The Eternals

by Richard M. Ankers

  “Linka, should you not cover yourself? I don't think it's wise to push your father's tolerance of my being here.”

  “I've been hidden away too long to care.”

  Her soft-spoken words were as a ghost haunting the limits of my senses. She rested her forehead on the window and breathed on the glass. As with all our kind it left no residue.

  I slipped from the enormous bed, more a small land mass than sleeping arrangement, and walked to my angel collecting her white, fleece jacket whence she'd tossed it along the way. She didn't even turn to look as I placed it over her slim shoulders.

  “Do you see it, Jean?” she whispered, as though in a dream.

  “See what, my love?”

  “The North Star.”

  I scanned the sky but a heavy dusting of clouds obscured Polaris and most of its brethren. “It lies unseen, my angel.”

  “I know how it feels.”

  “Will you not tell me of your past? Perhaps it would release whatever burdens your troubled mind.”

  Linka spun round, her eyes sudden wells of liquid green. In that moment, I felt sorrier for her than ever I had for myself, something a previous me would have thought impossible.

  “I wish I could, Jean, truly I do. There is nothing I would rather do than share my burden. But my secret, and the promise I made, would bring down empires. I cannot do that no matter how much I wish to.”

  “Do you believe this planet has any empires left to protect? Even pooled together there aren't enough of us left to constitute a legion, never mind an army. Those we saw last night may dress for battle, even preach it, but they dare not do so. I believe it would be an extermination, dear girl. There wouldn't be enough left to fill this palace.”

  “But that is a risk I am unwilling to take. I do not want to be the one that upsets what little society we have. What would it make me if I did?”

  “It would make you twice the person of any other for you at least consider it. I do not believe others would be so gracious. I know I wouldn't.”

  “I know that too, Jean.”

  Her words were almost inaudible. They affected me, as she wrapped her arms about my waist and wept against my bare chest. She sobbed with such relentless heartbreak I thought she might cry an ocean. Not knowing what else to do, I stroked her long, luxuriant hair hoping it might comfort her. Whether she even realised me there, I could not be sure.

  We remained conjoined for so long that the first winter frost swept across the window glass turning our world to crystal before my eyes. I could not feel the cold it represented but sensed the turning of the seasons. All beasts could.

  “Do you forgive me, Jean?” Linka raised her sodden face to look into my eyes.

  “There is nothing to forgive.”

  “My weakness.”

  “You are one of the least weak people I have ever known.”

  “You would not say that if you knew the truth.”

  “When you feel the time is right to tell me then I shall re-evaluate my words, but not until.”

  Linka's lips trembled, and she hugged me a little tighter before enquiring, “Would you like a drink?”

  “Now you mention it, I would. We don't have to cross swords with yesterday evening's guests, do we?”

  “No, those who've stayed are housed in the West wing. These are private quarters. Only my father and I have rooms in the East.”

  “A whole wing to yourself.”

  “Well, Chantelle had a room too, but obviously she won't be needing it anymore.”

  “No, my apologies, I didn't mean to make you think of her.”

  “It's hard not to, she was my sister for several hundred years, after all.”

  “True,” I said and turned away on the understanding I was searching for my clothes when in actuality I couldn't bear to look her in the face.

  We dressed in unhurried fashion, then Linka took my hand and led the way from her chambers. Without the lascivious nature of lust, or the smarting anger of Worthington's presence driving me, it was easier to relax in my beautiful guide's presence and take in the sights. Her father had saved his most prized possessions for his own consumption. It was impossible to tell the colour of the walls for the multiplicity of portraits, tapestries, animal heads and various other even more bizarre displays.

  “Does your father like to hunt?” I quizzed.

  “Is there anything left to hunt?”

  “Touché. Although I know where there's wolves to be found.”

  “Wolves! Ooh, I'd love to see a wolf. There have been none in the Rhineland for…well, forever.”

  “You wouldn't have loved to see them snarling all around you and your companion.”

  “Where was this?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

  “East,” I replied, already frowning at the memory of what Vladivar forced me to do to them.

  “Who was you with?”

  “You're suddenly full of questions.”

  “It's the only way I find anything out.”

  “A man called Sunyin. He's dead now.”

  “Did the wolves kill him?” she gasped.

  “No, Worthington's men.”

  “Ah, I see. So that's what was behind yesterday evening.”

  “That and other things.”

  “Do you want to talk about them?” Linka halted our march through the enormous palace and gave me one of her doe-eyed and most beautiful of looks.

  “I would, but I can't.”

  “You can tell me anything, Jean.”

  “I cannot. Not this. We might trade secrets if you like,” I joked.

  “And if I said yes?”

  “I would still say no. Mine would alter things between us.”

  “No more so than my own, I can assure you.”

  “Hmm, we shall see, little Linka.”

  “I am not little,” she said and punched me, as was her way.

  My response was to put her up under my arm, much to her shrieking protests, and run down the corridor to the top of the sweeping staircase. I was about to put Linka down, her verbal lambasting at its peak, when a distinguished voice interrupted our horseplay.

