by Marc Mulero
But all of this was short-lived, because in a wink, everything was undone.
Felicity rushed through the entranceway in a panic. “Blague, we have information that your commanders are walking straight into a trap.”
The Sin Leader jumped to his feet and a flood of anxiety rushed back into him. He turned to Aslock. “My time here has expired. I thank you for all that you’ve left me with,” he said before addressing Felicity. “Take me to them, please.”
Felicity nodded and spun, her cloak whipping behind her while she hurriedly retreated back into the Cryos-lit hall. Blague and Aslock followed.
“Where are they?” Blague shouted ahead.
“Clairstad’s Peak, in Old Naples,” the keeper shouted back. “Sins are rallying under a false idea that they could take shelter in the Hiezer fortress. A Hiezer spy led them astray. They were made to believe only a few Hiezers still remain since the tremors began. Your commanders are flying straight into an ambush.”
Blague’s brow tensed in their sprint through the maze. “Get me a radio. I need to alert them now.”
“There is no such thing here, Blague, you know that,” Aslock called out from behind. “And your radio has been destroyed.”
“Is your scout in the vicinity?” Blague asked with desperation in his voice.
Felicity shook her head. “No, she isn’t. The conversation was intercepted in faraway Hiezer territory.”
“Blague, if you leave now, you may never unlock duality,” Aslock warned. “Your potential to reunite with Elaina will cease to exist if you walk out that door.”
Blague looked to his mentor, his vision bouncing as they sprinted. “My duality is not worth the lives of my friends.” He choked up for a moment, swallowing past a lump in his throat. “Elaina and I… we had our time. Now I have to ensure others have theirs. I cannot abandon them.”
The Elder bowed his head, knowing that his persistence would fall on deaf ears, and instead followed Felicity as she dodged the incoming Neraphis in her way. Breathing was staggered, cloaks flowing, arms waving for everyone to move, until she broke through into the throne room where everything had begun, where Halewyn suddenly sat forward in alarm.
He, the Eldest, lifted from his cathedra with eyes aglow. “Blague is leaving us,” he assumed, looking to Felicity for confirmation.
“His people are in danger,” her voice was less silvery now, and more stone.
“Hmm.” Halewyn considered this as he stepped down the runic steps, down the intricately carved mound that separated him from ordinary Elders. He stayed silent as Blague and Aslock rounded the corner of the threshold.
Both of them reduced their jog to a slow walk to stand by Felicity.
“Eldest,” Blague bowed, “please provide me with my aircraft. I,” he swallowed, and then straightened, voice firm, “I must depart immediately.”
Halewyn met eyes with all, ending on Blague’s. “I will provide more than that, son of Grenich. I have decided it is time for the Neraphis to uncover ourselves, to come out from isolation. To aid a side that aims to restore the world from its knees. Blague,” his eyes brightened, “two Elders will be granted to accompany you in your mission.”
Blague stared forward in blatant shock.
Finally, centuries of searching, of seclusion. Now, in the time of my greatest need, they will help. They will grace the Sins…
Halewyn raised his chin, emphasizing the point of his tribal marking under his eye, waiting patiently for a response.
“You have my gratitude, Eldest.” Blague finally bowed.
“When you came into our Citadel, you immediately challenged our way of life. Such spirit occupied these walls once before. Your parents sparked a thought that I have wrestled with for what seems like an eternity. And you, their lineage, have propelled us into motion. The time has come for the Neraphis to pick a side. And we have chosen yours.” Halewyn grinned.
Aslock dropped his hand onto Blague’s shoulder. “I will join you, my friend.”
“As will I,” an elated voice traveled from behind them.
Blague turned to see Valor twirling his lance on his pace forward.
“These two men are the equivalent of two hundred,” Halewyn announced proudly. “Go. May you crush those who threaten our world.”
