Resolution

by Douglas E Roff

  “Don’t be a fool. Deception is her stock in trade; many have wished to be her consort; they are all now visiting their antecedents. Recall what she did with Eaton Gray and their children. Don’t think yourself to be so different. It may be so; it may not.”

  It had never occurred to Adam what Saldana might do. It came as a body blow to even consider betrayal. However, Adam was well aware that his women were his failing. He would heed Hecate’s advice and be vigilant. Deep down, he didn’t believe Hecate.

  Chel appeared. “It is done. The men are proud to have been chosen. They shall do their duty immediately, and report to the Village as ordered. I have told them to enter the Musso cages and send them to the afterlife immediately.”

  Hecate said, “Lord Chel, I would ask one more favor.”

  “Yes, Lady?”

  “Watch the Lady Saldana day and night, and report to me her every move. If anything looks suspicious, contact me immediately. If she goes out alone anywhere, I wish to know. Inform the household and guards. If anyone informs the Lady Saldana, it will mean their head. I will do that personally. Do so now, and meet us at the Fields.”

  “It shall be done.”

  Chapter 25

  Three days of new training went poorly. Not only did Hecate have to oversee Adam’s physical training, but also teach new fighting techniques, and strategies. Preparation for everything that Paulo could do, whether allowed by Gens two-man dual combat tradition or not, would have to be ingrained in his muscle memory as if second nature. It was like chess on steroids, only played with razor sharp knives with each player trying to kill the other during the game. Adam’s diet was changed, his strength improved, and after physical training to his limits every day, there was study, and conversation concerning past masters of dual combat each night.

  His sex life was gone. Even Hecate seemed tired in the evening, which wasn’t supposed to be possible. But every evening, she disappeared and wouldn’t discuss with Adam, or anyone, where she went.

  Adam met the men of the Gens Guards who carried out the execution of the Mussos and, as promised, fulfilled his commitments to them. The ceremony was quick, quicker than usual, but when Hecate appeared, and said the time for rejoicing was over, the men scattered immediately. Some feared even knowing she was present. Their respect for the Manti, always high, became even higher. Neither he nor Chel seemed any different around her, although both moved with alacrity when she commanded, just not for the same reasons.

  After the first day, Hecate looked at Adam, and said, “OK, you. Time to go. Tomorrow will be even harder.”

  Adam said nothing. The next several days were hell, and his only salvation, he thought, was that they would be travelling to the Great Council the next day. He thought he could rest. Hecate told him he would get no rest; they had much to discuss, and time on the jet was the only time they had uninterrupted for going over what he could expect in combat.

  Hecate told Chel, and Adam’s wives, and Ladies that they shouldn’t ‘t view her harsh tone as reflecting on them. However, she said, there was no time for the niceties, and the social conventions humans so adored. She informed all that she and Adam weren’t to be disturbed during the upcoming flight for any reason, and that Chel would soon receive daily training instructions, and schedules for their stay in the various realms of the Eighty-One.

  Hecate understood that Adam had to consolidate his power and, to do so, meant he needed the Great Council’s support. There were the Tests of Purity and challenges to be met. Some believed him a fraud, a human trickster. They would soon learn the error of their thinking. But it had to be done gently. Nobody wanted to replace one tyrant with another they hoped was better. If Adam St. James was the Chosen of Chosen, he needed to prove it. Then, and only then, would he gain the full support of the entire leadership and military of the Eighty-One, both human and Gens.

  Akira would be there, but he wasn’t the leader of the Clan of the Gens Germania. He was the Headman of the Village, although he was considered wise and honorable. And, although he recounted all that the Manti had done, and the wisdom and diligence of the St. James and the Eight Families, he was still not permitted in Council unless invited.

  The morning of their departure was chilly; even so, all from the Village and town came to wish him well and say their goodbyes. They went to a meadow where the nanotech airstrip had been constructed and await Adam’s advisors and entourage to board the plane which was but minutes away. They finished their hugs and handshakes, Adam did a little howling with the troops, then they left for the landing strip. When they arrived at the appointed hour, the jet had just landed, and the passenger doors opened.

