by Lake, Edward
“This is Linas. Is the Champion with you?”
I glanced at London.
He lifted his sija to his mouth and responded. “Yes, he is.”
Moments later, a reply came from Linas. “Send me your location. I have something for the Champion.”
London quickly pressed a few buttons on his sija, sending our location to Linas. Shortly after, a holographic screen came up, showing a report. We all huddled around London and checked it. On the screen, there was an image of a wooden-handled object that had a long, thick leather strap connected to it.
“What is that?” London said with a wicked, curious smile.
I read a few lines from the report. “It’s called a whip.”
“Hum, interesting,” a soldier said.
A moment later, a ship flew over us. We looked up and stared through the tall trees. The ramp opened and a massive, wooden case that was tied to a rope came down. The case dangled about a foot over our heads. We spread out. London lifted his arm and fired a rapid shot at the rope, splitting it apart. The case dropped and the ship flew away.
I walked up to it and pulled the lid off. Everyone came over and took a look inside.
The case was filled with whips. London picked one up and studied it. “Ah yes, now I remember. There was a report about this not too long along. These are the tools we will use to discipline the slaves.”
Finally, and sadly, I as well recalled reading the report about disciplining the slaves.
London looked at me with a wide grin. “May I do the honors of testing it, My Champion?”
I gave him a solemn nod and stepped back with the others.
London turned and found a slave working a few feet from us. He walked up to the man and circled him. “Faster, you bloody peasant.”
The soldiers burst into laughter. London lifted the whip and beat the slave senseless with a twisted smile. The man yelped and curled up. London carried on, dancing around the slave and beating him drolly. Finally he stopped and backed away. The man’s hands shook as he quickly got back to work.
London followed up with a lash to the back of his head. “Faster!”
The shot sent the slave stumbling to the ground. He covered his head and cried out as London prepared to strike again.
Moving forward, I quickly stopped him. “That’s enough, Soldier.”
London lowered the whip and moved away. “Forgive me, My Champion.”
I kneeled and helped the man up. “Are you all right?”
He was hesitant to talk, looking at me with great fear in his eyes.
“You may speak.”
He glanced at the others. “I’ll be OK.”
I gave him a kind nod and turned around. To my surprise, London and the others were staring at me in shock. I looked them over for a moment and narrowed my eyes. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
London stepped forward. “Juozas, what you just did was illegal.” He sadly looked back to the others, then slowly looked back to me. “I have no choice but to detain you.”
I laughed. “What?”
Another soldier came forward. “You know the law, My Champion.” She looked on with an intense glare as London pulled out a prisoner collar.
He opened it and reached out to me. “Hold still, Old Friend.” He secured the collar around my neck, then he stepped back and pressed a button on his sija.
I clenched my lips as the collar tightened.
London grabbed my arm and walked ahead. “This way, My Champion.”
Chapter 27: Emily
When I got the report from London, my mouth dropped open and my eyes grew wide. I couldn’t believe it. Not even a day had gone by with the whips and Juozas had already failed me. In a rage, I left my building and flew to the detainment center.
I hurried inside and found Juozas sitting on the floor with his head down. I walked to the chair that was built into the floor and took a seat. “Rise.”
Juozas got up and came forward. He stopped about five feet from me and kneeled.
“What is your crime, My Champion?” Saying the words made me cringe.
He looked up and took a deep breath. “I helped a slave off the ground.”
I shook my head. “Why?”
Juozas’s face became enraged. “Because...it was the right thing to do.”
I pointed at him with my teeth bared. “You know the law!”
“Yes, Mother. I do.”
“Then why? Why do you do this?”
Juozas shrugged. “I don’t know. Perhaps I can’t control my instincts.”
“Well, you’re going to learn to.” I stood up and exhaled. “As punishment—you will be whipped in front of an audience of soldiers.” I marched to the entryway and paused. Then firmly, I spun around and looked back at Juozas. “And if this ever happens again, I will suspend your title as Champion—and you will be sent to Marsden for further discipline.”
Juozas respectfully bowed his head. “I understand, My Ruler.”
Chapter 28: Juozas
I was brought to an open terrain that was located a few miles from the detainment center. Mother was there, standing on a metal stage with an audience of soldiers, waiting for me. London was at the front of the group, holding a whip. The soldiers who had escorted me there stepped away and joined the others as I walked up to the stage and kneeled.
Mother marched to the edge of the stage and scanned the crowd. “Soldiers, let this serve as a prime example to you all. No one is excluded from punishment. You will obey my decree, and the law is, that we must never show empathy to lesser beings!”
The soldiers cheered and shouted.
As she went on, Mother looked down at me with a heated glare. “We honor you, My Champion. Nevertheless, you must abandon your compassion for humans. We are Mamluks! Humans have no place in our world.”
I shook my head as the crowd praised her words. It was mind-numbing to see such hypocrisy. She was a human, yet somehow she had managed to disregard her own kind.
Mother looked back to the crowd and waved London forward. “Proceed with the lashing.”
I bent down and put my hands on the ground. Out the corner of my eye, I saw London’s feet stop beside me. I heard him lift his arm, and the shadow of the whip came over me.
