Shadows Bear No Names (The Blackened Prophecy Book 1)

by Oganalp Canatan

“An agent,” Brother Cavil repeated, preoccupied.

  “But, why would they send an agent!”

  “How in the dark depths of the abyss should I know, it is your Consortium!” Brother Cavil threw the half-eaten kumat to the floor for emphasis and his eyes widened when he realized what he’d done. “That was my last kumat!”

  Ray stepped back and focused on why the Consortium would care about the captain of a regular freighter under contract who crashed onto some remote planet? Yes, there were casualties and tons of political delicacies to figure out but it was Bunari. No one cared about Bunari back on Earth. It was a remote, small planet pretty much closed to the outside world. Consortium sold them fuel and supplies in small volumes, they paid in precious stones but the amount wasn’t high. Bunari didn’t have any power against the Consortium. Ray suspected half of Consortium’s board of directors didn’t know whether Bunari was a planet or a fish. “Something’s amiss. It would be easier for them to go with the execution,” Ray finally concluded.

  “It is the logical course,” the priest nodded.

  “You support my death!”

  “I did not say that,” Brother Cavil snorted.

  Ray looked at Brother Cavil in shock.

  “Close your mouth, there are flies here,” the old man said. “Whatever this agent means, Raymond, it is the only thing keeping you alive for the time being. I will return when I find more. Your story has too many unknowns. And you are a terrible storyteller. My father always told me how stories should be told. He—”

  “But you know it’s all true!”

  “I am not in the Elder Council, Raymond!”

  Ray realized he’d pushed too hard. “T-Thank you, Brother, I know you’re trying. I’m in your debt again.”

  “Do not make a habit of it, boy.” Brother Cavil leaned forward to meet Ray’s eyes, his stare hard. “And do not thank me yet. The Grandmaster said this agent of yours would come within a day, before the evening bell.” That said, the priest stood up and rushed out of the cellblock with purpose, leaving Ray alone with his thoughts.

  The final piece of bright daylight left the hallway as the big doors closed behind Brother Cavil. The pale glow of afternoon sun shone faintly through the blurry skylight, but Ray’s cell seemed darker now. He pulled the locket out of his neck and rubbed it tenderly. He felt it might be a good time to say goodbye to Elaine.

  Ray smiled, thinking about how his daughter would react to this mess he’d landed in. The smile was bitter. Ray realized he had no idea how Elaine would have reacted.

  “I’m sorry kid, I wasn’t even there to see you grow.” He rubbed the locket again. Everything was growing darker.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  ANCIENT ENMITIES

  “Who will represent this man’s plea?” Grandmaster Ellok asked.

  “I will, if necessary.”

  “You know that will end your welcome in this city, Gabriel.”

  Brother Cavil snorted. “As if it would break your heart.”

  “Of course it would,” Grandmaster Ellok faked a smile. “You are a valuable member of this society. It would be ill-fated for all of us to see you wear off.”

  “You would have cast me off and danced all the way to the Blessing of Spring if it were up to you.”

  “The council will not protect you forever. Your father’s legacy will fade, eventually.”

  Brother Cavil’s jaw tightened. “It is still here and still strong.” He nodded at the Grandmaster’s white stole, worn for the arrival of Consortium’s agent. It bore the symbols of all thirteen sects represented at the council. “It will be here as long as those symbols are there.”

  “Yes, yes,” Grandmaster Ellok waved away the notion. “There will be a time when you do not have the support of nine families. What is it you see in this man, Gabriel?” Grandmaster Ellok changed the subject as he poured himself some jasmine tea. Hot steam blew from the iron kettle, filling the old-fashioned room with a soothing smell, adding another level of history to the place. Relics of Bunarian culture enriched the granite walls of the Grandmaster’s quarters; busts of the previous Elders of Light, banners of the first colonists’ septs who arrived from Earth, and writings predating the Bunarian expedition, originating from the first discoveries of ancient ruins on Titan.

  “What do I see? He is an ordinary man, in need of help.”

  “You know our law. He has to answer for his crimes before the judgment of Light.”

