Ten Crescent Moons (Moonquest)

by Marilyn Haddrill

  "The frontier is now ours!"

  Someone shouted the declaration from the back of the room. Others took up the cry, and excitement swelled along with the excited voices.

  Adalginza glanced around angrily, and waited for the clamor to die down.

  Then she stood slowly to pose a question.

  "What will become of those who surrender?"

  "Out of order!" The parliamentarian shouted. "This woman is not a delegate."

  "Then I yield to my granddaughter," Lady Swiala declared.

  Lady Sagawea leaned forward to answer. "They will be treated humanely."

  "As animals are treated?" Adalginza asked. "Like this animal you just destroyed without purpose?"

  "They will receive far better treatment from us than we ever received at their hands."

  "And what if they do not surrender?" Adalginza gave her rival a scathing look. "And what if they find a way to escape your new weapons? Even worse, what if they ac quire this weapon for themselves?"

  "Impossible."

  "You are aware, are you not, that Benfaaro has spies on the Prime Continent? I warn you, Lady Sagawea. The release of this weapon eventually will cause widespread devastation on both sides of this conflict."

  It was a bold statement, but Adalginza was certain of her words.

  And it gave her morbid satisfaction to see the consternation on the faces of the delegates of the Prime Congress who, until now, had been so certain of their own security in their protected homeland.

  Sagawea's irritation was now visible. "We have a backup plan."

  "This is not the time or place," Kalos warned in a low voice.

  He took her arm as though to silence her, but Sagawea pulled away from him.

  "We have another weapon, if all else fails," she said. "It is one that was tried before, except that the savages developed immunity."

  "Immunity? You mean you have created a new plague?" Adalginza shifted her gaze to Kalos. "Getting rid of the savages is what the Eradicators wanted all along, even when the tribes were peaceful. And it was the Eradicators who provided the financing for your School of Minds."

  "It is a fine school," Sagawea replied defensively.

  "It is not a place of education. It is a place of war. And violence."

  Kalos then spoke up. "The plague will be used only as a last resort."

  "Really?" Adalginza locked eyes with him. "And who decides? You? You say the plague is more potent this time. How do you know that it will not eliminate all of humanity, including those of the Crescent Houses?"

  At the whisperings of fear in response to those words, Sagawea confidently addressed the delegates.

  "It is harmless to our people. Deadly for the savages."

  "You cannot know this for sure, because you are not one of the gods." Adalginza then turned her gaze back to Kalos. "So you approve of adopting the old ways of Captain Heinste the Cruel?"

  Kalos met her look without wavering.

  "The issue no longer is one of conquest. It is clearly one of defense."

  The debate continued among the delegates, who eventually decided that they would enact a plan for impounding the savages under heavy guard.

  The villagers who cooperated would not be eradicated, as some among the crowd wanted. But they would be watched. Closely.

  Teachers would be assigned for the children. Behaviors would be assessed. And modified. In a few generations, all problems should disappear.

  The delegates then agreed unanimously through vote that introduction of the plague would be, indeed, a last resort.

  Then Lady Swiala stood. "What of property rights for the savages?"

  It was Lady Sagawea who answered.

  "The independence that accompanies the idea of property ownership is impossible. Left unsupervised, the savages would merely go back to their murderous ways. They have earned no rights under Crescent House rule, and they must be kept confined."

  Adalginza felt rage throbbing in her temples. "Earned? What do you mean by earned?"

  "They can have their freedom when they learn to behave in a civilized manner."

  "As Crescent House citizens behave?" Adalginza asked sarcastically.

  "Well...yes."

  "I have heard enough."

  Adalginza turned on her heel and stalked from the debating hall. She had barely made it outside, into the lobby, when she encountered Kalos.

  He had hurried from the meeting room to intercept her.

  "I thought you would be pleased that we have found a way to end hostilities," he said.

  "By imitating Captain Heinste, a sterling example of civilized behavior?"

