“What is it, Calista? Is there something else?”
Calista shook her head. “No, I have nothing more to say.”
Caprius put his hand on Calista’s shoulder. “She’s been through enough. Let’s use her story as further flame for the fire. We will capture these Goncools and send them back to prison… for good.” Calista felt Caprius’ firm hand on her shoulder, aware of its warmth and compassion and thought that despite his erratic behavior of late, he was a good man, one whom one day she might be able to confide in.
Confidus sat in his chair. “Please, be seated,” he said to Calista and Caprius. “Senator Vijas, you may proceed with the briefing.”
Senator Vijas had remained silent all throughout the conversation among Confidus, Caprius, and the secretary of treasury and didn’t know the circumstances that had led Caprius to have such a tumult at the hotel. His job was to identify what had happened. He began to debrief Caprius. “Caprius, how was your mission compromised and for what reason?”
“Lavender Frikiseed was after my claymore. He said he would harness the sword’s power to resurrect Titanis Clore. If he were to succeed, Titanis Clore would most certainly launch a full-scale attack on Elysium, leaving every last Elysian citizen a member of the undead. I had come there believing I was merely having a meeting with Brandon Peasley. The letter was definitely in his handwriting, but it turns out, he was forced to write it, and Frikiseed mailed it.” Caprius stopped. “Doesn’t matter, anyway. He did what they asked, and they still killed him. Brandon is dead.”
“Or undead,” said Calista.
“Yes, precisely,” said Confidus.
“I don’t understand how it is possible for the undead to harness the sword’s power. From what I understand, only you, Caprius, and your brothers are capable of that,” said Vijas.
“There is one other,” said Senator Marcus, who was just letting himself into the chambers. “Maximus Seaton is a knight master himself and also possesses this power.” He took a seat and poured a glass of water from the pitcher on the table. “Nobody has seen Maximus in years. Who knows, perhaps he has fallen to the dark side. If so, they could very well mean to use him to bring Titanis Clore back from the dead.”
“But, Maximus has a claymore. Wouldn’t the undead just use his?” asked Confidus.
Marcus shrugged. “Maybe it takes the power of two claymores to bring the Prince of Darkness back from the dead?” he asked.
“I don’t buy that. The Seatons’ powers grow stronger by the day. They are invincible. There’s no way any Seaton can be forced to turn to the dark side of immortality,” said Calista.
“So, then, how would Makoor bring Titanis Clore back without the use of the Seatons?” asked Marcus.
Confidus sat back in his chair. “We’ll have to attend to that more fully later. For now, we need to move on to another unpleasant point of business.” He opened up a file lying on the table before him. “Two days ago, a coffin filled with dirt was delivered to me here in Elysium. Buried in the dirt was the body of Thomas Humphries. This is the second agent to be killed and delivered to our doorstep in such a way in the last six days, and we still have two agents in the field whose whereabouts aren’t known. We’ve lost contact,” said Confidus grimly. “That is why I have chosen you, Caprius, to go on this most delicate mission.”
“Lost contact?” said Caprius. “Is there no way to determine if they’re still alive?”
Confidus shook his head. He felt helpless in uncharted territory. “One of our most experienced agents, Lylin Chiles was assigned to this case a week ago. He is missing, but there’s no reason to presume he’s dead. We received this note from him, which leads us to believe he has been making progress,” said Confidus, handing his son the rumpled piece of paper.
“It says here that a Seaton should be assigned to the case.” Caprius looked up. “That in and of itself is suspicious. Might be a trap. Also,” he looked back at the letter, “look here. The note ends oddly. He began to write the last sentence, but the tone shifts abruptly, and it ends by stating some sort of involvement of exportation of coffins. Chiles says very little about it, and it’s not much to go on.”
“We do have one lead,” said Vijas. He pulled a small box out of his pocket. Inside was a pocket watch. “This watch was found with one of the bodies.” He handed it over to Caprius who turned it over, examining it, before giving it to Calista.
“Did you read the engraving on the back?” said Calista. “It says… ‘warning: death to those who follow.’”
“Clearly a warning to the council not to send any more agents or they, too, will wind up dead, delivered in a casket,” said Vijas.
“If that is so, then it is only a matter of time before Lylin Chiles is murdered,” said Calista.
“Yes, that is what we fear,” said Confidus. “Tilly Croft has also gone missing. We haven’t seen a body, so we simply don’t know-”
“Father, I know Tilly Croft. She is a good agent,” said Caprius. “We should have some faith.”
“I know her, as well. We’ve had drinks together,” said Calista, feeling nervous at the number of people who’d been involved already.
“We cannot afford any more mistakes.” Confidus put his hands on the table and looked at his son and Calista. “And, that is why we have turned this assignment over to the Seatons. The powers of Petoshine are needed,” he said.
Caprius scratched the back of his neck roughly. “I’m curious… did the bodies delivered to us have any puncture wounds?”
“No, which is why I do not believe this is the work of the undead. But, nonetheless, something sinister is afoot, no question. Their bodies were, in fact, stabbed by what look to be knives,” said Vijas. “Or,” he paused and rubbed his eyes, “more grimly, it could very well be that they fell from a great height onto tall spikes, and that’s what killed them.”
