"Joey got past the necessary passcodes, didn't he?" Lissa said.
"Yes. He disabled them. You'll see the message once you turn the thing on." Merrill made a gesture with his hands, urging the Queen to do so.
"All right." Lissa turned on the comp-vid and read.
"Holy shit," she cursed. "Holy, fucking shit."
Chapter 7
Falchan
Zaria
Ilya and I—we were talking. Kissing now and then, too, when urgent mindspeech reached us. At least we had our clothes on when we folded space to Queen Lissa's library.
"This message was sent to Ruther Kend," Lissa explained as she handed a comp-vid to me.
"The manufacturer of high-tech weapons? The one who supplies the ASD?" Ilya asked.
"That's the one. His vacation on Campiaa was interrupted by this message. I think he may have left his comp-vid behind, hoping someone would break the code and find the message," Lissa explained.
"Wait, these are schematics for," I said, lifting my eyes and gazing at Lissa.
"Yeah. Only these won't have any safeguards built in," Lissa replied. "Deris and Daris want Kend to build these for them, in exchange for his wife and children."
"They have them?" Ilya asked.
"We checked discreetly—sources say the family is visiting other family. We checked out that story—it's a lie. The last of that message reads that they'll die unless Kend keeps this to himself and cooperates."
"Here's my worry," I said, handing the comp-vid to Ilya so he could read the message. "Have they sent similar messages to others, demanding who knows what to fight their war against the crown of Karathia?"
"It's possible." Merrill nodded before turning to Lissa. "I doubt anyone else would have the presence of mind to leave a comp-vid behind for us to read."
"These machines were outlawed everywhere before the creation of the Alliance," Adam pointed out. "For a very good reason. They were made for a single purpose, and that purpose destroyed worlds."
"Only this time, I'm sure they'll be the new, improved version, with advanced technology," I said.
"What were they called—before?" Quin asked.
"N'il mo'erti—death machines," Adam responded.
"Where did they get the schematics, then?" Lissa demanded. "I thought all that crap was destroyed."
"No idea," Merrill replied. "Yet here they are; therefore, they exist."
"Has Kend gone back home—to his manufacturing business?" Quin asked.
"Word has it that he's at his mountain retreat on Jaledis, where he keeps a facility for research and experimentation on new technology. Getting into that place is like breaching a fortress, because admission is only granted to those who work there," Adam said. "I've coordinated with Kooper and Lendill already; we'll have to approach cautiously. It's likely that either Deris or Daris will be there with Sirenali, to ensure that their demands are met without investigation or interference."
"That's not fucked up or anything," Lissa muttered. "And it doesn't include any others who may have received messages."
"I need photographs," I sighed. "Of anyone you think may have something to offer to the Arden twins. The more recent, the better."
"You can tell from photographs?" Merrill turned to me.
"If they're recent enough. Get me something taken after the messages were sent."
"We're assuming messages were sent," Caylon said.
"How well do you know the Arden twins?" Bel Erland spoke up. "By now, you should have determined that they don't put all their eggs in one basket."
"I understand that," Caylon agreed. "But have they sent out seven messages or seventy? We don't know."
"Then let's start with Jaledis," Lissa said. "If Deris or Daris is there, then we need Zaria or Quin to see them—to tell us what their plans are."
"That will require infiltration of the facility," Kooper appeared at the library door. "We are working out a plan, now. This is classified information and hasn't been distributed to any ASD employees."
"What do they wear on Jaledis?" I asked. Bel Erland snickered.
* * *
Jaledis
Quin
I hadn't gone shopping with Terrett in months. He, Daragar (in disguise) and I walked into the grocer's in the small city of Turbak, at the foot of the mountains that housed Kend's research facility.
Jaledis belonged to the Reth Alliance and had all the amenities any Alliance world possessed, including fresh food. Terrett would select meats while I bought vegetables for our table.
