by J. J. Green
Carina’s expression belied the hope in her words. Faye saw the reflection of her own death in her daughter’s eyes, and she accepted it. But maybe there was one last gift she could give her. Maybe she could summon a vestige of hope that there could be a different life for her children than the one she’d been forced to lead.
“I don’t think that’s likely,” Faye said. “I don’t even know when I go to sleep if I’ll wake up again. But you know, Carina, I don’t mind. Stefan pushed me so far, I don’t think I can ever find my way back. And who knows? Perhaps I’ll see your father again.”
Carina’s hand gripped hers and her eyes shone.
“I’m sorry,” Faye said. “I don’t want to make you unhappy. You said you don’t know how to teach the children to Cast at a great distance? That isn’t so hard to answer. If you can do it, then Nai Nai must have taught you. Don’t you remember how?”
Understanding dawned in Carina’s eyes. “Of course! It’s so simple. How could I have forgotten?”
Faye smiled. “The children will pick it up quickly enough, I’m sure. Especially Darius. His ability is very strong when he can put his mind to it.”
“Yes. Ma, is there something different about him? He says he can feel others’ feelings.”
“I think he’s a spirit mage. Your Nai Nai would have been able to explain it better, but as I understand it, he draws his power from other people. It doesn’t come from the stars like yours and mine. And as he draws in others’ energy, he also draws in their emotions. He doesn’t know what he is yet, but one day you can tell him.”
“I will. I wish I could tell him more, but I know so little. Nai Nai tried to help me memorize information about mages, but I was so young when she died. I think I forgot most of it.”
“The prohibition on recording anything to do with mages makes it hard to retain information,” said Faye. “Perhaps I should try to tell you everything I know, while we still have time.”
“I’d like that,” Carina said. “Then I can pass it on to my sisters and brothers as they grow up.”
“Okay,” said Faye, “make yourself comfortable.”
Carina moved over so that she was sitting fully on the bed. She crossed her legs.
Faye began with the Elements, the Seasons, and the Map, but Carina already knew these. Nai Nai had taught her well. She also told her all the Casts she knew. There were a few that Carina had never heard of—difficult Casts that Nai Nai might have been waiting to teach her when she grew older.
She also told Carina her understanding of the history of mages. She said that when she was young, her mother had explained that mages had first appeared thousands of years ago in a country on a planet called Earth. The first mage was a scientist. How she stumbled upon the correct ingredients in the correct proportions to make elixir, and performed the first Cast, no one knew. However, it was generally accepted that not long after, the first mage told her secret to friends, but when they tried to do the same thing they failed. The first mage wasn’t believed until she performed a Cast to prove what she could do.
The word of her ability spread. Many attempted to repeat her performance. Most could not, but a very few could. Scientists speculated that the ability was due to a random mutation in the first mage’s genetic code, though at the time they couldn’t discover what it was. They said that the mutation might have appeared at intervals throughout human evolutionary history, but it was only the first mage finding the key to unlocking the skill that had brought it to light.
The self-discovered true mages banded together to share their experiences and knowledge, and to hone their craft. They retreated to a remote mountaintop where they would not be disturbed or scrutinized. Others who identified that they were mages sought out the isolated place and were welcomed. The curious and avaricious, who nursed ambitions of profiting from the mages’ ability also sought them out but, after their long, hard journeys, they were turned back.
“My mother told me the mages gave a test at the door to the compound,” Faye said. “Any visitor would be offered elixir and an object they had to move from one side of the entranceway to the other. If the visitors couldn’t perform the Cast, they would be refused entry. It didn’t matter how low on supplies they were, or how cold and desperate, only mages were allowed inside.”
“I bet that didn’t make them many friends,” Carina said.
“It didn’t, but what choice did they have? If they didn’t have that policy, they would be forced to house and feed every wanderer who appeared at their door. They only wanted to be left alone to work on their abilities. But their rule was their downfall. A few of the people they rejected died or were never found again. The public, who already feared them, grew to hate them, calling them murderers. General opinion also said that they should be using their powers to cure everything that was wrong with the world, not hiding themselves away and selfishly hoarding the profits of their ability.”
Faye told Carina how humankind had invented deep space travel at around the same time, allowing journeys far beyond the narrow confines of one planetary system. Realizing that if they didn’t escape soon, they would be forced to do the bidding of governments or powerful corporations, the mages gathered all their folk together, stole one of the new starships, and traveled as far from Earth as they could.
In time, however, the rest of humanity caught up with them. As the memory of what had happened to them on Earth was still fresh in the mages’ minds, they decided to hide their ability and remain anonymous but secure within the societies that were springing up all around.
Faye paused. As she’d been speaking, her little remaining strength had drained from her, and her voice had grown quieter and quieter.
Carina reached over and touched her mother’s knee under the coverlet. “That’s enough for now, Mom. You can tell me the rest another time.”
Faye smiled, the effort hurting her face. “That’s about as much as I know anyway. But I have another story I need to tell you, and soon.” It was the most important story of her life, and she’d never told it to anyone. It would give her peace to tell it, and Carina needed to know.
