by T. C. Edge
Ares nods at his Emperor's words, giving his military seal of approval.
"And what is the size of your army, Emperor Domitian?" asks the President from the other end of the table. All eyes draw to her. She sits calmly, her hands placed upon her lap, mostly happy to let the others do the bulk of the talking.
The Emperor looks to Maximus this time.
"Our standing army is roughly the same as what Herald Perses has said," Maximus says. "We currently have a little over ten thousand soldiers in service, sir, situated around our borders and engaged in fighting elsewhere."
The Emperor nods, as if that was only to confirm the figure. I see Commander Hendricks purse his lips, all but drooling at the prospect of getting bolstered by such a force.
"And how many might be sent to aid us in this struggle?" queries the President.
Once more, the Emperor provides a vague answer. "I will not know until confirmation is provided from Neorome," he says. "However, if we are to engage in an active siege against Olympus, then we'll require a number in the thousands. I proposed such a number after initially hearing of the attack on this city. The senate was split, yet may now be more amenable. We shall see."
"Well, we wouldn't be able to manage any proper assault without them," says Commander Hendricks, making the point clear. "Our forces have been weakened, and many are the same as the Olympians, with little to no experience to speak of. We have been relying hugely on Ares and his men, as well as Colonel Hatcher's Stalkers. Without them, my City Guards, and the Nameless troops and mercenaries, have little hope of sieging a city of the scale of Olympus, let alone fighting an army of that size."
I sense a shiver of disquiet whispering through my body, and note that Perses stiffens, too, at the direction the discussion is going. We may wish to depose the Prime and replace them with a new, more humble and humanitarian leader, but we certainly don't want to see the city itself sieged and attacked, leading to the loss of much innocent life.
I turn my gaze towards Secretary Burns as the thoughts run through my mind, making them known to him as he links eyes with me. He told me, only an hour or two ago, that the innocent people of the city would not be targeted. Yet the reality is plain for all to see; any siege and invasion, whether targeting the civilian population or not, is always going to lead to innocent loss of life.
I sense Perses shift his position next to me again, drawing the attentions of the room. He performs another slow look around them, readying himself to speak.
"A siege of Olympus," he begins, "may be extremely difficult to achieve." His eyes turn to the Neoromans. "Even with thousands of your troops, Emperor Domitian, the city will be hard to penetrate and subdue. None of you here have been to Olympus. It is incredibly well protected, and surrounded by a hostile, and very open landscape of desert tundra. The walls are bordered by a wide, deep moat, and are far larger, and thicker, than those you have here. There is no realistic way in other than through one of the main gates, only accessible by drawbridges. There are no underground passages, such as you have here. It is very much a fortress, within which the people can survive for some time if they need to."
The room falls silent for a few extended moments. I can see the eyes of those present show their natural concern, frowns falling as they try to picture the city Perses has described. And as they do, so I do the same, though with an experience of seeing it, at marvelling at its grandeur and staggering scale.
And then, for the first time, I hear my name spoken, drawing my eyes up to the President.
"Amber," she says, her words soft. "Is this your experience of the place? You have only recently looked upon Olympus, as you have our humble city here. Tell me, what is your gut feeling? Do you agree with Perses's words?"
The eyes of the room fall on me. I sense doubt, now, especially from the likes of Hendricks, and perhaps Kira, looking at me through their frowns. They're probably wondering if Perses isn't merely trying to put them off, protect his people. That maybe he's just been lying to them all along, and isn't really aligned with them as they believe he is.
I know that that isn't true, as I know it isn't true of myself. Yet, I can't deny what Perses has said. The city would be staggeringly difficult to penetrate.
