“Rokaa,” she gasped.
She dressed and hurried into the bedroom. Waar was waiting to escort her to Lord Wyice’s chambers. Neither of them said a word until they stopped at the Lord’s door.
He forced her to pause, turning her to face him. “Be careful, Chadon,” he whispered as he patted her upper arm.
She thought about what he said then nodded. What is a Chadon? The door opened while her mind still twisted over the title Waar gave her.
She continued into the room, stumbling slightly over her new dress. Ahead, she noticed Lord Wyice sitting at a small table. On the table was a variety of morning foods.
“Our guest of honor has arrived,” he said, standing to greet her. He offered his hand for her to take but she refused. “Very well. You look beautiful in white.”
She walked over to him, a smirk on her lips. “I wore white in the arena,” she pointed out. “It just happened to be soaked with blood most of the time,” she added.
“Not anymore. After today your arena days will be behind you. We leave tonight to my home on Cariou where you will join my family,” he explained. He led her over to the table and offered her a chair to sit.
“Family?” Sedom questioned.
He pushed back his cape as he sat. “Yes. Because of my unique breeding, the Marisheio government requests I produce a certain number of children every year. They send me some of the most beautiful women from throughout the galaxy to breed with. They and our children all become my family. You will fit right in,” he explained.
Sedom stared down at her empty plate. “I’m a game player, not a breeder,” she mentioned. “Besides, it is not my time to mate yet,” she pointed out.
Lord Wyice took her good hand, squeezing it. “Of course not. I want you to teach me how to fight.” He released her hand, motioning to the table. “Eat,” he insisted.
She shook her head, the pain of her arm and head causing her stomach to churn. “I’m not feeling up to eating.”
He nodded, his black hair bouncing on his shoulders. “Yes, of course. The doctor said you might not have an appetite, but I am to still attempt to make you eat. The rather harsh medicine they gave you undoubtedly upset your stomach,” he explained. He took a jar of something yellow and set it on her plate. “Regardless, you have a big day and you need to keep up your strength. Try this. It’s quite tasty and helps sooth the stomach.” He offered her a spoon.
Sedom took the spoon, looking at it. “Why are you being kind to me?” she asked.
“Would you rather I’m cruel?” he asked seriously. “I know you’re masochistic, but—”
“No. It doesn’t make sense why you would be kind to me. Everything I’ve done to you. Everything I’ve heard about you--” she argued.
“Don’t believe everything you hear, Syrok. I want to be your friend. It’s easier for me to be your friend,” he explained. He took his own spoon, scooping out a little of the yellow goop from the jar. “It’s called dergaal. It’s made from hive-dwelling insects. It’s considered quite a delicacy.”
She took a bite. The intense flavors melted on her tongue with an explosion of rich warm. An instant smile materialized on her lips. “Wow,” she gasped.
“I told you. Delicious, isn’t it?” he encouraged. “Eat, eat.” He glanced at the door where Jeina was standing beside Waar. “I’ll be right back,” he said.
Sedom continued to eat as she watched Lord Wyice talk to Jeina. She couldn’t help but think that she knew the woman but from where? The three returned to the table.
“Since when is the media involved in these events?” Lord Wyice questioned.
“I’m the head of public affairs. It’s always been my job,” Jeina returned. “You sure she won’t remember me? I don’t want to be attacked again,” she asked Waar low.
“Syrok, could you stand a moment? She needs to see if the dress I chose is appropriate,” Lord Wyice explained. “Please, don’t try to kill her again.”
“Lord Wyice ordered a memory wipe. She won’t remember who you are,” Waar explained.
Sedom stood as the woman circled her. “Cantro, are you prepared for your last mark?” she asked in Celibec. Sedom nodded. “I pray you’ll trust me and know we’re handling everything. You will be in the arms of friends soon. Do you understand?” she continued in Celibec.
Sedom nodded. “Yes.”
“You know their language?” Lord Wyice questioned.
Jeina nodded. “Some. Enough to get my point across,” she returned sternly. She pinned the small tracking metal to Sedom’s right breast. “Tel’ejoy, from a friend,” she said as she pinned the metal. Their eyes locked and Sedom could see the woman meant her no harm. Jeina moved away.