An amber sunset splashed the sky, making thin clouds of pearly vapor appear as a heavenly armada sailing across the horizon. The Gates of Eternity towering overhead were so looming, so powerful looking, that they may have been tall enough to stop the incoming fleet, and strong enough to hold against the trembling ground below. Nepsys was meant to be an impervious city, one that the Champion of the Dactuars, Melissa Brink, found the gall to march up to in search for answers. With the Tribunal at her side and the Dactuar Crescent at her back, the Hiezers looked down on them like they were armored peasants begging for bread.
“These tremors are a precursor of what’s to come,” Gulwin said walking beside Melissa, his judicial robes quivering from nervous hands and the unstable ground.
“The Hiezers can find room for loyal agents of their hierarchy,” Melissa projected loudly enough for her words to resonate among the small army behind her. “What else have we done but work to keep the Dactuars in perfect order? Success, Gulwin, is evidenced by our societal endeavors. We have a long résumé for which the Hiezers are due to remember. And when they do, this city will become our home in the coming crisis.”.
Biljin rolled his eyes.
The Hiezers will do no such thing, you buffoon. They’ve had a clear plan for some time now, and the Dactuars have no part in it. If Melissa persists with her forceful tactics, our chances of surviving this meeting will be a crapshoot. I’m of no use to anyone dead.
Biljin turned his head to see several silver Dactuar jets rumbling off in the distance, all of which were unaffected per the mercy of the Earth’s will.
If the Hiezers choose to leave us stranded, they’re our only lifeline.
At the head of the group, the Champion approached the gates with fury, decked out in full battle gear and her massive shield strapped to her back. She halted her stomp in front of burly gatekeepers standing guard at the entryway.
“I demand to speak with one the highlords,” Melissa requested boldly. “Mulderan, Eldra, Veer, Alek, any of them will do.”
“The proper authorities have already been notified of your arrival,” said one of the Hiezer elites. “A quarter-mile closer and you would’ve been shot out of the sky, Ms. Brink.” He didn’t seem to appreciate her tone.
“I’ve likely led you and your partner here to victory in the past. Have you abandoned all respect in fear of this pending disaster?”
The shuddering suddenly ceased, and the two gatekeepers backed away once they spotted Wes Howard walking down a narrow pathway beside the gates. His fearsome lion-etched helmet reflected the vermilion sky on his way toward the unwelcomed guests.
Melissa directed her powerful gaze to the oncoming quartermaster. “Wes, good to see a familiar face,” she said hopefully.
“Ms. Brink, you aren’t the first visitors we’ve had since the tremors started.” Wes went in for a hand shake.
She balled her fist in frustration. “Your words and your expression don’t convey much comfort.”
“You’ve always had a keen sense when it comes to our leadership. You must already know that Mulderan has made his decision,” Wes said quietly, allowing his voice to carry only far enough for Biljin and Gulwin to hear. “This is a bold move,” he glanced at the Dactuar Crescent standing in ranks behind her, “but there is no way I can convince anyone to accept this lot of Dactuars.”
It feels like just yesterday that this beast of a man was in our custody. Instead now, he sits pretty behind the Gates of Eternity in Nepsys. It is truly shameful, Blague, how thoughtless some of your decisions can be.
Biljin watched the Champion take a deep breath and stiffen within her armor, preparing like a public speaker readying her speech… one that the fate of her
people depended upon. It was dire, her body language told him, but something had to be tried.
“We’ve bled together, Wes. I’ve fought with the generals that hide behind those gates. Shield these faithful people from this hell,” she begged.
Wes looked down in defeat. “You know I can’t, Melissa. Perhaps I could fight just for you to join us, but even that would be a hard sell,” he said, eyeing her metallic leg. “The order is to have only the most able minds and bodies to stay safe behind these walls, so that humanity can flourish when this is all over.” The statement was a regurgitation of Mulderan’s words.
“I’m disappointed in you…” she confessed.
The Hiezer closed his eyes and looked away in discomfort.
“I’m disappointed that you would think for a moment that I would abandon the people I vow to protect, just to save myself.”
