“We have had battles amongst the spheres and guards which train with sword and dagger for protection.” Clara hesitated, did she say too much? Was she giving away information which would showcase the sphere’s vulnerabilities?
“Who is that man who attacked you?” Bracus demanded and his tone gave Clara pause. The president gave Bracus a look of inquiry.
She said, “He is Prince Frederic,” she looked down at her hands tightly clasped in her lap. “We are to be wed.”
The silence had a pregnant feel to it.
It went on at length.
Finally, Bracus clarified, “You cannot mean to be mated with the man that attacked you?” He stood as he said it, towering over her so she stood as well.
There was a physical potential to him that frightened Clara, but not in the same way that she felt from the Prince. Rather, she felt it directed at others so she expounded, “I have no choice… I am royal. My mother, the Queen, has betrothed me to him to align our kingdoms as one and to facilitate trade.”
Bracus glared down at Clara, aching to touch her. He was not like this around the few women of his clan. He thought back to the genetic predisposition of certain females that held a potential for members of the Band and thought she was such a female. Clara made him feel fiercely protective (more than was usual) and he longed to be near her. It made him edgy and angry. He realized he was not angry at her; he was a prisoner of her to a degree he was uncomfortable with.
He allowed his gaze to soften. “He has hurt you.” Bracus reached out putting the lightest of touches against her cheekbone. No longer a horrible grape color, but fading to yellow.
Those hands that had maimed and killed so many of the fragment and others pressed tenderly against her face.
The President cleared his throat and Bracus took his hand away. “Princess… Clara, we have acquired you but briefly. It was my utmost desire that we may begin negotiations for an acquaintance with our peoples. After the Band surveyed the sphere for some time, you were chosen as the most likely person to assist in this…” he trailed off in a hopeful way.
Clara had misunderstood their intent. They hoped that they could intermingle with eventual cohabitation their goal. But they did not understand the Queen, she would never allow it.
“I am not supreme ruler of our sphere. It is Queen Ada that would have the final say,” she paused, trying to formulate words that would make sense, give nothing away, and dissuade them from approaching the sphere. “The people of my sphere think that you are a… primitive people and decidedly violent.”
She looked from one to the other, seeing mild offense in both faces, and she rushed to assuage their tempers. “Not all, but most. As humans we are most afraid of that which we do not know. And,” she looked at Bracus, “your rescue of me will be looked at as confirmation of these speculations.”
“What of your companion?” Bracus asked.
“Charles?”
He shrugged. “The one who dispatched two guards before we came upon you.”
Tears stung Clara’s eyes and she thought of her childhood friend, confidant, protector.
Bracus saw her struggle with her emotions and wished to know what place this Charles held for her.
“He is my very best friend and has helped me with…” the beatings the Queen has rendered, “difficult situations.”
Bracus’ eyes narrowed, he knew there was much she was not saying and he was determined to find out what it was. But not now with the President’s hawk-like eyes as audience.
Jack came in at that moment. “Where is Lillian?” he asked, a trifle anxious, which made Clara on guard. Was something afoot?
Bracus saw the tightening of her eyes and posture. “Lillian is with child and sometimes does not feel well.” That was an understatement, Bracus thought.
Clara relaxed, she knew that was typical for women during the first part of their time with child. Though earlier she had seemed so energetic.
Jack said, “It comes on quickly. She may be lying down now. I will check on her,” he nodded to Bracus, then Bowen. “President.”
Bracus saw Clara’s exhaustion and composure fraying around the edges and said quietly to the President, “Clara may need some time to acclimate to her new circumstances.”
The President nodded. It would be a tremendous change, coupled with the attacks she suffered. His gaze fell upon her and he looked at her, really looked at her. She looked like she was sleeping while standing, her frail figure held together by force of will alone.
“Yes, I will be here one fore-night more and then take my leave to the central clan,” he looked at Bracus. “We will speak more on this one day hence.”
Turning his attention to Clara he said, “I felt it imperative that we discuss our intentions so you would not feel unsafe here or misconstrue our intent.”
The guard floated up in her mind. He, she did not feel safe around. She opened her mouth to say something when he entered the cottage. “Captain, they are ready to depart.”
Bracus nodded. “Very well.” he looked at Clara. “We will be gone a fore-night, no more.” As he gazed at her he hoped she may be able to discern how little he wished to leave her, even in the competent care of his Band mates. “We have three of the Band here and you will not want for protection.”
Clara nodded. She would say nothing with the guard standing there looking upon her with those steady eyes, intense eyes.
The guard thought the Princess might be understanding more than he liked and did not desire to give her unnecessary time alone with Bracus and President Bowen. He would take her tonight, it was the perfect opportunity for him. He was assigned duty to she and Lillian at the bathing springs. He would take her and she would be his to return to the sphere. He smiled as he thought on his plan.
Clara saw the smile slowly reveal itself upon the guard and thought that it would behoove her to never be alone with him. She maintained an uneasy silence.
Bracus felt her disquiet and could not ascertain its origin. He looked at his Band members and saw nothing amiss, but her eyes remained troubled. He did not wish to leave her yet, he must get to Evelyn.
