The Phoenix Fallacy_Book III_Magnus

by Jon Sourbeer,

  Norm looked skeptical, but was compliant, “If you must.”

  The Trooper wasn’t rough, and apologized profusely, but he was still thorough.

  Even the honest Troopers work for our enemies, Norm thought ruefully. But he had expected to be searched. He looked up, and caught Rassan smiling evilly at him as he passed through the checkpoint with hardly a glance from the guards.

  Inside the council hall, Norm felt less at ease than he had before the security checkpoint, despite the warm surroundings. The council chamber and adjoining halls were suggestive of a high temple, with large open breezeways and gushing fountains, all nestled between large, girded pillars. To Norm, it evoked the feeling of where the earth met the heavens, and despite the sharp departure from the castle-like architecture of the many estates of the city, it felt appropriate to Titan – like the peak of a mountain.

  The council chambers consisted of two large halls in concentric circles – an outer hall that formed a ring around the inner sanctuary of the Executors. Wide, soft, and multicolored rugs covered in downy pillows looked like small clouds hovering over a sea of stone. Pearl pillars wide enough to hide a trooper in armor supported a ceiling of glassy green crystal.

  Natalie plopped herself down on the set of huge, fluffy pillows of one of these clouds. She was ostensibly waiting for Magnus, but waved off the servant who materialized to bring her food and drink. She appeared totally relaxed and calm, but Norm knew he and Aubrey could not dally or they would draw attention to themselves. With a quick bow, Aubrey disappeared in the direction of the servant’s wing, and Norm went forward alone, to the inner chamber.

  Two sets of double doors awaited him at the end of the long columned hall. The doors were instantly familiar, the Titan crest hewn inside tree roots chiseled from stone. The hall was deathly quiet. The heavy doors blocked any sound from within, and no servants waited here. This was where Titan’s will was enacted and none but the privileged were given entry. He took a moment to compose himself, and slipped inside.

  Despite his qualms, the sight of the Titan council chamber always gave him a sense of awe. The green banners featuring a roughly hewn titan of rock and earth hung regally around the large circular chamber. The Executors sat in wide chairs covered in soft ermine behind a raised bench of chiseled rock. Crystalline columns stretched up along the exterior, reaching from floor to ceiling, and creating a skylight of shimmering greens and blues that scattered upon the wall in a shifting display.

  The room was devoid of all else, anyone given audience here was forced to stand. The room, the furniture, the very building itself was designed to make him feel small and insignificant. Even for someone aware of its intended effect, it worked.

  Executors Agathon and Lucreta had already taken their seats and were discussing something quietly, while Executors Helles and Perphos stood away in a secluded corner. All of them were trying to avoid staring at the intrusion upon their hall, the Overlords who waited below their raised bench. Norm swept silently towards a corner of the room. More than one Executor followed him with their eyes, and Norm gave the slightest nod towards them. Their inscrutable faces gave no hints, and Norm felt his pulse quicken. Do they know? At that moment, Rassan swaggered in. He was confident, almost joyful, wearing an expression that seemed almost lewd to Norm. The final three Executors, excluding Magnus, entered. Serphis, Brosar, and Memnes, were each wearing their own impressively ostentatious outfits as they took their seats. Only the seat to the far left waited, empty. The air took on a texture of nervous tension – even Rassan’s smile had disappeared.

  Agathon raised his hand, “We are ready to begin.” His voice was cold and dismissive.

  “Pardon me, Executor Ascendant,” Norm bowed his head.

  Agathon looked at Norm in surprise, “What is it?”

  “I believe we are still missing one of the council,” Norm felt a cinch in his gut – Magnus’ absence was too worrisome to be ignored.

  There was a murmur from the Executors and Agathon scowled, “I believe we will be able to pass suitable judgment on the issue without the assistance of our esteemed fellow.” His words dripped with sarcasm, “He obviously felt that he should not be allowed to vote on an issue that he himself proposed.” Agathon spoke like a man who was simply glad to be rid of a pest.

