Quantum Heights: Book one of the Dead Path Chronicles

by Richard A. Valicek

  “Forgive me, Your Greatness. But, as I said, we were not at Quantum Heights. We were both here in Plaphorius the whole time. We did nothing.”

  Carcass Doom showed his teeth. “Nothing you say? You did not contribute to the conquest of Alamptria?”

  “Well, I mean…” The vampire drank calmly from his glass while the man floundered. “I didn’t mean it that way.”

  “Your Greatness, the two of them are right. They had nothing to do with it,” said Lavender. “I solemnly swear on their lives.”

  “Enough said!” Carcass yelled bringing down his fist, breaking the table in two. The table crashed to the floor, spilling the glasses of blood and toppling the men who had been leaning on it.

  One of the two Goncools who had managed to hold on to his glass before it fell to the floor held it out to Carcass. “Th-thirsty? Are you thirsty?” he asked Carcass. The hand that held the goblet was shaking so hard, blood was sloshing out the top.

  Carcass grabbed it and drank the whole goblet down. He wiped his sour mouth with the back of a scabbed hand. “The Dark Lord thirsts, too, and he has made his request. I think we have found our winner.” Carcass reached out and snatched the nervous Goncool from where he stood beside the phantom. “You see, the Dark Lord and I share something in common.” He leaned in, and the Goncool, terrified, leaned back. “We both don’t like squabbling and simpering begging for mercy. You did not contribute to the conquest of Alamptria. You will pay for your lack of contribution.” He tightened his grip on the man’s throat and, with his vampiric powers, transformed him into a statue of hardened dust. Carcass set the statue down and blew on it. It crumbled like dust. Carcass laughed a deep booming laugh that penetrated the soul of every person in the room.

  Still seated, Lavender leaned back in his chair. He rolled his eyes and puckered his lips. “Tut tut tut,” he clucked.

  Carcass turned to him and pointed a rotten tree-root finger at his chest. “Make no mistake. We will get that claymore.” Without another word, Carcass Doom stepped back, and twirling around like a spinning cyclone of dark fog, he crashed through the front doors and swirled out of the pub.

  Once Carcass was safely out of earshot, Lavender leaned in to the dust now scattered over the floor. “You really should never beg,” he said to the petrified Goncool. “Very unbecoming.”

  Chapter 7

  Menate’ el Demore’

  Out at Quigley’s pub, at the border of Elysium and the bay of Begonia, Caprius sat at a table with his brother Dragus and their new friend, Nero Fergus, the high-flying adventurer. The place was full of lively chatter and good cheer, and Dragus and Nero cracked jokes and whistled at the woman on stage singing her heart out. This wasn’t the kind of pub women frequented, and the men were thrilled to see her soft round body and flashing blue eyes.

  Caprius, however, was in a sour state. He was terribly worried about Melina. He wondered if her memory would return. His disappointment was eating at his heart. He kept his head down and scratched at the surface of the wooden table with the tip of his sword’s blade.

  “Don’t worry, Caprius,” said Dragus. “Melina’s memory will return in time.” Caprius kept his head down.

  Nero felt the dynamic between the brothers and was somewhat annoyed. This was hardly the grateful welcome Caprius had promised him.

  “You want another ale, Nero?” asked Dragus.

  “Two is my limit. I’ll be flying off soon and need to have my wits about me,” said Nero.

  Dragus looked disappointed. “I thought you wouldn’t be leaving until tomorrow morning,” he said.

  “I am. But, I need a clean system before I go,” Nero remarked. “At that altitude, you want to stay focused. I had once a near-death experience that scared the living daylights out of me. I vowed never to drink so much before flying again.”

  Dragus looked over at Caprius, wishing his brother would snap out of his gloom. At that moment, Calista walked in and made her way toward the Seatons’ table. “Good afternoon, gentlemen,” Calista smiled and pulled up a chair. A barmaid came over. “One ale, please. I’ll take it with some nuts on the side.”

  “The nuts are already there on the side, honey,” said the barmaid, pointing at Dragus’ elbow.

  “Dragus, you’re hiding them. Here, let me take that bowl off your hands,” said Calista. She pulled the nuts toward her. She was still smiling as she glanced around the table, since grown somber. “What, am I not welcome here?” she asked. “And, what’s with Caprius chewing up the table?”