  "Adalginza, please. The plan is for impoundment, not slaughter. The savages will surrender, once they see what we are able to do to them. The Eradicators will not have their way. I will see to that. I promise you."

  "How humane you are." Adalginza felt so much hate for Kalos now that she understood how the emotion could be the dark companion to love. "It is so refreshing to learn that you instead plan to cage all the savages as you would the tropical birds in your zoos."

  "Adalginza, it is not like that."

  "Will you charge admission for citizens of the frontier to view them? Or will you perhaps have traveling exhibits, bringing specimens to the Prime Continent for the amusement of the citizens of the Crescent Houses?"

  "The children will be educated. That is the plan."

  "In the ways of the Crescent Houses."

  Captain Kalos threw up his hands. "If the savages cooperate, the killing will stop. Peace will prevail. It is the best I can do. I have worked long and hard for a solution."

  "At Lady Sagawea's side."

  "What are you saying?"

  "My own husband chooses not to acknowledge that I exist for more than a half season. He lives instead in the abode of his old lover."

  "Lady Sagawea and I were close at one time, but we were not lovers."

  "You were on the Prime Continent for much of the time. Why have you stayed away?"

  Kalos regarded her almost lovingly.

  "Your grandmother made it clear that I was no longer welcome. Besides, I did try to visit you on three occasions when I was in Sola Re. Did you know? Of course not. Lady Swiala did not bother to tell you I was at the door, did she?"

  Adalginza paused, frowning. "You could have approached me outside the abode."

  "When? You were always at her side. She has held onto you as tightly as any priceless gem."

  "You are a very resourceful man. You could have found a way to be with your own wife. But the truth is you were too busy conspiring with Lady Sagawea and her wealthy followers. And what does Captain Kalos get from all this?

  "I'm curious. What does he get?"

  "Revenge. You would give up everything dear to you for revenge. Including me. Most especially me."

  "I see." Kalos examined her thoughtfully. "Perhaps there is some truth in what you say. But there were other reasons for my long absence. Would you care to hear why I did not push Lady Swiala aside and storm her castle to reclaim you?"

  "I doubt it will make any difference, but go ahead."

  Kalos gave her an odd smile.

  "I have known now for a long time that you have no real sense of who you really are, being raised in isolation as you were in the frontier. And under the prompting of Benfaaro."

  "You choose to blame everything on Benfaaro."

  "Yet, it is the truth. Do not bother to deny what is obvious to me. Medosa's writings, too, confirm what I suspected. You were surrounded by madness, within yourself and in the outside world where you grew up."

  "It was not all bad," Adalginza said in low voice. "In fact, some of those experiences were quite good."

  "I told you before, I do not hold you accountable."

  "Then where have you been?"

  "I have stayed away to give you the chance to find yourself. Here in the Crescent House world of the Prime Continent, you have found an esteemed place in the royal courts. Your bea
uty and your charm are much celebrated, thanks to Lady Swiala's considerable influence.

  "And you think I am happy?"

  "You wear your masque and your high fashions with the greatest of flair. I have watched you from a distance, when you could not see me. I saw your face. You never had this look of peace when you were with me."

  "Are you the father?"

  "What?"

  "Of Lady Sagawea's child. The child I could never have for you."

  Captain Kalos regarded her with just a hint of the old arrogance Adalginza remembered.

  "I have been busy. But not that busy."

  "You think this is a matter of humor? I saw you walking with her! Your hand was on her belly."

  "You were spying on me?"

  "I had business with Polyper at the Dome of Archives. I did not even know you were at Lady Sagawea's estate. I thought you were in the frontier. Until I saw you. With her..."

  "Ah."

  "Ah? This is all you can say for yourself?"

  "This is most awkward." Captain Kalos gave Adalginza a soulful look. "Were you with Polyper at the time of this appalling sighting of me and Lady Sagawea together"

  "Yes. So?"