  “Good evening, Your Highness.”

  “Albert,” chuckled Linka.

  I slicked back my hair and placed the kicking princess back on her elegant pins.

  Albert stood halfway up the magnificent staircase impassive before our shenanigans.

  “I have laid out two glasses of your father's finest reserve in the dining room.”

  “That's kind of you, Albert,” Linka said. She tried to tuck her violet blouse back into her black, leather trousers, whilst straightening her short bolero, jacket without looking too desperate.

  I smirked. Alfred remained regal.

  “Will there be anything else, Your Highness?”

  “No, thank you, Albert.”

  “Very well,” he said, bowed and strode on down the corridor.

  “I can't get used to people calling you Your Highness.”

  “That's how you should address me. In fact, I command it.”

  “You can command all you want, my little snapping turtle.”

  “I'll snapping turtle you!” she shrieked.

  I was already halfway down the stairs by then, but Linka was quick and almost caught me by the time I'd bundled into the first available room. As fortune would have it, I'd chanced into the dining area. I swept up a glass of ruby liquor and took a pose by one of the giant, glass, exterior doors.

  “Hmm, maybe I would be better calling you a snapping tortoise,” I jested.

  “And you a crow,” she retorted.

  “I would rather like to be a crow.”

  “Is that why you dress as one?” Linka grinned.

  “I dress as a raven, but the untrained eye cannot tell the difference.”

  “Oh, I see.”

  “I find black adds to my mystique.”

  “According to whom?” she chuckled and sloshed the ruby blood around her own crystal glass.
/>   “According to most women it is my most endearing trait.”

  “And how many is most?” Linka asked setting me with a glare.

  “Would you prefer me to lie?”

  She thought about it then huffed, “No.”

  “Then, all of them.”

  Linka's head twisted a little at that, as though she was processing a strange amount of impossible information. I acted with according swiftness.

  “That is why I am universally hated by husbands across the globe and why I can say with impunity you are the most stunning of all women. I shall never look at another female again. You have my word on it.” I toasted her for added effect, and then myself, as for once in my life I meant something.

  “You really think so?” Linka said sidling over.

  “Does what I say next have a bearing on whether you'll punch me?”

  “It may.”

  “Then in that case you are the most exquisite creature I have ever had the pleasure of teasing. I shall never let you go, Linka, that I promise.” I cupped her elfin face in my rough hand and kissed her on her cheek. It had the desired effect. I thought her about to weep, but she pulled herself together enough to thump me instead. By instinct, I pulled my arm away so quick that the blood in my glass sloshed onto my hand.

  “You minx!” I jested, and sucked at the dripping liquid. I stopped almost as suddenly.

  “What is it, my love?”

  “The blood.”

  “What about it?”

  “I have tasted it before.”

  “It is blood, have we not all?”

  “I have tasted of this blood.”

  “I don't understand,” she said looking puzzled. “It is blood.”

  “No, it is human blood.”

  “Impossible!” Linka waved me away with a giggle. Only when I failed to acknowledge her joviality did her perfect brow furrow. “You're serious, aren't you?”

  “Very.”

  “But there have been no humans for thousands of years.”

  “There still aren't,” I agreed. “But our globular comrade the Marquis de Rhineland has genetically bred them. I travelled with the source of his supply. His name was Sunyin, and he was the best man I've ever met.”

  “A human, a good man!”

  “Better than I shall ever be. He watched over me despite injury after our meeting Crown Prince Vladivar.” I crossed my arms and inhaled deeply.

  “But, this is fantastical, Jean.” Linka came and put her hand in mine. “Are you sure?”

  “I am very sure. I have a score to settle with the Marquis, as I still have with Worthington and Vladivar.”

  “That's a lot of powerful enemies, my love.”

  “Whilst they strive for superiority without action, I am safe,” I said. “However, if this should change, then so should my position.”

  “Why did you not tell me this?”

  “There is more to it, my sweet angel. I cannot explain the fullness of the situation. But I can promise you this, the people I hold responsible for Sunyin's demise shall pay. They'll all pay.”

  “Is life not too short for such vendettas?” Linka enquired, stroking my hand.

  “Is that not the point of revenge to exact it whilst you can?”

  “Maybe, I'm not sure. Either way, I am yours to do with as you wish.”

  “Believe me, there is nothing I would like more, but this cannot involve you. You are a princess, people look to your kind for leadership. Without the people at the top those at the bottom have no purpose and all in-between fall. This is the fabric on which Eternal society is built, sweet girl.”

  “Until a few days ago, I was unknown to society,” she countered.

  “Yes, I expect I should have been a very different man if I'd met you sooner.”

  Linka smiled at that and kissed me on the cheek. There she remained swishing the contents of her glass awhile. I watched her, but could not bring myself to drink any more than necessary.

  “You know what we must do?”

  “I confess, I do not,” I answered.

  “We must find the Marquis. It seems he holds the key to yours, and by default, my worries.”

