Fortuna

by E G Manetti

  Sweeping through the far end of the hull, the LATs set down near the construction hangar, a good-sized warehouse dwarfed by the hull. Alighting from the LAT, Lilian turns to Declan. “I can see why the arid plains are a good choice for construction—the hulls do not need to be sheltered.”

  “That and the isolation discourage any who do not need to be here,” Declan agrees. “It also simplifies security. No one enters or leaves without being observed.”

  Nodding understanding, Lilian accompanies the protégé into the hangar where milord waits with the other governors. For the tour, she need not flank milord’s left shoulder, but she will remain within milord’s sight. Master Aidan appears from a nearby bay to act as their guide. Taking them through the myriad sections used for storage, assembly, and testing, the engineer demonstrates an impressive understanding of all aspects of the SEV1’s construction. The tour ends at the conference chamber, where Monsignor Angus offers the group refreshment and the opportunity to explore any aspects of the construction they choose.

  It is the perfect opportunity to discuss Master Aidan’s requirements for Vistrite crystals. With milord’s permission, Fletcher, Nickolas, and Lilian retreat to a nearby engineering section with Aidan and Declan. Lilian regrets that neither Seigneur Solomon nor Master Simon is available for the discussion. With Fletcher and Nickolas’ aid, after a period and a half, she is satisfied that she has the specifications correct. Master Aidan’s enhanced designs are inspired, if most likely impractical.

  The original designs for the propulsion systems will send the SEV1 flying to the Thirteenth System at speeds that exceed all but the fleetest of military vessels. These new designs could propel the SEV1 at speeds faster than any known transport. While Lilian is reluctant to speak with authority, she very much doubts that it is possible to shape Vistrite to meet the requirements. She voices it not. Master Simon and Chrys are remarkably inventive. They may discover a means. “I will send an alert to Serengeti as soon as we return to the Serenity. We may have an answer before the Summit concludes.”

  14. Shrine Offering

  The origin of the Five Warriors’ practice of blood oaths is unknown. Some scholars speculate that the Five Warriors would only trust those who served them in battle, risking their lives and shedding their blood. Others speculate that the blood offering stems from primitive, blood-based genetic mapping techniques. Whatever the origins of the practice, it is a matter of historical record that the Five Warriors sealed the Code of Engagement and Governing Protocols with their blood. They then bound their retainers with blood oaths to abide by these Agreements of Order. In the modern era, the blood offering is symbolic of the willingness to do battle for the Shade and the commitment to the Warrior’s Canon and the Agreements of Order. Competency and mastery trials are among the most sacred of rites, combining combat in the Shade’s Discipline with blood in a powerful offering to the Shades that is also a display of the commitment to defend Order even unto death. ~ excerpt from The Foundations of Order, a scholarly treatise.

  Sevenday 97, Day 7

  Following milord into the hushed main chamber of Sinead’s Shrine, Lilian notes all eyes turning their way. It is not only milord’s power that draws attention; milord is impossibly attractive in a royal blue tunic tucked into tailored midnight trousers. The elegant garb makes Lilian uncomfortably aware that her worn training trousers and tunic are closer to charcoal gray than black. The expense of new training garb does not trouble Lilian as much as the knowledge that she cannot afford replacement garb of the same quality that she now wears.

  “Allow me the honor of holding your satchel,” Fletcher offers as they reach the effigy of Sinead Standingbear. Both Fletcher and Nickolas insisted on accompanying her to the shrine when they learned of her plans to combine the devotional offering she promised Maman with a trial by shrine discipline master. Their support, along with milord’s, eases the sting of the Adelaide Discipline Master’s refusal to give trial to a tainted doxy. Nor is Lilian immune to the appeal of the two protégés. Handsome at all times, the two protégés are nearly as devastating as milord this day, Nickolas in a tunic of forest green loose over black leather trousers and Fletcher in an ice blue tunic and gray trousers.

  “My thanks.” Lilian reaches into the satchel for her thorn before handing the satchel to Fletcher. Now that they are fully within the shrine, she is no longer constrained by the prohibition of bearing arms in milord’s presence.

  “Your offering.” Nickolas holds out four gold coins.

