“Lose me? What happened?” Natalie asked in concern.
“When the Medics brought you here, you were suffering from terrible internal bleeding. No one was sure that they would be able to save you or…” he let his voice trail off.
“Or what?” Natalie asked urgently.
“The baby,” Norm said simply.
Natalie stared at him, “The…what?” Her face was blank.
Norm grasped her hand, "You are pregnant."
Natalie’s face remained blank and Norm went on hurriedly, “The baby is fine for now, but it may be a difficult pregnancy. We can’t treat you with Nanytes. The medics wondered if you ever sustained any injuries to your abdomen, something that never properly healed…” Norm wore a pained expression.
Natalie put a hand on her abdomen, “I’m pregnant?” she asked in wonder.
Norm nodded solemnly, realizing she needed time.
“But what will happen now?” There was no expression on her face, only the question.
Norm shook his head, “I don’t know. Magnus is…”
“What has happened?” Natalie asked.
“I fear Middleton has been whispering in his ear for far too long. We are both to be held here, in this house, until the baby is born,” Norm cleared his throat, “Before he allowed me to come see you, we had a brief… discussion. It was made clear to me that the only reason I am still alive is because of concern for you.”
Natalie grasped his hand, “Oh Norm. I’m so sorry.”
Norm shook his head. “Please don’t cry for me, Natalie. I’m – I’m not worth it.”
“No, you’re not,” Magnus stood in the doorway. "Leave us," he said coldly. Norm stood and patted Natalie on the hand once more before hastily stepping outside.
Magnus watched the door close and then walked slowly over to the far window, “How are you feeling?”
Natalie sat up and placed her hands in her lap. “Much better,” she said formally.
“Good.”
There was a silence, and Natalie felt as if the air had become thick, like a blanket covering her face. She cleared her throat, “Despite your misgivings, thank you for sparing Norm.”
Magnus glanced at her. “You’re welcome,” his voice was stiff, unyielding, “But I didn’t do it for you.”
“Oh?” Natalie said.
“I did it for the child,” Magnus’s voice was cold, and left the room in a chilly silence.
She nodded, “I understand.” Her voice was shaking. “Thank you.” She struggled to maintain her composure.
“Middleton wishes to speak with you. I told her to make it brief.” He glanced at Natalie for just a moment. There was a deep pain in her eyes. He immediately turned away, starting to leave.
“Do you know...?” Natalie asked.
Magnus paused, his hand on the door, “It’s a boy.”
“Oh.” She paused. “I’m glad he’s OK.”
Magnus nodded. “I will keep checking on the pair of you, but it’ll be infrequent.”
Natalie swallowed, “Of course.”
Magnus looked back, “A certain amount of chaos was to be expected from the transition, between the upending of the castes and the loss of so many key positions. There is no need to make the corporation or its people suffer any longer than necessary.”
Natalie smiled stiffly, “That’s good.” She raised a hand to her mouth, “I-I just had a thought for a name,” she added. Magnus tilted his head.
“Janus,” Natalie said carefully.
Magnus blinked, as if caught by surprise, then nodded slowly, “The one who sees the past and the future. That’s a good name. What made you think of that?”
Natalie hesitated, “It’s—it’s a name from a story my father told me long ago.”
A pained expression crossed Magnus’ face and he immediately turned back to the door. “Titan needs me. Keep resting.” Without further ado, he stepped out.
“I still love you,” she said as loud as she could, her voice trembling. Magnus swiftly closed the door behind him and she broke into tears.
After few moments, she forced them back. Middleton was coming, and she had no intention of appearing weak to the woman. She forced herself to sit up a little higher, and clasped her hands on her lap. Natalie grimaced at the strain. The door opened abruptly and Natalie steeled herself.
Middleton squeezed into the room. Now that she no longer stood next to the Inferni, Natalie realized how large the woman had actually become. She grinned evilly as she shut the door behind her, “I convinced Magnus to allow me a few minutes alone with you.”
“What do you want, Middleton?” Natalie asked, her voice hard.
“Just a little chat," Middleton wheezed, “a brief discussion about our mutual future.”