  Their luggage was loaded, and the passengers prepared to walk up the rear stairs to the passenger cabin. Hecate arrived in human form just as the retinue began loading, but she stopped them.

  “Pilot and crew please board now.” They had been warned to do whatever she said, and not to question her orders. Everyone in Paraiso and the Eighty-One now knew who Hecate the Immortal was, and none felt it wise to disobey her. She seemed preoccupied.

  “Beata, you should board the plane with your Ladies. Now.”

  In the distance, coming out of the woods, being dragged in chains were two men nobody recognized. Both were Gens, transformed, but not in the new way. Adam could spot the difference; the new automatic way wasn’t yet known to the Collective.

  Hecate said to the retinue. “Do any of you recognize these men?”

  Silence.

  “Do either of you two men recognize any in this retinue?”

  They were silent at first, then slowly raised their forefingers to point at Saldana. “Her. I recognize her. Saldana Ri.”

  “How do you know her?”

  “We were sent to exchange messages with her, and to forward replies to our Master.”

  “You are not of the Gens Germania?”

  “No. We are from a clan in Germany on the border with Denmark.”

  “You are Collective?”

  “Yes.”

  “And who is your Master?”

  “Paulo Fortizi, whose life we are sworn to protect.”

  Hecate turned to Saldana. “You are a spy and a traitor. Your life is forfeit.”

  “I bear the child of the Chosen of Chosen. You wouldn’t dare kill me. I am Blessed and honored; you may not pass judgment on me. You are not of our kind or a murderer in waiting. A murderer for the Manti.”

  “Correct.”

  A smirk came over Saldana’s face as if she had just won a bout with Hecate the Immortal.

  Chel transformed and immediately took Saldana’s head. Hecate imploded the heads of the other two spies.

  Hecate said, “OK then, now we can board. We’re late. I brought doughnuts!”

  Everyone was speechless, except Chel whose action was guided by Hecate earlier that morning. Adam couldn’t form words.

  Hecate said to a shocked and astounded Adam, “The child would have been a monster. Mating with her was a mistake; I knew she was a fraud when you told me how she got pregnant. Insurance against what I just did. She was a traitor. Sorry it had to end this way; I know your feelings for her were genuine.”

  Hecate paused, seeing Adam now tired and stunned. His head couldn’t process the rapidity with which events had just taken place right in front of him.

  Hecate said, “But her love and commitment to you and this project were not genuine. I found the proof when Chel captured these men and saw them with Saldana late last night. They were spotted the night before with Saldana but ran away when they heard the approach of local men; townsmen on their way home. These two met again; how they communicated with Saldana I don’t know. I suspect more treason at the Palace but cannot say if that is true or mere speculation. Perhaps she has a communication device hidden somewhere.”

  She turned to Kendra. “I am truly sorry for you, little one. I know you cared for her the most. But she planned on bolting at the first opportunity and cared nothing for you. I know
this hurts you for me to say it, but had you discovered her true motives, she would have killed you.”

  Hecate turned to Adam. “You can thank Chel and his men later. They were exemplary in the performance of their duties; we all owe him our lives. Please don’t be angry with me. But, even if you are, get on board and let’s get moving. We’re wasting precious time.”

  They all got on board, just as Hecate demanded, moving like zombies unable to comprehend what had just taken place. Kendra and Adam were unable to speak. Hecate knew this was cruel, but necessary. She walked up the stairs into the plane with Misti.

  “I had no choice; I am now bound to kill his enemies. I shall not accept failure when the facts are clear.”

  “Were they?”

  “Crystal.”

  ***

  There was little discussion on the plane about their first of three stops, meeting in Council with the heads of local Clans. Not all would attend, but the will of those in attendance, if unanimous would suffice for those who chose not to be at the great meetings.

