by John Walker
Or fly, Niva thought. I guess he forgot about that part.
“Let me understand you,” Milna said, “you want us to go to this structure, engage some ancient technology, then fight the Kahl attack force waiting overhead. As soon as we go back to the surface, won’t we be discovered? Then what happens? We can’t exactly fend them off in our current situation.”
“And if they have reinforcements,” Niva added, “we’ll have a long battle ahead of us.”
“A glorious one.” Haulda put his arms out to either side. “Which will ring through the ages. Telling the Prophet of our deeds. Making Him see our worth. Yours as well as his heralds. Together, we will tame your enemies and know our destiny.”
Milna started to reply. Niva stopped her with a wave of her hand. She said, “How do we get the technology online?”
“It is said only you will be able to do it. Our people have tried in the past. We can give you what we’ve seen… what we know… but you’ll have to figure it out. And as far as being discovered, you can get there through the caverns. Once the storm passes, you’ll have plenty of time to get there.”
“And how long before the storm?” Milna asked. “Because the Kahl will become far more… intense about their search the longer they fail to find us.”
“Long enough for you to get some rest,” Haulda said, “here, apparently, since you left the comfort of the other building. But don’t worry. They won’t leave. And we will have our battle.”
“And if more show up?” Niva asked. “Additional ships, I mean.”
“Then all the more glory.” Haulda clapped them both on their shoulders. “Come this way. I’ll show you where you can rest. I’m afraid you’ll have to share the room though. We don’t typically have guests in there.”
Of course not. Niva followed. He’s definitely a Kahl with all this glory talk. I thought we were out of trouble. Apparently, we found ourselves in something far worse. These natives were going to get them killed. Maybe there’s more to the base than meets the eye. Perhaps it’s even a weapon.
She dared hope, but until they saw it in person, all she knew was it looked like a ruin… a graveyard for those foolish enough to believe it was safe.
Nothing is ever easy. Niva knew she wouldn’t sleep but Haulda seemed far too insistent to ask for the information early. I’ll lie there in the dark praying for a solution to present itself. Come on, Griel! Where are you? We could really use a little of your last-minute saves right about now.
Chapter 5
Cirilla woke with a start. A hand held her down. She slapped at it, ignoring the shush sound from her captor. Her eyes wouldn’t focus. Her body felt numb. Another set of hands took her other side, keeping her pinned.
“Let me go!” Cirilla rasped the words. Her throat stung like she’d swallowed a mouthful of broken glass. “Please!”
“It’s me!” The voice finally registered. Sev! “Please, calm down. You’re safe! Believe me, you’re totally safe!”
“Sev… my lord?” Cirilla corrected herself when she recognized they weren’t alone. “I’m… what happened?”
“Someone attacked the house,” Sev replied. “We’ve been evacuated to a bunker near the tower.”
“Who? Who would’ve done such a thing?”
“I don’t know yet.” Sev let her go. The other hands let up as well. “But we’re working on that. How are you feeling?”
Cirilla moved, wincing when she shifted her leg. Her knee blazed with pain. Various aches and bruises caused tightness here and there. She shrugged. “I guess I’m fine. Are you okay?”
“Yes, for the most part. We’re with one of my personal guards. Aeden. You can trust him. And he knows about us as well so you can speak freely.”
“You told him?” Cirilla blinked until her vision cleared. Lights still created halos. The shadows were pitch-black. But she could make out Sev’s face. She looked him in the eye. “Is that okay?”
“He had to know you are part of the detail. That doesn’t matter. How is your head?”
She explained her vision. “Other than that, I think I’m thirsty.”
“I’ve got water for you.” Sev helped her sip. “The doctor said you should be well by tomorrow morning. They’ve pumped you full of all manner of drugs. But the fact you’re so young… that’s what’ll make you pull through. Rest assured. This is temporary.”
“Are we staying in the bunker long?”
“Until I can go through some briefings,” Sev replied, “yes. Intelligence will be here soon as will a couple of the generals. I intend to question quite a few people for that attack. Particularly since no one seems to have heard even a rumor it might happen.”
“You find that odd?”
Sev nodded. “Such an assault required planning. Help getting the equipment in place. To transport the men into position. The fact none of our people mentioned it is troubling. Someone must have heard chatter about an operation. Even if the particulars weren’t available. That’s why I’m pushing all of them.”
“I see. How can I help?”
“Right now, you can rest. When you’re feeling better tomorrow, there will be documents I’d like you to go through. Schedules. I know you’re not trained for this type of work, but a second pair of eyes will ease my conscience.”
“What am I looking for?”
“Anything out of the ordinary. Strange travel plans. Odd account transfers. Whatever sticks out, you need to mark.” Sev took her hand. “You fought that man bravely.”
“Thank you. Did you…”
“Yes. I had to as well. I’d like to say it felt good to get back to it, but I’m terribly out of practice, I’m afraid.”
“Were there prisoners?”
“Two.” Sev smiled. It gave Cirilla a chill. She’d never seen him quite so dark. While working for him, he came off as cold. Calculated. Never brutal. Not in her presence. “And they will be interrogated thoroughly.”
