Quantum Heights: Book one of the Dead Path Chronicles

by Richard A. Valicek

  “Yes. It was a most unusual occurrence. Just as they were preparing the prisoners’ necks with nooses, your father said something to the hangman and showed him a piece of paper, a letter, I learned later, from Queen Amenova, that stated Andromin should be released. He removed the noose from Andromin’s neck amid booing from the crowd. But, deep in the people, I was happy he’d been freed. It seemed he had simply gotten involved with the wrong crowd. He had taken his fate like a soldier, not flinching when the hangman prepared his neck and tied his hands. The more I read and got to know details about Andromin and the Seaton family, the more I felt proud.” Calista finished her tea and put the cup down on the table. Her cheeks grew hot. She realized she’d revealed too much.

  “Proud of Andromin and the Seaton family? And, this was before you came into our lives. We consider you family despite your not being of our blood… yet, I’m starting to wonder whether you’re keeping something from me,” said Caprius, staring at Calista directly in the eyes. “Most people might admire or be curious about others, but to feel pride is an intimate emotion, one that means you’re taking people personally,” said Caprius.

  Calista looked around; the waiter was delivering late luncheon to the passengers from a cart and came to them with trays. “Can I persuade you to have a glass of red wine with your meal, Madam?” asked the waiter. “I have the Chateau Rauzan Segla 25, of course.”

  “Yes, a glass of wine for us both,” said Caprius, without taking his eyes off Calista, who was shifting uncomfortably in her seat. The waiter bowed and departed, leaving the two to continue their uncomfortable discussion.

  Calista looked at Caprius. He was an honorable person, a good man. She had so many secrets, often she felt as though she would burst for wanting to let some of them out. She yearned to feel that free. But, she also knew she had to tread carefully. She shifted the subject slightly. “After the hanging, I left Koriston and became a wanderer. I was only sixteen, and I was often scared and hungry. When I came upon a small band of warriors who seemed kind, I decided to travel with them. The group’s leader was Platasus Cremiss, and he was competent at managing his group, making sure they had food and adequate shelter. He was happy to take me in.”

  She looked at her fingers, which she was knitting fiercely together. “At first, he seemed all right. We ate together and we slept close to one another. But, I was developing into a woman, and they were lonely. Soon, they made me their plaything. They liked to make crude jokes about me behind my back, fondle my body at any time, interrupt my sleep to touch me or kiss me. They didn’t rape me, which they could have easily done, but they had ceased to treat me like an equal. I felt terrible. Violated. My bad dreams resurfaced. When I was alone, which was only when they were off hunting or too drunk to use me, I would weep. I thought about Nigel and how caring he was. I did the right thing by leaving him, but I’d unwittingly delivered myself into a life of slavery. Platisus was deranged. He was a womanizer.”

  “He’s a terrible man,” said Caprius.

  “Platisus would relieve himself in front of me. He walks like a dog and shits like a horse,” said Calista.

  Caprius rolled his eyes. His eyes were full of pity. He took her hands in his. “Calista, I cannot tell you how sorry I am,” he said. He felt ashamed for trying to pin her into a corner. “You have been through so much pain in your life.”

  “Yes, I have.” She smiled and got a dreamy look on her face. “And, then, one day, the men had decided they’d had enough of simply touching me. They got stirred up and tied me to a tree in order to rape me, one after the other. I tried to reason with them, to beg, but they were like animals. I was sure I would die. Andromin was in the forest and heard my screams. He didn’t think of himself or the danger; he leaped in and slaughtered the bastards, one after the other. And, then I was free. I came to Elysium, and now I feel like a complete woman. I have your family to thank for that,” she said. She looked down and realized they were holding hands. She dropped his quickly. “Oh, I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to…”

  “There is nothing to be sorry about,” said Caprius. “I took your hands, actually.”

  She leaned back in her seat. “How much longer before we get to Koriston?”

  “I would say less than an hour,” said Caprius. Caprius gazed at her. She was so strong and so fragile at the same time. Her hands shook when she took up the glass of wine, but he could see the resolve in her, how the pain and trials she’d endured had marked themselves on her body. He realized she and Andromin had enjoyed a special bond; he just hadn’t seen it for what it was until she and Andromin drifted apart.

