by T. G. Ayer
Max shook his head.
Allegra glanced at him. “Was it this way for Aurelia?”
He sighed. “In some ways, yes. More so when she was young and living in various countries, traveling all over the world. Even though she downplayed her powers, and most of the public believed the line of Pythias was long extinct, among the more informed her existence was an open secret. She was not plagued with paparazzi as much, but wherever she went the zealots followed. In the end, she hid herself away in a secure remote farming compound and only gave a handful of accredited contacts access to her.”
Allegra’s eyes widened. Was that going to be her future? Imprisoned in her home because of her powers?
Max smiled. “We will ensure that doesn't happen to you, Allegra.” He glanced over at Corina and Flavius, and Allegra smiled as both of them nodded solemnly. “See? We’re in total agreement.”
She nodded and turned her attention back to the crowd. The reporters were departing, leaving a small throng of people behind. A woman with a small bouquet of flowers in her hand began to harangue one of the zealots and a scuffle broke out.
Security descended upon the group and to Allegra’s relief they had the sense to send them away instead of arresting them.
Zealots or not, Allegra didn’t relish the idea of people ending up in jail in her name.
Chapter 46
Their flight to Kemet proved to be longer, probably because Allegra couldn’t fall asleep no matter how hard she tried. She was wired, her thoughts returning to the zealots, and the woman with the bouquet. Love and hate standing side by side, chanting her name for very different reasons.
She thought about Xenia who’d probably see the spectacle in the news and plastered across the front pages, and hoped her friend would not get frantic with worry.
Max came to her side. “Want a drink up at the bar?”
Allegra nodded and got to her feet, smoothing the creases from her dress, and failing. She followed Max, grateful they’d secured first-class seats that provided them with an additional bar and lounge area upstairs. She wasn’t sure how she’d feel crammed into economy. Just the thought made her feel claustrophobic.
Allegra ordered a brandy on the rocks, earning herself a host of strange looks from the team. “What? Never saw a girl order a brandy before?”
Max cleared his throat and was about to answer when Corina said, “Think very carefully before you speak.”
Max closed his mouth but was unable to hold back the twitch of a smile as he avoided Corina’s eyes. The others burst out laughing and a discussion ensued about women, bright colors and alcohol preferences. Corina and Allegra lost the argument the moment they both admitted to a liking for cocktails, colored or otherwise.
When Max left to look for food, Allegra turned to Corina. “Can I ask you a question?” When the other girl nodded, Allegra said, “Max is your superior officer, right. How come you are all so relaxed around him?”
Corina smiled and watched as Max and Flavius retreated. “It’s how it’s always been. Max laid down the rules on day one. We are a family. Leave no man behind. It was bullshit. The same crap you hear everywhere when they’re trying to recruit you, when they are looking for your loyalty.”
“But Max was different?”
“More than most.” Corina sighed, then grinned. “Maximus Vissarion is capable of winning even the heart of a woman who isn’t inclined to be with a man.” Corina winked and sipped her drink.
Allegra laughed. “I see what you mean.”
It didn’t surprise her to hear Corina’s words. Max was a good-hearted man, and his team was fortunate to have him at their helm.
Corina sighed. “So. Are you going to help us?”
Allegra dragged her gaze off Max and turned her attention to Corina. “Of course. I am helping you.”
But Corina was shaking her head. “No. I meant, actually joining us. Being part of our team.”
Allegra shook her head and smiled sadly. “I couldn’t do that, Corina. Not yet. Not until I can understand who to truly trust. And it just doesn't feel right to align myself with only one group of people when the whole world deserves to benefit from this power. Isn’t that what the Pythia always stood for?”
Corina smiled and shook her head.
“I’ll remain as a consultant. But, that's it.” Allegra leaned closer. “I’m not stupid, Corina. I can see the way the game is being played. I know I’m valuable but even though I never knew my own heritage, I’ve always been well aware of who the Pythia was, and what her duties were.” Allegra sat back, frowning.
“What is it?” asked Corina, concern sharpening her gaze.
Allegra held out her hand before the seer decided to use her powers. “Nothing. It’s just that I remembered something from my childhood. A time when my parents had educated me on the basics of Greco-Roman Mythology and the Oracles. I’d thought everyone learned similar stories at home, but now that I think about it, I always had a little more than your average knowledge on the topic.”
Corina frowned. “Are you saying you think your parents knew who you were?”
Allegra nodded. “I’m beginning to think they did. And they were killed before they could tell me.”
Corina leaned forward and took hold of Allegra’s hand. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I’m not sure how I’d cope if I lost one of my family members. My parents are far too nosy, and my brother is a pain in my butt, but I’m not sure how I’d go on without them.”
Allegra barely heard Corina’s words as a vision of the white-blonde girl floated in front of her, blood streaming from her lips as she convulsed.
With a low moan, Allegra snatched her hand from Corina’s grip staring at her in horror. Corina frowned at first then let out a soft laugh. “Don’t worry. Seers can’t see each other’s futures. Or pasts. Only their present. It’s just the way it is.”
Allegra shook her head. “There must be a glitch in the system,” she said softly.
