The Price of Power

by L A Warren

  “Let’s try something less familiar.” He sat back and crossed his ankle over his knee, then placed a finger to his lip and tapped it slowly.

  She watched, waiting for instruction, as he took in a deep breath and very slowly blew it out. “All right, what I want you to do is form a pattern in your mind.” He tossed out five more of the marbles. “You can use three or more of these balls in your pattern. It should be something that moves, all the balls need to be in motion.”

  “What sort of pattern?”

  “What comes to mind?”

  Elise shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  “Think about it, I’ll wait.” He uncrossed his leg and leaned back on the couch. He locked his hands together and placed them behind his head.

  She pulled her attention away from him and back to the table.

  A pattern.

  Something simple or did he want more? There was no way to tell with this man. Whatever she chose, he would want something different. She thought of the planetary construct she had formed in the park, what seemed like ages ago, and decided against it.

  Finally, she settled on moving the balls along a circle, one chasing the next. Three balls entered the loop and she added a fourth and then a fifth. She had a chain of little balls moving along the top of the table between her and the High Tender.

  He tossed ten more of the marbles down on the table. “Add these, s’Lissa.”

  She did.

  He added a few more. “Fit these in.”

  She did.

  “Pretty simple,” he said. “How about making two rings?”

  She complied, splitting the one long chain into two equal parts.

  “Can you move them in opposite directions?”

  She did.

  “Not bad.” He uncrossed his hands and placed them in his lap.

  She glanced at him and watched him examine the moving mass of marbles. He tossed ten more marbles on the table. “Can you fit these in and perhaps widen your rings?”

  She slipped all the marbles neatly into her rings.

  “How about three rings?”

  Elise stared at her little construct and decided how to fit the request into her mass of twirling marbles. Two rings became three.

  “Good.” He leaned forward. “Can you lift it up off the table, so that it is at eye level and easier for me to see?”

  “Yes, High Tender.”

  Elise floated the entire construct off the table. She had three rings moving in perfect unison. The inner and outer rings moved clockwise. The middle ring rotated counter-clockwise.

  “Excellent. Why don’t you play with it a little? Show me what you can do. Try taking it out of a single plane, or maybe weave your circles together?”

  Elise stared at the moving beads and thought about what she wanted to do. It should be easy enough. The middle ring turned ninety degrees to the other two. She maintained the orientation of all three without too much difficulty. Elise wondered if she could spin the whole thing around its common center. The three rings began to rotate and then to spin. She played with the creation and moved each ring around a center point and then shifted it again. Before long she had each ring spinning and rotating in every possible direction.

  “That is nice,” the High Tender responded absently. “I would like you to add to it. Are you up for that?”

  “Yes,” she said absently as she stared at the twirling mass.

  “First, is there a way to speed it all up, not too fast, just so the marbles begin to blur a bit?”

  She complied, and the rotating, swirling, twisting mass became a seemingly solid set of three rings as the marbles blurred into a silver haze.

  The High Tender stood and walked over to a small sink set behind his desk. He filled up a glass with water and placed it below her construct. “Pretty good so far. Let’s see if you can incorporate this water. It’s up to you. Either a couple loops of water, to add to the number of rings, or you can put the water into the rings you already have.”

  Elise looked at the water and thought.

  Nothing happened.

  The High Tender said nothing, and simply watched. Either of his requests was easy enough, but it was getting difficult keeping track of all the balls. They might drop if she added anything else. The memory of the park came to mind and she remembered how she had secured the first rotating mass of fruit to catch the second tossed into the air by the High Tender.

  “Are you ok?” The High Tender sat back down.

  “Yes, just thinking.” She tried a few attempts and her rings wobbled. She stabilized them and tried to remember how she’d tied it off before. “Can I ask you a question? Sometimes distraction helps.”

  “As long as you keep working on it, sure.”

  “What makes a man a Tender rather than a master? Why don’t you have a s’vlor of your own, or do you? I guess I don’t know that you don’t.”

  “I don’t. Tenders train the WOR, but we don’t Bind them.”

  Elise got her rings to stop wobbling and thought she saw how to get them to stay put. She didn’t want the movement to stop, though. Talking to him seemed to help. “Why not? I kind of got the impression having a s’lor, and especially a s’vlor, gave a man, a lord, great power.”

  “Having a bound WOR is incredibly prestigious. It’s an honor to be selected. So is training WOR. All the WOR, with the exception of the First Rank, maintain their Tender indefinitely. As I told you before, it’s a lifelong relationship.”

  He wasn’t especially forthcoming with his answers.

  “Why are there no male WOR? If it’s a matter of the right number of genes, there should be some. Where are they?”

  “You’re not making progress on your work.” He waggled a finger in the general direction of her mass of marbles.

  She frowned wondering how he knew she wasn’t working on it. “I’m still thinking about it. Besides, how can you tell?”

  He chuckled. “Distraction, right? Or are you pumping me for information?”

  “Both.” She graced him with a smile and a shrug. She tried a few things but couldn’t free herself of the concentration needed to keep everything spinning.

  “There are twenty WOR genes located on each of the X chromosomes. Very few have these genes. A woman must have fifteen paired genes to become WOR.”

