by T. C. Edge
"No, it's fine," I tell him, my voice choked by apprehension, if not the fume as it was before. "It's no distraction. I can breathe OK."
He nods and takes a step back. "Then I shall leave you, and keep watch on the tunnel." He smiles at me. "Good luck."
He steps away, as I take several long breaths, focusing once again, calming my mind. I do not let hope or expectation fester. Such things lead only to disappointment, to despondency when they bring only failure. I shut my eyes, call out into my mind, and wait for the cold, black silence to greet me.
Zander, I say, mentally projecting the word, as I imagine myself in that empty, grey space. Zander, are you there?
The words aren't bellowed or pled, but spoken, no desperation within them. My mental voice is calm, my thoughts composed. I wait and hear nothing. I nod, smile wryly. I say I had no expectation, but really, that's not true. I expected this. I expected no answer at all.
I try again, speaking his name. I stand there, in the grey-washed world of my mind, calling to the nothingness, hearing nothing back. It seems a futile exercise, a foolish waste of time. I prepare to draw back, but then...
Something.
A whisper.
An echo of whisper, even. Something audible in the dead, silent air.
I snap back to attention, and draw my focus in. I listen, once again, staring out, hope stirring.
It comes again, stronger. A single world, hissing in the air.
Kira...
My heart thunders, erupting in my chest. It threatens to derail me, throw me off track. I thrust my focus into a vice and turn the handle, locking it in place. I will not allow my mind to waver. I will not lose it now.
Zander, I call, recognising his tone. I stare to the grey expanse. Zander, are you there!
His voice comes clearer, and a form manifests in the shroud. Loose, blurred at the edges, a vague impression and nothing more.
Kira...I'm here.
My chest thumps, and I take a breath. I stare at that form and imagine Zander's face. So many questions surge into my head, so much I'm desperate to know. Something tells me I won't have much time, that the connection will weaken, that he'll fade away.
You're still there, I call. I thought...I thought you were gone.
I sense his form shaking its head. I'm still here, he calls to me, but Brie's mind is lost. Her memories are bring manipulated, Kira. She has no control. She cannot hear me. But...the link to you just remains. It will not last. We have little time...
I feel an intense thrill at hearing his voice, rising and falling in volume as he tries to maintain the connection. Some words are muffled, some clear as sweet mountain air. I focus hard on each, making sure I hear them well.
You can't free her? I call to him. Like you did with Nestor?
His answer takes a moment to come. I fear the connection may have been lost. I am battling to break free, he calls. Always battling. The Prime, they are growing weak, Kira, dying. They are not as they seem...
What? I frown. What do you mean, dying?
There's no time to explain that now. His voice weakens, his form fading. The shroud seems to rustle, as though blowing off on a wind, before taking form again. The neural bridge to your mind is unstable, he calls, voice strengthening once more. It could be severed at any moment.
My mind thrashes, filtering for critical questions. One rises quickly.
It was Brie in Hunter's Station, wasn't it? I call. How...how did she get there?
It's a question that's troubled us all, one we cannot work out. It's been suggested that Gailen flew her out there without us seeing, or that she slipped past the blockade somehow, sneaking through the lines at night. The most likely thought I've had is of another way out of the city, something not even Perses knows about, a secret exit to somewhere we cannot see.
It seems I was right all along.
There's an escape tunnel, he calls, that goes down through the Temple of the Prime. It leads right outside the city, beyond the blockade....
My heart almost stops. You know where it is?!
Vaguely, but not exactly, he calls. 'The sight' may help you pinpoint the entrance.
Tell me, I call out, suddenly so urgent. Tell me, Zander, before the connection fails! We can use it. Come right up into the temple, destroy the Prime where they sleep!
My mind burgeons with wild possibility. This is the break we've been hoping for.
No, you'd never get there, he responds, his tone calling for caution. The way to the temple cannot be accessed by anyone but the Prime or the Overseer. But...there is another tunnel. A way that leads back into the city. Brie went to Hunter's Station with four soldiers. They came from that route...
