by Adams, Tom
Well, here we are. Merrick fell into mind-speak without a thought.
Here we are, yes. Her use of the English affirmative peeled away another layer of their relationship.
You know, you’re the first person who’s mind I’ve inhabited with their express permission.
Not even ... ?
No, not even her. There was a joining of consciousnesses, a connection I mistook for something deeper than it was. I see that now. How do you feel about ... this?
He examined her as she paused over an answer. She’d put on makeup, although he was equally entranced without it. She’d also begun to lose the tan from their sojourn in Turkmenistan and he gave himself permission to enjoy the flawless perfection of her skin. Flawless, save for the merest suggestion of a scar running at a diagonal from the top of her lip. Gothic charm was the nearest he could come to describing her, but then he didn’t need to—he was seeing her from inside and out; words were insufficient.
To be honest? I’m frightened.
He tilted his head, surprised at the admission.
She took his hand. Frightened of losing you, of not having the time together. But also, fearful that this sharing will be too intimate for us.
He felt her mind worrying away at the notion, like a finch trying to extract a kernel of comfort from the seed of doubt.
You think that it will divide us, complicate what we have?
She nodded.
He put his hand on top of hers and drew closer. Then we’ll have to be cautious, establish ground rules. I don’t want this to end before it’s started.
And yet I don’t want to be cautious. We have so little time. I want to embrace abandonment, cast it aside.
“Then maybe we should be reckless,” he said, and kissed her as if it were his last. In truth, he wondered if this urgency was prophetic—until she filled his mind with her passion and dispelled the gloom—at least for an hour.
~~~
Chapter 38
One more for the road
Compared to the last meeting, the gathering that afternoon was short. Karapetian met with Merrick and his companions beforehand and shared his thoughts on the escalating conflict. It didn’t take long to reach agreement.
Karapetian began the meeting proper with an update. “Brothers and sisters,” he said, “there have been significant developments in the last forty eight hours. I can announce that Merrick and his team have successfully traversed the dimensions to Celebrai and infiltrated Shamon’s defences. We now have an approximation of his force’s strength.”
Karapetian gave the floor to Merrick, who gave an account of their mission, leaving nothing out. His revelations were greeted with wonderment and a barrage of questions.
Blazej summed up the mood of the assembled orders. “The ability to traverse the realms at will gives a massive advantage, but there is still much we do not know.”
“I agree,” Karapetian said. “We will address that shortly, but first we should turn our attention to Shamon’s communique and make a decision.” He stood up and flicked on a data projector. A crude map of Celebrai was displayed on the first slide.
“I’ve had our cartographers piece together the intelligence from Merrick’s reconnaissance mission, together with information extracted from an Ukurum captive. Details are sketchy at best, but at least we’re not totally in the dark.” He went on to explain the cross-portal route that Merrick had followed and the locations of the citadel and barracks. Tessanee had revealed further information as a result of Johnny’s attentions, and they now knew the capabilities of two new races that Shamon had created. However, there were questions about the nature of Celebrai’s inhabitants as well as Shamon’s spawning chambers.
“To conclude,” Karapetian said, “The Ukurum have established themselves, and as such, have a home advantage. Before we discuss the merits of meeting Shamon in battle, I’ll read out his exact words.”
He pulled out a scroll from a folder of notes and started reading. As he did so, Merrick sensed Shamon’s malign power in the words spoken from Karapetian’s lips.
“Declaration of War. The noble order of the Ukurum lays down a Mage-locked challenge to the allied collection of orders led by Lazlo Karapetian and the Syncretic order of Hierophants. Under the rules of engagement decreed by the sacred laws of Claobach, Jagur Shamon calls upon all opposing forces to meet him in battle at the confluence of the Druiln and Nahl rivers in the land of Celebrai. The battle will commence at ten hundred hours on the first day of September according to the terrestrial calendar, otherwise known as the first cycle of Gujess by the Celebrain calendar. The outcome of the conflict will determine the rulers of Celebrai and all Syncretic orders present on Earth. This resolution is absolute and bound by the seven precepts of Alamar.”
There were murmurs of disquiet from the assembled as Karapetian rolled up the scroll and sat down. “I invite questions and comments from any and all leaders present.
Japa, leader of the Typhonian order was first to wade in. A thick, slab of a man, he stood and gave his response. “It would be madness to accept such a challenge. It commits us to the outbreak of war in less than two weeks. Does Shamon deem us simpletons? We have everything to lose and little to gain. I’m surprised we’re even considering such a proposal.”
Karapetian nodded. “Thank you, esteemed Typhonian leader. What are the views of other distinguished members of this council?”
“There’s more to this than first it seems,” said Naomi. She stood up gracefully, and spoke as if she aimed her words at every single man and woman. “If we decline this challenge, we have given Shamon leave to rule Celebrai unhindered. He will amass his armies, and conquer other realms until he is ready to storm this one. By such a time he may be unstoppable.”
“Shamon is a snake,” said Blazej. He wouldn’t issue this challenge unless he was confident of victory. I vote that we carry out further surveillance before making our decision.”
