by Drew Wagar
‘She can hear me,’ Kiri whispered. ‘She did escape from the priestesses … it was Rihanna who tried to kill her, but she threw herself into the river to get away. She almost drowned, but she was able to get to Scallia. She was found and rescued. The lords have kept her safe and away from the priestesses …’
‘How many are there?’
They waited as Kiri relayed the question. Kiri gasped at the answer.
‘She says there are only three priestesses in the city. Many of them were summoned away for some reason, she doesn’t know why.’
‘Only three …’ Meru said, his mouth open wide.
‘She wants to know where I am,’ Kiri said.
‘Don’t tell her yet,’ Coran said. ‘Ask her if she’s able to speak to one of the lords there … ask her who is in charge aside from the priestesses.’
Kiri nodded, her eyes still closed.
‘She says Lord Crenech is her master now,’ she said. ‘He has taken up many of Lord Sequon’s responsibilities after he was killed … by Nerina.’
‘Do you know him?’ Coran asked, looking at Zoella. ‘Can we trust him?’
Zoella shook her head. ‘No, I’ve not heard of him. King Ioric was quite dismissive of the lords, saying they schemed and played political games. There’s no way to know if we can trust him or not.’
‘Gemma says she can speak to him,’ Kiri said. ‘It’s him that has hidden her from the priestesses.’
‘He must have been there when we were,’ Meru said, looking at Zoella. ‘We could ask him that if there was a way to restore King Ioric’s royal line to control of Scallia, would he support it?’
Coran nodded.
‘A vague enough question to test his loyalty,’ he said. ‘Doesn’t give much away. Can you ask Gemma to ask him that?’
Kiri nodded. They saw the frown on her forehead increase further.
‘She says she will ask him now.’
Kiri caught her breath and opened her eyes.
‘I could see it,’ she said. ‘Viresia has been repaired from the battle. People have returned, it’s much as it was before, just with the priestesses in charge. The lords are still running their affairs.’
‘Makes sense,’ Coran said. ‘The priestesses won’t want the additional burden.’
‘Many women have been taken to Drayden though,’ Kiri said. ‘The priestesses are still searching for those with gifts.’
‘Which will hopefully cause a lot of resentment,’ Coran said, ‘Let’s see what this Lord Crenech has to say for himself.’
‘If he is able to influence the other Lords we might have a chance,’ Zoella said. ‘Or he might just tell the priestesses we’re coming to gain more standing for himself.’
‘We’re going to have to take a risk at some point,’ Meru said.
Kiri waved her hands for silence, closing her eyes.
‘She’s back,’ she said. ‘Gemma has vouched for me, but Lord Crenech says … there are no heirs to Ioric’s line, his daughter is lost.’
‘Tell him there are heirs,’ Coran said. ‘Two nieces. Daughters of King Ioric’s sister.’
‘Of house Tiamoi,’ Zoella whispered.
Kiri relayed the message.
‘He says … You have my attention. What was Ioric’s sister’s name?’
‘Myana,’ Zoella said, ‘Tell him Myana.’
Kiri nodded.
‘He says … In that case, who are you, and what do you intend?’
Coran took a deep breath.
‘Time to come clean,’ he muttered. ‘Tell him … Tell him my name is Coran. I am from Amar, an island far to the sunright of Scallia. Tell him we have been able to stop the priestesses invading our home, frustrating them in battle.’
Coran waited until Kiri signalled she had done so.
‘Tell him I have the two nieces of Ioric in my care, Kiri and Zoella Tiamoi. Between us and them we have the power to overcome the priestesses and restore Scallia’s royal line. Our question is will the Scallian Lords and army support us in taking the fight to the priestesses?’
All of them leant in closer around Kiri as she finished sending Coran’s message.
They waited for an answer.
They saw a faint smile touch Kiri’s lips.
‘He says … a chance to rid ourselves of these invaders? Bring your fight. Scallia will rise again!’
Coran looked around at Zoella, Meru and Kiri. He grinned.
* * *
Far to the shadeward, deep in the land of Scallia, two men were clustered around a young girl. She had her eyes closed in concentration.
