“What have you done, Xander?” She asked as she took stock of all that was amiss.
“It wasn’t my fault, mother.” Xander glowered. “It’s over now, send someone up to clean up this mess.”
Thella crossed her arms over her chest, her head tilting to the side, her face set into a hard line of stone. “You need to be checking your messages,” she said. “The girl is not dead. Two Enforcers encountered her and one is taking her to the hospital as we speak.”
Xander tensed. “What?”
“She broke through the Field Energy and managed to survive the fall,” Thella spoke slowly to irritate him. “How long have you known she had regained her powers?”
“The Field Energy must have had a critical failure,” Xander dismissed the idea.
His concubine would not keep such a secret from him. He made sure she knew the consequences of secrets.
“How long have you known?” The Queen repeated firmly.
Xander furrowed his brow. “I knew she still had power, but nothing that could help her survive this,” he pointed toward the window, raising his voice. “She was capable of parlor tricks.”
“Your father is displeased. He sent me to inform you to hurry to the hospital and take care of this situation.”
His parents had never been pleased with their son’s choice of concubine. The ability to manipulate energy was a dangerous gift, one that had been made illegal within the Empire during the last century. The girl had been cleared of having such a gift by the Emperor’s own scientists and accepted as a house slave, but always under the knowledge that she would be killed should she exhibit any sign of power.
When she caught the prince’s eye, he had protected her from that threat. She intrigued and amused him. Learning that she had used his generosity for her own benefit was infuriating.
Xander curled his hands into tight fists, rage surfacing on his face. “Her blood is my blood, as it should be.”
“Just take care of it,” she sighed, uninterested in his dramatics.
“Call ahead to the garage for a car,” he demanded as he strode past her.
As he stepped into the elevator a sense of calm overcame him. She may have attempted escape but she had failed. When he arrived at the hospital no one would question that it was his right to take her life. Xander would have the pleasure of reminding her one last time that he made the rules.
* * *
Brosen arrived at the EOV depot and turned over the keys to the elder Enforcer behind the desk. The old man nodded, giving him a brief greeting that he barely acknowledged. His mind was a whirl of anxiety and racing thoughts. Usually he would cross to the mess hall and eat breakfast. Today he walked passed without a glance. He wasn't hungry.
Entering the barracks, he went straight to his bunk. His eyes darted around the room. Treve was nowhere to be seen, which was a relief. He didn't want his partner to be involved. It was better that he wouldn't be able to say goodbye. Moving quickly, he changed from the dark blue jumpsuit of his uniform and into a pair of jeans, t-shirt, and a dark jacket. He didn't own many civilian clothes, and he didn't have a bag to pack even if he had. Instead, he slung his gun on his shoulder and took a key down from the wall.
Every Enforcer was given one allowance; a tiny taste of the freedom they would never possess. It was the Emperor's way of keeping moral alive within the ranks. Brosen's perk had been that he wanted a motorcycle. They were a rarity within the Empire, an expensive luxury that the common folk could not hope to obtain. Brosen's bike was old. He spent what few off hours he had working on it. He never thought he'd need it for anything other than tinkering and maybe a brief ride around the city.
Back outside he felt the hair on his neck standing up. It felt like everyone was watching him. Did they know? Although he felt as if his heart was going to speed out of his chest, he was outwardly calm. Some of the other Enforcers raised their hands to him, but he merely nodded or offered a tight smile in return. His motorcycle was parked by the depot. It was a beat up old thing, rusted and needing fresh paint. It wasn't pretty to look at but it started easily and hummed without complaint.
It wasn't unusual for Brosen to head out for a ride after a shift. That was what got him through the gate without question. As he turned out onto the street he felt himself relax a little. That was only the beginning, he knew. The hard part was still ahead of them.
* * *
The day should have been done.
