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Jackal’s Gambit

Page 17

by C A Ardron


  Lion released her quickly, ‘I'm sorry. I overreacted.’

  Karen's breath was heavier than she would've liked, but there was no point in pretending she hadn't lost her temper. She rubbed at one shoulder where he'd hurt her. ‘I will leave,’ she told him. ‘You can't stop me. This is the best course for all of us.’

  Lion stared down at her and sighed. ‘Dove, get the medallions.’

  ‘Of course,’ she said, leaving the room.

  Lion stepped away from Karen and she sat down at the table again. She tried to stop herself from shaking. It had been a long time since she'd lost control of her emotions like that, and she hadn't expected Lion to have such strong feelings about whether she stayed or not.

  Dove returned, holding two rectangular silver trays. She set them down on the table gently and Karen saw that each one held eight medallion boxes.

  Karen couldn't recall the last time she'd seen an actual medallion box. Like the medallions themselves, the steel squares were magical. She stared at the nearest tray but try as she might, she couldn't identify the break where the box lid would open up.

  Dove gestured for her to come over. Karen stood once more and walked to the woman's side. She looked down at the medallion cases again, Dove was waiting expectantly.

  Karen had no idea what the healer wanted from her. ‘How do we proceed?’

  Dove looked startled. Karen would've been pleased to have surprised the empathic woman, if she hadn't felt so much out of her own depth.

  ‘You’ve taken part in a Choosing before, you must have.’

  ‘In Sarpien Choosings they only use one medallion,’ Karen told her, feeling more than a little awkward.

  This seemed to puzzle Dove even more so she decided to explain.

  ‘At a Sarpien Choosing, the candidate only has one medallion to choose from, I assume that's the reason you’ve brought so many out, that I choose?’

  ‘I’d hardly call it a Choosing if there’s only one medallion, Karen,’ Wolf spoke up.

  Karen looked over at him. ‘It isn't the medallion that's chosen, it's the warrior. Sarpien potentials train in certain styles and wait for a relevant medallion to come up. At the Choosing the one most compatible gets it.’

  Karen turned her attention back to Dove, noticing the woman's pale wings were rustling.

  ‘Well, at a Predgarian Choosing we have numerous medallions and only one warrior. We believe in encouraging the person to be as the Light intended them.’

  Was she irritated? Karen couldn't tell, but Dove's voice had definitely held a tiny edge.

  ‘I will guide you,’ Dove told her, the healer was serene again.

  The words were formal and Karen wondered if all choosings were started with those words. She watched as Dove started to remove the boxes from the trays, sometimes stopping to gaze at one. The healer seemed to be in a world of her own, piling the cases on top of each other on the table.

  Eventually, out of the sixteen there remained only three. Dove placed them in a neat row in front of Karen.

  ‘These three are the most compatible with you. You must choose one of these as your medallion.’

  Karen studied the identical boxes carefully. She was aware of everyone else in the room, but they were still, not wanting to upset her concentration. Choosing the correct medallion was not something undertaken lightly, Karen knew that.

  She tried once again to determine where the boxes opened up, but apart from their front edges, which sloped smoothly downwards, they might as well have been steel blocks.

  Then the medallions started to work on her. She was struck by the animal personalities within the boxes quite suddenly and she breathed in sharply. The three metal boxes may have looked the same, but they now felt wildly different.

  She took a deep breath, she had to choose and there could be no mistake. The first box was sharp and wary, thirsty for the hunt. Karen instantly rejected that one, it felt too much like her old medallion.

  The second was somewhat gentler. It was calmer, more weighing and cultured. The third was…strange. This one liked to hunt too, but it was more cautious as well, and more calculating. There was something else this one had, but Karen couldn’t put her finger on what it was.

  She frowned and glanced up at Dove. The white warrior was waiting patiently for her. Karen was about to make her choice and pick the middle one when she finally recognised the last emotion emanating from the third box. It was a need, a desperation, the yearning to be free.

  Karen knew that feeling well and before she could even think about it the third box was in her hands. She felt dazed by the feelings pulsing from it so it was a few seconds before she realised Dove had her hand extended out towards her. Karen handed the cold box to her reluctantly.

