by Joy Spraycar
“I’m not going to. You are.”
Karaticus sank back into his chair. “Wh... what? Me?”
Vitus opened the door. “Yes, you. Tomorrow you’ll send word out that in three-day’s time No Mercy Zalph will face her trainer in the Empire Arena, and all can come and witness it. When Simeon and Father show up to save Zalphia and Platy, you will destroy them all.”
I can’t. I must not.
Karaticus’s hands balled into fists, and he clenched his jaw. “No, I won’t.”
Vitus’s brow lowered and his mind flowed into Karaticus’s. Karaticus’s left hand shot out and tightened around his own neck.
“Oh, yes.” Vitus smiled and released the power used to cause his brother to strangle himself. “You see, I have developed powers here that even you don’t know about. I don’t need you any longer. I don’t need the child our mother carries. I have exactly what I need to destroy Selestia.”
Karaticus gasped. “No.”
“Oh yes. I can do as I please. Once I’ve destroyed our home planet, nothing will stand in the way of me ruling everything in the Selestial realm.”
“The great God above...”
Vitus’s blow silenced Karaticus mid-sentence. “I am the great God. You’ll see before I kill you what I can do.”
Karaticus held his pounding cheek.
No one can stop this maniac now.
CHAPTER 29
Max tossed and turned throughout the night. As the first rays of the sun lightened the tattered curtains, he remained quietly staring at the ceiling in the small room where he and Simeon had acquired lodging. The soft snoring emanating from the bed across the room assured him Simeon still slept. At least Max’s restlessness had not disturbed his roommate.
It seemed like to crime to sleep in a comfortable bed while Zalphia remained out of reach in Vitus’s palace. A fortress of rock protected by explosive material.
Max’s heart hammered painfully. Once again, he had abandoned his wife. What kind of husband does that? Leaves a wife in the hands of his enemies? A coward. No matter what he had promised, he couldn’t shake the shame resting on his shoulders.
He rolled over.
No, he had left to save her. Without him, Vitus had reason to keep Zalphia and the baby alive. He hadn’t run to save his own life. He had left to save them. But no matter how he looked at the situation, it still felt like he had deserted the one person who needed him most. Who knew what would happen now? Would Zalphia be tortured?
Karaticus’s reasoning made sense. So why did he feel so guilty? He knew why. Because Zalphia would suffer so they could achieve drawing him out.
He slammed a fist into the blankets beneath him.
Damn!
No matter what he did, his wife paid the price. And he remained unscathed on the outside of every situation. But staying in the palace would have cost them all their lives, would it not?
Max jerked back toward the window. He always let others determine his actions. Why? From the time he turned sixteen, he had followed Simeon’s advice. And then in the woods, he allowed Platy to be in control. But was there another way? If he had taken Zalphia and run, she would have died. He had done the right thing letting Zalphia go back, had he not?
Why did it feel so wrong? He consistently left Zalphia alone, abandoned, and vulnerable. He had sworn to protect her, but he couldn’t. What kind of husband would he be if he stayed?
Max rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling. He had done it again, allowed Karaticus to talk him into leaving the palace without his wife. At the time, it seemed the right move to save her life. But now, could he even help her? She had no idea of the power her mind contained. No idea how to wield that power. No idea she could overcome Vitus by simply determining to do so.
Simeon groaned, rolled over, and looked at Max. “Did you sleep at all?”
“Not much.”
“I assumed it would be so. If only you could trust Zalphia to find her way.”
“How can you be so calm? So sure that she will be able to do what you hope she can?”
The Elder sat up and draped his legs off the side of the bed. “You know, Maximillion. She has always been more resilient than you give her credit for.”
“How do you mean?” Max pulled his hands from behind his head and rose from his bed.
Simeon chuckled. “She managed in the arena just fine before you came along. She never lost a match. And besides, if she had actually determined that she wished to escape, it would have happened. You know that, do you not?”
Max nodded, but deep inside he doubted the truth of Simeon’s statement. No matter how many times the same comment was made, Max just didn’t see it. Why would Zalphia have stayed for so many years fighting if all she had to do was be determined to leave? It did not make sense.
“You do not realize how close she came to doing exactly that when she reached out to you that day.”
Max studied Simeon’s face. “What are you saying?”
“I am saying that when Platy informed her she would now be fighting men, she came this close –” The Elder held two fingers up with a smidgen of a space between them. “– to escaping on her own.”
“Then why didn’t she?”
“Because she reached out and found you. And once she felt your familiarity, well, she let you be her hero. As she always does.”
“What?” Max fumbled in his memories. Wasn’t Zalphia the one who had freed them? It was her that saved them, not him.
Simeon chuckled again. “She believes you are the one with the power to change things. That you used her mind, but we both know that is not so. And now, she does not need you to do anything. Not anymore.”
Max’s brow furrowed. “Why not?”
“Zalphia has discovered the mind of your child and can combine with it just as easily as she can with you. So you see, my son, what is required of you is to stand back and let events play out as they must.”
Easy for you to say, you are not the one constantly leaving and allowing her to be tortured. Standing back has never been in Zalphia’s best interest.
