by T. C. Edge
"And we cannot forget that tens of thousands are gathering in Hunter's Station as we speak," says Alberta, her voice emitted with some passion as she gets to speak about her cause. "We have already armed a thousand who are willing to join our militia, and fight if they have to. That number should increase quickly in the coming days, to such an extent that we may well find ourselves running out of weapons." She looks around from face to face. "If they're turning Fringers into soldiers in Olympus, we're doing the very same thing here. No, they will not be gifted, or Enhanced, as you might call it, but they are willing, and brave. In my experience, that counts for a lot."
"In mine as well," says Ares. "Anyone who has commanded, or fought alongside, a wide array of soldiers, has quickly come to realise that courage is a gift in itself. Hopefully, Alberta, we shall not be required to risk your people. I have faith that the Neoroman army, along with the auxiliary force from New Haven, will be able to see the job done."
"And how big is that force?" asks Perses. "I know that Emperor Domitian is only three or so days away now, but haven't yet been told of how many men he commands?"
"Three thousand," I say. "Three thousand Neoromans, that is. And another thousand City Guards, I think, from New Haven."
Perses nods, pensive for a short moment. "The numbers will favour Olympus, then," he says. "Despite the losses they suffered last night, and those in the battle outside New Haven, they will have the greater force."
"How many do you estimate," asks Burns.
"I can't know for certain, of course," says Perses, "but I would approximate a number between five and six thousand, likely towards the higher end. And, certainly, if they can equip new soldiers, then we may be looking at considerably more than that.”
"Then shouldn't we be preventing any more Fringers from being taken?" asks Hendricks. "I'm fully aware that we don't have the manpower ourselves, at least not until the Emperor arrives, but isn't this something your League could handle?"
He looks to Alberta, the old Fire-Blood looking more weary than I've yet seen her. Like the rest of us, she needs a rest. Such things can be hard to come by in war.
"It's something we could look into," she says. "These are our lands, and our people who are being taken. I understand that it should fall upon us to try to defend them. But, it's not a decision I can make alone. I will need to speak with the other members of the council."
My attention is drawn to Amber, who looks suddenly fearful at the idea. However brave these Fringer militiamen and women, they will find themselves outmatched by any considerable force of Olympian soldiers.
"I plan to return to Hunter's Station as soon as the job here is done," Alberta continues. "With any luck, the council will have gathered by tomorrow. I will be able to discuss these matters with them then."
"Good," says Burns. "These developments are troubling, but the support of you and your people helps offset them, Alberta."
"But isn't there another threat we're forgetting?" asks Hendricks. His eyes turn around the group. "What if Brie is forced to do more than just awaken the Unenhanced and strengthen the Olympian soldiers. What if she's also capable of controlling our own forces, and in large numbers? Isn't this an ever greater threat?"
"She'd never do that," I say. The words come unbidden, without due thought. To the contrary, it's been a real concern of mine before. Somehow, having Glenn Hendricks suggest it forces me to defend my friend.
"Are you sure about that, Kira?" he asks. "Her powers seem to be growing exponentially. And she clearly cannot resist the controls she's under, given what we're hearing. I see no reason to think she won't be made to get into our heads, turn us against one another. A power like that could devastate us if put to proper use."
"He is right," nods Burns. "Brie's telepathic gifts have grown beyond anyone's understanding or expectation. We have to assume that almost anything is possible now. We must be alert to all possibilities."
I shake my head, my teeth gnashing. It's not that I don't believe them, it's simply that I abhor what I'm hearing. It's the curse of possessing great power - to have it sought out by those you call enemy, manipulated against those you call friend. It happened to Amber, but we broke her free. Now, it's happening to my fondest friend of all.
"I need to get back there," I find myself saying. My eyes shoot to Ares, glancing at the man and then away to the others. "I'm the only one who might be able to communicate with Brie. Her powers are back now. If I can get close to the walls again, perhaps I can get into contact with Zander. Find out exactly what's going on..."
