Darkness Falling: Soldiers and Slaves (18 page)

“Making friends,” she shrugged.

“I was worried,” he began, then glanced around, aware they were being watched.

“Sorry, I didn't realize it was late.” She looked over her shoulder at the opening to the kitchen. “Gilly started making jokes about the Emperor and then I started doing my impression. I think it's terrible by they thought it was funny.”

Brosen blinked. “Gilly?”

“He's the cook.”

This was the last thing he'd expected from Impyra. Lowering his voice, he said “Aren't you afraid they might report you?”

Stunned, Impyra laughed. “These guys? No, not at all. They make just barely enough credits to live on. A few jokes about the Emperor is part of their life. Actually, I'm pretty sure many of them hate him.”

It may be normal for the sailors to make jokes about the Emperor, but it was treason. In Rau'Tesche-Awn the fear and the regular presence of the Enforcers reminded the community to watch their words. Part of Brosen's duty included policing the populace for any dissension. No one was allowed to speak out or object to the Empire in any way. Brosen couldn't remember hearing anyone make such jokes in his entire life. Learning that Impyra already knew a mocking impression was surreal.

“Are you feeling all right?” She asked, concerned.

Brosen wasn't sure what to say. “I was just worried,” he explained. “I'm fine. This is just different for me.”

She nodded. Maybe she understood.

“I'm hungry,” she said, changing the subject.

“Right, too bad we can't ear here.”

Her eyes widened. “No, it's fine. Our food is fine.”

“What's wrong?” he asked but she grabbed him by the arm, dragging him out into the cold.

“Nothing,” she said. “Just trust me.”

* * *

Gleyth lay still in her bed, listening to the snow sizzle against the Field Energy outside her window. Her mind reeled anxiously as she considered her future. Rau’Tesche-Enra was an ocean away. She would be trapped in a Tower with Fa Marden and his army of concubines with little hope of seeing her family. Her only hope was to convince her father that she should not be married. Hovering on the edge of confidence and doubt, she was trapped between believe she should try and giving up completely.

Across the room the door opened. Startled, she sat up, her eyes searching the darkness.

“Who’s there?” She whispered loudly.

“It’s me,” a voice whispered back.

A dark figure was silhouetted against the dim light in the corridor. Gleyth rolled from the bed, putting it between herself and the intruder. As the figure moved she saw the familiar glint of green. It was Kevie.

“What are you doing here?” she whispered sharply.

“I’m sorry,” he said, his postured slumped and his voice troubled. “We’re leaving soon and I had to see you one more time.”

Gleyth stood up straight, her long white nightgown feeling thin against the space between them.

“I don’t understand,” she said.

“Neither do I,” Kevie admitted. “All I can tell you is that you may be married before we return, and I don’t want you to be.”

Gleyth folded her hands nervously. Was it going to happen that soon? She’d thought there would be more time.

“I know we’ve only just met, but you’re special. You’re different than everyone around you even if you try not to be, and I wish I had more time with you.” Kevie hung his head. It was strange to see him behaving this way. “I can’t explain it. I know it doesn’t make sense.”

She wanted to run to him and admit that she wanted more time with him, too. He understood her better than anyone else in her life. If he could convince Garinsith to help, she could flee the Tower and the world of Sa’Toret-Ekar. Her intuition told her that the Master Keeper would not grant such a wish, but it was far less terrifying than confronting her father.

The Tower may be her prison, but in that moment she could make a choice.

Gleyth walked slowly around the bed to stand in front of Kevie. Reaching out, she took his hand. His glowing eyes locked with hers in the darkness, drawing her in. She didn’t move as he leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss upon her lips. Warmth flooded her body. It was forbidden. She knew it must be done.

She didn’t want Arentey to be her husband. She didn’t want Kevie to be her husband. She only wanted freedom.

Kevie gave her what no one else could, and there was one way to keep it in her heart forever. Stepping forward, she pressed her body against his. His arms encircled her in a tight embrace. Gleyth could feel the creases and seams in his uniform through her nightgown. The heat of his hands on her back sent a rush of lightning through her blood.

His lips traced the line of her neck just above her collar. She gasped loudly as he rocked her back gently onto the bed. Allowing him to surround her with his strength she knew this was what she wanted. Soon she would no longer be Ky Gleyth Kei’Oren. If she must live her life as Fy Gleyth a-Fy’Arentey, she would have this one moment of defiance to remember.

Kevie's hands stole below her nightgown, pulling it over her head as he caressed her skin. She felt herself melt into him, his body joining with hers. She griped his shoulders tightly, burying her face in his neck. He kissed her tenderly, moving slowly so as not to hurt her. A tear escaped her unbidden, knowing this would be the only time.

When it was done they lay in a contented tangle, her head on his shoulder.

“I didn’t expect that,” he said softly.