Some of our crew were still on BlackWing VII; Zaria, Bel Erland, Caylon, Sal, Ilya, Bekzi, Kevis, Terrett and I had been taken to Jaledis. Daragar and Valegar would stay as much as they could with us; Kaldill and Lafe were in charge of the ship in our absence.
Bekzi and Zaria gave me a list, Terrett grinned at me. I put my arm around his waist and hugged him. He leaned in to place a swift kiss on my cheek and strode toward the meat counter.
* * *
Zaria
Will you share a suite with me? Ilya asked. He and I were sorting luggage into suites at the large villa Kooper arranged for us.
Ilya's question caught me by surprise. In another life, sharing a suite would be automatic. What if we didn't get along this time?
We can try it, I answered, my mindspeech on the hesitant side.
I don't want you to be afraid, he said.
I don't want to upset you, I said.
You won't upset me unless you say no. Then I'll be disappointed.
That's not what I meant. I don't want to disappoint you in—you know.
You won't.
But.
"Don't mind me," Kevis Halivar interrupted a really nice kiss between Ilya and me.
"What is it?" Ilya didn't hide the growl in his voice. I let my forehead drop to Ilya's shoulder to hide my embarrassment.
"I merely wanted to see if Zaria had time for her appointment this afternoon."
"So I can run but I can't hide?" I pulled away from Ilya to face Kevis.
"I believe you can do both. I'd prefer you didn't."
"What's in it for me?" I asked. Kevis had a glint in his eye—he enjoyed verbal sparring.
"A comfortable spot on the sofa?"
"Come on, doctor boy, you can do better than that."
"Chocolate and a comfortable spot on the sofa?"
"Now you're talking my language," I said. "What kind of chocolate?"
"Strawberries covered in chocolate?"
"Hmmmm." Ilya cleared his throat.
"Strictly professional chocolate-covered strawberries," Kevis held up a hand. "I promise."
* * *
Quin
"I can barely see it," I said. Our compound had been supplied with a spy-screen in an upper-deck room facing Kend's mountain facility. Even with the far-sighted camera, the facility was so well-hidden by trees and outcroppings that I could only get a glimpse of the roof.
The roof, of course, was covered in sunlight-gathering squares filled with a special crystal.
"Those crystal beds on the roof are so effective, they power the entire facility that way," Sal explained as I squinted at the screen to get a better look. "Kend's great-great-great-grandfather developed those things and the family still holds the rights to their manufacture. That massive wealth funded this one's forays into research and development, and now they supply all weapons for the ASD."
"Are the crystals natural?" I turned away from the screen to look at Sal.
"They were in the beginning," he shrugged and offered a crooked grin. "They found a way to manufacture them and make them even more efficient, without flaws in the crystals. It brought down the price, too, so almost anyone can afford it. Most of the weapons requiring energy are powered by strips of those crystals."
"It's convenient," Bel Erland said. "The crystals hold a charge of sunlight for days, if it isn't expended."
"It takes many firings to deplete the charge, too," Sal explained. "That's why the ASD
buys its weapons from Kend Industries."
"What sort of weapons will Kend have guarding his facility?" I asked, turning back to the screen.
"He could have anything that's available to the ASD, and possibly a few things the ASD doesn't know about. That's why we haven't sent drones or spy-bots—they'll likely be fried at the perimeter. Industrial espionage and design theft is a reality where Kend Industries is concerned," Sal said. "They've only ventured into weapon design when Ruther took over about twenty-five years ago. When he was fourteen."
"Does Ruther have any wizards or warlocks working for him?" I asked.
"We don't have that information yet and even if he did, it could be that they're being paid under the table, so to speak, and there may not be an official record of it. I've heard that many wealthy industrialists do this, to protect themselves and their company."
"I've attempted to scry, but with probable Sirenali involvement, there's really no way for me to get the information. If he's hired a witch or warlock, Dad doesn't have those records." Bel Erland frowned as he studied the screen beside me.