"And can you?" asks Hendricks. His eyes fall to my strapped up ankle. "How will you get in close enough, without being seen? You won't be able to move quick enough now..."
"I'm not talking about running there," I say, just about keeping my composure. "We used the sewers before. If I can get in there again, we might get the answers we seek."
"Now?" asks Burns. "You're suggesting you go now?"
I begin to nod, but Ares shuts me down. "No," he says. "We absolutely will not risk going all that way again. We will go only when the main army arrives."
"But, that's three days..."
"I'm sorry, Kira," Ares says. "On this matter I have spoken. You are in no fit state to fight, and we are in no fit state to protect you with our numbers as they are. It is far too risky."
Eyes draw to me at his words, eager to see my reaction. I feel a flush in my cheeks, not of anger, but of embarrassment, a crimson hue to match my hair on account of my foolishness.
He's right. I know he's right. And I must accept his ruling.
Though I fear my voice may crack, I dare to speak anyway. "I'm sorry, Ares," I say. "I'm just...eager to help."
"You have helped enormously already, my Lady," he says. "But you have suffered an injury, and must rest. We may yet need you before all this is done."
His words offer me some hope, taken as if he's some gifted clairvoyant. He isn't, of course, just a man trying to show support. But I appreciate them all the same.
"I believe," comes the fine articulation of Leyton Burns, "we have covered all that we needed to. If no one has anything else to add, we will do well to continue clearing the dead. Most have now been gathered from outside the fort. Ares, how are you coming along to the northern plains?"
With some slick skill, Burns moves the conversation right along, swiftly concluding the central purpose of the meeting. For a few more moments, Ares, Perses, and Alberta provide updates on how the operation is going to collect the fallen soldiers. It sounds as though there is plenty more to be done, mostly in depositing the Olympian dead to the nearby chasms, where they're to be burned once gathered, presumably by Amber or Alberta herself.
I find Amber's skin has gone a little paler as the conversation goes on. Her eyes turn off northwards, staring to the chugging fumes let off by the remains of the Olympian convoy. I imagine she must dread going back out there. Killing is one thing. The cleanup operation that comes after is often even worse.
As the meeting begins to shut down, I can't help but feel guilty at my lack of inclusion. Standing with my single crutch, I place some weight down on my left leg, testing the strapping. Perhaps, I think, I might be able to lend some aid. I could gather up fallen weapons or something. Collect them to be used by the Liberation League's militia?
The thought gives me some hope, despite the discomfort that comes when I try to place any strain on my ankle. I hobble to Alberta and Amber. "I'm coming out with you," I tell them. Both of them frown. "I'm going to collect weapons, for your militia," I say. "I won't be quick, but I can do something..."
"Oh, there's no need, really, Kira," says Alberta. "Most have already been gathered onto the carts and transported back here. Leyton has kindly allowed us to take them to..."
"To Hunter's Station," I say, nodding. I smile, wry but disappointed, as the wind is stolen from my sails. "I guess I'm a few steps behind right now."
"Don't worry, child," Alberta says. "You'll catch up. Rememb
er what we talked about yesterday, when you drove me to Hunter's Station?"
I raise an eye, tying to figure out what she's getting at.
"Be positive," she says, her voice a firm whisper. She reaches out and takes my upper arms, gripping tight. "You have a great deal more to give, in whatever form that takes."
She grins at me at that, and spins off, casting away that weary veil. Only Amber remains now, still looking a little apprehensive about going back out there. I shuffle a bit closer to her. I haven't really had a chance to speak with her properly since the battle ended.
"Reluctant to go back out?" I ask her softly.
She turns to look at me. She doesn't really need to answer.
"I don't blame you," I say. "Sometimes the worst parts of battle are what comes before and after, not the actual fighting bit. The nerves before. The regret after. And...all that thinking. In battle it's just..."
