Two Quests Diverge in a Wood
It had been a few days since Mar Dagnae crashed her airship in the Wild Lands. Though none of those who found her was a healer, it was decided not to move her. Both Mandhe and Quin had sufficient training as medics to treat her injuries, and after a day of resting as comfortably as they could make her, Mar was up and about. Her first stop was her ship, to ascertain the damage and determine how soon it could be repaired. She was unprepared for the sight that greeted her. The ship was entirely whole and almost completely repaired, thanks to Mandhe. The young inventor was welding a thick metal plate to the underside of the ship when Mar approached. "And just what do you think you're doing?" she demanded. Mandhe looked over and smiled, tipping her goggles up onto her head. Kel was holding the ship in the air so Mandhe could access its belly. "Ms. Dagnae," she said, "this ship is amazing! Heavier-than-air travel at supersonic speeds! I wouldn't have thought it possible." She offered her hand, saying, "My name's Mandhe. Mandhe Pacha." Mar ignored the hand, instead walking over to inspect her ship. "So," she said coldly, "you didn't think such a ship was possible, yet felt capable of repairing it?" Mandhe looked stricken and her hand fell to her side as she dropped the welding torch. "Ms. Dagnae, I-I didn't mean to... I was just..." her voice dropped to a whisper, "I was just trying to help." Mar grunted, still not looking at the young woman. "Mm. Well, let's see just how 'helpful' you've actually been." She gestured for Kel to lower the ship, ignoring his glare as he complied. She climbed up into the cockpit and sat down, still muttering, "Most likely you've just made things wor-" She jumped in her seat as the ship's engines roared to life. She let them run a few moments then shut them down. Without a word, she climbed out of the cockpit and down the side of the ship, coming to stand in front of Mandhe, who was leaning on Kel for support. Mar looked at her with an inscrutable expression on her face. Finally, she smiled, holding out her hand. "Mandhe, was it?" she asked, "Are you looking for a job?"
***
Later, Mar's smile was gone, replaced with an angry scowl as she argued with Kel. "What do you mean you won't come with me?" she railed at him. "This is your city, your world, under assault. Broken Hells, man! Your own mother-" "My own mother made it quite clear my assistance was no longer required," Kel said abruptly. "Besides, I've promised to aid these people," he gestured to Kit and Bors, who'd been guarding the makeshift camp while Mar recovered. "I won't abandon them now." "And what of your own people?" Mar pressed the issue, "Will you abandon them?" Kel drew himself to his full height, towering over the disgruntled industrialist. "When I have fulfilled my obligation to the cat people, I will return to Amorlia and do what I can." Mar was not intimidated, staring up at the young hero, "And if you're too late?" "Then that will mean you've failed," Kel spat back, "won't it?" The two stared at each other a while, then Mar grinned. "Well played, Champion," she said. "Fine. We'll do it your way. But I'm not going back empty-handed. If you won't join me, I'm taking her." She pointed to Mandhe, who was finishing packing up her gear. Bors was helping, so it was clear they'd at least mended their friendship. Mandhe looked up in surprise. "Me?" she asked, "But, I can't! Kel needs me to-" "No," Kel said. "I think this is an excellent idea." He held up his hands to forestall protest. "While I won't deny that I'll miss you, and will likely regret the loss of my 'companion' more than once after you're gone, I'll feel much better knowing you're looking after things." Mandhe seemed torn, but her choice was obvious. Finally, she hugged Kel tight and said good bye. Looking up at him, she blinked tears from her eyes. "I just know you're going to get yourself killed without me," she said, forcing a smile, "and what will I tell Kai then?" Kel smiled back through his own tears. "Just blame me," he said, "you shouldn't have much trouble convincing her it was all my fault." They enjoyed a brief laugh at Kel's expense, then parted. Mandhe followed Mar to the ship, looking back once to wave to Kel and wink at Bors. The two women boarded the aircraft, Mar started the engines and the ship took off into the air, quickly disappearing from view. Kel watched it go, then sighed. He turned around to find Bors, Kit and Quin looking at him. "Thank you," Kit said. "What you're risking to aid us..." "My world is in good hands," Kel said, dismissing her concerns, "Let's tend to yours." The two cat people vanished into the forest, returning to their scouting. Quin paused briefly to pat Kel's shoulder, then he disappeared into the woods as well. Kel followed him, stopping a moment to look up into the now-empty sky.
