DESCENDANTS (THE DESCENDANTS SAGA) (5 page)

-9-

S
ugoi stomped around his room like a little child. He was in a full-fledged rant about Mari forcing him to wear an Asian inspired brown satin shirt with blood red flowers embroidered on it.

“I’m the Lord of the Deep Kingdom, and she won’t even let me choose my own clothes. She treats me like such a child! What I wouldn't give to be more p
owerful than her just once. T
he delight I would take in forcing things upon her.”
He grumbled at the servant girl as she struggled with the buttons of his shirt.

“Well my L
ord, it looks quite fitting on you,” she offered out of obligation
,
not truth.

The compliment wen
t directly to Sugoi’s head

he began dancing around his room in an attempt to further show off to the girl.

“Sugoi, what the hell are you doing? I have just received notice that two of the Descendants have co
me through the stone pond. S
top dancing like a fool and come greet them with me,” Mari growled. She had caught him by surprise.

“This is embarrassing,” he mumbled. “I’ll be right there, please go ahead.” Sugoi quickly tucked in his shirt, and straightened out his hair before following after her to meet the members of the Descendants Council.

The first of the Descendants to arrive were Winsteun and Bozwerth. Winsteun was a tall lanky gentleman with dark skin and protruding eyes. He seemed unsure, maybe even borderline scared. Bozwerth was short and plump with bright red skin. Even though he was younger than Winsteun, he made sure to proclaim his superiority with a smug demeanor.

Because of their combined power, Winsteun and Bozwerth were the Descendants’ leaders and allies that Mari and Sugoi sought to impress. They would need their support to further their advancement. Mari reminded Sugoi of that every day.

Mari wanted eternal life and the Seat of Empowerment, which would make her head of the Descendants Council. It was a position that gave power above all others. And because of this, it was ultimately a position that controlled the world. Normally, women were forbidden to attend Council meetings. But due to Mari’s uniquely developed gifts, they made a concession.

“Winsteun, Bozwerth, it is so nice to see you. How have things been for you fine gentleman since the last council meeting?” Sugoi’s words were well rehearsed. He tried his best to sound genuine, but Mari read right through it. She glared at him, and a sharp poke
, as she projected magical energy
in
to
his side
,
said she would not let it go.

“
Sugoi, you seem very chipper in this time of darkness for our people. You must have some news to enlighten the council with, do you?” Bozwerth chided.

In response to Bozwerth’s sarcasm, Winsteun stepped in. “Don't mind him. Bozwerth and I are fine,” he said as he glared at Bozwerth, not impressed at his lack of welcome. “We have just attended to matters of the estate, nothing too exciting to report I regret,” Winsteun added.

He was always the more grounded one of the two, less likely to go for the jugular. Sugoi thought Winsteun would be the key to seeing Mari or himself seated on the Seat of Empowerment within the Descendants Council.

Rumors had circulated among the Descendants that Winsteun and Bozwerth were more than friends
—
they were lovers. B
ut no one was brave enough to ask. While it disturbed most of the members, Mari didn’t care either way
,
if it were true, it would be something she could use to advance her position. Besides Mari, they had the highest level of powers, and
that gave them
control over the Descendants.

Over the next half hour Mari and Sugoi greeted and put on spirited faces for all the council members. They did so until the last member arrived and everyone was instructed to take his place in the auditorium. There were twenty-nine council members, and they were seated in a half circle facing Winsteun and Bozwerth. Sugoi was too bored to listen to the current conversation between Mari and another member, so instead his eyes surveyed the room.

The great auditorium had long curved benches carved into the side of the stone cavern’s walls, and they were adorned by blood-red padded cushions. There was a red velvet curtain tied back by gold bindings and a large gold chandelier, ornamented with hundreds of candles that hung above them. Their flames cast shadows across the faces of each Descendant. They were a powerful group. All were direct Descendants from Atlanticus. No half-breeds or second generations were allowed to have a seat on the council.

Every bloodline removed from the original Descendants lost some of the power, except in the case of Atlantians born with elemental powers. Elementals grew stronger with every breeding, and they did not require two gifted to breed a gifted child. Some were even said to be able to absorb the powers of those before them. Because of this, Elementals were favored in Atlanticus. They were permitted to live in the sacred city, and those who were not gifted with use of the elements were banished to the outer cities. It started a rivalry, one that the Descendants Council had successfully controlled. However despite their successes, Elementals were a problem that troubled them all.