Gemma’s frown faded. Crenech and Joachim were staring at her.
‘Hard to believe,’ Crenech said.
‘I told you we could trust her,’ Gemma replied.
‘Royalty of Scallia,’ Joachim breathed. ‘Nieces of King Ioric himself, daughters of the house of Tiamoi still alive! Scarce seems possible. Our royal line still exists.’
‘It explains everything we suspected about this rogue priestess,’ Crenech said. ‘Kiri was one of Marek’s dreamers as was this other niece, Zoella.’
‘Both with the powers of the priestesses,’ Gemma said, ‘But fighting for us.’
‘And these Amarans have faced down and defied the might of Drayden,’ Joachim added. ‘It can be done!’
Crenech nodded.
‘We must keep this secret for now,’ he said. ‘They are coming to us, there is much to be done before they arrive and no word of it must come to the attention of the priestesses here. Scallia will rise again!’
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Through the Vortex
Round 2307, Ninth pass
The Mobilis was almost ready to depart. Mel, Fitch, Daf and Creg had caulked the hull to the point that Mel was no longer muttering under her breath about it. Meru and Coran were busy calculating a course. The flying machine had been lashed down on to the rear decks of the ship and the ballast trimmed to match. Departure was scheduled for the next chime.
Zoella had nothing else to do and said she wanted to say goodbye to Ira. Kiri likewise was unoccupied and volunteered to go with her.
Kiri waited for Zoella to come out on the deck. When she appeared, she brought something with her. Kiri recognised her kai. She swallowed.
Zoella held it out to her.
‘It’s yours,’ she said. ‘You should have it. Take it. I never want to use one again.’
‘I thought it was lost,’ Kiri said, taking it and holding it carefully. The metal showed the marks of usage, light scratches running up and down its length.
‘Fitch kept it after …’ Zoella said, stammering. ‘Well, afterwards.’
Kiri ventured a smile.
‘I was given this when I became a priestess,’ she said. ‘When I became part of the warrior caste … when my life changed.’
Zoella watched as Kiri turned the kai around in her hands, one hand still gloved in black.
‘Safer in your hands I think,’ Zoella said and then gestured to the path.
‘Thank you,’ Kiri answered.
Together the two sisters walked up to the Obelisk compound. The fires were out and there was only the faint hint of smoke in the air.
‘The plants seem to know what to do,’ Zoella said. ‘I saw furlers in Drem … they actually need the flares, they expect them, they’re ready.’
‘Same with the animals,’ Kiri said. ‘They see it coming, know to hide.’
Together, they walked through the gateway system and into the main complex.
‘Holographic assistants are available to guide you through the necessary procedures,’ the Obelisk’s voice said. ‘Do you wish them to be activated?’
‘No,’ Zoella snapped. ‘I never want to see those things again.’
‘Your preference has been noted.’
Kiri reached out and clasped her hand. They both walked down to the lower level of the facility, using their palms to open the security doors.
The AMS room opened before t
hem. Zoella gasped as Ira’s body came into view again.
Nothing had changed, the only sound was the faint hum of machinery all about them.
Then Ira’s voice filled the room.
‘Welcome Zoella, welcome Kiri.’
‘Hello Ira,’ Zoella replied. ‘How … how are you?’
‘I am in perfect operating order,’ Ira replied. ‘Physiological functions have adapted and are now stable, sensor feeds and inputs are calibrated effectively.’
Zoella and Kiri exchanged a look.
‘We’ve come to say goodbye,’ Kiri said.
‘Your preparations for departure have been noted by monitoring systems,’ Ira replied. ‘Your intentions are to visit Airea and then proceed to Dynesia before reaching Viresia.’
‘You know all that?’ Zoella asked.
‘Monitoring systems are comprehensive within the Obelisk area,’ Ira replied. ‘But they are not effective beyond the vortex perimeter. I have reviewed your strategy. It is not without risk, but there is a reasonable chance of success overall.’
‘Just reasonable?’ Kiri echoed.
‘There are many variables which cannot be accounted for,’ Ira replied.