  “Is that why there are no male WOR? It takes two X chromosomes?”

  “Yes. Men have only the one X chromosome.”

  “So, the genes are present throughout your population, but there’s a minimum number required to make a WOR. Gregor did say he left Earth as a WOR breeding ground.”

  “I believe you said that. He merely implied it.”

  “Nevertheless.” She cocked a brow up in irritation. The solution to tying off the construct was almost there. She tried a few things and watched the rings wobble.

  “To answer your other question,” he said, “as to why I have no s’vlor, that is simple.”

  “Really?” She almost had it figured out.

  “For men, the number of WOR-genes affects our ability to sense the WOR-skill and determines whether we’re able to be paired with a WOR. That’s how we guide your training. It’s how I can tell that you’re trying something now, and how I know when you’re not working.”

  She quirked a brow at him and nodded. “I wondered about that.”

  “Men have only one X chromosome. In order to train WOR, at least eleven of those genes must be active. High Tenders express fifteen. There are few Vendel with even half that number floating around in their genes. A very small number sixteen, the minimum required amount to become a ‘lor or v’lor lord.”

  “So? Tenders have eleven to fifteen of these genes and the lords have more?” With a nudge, her construct shifted into place and she tied off her flows.

  “Precisely.”

  “And that is what determines caste?”

  “Caste is determined by birthright. In the very rare instance that a commoner expresses the appropriate numbe
r of WOR-genes, he may be elevated to Tender status, or that of the ‘lor or v’lor.”

  Elise turned her attention to the water in the glass and thought about the next problem.

  “I just described what makes a Tender and what makes a High Tender. It’s very similar to how the Ranks of WOR are determined.”

  “The number of our paired genes? I’m assuming I have all twenty as a Fifth Rank WOR?”

  “Correct.”

  “What else? It feels like there’s more. How are the lords different? It can’t just be the number of their genes?”

  “It’s not. They are the product of genetic experimentation dating back from the time of Vendel Rising when we left Earth. The lords have additional engineered genes located on the Y chromosome, up to five. One for each Rank. These allow the lor’ and vlor’ to accept the genetic material of a WOR.”

  “From the Blood Rite?”

  “Exactly. Most lords have the required number of genes on their X chromosome. Many become Tenders. Again the combination, as well as the number of genes, determines the level of WOR the lord can successfully control.”

  Should she take the water from the cup, or just have it appear in place? Elise considered the best way to solve this problem. “And how do they establish that control?”

  Three streams of water snaked out of the glass and wove around the three blurred strands of marbles. Once she had these in place, she added water in between the marbles of each ring.

  “That’s the Binding Rite.”

  Elise tied off the water rings and the water inside the marble rings. The glass was now empty. “Is that how Gregor expects to train me? An early Binding and then push me past this mental block you both believe I have?”

  “Exactly.”

  “If the Vector killed and the Activator hurt, and the Blood Rite prepares the lord, what does the Binding Rite do? What should I expect? More pain? Is there a chance that might kill me like the Activator?”

  “The Vector did not kill, it selected. And while Activation is painful and we lose some, it serves a vital purpose. I imagine, for you and the Emperor, the actual Binding will be quite enjoyable. No pain at all.” He lifted his brows.

  I hate this man, Malice whispered.

  “You didn’t answer my question. I didn’t ask you how it felt. I asked you what it will do to me.”

  “It will pacify you, s’Lissa, and accomplish what even Tender Training could not.” He wiped his hands on his thighs and stood. In his coldest Tender Training voice, he said, “Now, let us finish with this assessment. I want you to stop all motion on your little work of art here. Tie it off and leave it.”

  Without thinking, Elise complied with the High Tender’s command. Three separate rings of marbles stopped cold. Frozen in ice-rings, the mass of marbles hung in space. The three rings of pure water also froze and hovered in place. The entire structure floated two feet above the center table.

  High Tender Marcus licked his lips and flicked his gaze to her. “Very good, s’vlor. Return to your master. Inform him his little experiment may continue. I will see you later.”

  He waved her toward the door with the fingers of both hands. She was dying to ask more questions, but when his eyes narrowed and the braklav snapped into his palm, she ran for the door and did not look back.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Gambit, Day 260

  Ecstatic over the news of her performance for the High Tender, Gregor took Elise to his quarters and had her show him the construct she made in the High Tender’s office. Within a matter of seconds, she had the odd model complete and spinning a meter above the floor.

  “This’s amazing, opés. Do you realize what you have accomplished?” His enthusiasm buried her in fervent kisses.

  “Gregor!” Elise wrapped her arms around him and dug her fingers into his hair, enjoying his touch more than she should. She hated him, or should, but couldn’t deny the attraction building between them. Seconds turned to minutes, until even the minutes flew by as they stretched out on his couch, arms and legs entwined. Passion burned between them, igniting a blaze of desire leaving them both breathless, and leaving her terribly confused.

  What are you doing? Have you forgotten about your races tonight? The lurker’s displeasure filled her mind with sharp, grating sounds. We’re going to be late.

  A glance at the clock on the wall had her eyes widening.

  Oh shit!