He turned away, giving a curt nod to Clara. With the President ahead of them he walked outside and spoke quietly with Matthew, Stephen and Jack. “She may try to escape. President Bowen has told her enough that she feels confident that our intentions are for the good of both our peoples,” Bracus said, rolling his shoulders into a shrug.
Jack said, “Joseph will remain behind and either Stephen or Matthew will accompany the women to the bathing springs.”
Matthew looked at Jack.
“If Lillian is well enough to go,” Jack said.
“It matters not. The women like to primp and preen,” Stephen said disdainfully.
Jack replied, “Watch your tongue before I cut it out. Lillian does none of that. I think it is but an excuse to wheedle information out of the Princess.” He glowered at Stephen.
“There is much to be learned of the sphere-dwellers, that is true,” Bracus said.
“Another female may coax information,” Matthew agreed.
President Bowen reminded them all, “She is to be kept under close supervision. I wish to make haste with a treaty of sorts and that cannot be done if harm befalls her or she escapes and is picked up by the fragment.”
Bracus would never let that happen.
Out loud he said, “Let us make haste to rescue Evelyn.”
“See that you do,” and with that, Bowen walked off with a member from the central clan’s Band.
Bracus turned around and looked at the cottage, his gaze lingering. He desperately wished to see her one more time before his departure. No matter, there would be plenty of time upon his return to sort out his feelings and deepen their acquaintance. He knew he did not wish for Clara to return to the sphere.
Ever.
And as he stood there she appeared in the window, her form warped from the glass’ imperfections. She gave a small wave and Bra
cus’ heart became lighter. After all that she had been through, she bid him farewell.
The guard watched Bracus stare at Jack and Lillian’s dwelling, his thought process clear to all that bothered looking for it. Oh how surprised he would be when his return marked the precious Princess as absent.
Perfect.
CHAPTER 26
Charles, Clarence and Sarah spoke quietly in her foyer, yet again. The Queen had been caught unawares by their story. She had known that something was not quite right but when they placed the blame on the savages’ kidnap of Clara, they were able to ascribe blame also to the drugging of Clarence. What they could not do was explain the Prince’s proximity or physical injuries very well. However, the Prince was in no great hurry to bring to light his assault against Clara. Beating her had been one thing but rape? Even the Queen may be given pause over that.
Charles was arguing with Sarah, who thought it too risky to leave the sphere immediately after their first escape attempt. But Charles felt there was no choice, and besides, his mind was quite made up.
“She is with them, the savages. Each moment that I do not go after her. Guardian knows what could be happening to her… as we speak, Sarah! Surely you must know that?” Charles’ hands were planted on his hips and his legs spread wide, glowering down at Sarah.
Clarence said, “Charles, your voice.”
Charles glared at him then began to pace the small room, frustrated beyond measure. He must find her. Already he was a day behind.
He and Clarence looked at each other and Sarah asked, “What are your thoughts?” Her eyes searched his face. “You know that if you go now, you may never return while Queen Ada reigns.”
He knew and cared not. Clara was most assuredly in grave danger.
“I will go with you,” Clarence said decisively.
Charles turned. “You know what this means. Mayhap you would be trapped Outside forever with no clear future.”
Clarence lowered his voice and said quietly, “I do not care for our monarch. Without the efforts of Clara, what does it matter?”
“She will wish to return if she can. She cares nothing for her own safety. She cares only for her kingdom, her father’s kingdom.”
“King Raymond,” Clarence said, laying a fist over his heart as Charles did the same. The three silently remembering a kingdom governed with a fair and true monarch.
“Aye, she will but a dead ruler cannot rule,” Clarence said.
“My sentiments exactly,” Charles said.
“She will argue to come back…” Sarah said.
They were all quiet for a moment and Clarence voiced what they had all been thinking, “If she can. Perhaps she is…”
“Do not speak such,” Sarah said.
Charles looked at Clarence. “I am sorry, but the odds are not in her favor, Charles…” he looked at Sarah. “Sarah.”
“I take comfort that they appeared to be expecting the situation. They were prepared. The manner in which they dispatched the Prince’s guards speaks of planning. If that be the case, they may be holding her for reasons unknown. We may be able to reason with them,” Charles explained.
Sarah rolled her eyes. “They are savages, Charles. Their primitive brains do not comprehend negotiation.”
Charles shook his head. “I do not think so. They seemed sophisticated in their manner. Supreme fighters, they employed a degree of stealth that we could never have managed even with the finest of our guards,” he said, looking at each of them in turn. “I will take my chances.”
“And I will take them with you,” Clarence said.
Sarah huffed and turned her back on them both. Insufferable men! Could they not see the tiniest bit of patience may result in the element of surprise and an escape which would not be anticipated?
Charles swung her around to face him and she gave him a hard stare. “You were not there, you did not see them. I have seen nothing like it. They are very much what the Record Keeper said they would be.”
“Tales, she bears tales,” Sarah responded, her arms crossed over her chest.