The soldiers in black, I think to myself. The men who killed Commander Hendricks...
Tell me, I say again, my voice this time a growl. Where is the entrance, Zander?
I don't know where the second tunnel leads, he says, still urging caution, not seeming sure. Brie didn't go that way. It may be dangerous. It may not be possible...
Just tell me, Zander! I shout. This might be the only way in. General Decimus is growing desperate. He'll sacrifice thousands smashing down the walls. We can save them this way, get in and open the gates. We can save lives, Zander, thousands of lives. Just tell me where it is!
Still, his answer doesn't come immediately. For a moment, he goes silent, and a panic strikes at me, a fear that the link has been severed. Then I hear his voice again, my body pulsing with a muted relief.
It may not be necessary, he says to me. It may not be safe. I am working on something bigger. You may not be needed at all...
His words begin to grow muffled again, his reluctance to tell me insufferable. I stamp my foot and look right into the shroud, staring at his form before it fades away, glaring into the eyes I cannot see.
Whatever you're up to, I roar, this may be our only chance! Give me a location, Zander! Give it to me now! If it's too dangerous, we'll turn back. But we have to try. We have to!
Slowly, I sense him relent. His forms starts to weaken, his voice turning distant. I strain as I listen, as I hear him call out the words. To the hills in the west, overlooking the city, he says. The entrance is there, Kira, many miles away. Look for the highest point, and use the sight. There is a grate, and stairs leading into a tunnel. When you reach the fork, take the path leading left. It will lead you to the city, but I don't know where.
His form continues to blur, drawn away into the shroud. Be careful, he calls. Don't do anything rash. And don't go alone, Kira, take the best that you can find with you...
His voice is swallowed by distance, his presence fading in my mind. I reach out towards him. Don't worry, Zander, I call. I know just who to bring...
194
AMBER
"What's this all about?" I ask, as Burns leads me and Elian through the camp, heading quickly for his own tent at its heart. "This is all very cloak and dagger, Leyton. Not like you at all."
"This isn't about me, Amber," he says, glancing around as we enter into the main clearing at the centre of the camp. I notice that General Decimus's Titan bodyguards are standing guard outside the command tent, making it clear he's currently inside.
"Then...what is it about?" I ask.
"Oh, you'll find out momentarily," he says. "Step into my tent, and try not to be seen. The rest are already waiting."
I look at Elian again, who shrugs. We'd been happily watching the artillery guns fire on the walls when Burns had come to us. His request to return to his tent came without explanation. Still, we haven't been given one.
With a little look left and right to see that no one is around, we slip inside the vaguely spacious interior, to find a host of people already there. There's no table, no map, no models of the city. Only a grouping of people I've come to know and rather like, standing in the muted firelight.
Kira and the Emperor. My grandmother and Perses. Adryan and Maximus. Other than Ares, it seems the great and good of the encampment
have come. It seems to be indicting that the General isn't here.
"Ah, there you are," my grandmother starts as we enter. "Where have you two been."
"Watching the guns," I say, frowning. "What's this about?"
All eyes turn to Kira, returned from her mission with Ares. "Apparently, Kira here has some news," grandma says. "She refused to give it until we were all assembled."
Kira nods, and takes a small step forward from the side. The tent is dimly lit, only a couple of torches providing warm, flickering illumination. With the flaps shut, only a thin shard of sunlight gets in, cutting at an angle across us.
"As you know," Kira begins, "I went earlier to try to communicate with Zander again...."
"Yes, we know that," grandma interrupts, stealing her air as she likes to do, though never in a fashion you'd call malicious or particularly rude. "And it's rather obvious that it was a success." Her eyes light, keen and alert. "What did you learn from him, my dear? This rather clandestine gathering would suggest you have a plan up your sleeve."
