Darkness Falling: Soldiers and Slaves

by R. R. Willica

  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 sh
e 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.

  “I'm going to activate the city’s utility functions. Stay here with the others, I’ll be perfectly safe,” she assured him.

  Leaving her charges, she made her way deeper into the Consular. Her footsteps echoed on the marble floors as she walked through the empty corridors. Dim, frigid light filtered in through the windows. Even within the shelter of Rau'Tesche-Akar the storm could not be avoided. Raising her hand, Wini conjured a small light in the palm of her hand. She allowed it to float free, tethering it to the top of her head.

  Memories threatened at every turn. Voices from the past whispered in her ears while visions of faces long dead floated behind her eyes. She pushed them away. Her grief was old and rusted; firmly welded upon her soul from years of meditation. It was time to live in the moment while facing the future.

  Deep within the building she found herself atop a dark stairway leading into the lower levels beneath the earth. The Consular was more than a political building; it also housed much of the infrastructure that operated the city.

  Wini did not fear the ghosts which may dwell within the darkness and began to descend the stairs. Her aura awakened long dormant processes. Enchanted crystals inlaid along the walls flickered to life with a soft blue light. Soon her conjured illumination was no longer necessary. Magical devices were not very different than machines. They merely needed an active energy source to maintain their functionality. The Akar themselves had once served that purpose. When the city was abandoned the devices merely turned off.

  At the end of the corridor was the primary control room. She pushed the door open, standing quietly in the doorway. The panels closest to her began to hum and glow. Being alone, she knew she could not power every building. Instead she would choose the most important; one residential building as well as the Consular itself.

  She chose a small block of apartments that once housed the Ekar. She was not ready to return to the house where she'd grown up. Approaching the appropriate panel, she ran her hand over it gently, making it fully functional and linking it to her mind. Around her the building buzzed, fully operational.

  There was one final thing that must be done before she returned to the foyer. On the far wall there was a small lighted screen. Wini placed her hand against it, her skin tingling as it scanned her for approval. The energy in the room changed, shifting upward. Without seeing it she knew a beam of light was lifting into the sky. The beacon of hope, long dark, announcing the return of the Akar.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Gleyth paced the interior of the elevator restlessly, her mind awash with strong emotion. Her tryst with Kevie had been unexpected, freeing her from inaction. Tasting freedom taught her that standing silently against her fate would do nothing to bring the change she de
sired.

  The elevator doors opened to reveal her father's office. She did not hesitate as she stepped through. Excited and terrified of what she was about to do; she knew she must act before she allowed her anxiety to stop her. Ka Harn looked up from his desk, surprised by his daughter’s unexpected visit.

  “Father, I must speak with you and it is urgent.”

  “Of course, come in,” he said, bewildered but kind. “Be aware we do not have much time. Your mother was going to be calling you soon to announce the date of your wedding.”

  “That is precisely why I am here,” her knees were weak as she spoke. Taking a shaky breath, she clasped her hands tightly to steady herself. “I do not wish to marry Fei Arentey.”

  “What?”

  “Or any man, for that matter, at least not any man chosen among the pool of the nobility. I want to assist you instead in improving the quality of life for the citizens of the Empire.”

  Ka Harn knitted his brow in frustration. “What is this nonsense?” he grumbled. “Are you now going to pretend you understand what it means to be Emperor?”

  “No, father, it isn't nonsense. I'm quite serious. I do not wish to marry. There is so much more I could be doing with my life. I'm smart and compassionate. I could be a great asset to the dynasty.” She walked toward the window, pointing at the world below. “What about the people in the streets of Rau'Tesche-Awn? I could be out there helping them. We have so much to offer.”

  “I would not risk your life in the streets with the common filth, you know this.”

  “It wouldn't be risking my life and they are not filth. They are our people. I would be saving lives. You have done nothing to aid the people during this blizzard. How many are starving and freezing to death right outside our walls?

  “Father, I could be a champion to the Empire, showing that we still care about those who were not born into wealth.”

  “Gleyth,” he began, but she cut him off.