Razor's Pass

by L. Fergus

  “Yes, Commander. I’m sorry.”

  “Apology accepted, Captain.”

  Kita went to each of the rest of the men and explained why they hadn’t been commuted. Each said they understood and apologized. Kita accepted each.

  Private Barneky stood defiant. “Any last words, Barneky?”

  “I knew you couldn’t kill us all. You’re weak and pathetic. You’ll destroy my Legion.”

  “No. After this, I will have their undying loyalty and discipline will be restored. You misunderstand the power of pageantry, Barneky. I can strike fear into the hearts of my enemies or gain the loyalty of an army just by using some simple psychological tricks. I do not need to command by strength if I have their hearts and minds.” Kita lifted her wings to shield her and Barneky. She readjusted the noose. “I don’t want you to die too quickly. The last traitor I hung died by a slow hang. The least I can do is be fair.”

  “That’s a cruel and unusual punishment,” Barneky snarled.

  “These other men are dying to answer for a mistake in judgment. All have apologized to me. You have shown no remorse. You tried to slowly strangle me and now you will die that way. This would be easier if you were wicked instead of stupid.”

  “You’re the wicked and evil one around here.”

  “Yes, I am. But I am the evil that walks in the light. Goodbye, Barneky.”

  “I’ll get you in this life or the next.”

  Kita returned to her position. A quick nod to Petersen and the execution continued. The former mutineers operating the levers wore a mixture of fear and relief on their faces as they were given the order to pull the levers.

  The five men dropped and the ropes pulled taut. Four died instantly, while Barneky swung, struggling. Kita waited for him to stop moving before addressing her sullen Legion.

  “Let this be a lesson for you. The restriction to the Legion area is now removed. You may continue with your normal duties. You are dismissed.”

  Kita sat on the bed in her room, wings wrapped around her, crying softly. Snowy moved aside a wing and put an arm around Kita.

  “Kitten, what’s wrong?”

  “I’m a horrible person,” Kita whispered.

  “No, you’re not. Everyone thinks you did a wonderful job. The sparing of those men was a stroke of genius.”

  “That was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”

  “I don’t see why. They deserved it.”

  Kita shook her head. “Only one deserved it. The rest were innocent; they just made a few stupid decisions.”

  “You mean innocent as in your definition of the word?”

  Kita nodded.

  Snowy sighed. “Sometimes, the innocent must die for the greater good. The hope is that their sacrifice is not in vain.”

  “But what is the greater good here?”

  “The greater good is restoring Yorq, clearing out the tubes, and protecting everyone from the ravager armies. We’re going to lose a lot more innocents. It’s inevitable. It’ll be hard. But remember, you are the youngest among us—even though you have to act like the oldest. Don’t forget we’re here. You don’t have to face this alone, ok?”

  Kita nuzzled Snowy. “Thanks. I do forget when it’s overwhelming.”

  “I know, kitten. That’s why we here, to watch out for you.”

  “They can watch out for me. I want you to love me.”

  Snowy laughed. “You’ll always have both.”

  “In any other situation, I would think the cat eats the chicken instead of loving it.”

  Kita opened her wings. Jeffrey leaned against the doorframe.

  “I need to talk to you about moving forward. The nobles are getting restless.”

  Kita groaned. “Ok. Snowy, can you gather the staff? I need to get a status report from everyone.”

  “Sure, kitten. In the intelligence room?”

  “Yes. Jeffrey, bring your senior advisors. I don’t want your people getting twisted because they’re not in on everything.”

  “Be nice to them. They’re responsible for making this work,” said Jeffrey with a sharp tone.

  “Don’t expect me to call you Sire, Your Majesty, or anything else, unless it’s official business. Even then I might not,” Kita said matching his tone.

  “You can do that if I can call you chicken,” Jeffrey said over his shoulder as he left.

  The only thing in reach was a chamber pot and Kita threw it after him. It clanged down the stairs and a loud string of curses followed.