“I’m sorry, Senator, but I do believe the undead are behind this. One of their signatures is to bury bodies directly in dirt. May I ask what the dirt looked like?” asked Caprius.
Vijas thought a moment. “It was dark but… it had a bit of a red tinge to it,” he said.
“Just as I suspected. That is the dirt found in the bowels of the castle in Plaphorius and Mount Drone. But,” Caprius paused, “I do not think these deaths are related to what happened at Quantum Heights. This means we have two separate instances in which the undead are taking control.”
“What I don’t understand is why those bodies had no puncture wounds at the neck,” Confidus said. “Their blood had clearly been drained but it seems not by vampires.”
“As you said earlier, those agents were delivered here dead as a warning to us not to send any others. Their blood was drained to prevent their bodies from decaying so we could see them intact,” said Calista.
“That makes good sense, Calista,” said Confidus.
“But, why didn’t they infect the bodies with the blood of Makoor and have them transform into the undead?” asked Vijas. “That’s the curious part.”
“They must have felt it was more important to call us off than to bring over the bodies to their side,” said Calista.
“Senator Marcus, why don’t you inform us of what you found,” said Confidus, gesturing to Marcus and leaning back in his chair.
“Thank you, Your Highness.” Marcus cleared his throat. “We know that these two pocket watches were purchased in a store in Koriston. The proprietor is a well-respected businessman in the city, so to imagine him involved in this dark scheme is a bit farfetched. I believe he and his business are being targeted and used. We want you to find out who is behind all of this and learn what they are up to. Koriston was the last place of Chiles’ whereabouts just prior to his disappearance. The two bodies delivered to us were sent from another city, but the driver of the carriage bringing them to us was from Koriston. However, that may also be a false lead as we believe the coffins were transported several times before making their way to Elysium.”
“D
o you have the driver’s name?” asked Caprius.
“I’m afraid not,” said Marcus. “All we have are these pocket watches and the name of the shop from where they were purchased. Also, a man by the name of Dallas Moore was who sent these caskets from Koriston. He is your contact. He will meet you at the hotel lounge.”
“And, where were the watches purchased?” asked Calista.
“A place called Tillie’s Fine Watches on River Street. Here is the address.” Marcus handed the note to Caprius.
“This train is headed for Koriston” Confidus said to his son kindly.
“The two of you have your mission,” said Vijas.
“Caprius, Calista, you have your assignment. Goodbye, and good luck to both of you,” said Confidus.
“And, as we say in the language of elf - Menate’ el Demore’,” said senator Vijas. Menate’ el Demore.’ Everyone stood solemnly and shook hands. Then, Caprius and Calista left the boardroom in silence.
As Caprius and Calista sat down in the seats of a car, the last car where the boardroom was had unhooked mechanically from the rest of the train. The train car had come to a stop. Suddenly, from the room of the car, which stood tall, the roof had opened up, and a large hot air balloon had inflated open. After the balloon had grown to its full capacity, from the sides of the disengaged part of the car drew out two propellers. The propellers began to turn faster and faster. A hissing sound and steam from the bottom of the train car drove the car off the train track. It flew higher and higher into the air. Then, the propellers forced the car to move forward, and it flew back to castle Elysium.
Chapter 8
The Train Ride
The train was bound for Koriston. Smoke continued to puff out into the clear sky from the steam engine.
Calista sat with her face to the window looking at the distant mountains and reminiscing about things past. She let herself get lost in her memories, not at all concerned with making Caprius comfortable or engaging him in small talk.
Caprius was aware that Calista’s mood toward him was quite changed. It was a nine-car train, but there were very few passengers. A waiter came to them presently and said they’d have his undivided attention, given they were alone in their car. The waiter had a mechanical right arm filled with gears and wiring. “Would you care for a refreshment?” he asked. Calista finally turned away from the window, but she avoided Caprius’ eyes. Caprius ordered wine and she a cup of tea with sugar. They faded to silence until the waiter returned with their drinks. Calista sipped her tea, but it was scalding hot and burned her lip. She made a small noise.
“Are you alright?” Caprius asked her. She ignored him.
“How is your wine,” she finally asked flatly.
“Unfortunately, it’s not to my liking.” He pushed it to the corner of his tray, but his fingers hit the stem awkwardly and he knocked it over. He and Calista leaped up, and the waiter returned with towels.
“Would you like another?” he asked.
“Actually, would you happen to have the Chateau Rauzan Segla 1729?” asked Caprius.
“No, Sir, I’m afraid not,” said the waiter.
“What about the 25?”
“Why, yes, we do. I will get that for you right away, Sir,” said the waiter.
“Splendid,” said Caprius. He seemed relieved.
“You sure know your wines,” said Calista.
“I do enjoy good wine. It’s a fun hobby,” said Caprius. Now that they were speaking civilly, Caprius decided he needed to humble himself. “Calista, I must apologize for what I said to you days ago. I had no right to say those things. Naturally, you must miss your father very much.”
“Thank you. Apology accepted,” said Calista with a warm smile.