Hammers Fall
Professor Jat Loren stood on the balcony outside his private chambers, addressing the massive crowd gathered around his airship. His "Temple in the Clouds" no longer offered sufficient room to house his followers. Even the streets of Baern could not hold them all, so he delivered his sermon on the Amorlian plains, his listeners rapt with attention. "There is a right way to live in this world, my children," he said, arms raised to the heavens, "and there is a wrong way. The right way to live is by the Will of our Divine Spark, as proclaimed through me. The Way of Righteousness, the Way of Virtue, is to follow the Three Tenets of Submission, Obedience and Sacrifice. Do you all wish to live the right way?" A resounding cheer answered him and he could feel their surrender in his mind. They were his now, fully under the spell of his enhanced abilities. He would lead them to victory over his enemies and they would be an army, willing to kill and die so that he might rise. What was it the Mistress had said to him? "All great men rise on the shoulders of the dead". He liked that. He looked out over his flock, and an idea struck him. The Masters needed new playthings. "Are you prepared to submit?" he asked the crowd. "YES!" "Will you obey?" "YES!" "And sacrifice as required?" "YES!" Jat Loren smiled. "Very well," he said. "The Prophets, those radiant beings who first delivered the Will of the Spark unto me, have declared that the Spark needs willing servants. Who among you will serve me, the Prophets and the Spark, so that your souls might be pure?" He smiled wide as the crowd surged forward, everyone wanting to be chosen. Already his guardsmen were moving among the crowd, beating back the overzealous with their clubs, picking out those who would please the Masters... and him. He smiled as he saw women pulled from their husbands, men sundered from their families... He felt an slight wave of resentment from the assembled, those who were not chosen, and those who lost loved ones to him. He seized upon the opportunity. "I wish it did not have to be this way, children!" he cried out. "But our enemies, those who stand opposed to our glorious work, force my hand! Their willful manipulation of our Divine Spark, their vaunted 'reason', their immoral ways, these are the things that divide you from your loved ones! When the last of the infidels are cast down, and I sit upon the throne of the High King, then you shall know peace! When I rule, all you have ever wished for, all that they have kept from you, will be yours!" Angry rumblings now, but the collective ire was directed outward, toward his enemies. His political opponents, the Pacifica, anyone who stood in his way. He smiled, the gleam of madness in his eyes. He had his army. The time to strike would come soon. But first, there were the new arrivals to... indoctrinate. He spoke a few empty blessings and bid his followers to rest. They had miles to go in his service. Then he left them, returning to his chambers and those faithful chosen for his pleasure.
***
Artemis stood, hands on her knees, head bent, panting heavily. She'd been sparring all morning with Kai, and it was clear she was still woefully out of shape. "That was good, your Majesty," Kai said, her own breathing perfectly controlled. "You are definitely improving. Why, we've been at this for hours and you haven't even thrown up once." Artemis made a rude gesture, all the while trying to catch her breath. "Very... funny," she gasped, "I'll... have you know... I was... fighting monsters... while your great... grandmother... was barely... someone's... bad... idea." She sat down heavily, her face red from exertion. "Yes," Kai smirked, bringing the High Queen a cup of water. "And did you collapse afterward, breathless and nauseous, then too?" Artemis repeated the rude gesture, gulping eagerly from the cup. For all of Kai's taunts, the former Monarch of Vega had improved greatly
since beginning their sessions. What would have taken a normal woman weeks of intense training to accomplish, Artemis had managed in a matter of days. Not for the first time, Kai was reminded that she was dealing with the daughter of a goddess. Few could face Kai's enhanced strength in single combat, but she was certain that once returned to the fullness of her power, Artemis would prove more than a match for the Captain of the Pacifica. A knock on the door interrupted them. Not wanting anyone to see Artemis winded, Kai crossed to the door and opened it slightly. A young soldier of the Pacifica stood there at rigid attention, saluting. "Captain Moxen," she said, "There have been developments requiring your attention." Kai nodded. "I'll be along, soldier. Wait