by Kyle Prue
“It was her,” he informed them as he rubbed his head where a knot was already swelling. “She sent her guards to get the weapons. And they came on foot. They’re close.”
Rhys peered at Neil, “Are you ok?”
“Took a metal rod to the head. I’ll be fine and I’ll tell you later. Right now, we need to find Lilly.”
Rhys furrowed his brow, thinking. “There was a room for rent above one of the bakeries around the corner,” he said. “Remember? We checked it out before we found our house.”
A thrill coursed through Neil’s veins, clearing his foggy head. “So we’ll go ask the owners if it’s still for rent,” Neil said, his excitement building. “And if they say no, then we’ve got her!”
Jennifer rubbed her hands together, clearing the dust. “Or we’ve got some other poor sap who’s renting the space and has nothing to do with the families.”
“It’s worth a try,” he insisted turning toward the bakery.
Rhys grabbed his arm to stop him. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”
“What?”
Rhys gestured toward the Pig’s store. “There’s a whole lot of weapons that suddenly just became available at a price that we can actually afford.”
“Too bad he didn’t sell groceries,” Jennifer said. “I’m starving.”
Neil patted Rhys on the back. “Good thinking. I was so obsessed with finding Lilly, I didn’t even think about the weapons. Let’s check out the bakery and then I’ll head out to find Robert. He can gather up some men to come add this to our arsenal. He’ll be thrilled.”
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
CELERIUS HIDEOUT
LILLY CELERIUS
Lilly heard a noise on the stairs and immediately sprang into action. She grabbed a rapier from the nearest crate and pointed it at the door, ready to slice the intruder in half. The door creaked open and she came face to face with three Vapros. It wasn’t exactly what she’d expected, but she swung her sword viciously at Neil’s neck for good measure. “What are you doing here?” she growled as she repositioned it right beneath his chin.
Neil raised his hands to show that he was unarmed. Behind him, his sister and brother mimicked his surrender pose. “Listen,” he said, “we heard you’re starting a revolution. We’d like to invite you to the one already in progress.”
“You’ve started one?” she asked, not lowering her sword.
“Yeah,” Rhys piped up. “And we are gathering up all the others who want the emperor to die.”
Lilly didn’t take her eyes off Neil. “I’m in it to kill Carlin, mostly.”
Neil smiled the best he could with a sword at his neck. “That can be arranged, too.”
Lilly lowered her sword and ushered Neil and his family into her makeshift house. She closed the door tightly behind them. “How did you find me?” she asked. “I was hoping to stay hidden.”
“The Pig told us you bought weapons from his store,” Jennifer said, examining her fingernails coolly. “We narrowed it down from there.”
Lilly shuddered at the mention of the Pig. “How large is your rebellion?”
Neil said. “We have no way of knowing actually. We are doing what we can to disrupt military operations within the city and to arm the people. We have new intelligence that says there are five villages outside the barrier that have been at war with the empire for years. We think that with their help we can win this thing. But we need to get outside the wall to coordinate an attack on the empire. We could use your help.”
She tried to keep her confusion concealed. “You know about the villages outside Altryon?”
Neil stared at her. “You already knew?”
“The Celerius have been in the military for about a century. Even though soldiers are given orders to be silent about what’s out there… I’ve heard bits and pieces,” she said. “I don’t know if you’re really going to find what you’re looking for out there. From what I hear, even though the empire is forcing the idea of savages down our throats, things are still pretty rough out there. I can’t believe that there might be a perfect revolution brewing.”
“I know this is a lot to wrap your head around,” Rhys said gently, "but if you're really considering the offer, come to the First Church of Enlightenment in two days. Once the sun sets, we will be there. Hopefully so will the Taurlum.”
“You’re trying to unite the families?” Lilly said dismissively. “It won’t work.”
“We think it could. Let’s be honest, we can’t stay in the city. We’ve experienced close call after close call. I’m sure you have too,” Neil argued.
A small man in a blue coat came rushing out from around the corner. “Intruders!” he exclaimed, raising his arm. His hand clenched a small round object. “Shall I throw, Miss?”
