Laren avoided eye contact with Connor, instead staring into the forest of roses. “I know you’re trying to help, Connor. The pain of my father’s passing will be dulled with time but we have to face the idea that I may never be an Elite again.”
The defeat in her voice and the way she stared off into the distance made Connor worry. “Laren—”
“Connor, you know I love you, right?”
All the warning signs for a bad conversation were present. Laren turned in her seat and took both of Connor’s hands in her own.
“Yes, I know that, Laren. I love you, too.”
“I know you do and that’s why this is so hard to say.”
“Then don’t.” Connor hated the panic in his voice but he knew what was coming next.
“Connor, you’re a Judge of an Elite race. You are The Judge that Morrigan said was coming to lead us out of a time of darkness hundreds of years ago. And now, now I’m just human. You have hundreds, maybe even a thousand years to live. I’ll be lucky if I see another seventy.”
Connor wouldn’t let Laren sacrifice herself for him. He knew deep down she thought she was doing the right thing for his sake. “No, I won’t let this get between us. I’ll find a way. Even if you are human, my feelings for you haven’t changed.”
“I know you won’t let me go, Connor,” Laren said as she reached up and cupped his jaw in her hand. “That’s why I have to let you go. You have a destiny to fulfill. A destiny that doesn’t include a relationship with a human.”
“Laren, I—”
“Hmmmmpphhhh…” The sound of someone clearing their throat much too loudly reached Connor’s ears. Connor turned to see Morrigan standing a few yards away. “I’m sorry to bother you but we’re awaiting you in the war room for a decision on Vercin’s request for a meeting.”
Connor nodded and turned back to Laren. “Human or Elite, I won’t lose you, no matter what the cost.”
Laren gave him another smile and kiss on the cheek. “Go get ‘em, Judge.”
Connor’s heart was torn in two. He wanted more than anything to stay by Laren’s side and comfort her. But he was a Judge now. If there was a cure for Laren, he knew that Vercin held the key.
Connor rose from his seat and followed Morrigan back into the palace. “I’m sorry for having to disrupt you, Connor but if there’s the slightest chance we can convince Vercin to engage in peace talks, we have to jump at it.”
“I understand,” Connor said, his jaw clenched.
The war room was a short walk from the rear courtyard and Morrigan opened the door, ushering Connor inside. The room was full of both familiar and unfamiliar faces. Orion, Zheng, Kora, Lu, Caderyn, Randolph, Miyanda, and her mother were all there. In addition, a dozen or so appointed leaders of the Elite families were also present.
Connor caught Randolph’s eye and gave him a nod. As one of only a few members of the Ulfric family siding against Vercin, Connor respected him even more. Randolph returned the nod with a solemn smile.
“The Judge has arrived,” Zheng said, rising from his seat at the head of the table. “Please, Morrigan, now that all are present, tell us exactly what Vercin said.”
All eyes in the room turned to the sorceress. She cleared her throat. “I received the message yesterday night by means of the looking glass. It was from Vercin himself, who asked for a meeting with Connor and only Connor. He said any other members we deem fit are welcome to come, but when the talking starts, he wants only Connor there.”
“It sounds like a trap,” Randolph said. He stood leaning against a wall looking around at his fellow Elites. “I know better than anyone what Vercin and his men are capable of.”
“You should,” Lu said under his breath but still loud enough for everyone to hear. “You were one of his men.”
“‘Were’ being the key word, Lupus. I told you. My loyalties lie here with you and our true Judge. If you don’t believe me, you can go on another bloody rampage and try capturing someone this time to ask them instead of tearing them to pieces.”
Lu rose from his seat as if he were going to jump over the table and strangle Randolph.
“Thank you both for your thoughts,” Connor said. “I know there’s always the possibility it could be a trap, but we have to take any chance we can if it means resolving this peacefully.”
