The Uprising (The Mamluks Saga: Episode 2)

by Lake, Edward

  Isabella carefully moved her hand up to my head and rubbed softly. I smiled and kissed her soft fingers, then I kissed her belly. I love you, too. I looked up at Isabella and saw her smiling as I felt her stomach. I smiled back as I went on. A few moments later, I felt the baby move, and Isabella quickly shifted my hand to the spot.

  She laughed merrily as she gently pressed down on my hand. “Can you feel it?”

  “Yeah, he’s really moving.”

  Isabella gave me a playful, testy stare. “It’s a girl, Juozas.”

  I firmly shook my head. “No. It’s a boy.” Lately, this had been a silly battle between us. I really wanted a son, and Isabella sternly stood by her belief that we were having a daughter. Still, I knew that when the baby was born it wouldn’t matter. Even so, it was fun to debate.

  Isabella smiled. “We shall see. And very soon.” She turned away and headed towards the entryway. But before she could step into the corridor, she quickly staggered back into the room and put her hand over her heart. “My Ruler, you startled me.”

  I leaned my head and saw Mother walk inside.

  “Sorry about that, Dear. I was just stopping by to say hello.”

  I stood up and walked forward. “Hello, Mother.”

  She smiled. “Hello, Sweetheart. How is everything?”

  I stopped alongside Isabella and put my arm around her waist. “Splendid.”

  Mother glanced at the control board with dithering eyes. “Very good.” She looked back at me. “What do you two have planned for this evening?”

  “We’re having dinner with Isabella’s parents.”

  Mother’s face burst into excitement. “That sounds great. I’ll stop by and join you.”

  I shifted my eyes. Something was different about her. Has she discovered our ploy? “Certainly, My Ruler. Isabella’s parents would be honored.”

  “Yes, they surely would. As would I, Great Emily.”

  Mother grinned. “My anticipation is sky-high.” She turned and headed out. “I’ll see you there.”

  Isabella and I glanced at each with great concern as we listened to her walk down the hall. She has discovered our ploy.

  Later on, I arrived at Isabella’s building and headed inside to the dining hall. Mother was already there, sitting at the table, talking to Zydrunas and Susan. Their servant was setting the table, playing along. Right away, I made sure to remember not to be kind to the servant in any way.

  Mother saw me and smiled. “Hello, My Dear.”

  “Welcome, Juozas,” Susan said.

  I smiled at them and took a seat. “Hello, Mother. Thank you, Susan.” As I got comfortable in my chair, I studied Zydrunas and Susan. They were clearly on edge—and rightfully so. Mother was surely up to something, and I knew they sensed it, too.

  “Susan and Zydrunas tell me you’ve had dinner here regularly since meeting them.” Mother gave me a sly look. “Why haven’t you ever told me?”

  I shrugged slightly. “Forgive me, My Ruler. Sometimes I find myself overwhelmed, and I often forget to mention these sorts of things.” Honestly, I hadn’t wanted Mother around them. She was a cruel monster.

  Shortly after, Isabella came downstairs and joined us at the table. She was wearing a beautiful green dress that matched her eyes. “I apologize if I’ve kept you waiting. I was washing up and changing into something more appropriate.”

  Mother smiled. “Not at all, Sweetheart. You look stunning.”

  Isabella gave her a bow. “Thank you, My Ruler.”

  The servant brought our food into the room and began to fill our plates. I glanced at Mother and saw her watching Isabella and her parents. Then it finally hit me. She had come here to test them and me.

  I became deeply troubled as we carried on. Isabella and her parents were putting on an act to please Mother. Even though it was necessary; I hated seeing it in this setting. Their home had become my sanctuary, a place where I could be myself. Now Mother had taken that from me, too.

  Zydrunas and Susan had been doing most of the talking, so Isabella eagerly tried to change the conversation, and I was thrilled with what she came up with. “Tell us about your upbringing, Great Emily. I’ve always been curious to know the history of our Ruler.”

