She rested back on the sofa, continuing to listen. Who was on her stairs and why were they not coming up? Silence. The stair creaked again making her shoot up. Sedom ran over to the door, pressing her ear against the door itself to listen who might be outside.
Minutes passed and still no knock. Sedom reached for her weapon's belt, hanging on a hook near the front door, and removed her pistol. Carefully she opened the door, not making a sound.
Standing at the main door was three figures. Two, she was certain were Lolum with his long beard glistening in the pale street-light and Zion. The other was hard to determine. He was turned away, his back slightly bent and his voice low and raspy. The two were arguing about something, but Sedom could not hear exactly what it was.
“Regardless, she won't listen to you. Sortec will have nothing to do with the Rook after what happened between them. Honestly, I doubt she'd like to hear your back on the planet. You are still Rook,” Lolum spoke harsh, yet with a voice that still spoke with kindness and tenderness.
“Ask my ex-wife and she’ll tell you otherwise. All I need is a few minutes. If she wants nothing to do with me, then I'll be on my way,” the man spoke, near pleading.
“If she wants nothing to do with you, you’ll be dead,” Zion pointed out.
Lolum grunted. “No, they’re old friends. She won’t—“
Sedom frowned as she listened to the man's voice. It was a voice she heard before, but where? She searched through her mind, trying to recall where she heard his voice. It wasn’t until she heard the tapping of the man’s cane was she able to make a connection. “Norton Helli?” she called down. She lowered her pistol, resting it against her hip.
All three men turned to her, Norton a bit slower and with aid of a cane. It had been nearly two years since Sedom saved Norton from the Marisheio. He was a game slave whose collar, the very collar Garric wore, malfunctioned. Because of the malfunction, he was able to recall his memories. With a great deal of effort, Sedom had helped him remove the collar. Without his collar, he was able to remember everything about his life, including that he was the spouse of Tipton Rook, who happened to be the sister of Emperor Jarook… her sworn enemy.
Unfortunately, when Sedom found him, his leg had been badly injured by one of her hunting traps and she had to remove it. His other leg was removed when he was a young soldier with the Rycal army.
“Chadon, good to see you're home. I have urgent business I need to speak with you about,” Norton called up the stairs.
Sedom could not help but smile. Norton had a way of talking that always made her smile. “It's okay. I can handle this.” She walked down the stairs to help her friend. “How about we come up to my place and I'll make you some tea.”
“Kind of you, Chadon.” Norton took hold of Sedom's arm as she led him up the stairs. “People here in Gathow certainly do a lot of climbing.”
Sedom glanced back at Zion, who was watching Norton with uneasiness. She nodded, acknowledging his concern. “How in the name of Nom'kel did you find us?” she asked as they entered her quarters.
“Your man, Zion, found me and my guides wandering around the forest. I guess you mentioned my name in passing and he recognized it. He took pity on me and brought us to Lolum,” Norton explained.
Sedom guided him into the living room. “Doubt there was any pity involved. Zion is a Zalmin, a mind-reader. He probably scanned you and saw that I knew you. Who else knows you're here?” she asked. She went into the kitchen area and proceeded to pour Norton a glass of wine from her grandmother's collection and then one for herself.
“Zalmin, hum? That explains a lot. It’s strange to hear you offering me tea. What are you now, twelve?” Norton asked.
“Hum?” Sedom returned with the glass of wine. “The best kind of tea,” she joked.
Norton's eyes widen with delight. “You are heaven-sent. I didn't know any of your grandmother's wine survived. It was always the best...” He took a sip, letting the flavor tickle his tongue. “Perfect. I can't think of anything more...”
“Perfect?” Sedom took a sip, then settled back onto the sofa. “Grandmother stored the wine in Gathow to help with the fermenting process. I'll give you a case when you leave. Much like the firestones, the Narkoy always had wine in abundance.”
“I would like that, thank you.” Norton glanced over at Sedom, frowning. “Aren't you a little young to drink?”
