Darkness Falling: Soldiers and Slaves (8 page)

“I remember,” Brosen said but stopped short, his eyes widening.

Sheyra grabbed Impyra's hand and squeezed it. Not prepared for the contact she pulled away instinctively.

“My father really liked the design,” Brosen added, his words unsure and halting. “These have good engines, he said.” 

“Yes, very good engines,” the salesman agreed, opening the hood to allow Brosen to take a look. “This one is in excellent condition.”

“How much?” Sheyra asked, giving the man her brightest, loveliest smile.

Understanding her friend's motives, Impyra flipped her hair over her shoulder and also smiled, wondering if it would help at all. The salesman stared at both of them, but mostly he looked at Sheyra. His mouth opened and closed a few times before he turned back to Brosen.

“Well, it is priced at three thousand credits, but we have a special deal today for beautiful women and people with guns,” he laughed nervously.

“One thousand credits.” Sheyra's voice was cold and stern, nothing like her usual cheerful tone.

The salesman turned, surprised. Obviously he wasn't used to a woman being in charge of the money.

“I can't go that low, I'm afraid,” he sucked his teeth. Impyra wrinkled her nose at the noise. “Twenty-five hundred.” 

Brosen closed the hood and walked around to the driver seat. The engine whirred to life with ease.

“I don’t know, everything’s there, but the body is really beat up. Listen to how noisy the engine is. This thing has been through a lot. I’d say even two thousand credits, is too much.”

“Thirteen hundred, that's the most I'll give you.” Sheyra crossed her arms, pulling up to her full height. Impyra realized the woman was taller than Brosen.

The salesman opened his mouth and a nervous giggle fell out, “Well, yes! Thirteen hundred credits seem perfectly fine to me! May I see your ID?”

Sheyra pulled it from her back pocket and handed it over. He ran it through the scanner and moments later it chimed in approval.

“Very good,” he said. “If you would just sign the release form, Gy Sheyra, you may be on your way.”

Impyra climbed into the backseat. The interior was a faded pale red. Sheyra took the passenger side once she had completed the paperwork. Impyra was glad they were able to solve the transpiration issue easily. The salesman opened the large double glass doors at the front of the shop and they pulled out into the street.

“All right, Sheyra, where to?” Brosen asked.

“Just drive around until you see a general store.” She waved her hand absentmindedly. “This is actually a pretty nice car,” she said triumphantly. 

* * *

The salesman watched them drive away.

His heart raced and his hands trembled as he scurried into the back office and turned on the small screen that sat on his boss's desk. Within moments the face of the young man who had just been in the shop appeared. He watched as the face faded only to be followed by an image of the quiet young woman of the trio. Her hair color had changed but it was definitely the same person. 

“Should you encounter the fugitives, do not attempt to apprehend them. Remember, they are armed and extremely dangerous. Contact the Imperial Hot-line with all information.”

He licked his lips nervously, grateful that his encounter with them had not ended in violence. It would be better to be reprimanded for letting the vehicle go too cheaply than to be dead.

Shaking so badly it was difficult to dial the number.

“Imperial Hot-line,” a male voice said on the other end.

“Yes,” he said, “I would like to report a sighting of the fugitives.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

The dark green helicopter was marked across the bottom with a large silver lightning bolt. Treve was surprised to see a design at all. All Imperial vehicles were black and bore no symbols, a technique to mask who might be a passenger. The sleek body was long and thin. On either side it carried two unfamiliar guns and appeared to be an enemy aircraft rather than that of an ambassador. 

Treve could feel the hairs on the back of his neck rise as the machine passed through the opening in the Field Energy. Xander stood beside him, his arms crossed over his chest and his face set into a dark scowl. He reminded Treve of a smoldering fire ready to blaze at the first opportunity. Treve hoped that with the ambassador's arrival he would be returned to his regular duty and away from the raging prince.

Ka Harn stood in front of them, flanked by two Imperial guards. His posture was rigid, his fists clenched. He did not move and appeared to be holding his breath.

The helicopter touched down and the door slid open on the side. Out stepped three forbidding figures. Their uniforms were such a dark green they were nearly black. Silver lightning bolts were embroidered on their collars. Two were men and the third was a woman. She turned her flashing eyes to scan the gathered crowd with the glint of gray light. Treve's breath caught in his throat.

She was an Enforcer?

The three, all with shinning eyes, stood guard at the door. Treve couldn't stop watching the woman. Her curly red hair was cut short, hanging just around her eyes. Her face was cold, and her steely eyes pulsed with power that even he could sense. Females born with the blood were not made into Enforcers within the Empire. They were breeders, assigned a male once that male was deemed worthy to continue the line. Treve, like many others, clung silently to the memories of his mother, keeping them safely locked away where his training couldn't hurt them.

He felt his heart race and sweat beaded on his forehead despite the cold.

