The Phoenix Fallacy_Book III_Magnus

by Jon Sourbeer,

  Rassan strode confidently to Overlord Knight. “I,” he paused, “…we give you this one chance to swear your loyalty to us – to Titan."

  Knight glared at Rassan. His mouth moved silently. “What was that?” Rassan asked sweetly, holding a hand to his ear.

  Knight drew in a breath and then spat directly into Rassan’s face. “Traitorous scum, how dare you betra—” Rassan smashed a furious backhand across Knight’s face.

  Knight looked momentarily stunned and then resumed, but in a much quieter voice, “When Executor Agathon is free, he’ll make you suffer for your crimes against Titan!”

  Rassan sighed, “There is always one. When Executor Agathon is free, you say?”

  He stepped away from Knight, pulled out his sidearm, and walked with the weapon at his side to Agathon. “Is this true, Executor? Will you really make us suffer if you are free?” His voice was sickeningly sarcastic.

  “Rassan! I will nail your tongue to my wall as a reminder of—”

  BOOOM. The loud report echoed around the chamber, and Agathon slumped backwards. As the echo slowly faded out, the Overlords looked on in stunned silence.

  “No, you won’t,” Rassan said.

  Chapter 28: …And the Strings

  Knight sat on his knees in shock, and Rassan turned to the S.T.s, “Put him in a cell. Let him think about where he stands. Let no one say that I am unfair, especially to my fellow Overlords.”

  Some of the Overlords muttered amongst themselves, but many were nodding in agreement with Knight’s sentence.

  Rassan stopped an S.T., whispering so the others could not hear. The other Overlords were too engaged in their own discussions to notice.

  Natalie watched Rassan’s mouth as each word rolled from the fat lips. "Take him far away from here and shoot him. If anyone asks, he resisted. Dump the body outside the city.”

  “Most efficient," Burke said, suddenly appearing behind him.

  Rassan glared at the Infernus, “You’re far too quiet in that armor, Commander Burke. Keep that up and you might surprise someone in a most unfortunate way someday.”

  Burke chuckled, “Unlikely. I only sneak up on people I intend to kill."

  “Then I suggest you stop doing so to me. Without my influence, you’ll never have the power you want. You could never gain true acceptance without the backing of an Overlord or an Executor.”

  Burke cocked his head at Rassan, with that familiar look of surprise, “You’re right about one thing, Rassan, I could never gain power without the assistance from an Overlord or an Executor." The look on his face gave Natalie chills.

  Rassan chuckled, “Good, I’m glad you understand.”

  "Executor Rassan,” the Overlords asked, “What should we do about Overlord Walden?”

  Waving his hands like he was tamping a fire, Rassan smiled, "You shouldn't call me that yet. Let us be patient." Rassan looked over at Norm, “Hmmm…another loyalist…" Rassan flipped the pistol in his hand, approaching the kneeling Overlord, "How should we deal with this problem?"

  Burke, however, grabbed Rassan’s arm, "I have special business with that one." The Overlords sucked in a collective breath.

  Rassan gave the Infernus a piercing look and Burke laughed, “He will not be harmed – need I remind you that I have yet to shoot a single Overlord or Executor?"

  Uncertainty lined Rassan’s face, but he nodded his assent. Burke, however, had already turned away, not waiting for approval. "Get him out of here." Norm kept his head down as he was dragged out of the council chamber.

  He’s safe, Natalie thought with a sigh of relief. For now, at least.

  “But isn’t Burke nearly useless now to the Overlords – a liability even?” Aubrey asked quietly. “Surely he…”

  Natalie nodded, a lump filling her throat, “I know.” He couldn’t possibly believe he was secure enough to take control by himself, could he?

  A wry expression appeared on Rassan’s face, “And what personal wrong has Overlord Walden done to you?” Rassan asked Burke.

  Burke smiled, “A special request, from a friend of mine who was wronged by him.”

  Rassan gave him a strange look, as if to ask, ‘What are you trying to pull?’ He shifted uneasily from foot to foot. Rassan’s eyes caught a group of Troopers moving away from the Overlords towards the edge of the room, whispering in hushed tones. It took a moment but they stopped when they realized that he was watching them.

