Balance (The Neumarian Chronicles)

by Ciara Knight

  I agreed. After he’d helped us escape Oasis and its leader Malvek, Dred had fought for his and his family’s life. In the process, Malvek died and now Dred ruled Oasis. “If anyone can best Mandesa, it’ll be your scavengers.”

  “They tol’ me that after she blew the mining territory, a fire started outside Old Chicago. It spread to the Agriculture territory. Now, the queen ain’t got enough supplies. People’re stravin’ an’ she’s gotta do somethin’ fast. She’ll be comin’ here right soon.”

  My mind reeled with images of Mag, the feisty old woman who helped us escape the assassins back in Old Chicago. “Old Chicago? Do they know who started the fire?”

  Dred stopped at the next junction. “Yeah. They say it’s a crazy, silver-haired witch. Legend been spreadin’ across the country how she killed some of the queen’s assassins and to make sure, she burned ’em.”

  “Mags. I knew she was alive!” My heart soared to the point I thought it would leave my body and fly to the sky.

  Dred’s brows drew together. “You know the witch?”

  “Yes, but she isn’t a witch, but is definitely worthy of being a legend.” I squeezed his forearm. “Don’t be a stranger.” I said over my shoulder as he headed in the opposite direction.

  “You neither, pretty face.”

  As I neared the mess hall, I halted halfway there at my father yelling at someone.

  “Do you really believe he’d betray us again?” Fallon shouted back. “Yes, he isn’t one of us, but he was tricked the first time. She lied to him, told him you were dangerous to Leanna and Semara.”

  I froze and prayed they didn’t sense my presence. I had to discover who had betrayed not only my parents and me to Mandesa, but our people.

  “And what about Semara? If you imprison him, she’ll never forgive you. Do you really want to lose your daughter when you’ve just found each other?”

  That answered that question.

  “I care about only one thing, that she lives. I won’t make the same mistakes as before. I refuse to lose my child, again,” Father snapped.

  “You need to think long and hard about this. Because if you’re wrong, you’ll punish an innocent man, ruin any chance you have with Semara, and start a war among the council members. He has many supporters. He’s saved lives,” Fallon said, pleading with Father.

  I couldn’t stand silent a moment longer. I shoved open the door. They both faced me, horror etched in their expressions and eyes.

  “Semara, what do you need?” Father croaked.

  “I need to know who you’re planning to imprison, the person you believe to be the traitor. Who is he?”

  Silence answered me. Teeth clenched, I stepped further into the room and quietly pushed the door shut behind me. “I have a right to know who might be a traitor to our cause. Who betrayed my mother and caused the Kantians to win the war. Who is this horrific monster, Father?” My fingers spasmed around Ryder’s pitcher and I clutched it to my chest. “I want, no need, to confront this man. It’s my right.”

  I ignored the anguished look Father and Fallon sent me. Nothing, not their hesitation or fear of hurting me would stand in my way. My heart screamed, demanding retribution for all the pain and damage this person had caused. “Tell me.”

  Father glanced at Fallon, then at me with the saddest expression I’d ever seen. “Bendar.”

  Chapter Ten

  I sunk into the chair next to Ryder’s bed, another night of sleeplessness weighing me down. My mind reeled from discovering Bendar was the traitor. He’d betrayed the rebellion and, in so doing, had caused my mother’s death. It didn’t seem possible. Bendar had watched over and cared for me from birth.

  Since arriving at the Arc I’d been restless, but in six days Bendar would be here with news from the council. It would be my opportunity to discover the truth about his part in the rebellion’s greatest betrayal.

  Rebellion, hah! His actions, whether by malice, stupidity, or naiveté had destroyed my family and led to years of torture at Mandesa’s hands. Part of me couldn’t comprehend my friend committing such a horrific crime.

  Ryder eased off the bed and stood, the coils creaking in relief as he exhaled heavily. Neither would miss the other after the prolonged bed rest. “Whatcha thinking about?”

  I licked my lips, which seemed eternally dry since learning the information that broke my heart. “Bendar.”

