As I pressed my palm against the circle and the images became clearer. I gasped when I recognized my mother's face.
Empty eye sockets stared blankly out at me. Her lips moved, but the only sounds were from screeching red-eyed birds that flew across a darkened sky behind her. As her outline faded, blood red valleys ran between indigo peaks that loomed larger with every second, finally twisting into frenzied shapes.
The stone on my chest went cold. The images were once again unrecognizable.
My head continued to pound. When the pain became unbearable, I lost consciousness.
6
The Genetrix Arrives
I awoke to persistent poking.
“Wake up, wake up.” Pink hair on end and hands on hips, Trill sputtered like an irate troll.
I shoved up onto my elbows and looked around expectantly. When I remembered where we were, I flopped back onto the floor. “What’s happened?”
“Nothing, except it feels like we’ve been asleep for hours. I think the food was drugged.”
“What? Why would they do that?”
“Probably so we won’t have time to think about escape.” Trill shook her head. “Did you have weird dreams too?”
I nodded. “Perhaps you’re right about the food.”
“Those were no ordinary drugs,” said Trill. “I've heard the musicians talking about their experiences. They reported feeling sleepy or energetic, supremely happy or desperately sad. I was sleepy, but I also experienced bizarre shapes and weird flashing lights. I felt like my head was going to spin off.” She made a whirling motion with her hands.
“I saw strange images as well, but I also saw my mother.” I glanced up.
“Your mother? What was she doing?”
“Her features were blurry, but I knew it was her. At first, I couldn't hear anything; but as I watched her lips move I realized she was saying my name. I'm not sure, but I think I heard her voice too. It didn't last long, unfortunately. Other images followed, but they were less clear.” My stomach tightened, and I felt icy cold.
“You've gone deathly pale and your aura is thin and gray.” Trill pressed my arm. “That drug really affected you. You must be more susceptible to it than me.”
“There's something else.” I pressed my hand to my chest. “The oracle stone got really hot when I had the vision of my mother.”
She pursed her lips. Her eyes narrowed. “Do you think there's a connection?”
“Perhaps, but everything felt so crazy. I can't be certain.”
We both jumped to our feet when the door banged open. Remembering the diary, I glanced down to make sure it was out of sight.
Trill faced the giant like a belligerent nome. “Do you always have to make an entrance?”
He ignored her and pointed at me. “Mistress wants you.”
“And why am I being left out now?” Trill clearly enjoyed needling the big man, but I knew she didn’t like me leaving without her.
Stiff and silent, he waited for me to join him. I still wore the red juba, now crumpled from sleep. With my hair askew, I probably looked like a devil-woman. If Zora wanted to parade me in front of another client, I certainly wouldn’t be very appealing, which was a good thing.
Trill hugged me. “Don’t go with any strange men.”
“Looking like this?” I grinned and got a return smile that made me feel better.
The giant escorted me along the hall to the gold salon. He nudged me into the room and closed the door behind me. Zora was alone, sitting in an elevated chair. She was wearing another red gown, this time covered with tiny, black disks that flashed when she moved. She crossed her arms.
I dropped my eyes to cover my dismay when I spotted Trill’s bangle on her left wrist.
“I know all about you and the prophecy.” Her voice was a soft hiss.
I schooled my face into a neutral expression. When I didn’t respond, she continued. “I was once at Prima Feminary.”
My nostrils flared as I inhaled sharply. It was the last thing I expected to hear.
Her eyes glimmered. “I see you are surprised.” She stood and then drifted closer. “I was one of the lucky ones. I escaped.”
My curiosity got the better of me. “That’s why you have a Femin book, and how you know about the prophecy.”
She nodded. “And that’s why the Genetrix wants you.” She circled me before stopping to face me.
I was confused. “How can you be certain I’m the one in the prophecy?”
“What I believe doesn’t matter. What the Genetrix believes is the only consideration. Her obsession with power makes you a threat that she wants to extinguish at any cost. That makes you a precious commodity. A bargaining tool.”
Was she talking about making a deal with the Genetrix? For what? I sensed she was after something more than just money.
She extended her arm and flashed the bangle. “I found the diary under the bed. Where did you get it?”
I could think of no reason to lie. “It was in a cave on the island where I lived. It belonged to a Genetrix who died there many years ago.”
“I know who she was because she was related to me.” Her voice held an undertone of sadness. “Our family insignia is inside the back cover. There were stories that she went missing after the Rising. We always wondered what had happened to her.” Suspicious eyes bored into mine. “What else did you find?”
“There were only books and a few personal items.”
Her expression sharpened. “What kind of personal items?”
“A juba, some cutlery, a few kitchen accessories. I wasn’t there very long.” I didn't reveal why I’d left in a hurry. “Were you hoping for something special?”
Her glance hardened. “Nothing that concerns you.”
The door crept open, and the giant cleared his throat.
Zora eyes never wavered from my face. “What is it? I told you I didn't want to be disturbed.”
The giant slipped into the room and silently shut the door behind him. He appeared to shrivel in size as he cautiously approached Zora; his voice hardly above a whisper. “The Genetrix is at the door, along with her assassins.”
