by Simone Pond
I managed to pull myself together and turn around on my hands and knees just as she came running to me with her arms spread wide open. The most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen beamed from her perfect lips. I waited on the ground; I didn’t have the energy to stand. The shock of seeing her again had knocked me senseless. Her beauty lit up the entire garage as she hurried to me and collapsed to her knees.
“Mom …” I cried into her shoulder.
“Jordan. My Jordan.” Her body shook and trembled as she embraced me.
We stayed like that for a while until the remaining guards gathered around in a circle.
“Miss Bachar, I need you to step away,” said one of the men.
“Oh, stop it! This is my daughter,” she scolded.
The lead guard stepped forward. “Your daughter is the most wanted fugitive in the Confederated Six. I’m afraid she will have to come with us.”
My mother squeezed me tighter into her fold. “I just got her back. If you think I’m letting you take her away, you’re insane.”
The guard in charge gestured to his men. I was about to reach for my rod, but before I had a second to react they sealed my mother and me into another one of those invisible cocoons.
“Then we’ll lock you both up,” said the head guard with a smirk of satisfaction. “Take them to Cellblock C.”
“You fools!” shouted my mother from our frozen embrace. “Don’t you know Claudius will have all of your heads for this. He’ll throw you into the cages!”
The head guard chuckled to himself. “Charity. Charity. You might have a say in the governor’s bedroom, but outside those walls the law is god in Alexandria. And Secretary Balthazar won’t allow your daughter to simply walk away. She’s broken every law in our charter.”
The team of guards joined together in laughter as they hoisted the two of us up like a marble statue and lugged us off toward the service elevator.
“One of you get that rod,” called out the guard.
I craned my head as much as I could for being locked inside a transparent cocoon, watching as one of the men jogged over to pick up my rod. I waited in anticipation for the jolt to knock him on his backside. But a streak of glistening gold swept across the air and swooped down low. Benjamin picked up the rod with his talons and flew away. He was too quick for the guard to retaliate, his golden body zipping through the garage and out into the sunlight at the far end of the structure. I took solace knowing that at least some of them had made it out. But what about Nils? I hoped whatever happened in that van explosion, CeeCee would sneak back in and heal him.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
The guards tossed my mother and me into a dingy cell on the top floor of the prison. I know it was the top floor because I watched when we got into the elevator. I studied every detail, tracking our escape route out of this place.
“I demand you release us from this unlawful detainment!” shouted my mother to the guards, then she whispered to me, “No offense to you, darling. This is extremely uncomfortable.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Trust me, I get it.”
“Not taking any chances, Charity.” The lead guard tapped his baton on the glass for the other guard to seal the door, trapping us inside the dank cubicle, still locked together in our embrace.
“Don’t worry, darling,” said my mother. “I’ll get us out of this. As soon as Claudius gets wind of this atrocity …” She turned her gaze back to me and her angelic face shone, her blue eyes drinking me like a pool.
I returned the smile, though something was nagging at me. Especially knowing more details about the type of entertainment the residents of this city enjoyed. “So, you came back to Claudius?”
She lowered her chin onto my shoulder, avoiding eye contact. “You might’ve thought I left him because of his inhumane treatment of the slaves, but together we were working to change everything. And we were planning to wed. That was until my father heard of our plans and demanded I return to Mysterium. But we secretly stayed in touch over the years.”
“Why would you stay in touch with someone who sanctions the murder of innocent people?” I asked, feeling disgusted.
“Oh, dear Jordan. It wasn’t like that. He never wanted to hold the events, or have slaves. My father and Magnus threatened to embargo the city and execute him and his family members if he stopped obeying their dictates. They forced his hand from the beginning and have been ever since.”
This information gave me some relief. I couldn’t imagine Charity Bachar being in love with a brutal sadist.
“And after you escaped with the Ancients, my life was in grave danger. Claudius knew Magnus would use me to get to you. So he sent for me and helped me escape Mysterium.”
Silence filled the cell. It was strange hearing this about my mother. I’d seen her with several suitors during my teen years and many of Mysterium’s most influential Oligarchs desired her hand in marriage. But she turned them all away without hesitation. I’d always attributed her singledom to her fully packed schedule and other obligations as the Prime Master’s daughter. To learn that she had been in love with Claudius and faithful to him all those years showed another side. I felt a pang in my heart, understanding the feeling of wanting to please the Prime Master and knowing that somehow no matter how many sacrifices you made he’d never be satisfied.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered.
She moved her head closer so our cheeks touched. “I have no regrets, dear daughter. I’ve lived my life exactly how I’ve wanted.” She paused a few seconds. “Although, I’m not sure Mysterium was much better for you …”
I pressed my forehead against hers and said, “No regrets. Everything happened exactly as it was supposed to.”
“Yes, I suppose it has. And you, daughter, you! The Chosen One! It’s so perfectly suited for you.” She giggled like a cherub.
“And so perfectly ironic that I was right under your father and Magnus’s nose the whole time.”
We broke out into a fit of laughter and stopped when we noticed the extraordinary giant of a man towering over us.
“Claudius!” gasped my mother in relief. “Please order your men to release us at once!”