  “Yet, you and Andromin now speak coldly to one another. What has happened to cause such a rift between you?”

  Calista tried to balance the consequences of telling Caprius some things without revealing her secret. If she revealed what had happened to damage her good friendship with Andromin, Caprius would understand that. But, sharing that opened the door to more questions, particularly that the man responsible for ravaging his mother before he was born was the notorious Cambrozes Genesis, her father. She worried that information would push Caprius away.

  She looked at him, at his strong will, his sincerity. Perhaps he had strength enough to accept her despite what she was. She hesitated, but decided against telling him. The stakes were simply too high. Alienating him could mean being cast out of Elysium.

  She said, “I understand that you want answers. Andromin is your brother, and you care for him. But, it’s as simple as this: my presence caused problems for Andromin with Fetrona. Fetrona blames me for the problems in their relationship. I see now that Andromin wants me. But, I don’t want to be the cause of their dissolution. Fetrona is fragile, and I don’t think she would be able to live if she lost him. I’m not interested in being responsible for that, so I told Andromin I cannot be with him for my own personal reasons.” Calista began to silently cry. She longed for Andromin every day. It broke her heart not to be with him.

  “You speak so calmly, yet you weep. There are things you are not telling me, Calista. I wish you would trust me. It’s hard to see you suffer so, and it’s awkward for me, knowing you carry more secrets. My father, he also knows that you hold things inside. He said that, on the battlefield of Plamastu, you looked him in the eyes like you wanted to strangle him. That, after he’s done you such kindness,” said Caprius. His face was taut with worry. “What is it that’s eating away at you?”

  Calista swallowed, feeling terribly uneasy. “Caprius, please, can we not just leave this alone?” she asked. “Speaking of eating, why don’t we eat before our meal gets cold? I’m sure it’s delicious.”

  “Very well. I shall leave this matter alone. But, remember this: I am here for you, and you can be honest with me. Whatever you’re hiding, it will not be a burden to me or my family. You can be sure of that. I am your friend. Whenever you are ready to come forth with this, I will be here for you. But, I will not pressure you anymore, Calista,” said Caprius. They took the silver covers off their plates and, without much gusto, began to eat the rabbit stew.

  Caprius ate little but drank down his wine. His wedding ring clinked against the glass, making a hollow chime. Calista wondered about his wife, Melina. What an impenetrable bond they must have in order to sustain their separation. She wondered whether it was constantly on his mind and if that was why his behavior was so erratic. It would be a long, lonely fourteen years for him. Lantrinon needed Grongone’s protection, and until he was old enough, he would stay in Petoshine. Once he was a full-grown teenager, he would be able to handle a sword. “Do you still regret not being the one who escorted Melina to Petoshine?” she asked innocently.

  “No. Father made his choice, and he chose Dragus,” he said. Then he sighed. “It is what had to be. I only wish there was another way.”

  “Dragus will take good care of her. She is certain to arrive in Petoshine safe and sound. You can trust Dragus,” said Calista.

  Caprius’ brow furrowed. “O
f course, I trust him,” he replied, fingers fidgeting on the table, “but she is my wife. I should been the one looking out for her.”

  “Yes, but can you imagine if something were to go wrong underway? You’d never forgive yourself. You’d never be able to recover from that. And, as a soldier, it might color your judgment.”

  “On the contrary, I think I would have had an advantage,” he said.

  “Or a disadvantage. If you land in deep water without a life raft and the current is swift, you might sink to the bottom.” She took a breath and let it out slowly. “I know you have the light of Petoshine, but if that flame was ever to burn out and you were alone, then you would die alone.” She looked at him squarely. “Imagine what that would do to the rest of us.”

  Caprius returned her intense gaze and saw a flame of desire there. He began to feel stirrings of it in his own body. “Has anyone ever told you that you are not only beautiful, but also very intelligent?”