  As Dove focused, the steel case flipped itself open. Karen saw her smile at whatever medallion lay inside.

  Dove looked up and met her eyes warmly. ‘How very appropriate.’

  The white warrior took the medallion out of the box by its chain. The heavy, transparent coin swung in the air, its avian eyes glittering, challenging.

  Karen saw immediately the reason why she'd felt the yearning for freedom. It was a virgin medallion, it had never had an owner before now, it must've been dying to get out of that box. Karen became nervous all over again, reminded that medallions had consciousnesses of their own, the greatest reason why warriors had to make sure they were compatible with them before they put them on.

  Before Karen could really begin worrying about that, Dove had turned and was putting the medallion around her neck. The large coin began to burn with a cold white light and then settled into a solid silver.

  Dove smiled at the colour. ‘Welcome to the Predgarians, Silver Falcon.’

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  There was a dripping sound coming from somewhere. At first Jay had thought it was nearby, but as time wore on he became sure it was echoing from far away.

  Jay couldn't see anything very well. The cell he'd been pushed into was a fair distance from the closest burning torch, but that didn't stop the blazing flames spouting smoke in his direction.

  He heard a scurrying every once in a while and each time he did, he huddled tighter in the foggy darkness, afraid he would get his fingers bitten off by rats.

  After the Silver Harrier had left him there, Jay had taken a look around, hoping to escape. It was no use. The metal bars, fitted into the hollowed out rock were not loose even though the iron had rusted.

  Jay wrapped his hands tighter around his knees where he was sat on the cold ground. What was the point anyway? He'd seen tons of Sarpiens on the way down here. He'd never sneak past them even if he could escape.

  He was petrified of what was going to happen to him now. None of the Sarpiens had said anything about what they were going to do with him, and he'd been too scared to ask.

  His head sank as he thought about Karen. She'd been his only chance, but she was dead now. His throat tightened as it did every time he thought of her. He shook his head numbly, he still couldn't believe she was gone.

  He wished he'd done things differently. If only he'd insisted they left the street when the Predgarians had shown up, or maybe if he'd told Karen his secret. He flexed his fingers, thinking about his fire. If only he could control when it happened, maybe he wouldn't be here now. Tears welled up in his eyes and he found he couldn't stop himself from crying. If only he'd rejected Karen's help last night, she'd still be alive now.

  Thinking about the ifs and things he could or should have done made him think of his parents. People had said it wasn't his fault they'd died, and maybe they were right. But if he'd gone with them that day instead of refusing to go shopping with them...

  Jay sighed, rubbing the tears from his eyes. There was no way to bring them back, and no way to bring Karen back. Why did everyone he care about die?

  There was coarse laughter in the distance and Jay looked up fearfully. Nothing else was heard and Jay found he was still alone. It was now getting t
o the point where he wanted the Sarpiens to show up. At least he wouldn't be alone anymore.

  He wondered why Jackal wanted him. The Sarpien hadn't mentioned anything about that. When Jackal had first given Uncle Max the money and dragged him off, he'd been terrified. Before he'd been able to even think about what he was doing his hands had burst into flame. Jay remembered Jackal swearing loudly at his burnt hand. He swallowed, he expected Jackal to punish him for that.

  It had given him the chance to escape at the time, but it hadn't taken long for Jackal to find him. That's when Karen had appeared. Jay wished she hadn't now, she should've ran the other way. He should never have tried to escape from Jackal.

  He heard talking in the distance. Jay got to his feet quickly, neither of the voices sounded like Jackal. He pushed himself up against the cell door. As he'd hoped, when he peered down the murky corridor he could see people.

  His hands tightened on the rough bars, recognising one of them. Even in the ruddy torchlight, the Sarpien's giant wings and silver armour were distinct. Jay didn't know the second one. It was another armoured warrior with wings, a woman. He was astonished at the vivid green hue of her feathers. He'd had no idea medallion warriors could be so bright.

  The woman raised her voice, loud enough for Jay to hear what she was saying.