Sedom swished the glass of red-wine around. “My mother started me drinking this when I was five… to gain a tolerance. She figured if I was going to be Chadon, alcohol was part of the job. This,” she lifted her glass, “is one of the strongest alcohols one can drink. The more one drinks, the more the tongue grows loose... partly why it is used so often. She felt if I grew a tolerance, people would assume my tongue was loose... but I'd actually have control.”
“How much can you drink then?”
“Four to five glasses, then I start to feel the effects,” Sedom joked. “So, how many glasses do you need?”
“Three sips,” Norton joked with a slight slur, making Sedom believe he was not joking.
“So... talk to me. Why risk your life to visit me?” Sedom asked.
“The Marnet… who else?” He began with a deep, shuddering breath. “Rumors have it you've been in contact with him. The Dormin government states they know nothing of his whereabouts. We also can't reach Braum Jasper Daveric, who we know knows how we can reach the Marnet.” He handed Sedom his glass for another refill.
Sedom took the hint and went into the kitchen to refill the glass. “And you think I'll volunteer Rokaa?” She returned, handing him back his glass. “Your Emperor is out of his mind.”
“I'm not here to represent the Emperor... thank you.” He took the wine from Sedom. “When I returned to Juvin-que, my wife and I divorced and I moved to the Porpai district in the south of Cror. Somehow I became involved in politics in the district. One thing led to another and I was elected the Disar of Porpai... and now I have a seat on the government floor. People want change, Sedom. They want Rokaa back... we need him back. He was the only one brave enough to keep the Emperor in check.”
“He's in exile because of your Emperor,” Sedom pointed out.
“The masses will protect him. The people will put Rokaa on the throne in order...”
Sedom sat forward looking Norton in his ruby eyes. “In order for what exactly? To make themselves not feel guilty for allowing my people to die? Tell you what, I'll give you Rokaa if you give me your Emperor's head,” she spoke with heated words, her golden eyes glowing brighter than a flame.
“Are you finished? I'm talking seriously. Rokaa can bring back order to Juvin-que.”
“He may be dead for all I know,” she grumbled.
“But you can find out,” Norton asked, almost begging. Sedom grunted. “Sedom, I can guarantee he would be protected. For the sake of the Mandicien, please talk to him for me.”
“You're remaining for a few days?” Sedom asked.
“As long as it takes,” Norton agreed.
Sedom stood, placing her book back on the shelves. “I'll see what I can do. For now, I'll have Lolum find you somewhere to sleep.”
Norton took the hint and stood. “Thanks for the wine. I don't want to take up any more of your time. I can find my way back to Lolum's,” he offered. “It's good to see you again.”
Sedom smiled, nodding. “You too.” She closed the door behind him then continued to listen as Norton stumbled his way back down the steps. Sedom downed her glass of wine. “Why not,” she huffed. She took a seat at her com station and dialed in Jasper Daveric’s number. A young woman appeared on the monitor half-dressed in a see-through nightgown.
“Can I help you?” the woman asked.
“The Braum,” Sedom barked, unnerved that a woman answered Jasper's com.
“And who are you?” the woman asked with a steely voice.
“Chadon Sortec. I'd ask the same, but I don't care,” Sedom answered, her expression stern.
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“Sedom?” Jasper's voice spoke high. Jasper forced the woman aside, taking her place. “Sedom, wow, I forgot I gave you this number. It's good too... see you? Oh hell.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Get some clothes on,” he ordered to the woman.
“Entertaining tonight, I see?” Sedom mentioned, slightly jealous.
He grinned devilishly hearing her jealousy. “I could get used to that. Jealousy looks good on you,” he winked. “She was a gift from a friend to celebrate my twenty... think nothing of her. I know I don't.”
“I didn't picture you the type to be so... sexually flamboyant,” Sedom mentioned.
“We treat sex different here. It's casual, recreational. What… can I help you with today my lovely woman of the AO?”
“My? Think again. You happen to know where I can find Rokaa?” Sedom asked.
Jasper's eyes turned downward, his face placid as if he were holding back his anger and frustration. “Why?”
Sedom chuckled, seeing his change in expression. “Jealousy doesn't look good on you though,” she pointed out.
“Different when you're in love with a woman,” Jasper griped under his breath.