  The first meeting place was Istul, the old name of a Gens hunting ground in the Mount Lebanon mountain range in north central Lebanon. Neither Christians nor Muslims nor any humans of any race, religion, color or creed entered the hunting grounds of the Lebanese Gens, the Hotari. They had lived in peace, and prosperity with the small human population, and defended each other against enemies, real or imagined. Gens Councillors from throughout the Middle East, Africa part of Central Asia, would attend the first meeting. The next would be on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees Mountains, and the final meeting in China.

  A total of thirty-six delegations would eventually be in Council representing all Eighty-One Clans.

  The first meeting was by far the most important, as bona fides would be established, and communicated worldwide to all Clans. If done well enough, with firm evidence, the meeting in Europe would be cancelled. It was possible, though not probable, that the Asian meeting too would be cancelled if the largest Clans from Asia could attend the first meeting.

  Adam hoped they could extend their stay long enough for all Clans wishing to meet the Manti could attend the first meeting. Hecate was nervous about something, which made Adam nervous. Adam also didn’t think the trip to Asia necessary. If any Clan disapproved of him, that was fine. Prep for the fight was now foremost on his mind and he didn’t think that Hecate was pleased with his diplomatic skills so far.

  “Did you have your secret meeting with Chel?”

  “Yes,” Adam said tonelessly.

  “Did he confirm my story?”

  “Yes.”

  “By his own method of mind connection with the two men I killed?”

  “Yes.”

  “Are we good?”

  “Not sure yet.”

  “OK by me. Sit down, we have something to discuss.”

  “I’m not in the mood Hecate. I’d like to think about this some more.”

  “She would have killed you. And Kendra. You should be thanking me and Chel. Instead you’re whining like a little child who lost his lunch money. Keep this up, and you can fucking prepare for this on your own. Go back to Dietschberg and wait out the six months.”

  “As you wish.”

  “Chel, tell the pilot to turn around. We’re going back to Germany.”

  “You’re an asshole. And ungrateful and selfish. I’m tired of you, and your attitude. Goodbye.”

  Hecate left.

  Everyone heard the argument. Kendra, and Misti came back to Adam, right past Chel, who remained stationary awaiting the outcome of this conversation with Adam’s wives. The Manti was wrong, but his pride was hurt and, worst of all, Chel suspected Adam knew it.

  Misti said, “Are you stupid, or just plain old stupid? You call her back, however the fuck you do it, apologize and let’s get to Lebanon. Our lives are on the line here, and we can’t walk away now because your little backstabbing lovemate got caught by Hecate and Chel trying to fuck you over. We’ve all worked hard and need you to be prepared. So, grow up and get your shit together.”

  “We’re going back to Germany. Go sit somewhere else and leave me alone.”

  Misti turned to Chel. “Don’t say a word to the pilot. We are going on to Lebanon, and you can leave this miserable fuck on the plane for all I care. But when training should start, drag his ass wherever it needs to be and keep training. I’ll handle to Great Council.”

  “Lady Misti, the Council will not listen to you.”

  “They will, or they will all be dead. Trust me, I have no issue with telling them what will happen if we must go it alone. They will be just as dead as us. So, they can help, or not help, at this point I don’t really care. If he keeps this up and Hecate doesn’t return, get your men ready, cause we’re all going hunting for Enzo and Paulo. Fuck the Prophecy; I just found an older version, and I’m the fucking Chosen One now.”

  “But the Manti has ordered me …”

  “Are you as stupid as him too? Do not enable this behavior. I’m warning you, Chel. Do not take a single step toward the pilot or I will fucking come after you. Neither of us wants that.”

  The Gens soldiers, upon hearing that all stood up. They wouldn’t allow Misti to threaten their commander.

  Misti pulled a nanotech pistol. “You all know what this is?”

  They all nodded. “Then sit down or I’ll kill you all where you stand. Who wants to go first?”

  Misti shouted out to no one on the plane. “Hecate! Hecate, please come back. Please. We need you. I need you. Please don’t act like him. Be the grown up here. He’s an ass. You aren’t.”

  Hecate appeared. “Sit down, Chel. You men too, and I mean now. I don’t need a gun to send you into the cosmos in little pieces.”