  "And he said nothing?"

  Adalginza could not remember the last time she had felt this angry. Or alive.

  "What does it matter what Polyper said?"

  And then she remembered something of the gnostic's words about the eyes betraying the heart. And truth. And lies. And a most profound apology from him to her that made no sense at the time.

  She now suddenly understood, mostly because the captain's eyes were twinkling.

  "Polyper?" Adalginza gasped. "Are you saying Polyper is the father?"

  Kalos just smiled. "The two of them are close neighbors. Very close."

  "But Polyper has taken vows! Gnostics cannot...do…that."

  "A gnostic is also a man. Or a woman. The instincts are natural."

  "He said he has a calling to the frontier," Adalginza muttered to herself. "He said something about atonement. Maybe this is his way of finding redemption."

  "Why should love require redemption?"

  Kalos raised one eyebrow, and gave her his best come hither look.

  She still loved him, damn his eyes. The curve of his smile. The thickness of his hair. And his irritating flippancy.

  He held out his hand to her.

  "You told me when we last were together that you would rather see the moons fade from the sky than to lose me. Then let me say, in turn, that I would rather face down a thousand of Benfaaro's savages in combat, alone, than be forced to leave your side again."

  It took great strength of will, but Adalginza did not take his hand.

  "Forced? Did I not beg you to stay with me? To listen to me?"

  "I had that which I needed to complete," Kalos said softly. He swept his hand in the direction of the weird contraption. "This."

  "And you did not trust me with your secret."

  "No," Kalos agreed, his eyes narrowing. "I did not. Not with what has happened in the past. And I still do not. But I will when I know we have both chosen the same side."

  Adalginza took a deep breath, saddened to see him drop his outstretched hand.

  "And which side do you think that should be?"

  "It pains me to see you stand so firmly with Lady Swiala against your own husband before the Prime Congress."

  "And it pains me to see you standing with Lady Sagawea and her mercenaries. Did you see the eyes of her followers in the gallery? They were even more excited at the mention of spreading disease and death among the savages than at the prospect of surrender under the threat of your weapon. They are dividing the spoils of the frontier as though they already own it."

  "Why can't you see I am working for peace in my own way? You cannot believe that I take pleasure in killing."

  "Which is why you worked so diligently to build a killing machine."

  "For peace." Kalos gave her a look of wanting. "I hate that masque."

  "I know."

  An aide then appeared at the door.

  "Captain Kalos, you are wanted at the podium."

  Kalos hesitated, still looking at Adalginza. "I have to go."

  "I know. You always have to go." But as he turned away, she gently spoke his name. "Kalos..."

  He turned back to her immediately, his eyes expectant as though hoping she might go with him. And stand by his side.

  Adalginza swallowed hard. "Nothing. I must go."

  He simply nodded once, and walked away.

  Adalginza was very close to following him.

  But at the moment Kalos disappeared inside, Umbrea came running up the steps and into the lobby of the Great Hall. She glanced cautiously around, then turned to Adalginza and lowered her voice.

  "Calasta is gone, Lady Adalginza. She is on her way back to the frontier."

  "Gone? Did someone kidnap her?"

  "Not exactly."

  "What do you mean? Is she lost? Or did she run away?"

  "There was an accident."

  "Was she hurt?"

  "It was the incakit. It was in the street. A wagon rolled by, and Kit did not get out of the way in time."

  "Oh..." Adalginza said. "Oh no."

  "The child was hysterical. And then, at that very moment, her memories returned. All of them."

  "All of them?"

  "At least most of them, Lady Adalginza. Past and present. She was most distressed." Umbrea hesitated. "I told her who I was. She needed to know."

  "Go on."

  "She demanded to be taken back to her father. And her mother."

  "Did she remember that Bruna tried to kill her?"

  "She didn't say. Oh, Lady Adalginza. Please do not be angry. The child threatened me with the Curse Of The Blood!"