Sedom rolled her eyes. “Aren't we being dramatic? You're hardly in love with me. Besides, it's your twenty. I doubt Rokaa would miss that. I have Norton Helli here looking for him. I wanted to get word to him.”
Jasper released a frustrated sigh. “He's the one who gave me her,” he motioned behind him to the half-dressed woman. “He's in the next room. I'll patch you through.”
The picture of Jasper faded and was replaced with the picture of a head of hair and a bottle of alcohol.
“Rough night?” Sedom asked.
Rokaa jumped upright hearing her voice. “Sedom?” he groaned, moving his hair from his face. “This... is a surprise,” he lisped.
“Are you drunk?” Sedom asked.
Rokaa tipped the bottle of alcohol closer to the screen. “The Dormin know how to throw one hell of a twenty-party.” He sat back trying to focus his eyes. “Good to see you. Everything okay?”
Sedom shrugged. “Norton Helli stopped by for a visit. He wants to talk with you about going home,” she mentioned making Rokaa burst into laughter.
“Right. Now I know I'm drunk. For one, you wouldn't let a Rook into Gathow. And two, there is no way I'd be allowed to return home. The Emperor would have my head.” He took up the bottle and drank the last drop.
“If it were attached,” Sedom pointed out. “Looks like you're having a lot of fun. I'm surprised you don't have your own recreational partner like Jasper.”
Rokaa grinned. “Recreational partner? Oh, her. No, my heart's been given to another.” He flirted, causing Sedom to blush lightly. “I wish you could have been here. You'd have fun.”
Sedom glanced over her shoulder hearing yet another set of footsteps coming up the stairs. “Something tells me it wouldn't have been a good idea. So… Norton. No Norton? What do you want me to tell him?”
“Sha...” Rokaa set the bottle aside. “Politics always bites you where it hurts. Tell him I'll call him in Gathow tomorrow and see what he has to say.” He paused, squinting. “Sedom, is it me or do you have two heads?”
Sedom glanced over her shoulder, noticing Cidele standing beside her. “Cidele, Rokaa,” she introduced. “Well, I better let you get back to your party. Don't drink too much.”
“Yeah, right. You are loved,” Rokaa spoke.
“So are you,” Sedom returned and shut off the screen. Hesitantly, she turned to Cidele. “You're as bad as Garric. Why didn't you knock?”
“Norton said you were alone. I thought I'd come up and keep you company. Now I see you had all the company you needed,” Cidele said with a wink.
“Not what you think,” Sedom huffed as she stood.
“Actually, I think it is. And what's this I hear that you're leaving again?” Cidele asked, her hands on her hips.
Sedom rose from the com station, stretching her back. “Zion has a big mouth.”
“Norton said you were leaving. I don't talk to that over-grown haasorth. So how long this time? A week, a month?”
“Now you're sounding like Garric,” Sedom pointed out, knowing how much she hated to be compared to her servant. Cidele gave her a drop-dead gaze. “When we get back. Danstu will be in command until I return.”
Cidele shook her head, walking away. “And that's supposed to rest my mind at ease,” she griped. “Well, whatever you're going to do, I hope it's worth it.” She paused, turning back to Sedom. “What is it that you're doing?”
Sedom’s eyes grew distant. She didn’t want to tell Cidele, but she knew her friend wouldn’t stop pestering her until she told her. “We’re going to track down the Oslo.”
Cidele's almond eyes widened. “Surely not? How? Isn't it across the galaxy in the Domaris system?”
Sedom paused, staring at Cidele dumbfounded. “How did you know that?” Sedom questioned as she stood.
“I’m a tracker. One in my position comes across information. Besides, you had me locked up with Garric in the library. I had to read something,” she hinted.
Sedom frowned. “And here I was worried about Garric learning too much,” Sedom smirked.
“Sedom,” Cidele began with heavy words. “Do you know how dangerous it is to go through the Cha’lan system? You’re risking your life, for what? A ship? We have hundreds of ships already with no one to fly them. Bringing home the Oslo now isn’t going to help us,” Cidele pointed out.