  “I would agree, but he is mobile. He does not reside within his castle home.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Very, don't ask, and you shall be told no lies.”

  “I see,” she said, but I wasn't sure how she could. “Then where to start?”

  “I could have a word with Worthington.”

  “That might not be the best of suggestions.”

  “You're probably right,” I admitted. “But I would enjoy trying.”

  “Hmm.”

  “I could ask your father, try your lovey-dovey eyes routine. After all, it was he and the Hierarchy that had Merryweather fetch me back to society's tender embrace.”

  “He did no such thing. My father's been cursing you from the moment you went missing. He still refuses to believe my defending you.”

  “For which I am eternally grateful, my sweet dumpling,” I interjected with a grin.

  “Watch it, you,” Linka retorted, “or I'll thump you again.”

  I raised my hands in a plea of pity. “You still haven't said why you did it?” I commented.

  “That's simple. It's because I love you, Jean. I knew from the moment I saw you, a shadow amongst the glittering few, that you were the man for me. Does a woman need any more reason than that?”

  “Well, I'll confess it's a believable one.” I received the due thump with bedevilled eyes.

  “We aren't getting very far here, but I can assure you my father had nothing to do with Merryweather's dispatch. I would know if he had.”

  “Then, the mystery deepens. Merryweather's more elusive than anyone when he wants to be. I doubt I'll bump into him again unless it's at his choosing.”

  “Then that leads back to the Marquis and another dead end.” Linka ran her hands through silken locks in frustration and my rock-like heart melted a touch. “I have an idea!” she said jumping to her feet and speeding from the room in a blur of motion. She did not return with the same haste.

  Soon bored, I took to gazing out of the windows over the Rhineland's calming scenery. All I could see was a falsity, but it was at least an appealing one.

  My gazing drew my notice to activity at the west of the palace a milling of various uniforms and insignia. It looked like whatever King Rudolph had been meeting the top brass for was over and they were returning by various means to their individual lands. I could not see Worthington and was glad of it. I couldn't have been responsible for my actions if I had.

  “We have a solution,” Linka announced on her triumphant return. A very somber faced Albert followed in her wake.

  “Dare I ask?”

  “To find the Marquis we have but to follow the red trail.”

  “What red trail?” I took another sip of blood, then pushed the glass away disgusted with myself.

  “Tell him, Albert.”

  “We will receive a delivery in about three hours, sir.”

  “And?”

  “It is delivered by the Marquis' ship, which I presume returns to its employer after making said despatch.”

  “That really is quite brilliant!” I gasped. “I'm sure given a few minutes more I would have thought of it myself, but it's good for somebody else to shoulder some responsibility.” Linka gave me one of her coldest bejewelled stares. “Seriously though, will this not have recourse on you, Albert?”

  “It could, sir.”

  “Then, Albert comes with me,” I said.

  “With us,” Linka corrected.

  “It is sweet of you, my cherub, but no.”

  “I am a princess of the realm. There is nothing you can say or do that can stop me.” Linka met my stern look with a ferocious scowl.

  Albert just shrugged. “I would do as she says, sir. She's always got her own way ever since the incident with her mother when still a child.”

  Albert spoke with
a calm assurance. A quick-shot glare from his princess silenced any further revelations.

  “I see,” I pretended to ponder.

  “You'll see stars in a minute. I'm coming, and that's that.”

  “Well, we need a plan, my adamant goose.” I stroked my chin in search of inspiration.

  “Might I suggest something, sir?” asked Albert.

  * * *

  We spent the next half hour listening to Albert's instruction. A plan hatched, and once again, I possessed purpose.

  Chapter Seventeen

  -

  Shattered

  “How on earth do you know your way through these cellars? The damn things are more like tunnels. Are you part mole, Albert?”

  “A good servant is required to know every inch of their master's domain, sir. And, no, I am not a mole, sir.”

  “Pardon?” I said, as I waved yet another obstruction from my face.

  “Oh, Jean, it's only a cobweb.”

  I took Linka's punch and continued with my rant. “To you, whereas to me it's yet another annoyance sent to test my patience and sully my garments. I can't seem to keep a shirt clean for more than an hour.”

  “Always complaining.”

  “Stating irrefutable truths, my little undercover operative. I've never known anyone take to subterfuge with such glee.”

  “It's exciting.”

  “Is it exciting to you, Albert?” I asked.

  “Not really, sir.”

  “Me neither. You're outvoted, dear child. This is just a dirty traipse through an oversized burrow.”

  “If you say so, but I'm still enjoying it.”

  “I'll remind you of that whe…” I couldn't finish due to a mouthful of cobwebs.

  I concluded that tunnels and Eternal lords didn't mix. Albert, on the other hand, seemed a new man. Gone was the stuffy butler to be replaced by a master tactician and military renegade. His subterranean knowledge was impeccable as was his incessant instruction of where and where not to step. Under his tutelage, we made surprising progress through the labyrinth.

  “We've arrived, Your Highness,” Albert announced, then covered his mouth at talking too loud. “Their ship will be between us and the entrance to the blood-bank.”