Shadow Over Avalon

by C. N Lesley

  “Harvesters are gods. Why should they look like us?”

  “Harvesters are mortal—gods aren’t. What I would like is to kill one slowly, maybe more if I get a chance. That is going to happen.” Yes, she wanted that most, a complete bio-scan to determine which cuts would kill, and then exquisite torture to surpass her own torment.

  “Are you fey?”

  “Call it determined instead. I’ll have vengeance.”

  “A killer, just like brothers.” Helga turned away in contempt.

  The accusation sunk in to bone level. Yes, a killer with one species as target. “I’ll create a sea of their blood.”

  Chapter 20

  Earth Date 3892

  Playback ceased at Shadow’s thoughts of carnage. Now Arthur recognized the legend this woman had become. No trace of the loving girl remained: the cyborg parts overwhelmed the humanity. She stood as a perfect killing machine, devoid of compassion. The thought saddened him.

  The winking lights of the gray console seemed like a score of eyes instead of instrumentation. Disturbed, he looked away to the shadows of a metallic, unadorned wall. The lights reflected off that surface too, appearing to watch him.

  “Is this the point she lost all connection with social standards of higher life-forms?”

  “Shadow is a complex individual,” the Archive replied. “This particular facet of her personality is best left undisturbed by her allies. She is an adept student, with a mind remaining open to events and suggestions. In many ways, she has transcended the human.”

  “Did she ever find her son?”

  “Boy remained un-acquired, despite all searches she instigated. She still tries on occasion.”

  “You know where he is.” Arthur stared at the row of lights on the console, watching as a few more lit up. He had more of the Archive’s attention. “Why don’t you tell her?”

  “Boy has made his own life. He may decide to contact her at some point. I will not jeopardize his position by disclosure.”

  Arthur heard the words and disagreed with all his being. Why should these two be kept apart? There was no sense to it, no logical reason.

  “That’s unfair to Shadow and unfair to Boy. Has he tried to find her?”

  “Boy does not know his parentage. Downloading data could be counter-productive to his development.”

  Where was the boy hidden? A pink-skinned Terran would have stood out from the Submariners just as Shadow did. While he might have inherited her gills, it was unlikely with Uther as the sire. “Is he so important that he can’t have a life?”

  “Yes, Arthur. He is.”

  What made Shadow’s son so valuable? Had she some other trait Arthur didn’t know about? He wanted to find the truth, and he had time before his scheduled training started this morning. He requested continuance.

  *

  Earth Date 3875

  Shadow ran her hand over Amber’s back and legs to check her mare for any trace of tenderness. After daily rides in preparation for this time, the animal was fit for a long journey. The six other riders, chosen by Copper to travel south with them in June, stowed their baggage, looking grateful for summer sunshine. A sister came hurrying over to Shadow. She recognized Helga at a distance by the woman’s measured stride.

  “Shades are healers,” the head woman said. “Is there a chance any will return with you to our base?”

  “It may be offered if terms can be agreed. I can’t say whether any will accept.” Shadow waited as Helga worked up resolve. A warm breeze bringing the scent of pollen ruffled the sister’s veil.

  “I’ve found a lump in my belly. It’s growing fast. There is pain.” Helga caught Shadow’s eyes. “I’m not afraid of death, not quick death. Copper said a sister should go to the Shades’ place to find if they could heal our cursed state. We discussed it among ourselves. The others are frightened.”

  “Helga, are you asking to come?”

  “If I stay, I’ll be opening veins soon. I’d rather spend my life giving hope to the others. I know what a lump means. Will you take me with you, Shadow?”

  “Can you ride on your own?” When Helga shook her head, Shadow said, “Ride with me. Get whatever clothes you’ll need. I’ll deal with Copper.”

  The Outcast King set his mouth in irritated annoyance when Shadow stated her intention of taking Helga.

  “Next time—if we have a treaty at the end of this meeting.”