  “The man is as innocent as an unweaned goat. It is our sacred duty to uphold the truth before the judgment of the Light!” Brother Cavil pointed at the glass-framed parchment, written by the first priests as the Rules of Light. The third rule was simple; Truth and always the truth shall guide your way to Light. “Even before I saw the footage, I could see the helpless stare in his eyes, like one of those children I bring to the temple ruins each year. Killing a city full of people is not in his blood.” The priest spoke defensively.

  He never much liked to be questioned, and even if this seemed like a friendly conversation with Grandmaster Ellok, he knew it was nothing but an interrogation; a chance for the older man to strike him where it hurt, as he always did.

  “Ah, yes, the flight recorder.”

  There, Brother Cavil thought, the elder man was doing it again, mocking him.

  “We have recovered this recorder you speak of, and I must say I am quite curious to see what mysteries are stowed inside.”

  “I told you what was in it.”

  “Yes, but it is your word against the lives of hundred thousand people, Gabriel.” Grandmaster Ellok leisurely strained his tea. “I do not believe your friend—Raymond was it?”—he stared back at Brother Cavil—“has much of a chance.”

  “Then why are you keeping him alive?” the priest burst out. “Execute him and be done with it!” Brother Cavil smashed his cup on the old, marble coffee table before him, scattering the broken glass.

  “Ah, but I do not rush to judgments, Gabriel. Unlike you.”

  Brother Cavil’s eyes flared. “Do not pull Isabella into this!”

  “Why, Gabriel Cavil? Is it not a splendid example of how gifted you are with your fair judgments?”

  “How could I have known, Damien!” Gabriel squeezed the arms of his vintage mahogany chair so tightly the blood drained from his fingers.

  “You killed her!” Grandmaster Ellok pointed at the priest, his voice reaching to a crescendo. “If it wasn’t for you, my Isabella would still be alive today!” Grandmaster Ellok’s face reddened.

  “I cannot believe you! You want to use the poor man to settle—”

  The priest prepared himself to dive into a hot fight but a knock on the door stopped the quarrel. Gabriel and Damien stood staring at each other. Grandmaster Ellok finally sighed and turned away, calling for the visitor to come in. Brother Cavil was happy the argument ended where it had. No matter the subject, their disagreements always came back to Isabella.

  A clerk entered the room and rushed to the Grandmaster, his smooth white robes rustling on the wool carpet. The young clerk whispered something in Grandmaster Ellok’s ear, staring at Brother Cavil the entire time. The priest was certain he would endure more of this suspicious gaping in the upcoming days. Brother Cavil feared the suspicion and rumors wouldn’t end before he returned to his life in the jungle. Gossip spread faster than wildfire and he knew Damien had helped the news along. Ray’s guilt or innocence had nothing to do with the Grandmaster’s political maneuvers—Damien was using the situation to get back at Brother Cavil.

  “Our guest has arrived, Gabriel. Please, I want you to attend.” Damien was gone—he was Grandmaster Ellok again. The man’s rage about Isabella had disappeared like an old, faded memory.

  “As you wish, Grandmaster.” If Damien wanted to play formal, Brother Cavil would play along.

  They exchanged hard stares every now and then until a dark, vigorous figure entered the room. Although his black cloak hid most of his appearance, his presence was unmistakable;
his posture that of a predator and his stare was cold. No, Brother Cavil thought, it is not cold, it is dead.

  The man’s face held no emotion when he inspected the room, as if calculating his surroundings and his approach. Brother Cavil knew the man saw the broken cup and had heard the argument.

  Grandmaster Ellok broke the silence. “Greetings. Welcome to Bunari, though I wish it were under better circumstances.”

  Brother Cavil caught the fakeness and was certain the man before him didn’t buy it either, but he played along. “Greetings, Mr.…” He paused a moment to decide how to address the man, “…Agent, I am Brother Cavil.” The introduction didn’t need to be any longer than necessary.

  The man cracked his fingers and looked around for a moment more before speaking. “Thank you, Grandmaster Ellok. I am Agent Caius.” He nodded at them both.

  “We were expecting you sooner, Mr. Caius,” Grandmaster Ellok said.

  “We had some difficulties with our ship’s jump drive. We had to use the jump gates instead. It took eleven days to make it here.”