  I grinned because I knew she was trying to expose her. Very nice, My Love. I straightened my face and stared at Mother.

  She glanced at me with cunning eyes, then she looked at Isabella. “Well, I was quite reserved as a youngster. You know, always doing what I was told.”

  Isabella nodded. “I would expect such from a Ruler with great wisdom.”

  Mother flashed a charmed smile.

  Then, much to my delight, Susan caught on and hit her with another probing question. “And what about your family, Your Greatness?”

  Mother and Susan locked eyes, and their faces became stern. Naturally, Susan knew she was from the previous civilization, but I knew Mother wouldn’t speak about her past. True to form, she appeared to be rather upset with the question.

  Still, she gave a vague answer like before. “My family was terrific.” Finally, after dinner, Mother said goodbye and left.

  I stayed behind with Isabella and her parents to digest the situation. We waited a moment and listened to her ship take off.

  Susan gasped. “That was appalling. I don’t understand how anyone could be so devious.”

  I let out a sad groan. “Trust me; I’ve seen her behave worse.” We paused for a moment and shared an unnerving silence. “She knows we’re up to something.” I looked on and heard a few sighs and grumbles around the table.

  A moment later, Susan started things up again. “What should we do?”

  Zydrunas gave her a bold stare. “We must reach out to the community and look for support.”

  Isabella’s eyes became petrified. She fretfully reached down and touched her stomach. “Perhaps we should wait until the baby is born.”

  Susan shook her head. “No. We have to act now. Emily could know more than we think.”

  I sternly nodded. “I agree. Our chance at a rebellion could be slipping away.”

  The next night, before taking another trip to the North, I used my sija to create a hologram of myself sleeping in bed. Since my first expedition to the snowy region, I’d had a feeling that someone was spying on me, and I needed to cover myself whenever I left to visit the humans.

  When I arrived and landed, I headed into the cave and found Robert and the others practicing with the human-sized sijas I had brought them.

  Bill saw me and came over. “Hey, Juozas. How are you?”

  I reached out and shook his hand. “I’m doing well, My Friend.” We turned and watched the others. “How has the training been?”

  Bill flashed a toothless smile. “We’re ready to kick some ass.”

  I laughed and glanced at him. “You use such interesting language.”

  He nodded and tapped me on the arm. “It’s called talking shit, and it’s a lot of fun. But don’t worry, you’ll catch on sooner or later.”

  We headed to the group and stood by. Moments later, Robert and Elos came over and joined us. I greeted them with a hand shake before looking back at the group.

  I saw a young woman aiming the wrong way with her sija and hurried to her. “Let me help with that.” First, I took her arm and lifted it higher. “Always keep your defenses up.” Then I demonstrated the proper fighting stance. “And keep your feet spread apart like this.”

  She looked up at me with a smile and gave me a speedy nod. I smiled back and stepped away to watch. The young woman aimed much better and her movements were more fluid.

  “Very good.”

  After helping a few others, I went back to Bill, Robert and Elos. We stood in a circle as I explained my concerns about Mother. “The time has come to prepare our first strike.”

  Bill gave me an eager stare. “That’s music to my ears, buddy.”

  “I think we’re ready, Juozas,” Robert added.

  I looked them over and
nodded. “I believe so as well. However, we will need support from other Mamluks. The issue is finding the ones who oppose Mother’s law.”

  Chapter 38: Emily

  I was completely naked, sitting in the front row of the theater at my building, looking up at the finished painting of Birth Here on Earth. I had taken my sija off, too, and placed it in the seat next to me.

  In the background, I was playing some of Kamile’s private recordings. A servant had brought me a thin, sleek, metal bottle of wine. I drank it like a bottle of beer as I listened to the music and leaned back. Edita, the artist who had done the paintings, had done a magnificent job on me. I studied it carefully with a giddy smile. That’s one badass chick right there. How dare anyone try to disrupt my reign —especially my own son.

  The song that was playing picked up. I closed my eyes and imagined I was on stage singing it. Then I heard someone enter the theater, and I lost my train of thought. I opened my eyes and turned my head. A soldier came marching down the walkway at the center of the seats.