  “There won’t be a next time for Helga. She’s dying.” She couldn’t believe Copper denied her after she made the effort to be civil.

  “Rot. She can’t be more than five and twenty.”

  “She’s in pain now. If she stays, she says she is going to make an ending. Either way, you lose your headwoman.”

  Copper placed his hands gently on her upper arms, looking at her with a sad expression. “What kindness shall I do to allow a sick woman extra pain with no hope at the end? Let her die easy with friends around.”

  “She offers her life for the chance of a cure for others.” Shadow pushed his hands away, backing from him. “I’ll care for her during transit. I can reduce her pain, and she’s riding with me.”

  “Shadow, there’s no guarantee Ector will take her. What happens then?”

  “He will if I ask it.” Shadow saw Helga hurrying over with a small bundle she must have prepared in advance. “Don’t destroy her sacrifice.”

  “If she suffers . . .” He left the threat hanging to stalk off.

  “Can I come?” Helga asked, her voice wavering.

  “It’s agreed.” Shadow took Helga’s bundle to lash with her own small one. She helped Helga to mount, swinging up behind her. “Say if the pain gets unbearable. There is a way of masking it.”

  *

  Helga’s eyes brimmed with tears when they made night camp in a woodland glade. She went off to sit by herself, rocking in misery. Shadow collected a cold meal of bread and meat for both of them, taking it over to the woman.

  “I’m not hungry,” Helga said.

  “You’ll not ride another day without food. We can do this the hard way, with you held down, or you can remove your earring yourself. The pain ends now, but it means we both go dumb.”

  Helga took out her earring. She didn’t even turn her back to the men as she adjusted her veils to reach her ear.

  Shadow had hoped to limit the growth, but this vast swelling challenged her small knowledge of healing. She used her mind probe to trigger the release of quantities of endorphins from Helga’s brain. Rapid breathing slowed to a more relaxed rhythm.

  Copper came over to them with bedding rolls. He looked worried. “Helga, I brought a supply of spirits along. A shot will help you sleep.” Her sign of negation brought his attention to Shadow. “Does she need it or not?”

  Shadow signed ‘no’.

  “So . . . you’ve gone that route. See you keep tight control over her mind. You won’t be able to explain you need help fast enough without your earring.” He frowned, glancing once at Helga before meeting her eyes. “I won’t release you to the Shades unless Helga goes, too.”

  Shadow signed back she’d already decided on forcing Ector if reasoning failed.

  “I can trust you to care for her after?”

  Shadow nodded, making the sign for ‘sister’.

  “Helga’s drinking the spirits is needful. You can’t stay up all night helping her and still ride in the morning.” He turned to his headwoman. “Helga, I want you insensible.”

  It was a hard journey for both women. Shadow was relieved when they came to the seashore fifteen days later. They made camp in the dunes to wait for solstice, setting up guard positions back from the shore. Shadow did Helga the mercy of removing consciousness as soon as the woman was lying comfortably.

  Saffron, a blond brother, came striding through tussocks of marram grass with cooked leaf-shaped creatures, just as she clipped back her earring.

  “Shall I keep Helga’s warm until she wakes?” he asked.

  “She isn’t
going to wake. It’s better this way.”

  “Shadow . . . should we prepare for battle?

  “I return on my own terms. They want the data I carry, and they won’t get it without a treaty.” She stifled a yawn.

  “What’s data?”

  “Information. I penetrated a Harvester place at High Fort. It’s more than they hoped for when they sent me spying. They’ll want it badly.”

  “But if they defeat us, all they need do is remove your earring,” Saffron objected, swatting at a sand fly.

  “I have told Copper I’m half Shade, but he chooses not to believe.” Shadow looked toward the waves, smelling the rich air coming off the sea. Sounds of surf slapping against the shore distanced her from Brethren. She returned to Saffron with an effort. “Telepaths have natural shields against intrusion. Ector isn’t strong enough by himself to force me. I will self-terminate before I’ll permit entry.”