"Instinct," she whispers.
"Instinct," I repeat.
We stand for a moment in silence. The silence breeds thoughts, and those thoughts make me suddenly uncomfortable. There's a great deal I want to say to her, though I've never been great at saying thank you. I've had many people do the same to me over the years. I've never much liked it either way.
"How's the ankle?"
Her question comes before I can utter my own. It's the one I've wanted to avoid and yet, with her, I'll answer in full.
"It's fine," I say. "It isn't broken. Just ligament damage. I got lucky."
She nods slowly.
"I'd be dead if it wasn't for you," I say, the words coming soft and sincere, as I find my courage to say thank you. "I'm in your debt, Amber. You saved my life."
"And you saved mine," she says with a smile. "Mine, and Elian's. You might have killed me in the battle outside New Haven. You might have let Ares kill Elian. It's because of you that we're both still alive, Kira. So, technically, I still owe you." She grins, her radiance golden. "You saved me, I saved you. But, there's still Elian..."
"Well," I say, feeling all of a sudden lighter than I have all morning, "in that case, then you owe me twice. I did go and save Jude as well, remember?"
I grin at her, my green eyes twinkling. Hers, gold and bright as the rising sun, shine back with an innocent light. Her face, so clean, pretty, and pure, is in such stark contrast to the devastating power she wields.
Remind you of anyone, I think to myself, my head drawing up an image of Brie...
"You're right," she nods. Then she frowns, trying to think. "Does saving the whole fort count?" she asks. "Surely that should strike off at least one of those?"
"Saving the whole fort? Come on Amber, don't get cocky."
"Fine, you're right. I mean, I did see you take out a couple of people, after all," she grins.
"Hey...I may only have one working leg, but the other is still good enough to kick your ass."
She laughs, her face coming alive. "I don't doubt it, Kira," she says. "I've pretty much known that ever since I heard about you."
I look at her, my smile softening. My mind swells with nostalgic thoughts, her words meaning more to me than she realises. And smiling at one another, we share a nod, before she heads back off towards the northern plains, some of the weight shifted from both of our shoulders.
166
BRIE
The early morning sun, rising over the tops of the distant buildings, bathes the grand square below in a glorious, warming light.
I have come to realise, during my short time here in Olympus, that the dawns and sunrises are more spectacular than any I've ever seen. There is something so pure and pristine about them, especially at the top of the great hill.
I stand upon the steps now, looking out over the square. There, people beyond counting stand, men and women, even children in their early teens, most of them in poor dress, a reflection of their previous lives beyond the walls. All, I know, are from the Fringe. All have been gathered for me.
To my side, the Overseer steps towards me, his own robes not multi-coloured today as they usually are, but hazel to match my eyes. It is symbolic, I know. Today, I have become what they hoped I would be. Today, after many days of testing and trials, I have awakened hundreds, perhaps a thousand people, in a single, combined ritual.
"You have outdone yourself, child," the Overseer says, looming tall and slim, his features sharply designed. His eyes of green and gold work down to me, shining with an inner light of their own. "How many do you think you awakened?"
I turn and look out to the crowds. A humming din has now begun to spread among them, an excitement that I have experienced myself. Days ago, Minerva was able to extract my full power, bring out the potential that I have been working to unearth myself. The feeling was profound, reminding me of when my powers were first released. The many below are now feeling the very same thing. It isn't easy to explain and truly understand; just an inner joy, a sensation that, after years of imprisonment, your true self has been set free.
I smile as I look upon them, sensing their thrill.
"About a thousand, I think," I tell the Overseer.
"A thousand," he says. "Good, very good. That is lower than your usual success rates, but that is to be expected, given how many there are here. Well done, child. Yes, well done."
To my other flank, Minerva stands, proud of her protege. "Shall we have them sent to Heralds Mendel and Zakiya?" she asks. "They will need to be assessed to discover where their new talents are best suited."