“Having our most powerful weapon docked on our enemy's doorstep isn’t a good idea. What if they did find it and what if they managed to override my grandmother’s commands and take the ship? We’re dead, end of story. I’d feel much safer having the Oslo here,” Sedom explained.
After a long moment, Cidele nodded slowly. “Then I’m coming with you,” she decided.
“No, I need you here to keep an eye on Danstu and your father. I trust Zion and I’m sure he’ll put together a good team,” Sedom said, slightly unsure of her words.
Out of frustration, she grabbed her long braid, which kept flipping over her shoulder, then tossed it back. “Do you think I should cut my hair? Garric mentioned it was getting rather long. I’m just not sure.”
Cidele grabbed Sedom’s knife from her side holster and with two swipes her hair was two feet shorter. “Yep, looks great,” she huffed as she handed Sedom the missing part of her braid.
Sedom’s hand reached to her braid, her eyes widened in horror. “Cidele! I just asked your opinion. I didn’t want you…”
“I don’t want you to go, but you are. Every time you leave Gathow, it’s like there’s a piece missing around here. We need you to stay. What if…” she paused, holding back her sobs.
Sedom turned to her friend, resting her hand on Cidele’s cheek. “I’ll be fine. It’s a simple mission. The only thing we have to worry about—“
“Is being caught by the enemy? Yeah, no need to worry at all,” Cidele spat back bitterly. She slithered into one of the seats at the table, holding her hands out on the table top. “Just… be careful. I’d feel better about this if I could come with you. You might need a good tracker,” she mentioned.
A gentle tap of someone knocking on the doorway echoed into the room. Both turned, noticing Danstu standing behind them.
“Sorry to interrupt, but I was informed we have a member of the Rook here in Gathow. Is that true?” he asked.
Sedom turned her attention to the stack of computer pads before her. “Yes and no,” she answered cryptically.
“Norton is a Rook?” Cidele questioned. “Oh yeah, his wife,” she thought out loud.
“Ex-wife,” Sedom clarified. “They recently divorced. That’s partly why I haven’t killed him yet. That and…”
“You’re old friends,” Cidele mentioned.
Sedom nodded. She could feel Danstu’s eyes focused on her, demanding the story behind her friendship. “I saved him from the Marisheio a few years ago while
I was living in the forest. It’s a long story,” she explained. “Now, he’s here on political business. He’s attempting to reach the Marnet.”
“Why come here?” Cidele asked before Danstu had the opportunity.
Sedom grinned devilishly. “Because I know something no one else does,” she said. “Um… Cidele, why don’t I catch up with you later?” she hinted.
“I get it,” Cidele sighed, rolling her eyes.
Once Cidele had left the room, Sedom turned her attention to Danstu. “Have you been keeping up with Mandicien politics much?” she asked seriously.
Danstu leaned against the wall, crossing his thin arms over his chest. “Not since arriving to Matrador. I do know there was quite a controversy over your potential pairing. What I came to understand was your Ardath was signed without the Emperor’s consent.”
Sedom agreed, her eyes growing distant. “He went along with it to lure me to Juvin-que. He figured if I was in his custody, Gathow was as good as his,” she added.
“Teach him,” Danstu smirked back.
“Right,” she grumbled. “The events that he set in motion after the attack forever made him my enemy as much as the Marisheio. In my eyes, anything I can do to make his life hell—“
Danstu held up his hand. “I understand. The Marnet has been a notorious pain in the Rook’s side. If he allied himself with the Tasgool—“
Sedom shook her head. “Not yet. We have to be careful at this point. I eventually need him to return to Juvin-que, but I don’t have the power to protect him yet. If he returns now, I fear for his safety. Though, the opportunity Norton is offering him is too good to pass up,” she explained.
“You may be two steps behind in some areas, but politically I can tell you’re five steps ahead,” Danstu mentioned.
Sedom grunted. “When it comes to the Rook, yes I am.”
“And speaking of more power, I arranged with the Brokt for two-thousand soldiers. I’ve tripled Cidele’s team and we’re starting to use level three to house ground troops. I thought it would better to begin segregating the different military groups,” he mentioned.
The Last Narkoy: Gathow: Book 2 Page 28