  “Forgive me for disturbing you, My Ruler.” When he got close and realized I was naked, he quickly looked away in fear. “And I apologize for invading your space. I was unaware of you being undressed.”

  I laughed. “It’s OK. We’re all friends here.”

  The soldier shyly looked back at me.

  I studied him in the dimly-lit room. “What is it, Soldier?”

  “A woman from our region has come to the building and requested to see you. She seems rather troubled.”

  I released a long sigh. “Well, I really don’t feel like dealing with this right now.” I quickly took a gulp from the bottle of wine. “But it may be something important, so stand by and have the guards bring her before me.”

  The soldier gave me a bow. “Right away, Great Emily.” He radioed to the others and had them bring the woman to me.

  She was an older woman, wearing a plain dress. I watched her closely as she kneeled and bowed her head. “Hello, My Ruler.”

  I drunkenly waved my hand over her. “Rise.”

  She rose and waited.

  “Why have you come to my building?”

  The woman took a deep breath. “This is hard for me to say, but sadly, I’ve come to the conclusion that I can’t live this lie anymore. I can’t keep pretending like I’m happy with my life. Therefore, I humbly request to leave this area and begin a new life.”

  I laughed. “You have the freedom to live however you choose, just so long as you obey my laws.”

  The woman nervously smiled. “Thank you, Your Greatness.”

  I gave her a nod, but before she could leave I stopped her. “However, there is something upsetting about your statement.”

  She turned and looked at me. “Such as?”

  I folded my hands over my midsection and leaned my head to the side as I stared at her. “What is this—lie you speak of?”

  She fearfully glanced at the soldiers, then focused on me. “It’s nothing really. I just feel like I can’t express myself, and I wish I could.”

  I felt a burning sensation in my chest as I narrowed my eyes. “I see.”

  She exhaled and gave me a fake smile. “Well...goodnight, My Ruler.”

  “Farewell.” The soldiers who had brought the woman to me led her to the exit. I waited until she was gone, then I glanced at the soldier who had introduced me to the situation and gave him the signal to kill her, sliding my finger across my neck. Freedom of expression? I don’t think so.

  The next morning, I sent a private message to London and Lauren-Lynn and ordered them to the conference room. Isabella was set to give birth at any moment. The time for spying was over; I needed to know what Juozas was really up to.

  They arrived promptly and stood by for instructions. I rose from my seat and walked up to them. “We have to get to the bottom of this at once, and since Juozas trust you as friends, we’re going to use that to our advantage.”

  London grinned. “Very nice, My Ruler.”

  I marched around the room with urgency. “I want you both to infiltrate his operation and find out where the human refuge is.”

  They quickly kneeled and bowed before me. “We will not fail you, Great Emily,” Lauren-Lynn said.

  Chapter 39: Juozas

  At the end of the day, I got a message from London and Lauren-Lynn, asking me to join them in recreation. It had been a while since we’d spent time together, and I was eager to catch up on things. But oddly, instead of meeting at a lounge like usual, they requested we meet at a more private setting. Right away, I realized this was a trap. Mother has gotten to them.

  Regardless, it would be beneficial for me to find out what her plan was, so I agreed to meet them at a popular hiking trail in the forest. When I arrived they were already there, waiting for me. I landed my ship next to theirs and went outside. After sharing a warm embrace, we headed up the trail at a steady pace.

  I wasted no time and got right to it. “I’ve known you both my whole life, Old Friends. Why did you really bring me here?”

  London took a moment before starting. “It’s simple, Juozas. We’ve seen a change in you, and we want to understand why.”

  “Of course I’ve changed. I’m older now—I have a child on the way.”

  Lauren-Lynn let out a kind chuckle. “It’s more than that, Juozas. Please, tell us.”

  I couldn’t tell them the truth. There were clearly trying to get some information about the rebellion out of me. How much do they already know? “Believe me. Everything is fine.”