"They will be," the Overseer says. "But, not quite yet. First, I think it's worth Brie getting some thanks for what she has done, don't you?"
"I...yes, of course, Master Overseer," Minerva says. "What do you have in mind?"
"Oh, nothing. Just a little wander through the crowds. Would you like that, Brie? Some of them can thank you personally."
The thought is appealing to me. I waste no time in nodding.
"Good, then follow me."
We begin moving down the steps, heading towards the bottom where two enormous Brutes guard the way up with spears twice as long as men, and thick as well-honed arms. They draw them back and lift them skyward as we pass. Ahead, soldiers surround the square, watching on keenly. I look into some of their eyes as I go, and find that they are not immune to wonder and awe. Even here, among men who have lived in this city of gods all their lives, I am looked at as divine.
A group of them step forward from the side as we approach the sprawling crowds. They begin forming up into a protective guard around us, but the Overseer is quick to lift a hand and ask them to step back.
"There is no need, men," he says. "We are under no threat here."
They step back instead, forming into a unit behind us. I feel no fear at all of the masses that gather before me, quite aware of their intentions as I blink, in and out, into the cerebral realm. I can sense, as I go, just whom I have awakened, and whom I haven't. The latter make up the larger number; though I awakened a thousand or so, perhaps two to three times that many remain just as they were - Unenhanced, regular people from the Fringe.
"Come," says the Overseer, as we begin moving into the crowd. "Come, don't be frightened. Give her your praise. Worship her for what she has done."
The people remain unsure, as frightened, almost, as they are in awe of me. Most hang back, a pocket of space appearing around us as we move into the throng. Then one brave soul breaks out, stepping into the open, falling to her knees.
"Thank you, oh Herald," she says, sobbing as she bows before me, hands gripped tight together, tear-stained eyes staring up. "You have changed my life. I will never be able to repay you..."
"You may," says the Overseer, speaking for me. "Through service, you will pay the debt. Welcome, dear Daughter, to the Children of the Prime."
He steps forward and reaches out, taking the young woman's hand. She is drawn to her feet before me, standing as a mortal before a goddess.
I...don't know what to say. I feel a little foolish to be gawped at in suc
h a way, and yet the affection in her eyes, the sheer gratitude she exhibits, is touching for me to see.
"T-thank you," she whispers, her voice catching through nerves. "Thank you, Mistress Herald..."
She is the first to call be by that title. It has been discussed, of course, and yet not officially made. My head has not been shaven as is the custom for the Heralds of Awakening. My forehead isn't scarred with the symbols of the Prime. I don't even wear the same cloak as the others, my body draped in robes of grey that aren't quite the same as Minerva's.
I don't know how to feel about any of it. My mind, for days now, has been growing less clear, often missing periods of time, or forgetting long stretches of what I've been doing. I recall, faintly, how troubled that made me before. Now, it doesn't concern me so much. Each day has drawn me further down the rabbit hole. My perception of what I'm becoming, what I'm being tasked to do, is no longer such a worry for me.
I have, it would appear, grown truly committed now.
So, looking into the grateful, tearful eyes of this young woman, I smile and nod and take the praise. I give her what she wants from me, and take what I want from her. Because, as my memories of the past begin to blur, I find light in the fact that I am doing some good, unshackling so many from the bonds of their mortality, releasing the latent powers that lie within.
You are bringing great joy to these people, Brie, I tell myself. You are changing their lives for the better...
I don't speak words to the young woman, as the Overseer gently guides her away. I take a final look in her face only, and see the ring of hazel around her grey-green eyes. A hazel that reflects my own, my part in the future course of her life. I have released her now, and she is in my debt. There are a thousand more who are the same.
I'm guided onwards, as the floodgates begin to open. More of the crowd, seeing what happened, begin to step towards me. More fall to their knees, dropping into deep bows. More tears usher from leaking eyes. More faces rip into wild, rapturous grins.