“Yes you did,” she looked up at him, smiling slyly.

He kissed her once more.

“You can’t stay here,” she told him firmly. “The Enforcers do patrol during the night.” She did not want him to leave.

“I know,” he didn’t move, holding her tighter.

Gleyth felt this was her opportunity to tell Kevie what she knew was truly important. “Impyra isn’t a traitor.”

“I know,” Kevie's voice was flat, emotionless. “Garinsith wants her alive.”

“What about the Enforcer?”

“Him, too, there’s more to this than even I understand; something about an old prophecy and the imbalance of power resulting in the fall of civilization.” He pulled lovingly at her dark hair, running his fingers through the silky locks.

Gleyth thought about the citizens of the Empire and her father’s inaction. “Impyra will be the fall of civilization?”

“Not exactly,” Kevie said. “This has happened before. When there is imbalance in the world's energy, chaos and destruction emerge. There’s an ancient talisman called Syerset which can restore the balance. Garinsith thinks that Impyra and Brosen are the ones capable of using it to that end.”

Gleyth blinked at the darkness. Religion had been outlawed before the Ka Dynasty rose to power. All temples, texts, and icons were destroyed. Energy users were slaughtered not only for their power, but as a reminder that faith in anything more powerful than the Empire was forbidden. To hear Kevie speak of such things was alien.

“That’s why I’m in danger,” she said quietly.

Kevie nodded. “Everyone is.”

“Garinsith wants to save the world? I didn’t think he had such noble intentions.”

There was a long pause. Slowly, Kevie sat up. He looked into her eyes and frowned. “I serve Garinsith,” he said, “the Empire is an enemy to all people.” He furrowed his brow. “But Garinsith isn’t the savior. Impyra and Brosen are the saviors, or we hope they are.”

“There’s something you’re not telling me,” she could see that he was torn between his loyalty and his emotion.

“Garinsith,” he hesitated, “wants power.”

She knew this was difficult. In that moment Gleyth understood. How could Kevie tell her that he was working for a villain? She took his hand, nodding slowly to relieve him from having to say the words out loud. The tension in his eyes relaxed. Despite that revelation, she still believed the Master Keeper’s world may be better than the one in which she lived.

Kevie kissed her one last time. “I hope I will see you again when we return.”

“Me too,” she said, not wanting to say goodbye. “Stay alive.”

Kevie paused, squeezing her hand until he found the resolve to walk out into the corridor. Gleyth sat quietly on the edge of the bed, returned to her usual solitude as if awakened from a dream. She pulled her discarded nightgown over her head. His scent clung to the fabric bringing her both comfort and sorrow.

She couldn't marry Fei Arentey. Her family was the cause of great evil in the world and someone needed to make a change. Gleyth knew it was her duty to help restore the balance.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

In the predawn of Rau’Tesche-Awn the silence was broken by the revving engine of a heavy-duty EOV plowing through the snow. The vehicle was larger than the patrol cars and was built for difficult terrain. A large passenger cabin made it the ideal choice for the hunting party.

Two Imperial guards, Lex and Reymer, were at the front. Treve and the Mutilators sat together in the middle section where two bench seats faced each other. Behind them was the final seat where Garinsith and Xander rode in silence, unwilling to converse. A palpable tension clung to the vehicle's interior.

The naval yard where their ship awaited was thirty kilometers from Rau’Tesche-Awn. With the treacherous travel conditions and unfriendly companions, it was going to be a long journey.

Treve watched the desolation of the blizzard through his window. He thought about the last evening of standing guard with Brosen. Less than a week had passed but the world was nearly unrecognizable. He thought about all of the people in South Gate without homes being buried under the snow. All of the abandoned buildings in East Gate would have been a perfect place to house them until the storm abated. Was anything being done for them during this crisis? He didn't believe so as he'd heard nothing during his time in the Tower.

When he was fully honest with himself, Treve could understand why Brosen would run when given the chance. He would have given anything to have escaped from his current situation.

Lethel sat across from him, observing his every move with her cold eyes. Her expression was not malicious so much as it was calculating. Treve gave her a weak, nervous smile which she did not return. Her continuous act of intimidation made him wonder if she was really as scary as she wanted him to believe. It was difficult to ignore her, and she did make him uneasy.

Beside her was Tyn, who didn't try to hide his amusement as Treve wrestled with his own insecurities. He was another one who may only be acting over confident. Kevie was the only one among them who seemed at all normal in his behavior.

“She doesn’t like you,” Tyn said. His sharp blue eyes reminded Treve of Brosen

Obviously, 
Treve thought, but instead he said, “She doesn’t have to like me. I'm here to do a job, nothing more.” He doubted that Lethel was truly friendly with anyone, including her subordinates.

Tyn shrugged. “I’d stay out of her way if I were you.”

