True North (The Complex Book 0)
Page 3
“I should get the door.” Lake’s hand remained on his neck, his pulse pounding against her touch.
“You should,” he agreed.
Aldous turned the knob, not bothering to announce his presence appropriately, and Lake dropped her arms at her side.
“Since when do you and Torrun barge into my private chambers?” She knew his game. Keep her away from the Human.
“Sorry. Thought you’d be getting ready to go, not healing the Human.”
Lake rolled her eyes. She refused to feed the fire. “Gideon, this other young man with Aldous is practically my son too. I’ve known him since he was a baby. Torrun Saege. Aldous’ best friend and most trusted advisor.”
Torrun extended his hand. “I believe shaking hands is the custom for Humans. Am I right?”
“Yes sir, you are.” Gideon returned the gesture. “Nice to meet you.”
“I have a question if you don’t mind, Mr. Stone. Will anyone examine why you’re spending so much time here with the Mage Imperial family?” Torrun pointed down. “Do you think it will look strange? You’ve been coming and going to the Dowager Queen’s room for two days? My job is security, as is yours. I know you understand my concerns.”
“Of course, and I appreciate that. When Lad—the Dowager Queen—contacted me a month ago about reserving a place inside the Complex, I spoke with those in charge and told them how we were acquainted. They, obviously, saw it as a superb opportunity to foster peace between the races.”
“I concur,” Torrun said. “Thank you for indulging me.”
“We should get going.” Lake went to Gideon’s side and intertwined their arms. “As it is with everyone else, you won’t be able to see me so we’ll need to stay linked. Is that okay?”
Gideon nodded.
“I’m sure it’s such a terrible inconvenience to have to touch you,” Aldous muttered where only Lake could hear. With her left foot, she kicked his shin. “Ouch.”
“When we get to the lake, the two of you will know,” Lake said to Aldous and Torrun. “You’ll feel the surge in my magick. I should be able to construct a sufficient cloaking spell, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to sustain it since I have to tunnel through the sand and rock to reach the surface.”
“We’ll be waiting, Mother.” Aldous grew serious. “Thank you. For loving my son.”
“I would do anything for our family,” Lake said as she faded into nothing. “Ready?”
Gideon opened the door and stepped out into the Complex, the Dowager Queen of the Mages invisible on his arm.
Chapter Five
After watching Gideon blend into the crowd below, Aldous went to his private chambers, Torrun following closely behind. The two men had been inseparable since childhood and honestly, Aldous wouldn’t have made the trip to the Complex without his friend. Torrun was a voice of reason, a pillar of strength, and irreplaceable comic relief. Aldous trusted him with his life, and more, he trusted him with Rath’s.
Their friendship came as no surprise to anyone. The Saeges and Ravenwoods had a long history of camaraderie with Torrun’s father serving as special advisor for Barnum. Aldous hoped that Torrun would settle down and have a son so the alliance could continue with Rath. Though presently, Torrun’s mind was absorbed in something other than continuing his legacy.
“What’s on your mind, brother?” Aldous asked.
“Permission to speak freely?”
“Always.”
“This Gideon character is hiding something. I can’t shake it, Aldous.”
Aldous’ hand went to his forehead, massaging the stressed temples. “I thought it was just me, because she’s my mother and I didn’t want her spending time with a Human.”
“It’s obvious she’s infatuated with him. Her aura is practically off the charts, and he’s reciprocating, but I can’t discern why. There’s no way to get a good reading on him. Damn implant.”
“I’m experiencing the same thing. I can’t decide if his affection for my mother is genuine or he has a secret agenda. You know he’s one of the Humans we captured on Famiil.”
Torrun drew back. “And why isn’t he dead? After the great massacre by Human hands, we killed all of them who dared cross into our territory. Wait… is he the one—”
“Yes,” Aldous cut in. “Who spared my mother’s life, and then she convinced me to spare his.”
“Well, this is curious. We need to keep our eyes open.”