  “You’d do this for us?” Saffron looked skeptical.

  “Brethren and Shades, both. I stand at the fulcrum. I will have an alliance. Tell Copper my words, as he instructed you to get information.” She had them both caught in their own plans. They must obey, since neither side could risk losing a go-between.

  Two days of rest refreshed Shadow. The morning of solstice started a warm, cloudless day. She walked along the shore after breakfast, followed by two brothers. They didn’t appear to trust her not to leave them, looking on edge with her so near water. She returned to the camp with reluctance and one backward glance at the sun glinting off the waves.

  “Any sign?” Copper asked, coming over to her.

  “Didn’t look. They prefer night.”

  “I don’t. They see like cats in the dark. Call them now.”

  Several other brothers grouped around him, battle alert. Additional waiting pushed them nearer to breaking point. Shadow removed her earring.

  Ector waited beneath the waves. His mind latched onto hers within seconds, wanting to know how many Brethren she had with her. Shadow refused to tell him. She offered safe passage instead and a tantalizing snippet of the information she had gathered. Ector agreed to a night meet if she brought just one of the Brethren along. Shadow countered with a meet now. She let him know how much Brethren wanted alliance, pleading Helga’s case. Ector agreed, if Helga and one other accompanied her. He cautioned her to remain open, or he would not surface.

  Shadow signed the details to Copper. The Outcast King ordered Helga carried to the shore. Once Ector’s requirements were met he ordered the others to stay clear.

  Ector emerged from the waves, not advancing until he’d checked the shoreline. He remained waist-deep in the swell.

  Copper’s hand snaked out to grip Shadow by her belt. He pulled her closer.

  “We won’t be interrupted this time. Your gift of the earring was put to good use,” Ector said.

  “My proposal?” Copper called.

  “Needs discussion. We’re very interested. If you’re serious, I suggest an exchange of personnel, not including the sick woman, whom I’ll take on compassionate grounds. One of yours for one of mine and Shadow must return.”

  “How long?” Copper said, edging them both closer.

  “Seven days. Is that long enough for my man to go near High Fort for a good look?”

  “Yes. Who’s the exchange? You?”

  “Not qualified for the task needed. My second has volunteered. He’s also a med— a healer,” Ector said, looking gratefully at Shadow for her timely telepathic intervention. “Your negotiator?”

  “Me. I’ll need to instruct my people first,” Copper said.

  “Warn them we cannot take you, or this woman, without painless adjustments. There is no other way we can take air-breathers to our transport.”

  “What does he mean?” Copper took a step back onto a band of shale.

  Shadow signed what had to happen to preserve his and Helga’s life.

  “Seems I must trust you. Be warned I have a successor, who will wage war on Shades if I don’t return.”

  “I guarantee your safety,” Ector said. “The woman might have a longer stay, as Shadow tells me she’s dying. If we can reverse the disease, it may take months. I can’t promise a cure.”

  “She doesn’t expect to live. She’s offering her body in the hope that other sisters like her can be returned to a natural state. This is part of our trade.”

  “Brave woman,” Ector remarked. “Shall I call my people to retrieve her?”

  “Do so. I’ll be back presently.” Copper hauled a reluctant Shadow with him up the beach to the waiting brothers. “Is he genuine?” he asked once they were out of earshot.

  “Helga . . . helped.”

  “Sign to me. Am I going to become a Shade creature?”

  Shadow let her hands speak to tell him his earring was safe from removal. She asserted her intention to self-terminate at any sign of betrayal, promising not to disclose her information until he gave her leave.

  “That’s a powerful lever, my Queen. I’ll trust you, not your friends.”

  Copper talked fast to gain agreement for the exchange. Every brother volunteered to go in his place, but he remained adamant.

  When Submariners hauled Helga into the water, Saffron started to them.

