Last of the Chosen (Spirit of Empire, Book One)

by Lawrence P White

  “So he’s a warrior. You’re right. I did not sense that.”

  “Your attachment to him is emotional, My Lady.”

  She turned and started walking down the corridor as she considered his words. “You’re right, Otis. I like the Val I have met. I can’t say why, I just do. But it’s more than that. Never before have I been so close to someone on the lowest rung of our society. His life has been a horror, he has received nothing from the Empire, yet he risked his life for me. Why?”

  “I doubt if he could answer that question himself. Why, indeed?”

  “He’s a window to a new world for me, Otis. He’s a citizen of my Empire, and he doesn’t even have a name. Are there others like him out there? Are there others who would lay their lives down in my name? If there are, I want to know them. I’m surrounded by civilized, educated people who constantly nod their heads as I speak, rarely risking to disagree. Few of them think of the Empire. They only think of what the Empire can do for them.”

  “He didn’t do it for you, My Lady.”

  She reached for the heavy fur around his neck and smoothed it. “Of course he didn’t, my friend, and that makes it all the more impressive. He didn’t do it for me – he doesn’t even know me. He did it for what I represent. He did it for the Empire, and he never asked what the Empire would do for him in return. Even now he has not asked. I would surround myself with people like that, and we would all be better for it.

  “Yes, Otis, I like Val. But I like the idea of Val even more. I can’t say what the future holds for him, but I hope to find a way to draw on the resource he represents.”

  “In that regard, I support you completely. Perhaps he’ll agree to be that window for you into his world.”

  “He’ll have to agree to something, whatever it is. He carries a Rider who holds Imperial Secrets and deep knowledge of matters of State. He might not know it yet, but he will some day. I don’t doubt for a moment that his Rider knows.”

  “You will keep a leash on him then?”

  “Not a leash, Otis. A relationship. He has strong character. He cannot be coerced, nor would I choose to do so. My goal, and yours if you accept, is to help him blossom in his own way. Then, when the time is right, he will come to us of his own accord.”

  “Not a simple or sure thing, My Lady.”

  “Help me, Otis. I intend to name him a Friend of the Royal Family. As such, he has come under our protection.”

  “You cannot protect one such as him. As you said, he must find his own way.”

  “I will allow him to find his own way for a while, and we can help him get started, but I intend to keep my options open with him. Each of us has duties to the Empire, and I believe he may as well. If he is up to it, he may be called.”

  “You really are taken with him, aren’t you?”

  “I am. But he will always be free to choose his own way. Know this, Otis: Sir Jarl saw something in him. I, too, see something in him. So do you. We will give him opportunity. We’ll have to wait and see what he does with it.”

  “And what is your hope?”

  “He has a Rider. He probably doesn’t even appreciate what that means, but because of the Rider he has many more years ahead of him than he knows. If he measures up, I might claim some of those years.”

  “Working for the Royal Family is not necessarily a kindness, My Lady.”

  “It is not, but people we can fully trust are rare.”

  “He’s just a poor beggar, My Lady.”

  “At the moment.”

  Chapter Forty-two: Val Waves Goodbye

  Val survived the night. By the next morning all traces of the toxin were gone from his body.

  Immediately after breakfast he was called to a meeting with Daughter. Otis came for him and escorted him through the corridors. Val, without knowing it, traveled past great works of art gracing the corridor walls on Daughter’s level. He’d never taken the time to appreciate art, nor had he ever been in its presence. His mind had been focused on survival and his studies, little more.

  Daughter stood up to greet him. He approached her, then lowered himself to his only knee, steadying himself with the crutch. He lowered his head until it nearly touched the floor.

  “Val,” she said sternly, “I told you yesterday that you need never bow in my presence.”

  He lifted his head to her. “You didn’t say I couldn’t if I wanted to.”

  “Well said, Val,” she said smiling. “Please rise. Before we begin, do you have any special needs, any special requests of me?”