Fear flashed across Zora's face. She glanced at me and lifted her chin. A cunning smile twisted her lips. “Come with me.” She grabbed my arm and dragged me across the room. Her fingertips skimmed a small cluster of five stars on the wall. A panel slid open. “Inside and be quiet,” she commanded.
I stepped forward. The panel closed behind me.
The space was barely able to accommodate the few furnishings. A bed, chair and writing table sat elbow to elbow like cramped companions. Unlike the room in which we were confined, the bed was inviting with luxurious linens and furs. A table lamp glowed faintly, drenching the room in a warm haze.
I was tempted to lie on the bed until I heard voices. I moved a seat closer to the door. As I bent forward to plant the chair, I noticed a narrow slit three feet from the floor. It was covered with sheer material. When I touched it, the material fell away. I sat and leaned down. Through the tiny gap, I could see the two women.
The Genetrix and Mistress Zora faced off only feet apart. Zora appeared confident, but the Genetrix exuded an air of ultimate control. Although equal in height, the Genetrix appeared taller. Her elaborately dressed hair added several inches to her stature by increasing the height of the hood of her purple juba.
Added to her powerful presence was the mesmerizing light of her oracle stone, almost blinding when she moved. I shivered when she started to speak.
“Where is she?”
Zora didn't pretend to misunderstand. “She's not here. She escaped.”
A war of silence ensued. It was finally defeated by a piercing tone.
Zora reeled back. Her eyes bulged in her reddening face. She grabbed her throat and fell to her knees.
I grabbed my juba as the oracle stone started to heat against my skin. I could hear the deafening pitch, but was otherwise unaffected. The sound emanated from the Gene
trix, but I wasn’t the target.
The attacker remained rooted where she stood, her focus fixed on her weakening adversary. Predator and prey. Then the noise stopped as quickly as it had started. My stone began to cool.
Zora coughed and gulped for air. Her blotchy face held an ugly grimace. “You can't kill me. I hold the key to the prophecy that’s going to destroy your little empire. Everything you've plotted. All the lives you've taken. All to preserve yourself and the crones. All lost because of one singer with mismatched eyes.”
The Genetrix ignored the accusation. “You never respected the sanctity of the sisterhood.”
Zora pushed to her feet. “Because I wouldn't support you in your quest for power. And because I escaped.”
“Your sister was less defiant and learned to obey. She enjoys a preferred position in my inner circle. However, if you don't bring me the singer, your sister will be next to offer her life in divine worship.”
The Genetrix's penetrating gaze never wavered. The Mistress winced, but remained defiant.
“I'm sure I will find the one you want,” Zora said confidently. “She'll be yours, on one condition. You release my sister from her vow and allow her to leave Prima Feminary.”
The Genetrix looked thoughtful, as if considering the proposal. She smiled slightly, “I agree.”
I heard deception in her voice. Had Zora heard it too?
I could tell by the relief in her smile that she hadn’t. Appearing satisfied with the bargain, Zora turned with a swish of her gown and opened the door to the salon.
In a flash of purple, the Genetrix was gone.
7
Risky Business
Trill was pacing when I returned. Once the giant departed, she spoke. “You’ve been gone so long. What happened this time?”
I told her everything. She bombarded me with questions, many of which I couldn’t answer.
“Are you certain the Genetrix was lying?”
“Positive. She’ll never let the sister go. Zora is being used.”
“So are you, don’t forget.” Trill sat on her bed. “Why didn’t Zora arrange for the trade right away?”
“I doubt she wanted to tell the Genetrix that I was hidden in a room ten feet away. Not with the assassins outside. However, I don’t think she’ll wait long to arrange the exchange. She desperately wants to pry her sister from the clutches of the Genetrix.”
“She’ll be in for a shock when she finds out she’s been deceived.” Trill jumped to her feet. “What if she takes it out on you?”
My body went weak. “You mean kill me?”
Trill slumped down on her bed. “We have to find a way out of here.”
Her tone echoed my own sense of desperation. I knew it was time. There was no other option. I had to use my voice, despite the outcome. First, I had to explain it all to my friend. “There is a way, but it comes with enormous risk.”
She looked concerned and threw up her hands when I hesitated. “What are you waiting for? Spill it.”
I smiled slightly. “It's my voice. It's not only capable of healing. I've also used it to defend myself.”
“What do you mean?” Her eyes began to sparkle. “How does it work?”
“I used it to escape Prince Delio's guards. They caught me in the cave on our island. There were six of them. One in particular, I remembered from a malicious encounter in Hypor City. He wanted me dead, or worse, so I sang at a very high frequency.” Tears pressed behind my eyes. I lowered my head and wiped them away. “The men collapsed, groaning and bleeding. I thought I’d killed them all. I escaped but discovered later that five of the men had only been stunned. The nasty one died. I’m not proud of myself.”
“But you’re alive, and that’s what matters.” Trill stood and started to pace. “It means you can knock out Zora and the giant, as well as any guards, so we can escape. Why haven't you used your voice before now?”