  He inhaled, his broad chest now moving in a smooth, even rhythm. “I gotta admit, I’m still having trouble with what you told me. I mean, the little man I know helped save Raeth. He kept Mandesa’s guards from killing us when we escaped, and worked to reunite your father and you.”

  I sighed. “Not to mention being a father figure, caring for me when Mandesa’s punishment was harsh.” Sneaking me food when Mandesa starved me, offering me a bit of warmth in a world of cold metal.

  He took two steps, closing the gap between us and pulled me into his arms.

  “I don’t want to hurt you.” I pressed my palms to his chest.

  “I’m fine.” He stepped back and lifted his shirt. “My gift doesn’t work like it used to…yet, but I managed to heal the few scabs on my abdomen.”

  I stared at his rippled muscles, then knelt and kissed the scars as my hands stroked the small of his back. “Perfect.”

  He sucked in a quick breath. Snagging my hands in his, he pulled me upright. “Normally, I’d sweep you into my arms and not let you out of bed for a week, but considering it’s my first day out of this room, we’ll have to get creative.” He cupped my face and covered my lips with his. The long awaited hum of my body connecting with his awakened.

  He slid his arms around me, keeping me upright as I melted against him when his tongue teased the seam of my mouth. I opened and joined him in a dance of sensual pleasure. Then his hand caught the back of my head, tipped it, giving him greater access of my lips, neck, and pulse points. Desire rocketed through me.

  Panting, I ran my fingertips through his hair and toyed with the ends at the nape of his neck. Groaning, he pinned me to the wall, devouring my lips with the force of his hunger as I returned his actions in kind.

  “Ah!” He broke free, his chest heaving, his hands clutching my hair.

  “I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”

  He nodded and pressed a chaste kiss to my swollen lips. “Yeah, guess I’m still healing inside.”

  After he’d caught his breath, he shot me that I-know-how-to-work-the-ladies smile. As usual, his dimples weakened my legs along with everything else.

  I threaded my fingers with his and tugged. “I’ll go with you to pick up Laos and take him to see his mother. Once we visit with Briggs, I need to head to command. They’re reinforcing the Arc’s structure and installing blast doors.”

  Ryder pressed his lips to the palm of my hand before leading me from the room. “Mighty big job. They sure Mandesa’s gonna attack us?”

  “We don’t know, but there’ve been several attempts to rescue the emperor already. And then there’re the raids on the small villages outside the city.” At his questioning gaze, I quickly brought him up to date on Dred’s news and why we suspected Mandesa had escalated her timetable for attacking us.

  “I didn’t think anyone lived outside of Upper Europe.”

  “I didn’t either. Seems we were wrong. Apparently, the northern clans have kept out of Mandesa and ENR’s business. They’re sorta like the scavengers from Oasis, without the same chilling reputation. There aren’t skulls on spikes around their settlement.”

  Ryder huffed. “Never ceases to amaze me how people can survive even in the harshest conditions. We did in the Mining Territory, and they have in the wilderness for all these years. Unlike us, Mandesa wasn’t aware of them, though.”

  We turned down the main hall and waited for the lift. “At least the council wants to fight to keep their home this time.”

  The lift opened and several workers exited, only leaving a little girl with her teacher. We rode in silence until th
ey disembarked. Once alone, Ryder squeezed my hand. “Glad they’ve set up an orphanage for the kids. This way, they’re taken care of and loved. I heard you had something to do with that.”

  “I just helped organize it. It felt nice to focus on something other than war and strategy, but now that you’re better, it’s time to start planning how to fight so we can live instead of just survive.” I looked up at Ryder. “Prepare yourself, there’re a lot of children down here who are scared, traumatized by the war. For some, it’s physical. Others won’t talk and many cry continuously. All of them jump at the slightest noise—a dropped dish or book, or a raised voice. That’s why we’ve reinforced their area. When I explained the problems to Father, he joined me and made it a top priority. Amazing the difference his support made. They completed the work this morning.”

  “Given it’s on the middle floor, with the infirmaries underneath it, you’re protecting both the children and the wounded.”