Claudius wore a white tank top trimmed in gold and a long white skirt with ropes of gold for a belt that reached the floor. His skin was golden brown and smooth like caramel, and his thick hair was a crown of honey-colored curls. He folded his brawny arms across his sturdy chest and peered down his angled nose.
“I can release you, Charity. But your daughter is a wanted criminal. Hello, Jordan. It’s been a long time. I’d ask what you’ve been up to, but news travels fast in the Confederation. Never would I have imagined you becoming the most wanted person in the Six.”
“You must let her go, Claudius!”
“If I let her go, I’ll be committing treason against the Confederation.” His baritone voice bellowed and bounced off the glass walls.
The sound vibrated in my memories and a giant wave rolled over me—a tidal wave that pulled me backwards into the past, and a hundred memories rushed over me all at once. Things from my childhood I’d completely forgotten. I remembered playing king of the forest with Claudius. Laughing and skipping through the gardens. I remembered dancing with him and my mother under the stars. He lavished me with beautifully wrapped boxes filled with books and games. He tickled me when I was sad. Nursed me back to health when I was sick. Taught me how to wrestle and fight for myself. Claudius was the only father I’d ever known.
“Claudy …” I muttered under my breath.
The scowl on the behemoth’s face softened and his brown eyes widened. A slight shine glistened in them as he studied me quietly.
“What did you call me?” His voice was softer and more vulnerable.
“Claudy. That’s what I used to call you,” I said, smiling up at him.
The mountain crumbled and he knelt beside the statue of my mother and me, wrapping his huge arms around both of us. He wept into my hair.
“You remembered …�
�
“Claudius, love. If you would please release this ridiculous contraption, Jordan would be able to return the hug,” said my mother.
“Oh, ho, ho …” Claudius laughed, standing up. “Yes. Guards!” he shouted.
Two guards opened the glass door and stepped inside, bowing before their governor.
“Sir.”
“Release them,” he ordered.
“But … but what about …”
“You heard me!” The boom of his voice put a fissure in one of the glass panels.
The guard didn’t waste another second, aiming his device in our direction and unlocking the transparent binding that had sealed my mother and me together. We split apart and rolled to the floor, stretching out to get our limbs and muscles working again. The tingling felt like a million fiery spikes pricking my body. Claudius leaned down and lifted me into his arms, cradling me like a child. I wrapped my arms around his thick neck and pressed my cheek against his chest.
“Good to have you back, Jo,” he muttered, holding back tears.
“Big old softy,” said my mother, walking over to us.
I stepped back and firmly placed my feet on the ground. The next part of our reunion wasn’t going to be as pleasant. If anything, Claudius might have the guard bind me up again and lock me away in the cages below the Colosseum. And I wouldn’t have blamed him, because what I was about to suggest sounded like pure lunacy.
“So, I’m here for a reason.” I held back my shoulders and tried filling up more of the room.
Claudius frowned a bit, crossing his bulky arms over his chest. “What say you?”
“It’s kinda political.”
“Forgive me,” said Claudius. “Let’s get out of this cellblock and to my office.”
He strutted out of the cell with heavy steps, and my mom and I followed behind. My mother’s white chiffon robe fluttered as she paced quickly behind the titan. I studied the corridors and the other cells to see if any of my friends had been captured, but it seemed as though they had made a clean break. I would’ve preferred to have them with me when I made my speech to Claudius, but maybe he’d be more attentive with just me in his company. Less of a threat.
We remained silent as we wound through multiple hallways of the vast estate, weaving up and down staircases and through doorways until we finally reached the residential sector of the place. Claudius ushered my mother and me into his office and offered us seats in front of his colossal marble desk. He sat and folded his hands on the smooth surface before him.
“This is more suitable.”
I smiled, looking around the large office and remembering playing by the balcony as a young girl. I remembered standing out there pretending to give speeches to the residents of Alexandria.
“Perfect,” I said, letting the robe slide off of me and returning to my trousers and tank top.
“Now, what’s this business you’ve come to discuss? I should stop you before you get started if you are coming to ask me to wage war against Counselor Magnus.”
I sucked in a breath and exhaled slowly. While Magnus played a part in my request, his role was minuscule compared to the end game.
“I’ll just get right to it,” I said, surprised to hear a quaver in my voice. “I’m here to convince you to return your allegiance to the Ancient One and come with me. And to give your people the same choice.”
His laughter shook the floorboards. “Anything else?”
“Yes, free your slaves from their cages and give them the opportunity to come with me as well.”
Claudius went silent and stared at me.
“Jordan, darling. Are you serious?” My mother’s gaze ping-ponged from Claudius and back to me a few times.
I nodded bravely. “I’ve never been more serious. This is a direct order from the Ancient One.”
Claudius perked up. “The Ancient One has spoken to you?”
“Yes, and as his Chosen One, I’m commissioned to gather the remnant of his people scattered throughout the Confederated Six and bring them home. Trust me, I wasn’t sold on the idea either, but if I’m planning to get to my father and Shteim'esrei, it’s the only way.”
My mother stared at me, befuddled. “Your father?”
