Transcender Trilogy Complete Box Set

by Vicky Savage

“What’s a polycom?” I ask.

  “An inter-galactic communication device, developed by our own Dr. McDonald.”

  “Okay, that’ll be good.” I check my watch. “But I really need to get back to the palace soon, before somebody comes looking for me.”

  “No problem,” Asher says. “This’ll only take a few minutes.” He heads for the door.

  Once Asher’s gone, Narowyn and I take chairs in the sitting area again. Her eyes seek out mine. “Jaden, this is a very courageous thing you’re doing. I’m certain you are heartbroken to leave your Ryder and your chosen home. As you know, I’ve experienced a similar separation, though not against my will or accompanied by violence. I cannot tell you that it won’t be painful for a very long time. But I can tell you that you will survive and come to know happiness again. We will do everything in our power to make your transition to Arumel as pleasant as possible, and rest assured you’ll be safe with us.”

  “Thank you.” The heaviness of it all sinks deep into my bones. “I saw you in the crowd at Queen Eleanor’s Farewell Celebration,” I say. “It was kind of you to come.”

  “I was concerned for your wellbeing, and wished to convey my support, but without interfering.”

  I nod. “You knew all along I’d be coming back to live in Arumel, didn’t you? I saw it in your eyes the last time I was here.”

  She rests her elbows on the arms of her chair, lacing her fingers together. “I didn’t know it, of course. But after meeting with you, I suspected you might be the one of whom the Auguaries spoke. You have a very intense and colorful energy field.”

  “You can see it?”

  She shrugs. “It’s a minor talent. After many years of dwelling with Transcenders, I’ve become more sensitive to it. In any event, Jaden, the moment you’re safely established here in Arumel, we’ll file papers with the IGC Court setting forth the deceptive and illegal behavior of IUGA in this matter. We’ll make certain the court understands that the agency poses a threat to you, and we’ll ask for all appropriate protections.”

  “Okay. It would be nice not to have to be looking over my shoulder at all times.”

  “Good. Now, may we discuss your family in Connecticut for a moment?”

  “What’s there to talk about? Ralston says I can’t go back or I’ll be in danger.” My voice quavers, and I lower my head, hiding my watery eyes.

  “While it may be true that you can no longer safely reside there, I believe we can arrange a short-term visit for you.”

  My head pops up. “What do you mean?’

  “You’re due to graduate high school in a few weeks, aren’t you?”

  “Yes.”

  “It may be possible for you to return home and be with your family until you graduate. I wouldn’t expect IUGA to attempt anything after we file our court papers, but we would need to be certain you are adequately protected. In the meantime, we’ll work on a cover story for you. One that will allow you to visit home occasionally.”

  “Like Asher does? You think that’s possible?” My pulse picks up.

  “Yes. I believe we can come up with something that will work quite nicely.”

  “Oh my god. That would be fantastic.” My spirits are instantly lightened. “I’m not sure I can handle losing everything all at once.”

  She reaches over and pats my knee. “I know, dear. We shall endeavor to find ways to take some of the sting out of this. Let me see what I can do.”

  “You don’t know how much I appreciate that.”

  We get to our feet, and Narowyn hugs me tightly. I lean into her soaking up her maternal warmth and floral scent. I don’t remember ever needing a hug so much. She’s given me a tiny sliver of hope. Home sounds like heaven right now … even if only for a short time.

  We walk together to her door. “Peace be with you, little sister,” she says. “Be safe and check in every day or two at a minimum, please.” She kisses both my cheeks.

  “I will, and thanks … for everything.”

  Asher waits in the hallway, a small black device in his hand. He holds it out so I can see its face. It looks like a fat stubby iPhone. “This works a lot like your cell phones at home.” He touches the display and it lights up with a menu. “I’ve programmed our numbers in here.” He touches the Dir button and a list of names appears. In addition to his, I see Narowyn, Captain Watterson, and Urick.

  “Press a name and choose a function. The voice only works if you’re on an earth that has communications satellites.” He goes back to the menu and points to a silhouette of a talking head. “In Domerica, you’ll only be able to script me.” He touches the abc button and a keypad appears.

  “Okay, that looks easy enough,” I say.

  “It’s got photo and video too, if you need them. Oh, and if you’re in Arumel City, you can press this red button on the side and the device works like an instacom.”

  “A what?”

  “I believe on your earth it’s called a talkie-walkie. Anyway, it gives you immediate contact in case of an emergency or something.”

  I smile, but don’t correct him. “Gotcha.”

  He places the polycom in my palm and closes his own warm hand around mine. “We won’t let anything happen to you, Jade, I promise.” He’s close enough that I feel the heat radiating from his body.