  “Doesn’t it work the other way around, My Lady?”

  “Not always. You may speak freely, Val.”

  He considered her words. The request seemed far too open-ended to him. He would focus on the small picture for the moment. “Would it be possible to notify Mrs. Therly that I’m all right? And she needs to know what happened to Mr. Wyzcha . . . uh, Sir Jarl.”

  “Would you like to do it yourself?”

  “Uh, aren’t I under arrest?”

  “I would prefer calling it ‘held for questioning,’ and the questioning related to yesterday’s events is nearly over. It is time for me to Test you, Val.”

  The Corvolds had mentioned Testing yesterday, but he did not really understand it. “Uh, what exactly is this Test, My Lady?”

  “I will mind-link with you, Val. I will sift freely through your thoughts, memories, and feelings. But I do not do so indiscriminately. I seek, first, the truth of your testimony. I do not anticipate surprises, though I sometimes discover things that people did not know they knew. Second, for my own edification, I seek to know if you are true to yourself. Lastly, I will determine what, if anything, the Empire will do to assist you in fulfilling your life’s plan. It would be helpful if I understood your desires and motivations.”

  “Is any of this optional?”

  “For you, after what you did yesterday, yes. But your agreement will greatly simplify our understanding of yesterday’s events. That testimony is a matter of State. I must know what you know. As for your yourself and your future plans, it is completely voluntary. For this, I ask your permission.”

  He squirmed, deeply uncertain. What did all this mean? Would every aspect of the person he was be known to her? Then another thought struck him. “Will I be able to read your thoughts, too?”

  “Sorry. It doesn’t work like that. It’s all one way, but know this, Val: I never, ever, divulge what I learn without permission.”

  He shook his head, looking down at his feet. “You’ve given me permission to speak freely. What you do is wrong.”

  “It is wrong, but not for me. It is what sets the Chosen apart.”

  Otis spoke up, and Val lifted his gaze to him. “Val, I am Tested regularly as part of our security procedures. All of her Protectors are. The process is painless. For most, to be Tested is an honor. To refuse a Test casts grave doubt. Provided you have spoken true, I, too, ask you to accept the honor of being Tested.”

  >Help me, Artmis.<

  >Just say yes. It’s not that big a deal. Tell her I will submit as well.<

  He considered Artmis’ words. To Artmis they were simple, but to him they were not simple at all. Not at all. “I have secrets, My Lady. Many secrets. Others count on my silence.”

  She smiled. “Do not be concerned for your friends. Not because I don’t care, but because they are not the issue. What I learn in a Testing remains between you and me, Val, only you and me. I seek the truth of you, and I seek your knowledge of what happened yesterday, nothing more.”

  “Easy words, My Lady.”

  She closed her eyes. “True,” she said after a time. “Will you trust me? I ask for your trust as Daughter, and I ask as a friend.”

  He considered, then caved in. He might be wrong, but he trusted this woman. “You have my permission, My Lady. Artmis gives you his as well.”

  “Artmis!”

  “Uh, that’s the name he chose for himself.”

  She considered for a time,
then said, “He’s an exact copy of his father. I find it fitting.” She seated him in a chair and stood before him, then bent down and placed her hands on both sides of his head. She looked into his eyes, deeply into his eyes.

  An instant later, her eyes swelled, and he felt as if he’d been sucked right into those eyes, body and all. His only sense was of her shuffling through his mind like a card dealer. Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle, stop. Shuffle, stop. Shuffle, shuffle, stop. He couldn’t tell what she was looking at, and he had no control over her direction.

  Then it was over. She released him and steadied him while he came back into his body.

  “Ship,” she said, “Send a transcript of Val and Rider Artmis’ testimony to the district governor. Add to it my seal of authentication and verification by Test.”

  “Yes, My Lady.”

  To Val, she said simply, “Thank you. Your testimony will make their jobs much, much simpler.”

  “The questioning is over?”

