by Jamie Davis
Winnie had been distracted during the earlier meeting. Maybe this news would shine some light into her darkness.
They arrived on the command level to find Winnie staring at the monitoring wall. There were always techs and chanters scanning the magic surveillance windows, taking notes, and passing them along to the watch commanders.
Winnie was looking at a window that showed the same camp overview from earlier. It was dark there now but the window had been enhanced with some sort of night-vision spell. As he and Morgan approached, Victor could see the warmth of bodies bustling around the camp and in the buildings within it.
Winnie turned and saw them approaching. “You both look like you’re chewing canaries. What’s got you two grinning like that?”
“We have news, sis,” Morgan said. “We’re going to have a baby.”
“What? That’s amazing! I’m so happy for both of you.”
Winnie pulled Morgan into an embrace, holding her sister close. Then she reached out a hand to Victor. He took it, clasped her hand between his.
“We have one favor to ask,” he said. “We’d like your blessing to get married. Your and Morgan’s father and her mother aren’t here with us so I thought I’d ask you.”
“You don’t need my blessing. My sister’s a big girl.”
“We’re asking anyway, Winnie,” Morgan said. “It’s important to Victor that we do things the right way.”
“Well, in that case, you have my blessing. When are you planning on holding the ceremony?”
“As soon as you can find the time to marry us,” Morgan replied.
“Me?” Winnie exclaimed. “What makes me qualified to do that?”
“You’re the leader of our forces,” Victor said. “We figure that qualifies you as much as anyone else.”
“So, will you do it? “ Morgan asked. “Will you marry us?”
“I suppose something can be arranged. We do have three days before we launch our attack. That will give you both a day’s respite before we need all hands on deck to kick off our raid. How’s that?”
“Perfect, Morgan said. “I’ll have enough time to find something to wear and Victor can get our rings.”
Victor blanched. He’d figured they’d take care of that after they took care of Kane.
“I’m sure we can arrange for Victor to go ring shopping over the next few days,” Winnie said. “I can’t tell you how happy this makes me. I needed a bright spot to focus on. Thank you.”
Victor smiled and Morgan hugged her sister again.
They would celebrate their wedding just before they went back to battle.
Three days of peace, and then the war would begin anew.
CHAPTER 10
Nils Kane splashed water on his face and turned away without looking into the shards of his smashed mirror. He’d stopped noticing the changes to his body. He didn’t see how clumps of hair fell out as he combed it or how many teeth he’d lost in the last week.
He glanced at the clock on the bunker’s bedroom wall. Almost time for his next briefing from that idiot Couch. Nils’ disappointment over his protégé’s failure to find his potential had turned into anger and a sense of betrayal.
It seemed like Couch didn’t believe Kane’s claims about Durham being alive. The Fell had no reason to lie about that. She alone possessed the ability to counter the plans he had taken so long to put in place.
Her resilience despite all he’d thrown at her might have been cause to congratulate the girl in other circumstances. Kane had always appreciated the practical application of power and leadership. And shared blood was surely to blame for her success. But her constant narrow escapes—cheating death no matter his plans—were infuriating.
Now she’d been able to find a way to hide, like the little roach that she was. Even the Garbarians couldn’t track her. He’d hoped the mundane resources at Couch’s disposal would have turned up evidence of her continued existence.
Instead, he was focused on petty raids against his forces and supply lines around the country. The general didn’t see the bigger picture and after the last meeting; Kane had seen doubt behind the general’s eyes.
And that was unacceptable.
Nils had always demanded unswerving loyalty from his underlings. That was magnified in the current struggle. He needed Couch’s continued loyalty now more than before. This was why he’d made the additions to his bunker.
The underground facility beneath the Department of Magical Containment headquarters in the capital had additional apartments on other levels. Kane originally built them for the staff he thought he’d need as his plans advanced. But that was before he’d discovered the powers of the Fell. Since then, the bunker’s other levels were mostly unused.
Now the floor below his was occupied by the general’s wife and children. They had been moved there by a Red Leg security team the previous evening while Couch was in Baltimore preparing for assault. On the surface, the move was for their own safety. But Couch would see if for what it was.
The final pin in Nils’ control of the general. It ensured the man’s loyalty no matter his feelings. Nils smiled as he turned to look at the security monitors. The cameras installed in the Couch family quarters showed the general’s wife and two children, a boy and girl, seated on the floor. They looked like they were reading a book.
How quaint.
Nils had greeted the general’s wife the evening before. The children’s horrified reaction reminded him of how he’d changed and sent him on an efficient retreat. He had wanted to lash out at the screaming children behind the cowering wife, but right now he needed them.
Perhaps after Couch had fulfilled his purpose, Nils would spend some time with the family on his terms. His lips parted in a gap-toothed smile, thinking about all the fun he could have. Children had so much vitality. So energetic. Transforming them with the Fell’s power was so enjoyable.
Nils spent several minutes watching the mother and children, imagining their screams as he played with them.
