“Satori, please. You—”
Satori pulled her chair back and leaned forward. “A good man?” she hissed. “He betrayed his people, murdered his own admiral! What kind of man does that?”
A man fighting for his daughter’s life, Sol thought. But she could not say that; not without giving voice to Satori’s own feelings of guilt. She measured the young woman with a stony face. “Please, sit down.” Satori’s fists clenched with rage, but after a long moment she obeyed. She sulked over her food. “He’s changing the system from within. While Altman’s busy playing soldier, planning his invasion with his generals, Paul has taken over the state.” Satori shrugged her indifference. How can I make her see? Sol steepled her fingers under her chin, studying the young woman. “Who wins wars?”
Satori frowned, confused by the sudden shift in the conversation. “Soldiers,” she murmured.
“Ah. And who wins peace?” Sol asked, watching Satori’s frown deepen. “People like your father. Leaders who understand the value of strong institutions. Altman is being tied up and doesn’t even know it. Paul has been building up a justice system so strong that even Altman will be constrained by it. If your father follows with a way for the people to be represented, we will even not need to fight the Capital. We will have won.”
“How?” Satori blurted out. “If Altman invades—”
“Don’t think in terms of geography. What sets us apart from the Capital is not the sea or the mountains. It’s our principles, our institutions. Put simply, we’re free, but they’re not. That’s the difference between us. If they, too, are set free, why would they invade? That’s what your father’s been working towards.”
Satori shook her head. “There’s no time. A change like that takes years. We only have months.”
Sol took her hand. “I know. That’s why we need people like you and Gella to keep us safe until then.”
Satori squeezed her fingers and smiled. “I promise.” She let go of Sol’s hand and leaned backwards. “But enough of that. How’re things with you?”
Sol shrugged. “The usual. The Bulls have been more restless than usual.”
“Altman’s old party? You think he’s up to his old tricks?”
Sol rubbed her chin. “Anything’s possible with that man. Nothing to worry about, though. I’ve got it under control.”
“That’s democracy for you,” Satori chuckled and pierced a piece of meat with her fork. “The worst form of government, except for all the others.”
Sol laughed. “Where did you hear that?”
Satori broke into a naughty grin. “I overheard your speech the other day. What happened to your heckler?”
Sol frowned. “My heck— oh, the crazy woman who kept swearing at me?”
“That’s the one. When I left, she was still at it.”
Sol laughed. “She followed me all the way home, still swearing.”
“No way!” Satori nibbled at the meat. “What did you do?”
“It was almost dark when we arrived, so I asked a guard to escort her to her place. That old fool would have stumbled in the dark, no doubt. Last I heard, she got fine to her place.”
Satori almost choked with laughter. “No wonder Anthea loves you.” She winked at Sol. “Not just Anthea, mind you.”
Sol stared at her food to hide her blushing face. “Oh, did I tell you that Thomas is back?”
“David’s team? When did they return?”
“Earlier today. I debriefed them before coming here.”
Satori leaned forward in anticipation. “And?”
“They managed to deliver David to safety. Barely. He was injured, but that First oracle promised them he’d be fine.”
A wry smile crawled on Satori’s lips. “Gella will be pleased to hear that.”
“Yes, she will. But we don’t know if he’ll get the help we need.”
Satori stared at her defiantly. “Even if he doesn’t, we’ll still beat Altman.”
The smile on Sol’s face reflected the warmth in her heart. “I know.”
The Marshes
Angel
“Come on, we’re going to be late!”
Angel patted down the long sleeves of the dress the Old Woman had given her for the occasion. The fine crimson material was surprisingly warm, but she would need to wrap herself in a heavy fur before heading out. She gave Sam a twirl, and he whistled appreciatively before pressing her lips against his. He placed his arms around her and pulled her closer.
She giggled and pushed him away. “Now who’s going to be late?” she teased him and drew the tent awning to head outside. This was the first time they had been allowed into the cave. She knew from her brother that an illusion hid its real size from prying eyes, and could not wait to find out what it really looked like. The celebration of Lehmor’s blessing by the Old Woman provided the perfect opportunity for that.