Natalie smiled, "Our future? I suspect there is very little future for either of us. And I doubt very much that Magnus will give you what you desire, Middleton. But I suppose that is why you had at least to try to get rid of me first.”
Middleton scowled. “Your verbal sparring is a little weak today, merc. But of course, I’m not in your position. Feeling… overburdened, perhaps?” Middleton sneered.
Natalie smirked, “I don’t think you would fit into my position anymore, Middleton. I’m not feeling overburdened just yet, but I’m not already carrying the weight of two.”
Middleton laughed, “I would suggest we see who best carries their weight, but unfortunately, only one of us isn’t bedridden and infirm.”
”Did you just come to taunt me, Middleton? If so, you’re wasting your time," Natalie responded indifferently.
Middleton smiled, “No, no, no – you misunderstand. I wanted to have a little heart to heart. You see, you may think I wish to hurt you physically.” She paused, “Well, yes I do. But Magnus would know right away – from anything too obvious anyway, and unfortunately, he might not approve.”
Natalie said nothing, but her jaw tightened.
“So instead, I’m going to visit you every day,” she grinned, “I’m going to care for your ‘well-being’.” Natalie clenched the comforter. Middleton didn’t even notice. “I’m going to hurt you in ways that not even Magnus can detect. In ways only someone like me would know.” Natalie’s eyes reflected a sudden fear and Middleton smiled. “You believe me, don’t you? It’s as if only one person in the world could make that threat – and I’m the one. Not Magnus. Not the Corporations. Me. And I’m going to relish every moment of it.” She turned to look out the window, “And when we’re done, I’m going to take your baby. Complicated pregnancies are so dangerous.”
Without thinking, Natalie leapt from the bed, reaching for Middleton. As she hit the floor, her legs collapsed, dizziness sweeping over her like a wave. She crashed into the bedside table and vomited as she tumbled, the nearby vase smashing upon the ground and leaving water, flowers, and broken glass everywhere.
Middleton laughed again, “You would have killed me then, wouldn’t you? I wonder what Magnus would say about you taking matters into your own hands?” She bent over putting her face right over Natalie’s. “But if you really could do anything at all, I wouldn’t be here, would I?”
As she lay upon the floor, Natalie broke. The door slammed open, and Norm’s voice called out. “What happened? What did you do?”
Middleton’s shrugged, “Nothing. She did this to herself. I think she was trying to hurt me, but I couldn’t really tell.” Middleton paused, “I have business to attend to. Why don’t you attend to her? I’m not sure anyone else will.”
Norm cradled Natalie, and she sobbed.
Chapter 33: The Underworld Beckons
It took Janus several moments to realize that Norm had stopped speaking. Janus was staring at the table in front of him, oblivious to his surroundings. He felt a hand on his shoulder. Clara stood over him with a terrible sadness in her eyes. Celes had covered her face. Lyn had her face buried in Ramirez; his face was a shade of green. Marcus’ gaze flitted between Norm and Janus, his face as s
till as stone. Wouris and the officers kept focused upon Janus. The Praetor was gone.
“What happened next, Norm?” Janus asked. He dreaded the answer, yet his lips moved of their own volition.
“Janus, we should wait for the Praetor,” Celes touched his arm.
Only Celes’ gentle smile kept him from leaping up and demanding Norm finish.
He waited.
The Beacon was silent, each alone with their own thoughts. Lyn was no longer buried in Ramirez’s arm, but instead grasped his hand firmly, her gaze unusually hard.
Janus felt like an exhibit. Surreptitious glances in his direction made it clear no one knew how to react around him. They were all waiting for his signal. Occasionally, Lyn would try to speak up, but she would always fall silent again, arm half-raised in offering. Janus couldn’t take it anymore, announcing, “I’m going to look for the Praetor.”
“Janus, I’m not sure that’s the best—” Keats began.
“I’m looking for him, and you can either help, or stay here,” Janus said firmly.
“I’ll go with you,” Clara piped up.