  “It’s more than that.” The lift door slid open and we entered the large room full of orphans. “The entire area is reinforced. We’ve used the Freedom’s flood doors design to build the Arc’s blast doors. Remember how each compartment could be made watertight? Well, if the Arc has a fire, or is attacked, each section can be sealed and protected, at least long enough to evacuate. Also, the sections for the orphans and infirmaries have their own air supply that’s separate from the Arc.”

  “Smart.”

  “Ryder!” Laos screamed. He raced toward us then jumped into Ryder’s waiting arms. The boy glowed around Ryder, and during his recovery, they’d become close. Even I thought the kid was cute. Not that I was ready to take care of one of my own. Thankfully, Briggs would be released from the infirmary the next day.

  “Hey, little man. You want to go see your mother?” Ryder set him back on the floor. Getting an enthusiastic yes in response, he grasped Laos’ little hand in his and led him to the elevator. As I stared after him, I wondered how he retained his tenderness, understanding, and ability to love when one aspect of his gift could suck the life out of someone. Then again, maybe it was just another aspect of the healing part of his gift. After all, he only used the negative side to protect those around him, and used the energy taken to heal everyone who was injured.

  Laos beamed up at him. “You stay with me?”

  “Yes, and Miss Semara’s going to take us to your mom before going to work.” Ryder gently chucked him under the chin. “Don’t worry. I won’t leave. I’m still getting better just like your mom.” He glanced back at me with a wicked grin as we boarded the lift. At his wink, I bit back a giggle, knowing he was remembering our passion just a few minutes earlier.

  “I hit the button?” Laos jumped up and down.

  “You excited your mom’s coming home tomorrow?” I asked.

  “Uh huh. But you’ll still visit, right?” he asked, his lower lip protruding in a perfect pout.

  “Of course we will,” Ryder assured him. “And once a week, I’ll take you to the range so you can practice using the weapon I showed you.”

  “Ryder? Isn’t he a little young for that?” I gave him my best look of warning, narrowing my eyes at them both.

  Laos stared up at me with the type of seriousness that belonged on an adult. But then, war had a way of making even the youngest innocents age before their years. “Mamma says we gotta keep the bad men out.”

  Out of the mouths of babes.

  Ryder was on the mend and it was past time for me to get back to the war. If we didn’t win, we’d never walk in the sun again. And hiding in buildings underground—no matter how nice—wasn’t living. “If your mother says it’s okay then of course, Ryder will take you. If you’d like, I could join you sometime, too.”

  “Sure.” He bit his bottom lip. “But only sometimes. ‘Cause we boys gotta save you girls. Right?”

  Ryder smiled down at him then looked up at me, his gaze pleading.

  I mussed Laos’ hair. “When you’re right, little man, you’re right.” The lift stopped and we cut through the crowd of people in the hallway. “If it’s okay with you, Laos, I’d like to say hi to your mom before going to work.”

  Several people raced passed us and my gaze narrowed as it followed the rush of personnel down the main corridor toward the command center.

  “You can go, you know. We’ll be fine,” Ryder murmured.

  “No, whatever it is they must have it under control or Father would’ve summoned me.

  Laos stared up at me, his eyes filled with excitement and curiosity. “Can he really talk in minds without using his lips?”

  “Yes.”

  “Wow.”

  As we approached the infirmary, my father’s voice sounded in my mind. Semara, we’ve got a problem.

  What’s wrong?

  There’s a bomber in the building. We found a charge near the front gate. We’re abandoning the facility while doing another sweep. Where are you?

  Near the infirmary.

  Good. If you see anything, report it. Stay with the wounded. Assist with evacuating them if needed.

  I froze in my tracks.

  “What’s wrong?” Ryder asked, looking at me from the infirmary’s doorway.

  Footsteps thundered behind us, followed by shouting. “Stop him!”

  A man raced by, knocking several people to the floor as he charged into the infirmary.

  “Seize him!” a guard yelled again.

  I stared through the open doorway and caught sight of Briggs staring back at us, her bright smile fading.

