Riwenne & the Bionic Witches

by Kristen S. Walker

  The cell was as bare as the abandoned huts in Amena’s village, with a simple cot in one corner and a bucket in the other. No windows, only stone walls on three sides and metal bars on the fourth. At least it was clean. I stretched out on the cot and stared at the blank stone ceiling.

  All I could do was wait. Word would get to Rennu and he would come for me. He’d been adamant about persuading me to join him before. He wanted to have both of his daughters at his side as part of whatever awful plot he was working on. Well, he’d get his wish now.

  I would not help him. Even if my friends’ methods were questionable, his were downright evil. All I had to do was get Nexita to open her eyes. I’d break whatever spell or brainwashing technique he’d used on her, and then we’d escape together. Maybe we couldn’t get the gods to help us anymore, but I didn’t need their power. Not when it came at such a horrible price.

  All I needed was my sister, and then we’d disappear. No magic, no gods, no rebels. It wasn’t the life I’d imagined for myself. It could be an adventure, finding something new. Just the two of us. Yes, I could do that.

  Despite my pep talk to myself, tears trickled out of my eyes and down into my hair. I turned and buried my face in the thin, hard prison pillow. Let sleep come and take me away from this place. If only I never woke up again.

  The next morning, when I was still finishing my breakfast bowl of porridge, Sergeant Marauket came and unlocked my cell door.

  “We contacted R&D like you said to,” he said, staring at me with narrowed eyes. “Minister Rennu would like to speak with you on the radio.”

  I put down the bowl and stood. “Right now?”

  He nodded and gestured out. He followed close behind as I stepped out of the cell, but he didn’t put his hand on me.

  The constable station had a huge, ancient-looking radio in one corner of the main room. Another officer, a young man with glasses, was sitting in front of the brass microphone. He beckoned me over, looking anxious.

  “Yes, sir, Minister, sir,” he said, bowing his head even though Rennu couldn’t see it. “I have her right here now. She’s in good health, I promise.” He popped up from the chair and pushed the microphone toward me.

  I’d never spoken into a two-way radio before. I cleared my throat and leaned forward, not sure how close I had to be for the microphone to pick up my voice. “Hello? This is Riwenne.” Both of the officers looked horrified at my lack of respect. I didn’t know what was the proper form of address for a high-ranking government official over transmission. I added, “Um, at your service, sir.”

  “Riwenne,” his voice came over the speaker, sounding pleased despite the distorted crackle of the old equipment, and I shivered. “It’s so good to hear from you. I trust you have not been treated roughly in that backwater station?”

  I glanced up. Sergeant Marauket turned pale, and he gestured for me to answer. They were afraid of his power—and they didn’t know what he was capable of, like I did. I had a sinking feeling like I was making a terrible mistake.

  “I’m fine,” I said, trying to sound upbeat despite my growing dread. “I’m sorry I caused you so much trouble.”

  “Are you now.” It sounded more like a statement than a question. I could picture his smug face up in the city, gloating at my defeat. “I hear you are still causing trouble. What were you arrested for stealing?”

  I took a deep breath to keep calm. “I needed something to eat. But I don’t want to live on the run. I want to come home.” I swallowed hard. “Is it too late for me to accept your offer of—of an apprenticeship?” I wasn’t sure how else to phrase it with the officers listening in on the conversation.

  Rennu chuckled. The sound came over the radio like gravel rattling inside a tin can. “Why, I’m surprised. I thought I might get you to come around to my point of view eventually, but I expected it to take more… persuasion first.”

  I gripped the edges of the chair, trying to contain my anger at him. “Can I see Nexita again?”

  “Of course. She’s as willing to forgive your mistakes as I am. After all, we’re family.”

  I squeezed my eyes shut. I had to sell this. “Yes, we are… Father.” I tried to put as much affection into my voice as I could. The word made me want to throw up. This was for Nexita.