“Good morning gentleman, and Mari. It has been three months since the last Descendants Council meeting. Which house would like to start off the updates of our previous discussions this afternoon?” Winsteun scanned the room looking for a volunteer.

Biao, a powerful member from the Asian house, stood and addressed the room. “As you know, our house was given the task of solving the problem of our depleting supplies of ambrosia. I regret to inform you that we have not been successful in tracking down any alternative sources for the ambrosia. There was rumor of a fountain of life in the Americas; we sent our best men in search but found nothing. None of our suppliers have any ambrosia. I
fear all hope of eternal life is
buried with
in Atlanticus.” He
showed no emotions during his announcement, and when he was finished he promptly returned to his seat.

Biao’s comment had brought worry into the different Descendants house
s, and a low buzz of concerned discussion
began to rise. 

In hopes of silencing the room before it turned into an uproar, Winsteun stood to speak. “Everyone please focus! We understand how difficult this news is to receive. The fear of the power dwindling in our society has been heavy on all our hearts,” he stressed. “Our children and their children have not been given the gifts that are in our blood, and we do not know why. Only those birthed of an Elemental have been able to retain and grow their powers, not to mention that they are gifted with eternal life.” He finished when he saw Bozwerth give him a look showing he was eager to contribute.

“We must not let the Elementals gain any further power. If they continue to breed, they will be strong enough to overthrow the council. Our numbers have greatly decreased over the years. We cannot afford a war. We must find a way to retain immortality.” Bozwerth slammed his fist on the table as he finished his proclamation.

Sounds of shock and groans filled the room. Not many of the councilors had thought about the situation in that way. They were a society driven to rule. And it was this quest for power that caused them to take up arms against the Fates and their loyal followers, resulting in their banishment from Atlanticus.

“How many of the Elementals managed to escape Atlanticus before it was hidden?” someone asked.

Bozwerth turned to address the question. “As far as we know, Aquarius and his wife Aurora, their son Kai, and two of his friends have not been accounted for. Luna, Astren, and their child were put to death by our very own Sugoi.”

Sugoi looked at Mari, a proud grin creeping over his face. She mentally punched him under the table, quickly removing his smirk.
It wouldn’t benefit them if the council knew
that they had granted Sollara life. Mari had been working hard to contain her own smile, knowing that as soon as they were finished with the meeting, they were going to bleed life from her.

Councilman Fritz stood to address the group. “T
wo adults and three children are still unaccounted for, and therefore we should assume they are all still alive. We must find them. Let us hope they have not yet bred and increased in numbers. We have almost purified our race of the Elementals. Now is the time to take control. Now is the time to kill each one!”
he
exhorted his colleagues much as Bozwerth had.

Mari arose
, slowly pushed
out her chair
, and stood
before the men. The sight of her calm stature caused all murmurs of private conversation to cease and silence rolled over the crowd.

“Gentlemen, may I bring you back to our previous discussion? Our supply of ambrosia is running out. We split the last rations among us two meetings ago. We have enough for another year at best. Like Biao mentioned, we are still not successful in tracking down any other suppliers or alternative solutions except one. I agree with Councilman Fritz. I say let’s kill these damned Elementals and drink their blood! We no longer need to hold tight to the teachings of the Fates. Their devotion and protection of Elementals has been buried along with our support of them.” Mari spoke boldly and with purpose. Sugoi was curious as to what the purpose might be. He was sure she was up to something. It seemed to him that she was manipulating the council in her favor without their knowledge.

Antoniokk from the South American Descendants house spoke out in agreement.
“I concur with Mari. We need to gather our strong together and hunt them. We will portion the Elementals to each of the houses. This way there will be plenty of t
heir blood to strengthen us all.
”

“Shall we make a contest of it?” Mari baited her hook with a sly grin.

“What do you propose?” Antoniokk questioned.

“The first to drink of an Elemental and gain the power that courses through its blood will be given the Seat of Empowerment. ” The room suddenly erupted with shouts, demands, personal questions, and conversations between neighbors. Mari smiled and sat back down.

“Aren't you the clever little one?” Sugoi
whispered
in her ear.

“We are the only ones who have an Elemental captive, but none of them know that, so there is no way anyone can beat us to the seat.” She was trying not to gloat. It was her cunning brain that Sugoi first fell in love with and that very cunning brain had ruled him ever since.

-10-

“S
ilence! Everyone silence! Take your seats,” Bozwerth demanded as he pounded his fist on the table.