“Seek shelter, Melissa, and retreat to the Dactuar Estates before it’s too late.”
“That is no longer an option. We would be overrun within no time. At least take the Tribunal… the rest of us soldiers will find our own way to survive,” she lied.
Wes slowly shook his head, before telling her, “I wasn’t sent to negotiate. Please, seek shelter immediately.”
This is turning fast. It’s a dead-end Melissa, can’t you see? And if we prod any further it’ll be a tossup whether the Hiezers let us leave here alive.
I have a play, but the risk…
Biljin shook his head free of the crazy idea. He could feel his heart beginning to pound in his chest, as if his body was alerting his mind. It was working. Infecting his thoughts, making him contemplate a decision that went against all that he believed.
It should be calculated, not instinctive. You’ve come this far only to fall into the substandard of chance? You’re better than that.
Now the beating pounded more violently in his chest, like a war drum, affecting his vision, making it hazy, his hearing distorted. What was happening?
This inferior leader of mine may be rubbing off on me. Fine… if this is how it must be, here’s to hoping his methods don’t get me killed.
The tremors recommenced their vibrations, interrupting Biljin’s thoughts along with the sound of an echoing bell resonating from inside the city. Adaptive materials that made up Nepsys’ towers caused an unnerving clatter as they reconfigured to keep the structures stabilized.
Biljin’s throat dried up from anxiety and off he went against all logic. “Ms. Brink,” he interrupted, “may I have a word?”
Melissa reluctantly turned from Wes and followed Biljin to privacy.
The Sin commander attempted to compose himself, his nerves betraying him.
“What is it, Biljin?” she asked, short on patience.
“You aren’t fighting a losing battle, Madam Brink,” Biljin said nervously, adjusting his crystal studded collar. “You’re fighting a battle that is already lost.”
She narrowed her eyes and was about to open her mouth when Biljin put up a hand to hold her off.
“Your words won’t change their minds. Wes is obviously an old friend that respects you, but surely a woman of your experience knows when a friend is attempting to console.”
Melissa faltered upon hearing what she knew to be the truth. Lips folded into a hardened line, crow’s feet accentuated like thin burn marks on pale white skin. It appeared that being shunned after all she’d done for the Hiezers was beginning to take its toll.
“Champion,” Biljin gripped her shoulders intently. “I am not who I appear, but for good reason.”
Melissa’s eyes narrowed further, perturbed by his words. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“This mistreatment of people in the lower classes is nothing new, but no one, not even me, could have predicted the abandonment of the elites. I’ve been working to overthrow the current leadership,” Biljin revealed in a surprisingly confident tone. “And you, madam, would be a great addition to that new world.”
Blood boiled through her veins, the feeling of betrayal taking hold. She reached for a dagger within her belt. “You traitor… I welcomed you to the Dactuars when the Tribunal would have cast you aside!”
It took everything Biljin had to remain steadfast. “I’ve played you for a fool, Melissa. It’s true. But before you act,” his hands were quivering, bracing for a stab to his vulnerable chest, “you must consider why I would reveal myself now. I promise you, it will all become clear, a whole new perspective, safety for the Dactuars, if you just come with me.”
She stood poised to pierce the physicist’s heart, justified in every respect to release his entrails to the floor like a broken dam, but something stopped her. It held her back like she was frozen in time. Reason perhaps, that any sudden move would alert Wes, reduce her chances of being cleared as a sane woman amid the full might of the Hiezers to nil. If she were to act, she had to be sure. The desperation of the situation had to be acknowledged, if not for herself, then for her people.
Biljin anxiously watched the changing expression on the Champion’s face, uncertain of how his gamble would pay off. His hands clenched her armored shoulders in anticipation. “Come with me,” he repeated.
I’m providing us both a way out of here. Get over your prideful self. You must have at least that much sense.
Darkness then shadowed her face like a black cover was thrown over only them – a cage filled to the brim with anger… her anger.
