“Too late,” the two women giggled. “It has begun.” The room erupted into applause.
Adam slid over to Cindy. “To my sister I have promised many things, and each promise will be fulfilled. I know you are frightened inside, but when I say to you that there is nothing to fear, that I will always keep my promises to you, and the girls, I mean it. Not try to keep my promises, but to actually keep them. And I promise you now, in front of all who loves us, that I will fulfill each of my promises to you. I only ask that you be patient and hear me out.”
Francoise and Marie were seated behind her, and each placed a hand on her shoulders.
Cindy said, “You must be here for us. I couldn’t bear your loss.”
“We will live out our lives together, and we will always be happy. There are but two minor tasks to attend to, then we will all be back to work with more important matters than taking the heads of these two fools; you will be working closely with me. You will be proud of our work. As the team we are and have always been. My oldest friend and sister”
Adam slid in front of Hecate and Niona. “As for you two conspirators who never listen to my commands and do as you please, I couldn’t be happier to have such women who love me so well, and are so brave. Hecate has been chastised for transforming to mortal form to save Derek, another hero who couldn’t be here tonight, and to save the strange, beautiful and mysterious Niona the Huntress.”
“She will tell us all, she promised. You need only command her,” said Hecate.
“About that, my beautiful Immortal. I have freed Niona from the burden of telling her story, as I understand it would cause her deep pain to do so. I will not command her, but should she decide to share parts of her past, we are all willing to listen, and will not be rude in asking for more. I hope one day to understand who, and what she is, as I will disclose to everyone tonight who and what I have become. But know that our Niona, much beloved by all, will remain with us always, having a special dwelling in each of our hearts for the kindness and beauty she holds within.
“Hecate and I cannot wed; it is forbidden by the Creator. I know that Niona does not love me; she is here to protect me, and help us all, but I believe that she loves, or loved another. I don’t know this as fact, but I tell you all that while she may not feel for me what I feel for her, it doesn’t matter. I free Niona from any earthly bonds to pleasure me as wife or as her Master. I command her to choose freely who she shall love and who you shall choose as a mate. You are free. In all other matters, understand that a question or suggestion isn’t a command; always speak freely and advise wisely. Your skills and bravery have earned you your freedom from serving me in any other way.
“Hecate is my young Immortal who never listens to me but is always in my heart. And, whether visible or not, is never far from my side. That I love her is beyond question. That she is brave and fearless wasn’t known to me, or to our citizens of Paraiso, until Boston, but now we know her true character. I shall walk with her, and Niona, every day throughout the Streets of the City of Light, so that every citizen knows, and understands the love and gratitude I feel for them both.”
Chapter 61
Adam slid down on his knees in front of Alana and Noki. “Before me are the two women who are the future of our planet, the two women who are our very future, and without whom nothing we are doing or will do matters. I have an announcement I have been thinking greatly about of late, and, so now is my time to speak.
“To my wife and confidant Alana, I wish to ask a favor, something I have discussed with but a few, and now my time for asking what everyone in Paraiso already knew has come. I wish you, Alana McCarthy to be my principal wife, the woman I rise with every morning, and to whose arms I return every night. The woman I cook with every day, who sits on the couch watching silly TV shows that make her cry while I read old manuscripts that are long forgotten, and of no importance. The woman I do laundry with, fold clothing and talk about the future. The woman who is patient when patience is a difficult commodity with me just then, the woman who allows me into her world, a world of peace and calm. The woman who teaches me the true meaning of Balance and understands that I am a monster when I need to be, and an angel when my people in need are hurting.
“Alana takes me to her mind, to a room where there is but one recliner, a table with popcorn and a drink of juice, and a big screen TV with a basketball game on. I am alone. Then she knocks gently on the door, and I bid her enter, but when she enters she transforms into the very air I breathe. And the feeling of tranquility that comes over me is such a blessing because I have no cares then, no burdens just calm and peace. She keeps me in that state of bliss, and comfort until she feels that I am healed, and my mind is ready to return to the present, to the troubles and woes I will face the next day when she kisses me goodbye in the morning and shoos me out the door. Every morning I feel the pain of separation, but then I know what awaits me when I return when my day is done.
“Alana, this is long overdue, please say yes, and allow me to share in the happiness you give me every day for the rest of my life.”
“Yes, my love. I gladly accept this honor and have much desired it. I am overjoyed at being your wife and have felt loneliness sometimes even when you are only minutes away from returning home. I look out the window through the drapes, then pretend that I was too busy to notice you coming through the door. But then there you are, standing in the doorway, smiling with your arms outstretched, and waiting for me to come to you, and feel your embrace once again.”
The room broke out in applause, and happiest was Misti St. James. Her days and her duties guiding Adam were at an end. She could move on and be herself, her authentic self. She was happy for Adam, and happy for Alana.
“Now that brings me to some very stern talk about my wife Nocera Lee, who has done so, much, and asked for nothing in return. She has been the victim of a whisper campaign that has sometimes reached the halls of even my own closest family. And what is said, is said without knowledge, and with more than a small amount of pettiness.
