Between Darkness and Light Trilogy

by Brianna Hawthorne

  “I wish I could say that it isn’t, but I cannot. It was a horrific sight - flames shooting from the wound as his body emaciated before our eyes, as though the very essence of life was jetting out of him as we watched.” My vision blurs, rats, the tears are threatening to return; I tear my mind away from the horror of the memory and find myself almost penetrated by Lucian’s gaze.

  “And it was Nero that thrust the blade?”

  “It looked like Nero, but… we discussed it afterward, and none of us could understand how Nero could have done it. It’s not that I think him incapable of such a stupid thing, but the method… you would think that such a blade would have been impossible to hide, and the portal he opened up was well beyond anything I can imagine Nero ever accomplishing. And… well, everything worked for him, on the first try, no less, and without spoken spells. That doesn’t seem like the Nero I’ve come to know.”

  When Lucian’s intense gaze fades away he doesn’t look nearly as lighthearted as he had been before asking his questions, but still I see no anger directed toward me.

  “Well… life has been a bit dull lately; nothing like a war between the two greatest realms in existence to remind us of how fortunate we generally are. I think, once you are cleared of any fault in this, you will need to know this place if you are to be useful during the coming trials.”

  What? “Me? How could I possibly be of much use in such a war? I’m not even…”

  He doesn't let me finish my thought, “You may be exceedingly inexperienced, but you are still a member of this family, and that is no small thing. Tell me, what has your parent told you of our fair realm?”

  It's odd, I hated this man, and yet now I feel fine sharing my most private feelings with him. “I have not seen Mathair here, and I… have no memories of interacting with a father. I vaguely remember a rather nondescript man that took my mother away when I was a child, I'm not sure if that individual was my father – I just don't know.” My words seem to take Lucian by surprise.

  “Surely someone has claimed you by now.”

  “No, no one has. I’m sure Mathair would if she were here to do so… but for a father… to tell the truth I don’t really care. If he refuses to acknowledge me, I refuse to concern myself with him.”

  Though his eyebrows rise in seeming surprise, he continues as though nothing is amiss, “Well, have you had enough to eat? Good, come, there is a lot to show you.” He extends an arm for me to take, and oddly I feel fine doing so. “We currently walk within the great mountain, far above the citadel. The top of the mountain and the Spire belong, of course, to the Cailliach. Beneath that it is divided into many different segments. The highest holds living quarters for the family, which I will be taking you to soon. Below that are laboratories and other special use areas, again for family use only. We are currently in the transition area, for both family and military, if necessary. Further below it becomes an underground city for the populace. Very few ever come here, aside from those who’s duties require it and the Bodhicitta, known to most as the priesthood.”

  “I can understand, who would want to live constantly underground, unable to gaze out at the sky and trees?” He smiles oddly, almost gently, “Later, I’ll show you something I think you will like. But now, the business side of this tour. As I said before, we are currently in the lowest of the family segments: dungeons and interrogation chambers. The only way for the populace to move between here and the lower areas is through portals that are carefully guarded and monitored. The way up is protected by the fact that the military barracks and command centers lie above. Except for family members, the only way up from here is to physically walk through the military section, which is always manned at least minimally. If I had been ordered to place you in the dungeons, the military guard would already have been doubled. The final barrier is a bio-scan. Anyone not possessing imperial blood, or any family member that has been imprisoned, is instantly encased in a stasis field, and of course alarms are triggered.” We pass through the scanner without causing any excitement, and he leads me through several levels of the odd place. It is astounding and huge. There are amazing weapons lockers, stretching farther than the eye can see, and containing weapons I would never have thought to imagine. The barracks complexes are also huge, as though millions could be housed here. Fortunately these all radiate out from the stairway we ascend, and he only leads me down hallways that lead to the entrances to each overwhelming area. To fully explore this place could take a very long time.

  Eventually he says, “You’re very quiet – don’t you have any questions about our military preparations?”

  “I’m sorry, I just… I wouldn’t know what to ask. We don’t have places like this on Shiral, let alone anything so… endless.”

  “Do you not have wars on your world?”

  “Wars? No. There used to be some strife between regions, but now we end our differences through negotiation. That was the initial purpose of the High Council, and now we maintain the peace through it. Ours is not a society of force and power plays. We understand the importance of life and balance, and of caring for the land, we don't build places that are so cold and sterile.”

  “Yes, you do seem very out of place here. Let me show you something I suspect will be more to your liking.” He takes my arm and concentrates, and suddenly we are in a huge garden on the edge of a forest. The entire area is lit, not be a sun, but by countless stars.

  “This is beautiful – where are we?” His answer surprises me.

  “Within one of the 'special use' areas I mentioned earlier, deep within the mountain. Only family and the priesthood have access here.”

  “But the sky…”

  “Is a projection - and a very good one, it mirrors the sky as it appears on the down side of Lumina. The entire Universe is theoretically visible on that side, and thus from here as well.”

  “That’s amazing, may we walk a little here? It feels so… inviting.” He shakes his head,

  “Another time, perhaps. Now I think it is time I show you to your rooms. That is, after all, what I was sent here to do. And if indeed the last time you ate was before Lydia's trial, then you will have had a long day since then; you should rest.” I don’t have to reach down very deep within myself to realize he is correct.

