Contest (The Stork Tower Book 6)

by Tony Corden

  Dead settlers being eaten was the scene which confronted the battalion when it arrived at the battle sight. Horrified, and with both the honour of Aeolipile and that of the King at stake, they attacked without warning in the middle of the feast and slaughtered the entire small Pyranthian community. So appalled were they at the way their dead were butchered for food that they made a spectacle of the Pyranthian dead and impaled the mutilated bodies on pikes, leaving them to rot.

  Three Pyranthian scouts observed the dishonourable contempt shown the new village by the native inhabitants of the land. They returned to the portal, and after explaining what they had seen, killed themselves. They considered that after witnessing the degrading display of their dead kin that their action of not avenging them immediately was highly dishonourable. These three were later made heroes of Pyranthia. Each year, on the anniversary of their deaths, three of the bravest warriors would be accorded the honour at what was known as the Festival of Blood. At this festival, they would fight captured humans in the name of these heroes in the hope that one day, enough blood would be shed on their behalf that they might obtain a place in the Eternal Lands.

  The Pyranthians continued to spill out into the wilderness in an attempt to settle the land, but whenever they were discovered by the citizens of Aeolipile, they were killed regardless of the cost to Aeolipilian soldiers and citizens. Slowly the battles became a full-blown war as both sides sought to destroy the other. For centuries the best, bravest and strongest of both cultures had joined the struggle in an attempt to finally end the conflict. Both knew that this would only be achieved by the total destruction of their opponent.

  Pyranthians were generally humanoid in shape but averaged seven feet in height. With their heavy musculature, they were often twice as broad as an average human. Their skin resembled dark oxidised copper in colour and also looked faintly metallic. As they matured, Pyranthians would be afforded honour and rank. These honours were cut into their flesh, forming scars the colour of burnished silver. Instead of hair, they had what looked like dreadlocks. These were thought to be sensory organs, and it was postulated that some could even sense thermal emissions. Both the sclera and iris of their eyes were black while the pupil was ivory in colour. They could see into both the infra-red and ultra-violet ranges. Their noses were large and aquiline with a spur of bone rather than cartilage down the centre. The spur protruded through the skin from the bridge to the apex. Their mouths lacked lips and were much wider than in humans. Legs and arms both ended with six digits, the hands with opposing digits at either end of the palm. Their fingers and toes all ended in claws.

  Both the males and females took an active part in all aspects of society. Their leadership positions tended to be taken by the older females. Initially, they had fought with sword and spear but soon developed a technology of their own from captured weapons and airships. They were skilled artisans, and the black-market in battlefield-reclaimed Pyranthian goods was very lucrative.

  One difference in the way the war was handled was in the matter of prisoners. Aeolipile killed every Pyranthian it could and seldom took prisoners. The Pyranthians, on the other hand, used stolen and captured humans as slaves, keeping them to do the menial and less honourable tasks. That the humans would allow themselves to be treated like this cemented the view in the Pyranthians’ mind that most humans had no understanding of honour.

  The Festival of Blood had become a sacred event for the Pyranthians as they remembered the sacrifice of their warriors over the centuries and celebrated the coming of age of the Pyranthian offspring who had survived the twenty years of training since they’d broken free of their birth egg. Most knew who their parents were, but until they had proven themselves worthy to be accepted as a Pyranthian, they lived in the training barracks and only saw their families once each turning of the moon. The more traditional members of the Pyranthian society would not acknowledge their offspring at all and waited until the final graduation to claim them.

  Over the years, Aeolipile had inserted spies by intentionally allowing agents to be taken as slaves. They slowly built up an underground network capable of moving information and people back and forth through the Pyranthian capital. The spy network had gone undetected for almost a century because no Pyranthian would have considered something so dishonourable as purposeful deception, nor as posing as something you were not. Over the last fifty years, the Pyranthians had become aware of the network, and some of their leaders had quietly begun using it to look for ways to reach an accord with Aeolipile.