“Agreed. I want Mother to be happy, I truly do.” Aldous slumped his shoulders.
“Just not with a Human, eh? We’ve only been here twenty-four hours and I’ve already seen enough to have my fill for the rest of my life. I hate them.”
For a moment, Aldous thought of the woman with crimson hair. Why was he mesmerized? And why couldn’t he get her off his mind? “Yeah, me too.”
The Complex was dark and eerily quiet at night. The only illumination were street lamps, dimmed just enough to cause the silver domes to glisten. Lake hated this place. Before arriving to Famiil, the Mages—along with other Metas—had escaped their home planet, Vaiim, when it was destroyed by natural disasters, only to roam the galaxy for three-hundred years. This domed community was a painful reminder of those years when they were captive and bound by something beyond their control. Yet for all the reasons she didn’t like it, their presence here afforded her grandson a chance at life and for that, Lake would live and die in a cage of steel.
Gideon scanned his arm, which gave him access inside the tunnel leading to the Fresh Smoker lake. Realizing they were close to their destination, Lake sent a bolt of energy up and around her and Gideon and created a cloaking spell.
“What just happened?” he asked, his voice low. They were completely alone, but he didn’t want to take any chances.
“It’s safe to talk.” She pulled from his side as she appeared before him. “We are hidden, but to any surveillance, it would appear as if you are continuing your patrol. When you are done, you’ll go back to your room. No one will know you’re still with me.”
“How do you do this? It’s incredible.”
Lake touched the walls, slick with condensation. “The Goddess Thalassa aids me with her favor. My strength comes from the Water.”
“And that’s how you’ll be able to retrieve Rath, because I’m taking you to the lake?”
“Exactly. But because the water is manufactured inside the Complex, and not naturally, that’s the reason I may need Aldous and Torrun’s assistance. If we were on Famiil or another planet, I wouldn’t need them. The Oceans and the Stars exist in symbiotic relationship and it gives Mages their powers.”
“Thank you for sharing that with me, Lake. I love learning about your people. About you.”
A smile spread across her face as they continued their journey through the tunnel in silence. Gideon linked their arms though he didn’t have to, and she huddled closer. When they reached the access door to the Fresh Smoker lake, he let them inside.
“I don’t know how long I’ll be gone.” She eased into the water. “Your cloaking spell should remain intact without being in my presence.”
“Hell no.” Gideon jumped in beside her. The ripples from his splash lapped up around her neck. “I’m not letting you do this alone. I know you’re capable but… well… I’m just not letting you. It’s not up for discussion.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I can’t sustain myself, you, and have enough energy to tunnel through, plus get Rath here safely.”
He slipped a hand in his pocket and removed a small device that resembled a nose plug. “No need. I’m a strong swimmer, and I have this: a breather. You’re not some Olympic speed swimmer, are you?”
“Olympic? As in the sporting events played by Humans? No. Sadly, I’m a regular swimmer.”
“Well, I just may best you then. I’m pretty fast,” he teased. “Seriously, Lake, I’d rather be with you. This has twelve hours of air. I won’t be in the way either. In fact, you may even find me useful.”
He shook his finger, reprimanding her. “That’s impossible. It’s implanted.”
“You can switch it off with your mind. If you want me to have access to your thoughts, a tiny battery isn’t going to stop you.”
“Nice try. That means you’ll know my deepest, darkest secrets. I’m not sure if I’m ready to share those with someone,” he teased.
“Not necessarily. My mind would be equally as open to you. Most Humans aren’t aware that for Mages to get inside your head, our minds must be as vulnerable as yours.”
Tapping behind his ear as if to turn it off, Gideon gave a Cheshire cat grin and dove into the cool deep. She was sure he wanted to elaborate—and so did she—but time and urgency took precedence over desire.
Lake, can you hear me? he asked with his mind.
Yes, she answered. You’re thinking about the first time you went swimming in a river on Wreston. Your father threw you and your siblings in to teach you to swim.