Then suddenly, she lunged forward so fast that Biljin could do nothing but gasp. Eyes were locked, both sets trembling. But no blade found skin. Instead, the point of her knife stopped an inch from his heart, as if some invisible wall prevented her from moving forward, or in this case, an epiphany.
The moment of silence was long for Biljin – beads of sweat rolling down his bald head, awaiting his fate, until finally, she loosened her grip and stuffed the dagger back in its sheath.
A deep breath escaped while straightening herself. She whispered, “I have nowhere else to go.”
Biljin relearned how to breathe upon registering her words, before turning to muffled chattering breaking out from the crowd. Mulderan’s wife appeared at the Gates of Eternity. Her presence was felt, even from afar.
He gestured to make note of the Ice Queen, who was strutting her way over to the group. “We must make our exit now,” he said quietly, “before Eldra decides that we are a threat.”
The Sin commander slowly backed away from Melissa and maintained eye contact, awaiting some sort of acknowledgment.
“You could’ve fled at any point since the Dactuars lost their power. Circumstances have lifted my blinders. I don’t view you as my enemy,” she affirmed. “I’ll agree to flee to the Estates, and I know you will lead the Tribunal and the Dactuar Crescent to safe haven. If for some reason you choose not to, I’ll make you wish I’d stabbed you.”
Chapter 19
Cherris was horrified at the sight of Milos and Kentin limping out from Lesh’s quarters, both boys dripping with blood over flushed skin. Despite being battered, they smiled brightly like they’d both won a boxing match, rehashing their unconventional bonding experience while descending the stairs. But Cherris saw none of it. Just two delusional boys with backward mentalities and bruised faces.
“Get down here!” she raised her voice, standing with a stiffened finger directed at the floor in front of her.
Her admonishment jolted Orin from his meditation. He groaned deeply, causing terror to run through the small children playing nearby.
Cherris’ already maddened eyes became even more scolding when realizing the youngins had been frightened by the strange man seated in the corner.
He raised his hands in a claim of innocence. “Apologies, my lady.”
“I have enough trouble dealing with these two who do nothing but tear each other apart. Don’t add to my list!” Cherris warned. “I swear, Lesh is trying to put me into an early grave.”
Milos and Kentin fought hard to hold back their mischievous gr
ins on their way over to her, knowing full well that they were in for a lecture. The boys were tentative with eyes to the floor – slight glances at one another in the brattiest way, all while the matriarch loomed.
She took a deep breath, likely about to start rattling off guidelines they’d heard a thousand times before, but when it didn’t come, the verbal lashings that is, the boys peeked up.
“Now, suppose we were attacked again, can either of you - hey! Look at me! Can either of you tell me how you would defend our home in your current condition. Hm?”
Kentin averted his eyes back to the ground. Puffy cheeks swelled a bit more than usual from some recent jabs to the face, and burned fire red with shame. He was expected to be the more level-headed of the two. The voice of reason. And Cherris used every bit of that to her advantage… for the boys’ safety of course.
“N-no, ma’am, we wouldn’t,” he admitted quietly.
A rebellious Milos, however, begged to differ. “Ey!” He slapped Kentin awake. “If we don’t train every hour, every minute that we’re able to, our bodies will be soft by the time we’re grown, like that guy over there, or him!” he pointed to random Sin civilians. “I know you’re worried about us, Cherris, but don’t be. Lesh taught me what to do to survive.” He pounded his chest. “I made it back from Death Valley, didn’t I?”
Another sigh. It was obvious this new approach wasn’t going in the right direction. “’Boys will be boys,’ is what you’re telling me, Milos.” Her gaze pierced deep as she yanked his collar. “Hear me. Don’t laugh! Don’t even smirk. I know I’m no Lesh, but I swear it, I’ll knock those teeth out if they show again. She teaches you respect, hm?” She jerked him around by his shirt, eyes becoming wet. “Now listen, I don’t doubt how great you boys are, but the thing is, I can’t lose you, either of you.” She exchanged a stern look with each. “Please, please just promise me you’ll tone it down.”