  Norm shifted uncomfortably on his feet, feeling like a sharpened claw had just run along his back, “That’s very noble of him. I am glad the Executors have such honorable reputations.” Agathon’s eyes narrowed, and Norm hastily cast his eyes downward, surprised at his boldness. The Executor responded politely, though his eyes burned, “Well said, Overlord Walden. No Executor would ever sully their hands with ignoble works. Perhaps our noble associate will decide to grace us with his presence once we get closer to the vote,” Agathon seethed. Realizing the lack of control he projected, Agathon took a moment to compose himself.

  Norm was confused, taken aback, even. They don’t know where he is…

  He glanced at Rassan, who scrunched up his face in bewilderment.

  Rassan doesn’t know either… Where is he? Where is Magnus?

  Chapter 25: The Puppet…

  Natalie had been glad to relax upon the plush pillows in the council hall. She didn’t want to admit it, but a creeping exhaustion had taken over her in the last few weeks – months, actually. She was tired of the constant need to peer over her shoulder.

  The pillows were soft and supple and her eyelids became heavy. Her head nodded forward, and in a moment, she sat bolt upright and stood up, “Can’t let that happen!” she murmured.

  “Is something wrong, milady?” a soft, feminine voice asked.

  Natalie was so startled by the voice she jumped. The voice became more urgent, “Are you alright?”

  It was the blond maid from Magnus’ estate, watching her with concern. Natalie did not remember asking her to be here, but she suddenly felt very hot and put a hand to her head, “No need to worry. I’m fine.”

  The maid bowed, “Let me know if you need anything, milady.” She disappeared amongst the sandy columns.

  Natalie shook her head. Something was wrong. A wave of nausea passed over her, and she sat heavily upon the pillows again, her head bowed, waiting until it passed. Slowly, the feeling faded and she noticed the sound of heavy footsteps behind her. The pillows were awkward, but she twisted herself carefully to see. An Infernus loomed over her. It was Burke.

  He stepped around her, his footsteps suddenly falling away to nothing. He could move silently when he chose to do so. “Lady Delacroix, what an unexpected pleasure,” he said with absolute sincerity, performing a bow.

  Natalie inclined her head slightly, “Commandant Burke, to what do I owe this honor?”

  Burke opened his helmet, the Immutium dusted face-plates sliding inwards to reveal a scarred, rocky face. He smiled – his row of shiny teeth glinting in the light. It made him look like a skull.

  “No reason, Lady Delacroix. Simply a humble servant of Titan, guarding our glorious chambers,” he motioned with a heavy hand towards the pillows, “May I join you?” The politeness in his voice seemed almost indecent.

  Natalie hastily stood up, “Actually, Commandant, I was just leaving to go check on one of my servants – I’m afraid I must be terribly rude and cut our conversation short.”

  Burke shook his head, “I will join you, then. It would be rude of me to allow you to roam our glorious halls without an escort.”

  “That is quite kind of you, Commandant,” Natalie replied calmly, “But, it isn’t really necessary. I would hate to inconvenience you. We both have important matters to attend to.”

  “Nonsense. It would be a pleasure – I don’t think there will be much to attract my attention today,” Burke’s lips curled.

  “Well,” Natalie added, “I will be sure to let my husband know how attentive you were to me.”

  Burke’s grin disappeared, and he gave her an inscrutable look. Natalie hid her surprise.

  His gaze became calc
ulating, as if weighing different possibilities. It took only a second, but the moment seemed to last far longer. “Perhaps you are right,” Burke said suddenly. “We all must mind our duties,” he bowed again, “Until next time, Lady Delacroix.”

  His demonic faceplate slid back into place and he took a step back into the shadows of the columns, disappearing in a heartbeat. Natalie quickly took off in the other direction.

  The carved stone halls took on a sudden chill to her as she hurried along the corridors. Burke’s reaction had rattled her, and her stomach protested as she walked, but she forced the sensation away. She needed Aubrey, and hopefully she was still in the servant’s quarters. But what about Norm? She hesitated. He would need her too. She needed to stick to the—a flash to her left caught her eye, and she leapt backwards. A figure darted from behind the nearby column, and instinctively, she lashed out, grabbing and flipping her assailant to the ground. An injector clattered upon the floor.

