Walker

by Michael Langlois

  Only a few seconds had passed, but that was long enough for the gunman get a good head start on his escape. Daniel got to his feet as quickly as he could manage and shoved the bullet in his pocket. He took a deep breath to try and get a grip on the pain and instantly regretted it in the ensuing wave of nausea and agony.

  Steeling himself, he lurched towards the inky hole just as the missing section of paneling swung outward from the darkness to merge seamlessly into the rest of the wall. He pushed on the section, but there didn’t seem to be any way to unlatch it from this side, or even locate the door itself. It felt just as solid as the rest of the hallway.

  Setting his feet, Daniel opened himself to the Veil, and allowed it to course through him. Mustering the focus he needed was hard, but he managed a feeble flow. Before his will could falter, he pulled at the tiny trickle of power and shoved the panel with both hands.

  The latch on the other side of the panel ripped free of the wood with a splintering sound and the hidden door flew inward, crashing into the inside wall with a bang. Shards of wood and bits of metal from the mangled latch dropped soundlessly to the floor.

  He was just about to fling himself down the corridor in pursuit when it dawned on him that he was about to start chasing a guy with a gun who wanted to kill him. He had been filled with the need to catch his attacker, like a dog on a rabbit, and it only now occurred to him that he sure as hell wasn’t the dog in this chase.

  He must have been more rattled than he thought. The guy wasn’t running from Daniel, he was trying to avoid discovery now that he thought his job was done. Like an idiot, Daniel had broken into the passage in the noisiest way possible, no doubt alerting the shooter hurrying away down the dark passage.

  It also occurred to him that he was standing backlit in the doorway, nicely framed by the hall lights. He threw himself to one side. Several chunks of wood were blown away from the paneling on the wall just opposite the now open doorway. The bullets had hit the wall at head level.

  Daniel bolted away from the opening and pelted down the hall as fast as he could, straining to get around the next corner before the gunman could come back out of the secret passage.

  He made it without catching a bullet in the back. After several more turns, he entered the more populated areas of Walker Hall. He dodged around some people and collided with others, caroming off of them like a human pinball, leaving a trail of startled looks and multi-lingual curses behind him. When he finally burst into the crowded lobby, he decided to stop.

  Since the gunman obviously didn’t want to risk being recognized, Daniel figured that he was safe for the moment. Plus, the thought of the guards just outside the lobby was reassuring. There was no way that a guy with only a pistol was going to want to mess around with two fully armored, machine gun toting men. Unless the guy really was a campus guard and wasn’t just dressed like one. That would be bad.

  Daniel ignored the glowering attendants at the front desk, and slumped down into one of the leather wingback chairs in the waiting area. He tried to look as inconspicuous as possible while panting, covered with sweat, and with one arm curled protectively around his chest.

  It took several minutes for him to calm down. The ache was finally beginning to slack off, but it was still more painful than anything Daniel had experienced before, save possibly the inhibitor in his Arc.

  He needed to get out of Walker Hall entirely, and he needed someone to talk to. After a moment’s consideration he got on his feet and headed towards Veil Research.

  The Doc’s office was locked, so Daniel decided to try his luck down at the lab. On the way he tried to stick to the busiest corridors. When he came to an empty one, he sprinted down it as fast as possible.

  Surprisingly, to him at least, he arrived in one piece. The door opened immediately in response to Daniel’s frantic knocking and revealed the Doc’s face, brows raised with curiosity. Daniel pushed past him into the room and closed the door.

  He opened his mouth to start relating his story when he realized that Saul and Iyah were also there, seated on tall stools around a lab table. He approached them suspiciously, the need to blurt out his news briefly outmatched by his distrust of coincidences.

  “What the hell are you guys doing here?”

  Looking a little guilty, Saul said, “Just having a chat with the Doc.”

  “About me?”

  “Among other things, yes.”

  “Great. I’ve got exactly six friends in this asylum, and three of them are having a secret meeting about me. Well here’s something else you can add to your agenda. I just got shot.” Daniel slapped the bullet down on the table.