Treve frowned. “There isn't any reason for that kind of threat. We have to work together.”

“Accidents happen,” Tyn smiled coldly.

“All of you shut up!” Xander bellowed from the back. “Keep your Mutilators in line,” he snapped at Garinsith.

“Stifling conversation will not breed camaraderie among them, your highness.” The old man advised quietly.

Treve almost laughed. He didn't understand how the Master Keeper remained in charge of these savages with his easy going attitude. 

“Lethel, Tyn,” Garinsith continued. “Do not provoke the Enforcers.”

To his surprise, both Mutilators turned their attention away from him without further command. Treve wasn't sure what power Garinsith held over them, but he doubted it was fear. Glancing at Kevie who sat beside him, the third Mutilator was lost in his own thoughts, his head turned away toward the opposite window.

Treve thought about Brosen. They used to joke and have fun when not on duty. He remembered helping fix the motorcycle on occasion. Life had been simple. He had been happy. The memory of his partner standing in the back of the old white pickup truck and firing a White Energy gun moved through his mind slowly. He thought about firing back and barely missing.

Closing his eyes, he leaned his forehead against the window. Everything had gone wrong.

* * *

Impyra made her way across the cold deck to begin her second day of work. She wished they had purchased warmer clothes in Ro'Awnor-Clee. She may have lived her entire life behind Tower walls but she was aware that storms were not infinite. At some point they should sail clear of the blizzard. Instead, she was starting to believe the clouds engulfed the entire planet.

Her regret for proper attire was overlapped with a cheerful mood. She was finally starting to feel like her own person. Gilly's friendly personality made up for having to scrub filth and grime. She wasn’t dreading the day’s work as she previously thought she might. Her optimism wasn’t long lived, however, as she entered the galley to see Gilly sitting sullenly at a table near the kitchen door. The smile she wore faded.

“I'm guessing it isn't a good morning,” she said, worried by the jovial man's change in attitude.

“Sit,” he said, motioning toward the bench.

Impyra lowered herself onto the cold metal. “What's going on?”

“The Cap'n…” Gilly paused to take a deep, shaky breath. “There's a radio message from th' Emperor,” he continued. “Traitors on th'ship. Cap'n accepted payment from a flagged card.”

Impyra felt her stomach turning inside out. “Flagged?”

Sheyra. Was she safe?

“Th'ship's t'be searched by th'authorities in Port Kooriellel when we get there,” Gilly explained.

She opened her mouth to speak but found no words. Her eyes skirted the cook's face. Every man on the ship was also going to be searched and questioned, possibly arrested.

“We didn't know the card was flagged,” she attempted to explain.

“No,” Gilly held up a hand. “Th'fault is the Cap'n's. Should'a turned ya'away. Jobs have been small, he needed th'credits.”

Impyra nodded, disgusted with herself. Each life she came in contact with was destroyed. Brosen. Sheyra. The innocent crew. All of them were at the mercy of her single-minded desire to escape the torture of Kei Xander. If she'd only been strong enough to endure none of this would have happened.

“Truth is,” Gilly said quietly, “Ship's been runnin' illegal fer years.”

“What?” Impyra shook her head, confused.

“Runnin' escapees, ya see.” He pointed to the lighthouse on his wrist. “Not always, but when we can.” A sad smile passed across his face. “We've a plan, fer just this type o'situation.”

It was an unexpected revelation, but it made her feel a little better.

“What's the plan?” Impyra asked.

Gilly's eyes brightened and he grinned darkly. “Before we reach th'harbor, yer gonna go over in th'lifeboat.” He placed his hand palm down on the table, thumb splayed away from the rest of his hand. “Take her north-west, up th'coast, away from Port Kooriellel.” he traced along the outside of his thumb. “Jus’ out to the edge o'town. My brother'll be there to get ya. Virikoor's his name.”

“Why would you help us?” 

Gilly bowed his head low to his chest. A long moment passed before he finally spoke. “Our sister,” he whispered. “She was like you,” he raised his head, eyes wet with tears. He didn't need to explain farther.

“We escape, but what about the rest of you?” Impyra asked. Other people should not be imprisoned for her mistakes.

“I can’t reveal too much now, but the beauty o'it is we all get away before we reach the port. We all got it planned out an' now it'll be done. Don't ya worry.” Gilly assured her.

She couldn't help but doubt his confidence. “I'm not just another escaped slave,” she said firmly.

“We know,” Gilly assured her. “An' we ain't just another merchant ship.”

She didn't believe him, thinking it must be a ploy to absolve her guilt. Impyra contemplated ways she could assist the crew in escaping capture. If only she were strong enough to make the entire vessel invisible or fly through the air. She knew it wasn't possible. She’d be dead before any difference was made

“Tomorrow,” the cook continued. “Ya go overboard before th'sun rises.” He cleared his throat, blushing nervously. “The lads, we're all donatin' warm coats and blankets fer th'ride.”