He did.
Unconsciously, she went a step further in his thoughts. An image of a little girl drowning flashed in her head. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to see her. I promise you.
I wanted you to. She was my sister and I couldn’t save her. She drowned when I was five.
Oh, Gideon, how awful.
Since then I’ve always been protective of those I care for around the water, he said.
And that’s why you wanted to come with me? She didn’t hesitate with her words, though the thought made her heartbeat quicken in her chest.
Yes.
This time, Lake sent him an image from the last time they saw each other on Famiil: Her standing in the Imperial Palace, wiping a single tear as a he boarded a jetter to leave. The day you went home to Wreston, I prayed to the Gods asking for our paths to cross again. When you contacted me a few months later, I knew one day this time would come. Though I never imagined we’d be swimming in a lake underneath the Complex.
The Gods work in mysterious ways, don’t you think? He didn’t wait for her answer. Does this mean you’ve always wanted to go on a date with me?
As they approached the lower left side of the lake, she pressed her ear to the rocks, listening for the vibrations underneath. I’ll answer your question later. Promise. With intense concentration, she created a water funnel and used it to bore a hole into the side. Gradually, it grew large enough to accommodate them both. Pushing up, she motioned to Gideon and together, they stepped outside the lake. With a force field in place at the entrance, she sagged against the side of the cave she’d created.
Gideon removed his breather as the water fell to the ground. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m not feeling anything from Aldous or Torrun and I don’t know why. I just need a second to gain more strength.”
“Do they know we’re here? That’s it’s time to start sending help?”
“Yes, they should. Aldous would most definitely sense when I reached the water. I’m not receiving anything from them. That’s odd.” Puzzled, Lake shook her head.
“Is this a problem? I could go back. Let them know you need them.”
Her hand went to his chest, holding him back. “No. No time. We’ll have to make do. Just… stay.”
“This is limestone, I think.” He struck the beige sediment with a large rock. It crumbled effortlessly. “Just point me the right direction and I can help.”
“It won’t be fast enough. Will you let me use you? I don’t have the strength myself but if I’m working through you, maybe I can do it.”
“That’s an extremely forward question, Madam, but yes,” he joked, in an attempt to make her smile. “Whatever you need. Anytime. Always. Tell me what to do.”
“Just start digging.”
Following her instructions, he pulled chunk after chunk of limestone down around his feet, barely noticing the speed at which he was working. Her assistance was subtle, like a warm blanket draped over his skin. The rush of adrenaline was intoxicating, and in less than an hour, they’d tunneled through to the surface of Lorn. Half a mile behind them, the Complex towered into the sky.
“What’s next?” Gideon asked as he pulled her to a seated position. Lake was faint. “How do we get Rath?”
She clapped her hands once and hurled a blue and purple fireball into the air. “The nanny… will see… it. I… hope.” As day turned into night, Lake wondered if they’d done this all for naught. Nighttime on Lorn was even more hostile than the scorching heat of the day. Temperatures dipped below zero and lightning storms filled the sky. With their elevated body heat, she and Gideon would be sitting ducks if they stayed out in the open. After she sent up another fireball, she went to her knees and begged Polaris to help Rath find his way to her.
Lightning flashed nearby and Gideon eased her closer to the hole they’d made in the earth. “If it gets too much worse, we’ll need to get underground and try again in a little while. Remember Lorn’s nighttime is only four hours long.”
Lake didn’t acknowledge him but instead threw up a fireball. In the distance, she thought she saw a response. A red fireball. Rath. “It’s him. Gideon, he’s over there.”
“Where?” He looked the direction she pointed—north—and saw a small red flame burst in the air, then fall. From his estimation, it looked to be a few miles away.
Lake wasted no time. She jumped from the ground, despite her weakness, and ran to meet him.
“Hey, no. Let him come to you, please. You are not in any shape to be dodging lightning.” Gideon’s arms went around her waist and drew her near. “We’ve still got to get back. Conserve your energy.”