After making his report to the captain he headed into the mess hall. Grabbing a tray which held a bowl oatmeal, a few strips of bacon, and a slice of toast, he sat down at a table with a few others who appeared just as tired as he felt. He wasn't interested in conversation and he wasn't pressed. Eating in silence, he was just finishing his meal when the hall doors flew open. Enforcers coming in and out was not unusual, but Imperial soldiers in full palace uniform were never seen in the city barracks.
Treve instantly knew why they were there.
He pushed his tray back and waited as they marched his direction.
“Treve En-Harn,” the leader said. He stood up and saluted.
“Captain,” he said.
“We're escorting you to Empire Tower for interrogation.” It was all the explanation he was going to get.
As they led him out into the yard, he thought about his report. He hadn't left anything out, he knew. This must be some official procedure because the girl was a house slave. Perhaps taking her to the hospital had not been the correct action. The Tower might have an internal procedure for injured slaves that they were unaware of. Hopefully any reprimand would be swift and not too painful.
Treve was placed in the back seat of an EOV. It wasn't a position he was used to being in, but he took it as a time to relax. Approaching the Tower, he watched as the small side gate slid open. He could see a slight flicker as an opening appeared in the Field Energy to allow the vehicle to pass through. Once they were inside they pulled into an underground garage. From there they stepped into an elevator.
Expecting them to take him into an interrogation room, he felt at ease. This wasn't that different than what he had done countless times with criminals off the streets. Treve was confident that he would be back in the barracks shortly. He had nothing to hide.
When the elevator doors opened on a vaulted, dimly lit chamber of dark wood and embellished design, his stomach dropped into his knees. One of the Enforcers pushed him forward when he didn't move on his own. The chamber was at least two stories high. Long benches covered with dark blue velvet cushions sat in neat rows before an elevated dais.
Seated among three tiers of benches were the members of the Imperial Court of Rau'Tesche-Awn. The lowest level consisted of four magistrates, each one representing one of the four districts in the city. Treve knew them as they were the ones who handled the law that he helped to uphold.
On the second and third bench sat the eight men who were of the higher court. They handled far more serious crimes. They also acted as city council members, taking on issues where the Emperor's attendance was unnecessary. There was one man for each area of government; war, commerce, public relations, technology, city planning, foreign affairs, pollution, and the treasury. These eight men were traditionally called the High Council, but they no longer acted as advisers but as representatives of the law.
High above the benches on a raised platform was the throne of the Emperor himself; Ka Harn Kei'Oren
Already a tall and muscular man with jet black hair sprinkled with gray, the great height from which he peered down made him all the more intimidating. His eyes were dark and his face creased with worry and anger, but it was difficult to see more in the dim light. Treve fell on his knees in a sign of respect and reverence before his ruler; it was the first time he had ever stood before the Emperor. Treve was made for physical confrontation, and being brought into this situation made him feel very small and insignificant.
“Rise, Treve En-Harn,” Ka Harn said, his voice echoing off the high walls. “This is not a tri
al, and you are not suspected of treason, nor will you be unless you give Us reason to think such a thing. We are here to discuss the peculiar actions of your fellow Enforcer and partner, Brosen En-Harn.”
Treve’s amber eyes darted around the room in search of Brosen, but he did not see him present. Confused, he slowly stood. He should not be afraid of this. He was an Enforcer, and nothing should disturb his calm.
“What do you want to know?” It took a slight effort to keep his voice from trembling, “Majesty,” he added hastily, suddenly remembering whom he was addressing.
The councilman of war stood, holding a sheet of paper from which he began to read. “At 6:23 on the morning of Delena 22, during the 1048 turning of the sun, the female slave, Impyra Sava-Harn, leapt from the window of the personal office of Xander Kei'Oren, Crown Prince and Heir to the Empire of Sa'Toret-Ekar, and landed on the sidewalk that runs parallel to the west wall of Empire Tower.” The councilmen lowered the page. “Is this your report, Treve En-Harn?”
“Yeah, with a few extra details that I didn’t know, Majesty,” he answered promptly.