  “Gregor, stop.” She put a hand on his chest and pressed him back, or tried to. He didn’t budge.

  He laughed. “Opés, you can’t refuse me.” Silver eyes, heavy with lust, gazed into hers. The sexual tension sizzled between them, but as always, he kept their clothes on and their hands confined above the waist. He leaned down for another kiss.

  She blocked him with a finger pressed to his lips. “It’s too much.”

  He pressed her back to the couch.

  Fine. You want to play this game? I’m all in, emperor.

  Elise put a hand on his belt. “I need to get to bed. It’s late and I have a very demanding schedule in the morning. If, however, you want to move this to your bed, I’m happy to follow. Otherwise, this is torture. I always thought it was the girl who was supposed to be the tease. But here we are, I say Go and you say Stop.” She nibbled on his ear. “This is the last kiss, dear Gregor, unless you remove all your clothes and mine.” She tugged on the belt.

  He gave a deep throaty laugh. “Dear opés, I believe you would make the High Tender blush.” His hand moved down and gripped hers. It shook slightly.

  “The High Tender’s exact words were to ‘enjoy my master.’ Which I would like very much to do, now in fact.”

  He cocked his head and lifted his brows in surprise. “He didn’t say that, did he?”

  She grinned and placed a finger between their lips when he tried to steal a final kiss. “Ask him yourself when you see him. It’s time for me to leave.”

  Tonight, she was scheduled for two jump-jet races. If he didn’t release her soon, she’d have to forfeit her first race.

  To her shock, Gregor rolled off and helped her up from the couch. He tried to kiss her again, but she pulled away, shaking her head and laughing.

  “I’m serious, Gregor. The next kiss tonight will only be given in your bed and without the interference of clothes.” She jerked her head toward his bedchamber.

  He gave her a low throaty chuckle and kissed her neck. “I look forward to it, opés.” Gregor led her to the lift tube and kissed the back of her hand. “I’ll take you back to your room.”

  Elise made a point of drawing her gaze down his body and below his waist. “I think you should take a cold shower. I don’t think you should go out in your condition.” She flicked her eyes downward for emphasis and traced his tented arousal with the tip of her finger.

  He sucked in a breath and moved her finger.

  She rose up on her toes and pecked his cheek. “Soon, my love, I will be able to fill your desire. Until then, enjoy your shower.” She flashed a smile and opened the lift tube doors.

  As she escaped Gregor’s quarters, she breathed a deep sigh.

  Shriek unfolded from the darkness. I hate when you kiss him.

  I like kissing him, she replied.

  It’s gross, Shriek chided. Have you forgotten what he has done?

  Oh, be silent! I’ll take as much pleasure out of that man as I can. It’s the only thing I hold over his head. I’ll jerk his chain as much as I can, while I can.

  You’re welcome to it, my sister. I want none of that kind of touch.

  Yes, you have a different passion don’t you sister?

  Shriek had the worst job of them all.

  Do not feel sorry for me. I embrace the braklav. Good night and good luck on your races.

  Goodnight, sister.

  Elise floated down the lift tube, wishing it would take her to her destination faster. She reached the Fifth Deck and raced into her suite.

  On her return, she found Chandra and Aomi pacing.


  “You’re late. Where have you been?” Chandra cried out.

  “Guess! Gregor was celebrating my success.”

  “Tonight’s your first official race. If you don’t show up its all forfeit.” Aomi’s delicate hands fisted at her sides and her long black hair glistened in the light. “Winning that prize money is our only hope of escape.”

  Elise reached out and took Aomi’s slender hands in hers. “I have not forgotten what’s at stake.”

  “At least you enjoy his kisses,” Chandra snickered.

  Aomi fell silent, as she did whenever they spoke of their masters’ affections. Alice scared her with the sex talk and Elise and Chandra were still trying to repair the damage. Of the four of them, Aomi would be losing more than just her mind at the Binding Rite.

  “Where’s Alice?” Elise stripped out of her dress.

  “Lord vlor’Calcask kept her over for a private dinner.” Chandra rolled her eyes. “Valerius had me stay for dinner last night. I think they’re trying to make up to us for Tender Training.”

  “By making out?” Aomi’s almond eyes glittered coal black in the light. “Like we’d forget what they did to us. I’ll never forget Talen’s eyes as he put my wrists in shackles. Fortunately, he’s been too busy with the High Council to pay much attention to me lately. I’ve barely seen the bastard.” Aomi breathed a sigh of relief.

  “They lost another planet, and Gregor has been pestering them to allow him to steal my mind.” Elise finally managed to struggle out of her dress and the knotted ties.

  Both their expressions fell at that comment.

  “Cheer up,” she said. “Remember what Alice said? We’re not dead ‘till we’re dead. I still have my mind. We’re still in the fight.” She threw on her exercise gear and opened the bio-cart access panel. She glanced at her friends. “Wish me luck.”

  “Good luck!” Chandra raised her hand in a salute.

  “Great skill!” Aomi said with a smile.

  Elise raced down the corridor and headed to the hangar. Jeena and Dove waited for her by the Spider Devil. About half the black tassels remained on Dove’s ship.