  “It’s – it’s just designed to make you sleep,” the blond maid groaned, writhing on the ground and grabbing her jaw in pain.

  “No need to get excited, Lady Delacroix,” a familiar voice echoed down the corridor. An S.T. appeared along the hall – it was the man who had searched her, and he was unarmed.

  Natalie took a step back, and stopped, obstructing her hand as she reached into her gown. Over her shoulder she could see more S.T.s closing in, surrounding her. “What do you want?” she breathed.

  The S.T. raised his hands, “We aren’t going to hurt you. We’re just here to make sure that you don’t do anything rash.”

  “Good luck,” Natalie breathed, a pistol suddenly appearing in her hands.

  “Grab her!” The S.T. yelled. Natalie felt the push of bodies behind her. She fired off a shot as the S.T.s closed in. One of them feebly grasped her wrist as he toppled over. She whirled and aimed at another, but the S.T.s pressed in, overwhelming her, and twisting her pistol from her grasp.

  Wrestling her to the ground, the S.T.s pinned her so only her head could move.

  “What should we do with her, Captain?” One S.T. asked.

  “Bind her, and then you five rejoin the others. The rest of us will wait here.” the leader responded, and one of the men produced some heavy rope, tying her arms and legs firmly.

  Bound and placed carefully against a column, Natalie watched as the Captain glanced at the S.T. who had been shot. He was still and silent. The Captain shook his head sadly, “That wasn’t necessary. We’re not supposed to hurt you,” he added. He opened up his visor to reveal a kindly face.

  “On whose orders?” Natalie asked defiantly.

  “It’s not your concern, but I will tell you this,” he kneeled down, so he could look Natalie in the eye, “I don’t like seeing my men getting killed, and I’m certain that if you get too out of hand, we can take more drastic action. So, if you act up again,” he grabbed her bound forearm and squeezed with his enhanced strength, Natalie winced, “I’ll break your arm.”

  Natalie nodded, though the glare remained.

  “Good,” the S.T. said, “now we’ll all sit tight and wait this thing out.”

  Norm’s mind raced. The council meeting had just started, yet events already felt like they were spiraling out of control. Agathon stood, “This council has been summoned regarding the powers of the Overlords.” His tone was almost lazy. Angry murmurs passed through the crowd.

  He waved a hand toward the bench, “This— critical issue, has been considered at length by our esteemed Executors."

  Agathon droned on, seemingly unaware of the Overlords irritation, “Our longstanding and carefully crafted system…”

  Norm was distracted as a few of the Overlords motioned politely, trying to speak, but Agathon’s voice did not waver. “…centuries of trial. To consider a new system…”

  Norm felt his pulse quicken as a few of the Overlords stopped listening, starting their own whispered conversations. This piqued the interest of a few Executors, but if Agathon noticed at all, he did not react, “…Executors have long maintained…”

  A prickle on the back of his neck forced Norm to turn and he caught Rassan smiling wickedly as nearby Overlords leaned in towards him. A few of the S.T.s shifted uncomfortably as the buzz of conversation grew louder.

  Norm felt powerless, watching the group splinter before his eyes. Not even the Overlords were unified – some silently motioned for their compatriots to listen while others dismissed them with waves and comments. Some were frightened, some were loyal, some were angry, and some appeared to be opportunists – but it was clear that something would happen soon. Norm jammed his servant button.

  Agathon's voice took on a tone of finality and Norm realized that he had waited too long. “…And so it is the decision of the Executors that our current system, which has held us steady for so many centuries, should be maintained without exception."

  Norm felt bolted to the spot. Agathon leaned over the bench, like a judge passing a sentence, "You are dismissed." Please, please, just get up and go… he whispered his prayer to the other Overlords.

  Norm’s heart fluttered. Time to act! Do something! You’ve got to speak – Rassan stepped out of the crowd and all eyes turned upon him.

  “Great Executors, I’m afraid that we Overlords still have many questions. Are we not deserving of answers?”