Her vision of Corina’s last moments was too ghastly, but not truly surprising. She too would fall victim to the plague. The worst part? The catastrophe was still coming. Despite what she had already seen. Despite what she and Max were trying to achieve.
The job was not done yet, the world still needed to be saved.
Corina’s eyes went wide, her mouth opening slightly as she stared at Allegra in shock. Then she closed her mouth, schooled her features and said, “Whatever you saw, I do not want to know.”
“Are you sure?”
Corina nodded. “I see far too much shit. The last thing I need is to know my own future.”
Allegra looked down at her hands. Touching people was dangerous. “Perhaps I should use gloves.”
But Corina shook her head. “That would only draw attention to you.”
Allegra stared at her hands, and then back to Corina’s face. Whatever she did, she’d be forced to conform to some arrangement with the authorities. Right now, she wasn’t sure she was ready to fight against anything.
Maybe once she’d healed from the blow dealt to her confidence by the kidnappers, she’d tackle the whole problem of FAPA and their constant pressure to join with them. Working with Max and his team in itself, would not be a chore. It was something Allegra could see herself doing.
But on what terms?
And could she align herself to one country alone? That would only lead to trouble further down the road.
She sighed and looked back up at Corina. The seer was watching Allegra, a sad expression on her face.
Both girls sat back and sipped from their almost empty glasses.
Corina lifted hers.
“To the end of the world.” Her voice was defiant, but not entirely steady.
Allegra shivered, hearing Xenia’s words echoed in Corina’s.
She hesitated for a moment, but then clinked her glass against Corina’s.
To the end of the world.
It was inevitable, but if she had anything to say about i
t, not quite yet.
Not quite yet.
Chapter 47
When the team arrived in Bharat they were met with a surprisingly large contingent of military force.
Barriers had been set up on the edge of the tarmac, manned by armed guards and policemen. Beyond the metal mobile fences was a crowd of at least six hundred people, all cheering and singing Allegra's name.
The expression on the supervising officer’s face wasn't comforting.
He marched forward, back straight, arms swinging stiffly, his mouth twitching as Allegra reached the bottom of the stairs. She’d just stepped off the last riser when he came to a standstill in front of her.
During the last half of the flight, Allegra had settled into a comfortable space, aware that she had a responsibility to Max and his team now. But she wasn't forgetting that she still had a larger responsibility to the rest of the world.
When she’d exited the plane and stood at the top of the stairs, at first the sight of the gathered crowd had scared her. But it was something that she was going to have to get used to, if she was going to be the Pythia that everyone needed. Aurelia had hidden herself away from society, overwhelmed by the world and its needs, but Allegra was determined not to fall into that same trap.
As the officer stared down at her, Allegra steeled herself and smiled. She offered her hand, startling the man so much that he took a full step backward.
Max touched her shoulder and whispered in her ear. “Don’t be offended by General Bhana’s actions,” Max said, clearly familiar with the man.
General? The man definitely had a more superior air, though not in the condescending sense. Noble or regal, would be the words Allegra would use.
Max continued. “I believe some people in the kingdom are quite strict. Some traditionally believe a woman must not touch a man who is not her husband.”
Allegra’s spine stiffened and she struggled to keep the smile on her face as she retrieved her hand. She turned her attention back to the general and gave him a formal nod.
He offered her a low bow and waved a hand in the direction of the waiting vehicle. Much to Allegra’s surprise it was not a limousine, or any type of stately vehicle.
Instead, a military armored-car waited for them, a true battle vehicle with giant wheels and bullet-proof windows, something part four-wheel-drive, part tanker.
Once Allegra and the team had settled inside the vehicle, it lurched forward, taking them rumbling past the gathered crowds. Allegra peered out of the windows—a difficult enough task considering the layer of wire mesh that covered the thick darkened glass—and studied the people. She found herself unconsciously looking for the zealots with their insulting and hateful placards.
Curiously, there were none of them.
Instead, the gathered group seemed happy and cheerful as they waved banners and threw flowers at the passing truck. Allegra felt a little bad that they hadn’t stopped to meet these people, but she knew already that finding the location of the outbreak was a matter of crucial urgency. There would be time enough for chatting and socializing after the world was safe.
The general, who’d been talking to the driver behind him, shifted in his seat to face her.
“I’m General Bhana. I apologize for my rudeness outside earlier.”
It was Allegra’s turn to be startled. She glanced at Max but he said nothing, the frown on his face confirming his own confusion.
“I understand that I am confusing you. Let me explain.” He took a breath and pointed a finger out of the window. “See that crowd? They are peaceful, happy. Because they worship you. Here in the land of the Hind, people take those of divine power very seriously. Not those in power, but those who possess power. It also means that people are easily duped by charlatans. And here is the opportunity to present to them someone who is not a fake.”
He sighed and smiled.
“You’re almost what they consider a deity. Had I touched you, I would likely end up stoned or dismembered, my body thrown in some faraway place to be eaten by vultures and wolves.”
Allegra shuddered. “Sounds a little on the gory side.” She offered him a more genuine smile now.
Max grinned. “Good thing you explained. I think you may have been in for a difficult time from the Pythia, had you truly been sexist.”