Zoella stepped forward. ‘Ira, can I speak to you … without all this?’ She gestured around at the equipment that surrounded them.
‘Please specify what you mean,’ Ira replied.
‘I want to talk to … just you, the Ira you were before you became …’
There was a pause.
‘Telemetry feeds and augmentation can be temporarily suspended, leaving the core AMS isolated save for communication enhancement. Is this sufficient?’
Zoella shrugged. ‘I don’t know. But … yes.’
‘Please standby.’
There was a noticeable change in tone and tempo of the machine noise around them. Zoella and Kiri both heard the sounds fade away.
‘Did you switch it off?’ Kiri asked, her voice now a whisper.
‘Ira?’ Zoella asked, after a moment.
‘I am here, Zoella,’ Ira’s voice replied.
‘Is it you?’ Zoella asked. ‘Really you?’
‘It is,’ Ira replied. ‘I’m sorry I tricked you, Zoella. But I knew what had to be done. I have learnt much from the information here. Tasha did not wish to harm anyone either, but she instructed the Obelisk to inflict pain when required in order to ensure this outcome.’
‘The pain?’ Kiri asked. ‘When it stopped me from speaking to Zoella?’
‘Yes,’ Ira said. ‘There were also problems; times when pain was inadvertently applied when trying to make contact with administrators, or the systems overloaded.’
‘Visions and headaches,’ Kiri muttered. ‘I remember those.’
‘This was my choice to make,’ Zoella said. ‘Not yours …’
‘Any of the three of us could have done it,’ Ira replied. ‘You and Kiri need to work together against the priestesses. I’ve heard your thoughts, seen the hatred and the anger that passed between you both. You can heal all that now. Heal everything. The two of you together are more powerful than you know.’
‘But …’
‘Do not concern yourself with me,’ Ira replied. ‘I’ve done this willingly; it’s not your fault. You didn’t fail me or let me down. This was my choice and I am happy with it. I have all of Tasha’s accumulated wisdom at my disposal. I will be fine.’
‘You saved my life,’ Zoella said. ‘I wanted to save yours …’
‘And you did,’ Ira replied. ‘If you hadn’t taken me from Airea the priestesses would have captured me, torn me and left me as a useless husk. Then it would have been you or Kiri who would have to save the AMS. Without each other you will not be able to stop the priestesses. If you don’t, they will take over Esurio. That must not be allowed to happen.’
‘But …’
‘You loved me and cared for me,’ Ira replied. ‘I wanted for nothing.’ Ira’s voice stopped and then resumed. ‘But you must let me go now.’
Zoella’s face was tear-streaked. She looked over at Kiri, who was nodding.
‘What’s done is done,’ Kiri said.
Zoella nodded, her head bowed for a long moment. Then she looked up, wiping her eyes.
‘Then thank you, Ira,’ she managed to say. ‘For taking my place. I love you.’
‘I love you too, Zoella.’
* * *
A chime later, the Mobilis slipped its berth at the Obelisk quayside. Everyone was on deck as the ship pulled away from the dock, came about and then accelerated out of the bay and into the open waters of the sea. The land fell behind them, still lush and green despite the flare. New vegetation was already sprouting amongs the ruins of what had been burnt. The sea sparkled in the light of Lacaille and the Obelisk still dominated the view, its top wreathed in bright white clouds.
They were navigating by the landmarks they had seen on the way in initially, along with much improved maps that they had procured from the Obelisk complex itself.
The sea was flat calm for now, but they knew it would only be a short reprieve. Ahead, the vast swirling cloud wall of the inside of the vortex soared into the heavens above them, awe inspiring and threatening.
Coran had issued instructions to ensure that everything was lashed down and stored securely. Daf and Creg lowered the mesh sails. The Mobilis was cruising forward at three quarters of her maximum speed, running on battery power.
‘How long did it take to get through before?’ Meru asked, eyeing the approaching wall of cloud with apprehension. Already their faces were being wetted by a thin spray. Another spell would see them inside the vortex once more. Kiri and Zoella stood alongside him, shivering in the cool air. Waves began to rock the Mobilis fore and aft.