  Iyah picked it up, anger written plainly on her face. Saul and the Bruce just frowned at each other.

  “I’m sensing a disturbing lack of astonishment here,” said Daniel. “Thanks for the warning.” Daniel sat down at the table, his scowl turning into a wince at the movement.

  “What, you thought we gave you a set of bulletproof armor because that was all they had at the gift store?” said Saul.

  “I thought it was for later, you know, for when I started working as a Walker. Until I produce that new world, everyone needs me alive, right?”

  Saul nodded. “Yeah, I would have thought so.”

  Iyah put the bullet back down on the table and said, “Where did you get hit?”

  Daniel showed her the centimeter-wide tear in his shirt, trying not to appear too proud of it, but hell, how many times in a guy’s life could he show a beautiful girl his gunshot wound? There was a gray smudge on the fabric around the hole, and on the silk underneath. She leaned forward and prodded his chest with her finger, showing a complete disregard for the battered flesh underneath the bullet hole.

  “Ow! Shit, that hurts!” he said, flinching back into his chair.

  “Don’t be such a baby,” she said absently. She sat back in her seat. “Your sternum isn’t even broken, so count yourself lucky.”

  Bruce and Saul exchanged another look.

  Daniel glanced from one to the other. “Will you guys stop doing that and talk to me?”

  Doctor Wolternel settled down with a grunt on the last open stool and said, “It would appear that even at rest you are accessing enough power subconsciously to reinforce your tissue to the degree a fully concentrating Channeler might reach. There’s only one other person who was said to be able to do that, and that’s the Founder. He was said to be an utter genius when it came to the Veil. It’s hard to separate the truth from the self-serving propaganda that the Guild puts out about him today, but it’s widely accepted that he really was a kind of savant. The fact that he made his way to Olympus on his own without a Sanctum is, in itself, proof of that. In fact, the whole Guild was founded on his abilities. He went to the first worlds unaided and found Wayguides for the first Sanctums, starting the influx of Walkers that the Guild relies on to this day. Nobody else has ever managed to cross to a world without a Sanctum to guide them in some way.”

  “Until me.”

  “Until you.”

  Daniel thought about that for a moment. “So the reason I’m picking this stuff up so fast is that I’m a genius?”

  Saul snorted. “I think the term you’re looking for is Idiot Savant. Like those guys who can’t tie their shoes, but can tell you how many marbles are in a jar by glancing at it.”

  Daniel grinned, feeling better in spite of himself. “Thanks. I wouldn’t want to get all conceited or anything.”

  “Why would you?” said Iyah. “It’s just something you were born with, not something you earned. Be proud after you do something with it.”

  “If I live that long. Which brings us back to the real question. Why kill the goose that lays the golden eggs? Francis and Vincent seem to have plenty invested in keeping me alive and paving roads, and I can’t imagine what the Wayguide Faction Head would get out of killing me. So what’s going on?”

  Saul looked worried. “I honestly don’t know. Council politics can get pretty damn co
nvoluted, but as far as I can see, everyone loses if you die. Still, it doesn’t take much to whip the whole piranha tank into a frenzy in the best of times, and now you’ve dropped in like a fresh baby goat.”

  Daniel grimaced. “That analogy really isn’t working for me.”

  “Maybe,” continued Saul, ignoring Daniel’s comment, “somebody has decided that they’d be happier if Mr. Keldon were no longer the council chairman. Since word has surely gotten out about this new world by now, he’s got to deliver. If he can’t produce the world, or loses the golden goose, he’ll be voted out of the big chair, freeing it up for someone else.”

  Daniel said, “So now what? If training me in secret is no longer an option, then is he going to force me to attempt a crossing now?”

  Dr. Wolternel shrugged. “Access to this new world is risky. Maybe you’ll die making the crossing if you try to take a Wayguide along with you. Maybe it’s too far to be found if you take a tracking device with you. Maybe you’d make the crossing fine, and then be lost to the Guild forever. Who knows if he’s ready to gamble it all just yet.”

