When he came round it was to daylight and the sound of hushed whispers nearby.
“Dieu merci, he’s awake,” Celestia’s face appeared indistinctly in his field of view. His mouth opened to speak but only a moan came out.
“Lie still,” she said. “Doctor’s orders. Here, have some water.” She lifted his head and pressed a cup to his lips. The water sank into his parched tongue and unglued it from the roof of his mouth.
“What time is it?” he managed to utter.
“Don’t you mean what day it is?” she said.
“I can’t have been here long. I only just passed out.”
“You’ve been still as a corpse for two days.” Destain’s voice floated over from outside his vision.
“That’s why it’s called dead-sleep.” Albany’s voice—from the foot of the bed.
Merrick lifted a numbed hand and rubbed his eyes. When he pulled it away his eyesight wasn’t much improved. “You’re all blurry,” he said.
Destain approached, holding a hypodermic. “It will pass,” he said. “Though I have to say, you’ve been lucky.”
“Really?”
“Few ever emerge from dead-sleep, and usually not with such speed. Here, I’m going to give you a shot of Restiatin.”
“What’s that?”
“The recipe is complex and it’s expensive. It’ll give you a boost.”
Destain administered the drug and Merrick felt its effects immediately. The potion cleared his vision and revitalised every muscle as his heart pumped the elixir around his fatigued body.
“Fuck me, that’s quite something.”
Albany laughed. “They usually reserve it for debauched Hierophant parties, along with the caviar and A-grade cocaine.”
The thought of Jason snorting drugs and Karapetian shooting up brought a grin to Merrick’s face. “Yeah, I totally believe that.”
He wanted to hear what had happened during his blackout. His friends were happy to oblige. The big news was the communique from Shamon.
“He’s laid down an inviolable challenge,” Celestia said. “Which means a formal declaration of war.”
“Fucking hell,” Merrick said. “How did Karapetian respond?”
“He’s not made a decision yet—he wanted to wait and see if you would come round.”
“Well, I suppose it’s nice to know he wants to consult. But what does the challenge mean?”
Celestia passed him another cup of water. “It’s a sacred undertaking. Mage-locked. The two parties agree terms of war and each side is bound by them.”
“A bit like that first meeting we had with him?”
“Oui. To break the conditions is to invoke the wrath of the Netherworld.”
Merrick took a sip of water. His head was completely clear now. “What conditions have they proposed?”
“Shamon wants to engage us in Celebrai,” Albany said.
Merrick snorted, “I bet Karapetian kicked that one into touch right away.”
“Actually, he didn’t. True, Shamon would have advantages. It’s where he’s built his army, he knows the terrain and most likely has the citizens of Celebrai under his command.”
“So why should we even entertain the idea?”
“First, the longer we wait, the more time Shamon has to build his army. We don’t have the spawning technology he has. Within a year his numbers could be double our own. Also, he couldn’t fight a war this size on earth at present. The secular powers would overwhelm him in a matter of hours.”
Merrick was still puzzled. “Then why not wait it out?”
“That’s what we’re trying to figure. Perhaps he’s just impatient. Maybe he has some trick up his sleeve, we don’t know. But we have a few surprises of our own. For example, Shamon doesn’t know you can create new gateways. He’ll assume we appeared in Celebrai through an existing portal.”
“I need to see Karapetian straight away.” Merrick made to get up but Celestia placed a restraining hand on his shoulder.
“No need,” she said. “You’ll see him later. Besides, you still need to rest.”
There was a knock on the door and Merrick received his second surprise of the day. “Arun, you old dog,” he said. The Vietnamese hobbled in and embraced him. For a man who had brushed with death and bargained back extra time, he was in reasonable shape. A bit thinner, perhaps but the biggest change was his arm.
“Who is this?” Merrick said. “The terminator?”
Arun looked at his new arm with a smile. “The Hierophant engineers made it from polished titanium alloy. It’s a functional system of gears, cylinders and electronic motors.” He opened out his fingers and flexed the arm to show off its range of motion. “Even better than the original,” he said. “I owe that Necrolyte a favour. The engineering labs here have given me a limb that’s faster, stronger and almost indestructible.”
“Sorry,” Merrick replied. “I paid back the Necrolyte’s generosity by melting its insides.”
“So I hear. It was too merciful a death.”
They looked at each other with understanding, two soldiers having survived the fire of combat and become refined by the experience.
The companions talked for a while, sharing their experiences and knowledge. When Mike joined them later they cracked open a bottle of Karapetian’s single malt and celebrated their survival. Even Celestia partook, although Arun declined.
Mike brought them up to speed with his recruitment campaign. Merrick was concerned that the loss of Biff and Hacker might have deterred the other mercenaries from continuing the mission.
“On the contrary,” Mike said “they’re all the more determined to exact revenge on the Ukurum. They’ve been training with the Hierophants and Arun here for eight hours or more a day.”
“We have learned much from each other,” Arun put in. “With uncertainty surrounding the functioning of firearms in Celebrai, we’ve had to concentrate our energies on swordsmanship, archery and unarmed combat.”