  Rassan spoke to Burke over his shoulder while he studied the Troopers, “Commandant Burke, would you care to enlighten me about the status of our remaining Executor? I believe you said that our mutual problem would be taken care of…” The room had suddenly gone very silent, and the portly man turned to find Burke across the room, near the entrance to the council chamber. The Overlords became aware as one that they were surrounded on all sides.

  “Actually, Rassan, I said that all of your problems would be taken care of,” Burke replied. The sound of pounding feet sounded outside the chamber. Burke took several steps backwards, the fanged devil of his visor sliding back into place, sealing his helmet. Rassan’s knees shook.

  “Well done, Rassan,” Burke’s voice was oddly distorted in the suit.

  Rassan’s breathing became fast and labored, “Why?”

  “You make an excellent pawn.”

  Rassan’s face reflected his fear as the door burst open.

  Magnus led Natalie’s troops and a squadron of Inferni, a look of fury on his face. Burke turned to him and yelled, “Executor, the Overlords have betrayed us all! Rassan murdered the Executors with the help of traitorous S.T.s!”

  Burke pointed to his own men, now, who yelled in dismay as Magnus waved his troops on. Magnus shouted to his Troopers, “You heard the Commandant, annihilate the traitors! Capture Rassan, I want him alive!”

  The Overlords, caught completely off guard by the sudden appearance of Magnus, panicked and froze. Natalie knew she was about to witness another slaughter.

  Rassan was no great military leader, but he knew that he had to act. He immediately took up a rallying cry, “For Titan! Follow me!” Some of the Overlords responded. Many did not. Some tossed their weapons to the ground, hands raised. The S.T.s shot them indiscriminately.

  Burke’s S.T.s, used to taking orders, responded much better than the Overlords, and took cover with Rassan behind what remained of the Executor’s Bench. Natalie and Aubrey pressed themselves to the ground, watching Rassan shake as he listened to the screams of his fellow Overlords.

  Natalie could not look away from the second massacre of the day. She felt an odd sense of justice, watching the Overlords struggle to get away from the carnage, only to be tripped up by the bodies of the Executors they had betrayed earlier. Wavering between grim satisfaction and outright horror, she was transfixed by the sight.

  Aubrey turned away and retched.

  “Hold your fire!” Magnus yelled, and the S.T.s quickly halted their assault on the Executor’s Bench. Natalie watched as Rassan lifted his head slightly and breathed a sigh of relief. Three S.T.s remained with him, paralyzed in fear.

  Magnus voice rang out towards the seat, “Surrender now and you will not be harmed!”

  “Ha!” Rassan yelled, “I’m no fool!” His voice shook.

  Magnus laughed, “I wasn’t talking to you Rassan! I was talking to the S.T.s."

  Rassan voice came out as a rasp. “And why would you do that? What could you possibly gain?”

  Magnus chuckled, “S.T.s are the backbone of Titan, Rassan.” Magnus’ S.T.s nodded in appreciation. “And you, you I want alive. Your Troopers were merely following flawed orders. I know they are loyal to Titan, which is why they will listen to the orders of an Executor. I could easily overwhelm your position and annihilate you, but that would be an unnecessary waste of valuable men. It is a simple choice for you now – surrender immediately or all of you will die.”

  Rassan yelled back, “We have no intention of—urk,” he slumped over, one of the S.T.s holding
the butt of his rifle over the back of Rassan’s head. The three slowly stood, holding their weapons and carrying Rassan between them. Magnus nodded and turned to Burke. "We can’t afford to have any news of this spread – at least not yet. Take him to the guest suite. I will be there shortly."

  “What about these three?” Burke opened his visor and pointed to the surrendering Troopers. “I want those traitors myself.”

  Magnus wore a serious expression, “You will keep my word, Burke. Keep them alive. But put them in holding for now, as well. Such disobedience cannot go unpunished.” Burke nodded, but seemed hesitant.

  Magnus smiled, “And I don't want any of them to speak to anyone before I have a chance to question them personally. If they do, you have my permission to shoot them. But remember, Burke, I want them alive.”