“And your passion for meeting with Vercin would have to do with peace talks?” Miyanda said slowly from her seat at the table. “I mean, your eagerness to meet with our enemy wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain Abelardus losing her power and turning human? I don’t doubt your courage or your word, so tell me this has nothing to do with Laren and I will believe you.”
Connor bit his tongue and paused. If Miyanda had accused him of wanting to meet with Vercin to find a cure for Laren it would have been better. The way Miyanda phrased the question, though with no malice or hint of ill will, made Connor stop and question his own intentions.
An expression of regret passed over Miyanda’s strong features. “Connor, I saw you accomplish the impossible first hand when you captured the dragon. I will follow you wherever you lead. I meant no disrespect.”
Connor nodded as Miyanda apologized. “No disrespect taken. However, this is about peace first and foremost. If there is any chance to end this now instead of a final confrontation that will result in hundreds, maybe thousands dead, then we owe it to ourselves to follow through and try.” Connor paused. “But I’ve never lied to you and I won’t start now. If there’s a way to cure Laren and prevent this from happening again, I will find it. And I’ll do whatever it takes.”
Most of the heads in the room nodded agreement.
“Morrigan,” Connor asked as he turned to his mentor and friend. “Where and when did Vercin say the meeting would take place?”
Morrigan looked down at the slender gold watch on her wrist. “The meeting is set to take place in an hour. In Central Park.”
Chapter 15
It was only the second time Connor had been around the human populace since his change into an Elite Judge. Now he found himself sitting in the middle of Central Park. There was a table next to him and another chair on the opposite side. The sun was high in the sky, comfortable in it’s own time zone compared to The Island. Dozens of people passed by, either jogging, walking their dogs, or strolling along hand in hand with their loved one.
A light breeze rustled the short grass and tall trees. Connor found himself smiling at the scene despite all that was going on around him. So many people were genuinely happy. They walked without a care in the world, smiles plastered on most of their faces. When he was caught looking at one of them, more often than not he was met with a grin or nod.
‘One of them.’ That’s what your calling humans now? So much has changed and now, all of these people are depending on you. Whether they know it or not.
Connor even missed the feeling of his old clothes. During the trials and his stay at the palace, he sported traveling clothes or the bright orange robes the monks wore inside the palace. Now he was wearing his favorite pair of jeans, Converse, plain shirt, and hoodie.
Connor had to force himself away from the enjoyment of being in the human world. He stopped smelling the hotdog stand blocks away, stopped watching the sincere enjoyment of couples, and focused on what was about to happen.
Caderyn, Morrigan, Orion, and Zheng were all there in the park with him. They were far enough away not to bring unwarranted attention to themselves but close enough to be at Connor’s side in a second’s notice if things went bad. They were all disguised and blended in nicely with the scenery, especially Orion, who had disguised himself as a homeless person lying on a bench a few yards to Connor’s left.
Connor wasn’t alone much longer. A tall figure walked towards him. It was easy to tell it was Vercin. Everyone else seemed to be lost in their own little worlds. Vercin walked, head held high, with purpose.
Soon Connor could make out distinct features. He had short hair and eyes that se
emed to twinkle, one eye blue, the other brown. To his surprise, Vercin the greatest evil the Elite nation had ever faced, was also wearing dark blue jeans. A black shirt and a long pea coat blended him into the crowd nicely. He carried a box in the crook of his left arm.
“Mr. Moore. Thank you for coming. I think this is the first time we have met. I mean in the flesh, of course, and not through the use of dreams.”
Connor stood up, still recovering from Vercin’s normal appearance and easy manner of talking. “I think you’re right.”
“Thrown off a bit?”
“Why would I be thrown off?”
“Oh, I mean that I’m not dressed in armor with a sword at my side. Or maybe that I don’t have fangs sprouting from my mouth and laughing wildly.”
Connor had to remind himself that this was the man that had killed all five members of the Elite Council. He was a dangerous threat, not to be trusted. “What’s in the box?”