“Not in this. They are as she said: fierce, large, great warriors, and tenacious. They will not easily be dissuaded of their goal. And I think their goal may have been to capture Clara.”
Sarah leaned back, taking herself away from Charles’ angry grip. “To what end?”
Charles shook his head. “I will find out. It cannot be good.”
“And the Record Keeper told stories which made people of the spheres fear the Outside. Look now,” Sarah swung her arm around her, “clearly we need not have worried, the sphere wall repaired itself and no one who was exposed to the Outside air died a miserable death.”
Clarence clarified, “It may have been very true at one time years ago. If the sphere had been breached, the toxicity of the Outside would have sickened and killed many. It is possible there has been enough years since the Days of Ash that we may be able to exist Outside.”
Sarah shrugged. “I trust none of them: the Healer, the Record Keeper, and most especially the Queen. To say nothing of that miserable excuse of a Prince.”
Charles thought they could all safely agree on that.
“Let us make haste and go this night,” Charles said, with Clarence nodding at his comments. Sarah rolled her eyes, there was no stopping them. She may as well offer help.
“Wait,” they turned. “Let me collect a few items for Clara.”
Charles sighed, exasperated. “We have not time for this.”
“Take the time,” she said, her eyes steady on his face. He stared back, realizing that she loved Clara too, not the way that he did but no matter. He and Clarence would go in her stead and this was her only way to communicate with Clara.
He waited while she put some items in a small sack.
“Where is your knapsack?” she asked.
Charles shrugged. “It has not been recovered by the Queen’s guard.”
Clarence gave him a sharp look. “The savages.”
Charles nodded.
Sarah studied them. Finally she succumbed, giving them fierce hugs. The last tie to Clara was leaving her and she wished with all her heart it could have been she who was going to her friend. One day she would see her again. Sarah held back tears as Charles and Clarence left her standing alone.
Alone.
CHAPTER 27
Queen Ada tapped her foot, waiting for that dim-witted woman, Elvira, to finally be about getting her wardrobe assembled for the day. Or what was left of it.
She gazed about her room and wondered when she could begin to sample the wonderful new wine that Otto had brought with him.
Not soon enough, as certain things claimed her attention: primarily where that foolish girl had run off to. Charles, that inept friend of hers, claimed that the savages absconded to the Outside with her.
Ada was not convinced.
Just because a few savages had been seen did not mean they had the presence of intellectual fortitude necessary to breach the spheres’ defenses. However, there was no other plausible explanation and her own guards assured her that indeed, there was a scar, a tear in the tunnel wall.
That would mean the unthinkable. That the savages had planned the capture of Clara; which secretly pleased Ada. She could be done with the wretched girl, gain sympathy and force King Otto’s hand as this was certainly not her fault that Clara had been taken. She would still have her wine, and no more Clara. She would task the running of the kingdom to… she deliberated, whoever she thought with dismissive musing.
Ada would need to talk to that fool Charles. And the incompetent guard that allowed himself to be drugged with the twilight sleep. How had that happened for Guardian’s sake?
Imbeciles.
Something was not agreeing here and she planned to get to the core of it.
Elvira came into the room with a gown of deep lavender and the Queen smiled. Perfect.
Everyone knows that royalty wears only purple.
****
&n
bsp; Charles took the time to tell his younger brother what he was about, but only enough to satisfy him. He knew that if Queen Ada felt justification, she could bring misery down upon his family. There lay guilt, Charles realized. He remembered his father’s words of encouragement, “Bring her back, son, there is no kingdom without her.” He couldn’t have agreed more. But shirking his duties in the fields felt like an unfair burden to place on his father and brother.
He and Clarence made their way through the tunnel. Clarence was familiar with every part, having been the day guard there for one year past. “I know when David takes his break and he always uses the necessary. We have but a small time when he will not be in attendance and we can run for the alcove in the tunnel.”
Charles looked at Clarence, his feet shod in rough leather boots, buckskins, rough cotton blouse and a knapsack slung over both shoulders. His wavy hair moved about his face from the wind that was forced by steam cleansers which ran the length of the tunnel, the seams allowing the escape of humanity’s pollution. Charles was dressed much the same, having borrowed his father’s knapsack because the savages had taken his.
They reached the first sentry point and hesitated, pressing their forms into the permeable surface, sinking against the softness of it like a goose-down bed.
Clarence whispered, “One minute more…”
Charles looked at him thinking he had never felt the burden of time more acutely than now.
“Go!” Clarence urged and they sprinted from that spot. Their feet tapped their backsides as they put on a final burst of speed at the end, rounding the corner to the rest spot with the tear.
Charles was untangling his limbs from the knapsack, all but flinging it off in his haste to get the salt-mixture. It would be best used in the weakest part of the sphere.
Clarence glanced about him anxiously. “Hurry, it is because we try so soon after the Princess’s capture that we have this chance.”
“I have found it,” Charles said, hauling out the flask with the salt mixture. It had been very difficult to get the raw salt needed for their escape, as none could be purchased at Trading Days. A certain royal cook had worked it so he had enough salt to break through two sphere walls if he chose.
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