“So you can bleed,” grunted the leader as he pushed against Rael.
“Oh, I bleed just fine. It’s the dying that’s the problem.”
Rael absorbed his swords and stepped to the side. He drove an elbow to the leader’s head as he fell forward and knocked him unconscious. Three monitors came at him in unison.
“Is that a triad attack?” he said as the three monitors moved in sync, closing the distance. “I taught the person that created that attack.”
The monitors attacked, three blades aiming for one point and missed.
“The best defense is to not be there,” said Rael from behind them, swords in hand. He had leaped over the attack and the monitors. He thrust through two of the three, kicking the legs out from under the third before stabbing him on the ground. He shifted quickly to the side and evaded a dagger meant for his neck.
The remaining three monitors each threw daggers. He deflected two of them and caught the last, returning it to its owner. Absorbing his sword and forming daggers, he ran over to the remaining monitors and lunged. He turned the lunge into a roll and hamstrung the one on his left as he severed the femoral artery of the one on the right. He reversed the dagger in his left hand and drove it into the monitor’s chest as he fell forward.
The reader stood still as Rael approached the group leader. He grabbed him by the chest and smacked his face a couple of times, bringing him to. The group leader began to struggle but Rael formed a dagger and held it to his neck.
“Make it quick, Harbinger,” said the group leader.
“Where is the gunslinger? She and I have a conversation to finish,” said Rael.
The group leader spit in his face. Rael let him fall as he sliced his neck open.
“Completely uncalled for,” he said as he wiped the saliva off his face. He looked down at the body of the leader. “I never did get his name. Not that it matters now.”
Rael approached the reader, who stood near the wall with a sword in his shaking hand.
“You killed—you killed them all,” said the reader, his voice cracking.
Rael stopped and looked around, his face grim.
“It’s what I do. It’s who I am.” He pointed at the body of the group leader. “He was right. I am a killer, but I keep my word. You will survive today.” At these words the reader lifted the sword in a defensive posture as if to ward off Rael.
“Stay back. Stay back!” screamed the reader.
“Do you know how to open a portal?” said Rael.
The reader shook his head.
“That part about flooding the box with toxins, I don’t think you will make it through that.”
“You just stay away from me. Stay away.”
Rael gestured with his hands and a portal opened behind the reader. He took a quick step forward and the reader fell back and through the portal. With another gesture he closed the portal. He moved the bodies of the monitors to one side of the cell. He didn’t want to trip over them when he fought the gunslinger. He sat in the center of the floor and waited for the toxins to fill the room.
Who knows, maybe they’ll get lucky and end me? He laughed quietly as the hissing began. I’ll make sure not to hold my breath. Let’s go, gunslinger girl, the clock is ticking, he thought as the room filled with smoke.
TEN
THE TENT FLAP blew in the midst of the desert storm. The wind whipped about the edges of the tent, threatening to blow it away as it strained against the ties holding it in place. Inside the tent, two figures sat facing each other, undisturbed by the storm raging outside. Despite the wind, none of the sand or noise entered the tent.
Each was dressed in the robes of Samadhi, the gold brocade on the edges of the sleeves denoting their station. Their robes were identical with the exception of the symbols over the left side of the chest. On one rested a phoenix, bathed in fiery glory. The other bore an intricate design of circles overlapping each other forming a larger circle and set inside a wheel. Both of the men were advanced in age, but the one with the wheel design on his robe gave off an impression of strength. His callused hands rested on the table lightly. His white hair flowed about his shoulders and framed his chiseled face.
The phoenix spoke first.
“You released the Kriyas? Do you know what you have done? Once they have begun, there is no stopping them. You play a dangerous game and put everything in jeopardy, Master Wheel.”
“That is the reason for our meeting here, in this plane. The Kriyas have been exiled long enough. It was time they were let loose to do what they do best,” said Wheel.
“They are uncontrollable. Without the second foci they will take over whatever plane they are in, converting it to wasteland. This plane was once a lush garden. Now it is an empty desert. That is what the Kriyas do,” said Phoenix. “They devour and consume.”
“I did what needed to be done. The Black Lotus has proven ineffective. The prime ascendant still roams the planes and the First has regained of one of the foci. If he retains control of either of the other two foci, all is lost, Master Phoenix,” said Wheel.
“Wheel, this is the same action that led to us sealing three of the planes.”
“Lucius was becoming a threat. Do you question my motives? Is your life terribly difficult now? Or would you like to return to the way it was?”
“It was simpler then…” said Master Phoenix.
“Don’t be a fool. We wield power none have seen since the beginning of the Order, and it grows. Soon it will not matter if Lucius escapes. We will eclipse his ability. He may have been the first, but we will be the last,” said Master Wheel.
“And what of his Harbinger? He too is free and it is said death evades him. He cannot be taken lightly.”
“The Kriyas devour chi, and without chi there is no life. I have set them on a path to meet,” said Wheel. “Once Wei is removed we will retain the Fangs—the second foci and the only weapon the Kriyas fear. With the Fangs in our hands, we will control the Kriyas.”