  In the intelligence room, a few new faces joined Kita’s staff. Kita gave them the same security brief she gave everyone else. It always amused her at people’s reactions to her barbs.

  “I have chosen Snowy to be my junior commander. While I’m playing theater commander, she will be in charge of the Legion of Yorq.”

  Everyone in the room applauded.

  “I need a status report from Jeffrey and Snowy.”

  Jeffrey stood up. “The forces of Yorq are gathered in three locations. This locale is too far away to be a deterrent to protect most of our estates and states. We would like to petition that the entire force be moved to a more central location. The forces stand ready to defend at this time.”

  Kita looked at Forrester. “The Legion forces are ready, save the Legion of Yorq.”

  Snowy went next. “All the animals available and wanting armor have been outfitted. They’re ready to move at a moment’s notice, but food will be a problem. The farmland doesn’t have enough wild game to support them, unless they want to give up their livestock.”

  “We can’t starve our own people to feed these furballs,” said one of Jeffrey’s advisors.

  Snowy gave him a dirty look.

  “We could move the animals as close as possible and call on them when they are needed,” said Cowboy. “We can take as many as we’ll need for the camp. The rest can stay nearby in the forest or hills.”

  “That’s acceptable.”

  “What about us?” said Murdock.

  “We won’t abandon you,” said Jeffrey. “We’ll leave a detachment of soldiers here to guard you.”

  “Some of the animals will stay as well,” said Snowy as she glared at Jeffrey’s advisor.

  Murdock nodded.

  “What is the next step, Commander?” said Cowboy.

  “While you’re moving to the new location, I will go and pull the Arconian forces away from the Crown. I’m not sure how long it will take. I’ll need to go to New London.”

  “Who’s going with you?”

  “No one. I’m going by myself. This is an Arconian matter, not a Legion or Yorq one.”

  “You should go with someone—for your protection,” said Cowboy with a disapproving tone.

  “I’ll have Sarge. He’s always played that role.” Kita looked at Yang. “Do you know where Zidin is?”

  “Yes, Commander. We’ve been tracking him. He’s near New London.”

  “I want to send a message to him. If anyone should be there, it should be him.”

  Cowboy shook his head. “I will go with you to cover your back.”

  “Don’t forget we’ll have Glen’s men.”

  “All the better.”

  Kita folded her arms. “You’re coming whether I like it or not, aren’t you?”

  “Yes. Last time you went by yourself, you didn’t show up for a week, and most people thought you were dead.”

  Kita huffed. “Fine. It means it’ll take us longer to get there. I was going to fly.”

  “That isn’t advised. Last thing we need is to spook the locals,” said Jeffrey.

  “You know how hard it’ll be to sit in a coach with these?”

  “We all have limitations.”

  Kita rolled her eyes. “General Fedorov, I’ll need to send a message to Glen and let him know I will be in New London.”

  “No problem, Commander. I can have it on its way as soon as it is written.”

  “Good, then dismissed.”

  “Command
er, we have a problem,” The driver of the supply wagon called as they approached the gates of New London.

  “What’s going on?” said Cowboy.

  “They’re searching all the wagons, and I don’t see a spot to let you out.”

  Kita poked her head through the front flap. Guards stood around watching. The gate was fifty yards ahead. Kita ducked inside as guards guided the wagon to a parking area full of other wagons.

  A pair of guards came by to question the driver and search the wagon.

  “What do we do?” Kita hissed at Cowboy.

  “We might have to shoot our way out.”

  “Let’s leave that as a last resort.”

  “You have a better idea?”

  “Turn into The Rider and sit there with your shotgun. I’ll lie down in the back as close to the edge as possible. You distract them, and I’ll make them forget.” Kita extended a barb to illustrate her idea.

  Only one guard came to inspect the cargo. He undid the tie downs and lowered the tailgate. Kita swore at being exposed.

  The Rider whistled to get the guard’s attention. The guard jumped in surprise and backpedaled. Pushing with her wings, Kita lunged upward and grabbed a fist full of the guard’s chainmail. She jabbed the barb into his overweight gut.