“Thank you,” Impyra muttered, loath to accept more assistance.

Only a few minutes ago she wanted a coat, now she silently chided herself for her greed.

“Hey,” Gilly snapped at her and she jumped. “Yer not th'only one needin' change, girly.” He lifted an eyebrow in her direction. “Cap'n made a mistake, but we're all in this t'gether. We all knew th'risk workin' this boat.”

Impyra nodded slowly, not understanding but attempting to make sense of his reasoning.

“I'll meet ye at m'brother's when it's done.” he promised. “No work today,” Gilly pointed toward the door. “Th'cap'n's tellin' yer man friend just now, I suspect. Go rest. Be ready for th'mornin'.”

* * *

At one time, the forest had stretched across the southern half of the continent. Generations of logging threatened to destroy the woodland completely. Only the presence of the Akaran city and the protections placed upon it deterred operations from reaching the forest's heart.

The road through Na'Effilan Forest was ancient and poorly maintained by the Empire. Brambles and fallen trees often blocked the way, but Wini was able to push through the obstacles with her energy. At last the trees parted to reveal a silver dome of light growing form the earth. The children pressed their faces against the windows, eyes wide in awe. Encased within the ward stood Rau'Tesche-Akar. A stone archway etched in runes marked the entrance through the city walls, flanked on either side by a giant statue of a woman to the south and a man to the north. Wini brought the van to a halt, her heart pounding loudly in her ears.

“What does it say?” Alta asked, her eyes tracing the runes.

“Walk the path, do not disturb the dreamers.” Winifred said softly. “It is a reminder that my people are to act as observers in this world. We are not to use our gifts as a means for conquest.” She opened the door. “Wait here while I release the seal.”

Joy and sorrow threatened to overwhelm her in the wash of familiar energy. She was reminded of all those who were lost; her parents, her friends, her teachers. In that moment it was easy to forget how much time had passed since the great betrayal drove her from her home.

Six hundred years of wandering, watching, and waiting; her attempt to protect the innocent from the abuses of the world. Her cousin may have plotted to take over the world, but Wini held firm to the beliefs of her people. Taking a shaky breath, she lifted her hand and placed it gently against the dome. The energy pulsated with her signature before releasing completely.

The last of the Akar returned home. 

Climbing back into the van she started the engine. “No one has lived here for a long time,” she said as she guided the vehicle beneath the stone arch. “Do not be afraid. The city is a sanctuary for all who come in peace.”

Akaran architecture was simple with smooth, clean edges and minimal decoration. There was an elegance to it; soothing to the spirit as well as the eye. Empty homes and shops lined narrow cobblestone streets. Dust and debris had not accumulated over the centuries. The glass in the windows still shone as if polished the day before. There was an eeriness in the way it appeared as if the city should have contained life, but did not.

Wini remembered the final days. Petor and Fredrick rampaging in the streets with their Ekaran army, equipped with enchanted weapons and armor. The Akar were a peaceful, unprepared for an attack from their own, resulting in a massacre.

Petor, along with many others, had believed Wini would be the Balance. Having been born with a twin brother and exhibiting strength beyond many of their elders, it was a simple conclusion. Winifred and Fredrick were groomed from a young age for their fate. In the end it had not come to pass, but it was the reason Wini’s life had been spared.

Pushing the past from her mind, she ended their journey in the city square. A large stone fountain stood at the center of the plaza. Here the buildings ringed close together, looming over the street in a manner reminiscent of a circle of counselors convening to make a difficult decision. At the far side of the square, atop an ornate stairway, stood the Consular where the Akar and Ekar were once united in one government.

“This is where Na Effilan once lead the Ekar to shelter them from the hostile unnamed clans,” Wini said quietly. “It was in this very square that she was crowned Queen of the Named.”

“How do you know?” Alta asked, skeptical.

Wini took a minute to consider her answer. Very few people living in Sa'Toret-Ekar knew much of the history which birthed the Empire beyond the few choice facts fed to them through official sources. Na Effilan and her dynasty were nearly lost entirely, but for the forest being granted her name.

“I was there,” she said at last. It was time to reveal the truth of her identity. “Let us find shelter in the Consular.”

With all hands working together they carried their supplies up to the giant wooden doors. Wini pushed them open easily; they unlocked at her touch. A large foyer opened before them, flanked on either side by steep staircases leading to the darker floor above.

Wini knew she would need to reactivate the energy systems for the lights and heat. First she instructed her charges to lay out their blankets and rest.

“Wait here,” she said. “Security systems are activated throughout the city. Don't go wandering without me, do you understand?”

“Where are you going? Should I come with you?” Mikal asked protectively.