Sedom turned back to him, the moon's light gleaming in her eyes. “We must find a way,” she turned away from him to look back at the city, but not tonight. It has been a long day for us all.”
The man nodded, understanding. He waited a moment, then hesitated to speak, “Chadon, you do know you’re bleeding?” he mentioned, motioning to her arm.
Sedom glanced down to her sleeve. Sure enough, she was bleeding. “Son of a--” she cursed in her native tongue. “Thank you. I’ll have my doctor look at it.” She nodded her thanks, but cursed herself under her breath.
The man left, allowing Sedom her time to think. What was she going to do with a group of people who could barely think for themselves? Nokinil was right, they couldn’t exactly defend themselves against an invading Marisheio force. She wasn’t sure how she did it herself only that she did and somehow during the battle, her arm was injured.
She felt over to her wound, the skin burnt and slightly flaky around the outsides. “Disrupter,” she thought out loud. “Guess someone managed to get off a lucky shot.”
“Lucky it didn’t kill you,” Cidele called from the stairs.
Sedom turned to watch her friend walk up the stairs. “Let me guess, your father sent you?” Sedom asked in a huff. Hadn’t Lolum scolded her enough for one night?
Cidele’s smile brightened the dark night as she stepped up onto the decking. “My father, Zion, Noral, and Evolanc. I’m sure Dranuim would have also, but he’s barricaded himself in the observation room trying to rewire all the old systems. I doubt he even knows what day it is,” she joked.
Sedom half-grinned, “That man does need to see the sun more often,” Sedom admitted. She paused, finding Cidele removing her jacket. “What are you doing?”
“Looking at your wound,” she stated motherly. “You’ll be up here most of the night thinking and you’ll forget that you’re bleeding to death,” she scolded. “Jacket, off,” she ordered.
Begrudgingly, Sedom removed her jacket. Her arm was a mess of burned flesh and blisters. Sedom seethe seeing her own injury, but not from the pain. Several times she flexed the arm, causing her blisters to pop and her skin crack.
Cidele forced her to stop. “What are you doing?” she gasped.
“It’s only a flesh wound,” Sedom mentioned.
“That can easily become infected,” Cidele stated frustrated. “Sedom, you need―”
“To be me?” Sedom finished. Her mind was still on other thoughts, thoughts which were not remotely linked to her battle wounds. “I did what I had to. Those people were going to die. I couldn’t stand back and watch my city destroyed by Marisheio.”
Cidele’s white face grew paler. She took a step back from Sedom. “More careful was what I was going to say. Your city?” she questioned. Sedom frowned unsure of what she meant. “You said “your city.” You were thinking about the day Talisan was destroyed. That’s why you ran out without thinking of the consequences. For some reason you thought by saving those people you were saving your own,” she believed. “Well, it was heroic and foolish of you.”
Sedom forced her jacket back on and turned away. She liked Cidele, almost like a sister, but Sedom couldn’t stand when she would point out her flaws.
Cidele wrapped her arm around her, avoiding her injury. “You’ve been having the nightmares again, haven’t you?” she asked. Sedom didn’t answer, she didn’t need to. “When you saw the city being attacked you thought back to when you were a defenseless child.”
“Not so defenseless now,” Sedom muttered. “How many did I manage to save?”
Cidele leaned against the railing, crossing her arms. “So far, two-hundred and twenty-three managed to make into Gathow. Eighteen are in the infirmary. Dr. Noral says that he doesn’t expect two to live through the night. I’ve managed to find housing for the rest. Rosanheer and Zion went out into the forest to search for more,” she explained.
Sedom remained silent for a moment. She waved one of the orbs to her. “Allow Zion and Rosanheer full access in and out of Gathow and anyone they return with level one access unless Marisheio. Also, send twenty orbs to search the forest for any Crehail survivors,” she ordered.
“Good idea. I saw Nokinil leaving. I’m sure he’s anxious to know your plans,” Cidele mentioned.
Again Sedom remained silent, unsure how to answer. Cidele wrapped her sweater around her shoulders and waited. She knew Sedom wasn't remaining silent because she didn't want to talk only that she hadn't determined the right words yet. Give Sedom enough time and she would find her words.