  “Why, Mr. Caprius Seaton, I do believe you are paying me a compliment. So, which do you prefer: my looks or my intelligence?” Calista asked, batting her eyelashes comically.

  “Actually, both. You seem to be the complete package,” said Caprius.

  “Thank you.” She realized they were flirting and felt suddenly uncomfortable. She leaned back and feigned a laugh. “Melina certainly is lucky to have you.”

  “It’s nice to know there is someone else who appreciates me,” said Caprius.

  She smiled warmly. “How about this: you watch my back, and I’ll watch yours.”

  “You’ve got yourself a deal,” said Caprius. “To your health,” he said, raising his water glass. Their glasses clinked together, and they laughed. “You know, I’ve never seen this side of you before. In fact, I don’t think I’ve even seen you smile, not like this,” said Caprius. “You’re always so serious and driven. But, I have to say, a glass of wine, and you’re quite fun,” he laughed.

  “We haven’t actually ever had a real conversation before, aside from that unpleasant day at the pub. Our lives have always followed separate paths. You have Melina, and I’ve got… just my disgruntlements,” she said sadly.

  “Don’t say that. Good things are bound to come your way. When you least expect it, the right person will show up on your doorstep. Elysium has many decent men.”

  Calista clasped her hands together beneath her chin and rested on them. “Well, I’m looking at one.”

  Caprius smiled. “Look who’s the flatterer now.”

  “Caprius. Tell me some more about the vim of Petoshine. How is it that this vim works?” asked Calista.

  “The vim is a power that it draws from the tower of Castle Petoshine. It immerses a powerful field of energy that is part of a very large Amethyst crystal. This energy is what links my sword of power. I can create a stream of fire or, if necessary, extreme cold. The claymore of power holds fantastic healing power, as well.”

  “You mean, you can heal wounds?” asked Calista.

  “Yes. It can actually mend a broken body. Even heal a body from any diseases. In darkness, it can release a soft glowing light.”

  “How was this created? By Grongone?”

  “It was created by his father, Bremendalf. Well, he actually discovered this power. And, he and the elves created what today is known as the vim.”

  “What happened to Bremendalf and the elves?” asked Calista.

  “Bremendalf was destroyed by Makoor. Bremendalf’s mistake resulted in the tragic death of the elves. Today, Grongone remains as the last of the elves.”

  “I see, such an interesting story,” she said.

  With a bump, the train arrived in the Koriston station, interrupting the dangerous, rising ardor between the two. Caprius looked out the window at the bustle of people and rush of steam. “Well, welcome to Koriston,” he said. “How did you find your journey, Madam?” he asked debonairly.

  “Stimulating,” said Calista.

  “How’s that?” asked Caprius.

  “I enjoyed our conversation,” she said. They began to gather their belongings.

  “Do you mean the part when I mentioned how beautiful you are?” he teased.

  “No, it was when you admired my intelligence,” she said.

  They made their way to the exit. “Calista, I have a whole new appreciation for you, and…” he paused, “I think you do for me, as well. But, we should probably leave all of that on the train.”

  “I’ve already forgotten our conversation,” said Calista, waving her hand.

  He reached out and touched her shoulder. She turned around. “But…” he couldn’t bring himself to talk about these new feelings that pulsed in his heart. “Never mind. Let’s get started on our investigation. Our contact is meeting us in half an hour. That gives us some time to discuss our approach once we get to Tillie’s Fine Watches,” said Caprius.

  “Yes. I think that would be for the best,” said Calista. She turned around and disembarked onto the busy platform.

  Chapter 9

  Tillie’s Fine Watches

  In a dark corner of Raven’s Pub, Cynthia Davenport sat with an elderly man who possessed vital information on the Colburn affair. Cynthia was desperate to stop the madman and prevent him from selling his serum to someone who might have been involved with the Goncools. The serum in their hands would be a disaster; they would create an army of super soldiers or even super Droges. She shuddered to think of it. Droges were dangerous enough already. If they were suddenly imbued with super strength, the vampires would have the perfect ally to help them turn Alamptria into a very dark place, one that they solely controlled.