  “Ah yes, the gate routes. We do not leave the planet much but I remember the tiresome journeys I had to Earth in my youth.”

  Brother Cavil didn’t listen to the rest of the pleasantries. He had passed the last few days in the archives, researching the Consortium’s agents. They weren’t exactly living their lives behind desks and drinking punch at fundraisers. Most of the information he’d found on public discussion boards was fuzzy at best. However, Agent Caius looked as if he could kill both him and Damien where they stood, with his bare hands. The hearsay was, these operatives had nano-technological augmentations. Agent Caius didn’t show any signs of bodily alteration, but Brother Cavil had no idea how to spot such things. Bunari didn’t have the facilities for that kind of advanced medical applications and it was forbidden by their beliefs anyway. The Earthlings are all mad, he concurred to himself, nodding thoughtfully.

  “Gabriel!”

  “What!” Gabriel jumped in surprise at the Grandmaster’s voice. Then he realized what he was doing and pulled his hand back as if he’d touched a stove; lost deep in thoughts, he’d been poking the dark man’s biceps with a curious finger.

  “Can I help you, Brother?” the agent asked. His mouth tightened, but his tone was friendly.

  “I-ah, sorry for my intrusion. I have heard stories about body modifications. I was curious, you see. I—”

  “Yes, Brother Cavil, I am augmented,” the agent said lightly, putting an end to Brother Cavil’s misery. His voice said mind your own business, old man.

  “Excuse our curiosity, Mr. Caius,” the Grandmaster intervened. “We do not have any augmented people on Bunari, so we are simply not accustomed to seeing one. The practice does not have a place in our beliefs. Of course, we are not judging outsiders on their own traditions. Those were ways of the old.”

  “It is understandable, Grandmaster.” Agent Caius smiled but his eyes were like carved diamonds. “Now, if you can lead me to Captain Harris, I would very much like to hear what has transpired.” His tone left no room for argument, as if he, and not Grandmaster Ellok, were the sole ruler of Bunari.

  “Of course. This way, if you please,” Grandmaster Ellok led the way to the door.

  Their visitor followed. Brother Cavil left the room last, keeping his eyes on the agent. I am not fooled by your courtesy Mr. Agent. Brother Cavil shook his head and tried to catch up with the two.

  “…As you know, there are certain issues to be addressed,” Grandmaster Ellok said to Agent Caius. “Compensation for the families who lost loved ones in the crash, as well as the structural damage done. The loss of our most holy symbol is not something we take lightly…”

  “You will be compensated adequately. My directors assured me they will do everything in their power to restore Bunari to its former glory.”

  It disgusted Brother Cavil to monetize life, so he kept his silence. He resisted the urge to jump out the nearest window and run for the forest where he could be with his flowers and herbs, watching the wildlife live in harmony. Instead, he focused on the visitor walking before him. Brother Cavil was usually good at judging people, but the agent was like no one he had met before. Agent Caius’ words were kind, playing along with Grandmaster Ellok’s demands. Either those boards were wrong or this man read the information about the agents and changed his ways. “Smooth.”

  “Excuse me?” Agent Caius looked over his shoulder. “Did you say something, Brother Cavil?”

  Brother Cavil shook his head hastily. “Nothing. I was only thinking out loud.”

  This whole thing seemed wrong somehow.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  EYE OF THE STORM

  Ray heard the doors opening at the far end of prison hall and straightened up in his bed, trying to make out who was coming. He looked up at the skylight. It was nighttime. Here we go. He stood up slowly, fighting the ache. His injuries were somewhat better but the damp wasn’t helping his aches.

  He heard Brother Cavil saying something about foxes to an older priest and a dark, muscular figure as the trio approached his cell. One of the Elders probably.

  “Raymond Harris, I am Grandmaster Ellok,” the older man announced as if to confirm Ray’s thoughts. “The representative of your Consortium, Agent Caius, has arrived and I believe it is time we discussed your incident.”

  From the looks of it, Grandmaster Ellok had already passed judgment and this visit was a formality. Ray realized he was eager to be done with it and forget Ray ever existed. Ray faked a smile, nodded in respect and turned his attention to the third man.