Of the two men one had blond hair so pale it was nearly white. He wore a smirk on his face and his head tilted slightly to the right. The other could have been any Enforcer by appearance, with light brown hair and an expressionless gaze. All three of them were the same height and build, which added to their intimidating presence. 

The ambassador appeared, an old man with silver hair long and hung over his shoulder in a neatly pleated braid. He was dressed in a light gray suit. Petor Garinsith, according to the briefing. Once exiled from the Empire and now returned by invitation of the Emperor. He surveyed those who gathered to greet him and offered a grin that felt more menacing than friendly.

Garinsith bowed his head reverently to the prince before turned his sharp eyes on the Emperor. “Ka Harn Kei’Oren, it has been too long,” The words were tainted with a kindness that felt false, just like his smile. “I hope that your beloved family is well.”

Ka Harn did not move, and when he spoke, his voice was nearly a growl. “They are, Master Keeper Garinsith,” he said.

Treve frowned at the unfamiliar title.

“This must be Xander,” Garinsith inclined his head in the prince's direction. “You were not yet conceived when I was here last, and now you are a man grown.”

Xander responded with nothing more than a disdainful snort. It didn't faze the old man, who continued treating his invitation as a social visit.

“I would like to introduce you to my Mutilators.” He indicated the soldiers. “They are my most trusted apprentices,” Garinsith stepped forward to lay his hand on the woman’s shoulder. “This is my prize warrior, Lethel Jilorn. She has proven herself by defeating my previous prize. Do you remember Yorno?” Ka Harn did not respond. “Oh! You would not, I apologize. He became the commander of my Mutilators after I had returned home from your father’s funeral. If I recall, we have not seen each other in so many years.”

He moved on to the white haired man. “This is Tyn Larest, and he is exquisite, I tell you, when it comes to sniffing out energy. I hope he will be a great help to your little problem.” Finally, he approached the other young man, looking at him with grave approval. “And this is Kevie Drost. He has been on my honor guard for quite some time now, and is a brilliant fighter and strategist. This is only a small number of my family, but they are the best.” A strange lilting laugh escaped Garinsith, as if his words were somehow amusing. 

The Master Keeper turned toward the Emperor. Treve disliked the man a great deal after such a short time in his presence. As his gaze fell over Treve their eyes met. It felt as if eternity stood staring him in the face. The sensation that he stood naked both in mind and body overwhelmed him. He felt helpless and alone.

“Might I have the pleasure of knowing your guards?” Petor’s words were colder than the winter wind.

“This is the commander of the Imperial guard, Felnor En-Harn, and this is my second, Evner En-Harn.” Ka Harn’s voice seemed distant, far beyond the swirl of power in which Treve was caught. “Treve En-Harn is here by special assignment. He was the escaped Enforcer's partner.”

The Emperor's voice grew smaller as he spoke. He was nothing while Garinsith held all the power in the world. The old man looked away, releasing Treve into reality by merely shifting his attention elsewhere. The Enforcer forced himself not to gasp for air, knowing he must not falter in front of these strangers.

“What a wonderful collection you have, Ka Harn. I'm pleased to see you have continued to follow the model which I helped to implement despite our disagreements.” Garinsith clasped his hands behind his back, glancing meaningfully at his Mutilators.

Ka Harn motioned stiffly toward the elevator doors. “Let us adjourn to my office.”

The Emperor and the Master Keeper lead the way. Xander followed, his hands stuffed into his pockets. The Enforcers walked behind the Mutilators taking the rear. Treve could feel their eyes on his back. He wanted to return to the barracks, away from the plots and intrigue and powerful people playing their games.

Instead, he found himself standing guard at the elevator door inside the Emperor's office where the discussion began in earnest. Xander slumped down into a chair, glaring angrily at the floor. For someone who wanted to be in charge he did not play the role very well. The Imperial guards took their places behind Ka Harn, who stood at his desk. The Mutilator Kevie stood opposite Treve by the elevator, the other two took spots in the corners by the windows.

“I'm surprised you allowed your great-grandfather's laws to be broken so easily, Harn,” Garinsith said, dropping the false formalities.

“What is done is done,” the Emperor grumbled. “I already realize the mistakes that were made. I just want you to help us find a way to keep her from using her abilities against us,” Ka Harn said bluntly. “We just need her powerless long enough to kill her.”

“It is not only her you will need to stifle in these times. You have many hidden enemies,” the old man’s words sent a chill through Treve, how did he know if he had been in exile?

The Emperor took a moment to consider that information, one eyebrow raised slowly. “Is that a threat?”

“Of course not! You have always been my friend, and your father and grandfather as well. It is unfortunate that you do not ask for my aid more often, but you always were an independent spirit.” The lighthearted way in which he treated his banishment was insulting. “I merely speak of the rebel groups which are not only gaining members, but organizing into something larger.” Garinsith walked to the south-facing windows. “My Mutilators hear things, many things, and they find out the truth. I’m afraid the rebellion is on the way, Harn.”