“Were they…”
“Yes?”
Cirilla shrugged. “Kahl?”
“Ah. You’re thinking of the resistance. Yes, in this case the two prisoners were. Some of the bodies, however, were not. And the weapon they used to attack the house was not one of ours either. Which leads me to speculate. As I think they intended.”
“What’re the options?”
“Was this an attack by the resistance we know about? The Prophet and his cronies? Or does this come from one of the other governments? The Prytins and Rhulins have the resources for this. Perhaps even the Dahs if they threw all their remaining resources into such an affair.”
“What’re the chances for each?”
“I’m leaning toward resistance,” Sev replied. “Mostly because they have the best chance of discovering the intelligence required to pull such a thing off. However, until we know more, I refuse to guess. I don’t want to favor any particular possibility. That’s when you start corrupting facts to fit the theory.”
“Understood.”
“You will.” Sev leaned to kiss her forehead. “I’m sorry this happened to you. I… I reacted poorly in the bed when I shoved you out. I feel terrible.”
“I think no matter how we acted in that situation, we would’ve had cause to second-guess. I made it. I’m glad you thought of me.”
“I wouldn’t have left you there,” Sev said. “Security forces dragged me outside. I organized them to get you back as soon as possible.”
“Is the house…”
“Some of it has been saved. Most of the things I cared about are okay as well. The thugs attempted to steal some things, but they didn’t make it. None of the attackers survived the assault. But they took their toll. Over twenty security personnel died defending the house. And some civilians suffered as well.”
“That firefight… wow.”
“It was far more intense than anyone expected.” Sev stood. “Your eyes are drooping. One of the reasons you’re seeing halos is exhaustion. Get back to sleep, my dear. I’ll be in the other ro
om. If you need anything, hit the button on the side of the table. It’ll page my device and I’ll come back.”
“Thank you.” Cirilla’s eyes burned. Tears fell unnoticed. “I’m… I’m alive because…”
“You were in danger because of me too,” Sev pointed out. “But I know what you mean. Anyway, all is well now, my dear. We’ll speak again in a few hours.”
He left. When the door closed, the lights went out. The only sound came from her shallow breaths, the beating of her heart thumping in her ears. She closed her eyes… the scene came back to her. Fire consuming the wall. Debris littering the floor. Screams outside. It all made her tremble.
This was done to us, Cirilla thought. I will not be cowed by it. We will find the perpetrators. Speaking the words in her mind helped push out the fear, the terror making her hands tremble. She balled them into fists. I am not some little girl to be bullied. Whoever did this will pay.
The brief moment of indignation faded as exhaustion returned, washing over her like a warm breeze. Her muscles turned to lead. She drifted, falling into a deep, real sleep.
***
Sev left the room, leaning against the door after it closed. He stared at the ceiling, drawing several deep breaths as he tried to conquer his rage. Attacking him made sense. His various opponents benefited from his death. The fact it hadn’t happened before surprised him more than anything.
The fact Cirilla had been there, nearly killed herself… that bothered him. On a deep, personal level he felt affronted. Those prisoners they caught would be interrogated by the officials, then he intended to do it himself as well. And if the opportunity to execute them comes up, I may just take it upon myself to do it.
“Have you thought about her?” Aeden’s voice startled him. The man left as soon as Cirilla calmed down. He stood a good six inches taller than Sev. His broad shoulders made him an imposing figure. Body armor turned him into a juggernaut. Without the helmet, his bald head looked small.
“What do you mean? All I’ve done is think about her.”
“We haven’t had any trouble until she began to stay at the house,” Aeden explained. “What does she have to do with the attack?”
“You’re not suggesting she helped coordinate such a thing?” Sev shook his head. “Because that’s ridiculous. There’s no way.”
“Why?”
“Because she’s getting everything she wants!”
“Someone might have offered her more.”
Sev pinched the bridge of his nose. “You’re looking in the wrong shadows.”
“I’m looking at the ones you seem to be ignoring.” Aeden leaned closer. “We already know intelligence attempted to plant her. The fact she came clean doesn’t exonerate her from treason. Nor them for that matter. My personal opinion is we should have the handler executed and…”
“Yes?” Sev glared at his bodyguard. “Say it. And what?”
“At the very least, submit her to interrogation. Ensure she’s telling the truth.”
“What do you think I’m doing with that young woman?”
Aeden shrugged. “You tell me, sir. She’s not even half your age.”
“And you don’t approve, is that it?”
“It will seem odd to others when you present her.”
“Older men take younger lovers all the time.” Sev paced away. He poured himself a drink, pounding it back. The sting helped him stay focused. He filled his glass again. “Why should I be any different?”
“You’re the Lord Marshal,” Aeden said, as if that were the only answer he needed. Fortunately, he elaborated. “People hold you to a different standard. And as the man who granted the church its power, you cannot have any sins.”
“Utter nonsense.” Sev waved his hand at the man. “You know full well the priests do not hold themselves to some moral high ground when it comes to the opposite sex. We do as we will. And I’ve been alone for long enough. I have no intention of remaining so simply to maintain some fabricated decorum.”