So, I slowly nod, speaking quietly and with a note of timidity. "I agree with him, President Orlando," I say, not afraid to admit it, or be concerned about how it might sound. "It's a long way from here, and...well, a long way from anywhere. It would take a force of thousands, I think, to storm the city itself. But...even then, getting through the walls, and the gates, might not be possible, depending on what sort of weapons you might use for it." I look around the room through diffident eyes. "Maybe there's a better way?" I suggest, thinking of the people, of the innocent lives that would be lost. "You only need to eliminate the Prime. It's not like what happened here. This is about them, only, and anyone like Kovas too far gone to escape their controls. And," I say, my voice darkening, "I think most of us would like to kill him anyway..."
A short round of humming laugher fills the quiet room, those concerned faces cracking into smiles. It draws some of the tension away. I feel as if they're warming to me.
"What I'm saying," I go on, starting to find my voice now, "is that perhaps there's a way the Prime can be taken out without, you know, entering into a full blown assault like what happened here. It would only cost lives on both sides. There are only really two that need to be taken."
I feel a slight stirring inside as I reiterate the point, the monster locked within screaming and scratching at its cage. I press it back down, and look towards Burns. With a flash of eye contact, he knows that the battle inside me isn't entirely complete. That the Prime's influence still lurks in the depths, ever threatening to break back out.
It may be something I have to deal with until they're truly gone. And, I fear, it may be something that grows stronger, the nearer to them I get...
"All options will certainly need to be considered," says the President, nodding towards me. "It is why you are both here. Your insights and inner knowledge may prove invaluable to us. And you, Perses, in particular, given your experience at the highest end of Olympian society for so many years. The enemy, as far as we know, still believe that you are dead. That is another advantage we must use."
I can see Kira growing a little more tense again. She seems the sort who refuses to sit still, and doesn't have a great deal of patience to fall back on. She eyes the President once more, speaking carefully, though with a direct tone. "And Brie?" she says again. "Your granddaughter is out there now, President Orlando. From what we hear, she might be locked away in Olympus within a week. How exactly will we get to her then?" She begins shaking her head, and lowers her voice. "We need to send out an advance team," she says. "We can take some of the best we have right now and begin to follow. We'll catch up quickly enough if we use the resources at our disposal, and follow the tracks they've made. If and when the Neoroman reinforcements arrive, they can follow on behind, joined by the rest of our troops once they're fully prepared. We'll get Brie back, and prepare for your arrival. That's what I'd do. And I'd do it right now."
Her words are delivered with a passionate intensity, the sort that would convince even the most ardent of opposition. I note that both Commander Maximus and Commander Ares nod along at her words. The Emperor listens with a more circumspect expression, perhaps thinking of the wider picture a little bit more. Hendricks appears interested enough in the prospect too. Burns and Perses give nothing away. And the young man, Adryan, merely sits quietly as he has all along, unspeaking, though looking greatly enthused by the prospect of what she's saying.
Yet really, her words are intended primarily for the President. The old lady's eyes lock tight to Kira's as she speaks, listening intently, before slowly, gradually, moving again down the centre of the table, taking in all those around it.
"Kira has set out a possible path," she says, looking from one side to the next. "Is it one we could follow?"
> She delegates, as all good leaders should, to those with more experience of such things. Yes, she led the Nameless before, and now runs the city, but the reality of laying out a path to war is something slightly different.
"Emperor Domitian?" she goes on, when no one offers their immediate response. "What do you think?"
The Emperor stands back up, his hands held together in front of his deep red robes. "We all know how important Brie is to most of the people in this room. She is a wife, a granddaughter, and a dear friend. Yet this goes beyond mere personal ties. I believe what Kira is saying is true. We must try to get Brie back before she reaches Olympus. I have seen, first hand, how my mother assumed control of the Neoroman hierarchy, how her madness began to seep into the city itself. If we lose Brie to the Prime, she may become even more powerful than Vesper was. That is a very real threat to us all." He begins to nod, and looks down at Kira with a smile. "Yes, I believe Kira is right. An advance force must be sent to try to save her."