“I’ll look, too,” Wouris said, catching a surprised glance from Keats. Keats slowly nodded in acceptance. “I’ll go with you, Sergeant,” Celes said.
Without another word, Ramirez stood up, and followed closely by Lyn, left the briefing room. Janus smiled as he and Clara followed him, listening to the patter of footsteps as the rest silently broke off into groups of two and began the search.
Janus made a beeline for the Chariot of Dawn, the unused storage platform where he and the Praetor had first spoken about Phoenix. He didn’t feel like saying anything, he was just glad to be moving – to be doing anything other than sitting. Clara followed him silently. It felt strange, like old times. Just the pair of them together, searching forgotten corridors.
He felt all jumbled up inside. Unsure what he was supposed to be feeling. Feeling for Natalie, the mother he never knew. Feeling for Clara, the mother that wasn’t his. He jumped onto one of the lifts heading down along the trunk of Valhalla’s ‘tree’. And as the silent lift sank to the base of Valhalla, Clara grasped his hand firmly. Their fingers interwoven, and bathed in the red light from the great seal of ODIN, Janus clutched her hand tighter.
The Chariot was devoid of life, empty aside from its collection of parts and ships. Clara and Janus had searched high and low, but after a half-hour of combing every facet of the storage bay, Janus was forced to concede that he still did not know the Valhalla, or the Praetor, as well as he might have thought.
His only hope as they returned to the Beacon of the Tree at the top of Valhalla was that the others had been more fortunate.
They hadn’t. The Praetor had disappeared to some secluded corner of Valhalla only he knew. The maker and his machine. Janus and Clara had been the last to return, and Wouris spoke quietly to the gathering, “I think the Praetor would wish us to continue.”
Slowly, the other officers nodded in agreement, and Norm, eyes seeming just as red, began again.
***
The tray was loaded with dishes. A beautiful ceramic pot, patterned with flowers and overflowing with soup. A silver ladle, and a single bowl and a spoon. The sweet scent of fresh vegetables and warm broth filled the room.
“So, how are we today?” Middleton asked in a sweet voice, wheeling in the delicately clattering ensemble. The venom was there, just hidden beneath the surface. An Infernus followed her in.
Norm could hardly keep his attention from the mouthwatering aroma, but Natalie was impassive, as if the soup did not exist. She was weak, barely able to lift herself from the bed. Middleton lightly lifted the lid from the pot, and a quick burst of steam from the hot soup amplified the heavy aroma. She took a slow whiff of the delectable dish, and hastily replaced the ceramic top.
She smiled, “My, that smells wonderful. Would you like some?”
Norm knew better than to answer.
Middleton looked hurt, “No? Too bad.” With a delicate motion she cracked open the top of the ceramic pot, and another billow of steam filled the room. Grabbing the spoon, she lightly dipped the utensil inside. Blowing gently, she let it drip once upon the platter and licked it clean.
“Mmmmm, delicious!” She eyed the pair in amazement, “Neither of you are particularly hungry?”
She looked troubled, gently brushing some of Natalie’s hair from her face, “But my dear, you need to keep your strength up, and soup will do you a world of good. Here, let me feed you,” she raised the ladle, removing the top. The soup was boiling.
Natalie pressed herself against the bed, as far away as she could get from the evil woman.
Middleton dipped the ladle in the pot and quickly poured a bowl, “My, that’s hot. Now,” she paused, holding up her spoon. Her face twisted with mock concern, “well, that’s unfortunate. I’ve already used this spoon. Oh well, I’ll just help you with the bowl. Here you go.”
Natalie kept her mouth shut, and turned her head away. Middleton smiled, “That won’t do. We’ve got to keep your strength up. Novus, help me, will you?”
The lumbering Infernus complied. He grabbed Natalie and forced her mouth open.
“Hag!” Norm yelled, leaping towards Middleton, but the Novus caught him in midair and flung him back into the wall, knocking the breath from his lungs and leaving him hunched over on the floor. Norm could only watch, and curse his powerlessness.