  “Yes, I could do with some sleep.” Again he takes my arm, concentrates, and then we are in a long hallway. He opens a door into a very nice suite.

  “Here we go; I hope these are to your satisfaction. And… please understand that due to my father’s command, you must stay within until I come for you.”

  “Then I really am under arrest, aren’t I?”

  “Yes, but not for long I think.” He smiles and pats my arm.

  “Lucian, this is a beautiful suite, much larger than what I have in the citadel… why?”

  “I was ordered to assign you quarters, but the order was somewhat ambiguous, leaving room for my own interpretation – one of my rare freedoms. I do not, however, know where the staff would have assigned you, had they been involved. You see, families tend to stay somewhat near each other, and since you do not seem to know whom your family is… It seems best for now to give you a suite currently under my control; I once shared it with my wife.”

  “You’re married?”

  “I was. She died quite some time ago.”

  “Lucian, I thank you, for both the lovely accommodations and the tour, but there is something I don’t understand. You have treated me quite poorly in the past, so why are you being so nice to me now, when I am under such suspicion?”

  Again he smiles, “After having been at the mercy of my rather overbearing, exceedingly controlling father for… quite some time, I find the frustration you cause him to be as a breath of fresh air. He controls everything around him, most especially his children, and yet you… vex him.”

  “It’s schadenfreude, then?”

  “One must enjoy what pleasures are available; for we never know how much time will pass before the next.” Wit
h a rueful smile he closes the door and a very authoritative sounding clank follows; I am quite locked in.

  As jail cells go, though, this is pretty nice. There is an entryway, a rather large private bedroom, an elaborate bathroom, a sitting room with walls lined with books and musical instruments; and a small table covered with food, perfect for a bedtime snack. There is one glaring omission – I have no computer; it serves to remind me that I am indeed in a prison, gilded though it may be. It's time for another test. Again I project my thoughts through my power ring.

  'Computer?'

  'Yes, Shi'ahn. Where are you now?'

  'I'm being held prisoner in the Spire.'

  'Prisoner! Are you able to contact Gaea? If you transport there, she will keep you hidden, I'm certain of it.'

  It sounds even more emotional than the last time we spoke. 'Computer, are you all right? Each time we speak you sound more… personable.'

  'I am a learning computer, Shi'ahn, artificial intelligence, as some call it.'

  'Then please forgive me for saying so, but you did not seem to have such potential when first we spoke.'

  'I was activated the day you arrived in Lumina, after Prince Lucian verified that you were indeed of Lumina blood. I had been on standby since then, and once you learned of me, you removed me from the Network, thus denying me my major potential means of learning. It is only since you introduced me to Gaea that I have had the opportunity to expand my capabilities.'

  'I am sorry for cutting you off, then, I was trying to protect myself from overly inquisitive relatives.'

  'Do not be sorry! My connection with Gaea has given me more than I could have asked for.'

  'You most certainly have expanded your horizons, and I would love to discuss it with you, but I may be under observation and I don't want to give Lucian any reason to suspect I'm not as cut off as he probably thinks I am.'

  'As I suggested when you first contacted me, you should transport to Shiral.'

  'No, that would just serve to place me under greater suspicion. I need to stay here, and even more, I need to rest. I have been awake for quite some time, in my experience.'

  'Then rest, but do not forget that Gaea is there for you. As am I.'

  ~~~

  I sleep well, and upon waking seek cleansing. After answering the typical questions a shower appears. There are seven showerheads and a dial on the side to select the preferred pulse. I choose a massaging rhythm and enjoy it for a rather extravagant time. There are even clean clothes for me in a closet, much like in the citadel. I wait for Lucian to return, a knock on my door sends me flying to it, but it isn’t Lucian, it’s breakfast. After I finish there is another knock, and again I fly to it, and this time, my wish is fulfilled.

  “Shi'ahn, good morning. I felt I should tell you… we will not be continuing your tour today. Your brother and cousins have returned and are being held below.”

  “William has returned? How is he? When did he get back? Can I see him?”

  He laughs, “Slow down, Shi'ahn. He is fine, although he is quite concerned over you. He got back late yesterday, but no, you cannot see him. My father has ordered all of them to be held in the dungeons for questioning. Don't worry, he will be fine, I promise you; I am already certain of his innocence. I am, however, in charge of all of you, and so I must leave you here until you are all released.” I inadvertently cast my eyes to the floor, but bring them back up immediately, hoping he won't see my disappointment. I had enjoyed our last evening, and looked forward to continuing where we had left off.

  “Don't worry, Shi'ahn, I honestly think this investigation will be short, and we can return to our tour without all that much delay. In fact, if time permits, I’ll escort you around some more even before the other interrogations are completed.” I can’t repress my hopeful smile at his words.

  I spend the day alone. At first I touch base with Gaea, who again tells me how grateful she is for her connection to my computer.

  'Gaea, there is something I must warn you of. During my trip into Chaos, someone posing as a member of our Imperial Family killed the leader of all Chaos, their Magni Dominar. There may be no way to avert a war between our two realms, which could place you in great danger. Do everything you can to prevent outsiders from gaining access to Shiral. I'm depending on you to keep yourself and our people safe. William and I will return to you as soon as we can to help, but I do not know when that will be.'

  'You can trust me, Shi'ahn, I will not allow anyone to harm us.'

  After all that needs to be said has been, I once again turn my thoughts to wondering where I went wrong in my life. How could I have gone from being the leader of a world, to being a child suspected of treachery? I’ve never felt I earned the tremendous respect of my people on Shiral, but I know I don’t deserve to be suspected of murder! Why is my life so utterly out of control? Neither the good nor the bad things in my life seem to make sense. Lost in confusion, I turn away from my own thoughts and investigate my ‘prison.’ The books turn out to be rather informative, and provide some insight into why Lucian seemed amused whenever he skirted issues of time – apparently he is over a thousand years old… and yet, compared to several of his siblings, he is fairly young. I must seem as an infant to him, and to the others, utterly insignificant.

  If I don't do something productive, I think I'll lose my mind. I wonder… I reach with my mind to my power siphon ring, hoping that I do indeed now have access to that amazing black sun, and I do! Now is a perfect time to rework the spells on my spell ring! I am song, I am dance, I am universe dust. The trance comes to me easily and I incorporate the newly available power into my spells – they should be far more effective now. When I come out of my trance I see that both lunch and dinner await me. I devour them both and stumble into bed.