  Burke grinned and led the four prisoners away under escort, the unconscious body of Rassan unceremoniously dragged by his feet.

  Magnus strode to the Council Bench and stood before it, facing the S.T.s who now solely occupied the places where the Overlords had stood moments before.

  “Loyal Troopers!” Magnus voice rang clearly through the room. A hush fell over the crowd, “A great blow has been dealt to Titan today! Our Executor council was nearly eradicated by the traitorous Overlords who sought to take control for themselves alone. Long have the Overlords plotted, undermining orders and bringing others slowly into their fold. However, with your help, I was able to stop their traitorous, underhanded, and selfish grab for power. They did not care what kind of chaos they brought to Titan. They did not care the ruin. Their only concern was themselves. But you stopped them!’

  ‘Though together, we could not save the other Executors, we did save the council, because you helped save me. You helped me stop their bid for power!”

  The S.T.s stood raptly at attention, and he pointed at the crowd. “I have seen it in your faces. Many of you wonder what the future holds. You questioned if Titan was faltering, falling from greatness.” Some of the Troopers shifted uncomfortably.

  Magnus smiled, “Fear not. Your concern is noble. Your loyalty to Titan is true. These are traits to which we all aspire. Those of you who have come to know me realize that I would never sacrifice you heedlessly, like these Overlords today. Like a blunt instrument designed merely to enact their will. You know that Titan cannot survive fools who care nothing for the populations of Titan.”

  There were nodes of assent from the Crowd.

  “Who care nothing for the Troopers of Titan.” Cheers.

  “Because you are Titan! We are Titan! We are loyal to each other. I am loyal to you. And you—“ Magnu’ voice dropped, and the S.T.s leaned in. “You are loyal to me. Because as Executor Ascendant, I am Titan. And together, we shall make the world remember our name!” As his voice rose to a crescendo, the Troopers cheered wildly, shaking the room.

  Magnus voice dropped. “Spread the word. A new day has dawned to Titan.”

  A Trooper in the back yelled, “Hail Executor Ascendant Delacroix,” and soon, a chorus of “Delacroix, Delacroix, Delacroix,” joined him.

  Chapter 29: The Ferryman

  Natalie felt the familiar swooping sensation in her stomach as she ran, but she shrugged it off.

  “What now?” Aubrey asked.

  Natalie face was inscrutable as they passed through the corridor into the room with the two fireplaces, “I think our next move is to find where Rassan is being held. There is a lift to the ‘honored guest’ suite straight ahead.”

  Aubrey looked at Natalie in surprise, “Should we not speak to Magnus?”

  Natalie shook her head and said simply, “No.”

  “Why not?” Aubrey asked, huffing as she ran, “Maybe he worked out a deal with Burke, or maybe Burke will try to double cross him. Why shouldn’t we find out the truth?”

  Natalie looked forlorn, “Because I’m not sure we’ll find it.”

  The prison was a place for those who would never see the light of day again. Natalie tapped her foot anxiously as the small lift descended. She was not eager to discover what it was like. Aubrey fidgeted and wrapped her arms around her chest – the air had taken on a chill.

  The prison sat directly below the council chambers, and occupied a far larger space than was necessary for the few meager souls that occupied it. Natalie was familiar enough with its reputation to know no one survived for very long down here. But that wasn’t the point. It had served the Executors’ needs well, with all the instruments they required.

  “Magnus will be taking the lift at the Southern side of the council chambers to the closest cells,” Natalie reasoned. “By taking the Northern lift, I think we should avoid running into him or Burke directly.”

  As the ancient lift ground to a halt in the inky blackness, her voice dropped to a whisper. “We’ll have to move quickly. Who knows how long until Burke discovers our esca—“, a loud wail filled the air and Natalie felt Aubrey push closer. After a few moments of breathless silence, their eyes began to adjust, and they could see a feeble glow from around a corner ahead. A single, massive Infernus emerged and shoved open the gate. After a moment, his visor slid open and without a word, he stood to the side.

  Natalie gingerly stepped out and cleared her throat, “Thank you.”

  The Infernus said nothing and simply continued to stare.