“I understand,” Sedom returned. “Trikee,” she said, trying to hide her grin.
“It is an honor to serve,” Jeina said to Lord Wyice, but Sedom knew it was meant for her.
Jeina and Waar left the room, allowing Sedom to slowly sink into her seat again. Lord Wyice continued to stand, watching the door as if attempting to figure out what had just taken place.
“She’s infatuated with you,” he mentioned as he sat.
“Many are.” She allowed a quick grin.
Lord Wyice took the dergaal and smothered it on a piece of bread. He handed it back to Sedom. “You know, I have a daughter about your age,” he mentioned. He took a sip of something steaming from a small cup. “Of course, you two are completely different from each other. She informed me she wants to go to school and become a veterinarian. I had to look up what it was—”
“Healing animals,” Sedom chimed in.
Lord Wyice pointed an excited finger at her. “Exactly. I want to be an encouraging father, so I bought her a Moffit from Brokt. I’m told that it is cute, I believe otherwise. Everyone in the family loves it,” he started.
“You can’t stand it,” she pointed out.
Lord Wyice sighed deeply, shaking his head. “It hates me and it never stops squeaking. I daydream about dropping it over my fourth-floor balcony and watching it splatter on the floor below, but my poor little girl’s heart would be broken and I do love my daughter.”
Sedom held up the jar of dergaal. “Try giving it some of this,” she mentioned. “With all creatures, a little bribery goes a long way.”
He took the jar, examining it. “You might be correct. I still wish I bought her some lab animals to practice on like I had as a child. Something she wouldn’t get attached to,” he joked. “Interesting how you and I are talking so casually. You’re quite grown up for thirteen,” he mentioned.
Sedom scooted the bread aside, unable to look at it. “I was orphaned at ten. When you have no one but yourself to depend on, you grow up fast,” she explained.
He sat back, a huge smile clinging to his bowed lips. “Syrok, tell me your story,” he requested.
Sedom tugged on her collar. “Sorry, not much of a storyteller,” she returned.
He grew close to her ear, “Syrok Cantro, abresaun.”
A flood of memories returned to her mind, so much it caused her to cry out. Lord Wyice took her cheeks in hand allowing her to hide her face against his chest.
“Deep breaths. Allow your mind a moment to process,” he encouraged tenderly.
“Why?” she gulped.
“I’ve grown tired of this charade,” he accused. His fingers felt to her temples, searching her mind.
She shook her head as her memories flooded over her. She could feel him enter her mind, searching through all of her blurry thoughts. “Asaala…” she gulped, her mind focusing on her childhood friend. “My name is Asaala.” The last time she saw the girl was in the forest after the Marisheio had destroyed her city. She came to Sedom as a ghost to warn her not to return to the city.
“Are you sure?”
She nodded slowly against his chest, trying everything she could to concentrate on her childhood with her friends.
“Alright,” Lord Wyice huffed.
Waar entered the room, h
is eyes wide in panic. “Sortec?” he asked.
Lord Wyice shook his head in disgust. “She claims her name is Asaala,” he grumbled. “I returned her memories to her. Let her rest for now. We leave in an hour,” he said as he picked Sedom up, setting her on the bed behind them.
He left the room, leaving Waar behind to tend to her. He sat on the bed beside her, holding her hand. “How did you manage to pull that off? He reads minds,” he asked.
“I employ… mind readers. Takes… practice to trick them,” she admitted. “You… tell him?” she questioned.
He nodded, admitting to his guilt. “I thought it was you in the arena. I told him to purchase your contract and had to tell him why. It was the only way I could help you,” he mentioned low. “I just hope he doesn’t ask for me to pay him back,” he joked.
Sedom chuckled. “I’ll cover the cost,” she returned, squeezing his hand. “Are we friends?” she gulped. He nodded. “Why help me?” she asked.
“I’m trapped, just as much as any slave as wearing a collar. I need your people’s help if I am to ever be a free man again,” he explained low.