  “Master Nickolas?” Lilian eyes the generous offering in confusion.

  “A portion of our winnings on your match with Hannah.” Nickolas smiles.

  “Shrine offerings are permitted under the strictures that forbid an apprentice from wagering or benefiting from wagering,” Fletcher adds with a brilliant grin.

  Uncertain, Lilian glances at milord.

  “It is permitted,” milord agrees.

  Gratefully, Lilian accepts the gold, far more than the two silver coins she had planned.

  Third Hill Park Sinead’s Shrine is half the size of the Garden Center shrine and, at the early bell, sparsely attended. The shrine keeper is quick to notice their arrival and hurries over to greet Lilian, or, more accurately, milord. It would be a rare event in the woman’s life to meet a warrior of milord’s status. The discipline master is equally cordial and equally eager for an introduction to the Serengeti Preeminence.

  The prelates’ gracious deference is a common experience for Lucius. There are few in the Twelve Systems who fail to accommodate his will and whims. As Sinead’s Keeper leads Lilian to the effigy of the Fifth Warrior, Lucius wonders at the temerity of this backwater Adelaide Keeper and Discipline Master that they would slight his conservator. He will need to speak with Apollo on his return to Crevasse City. For now, Lucius will enjoy the exhibition of Lilian’s skill with her thorn. Except for a few surreptitious observations, he has been unable to observe Lilian in full use of her blade. The challenge itself is unusual, thorn against short sword. Even without Lilian’s participation, Lucius would find the match of interest.

  At the shrine keeper’s signal, Lilian places the gold coins at the base of Sinead’s effigy. Declining the shrine’s ritual blade, Lilian uses her thorn to prick a finger for the blood offering smeared on the topmost coin. Stepping back, head bowed and thorn raised on her palms, Lilian utters the formal words, “With gratitude for Sinead’s favor toward her seer Helena and Adelaide’s consecrated, Lilian.”

  “Monsignor, well met,” Kemeha murmurs softly from his side.

  “Kemeha, what brings you here?” Lucius keeps his voice low, as unwilling as Kemeha to disrupt the ritual.

  “I was on my way into Rimon’s Shrine when I saw Fletcher entering here,” Kemeha explains. “What goes forward?”

  “Lilian is to be tried by Sinead’s Discipline Master.” Lucius nods toward the challenge square.

  “Truly?” Kemeha’s eyes widen with eagerness. “May I join you?”

  “Of course,” Lucius replies, his gaze on Lilian as she makes her way to the challenge square where the discipline master waits.

  “If Monsignor pleases.” George steps forward with a meaningful glance at the gallery.

  Lucius would prefer to witness the thirty-minute trial from the floor near the square, but he will not resist the necessary security measures. Accompanied by Kemeha, Fletcher, Nickolas, George, and a Blooded Dagger Militia guard, Lucius mounts the stairs to the gallery.

  In the challenge square, the discipline master tests the weight and balance of a blunted training sword. It can bruise and break bone, but it will not sever flesh. Preferring the weight and balance of her own thorn, Lilian places an edge guard over the thorn. The thin polymer sheath blunts the edges but leaves the point exposed. A discipline master scratched by a thorn point considers it a just retribution for lack of skill.

  Blade ready, Lilian glances to the gallery and milord. His gaze holds approval as he offers an encouraging nod.
It may be just as well that milord does not observe from the floor, he is far too distracting. I am the sum of my ancestors.

  Before she can step into the square, Socraide’s Keeper and Discipline Master arrive, no doubt drawn by milord’s presence. Lilian cannot recall the identity of the Fourth System patron of Socraide’s Sect, but she is sure the Lord or Lady is well below the Serengeti Preeminence in rank. The local Socraide Keeper would be eager to meet such a highly ranked member of Socraide’s Sect. Unlike Virgil, these Socraide Prelates are as cordial as Sinead’s. Introductions complete, the two prelates join Sinead’s Keeper to witness the trial while Lilian enters the square.

  There are no rules other than to remain within the square. As soon as her feet are on the mat, the discipline master starts the trial clock and simultaneously swings the training sword at her head. Ducking below the metal stave, Lilian pivots, flowing along her attacker’s flank, catching his training trousers with her thorn. The discipline master rolls away, unblooded but far warier.