Claudius interrupted. “Shteim'esrei? The original city? It exists?”
“Yes.”
He stood up and stalked out of the office without another word.
“Well, that went over swimmingly,” I said.
“Oh, Jordan. This is … it’s so much to take in.” My mother stood up and walked to the doors of the balcony and stared off to the white city below. The reflection gleamed off her perfect ivory skin.
The door opened again and Claudius came thundering into the office with a slender man in a red robe close behind. He removed the hood to reveal a stunning face and eyes the color of glaciers. His hair was black as coal and slicked back to perfection.
“Jordan, this is Secretary Balthazar,” said Claudius. “He’s my right-hand man. I make all my decisions with his guidance.”
I reached out my hand and when our fingers touched, energy jolted up my arm, knocking me back a few inches. Balthazar was not only breathtaking, he was immensely powerful. Whatever he was.
He bowed slightly. “Pleased to meet you, Chosen One.”
“You can just call me Jordan,” I said.
“Okay, Jordan. Would you care to enlighten me on what you’ve shared with the governor?”
I sat down in the chair and waited for him to sit as well. It wasn’t a conversation I intended to rush. I went into the backstory of what the Ancient One had asked of me. I explained how only the first part of the prophecy had been fulfilled, and I discussed the next phase of gathering up the people for the Final Battle in the Madlands.
When I finished, Balthazar gaped at me.
“Look, when I was originally presented with the whole Chosen One thing, I had the exact same reaction. How was one girl—who was working as an operative for the high council—supposed to extricate half the population of a city, many of whom didn’t want to come, and move them upriver through a canal that could be opened by only one individual.” I paused, letting that sink in for a second. “But I did it. If that’s not miraculous, I don’t know what is.”
He pondered some more, twiddling his thumbs over and over. He exhaled and spoke. “And if the proposition is denied, what are the consequences of not meeting the Ancient One’s wishes?”
The consequences seemed pretty clear to me. Not returning to the Ancient One meant living in a world of darkness led by a false god who demanded oppression and fear.
“I suppose things would continue getting worse,” I said.
“Worse? Things have never been better,” said Balthazar.
“For some … but not everyone. The slaves, for instance.”
My mother moved closer to Claudius. “I’ve been begging you to put an end to the Colosseum for over two decades. It’s time.”
“Charity, my love. You know I’ve always loathed the practice, but your father will destroy this city.”
My mother wiped away a tear that had fallen and stiffened her lips. “Well, I can no longer partake in it. The Ancient One is giving us a choice to walk away. To be free of this wickedness. To free the others!”
Balthazar looked down into his folded hands and nodded. “Yes, these are valid points. And it’s quite curious that after years of silence and non-interference the Ancient One has come forth. His reasons would not be petty.”
“Exactly!” I said.
Balthazar stood up and rounded the desk, placing his hands over Claudius’s shoulders. “Governor, this is something you’ve struggled with for many years. I’ve been an advocate of the events not only to obey the high council, but to appease the people of Alexandria. When you’ve come to me for counsel, I’ve fought hard to keep the system in place. And now I will admit, I’ve been wrong.”
Claudius stood up and faced me. “I want more than anything to be done with this. To
do what’s right. And return to the Ancient One.”
My mother reached out and kissed his hand. “Yes! It’s time to turn back to the Ancient One, Claudius.”
Claudius sighed in relief. “And you’re in agreement?”
His secretary nodded. “It is time to put an end to our barbaric ways. I suggest we revise today’s event scheduled at the Colosseum and announce this breaking news to our people. Explain to them about the Ancient One. And present them with the choice that Jordan is offering.”
“Only a fool would deny returning to the Ancient One,” sang my mother.
Claudius clapped. “Only fools!”
He wrapped his arms around my mother and lifted her off the ground in an embrace. I glanced at Balthazar and smiled politely, relieved and shocked our discussion had gone over so well … a bit too well. And way too easy.
CHAPTER TWELVE
While Claudius started preparing the details of the speech he’d be making in the Colosseum, I needed to tend to some of my own business. Like finding my friends and ensuring they were safe. Balthazar gave me the okay, saying my name had been cleared in the city of Alexandria.
I got up to leave and headed to the door, waving to my mother. “See you at the Colosseum.”
“Wait!” she called.
I turned around to see her holding up the white robe I’d discarded. I really didn’t want to put that thing back on, but I also didn’t want to stand out like a weed in a garden—name cleared or otherwise. I pulled the material over my head and let the heavy layers drape over me. No wonder people in Alexandria were so passive; it was exhausting maneuvering around in those things. I’m sure the monitors located throughout the city streets, measuring the fluctuation of emotional levels, had something to do with their behavior …
When I stepped out into the front courtyard of the estate, I was immediately swept back into the past. So many memories of playing on the lawn and running around and around the circular driveway. The sky over Alexandria had a cerulean hue and was richer and warmer than Mysterium. Maybe because of all the white marble? Green palm trees lined the drive and stood out against the crisp sky. The place had the vibe of being on vacation. Well … except for the guards scattered throughout the city eyeballing my every move and the monitors scanning my heart rate for any disturbances.