  “I’m so sorry for what you’re going through,” he says, “but I’d be lying if I said I was sorry that you’re not getting married.”

  I tug my hand away and take a step back. “I’m still getting married, Ash.”

  “How do you plan to do that?” An edge of irritation slices through his words. “You just finished telling us your wedding ends in the apocalypse and you barely escape by the seat of your pants.”

  “I’m marrying Ryder tomorrow. When he gets back from Old Unicoi.”

  “Seriously? That’s the most crazy ass thing I’ve ever heard. You’ll be married, what … three or four days? And then you’re just going to bail on the guy? Real nice.”

  “It’s not like I have a choice about leaving.” My annoyance level quickly surpasses his. “I love him, Ash. I want this for me. Can’t you understand that?”

  He shakes his head sadly. “No, I can’t. But let me know how it works out for you. We need to meet after you’ve spoken with your father … if you can tear yourself away from your honeymoon, that is.” He wheels around and stalks off down the hall. I stare at his retreating back, shaking my head. The last thing I need right now is attitude from Asher. He may be a few years older than I am, but sometimes he acts like such a baby.

  I flip open my TPD bracelet, touch the virtual key for my office back in Domerica, and Zzzt, I’m gone.

  FOUR

  Ralston sits with a book in his lap and a cup of tea next to his chair. He raises his head as I land softly back inside my office. “There you are, my dear,” he says. “How did it go?”

  “It was okay.” I pour myself a cup of tea and take a huge slice of chocolate cake. “I met with several people. They’re going to help us. They weren’t completely shocked by the news. They’d already heard some weird prophesies about a Transcender taking down IUGA. It’s all part of some social movement on their earth—volitionists, or something like that.”

  He sets aside his book. “That’s remarkable. What kind of prophesies?”

  I take the chair next to his. “Narowyn said some group called the Auguaries made them. I don’t really understand it, but supposedly the people in the universe who advocate directing and controlling destiny for the greater good are going to be defeated by the free will movement. I guess that means the scumbags at IUGA will be out of work soon.”

  Ralston sips at his tea. “I’m afraid it’s all become very politicized these days. Because of IUGA’s proficiency in predicting future events over the last centuries, the agency has assumed a role as a kind of director of human affairs. Many people believe it has overstepped its bounds and abused its authority.”

  “So, it acts kind of like Big Brother?”
I say with a mouthful of luscious cake.

  “Yes, in the sense that it attempts to control destiny in a way it believes is best for the common good. But whenever an entity takes it upon itself to foist its values and vision upon the general populace, the endeavor is doomed to fail. The human spirit will not be denied. Free will and righteousness will inevitably prevail.”

  “If you say so, Rals, but honestly, I’m just trying to stay alive until Sunday.”

  “Your priorities are sound, my dear. Saving lives must be our number one goal.”

  I wash down the cake with a swallow of tea. “Speaking of that, Narowyn has agreed to transport you to Arumel. You can live at Chateau du Soleil. She says they have a place for you.”

  “Excellent. I am eternally indebted to you, Jaden. Most people wouldn’t bother with …”

  “Don’t even say it, Rals. You’re saving my life and Ryder’s and Father’s and Drew’s. I can never repay you. You could’ve just let me sign those papers. You could’ve just let us die.”

  “You know I could never do that.” His eyes shine with a determined glow.

  “Hey Rals, did you know the Transcenders have a police force?”

  “I had heard of it. Yes.”

  “They’re going to try to get one of their officers, a big mean looking dude, to join up with the Noirs. The Captain says if they can get him on the inside, he can lead the black knights to the tower room and make sure no one takes any potshots at me before I do my cannonball off the rail.”

  “That’s brilliant. It will be most helpful to have a cool head and strong ally on the scene.”

  “Yeah, that’s what Narowyn thinks.” I yawn loudly. “Let’s talk more in the morning. I need some rest. Tomorrow’s going to be a big day.” My heartbeat goes all kind of jagged when I think of seeing Ryder and asking him to marry me.

  * * *

  Ralston and I go over our plans once again in the morning before I meet with General LeGare. I trust Charles. He was unwaveringly loyal to—and not-so-secretly in love with—my mother before she died. He’d never betray my confidence, but he might inadvertently let something slip to the wrong person, or non-person, so I keep my visit with him short and light.

  He’s flattered when I ask him to join us for a family dinner at Meadowood, and readily accepts. It’s good to see him smile. Since Mother’s death, he seems to have lost his usual swagger. I hope he can muster up some of his old chutzpah for this operation.

  Up in my room, I pull out a bag and begin packing for my trip. Maria knocks on my door as I tuck the box containing Ryder’s ring in with the rest of my things. She carries my Skorplings in her arms.