An icy wind reddened her cheeks. They covered the short distance with quick footsteps, then stepped through the small opening. A cavernous hall greeted them, filled with people. The ground walls sparkled with tiny lights, as if covered with fireflies. A few iridescent orbs of light shot back and forth, while others hovered in the distance.
She nudged Sam. “Do you really think one of them is Dad?”
He shrugged. “So they tell me.”
One of the orbs hovered before them, as if in greeting. Angel felt a tugging and turned to see Valentiner standing next to her. “Parad wants me to tell you he’s very proud of you.”
Tears welled up in Angel’s eyes. “Thank you,” she said and bit her lower lip, which quivered under a forced smile.
The orb circled them once, then glided invitingly ahead. They followed it to the Old Woman, who was lost in a heated conversation with Tie and Mellis.
They stopped talking as soon as Angel approached. “Ah, Angel,” the Old Woman said. “And Sam. Welcome.”
Angel nodded her greeting. “I hope we’re not interrupting.”
“I’m just trying to convince these two hotheads to stay a bit longer,” the Old Woman said with a sigh. “But Tie’s always been a stubborn one.”
“If it were up to you, we’d stay here forever,” Tie protested. She extended her hand and Valentiner ran over to embrace her legs.
“And be safe,” the Old Woman said.
Tie shook her head. “My flock needs me.”
Angel gaped at her. “So you’re going back to the Capital? That’s crazy!”
The Old Woman rolled her eyes. “Thank you! Listen to her, Tie.”
“Altman will no doubt be looking everywhere for you,” Sam said. “You could go to Anthea. Or come with us. At least for a while, until things change.” He paused. “Unless you wish me to come with you.”
What? Angel threw him a shocked glance. We need to have a talk.
“Oh?” Tie chuckled at Angel’s expression. “And pry you away from this lovely woman? No, you’re free to follow your heart.”
Sam seemed to study his feet, to hide his relief. We still need to have this chat, mister. Angel tried to catch his eye, but he avoided her burning gaze.
“Anyway,” Tie continued, “where are you two headed?”
Angel reluctantly drew her gaze away from Sam to answer. “My brother and the First will join Lehmor. He’s heading back to lead his tribes back to Malekshei. Moirah asked us to join them. We’ll be safe from Altman there, until we figure out our next steps.”
Tie exchanged a look with Mellis. “Perhaps we could join you. But only for a while.”
“Lehmor will make a great leader now that he has the Lady’s blessing,” the Old Woman said, a strange light playing in her eyes.
“And we can go home, too.” Valentiner squealed.
“I’m sure your father is greatly relieved to hear that,” Tie said and tousled Valentiner’s white hair.
David approached them, a cup in his hands. “Angel, Sam.”
“Looks like everyone’s going,” Angel said. “How about you? Are you coming with u
s?”
David raised his cup to his lips and took a sip. “Only up to a point. I have to go back to Anthea.”
“Why?” Sam asked.
A smile played on David’s lips. “Gella’s there. I promised to return.”
Gella! Angel forced a smile. Had the woman moved on to a new man? She had never met her father’s mistress, nor did she care to. The mere mention of the name made her uncomfortable.
“Angel!” Cook’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
She spun around and kneeled down. “There you are!” Cook and Elsie jumped into her open arms. Marl hurried after them.
“Marl’s been teaching me to fight,” Cook said with pride and pointed at a wooden sword hanging from his belt.
“Me too!” Elsie squeaked in protest.
“Thanks for looking after them,” Angel said, looking up at Marl.
“It’s a pleasure,” he said and chuckled. “They’re quite the warriors, these ones.”
“He says we can visit him down South any time we want,” Cook said.
“So, you’re leaving?” Angel said.
“As soon as my daughter gives me the okay,” he said with a sigh. “She’s quite headstrong, if you haven’t noticed.”
