The Queen’s soldiers and horses alike seemed eager to return to the city. Unlike Jack and his father’s horses, who were used to long rides and the Outland’s challenging terrain, the armies’ horses were unaccustomed to traveling more than a few miles outside the city walls. This was beginning to show as their pace slowed. Jack noticed the other horses mouths begin to foam.
Jack patted the neck of his black horse and knelt down to whisper in her ear, “You’re doing great, Cherub. We’ll be there soon.”
The horse nickered as if she understood and shook her mane.
A few hours later, Jack was debating whether to ask his father how much further they had to go when he caught a shimmer in the distance.
Jack squinted and craned his neck forward, trying to see if his eyes were playing tricks on him or if there really was something there. Soon waving black shadows turned into tiny figures of men, and as they closed the distance, hammering filled the air.
Lieutenant Baker and his men seemed as though they expected the sight, but to Jack, it was as mysterious as if he had seen a ghost cross their path and wave a greeting. Jack looked at his father, who shrugged.
They soon rode up to the men, who shouted hellos to the soldiers. As Jack got a better look at what was taking place, he realized there were dozens of men laying some kind of metal track across the desert floor.
Wide shouldered workers sweated and grunted, wearing dark overalls and heavy leather work gloves as they laid thick planks in a straight row. Heavy steel bars were then laid across the wooden planks. Everything was hammered in place.
A short, muscular man walked toward the group and waved a welcome to Lieutenant Baker. Jack and his father were close enough to the front of the caravan to hear the conversation.
“Well, hello, Lieutenant. Didn’t expect to see you back so soon.”
“Me either,” Lieutenant Baker slowed his horse beside the man and leaned down to shake hands. “Things went as smooth as I could have hoped. How’s the track coming, Christopher?”
“Well, you know, having the title of ‘Foreman’ means that you carry all the pressure of hitting goals and deadlines. It’s hot, but the boys have been working hard and we’re actually ahead of the Queen’s schedule.”
“Very good. This undertaking will open a new page in history. People will be talking about this for years to come.”
“Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves yet,” the foreman returned with a smile. “We’re keeping a brutal pace with crews of men working around the clock. Let’s see what happens as we get deeper into the Outland and closer to their cities.”
“Agreed, but we have to stay positive. Keep up the good work, Christopher. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you soon.”
“When you do we’ll be miles ahead of this spot.” The foreman smiled and waved as Lieutenant Baker nudged his horse forward. The caravan started again.
Jack wanted to ask the Lieutenant a dozen questions about what kind of track was being laid and for what purpose, but he bit his barrage of inquiries back.
The caravan pushed hard for the rest of the day. Their midday meal was again spent in their saddles. As noon came and went and the sun began to set, Jack found himself once again debating whether or not to ask how much further the city was, but there would be no need. At that moment Jack’s eyes made out the outline of New Hope’s walls on the horizon.
For the walls to be this high from so far away, Jack knew they had to be massive up close. A huge wall formed a perfect circle around the city of New Hope. As they got closer, Jack could make out towers and spires inside the city that dwarfed even the wall for height.
So far, the road they journeyed on had only brought them past the occasional traveler. Now as they approached the city, the road was bustling with people coming from and going to New Hope. Merchants, farmers, teachers, and everyone else between gave the soldiers and trackers nods as they passed.
The whole way to the city gates, the same wooden beams and iron bars they encountered men laying earlier that morning followed on their right. The track sat a few yards off the road. The steel rails on wooden beams seemed new to even the locals. Jack saw more than one stop and point. They smiled and talked as though they had done the laying of the track themselves.
“They must be moving like the devil to have laid this much track in such a short time,” a chubby businessman nodded to his female companion. “Why, I thought they had just started this morning!”
“Yes, I heard the Queen has men working on it day and night using only the most advanced tools.”
“Oh, you don’t say?”
“Oh, but I do!”
Jack rode past out of earshot as the two broke into obnoxious laughter. He was left wondering what kind of tools would allow a crew of men to travel so quickly and make so much progress in such a short course of time.
Their party was soon stopped at the entrance of New Hope as Lieutenant Baker conversed with the guards on duty. This time Jack didn’t try and listen in; compared to the sights that were meeting his eyes, words were meaningless.
Jack was sitting on his horse right underneath the city wall, a wall that he could now do a fair job of measuring. He craned his neck, squinting against the harsh sun’s rays.
“What do you think, Jack?” his father pointed to the top of the wall, “eighty, ninety, a hundred feet high?”
“At least a hundred feet high.” Jack raised a gloved hand to his brow as he shook his head in disbelief. “With the gates closed, I can see how someone would get the impression they’re not wanted inside.”
“I know what you mean. But if you think their walls are impressive, wait till you see what’s inside.”
Jack
Jack tore his eyes from the city wall. He looked at his father, expecting him to explain.
“Here we go.” Marcus ignored his son’s questioning eyes. “They’re letting us through. Try not to fall off your saddle.”