Max sank back down on his bed. “But will she know what she can do? I never had the chance to teach her.”
Simeon shrugged. “I could not say. All I know is that at some point, she will either discover her abilities or die.”
Max’s heart jumped. Could he stand back and let that happen? “Her dying is my greatest fear.”
“You must trust her. Zalphia is stronger than you realize. She will find her way. If she had not been confident she could overcome the evil here, she never would have volunteered to save this planet. And she hopes to save Vitus, also. However, I do not think that will be possible.”
“What happened? Why did Vitus change so drastically once he stopped the war here?”
“This whole scenario, the way this planet has developed was a test.”
“A test for Vitus?”
“Yes. To see if he was strong enough to rule in Zalphia’s stead.”
Max shook his head. “And he failed.”
“Yes. The leader of the Selestial Council must put the needs of those on the lower planets over their own desires, ambitions, and even their own lives if that is what is required.”
“And he likes the power. Does he not?”
“That is correct. He failed, just as my brother did. Sometimes the lure of power corrupts even the strongest minds.”
“So did Zalphia already pass a test such as this?”
Simeon smiled. “When you are back on Selestia, you will remember everything that happened before you came here. But to put things simply, yes. She and you have proven yourselves worthy of standing at Selestia’s head.”
Max’s brow furrowed. “I don’t understand? Why would Zalphia want to come down and risk her life when this is Vitus’s test?”
“It is just her.” Simeon stood and walked to the small window. “Zalphia wished to save this planet and all who reside here. She felt that just because Vitus fa
iled, the people here should not suffer because of him.” Simeon turned back toward Max. “She was willing to come down here to save them.” He walked over and placed a hand on Max’s shoulder. “And you, my son, well, you could not stand to let her go through this alone. The Elders never should have allowed you to come.”
“But how would Zalphia have used her mind without me?”
“There are others here whom she could have combined with.”
Max nodded. “Like Karaticus.”
“Yes, that is true. However, you convinced the Council Zalphia needed your calming influence, and... the opportunity presented itself to produce an Almighty.”
“An Almighty?”
Turning to Max, a smile slowly worked across Simeon’s face. “Yes, an Almighty.”
“I do not understand.”
The Elder turned back to the window and stared out in silence.
“Simeon?” Max rose and joined him. “Explain what you mean.”
The Elder looked over Max. “I cannot reveal any more than I already have. It is up to you now, my son. You must make sure that Zalphia completes her mission here.”
“What?”
Simeon turned Max to face him. “The time has come for me to leave. However, you must promise me you will let Zalphia do this on her own.”
“Do what?”
“Whatever Vitus has determined she must.” Moisture gathered in Simeon’s eyes. “Promise me, Maximillion. The future of this planet and Selestia hangs in the balance. If you interfere and save Zalphia, more will be lost than you can imagine. Promise me.”
Max’s shoulders slumped. No matter how hard he fought for Zalphia, it always came back to letting her stand on her own. He wanted so badly to take this burden from her, but he didn’t have the power to do so. A tear slid down his cheek.
“Are you saying I must stand by and watch her die?”
Simeon’s lips formed a grim line. “Would you do that if she determined that was the course she must take?”
Max felt his chest tighten. Zalphia had always been the strong one – the one willing to do whatever it took to make things right. But could he stand by and watch her die? Could he lose her forever?
His chin began to quiver. She would expect him to honor her wishes. But how could he? Deep inside he knew he would never stand in her way. But the thought of going on without her was almost more than he could bear.
He turned back to the Elder. “Whatever Zalphia decides, I will not go against her wishes. But if the opportunity presents itself for me to sacrifice myself instead of her, I will take her place.”
“I know.” Simeon nodded his head. “I have not seen a love as strong as yours in all my time. But there is an ancient story, a story of sacrifice in the name of love that will change the cosmos.” The Elder laid an arm across Max’s shoulders. “I never believed I would see such a love. But yours comes close. I just hope you will not be the one to make the ancient stories come true.”
Then Simeon was gone.
Max whirled around, searching the room. “Father?” He reached out with his mind, but he was alone.
***
Max made his way through the narrow alleyway toward the tavern. Although his mind wasn’t centered on food, his stomach made its wishes known. Entering Empire Square, he found a huge crowd gathered. Almost wall-to-wall bodies pressed in the small space. A palace guard stood on top of a raised pedestal.
The guard raised his hands, and the crowd fell silent.
“Hear this all. Two days hence, the prisoner, No Mercy Zalph, will face her trainer, Platy, in a Glad match. Because this Glad, Zalphia, is said to have unnatural powers, the two will face each other in an arena designed to even the odds. Platy, Glad trainer extraordinaire, will be supplied with multiple weapons. No Mercy Zalph will be bound to fight unarmed. They will face each other at precisely midday. Empire Arena will also sport hidden traps and more excitement than ever witnessed before. All will be accommodated who wish to attend this once-in-a-lifetime combat. The Great Emperor Vitus will be seated in the Empire Throne and will assure this contest is fought fairly. The winner will be rewarded with their freedom.”
