The Court of Souls?_Volume 2_Agent of the Realm?

by Andur

  Keeping strictly to the main corridor, I use my marriage bond with Seria to find her and Elona. If I am not completely wrong, then she mentioned that she wanted to talk with her mother.

  Surprisingly, I encounter the both of them coming my way, so I raise a hand to greet them. “I was searching for you. Shade isn’t doing that well, so we halted our meeting. If I didn’t know better, then I would say that he caught the stomach flu. Anyway, his complete denial of the situation doesn’t make it better. He even started blaming Elona for all of this. Maybe you should go and take a look at him.”

  Elona and Seria share a silent moment of looking at each other, communicating something. Then Elona pats my shoulder and smiles. “Don’t worry. I’ll take a look at him and I am sure that he will be back to top performance in no time. I already expected his breakdown. He is simply working too much. Even gods can’t go on forever like he does.” She pushes past me and heads down the corridor, whistling some tune which I recognize as ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’.

  “What was that about?” I turn to Seria, but she simply shrugs her shoulders with a guilty expression on her face.

  “Let’s just say that it’s a matter between Mom and Dad. They are always playing their little games of supremacy with each other. It’s in their nature.” She sighs. “Let’s just call it a day. I am sure that Mom will sort it out.”

  59. ~Intelligence.~

  “If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking.”

  The Journey to the Afterlife

  Kingdom Newerth, Capital City

  Seria

  “...so Elona and I believe that there are four more bases like the one which we destroyed. One of them seems to function as a command centre. There is a lot of traffic between it and the other locations.” Shade ends his explanation of their findings. It took Elona and him over a week to make sense of the information which was gathered by the pathway network. But once they had it, they immediately called in a big gathering between all the people who are in charge.

  Since my side of the family showed up in numbers and Marcus's parents appeared with their staff, we were forced to move the entire meeting to one of the big rooms in our palace. It almost feels like sitting in a small classroom with Mom and Dad as the teachers.

  Marcus and I are also attending, sitting right next to each other. Listening to the long and boring theory behind the final conclusion was a real ordeal. Unfortunately it was necessary to know how we got the information and that it isn't necessarily conclusive. A very important thing about warfare is to have more intelligence than your enemy. Though it's almost equally important to know how far you can trust your own intelligence gathering network.

  Elona takes up from where Shade left off. “Please keep in mind that we base our conclusions entirely on the amount of registered traffic between the four locations. We've no intelligence on the actual size of each supposed base. All we know, are the amount of portals which were opened recently, and their mass output. We've a good bet, according to the transported mass, but the bases might turn out to be far larger than expected.”

  “Or nothing more than a command centre,” Shade cuts in.

  The room stays completely quiet while everyone is trying to draw their own conclusions on the gathered data. I survey the audience and decide to focus on Charles and Clarity. The king and queen of Newerth were listening silently during the entire meeting. They are the ones who are the most interested in this information. After all it's their kingdom which is in the line of fire.

  Dedessia's nomadic culture is too evasive to be targeted easily by the spirits. Mom and Dad designed their floating cities for the sole purpose of avoiding Dedessia's harsh environmental conditions. If an area becomes too hostile to live in, we simply pack up and leave.

  There are eighteen cities like our capital under my parents' rule. All of them are connected by portals, but they are physically far away from each other. So even if one city falls victim to some calamity, the others can go on as if nothing happened.

  Now Clarity gestures at the wall behind Elona and Shade. It's completely covered with a projection of the gathered information and visualizes it in a two-dimensional map, showing the traffic between the four locations. “How can we be sure that we are looking at enemy movements? Isn't it possible that there is a third party which discovered interdimensional travel?”

  Elona turns to the map. “We can't rule it out completely, but there is the fact that the traffic is going in both directions. At regular intervals I might add.

  “A realm which is being invaded would have traffic going in just one direction. In the case of these four locations, we aren't looking at two parties who are fighting a war. It would mean that they keep a tight and regular schedule in attacking each other, which sounds horrendously stupid to me. Their portal pattern is too regular. We also aren't watching the movements of spies. Some of the opened portals are moving too much mass for that. The pattern looks more like large amounts of supplies are being moved around.”

  Shade gestures at a few other points on the map. “These eleven locations fulfil what we would expect of spy-movements. Short portal activations with small amounts of moved mass in both directions. I think it's highly likely that, by paying a visit, we'll find civilisations which are similar to us. A few more allies might not be so bad. At the very least we should send them a message to make them aware of their situation. Even if they aren't suitable allies, they might be able to cause some local trouble.”

  I reach out to hold Marcus's hand. He is sitting silently at my side, listening to everything.

  Charles nods slowly. “Speaking of allies, I've sent word about the situation to our neighbours. Normally I like it to play my cards close to the chest, but in this case more awareness might be to our advantage. As I understood it, Dedessia's biggest problem is manpower. There aren't many of you. If it's needed, we can strike a deal with Newerth's neighbours to acquire more troops, though I would like to avoid that because the other nations of this realm would surely try to extort something from us in return.”