Lilly looked down and gasped. “Jonathan. Put the grenade down.” The servant, looking sheepish, gently replaced the weapon in a crate by the door. “They aren’t intruders,” she said. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but . . . they could be allies—maybe.”
“Allies?” Rhys said hopefully. “Does that mean you’re in?”
Lilly hesitated. “I don’t know yet. I . . . we have to discuss it first. I’m not sure you can be trusted. You Vapros are known for tricking people in such a fashion.”
Neil looked at his siblings. “We hope to see you at the church. I know we’ve fought before, but I think it’s time to bury the hatchet. We don’t really have another option. We need each other, if we’re going to make it past the wall. Once we get outside this city, you can go wherever you want. We can all go our separate ways. But before any of that, we need to make it past the barrier.”
She turned her sword over in her hands. “I’ll keep that in mind,” she said finally.
Jennifer reached around to open the door, and the Vapros materialized down the stairs and away. Lilly closed the door. “Get the guards in here,” she said to Jonathan. “We need to talk.”
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
THE OXBLOOD INN
DARIUS TAURLUM
Darius awoke in his rickety motel room bed feeling like he’d ingested acid. He stumbled to the window and groped for the latch before he realized it was already open. He pushed his head outside and took a gulp of air. The night wind against his skin was cool and refreshing. In only a few seconds, he felt alert enough to realize two things: first, that the window had been shut when he’d collapsed into bed, and secondly, there was someone else in the room with him. He whirled around just in time to see a long spike soar toward him. He ducked and the weapon embedded itself in the window frame.
Heart pounding, Darius stood up and yanked the spike out of the wall. It was attached to a long chain. He hadn’t seen a weapon like this in months. The memories came rushing back instantly, and he closed his fist around the chain and turned away from the window. “It’s been awhile,” he said to the darkness.
A figure stepped out from the shadows and moved to stand in a pool of moonlight pouring in from the window. “It’s been awhile since anyone wanted you dead,” Anastasia said. She held out her hand. “I’d like my rope dart back, please.”
He set her weapon down on the windowsill and stood in front of it. “Plenty of people want me dead.”
She smiled confidently, her slanted eyes narrowing ever so slightly. “You won’t trick me into revealing my employer,” she said.
He took a step toward her. She held her ground. “I don’t have to,” he said. “I already know who it is. It’s obvious.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Is it?”
“You work for the emperor,” he said, taking another step toward her. Anastasia smiled slightly, as if she knew the punch line to a joke he hadn’t heard before.
“Not quite,” she said, and before he could stop her, she dodged around him and lunged for the windowsill, catching the spike in her hands. He tried to grab her, but she slipped through his fingers. He lost his footing and staggered into the wall. She laughed. “You aren’t so quick anymore, a
re you?” He swung his massive fist at her, but she dodged it effortlessly. He was breathing heavily. “What have you been doing?” she asked. Her tone almost sounded worried. “You’re clumsier than last time—much clumsier.”
“I’m a little out of practice,” he panted.
She looked at him patronizingly. “Need a minute to catch your breath?”
He grabbed the bed and hurled it at her. She jumped back with a cry, but the bedpost struck her feet and sent her spiraling to the ground. Darius grinned. “No, thank you.”
He approached and bent over to grab her, but she kicked him in the side of the neck. Her foot connected with a pressure point; Darius gasped and reeled backward.
“You’re not as slow as I thought,” Anastasia murmured, working her way to her feet.
Darius stood by the window, hand pressed against his neck. He prayed he wasn’t bleeding. “I guess I’m not so out of practice after all,” he said, hesitantly removing his hand and examining it in the moonlight. It was mercifully clean of blood.
Anastasia hurled her spike at him with a grunt, but this time he was ready. He caught it in midair and pulled hard. She went skidding across the floor, still gripping the chain. “I’m not going to die today, Taurlum,” she hissed, jumping to her feet and throwing herself out the window. He saw her land on her feet like a cat on the street below.