“I don’t believe that. The few instances of vandalism and disruption have been minor and easily resolved. My Enforcers are expert at quelling fires before they spread.” Ka Harn grumbled.

Garinsith chuckled, “The people think you are weak of heart, and weak of warriors as well. You bully your people, but you have not taken any new territories since you ascended the throne.” He began to walk deliberately around the perimeter of the room. “The plague killed how many? Three million worldwide? You let them die, Harn. The people are homeless, hungry, hopeless. And what do you do? You sit up here in your Tower watching them die.

“It is more than a rumor, and you know that if they join with the free states in Ardnilia they will have a strong army, indeed. With a girl like this Impyra at their fingertips, they will mow through your Enforcers without a second glance. You have no idea what you had within your own walls.” Garinsith stopped, staring out to the horizon.

“She was the result of a science experiment.” Ka Harn sounded uncertain. “Dreger Lei'Orthra, my lead scientist, assured us that her power had dissipated as she grew.”

Garinsith laughed. “That's why you kept her alive, because of one man's error? She is not the result of an experiment, I assure you.”

“Then what is she?” The Emperor demanded.

“I have reason to believe she is the one my colleague and I were seeking when we helped your father take the Tiffaran Archipelago, and who I continue to search for even today.” Garinsith turned. “Ha Lenger was appointed under your father's rule to assist me in finding potential candidates, and her mother was one.”

Ka Harn rubbed his forehead. “I knew nothing of this. I didn't know why Ha Lenger had his scientists researching energy users, but I ended the research, believing it would come to a poor end.”

“And so it did.” Garinsith pointed out bluntly.

“I don't understand how you know all of this,” Ka Harn admitted.

The old man lifted his head high, “I am the Master Keeper, your Majesty,” his words were dripping with sarcasm. “I keep the history and the lineages of power, both those of which you have never heard of and your Ekaran dynasties. When you ended the research under Ha Lenger, how did the girl end up here?”

“She was a child. I appointed Dreger Lei'Orthra as the Imperial Lead Scientist, and he requested her transfer along with several others.” Ka Harn said. “He was trying to find other means of ending the threat of energy usage and needed test subjects.”

“Does he still hold that position?” Garinsith asked.

“He does.”

“I will need to interview him,” the Master Keeper said. “If he is worth his appointment he should have retained his notes.”

Treve felt lost by the conversation. He shifted his weight and the Mutilator glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. Treve straightened his back, not wanting to appear weak. Across the room, the computer began to flash, a message was coming through. Ka Harn frowned.

“Your Majesty, I apologize for the interruption,” an Enforcer's voice crackled over the line.

“What is it?” Ka Harn asked, impatient.

“There has been a report of a sighting in Ro'Tesche-Ala,” the Enforcer said. “They used the ID of someone from Ro'Tesche-En to purchase a vehicle.”

“Send the report through,” Ka Harn said before ending the call. “Are you ready to begin? We go after her as quickly as possible.”

Garinsith raised his hand, smiling. “It’s better we know what we're up against, lest she slip through our fingers once more.”

“What?” Xander sat up straight. Treve was surprised; he thought the prince had fallen asleep. “We shouldn't wait. We know exactly where she is and we can be in Ro'Tesche-Ala in an hour if we go now.”

“The girl will not escape,” Garinsith's voice was eerily reassuring. “Tracking her and discovering her location is not a concern. We must prepare for her capture. The usual means available will do little, as you have already learned.”

“That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard,” Xander scoffed. “We are not interested in capturing her, she needs to die.”

“Be that as it may, she will continue to allude you should you rush after her recklessly. She was able to hide her true skill for years without suspicion. Underestimating her now is the worst thing we can do.” Garinsith was calm, his silver gaze locked on the prince, who sank back into his seat.

Xander was angry, Treve knew, but he was backing down. Not only was that unexpected but also unsettling.

“Our preparations will not take more than a few days,” Garinsith told the Emperor confidently. “If you would save any further reports we can use them to determine patterns. I would also like to speak to your scientist.”

“I will arrange a meeting with Dreger,” the Emperor agreed. “I have requested Ky Thella to ready apartments for you and your guards on the sixtieth floor, if you wish to rest after your journey.” He paused, a sad smile passed across his face. “I do believe that was where my father once housed you.”

“Yes,” Garinsith grinned. “It is kind of you to remember.” He brushed his hands on his pant legs as if he had completed a task and said, “Very well, we shall take our rest for now. Inform me once your scientist is ready.”

The Mutilators moved in unison. Kevie pressed the button to open the doors. He gave Treve one last look with the barest hint of a smile. His green eyes glowed brighter than those of any Enforcer. They all stepped into the elevator and disappeared behind the doors. The energy in the room shifted. Treve felt as if he had been drained and wished he could sit on the floor to recover.

Xander rose from his seat in a fluid motion, moving quickly toward his father's desk. It was such a sudden change in his demeanor that Treve was snapped back into an alert state, ready to act if needed.