  “It’s so good to hear you say that,” Rennu’s voice purred over the radio. “Well, I shall have to bring you home as soon as possible. It will take a little time to arrange for an airship. We’ll get you here by the end of the day, and then we can discuss your future in the ministry.”

  My eyes flashed open, and I glanced at the constables standing over me, but they both looked ready to do whatever he told them to do. I asked in a quavering voice, “I don’t have to stay in jail?”

  “I’ll pay any fines you’ve incurred through your criminal actions,” Rennu said. “You can pay me back in time. I don’t doubt that we will do very… valuable work together.”

  I couldn’t hide my shudder of revulsion. Thank the gods he couldn’t see me. It would not be easy when I had to deal with him in person, but it sounded like I would have all day to prepare myself. “Thank you,” I whispered, hoping I sounded grateful. “I owe you a lot, Father.”

  “Good girl. Now put the officer back on. I’ll work out the details of your release.”

  I stood up and backed away from the desk. The young officer rushed forward and took the radio, fawning over the minister again. I didn’t bother listening to the rest. The important thing was, I was headed back to Lyndamon, which didn’t feel like home now. At least I would see my sister. So long as he kept his promise.

  Sergeant Marauket led me to one side with a look of curiosity on his face. “We must consult with the district attorney to see if we can let you go without pressing charges, but sounds like the minister will smooth things out.” He looked me up and down. “Did you say he was your father?”

  I shrugged. “That’s what he told me. He says he kept track of me and my sister through the schools. I guess as a government official, he must have access to that information.”

  The sergeant frowned. “Even the constables don’t do that. I won’t say I haven’t wondered about tracking down my family, but that’s against the law.” He folded his arms. “Well, I guess it worked out for you. A little too well.”

  I shrank back from the disapproval in his tone. I didn’t control what the minister did, but I could see how the sergeant might resent me for using that connection for my gain. I looked at the ground. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be a burden.”

  He leaned forward, looming over me. “Then tell me where the other thieves are. Did you know what they stole? It wasn’t just food—they took guns. Guns that could hurt innocent people. Do the right thing and help me bring them in safely.”

  I took another step back and bumped into the wall. My eyes darted back and forth, looking for a way out. The station was filling up with more constables. There wasn’t any place to go except back to the cells.

  I shook my head. “I don’t know where they are,” I repeated, looking down. “I’m sorry. We were hiding in the jungle, I don’t know where. It was dark when we walked into town. I bet they aren’t even there anymore.”

  The sergeant sighed and eased out of my personal space. “Alright, calm down.” He ran his hand through his hair. “Look, it sounds like you’re not under arrest any longer, but I’d like to keep an eye on you until the minister can send someone. We have an interview room. It’s not much better than a cell.”

  He gestured for me to follow him. The place he took me to was a little bigger than the cells. A plain room with just a table and chairs, no windows or pictures to brighten up the space. But it didn’t have a lock on the door.

  Sergeant Marauket brought me tea to drink and fresh fruit, better than the porridge I’d had for breakfast. Then he spread out some maps of the area on the table.

  “Something to peruse while you pass the time,” he said with a stern look. “If you see anything that
looks familiar, let me know. Give it some thought.” Then he left me alone.

  I looked over the maps, curious to see what the area looked like, but not too close. There were a lot of little roads and trails that went into the jungle. If they knew about Amena’s village, it wasn’t marked on these maps, and I couldn’t guess it from here.

  I felt guilty, in part because the sergeant was being nice to me and in part because I feared what my friends might do with those guns. But I couldn’t bring myself to give them up. After all, I was turning myself in to help them—or at least not get in their way anymore. Even if I disagreed with their methods, I could never betray them.

  8

  A Dangerous Bargain

  The airship Rennu sent for me was larger and more advanced than Quilla’s Revenge. A large dirigible, with a rigid balloon, reinforced hull, gun ports on the sides, and more guns mounted on the top deck. This ship was two levels, with an enclosed cabin and an open deck between the cables that hung the whole thing suspended from the balloon. A military ship, like the one that had chased us when we tried to meet with the rebels. It even came with a unit of soldiers to escort me back to the city, as if Rennu was afraid I might change my mind and run.