The guard lowered his hands. Excited rumbles shook the crowd.
Max fell against the wall.
“No,” he whispered.
His heart fell. He knew that Simeon expected him to stand aside. But how could Zalphia overcome something like this? Everything stacked against her. Platy would have all the advantages, and Zalphia had no idea she had the capacity to use her mind as a weapon. He wouldn’t let her do this by herself. Somehow he needed to find a way to be in that arena. A way to help his wife.
Simeon’s words haunted him. “Promise you will not interfere.”
Max slid into a sitting position. How could he stand aside? What if Zalphia didn’t discover her abilities? What if she didn’t know she could use their unborn child? Would he be willing to watch her die at the hands of someone like Platy?
No! The answer forcefully pushed everything else aside. No matter what he had promised Simeon, Platy would not win this fight. Zalphia might not realize what she could do, but Max knew everything. And with his wife out of the palace, her mind would be available.
This time, Platy would not survive.
CHAPTER 30
Zalphia lay on the squeaking cot, her mind absorbed in the subtle vibrations emanating from deep inside the palace. She sensed Dameon’s concentration so totally devoted to Vitus’s mind, that he didn’t seem to detect Zalphia’s sliding along the hidden pathways into his own.
She knew this man, and he knew her. Things from an earlier time on Selestia, a banquet table of memories now spread before her. She knew now why Max held such a special place in her heart.
Mantus, or Dameon as he was known here, had used everything in his arsenal to gain power. She could never have loved someone so selfish, so self-absorbed that he only saw others as a means to get what he wanted. And if Zalphia had chosen him on Selestia, this earth would never have had a chance.
She pulled her mind away, sickened by the things churning in Dameon’s mind. Her hand fell to the small bump inside her.
“Oh, little one. How do we overcome this evil? What can I possibly do to overthrow two such wicked minds?”
The only answer was a soft kick just below her fingers. Zalphia smiled. This child was special, powerful, and more aware of what was going on inside the palace than Zalphia herself. It no longer had to speak in its fluttering voice. Their minds combined, working as one.
Zalphia saw her child’s thoughts as pictures. The simple innocence and divine truths it carried poured into Zalphia’s head, filling her with awe and reverence.
This baby was unique, more than a mind that would save this world. Her child would change everything, and Selestia’s rule over the lower planets would no longer be needed. This child that she and Max created was the answer to thousands of years of prayer. The answer to conquering evil in this sphere of the cosmos once and for all.
A smile played across Zalphia’s lips. No matter what must be done, her job was to successfully bring this child forth. To protect and raise their child until he, or she, matured sufficiently to rule the worlds.
The click of the lock brought Zalphia out of her reverie.
Karaticus opened the door and slipped in. “Mother, I need to speak with you.”
Zalphia sat up and patted a spot next to her. “Come. Sit.”
Karaticus plopped down, and the cot groaned beneath his weight.
“What is it, son?” Zalphia studied the lines etched into Karaticus’s face.
“I don’t know how to tell you this.”
Zalphia put a hand across his shoulders. “What? That I must fight my trainer in an arena designed to make sure I don’t leave it alive?”
“What?” Karaticus’s eyebrows shot up.
“You think I didn’t know?” Zalphia ruffled his hair.
“I only know you were to face Platy. What do you mean an arena d
esigned to make sure you don’t leave it alive?”
Zalphia sighed. “I have been listening to Dameon’s thoughts. He’s not happy with what Vitus has planned. Dameon has no desire to see me killed. But changing Vitus’s mind...” She chuckled softly. “Guess my son is as stubborn as his mother.”
Karaticus laid a hand on Zalphia’s knee. “What will you do?”
“Well.” Zalphia stood, walked to the door, and peeked out, then shut it and leaned against it. “I will fight.”
“No.” Karaticus jumped up and stood before her. “You can’t. Vitus will make sure you die. I won’t allow you to be put into that arena when I know you won’t survive.” He studied his hands. “I can’t. Vitus can’t win.”
How she wished she could share everything with her youngest son. The one who had put everything he held dear on the line in an attempt to free her. But the plan she and the baby had contrived must remain between just the two of them. She couldn’t take any chances that Vitus would find out.
Zalphia put her hands on Karaticus’s cheeks and forced him to look at her. “He won’t win. I came here to force his hand. Vitus has shown his true colors, and so have you.”
“What will you do?”
“I will do exactly what Vitus decrees. I will enter the arena, and there I will put an end to his reign of terror.” Zalphia let her hands drop to her sides. “And you, Karaticus. You will board the ship you came in and leave this planet.”
Karaticus shook his head. “No. I can’t. You know Vitus is the only one who can fly it. There’s no way for me to leave.”
Zalphia took her son by the hand and led him back to the cot. “Sit.”
He sank onto the cot, and she knelt in front of him.
She had to make him understand. Everything hinged on Vitus not being able to use his newfound powers.
“Do you trust me, Karaticus?”
He nodded.
“Good. Then you will do exactly as I say. Do you understand?”
Again, a nod.
“Once Vitus, Platy, and I have left for the arena, you will take the elevator down as far as it goes.”