In a rage, he threw the spike down after her. It landed almost two yards to the left of the target. Anastasia grinned up at him. “Until we meet again,” she yelled, bending down to retrieve the rope spike and dashing down the street.
Darius stared at the retreating form in disbelief and then turned to push his bed back into place. When it had been reset, he sat and buried his head in his hands. “I need to find Michael,” he groaned, collapsing back into sleeping position and cursing himself for letting the assassin escape.
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
IMPERIAL PALACE
CARLIN FILUS
Carlin brushed past the guards and pushed through the doors into the throne room. The emperor didn’t acknowledge his presence. He was lounging in his throne, gazing off into the distance. Saewulf sat by his side. Carlin cleared his throat. The emperor didn’t move. “You wanted to see me?” Carlin said finally.
The emperor slowly turned his head toward the general. “I’m disappointed, Carlin,” he said as he intertwined his fingers. Carlin couldn’t help but notice Saewulf’s stony face break into a tiny smile. “I am so very disappointed.”
“About what?” Carlin demanded. “I’ve kept the savages under our boot. Our army is doing just as well as ever.” Saewulf let out a small chuckle. Carlin glared at the servant and let his hand drift to the hilt of his sword. “Do you have something to say to me?” Saewulf didn’t flinch.
The emperor stood and held up a hand for silence. “Two months ago,” he said softly as he took a step down onto Carlin’s level, “I sent you to murder the Celerius family. One of them escaped. Is she still at large?”
Carlin’s jaw tightened. “Yes.”
“And these Vapros, are they still at large?”
Carlin pointed desperately at Saewulf. “They were his responsibility!”
“And the Taurlum?” the emperor asked calmly, but there was a storm in his eyes.
Out of the corner of his eye, Carlin saw Saewulf smirking. “Still at large,” he admitted, bowing his head.
“Still at large,” the emperor repeated. “As the general of my army, I expected you to be able to handle this in a matter of days. Not months.”
Carlin gritted his teeth. “I’ve more important responsibilities than worrying about a few missing teens. We are fighting a revolution outside the wall. What do you care about a few kids that don’t pose any danger to the empire?”
“Oh, so now you get to pick and choose which of my orders are convenient for you to follow? Is that what you are saying?”
Carlin backtracked quickly. “Of course not. But we have bigger problems than a few kids. And this is a city of over a million people. We’ve had several close calls but the people are helping them. They’re hard to find.”
The emperor narrowed his eyes. “Oh, they’re hard to find? My apologies, General; your total incompetence is forgiven in that case. I didn’t realize they’d be hard to find.” Saewulf chuckled. Carlin wanted to plunge his sword into the servant’s eye.
“Since they’re so hard to find,” the emperor was saying, “I’ll give you a little hint. Darius Taurlum is hiding in plain sight, drinking his pathetic life away. You just can’t seem to find the right gutter to pick him out of. And Michael Taurlum, he’s in the markets, seducing every young woman he can find. Not exactly subtle, and not exactly hard to find.”
A bead of sweat traveled down Carlin’s forehead.
“Lilly Celerius is prancing around the city flanked by an entire squad of armed men. And the Vapros spend their time either burning down the houses of my associates or recruiting prospective combatants in public places. And you can’t catch a single one of them? Did you never think to send someone to a bar and wait for the Vapros to just drop in?” The emperor began to pace in front of his throne. “Did I put the wrong man in charge? Virgil could have done this by now. Saewulf could have done this by now. Anthony Celerius could have done this in one night, if his own flesh and blood weren’t involved.”
Carlin couldn’t look the emperor in the eye. “Father, I—”
The emperor whirled to face him. “Don’t you dare address me that way.” The smile was gone from Saewulf’s face and an eerie silence filled the room. The guards in the room nervously shifted back and forth, unsure of where to go or how close to get to Carlin.
Carlin tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword. “Why not?” he asked. “Afraid your servants will find out you have a bastard for a child?”
The emperor stood completely still for a few seconds. The guards posted at the door sensed it was time to intervene and they approached Carlin. “Settle down, sir,” one of them muttered in his ear. Carlin brushed him off.