  No one said anything. Caprius’ eyes were red. She didn’t want to pry, so she smiled, looked over at Nero, and held out her hand. “Who’s your friend here?”

  “The names Nero Fergus, ma’am,” said Nero. “A pleasure to meet you.”

  “I haven’t seen you here before. Are you from out of town?” asked Calista.

  “I’m originally from Alminite. But, I get around,” he said.

  “Nero brought Caprius all the way from Quantum Heights in a hot air balloon,” said Dragus.

  Calista hooted. “I’ve heard of those crazy contraptions! They seem to be the hottest thing these days,” she said. “I wouldn’t mind having a ride in one of those… but only so long as you fly it ten feet off the ground.”

  “Ha ha!” Nero laughed. “It may seem a little scary at first. But, you get used to it. I remember the first time I flew one. My heart was racing! But, after about the fifth time, it was like second nature. It’s like when a baby first tries to walk. It seems a little challenging, but eventually you overcome your fear.”

  “I don’t know. Being two thousand feet off the ground can be pretty scary,” said Calista.

  “Two thousand? It isn’t that high. I would say I go about six,” said Nero.

  “That’s awfully high,” she said grinning. She stole a glance at Caprius and then Dragus. “Listen, I can’t take it anymore. What’s going on? Maybe you just need a woman’s touch.”

  Dragus shrugged. “When he isn’t up for talking, I guess neither am I. After all, we’re twins,” he said.

  Calista looked at Caprius. Dragus finally said, “Melina has lost her memory. She remembers no one.”

  “I’m so sorry Caprius,” said Calista.

  “I feel like I’m losing her,” he said.

  “You know, carving up that table isn’t going to bring Melina back. And, what will the pub owner have to say about it,” she said gently.

  “I’ll buy him a new table,” replied Caprius.

  “And, will you carve up that one, too?” she asked.

  “I got money. I’ll buy another,” he said.

  Calista got off her seat thinking Caprius should be left alone. She stood and lifted her chair, as if to bring it down onto Caprius’ head, when she heard from behind, “Not so fast, Calista!” King Confidus, who had just entered the pub, said quietly. “Have a seat.” Confidus waited until Calista returned the chair to the floor, then he put his hand on her back to guide her into it. He pulled up a chair himself. “Caprius, I need you on a mission. I need you on the train tomorrow. And, Calista, I want you on this mission, as well.”

  “What? You want me to go with him?” Calista was not pleased. Grief-stricken or not, Caprius had just been extremely hurtful to her days ago. The barmaid came by and tried to ask Confidus if he would like an ale, but before she could speak, Confidus waved her away. “I need you on this mission,” said Confidus, his gaze never wavering from Calista’s face.

  “Why can’t you send someone else with him?”

  “Because I think you are best suited for this job. You would fit right in,” said Confidus.

  “I don’t want to do this one,” said Calista.

  “Calista, you are an agent now. Your loyalty is with the council of Elysium. And, I want you on this mission. Is that understood?” Calista’s face remained skeptical. “Further,” Confidus said, “it is urgent. And, to be frank, I need you and your skills desperately.”

  Calista felt her well-trained
warrior’s body respond to the call. “Okay,” she said, crossing her arms. “I’ll be there.”

  “Good! I will see you both at precisely 11:00 a.m. tomorrow morning at the Menate’ el Demore’.” Confidus stood and departed Quigley’s pub.

  The table was again silent. Calista stood. Her voice was flat, her face twisted in a grimace. “Nero, it was nice to have made your acquaintance. Hope to see you again. Good bye, Dragus.” She turned and walked out.

  Dragus looked at his brother’s nearly untouched ale. “Are you going to drink that?” he asked.

  Caprius shoved it at him. “Go ahead,” he said. “I think I’ll leave as well.” Caprius threw down some money and stalked out.

  “Well, Nero,” said Dragus, “looks like it’s just you and me.” They clinked glasses and enjoyed the last of their ales. Unfortunately, they went down more bitterly than when they had started.

  ***

  Caprius entered his bedroom. He walked over to the bed where Melina lay sleeping. A caregiver was looking after her. Melina awakened and looked around. When she gazed at Caprius, she was confused. “Who are you?” she asked. Caprius did not understand.

  “She still doesn’t remember. She has no recollection of who she is. She calls herself Clarisse. She doesn’t remember me. Dragus and Setra were here earlier. She doesn’t remember them either.”