  I’d already made up my mind. But the intimidating ship, plus a bunch of soldiers eyeing me as if I were some kind of dangerous criminal, made me hesitate. I looked back at Sergeant Marauket, who had brought me to the airship field to see me off. He scowled, but he said nothing. He probably couldn’t help me now that I’d insisted on handing myself over to the minister.

  It was early afternoon, and we were standing on the top of a large wooden tower that served as a dock for airships. The dirigible had a wide gangplank from its deck to the platform. The soldiers came across first, lining up to either side. They pointed their guns at the ground and none of them looked at me, but I could feel the warning they represented. I’d have to be on my best behavior.

  A young man, who looked young enough to be an apprentice, but he was wearing a journeyman engineer’s uniform, crossed the gangplank with steps that were so even he almost seemed to float over the air. I looked down. Both of his legs were metal. I didn’t mean to stare, but I’d never seen prosthetics that worked so well. I could make out the shape through the fabric of his trousers. The design of the joints reminded me of the mechanical beasts.

  “Riwenne?” he asked, and I jerked my eyes up again, blushing with embarrassment. Up close, I realized that he had blue hair—lighter than Nexita’s, although not as icy pale as Rennu’s. I hoped it wasn’t a family resemblance.

  “Um, yes, that’s me,” I said, lifting my hand in an awkward half-wave. “You didn’t need to make such a fuss over coming to pick me up. Wrap me up in packing paper and ship me on the next delivery, haha.” I tried to smile.

  He didn’t smile back at me. “I’m Pomavar, the minister’s assistant. He sent me to make sure you had a safe trip back to Lyndamon.” His eyes flickered to the sergeant. “I understand the criminals who kidnapped you are still at large.”

  “Kidnapped?” I blurted out before I could stop myself.

  Sergeant Marauket also coughed, looking startled. “I didn’t receive any reports of kidnapping. It was my understanding that the girl ran away.”

  Pomavar opened a leather folder and pulled out a printed report. “Witnesses describe the girl as being carried, perhaps unconscious, onto a stolen airship by rebel infiltrators after they attacked one of our research facilities.” He flipped to a page which showed pictures of my friends. “Here are their full descriptions. These should be disseminated among all law enforcement. The minister is anxious to have them apprehended.”

  The sergeant glanced through the report, then narrowed his eyes at me. I had protected the others by my silence, so it was no surprise he wasn’t buying this story that I’d been kidnapped.

  Well, I’d done what I could, but it was too late now. Hope they were smarter about avoiding being seen from now on.

  Pomavar looked back at me with his face still neutral. “I’m sure it was a harrowing ordeal, but it’s all over now. If you would please come aboard, we can begin our return trip at once.”

  Maybe he wasn’t Rennu’s son, but a robot designed by him. Every move he made was precise.

  I glanced back at Marauket and bowed my head. “Thank you for your kindness, sergeant,” I said with an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be more help.” I couldn’t blame the officer for trying to do his job.

  Sergeant Marauket considered the engineer and the soldiers a final time, then looked back at me with a faint smile of his own. “You stay out of trouble. A nice girl like you doesn’t belong around criminals.”

  I was getting tired of them both referring to me as just “girl,” but I lowered my gaze and hoped I looked humble or like I was repenting my brief brush with breaking the law. “Yes, sir.”

  The sergeant nodded to me, then waved the report at Pomavar. “We’d appreciate being notified about these incidents sooner. If we’d been on the lookout for these criminals ahead of time, we might have been better prepared to capture them.”

  Pomavar inclined his head toward the sergeant. “I’ll pass along your concerns.” Then he stepped aside and waved me toward the gangplank.

  No sense in dragging this out. I lifted my head, ignoring the armed soldiers on either side of me, and walked up the gangplank. Time to go face my father again.