  ‘Dingo is far from exceptional in his skills, I find it hard to believe you couldn't take down one blue warrior.’

  Jay instinctively drew back into the dubious safety of his cell. She sounded so mean!

  ‘Hey, there were a lot of Preds, alright,’ Harrier defended himself. ‘The Bronze Hawk is pretty fast.’

  ‘The Bronze Hawk? You're a silver! He can't even use the Power. You should be paying more attention to the real threats in West Sector.’

  ‘I wholeheartedly agree.’

  Jay gasped as Jackal stepped into the ring of light. The general looked out of place, being the only one of the three not in armour. He was still wearing his heavy biker's jacket too.

  Jay crept forwards again, wanting to know what they were talking about. Jackal's gaze was intent upon the green-winged woman.

  ‘None of which are found within the Predgarians,’ the Sarpien general continued. 'Now if he'd chosen to ignore Red Hawkmoth of Dakko-Shenxori, I might have taken notice. As it happens Harrier chose to ignore the fight to ensure we got our hands on Jay Morgan, which is why we were out there in the first place.’

  Even from his angle down the corridor, Jay could tell the woman warrior was glaring at Jackal. Didn't the Sarpiens like each other?

  ‘I'd say things turned out pretty well, even if all the West Sector Predgarians showed up. You've got your position for a reason, Swallow,’ Jackal's voice turned sharp. ‘I expect you to keep me informed on their movements.’

  Jay saw the female Sarpien smile at Jackal. It wasn't a nice smile. It was smug and superior. ‘I work in South Sector, Jackal. You can't expect me to know what everyone in Steiron is up to; and I wouldn't expect a general of your reputation to be troubled by mere Predgarians.’

  Jackal offered her a thin smile. ‘Don't underestimate your enemies. Predgarian or not, the captain is still a gold warrior. The golden grade does not lessen depending on what Order they're in.’

  ‘Well, if you're so worried about him,’ Swallow's tone was openly mocking now. ‘I suppose I should tell you that Lion has expressed interest at the temple in rescuing the boy.’

  Jay's eyes lit up. The Predgarians hadn't forgotten him?

  Harrier unfurled his wings. ‘Do you want me to take some Sarpiens out? I can make sure the Predgarians stay out of our way.’

  Jackal waved the idea away. ‘No need.’

  ‘Aw, come on - I wanna stretch my wings.’

  Jackal laughed shortly. ‘You'll have action soon enough. I wouldn't have bought you if I didn't think I could make use of you.’

  Jackal turned from them and walked down the corridor towards the cells. Jay backed away into the darkness, not that it was any use, Jackal knew he was there after all.

  Jackal stopped directly in front of Jay's cell. ‘Will you be staying for the great revelation?’

  The general was staring right into the cell, but Jay didn't think that question was directed at him.

  ‘It’s the only reason I’m here,’ Swallow replied, her voice cross.

  Jay was starting to think the woman was never happy about anything.

  ‘Cobra's had everyone running around like a bunch of headless chickens,’ she complained. ‘Maybe tonight we’ll finally find out why.’

  ‘Harrier, everything is on schedule?’ Jackal asked.

  ‘Yeah, Cobra’s down there now. Everything's locked down tight.’

  Swallow made a sound that was half-sigh, half-growl. ‘Is a lockdown really necessary? The Sarpiens won't be happy being trapped down here.’

  Jackal turned to her. ‘I'm not taking any risks, If the Dakkonin have the slightest clue what's about to happen, they will attack. Have you ever had your sclithe die on you, Swallow? Trust me, it's not a pleasant experience.’

  Jackal turned back to the rusty cell in front of him, a fierce grin appearing. ‘Time to meet the master, Jay.’

  Jay retreated even further, until his back bumped into the jagged wall behind him. Even in the dim light, he could see Jackal's green stare. His breath caught, pinned to the spot, terrified of what Jackal was going to do.

  Jackal unlocked the cell door with no hurry, then stepped into the darkness. Jay remained still, rooted to the spot until he felt the Sarpien's rough grip on his shoulder. He could feel the man's breath near his ear.