“I have set in motion the plan concerning the Rah Ven. Very soon they will be an extinct species,” said Phoenix.
“Excellent we can’t let those dogs interfere. What of the Mikai? I trust you have obtained their cooperation.”
Phoenix nodded. “They will do as told or we will exterminate them. They were very cooperative after a brief demonstration on one of their villages. I think it is still burning.” Phoenix smiled as he said this.
“Everything is falling into place, Phoenix. All we need to do now is locate the third foci and make sure it can’t be wielded. Then our victory will be certain.”
“I am still uncomfortable about the Kriyas. It is an extreme weapon, unmanageable and difficult to control. They will turn on us at the first opportunity,” said Phoenix.
“The same can be said of fire, which you are intimately familiar with. The Kriyas will do what they were intended to do. They will purge the planes and our enemies. I don’t expect you to see all the intricacies of this plan, only to follow through on your end. When I’m done we will control all the planes. All will bow down to the Order and to us,” said Master Wheel.
“Who will lead the Kriyas? Surely you are not considering Tetra.”
“Would you prefer I released Ravia alone? He is the only one who can lead them effectively and control her.”
“The last time they were free we needed Wei to stop them.”
“They lacked a focus last time. This time they have a purpose and we will have the means to control them,” said Master Wheel.
“This will be our unmaking, Wheel,” said Master Phoenix.
“No, Phoenix, the Kriya will do what I have tasked them with, eliminating the prime ascendant and the Harbinger. You will ensure that the Rah Ven are gone. Then it will be our rebirth.”
Master Wheel made a gesture with his hand, and the storm intensified until the tent was obscured from sight and had disappeared.
ELEVEN
“SOMETHING IS WRONG,” said Kenji.
&
nbsp; We were heading back to Aurora’s main meeting room when Kenji was pulled aside by one of Aurora’s assistants. He whispered something into Kenji’s ear and I could tell by the look on his face that it was bad news. The assistant left us and headed back the way he came at a quick pace.
“What is it?” I said.
“Not here, it’s not secure,” said Kenji.
We walked down the corridors of the complex until we came to a series of doors. Kenji pushed through a door which led to a narrow hallway. At the end was another door requiring him to place his hand on a wall panel to open. The door hissed and opened. He went through almost at a run. Down another set of stairs we stood before an open archway. I began to walk through when he grabbed me by the shoulder, pulling me back.
“Wait, one moment.”
He performed an intricate series of gestures and the archway glowed a deep violet before returning to normal.
“Your searing prevented you from seeing the threat there,” he said.
I didn’t want to imagine what would have happened if I had walked through that archway while it had been active.
We walked through the now-inactive archway and found ourselves in a large, spacious area outfitted to accommodate a large group of people. Several rows of beds were along one side of the space. On the other side a makeshift kitchen and seating area was located. It had the feel of a large military barracks. There was only one thing missing: the people.
In the center of the room stood Aurora surrounded by several assistants.
“Where is everyone?” I asked Kenji.
“That appears to be the matter at hand,” he said. “This space housed the ascendants and they seem to be”—he looked around at the various items scattered around—”gone. This is very problematic.”
Aurora turned to face us. I could see the anger in the set of her jaw.
“Problematic? No, finding that I misplaced a file would be problematic. Finding myself off-plane and surrounded by enemies would be problematic. This”—she gestured around the room— “is catastrophic. There are only a few people with enough power and ability to do this. I sent Roman to find Wei. I need you to go make sure Rael is still in that box. I don’t trust the Order to keep him contained.”
“The other?” said Kenji. “Could he be free?”
“If the First were free, missing ascendants would be the least of our problems. Besides, he would have killed them where they stood, turning this place into a graveyard. Everything indicates that he is still in his prison several planes away,” she said.
Kenji nodded.
“What is the status of his searing?” she said, looking at me.
“He has promise. The searing wasn’t completed, so he has partial access to his chi. Not enough to create an ascendant at this time, however,” said Kenji.
“How long before he is restored?”
“Aurora, you know how these things are…”
“Look around you, Kenji. Any time we thought we had has vanished along with the ascendants. If he can’t create ascendants right now, then he is of no use to us. We will seek alternate methods. Take him with you when you check on Rael. It should be safe enough. He is fallen, after all.”
“Isn’t he wanted by the Black Lotus?” said Kenji.
“His fallen state should keep him off their radar. Besides, they really want Sylk he was just convenient. I trust you can keep him intact while you visit the hub?”
Kenji nodded. “Of course. We will leave immediately.”
Kenji motioned me to follow him and we left the barracks.
“There is another way, a dangerous way to access your chi, but I dare not have you attempt it until we return,” he whispered.
“How dangerous?”
“It requires an immense amount of raw power. A mistake will prove fatal, for both of us.”
I remained silent. I didn’t enjoy going through the agony of the searing, but it didn’t kill me. This new way didn’t sound attractive.
“Arm yourself. I don’t know what we are going to encounter at the hub and they may not honor that you are under Aurora’s protection. Meet me in the healing tré in ten minutes. I should have everything prepared by then,” he said.