“I speak to my wife Noki every day, no matter where I am, and we talk over the deep meaning of the message of the Way. Alana speaks to her about the Balance, and what it means in the context of the Way. For those of you who think that what we are doing is just killing Paulo, and having firefights, you have missed the very point of our mission. In the aftermath of Paulo’s defeat, we must heal a world, and put it back on the track the Creator originally intended for us. Three races combining to one, stronger in every way, more peaceful with less strife, poverty, and cruelty in the world. The creation of such a Utopian society takes patience, understanding and a full-time commitment to understanding those around us. We have Gens who follow a path of symbiosis with humans, and Nobilus who have assimilated, and are eager to join our cause. It is humanity that will likely be the obstacle. Engineering the future, and one so troubled and complex as the one facing us, is a burden of immense dimensions.”
Adam paused.
“And as to sexual congress, our life together is happy, healthy, and vigorous; we have relations frequently, as if that concerned anyone else. Noki is conservative in these matters, and feels our behaviors are between only the two of us. Something that should be private and respected. I agree with her. I respect her wishes and her moral compass, something some of you haven’t chosen to embrace. Shame on you, all of you who have disparaged this fine woman.”
He looked at Noki, now weeping, and said, “Do not weep, my love. You have my undying love, and one day the planet will understand your sacrifices on behalf of all of us. I hope to see the day when the respect you are due is finally paid in full.”
There was quiet in the room.
“And, on a brighter note, Noki is pregnant again with twins. Her promise to me of three children is fulfilled.”
The room broke out in applause, and howls of congratulations. But many were the men and women who came to her afterwards to offer their apologies for being unkind. Noki was seen i
n a different light thereafter, the solitary Abbess having born three children to the Manti.
Adam slid over to Vera and Hannah. “I have loved Hannah Parker the longest and hurt her in many of the unkindest ways. I have permitted my love for Hannah to hurt my other wife, Vera Capri, who has only ever wanted to love Hannah, and be loved by her. I am not now, nor would I ever be the husband to Hannah that she wanted when we were as one; I am too selfish and could never make her happy. It is why she left me, and why she was correct to do so. Yet the heart wants what the heart wants; it isn’t scientific, it isn’t rational.
“What Hannah has always desired is what Vera gives her, love and truth, even when the truth hurts. She is firm when she needs to be and loving and kind at all other times. I have created a rift between two women I love, and if I could but change that and start over, I would do so. I would have you both happy as you once were, before I took things that I wanted without permission.
“Vera, please forgive me, and the cruelty I have introduced into your life. I cannot change the past, my thoughtless behavior, but I accept the largest portion of the blame. I did wrong, knowing it was wrong. I didn’t consider the hurt, and pain, it would cause you. Please take your time, and if you can forgive me, please tell me, so I can lift the burden of my foolish behavior from my shoulders and return us all to the way things were. Hannah loves you, but like me, we were caught up in a moment of madness and selfish behavior. It will never happen again, and please understand I love you both.
“It is little consolation, I know, but there is still a task ahead for you, one I have known about for a very long time. Alana knows it too. I would have you stay and live among us, happy again in the love Hannah now knows she almost lost. I promise my best behavior.”
Vera smiled, having long ago forgiven the two for past misconduct. “I forgive you, but with conditions.”
She looked stern but couldn’t hold her face. “I get more time with my Master, as we all now delight in calling you, and my wife here gets less. That is her punishment and yours.”
“I’m not sure how that punishes me.”
“Not yet. But you will.”
***
Adam arrived at his last two wives, the two he found most enigmatic, Kendra and Misti. Each was her own woman, each had similar reasons for loving Adam, though it was a mystery to him what they were. There had been a history between Adam and Misti, and her life as it developed showed no reason for her to be attracted to him anymore, save family perhaps, and a fantasy she had since childhood about what a life with him would be like.
Kendra had even fewer reasons for her attraction to Adam; they had known each other a very short time, she had a somewhat repressed hatred of men, all men, and had nothing, but contempt for the gender. Yet he met her under unusual circumstances, was attracted to him right away, and was sleeping with him soon thereafter. She felt a physical need to be near him, almost like the attraction caused by gravity, and as the distance between them increased, a certain emotional panic set in. Being apart from him caused her great anxiety; she still wanted to be with him, and all that being in his life had to offer. She became his most trusted advisor in all matters, his conscience and tempering mechanism, and often invited him to her bed with her other female conquests.
Then, one day, she asked him to marry her. Whether she was more surprised than he, or the other way around would never be resolved, and yet it worked for them. It wasn’t chemistry, exactly, it was something much deeper. Mind intrusions solved nothing, and even Hecate could not discover source. Both wanted to understand why this was as it was, but in the end, they just accepted it without further inquiry. Kendra was his bodyguard and occasional lover; she was always nearby watching and anticipating his moves and could detect distance from him and sense danger as their bond grew stronger.