She patted his hand. “Help me sit up. My mind is clearing,” she returned in a shuttering voice. “I can’t believe he allowed my memories to return,” she said.
“He was really hoping I was correct. He was actually banking on it, even possibly trying to gain favor with the Tasgool,” he mentioned.
“Why?” she gasped.
“There are many sides to war,” he returned cryptically. “It will be interesting having you in the Midossier. The girls won’t know how to act around you.”
Sedom grimaced, glancing to the door where Jeina left. “They won’t have the opportunity. But you already know that,” she mentioned.
He agreed with a nod. “I had my suspicions about her. I knew when she was talking to you by your cage it wasn’t about the arena. I’m just curious how your friends will pull off kidnapping you during a widely broadcasted ceremony.”
“So am I. We’ve succeeded in a lot worse situations.”
The door opened to an irate Lord Wyice. He grabbed something small and shiny, like a metal cylinder, from inside his cape and tossed it at the wall. The cylinder smashed, sending purple liquid oozing down the wall.
Waar stepped away from Sedom, his eyes closed yet she could still tell he was irate. “How bad?” he asked.
“Sixteen cases to Caata. There was no way to stop it in time,” Lord Wyice screeched.
“Bad,” Waar returned. He glanced over at Sedom. “Very bad.”
“No, bad is if he simply sold it. Six of his women are dead, three others are in critical condition. He wants blood.” Lord Wyice glanced over at Sedom, scowling. He plopped down in a seat and proceeded to rub his temples. “We’re running short on time. Walk her to the transport. I’ll be there shortly,” the Lord ordered.
Waar motioned for Sedom to follow him out into the hall. She did so without hesitation. In the hall, she noticed there were no guards.
“Trusting me?” she asked.
“Why not?” Waar huffed. “You’re not a game player anymore. You’re not going to be a concubine. All you can complain about is being a very well taken care of trophy. Why kill me over that?” he pointed out.
“Because I’m planning on escaping,” she whispered.
He turned to her, briefly looking back at the door to see if Lord Wyice was coming. “Then I suggest you follow your instructions,” he warned.
He led her down a long corridor linked to the housing unit and out two sets of doors to the outside. Six guards stood at attention next to a black transport. One approached, opening the door for Sedom and Waar.
“Lord Wyice will just be a moment,” Waar mentioned as he slipped inside the transport.
Alone inside the transport, Sedom motioned back to the hallway. “What was that all about?” she asked.
Waar shook his head, obviously upset over the situation. “Bad batch of Avarian.”
“Which he sent to his brother, who serves on the Marisheio Emperor’s war council?” Sedom questioned.
A wise smirk pulled at Waar’s dark lips. “You know more than you should,” he pointed out.
She shrugged. “For a time I knew nothing. I didn’t even know who you or your family were,” she admitted.
“I wish you didn’t have to know,” Waar returned.
The door opened and Lord Wyice slipped inside. Without her realizing it, he had placed an air syringe to her neck. She gasped, feeling to her neck.
“What?” she gulped, her eyes growing heavy.
“It’s a long drive,” Lord Wyice began as he situated his cape against his seat. “It’s better if you take a nap.”
Before she could protest, her eyes had closed.
“Forgive me. I truly thought she was Sortec,” Waar begged as he watched Sedom fall asleep.
Lord Wyice stared blankly out the transport window. He reached over, caressing Sedom’s temple as she slept. He flinched, seeing images of Narkoy bodies lining the street as she dreamed. He pulled away, shuttering softly.
“She is. We both know it. She’s trying to protect herself. I don’t blame her for lying. She’s being held captive by the very man who practically killed her entire species,” he huffed. “I will take her with us and show her we are not the enemy. When I’m through with her we will demand a ransom from the Tasgool and return her safely,” he decided. “Until then, let her believe we don’t know until she slips.”
“Buying allies?” Waar asked.
Lord Wyice grunted. “We all know who runs the Tasgool. Keriney will be elated to have his Chadon returned. Perhaps they’ll leave us in peace when the war begins or at least not side with my brother. I can’t have my children dragged into this, regardless of my role.”