  Daniel hoped not. He couldn’t say so in front of Saul and Iyah, but he was determined to help Bruce’s group of escapees before Keldon forced him to hand over the new world.

  Saul spoke up, “Whether Keldon’s ready or not, we can’t have Daniel catching bullets while he makes up his mind. I’ll go to him and see what protection he can offer.”

  “Fine,” said Iyah, “but only after we escort Daniel to Master Dashel’s class. He can get his friends to walk him back to his room from there. As long as he’s not alone, he should be safe. Whoever is behind this clearly doesn’t want to risk being identified, and taking out an entire group of Channelers, even trainees, isn’t going to be a sure thing. Daniel, we’ll meet you in your room later with a decision.”

  Everyone filed out of the office without speaking. It was a grim walk to class.

  15

  Class sucked. Daniel’s focus was shot and he barely managed to get through even the most basic exercises. It didn’t help that Lyle kept smirking at him all afternoon, either. After an eternity of drills, Daniel finally found himself changing in the locker room. He motioned for his three friends to wait behind until everyone else left.

  “What’s up?” asked Leland, slinging his pack over one shoulder.

  “Up for a little body guarding practice? I need somebody to walk me home.”

  Leland cracked the first smile of the afternoon, “Are you hitting on me?”

  “Sure, if that motivates you to take a bullet for me.”

  “What are you talking about?” asked Ekani.

  Daniel reached into his pocket and produced his trophy bullet. “Somebody took a shot at me earlier today, but Saul thinks it won’t happen again if there are too many witnesses to kill all at once.”

  Leland shook his head and said, “Wow, you are one smooth talker. I’m in.”

  Boro and Ekani nodded their agreement and they set off for Daniel’s apartment, making Daniel repeat the entire story, with commentary, at least twice.

  After they were satisfied, Ekani said, “I’m hardly surprised that an attempt was made on your life. That’s how things are done here. Right, Leland? In fact, the person who shot at Daniel is probably a graduate of Master Dashel. One day soon that will be us, jumping out of the shadows and killing innocent people to enforce Guild policy.”

  “Give me a fuckin’ break, Ekani!” said Leland. “I knew you were going to start in on this again. That’s how the world works. We aren’t going to be keeping the peace with time-outs and stern lectures. Somebody has to take the hard road and that’s us.”

  “You think we just keep the peace?” Ekani shot back. “You remember the siege that closed the Urum mines at Greegis Hold a couple of years ago? Remember that they said they found a diplomatic solution? Well guess what? Their diplomatic solution was to send in one of Cannette’s suppression squads with weaponized smallpox and kill everyone, then sent in immunized workers to reopen the mine. That’s not keeping the peace, Leland, that’s just plain murder, done because they’re untouchable.”

  “Bullshit, where did you hear that?”

  Ekani looked away, knowing that she’d said too much already.

  “Well?”

  “If she tells you,” said Boro calmly, “it’s a death sentence for her and the one who gave her the information. You know that. You want to work for them, my friend, so you can’t be trusted with that information. You might even be the one chosen to silence little Ekani after you become a full fledged Protector.”

  “Listen mate, you two can believe all the nutjob conspiracy theories you want, just leave me out of it.”

  They had arrived at Daniel’s door.

  “Leland,” said Ekani, putting one hand on his arm, “what if there was a way out? What if you had a choice?”

  Leland’s eyes widened in fear and he spun his head around looking up and down the corridor, “Shut up! You want somebody to hear you?” He pointed a finger at Ekani. “You keep that shit to yourself. In fact, it’s probably a good idea if you just keep your distance from now on, okay?” He turned on his heel and walked stiffly away.

  Daniel stared at the carpet for several long, uncomfortable moments. “Want to come in?”

  Ekani shook her head no, unfallen tears making her eyes glitter.

  “We’ll see you later, Daniel,” said Boro. He put one massive arm awkwardly around Ekani’s shoulders and led her away.