Except for one episode in which Adam left her behind for her own safety, and after he was suitably chastised for the mistake, it never happened again. There were a few times when he asked her to guard someone and take them ahead to the City, but even temporary separation was forever after consensual.
At times, Misti either hated Adam or loved him in a deep and abiding way. Their bonds were fraying in daily life as other wives took over babysitting the man-child, especially Kendra and Alana. Misti would disappear for long stretches without explanation, then reappear seemingly out of nowhere. Sometimes she took her son with her, sometimes she left them in the care of Adam and the family. What she did, and why, was unknown and unquestioned.
Adam never asked.
Adam spoke to Kendra.
“And you, my little one. Are you still happy babysitting your charge? You may leave now if you wish, have a better life than the one I can offer you. If total freedom is your desire, to mate with those whom you should choose, male and female, you may do so. Just let me know; I don’t wish to bind you to an ancient agreement that was never to your liking. You will never be safe around me, and perhaps the time is ripe for decisions.”
“What do you wish?”
“I wish you to stay, always. I breathe you every day, as a committed husband should. But I fear this is not what you were born to be.”
“I am with child, and we will have others; I will stay by your side forever. So, long as I have my other freedoms, there is no other life that could equal even one day with you. I despise men but have decided that I will do as all other of your wives have agreed to do despite your objection. Or, in my case, possibly because of your objection. I shall call you ‘Master’. I love you and want no other freedom than to be by your side always.”
He turned to Misti. “And you my queen? Have you lost your zest for all that we have accomplished?”
“I have. I feel my time here and with you has finally drawn to a close. I shall be leaving soon, though the children shall remain with you. I am not cut out for motherhood as are the others; though I shall return and give birth as is foretold. I have loved you as much as I am capable, but I cannot honestly say I love you any longer. Not in the manner of your other wives who dote on you. That is now Alana’s job, and perhaps still Hannah and Vera’s too. I suggest you truly make peace with Hannah and Vera and find a way to co-habit with Alana as you have promised.
“Where will you go?”
“Somewhere, somewhere where there are no confining rules, and I don’t any longer feel the need for family. Please tell my father that I love him, as I will tell your father after we are done here. And, like in the old movie, if you ever need me, just whistle. I will always love and cherish what we once had. But I cannot stay; this is no longer the life for me.”
Everyone was stunned except Adam, Hecate and Niona.
Misti stood, walked over to see Edward, kissed him goodbye and left.
Chapter 62
Adam called Tar to the stage along with Niona. “Niona, can you tell everyone here what a Sari Blade is?”
“No, I will not. Not if you are going to use it as I think you intend. I cannot be a party to your demonstration. I have never told any other mortal that I feel love for them, but I feel love for you. I will not do as you ask.”
“I do not ask, I command. As well, all others who wish to have this fantasy of calling me ‘Master’, observe what it means. It is not always pleasant.”
Adam continued.
“What is a Sari Blade?”
“It is an ancient blade, which takes over 1000 years to make; it’s origin is Japanese. It is the sharpest most destructive tool on the planet in single combat; it is endowed with supernatural powers.”
“And how might one acquire a Sari Blade? Without telling us how you acquired yours, of course. Go buy one at a hardware store perhaps?”
“No. It must be made for you, if you are deemed worthy, or you must take it as a prize in combat, but, again, only if you are worthy. It will kill anyone who attempts to hold the grip if the blade doesn’t accept its new owner.”
“Thank you.”
“Do not do this. Do not ask me to do th
is. If you love me, please do not make me attempt what you are going to command me to do.”
“Sit and be quiet. If I command you to kill everyone in this room right now, you will do as I command.”
Adam waited a few seconds, which seemed to Niona as an hour.
“I do not hear your assent, Niona.”
“I will do as you command.”
Adam looked at Tar. How strong are you relative to a regular Gens soldier?”
“Strong. Stronger than most.”
“That is a lie, is it not?”
“Master?” Tar, and most of the military, had adopted a new Code: Adam was thereafter their Master. Obedience was the rule; questioning him was not permitted.
“You are the strongest of any Gens of the Gens Germania. In fact, you have never been defeated or even wounded in battle or contest. Is that not correct”
“It is Master.”
“And the sharpness of your claws, are they honed?”
“Every day Master. It is my duty to be prepared to defend you, the City and Paraiso. And to defend Nabataea, as you have commanded, as well as your family and the Ladies of the City.”
“Good. Then we’re clear on the details. Now, when compared to Enzo and Paulo, how sharp are their claws compared to yours?”
“Stronger and sharper by a factor of ten. But no more.”
“Would it surprise you if I said that my claws, all five, are sharper than theirs by a factor of ten thousand.”
“It is a claim hard to imagine.”
“I agree. But if you cut a Fortizi, would they not bleed? An Ai, for example; a traditional belly cut.”
“If not armored, then yes. They would. Defeating them for me would be difficult, but not impossible. I must confess, I would prefer not to meet them, either of them, in single combat.”
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