  Twenty years previously, the leaders had reached such an accord with Aeolipile. For a reduction in the scope of the war, Aeolipile had given the Pyranthians the firstborn child of their King, the heir to the throne of Aeolipile, as a hostage. Twenty years later those same Pyranthian leaders had come to see their actions as dishonourable, and planned to kill the now twenty-year-old daughter of Queen Alexandra and King Harold in an attempt to expiate their dishonour. After she was dead, they would kill themselves and their immediate offspring to purge their trait of weakness from the Pyranthian people.

  Leah, Thad, Kate, Major Ian Daniels, and one of the Queen’s Intelligence officers, an Agent Cassius Blackthorn, would attempt to climb through the ascending family circles to the centre of the city and rescue the princess before she was killed. If they failed, then all of Aeolipile would know of the agreement with Pyranthia. They would lose momentum in the war as they grieved the death of the true heir. With this task now at the centre of her mind, Leah opened her eyes.

  As she did, she saw the clothes she’d chosen to wear to sneak into the Pyranthian city sitting on the bed. They were similar to what she’d worn to see the queen. The skintight calfskin trousers were a mottled dark grey, as was the half-sleeve linen camisole. The leather and bronze harness around her waist and over her shoulders were the same, as were the holsters and knife sheaths. The knee length boots were matte black but were equipped with the same armaments as her burgundy pair, though they had dulled bronze buckles rather than the silver. Leah’s shoulder harness added two smaller holsters under her arms and several knives behind her neck. Her trench coat was an almost-black dark green made with the same additional hardened leather but without the filigree. The final part of her ensemble was the black top hat with various weapons and tools worked into the top and brim. In addition, she added the hat attachment, which allowed her to use additional eyepieces with her undamaged eye. With her mind focussed and fully armed, Leah stepped from her room.

  77

  Chapter 77

  December 19, 2073 - Early Morning - Part 3

  PNEUMATICA

  As she entered the main section of Wilber’s Cavaticus, she was greeted by one of the crew who was dressed in the uniform designed by Gèng, in her identity as Paige. The young woman said, “Welcome Commodore Charlotte, Lord Thaddeus has assigned me as your guard and valet while aboard the Cavaticus. My assignment is subject to your approval, of course. My name is Sparrow.”

  It was clear to Leah from Sparrow’s tone that she was a player rather than an NPC and Leah found herself gripped by an unfamiliar emotion as she looked up at the stunning beauty who was several inches taller than herself. She struggled to stop herself from replying harshly, and after taking a calming breath, she said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sparrow. I am certain that Lord Thaddeus has chosen most wisely. How did you come to be aboard Wilbur’s Cavaticus?”

  Sparrow smiled and said, “I’ve known Thad for years, and when I heard he was playing in Pneumatica, I just had to visit. He was looking for crew for the Cavaticus, and when I mentioned I’d qualified as a Gunnery Sergeant in the Aeolipile Aircorp, he offered me a job. Is there anything I can do to help you get ready for the mission?”

  Leah knew what the unfamiliar emotion was and for a moment pondered who she loathed more—Thad for letting Sparrow on her ship, Sparrow for being both attractive and a long-term friend of Thad’s, herself for the animosity she felt toward Sparrow for no good reason,
and for wanting to punch Thad on the nose. In the end, she ignored the barrage of thoughts and said, “I have everything prepared for the mission as I understand it, Sergeant Sparrow. Perhaps once I am brought up to date by Lord Emerson and the rest of the team, then I shall have need of something which until now has been overlooked. Perhaps you could accompany me to the Bridge?”

  Sparrow smiled and turned to lead Leah to the Bridge. As Leah entered, Thad, the crew, and the rest of the team all turned to welcome her. She wanted to embrace Thad almost as much as she wanted to punch him, so instead, she smiled generally at the entire room and said, “I thank you for your welcome. I apologise that I was unable to be present as you braved the journey through enemy territory. Lord Emerson, perhaps you could update me on our progress?”