The leather strap swiftly stung my back. I winced and breathed out slowly as London continued. Each strike hurt worse than the last. After a while, I felt blood seeping down my back, and I dug my fingers into the soil, feeling the pain. He went on for a while longer until Mother finally stopped him.
“That’s enough.”
London backed away.
Mother walked off the stage and stood in front of me. “Rise.”
I stood up and glared at her. What have you become? Has your status as Ruler turned you into a monster? Have I lost the woman who nurtured me into a worthy successor? Seeing the vile look in her eyes, I feared my thoughts were true.
“I hope you’ve learned your lesson, Juozas.”
I gave Mother a false nod. “Yes. I have.”
She nodded. “Release him, London.”
I felt the collar open, then London walked up to me and took it off.
At last, Mother returned the soldiers to their duties, then she gently placed her hand on my back. “Come, I have a caregiver standing by at our building.”
When I got home, I went upstairs to my room and found Isabella waiting for me. She had a sad look on her face, and she was holding a cloth in her hand, yet I was thrilled to see her again, even in this unfortunate circumstance.
I came forward and smiled. “Well, at least I found you again.”
She blushed. “Yes, but I wish it were in a different setting. Nevertheless, it is a pleasure to see you again as well, My Champion.”
“Please, call me Juozas.”
She nodded and showed me that lovely smile of hers. I got on the bed and lay on my stomach. I put my hands under my chin and stared at the bed frame as Isabella got closer. She rubbed my back with the
cloth, and I felt an ointment being smeared onto my wounds.
“I read the report on your detainment. It was very nice of you to help that slave off the ground.”
My heart thumped. “You...agree with what I did?”
Isabella waited a moment before answering. “I’ve never believed in slavery. I think it’s awful.”
I quickly rose and sat on the edge of the bed.
Isabella narrowed her eyes and released a slight chuckle. “Lay down, Juozas. I have to close your incisions.”
I ignored the request and stared at her in awe. “I’ve never heard anyone in our society say that.”
Isabella fearfully glanced at the entryway and listened for an activity. Luckily for us, it was quiet in the hallway. She looked back at me and gently touched my shoulder. “There are many like us, Juozas. However, speaking out against slavery would be detrimental.”
I nodded sadly and looked down. “Yes. I’ve learned that the hard way.”
Isabella kneeled and rested her arms on my leg. She reached up and carefully lifted my head. “But perhaps we’ve found the right voice.”
In a daze, I looked into her eyes and gave her a big smile. “I think I’ve fallen for you, Isabella. Until this moment, I’ve never felt so content.”
She gently slid her hand onto my cheek. “I’m flattered, Juozas. Your courage uplifts me—gives me hope that the world can change.”
I reached down and pulled her up with me. Isabella’s lips opened and her eyes became aroused. I bent down and closed my eyes. We kissed, and I hugged her firmly. Then carefully, I pulled my lips away and slowly opened my eyes.
Isabella flashed a warm smile as I held her in my arms. “Now, let me heal those wounds.”
I felt a burst of energy engross my body and released a gentle sigh. You already have.
Part Three—Humanity Lives
Chapter 29: Juozas
At last, my ozlon had stabilized, and I had acquired a sija. Everyone was extremely proud of the accomplishment—especially Mother. On the surface, I made it seem as if I had finally put aside my compassion for humans, and accepted the reality of our society. However, on the inside, I knew the truth.
The stabilization of my ozlon was the result of rising above my fears, and gaining the courage to act against Mother’s decree; but I couldn’t have done it without Isabella. She was the guiding light that made me see the possibility of a rebellion.
Shortly after making a commitment to each other, I told Isabella about Lauren-Lynn—and explained that I would have to meet with her to respectfully end our pairing. She was very understanding—and it made me honor our bond even more.
I met Lauren-Lynn at the shore. We took off our boots and walked along the water. As we went along, for some reason, I felt as if she already knew what I was going to say.
“You are truly a wonder, Lauren-Lynn, and there will always be a place for you in my heart. However, I’ve brought you here today because I’ve fallen in love with another. I have to end our coupling.”
She took a deep breath. “I understand, Juozas.”
I glanced at her, expecting to hear more. “You seem...indifferent.”
She quickly shook her head. “No. It’s just that...all I’ve ever wanted is for you to be happy, and it appears your new love has given you that, so I am pleased.”
We stopped and faced each other.
“You are remarkable, Lauren-Lynn. I want you to know—this doesn’t change our friendship.”
She gave me a kind smile, and I planted a kiss on her cheek. Then we hugged, and she rubbed along my back and kissed my cheek.
When we separated, I put my arm around her waist and turned. “Come on, let’s head back.”
There was a brief silence as we carried on.
“As a caring friend, I have to ask. Who is your new love?”
“Her name is Isabella. She’s a student of Giedre’s teachings.”
Lauren-Lynn nodded. “I’ve seen her before. She is rather beautiful.”
“Yes, she is. I’m very lucky.”