for me here." She shut the door and returned to gather up her weapons. Artemis was already standing, all trace of exertion gone. That was also a good sign. She was recovering much faster from their workouts now. Once free of Four's debilitating influence, the High Queen's powers were rapidly returning. Even her telepathy, which never truly left her, was stronger than it had been. She demonstrated this by reading Kai's mind through a rather impressive shield. "What sort of developments?" she asked. Kai smiled, ignoring the mental intrusion, "I'm not certain," she said, "but I can hazard a guess." "Loren," Artemis spat. Kai nodded, buckling on her weapons belt. "He'll strike sooner than later. Plus, Dagnae Industries has been a mess since Mar vanished. Whomever took over has been firing workers by the score, which has thrown the economies of many smaller cities into critical depression." "I need to do something," Artemis insisted. Kai shook her head. "You can't," she reminded Artemis. "Since you closed down the University, the Council of Mayors have decided to strip you of all executive power. Initially, this was pending the results of the election, but it's looking more and more like we won't be having one." Artemis sighed, nodding. "I will petition the Council, then," she said. "Convince them to act." Kai stifled a laugh, instead saying, "You'll have your work ahead of you. I wish you luck with it." She saluted and left the room.
***
Later, Artemis walked the halls of her old Palace, now the Central Admin building, and meeting place for the Council of Mayors. They were in session, and she hoped to air her petition immediately. She was stopped at the door of their chambers by a Pacifica troop in full armor. The door to the chamber opened and the Council members filed out to stand behind the soldiers. A young lieutenant stood before Artemis, reading an official pronouncement as two other officers stood at either side of her. One grabbed at her wrists, pulling them behind her back as the lieutenant began speaking. "Artemis Vega," he intoned, making no mention of her title, "you are under arrest for the murder of Mar Dagnae." "What?!" Artemis stared, too shocked to fight the shackles being placed on her wrists. "How dare you?! When was this supposed to have happened?" she demanded. "I have been in the company of Captain Kai Moxen of the Pacifica for most of the past few days. We were together when Mar disappeared! Ask her yourself! She can-" "Do nothing, I'm afraid," a familiar voice made Artemis' blood run cold. Fourth stepped into view, dragging a bruised, bleeding and beaten Kai Moxen by the hair. Kai looked up at Artemis, one eye swollen shut, and attempted to speak. Nothing but blood came from her mouth. "Aside from this strong-willed fool," Fourth sneered, "the Pacifica garrison in Vega City belong to me. The Council of Mayors belong to me. And very soon," she smiled her razor-sharp smile, "you will once again belong to me too."
The Prisoner
First stood in the dank underground storeroom, hands behind his back, and regarded his prisoner. The prisoner was suspended from the ceiling by chains that had been hooked into his arms and legs via long barbed spikes. Sparks crackled where his limbs had been pierced, and the intricate linework along his body flickered with sporadic illumination. His optic lenses pulsed slowly, indicating diminishing cognitive function. He had suffered great torments at the hands of his captors, and was not fit to endure much more. First took a few steps closer to the prisoner, reaching out a hand to stroke the exquisite metallic features. He sighed as the prisoner flinched from his touch. "Really, Emfex," he said, "do try to maintain that steely defiance you showed when we first began our conversation." A hollow rasping laugh echoed from the battered larynx of the prisoner. "Have your millennia of wandering granted you the gift of humor, Malzen?" he asked. A shock baton was jammed into his left optic in reply. He cried out in pain. "That name was taken from me," First replied, "by you, as I recall. You may call me One. Until I take my new name, of course." Emfex gave a ragged sigh. "Still plotting, 'One'? We had hoped your punishment might teach you some humilitiiiieeeeeeaaaggghhh!" The baton had been inserted into the Techno Spirit's delicate internal workings, it's charge amplified by the Spark it drained from its victim. "Humility?" First snarled. "Humility is not for our kind, Emfex. That the rest of you were too timid to use the power we had was no excuse for the way you treated me and mine." "Is that why you do this?" Emfex asked, "to punish me in kind for what was taken from you and your followers?" First