Sure enough, the guards at the gate were motioning them forward. Jack let Cherub fall in line with the rest of the horses at a steady trot. Passing through the gates, Jack wasn’t ready to take in the city of New Hope. Every cobble paved street led to a new sight. With every turn deeper into the heart of the city, something else made Jack’s jaw drop.
Jack was used to small cities in the Outland—cities made from wood and hard red clay burned solid by the sun’s strong rays—but he had never seen a city fashioned from brick and metal. Tall structures rose on every side of the packed streets. Red, blue, green and yellow smoke lifted into the air from a dozen factories. Whistles blew and machines clanked along inside stores, creating whatever goods their masters sold.
Factories hummed under the constant supervision of their owners. The noise level was shocking compared to the silence of the Outland. People yelled to one another, carriages led by teams of horses clopped along the stone pavement, and vendors shouted their wares.
It was nothing like the Outland, and so much more than Jack could have imagined. He smiled as he was introduced to new sight after newer sight. He strained to pick up individual voices beyond the clamor.
“Extra! Extra! Read all about how the Queen has cleaned up New Hope!”
“Shadow spirits terrorizing villages! Buy your tried and tested Shadow Repellent here before becoming a member of the roaming dead!”
“Need a pair of goggles before venturing past the city walls? Be prepared for a sandstorm in the Outland!”
Jack could have spent days wandering around the city and still been content to wander longer. In his eighteen years of life, nothing else compared. He knew he should be startled, maybe even scared by the loud noises and the foreign magic powered machines working in every window, but he wasn’t. He wanted to see more. He wanted to get a better look inside the factories and at the machines that made the city run.
It was then that he made himself a promise. When their business was done with the crown, he would get his father to stay in New Hope, maybe not forever, but for a
while.
It was as he was thinking about how to overcome his father’s rebuttals to his new idea that the group turned a corner. Jack’s brown eyebrows shot to his hairline. His dark eyes widened for what seemed the hundredth time since entering the city.
The royal palace looked like it could be a city in and of itself. Domed roofs reached for the heavens, towers loomed overhead, and dozens of servants and soldiers ran across the courtyard. There was a heavy iron fence surrounding the black and grey structure. Once again they were halted for security clearance.
“We’ll be walking from here,” Lieutenant Baker jumped off his horse and gave orders for his men to disperse. “It’s not far now.”
Jack and his father followed his example. They walked with the Lieutenant through the iron gate and across the courtyard. The courtyard was massive, boasting a fountain in the center spilling forth water from a sculpted bat. The statue was tall and ominous its wings extended as if caught mid flight. The way the sun caught the water gave the liquid a dull amber glow.
Jack wasn’t the most educated person when it came to art, but he could guess what the sculpture was going for. The fountain practically radiated strength and intimidation.
Flags flapped on the tops of every building carrying the same royal sigil of crossed swords behind a black bat that was also on every soldier’s uniform. The color chosen for the flag itself was a crimson red. The sigil stood for power, advancement, and prosperity.
Jack and his father followed the Lieutenant up the long flight of stairs and to the main palace entrance. Guards saluted as they recognized Lieutenant Baker and opened both large doors for the trio to enter.
Dark wood floors draped by thick carpets swallowed their boots as they entered. The wide halls were covered with portraits of New Hope and New Hope’s past leaders. The ceiling was twice as high as any Jack had ever seen but despite all of this, it was how the area was illuminated that stopped Jack and his father mid-step.
Villages and cities in the Outland relied on torches, candles, and lamps for light. The inside of the Queen’s palace was void of any of these things and yet light still shone through the darkness. Jack stared at tiny bulbs placed along the walls and ceilings of the palace. The bulbs varied in dimension from the size of his fist to no more than the width of two of his fingers.
The bulbs themselves were no more than a thin glass holding what looked like nothing but pure white light. No visible source of fuel burned, but the light of a hundred candles was emitted.
“Amazing, isn’t it?” Lieutenant Baker smiled at his two guests. “I had a similar reaction when I first witnessed them.”
“What—what is it?” Marcus asked.
“It was accidently developed by our weapons and armory specialist. It’s called mage light. Power enough to brighten even the darkest room.”
“This will be a turning point for mankind,” Marcus breathed.
The three men stood in the hall, each evaluating Marcus’ last comment.
“I know how beautiful it is, and trust me, I could stand here and talk about the Queen’s advancements for hours, but she is waiting.”
Jack and Marcus tore their eyes from the lights and looked at one another. They remained speechless, as they continued to follow the Lieutenant down the twisting halls of the palace.
A few moments later they heard a scream and booted feet against the floor. Lieutenant Baker stopped in his tracks, a gloved hand on the hilt of his sword. He relaxed his grip as a group of four soldiers appeared and made their way down the hall supporting a large man who limped and moaned with every step.
The soldiers carrying their fallen brother tried to do a half salute but stopped midway as another scream of pain came from their wounded friend. As they passed, Jack could see the large man’s injuries better, a broken knee and bloodied face.
“Private Pia, a word?”
A female soldier trusted the weight she carried to the other three soldiers, who hurried down the hall. She saluted smartly. “Yes, Lieutenant Baker?”