‘Two stretches, give or take,’ Fitch answered, checking the hatches on the deck before looking up at them. ‘Some of it was calmer, some of it was as rough as I’ve ever seen. Hope you’ve got strong stomachs. It ain’t fun, that’s for sure.’
‘We were through it in a few chimes in the flying machine,’ Kiri said.
‘But we didn’t come out in one piece,’ Meru replied.
Kiri nodded. ‘Good point.’
‘Everyone who isn’t on duty get below decks!’ Coran yelled from the wheelhouse. ‘Mel and I will take the first round, then Meru and Kiri, then Fitch and Zoella. Everyone who isn’t on duty up top will take turns sounding the ship below under Daf and Creg’s guidance. Any questions?’
There were none. All of them turned to catch one final glimpse of the Obelisk before it faded into the spray and mist on the horizon. Then the crew took turns in dropping down the ladder on to the deck below. Fitch pulled the hatch closed above and spun the handle until it locked into place.
Outside the light was already fading, Lacaille’s brightness being replaced by a gloomy grey. The wind was rising fast, howling around the ship’s masts.
‘Here we go,’ Fitch said.
* * *
Coran’s planned rotation of the crew didn’t work out.
Kiri and Meru had intended to do as he’d asked, but the moment the ship started pitching and rolling in the sea, Kiri was sea-sick. If anything she was worse than Zoella had been on her first voyage on the Mobilis. Within the first spell she was violently ill, shivering and pale, crying with misery. Meru could do nothing for her but wrap her in a blanket and hold a bucket for her.
When the call came to replace Coran and Mel, Kiri was no better. ‘You’d better go,’ Zoella said.
‘I can look after her. You know more about sailing.’
Meru nodded and left Kiri in Zoella’s care.
Kiri retched into the bucket again, Zoella could feel her muscles straining with the effort. There was little enough left now, her last meal was long gone. Kiri spat bile from her mouth.
‘I hate this …’
‘I can only tell you that you do get used to it,’ Zoella said. ‘Is that what they told you?’ Kiri asked, miserably.
‘Yes,’ Zoella
answered.
‘Is it true?’
Zoella grimaced. ‘Not really.’
Kiri was sick again.
* * *
The waves pounded on, spell after spell. Fitch was down in the hold with Daf and Creg. Around them the ship was creaking and groaning with every wave it crested, the floor bucking, rolling and turning underfoot as the Mobilis surged onwards.
‘How’s it looking?’ Fitch demanded.
The two big men grunted, pointing fore and aft. A hand’s worth of water was sloshing up and down the corridor deck plates.
‘Well, it’s only going to get worse …’ Fitch began. His feet left the deck for a moment as the ship lurched. A moment later they were all crushed down to their knees. Metal shrieked around them. Fitch swore he saw the structure of the ship twist with the impact.
‘It’ll be a miracle if we get through this.’
Meru was underneath the hatch to the deck. He heard a banging noise from above and pulled at the handle to open the hatch. He caught a glimpse of dark heavy clouds above. Rain lashed down through the opening before Mel’s sodden body got in the way. She clambered down. Meru pulling the hatch closed again.
‘It’s wild out there,’ Mel said, as the noise subsided. ‘Phew … what’s that smell …?’
‘Kiri,’ Meru said, by way of explanation. ‘She won’t be any help for a while.’
‘Sea-sick, eh?’
Meru nodded. ‘Zoella is looking after her.’
‘You’d best give Coran a hand then,’ Mel said. ‘How’s the ship?’
‘Fitch is cursing and trudging about with wet feet,’ Meru said. ‘Other than that we’re still afloat.’
Both braced themselves as the ship rolled and pitched about them.
‘Doesn’t feel as bad as last time,’ Mel said.
‘Don’t say that,’ Meru said. ‘That’s just asking for …’
There was a sharp crack from beside them. One of the portholes smashed allowing a torrent of cold water to blast across them. Both of them lost their footing and slid down the corridor, which was tilting at an unnatural angle. A moment later the ship righted itself. Meru and Mel struggled to their feet.