“The Marisheio attacked twelve cities this season. I'm certain this won't be the last city on their list of devastation. There will be more survivors who will need a place to regroup and rebuild. Survivors who will be hell-bent on revenge just like us. If you want to start an army, you might want to think about recruiting closer to home,” Cidele mentioned.
Sedom turned to Cidele, her golden eyes glistening in the firelight. What Cidele said made sense, the only sense. A firm nod brought Cidele to her feet.
“Very well, I'll arrange a meeting with Nokinil and my father in the morning. Meanwhile, you go to the infirmary, now!” Cidele ordered.
Sedom couldn't help but chuckle as she followed Cidele down the stairs and back into the caves of Gathow. Cidele had a singular way of persuading her that no one else had.
***
In her quarters, Sedom collapsed on her sofa and closed her heavy eyelids. Her body felt completely drained. Zion was correct, as much as she hated to admit it. She really shouldn’t dream-walk in the field. Each time she attempted to heal someone, her body’s energy plummeted.
It was only a short time later when she opened her eyes again. Her nose woke her further when she smelled her favorite hot berry tea. Her eyesight was blurry at first, but soon cleared to the image of her dining table, covered with computer pads.
Garric sat next to her with a teacup resting in his hands. “Rough day at the office?” he joked as he handed her the cup of tea. She gladly accepted it, grunting her amusement at his statement.
As she reached for the cup, she felt a large bandage covering her wound. “You?” she asked Garric. He nodded submissively. “Thanks. I really didn’t want to bother Noral. Let me rephrase that, I didn’t want to get a lecture from Noral about how irresponsible I am,” she spat with disdain. “Do we have an update on our guests?”
Garric grinned, even though she could tell he wanted to laugh. “I doubt Noral would bother with the lecture this time. You gave him too much to do. As for our guests, you rescued two-hundred and twenty-eight total. Not enough to count as a victory, but it’s a good start,” he gulped.
“Two-hundred and…” she muttered.
“Zion and Rosanheer managed to find six more last night, but one of them died,” he explained.
Sedom’s eyes turned to her teacup, her mind buzzing. “I plan to go out in the morning and search for other survivors, just in case some managed to flee the city.”
“You think there are any?” Garric asked.
“Do you?” she returned, curious of his answer.
Garric shook his head, unsteady. “I'm not sure why they even bothered to hunt for anyone in the city unless they were looking for someone in particular. Maybe you?”
“Doubtful. But I’m sure they’re searching for me now,” Sedom joked.
“Yes, well, I can assure you your actions didn’t go unnoticed.” He paused, sitting back in his seat. “Thinking back, common procedures dictate they incinerate the area and leave nothing to chance. It’s too early in the project to use slaves for manual labor. Slaves would be too great of an expense and would get in the way.”
“Huh, well if they weren’t searching for me, then who were they looking for?” Sedom questioned as she took a sip of her tea.
Garric rested his head against the back of the chair, his mind struggling with the words. “Alree,” he stated with hesitation.
Sedom sat up from her seat, suddenly inte
rested in what Garric was saying. “Elaborate.”
Garric blinked several times as he thought. “He’s a Crehail man in his late forties. He has internal knowledge of the Empire's weapons and defense department. He was also a liaison to the Wyice family.”
“Wyice? The name keeps popping up. Who are they?” Sedom asked, her body now hunched closer to Garric.
“They’re the primary manufacturers of illegal drugs in the section of the galaxy. They also manufacture biological weapons for the Empire. Without Alree, the Empire has no way to communicate with the Wyice's. He’s especially close to Lord Sidoc Wyice, who’s particularly elusive. Some say he's the genius of the family...” He paused, looking towards the door, “…and the one who created the virus which killed your people,” he added.
“Sidoc Wyice…” Sedom thought as she began to pace. Now she had a name to go with her hatred. “So it's in our best interest to find this… Alree, before the Marisheio?”
Garric nodded. “I would… if that is indeed who they’re searching for. I might be completely incorrect.”
