Anniversary
Artemis stood on the balcony outside her new quarters, leaning into a pleasant summer breeze as the setting sun bathed the city in gold. The additions to the palace in Vega had been finished in record time, so as to be ready for the first anniversary of what most were calling “The Battle for Amorlia”. She supposed it had been, at that. She just wished people wouldn’t make so much of her part. To hear the newsnets tell it, one would swear she’d fought the Nazeans and all of Umbra’s monsters single-handed. An air-car full of revelers sped by, its passengers calling out to her and waving. She smiled and waved back, blushing slightly as they all cheered. “Your adoring public?” Kael teased her as he stepped out onto the balcony. He handed her a glass of wine. She smiled at him, “Oh, stop,” she said, “as though I didn’t see you signing autographs when you helped Dru and Anton raise the new relay tower up in Porthenge.” “Yes, well,” Kael cleared his throat and rustled his wings, “that’s different, of course.” “Of course,” she smirked, leaning into his arms. She took a sip of wine and looked out over the city. Much had changed in the past year. After her return to Zill from her battle with Umbra, many of the Wild Clan followed Colyn back to their home. He bore the axe of the War Chief on his back, and carried the sword of the Monga with him. He’d been charged by Jef to bring it to the Ki-Mon, now the new Monga of the Wild Clan. According to Colyn, Jef had also given him the axe, bestowing upon the young man the title of War Chief. When asked where he was going, the mighty warrior simply said, “to join my wife”, before throwing himself into the thick of the mechanical horde. He was never seen again. Bon had also returned home with Colyn. She would be the new Ki- Mon, as Sa’raa had vanished during the battle and Trae did not go home. Trae and her brothers, Anton and Dru, had been greeted after the battle by the Faery Spirit Emfex. He chose the Numeromancer and the brilliant Engineers to start a center of learning, a University of Amorlia, dedicated to exploring the ways in which the Spark could be harnessed and utilized by all humanity. So far, the University had produced wonders of technology the world had never seen before. Wonders like the newsnets, crystalline “windows” that allowed images to be transmitted over great distances. At first, they had been used primarily to disseminate news and information instantly among the populace, but some had begun to transmit works of fiction. Rather than performing a play to a single theater, actors could now broadcast their works across Amorlia for all to see at once. The aircars and faster trains made travel the easiest it had ever been, and new building materials, both lightweight and incredibly durable, allowed cities to build taller than previously possible. It seemed as though a new technological advance was coming out of the University every day, exposing even ordinary citizens to the infinite power of the Spark. The only prohibition placed on the University was the creation of weapons. All of the old weapons from the days of the Mad Wizard had been taken into the University’s keeping where Trae, Dru and Anton pledged to keep them safe until they could find a way to destroy them. In this new Age of Wonder, war would have no place. The new technologies were only part of it, however. With the gods gone, and no religion to speak to the souls of the people, humanity began to create more secular philosophies, focused on ethics and morality freed from the bonds of religious dogma. Most of the surviving Solarian priests, as well as Brother Sime and his monks, formed the initial group of these new philosophers. They also taught at the University, where their courses were among the most sought- after. For those who needed a more revelatory and enlightening experience, there was the Valley of Mystery, where the Three As One accepted those acolytes willing to devote their lives to deep meditation on the intricacies of the Spark. Politically, the world had changed as well. The Land Pacha was absorbed by Drego, becoming part of its northern neighbor. Once Qi succeeded her brother, who had also fallen to the mechanical men, the remaining citizens of Pacha eagerly joined the Land of the one they called Savior. Wayen Zill had a tough time with his Land initially, as his people had known only the harsh rule of Julien Castille for so long. However, once telepaths from across Amorlia, Artemis included, had aided his people in shedding a generation of the Brain Masters’ influence, things began to improve for the long-maligned nation. “So,” Kael said, bringing her out of her reverie, “have you gotten used to it yet?” “No,” she shook her head, “it has only been six months. I don’t know that I really want this, Kael.” “The will of the people, my love,” he said, “You were the one who encouraged them to take a more active role in their own government.” “Yes,” she agreed, “and I did say the new office should be theirs to fill, but I didn’t think they would choose me.” “Who better than you to rule over the three Lands?” Kael asked, only half-teasing, “Who better than Artemis Vega, living legend, to be High Queen of Amorlia?” She scowled at him, then grinned, “Mm,” she said, “I wish they’d told me how much work it would be. I never would have agreed to it. As it is, I’m glad I turned over the day-to-day responsibilities of Vega’s Monarchy to Deron.” She smiled. Speaking of Deron made her think of Pym. The young speedster had been beyond happy to return to his old position of Royal Emissary, as it meant he was able to once again race the length and breadth of Amorlia on a daily basis. Though, since his marriage to the former Solarian monk, Pym had come to appreciate a somewhat slower pace. “You enjoy the challenge,” he replied, grinning, “you know you do. However,” he changed the subject, “tonight is not for such worries. I have come,” he bowed, extending his arm, “to escort you to the celebration. There will be dancing,” he said, “and I know how you love to dance.” She giggled, curtsied, and accepted his arm, “Why, Champion,” she sighed, “you do go on.” “And is there anything else,” Kael asked as he rose, “that Her Majesty requires?” “Yes,” she said softly, “I want,” she drew the word out, pretending to think hard on the subject, then looked deep into his eyes and whispered, “a baby.” Kael’s eyes grew wide, then he smiled even wider. He took his wife into his arms and kissed her tenderly. “It will be as Her Majesty commands,” he said. Then he lifted slowly off the balcony, and they soared into the twilight sky.
About the Author
Chris Wichtendahl lives in New Jersey with his wife, daughter and two cats. He is the writer of the graphic novels Mystic for Hire, Ironstar, The Defender, Meet the Haunteds and Warrior’s Honor as well as a short story collection, The Spontaneous Manifesto. Amorlia is his first novel.
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