It would be worth the wait.
Turning from the screen, Nils started his painful, shuffling limp towards the conference room. Couch should be there waiting by now. It would be interesting to show him what had happened to his family.
His devotion to them was a key human weakness, one that Nils himself was never stupid enough to have. He’d tried to kill his own daughter on several occasions, and he would continue to seek her demise.
Couch could learn a lot from his leader’s example.
The general was examining the national map when Nils entered the room. He turned and almost hid his disgust.
Nils chose not to notice.
“Three days have passed. Are you ready?”
“That’s something I wanted to discuss,” Couch said. “I still wonder if there isn’t a way we could evacuate the loyal citizens before we bombard the city and … release your creatures.”
“Are you questioning me?” Nils limped a step toward the General. “Are you implying that you might not execute my orders and implement my plans?”
“I am merely wondering if there isn’t an alternative to such a severe approach, sir.”
“If there was another way to do what must be done, then I would have ordered you to do it already. Unfortunately this city is the sacrifice that is required. Only my Fell creatures can close the nexus, and they need sustenance.”
Couch paused, started to say something, but couldn’t.
“If you have something to say, General, now is the time to say it. I do delight in your candor.”
“Sir, there are thousands of women and children in the city. If only there were a way to evacuate even some of them, I’m sure the world would be grateful.”
“Like you’re grateful, General Couch?”
“Sir?”
“I’ve spent the last ten years grooming your career so you’d be in a position to assume leadership of the armed forces. Now, when I issue you a direct order, you look for ways to circumvent my
plans. That is not the action of a man loyal to his leader.”
“Director Kane I have always been loyal. I am only offering suggestions that might benefit you in the future.”
“Perhaps before I might have believed you, Philip. But I think you are having doubts about this fight. And that is something I cannot allow.”
Nils turned and picked up a remote from the table, thumbing a button as he pointed it at a monitor mounted in the corner.
Couch turned and looked at the screen.
Nils smiled as the color drained from the general’s face.
“I thought it best, in the face of the renewed rebel threat, to relocate your wife and children to the relative safety here in this bunker system,” Nils said. “They are completely safe for the time being, enjoying my hospitality.”
“Sir … ”
“As I said. Your loyalty has been flagging. I’ve seen it over these last few weeks, especially. I suppose it isn’t your fault. Not everyone possesses my resolve or vision for what must be.”
Nils rose and limped over to place a hand on Couch’s shoulder.
“They’re safe here. There’s plenty of food and water, and I’ll keep my minions away from their level entirely. No need to frighten the children. As long as you obey my orders, promptly and to the letter, I see no reason for any of that to change.”
Nils turned Couch’s head with a tap on his chin.
“Do we understand each other, general?”
“Yes sir,” he said, in barely a whisper.
But that wouldn’t do. “I’m sorry, General Couch, I did not hear you.”
“I said, yes, sir. I will obey your orders and do my very best to fulfill your expectations. Only … ” Couch turned back to look at the monitor. “Don’t hurt them. Please, they’re all I have.”
“As I said, General, I’m keeping them safe. Do as I say and you have nothing to fear. Now, I believe you have an assault to implement. I’ve sent the artillery shells to your units on Baltimore’s outskirts. The cases are clearly marked.”
“Yes, sir,” Couch said, rising and giving the director a bow. “By your leave, I’ll return to Baltimore and begin the assault.”
“I’m sure it will be a resounding success. If this doesn’t bring Durham out of hiding, nothing will.”
The general’s back was ramrod-straight, stiff as he walked from the room. Couch had been shaken by the revelation about his family’s captivity, but he’d managed to maintain control for the most part.
Nils was sure there would be no further problems with his loyalty moving forward. After he disappeared up the stairs, returning to the surface, Nils picked up the remote and turned up the volume.
Mrs. Couch was still sitting on the floor. Both of the small children were seated on her lap and she was rocking them, softly singing a lullaby. He listened as she sang—a song that promised to keep the evil away.
He laughed aloud.
The woman had no idea of his plans. No clue what was coming for her and her children. No nursery rhyme or lullaby could keep them safe. Not from him. No matter how many times she sang it to them.
This was his time, his hour of triumph. The assault on Baltimore signaled the beginning of the end for all the Fae magic and power that sustained this failing world. Once it was gone, the Fell magic would be free to consume everything, and Nils Kane would be left with an entire world to rule as his own.
CHAPTER 11
General Couch stepped into the command tent and surveyed the activity around him. He’d called in the orders to prepare for the assault. His first officer had questioned him at first. Major Beckett knew what he’d planned to do during his meeting with Director Kane and wondered why had wasn’t able to postpone the attack. Couch had put him off with a curt dismissal before disconnecting the call.
Beckett came over as soon as Couch entered.
“General, I thought we were going to postpone the attack so that evacuations could be started.”
“Major, that plan has been superseded by exigent needs for the whole country. We must press on, despite the casualties.”