“A point of information.” It was Jason that spoke up. “The challenge has a deadline of midnight tonight. We can carry out another reconnaissance but there’s no time to benefit before our time’s up—and may I remind the council that refusal to answer places us at odds with higher powers. I wouldn’t be surprised if Shamon expects this and just wants the unseen principalities to formally endorse his rule in Celebrai. His legitimacy will be enhanced and he will garner further authority.”
Albany turned to Celestia and Merrick. “It seems Shamon’s got a win—win situation.”
“Maybe—maybe not,” Merrick replied, and stood up.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he said, unsure exactly how to address them. “There are other factors to consider. We have a chance to cut at the Ukurum roots before they spread to become a malignant forest. Whatever Shamon’s hidden resources are, I’m pretty sure they don’t include the ability to travel at any point between neighbouring dimensions. Whatever the battle scenario, we can make troops appear and disappear within the hour.”
“We know of this wondrous ability,” said Blazej. “But we have also heard from you about its limitations. To create these temporary gateways, you exhaust yourself to the point of death.”
“That was true,” Merrick replied. “However, Lazlo has shared with me the existence of a potent elixir that may prevent such fatigue.”
“You have tested this elixir?” Blazej said.
Merrick cast a glance at Karapetian who widened his eyes, then shrugged. “Not as yet,” he said. But I intend to try it tonight. If successful, we’ll know the advantage is ours before the midnight deadline.”
Karapetian stood again. “It is for this reason that I hope to gain your endorsement in principle, fellow leaders. If the elixir fails then I will refuse Shamon’s challenge. There are too many unknown factors. But if it works, the balances tip in favour of an early intervention. Remember, once we meet on the battlefield, all other constraints are removed. We can employ every strategy and tactic at our disposal.
A differe
nt sort of hum arose from the assembly now, and Merrick knew Karapetian’s powers of persuasion had won them over. A vote followed and was carried unanimously in favour of accepting Shamon’s challenge, provided Merrick proved his enhanced endurance.
~~~
After a meal and further rest, Merrick met with Karapetian and Jason in the training hall where Merrick had first encountered the Hierophants practicing their skills. He brought his companions with him. All were eager to see the outcome of the experiment, although the possibility of side effects concerned Celestia.
While Karapetian prepared the potion with the necessary invocations, Merrick took a worried Destain by the arm and pulled him to one side.
“What’s on your mind mate? You look like you’re about to give birth.”
Destain shook his head. “I still think you should have let me speak before the council. There are signs, fluctuations in the ether, that have bearing on this decision.”
Merrick pursed his lips. “Look, Destain, I trust your abilities. But you have to admit they’re unrefined and unlikely to gain acceptance from the council. We’ll let them guide us once the challenge is accepted. This is no reflection on you.”
Destain didn’t seem completely convinced by Merrick’s reassurance but he acquiesced.
“The elixir is ready,” Karapetian said and held up a vial of green liquid.
“So, I know it’s based on Restiatin” Merrick said, “but what else have you put in there?”
“Something you have taken before,” Karapetian replied.
“No, not the—”
“Mad honey, yes. But only two drops.”
Merrick recalled his previous mind-bending experience with concern. “Why do I get the feeling I’m being the guinea pig again?”
“Do not worry,” Karapetian said. “I’ve perfected the recipe over the last few months, even tested it on myself. There were no side-effects and considerable benefits.”
“With respect, Lazlo, yours isn’t the mind of a Psychonaut. Who knows how having a third eye affects the variables?”
Karapetian looked at his feet. “There are fewer differences … ” He paused for a second. “No matter. You can trust me—I guarantee it.”
Merrick tried again to probe Karapetian’s thoughts but he remained closed. “Okay,” he said. “I know I’m going to regret this, but here goes.”
The same euphoria and sensation of transcendent well-being infused Merrick’s mind. The Restiatin he took in the hospital wing had brought his fatigued body to a place of healing and restitution. This second dose, working on a rested body, served to elevate him to another plane altogether. In addition, his consciousness expanded as a result of the grayanotoxin so that the realms were laid out before him in minute detail. Words were insufficient to describe this awareness. He closed his eyes to see more clearly. Dimensions extended to the horizon of his vision in every direction. Between each he could see existing gateways and, like a contour map, regions where the separating walls were thin. Yet he knew that amid the ecstasy a lurking danger dwelt; the diminution of rational and ethical faculties, the danger of letting his power consume him.
Never trust a junkie’s judgement.
“So far, so good,” he said to Karapetian
“Then proceed, while the effects still last. Let us see whether you and Celestia can traverse to Celebrai.”
He cut out an arch in front of them both, rising from the floor. As he did so, the familiar sound of electric crackling and accompanying blue sparks filled the air, only more intense than on previous occasions. Merrick was heartened to discover he felt only a tiny fraction of energy loss.
As if he had cut out a template in reality, the arch shape fell away from them to reveal a dimly-lit world.
“Fascinating,” said Karapetian. Even Jason’s jaw dropped.
“Don’t bite off more than you can chew,” Albany said. “Straight to Celebrai then back again, like we agreed.”
Merrick winked at him, took Celestia’s hand and stepped into the unknown.