“Who is that man and where exactly are you taking him?”
“It was Captain Sloan, sir.” Private Pia bit her lip, trying to hide a smile. “Ummm—this man volunteered to, uhhh—he volunteered for a sparring session.”
“I see.” Lieutenant Baker nodded, his eyes twinkling with understanding. “But why are you taking him through the palace halls? The medic office is on the other side of the stronghold.”
“Oh yes, sir. We tried going to the medic first, but they already have their hands full with soldiers involved in a bar fight earlier today. So we have to take him to the infirmary.’
“Bar fight?”
“Yes, sir. Not what you would think. They were on an assignment following orders and they got messed up pretty bad. I’m sorry, I don’t know more.”
“Thank you, private. You are dismissed.” Lieutenant Baker and Private Pia saluted one another and she took off down the hall with a curious look at Marcus. Her eyes played across Jack’s shoulders and chest for a moment too long before she realized he was looking at her. She blushed and hurried off.
“I apologize for the scene. Usually we don’t have injured soldiers being carried down the palace halls.”
“It happens,” Marcus shrugged.
As the three men continued their journey into the belly of the palace, Lieutenant Baker’s strides quickened. “Okay, gentlemen, the Queen’s conference room is just ahead. I’ll have to ask you to remove any weapons you may have. I’ll take them and have them waiting for you in your rooms for the night.”
“Rooms?” Jack repeated as he removed both pieces of his staff. “We’re staying here?”
“Of course. You are honored guests of the Queen. You will be invited to stay the night.”
Jack and his father handed over the staffs slung on their backs. Jack thought about how much had changed in the last few days.
One day you’re sleeping on the forest floor, thinking about where your next meal is coming from, and now you’re in the Queen’s palace with mage light coming from glass.
Jack shook his head and let air come from his lips in a low whistle. Soon Lieutenant Baker and the sorcerers stood in front of another door guarded by two large men wearing the Queen’s emblem and colors.
The Lieutenant talked in low voices with the men before he turned to address his guests. “Well, it looks as though our time has come to an end. I’ll make sure your weapons are in your rooms waiting for you. The Queen is expecting you.”
“Thank you,” Jack and his father said at the same time.
Lieutenant Baker smiled then retreated down the hall. The two guards in front of them opened the doors and ushered them inside without a word.
Jack
The room was large and circular with a narrow carpet on a marble floor that led to a raised seating area. A high backed chair with wings coming out of the top of both sides was set in the middle of the room. An elderly female anticipated their arrival. What was most impressive about the room wasn’t its size or even the noble woman waiting. It was the giant chandelier filled with tiny white mage lights that bathed the room in a soft glow.
Jack had to make a conscious effort to look at the woman they approached instead of staring at the magical lights hanging from the ceiling.
As they approached, Jack started to panic. He had never met anyone of royal birth before, let alone the Queen of New Hope. How was he supposed to address her? Your Highness? Queen Eleanor? Your Majesty? He didn’t even know if he should kneel. Was a kneel expected or a bow?
As Jack felt his heart beat quicken, his father nudged him and dropped to a single knee. Jack immediately did the same. The Queen stood from her chair and walked toward the two with an inviting smile. “Please, gentlemen, stand.”
Her voice was unlike Jack had ever heard. On one hand it was pleasant and inspiring, the kind of voice you would work hard to receive a word of praise from. On the other hand, he could tell how strong and commanding her voice coul
d be if she so chose. There was a subtle power in her tone reminding Jack of his own father.
The sorcerers stood and Jack got his first close look at royal blood. Queen Eleanor Eckert was average height with greying hair, wrinkles that tugged at the corners of her eyes and mouth, and the palest skin Jack had ever seen. “Marcus, Jack. I trust that you gentlemen had a safe trip?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, thank you,” Marcus answered.
“Good, and thank you both for coming so quickly. I’ll be able to explain everything in detail as soon as the others arrive.”
“Others?” Jack asked and then shut his mouth, not knowing if asking the Queen to explain herself was proper etiquette. “I mean—there are others coming?”
“Yes, Jack.” The Queen didn’t seem to notice his hesitation, and if she did, she didn’t mind. “It would seem this circumstance would call for more than the use of the two best tracking sorcerers in the Outland.”
As if on cue, the double doors to the Queen’s audience chamber opened and in walked three men and a woman.
“Ahhh, and here they are,” the Queen said.
Jack got a good look at the group as they approached. One man was tall and thin with shifty eyes and a reedy smile. He was the first to introduce himself.
“How are you? You must be Marcus and Jack Walker, the famed trackers. Please let me introduce myself. My name is Fenrick Trilion, treasurer and advisor to the Crown.”
Jack and his father shook the man’s hand as the female who had entered the room bowed to the Queen.
“This is Charlotte Sloan.” The Queen introduced her captain as if she were a proud parent. “Captain of my royal guard and my most trusted soldier.”
The attractive yet stern female soldier stood rigid and nodded to the two sorcerers.
House of Wolves: (A Paranormal Urban Fantasy) (The Vampire Project Book 1) Page 3