  “We’re only carrying straw,” she hissed, then let the guard go.

  The second guard, alerted by the noise, came to investigate. “Everything alright?”

  “Everything’s fine. Just straw,” said the first guard.

  “Straw? The driver says he’s carrying lettuce. What’s going on?” the second guard demanded of the driver.

  “Tell him to stick his head around and look,” The Rider whispered to the driver.

  “Sorry, lettuce was last week. Today, I have straw. Take a look if you want,” the driver said with just enough of a mixture of calm and fear.

  The guard stuck his head in the front. The Rider grabbed him and pulled him in so Kita could inject him in the neck and give him his instructions.

  “You’re free to go,” said the guard after being released.

  The driver snapped his reins, and the wagon made its way through the massive stone gate of New London.

  The wagon stopped only long enough for its passengers to disembark. Kita made her roses and wings invisible, but that didn’t stop people from running into them. She found it amusing at first, but it quickly became a nuisance. Each time someone ran into them, it caused her to twist. She solved the problem by carrying them extended above the crowds’ heads.

  The narrow streets and alleys were worse than those in Leedings. Kita couldn’t fit down a few, forcing them to travel through neighborhoods she wasn’t sure she wanted to be in. They eventually found their destination, an inn with a sign that read WANDERINGS.

  The inside felt similar to the Sword and Dagger, with the same motley crew inhabiting it. Kita approached the bar and tapped. The barkeep answered. As they tapped, their conversation became friendlier.

  Kita returned to Cowboy with a big smile. “The barkeep is giving us a pair of rooms, and he’ll wave the pet fee. Food is on the house. The only thing we have to pay for will be drinks. I told him to charge it to Glen. I thought late tonight we’d explore the city—if you’re up to it?”

  “I’m old, but not that old,” Cowboy growled.

  The moon was high in the sky when Kita and Cowboy left the inn. She needed to find the Arconians, but she wasn’t sure where to look. I guess the castle is the best place to start.

  A gatehouse and curtain wall divided the new city from the old. There were no guards on duty. Odd. Maybe it’s not guarded? Or maybe the guards are getting drunk somewhere…

  She waved Cowboy and Sarge through the gatehouse. The portcullis behind them slammed shut and crossbowmen filed out along the wall walks. Foot soldiers came from every available entrance and surrounded them. The soldiers were a mix of the royal army, Arconian, and other mercenaries.

  Not the greatest odds.

  A soldier on the wall said, “Kita Logine, you and your companion are under arrest for high treason against the Crown and for assault on the king.”

  “He still holds that grudge?” Kita whispered to Cowboy. “You’d think I raped him. Get ready to turn into The Rider.” Kita looked up at the soldier. “I’ll offer you and your men one chance to surrender.”

  “You are surrounded. Throw yourselves on the mercy of the king.”

  Kita took off her blindfold to show her entire face as her wings and roses became visible. In a fiery flash, Cowboy turned into The Rider and drew his revolvers. The light from The Rider’s flames illuminated Kita’s face. A rumble went through the Arconians.

  “Easy men!” yelled the soldier in command. “Whatever shaper abilities they have, there are only two of them.”

  “Nobody move!” yelled a man leading a squad of legionnaires on a nearby rooftop.

  A dozen men armed with various weapons appeared from several rooftops. “The Commander of the Legion of Yorq is under the protection of the Shadow Master, Captain Santos.”

  A large Arconian wearing the traditional kilt and kit pushed his way to Kita. She raised her hand to tell her legionnaires not to fire. The Arconian’s weapon remained out but in a non-threatening manner. He studied Kita’s face. She turned her head to allow more light to shine on her face. The longer it took, the more her nerves built. Why do I feel like I’m trying to convince a viper I’m harmless?

  “It is you. You have returned to us at last,” the Arconian remarked. He backed up a few feet and turned to the Arconians gathered around the gatehouse. “Countrymen, the dishonored told the truth. Our Rose has returned to us after all these years.”

