The Cyber Chronicles - Book I: Queen of Arlin

by T C Southwell

Tassin followed Sabre’s recumbent form, which four soldiers bore up the street, torn between rage and self-pity. Why had he not done as she ordered? By defying her, he had forced her to say those words, and now he appeared to be comatose. He could have killed these men as easily as the cyber had killed the soldiers in the gully, but instead he was now crippled. In a way, it would serve him right if the cyber did take over again. At least it obeyed her. The soldiers surrounded her, but kept a respectful distance. If she tried to run, they would grab her, and the thought of being manhandled did not appeal to her.

  Xavier waited in the palace’s entrance hall, Victor yawning beside him. The King’s velvet robe had clearly been donned with haste, his hair was rumpled and his brow furrowed. As she trudged into the hall, he impaled her with hard black eyes.

  “A foolish attempt, Tassin.” He glanced at Sabre. “And your last, since your man-at-arms appears to be injured.”

  Victor frowned and went over to Sabre. “What happened to him?”

  Tassin frowned at the King. “It may be my last attempt, but the gods will punish you for your injustice. You would condemn me to a life of horror and pain. Yet it shall not be. You and yours will suffer for this night’s betrayal.”

  He shook his head, watching Victor question the soldiers. “You exaggerate. Torrian is a good man, and I doubt he will be so easy to murder. Your threats are not worthy of serious consideration. You are powerless to avoid your fate. Now you will go to your room, and this time you will stay there. I do not enjoy being roused from my bed in the dead of night.”

  Xavier marched off, leaving her seething with helpless fury. A servant came forward and bowed, gesturing for her to precede him down the hall. With a last glance at Sabre, she headed for her rooms. Occasional red flashes still lighted the brow band, running along it in sporadic patterns. She experienced a twinge of concern, and regretted using the fateful words now. Had she known this would happen, she would not have done so. She had only wanted to punish him for his defiance, thinking the pain would force him to obey. Instead, he and the cyber had entered into a battle that he appeared to have lost.