  London stopped and faced me. “You don’t have to lie to us, Juozas. That’s why we came out here—so we could have some privacy.”

  Lauren-Lynn stood by and crossed her arms, staring at me, waiting for me to talk, but I wasn’t going to give in. There was too much at stake.

  “You’ll just have to trust me, My Friend, because there is nothing to discuss on this matter.”

  London grinned mischievously. “What about your frequent trips to the northern ice lands in the middle of the night?”

  My heart rate increased dramatically as I watched him closely. Mother had indeed gotten to them. Still, I had to remain vigilant. “I knew someone was spying on me, but I could never have imagined it was you.”

  His eyes tensed as he stepped closer. “Of course I have. I’ve worried about you, Old Friend.” He stopped in front of me and sighed. “Let us help you, Juozas.”

  I shook my head. “I’m very disappointed to hear this. It seems you have lost trust in me.”

  London glanced at Lauren-Lynn. “We can’t force you to confess.” He looked back at me with a caring, yet sorrowing stare. “Nevertheless, remember—we’ll be there if you need our help.”

  I gave him a nod, and we all turned and continued up the trail. They were very convincing, and rightfully so. These were my lifelong friends. I couldn’t begrudge them for following orders, or believing in what they’d been taught their whole lives. However, at that moment, the horrible truth of the situation hit me like a rock. Our friendship had died. We were now enemies.

  Chapter 40: Emily

  It was early in the morning. I was on my way to the roof to board my ship when I got a private message from London and Lauren-Lynn. Their attempt to get inside Juozas’s operation was unsuccessful. Still, they assured me that they would eventually break through. I was upset, yet understanding at the same time. This wasn’t going to be easy.

  I picked up my pace when I arrived at the roof. I lifted my arm and entered the code on my sija to open the ramp on my ship. Then, suddenly, an urgent report popped out. I froze and read the hologram. Isabella had gone into labor. My heart rate spiked and I trembled with anticipation.

  I was scheduled to hear someone’s case in Asia, but clearly plans would have to change. I hurried inside the ship and the soldiers followed me. I got situated in the cockpit and quickly took off. Immediately, I pulled up the scanner and searched for Isabella’s ship. Naturally, she was at the Caregivers Academy
.

  I sped up a little and arrived within minutes. After landing on the roof, I saw Juozas’s ship fly in and land beside mine. I left my ship in a flash and waited for him to exit his ship.

  When he came out, I locked onto his face and studied it carefully. “Hello, Son.”

  He smiled as he walked up to me. “Hello, Mother.” He gently placed his hand on my side and led me to the entry on the other side of the roof. “Come, she’s waiting downstairs.”

  Juozas was playing it smart, acting as calm as possible, trying to defuse me, but I knew— that he knew—I was onto him. Yet I didn’t believe he knew what my plan was.

  We went inside and headed to Isabella’s room. Less than a minute later we arrived and found her lying naked on a bed with her parents sitting beside her. Giedre was standing over her, rubbing a soothing gel all over her body.

  I walked up to Zydrunas and Susan and gave them each a big hug. I was sure I could see a little acting in them, too. I backed away and flashed a forced smile. “It’s so wonderful to be here with you all.”

  Together, they returned a fake smile to me and made a slight bow. Then we turned and watched Isabella.

  She was breathing deeply and pushing with all her might. Juozas kneeled and took her hand. Even as beautiful a moment as it was to see them in that setting, I couldn’t help but look at them and feel utter sorrow. I wish it didn’t have to be this way.

  Finally, after a long while, the baby gradually came out, crying loudly. Giedre used her laser to cut the umbilical cord. She held the infant in her hands for a few seconds and checked its body. “It is a female.”

  Even in pain, Isabella glanced at Juozas with a lively smile. Instantly, he was overwhelmed with joy, and he gently rubbed along her face.

  Giedre cleaned the infant up and wrapped her in a thick baby blanket. With an ecstatic smile, she carefully handed the baby to Isabella. I put my chin up and looked on with wavering eyes.