Vercin smiled and placed the box on the small table between the two chairs. He opened it and revealed chess pieces inside. “Oh, I thought what better way for a king to know a Judge than over a game of chess. You can tell a lot about someone from the way they play.”
Connor followed suit as Vercin took a seat and started setting up chess pieces. The box he had brought opened up into a chessboard.
“I hope you didn’t ask for this meeting so we could play a game.”
“Oh, but Connor, we have so much to talk about. Humor me, just one game while we discuss the fate of the human race. You do know how to play, don’t you?”
Connor was reminded of his mother, who had taught him how to play checkers when he was young and chess as he had matured. “Yes, I know how to play.”
“Well, come then. Indulge an elder in a simple game for a few minutes.”
Connor found himself arranging smooth marble playing pieces. Vercin smiled and continued, “That’s the spirit. Now what shall we discuss first? Laren? Your surrender?”
Connor felt his temper flare as Vercin mentioned Laren’s name as nonchalantly as someone discussing the weather. “What did you do to her? How?”
Vercin sat back with a small smile and laced his fingers behind his head. His black chess pieces had been arranged. “I think you know. Laren’s Elite gene has been rendered useless. She’s as human as the people who walk all around us now. As to how we did that, well, perhaps you would like to hear it from the man responsible?”
Vercin looked from side to side. “I’m not going to be assaulted by your father or the others here if I motion over another, will I?”
Connor’s surprise at Vercin’s knowledge of his company must have showed because Vercin’s eyes twinkled. “Oh, Connor I told you this is a chess game. The key to winning is always staying two, three, four, even five moves ahead of your opponent.”
Connor was mentally kicking himself for allowing Vercin the satisfaction of taking him by surprise. He took a long, calming breath. “It’s okay. Motion whoever it is over.”
Vercin nodded. He slowly waved with his right hand. At first nothing happened. Then Connor caught sight of an older man dressed in a suit approaching the chess table. He had thinning grey hair, steel rimmed glasses, and a sturdy black cane.
“Karnag, you will remember, was a prison for only the most violent and twisted Elites. The Doctor is neither of these but his questionable methods for testing new strains of viruses landed him in the prison, nevertheless. May I introduce Doctor Henry Hyde.”
The elderly man smiled at Vercin and extended a hand in Connor’s direction. Connor felt inclined to accept the handshake. He stood and shook the doctor’s hand more out of natural reaction then genuine interest.
“Doctor,” Vercin said, “I was just discussing the fact that you have found a way to nullify the Elite gene and turn near immortal beings into something quite human. Would you like to elaborate on the subject?”
“Oh yes, thank you. Mr. Moore, it is actually very exciting, groundbreaking work that is being done. I have managed to isolate the gene that makes us so unique. After some trial and error, I have found a way to render the gene dormant. Much like you, I understand. I mean, before your gene was awakened.”
Connor had heard enough. “How do you reverse the effects?”
“Well—” the doctor started.
“There is no way, Connor,” Vercin said. “Doctor, that will be all, thank you.”
The elderly Elite gave a short bow and walked away, disappearing in the busy flow of human traffic.
“And there you have it, Mr. Moore,” Vercin said as he made the opening move of the chess game. “Your move.”
Chapter 16
Connor refused to believe there was no hope for Laren. He told himself Vercin was lying. That the twisted would-be king was relying on him to crack and break under the news. Connor refused to give in to desperation. Instead, he moved a pawn, countering Vercin’s move on the chessboard. “We’ll find a way. You might not be able to reverse the effects of whatever the doctor has done, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be undone.”
Vercin shook his head. “Stubborn till the end. But what will you do when we weaponize the virus and use it against you and yours?”
“We’ll fight. We’ll find a way.”
“Brave but foolish. It doesn’t have to end in bloodshed for you and your followers, Connor. There’s still a way out of this. There’s still a way for peace between our two factions.”