“I’ll hear it later,” said Carina. “You should sleep now.”
Faye’s eyelids were already closing.
Chapter Forty-Four
The two guards who had appeared to escort Carina once more to Stefan’s office were grinning. She stood in the entranceway to the living quarters and stared. It was Bryce and Mandeville. How in hell they had both finagled their way into pulling guard duty for her?
Carina had just left her mother asleep, or more likely passed out, after listening to her story of the history of mages. The woman’s skin was so thin and pale that her veins showed through, and each breath she took seemed an effort. Carina didn’t know how anyone could look as she did and still be alive. It was like she was clinging on for a reason. Carina had hoped that reason was because she wanted to escape with them, but though it hurt her deeply to admit it, she was sure that wasn’t the case.
Her mother was going to die and the woman wasn’t sad about it. Maybe she was only hoping to see her children free at last before she went.
The corridors were busy. Carina, Bryce, and Mandeville couldn’t risk speaking openly or delaying the journey to Stefan. The man was like a bird of prey in his exact, watchful habits. He would notice if they were late and would want to know why. But they could talk quietly as they went along.
“What’s going on?” Carina murmured. “How did you manage this?”
“You’ve got more friends than you think,” said Mandeville. “Not everyone aboard ship thinks what the Sherrerrs are doing is right. Not even all the officers. When I found out your family were being held captive, I couldn’t believe it. Certainly changed my opinion of them.”
“You mean you had a good opinion before?” Bryce asked.
“Kinda neutral.”
“Mandeville here told me what you did on Banner’s Moon, Carina,” Bryce said. “What did you think you
were doing, helping the Sherrerrs?”
“I was trying to help you, you idiot,” Carina replied defensively. “How do you think I got permission to visit the men’s quarters? Besides, that was before I knew they were holding my mother and half-sisters and brothers hostage.”
“I guess that put a different spin on things,” Mandeville remarked.
“Just a bit,” said Carina.
“So, Carina,” Bryce said, “we don’t have a lot of time. I wanted to tell you we’re gonna help you escape.”
“Really? How?” Though she appreciated the sentiment, Carina was skeptical.
“You need to drink that stuff to do what you do, right?” Bryce asked.
“Er, yeah.”
“Mandeville found out where it’s stored. They keep a pretty tight watch over it, but I think I can sneak some out for you.”
“You can?” Her own supply of elixir could make a huge difference to her chances of success, but then Carina realized the implications. “Wait. I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.” If Bryce was caught trying to steal elixir, it could throw all her plans into disarray. The Sherrerrs would conclude she had something to do with the attempt and they would probably cancel all plans to use her and the children. They wouldn’t take a risk of things going wrong at such an important moment in the battle. It would be safer to keep them all confined until it was all over.
“What are you talking about?” Bryce asked. “Don’t you want to get out? If I get you that stuff, you can just move yourself out of here like you did at the Sherrerr stronghold.”
“There’s a limit to how far I can Transport,” said Carina. “I can’t just fly across the galaxy, especially not with all my siblings in tow. If I tried that out here in deep space, I’d be moving us all to a freezing, airless vacuum.”
“All right,” Bryce said. “But you could use the stuff for something else.”
She could use it. If she had free access to elixir, there were all kinds of things she could do to smooth the path of their escape. Only she still wasn’t sure if she wanted Bryce’s or Mandeville’s involvement. It would complicate things.
When she didn’t answer, Mandeville seemed to guess what was on her mind. “You’re wondering if involving us is going to make things harder for you, aren’t you? I can see why you might think that, but you’re wrong. Remember when we were on Banner’s Moon? Would you have gotten that weapon out without the help of me and the others?”
Carina did remember. She recalled how she nearly got left behind, and it was only because Mandeville hauled her aboard the ramp of the departing shuttle that she got away before the moon was destroyed. Besides, was she in a position to turn down any offer of help? Though she’d tried to pretend to herself that she really could pull off the escape, deep down, she had her doubts.
“Okay,” she relented, “I accept your offer.”
They had arrived at Stefan’s office. Before Bryce pressed the comm button next to it, he gave her a wink. “Glad to hear it. It’s about time you understood who your friends are. You won’t regret it.”
They went in. It was the same format as previously. Carina sat opposite Stefan and her guards stood on each side of the door. Carina felt a little better about spending time in Stefan’s company knowing that Bryce and Mandeville were there, watching everything that went on. She hadn’t forgotten Stefan’s various threats, including the one he’d made that he would demonstrate to her that he was a man. Knowing that neither Bryce nor Mandeville would stop her, the urge to put a final end to her mother’s tormentor was strong. She gripped the chair’s arms.
“That performance you put on at the test session was pathetic,” Stefan said. “You embarrassed me, and I won’t forget it.”
“I told you the children weren’t ready,” Carina said. “What did you expect would happen? If you want to avoid embarrassment, pay attention to what I tell you.”
Stefan glowered. “How are the children coming along with their practice? Will they be ready in time?”