***
“Every day from that point on, Middleton would find some way to torture her. Even when she was gone, sometimes for weeks at a time, she was always there, in the back of our minds. But she was careful, and she was smart. She kept most of her physical abuses to me alone. We didn’t see Magnus again. I’m sure the reports that Janus was healthy was enough for him.” Norm hesitated, “I think – I think he never figured out exactly what he wanted to say. And I’m sure between Titan, and Middleton’s meddling, it was easy to stay away.”
Norm took a deep breath, “Natalie was strong. Much stronger than me. She never became forlorn. She never gave up. But she was weak – so very weak. And she was starting to waste away.”
***
Norm rested on the floor of the bedroom propped upon the extra pillows Natalie had discarded. The curtains blocked his view of the outside, but it wouldn’t have mattered anyway – it was a moonless night and the high walls of the estate shadowed the grounds from the bright lights of the undercity. From down the hall, the booming chime of the grandfather clock in Magnus’ study echoed mournfully, marking the end of another day.
It had become clear that the only reason for his continued survival was to keep Natalie as healthy as possible. He could only imagine what Magnus had been thinking – Norm frequently wondered if he had ever known – but it was clear that Natalie was weak. He suspected that Middleton was none too pleased with his continued existence, but despite the confined conditions, he hadn’t been taken away just yet. Norm suspected that Natalie’s health had become his health, and she was not looking well.
Norm shifted his thinning frame, his bony elbows digging into the pillows. His Titan uniform had been stripped of its insignia, and fit loosely upon him, but it was kept regularly clean by the guards just down the hall. He tightened his belt another notch. It would hardly surprise him if Middleton knew his weight better than he did. He stole a glance at Natalie. Her sleeping form looked so peaceful and beautiful. It did not bear the worries or exhaustion that wore deeper upon her every day. Months had passed, and her belly was large. How much had passed, Norm had lost track, but he knew that the baby’s arrival was soon.
Tap, tap, tap.
Natalie’s eyes sprang open, and Norm motioned for her to stay still. He roes quietly, as quickly as his weakened body would allow, and carefully pulled back the curtain. A familiar face pressed against the glass. Fumbling with the window locks, Norm hastily slid the window open and Aubrey leapt inside. Norm could hardly recognize her. She wore a brown Titan uniform, slightly worn but neatly pres
sed, and her cheeks were thinner. Without her servant’s garb, she was more imposing and commanding. She looked stronger than ever before, and with a silent motion she slid the window shut behind her.
“Aubrey! You’re alive!” Natalie exclaimed happily. Aubrey smiled, “Of course.”
“Where have you been?” Norm whispered, anger creeping into his voice.
“Busy,” Aubrey said simply.
“And?” Norm asked.
She ignored him and grasped Natalie’s hand, concern in her voice, “How are you holding up?”
Natalie had a weak smile, “A little worse for wear.”
Aubrey patted her hand, “I know. I would’ve been here sooner, but I had to move carefully.” She smiled, “I can get you out.”
Norm ears perked up, and Natalie smiled for the first time in months, “I knew you would.”
“I’ve found someone who has agreed to help us.”
Norm’s eyes went wide with surprise, “Really? Who?” He sputtered.
“A man named Alastor. He’s a lesser elite – an Intendant serving an Overlord at Cerberus.”
“Cerberus!” Norm said.
Aubrey smiled, “I needed somewhere to hide, and I knew of at least one transport heading that way. Alastor has agreed to provide us shelter and a hiding place in exchange for our information. He wants as much as possible about Middleton and her ties as he can get. She quickly opened the window again and alighted on the windowsill. “Be ready to move soon. I don’t know when I’ll return, but when I do, you must be ready to go immediately.” She smiled at Natalie, “I will get you out of here.” She glanced at Norm, “Both of you.”
Natalie gave her a weak smile, and Aubrey whispered, “Stay strong.” With a leap, she disappeared into the darkness.
Norm shut the window behind her, but for the first time in months, he felt free.
Chapter 34: Persephone
When Norm awoke the next morning, he was surprised to see Magnus standing by the window. Natalie was dozing comfortably for once.
The Phoenix Fallacy_Book III_Magnus Page 19