“You want us to join you or sit on the sidelines and watch as you destroy the world and enslave humanity.”
Vercin scoffed. “You make it sound as though we’re doing some great injustice. We’re taking what’s ours. As the superior race, we were born to rule. If you won’t join us, then stay out of the way.”
A tense moment passed before Connor shook his head. “No. We won’t stand by and do nothing as you destroy humanity. We can’t.”
Vercin let out a frustrated sigh before he moved another piece on the board. “You make it sound like I’m going to lead the inmates of Karnag in a coup against the government. It’s the twenty first century. Like everything else, tactics must evolve. I’m not interested in mass genocide, Mr. Moore.”
“Then what is your plan?” Connor asked, expecting his question would go unanswered. But Vercin continued the conversation.
“Even as we speak, the very best and brightest Elites Karnag has to offer are climbing the political and corporate ladders of this world. Never underestimate the power of bribery, blackmail, lies, and intimidation. Those that will not give in to our demands will meet tragic accidents. It’s beautifully simple.”
“You have a twisted view of simplicity,” Connor said, moving another game piece.
Vercin nodded. He motioned to individual pieces as he drew analogies. “It’s all a game, Connor. I have my pawns, the inmates I’ve freed. You have yours, the Elites of the families who have sided with you. We both have our castles, rooks, and knights. For you those would be your Orions, Caderyns, and Zhengs. For me they are Christof, the doctor, and a surprise I’m saving for later. Finally, we have our queens, the sorceresses Morrigan and Julie. And we know who the kings are, don’t we?”
“This isn’t a game, Vercin. I won’t join you or stand down. If that’s the only reason you called this meeting, then you have your answer. If it’s a war you insist on, then we will give you a war.”
“I was afraid you would remain stubborn. Your delusions of grandeur in being a Judge will be your downfall. But like I said, I plan several moves ahead. You didn’t think I hadn’t anticipated the stubbornness of youth, did you?”
Before Connor could answer, Vercin continued.
“I wonder what your mother is doing right now?”
Connor’s eyes flashed worry, then anger. “You leave her out of this. Haven’t you done enough? You were once a Judge like me and my father. You were tasked with protecting our race’s secret, not destroying it. What happened to you?”
“Power happened to me, Mr. Mo
ore. I realized that I was not meant to be a tool used as a Judge and then to vanish back into the history pages of our people. My power is a gift and one I intend to use to its full potential. But let’s not change the subject. If you don’t stand down, you put your mother’s life in danger.”
Connor’s mind was already doing the math. How fast he could make it to his mother’s shop. If he could make it before Vercin. He was reminded that Morrigan had sent Pete and Joe to watch over his mother. “No. Whatever you threaten me with, whatever you plan to do, I’ll be there to stop you.”
“Well, then,” Vercin said, standing from the table. “I guess the rest of the chess match will have to be played out in real life. How fast do you think you can make it to your mother’s shop?”
Chapter 17
Connor gritted his teeth as he stepped through a portal Morrigan and Orion made. The group had found a secluded spot in the park surrounded by trees. With one step he moved from greenery and the open sky to asphalt and the back of his mother’s flower store.
“You did the right thing,” Caderyn said, placing a hand on his son’s shoulder. “I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks,” Connor said with a hollow ring. He still wasn’t any closer to finding a cure for Laren.
“There’s no way Vercin could have made it here faster than us, Connor,” Morrigan added as the portal snapped closed behind them. “Your mother will be safe. We’ll have to take her to The Island. She’ll have to know about all of this but her safety is our first priority.”
It was only as they walked through the small loading and unloading zone in the rear of the building that Connor realized how emotional of a moment this would be for both of his parents.
Connor looked at his father and saw something other than courage and strength on his face. Worry swam in Caderyn’s eyes, worry, joy and a hundred other emotions. Connor saw it all but before he could ask if there was anything he could do, the back door of the shop opened and his mother walked out.
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