“How are you enjoying Elysium? Are you liking it here?” he asked.
It didn’t take long for them to feel much more comfortable with the other and relax into their conversation. “Yes, I’m enjoying it very much. Your family welcomed me with open arms. You showed me support and your love. And, for that, I thank you. It is very nice here. And, I love the scenery; it’s breathtaking. The gardens of Meadow-lie are my favorite place to find peace,” she sighed. “I confess, the first few weeks I was in Elysium, I was rather uncomfortable. Living in a strange land, that is, and with people I didn’t know.”
“You’re not a stranger among us, Calista. Our home is your home,” said Caprius.
“Thank you, Caprius,” she said.
At that moment, the waiter arrived with Caprius’ wine. Holding the bottle with his mechanical hand, the waiter poured the wine. “Thank you, my good man,” said Caprius.
“As I was saying, the first few weeks I had some difficulty. I had nightmares every night. My thoughts were with my father, but in my dreams, he was tormenting me.”
Caprius remembered that time and felt sorry. “Yes, that first week, we heard your screams. We didn’t know what was troubling you. And, we still don’t know because you weren’t able to talk about it. Not even Doctor Finklestein was able to help.”
“Actually, he did help. He gave me some sedatives. With some sleep, I was able to feel much better.”
“I only hope your problems don’t resurface, for your sake.”
Calista smiled brightly. “I put the past behind me. I am not bothered by my father’s spirit anymore.”
Caprius was somewhat puzzled. “I don’t quite understand. You say you were tormented by your father, but you loved him and miss him. How does one want to be with someone yet push him away at the same time?”
Calista took a long sip of her tea, which had cooled. “Caprius, my father had a difficult past, one in which he acted in terrible ways. Yet, I still loved him dearly. When I was a little girl, he used to sing me lullabies and tell me bedtime stories. That is a cherished time in my life, when I felt so loved and cared for.” She paused. “But, when I became a young woman, his love for me was overshadowed by a sickness, an immoral lust. One night, he had his way with me. The moment I turned sixteen, I ran away. My father had been long since dead, and my guardians cared for me, but I was so tormented by what my father had done, I kept wondering when my guardian would have his turn. There were nights when he’d come by my bedside only to kiss me good night, and I would scream. My nights were filled with terror. And, all he wanted to do was help me, love me. They were good, kind people.”
Tears fell from Calista’s eyes. “I often wish I’d had the strength to stay and heal. But, I was compelled to go. And, when I ran away, I became a wanderer of Alamptria.”
Caprius was silent a moment. He’d had no idea the things she’d lived through. “I am so sorry,” said Caprius. He put a hand on her knee to comfort her. She placed her warm hand atop it.
“Years went by, and I found myself living in the city of Koriston. That is when I met the Goncools. One Goncool grew fond of me, named Nigel. By this time, my fear of being with men had faded away, and Nigel became my friend. When, after a time, Nigel and I developed feelings for one another, we moved into an intimate relationship that was caring and made me feel safe. I realized I had found love.”
“Why did you leave Nigel or, rather, when?” asked Caprius.
Calista took a deep breath. “Later, I came to understand that the Goncools were plotting against the queen of Koriston. Something about transforming humans into the undead and eternal life. I knew then I was fraternizing with the enemy. Nigel’s younger brother Thornin was first in command and oversaw the operation. He was a man whom I had also adored, even developed some feelings for. But, my loyalty was to Nigel, and Thornin knew and respected that. After the Goncools planned to assassinate Queen Amenova, I panicked and went into hiding in Koriston. Nigel and Thornin searched for me, but I’d hidden well. Any time a Goncool went to a pub or an event, I made sure to remain inside. One night, at Gripers Green Dragon Pub, there was a close call; I caught a glimpse of Nigel from a distance. I knew he was looking for me. I saw the look on his face. He missed me. Thornin showed up and comfo
rted his brother with a hand on his shoulder. My heart ached for them both.
“The next day, I learned about their failed attempt on the queen’s life and how all the Goncools had been arrested, except for Nigel and Thornin, who must have managed to escape. A trail led the Taughtenslotte army to a house where they found a coffin and a creature resting inside. Disturbed, the creature tried to attack, but one of the Taughtenslottes was quick and destroyed the creature. Then, they burned the small house down. I was across the village and saw the smoke trailing into the sky.” She paused.
“A few days later, I learned that the captured Goncools were set to be hanged. And, among them the prince of Elysium. That day, I stood in the crowd watching the hanging. As much as I knew Nigel deserved to be up on the platform with the other Goncools, I couldn’t help but feel relieved just a bit to know he had escaped and was probably still alive somewhere. But,” she paused, “not long after, I heard a rumor that he’d been apprehended and executed.” She grew quiet, her fingers trembling as she rubbed her hands together, as if she were cold. “I’m sure it was for the best,” she whispered.
“Nigel was a menace to the world. You know that. But, what can you tell me about the hanging? I still haven’t heard the full story of what happened with my brother. He doesn’t like to speak of it.”
Quantum Heights: Book one of the Dead Path Chronicles Page 12