  He and every Arconian fell to a knee, baring their weapons to her. Ok, this was not part of the job description. What am I exactly to them again?

  “My Rose, we are yours to command. The dishonored who traveled with you told us of the misdeeds and threats against you. Forgive us for not believing him.” When in Rome…Where is Rome, Omega?

  A history lesson for another time. But I suggest giving them what they want.

  Kita smiled. “It’s ok. I’m here now, and all is forgiven.” She rose into the air. “Countrymen, I have returned to you. Forgive my long absence. I sent Zidin to you to let you know I was here and to tell you of what has transpired. The man who has hired you has misled you. I now call you to the Roses to protect the honor of Arcone. Rally to me.” Kita drew Dawn and thrust it into the air.

  The Arconians pushed their way through the soldiers and formed a protective circle around Kita.

  She looked at Santos. “What do you say now, Captain?”

  “Kill them all!”

  The foot soldiers charged and the Arconians met them. Shadow Guild members attacked from the shadows with short swords, throwing knives, and small crossbows. The legionnaires fired their light rifles at the men on the wall walk.

  Several crossbow bolts struck Kita’s leg and arm, and one hit the first wing joint on her left-wing, causing it to seize up. She plummeted to the ground, landing among the Arconians.

  Kita swore as someone stepped on her feathers as she tried to get up. Feeling the need for some revenge, she jumped and landed on a crossbowman on the wall, driving Dawn through him. She spun and tumbled her way along the top of the wall, slashing, stabbing, or throwing men to the hard cobblestones twenty-five feet below.

  The sound of weapons hitting the ground was music to Kita’s ears. From the top of the wall, she addressed the surrendering men. “Where does your loyalty lie?”

  A soldier with a gray beard spoke, “We’re paid civil guards, not soldiers.”

  “You have a choice: you can fight for the rightful King of Yorq or you can be cut down where you stand.”

  “We fight for the King of Yorq now.”

  “King Cunningham is a usurper. He betrayed his king and the region. The true King of Yorq is with the Legion near Portsmouth.”

  Kita jumped down to face the so
ldier. “I know you’ll do what is right. How many more ambushes are set up around the city?”

  “I don’t know. I do know all the guards were called in tonight and soldiers brought into the city.”

  “They’re three more, Lady Rose,” said an Arconian. “We should visit them and let our brothers and sisters know of your return.”

  Lady Rose? “Agreed. I want all Arconians pulled out of this city.”

  After clearing the last ambush, a large muscular Arconian approached Kita. He wore a marking from the Oak Guild and had a look of wonder. “Is it you, old girl? Where have you been all this time? Every Arconian has been looking for you.” He talked with a thick burr that Kita strained to understand. He grabbed her in a bear hug and lifted her off the ground.

  Kita squeaked in surprise.

  After the hug, he held her out at arm’s length, letting her feet dangle. “My, the years have been kind to you. You don’t look any older than the day you left. How in the Crushing Depths did you get wings, and what’s wrong with your eyes? Come tell your big brother all about your adventures.”

  “A-are you talking about my mother?” I guess in the dark I look like her from a distance.

  “Mother? Are you Marie’s daughter?”

  Kita nodded.

  “The Crushing Depths be praised! That makes me your uncle. I am Xeen. Where is Marie? The whole nation will celebrate your arrival.”

  Kita answered in a quiet voice. “She was killed after my Proving Ritual.”

  Xeen frowned. “How did she die?”

  Kita told the story of the attack on her home and Cunningham’s role.

  Xeen’s expression was dark when she finished. “That rancorous barnacled barracuda has the nerve to hire us and then kill the Rose’s mother? He defiles the honor of Arcone! To war!”

  A thunderous roar erupted from the Arconians.

  Kita waved her hands. “Wait, I already have a plan in motion to dispose of him, but I will need your help. My Legion has allied with the rightful King of Yorq to remove the usurper.”

  “You will have all the help you need, Lady Rose. Your nation stands behind you. May I ask about the Legion and you?”