~~~
Exhilaration is a curious emotion. Best appreciated in its fullness on an ephemeral basis. The human brain is not equipped for constant, unbridled ecstasy. So it was that the Psychonaut’s mind employed its own protection, a numbing sensation such that Merrick experienced his augmented power as the pilot of a ship. His hand was on the tiller, guiding it into and through the maelstrom. He could see the path they had to follow, familiar like the lines on his palm. He let Celestia see through their mind meld—it held her in rapture.
After five boundary crossings, they stopped in a forest of luminous plant life.
The wall is thick here, he sent, and it doesn’t thin out for many miles.
How are your energy reserves?
At a guess—~~~0 per cent.
The creation of a tunnel could drain you considerably.
True, but there may be another way.
They re-entered the gateway they had just come through, closing it behind as Merrick had done with all of them. He held his hands up as if running them along a wall.
Here, he sent, there’s a wormhole of sorts. I can circumvent the glowing forest and choose a longer but less arduous route.
Are you sure?
That’s the beauty of Karapetian’s drug. It would be harder finding the way to the end of my nose, look.
He opened his third eye so she could see through it.
It ... it’s ...
No need to explain. It’s impossible isn’t it? How can you describe just knowing?
He gestured again and they stepped through the resulting wound in reality. The remaining doors hardly required even the smallest of gesticulations as they moved with dizzying rapidity through them. In a matter of minutes they stood outside the familiar edifice of Shamon’s city in Celebrai. Dawn approached and nothing stirred save the occasional insect. Seeing they were unobserved, Merrick kept the gateway open and found that it required minimal effort.
Celestia looked around. It’s almost—
Too good to be true? Wait a second, I’m going to try something.
He stood before the gateway and held his arms aloft, curling his fingers as if gripping a bar. There was an ear-splitting, explosive sound like a sonic boom and an irregular archway, twenty feet tall appeared. It swallowed up the previous doorway.
Incredible, Celestia sent.
Their elation proved immature. A creaking and groaning began to emanate from all around, like giant monoliths toppling over.
What’s happening? she sent.
I don’t know, but I think we better go back. That wasn’t a healthy sound.
They jumped through the arch and Merrick closed the rent in the air with a visible effort. Once shut, the groaning subsided and they could both breathe easy again.
A step too far? Celestia sent.
I think I’m beginning to test the limits of what I can do. It’s as if the larger breach weakens the construction of reality around it.
What would have happened if you’d left it open?
Another unknown. But I don’t think the outcome would be good.
You look tired.
Yeah, I’m starting to weaken now.
Do you need more of the elixir?
No, I’ll be fine. Let’s go.
~~~
Needless to say, the Hierophants and Outcasts were waiting eagerly with a host of questions upon their return. Karapetian gave Merrick a small dose of straight Restiatin as a precaution, given that he had exerted himself so much in a short space of time.
After hearing their report, Karapetian was satisfied that the conditions were met for a reply to Shamon—an acceptance of the challenge. The news of Merrick’s increased competence at realm-travel buoyed up the Alliance, and soon, word had spread throughout Paraganet House. While this increased morale, Jason was ever conscious of the threat of espionage. Should this information ever find its way into Ukurum hands they would lose the element of surprise. His concerns manifested t
hemselves in a doubling of security, for traffic both in and out of Paraganet House.
In the ensuing days, Merrick had the sense of sand running through the hourglass at an accelerated rate. Many demands were made upon him and he found himself returning to Celestia’s arms at the end of the day, weary in body and mind. That did not prevent them from sharing their intimacy through the early hours of the morning, however. Indeed, the comfort of their union filled him with vitality, leaving him refreshed and ready to face the rigours of another day.
Although he was back in England, he now felt almost completely detached from his previous life. He learned that he was still on Interpol’s most wanted list, but felt no compulsion to seek a solution to the problem. If he ever made it through to the other side of this war then he could worry about it then.
There was much beyond Merrick’s ability to grasp. Jason and Karapetian discussed and organised strategy through every waking hour. Each subsidiary order had their own base of operations and part to play in the run-up to zero hour, and Merrick remained in awe of the Hierophant leader’s ability to keep track of it all.
Merrick’s role was almost exclusively geared to eliciting access to Celebrai. The more he used his power, the more refined he became in choosing the most propitious route to the Hierophant’s target realms. Celestia accompanied him on most, but not all assignments. At first, it was only a select few who were privileged to travel. Jason, Karapetian and his companions had first rights for obvious reasons, but immediately after, this was extended to the representative magickal and military leaders from each order.
Johnny took over command of the mercenaries in Biff’s absence and carried out numerous sorties into enemy territory to acquire further intelligence. This yielded limited results as Shamon had his security as tight as a virgin’s pussy, as Johnny described it. But at least they were able to reconnoiter the surrounding land and produce quite detailed maps, including the proposed battle zone. One matter weighing heavily on them was their inability to locate either Biff or Hacker. Merrick had even delivered a drop-off at the lonely ridge they’d seen as the predator abducted Hacker, but after a day of fruitless searching and periodic curses from Johnny, he finally repeated his initial assessment—“both dead men.”