  Thad looked a little uncertain at Leah’s words and her tone, but after a brief pause, said, “We all understood that you have other important duties which occupy your time, Commodore. We are currently resting on the ground almost four leagues from the outer walls of the Pyranthian citadel in one of the secret bases of the Aeolipile Intelligence Service. There are eight hours before the main events of the Festival of Blood are due to commence. Cassius has plans of the citadel, and we believe we have mapped the most likely routes for our entry. From here to the most likely entry point should take us two or three hours. From there to the prisoner holding pens, we expect will take almost two hours. That is, of course, if there are no delays. We had planned to run through the scenario with you now and then plan to leave in just under thirty minutes.”

  Leah nodded and said, “Have you heard anything from the rest of the fleet?”

  “We received a BIRD yesterday with the message that all was ready. The fleet will begin its attack soon after the Festival of Blood begins the main events, just one hour before midnight. Several of the crew have reminded us to be aware of the paranormal creatures which live on this world. They are known to exist even within the citadel. We think they may be present in force on such a night as this, focussed as it is on blood and violence.”

  Leah had taken control of her emotions but couldn’t help making a slight correction. She said, “I suggest, Lord Emerson, that this night is more about honour than it is about violence. I am sure much violence will be done, but I doubt it will be gratuitous. Even so, let us move on. Who is best suited to describe the plan?”

  Thad wasn’t sure how to respond, but he was rescued by Kate who had guessed what Leah’s tone represented. Kate managed to keep the smile from her face, but it was evident in her tone she understood what was happening. She said, “We’ve all been tested by Cassius and Thad several times to make sure we know both the main routes and the timetable. Sparrow has only recently been added to the team and would best benefit from having to repeat the plan. I suggest she outlines our intentions.”

  Unaware of all the undercurrents in the conversation, Ian, thinking Leah was hesitant to be open in front of the newest member, said, “Commodore, I believe Gunnery Sergeant Sparrow is an excellent choice. Her grasp of the situation is at least the equal of Lord Emerson’s, and she is a valuable addition to this mission. Her reputation in the Marines was exceptional, and I believe she would have made a fine officer if Lord Emerson had not agreed to allow her to join his crew.”

  Leah knew something was amusing Kate, but Ian’s comment only added fuel to her uncertainties. To give herself some time, she turned to Sparrow and said, “Gunnery Sergeant Sparrow, I would appreciate an outline of this evening’s plan.”

  Sub-vocally Leah said, “Gèng, what is happening with my emotions? I’m acting irrationally.”

  Gèng’s reply also held a touch of amusement, “You have an elevated level of oxytocin because of your infatuation with Thad.”

  “Infatuation! What do you mean? Infatuation?”

  “Perhaps I misunderstood the word, but as your relationship in its beginning phase, I felt somewhat hesitant to call it a relationship of undying love.”

  This time Leah knew Gèng was teasing her. She said, “Ha, ha. Now, what has oxytocin have to do with me feeling like I want to rip Sparrow’s head off?”

  “Oxytocin has been shown to have a multiplicative effect. It increases the positive feelings of attraction and regard, but it also multiplies the negative emotion of envy. You are unreasonably jealous. It is a natural reaction to the presence of a highly attractive possible alternative for Thad's affection. Your response is quite normal as has been shown in numerous peer-reviewed papers. Would you like me to forward you some of the most pertinent?”

  Leah almost growled at Gèng’s teasing but realised that Sparrow was yet to start speaking. Looking up, she realised everyone was looking at her and waiting. As her face threatened to blush, she said, “Sparrow, I do apologise for the lapse in concentration. Please continue.”

  With a small nod of her head, Sparrow acknowledged the apology and summarised the evening’s plan.