  ‘You’re in a lot of trouble,’ Jackal muttered, his voice so quiet Jay could barely hear it. ‘I know why Trine wants you. You want out of this alive?’

  Jay drew a shaky breath. ‘Yes.’

  ‘Then do everything I say and don’t try to run. Co-operate and no matter what happens, don’t panic.’

  Jay was suspicious. It sounded like Jackal was trying to help him. But why would he, after everything that had happened?

  Jackal pulled him roughly into the corridor. Jay groaned, the Sarpien's firm grip pressing on one of his bruises. Jackal began to drag him down the corridor.

  Whatever meagre friendliness Jackal had shown in the cell was gone now. Jay picked up his pace so the Sarpien would stop pulling him along. Still in Jackal's tight grip, they passed the two winged Sarpiens and down another long tunnel.

  He could hear them following but when he glanced back saw they were in no hurry and were quite a distance behind.

  ‘Don’t panic,’ Jay muttered. ‘you sound like Karen.’

  Jackal grinned at him, the first genuine smile Jay had seen on his face. ‘Well, you could say we have our similarities.’

  Jay felt his anger boiling. ‘You're nothing like Karen!’

  Jackal chuckled, the sinister sound echoing down the stone corridor. ‘You mean she didn’t tell you? Then again, there’s no reason why she should. Karen used to be a pretty good Sarpien.’

  Jay's muscles tensed in shock and tried to recover as Jackal started dragging him again..

  ‘I don’t believe you!’ Jay's thoughts were already racing though. Karen could fight and she knew lots about the five Orders. She'd known Jackal. He shivered, feeling cold all over. Karen had known Mantis - No, she couldn't be, she couldn't!

  Jackal laughed again, softer this time. ‘Doesn’t matter. Only way to prove it would be to ask her – can’t really see that happening.’

  Jay struggled in his grasp, wanting away from him.

  ‘None of that,’ Jackal whispered closely in his ear. ‘Remember what I said. You want out of this alive, you do as I say.’

  Jackal turned a corner and pulled him down some steep narrow steps. At the bottom it opened into a large chamber and Jackal finally released him.

  Jay looked around at the huge cave. There was a big pool in the centre and on the far side, he could see a large cavity in the rock, devoid of any light. He cou
ghed a little, the smoke from the torches drifting through the space. He could see several, attached to dull, iron sconces in various points along the cave walls. The only other light to see by was the bright shaft blazing down from a crack in the ceiling.

  He watched the people around him warily. Jackal, Harrier and Swallow were not the only Sarpiens in the chamber. There was the giant man in hulking grey armour. Jay remembered him from back on Lister Road.

  His attention was pulled away by a much smaller and thinner man with a leery expression and the same yellow-tinted skin as Karen, though it was darker.

  Jay scowled when he saw Mantis. He started to shake, angry and upset as he remembered Karen again. He tried to hold back his tears, wanting her back so badly.

  Jackal gestured for all of his warriors to stay before striding to the black hole. Jay swallowed as he was left in the care of Harrier and Swallow. He wondered what was happening, Jackal was just stood there, watching the hole.

  There was some signal that Jay knew he missed, because something changed. Jackal clasped his medallion and transferred into his armour. The thin man which Jay had not seen before and Mantis also changed.

  Jay started to feel very uneasy. There had been no interaction, Jackal hadn't even glanced at his warriors. He stared at Mantis’ foreboding, green armour and then at the other man, whose armour was bronze, his helmet shaped like a cobra’s head.

  What was happening? As he kept glancing around, trying to determine what had changed, it slowly dawned on him. He gasped, more scared than he'd ever been.

  Every Sarpien had a green snake. Even with their medallions active, the armour bared the left arm, revealing their loyalty. But now every one of those snakes had eyes that were glowing brightly.

  There was something terrible about those eyes. They stared with blood-red animosity, as if they were alive, conscious.

  Jay glanced back at Jackal and jerked back in fright. The Sarpien general was knelt on the floor but there was something moving, coming out of the hole.

  A deep hissing reverberated around him. Jay didn't even consider flight, he was glued to the spot in terror.

 

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