“It’s fine, Dad, we can go now,” Valentiner said. “I don’t have to come back for a while.”
Marl’s brow furrowed at this, but he said nothing.
Angel clasped her fingers around Sam’s hand. “David, Marl, us… Looks like everyone’s leaving,” she whispered in his ear. “Promise me you’ll stay with me.”
“Always,” he said and squeezed her hand as he pressed his lips against hers.
Epilogue
“Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.”
Voltaire
January 308
Chamber of Justice, The Capital
Teo
The hidden e-lib beckoned him. He paused his pacing to glance towards the locked drawer. Over a month had passed since he had asked Alexander to report to him on the situation on the North. Teo tapped his fingers against the desk’s polished wood. Pratin had not responded to any of Teo’s attempts to contact him. With so little information available, Teo found it hard to focus on the invasion of Anthea. If I have to postpone my plans…
He ground his teeth in frustration and resumed the pacing. He would send all the might of the Capital against Pratin, if he had to, and leave Anthea for next year. There was no way he would leave his kingdom unprotected. A war on two fronts was something to be avoided at all costs. With the imbecile generals surrounding him, he could not risk being absent from the battlefield.
A soft knock on the door interrupted his pacing. “Come,” he barked.
Alexander strolled into the office and slumped on a chair, without waiting for permission. This insolence, again? I might have to take this upstart down a peg or two.
The man’s grin stopped Teo’s urge to give him the deserved scolding. “Well?”
Alexander gave him a triumphant look. “My men are back.”
Teo’s impatience almost exploded. He held back at the last moment. “And?”
Alexander shrugged. “Something did happen, but no one knows what.”
Teo ground his teeth. “Details,” he growled.
Finally picking up on Teo’s frustration, Alexander sat upright. He placed his hands on his knees, like a mischievous child scolded by his teacher. “There are signs of fighting everywhere north of the border. Villages have been burned to the ground, farms deserted in a hurry. But we saw no sign of who did it.”
Teo sank into his chair and rubbed his chin. “What do the locals say?”
“We caught a few First and interrogated them. Half of them swear it was monsters. The other half confessed they were the monsters. Then again, they’d say anything at that point.”
Interrogated. More like tortured to death. What does he expect to find out that way? The man’s methods were becoming a liability. If not for the ruthless way he had crushed Tie’s followers, Teo would have replaced him a long time ago. Then again, now that Tie’s gone, perhaps I don’t need him after all. The thought brought a smile to his face. Alexander mistook this for approval and chuckled. “Anything,” he repeated for emphasis, then his chuckle turned into laughter.
“Alexander,” Teo interrupted him with a silky voice, “I need to know what’s going on in the North. So far, you’ve told me nothing I didn’t already know.”
This choked Alexander’s laugh. “I believe I know what happened,” he hastened to say. “The woods in the East caught fire in the summer. My guess is that the wildlife fled west. Those idiots probably mistook bears for monsters.”
Teo rubbed his chin. A plausible theory. “And the attacks?”
“We have word that the forest First also fled west. Chances are the locals didn’t welcome them.”
A neat explanation. Could a group of forest First be the ones Pratin referred to as his children? That would explain a lot. Teo’s face relaxed. “So there’s no danger from the North anymore?”
“We travelled for days without meeting a soul. The only strange rumours we heard concerned some trouble over the Great Chasm.”
Teo’s eyes widened. “Over the Chasm?”
Alexander flashed him a grin. “I know. Something about a Lady who defeated the ancient ones.”
Teo let out a burst of laughter. “You should consider teaching those barbarians about Themis.”
“I’d welcome the opportunity,” Alexander said, lowering his eyes and opening his arms in a display of humility.
Something about the movement made the laughter on Teo’s lips fade away. “Sure, why not. But first things first. In two months, the winter’s over. And then…”
He switched his e-lib on and the map of Pearseus hovered over the desk’s smooth surface. With a flick and a pinch of his fingers, Teo zoomed beyond the sea. The e-lib’s orange light illuminated the wide grin on his face. “Anthea will be mine.”
