“There’s a riot! We need more men there!” a distant voice shouted.
As the last of the Bargemen were killed, the remaining Exiles perked up at the shout. They grabbed the Bargemen’s weapons, but there weren’t enough.
“There’s more coming! I don’t have a weapon!” a panicked Exile cried out.
“Then run! Get out of here!” a longsword-wielding Exile quickly replied.
“Maybe we should all run!”
“Where would we even run!?”
The incoming Bargemen’s thunderous footsteps and angry shouts grew fiercer and louder.
“Winterlander!” a voice called out behind Viktor.
Viktor turned around to see a young man, dressed like neither Bargeman nor Exile, with a bow and quiver slung on his back.
“What?” Viktor said.
The man glanced at Black Eyes’ unconscious body. “I saw the both of you get brought in. Come with me, quick!”
“Why!?” Viktor shouted.
“There’s no time! Just follow me!” the archer shouted, beginning to scamper away.
“Fuck!” Viktor shouted, running over to Black Eyes, grunting as he picked him up, and following right after the archer.
Around the corner of the building, the archer led Viktor towards an alley with no one else in sight. He continued following the archer, too out of breath to call out. His only option was to follow despite his lack of trust. Why did he kill the officer? Why did he lead me away? Viktor asked himself. From behind, steel clashed on steel and agonizing screams echoed.
“Almost there!” the archer called out.
“W—where are we g—goin!?” Viktor called, out of breath.
“Can’t say it aloud! The wrong ears could hear! Just stick with me!” the archer responded.
The archer quickly cut around a corner then stopped by the door leading into a small building. He fumbled in his pocket, pulling out a key just as Viktor caught up. He then scurried to unlock the door, opening it, and hurrying Viktor inside.
“Get in, quick!” the archer shouted, holding the door open.
Viktor stumbled through the doorway, barely keeping Black Eyes held up. The door slammed shut and the archer scurried past them towards the far corner of the room. The room was completely empty except for a gray rug in the corner.
“Down this way,” the archer directed.
“W—what are…”
The archer pulled the rug off to reveal a trap door, then promptly opened it. A modest draft emanated from below, and the smell of salt water-stained rock filled Viktor’s nose.
“Just down here,” said the archer.
“W—what’s down there?” Viktor strained.
“Safety.”
Viktor’s body gave in to the discomfort, and he collapsed to his knees, dropping Black Eyes to the floor. He grunted painfully then breathed rapidly.
“It’s just down there! You can make it!” the archer reassured.
“C-can’t… carry…” Viktor muttered.
“I’ll carry him, just go! Now!”
While grunting and straining, Viktor crawled to the open trap door and climbed in leg-first. As he descended the iron ladder, the salty rock smell got stronger, and the air got warmer. The descent was only a bit shorter than twenty feet, and once Viktor got to the bottom, the door shut above, and the archer made the descent with Black Eyes slung over his shoulder. His feet pattered and echoed as they met each step of the ladder.
The archer hopped down next to Viktor and hobbled onward. “Only a little bit more.”
Viktor shambled along, following the archer. They walked through a dimly lit black-stone hallway, salt water seeping through the cracks. At the end of the hall sat a formidable iron door. The archer knocked on it, and the sounds of levers shifting and parts clanking echoed from the cuff port as it opened.
“Griffin? Are you okay?” the voice of a young woman said through the door.
“I’m okay, Helena, but these guys need help. Open the door, quick!”
“Why do you have a Bargeman with you!?” the young woman cried, her eyes peering at Viktor.
“He’s not a Bargeman!” said the archer.
“Why’s he wearing Bargeman armor, then?”
“I don’t know, let us inside and he’ll explain,” the archer said as he turned back to Viktor. “You’ll explain, right?”
“Y—yes…” Viktor said, barely clinging to consciousness.
The woman at the door hesitated a moment, her eyes visibly glaring at the archer through the cuff port. Moments passed, then the woman rolled her eyes, closed the cuff port, and began unlocking the door, the sound of key-in-lock reverberating through the door.