  Pomavar followed close behind. As soon as our feet touched the deck, he took my arm and steered me toward an open hatch. I saw stairs leading down into the darkness below deck and stopped walking.

  “Can’t I stay up here and enjoy the view?” I said, looking around. I’d been cooped up in small rooms all day, and I liked getting some fresh air, even if it meant staying under military scrutiny.

  Pomavar’s face still showed no emotion, but his grip on my arm tightened. “It will get very windy up here once we start moving. Better to get inside.”

  I’d expected Rennu wouldn’t give me much freedom once I was under his control, so I didn’t bother protesting. Better to look like I was cooperating until I found the chance for me and Nexita to escape. I let the engineer lead me down the stairs and into a cabin. He shut and locked the door behind us.

  At least the cabin had windows—two small portholes along one side. Otherwise, it looked like a metal box, with plain furniture and no decorations. Like Lyda’s airship, the furniture was attached to the floor and walls. A corner bench with thin cushions and a table. Strange lamps were mounted on the walls. I realized, when I looked at one up close, that they were made for holding sunstones, but all the crystals had been removed from their fixtures. Now they were retrofitted with gas lamps.

  Pomavar released my arm and held out his hand. “I’ve been instructed to take your locket, and any other magical artifacts or weapons you have with you. You can surrender them to me or I will bring a soldier in here.”

  My hand flew to my locket, but all I felt was metal and empty crystal. It was nothing but a memento now. I unclasped the chain and handed it over. “You can take it, but it hasn’t got any magic left.” I held up my empty hands. “I’m powerless now. Search me if you like—I’ve got nothing else to give you.”

  He snatched the locket away and looked at it, then stuffed it in his pocket with a scowl, the first real sign of human emotion I’d seen from him. “Is this a fake? Some trick?”

  I slumped down on the bench. “Nope. I’ve given up. All of my magic—” I raised my hand and pointed out the window. “Totally gone.”

  He sat on the opposite side of the bench and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Why would you give up that kind of power? I saw the destruction you caused. Your strength was formidable.”

  “What did you see?” I wanted to feel out how much he knew. The scale of the mechanical beasts was more than Rennu could do on his own, but I didn’t know who else was involved in his scheme. An assistant was a safe bet.

  He shook his head.
“I’m the one asking the questions here.”

  Of course he was. I folded my arms behind my head for a cushion against the bulkhead. Everything rumbling now with the engines. “I didn’t give up the power myself. The gods gave it to me, and then they took it away. I never had a say.”

  Pomavar snorted. “I doubt it was ever that simple. Well, we’ll find out soon enough if you are powerless. How about your friends? Did the gods take away their powers, too?”

  I shrugged. “I’m not with them anymore, so I couldn’t say what they can do.”

  “If you continue to be evasive, I will be forced to use more aggressive methods of questioning you.”

  I cringed at the threat behind his words. “I’m telling you the truth, I swear.” I dropped my hands to my lap. “Look, I gave myself up willingly. I’m going with you and cooperating by my choice. Why would I try to hide things from you?”

  His lips curled up into a sneer. “I don’t trust you.” He rose to his feet and gripped my head with both hands, forcing me to look up into his eyes. “I could reach into your mind and pluck the information out, any secret that I wanted. Like the location of your friends’ hiding place…”

  Something began to glow on his chest underneath his dark shirt. The light was like a crystal, but blood red, and the power I felt pulsing from it was dark—dark like the life crystals that powered the mechanical beasts, but even stronger. It surrounded me like a cloud, darkening my vision and pressing down on me with a terrible, crushing weight. I tried to resist, to pull away, to call out for Quilla, but I was helpless.

  “Jabin Village!” I gasped out at last, unable to take it anymore. “It’s an old rebel hideout in the jungle. We hid the airship somewhere outside it and stayed in the village. It’s several miles outside of the town, on a dirt road, I think it was west—I don’t know any more than that, I swear!”

  He released my head and stepped back. I slumped forward, struggling to breathe. There were still dark spots hovering in my vision, but they were fading away.