"So it could be a wizard, too." I shivered at the thought.
"We'll figure this out," Bel's arms went around me, holding me carefully.
* * *
Morid
They wanted me to suffer. Therefore, no obsession was laid. I imagine cost was involved, too, because the Sirenali who performs obsessions for Deris and Daris Arden charges per obsession.
The Arden twins do not argue about the cost because they are just as susceptible to obsession as any other. They tread carefully around V'ili, the Sirenali Prince.
I see it as an unholy alliance, as each one wants what they want, and aside from that desire, all else is expendable.
I do not have what they want to achieve their desire; therefore, they are happy to watch me squirm in my cage. The old enmity between wizard and warlock is strong within them.
I should have stayed on Grey Planet, as instructed.
The only brightness in my captivity was this; I was moved to Ruther Kend's private research facility on Jaledis, in the mountains above the small city of Turbak. Two housekeeping employees were assigned to bring me food and fresh water. They do more than that, when the Arden twins aren't looking.
Since I was placed in their care, I have clean clothing and the opportunity to bathe myself every other day. Before that, I was forced to wear what I'd worn when I left Grey Planet behind. At least I still have my ability to disguise what I wear—so far the twins haven't seen through that.
I wished I were powerful enough to escape the cage they'd placed me in, but I am not. Father always told clients we were more powerful than we were, in order to command greater amounts for our spells.
I learned humility on Grey Planet, after watching their Master Wizards perform spells I could never attempt.
If it weren't for the two who care for me here, I would wish myself dead. Norn and Gale give me hope, in addition to food and smuggled comforts.
* * *
Ilya
"This is the list of employees we think are at the mountain facility," Caylon handed a comp-vid to me. "This includes cooks and housekeeping staff. They get food and supply deliveries once per eight-day. Everything is inspected before it enters the gate."
He and Sal had found me inside my suite, where I'd unpacked nearly all of Zaria's things. It would be more difficult for her not to stay with me if her clothing and shoes were already here.
"Then what about this?" I asked. "Let Zaria and me take over for the delivery crew. She can see in the employees doing inspections whether it is safe to approach them or not."
"That's a decent idea," Sal said. "It beats whatever we had, which included folding into the facility. It's likely that the moment we become corporeal, an alarm would sound."
"That was my thought as well," I agreed. "Plus, if Deris has placed a disturbance spell, it could explode in our faces—quite literally."
"Disturbance spell?" Sal asked.
"It's a complicated spell, which detects anyone who doesn't belong in the designated area," I explained. "Only a Fourth or Fifth-level is capable of casting it."
"You can do it?"
"Yes. I believe Zaria is also capable."
"Let me coordinate with Kooper, and we'll work on getting you and Zaria on the delivery crew." Caylon strode out of my suite. Sal grinned and shrugged before following Caylon out the door.
I laid the comp-vid on my dresser and went back to settling Zaria's boots in my closet.
* * *
Zaria
"How is it going with Valegar?" Kevis asked.
"It'll take a while for the guilt to go away," I said. "I still feel bad about how I treated him."
"What about Kalenegar?" he asked.
"I haven't brought him up yet," I pointed out. "Where did your information come from?"
"From Kalenegar."
"Of course it did. That's sarcasm, in case you didn't know."
"I recognize all forms of sarcasm. I'm related to several deft practitioners."
I slapped a hand over my mouth to stop my snicker from becoming a full-blown laugh. Kevis didn't try to conceal his grin. "So, what about Kalenegar," he continued.
"Him." My shoulders drooped. "He was ready to wipe my atoms from existence. I think that statement says it all."
"You don't see a reconciliation?"
"I can't answer that."
"Because you don't want to or because you don't know?"
"Right now, it's both. My worry is this—if he were willing to kill me once for making a misstep, what's to keep him from doing it again? How can I trust that?"
"Nobody's asking you to."