“Get inside. Place that poor bastard on the med table,” the woman said as she opened the door.
The archer swiftly walked inside as Viktor stumbled along. He entered through the doorway shortly after the archer did, passing the woman into a messy room filled with various military and medical equipment, far more advanced than any Viktor had ever seen. The supplies were constructed of polished metal: various scalpels, surgical knifes, and strange needles that were an unfamiliar sight.
“W—what are these?” Viktor asked.
The door shut to a resounding thud, the lock activated, and the woman spoke. “You can ask questions later. I’ll be asking the questions for now, you understand?”
“Th—think so,” said Viktor, some strength returning to his voice.
“Sit down on that chair and catch your breath. I want you to speak properly,” said the woman.
Viktor nodded and shambled over to the chair, beginning to take off his armor pieces. As he lowered himself into the chair, he undid the straps on his breastplate, his shoulder pieces, and his bracers and leg pieces. Once only his underclothes remained, he leaned deep into the chair and let out a hearty sigh of relief. His breaths began to slow, and his body began to regain strength.
“The largest armor I could find was still too small,” said Viktor, chuckling.
“Yeah, speaking of… Why’re you dressed as a Bargeman?” the woman questioned.
“I was locked up in those cells up the stairs with that one over there.” Viktor pointed to Black Eyes as the archer plopped his body onto the med table. “They fucking castrated him, threatened to do the same to me, so I killed them. I dressed up in the armor, carried him out, some fighting happened, and I’m here now.”
“I gather your little costume didn’t work,” the woman said snidely.
“I must be quite distinctive,” said Viktor.
“Not many Winterlanders get sent to the Deadlands. You must be special.” The woman crossed her arms, standing above Viktor and looking down at him.
“Not as special as that one.”
The archer was sorting through various supplies, scanning individual bottles, appearing to read them. He promptly chose one, stuck a needle inside and drew out a small amount of fluid. He then carefully placed the end of the needle in Black Eyes’ arm and slowly pressed down on the plunger. He then wrapped him up in a blanket, placed a pillow under his head, and began placing bandages in and around his gash.
“What were you just doing?” Viktor inquired.
“Saving his life,” the archer replied.
“How… What is any of that?” said Viktor.
“There’s a lot more to Hivemind than even we can comprehend. Now, why is he so special? Somethin’ to do with his eye color?” the archer asked.
“That’s the Black Eyes. I didn’t overhear much, but the Archon wanted special treatment for him.”
“Castration is the highest punishment available, only reserved for the absolute worst. Black Eyes must have done something horrible for the Archon to order such a thing. We shouldn’t have brought him down here,” the archer said.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Griffin. Anyone the Archon hates is someone we want on our side,” the woman said.
“What if he’s worse than the Archon? What good is it to overthrow th
e Archon if we are worse than him?” the archer hit back.
“Hold on!” Viktor interjected. “Overthrow? Just what the fuck is going on here?” He shot to his feet, startling the much-shorter woman and archer.
“To… to put it simply, we’re resisting the Archon. He’s the vilest ruler Hivemind ever had,” the woman replied.
“That may be, but we can’t just conscript anyone. Even the Archon has incredible standards when it comes to castration! We don’t know this guy!” the archer protested.
“Why don’t you just get to know me?”
Viktor, the archer, and the woman flinched at Black Eyes’ voice.
CH 48 – Vaishalla XI
“I’d say things are promising. For the alliance,” said Vai.
“In what way?” Adrian asked.
Vai walked over to the bar table. The innkeeper had informed her that her room would have the finest wine available in Sturgeon, from Winterland reds to Emberberry wine to decades-old Headland wine. Vai picked out a bottle of Emberberry wine and held it up, studying it. Would Asher want Emberberry wine? Or is it too assuming to offer Emberland wine to an Emberlander? I hate Headland wine. Maybe he hates Emberland wine? she pondered.