  Agathon focused on Rassan in surprise, but Rassan did not hesitate, “Does Titan not suffer now, struck as it was by that great plague? There are rumors of the other Corporations falling back to old lines, giving up gains made through centuries of conquest and treaties – will Titan suffer the same? It was our understanding that we came here to provide you solutions – solutions you have dismissed without thought or care." He smiled, holding his chubby hands out wide, "Surely, as the noble Executors of our great Corporation, you cannot allow these troubles to continue. Beyond everything else, we are all loyal to Titan.” Nodding faces, and cries of ‘here, here!’ told Norm that Rassan had all the support he needed.

  Executor Brosar sat forward, “The Executors have always placed Titan above all other concerns. Do you question us?”

  Rassan’s grin, if anything, became even wider, displaying his sharp little teeth, “I have been given such a responsibility, since I have learned of your repeated attempts to assassinate one of your own." Some of the Overlords gasped, while some of the S.T.s twitched. Norm’s heart beat faster.

  Agathon glared at Rassan. Executor Memnes leapt up, “How dare you accuse the Executors of such an action!”

  “We have all heard the rumors of the attempts against Executor Delacroix. Why is Executor Delacroix missing from this meeting?"

  Rassan turned to the other Overlords, “I have proof of their duplicity! It is time to hold the Executors responsible for their actions! Look at how far mighty Titan has fallen under their rule! The time has come to restore our beloved Corporation to its former glory!"

  Agathon stood up, “Guards! Remove Overlord Rassan at once!"

  Three S.T.s converged upon Rassan, but an Overlord stepped into their path. The first guard stretched an arm to shove the Overlord out of the way, but the man stood his ground, reaching into his coat. Norm hit the deck as the report of a rifle filled his ears. Chaos reigned.

  Chapter 26: The Quake

  Natalie’s head turned in surprise at the sound of gunfire and screams from the council chamber.

  The Captain spoke softly, “Don’t worry this will be over so—,” the knife appeared so suddenly in the man’s face that it took a moment for the other S.T.s to realize he was dead. Natalie, however, didn’t wait. She leapt up, still bound, and used exquisite body control to perform a double-footed kick into the nearest S.T.

  She landed on her hands and rolled to avoid another S.T. who toppled over with a knife in his throat. Aubrey came barreling from the shadows to launch herself into another S.T.

  The pair tumbled and landed roughly on the ground, but a moment later, only Aubrey came up, flipping off the
Trooper. Just one more, plus the blond maid, remained. But the fourth guard was ready, slugging Aubrey hard as she recovered from her tumble. Her forearm deflected some of the blow, but she staggered backward from the force of it, dizzy and stunned. Lowering his head, he rushed forward to finish the job, but Natalie leapt to the ground, yelling “My pistol!” She whirled into a low sweep kick on her still-tied hands, grimacing as her legs connected with the hard metal shins of the S.T.s armor. He stumbled from the blow.

  It was all Aubrey needed. Leaping over to the fallen Captain, she whirled and took out the armored guard with a single, well-placed shot. Only the blond maid remained, and she decided that discretion was the better part of valor, turning and running from the scene.

  “Grab her!” Natalie shouted, but Aubrey was already a step ahead of her, sprinting after the fleeing maiden. Aubrey slid and kicked the maid in the back of the knee to trip her. The maid collapsed and slammed face-first into a pillar, knocking herself out cold. Aubrey turned to Natalie with a guilty expression on her face, “Whoops.”

  Natalie grimaced, “Well, she won’t be much good for questioning now.”

  Aubrey still looked guilty as she cut Natalie free. “How did you know?” Natalie asked, rubbing her wrists.

  “I didn’t. Norm summoned me. I was on my way when I spotted you and those goons. I took my chance when the chaos started.”

  Natalie nodded, “I’m glad you did. Now help me with her,” she pointed to the maid. They used the remaining rope to bind the maid. Natalie grabbed the knots, ensuring they were secure, “Make sure she’s gagged, we’ll have to leave her behind. Stick her in a corner so we can question her later, I’ll grab the weapons.”

  “And these?” Aubrey pointed to the S.T.s as she dragged the maid around a column.

  Natalie shook her head, “It’ll take too much time to hide them. We’ll have to leave them here. Besides, I don’t think they will really attract much attention given everything else that is going on.”