The Ardoon King

by Samuel Fort

  Chapter 62: Eliza’s Courage

  In the hallway outside the music room, Persipia turned to Eliza and said, “Can you provide me a list of supplies that you need? You’d mentioned ammunition, I believe. What kind?”

  “Shotgun shells, 12 gauge, and-”

  Persipia shook her head. “Sorry, that was stupid of me to ask. I don’t know anything about weapons or ammunition. Perhaps you should just give me a list that I can take to the armory. What about the other supplies, though? Food, for example?”

  The two began to walk down the corridor, and Eliza said, “We’re not beggars. Just the basics. Flour, salt, dehydrated vegetables, canned meat, that sort of thing.”

  “I’m sure Annasa would like to provide you with tea and coffee. Perhaps some chocolate, for Celeste?”

  “I think that girl’s had about enough rich food for a while. She’s getting spoiled. Time for her to toughen up again. It’s not an easy life down there, you know.”

  “I do. What time do you plan to leave?”

  “Noon.”

  Persipia stopped and turned. “That’s only two hours from now.”

  “That’s right. The days are short. We need to leave now, while we’ve got an opportunity.”

  “Should you not wait on Sam?”

  “That might be weeks, honey. Celeste could be brainwashed completely by then.”

  Persipia sighed and nodded. After looking in both directions, she lowered her head and whispered, “I understand. You’re right, you know.”

  “About what?”

  “The queen. ‘Goldie.’ She’s more evil than you think.” Looking left and right again, Persipia made a half turn away from Eliza, pulled her dress up and pinned it to her hip. She didn’t wear underwear.

  Her bottom was covered in angry red and purple welts.

  “God almighty!” said Eliza, paling. She stared for a long moment – perhaps too long, thought Persipia – before looking up and saying, “Darlin’, you should come with us.”

  Persipia dropped her dress. “I’m a refugee myself, Eliza. I came from down there. I saw what was done. I would not survive for long. I know that.”

  “You’re just going to stay here and take that kind of abuse?”

  The other woman frowned. “What choice do I have?”

  “You’ve always got the choice to be free.”

  Persipia looked up and down the hall again and began to wring her hands. “The Peth will escort us to your home, Eliza, but they will not stay. They must return here. Who would protect us?”

  “I can use a gun, and so can Celeste. We can teach you to use one, too.”

  “What about the others?”

  “Others?”

  “Those who would come with us. The kitchen slaves you mentioned.”

  Eliza shrugged and put her hands on her hips. “Well…”

  Persipia looked fixedly at the woman, her concern evident. “Eliza, there are others, aren’t there? Did you lie to Annasa? You must not be alone with Celeste! It is far too dangerous.”

  “I didn’t lie, exactly. I know there are plenty of ‘disgruntled employees’ here. I’ve got a couple of folks I’m going to invite along.”

  “On such short notice?”

  “They don’t have to come, Persy. Or they can follow later. It’s up to them. With you we’d have three, at least. That’s enough to set up a watch.”

  Persipia closed her eyes and shook her head. “I can’t. I’m sorry. I do not have your courage.”

  The old woman made an ugly face. “That’s just pathetic.”

  Persipia bowed her head. “I am not proud, Eliza. Not anymore.”

  The woman licked her lips. “I bet you enjoy getting your ass blistered, don’t you?”

  Persipia knew the look in the woman’s eyes. She’d like to do some blistering herself. She glanced at the tiny solar watch around her wrist. “Two hours. We better get moving.”

  The women continued down the hall to the elevator, which was guarded by a Peth. The man was a giant, eight inches taller than six feet, and so broad it seemed impossible that he would be able to fit into the car. He wore standard black body armor and held a carbine across his chest. He had goatee, bushy eyebrows, and menacing eyes.

  “Captain Haden,” said Persipia, nodding.

  “Lady,” said the giant in a thick, deep voice, tipping his head slightly.

  “This is Eliza,” Persipia said, raising a hand toward the woman. “I spoke to you about her earlier.”

  She turned back to Eliza. “I wish I had your courage. Your willingness to sacrifice everything. Even the things you love most. Leading your granddaughter to her death merely to preserve your pride,” she said, slowly shaking her head. “That takes a special kind of person.”

  Eliza tried to respond. The ham-sized hand over her mouth prevented it.

  Persipia looked at the Peth holding the woman and said, “Natural causes, Haden. No marks.”