by Jim Roberts
"That is wonderful news, my love," the voice so close now; soft and gentle but rich with command and authority, "Was He there?"
"...my Lord?"
"The one you mentioned...what was his name?"
"...Whisper."
"Yes. He."
Agrippina closed her eye as pain like nothing she had ever experienced blazed through her body, "Yes, Whisper...did this...he...they have the other half of the Code."
"That is very disheartening my love. Why did you not kill him?"
"I...I...my...I..." she stammered uselessly, not knowing how to answer. A cold hand reached forward to stroke her burned face. She shut her eye, wincing at the feel of his powerful hand.
"You...feel something for him...even after he did this to you...you feel for him."
"No, my Lord...I feel only for you. I feel pain for you alone."
The hand caressed her soothingly. Agrippina began to shake violently.
"I know you do my beautiful Venus. But you are damaged...damaged almost beyond repair."
If Agrippina's tear ducts hadn't been burned away, she would have cried a stream of regret.
The voice continued, "That is why I must re-sculpt you...into the vision of a true Olympus general," The speaker withdrew his hand, his voice going flat and unemotional, "The pain will be unimaginable...but when you are complete...your rebirth will signify the rise of Olympus as we regain what we have lost."
The speaker snapped his fingers and several human forms walked towards her from the darkness, as if waiting for their cue. In their hands were various items of medical practice: saws, splitters, scalpels. They converged on Agrippina's deformed body, implements at the ready.
"You may scream my love...There is no shame."
And she did for some time.
THE END...FOR NOW.
About the Author
Jim Roberts was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Currently, he lives in Red Deer, Alberta. Jim is a lifelong action/adventure fan. He is currently in the planning stages of the third Code of War book, tentatively titled The Vagabonds. He loves his fans and heartily thanks them for taking a chance on his books.
Check out The Peacemakers, the second book in the acclaimed Code of War series. Available at most retailers now!
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