PEARSEUS:
ENDGAME
Part 1
“The people have always some champion whom they set over them and nurse into greatness… This and no other is the root from which a tyrant springs; when he first appears he is a protector.”
Plato, The Republic
The Architect
“I take it that’s not your real name?”
The man let his fingers trace the groove on the young girl’s back, until it rested on the top of her naked legs. Fine hair stood to attention where his finger passed. He marveled at the beauty of such a perfect creature, his mind automatically switching to work-mode as it started assigning DNA sequences to the sun-kissed copper hues. The soft light from the nightstand lamp would hide any imperfections of her silky skin—not that she had any.
“The Empress herself coined it,” he said in a deliberately casual tone.
With a fluid motion, she rested on her elbows to gape at him. “You’ve met with the Empress?”
He shrugged, struggling to maintain the façade of indifference. “Just once.”
Her almond eyes widened. “What’s she like?” She fidgeted under his hand. “Is she as pretty as her vids?”
He almost chuckled, thinking back to the encounter with the old woman. He had almost failed to recognize humanity’s ruler, but he was not about to admit that to anyone, let alone a lowly secretary. “Even more so.”
“I thought you worked for the Ministry of Exoplanets?” Suspicion laced her voice. “How did you meet with her?”
“I’m the Ministry’s terraforming expert,” he said, not bothering to hide his pride. “There’s a new project coming up. Very hush-hush.”
“And you’ll take part?” He could almost hear her evaluation of him changing from one-night stand to prospective mate. Nothing was further from his mind than acquiring a fourth wife, but he was looking forward to a night of passion with this hot young thing.
“I will lead it.” His mouth twitched in a triumphant smi
le.
She turned to her side to gawk at him, her cheeks suddenly flushed. “Can’t you tell me anything about it?” Her voice sounded plaintive, like a child’s. When she pouted her full lips, the resemblance grew even more.
He kissed one tender cheek, then his mouth found hers. He held their kiss for a long moment, then barely moved away as he whispered into her lips. “Let me put it this way. Our new terraformers will sport nanobots that get rid of any disease or pathogen. You live on my planet? You never get sick.” If this isn’t enough to guarantee a good night, nothing will.
“No disease?” A fine line crossed her smooth forehead. “None at all? Isn’t that illegal?”
He clicked his tongue like scolding a child. “Making people live beyond a normal lifespan is illegal. Making them disease-free isn’t. Even better, it will all be ready in time for the Empress’ birthday. It’s her four-hundred-and-seventy-eighth one, so each year on my planet will have as many days.”
“That is so clever of you!” She threw her head back on the pillow and let out a soft sigh. “I wish I could see it.” She gave him a pleading look. “You wouldn’t happen to know the person in charge of the colonist list?”
“I just might,” he lied and kissed her shoulder. In fact, he had no idea who’d be dealing with that, but it made little difference at this point. He had her where he wanted. As he expected, she melted in his arms. He hid a triumphant grin in the soft nook of her neck and closed his eyes to better enjoy the intoxicating feel of her skin on his lips.
A hint of a musty smell hit him. Pungent. Disturbing. Disgusting. Within seconds, it became overpowering. He opened his eyes to find himself kissing the rotting meat of a corpse. White maggots writhed in the skull’s empty sockets, eyes long dead staring back at him.
He screamed and jumped back, stumbling backward. As he crashed on the floor, his surroundings splintered and exploded, revealing a barely-lit cavern. His long-dead body was encased in a massive red crystal that had grown to cover the greatest part of the cave. Dark shadows slithered around, their elongated talons scratching his crimson tomb. His ever-open, immobile eyes stared into hateful embers. Cackling whispers filled his head. “Father’s awake,” they hissed in a terrifying sing-song voice. “Father’s awake.”
Pearseus Bundle: The Complete Pearseus Sci-fi/Fantasy Series Page 87