  “What has happened?” asked Caprius. “What’s wrong with my wife?” Melina stared at him confused. “I have a pink lady here for Melina. But, I see she is in no condition to drink. I will set it down here. I am hoping the drink helps jog some memories.”

  “I’m so sorry, Caprius,” said the caregiver. “She thinks she is involved with a man named Titanis Clore. She talks of a woman, Lydia, and of her homeland Plaphorius.

  Caprius ran his hand through his hair. “Titanis Clore is no man. He is a vampire. And, he has been destroyed. But, he has left his mark on her. Poisoned her mind.”

  “Give it time, Caprius. Her memory will return,” said the caregiver.

  “I have to go on a mission. I must leave her now. Take good care of her, Sandra.”

  ***

  Confidus boarded the train Menate’ el Demore’ and headed toward the last car in the back. Menate’ el Demore’ is a term meaning ‘Light of Petoshine’ in the language of elf. He opened the steel door. From the instant he opened it, opera music filled the area from a gramophone, which lay upon an elegant gold table in the left corner in the back. The door was solid and heavy. It closed with a clank. It was an elegant looking car: golden trimmings on red-painted walls. He walked toward the end, where he was met by Zafrodius Clemenzie, who served as the head of the treasury. Senator Vijas sat on a cushioned black chair in the corner quietly rubbing his chin. Clemenzie and King Seaton each took a seat at the council table and launched into the difficult discussion of how Caprius had mishandled the kingdom’s affairs at Quantum Heights.

  Calista entered silently and stood to the side while the men grew heated. She worried about her future mission with Caprius and felt despair; he had grown so unpredictable of late. Clemenzie was enumerating the damages to the suite, “… an expensive vase imported from China, smashed… paintings on the wall,” he riffled through the pages of bills, “seven paintings, to be exact, were knocked down, broken glasses, and a crystal bowl from Vienna, strewn everywhere. The floor was stained from liquor. The window was smashed to pieces,” said Zafrodius, scowling at the pages over his glasses.

  “A window was broken?” repeated Confidus.

  “Yes, and an awning hanging above the lower-floor’s window was torn clean through. And, the fire damage! We’re lucky the whole hotel didn’t catch.”

  “Hmmm,” said Confidus scratching his chin.

  Zafrodius threw down his pages. “Tell me, Sir, is your son deranged? The damage Caprius caused to the hotel is beyond excessive. The hotel manager calls the Seatons a ‘force of destructive nature.’ They’re having a big celebration on February 2 to mark the anniversary of their first decade. Pinkles has made it clear that under no circumstances are there to be any surprises. This is the second time the hotel has gone through such extensive damage due to the Seatons. Confidus, as your financial council, I must advise you that we’re laying out far too much in compensation. We need to focus on holding our assets, not throwing them away on broken windows.” Zafrodius was leaning in toward the king, his voice loud and angry. The opera music continued to play loudly. “And, what’s with the loud music!” Zafrodius raised his voice.

  “Sir, you will watch your place. Your business is to put the money of this kingdom where I tell you to. And, I appreciate the fine culture of music.” He paused. “We have much larger issues to worry over, and as you say, a broken window is hardly the most of it. Do you not recall the lives of our men, women, and children lost in the destruction of Elysium centuries ago? When we were victims of a city that crumbled before our very eyes? You know nothing of this. My son’s efforts are to prevent such a thing from ever happening again.” Confidus smiled curtly. “So, write the promissory notes and leave my chambers.”

  At that moment, Caprius arrived. When he saw Calista standing quietly off to the side, he averted his eyes.

  “You’re bloody late,” said Zafrodius to Caprius. “Trying not to make it seem like you were with your girlfriend beforehand, were you?”

  “I was detained,” said Caprius, turning red.

  “And,” snapped Calista, “I don’t take kindly to such insinuations. There is certainly nothing going on between me and Caprius,” she said.

  The whistle blew, the steam hissed, the engine roared to life, and soon the great train surged ahead . A fine white smoke puffed out into the clear sky from the steam engine.

  “Enough, you have crossed one too many lines today, Zafrodius. I am now seeing that not promoting you to agent was a wise decision. You may go.” Confidus’ gaze was steely. “Enjoy your train ride.”

  Zafrodius bristled. “I need to discuss the sums for the damage with Caprius,” he stammered.