“I'm not completely sure how it works. Why did one man die while the others were only stunned? I think it might have something to do with proximity. The dead man was closest, about ten feet in front of me. The others were further away. I haven't used it because I don’t want to hurt innocents.”
Trill stopped pacing and flashed me a knowing glance. “You didn't want to hurt me, that's what you mean isn't it?”
“Partly, but there may be other innocents, like that first night when the musicians were nearby. I don't want to kill anyone, and I can't be sure I won't.”
She planted her hands on her hips. “We have no other option. We have to test it. Otherwise, we’ll never get out of here.”
“I don’t like that idea.” I was already struggling with nightmares. I didn’t need another death on my conscience, especially hers. “It’s too dangerous.”
She ignored me and continued. “I'll stand against the far wall. You sing a high note. We'll see what happens.” She shrugged as if her suggestion was nothing out of the ordinary
“Are you crazy?” I turned away from her. “I won’t put your life in jeopardy. If we’re going to test my voice, I’ll do it with the giant, and you’ll be far away.”
She grabbed my arm and pulled me around to face her. “But don't you see? I'll still be around and susceptible. So if it's going to do me real harm we need to discover beforehand.” Her tone grew firmer as she spoke. “It’s essential to learn if proximity is a factor. It might be important for you in the future.”
“What if I kill you?” I squeezed her hand and forced away images of her face twisted in agony like the guard on the island.
“I'd rather die than spend the rest of my life in this place.” She shuddered and glanced around the barren room. “Besides maybe you can bring me back to life. You're a healer as well, aren't you?”
“I can heal, but I don’t think bringing you back to life is within my power.”
“You don't know that for sure.” Trill crossed her arms over her chest. “We have to try this. We have no other option.”
I blinked away tears, marveling at her strength and willingness to sacrifice herself to get us free. If anything happened to Trill, however, I'd never forgive myself.
“If we’re going to do this, we’ll stand in opposite corners of the room.” I walked to the farthest corner and faced the wall, so she was behind me, out of direct line of the sound. “Are you certain about this, Trill?”
Her voice trembled slightly when she answered. “Let's do it.”
For her sake and mine, it had to be quick. I didn’t work my way up the scale but pushed straight to the top of my range and started to sing. Ten seconds later, I heard a thump. Panicked, I spun around.
Trill lay on the floor.
My stomach hardened to stone as I rushed to her side. Fingering her wrist, I held my breath until I felt a wispy pulse. I immediately sent out a low-pitched hum and positioned my hands over her heart. It was the longest minute of my life. Finally, she groaned.
Her face was still chalky when her eyes fluttered open. One corner of her mouth twitched up. “You really are a powerful singer.”
Exhaling with immense relief, I laughed through tears and wound my arms around her.
She was still weak when I helped her to her bed a few minutes later. I wrapped her in a blanket and checked her pulse. It was normal. A faint pink blush tinged her cheeks.
“Our test was a success.”
I sent her a skeptical grin. “Apart from the fact that you collapsed.”
“Yes, apart from that.” She waggled her head. “But we’ve learned something. Since I’m still here, it can't be just proximity. There must be another element involved.”
“I think you're right. When I was facing the guards, I was scared and willing to do anything to defend myself. With you, I had no desire to hurt you. Even though my voice is powerful enough to make you collapse, it didn’t kill you.”
“Good thing,” she joked, then looked thoughtful. “Sounds like your intention affects the outcome.”
“I agree, but I sti
ll don't want to take any chances. If we get an opportunity to overpower the giant, I want you as far away from me as possible.” I spread my arms. “That reminds me of something else. I’ve wondered if there's any way that I can channel the force of my voice.” I snapped my fingers. “Wait a minute. I remember repelling a drone that came to our island. It attacked Circe, my falcon. I automatically lifted my arms towards it. I did the same thing with the guards, except my arms were wider apart.”
Trill appeared pensive. “Perhaps we can test that observation, too.”
I shook my head. “There's no way I'm going to risk your life again. The decision was difficult enough the first time.”
“But you didn't kill me, and I'm okay now. Apart from knocking me out, your voice didn't injure me. Let's try it again with me behind you. This time raise your arms.” She held up her hand when I started to protest.” It's important we find out as much as we can. You might have to use your voice more than once to get us out of here.” Trill stood and pointed to a spot three-quarters of the way across the room. “Go and stand there and face the wall, hold up your arms and then sing.”
It was a bit easier the second time knowing I wouldn't permanently harm her, but I hesitated for a few seconds before raising my arms in a narrow V-formation. I sang the same notes, listening intently for any sound behind me. I continued to sing for a minute or so. When I turned around Trill had her fingers in her ears and a huge grin on her face.
She clapped her hands. “See, other than a buzzing in my ears, I'm good.”
Uncertainty must have lingered on my face because she walked over and threw her arms around me. “Really. I'm okay. Now we have a way to escape. Who’d guess that singing would hold the answer?” She whooped and danced a circuit around the cheerless room.
The Lost Prophecy Page 5