The major opened his mouth but Couch cut him off.
“That is a direct order, Major. I expect you to carry it out.”
“Yes, sir,” Beckett said. “I’ll have the order to stand ready passed along to the troops. If I may ask, how soon will we start the bombardment?”
“As soon as all the units report that they’re ready.”
Beckett turned away to pass the word but Couch stopped him. “Major, arrest and replace any officer who refuses to follow orders to fire on the city. This is a war for the survival of everything we hold dear. We cannot allow sentimentality to impede our victory.”
“Yes, sir. I understand, sir,” Beckett said before turning away and passing the orders to the communications technicians.
But Couch was sure that he didn’t understand. It was true, everything Couch held dear in the world was at risk. His mind spun through a hundred possible ways he could free and keep them from harm. None held any hope of success, so that left him no choice. Baltimore’s destruction was sealed. Same for the people inside it.
He held himself to blame and, if there was an afterlife, he’d pay the price when the bill was due. He’d gladly suffer eternal damnation if that was what it took to keep Marla and the kids safe from Kane’s twisted vision for the world.
Couch turned his back on his staff as tears sprang to his eyes. He wiped them away, making it look like he was mopping his brow against the heat in the stuffy tent. Turning back to face them, he scanned their faces.
“Update, please, Beckett.”
“All units report they’re prepared for the final order to fire, sir.”
The major’s stilted, formal response showed he was battling his own doubts. He was a capable soldier and first officer, but in situations like this it was difficult to remain loyal, as the general well knew.
Beckett had no family to use as leverage and might decide that enough was enough. He might try to mutiny against Couch. He’d have to watch the man. There might be a need to transfer him to a more dangerous assignment, one where survival would be difficult if not downright impossible.
They were on a ridge to the west of town that gave them a view of the city’s edge and part of the downtown neighborhoods. He took a deep breath, staring out at the metropolis below, wondering what personal damnation felt like.
“Pass the order, Major Beckett. Fire.”
Couch listened to Beckett pass the order to the communications techs.
A few moments later, the large artillery units placed around the city fired simultaneously, their shells arching out over the city before falling inside it.
The first explosions of Kane’s newly created shells began in the center of the city. Strange blue fire erupted from buildings downtown. Windows blew outward. Taller structures collapsed to crush smaller buildings beneath them.
The shelling continued for several minutes, then on orders from Beckett and according to plan, the barrage spread outward, in an ever-widening circle towards the city’s fringes. The line of blue fire followed the shelling, devoured buildings and people as it swept everything in its path.
More tall buildings collapsed as the business district came under attack. Couch imagined monuments to past leaders and national victories falling. Museums filled with priceless artwork, parks destroyed by the strange blue fire released by Kane’s magical charges.
Most of all, the general thought of the people he’d tried to save, now already consumed by the flames. He hoped it was a quick death. That was the most he could hope for, and the most he dared to wish for them.
“Sir,” Beckett called. “Watch this. It just came in from one of our remote monitoring stations inside the city. The signal is still sending despite the shelling.”
Couch turned to look at his first officer’s tablet. The major tapped the display and for a moment Couch had trouble understanding what he was seeing.
Then
it came to him and his heart sank deeper into oblivion.
The camera showed a mass of people rushing past as the bombs fell around them, blue fire erupting everywhere. Whenever the fire touched a person, they stopped and fell to the ground, their bodies contorting into twisted forms, twisting into something else before his eyes.
After the shelling, victims who’d lived through the barrage began to rise.
But they were no longer people. Now they were monsters.
“Shut down all the internal surveillance camera feeds, Major. And destroy that video. We don’t need anyone else seeing that.”
“Yes, sir.” Major Beckett said.
Couch could hear everything that the Major was thinking in those two tiny words. The general shook his head. Time for that transfer.
Kane’s plan for the city was ingenious. The bulk of its inhabitants would be changed into monsters. Any survivors would be killed and consumed by the creatures that stayed behind. Total destruction.
If this was the plan moving forward for all the rebellious cities around the country, there wouldn’t be much in the way of a population to rule over once Kane was finished.
And perhaps that was his plan all along.
“Major, notify me when the shelling is finished. I’ll be in my command truck.”
Couch had seen enough. Now he had to vomit.
CHAPTER 12
Everyone was there to celebrate the wedding. Morgan’s friends in logistics found white streamers and even enough ingredients for a large wedding cake to decorate the officers’ mess for the event.
Winnie was impressed with what they’d managed in only three days. With Danny’s help, she’d been able to find and print out the words for a simple wedding ceremony adapted from the civil ceremonies used in court houses around the country. Now she stood at the head of the aisle created by rows of chairs, awaiting her sister to join the groom.
Victor stood at the top of the aisle, Danny standing beside him as best man. On the opposite side, Maria DeSantos stood in her role as maid of honor, a job that might have fallen to Winnie in other circumstances.