  “You do understand that if you pursue this, you may get yourself killed or worse. Colburn could as easily inject you with the serum. You would then be made to serve the Dark Lord,” said the man, leaning forward. His eyes glittered in the dim light.

  “That’s a chance I’m going to have to take. He must be stopped,” said Cynthia. “Our beautiful land would be cast into darkness in the hands of Makoor.” She paused.

  The man folded his fingers together. “Colburn is going to try and sell his serum. Lucky for him, every thug out there will be bidding on it,” he said.

  “Can you tell me where the auction will be taking place? And, when?” she asked.

  He shook his head. “I don’t know where and when; though, I can tell you it’s going to take a few days. However, I do know someone who knows this information, a downtown local here in Jethro. His name is Kyle Rivers. Heard of him?”

  “No, but I will find him. What does he look like?” asked Cynthia.

  “He is extremely thin with a gaunt face, white hair, and two front teeth made of gold,” said the man. “He usually likes to hang out at Reaper’s Strip Bar. Loves the drink. I don’t think buying him a beer will get you the information on Colburn, but it’ll at least soften him up.” The man let his gaze travel slowly up Cynthia’s curvaceous frame. “You could resort to… other means to get the information out of him, I suppose.”

  Cynthia nodded and smiled mischievously. “Sounds like a rabbit with a healthy appetite for bunny,” she said. “I guess carrots won’t do.”

  “Well, Cynthia, forgive me for saying, but with that face and body, you’d be able to get him out of his pants and ready to give you anything you wanted in no time,” said the man.

  Cynthia smirked. “Yes, I can be quite persuasive. I may just need to flash him just one nipple. That way, I’ll not only get the information, but I’ll also leave with my head held high. This little bunny can hop out of any dilemma.” Cynthia put her hands on her hips, stuck out her chest, and winked. “I’ll bring my assets.” She stood up. “Good to meet you, Rover. I’m off to Reapers.” She turned. “Thanks for your help.”

  “Do be careful, Cynthia!” he called out to her.

  ***

  When Caprius and Calista got to the hotel Karnamoore, they went directly to the concierge and booked two adjacent rooms on the fifth floor. They received their keys, t
hen went into the lounge to wait for their contact. On a nearby sofa, a man caught the eye of Caprius, noting he looked just as he was described to him in the letter Confidus had written, and he was also with a woman, who also fit the written description. Caprius glanced at the man before murmuring, “Where has the time gone?”

  “The time will always be with you, Caprius Seaton,” said the man, and offered his hand to Caprius. “Dallas Moore, a pleasure to meet you. And, who is this lovely lady?” asked the man reaching for Calista’s hand and kissing it.

  “This is my partner and agent, Calista,” said Caprius.

  “Oh, and wife?” asked Dallas, eyeing Caprius’ wedding ring.

  “No, partner agent,” repeated Caprius. “Now that we’ve gotten that straight, what can you tell us about the caskets you sent us? And, where were those bodies originally shipped from?” asked Caprius.

  The man widened his eyes innocently. “They were brought to our post office to be shipped from Koriston to Elysium, care of Confidus Seaton. The slip that was attached was written before the boxes were shipped from Jethro, which is where they originated.”

  “Did you have any knowledge at all that you were shipping caskets?” asked Calista.

  “No, I just move parcels; I don’t open them. We take the order, stamp them, and ship them out, that’s all,” said Dallas.

  “What about your driver? The man who delivered the caskets to Elysium? What can you tell us about him?” asked Caprius.

  “He wouldn’t be any use to you. I sent him to Elysium to deliver the packages. He’s just doing his job. He works for me,” said Dallas.

  Calista pulled a pocket watch from her pocket. “Alright then, what can you tell us about this pocket watch?”

  Caprius interjected, “Watches were found with both bodies inside the two caskets.”

  Dallas took the watch and examined it. He shrugged. “You’re asking the wrong person. To me it’s just a pocket watch. But, I can take you to a man I know who has a shop on River Street.”

  “Yes, Confidus said that the address of Tillie’s Fine Watches is on Rivers Street. Or River Street. There seem to be two Rivers?” said Caprius.