  Surprised, I lean back in my chair and whisper to Marcus. “Are there many other nations who would help? I thought that there is a state of neutrality between all the nations of this realm.”

  Marcus shrugs. “Normally we try our best to keep the status quo, mainly because everyone is afraid of getting unlucky with a spirit invasion. Once they learn about the spirits' true nature, they will surely send some help our way.”

  Or this realm might devolve into chaos. There was no war between the various nations because the spirits posed a constant threat. If one nation were to attack another and the spirits decide to invade at exactly that moment, it might become ugly for all sides.

  Marcus shakes his head, reading my thoughts. “Don't worry. I won't deny that some idiots will surely try to grab more power, but I've trust in this society. Even if two nations clash, their neighbours will immediately intervene and attack the offender. Nobody wants an area which is weakened by war right next to their home. It would be like inviting the spirits to dinner. In any case, given the size of a whole realm, it would make no difference in the grand scheme of things.”

  Elona clicks her fingernails on the table in front of her, thinking over the offer. “It might come to that. But as it looks now, we wouldn't be able to face the enemy head on anyway. Even if we had unlimited troops in form of higher immortals, we would have the same problem as our enemies. Once the pathways are available for everyone we can pop up wherever we want. But until then we have to use portals, which means that we have to fight through a bottleneck. Small strategic strikes with well equipped troops are much more promising. We have to take out their leaders until they lose their interest in conquest.”

  The discussion goes on for a while until nobody can think of anything more to say. When all is said and done, the people start leaving in order to return to their responsibilities. Speaking of responsibilities, “Marcus, what about our jobs as teachers? I'v
e been so taken up by everything that I didn't even think of checking on my students.”

  He sighs. “Don't worry. Everything has been taken care of. And besides, the academy is still a mess from the last attack. A lot of people died, students included. Most have been sent home and given materials for self study. The academy is closed until the next semester. So we couldn't teach, even if we wanted to.” Slowly, his expression turns devious. “Why don't we pay your shop a visit? I need a coffee after this boring meeting. All the planning and talking made me tired.”

  My own expression lightens up at the thought. “That's a really good idea. And we are the only ones who stayed behind anyway.” Without waiting, I hug him and teleport us directly to my shop. Once we arrive, we are greeted by peculiar scene.

  “Let go of me!”

  “Mwahaha! Nope! Jazira, did you really think that you would manage to hide from me forever?”

  “I didn't hide! And I am Adea now!”

  “And why did you always disappear when I showed up with Shade? I had to pay an irregular visit to catch you off guard.”

  “I don't even know who you are!”

  “Don't say that. Weren't we the best girlfriends, ever? All it would take now, would be to find Lidith and the old trio would be complete. I wonder if the old cat is doing well.” Elona studies the ceiling in silent contemplation. Her tail is holding the struggling Adea in a tight grip, stopping her from running away.

  “Would you please let go of my daughter?” Adea's mother, Patricia, pulls at the tail in a vain attempt to free her daughter. Since she is just an immortal of low power, she isn't even considered as a combatant by my mother. It's as if a toddler is trying to pull at an adult.

  “All I want is to do some catching up? Is that so hard to understand? We've so much to talk about and I might even be able to help you with your powers.” Elona pulls Adea to one of the many empty tables. The shop tends to empty when my parents show up in spirit form.

  The last proposition finally causes Adea to stop her struggles. “You can help with my powers?”

  “Obviously? Duh!? Don't you remember that I was there when you started to get them under control? We talked about everything back then. At least I am sure that I can give you some pointers.”

  60. ~Counsellor.~

  “When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said.”

  The Journey to the Afterlife

  Kingdom Newerth, Capital City

  Marcus

  “I think Adea made a pact with the devil! That woman isn't a good influence for my daughter.” Patricia lets out a heavy sigh and rests her upper body on the bar. The whole scene makes one think that she is going through the hardest time in her life.

  Frowning, I stir my coffee with a spoon. At first I just visited Seria’s shop to have some downtime, but then I somehow ended up as Patricia’s confidant. “What's the problem? Aren't you glad that she found people who can help her with her circumstances? Adea wields a lot power. She is lucky that she found Seria and Elona who can keep her in check while she is learning to control her power. I was honestly a little afraid when I first learned about her full potential. You should also keep in mind that she is only running around free because Seria assured us that Adea is no danger.”

  Patricia looks up, tightening her expression. “What do you mean by that?”

  After a quick sip of coffee, I decide to calm her down. My words may have sounded a little too threatening. “It's okay. Nothing will happen to Adea. But do you really think that we would allow someone like her to run around uncontrolled? Everyone above a certain level of power is monitored. I myself am no different. We can't have a loose cannon who has the power to level a city. The girl is just a teenager, yet she wields more power than anyone of her age should. If Adea loses control over her mana pool it would be equivalent to a nuke. And I was told that she is only just beginning to rediscover her full potential.”