  The discipline master has six inches on Maman and possibly ten years’ experience to enhance his guile with his weapon, but he lacks the seer’s quickness and her knowledge of her daughter. With skill honed in a stone training chamber, Lilian weaves around, under, and over the striking sword. After thirty minutes, the discipline master has three small thorn scores while Lilian has received but one blow sufficient to bruise.

  Carefully shielding her pleasure in her performance, Lilian formally thanks the discipline master for his instruction. Knowing he has received as much of a lesson as he has imparted, but not lacking a sense of humor, the man acknowledges Lilian’s thanks before asking, “When do you try for mastery?”

  “Not for some years, Discipline Master.” Lilian may not even apply for trial until her bond proves. Until that time she remains discredited and without status, unworthy of a mastery trial. Even if it were permitted, until her bond proves she lacks the resources to begin the serious training for mastery. Once it proves, it will likely be months, if not years, before she develops the endurance for the two-bell trial.

  “Years, Mistress?” The discipline master’s smile broadens. “With years to hone your skills, someone will bleed for your mastery, but it may not be you.”

  Mastery trials use live blades with the same polymer sheathing as Lilian used this day. As with all warrior rituals, the offering is not acceptable without some blood spilt and usually by the candidate for mastery. To suggest the master would bleed is a significant compliment and not one Lilian knows how to answer. She is beyond relieved when milord calls her from the challenge square.

  With him are the prelates, as well as the protégés and Seigneur Kemeha. As Lilian reaches the group, Sinead’s Shrine Keeper asks Seigneur Kemeha to identify the warrior he follows. Learning that Kemeha is one of the Second Warrior’s consecrated, Sinead’s Keeper briefly locks her gaze with Socraide’s Keeper. To have a warrior from each sect is to have a surrogate from each of the Five Warriors attend the ritual. Even more significant is that as milord’s apprentice, Lilian is his retainer. As his conservator, she is his vessel. In the eyes of the Five Warriors, Lilian’s offering of trial by combat is the same as if it were milord in the square. With a delighted smile, the shrine keeper raises her hands in benediction. “Monsignor, Sinead has permitted her discipline master to bleed for your devotion. The Fifth Warrior favors your petition and grants her blessing on Bright Star.”

  »◊«

  Entering the reception chamber, Lucius nods his approval at the light refreshment laid out for the afternoon. After Lilian’s shrine challenge, the morning developed into an impromptu ring walk ending at the Shrine of the Fourth Warrior. Expecting to be able to express his displeasure to Adelaide’s Keeper and Discipline Master, Lucius was annoyed to find them suspiciously absent from the alcove. To his amusement, Lilian was able to express quiet contempt in a formal offering of two small silver coins, the paucity of the offering a marked contrast to the gold left at Sinead’s Shrine. Nor does Lucius doubt the action was aught but deliberate. While the two silver coins are a fair offering from one of Lilian’s station, she could have held one of the two gold coins for the alcove. Adelaide received her due, the alcove prelates little enough. Devotions complete, Lucius readily invited Kemeha and protégés to his suite for refreshment, where they spent a pleasant bell discussing martial arts and the variances in the different Five Warrior Disciplines.

  Afterward, giving Lilian liberty until third bell, Lucius retreated to his chambers to review his alerts and attend to family matters. At the sound of third-bell chimes, Lucius abandoned his chamber to make ready for Horatio’s arrival. Curled in a chair by the flowing water art, Lilian is intent on her slate. A black suit skirt and blouse have replaced her training garb while the dark red hair remains tightly confined in a warrior’s queue. If it were not for the mist-green outfit, Lucius would believe the woman owns naught but black. No matter, it is sufficient for Horatio.

  Originally, Lucius intended to give Lilian the full day at liberty. After Horatio’s blatant attempt to use his protégé to beguile Lilian, Lucius decided to use the opportunity to test Horatio’s reactions. “What interests you, Lilian?”