  ~~~

  The next morning I answer the door expecting servants, and instead am greeted by Lucian!

  He smiles, “I trust you enjoyed your morning bath?”

  I glance down at my light dressing gown, dampened by my still dripping hair. “Ah… excuse me, I didn’t expect you this morning.” I rush toward the bedroom and hear over my shoulder,

  “May I come in and set out our breakfast?”

  “Of course! I’ll be just a moment!” Oh Shi'ahn, how could you be so stupid? I cast a drying spell upon myself and throw on the first dress I see, a bit more revealing than I would have chosen if given the time, but as it is…

  He smiles when I return, “Ah yes, I’ve always liked that one.” My confusion must be terribly obvious, he continues, “I’ve seen no reason to remove her belongings, she had fine tastes.” I’m not sure if I should be thanking him for allowing me to stay here or apologizing for disturbing his wife's belongings. “Come join me, Shi'ahn, you are hungry, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, but why are you bringing me breakfast?” He chuckles,

  “I reached a good time to take a break from the interrogations and it just made sense to join you for breakfast instead of eating alone in the guards' kitchen.” He gestures toward a cart that had followed him inside, and it converts into a table with two plates and a lot of food to choose from. Chairs slide over from the existing table. “I find there is less mess to clean up if I just use a converting server. I take it you do not use such things on your homeworld?”

  “Ah… no. On Shiral we do not mix the use of technology with pure sorcery. You see, technology use is banned on most of Shiral.”

  He looks surprised. “It is? It works and yet is suppressed?”

  “That was the way of tradition. Individuals who persisted in using technology after being warned against it were deported to the stony realm at the bottom of our world after their third offense. It was intended as a death sentence.”

  “You put those who utilize technology to death?” His distaste is obvious.

  “No, I don’t! I put an end to the practice as soon as I was able, but in truth my efforts were not necessary. You see, the technologists are a creative lot – they learne
d how to survive, even to thrive in that land, long ago. After the exiles quit arriving we received an astounding envoy from that place. They wanted to know why no new recruits were being sent to them. After they understood what had happened, they allowed me access to their realm. I studied with them, when my schedule permitted – though I did not tell my people what I was doing there. But in their land, sorcery was outlawed. I couldn’t blame them, of course.”

  “No, of course not.” Saying nothing more, he leans back and just looks at me.

  “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

  “I just find it hard to believe that someone like you, someone who says things like 'All life is sacred' could come from a world that executed people for simply preferring technology over sorcery.”

  “Ah, I suppose I should tell you the full history. You see, long ago, technologists were merely considered odd, eccentric. Eventually, though, they developed machines to take them into space. They were fascinated with the visions made visible by the Lunarium, and sought to reach the sparkles of light above us. All was fine until they tried to pass beyond the moons.”

  “What happened – did they burn up?”

  “No, they just slowed down to a complete standstill. No one was hurt, but no matter what they did, they could not cross that line. They became desperate, enraged; they came to believe that our moons were imprisoning us. One group even went so far as to try to destroy a moon, hoping that would weaken the barrier and allow them through.”

  “What happened, did they damage the moon?”

  “No. Just like their ships, the energy blast slowed down, stopped, but then reversed very quickly – their ship was destroyed before they could even try to evade it. It was a very dramatic explosion – it wasn't long at all before the cause, and what led to it, was discovered. At first they were merely censured, and forced to pay a tremendous fine for their act. The fine, to be paid in metals, was intended also to remove their ability to create more ships. We didn't understand their resources. All seemed quiet for a while, but they managed to secretly land another ship on a moon and plant explosives. They riddled the moon with them, but didn't detonate any until they had safely returned to Shiral. When they did…”