I headed off to the armory and chose a sword. I was skilled in its use and it felt more comfortable than a short staff, which would only bring me memories of Maelstrom. Memories I didn’t wish to relive. I made it to the tré in less than ten minutes. Kenji was standing in the center waiting for me. He was dressed in combat gear. Several knives were attached to his legs and a sword was strapped to his back. In his hand he held an iron staff.
“Are we heading into a war?”
He looked down at his gear and smiled. “Better to have it and not need it. It will also dissuade anyone from making any sudden moves against you. Are you proficient with that?” He pointed at the sword. “I thought you would have picked a staff.”
“I am. No more staffs of any kind for me.”
“Understood. Let’s get under way. This tré will take us to its twin in the hub. We should arrive in the medical area, which is manned by a small group at this time,” said Kenji.
He stepped close to me and placed a finger on my forehead. A bright flash filled the room.
TWELVE
“THEY WOULD DARE attack the Alpha?” said Sylk.
“You be no Alpha to them,” said the healer. “They listen to the howling of their minds. You cannot face them. You will lose face and the whole pack will be in danger. You must appoint a second to meet them.” She said this last part looking at Luna.
“Luna, you are the most qualified to…” Sylk began.
Luna bowed. “I would be honored, Alpha.”
“Not that simple. There must be blood,” said the healer as she drew a long knife from the folds of her skirt.
Sylk hesitated at the mention of blood and then extended his hand. The healer smacked it away.
“Not your blood, hers. She must pledge her life to the pack and the Alpha,” said the healer.
Luna folded her sleeve and exposed her arm. The healer took the knife and cut a symbol into Luna’s forearm. It was a symbol of the fang that hung on the pendant around Sylk’s neck. The blood began to flow and the healer began to mutter words under her breath over Luna’s arm. The blood floated above her arm and remained motionless.
“Your life for the pack,” said the healer.
“My life for the pack,” answered Luna.
“Your life before the Alpha’s life.”
“My life before the Alpha’s life,” said Luna.
The blood fell on the symbol carved into her arm and glowed red briefly before disappearing.
“You are the second to the Alpha. You are his voice and arm. If he falls, you will serve as Alpha until a new Alpha is chosen. Are you in accord?”
Luna nodded. “I am in accord,” she said.
The healer placed a hand on the symbol she had cut into Luna’s arm and muttered some more words. The wound became scar tissue instantly. A faint violet light surrounded the scar.
“It is done,” said the healer.
Outside the house, a group of Rah Ven approached. They were in human form, but some of them had begun the transformation to canine.
“Best go outside, before they burn down my house trying to get to the Alpha,” said the healer to Luna.
Luna left the symbol exposed and walked outside with Kal next to her. She faced the group of Rah Ven, which numbered close to thirty.
“By what right do you come to this home?” said Luna.
The Rah Ven were all in canine form now and formed a loose semi-circle in front of the healer’s house. One of the older Rah Ven came forward and stood in the center.
“Where is the false Alpha?” said the Rah Ven.
“Measure your words, Kort,” said Luna, her voice low. “Being the eldest of Cane’s pack does not give you right of challenge. The Alpha bested Cane in combat, which you witnessed,” said Luna.
�
��He is not Rah Ven. I will not recognize him as my Alpha.” said Kort.
Inside the healer’s house the healer began clearing an area of the infirmary. She changed sheets and adjusted the beds.
“What are you doing?” asked Mara.
“Getting ready,” said the healer. “That be Grawl’s daughter out there. They would do well to recollect who they speak to. Many of them standing in that group will be in my beds or ashes before nightfall.”
“I should go out and help her,” said Sylk.
“You cannot. If you do, you give their words weight. No, you take the one bonded to you,”—she said, pointing at Mara— “and you find the dark ones responsible for taking our people. Leave this matter to your second. As it should be,” said the healer.
Sylk made several gestures with his hand and opened a portal.
“I will be back soon, Grandmother,” said Sylk.
She nodded her head and continued fussing with the beds. She waved them off, muttering under her breath. Sylk and Mara stepped through the portal, leaving her alone. The healer looked out of the window and could sense that things were spiraling out of control. She opened the window so she could hear the exchange.
“It was determined by battle and blood. Sylk is the new Alpha,” said Luna.
“You adhere to the old ways when we are living in a modern time. I am taking over the pack,” said Kort.
“Over my dead body,” said Luna.
Kort bared his fangs as he smiled.
“That is precisely what I was thinking,” he said as Luna entered the semi-circle.
THIRTEEN
RAQUEL LED THE way. Meja, surrounded by members of the Black Guard, walked slowly, analyzing the group around her for weaknesses. She still felt the prism in her shirt, its low thrum a counterpoint to the energy of the suppressors around her wrists.
Monique is not taking any chances, she thought.
“What does Monique want?” said Meja.
“You are under the impression you get to ask questions. If I were you, I would lose that impression,” said Raquel.
Warriors of the Way-Pentalogy Page 41