Kira's beautiful face breaks into a smile, her green eyes glowing. "I do, Alberta," she says. "It's loose, only, and potentially dangerous, but given our current predicament, I'd say it's worth the risk."
"Well? Come on, spit it out, dear. Don't keep us in suspense. My old heart cannot take it."
"I think we all know that isn't true, Alberta," says Burns. "You'll outlive us all."
"Oh, kind words, but foolish ones perhaps." She grins. "Particularly at a time like this." Her eyes dance back to Kira. "So?"
The redhead looks around. "We spoke about how Brie got to Hunter's Station," she says. "The most obvious answer seemed to be a secret tunnel, a way out of the city." She looks to Perses. "The fact that Perses knew of no such tunnel made us doubt it. As it turns out, it's true."
Perses's eyes lift. "There is a tunnel?" he rumbles, voice catching with surprise.
"There is," Kira says. "Apparently, the Prime have an escape tunnel that goes right from their temple. I don't have many details, but assume it's crafted through the hill, and then underground, beneath the city itself. It comes out in the western hills. That is our way in."
My eyes fling open, my pulse rate bursting. I'm so excited by the reveal that my body spontaneously glows bright orange, flicks of fire dancing around me. The resulting light is so bright several of the congregation have to shield their eyes.
"Oh...sorry," I say. "Go on, Kira."
She smiles at me, evidently appreciating my youthful enthusiasm. "Now before anyone says we can use the tunnel to get to the Prime." She shakes her head. "It's not possible. Apparently, that route is only accessible by the Prime and the Overseer. However, there is another, that forks off into the city. If we take the left route, we'll be able to get in, sneak to the gate, and open it up for the legion to storm through."
"Like the Greeks of old and their Trojan Horse," Alberta says, nodding along.
I look at her, not understanding the reference. It seems most others do.
"Where does this tunnel lead?" Domitian asks.
I'm surprised he has to. I'd have thought Kira would have at least told him.
"Of that, I'm not sure," she says. "Zander can only perceive what Brie sees, and the immediate world around her. She came down through the Temple of the Prime, so won't have seen where the other path goes."
"But you know it goes to the city?" Perses asks. "You're certain of this?"
"Zander seemed certain, yes," Kira says. "He was a little...reluctant to tell me about it, though, I will admit that."
"Understandable, seeing as he doesn't know where it leads," says Perses. "It's not always sensible to venture down paths unknown."
"But sometimes it is necessary," Kira says. She looks around and lowers her voice. "We've all seen the General. You know what he's planning. If we can open the gates from the inside, how many lives might we save? We'll be able to end this war tonight."
The thought is tantalising. I feel my flames threaten to rise again.
"And that is why he isn't here?" asks Maximus, not entirely comfortable with the nature of this secret meeting. "General Decimus is our leader. Should we not consult with him first?"
"And have him deny us?" Kira says. "No, Max, we shouldn't. He may not permit us to go, and we cannot take that risk. We take action alone."
Max's eyes move to Domitian's, standing by Kira's side, requiring his approval. The Emperor thinks about it for a moment, his word enough to settle things, whichever way he chooses to go.
"She may be right," he says, his considerations done. "This is best kept between ourselves for now."
"And Ares?" asks Max. "He went with you. Did you not tell him of this? Is he to be kept out of the loop as well?"
"I told him," Kira says. "I told him immediately. I had the trip back to convince him." A mischievous grin hovers. "I consider myself quite persuasive when it counts."
"So he's in agreement?" asks Max, seeming a little surprised.
"He is," Kira says. "Though, he will require a final word from you, Dom. He won't do it without your consent."
"He'll have it," the Emperor says.
The tent hums with anticipation. I look from one face to the next, wondering who might go. Ares, certainly, and Kira. It's not something I want to miss out on either.
My mind flourishes again with thoughts of my sister. This is my chance, I think, adrenaline flushing through my blood. I can get her out. Finally, I can free her.
"I want to go," my voice rushes. It comes on the back of my private thoughts, bursting out of me a little loudly. I dip my chin and lower my voice. "I want to go too."