“Everything has been filled in for the court, Enforcer,” The Emperor said briefly.
“After her impact,” the councilman continued, “it was discovered that the slave Impyra Sava-Harn still lived. Enforcer Brosen En-Harn requested an Enforcer Operated Vehicle, model 250, issue number 1286, by rights to his rank, and stated that he would admit the girl into the East Gate Hospital for Health Services. At 6:25 on the morning above mentioned, Brosen En-Harn left his partner, Enforcer Treve En-Harn, to continue at post until their shift ended.” The councilman set the paper down, then looked at Treve with cold eyes. “Is this report correct to your knowledge?”
“Yeah… yes, my lord.”
“And did you see Brosen take the girl in the direction of the hospital?” Another man asked.
“Yes, my lord.”
“Have you seen Brosen at any other time on this day?” asked a third.
“No, my lord.” Treve was growing nervous about where the questioning was leading.
“Has Brosen ever spoken of a disapproval of the Empire or anything associated with the Empire?” The Emperor asked, annoyed with the responses he was receiving.
Treve suddenly wished he knew something that would help the investigation along. “Never, Majesty.”
“Did he ever have prior contact with the slave girl Impyra?” the Emperor continued.
“Not to my knowledge, Majesty.”
A member of the court suddenly spoke up, almost lifting himself to his feet as he did so. “Did the girl speak to him before he took her?”
A hushed murmur rustled through the assembled counsel. Treve ran the situation through his memory. Brosen shouting at him to get the EOV, saying she was alive. He did not remember the girl being conscious at any point.
“Not to my knowledge, my lord.”
Murmurs rustled through the council as well as through the audience. Treve kept his eyes forward, hoping that this would soon end. He was worried for Brosen. Perhaps his partner truly had been part of the escape as they were accusing.
“Do you know anything of import that We can use for this case, Enforcer?” The Emperor asked.
“No, Majesty. I’m sorry, but I have no further knowledge than my report.” Treve bowed his head to show his remorse.
“Very well. To show your loyalty to Us and the whole of the Empire, you will be placed under the service of Xander Kei'Oren in his search for Brosen En-Harn and Impyra Sava-Harn until further notice. Dismissed.” The Emperor said.
Treve fell to one knee, then stood and made his way back through the chamber, his mind racing. What had Brosen gotten himself into? More importantly, why?
* * *
Gleyth leaned on the heavy wooden doors that lead to the Chamber of Justice, her ear pressed firmly against the crack between the two. She focused on slowing her breathing to make it easier to hear, but it did not have the desired effect.
If her father would allow her to sit inside as an observer she would not go to such lengths to overhear the proceedings. She knew that it would never happen. The only women who were allowed within the chamber were those who were on trial. Ky Gleyth Kei'Oren, High Princess of the Empire, was unwelcome. Even her mother the Queen had never stepped foot beyond the threshold.
It was a ridiculous law.
Her status as a woman was not enough to quell her curiosity. Gleyth had a right to know what was happening in her world. The slave girl was not unknown to her. When Xander sat Impyra idle, Gleyth often took it upon herself to employ her as a maid. That had given her access to information on her brother's behavior.
Xander had never been kind to his concubine, although she was his most prized asset. Part of it was rebellion and part was a desire for control. Ka Harn never approved of the coupling. The girl had exhibited powers in her childhood that were forbidden under Imperial Law. She had been experimented on, although Gleyth never understood why. When the Imperial Scientist Dreger Lei'Orthra released her as a subject he reported that her powers had waned, rendering her harmless. Despite that, she should have been destroyed.
Gleyth did not know when her brother had taken notice of the girl, but being the crown prince came with special privileges. It was he who saved her from death and instead granted her a lifetime of abuse and servitude.
Gleyth wasn't surprised when she heard the girl escaped.
The Enforcer was another story. His sudden act of treason was a mystery; a spontaneous impulse or a hidden desire prompted by seeing another act. There was no way to know, unless his partner had something to tell. Gleyth bit her lip wishing she had been born a boy.