  “It is. You are free to go, though I hope you will stay with us a while longer.”

  “But it was my fault Sir Jarl died.”

  “You know that’s not entirely true, and for the part that is true, you’ll have to live with that knowledge for the rest of your life. Isn’t that penalty enough?”

  “I was thinking of the law, My Lady, not common sense.”

  “I see. In that case, we will hold your trial here, right now. Ship, record,” she commanded.

  “Recording, My Lady.”

  “Val, the charge against you is accomplice to murder. By your own words, you have already pled guilty. Do you wish to say anything further?”

  “Uh, don’t I get a lawyer?”

  “No.”

  “Then I’ll remain silent.”

  “Very well. I find you guilty with mitigating circumstances. You are sentenced to twelve hours of bed rest, after which time your sentence is complete and all records of your crime and your sentencing will be expunged from the record.” She thought for a moment. “Oh, dear, it seems the sentence has already been served. Ship, you may erase the record of this proceeding.”

  “Erased, My Lady.”

  “There, it is done, Val.”

  He frowned, not knowing what to say.

  She sensed his confusion and smiled. She had enjoyed her little game, but clearly this young man did not understand that he had been completely cleared of any wrong-doing.

  “Know this, Val,” she said softly. “The formalities have been followed. You have been found guilty and served your sentence. No one can re-open this case, and the only record of it will be me. I cannot expunge your personal feelings in the matter, but know that in my heart I find no guilt within you.”

  Val blinked, uncertain of himself. His thoughts went to the events of yesterday. “Uh, what of the Horlig ambassador? Is there any word?”

  “He will not live through tomorrow. I am leaving shortly to visit him. I think he would like to know the cloud has been lifted from his head. Would you like to accompany me to the surface, to let your friends know you’re okay?”

  “I’d like that very much. Am I done then?”

  “I hope not. You and I have much more to discuss, but the Horlig ambassador has little time, and he deserves a visit from me.” She turned to Otis. “Will you accompany Val?”

  “No, My Lady. I would like to, but my place is with you. Borg will go.”

  Val spoke for himself. “I’d rather go by myself.”

  “By yourself! Not a chance.”

  Val squirmed, but he decided he had no secrets from this woman now, not since she’d shuffled through his most intimate thoughts. “My home is an illegal settlement. I would prefer not to attract attention to it.”

  Daughter thought for a time. “You’re right. I give you my promise that the authorities will not close it down.”

  “That’s not really the problem. Many will believe it necessary to move on in any case.”

  “Then you will just have to convince them it is not necessary. Val, I don’t for a moment believe your home and the people living there are not known to the authorities. Those authorities have chosen to leave you alone, and I will ensure that policy does not change. Any friends of yours who fail to trust my word will have to choose their own fates. I will not send you into that place alone. Sir Jarl’s killers are yet free, and they may know of you. Now . . . time is short. We must be away.”

  Val leaned forward before she stood. He withdrew the money key from his pocket and placed it on the table. “This does not belong to me. I am returning it.”

  Her face lost its composure for a moment. The lack of markings clearly identified it as Sir Jarl’s key. What was Val telling her?

  Then she knew. “You’re not coming back,” she breathed softly.

  “No, My Lady. I thank you for your hospitality, but it’s time for me to leave.”

  She hesitated, glancing momentarily to Otis with alarm in her eyes, then returning her gaze to him, her lips in a firm line. “You’re a free man, Val. The choice is yours.”

  “It is?” he asked, amazed at the words he had just heard.

  “Val, you saved my life. There are choices available to you because of that. I beg you to reconsider. I’ve grown to like the Val I have met, but the choice to stay or to go will always and forevermore be yours.”

  He stood up, jamming his crutch into his shoulder. His response surprised even himself. “If you speak true, I’ll come back, but just for a little while. I have plans of my own, you know, and I’m on a tight schedule.”