  “Even more reason not to allow her too close to that woman. She is corrupting her! Yesterday was the first time she came home in a dress! She hadn't done that for years and always kept to her school uniform. And when I asked her about the reason, she gave me a wink, imperiously waved her hand, and stated that she is on a quest of self-discovery! As if I am some kind of servant.” Patricia batters the bar with her fist. “I know that I am not exactly a good role model for her. Indeed, I did a lot of things which may have corrupted her. But when she got tested and admitted to the university I had hopes that she may achieve something better in life.”

  Nodding, I try to understand Patricia's point of view. “And now you are feeling as if you are losing her.” It must be hard to learn that your daughter didn't just manage to jump one step up the social ladder, but somehow ended up at the top of the pyramid. Now Patricia fears that all of this will go to Adea's head.

  “I know that it's stupid of me. Elona is Seria's mother and I owe Seria everything... but still.” She deflates into a boneless heap, as if there is no hope to solve the situation to her satisfaction. “She is spending so much time with those people and acts as if she has known them forever.”

  Ah, that's the problem. Patricia is someone of the immortal rank and somehow ended up with a divine ranked daughter. She never had to expect big changes in her daughter's personality. Our society's approach on recovering old memories is very careful and, most importantly, slow. The Dedessians prefer the brute force method. They even train their minds to unlock the memories as fast as possible. Becoming as strong as possible, as fast as possible, is certainly a question of survival in their realm.

  And now Adea learned those techniques due to her close contact with Seria and Elona. I guess it can be a little frightening if your daughter suddenly acts like a completely different person. Patricia was never prepared for that.

  “I think you should talk to Adea. Ask her about her previous lives, listen to her memories and try to understand what she is going through. Try to understand who she was and how she has to deal with her memories. Newerth’s way of dealing with our past lives ensured that Adea will not be overwhelmed by her other personalities. This is nonetheless a difficult time in her life. Though I can assure you that she is still the same person who grew up with you. If her other personalities are coming through, then that means that she is trying to cope with her memories.” I set down the cup of coffee.

  Patricia winces. “I haven't thought of that. I simply accepted that Adea was someone else in another life, not even thinking about the fact that such memories must come with a lot of emotional baggage. I myself can’t remember much about my previous lifetimes. I am such a bad mother.”

  I smile. “No, you are not. Just a little overwhelmed. Nobody expects you to deal perfectly with a situation which wasn't of your own making. You and Adea simply have to deal with unexpected circumstances. It will take work from both of you to deal with that.”

  “You know that you sound very sane... for a divine. Please don't take that as an insult, but normally the people who are ranked as divine class act a little insane. Us normal folk are best advised in staying as far away as possible.” Patricia presses her lips into a tight smile.

  I try not to read too deeply into her statement and straighten my clothes instead. “Don't worry. I tend to think of myself as one of the more sane ones. So what actually prompted your displeasure about Elona?”

  “Prejudice! I am perfectly aware of it, but I can't help myself. Elona is always showing off her spirit form and she is a succubus! I heard that she isn't acting on her instincts and that she is the queen of another civilisation, so I am perfectly aware of my irrationality. I am just afraid that all of this is becoming too much for Adea. She is still a teenager, mentally. You are right. I'll try to talk to her. A lot! She has to tell me everything. From start to finish.”

  Oh, my. The poor child. I may have set something in motion that Adea will hate me for. Probably I should pray that she doesn't find out who prompted her mother to show that much concern for he
r changing circumstances. I am becoming as meddlesome as the rest of Seria's family.

  After downing the rest of my coffee, I decide to make a strategic retreat. Getting involved even deeper will do me no good. Patricia can share her troubles with Jimmy. Isn't he the one who is supposed to listen to her concerns? He is her man, so why did she make me her confidant? My eyes wander over to Seria's goon who is bowing to her while receiving some directions regarding the shop. Yeah... probably Patricia is right not to share that sort of trouble with Jimmy. If she does, then the information will land directly in Seria's lap.

  But am I really any better? I am Seria’s husband, boyfriend... argh… whatever! The whole thing still doesn't feel real with all the shit that's going on. Seria was right when she mentioned that we've to settle down and build our own place.

  Without anything better to do, I wander up to the second floor and into Seria's apartment. There I decide to lie down on the bed, using my hands to support my head. It's a relief when I finally close my eyes and relax. Patricia's concerns certainly didn't help me in finding relief. Apart from attending the newly formed council of war, I also tried to find medical help for my brother. A part of me hoped that the Dedessians have some kind of medical genius among them, but Perseus probably needs more than medical help.

  We've tried to feed the prisoners spirit meat and it's true that they seem a lot stabler now. Sadly it didn't return my brother to his former self. I've to ask myself if I ever really knew him. By the time my parents got around to experiment on our serious cases, Perseus was already too far gone. He is still delusional about his instincts, which makes it seem that the issue with a spirit transformation isn't just a physical, but also a mental problem.

  If Shade and Elona work together, they might be able to heal him. I would have asked them if their time wasn't better invested somewhere else. It's infuriating to value the lives of others above a member of my family, but it's a sad fact that Perseus brought his fate down on himself. Nobody asked him to give in to his instincts when he knew about the danger. It was his own weakness.