The general snorted. “I do believe my wife would be in total agreement.”
Everyone in the vehicle burst out laughing and the rest of the ride was spent with General Bhana giving them a quick rundown on the security position and the general’s opinions of the current administration.
The truth of the pandemic had been kept secret from the Indus government and administrative body.
After a forty-minute drive, they were approaching the Government House when Corina let out a low whistle. Allegra glanced at the seer who was staring wide-eyed out of the window.
“Aphrodite save me. That is one stunning architectural wonder,” said Corina.
Bhana laughed softly as Allegra peered over Corina to get a view. “The palace is almost a thousand years old. It’s constructed of pure white marble, quarried from the Northern Himalayan hills.”
Allegra stared at the sprawling palace, its white walls shimmering in the sunlight, its curved turrets and elegant spires making the palace look like something out of a dream.
The gigantic doors, taller than a two-storied house, were wide open, guarded by two armed, elaborately dressed guards. The weapons were more likely for show than anything, considering they were bronze spears taller than each of the men holding them.
White long-sleeved shirts, red turbans decorated with glinting gold emblem of the palace. Each man wore baggy white pants, a wide red sash and bore a bronze dagger on his left hip.
General Bhana came to Allegra’s side, offering her his arm. “May I have the honor of escorting the Pythia inside the palace?”
Allegra smiled and took his arm. “As long as you don’t lose your head over it.”
He chuckled and led them inside, down a long white-stoned pathway lined with towering palm trees which cast much-needed shade over their heads.
The sun was high in a cloudless blue sky and Allegra felt the heat of it penetrate her head. She wished she’d had the chance to at least bathe and change before meeting important people, but there’d been no such opportunity.
They walked past fountains spilling clear waters, strutting peacocks, and carvings of voluptuous dancing maidens. Despite her surroundings, which were nothing short of magical, Allegra had a hard time retaining her composure.
Being in a place this beautiful seemed to upset her more, and she faltered in her step.
General Bhana slowed and studied her face. “Are you feeling unwell?”
Allegra shook her head. “I’m just tired from the flight.” Not to mention a tiny bit traumatized from the events of the last few days. She forced a smile on her face. “I’ll be fine. Although, I’d rather like to get this whole thing over and done with before it’s too late.”
The general gave her a smile then glanced over his shoulder at Max before leading them on toward the entrance to the palace. Allegra looked over her own shoulder, meeting Max’s eyes with a questioning look. But all he did was give her an encouraging smile.
He’d been quiet for the last portion of the trip, probably absorbing the news of her decision to consult, and what it would mean for future co-operation—if they managed to survive the plague. Corina had happily given him the news and he’d smiled and accepted her offer.
She’d expected him to be upset but his expression had been strained and worried. Not angry or disappointed as she’d thought he’d be.
They were guided inside the palace, but Allegra was no longer interested in the beauty of the place. All this would be for naught if the world were to end. It was like eating too much chocolate, to the point of wanting to throw up. All the deliciousness of it was too much to stomach.
Flavius and Corina were directed to a smaller waiting room
before Max and Allegra were led inside a main hall, likely used by the Rajas and Ranis of the past. Now, as she headed toward a large marble boardroom table, she was surprised to see the meeting headed by a woman.
Truth be told, she knew enough of the Indus and its people, having been a voracious history fanatic growing up.
Yet she would never have expected the queen herself to head the meeting—the woman’s bearing and dress leaving no doubt as to her identity.
Max headed over to her. He bowed low over the monarch’s hand. Then he looked over at Allegra, beckoning her closer. Allegra obeyed and hurried to his side, her own smile fast mirroring that of the queen.
Allegra went to Max’s side and smiled at the elegant dark-haired woman. Max said, “Maharani Sonali, Queen of the Hind, Ruler of all Indus, Queen of the island of Lanka and the Kingdoms of Ksetra and Syam.”
Allegra kept her hands folded in front of her waist, hoping that her reluctance to shake hands would not be considered as rude.
“I’m so very honored to meet you, Lady Pythia,” said the queen, showing no sign of wanting to shake Allegra’s hand.
Perhaps she knew the danger of touching one such as the Pythia. The queen glowed, looking decidedly regal in a navy-blue sari trimmed in faded gold. The blue silk wound around the queen’s body, revealing her baby bump in all its glory.
Allegra blushed. “Please call me Allegra, Your Majesty. And may I congratulate you on your impending arrival.”
The queen laughed. “I will, only if you call me Sonali.” She patted her belly, her eyes sparkling. “And this one is to be Maia, a nod to Rome and Indus all in one go.”
She hooked an arm around Allegra’s waist, the action strategic enough to avoid skin touching skin, and led her to the table where a group of aides and representatives had gathered. Among a sea of sober, respectful faces, one stood out so much that Allegra had to suppress a shiver.
Dressed in a simple white sari, the fabric draping her curvaceous form like a second skin, the woman stood near the window, the file in her hand propped against her hip. She watched Allegra closely as she was introduced to each of the Senators and Representatives and then shown to her seat at the queen’s right hand. As she sat, the queen waved the woman closer.