laughed. "You give yourself too much credit," he said. "While your suffering is a pleasant byproduct, what I'm truly after is information. There are weapons stored here." He leaned in close, the tip of the shock baton touching the prisoner's alloyed face. "Where are they?" Then it was Emfex's turn to laugh. He laughed long and looked with some derision at his captor. "They were removed when the University closed," he spat. "Removed to a place you will never find." First grit his teeth. "Where?" he demanded. "I honestly don't know," Emfex replied. First considered this and determined that his captive spoke the truth. "Fine," he said, "then tell me who moved them." Emfex thought a moment, then turned his cracked and smoldering face to First. "I honestly don't want to," he said. Roaring, First began beating Emfex with the shock baton, finally stopping when his weapon shattered from the force of his blows. Emfex was broken, sparking and barely functional. One optic lay in shards on the floor, the other blinked on and off randomly. First threw the remnant of his baton across the room. "You don't know where the weapons have been taken," he said, forcing calm on himself. "And you are certain you will not tell me who has them? We could repair you, should you cooperate." Emfex spoke in a crackling voice. "To the -krzk- Broken... Hells -krzk- with what you... want." First stiffened, then simply nodded. "As you will, then." He turned and walked to the door, where a group of shadowy figures hovered, chittering. "Savage him," he commanded. He left the room and closed the door, and the shadows swarmed over Emfex, cackling wildly. Mar landed the ship on the main lawn of the University, looking warily about before opening the cockpit. She glanced at Mandhe in the seat behind her. "Do you have any guns in that pack?" she asked. Mandhe nodded. "One or two," she said. Mar drew a pistol from under her seat. "Grab the most powerful gun you have and come with me." She opened the cockpit, jumping down to the ground with her gun at the ready. Mandhe followed after, a powerful rifle in her hand. "What is that?" Mar looked the gun over approvingly. Mandhe smiled, showing pride in her work. "Spark blaster," she said, hefting it. "I use a mechanism similar to the engine in your ship, so I don't need to power it myself." Mar nodded, impressed. Then she crouched low and gestured Mandhe to follow. "Quiet now," she cautioned, "I don't know what's going on here, but I'm positive this place is being used as-" "Ms. Dagnae," Mar heard the familiar voice and turned, seeing Third and some people who were obviously his companions approaching them. Third smiled with false warmth, his arms outstretched as though to embrace her. "Thank goodness you've returned. The staff have been so worried." "I'm certain," Mar sneered, firing the gun at his head. The impact knocked Third backward, but he leaped to his feet and dug the bullet out of his skull, the wound closing almost immediately. He tossed the projectile to the ground, then turned to Mandhe. "Would you care to try it, my dear?" "That's enough!" First strode across the lawn, coming to stand in front of his people. He pointed at Mandhe. "Put the gun down, little girl," he said. "Or it will go very badly for you." He turned to Mar, saying, "You too, Ms. Dagnae." The two women glanced at one another, then raised their guns and fired at First. The Spark from Man
dhe's gun seemed to actually make him stronger, and he simply caught the bullet Mar fired at him. "Ahhh," he said, leaning his head back and closing his eyes, "that felt good." Indeed, his clothes lost much of their grey drabness, and his skin and hair became lustrous. It was as though he was suddenly more real, more immediate. But then the colors faded and he was grey again, barely registering as more than a suggestion of a person. He sighed. "But still fleeting," he lamented. "Though not for much longer." He looked at the others and asked Third, "Where's Four?" Third shook his head. "I don't know," he said. "She was with Loren, last I knew, but left him some time ago." "Mm," First muttered, "She goes off on her own entirely too much. When she returns, send her to me. Take these two," he pointed to the two women, who had both lowered their guns, "to the lower level. Put them in the same cell as our last guest, so they might see the folly of being uncooperative." Third and Second came up behind the two women, taking their guns as well as Mandhe's pack. They led the two across the lawn and into the University building. First then took a moment to look over Mar's airship, opening it up to examine the engine. "Well well," he said, "what have we here?"
Amorlia: Age of Wonder Page 6