  The man looked strong. No, he looks as if he was carved out of stone. The faint light of the torches hung outside the cell reflected in his icy blue eyes. Agent Caius wore all black; a studded leather coat with a cape and a hood. Ray saw tiny hexagonal cells texturing his apparel. It looked more like field armor than mere clothing. He’d never seen a Consortium agent before but had heard stories about these mysterious men and women. The stories were dark and frightening. Now, Ray knew why. Brother Cavil played with his rope belt like a timid child and the Grandmaster looked anywhere but at the agent. He couldn’t blame them. Ray himself wanted to hide under his bed until this man was far away. With his twisted luck, the dark man was here for him, looking at him like a butcher at a carcass.

  Agent Caius kept his eyes on Ray for some time, then turned to face Grandmaster Ellok. “I need Captain Harris to be released immediately. He will be transferred to our ship.” His voice didn’t suggest kindness.

  Grandmaster Ellok answered the man in an equally harsh tone. “What! No, it is not possible. He has to answer for the lives of thousands!” He barely kept his tone civil. “I cannot simply give him to you because some men in suits think they can bully us as they please!” The elderly man trembled so badly, Ray thought a heart attack was imminent. Please, not another death on my account. At least, not in front of my cell.

  To Ray’s surprise, Agent Caius gave an apologetic smile. “Forgive me, Grandmaster, it was inconsiderate,” he said, bowing. “In trying to follow orders, I went beyond my aim. I apologize.”

  “There is nothing to forgive. It is a hard time for everyone involved.” The old man spoke with courtesy; blushed cheeks and burning stare hinted his true thoughts. Ray understood now what Brother Cavil had meant when he said the council hadn’t known what to do with him. The tension between the two representatives gave Ray the chills. He had no idea what storm, but he was standing in its eye. Ray didn’t like storms; he preferred to live a secluded life. Ray, my boy, the more you try to stay away from others’ issues, the more you end up neck-deep in them.

  He turned his attention to Brother Cavil, who had been all-too-silent. The old man’s narrowed eyes were locked on the visitor.

  “Grandmaster, I would also like to interview the personnel who saw the footage from the flight recorder. Perhaps we can use the Archives,” Agent Caius said.

  Grandmaster Ellok nodded. “Two
clerks and three Elders saw the footage before we sealed them. You can start your investigation with them. We can then interview Mr. Harris together.”

  “Good. Shall we?” Agent Caius gestured the elder man to show him the way, his gestures those of a true gentleman. Ray found himself admiring how well the agent switched characters.

  Brother Cavil awaited their departure in silence, staring at Agent Caius the whole time.

  “Are you coming, Brother Cavil?” the Consortium agent said.

  The priest started with the sudden address. “I-I will join you there. I would like to have a moment with the captain.”

  “As you wish Brother Cavil,” Grandmaster Ellok intervened. “Oh, and Agent Caius, Brother Cavil has also seen the footage. He was the one who found Captain Harris.”

  The agent’s mask dropped for a swift second and Ray saw the predator; the dark soul behind those eyes. Agent Caius turned to Brother Cavil, as if the hunter was now aware of his prey. Ray thought he heard the old priest gulp.

  Agent Caius kept his eyes on the priest. “Brother, how much of the footage have you seen?”

  “All of it,” Brother Cavil replied faintly.

  Ray heard fear in Brother Cavil’s tone. The old priest had noticed the change too.

  “Brother, I urge you to come at your earliest convenience. We have a lot to discuss.” Agent Caius smiled at the priest and Ray and left the hallway with haste. Grandmaster Ellok rushed after him, puffing.

  Brother Cavil watched the large doors close slowly. An awkward silence filled the hall. Ray started to think the silence would be eternal, but Brother Cavil turned to face him with obvious horror in his eyes.

  “Call me mad, but it seems your Consortium has sent a cleaning crew.”

  “You’re mad,” Ray shrugged. “At least, you have a loose screw or two.” Ray licked his lips. “He’s here to kill us. Why didn’t he kill us here?” he opened his hands. “This place is quiet and empty. A perfect kill room,” he nodded at the two guards standing still near the far end wall, “except for those two.”