“What makes you think he’s on Matrador?” Sedom questioned.
Garric rose from his seat and hurried to her dining room table where stacks of computers sat. He thumbed through three, finding the right one he needed. He returned, handing it to her. “These are my reports from two weeks ago.”
She read through the report, suddenly enlightened by what she read. She hurried from the living room to call Zion.
“What is it, Sortec?” he barked over the line.
“Drop the attitude. Garric informed me of some information I want to check into. Meet me at Nokinil's quarters. I have a few questions for him.”
“What? Can't you handle an old man by yourself? You do everything else by yourself,” Zion growled back.
“Nokinil's quarters, now!” she demanded, causing even Garric to flinch. She turned to Garric, noticing his startled expression. “He's pissed that I didn't include him in the festivities above. It’s the first time he’s ever yelled at me,” she admitted.
He nodded several times. “Situation reversed, I would be too. In his eyes, you are his responsibility to keep safe. He’s already lost one charge. He’d have to take his own life if he lost another,” Garric pointed out.
“Asa, hum?” She paused, thinking about what he said. “I guess I understand that. I pay him to guard me, I should probably let him,” she thought out loud. Garric nodded, agreeing as she spoke. “I never thought you’d be on his side.”
“I need you alive. It’s the only way I’ll remain so also,” he joked seriously back.
***
Zion was already at the mayor's quarters when Sedom arrived. She did not bother to acknowledge Zion. She could feel his discontentment at her as she walked up to the door. She knocked.
Nokinil answered the door, his face long and his eyes puffy from tears. “Chadon Sortec, how may I be of assistance?” he asked with a sniffle.
“My friend Zion,” she introduced. “May we enter?” she asked. He stepped aside, allowing them to enter his quarters. “Have you begun working on a list?”
He hurried over to the sofa, grabbing a computer pad. “These are all the survivors from our city and their locations.”
Sedom took the list, searching for Taraam Alree’s name, the name Garric mentioned to her. His name was not listed.
“That's fine. Give Cidele a copy and we'll decide on occupations for everyone,” she decided.
“You're allowing them to stay?” Zion asked in his native language so as to not frighten Nokinil.
“I want an army. I can't exactly build one at the rate I'm going. As I see it, we’re going to need people to fill the basic operations of Gathow as well,” she hushed back. “I'm planning to take a search party out tomorrow to see if we can locate anyone else who managed to flee. Do you have any ideas where we should look?” she asked.
Nokinil stared at Zion for a moment, then nodded. “The tunnels near Orvai falls. We had a hunting party head in that direction. My guess, there might have been thirty men and a few teens. They may have managed to see what happen and hide there. We stored supplies in the caves for three days in case of an event like this.”
“We'll start our search there,” Sedom said, nudging Zion. “Get some sleep. With any luck, your people are still alive.”
“Chadon, my nephew Danstu is with the group. If you do manage to find them, ask for him and tell him Coppy sent you.”
Sedom motioned for Zion to follow. During the time she walked with Zion, she couldn't help but think… Coppy?
“What is a Coppy?” Zion finally had to ask, he too curious.
Sedom frowned unsure if she heard Nokinil correctly. “The name of a fat fish in Volk. If I recall correctly, it’s quite vile,” Sedom smirked. “Meet me in the morning by the tunnels again. We're going hunting. Tell Rosanheer to join us.”
“You're allowing me to come with you this time?” Zion grumbled.
Sedom turned to Zion, her hands on her hips. “What do you want from me? You know the kind of person I am and I'm not about to apologize for it. If you feel the need to protect me, then I suggest you learn to keep up.”
Zion glared at Sedom then continued to walk away. “See you in the morning.”
***
At daybreak, Sedom paced by the mouth of the tunnel’s entrance, waiting for Zion and Rosanheer. Both were heavily armed as they hiked up to her. Sedom only carried her side arm and a canteen.
Rosanheer shook his head amused as she waved them to follow her. “I understand she's different, but I didn't think she was insane. What was that last night, fifty, sixty Marisheio?” Rosanheer asked as the two followed Sedom into the tunnels.