Yielding, she relaxed against his chest. Not since her husband had she allowed a man this close, but Gideon wasn’t just any man. He was her friend and consistent ally. Lake could honestly say she had no reservations about Gideon beyond him being a Human, and perhaps that was something she could overlook.
As the space pod glided nearby, she stood with Gideon’s hand in hers and together, they opened the door.
“Rath?”
“Mamil?” a tiny voice said.
“Oh, my sweet boy.”
Though Lake was weak, nothing compared to the frail boy who fell in her arms. Even in the dark, Gideon could see his sunken cheekbones and sallow completion.
“Thank you so much for staying with him,” Lake said to woman driving the pod. “As always, you are an irreplaceable part of our family.”
“It’s a pleasure, Majesty. Get the little prince well.”
“We will.”
Thunder rumbled overhead and infused the air with static electricity. “We’ve got to go. Now,” Gideon said, his voice resolute.
Lake wrapped her grandson in a blanket and pulled him close to her chest. The three of them disappeared underground.
Chapter Six
“I… have… to … stop,” Lake said, resting against a lamppost. “I can’t carry Rath and keep our cloaking spell active.”
“Let me take him.” He leaned in and scooped the blanket with the boy inside. Rath stirred and cried out.
“Mamil?”
“Shhh, sweet boy. I’m here. Gideon’s going to carry you to Papa.”
Rath nestled his face against Gideon’s neck where he could hear the child’s labored breathing. “We’re getting you to a nice warm bed, and I’m sure I could find some cookies. Do you like chocolate chip?”
“What are cookies, Mamil?”
“Rath’s never had a cookie. Come to think of it, neither have I,” Lake said as her breathing reverted to normal. “It’s a small, round cake, isn’t it? Bite sized?”
“Never had cookies? Yes, that’s a good description, but cookies are far better than cake and I can make the best. My grandmother’s recipe.”
“Would you like to try some cookies for dessert tomorrow after lunch? Only if you eat all your food though.”
“Yes.
Please. Thank you, sir.”
Gideon was glad Rath seemed comfortable with him. He hoped to spend more time with him… and Rath’s grandmother. “How old are you, Prince Rath?”
“Two-hundred sixty-two and a half.” He rubbed his eyes and yawned.
“That would translate into around four-and-a-half in Human years,” Lake offered.
“When I was four-and-a-half, I was running around with my underwear on my head making grunting noises. Rath is very advanced.”
“He’s our little scholar.” She chuckled. “And do you still run around with your underclothes on your head, Mr. Stone?”
He returned the laugh, fire burning his cheeks. “If my audience requests it, then yes. I suppose I could.”
“Hmm. I’ll have to remember that.”
Knocking once, Aldous’ door swung open with Torrun leaving and Gideon, Lake and Rath entering. As soon as it was safe, Lake dropped the cloaking spell.
“Rath!” Aldous snatched his son from Gideon more abruptly than he intended. “Thank you. Both of you. Son, how are you feeling?”
“Better than yesterday, Papa. Mr. Gideon said he would make chocolate chip cookies and run around with his underpants on his head.”
Aldous’ eyes widened.
“No, no. A misunderstanding.” Lake’s hands went up in defense. “Gideon had mentioned how advanced Rath was for his age and said that when he was a little boy he would still be…” Her voice trailed and she changed the subject. “Well, you understand. Son, did you and Torrun not sense when I reached the Fresh Smoker lake?”
“Yes. Undoubtedly. As soon as you arrived to the water, we sent all our energy.”
She wrinkled her forehead as she went to the kitchen for a glass of milk. “That’s strange. I didn’t sense anything. I wonder what happened?”
“Mother? Are you alright?” He looked first to her, then to Gideon.
“I’m a little tired.”
“She needs to sleep,” Gideon threw in. “Recuperate.”
“I agree. Will you please escort her down the hall?” Aldous asked.