“Yes, I think so. They don’t have any problems with Casting Fire, only with hitting the target. I was reminded of something I’d forgotten. I think I can teach the children how to aim better now. When that obstacle’s out of the way, I don’t see any reason they shouldn’t succeed.”
“Good. I wanted to talk to you about something else.”
Carina sat back and raised her eyebrows, wondering what Stefan’s latest depravity could be.
“I don’t want you getting any ideas about trying to escape during the battle,” Stefan said. “If you’re anything like your mother, you’ll try to take advantage of the distraction. I’m not stupid, Carina. You haven’t deceived me in the way I’ve noticed you deceiving Calvaley and the others. I know exactly what you want and what you can do, and I’ll make sure you’re watched like a hawk every moment during and after the battle. Any attempt to get away will be met with a severe response. Do you understand me?”
“I understand.” Carina’s hopes about the success of her scheme wavered. Stefan, as always, presented the largest barrier. But she wouldn’t let his threat stop her from trying. Whatever punishment he had planned, she had to try. She couldn’t live the life her mother had lived, and she couldn’t allow her brothers and sisters to spend their lives in captivity, work animals to fulfill their father’s desires.
“I’m not sure that you do,” said Stefan. “You remember what I did to you when you were first captured, to force your mother to admit that you were her child? That’s nothing compared to what I’ll do to you if you attempt to escape and take my children from me. But it isn’t only you who’ll suffer. You realize that?”
“I do, but—”
“Don’t insult me with your assurances, Carina. I see through you. I read your mind as clearly as if I too had mage powers. I haven’t brought you here to listen to your lies. I’ve brought you here to let you in on a secret that only I and your mother know, except she’s managed to blank the fact from her memory. I’m telling you now so that you understand what I do to the people who defy me.
“When I held your mother and father in captivity, it was the first time I had ever encountered mages. I suspected they existed, of course. Everyone knows the old tales. But I was the only person who was smart enough to set up a trap to catch them. I played upon their compassion, and created a situation where only someone with supernatural powers could help. That was how I caught them.
“But when it came to forcing them to use their powers for my benefit, I was a novice. They refused. They denied their abilities, in spite of the evidence I had of what they had done. I had to think of a way of bending them to my will. Something that would be effective and leave a lasting impression. They were impervious to torture. It was then that I hit upon the idea of using their love for each other against them. I threatened to kill one if the other refused to do my bidding.
“I threatened to kill the male—your father, because the female was more useful to me. Even as early as then I had conceived the idea, if you’ll excuse the pun, of breeding a brood of mages all of my own. Parthenia had already rounded out your mother’s body. To cut a long story short—and believe me, it’s a very long story full of weeping and pleading and bargaining—your mother did not do as I asked, and so I killed her husband in front of her. It was a large sacrifice. I had only one mage instead of two, but I think it was worth it.” Stefan paused, his eyes twinkling, as he watched the effect of his story on Carina.
She was struggling to breathe. Her mother had told her something entirely different. She’d said that Stefan had killed her father after she’d given away their mage secrets. She’d said Stefan had promised to set her father free in return, and he’d broken that promise. Who was telling the truth? Was it possible that her mother’s tortured mind had invented another story?
“So you see what I am capable of,” Stefan said, a smile playing about his lips. “When the time comes to perform your task and destroy the Dirksens’ shipyard, I want you to bear my t
ale in mind. You may go.”
Numbly, Carina stood. Bryce opened the door and she went out. Mandeville followed. In silence, the three returned to her living quarters. Just before they reached the sentry guards, Bryce whispered, “Carina, don’t worry. If you don’t manage to take that fucker out, I will.”
Chapter Forty-Five
At the beginning of the next teaching session, and the penultimate one they would have time for before the flagship arrived and the battle began, Darius ran up to Carina and flung his arms around her neck.
“I’m sorry you feel so bad,” he said. “Why do you feel so bad?” His big brown eyes stared into hers, their noses nearly touching.
Where to start? Carina wasn’t sure if her mother would last out the remaining time before their escape attempt. The threat of Stefan’s appalling retribution hung over her. Would he murder one of her siblings to punish her? She’d unfortunately clearly demonstrated to him that she had the strongest, most reliable mage powers of them all. Would Bryce or Mandeville get themselves killed trying to help her? And if she succeeded and did manage to get them all to a shuttle, could they escape the ship and get to a habitable planet without being recaptured?
Her resolve was wavering. She knew she would rather die than live the life her mother had, but the alternative put many more people than herself at risk. She hadn’t asked her sisters or brothers if they wanted to be rescued—she still hadn’t decided whether she should take Castiel and Nahla with her—and she didn’t dare mention her plans to them in case word got back to Stefan. Was it really fair to take them out of the situation, considering all the dangers involved?
“Are we going to start?” Parthenia asked impatiently.
Carina jolted out of her ruminations. “Yes. I thought of a way to teach you to aim better. That’s what we’re going to practice today.”
“What’s that?” Oriana asked. “My aim is terrible.”
“Well today it’s going to get a lot better,” Carina replied. “Trust me. When I was a little girl, my Nai Nai—”
