see the pot of coffee brewing to the side.
“Good morning, Baron Ashton,” the robot said as it flipped the contents of the skillet in the air with a single deft motion. “Your breakfast will be ready soon, and your Head Steward will be here in half an hour.”
I nodded and took a seat at the dining room table, still soaking in the fact I wasn’t dreaming. Olympus did exist. I also felt mixed relief and guilt now that Mary was back in my life. I had hurt her in ways I never could have imagined. She was so dear to me; she didn’t deserve this, and I hated what I had put her through. I looked up when I saw the small robot approaching.
The shining robot carried over my plate of breakfast which consisted of eggs, toast, and bacon, along with a cup of simmering coffee.
“Cream or sugar in your coffee, sir?” it asked.
“Black is fine,” I responded as I adjusted the positioning of the plate and cup in front of me.
The robot gave a bow and headed toward another part of the house. “If you need anything just call, sir,” it said as it departed.
The house robots were much smaller than Enforcers and probably weighed around two hundred pounds. They were Artisan class robots and were built for activities that required precision. The guards, like the ones outside of House Adrihel, were another thing entirely. Closer to a Golem class like my robotic father had been. The resemblance was disconcerting, actually. While the guards were smaller than a Golem class robot, they were still larger than an Enforcer and wielded weapons unlike any I had ever seen. I wasn’t sure if I had any guards yet and if I did, I didn’t know if they were protecting me or keeping me prisoner in this strange place.
As I finished my breakfast, a middle-aged man appeared from the hall, carrying a large datapad with him. He wore my new colors on his suit and large lens spectacles were perched on his nose. His faded brown hair was wiry but maintained with a thin layer of sculpting paste.