“You really think those you destroyed will help you?” Waar questioned.
Lord Wyice motioned to Sedom. “I have something they want. If not, I have other bargaining gifts. We both can lie. I have plans to contact the Chisarel once we’ve returned. He’s rebuilding their space fleet. Last thing I want is twenty Tasgool ships knocking on my door.”
Some time later, Sedom woke to the sounds of a cheering crowd. Her foggy eyes peered through the tinted windows, noticing the transport was surrounded by people.
Lord Wyice squeezed her shoulder. “Syrok, take this. It will help remove the fuzziness from your mind.”
She stared down at the crystal in his hand then looked sternly back into his eyes. “Why should I trust you? For all I know it’s poison,” she pointed out.
He took the crystal he offered, popping it into his mouth. Then he removed another from his case. “It helps,” he said, placing the crystal in her hand.
She glanced at the crystal, smirking. With shaking hands, she popped the crystal into her mouth. It was then she noticed… why are my hands shaking? Moments after she took the crystal, her hands calmed.
The transport rolled up to a small clearing surrounded by security. The side door opened, revealing a man dressed head to toe in black.
“Lord, this way, please,” he said as he stepped aside.
Lord Wyice held his hand out for Sedom to take. “Time to receive your honors, Syrok Cantro,” he said.
Reluctantly she took his hand and he led her out of the transport.
From a distance away, Ryn watched as Sedom stepped out of the transport. “We have a visual. Repeat, we have a visual on Sortec.”
His voice echoed through the full, yet very quiet command center. Danstu took hold of the railing, looking down at the large viewscreen below him. Although far away, he could see Sedom walking toward the camera on Ryn’s hat. The sun glistened off her radiant gown as she was escorted through the crowd.
“Is this dressing typical?” Danstu called out.
“No, it is not,” Ryn answered back.
Waar’s copper eyes scanned the area, noticing several unusual people lurking about. His eyes focused on an impressive pistol hanging f
rom Zion’s weapons belt as they approached a large group of people cheering. He looked to its owner, recognizing Zion from images he had seen before.
He neared Sedom’s ear, whispering, “Please, don’t forget me,” he said, motioning to Zion. “Your friend is over there. Good luck, Sortec.” He slipped his own pill case into the pocket of her dress. “Just in case.”
Sedom watched Zion, trying to place his face. A small smile escaped her lips. “Zion?” she gasped.
“What was that?” Lord Wyice questioned.
Sedom shook her head. “The sun… it feels nice. It’s been awhile,” she covered.
Ryn’s camera pointed at Sedom, revealing her in all her glittering glory. “Uh, I believe we have a problem,” he announced softly into his com.
Danstu nodded, his eyes tense on Sedom. “Yes, we see it,” he called back.
“See what?” Cidele questioned from beside Danstu as she watched the screen.
“She’s wearing a new collar,” Danstu pointed out.
“Meaning her mind has been wiped again. There’s no guarantee she’ll remember the Marnet’s instructions,” Lolum called from the decking below.
“Be prepared to use our backup plan,” Danstu called out. He turned to Cidele, motioning to her.
“Copy that,” Ryn whispered back over the speakers.
“Backup plan?” Cidele questioned in a whisper.
“Pray we don’t have to,” Danstu grumbled back. “I need you to suit up for a special task force. I hear you’re a good shot,” he mentioned.
She nodded. “Yes. Right away, Chisarel.”
“Chisarel, she’s passing by now,” Ryn called out.
As Sedom walked passed Zion and Ryn, she looked directly at her old friend, not breaking eye contact until she could no longer look back.
“What was that?” Bagaaris questioned while standing next to Lolum. He pointed urgently to the screen.
“I believe that is an acknowledgment,” Danstu replied with uncertainty. He slapped his hand against the console. “Alright! Good! She recognized Zion,” he explained. He grabbed hold of the railing separating the science center from the command station. “When we’re all safe, we need to work on our signals,” he muttered under his breath.
The Last Narkoy_OSLO Page 19