“Do you think Karapetian will accept Shamon’s challenge?” Celestia said.
“We have to be prepared,” Mike replied. “Anyhow, we’ll know in a couple of hour’s time. He’s called a war council and we’re all to attend.”
They agreed to meet up ten minutes before the meeting commenced. In the meantime the friends dispersed and left him alone with Celestia.
Well, here we are. Merrick fell into mind-speak without a thought.
Here we are, yes. Her use of the English affirmative peeled away another layer of their relationship.
You know, you’re the first person who’s mind I’ve inhabited with their express permission.
Not even ... ?
No, not even her. There was a joining of consciousnesses, a connection I mistook for something deeper than it was. I see that now. How do you feel about ... this?
He examined her as she paused over an answer. She’d put on makeup, although he was equally entranced without it. She’d also begun to lose the tan from their sojourn in Turkmenistan and he gave himself permission to enjoy the flawless perfection of her skin. Flawless, save for the merest suggestion of a scar running at a diagonal from the top of her lip. Gothic charm was the nearest he could come to describing her, but then he didn’t need to—he was seeing her from inside and out; words were insufficient.
To be honest? I’m frightened.
He tilted his head, surprised at the admission.
She took his hand. Frightened of losing you, of not having the time together. But also, fearful that this sharing will be too intimate for us.
He felt her mind worrying away at the notion, like a finch trying to extract a kernel of comfort from the seed of doubt.
You think that it will divide us, complicate what we have?
She nodded.
He put his hand on top of hers and drew closer. Then we’ll have to be cautious, establish ground rules. I don’t want this to end before it’s started.
> And yet I don’t want to be cautious. We have so little time. I want to embrace abandonment, cast it aside.
“Then maybe we should be reckless,” he said, and kissed her as if it were his last. In truth, he wondered if this urgency was prophetic—until she filled his mind with her passion and dispelled the gloom—at least for an hour.
~~~
Chapter 38
One more for the road
Compared to the last meeting, the gathering that afternoon was short. Karapetian met with Merrick and his companions beforehand and shared his thoughts on the escalating conflict. It didn’t take long to reach agreement.
Karapetian began the meeting proper with an update. “Brothers and sisters,” he said, “there have been significant developments in the last forty eight hours. I can announce that Merrick and his team have successfully traversed the dimensions to Celebrai and infiltrated Shamon’s defences. We now have an approximation of his force’s strength.”
Karapetian gave the floor to Merrick, who gave an account of their mission, leaving nothing out. His revelations were greeted with wonderment and a barrage of questions.
Blazej summed up the mood of the assembled orders. “The ability to traverse the realms at will gives a massive advantage, but there is still much we do not know.”
“I agree,” Karapetian said. “We will address that shortly, but first we should turn our attention to Shamon’s communique and make a decision.” He stood up and flicked on a data projector. A crude map of Celebrai was displayed on the first slide.
“I’ve had our cartographers piece together the intelligence from Merrick’s reconnaissance mission, together with information extracted from an Ukurum captive. Details are sketchy at best, but at least we’re not totally in the dark.” He went on to explain the cross-portal route that Merrick had followed and the locations of the citadel and barracks. Tessanee had revealed further information as a result of Johnny’s attentions, and they now knew the capabilities of two new races that Shamon had created. However, there were questions about the nature of Celebrai’s inhabitants as well as Shamon’s spawning chambers.
“To conclude,” Karapetian said, “The Ukurum have established themselves, and as such, have a home advantage. Before we discuss the merits of meeting Shamon in battle, I’ll read out his exact words.”
He pulled out a scroll from a folder of notes and started reading. As he did so, Merrick sensed Shamon’s malign power in the words spoken from Karapetian’s lips.
“Declaration of War. The noble order of the Ukurum lays down a Mage-locked challenge to the allied collection of orders led by Lazlo Karapetian and the Syncretic order of Hierophants. Under the rules of engagement decreed by the sacred laws of Claobach, Jagur Shamon calls upon all opposing forces to meet him in battle at the confluence of the Druiln and Nahl rivers in the land of Celebrai. The battle will commence at ten hundred hours on the first day of September according to the terrestrial calendar, otherwise known as the first cycle of Gujess by the Celebrain calendar. The outcome of the conflict will determine the rulers of Celebrai and all Syncretic orders present on Earth. This resolution is absolute and bound by the seven precepts of Alamar.”
There were murmurs of disquiet from the assembled as Karapetian rolled up the scroll and sat down. “I invite questions and comments from any and all leaders present.
Japa, leader of the Typhonian order was first to wade in. A thick, slab of a man, he stood and gave his response. “It would be madness to accept such a challenge. It commits us to the outbreak of war in less than two weeks. Does Shamon deem us simpletons? We have everything to lose and little to gain. I’m surprised we’re even considering such a proposal.”
Karapetian nodded. “Thank you, esteemed Typhonian leader. What are the views of other distinguished members of this council?”
“There’s more to this than first it seems,” said Naomi. She stood up gracefully, and spoke as if she aimed her words at every single man and woman. “If we decline this challenge, we have given Shamon leave to rule Celebrai unhindered. He will amass his armies, and conquer other realms until he is ready to storm this one. By such a time he may be unstoppable.”