He takes his seat, and the eyes of the room fall to Secretary Burns. Now, it is his turn to stand and address the room.
"I, too, find myself in agreement with what has been said," he begins. "I think it's impossible to deny Brie's worth and great contribution to this city. She is widely loved and admired, not least by those in this room. That, alone, might be enough to try to rescue her. But, as Emperor Domitian says, it is so much more than that now. We must send out a party immediately," he says, narrowing his eyes and sharpening his voice. "If nothing else, the elimination of the Prime can wait. This cannot."
The President nods. She looks to Perses. "Perses, you understand the dynamics of your travelling army. How likely might a rescue be?"
"I don't," he says, standing slowly, "know the full nature of your own capabilities, but it certainly sounds possible, if not difficult. They will not erect their energy shields when stopping to make camp as was the case here. They may be moving, in fact, with such haste as to merely sleep within the carriages, and may not make camp at all, allowing the soldiers to rest while they travel. These different circumstances present different problems, and opportunities. Knowing where Brie is being kept, and how carefully she is being guarded, will not be easy. To rescue her at night would be easier than during the day, or when the convoy is in transit. There are many factors to consider. But yes, I believe it is possible."
"Then you are to go as well," says the President immediately. "Your advice might prove critical. As is your knowledge of the lands to the north, and the route back to Olympus."
Perses nods slowly, and bows. "I would be happy to help," he says. "However, know that I will not participate in the killing of my own people, if it comes to that."
"I wouldn't expect that of you," says the President. "Our trust in you is growing, Perses, but you will remain under watch for the time being, with your powers suppressed. I hope you understand."
"I do," he says. "I would do the same myself."
"Good," she continues on briskly. Her eyes turn to mine, noting the slight shine glistening on them, the desire to be included. "You would wish to travel as well, Amber?" she asks.
I nod. "I'd...like that," I say quietly. I look around the room. "If we were to reach the Fringe, I'd like to see that my family are OK. We could begin preparations in securing their safety, while we wait for the main army to arrive."
"Yes," says the President, nodding her agreement. "Ideally, we'd kill two birds with one stone: retrieve Brie, and eliminate the Prime in quick succession. But we can do nothing until we have confirmation from Neorome."
She turns to Emperor Domitian at that.
"We'll get it," says the Emperor, sounding quite sure. "I will stay behind and greet them when they arrive. We will then follow on to war." He says it with a hum of excitement. War, I know, is in their blood. To his sides, the eyes of the two Neoroman commanders light up. Kira's too, glimmer with hope.
"But..." comes Hendricks's voice. "We're hearing that a siege might not be possible?" He glances skeptically towards Perses and me. "What is the use in sending a large army if they're only to sit and do nothing."
"Because we will need them one way or another," says Ares, looking directly at him. It's not quite a withering stare, but it's certainly a direct enough look. "This Olympian threat is always going to hang over us if we don't act now. We have our methods of bombardment and besieging cities in Neorome. We are very experienced in all forms of military strategy." He looks to the Emperor. "We should request that they bring tools and weapons for this purpose," he says, leading to a nod from Domitian in response. "One way or another, we will find a way to victory. It is in our blood. We always do."
The room falls to a temporary silence as the group reflect on what's been said. Then, concluding, President Orlando stands once more onto her frail old legs, setting out to deliver the final words with a steely determination.
"Time is of the essence," she says, croaking the words out in her own, unique manner. "If Brie is to be retrieved, then we cannot wait. We will send a large enough advance force so that we can at least stand our ground until the reinforcements arrive. There will be no way for you to communicate with us while you're gone, except via the use of runners. If you are in agreement, Emperor Domitian, then I would suggest that the majority of your Imperial Guards set off with the advance force."
"I was of the same mind, President Orlando," says Domitian.
"And Hatcher's Stalkers?" asks Hendricks. "We know how useful they are."