Chapter 30: Emily
As Ruler, it was my responsibility to preserve our way of life, to carry on tradition. From day one, I have been prepared to do whatever it takes. I loved Juozas, and it seemed he had finally risen to his true potential. However, I knew him better than anyone—and there was still something off about him. Therefore, I had to continue with my plan.
It was late at night, and I had just returned from Africa. Lauren-Lynn was scheduled to meet with me on the rooftop of my building when I arrived. I flew in steadily and saw her standing by the edge of the roof. I landed in front of the stairs that led to the lower levels and exited the ship with the soldiers.
I waved them off. “Leave us.”
Together, they gave me a bow and promptly headed downstairs.
I marched over to Lauren-Lynn and stood beside her.
She kneeled and bowed her head. “Welcome home, My Ruler.”
I put my hand out over her head. “Rise.”
She stood up and waited.
I turned and calmly placed my hands on the roof’s barrier. I looked out into the forest and released a slow exhale. “What’s the status of your mission?”
Out the corner of my eye, I saw Lauren-Lynn step closer and nervously rub her hands together. “I’ve failed you, Great Emily.”
I heatedly shook my head.
“Juozas has found another.”
I quickly faced Lauren-Lynn. “Do you know who she is?”
She responded with a speedy nod. “Yes. A caregiver named Isabella.”
I nodded. “Ah yes—I’ve seen her around. She’s one of Giedre’s best students.”
Lauren-Lynn let out a depressing sigh and looked down. “I am greatly disappointed in myself.”
I was pleased to see her show some empathy for her failure. Still, it was a major setback. If Juozas were to betray us, I needed to have control of his spawn—and that meant having influence over his mate.
“I appreciate your honesty, Lauren-Lynn. However, you will be punished for this.”
She nodded. “I understand, My Ruler.”
I gave her a nod. “Good. Now follow me to the backyard.”
I gathered a few soldiers as I led her downstairs. When we got to the backyard, I stepped back and ordered the soldiers to deliver an onslaught to Lauren-Lynn. They immediately got in a fighting stance. Lauren-Lynn stood tall with her chin up and took a deep breath.
One by one, the soldiers attacked her and beat her to the ground. They kicked and stomped Lauren-Lynn as she tried to protect herself. I crossed my arms and casually walked around as the soldiers continued.
I waited a few minutes until I heard Lauren-Lynn screech in pain. “That’s enough, soldiers. Step back.”
They backed away and relaxed a little. Lauren-Lynn staggered to her knees, clutching her side with one hand.
I bent down in front of her and forcefully grabbed her jaw. I moved her head up and glared into her eyes. “Don’t ever fail me again.”
With watery eyes and a bloodied face, she nodded. “Yes, My Ruler.”
Chapter 31: Juozas
I was flying over an open terrain, trying to locate a group of runaway slaves. London and a few other soldiers were assisting me, flying nearby in their own ships. After scanning the area for some time, we finally picked up some activity when we came upon a mountain range.
I pressed a button on my control board to activate the radio. “I’ve picked up a life force.”
London sent a quick response. “I see it as well, My Champion. There are several, actually.”
“Yeah, I think we found them. Let’s get closer.” I flew down and slowed my speed. The holographic screen on the control board showed some lively readings. We were getting closer.
A moment later, an alert flashed on the screen and a beeping sound blared from the speakers on the control board. I glanced at the other monitor to my left and spotted the runaways. “I’ve found them.”
I landed and hurried out of the ship. London and the others followed my lead and marched out of their ships. The slaves froze and put their hands up. I exhaled deeply and pulled out my whip. OK, you can do this.
I quickly got into character as I walked up to them. “So, you thought you could run from us?”
London and the others laughed and pulled their whips out. I flashed a fake smile as I circled the group of slaves. There were seven of them, all with heads full of gray hair.
I chuckled and backed away. Then I pointed at one of them. “You, come here.”
The man came forward, trembling, with his head down.
I looked him over with a grin, shaking my head. “Where were you going to go?”
London laughed hysterically as he looked on.
I’m doing well so far. I boorishly waved my hand over the slave. “You may speak, Human.”
The man looked up at me. “We were headed to the northern ice lands. They say there aren’t any Mamluks up there.”
I nodded. “Yeah, we don’t like the cold, or snow.” I bent down and got in his face. “And we don’t like it when you peasants run, either.”
I lifted my hand and back-slapped the man across the face. He stumbled to the ground and curled up into a ball. I raised my whip and beat him wildly, aiming my lashings at his head. London hurried to the other slaves and viciously beat them. The other soldiers quickly joined in.
I whipped the man until he bled, then I stepped away and shamefully sighed. I watched the slave cry out in horror as I looked down on him. Inside, I was crying, too. Don’t worry, My Friend. A change is going to come.
Chapter 32: Emily
At last, the servants were starting to give birth. I was in Audrey’s room waiting for the caregiver to arrive. She was lying naked on the bed, breathing heavily with her legs wide open.
Seconds later, Isabella hurried into the room and set her bag by the bed. “Forgive me, Your Greatness. I came as soon as I could.”
I exhaled and took a seat by the window. “Don’t worry, Dear. I understand how busy you all are.” I folded my hands in my lap and carefully watched.