  The man stopped a few meters inside the room and turned to face us. He wore a vest made of explosives, his thumb resting on the trigger’s red button. “Death to the parasites,” the man sneered. People fled into the already crowded corridor, crushing each other as they all tried to squeeze through the doorway at the end of the hall.

  “No!” Laos cried as Ryder dragged the little boy back down the corridor. “Save, Mamma. Please!” Laos fought to free himself, but Ryder simply picked him up and carried him to safety.

  I itched to draw my gun and take him down. But I’d only have one chance.

  I could feel Briggs watching me. She’d eased from her bed, slowly making her way toward us while doctors and nurses rushed to evacuate the other patients.

  The bomber moved behind a medical cabinet until only his hand was visible, his thumb moving over the trigger teasingly.

  I shot a narrow beam at his hand, but missed as he jerked away, my gift melting a steel tray to goo.

  With him no longer in my line of sight, I tried to sense wires, anything metal in the device, but couldn’t. I glanced at Briggs. When she nodded ever-so-slightly, I knew what she wanted me to do and my heart ached.

  “In honor of the queen, I martyr myself for a pure society, free of parasites!”

  “Now!” Briggs shouted, her eyes filled with determination.

  I shot a contained blast into the door’s control panel and it began to slide shut. Ryder threw himself over Laos. I dropped to the floor and covered my head.

  A thunderous boom, followed by shrieks of panic and pain, filtered through the thick blast door into the corridor.

  What happened?

  The ringing in my ears made it tough to think. Bomb, infirmary, casualties.

  You hurt?

  My head pounded with pressure as I rolled on my side.

  Are you hurt? My father yelled in my head, only making the pounding worse.

  Don’t think so. I pushed myself up to my knees. “Ryder? Laos? You okay?”

  “Yes.”

  At Ryder’s hiss, I looked behind me. He sat, listing to one side, his hand holding his ribcage. “Were you re-injured? He nodded then winced and, pulling Laos onto his lap, leaned back against the wall.

  Guards raced passed and began prying open the heavy door. Dust and debris poured into the corridor as gasps of horror filled the air. The bodies of countless doctors, nurses, and patients littered the wreckage inside the infirmary. Dead. Everyon
e was dead. They’d never had a chance.

  Briggs? I searched, but couldn’t find her.

  Acid crawled up my throat. With mounting horror, I checked on Ryder and Laos and struggled to stifle my sob as the little boy curled in on himself. He cradled against Ryder, his tiny face buried in Ryder’s shirt as my love murmured, “Don’t look. Don’t look.”

  “I want my mamma,” he whimpered.

  “I know, little man. But she’s gone.” Ryder closed his eyes and took a long breath. “She’s gone.”

  Laos fought to break free of Ryder’s embrace. “It’s your fault! I could’ve saved my mamma,” he screamed as his small fists beat against his chest with each word.

  My lungs burned with sorrow. Looking back down the corridor, my gaze lingered on the bodies being pulled from the infirmary as guards worked desperately in a futile search for survivors.

  Then my eyes locked on a stuffed animal, still clutched in the hand of a lifeless child.

  With a shudder, I curled into a fetal position and let the tears flow.

  Chapter Eleven

  Ryder clasped Laos to his chest as he slowly climbed to his feet. The child’s raging had quieted. He looked almost limp and I wondered if he’d passed out from emotional exhaustion. I wouldn’t have blamed him if he had. It was a miracle any of us were still up and moving.

  Two blasts shattered the stunned silence, followed by the floor buckling beneath us. Those standing in the middle of the corridor crumpled to their knees.

  Ryder, still using the wall for support, remained upright.

  “We’re under attack. Get to your battle stations,” I ordered.

  Ryder hunched over Laos, protecting him from falling debris. “You have to get Laos to the orphanage. That’s the safest place.”

  Father’s mind nudged mine and I felt his relief that I was still with him. How are you?

  Alive. I breathed. Do you have a number on how many are involved yet?

  We aren’t under attack. It was one person. I’ve received reports from several areas. In addition to the bombs set to detonate simultaneously with his vest, he set another three for ten minutes after the fact. He’d planned to take out the rescuers along with anyone else left alive.