  "Calasta did that?" Adalginza would have found the matter humorous, had the current situation not been so dire.

  Umbrea desperately kept explaining.

  "I made the arrangements through the network that delivers the messages. There was danger in transporting a savage child so visibly. But as far as I know, Calasta is already aboard a ship that has left from a secret harbor."

  "Is she safe?"

  Umbrea paused to look around, before answering.

  "Yes. I sent word to the crew of the ship that the child was to be watched. That Bruna was to be watched even more closely."

  "It may not be enough, Umbrea. Calasta may yet be killed by her mother. And her death will be on your hands."

  "Please, Lady. Please! I had no choice. She threatened The Curse..."

  "Yes, yes. I know. The Curse Of The Blood."

  "There is more."

  Adalginza battled the unreasonable sensation that she wanted to run away before hearing the rest of Umbrea's pronouncement.

  "What is it?"

  "Benfaaro says your place now is with Talan. He says you must find a way to leave the Prime Continent without creating suspicion. But you must go home. I am to escort you. Lady Adalginza, your brother is enraged that you have not returned sooner as he requested. He wants me to inform you that the price of any further disobedience will be death."

  This edict sounded far more like Bruna than Benfaaro. And considering her growing influence, Adalginza was not surprised. Nor did she doubt that she would be killed if she delayed much longer.

  "Benfaaro will never surrender to the Crescent Houses. He would see us all die first," she said thoughtfully.

  "Please," Umbrea said, her voice trembling. "This is my home. I like it here and I do not wish to die in the frontier. And please tell me this. What will become of the child I am sworn to protect?"

  Stark fear was on the servant's face. Remembering then that she must display the valor Of The Blood for those who looked up to her, Adalginza reached out and touched Umbrea's cheek.

  Her next words sounded far more confident that what she herself felt.

  "Calm yourself. And worry no more about Calasta. You prudently sent word th
at she is to be guarded carefully."

  Adalginza glanced around, realizing that there were too many people in and out of the Hall of the Prime Congress to continue this conversation in public.

  "Let us stop at one of the markets for tea. This way, we can speak privately."

  Later, as they sat sipping their brew at one of the outdoor pavilions lined with food booths, Adalginza privately berated herself for ignoring Calasta as she had lately.

  Maybe the child would not have acted so rashly if she had believed she could turn to her auntie for help.

  But Adalginza knew regrets at this point were futile. There was only now. The threat to the tribes was great, and she must do something. She then related to Umbrea what she had just seen and heard in the Prime Congress.

  Instead of reacting with horror, Umbrea simply gave Adalginza a look of utter faith.

  "Then what will Adalginza of the indigo eyes do to save her people?"

  "What does The Prophecy say I will do?" Adalginza asked this half mockingly, for she wasn't yet sure she believed in such things.

  Umbrea answered by softly singing a few verses of a song Adalginza had never before heard until this moment:

  Fools who had no ears to hear believed that death could win the world.

  But death joined greed, and greed swallows all that lives.

  Hope will die if the woman with eyes as blue as the skies fails to hear.

  And the one who loves her with the indigo eyes must forgive and let her live.

  For if she dies, then all will die.

  And only sorrow will survive.

  Adalginza gave Umbrea a caustic look. "This song of Prophecy is not particularly helpful. It speaks more of choices to be made, rather than a fate that is sealed."

  "Is free will not the price of freedom?" Umbrea asked with almost childlike innocence.

  "I do not. And how can sorrow survive if everyone dies? There would be no one left to feel the sorrow."

  "You are over-thinking this, my lady."

  "I suppose." Adalginza sighed heavily. "Let us go then and meet our fate, whatever it may be. And may the moon gods help us make the right choices."

  When she returned with Umbrea to Lady Swiala's abode, her grandmother surprised her with the announcement that a delegation appointed by the Prime Congress would immediately join the captain's ship that was part of a waiting armada.