  “No,” Copper ordered. “She’s as good as dead already. This is her choice. The one to exchange with me is a healer. Take advantage of his skills during exchange. Any ache, any pain, I want treated. Give him whatever help he needs to complete his own mission.”

  Copper marched Shadow down to the Submariners still gripping her arm. He released her when one of the group headed to his men, hands held high. Ector extended a flat disc to the Outcast King.

  “This device must be placed on your forehead. Lie down first, unless you’re fond of bruises.”

  Copper took the disc between his thumb and forefinger, holding it up to the sun. He lay down to place it as directed, breathing once more.

  “Gently, we have their King,” Ector warned his aides.

  Two Submariners carried Copper into the sea. Shadow dived with Ector into the cool waves. She had forgotten how much she liked to swim and enjoyed the sensation while it lasted.

  The Submersible loomed ahead where the Terrans were taken inside to be strapped down at the rear of the craft. All then took seats, but Ector turned to Shadow who he had positioned next to him at the front of the transport.

  “Put that device back in. We have an override and everyone here is interested in your answers.”

  “Lies.” Shadow scowled at him, fitting her earring in place. She sank down into the plush green seat, ignoring the comfort.

  “Necessary. No need to let that one know he has lost his edge. Now download every detail.”

  “No. Bargain with him. You get the information when you make a treaty,” Shadow said, looking outside to where running lights sent a shoal of fish diving in a silver, panicked arrow.

  “Reverted, have you? How did he sway you?”

  “He has the same ultimatum hanging over him that you are about to receive. Make a treaty, or I’ll self-terminate before a disclosure of importance, as you must know from the fragment I released. Listen to Copper; he has a valid plan for capturing a fort.”

  “So you’re choosing to stand between us.” Ector looked around at her, his eyes narrowed. “An interesting development. We need them. This treaty won’t fail from our side.”

  Shadow curled up in her seat enjoying the view. The shoal darted ahead of them in mindless escape mode. She didn’t care what Ector said. Either this alliance happened or not.

  Ector began the sequence to bring the craft about until they sped into the darkness of descent. He set automatic pilot once in deep water and turned again to Shadow. “You’ve changed—become much harder than I’d thought possible. Was he cruel?” Ector jerked his head toward the back of the craft.

  “The difference between kindness and cruelty has many gray areas. He did what he thought to be in my best interes
ts.”

  “And that was?”

  “I have partial recall. Gain and loss make bitter bedmates.” She refused to share Copper’s behavior with Ector. The alliance was more important than personal feelings.

  “Did you want to talk it through before we reach Avalon? Those ones”—again his head jerked back in the direction of the sleepers—“don’t need to be revived right now.”

  “I have resolved these issues. The past is as dead as yesterday’s sunlight, and as relevant. Consider Copper’s plan for taking a fort. It has merits.”

  “This subject hurts, so onto the next one?”

  “What subject?” Shadow met his cool blue stare. Of her past life, the need for vengeance remained vibrant. The rest belonged to a long-dead girl.

  “So be it. Does Copper know you’re half Submariner, or is that another question you won’t answer?”

  “I told him, but he didn’t believe. Is Avalon prepared to offer healing to them all? They want a resident technician in their base camp.” Shadow looked back at Helga. The woman had been kind without any ulterior motive – such a waste to lose one like her.

  “Exactly how ill are they? Your King looks healthy to me,” Ector said. “And if they can restore memories better than us—”

  “Take a look at Helga,” Shadow suggested, smiling sadly. Ector started to concentrate. “No, with your eyes.”

  Ector moved to the back of the craft. Other Submariners gathered round as he uncovered Helga’s face, starting back in shock. Several gasped, and one swore at the sight of a full beard on a woman.

  “There’s more,” Shadow said, swiveling round. “Very little female remains and she’s sterile. All the sisters cover up because they can’t bear others to see what they’ve become.”

  “The men? They seem normal,” Ector said, running his hand over Copper’s stubbled chin in a rapid check.