  “Manners, Deimos,” a creaky voice chuckled from the darkness, and a shape shuffled forward. “You will have to excuse him for not acknowledging you – he is mute.” It was an old man, stooped with age. “My name is Charon. My, my, we have had many visitors today,” he clapped his hands together, and shuffled towards Natalie. “Now, let me take a look at you,” his hands shot out and grabbed her face.

  She recoiled, her arm lashing out, but Deimos caught her and held her still – gently.

  Charon let loose a wheezy chuckle but swiftly pulled his hands away. “No need for alarm.” He produced a glowing biolume orb and attached it to a rod that reached over his head. A dim light filled the room, and as he swung the light towards Natalie, she finally caught a glimpse of the man’s face. Milky white orbs sat unmoving in their sockets. “I just need to know who you are. Can’t afford to confuse you with a prisoner and leave you here, can I?”

  Natalie swallowed and shook her head. Aubrey didn’t move at all. Deimos tapped Natalie, and she realized her mistake. “No.” She crouched and added, “Here.” The old man placed the lamp to one side and gently probed her face, “You are a pretty one.”

  When he was finished, his unblinking gaze shifted to Aubrey without a word, and she timidly dropped to one knee. She did not make a sound while he ran his hands over her face. After a moment he added, “So are you.”

  He pulled his hands away, holding the lamp above his head once more, “Now, Lady Delacroix, may I ask you where you would like to go?”

  “You know me?” Natalie asked hesitantly.

  “Why, yes,” Charon replied, “I’ve had your name down for a long time.”

  “But how?”

  Charon’s white orbs stared upwards. “There are always those in the world above who plot. But the world is always changing. I do not think your name will be on the list for much longer.” He shook his head, “You shouldn’t be down here.”

  “But will you tell anyone?” Aubrey asked nervously.

  Charon smiled gently, as if she didn’t understand, “I am merely a guide down here, I do not judge.”

  “And what about—?” Aubrey motioned hesitantly towards Deimos. The large Infernus never shifted his gaze, always staring down the hall.

  “He is a guard for the prisoners, you are not his concern,” Charon said simply. “Now, Lady Delacroix, how may I guide you?”

  Natalie shifted back a foot. “Today, several prisoners have been brought in. Of particular concern are two men – a rather large man named Rassan and another named Norm. We would like to know where they are and what is happening to them,” Natalie said haltingly.

  Charon did not move,
waiting for her to continue.

  Natalie hesitated, “We—we would like to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Is there a way we could watch from afar without making a scene?”

  Charon smiled, revealing jagged, worn teeth, “Of course. Please follow me.”

  Now that her eyes had adjusted to the glow of the biolume lamp that Charon held, Natalie could see that the prison was both opulent and awful at the same time. The prison was a place of tainted splendor – exotic, heavy tiles covered the floor. A thick, blood red carpet ran the length of the hall, its color washed out to grey-black outside the soft glow of the lamp. Rich oil paintings, depicting bloody and violent battles or oddly skeletal figures were interspersed with ancient pottery and sculptures of gruesome warriors. She couldn’t understand why the prison would be built this way. A wail from a prisoner sounded nearby – the walls shook. Maybe that was the point.

  “No need to worry, but stay close,” Charon said, “this place is labyrinth.”

  Aubrey huddled closer to Natalie.

  Every cell was isolated, a personalized pit of despair for everyone who was unfortunate enough to be placed here. As they passed one, Aubrey peered into the barred window. A fearsome shape scurried from the darkness and she leapt back from the bars, pressing herself into Natalie’s arm.

  “We shall head to the Warden’s room. It hasn’t been used in ages, but it will provide you the answers you seek,” Charon said.

  “How long are people left down here that they would need a warden? Can the prisoners do anything in such darkness? Besides, how can you see anything?” Aubrey received a sharp tap from Natalie’s elbow, and held a hand to her mouth, “I’m sorry, I didn’t me—”

  Charon was unperturbed. “The Warden’s office is quite sophisticated. It can see in the dark quite well. But it is not usually the video that interests us. Men often say strange things when they believe themselves alone,” Charon glanced back at Natalie, his milky white eyes shining in the light. “And isolated men rarely shut up.”