Kira looks at me, head cocked like a curious bird. "You know," she says. "I knew you'd say that. You're one of the people I had in mind."
"I...I am?" I ask, still counting myself lucky to be counted among these legendary warriors.
She smiles at my innocence. "First on the list," she says.
"And the others?" asks grandma, looking around. "Why don't we all go? I've wanted to set foot in Olympus again for many, many years. Perhaps this is my chance."
I can see that she's joking, even though she’d be a fine asset. Kira doesn't seem so sure if she's serious or not.
"I am jesting, child," she goes on, shaking her head at the Empress-to-be. "I thought my tone had made that clear enough. No, this isn't a fight for me."
Kira smiles in response. She looks quite relieved to not have to let the old lady down.
"But, the question stands," grandma continues, quite unperturbed. "A small team would be best, I'd suggest. One with a broad skill set should you run into a few obstacles."
"That was my thinking," Kira agrees. She looks around, like a captain having to pick their team in gym. "Perses," she says, to no great surprise. "I'd like you to come as well, if you will? Your knowledge of the city will be crucial. As will your considerable power."
"I will come," Perses says, taking no time to consider it. "It may surprise you to hear this, but I don't feel entirely comfortable circumventing General Decimus like this, but I do understand your reasoning. I spent some time with him alone after the meeting this morning, and am more convinced than ever that he will spend much life to achieve his ends. Taking the city is his goal, and one he'll accomplish through any means necessary. This isn't an opportunity we can ignore, however risky it may be."
The tent flap rustles as Perses finishes, the shining form of Ares stepping inside. I grow temporarily stiff as I see him, before remembering he's in on this as well.
"They know?" he asks, looking at Kira.
"They do," she responds. "Perses and Amber are willing to accompany us. Dom has given his blessing."
Ares nods slowly, seeming similarly uneasy as others at the idea of going behind General Decimus's back. But it seems that he, too, is also concerned that including the General will only complicate matters. In the end, it's a serious condemnation of his leadership that he's driven even his closest commanders to agree to s
omething like this.
Personally, I could care less if the man knows or not.
"Four, then," says Domitian, looking to Ares with a nod, confirming his approval. "Will that be enough?"
"It's what I had in mind," says Kira. "I assumed that Max would stay here to protect you, Dom. And you seem conflicted anyway, Max," she says, looking directly at the man.
"That would be accurate, Kira," he says. He looks to Ares, Perses, and myself. "The four of you should be plenty. I could hardly imagine a more formidable unit."
Kira almost blushes, such is the praise. She's had a hard time of it recently. But this sort of mission is right up her alley.
There seems no one else in the room with the credentials to join, except one. Not Burns certainly, nor Adryan, advisors and politicians as they are. Only Elian, standing silent beside me, might also come for the ride.
He doesn't raise his voice, however, so I choose to do so for him.
"Elian," I say. "What about him?"
Again, there's a slightly awkward moment, the sort you get when someone is about to be left off the team. He might be affronted by it, similarly gifted as me as he is, but doesn't seem to mind. Though, really, it might only be a front to save face.
"I...I should stay also," he says. "I am committed to protecting Secretary Burns. I wouldn't want to abandon that post."
Relief once more billows within the tent, a potentially awkward conversation and let-down avoided. I suppose I can understand why Elian wouldn't come too. It is cleaner with just the four of us, and with me along for the ride, they have a resident Fire-Blood on staff.
Yes, with Elian we'd be a more powerful force, but is that what this is about? Isn't it more about sneaking in, getting a job done in secret. Frankly, when I think of it like that, I wonder why I'm being invited at all. I suppose my fire might come in handy along the way, depending on what we run into.
You don't need two Fire-Bloods for that, just one.
Yes, much cleaner.
"Right, well it would seem that it's decided," says Burns, in a tone suggesting he's about to close things out. "Will it be you leading this operation, Kira?"