“Never say anything like that again, boy,” the emperor hissed, “or I will have your subordinates cut you down. I don’t care who your father is.”
A guard put his hand on Carlin’s shoulder (whether to comfort or restrain him, Carlin didn’t know), and whispered, “General, maybe you should leave.”
Carlin punched the guard so hard it sent him unconscious to the floor. The other guard attempted to subdue him, but Carlin’s sword was through his chest before he even drew a weapon. Saewulf started to stand, but the emperor raised a hand, and he sat back down. “Calm down, Carlin,” he boomed. Carlin froze, panting. “You have another chance. But I want to see progress. Start with the Taurlum.”
Carlin sheathed his sword and glared at Saewulf, who returned the look with a lazy, little smile. “Yes, sir,” he said, straightening his coat. The guard he had punched stirred and tried to stand; Carlin brought his foot down hard against the man’s face. A sickening crack filled the throne room. “Keep your psychic on hand,” Carlin said coldly as he walked toward the door. “I might need him later.”
The room was silent as the giant double doors closed behind the general. “Your son is a bloodthirsty maniac,” Saewulf observed casually. The emperor nodded as he retook his seat. “I know,” he said with the ghost of a smile forming across his lips. “That’s what will make him so effective in our war.”
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
VAPROS HIDEOUT
NEIL VAPROS
“We’re nearly out of food already,” Neil said to Jennifer as he rummaged through their cabinets. He had successfully tracked down Robert, and his men were looting the armory at this very moment. The events of the day had left Neil excited, but famished. “I wish Lilly would have offered us some food. But then again, she wasn’t exactly a gracious host.” Neil smiled at Jennifer, but the joke was lost on her. Neil gulped down a stale piece of bread and continued his search.
Jennifer said, “Maybe Rhys wil
l bring some back?”
Neil handed Jennifer the last piece of bread.. “Now that we might have the Celerius on board, Rhys is out trying to verify the legitimacy of Bianca’s claims. He isn’t looting tonight.”
“Oh.” Jennifer stared vacantly into space as she chewed. “Maybe Rhys will bring some back.”
Neil stopped rummaging. “You already said that.”
“I did? Oh, forget it then.”
“It’s fine,” he said nervously, moving to sit next to her. She had pressed herself into a corner of their tiny kitchen and hunched over to rest her chin on her knees. She didn’t acknowledge her brother. “Are you okay?”
“Yes.”
“Are you sure?”
She closed her eyes. “Yes.”
“Are you lying to me?”
She finally looked at him. “Of course I’m not okay. I don’t understand why you’re okay.”
Neil pushed his fingers through his hair. “I take it one day at a time.”
“She was your sister, too,” Jennifer said bluntly. “And you and Rhys just keep acting like we didn’t lose her.” There were tears in her eyes. “Didn’t you care about her?”
“Of course!” Neil felt his eyes widen as Jennifer’s tears spilled over onto her cheeks. “Of course we did. But if we’re ever going to avenge her, we can’t waste time missing her.”
It was the wrong thing to say. Jennifer let out a sob. “Waste time missing her?”
He looked alarmed. “No, that’s not what I meant. It came out wrong.”
He expected her to pull out a knife and stab him then and there, but all she said was, “I’ve lost a lot of people, Neil.”
He waited, but she didn’t say anything else. “I’ve lost a lot of people, too, Jen.” He wasn’t used to comforting his sister. “I lost Victoria with you. And we both lost Mom.”
She wiped her cheeks, trying to erase the stream of tears cascading down her face. “You didn’t know Mom. You don't have memories of her tucking you into bed and reading stories to you, and teaching you how to walk.” She stopped, interrupted by a hiccup, then continued, “And you didn’t lose Victoria the same way I did. When you have a twin, you’re born together, you spend your lives together and you have a connection. You can tell each other anything. Even all your deep dark secrets.” Her nose was running and she scrubbed at it furiously with her sleeve. “But I did. And now I’m going through everything alone.”