  They all sat.

  “I will go to the Great Council with you, Lady Misti. They will listen to me. She is very displeased. Stupid fucking humans. And you, Chel? What the fuck?”

  Chapter 26

  The plane landed in Lebanon on time, with a petulant Adam still alone in the back of the plane. Truthfully, he didn’t even know why he was mad except that the surveillance of Saldana, her meeting with obvious traitors and conspirators, along with her execution, had been carried out by Hecate, not him. He was brooding, trying to concoct any plausible story that would make him seem less of a fool, and muster up enough righteous anger to punish all involved in the fiasco without his knowledge or approval. He was angry but should’ve been thankful.

  That’s how it appeared to everyone.

  Kendra went back to visit with him about an hour later. The conversation was quiet and private. She put her arms around him, kissed him on the forehead then walked back to her seat next to Beata. Beata was terrified. The other Ladies were not. They were silent and stoic; this was the business of the Manti and Hecate, so Beata should just sit down and be quiet. All would be resolved properly though everyone was tense.

  After Kendra left, Adam called out to Hecate in his mind. She appeared to him in the seat next to him. Their conversation wasn’t secret; Adam’s sincerity seemed to be absent. It seemed he was being asked, probably by Kendra, to say something he didn’t mean. It didn’t start well.

  “I’m sorry. I was wrong, and you were right. What you did was what is best for us all, so I was an idiot as usual. Can you forgive me?”

  “Not so easy this time Adam. We will continue our training tomorrow. If you keep this up, I will depart, and I will ask Her to send me elsewhere. Maybe she didn’t pick the right Immortal for you after all.”

  Adam’s tone suddenly changed. “If that is your wish, and what you believe, then leave now. Threats don’t work on me. Even from you. You can tell the Creator you have my permission to take my head at any time, and end this. Once I’m dead, this planet and everyone on it will not need me, so what does it matter? Just leave.”

  “I never thought that insincerity was in your makeup, Adam. I guess I was wrong. You really don’t care about anyone other than yourself. How coul
d I have been so stupid?”

  “You met me.”

  “A new Immortal will be assigned; she will arrive when needed. You are on your own now and the fate of your planet sealed by your temper, arrogance and childish behavior. You are not the Chosen of Chosen; you are a spoiled child.”

  ***

  Hecate departed, and what little hope there was for success left with her. Paulo was going to take Adam’s head and then the planet would die.

  When the plane landed, the retinue deplaned to a welcoming committee. To everyone’s surprise, the plane immediately turned around and departed, as planned. Where it was bound was unknown, and when Kendra looked around for Adam, she couldn’t find him.

  Adam left with the plane, unknown to the others.

  By the time anybody could get in contact with the plane, it had already landed in Amman, Jordan; however, Adam didn’t return to Paraiso. Neither did he return to Germany.

  He simply vanished.

  ***

  When Edward spoke to Misti, he was stunned by the news that Adam had disappeared. He thought his son was more stable than he seemed to be, or he wouldn’t have abandoned his family and friends over a temper tantrum.

  “Where would he go, Edward? I mean where could he go?”

  “Back to Seattle? Barrows Bay? He’s got access to the world. For all I know he could be right here in Paraiso. This just doesn’t sound like him. I’m not sure whether I should be worried, annoyed or prepared to help on a moment’s notice. He’ll turn up though, of that I am certain.”

  “We’re coming home. All of us. Be there tomorrow.”

  “We’ll keep the porch light on.”

  ***

  “Did we fool them? Did we? I thought our acting was superb,” said Hecate. They were staying in a luxury hotel on a Greek Island, the bright blue waters of the Mediterranean in full view.

  “I don’t know, Hecate. Maybe you should visit Misti and tell her you can’t find me either.”

  “Bad plan. She’ll know I’m lying. She knows that if I really look, I will find you. Right now, they think I left for good too but separately, and you just skipped out on them out of pique. Let’s leave it that way, at least for the time being.”