  “That is between me and my son, our agent,” Confidus said coldly.

  Zafrodius grabbed his papers and sauntered out. “Seems you get away with everything, Seaton,” he murmured to Caprius before closing the door.

  Caprius shrugged. “What was that all about?”

  “It seems there is significant damage at the Hotel Quantum Heights. They’re not pleased, Caprius,” said Confidus, raising an eyebrow. “Your work couldn’t have been done more quietly?”

  “Father, as I said, the mission was compromised. Lavender Frikiseed was the one who forced Brandon Peasley to write the letter asking me to come to the hotel. It seems Alveron Goncool is in charge of this.”

  “Yes,” said Confidus. He scratched his chin and looked at the floor. “Caprius, I have something to tell you.” He paused. “Marcus, would you turn off the music? We are to begin with the board meeting.” He motioned that Caprius should sit down at the table. Caprius plunked down, looking puzzled. Confidus sighed. “The Goncools have escaped from Zaderack prison.”

  “What?” Caprius said, bewildered. “But… that means all the Goncools are at large,” he said.

  “Yes, nine to be exact,” said Confidus.

  “And, then there was that one Goncool who had escaped in Koriston, never to be seen again,” said Caprius, “which puts it at ten at large.” He thought for a moment. “Do you think he is the one who orchestrated the escape?’” asked Caprius.

  “Yes, I do. He fled, breaking free from the clutches of the Taughtenslotte army and hasn’t been seen since. He must have known the other Goncools who confessed to the ordeal were sentenced to Zaderack prison. Vernon Goncool, who, as we know, is the most dangerous Goncool of all, is eager to continue where he left off. And, so the terror will begin all over again.” Confidus’ face grew long, deepening in shadows. “But, this time, not in Koriston. It will be in our beloved Elysium.”

  Calista began to tremble. She put her arms around herself and
swallowed. “Do you think he is here now, watching us, waiting to strike?” she asked.

  “Yes, I think they’re all here. Planning their next move,” said Confidus.

  “We better put our men on extreme alert,” said Caprius, standing.

  “Warrants are already out for their arrest, and their pictures will be posted everywhere to keep people alerted,” said Confidus.

  “You do have to marvel at the timing of all of this,” murmured Calista. “With the Seaton brothers gone, Elysium will be in great danger.”

  “Calista, you’re quite right. I will double our efforts and mobilize a second battalion to search for them,” said Confidus.

  He turned and nodded to Vijas, who was scribbling on a parchment with a quill pen. “We will find them, your majesty,” Vijas said.

  “They will be easy to spot. They cannot hide,” said Confidus.

  “Koriston must be informed of what has happened,” said Caprius.

  Confidus nodded. “I have already sent a messenger with a letter to Queen Amenova.”

  Caprius scoffed. “Their mother must have been one busy woman.”

  Calista glared at him. “They’re not all actually related,” said Calista. “Five of them were outsiders who joined the Goncool brothers for the sake of immortality. They were obsessed with the dark cult.”

  “Father, this definitely means they could be in Elysium. And, remember Nigel Goncool’s threat: if he ever escaped from prison, he would come after the Seatons. His eye is on you, me, and Andromin.”

  “I suppose that since I’m a member of the Seaton family, he’ll be after me, too,” said Calista trying to make a joke.

  “He doesn’t know you. You’re in no danger,” said Caprius, waving a dismissive hand in her direction.

  Calista drew in a big breath. “There is something you must know. I was once involved with Nigel.” She looked down and blushed. “Romantically. Then, when I found out that he was a Goncool, I fled. He never saw me again. But, I returned to Koriston to watch the nine Goncools hang. It brought me some comfort knowing that a part of him died that day when he watched his kin being killed. Later, when I heard that Nigel was sentenced to prison for two counts of life, I was very relieved to know that monster would die in prison.” She paused. “See, he raped me. But, I left a mark on him. A scar. I defended myself with his dagger. But, he made it public that I’d stabbed him, and as a result, I became an outcast. So, I joined the Bramonian cult, and, of course, you all know how that turned out.” She paused and smiled. “And, now I’m here in Elysium, hoping I could start over, live happily without ever having to worry about the Goncools or Platasus Cremiss and his men.” Calista shrugged. Her face was clouded over as if she would cry. She thought about the secret she was keeping from them and how she ached to share it.