Winsteun spoke once the room became ordered. “She does propose an interesting arrangement, and we have not yet agreed on someone to fill the Seat of Empowerment. What are your th
oughts? One at a time, please.” His
words calmed the members and they returned to their seats.

“I will take her challenge, and I will see the Descendants house of Germany in the seat,” Councilor Fritz declared.

“As will I,” Antoniokk seconded.

“And as will I,” Biao announced.

One at a time, each house leader stood and accepted Mari's challenge until everyone in the room was in agreement. The council scribe wrote up the terms, and each house leader signed it to make the hunt for the Elementals official. Sugoi noted that he would have to find another way to regain access to Atlanticus.
But
with
Elemental blood coursing through his veins, he would have an eternity to do so.

The council meeting wrapped up quickly. Normally, everyone would linger to socialize as it
was months between visits. T
his time they were driven with the purpose to be the first to find an Elemental. Mari was so impatient to have the last of the councilmen
dismissed
that she excused Sugoi and herself prematurely. When they had all left, she rushed to her chambers to get dressed. She wanted to look impressive for her first day of uninterrupted immortality.

On the way to her quarters
, she caught Asima out of the corner of her eye. “Asima, see that Sollara is in her room. Sugoi and I would like to talk with her,” she demanded.

“Right now? This very moment?”

“Of course, fool, right now! How dare you question me! If I wasn’t in such a hurry, I would have you lashed for your insolence.”

She watched impatiently as Asima hurried towards Sollara's living quarters, all the while feeling thankful that her rear was not as big as Asima’s.

“Where the
hell are my servant girls!” Mari
shouted, demanding instant attention as she tore through her wardrobe.

“I am here my lady,” one of them panted as she rushed from the hall into Mari’s room to attend to her.

“I have a dress that I had been saving for a time like this. It is an off-white lace wedding dress. The bodice clings perfectly to my body and flares at my hips, creating waves of lace cascading down to the floor and trailing behind me. Do you know the one I speak of?” she demanded.

“Yes my lady. It is hanging in the back of your wardrobe,” the girl stuttered.

“I know that! Did I ask you w
h
ere it was?” she yelled.

“No my lady… I...I….”

“You what? Rudely assumed. If I were not in such a good mood, I would make sure you learn how dangerous assumptions can be. Now get my dress and lace it on me!”

“Yes my lady.”

Mari watched as the white lace cascaded over her pale skin. She supervised as the servant
tied up the back. She added blood-
red lipstick and pinned her long
raven-
hair up with silver and ruby clips. Then she added a dash of black eye shadow and stood back to admire her work.

“Perfect. An immortal goddess looks back at me from my mirror.”

“Mari, my love, you take my breath away,” Sugoi purred as he traced his fingertips up and down her spine.

She had not heard or sensed him come in; normally she would have. Her excitement was taking over her reserve. She turned, letting him look her over. He still wore the brown Asian shirt with the blood red flowers, and it seemed to perfectly accent her dress.

“It is our moment to excel, my moment,” she announced as she panted in anticipation.

Sugoi did not let the annoyance from her comment show on his face. Instead, he forced a smile and watched her walk past him to her dresser. She opened the top drawer and pulled out a black silk cloth, delicately unfolding it and gracefully removing an ancient Macedonian dagger. The hilt of the dagger was dipped in gold and adorned with red jewels and carvings of war. It was her prized possession. She had stolen it from the grave of Alexander the Great, knowing that it would come in handy one day.

“Sugoi, fetch a goblet and some bowls to catch her blood. Tonight we dine on Elemental,” Mari sneered.

As he left and set to his task, he thought about what he could do to prove to Mari he was capable of making his own decisions. He was tired of her treating him like a child, picking his clothes, making rules for him to follow.
             
He decided he would prove to her he was worthy of respect. And he knew she valued one thing and one thing only, power. So power she would see. He would show her when they went to Sollara that he was a man to be reckoned with.

He came across some of the servants and instructed them to bring vessels to Sollara’s quarters. In mere moments he made his way back to Mari.

They smiled at each other and without words turned towards Sollara. The walk down the hall was the longest walk Mari had ever made. She took her time by memorizing every knot in the large wooden doors they passed, how the cold stone felt under her feet, and the smell of the musty air mixed with burning oil. Her heart raced in anticipation.

Sugoi smiled as they reached Sollara’s door, eager to prove himself to Mari. He reached out and grabbed her hand. She could feel his
pulse
through their touch and knew that he was just as excited. With a squeeze to her hand, he opened the door and pulled her through behind him.