“He was able to alleviate the, uh, character concerns I had about him,” Vai vaguely explained, setting the bottle down.
“You’re not concerned about how he attacked civilian settlements?” Adrian asked resentfully.
“Sometimes terrible things are necessary in war,” Vai justified. “Doing cruel things doesn’t mean you enjoy cruelty.”
“So, you admit he committed acts of cruelty?” Adrian pointed out.
“Peter was cruel to me on a regular basis, and he thoroughly enjoyed it. Asher is not the type of man to do such a thing for enjoyment,” Vai explained.
“You just seem awfully trusting of him after just a few meetings,” Adrian said.
“I ought to trust my future husband, don’t ya think?”
Adrian furled his face, offering no response. He folded his arms, holding a solemn expression. Vai went over to him, gently placing her hands on his shoulders.
“Why are you being like this, Adrian?”
“I don’t—I, well…” Adrian’s voice trailed off then he sighed reluctantly. “I’m sorry. It’s not appropriate for me to—”
Vai interrupted Adrian by gently cupping his face and softly kissing him. He uncrossed his arms, hesitated for a moment, then reached around, clasping his hands at her lower back, then pulling her close. Their kissing instantly grew fiercer and more passionate. When Adrian reached to unlace her dress, she placed her hand between their mouths.
“Stop, please,” said Vai.
Adrian unlinked his hands and she slowly stepped back. She collected herself then stiffly walked away, looking down at her feet.
“I’m to be married in just a couple hours. We can’t… Not now,” said Vai.
“Why not?” Adrian protested.
“You know damn well why not!” Vai upbraided.
Startled, Adrian flinched slightly, then appeared frustrated.
“I know you aren’t okay with this, and that’s your problem. Go feast with the rest of the army during the wedding if you can’t handle it. I’m sure you’ll find plenty of whores that can alleviate your stress!” Vai lashed out.
“I’m not interested in whores,” Adrian said solemnly.
“That’s not my problem, either. Now leave me be,” Vai ordered.
Adrian scoffed, sighed, then slowly walked towards the door, shutting it behind him.
Vai walked to her bed, a furious scowl plastered on her face. I don’t have time to get angry. I need to keep a clear head, she thought. She walked over to the bar table and picked out a bottle of wine, the Emberberry Red. Adrian likes Emberberry wine. Will Asher? She wanted to open it and pour herself a glass, but she stopped herself. I can’t rely on this anymore. She put the bottle down, then went to the balcony.
From the top and most lavish floor, Vai could see most of the city from her room. Hundreds of buildings of dozens of different sizes and architectural styles stood proudly, and countless people walked around the streets, singing, dancing, and celebrating. She saw a few others marching throughout the streets carrying dual Emberland-Rockland flags they had sewn. There’s no way that Howell won’t hear of this, she thought.
Vai remained on the balcony, enjoying the view of the city, for another hour. As the sun began to sink into the horizon, she went back inside to be greeted by a middle-aged woman with three mannequins in wedding dresses by her. When the woman saw Vai’s surprised look, she immediately seemed guilty.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but I was directed to meet you here,” she said.
“No, I’m glad. What’s your name?” Vai asked.
“Alice, your Majesty.”
“Pleased to meet you, Alice. So, tell me about these dresses,” said Vai.
“Well, given that I didn’t have enough time to make a proper dress special for you, I instead opted to choose the best ones from my pre-made selection.”
Vai briefly studied each dress, how they all fit the mannequins the woman had put them on. “These are all very close to my size. How’s that so?”
“Oh, um, I’d heard from a few of the girls that work for me that these might fit you. I think they spoke to one of the Emberlanders,” said Alice.
An Emberlander? Asher guessed my measurements and got dresses ready for me? Vai reflected. “Good. I think I’ll try that one on.”
Vai pointed to the middle mannequin. The dress was extravagant, made of light-tan silk, embroidered with tiny amber stones all throughout the length of it. The same color dress I wore at the Robinsfort, and much more beautiful.