  “I just Tested you, Val. I do know.” Then her face broke into a bright smile. “Thank you.” She leaned forward and pushed the key back toward him. “I always speak true. Keep the key. I believe Sir Jarl would have wanted you to have it. Use it wisely.”

  Surprised, he asked shyly, “Uh, do you know what its credit limit is?”

  “It has no limit, Val.”

  He stared at her. He didn’t understand.

  She returned the stare. “It was the property of a Knight, Val. It has no limit. Like I said, use it wisely.”

  His gaze moved to the key, his eyes wide in wonder. No limit? And it was his? His hand trembled as he reached for the key. When he picked it up, he looked not at it but at her. Did she have any concept of what unlimited funds meant to someone like him? In a heartbeat, his whole life had changed. The stash of funds he had so laboriously built for purchasing bribes from professors suddenly seemed paltry. Then he reconsidered. Could he use Imperial funds for bribes? Somehow it seemed wrong.

  “I don’t know what to say, My Lady.”

  “Then don’t say anything. If you’ll stick around long enough, we’ll teach you how to manage your resources, and I include here not just money but yourself and your ambitions. After Testing you, I know what you seek, and it is possible.”

  Val nodded but said nothing. The implication was clear: she was inviting him to stay. Staying here meant leaving everything and everyone he’d ever known. On the other hand, it meant traveling to the stars. Suddenly, the stars were within his reach. He had planned to leave Hespra III in a couple of years, but two years was an eternity to him. Now, the time had suddenly become right now, and he wasn’t ready.

  “When do I have to decide?” he asked.

  “Soon, but not now. The Horlig ambassador does not have much time. Let’s focus on him for the moment.”

  By the time they reached the ramp, Resolve had grounded at the spaceport. Val and Borg exited the ship, and it left immediately for the hospital. For Daughter, this was not a state visit, it was a personal visit. She had no need for official regalia and crowds this time.

  Val immediately settled into his scuttle and headed for the gate. He’d been on this side of the fence before, but never officially, and he liked the feeling of freedom. He liked it a lot. Borg’s eyes never stopped moving as he padded on all fours beside Val. He studied the Great Cat which, even on all fours, reached to his chest. Had Val ever seen a lion, he wo
uld have noted the close resemblance, but Borg did not walk on paws. Each foot was a hand, a strong hand with long fingers and sharp claws, and each of those hands could, and often did, hold weapons. His fur was mostly a uniform light brown in color, but the tip of his tail was dark brown, as were the tufted ends of his ears. Borg’s eyes were golden, but his muzzle drew most of Val’s attention. Unlike a cat’s, it was long and hideous, colored in wrinkled folds of dark brown and red and gold. Black lips covered a vicious mouth full of teeth clearly meant for ripping apart prey. Even without weapons, Val knew this creature would never be unarmed. Yet, as with Otis, he sensed no threat from Borg, nor would he want to be on the receiving end of Borg’s wrath.

  “Do you know where we’re going?” he asked Borg.

  “I do. Otis has completed a thorough check on you.”

  Val stopped in his tracks. “Already?”

  Borg simply looked at him. It didn’t take long before Val felt his face reddening. The resources available to Daughter were probably unlimited. He was thinking too small.

  >We’re not really free,< he thought to Artmis as he continued toward his home.

  >No, we are not. Is anyone ever truly free?<

  That shut Val up for a time. >Why is she going to all this trouble for me?<

  >You mean, besides the fact that you saved her life?<

  >That’s not it, Artmis.<

  >It’s part of it. Remember, she never lies. She truly has an interest in your well-being. As for the rest of it, it’s not so hard to figure out.<

  Val considered those words, then he considered everything that had happened to him during the past day. Topping the list was him killing himself. That memory was all black. He hardly remembered the act and its immediate aftermath, though not the fact that he’d chosen to act. Meeting Daughter was certainly high on the list, but having Sir Jarl die in his arms held intense meaning to him, even if it had really only been a ruse to transfer Artmis to him.