"They can go too," says the President, agreeing. "They will help guard the troop if attacked. I would suggest, Commander Hendricks, that you take over their leadership while Colonel Hatcher is out of commission."
"I will assimilate them into the City Guards we bring with us," says Hendricks, nodding. "With some of the Nameless troops, and along with the Stalkers and Neoromans, we might be able to assemble five hundred or so immediately..."
"Isn't that too many?" asks Kira, interrupting. "We need to approach as quietly as we can. And we need to travel fast. If we don't achieve both of those we will lose our chance to get Brie back."
"We have no choice," says Burns, adding his voice, and drawing Kira's eye. "When the time comes, the advance force can split into two components; a larger one to prepare for when the main reinforcements arrive, and another smaller unit to perform the insurgency role and rescue Brie."
Kira nods at that. "Fine," she says. "But if it comes down to it, and we need to speed up, I'll be heading right in with anyone who can keep up."
Domitian raises an eye at that, and glances towards Ares. I can see his thinking. His future wife, perhaps, is a bit of a wildcard, and he's requesting that Ares be there to look out for her. A bodyguard of sorts. Not that she really needs one.
"Well, I won't be one of those," says Burns, "but I would certainly like to accompany you all northwards. If the Emperor is going to stay here and ensure that the Neoroman reinforcements arrive in good order, we will need at least one functioning telepath going ahead." He glances to me with a mild smile. I feel a swell of relief to find that he'll be coming along too.
"If that is your desire, Leyton," says the President. "I'd like to convince you otherwise, but I know you won't bend." She looks to Deputy Commander Winchester, more or less a silent observer to this point, like Adryan. "I'd prefer it, then, if you'd stay behind, Rycard," she says. "You'll be needed to help assemble and organise our own troops, should we need to send them out. And run the city's military forces that remain to protect us here."
He nods quietly, though doesn't look entirely enthused by being left out. As a close friend of Brie's, I'm sure he'd rather be right there on the front lines, fighting to free her.
"If that is your wish, President Orlando," he says, remaining stoically loyal to her orders.
"Good," says the President. "Then it seems we are decided." She looks around the room. "There is little time. Every hour lost will hasten Brie's path to Olympus. There is plenty of light remaining in the day.
I'd like you to get a good head start before night falls."
Those words bring the meeting to a close, as the various leaders rush right off. I stand, not sure of what to do, sticking by Perses's side. I see the President, still sitting in her chair, waving him over. The look on her face suggests that, perhaps, she wants to hear about Zander before he leaves. Wants to know about their interactions within the spectral realm.
I see Adryan, too, move in to listen. Wife, Emperor Domitian had said, when speaking of Brie and her connections to the people in the room. I know for certain that Hendricks isn't her husband. I guess that means Adryan is.
Poor guy, I think, looking at him. He must be worried out of his mind.
I notice Secretary Burns moving to my side as I watch on. He smiles down at me.
"Amber, best return to the infirmary," he says. "Come this way. We should get them prepared."
I frown at him. Them? Prepared? What is he talking about?
"Elian and Jude," he tells me, knowing my mind. "Both of them will be coming too."
125
Just roll with the punches, Amber, I think. Just roll with those punches...
I stand, looking at Jude as his eyes begin to flicker and wake, wondering how I'm going to explain exactly what's happening. So much has happened in such a short space of time. My life is tugging me this way and that like two chubby kids fighting over the last doughnut. And Jude is, as always, being dragged along with me.
I draw a breath as his eyes open fully, slowly taking me in. They crinkle behind a frown, as he looks at me, then around the room. I can't help, despite his own rather confused expression, to lift a wide smile onto my face. He looks a mess, and smells just as bad, but he's back. I've got him back.
"Amber," croaks his voice, as he begins to sit up. He shakes his head and his eyes do another pass of the room. "We're in New Haven, aren't we?"
He doesn't sound best pleased.
"Yeah," I say. "So much has happened, Jude..." I start.