“I was just about to suggest that one. It’s a personal favorite of mine!” said Alice.
“You said these were premade? I couldn’t have requested something better myself,” Vai complimented.
“I’m honored by your praise, your Majesty. Do you want to try it on now?”
“Absolutely.”
Vai began to unlace her current gown, proceeding to take off all her clothes except for her lingerie, the cold air stinging her exposed skin. Alice began removing the dress from the mannequin, treating it with great care.
“Okay, time to put the dress on,” said Alice.
While Vai slipped into the dress, Alice had a nervous look on her face. She began fitting the dress around Vai’s body while sweat gathered on her brow.
“Are you okay?” Vai asked.
“Of course, y—your Majesty. It’s… It’s just a little warm in here,” said Alice.
No, it isn’t, Vai thought. Who is this woman? Who sent her?
“You and I both know it isn’t warm in here.” Vai grabbed Alice’s hands, looking her straight in the eye.
Alice looked at her fearfully. “I, uh, it’s just, well…”
“Guard!” Vai called.
The door burst open and two Royal Guardsmen came rushing inside, ready to strike. They looked at Alice with the same suspicion that Vai did.
“My Empress!” a guard exclaimed.
“Who sent this woman? I’m just curious,” said Vai.
“She carried Emperor Miller’s seal. Do you want her removed?”
“No. I only want you to make sure she puts the dress on correctly,” said Vai, giving both the guards a precarious look.
The Guardsmen both glanced at one another, nodded, then stood sentry. Alice continued to look hesitant and fearful.
“Sorry to interrupt, Alice. Please continue,” said Vai.
Tense and sweating profusely, Alice continued to put the dress on, pulling the bodice securely over Vai’s torso, then fastened the skirt around her waistline. When Alice finished, she slowly stepped away, her hands held up defensively.
“Your Majesty, I was just—I, well…” Alice stammered.
“You a spy? Did Howell send you?” Vai interrogated.
Alice’s eyes shot wide open and she
stammered. “N—no! My Lady—I mean, your Majesty, I was just nervous, is all. I—I never meet w—women of your p—prestige, is all!”
Vai and her guards glanced at each other, their suspicious expressions turning curious.
“You’re not…” Vai said, furrowing her brow.
“No... I’m… I’m just a dressmaker,” Alice said, beginning to tear up.
Vai’s face turned shameful as the guards appeared confused.
“I’m… I’m sorry, Alice. I just… I have to be vigilant with, well, my position,” Vai said apologetically.
Alice’s terrified expression turned into one of relief. “I, uh, I—I understand. I’m sorry I was—”
“I like the way this dress fits, I’ll take it,” said Vai.
“Oh! Okay, well, it is complimentary. The Emperor already paid,” said Alice, no longer shaking.
“I’ll pay you generously. For the trouble,” said Vai.
Alice’s eyes widened when Vai went over to her purse, pulled out a large handful of gold pieces, and handed them to her.
“Th—thank you, your Majesty, but this is far too much!” Alice exclaimed.
“I insist. Thank you for making such a beautiful dress. I hope you’ll enjoy the feast,” said Vai. She looked at the guards. “Please see Alice out of the inn. Help carry the dresses out for her. And be careful with them.”
“Aye, your Majesty,” the guards said.
Alice smiled, looking downwards uncomfortably. The guards proceeded to carefully pick up the mannequins and carry them out of the room, Alice shortly behind.
Once the door closed behind them, Vai walked around the room, getting acquainted with the feel of her dress. She then sat down on the edge of her bed and tried to slow her breathing and calm her nerves. I was ready to kill her, Vai thought, reflecting shamefully on Alice’s terrified face. Peter would be proud.
Vai glanced back at the bar table, looking upon the bottle of Emberberry wine. Would Asher kill an innocent dressmaker based solely on suspicion? She certainly hoped not.
CH 49 – Alexey XI
The Darkness of Dawn Page 47