"Then why did you bring it up? Were you trying to upset me?"
"No," he held up a hand. "You were reluctant to tell me about your marriage to Ilya centuries ago, therefore, I asked about Kal."
"I made it so Ilya died a horrible, painful death in prison, rather than being consumed by a terrible obsession and killing his friends." I wiped tears away at the thought of Ilya, suffering and dying of cancer in a Russian prison.
"What do you think his choice would have been?"
"I don't know," I flung out a hand. "I didn't give him a choice. It was my choice. All of it."
"And this is something for which you can never make amends, because he is a different person and has no recollection of it."
"Yes."
"Why do you not let it go, then?"
"Because I can't forgive myself. I believe that has to happen first, doesn't it?"
"It's generally a good idea."
"So you see my conundrum?"
"Yes, but it will only take your acceptance that things are different now and you have a fresh start."
"Except I have all these memories, and for me, they're still fresh. For you, centuries have passed and you weren't alive at the time, anyway."
"True. I'm merely a listener, not a firsthand witness," he reminded me.
"You're not sympathetic? You've just shattered my hopes and dreams," I quipped.
"I am sympathetic. In a detached way," he grinned. "Imagine what a basket case I'd be if I became emotionally involved in all my patients' troubles."
"You have a valid point, sir. Shrink on," I nodded while echoing his grin.
"Shrink on, shrink off," he laughed while waving each hand in a circular motion.
* * *
Karathia
King Rylend Morphis
"I never considered Wellend's book," Dad pinched the bridge of his nose. "Wylend and I—we always assumed that he'd held the kingship for such a short time that there'd never been one, or that it was empty and disappeared when he died. Warlend's was destroyed with him—it was never found either."
"So the only person who may have known where Wellend's was—aside from him, could have been his mother, and Helsa's dead, too."
"Son, I think we both know where it is—we've looked everywhere else," Dad sighed and took a se
at on the sofa inside my study. "We merely don't know what it contains, although our guesses may be eerily accurate."
"But I have a book," I began.
"Yes, that can be presented as an argument for our side," he agreed. "It could effectively split the planet, however, and that cannot be allowed to happen. What if our fears are true and Deris also has a book?"
"He's the eldest, so it would make sense that if either twin had a book, it would be him," I said, taking a seat next to my father. He placed an arm around my shoulders and pulled me into a hug.
"What are we going to do, Dad?" I whispered.
"Hope," he replied. "Hope that Zaria, Quin and Ilya can bring them down while keeping us out of it. You know what will happen if we challenge and there are two valid claims to the throne."
"Yeah. I do. The first and eldest claim wins."
"Exactly."
* * *
Jaledis
Quin
"Ildevar Wyyld thinks it better to have me here, in case an ambassador is needed in a delicate situation," Edden Charkisul smiled and pulled me into a hug. I wasn't surprised that Berel had arrived with him; either could act as a liaison with the Jaledi government.
I received a hug and kiss from Berel, who lingered on both.
"Bekzi, Zaria and Ilya are cooking tonight," I pulled Berel toward the combined kitchen and dining area. "If we beg, we may get a drink while we're waiting."
* * *
Ilya
My experience in cooking anything consisted mostly of grilling a catch or a kill over an outdoor flame. It fascinated me to watch Zaria make dumplings to drop into the chicken and broth Bekzi prepared.
"This good—you like," Bekzi grinned at me.
I didn't care what it tasted like—it was a pleasure to watch Zaria's graceful fingers work the dough before rolling it carefully with a pin and cutting it into evenly shaped, bite-sized squares.
She enjoyed cooking—that was easy enough to see.
"Chicken and dumplings, one of my favorites," Kevis Halivar said as he walked into the kitchen followed by Quin, Ambassador Charkisul and Berel.
"Ilya, will you get drinks for them?" Zaria asked.
SpellBreaker: First Ordinance, Book 4 Page 9