  “Over the last thirty years, the Intelligence arm of Her Majesty’s forces have excavated almost three leagues of tunnels from this hangar toward the Pyranthians. To ensure the tunnels remain undetected, they are restricted to foot traffic only. There is access to the surface every quarter league. We plan to exit the tunnels after two-and-three-quarter leagues. The exit point is hidden on the side of a narrow valley which we will follow towards its beginning half a league further up the mountain. By the time we reach the top of the valley, it will be dark. Also, as tonight is the turning of the moon, there will be very little light, and our final approach to the citadel will hopefully be unobserved. Cassius ensures us there is sufficient cover to allow us to move briskly.

  “Over the years the human slaves have been tasked with most of the menial tasks, one of which is the excavation of the new living quarters and the tunnels necessary for drainage and the movement of goods. In addition, the slaves have cut a series of tunnels which they use exclusively to move around the city. The Pyranthians know of the tunnels but seldom enter them as the height is designed for the smaller human population. Using these tunnels, we should be able to penetrate through to the inner circle. This circle was built before the Pyranthians had begun using slaves so we will need to be extremely cautious. Cassius suggests that at most two of us make the trip to the prison. It is slightly more than one hundred paces from a slave tunnel exit.

  “The rest of us disagree because it may be necessary to fight our way into the prison to find the individual we have come to rescue. Once they have been released, we will head for the tunnels, or, if we’re cut off, we will get as high as we can and signal for the Cavaticus, which will be waiting high above the city.”

  As Sparrow had been talking, Leah had followed the discussion on the maps Cassius and Thad had brought. When Sparrow finished, Leah continued to look through the various charts for several minutes as the others waited for her reaction. Finally, she looked up and said, “Sparrow and Ian, have you been made aware of who it is we are rescuing?”

  Both of them shook their heads, and Cassius said, “There is no need for them to know of the person’s identity. It is enough that the Queen has given us this mission.”

  Leah looked up and said, “Sometimes I agree that ignorance is called for. When I used to break into homes I often didn’t need to know what the particulars were of what I was taking. For example, I did not need to know why my boss wanted a particular letter, nor was I to read it, but I did need to know he wanted a letter. I needed to know the size and colour, if it was written or typed, and who it was addressed to and from. Without these pieces of information, I would have failed. You and I both know the person’s identity will be apparent even to the most uneducated observer, and I suggest not knowing has already hampered our quest.”

  Cassius gave no indication that he’d even heard Leah, but only stared at her. After twenty-seconds of silence she turned to Thad and said, “Lord Emerson, it seems prudent to me that the rest of our discussion be limited only to those who will be entering the city on foot. Have you a ro
om whereby our discussion may be discreet? Otherwise, could you have the others please leave the Bridge until the discussion is complete?”

  Thad turned and waved the crew of the Cavaticus out of the room, and then he closed the door after them. Leah, who’d sat at the table to look at the plans looked up and said, “The Pyranthians hold hostage the firstborn child of Queen Alexandra. She was handed over to them as surety for the limiting of hostilities twenty years ago. They plan to publicly execute her this evening and use her death as a catalyst for a more vigorous war against Aeolipile. With this information in the forefront of your minds, rather than being hidden, and considering what you know of the Pyranthians, what is wrong with your plans?”

  Ian and Sparrow were still processing the hostage’s identity when Kate looked up from the plans and said, “She won’t be at the prison. She is a hostage, not a prisoner. The Pyranthians will see her sacrifice as honourable, even if it was imposed on her by someone else. She’ll have been given some freedoms, but if she is clearly the Queen’s child, then she’s been kept out of sight for twenty years. I have no idea if the Pyranthians would recognise her, but many of the slaves would, which means she hasn’t had contact with everyday slaves.”

  As Kate was speaking Leah had been watching Cassius. When Kate finished, she said, “Agent Blackthorn, you knew this. Why did you say nothing?”

  Everyone in the room tensed except Leah and Cassius. He said, “Careful, Commodore, you have already overstepped the limitations expected and enunciated by the Queen. I suggest you should not compound your disobedience with treasonous accusations against Her Majesty’s official agent.”