“Shamon is a snake,” said Blazej. He wouldn’t issue this challenge unless he was confident of victory. I vote that we carry out further surveillance before making our decision.”
“A point of information.” It was Jason that spoke up. “The challenge has a deadline of midnight tonight. We can carry out another reconnaissance but there’s no time to benefit before our time’s up—and may I remind the council that refusal to answer places us at odds with higher powers. I wouldn’t be surprised if Shamon expects this and just wants the unseen principalities to formally endorse his rule in Celebrai. His legitimacy will be enhanced and he will garner further authority.”
Albany turned to Celestia and Merrick. “It seems Shamon’s got a win—win situation.”
“Maybe—maybe not,” Merrick replied, and stood up.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he said, unsure exactly how to address them. “There are other factors to consider. We have a chance to cut at the Ukurum roots before they spread to become a malignant forest. Whatever Shamon’s hidden resources are, I’m pretty sure they don’t include the ability to travel at any point between neighbouring dimensions. Whatever the battle scenario, we can make troops appear and disappear within the hour.”
“We know of this wondrous ability,” said Blazej. “But we have also heard from you about its limitations. To create these temporary gateways, you exhaust yourself to the point of death.”
“That was true,” Merrick replied. “However, Lazlo has shared with me the existence of a potent elixir that may prevent such fatigue.”
“You have tested this elixir?” Blazej said.
Merrick cast a glance at Karapetian who widened his eyes, then shrugged. “Not as yet,” he said. But I intend to try it tonight. If successful, we’ll know the advantage is ours before the midnight deadline.”
Karapetian stood again. “It is for this reason that I hope to gain your endorsement in principle, fellow leaders. If the elixir fails then I will refuse Shamon’s challenge. There are too many unknown factors. But if it works, the balances tip in favour of an early intervention. Remember, once we meet on the battlefield, all other constraints are removed. We can employ every strategy and tactic at our disposal.
A different sort of hum arose from the assembly now, and Merrick knew Karapetian’s powers of persuasion had won them over. A vote followed and was carried unanimously in favour of accepting Shamon’s challenge, provided Merrick proved his enhanced endurance.
~~~
After a meal and further rest, Merrick met with Karapetian and Jason in the training hall where Merrick had first encountered the Hierophants practicing their skills. He brought his companions with him. All were eager to see the outcome of the experiment, although the possibility of side effects concerned Celestia.
While Karapetian prepared the potion with the necessary invocations, Merrick took a worried Destain by the arm and pulled him to one side.
“What’s on your mind mate? You look like you’re about to give birth.”
Destain shook his head. “I still think you should have let me speak before the council. There are signs, fluctuations in the ether, that have bearing on this decision.”
Merrick pursed his lips. “Look, Destain, I trust your abilities. But you have to admit they’re unrefined and unlikely to gain acceptance from the council. We’ll let them guide us once the challenge is accepted. This is no reflection on you.”
Destain didn’t seem completely convinced by Merrick’s reassurance but he acquiesced.
“The elixir is ready,” Karapetian said and held up a vial of green liquid.
“So, I know it’s based on Restiatin” Merrick said, “but what else have you put in there?”
“Something you have taken before,” Karapetian replied.
�
�No, not the—”
“Mad honey, yes. But only two drops.”
Merrick recalled his previous mind-bending experience with concern. “Why do I get the feeling I’m being the guinea pig again?”
“Do not worry,” Karapetian said. “I’ve perfected the recipe over the last few months, even tested it on myself. There were no side-effects and considerable benefits.”
“With respect, Lazlo, yours isn’t the mind of a Psychonaut. Who knows how having a third eye affects the variables?”
Karapetian looked at his feet. “There are fewer differences … ” He paused for a second. “No matter. You can trust me—I guarantee it.”
Merrick tried again to probe Karapetian’s thoughts but he remained closed. “Okay,” he said. “I know I’m going to regret this, but here goes.”
The same euphoria and sensation of transcendent well-being infused Merrick’s mind. The Restiatin he took in the hospital wing had brought his fatigued body to a place of healing and restitution. This second dose, working on a rested body, served to elevate him to another plane altogether. In addition, his consciousness expanded as a result of the grayanotoxin so that the realms were laid out before him in minute detail. Words were insufficient to describe this awareness. He closed his eyes to see more clearly. Dimensions extended to the horizon of his vision in every direction. Between each he could see existing gateways and, like a contour map, regions where the separating walls were thin. Yet he knew that amid the ecstasy a lurking danger dwelt; the diminution of rational and ethical faculties, the danger of letting his power consume him.
Never trust a junkie’s judgement.
“So far, so good,” he said to Karapetian
“Then proceed, while the effects still last. Let us see whether you and Celestia can traverse to Celebrai.”
He cut out an arch in front of them both, rising from the floor. As he did so, the familiar sound of electric crackling and accompanying blue sparks filled the air, only more intense than on previous occasions. Merrick was heartened to discover he felt only a tiny fraction of energy loss.
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