  Daniel was in his living room, pacing and going over things he should have said in the hallway earlier, when Saul and Iyah arrived. They were dressed in well-worn black leather pants and close-fitting jackets over black cotton shirts.

  A small Guild insignia, a golden doorway surmounted by an unblinking eye, was embroidered on the left breast. On Saul’s right shoulder was a lightning bolt over a smaller version of the door insignia that represented the Guild Walkers, while Iyah’s shoulder sported the crossed fist and dagger of a Protector. Saul handed him an identical uniform and a black leather satchel. The insignia on his jacket was the crossed fist and dagger.

  “What’s this for?” asked Daniel, gathering up the various articles in his arms.

  “We’re leaving for official business on Buellere, so you have to look the part. This is similar to what the local authorities wear, but meaner and with our insignia. We’ll make you out to be my second bodyguard. Go get dressed, and put whatever underclothes or toiletries you want into the bag. And for God’s sake, don’t forget to wear your armor underneath the uniform,” said Saul.

  “What do you mean official business? We’re leaving Olympus?”

  “Mr. Keldon thought it would be best if you weren’t seen walking around the Guild right now,” said Iyah. “He’s sending you on a job with us.”

  “It’s a smart move,” said Saul. “This particular job is off the books. We should be under the radar until Mr. Keldon can get the council together to vote on attempting to reach the new world. Two or three days, tops. Now go pack, and don’t forget to bring a couple of changes of regular clothes. We’ll only want the uniforms for the benefit of the local Wayguide when we arrive, and when we do the job.”

  Daniel went into his room and closed the door. As he was sorting through the items he planned to take, he mulled over his situation. He was surprised to find a certain excitement swirling around in the general fear he had been carrying since he was shot. He finished packing his few belongings in the satchel and set it aside.

  He stripped down and put the uniform on over his silk armor as instructed, then strapped his Protector’s blade to his left wrist. The leather uniform was very soft and supple, with a matte finish that reflected no light. It fit like a glove. The boots were big and sturdy, but extremely light.

  Checking himself in the bathroom mirror, he found the threatening brother to the faceless campus guards looking back at him. The uniform was obviously meant to inspire fear and obedience, from the forbidding insi
gnia to the calf-high jackboots. If this was how they wanted to be seen when traveling the worlds, then they certainly weren’t as warm and fuzzy as Leland wanted to think. Just wearing it made Daniel feel grim and ominous. It was unpleasant. He snatched up his bag from the bed and went back into the living room.

  Iyah inspected him as he entered the room and nodded in approval. “You remembered your blade, I see. That’s good. Never take it off while we are away from Olympus. In fact, I would advise you to make a habit of wearing it. You never have the need of a good weapon as much as when you think you’re safe.”

  Daniel blinked at the grim homily. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  Saul gestured for everyone to gather around him. Iyah and Daniel slung their bags over their shoulders and stepped close so that he could reach out and grasp each of them by the wrist. Daniel could feel the electric thrum of Saul accessing the Veil before Saul’s hand touched him, but at the moment of contact he could also see what Saul saw.

  He was high above the ground, looking down on a nighttime vista of lights, like seeing a brightly lit city from an airplane. Everything was a little out of focus, except for one light, which was very bright and sharp, the one that Saul was concentrating on. As Daniel peered at that one, he received the impression of darkness, and moist, damp air.

  They Walked. The world flew away from them, and another one swam up under their feet. Daniel managed to keep his balance this time.

  They appeared in a dark alley with gritty, wet cobblestone underfoot and two large moons overhead, shining brightly through the spotty cloud cover. Daniel was surprised at the powerful smell of plants and soil in the air. He had expected the more noisome urban odors of a city. As far as his nose was concerned, he may as well have been standing in the center of a jungle. A hooded figure raised a hand in salute to Saul and stalked out of the alley without a word.

  “That was Amiri,” said Saul, “one of the Wayguides stationed at the local Sanctum. From this point on, we’ll have zero contact with any Guild personnel.”