“What will your son think?”
“Why should I care?” Sev huffed. “What is your real concern about her?”
“That she’s a dangerous distraction. Pretty enough but ultimately an office girl. Her ambitions are petty and she’s weak. If ever someone pressed her, I believe she would break. And do whatever they wanted. Or maybe she already is. Which leads me back to intelligence…”
“I told you I’m dealing with them already.”
“But they are playing your office with that girl!”
“What if I told you I’m falling in love with Cirilla? Would that make any difference to you?”
“No, because we both know emotion has no place in leadership.”
Sev took a seat, staring at his glass. “I believe she can help us. I know she can. She’s clever. Far more than you’re giving her credit for.”
“If that’s the case, then let me put a man on her. One of your personal guard. He can speak to her. Ensure she’s loyal. Make certain that her interests are genuine.”
“And when she finds out I’m checking up on her?” Sev asked. “That I don’t trust her? I told her I did. I’ve let her in on personal problems.”
“She doesn’t have to know it was you. I’ll take responsibility.”
Sev glared. “I don’t like it.”
“We often have to do things we aren’t happy about.”
“I hate your practicality. Do you have anything in this life you care about? Anything at all?”
“Many things. My duty, above all else.”
“It’s showing right now.”
Aeden bowed his head. “I can have the young man attached to her by tomorrow. They can travel to the other bunker where we intend to hold operations while you and I interrogate those prisoners. That will create an opportunity for open conversation. Which should give us the answers I’m after.”
“You’re such a bastard, you know that?”
“I do.” Aeden nodded. “And that’s one of the reasons I’ve worked for you so well.”
“Yes, well… sometimes it’s a pain.”
“I’m aware of that as well.”
“Fine.” Sev finished the next drink off. He set aside the glass. “Do what you’re going to do. But let me be perfectly clear, no harm befalls her. Understand? No matter what you learn, I want to be informed first and I’ll make the decision of how to proceed.”
“Of course. I’ll be sure he’s aware of that. Besides, they’d have to report to me before taking action. And I’ll let you know what they find right away.”
“And what about the situation today? The security guards. Why are we not talking about their accountability? I’d honestly believe one of them acted as a traitor before putting it on Cirilla’s head. She doesn’t have the experience to pull something off nor the resources.”
“Those men were handpicked by me. They are an extension of your bodyguard division. While I am certainly looking into the duty roster, the admin, and their leader, I can probably rule him out as he’s one of the men who died. My opinion is that we have intelligence to blame, sir. Them or the resistance.”
“You’re covering yourself, aren’t you?” Sev fell silent for a long moment, staring at the wall until his vision blurred. “The fact is anyone might be responsible.”
“Yes, but we have to narrow down the possibilities. Start a list, break it down, then form a new one if that doesn’t pan out. I’m certain we’ll find the culprits.”
“Will it be quick enough?”
“Prisoners.”
Sev nodded. “Yes, I know. I have a bad feeling about them. I don’t think they’re going to give us anything of value.”
“You’re tired.”
“Exhausted,” Sev corrected, “but lying down won’t help. I think I’ll stay here.” He tapped his chin. “Do you think… one of my generals may be to blame?”
“We’d be speculating wildly, but I’m guessing you mean your son.”
Sev closed his eyes. It felt like a
fist gripped his heart, crushing it just to hear the suspicion spoken aloud. “I know he’s busy. But this is something a man might put in motion.”
“We’ll look at everyone with something to gain from your demise, sir.”
“Excellent.” Sev sighed. “I look forward to dragging prominent members of our community through the filth. We’ll have to be subtle. This is just the sort of thing a group like the resistance wants. For us to become paranoid, to hold our friends at arm’s length, then cast them to the wilds.”
“As I said, we will be subtle, My Lord.”
Sev believed him. That didn’t assuage his worry nor his guilt at how many innocent military men and women might be implicated. If they caught wind of any suspicion, it may well spur on random ideas they’ve had. Plans to perform some sort of coup. He used to worry about such things as a younger man.
Until the attack on the house, he had mostly let such worries go. Here they are, rushing back. Like the force of a river, crushing me against the rocks. How swiftly the paranoia returns as strong as ever… as if I never left it alone.
“We have busy times ahead,” Sev said. “And I need rest. Wake me before the middle shift. We’ll get started then.”
“As you wish, my lord.”
Sev watched him leave then settled into his chair. He didn’t want to recline. Lying down would give him the opportunity to fret about the situation, to overthinking everything happening around him. I need to remain calm. He drew a deep breath. The liquor kicked in, making him drowsy. That helps.
Answers would come later. For so many things. I’m sorry, Cirilla. I have to put Aeden’s mind at ease. Even if it might risk her trust. This position doesn’t afford romantic notions, I’m afraid. I’ll make it up to her if I have to. Somehow, I’ll make it up.
***
Maurda found himself back in the mines. He lost track of the time; how long he spent. The Kahl offered irregular breaks, likely to ensure the prisoners had no way of predicting them. One moment he’d be working, the next they’d pull him away, thrusting a canteen in his hands. A few quick gulps always finished them off.