“I was too busy to count,” Sedom joked. She tossed them both two light sticks.
Rosanheer snatched the light stick in midair, snapping it as it connected with his hand. The tunnel suddenly glowed a greenish-yellow.
“You do realize that the Marisheio are looking for you? After a stunt like that, I wouldn’t be surprised they order a fleet to take you out.” Rosanheer asked, keeping his distance from Sedom. Her mood was volatile and even he didn't want to chance a violent reaction to a wrong question.
Sedom shrugged, finding their conversation ordinary. In a way it was. How long had the Marisheio chased after her? She lost track. Though, it seemed like every few hours someone had to bring up the fact the Marisheio were after her.
“Let them try to find me. Marisheio are comprised of half-wits and numb-brained faas. Come, we've got people to rescue.” She motioned to the men to follow her down the tunnel. She continued to walk on ahead.
Zion snickered to himself as he flicked his own light stick. “Present company included?” he joked. Rosanheer rolled his eyes.
Within the tunnel, the two men started down the path towards the entrance of the forest. Sedom whistled, causing them to turn to her. “Down here.” She waved for them to follow her.
Zion glanced down the tunnel where Sedom stood. “It's a dead-end,” he called through cupped hands.
“Come on,” Sedom called back, waving them to follow. Quickly, she disappeared into the darkness, leaving them behind.
Rosanheer's eyes widened with his panic. “Oh hell, what did she do now?” he huffed as he ran after Sedom. “Sortec!”
Sedom pressed her body against the dark wall, waiting for the men to follow her. Rosanheer searched the darkness in a panic, whereas Zion simply turned to face Sedom, regardless of being able to see her.
“This tunnel is the main artery to all the tunnels and caves within this area,” Sedom explained as she shined her light down what looked to be a dead-end. The sudden light caused Rosanheer to jump. “If people are hiding in the caves, this tunnel will lead us directly to them.” She shone her light, illuminating an opening in the wall which could have been easily overlooked. “Come on.”
The next tunnel was illuminated by several glass stones embedded in the ceiling. Although dirt
covered many of them, light still managed to peek in through the cracks. “It’s called an assinal,” she explained as she pointed to the walls.
Exquisite paintings of ancient Narkoy adorned the walls of the tunnel. Glistening gold paint shimmered in the pale light. Rosanheer paused, examining the rare and beautiful paintings. “These paintings are amazing, Sortec. They should be in a museum.”
“They’re nearly five-hundred years old.” She paused to shine her light on one painting in particular. It was an image of three figures, a female child, an adult woman and an old woman, all holding the exact same staff passed down to her from her grandmother. “My ancestors painted them as map markers. It was meant as a way to guide us back to the city… and to remind us of our history,” Sedom explained.
“What keeps people from using this tunnel?” Zion asked as he adjusted his weapon over his shoulder.
Sedom flashed her light down the tunnel, illuminating a snarling, hairless Hoviss, only footsteps from their location. The animal resembled the offspring of a six-foot tall gray hound mixed with a rhinoceros.
“Those,” she smirked. She forced the two men behind her as the animal approached. “Stay back,” she whispered. She stepped forward, her left hand raised to ward the beast back. “Alka eminas sorta Sortec!” she called out. The creature hissed and growled as it continued towards them. “Alka emina! Esha Manun!” she screamed again, shooing them away with her light. “Esha Manun. Go now.”
The Hoviss sniffed the air, snarled and ran off down the tunnel. The three could hear the Hoviss howling as it ran away.
She turned back to her macho friends, noticing their eyes wide with fear. “Bet you didn’t think you’d see one of those today, hum?” she said, her hands slightly shaking. She had run into the Hoviss a few times and she knew they wouldn’t attack her, but they still unnerved her. “The Narkoy call them Hoviss. They’re nasty creatures that feed on the flesh of those who are foolish enough to take refuge in these tunnels. My ancestors brought the Hoviss here to Matrador to serve as security for the city and our firestones.”
The Last Narkoy: Gathow: Book 2 Page 12