The sound of heavy footfalls in the chamber beyond told her that the session was over. She scurried back to the bench where she had been told to wait. Playing with the ends of her raven hair she made her best attempt to look innocent.
The door swung opened to revel Ka Harn, weary with frustration. Quickly, yet gracefully, Gleyth stood and curtsied until she was nearly kneeling on the cold floor before pulling herself upright in one effortless motion. Ka Harn walked over to her, put one hand on each shoulder, then tilted her forward to plant a kiss on the top of her head.
“You are a good girl, Gleyth,” he sighed, a weak smile stretched his lips but did not reach his eyes.
“Thank you, father,” she smiled, lifting her doe brown eyes to his. “Was the meeting interesting?”
“Not really, my dear, but now why don't you go seek out your mother and continue planning your celebration. I don't know why you insist on following me around on the dull business of being Emperor.”
“I don't think it's dull, father.” Gleyth said honestly.
Ka Harn gave her a wearied expression. “If only your brother were as persistent as you,” she could see his jaw tighten at the thought of her brother. “But, it is not every day that the High Princess sees her twentieth turning. Your attention would be far more suited to planning the party rather than here,” Ka Harn wrapped an arm around his daughter’s shoulders as he ushered her out into the hallway.
Gleyth clenched her fists but she didn't fight back against his insistence. She knew it wouldn't do any good to start an argument, not today of all days. She wasn't interested in planning her celebration; a traditional ball where a noble family officially announced their daughter to be an adult and ready for marriage. Gleyth did not have a choice of whom she would wed, let alone that she was being wed at all.
She would rather be involved in what was real and important. There wasn't anything she could do to save the slave and the Enforcer, but she didn't want to ignore that it was happening. More than that, she knew the Empire was having difficulty on many fronts. There was the collapsing economy, the talk of a rebellion massing an army to the south, and the threat of the Senna Plague epidemic still effecting those in poverty.
There was so much more she could help with than planning a party if her father would only give her the opportunity.
“Are you all right, Gleyth?” Ka Harn was looking at her solemnly.
“Of course, father, I...” she stopped, her eyes searching his.
If only she could tell him that she didn't want her celebration, or to marry, and that she should be his heir.
“I'm just thinking about my celebration,” she lied. “There's so much to do.”
“Hurry along then,” the Emperor's face flooded with relief. He steered her out of the small chamber, and closed the door, leaving her alone in the dim corridor.
CHAPTER THREE
Clenching her stomach, she moaned and curled into a ball on the mattress. A ray of sunlight found its way through a small crack in the ceiling to make itself a resident of her face. She opened one eye in annoyance. The old woman sat beside her patiently, her hands folded in her lap. Her warm smile radiated from her silver eyes. Energy flowed around her in a visible aura of pale white light.
Fascinated, the young woman couldn't help but stare, following the path of tiny wisps as they burst with power then faded into the stream. The old woman's face remained serene. This place was peaceful.
“What time is it?” the young woman asked.
“Just after seven in the morning, if the last chime of the Tower was correct, which it tends to be.” It was an unusual answer, yet somehow comforting. “I am Winifred Mei'Akar, my dear. Last heir of to the Ma Akar. You may call me Wini.”
The young woman had never heard of the Ma Akar, but she felt as though perhaps she should have. She already felt like an intruder and dreaded appearing uneducated as well.
“Impyra,” she replied, her eyes darting away nervously.
“What?” Wini tilted her head.
“My name is Impyra, heir to no clan and all of the other names my master gave to me are not suitable for polite company.”
Her anxiety twisted her stomach once more. Crossing her arms over her abdomen she leaned forward to ride out the pain. Stabbing waves beat against her before slowly beginning to subside.
“Are you all right, child?” Wini asked softly.
Darkness Falling: Soldiers and Slaves Page 2