  Pulling her eyes from her slate, Lilian finds milord garbed in the same appealing royal and midnight of the morning. Once again, Lilian feels drab and underdressed. It cannot be helped, the mist-green and gold frocks are meant for evening bells. Rising to address milord, Lilian drags her gaze from milord’s broad shoulders to meet his quizzical expression. Milord asked about her work. “The transmission times from the Shimmering Horizon to Serengeti. The results are not ideal, but overall satisfactory. The coded messages are slower from the transport to Serengeti than those from the Cartel to the transport.”

  “How is that satisfactory?” Milord’s curiosity turns to confusion.

  “The coded messages remain faster than standard alerts,” Lilian explains. “But even better, the differential with alerts increased. The final transmission times were three bells for coded messages and ten for standard alerts.”

  “Excellent.” Milord’s frown disappears. “Have you sent the results to Nickolas and the others?”

  “Just now, milord,” Lilian reports.

  “Very well.” Milord moves away to examine the repast ordered for Horatio Margovian. “Have you aught to attend to, do it now.”

  »◊«

  Horatio must admit that the sun-drenched balcony has a spectacular view of the bay, far better than the vista of the hills provided by his suite. Horatio finds Lucius’ subtle display of dominance mildly amusing. Using this suite for their conference gives Lucius a host’s advantage as well as reminding Horatio that his suite is not as fine. Such tactics will not influence Horatio, but he would have done the same.

  On Horatio’s left, William softly thanks Lilian for pouring his wine. On Lucius’ right, Marco spears a small crustacean. For all his positioning, Lucius has orchestrated the conference to encourage the sense of a gathering of friends rather than a negotiation among rivals. Although unexpected, Lilian’s presence is not unwelcome. Her service is far more graceful than one of the guesthouse servitors and unquestionably discreet.

  “Monsignor Angus is not joining us?” William wonders.

  “Angus was welcome,” Lucius accepts wine from Lilian with a small nod of acknowledgment, “but he prefers to focus on SEV1 construction and leave the commerce exploitation of the Bright Star innovations to Serengeti and Matahorn.”

  With a chuckle, Marco reveals, “Monsignor Angus was blunt. His exact words were, ‘If you two cannot agree, contact me. Otherwise, I have an SEV to construct.’ ”

  William barks laughter. “That certainly sounds like Monsignor Angus.”

  “It is well Angus is a genius.” Horatio frowns. “Otherwise, his manner would be offensive.”

  “Manners are generally more relaxed here in the Fourth System,” Lucius points out. “I find the directness refreshing.”

  “And the p
racticality,” Marco adds. “Monsignor Angus has not the shares to override Serengeti and Matahorn, and Leonardo Society’s share of any Bright Star commercial is contracted.”

  “True enough,” William concurs. “If Matahorn and Serengeti cannot agree, it will be soon enough to include Leonardo.”

  “To that end,” Lucius turns to Horatio, “what are Matahorn’s thoughts on marketing the hull alloy?”

  “Can we produce a lesser quality?” Horatio settles into the conversation. “One that will not allow others to build vehicles the size of the SEV1?”

  From there, discussion proceeds along pleasant lines; the topics under discussion will benefit all the consortium partners. As Marco and William politely negotiate investments and returns, Horatio studies Lilian. After the fiasco with Damien St. Gervais, he reconsidered his convictions about the disgraced woman. Two years gone, he had been as aware as Lucius of her prodigy. Expecting her to follow her family tradition of service to Matahorn, Horatio agreed to offer a protégé contract worthy of her gifts.

  When Lilian snubbed Matahorn in favor of Serengeti, Horatio mentally shrugged. Clearly, for all her brilliance, she lacked sufficient ambition or commerce judgment. When Omar lowered himself to pursue the girl to induce her to Matahorn, Horatio could not understand why the Broken Axe Preeminence was so determined to have this one protégé. The historical ties to Bright Fire through the mother and Broken Axe through the father were insufficient cause. They were useful but minor retainers.

  When the Grey Gyre scandal broke, Horatio took smug pleasure in Serengeti’s embarrassment at having offered a protégé contract to the tainted and cowardly offspring of that ill-fated cartouche. He found Lucius’ decision to take a coward as his apprentice unfathomable but eventually dismissed it as a personal indulgence.