  “Hey guys.” Ethel reaches out for me, and Fred hops onto my back and grasps a handful of my hair.

  Ethel wears her favorite miniature pink dress. She touches a gray furry hand to my cheek. “Jay, go for walk?” she says in her tiny melodic voice.

  “Sorry Sweetie, I can’t go today. I have some things to do.”

  Fred bounces up and down on my back. “Walk, walk, walk,” he chants.

  “Fred, quit.” I pull him off my back and set him on the floor. He makes a beeline for my bed and burrows under the mounds of pillows.

  “Are you traveling somewhere, Your Majesty?” Maria asks eyeing my bag.

  “Yes, just a short trip to see Drew and Adelais. I’ll be back tomorrow evening.”

  “May I do something to help you?”

  “If you have time to take these guys for a walk, I’d appreciate it.”

  “Of course.”

  “Ethel, I’ll see you tomorrow,” I say. She plunks a tiny wet kiss on my nose.

  Maria fishes Fred out from beneath my pillows and takes Ethel in her other arm. “You two be good,” I call as she carries them out my door. I make a mental note to leave written instructions for what happens to the Skorplings after I’m gone. They’re so sweet and loving. I want to make certain they’re well taken care of.

  Shortly before noon, I glimpse Ryder passing through the palace gates, and I race down the front steps to greet him. He leaps from his horse and sweeps me up in his arms, kissing me sweetly. He smells of fresh air, road dust, and newly mown hay. His smile is wide and boyish, his deep blue eyes glitter.

  “I missed you,” he says, holding me close.

  “Same here.”

  I soak in his unrestrained joy, but my heart aches with the knowledge that within minutes I’ll have to lay out the heavy facts of our precarious predicament, and we’ll be forced to face the seriousness of our shaky future. I wish with every fiber of my being that I could make this euphoric moment last—spend an hour or two pretending our fairytale is really coming true. But we have no time for that. We’re expected at Meadowood in a few hours, and we have a battle to plan.

  “Come inside, love,” I say. “Ralston and I need to speak with you.”

  Sensing something’s up, his expression changes quickly to one of concern. Taking my face into his hands, his eyes bore into mine. “What is it, Jade? What is wrong?”

  I scan the courtyard busy with workers and palace staff, paranoid that someone will overhear us. “Let’s discuss it inside.”

  Ralston greets us at the door. “Ah, Chief Blackthorn, so happy you have returned safely.” The men shake hands. “Perhaps Her Majesty’s office would be the most appropriate place to have our discussion,” he says. We walk in tense silence up the stairway to my office.

  The moment Ralston closes the door, Ryder turns to me. “Why the secrecy, love? Do not keep me in suspense a moment longer.”

  “Please sit for a minute, we have something to tell you,” I say.

  He perches on the edge of an armchair, and I take the seat facing his. Ralston stands stiffly beside my chair.

  “We received word yesterday from very reliable sources that Dome Noir is planning an attack on Warrington Palace on our wedding day. They already have a large fighting force inside Domerica, and when Prince Gilbert arrives a few days from now he’s bringing reinforcements and additional firearms.”

  He snorts a small laugh. “How can Dome Noir have a sizeable army already inside Domerica? Who are these reliable sources?”

  I have an answer ready for this question. “They’re the same sources who told me the whereabouts of the Skorplings after they’d been kidnapped. So I trust them completely. The squad of black knights who tried to assassinate me a few weeks ago was a small faction of this army. Apparently Damien’s remaining men have been quietly amassing a militia over the past months. My sources have also provided us with very specific information as to where they are holed up.”

  Ryder rakes a hand through his hair, his handsome face now marred with fury, his legs bouncing nervously. “Have you confirmed any of this? Where are they hiding?”

  I cut my eyes to Ralston. “They’re spread out in a series of interconnected caves in the Northern Hills,” he says. “We have a map.” He pulls a folded map from his jacket pocket and gives it to Ryder.

  “We haven’t confirmed it yet,” I say. “We hoped you could help with that—maybe have some of your trackers locate the caves and gather as much information as possible without tipping them off that we’re onto them. We’re told if they learn that we’ve uncovered their plot, the Noir army has been instructed to attack the palace and hold it until Prince Gilbert arrives.”

  Ryder unfolds the map and studies it a moment. “I see,” he says softly. His legs become still. The adrenaline spike seems to wane a bit. “If this is true, we must act with haste. I will have my best men investigate at once.”

  I place my hand lightly on his knee. “I’ve asked Father to meet us at Meadowood tonight. He and Drew need to know about this, and … well, Ralston and I have sketched out a plan that we think will work if we can bring your warriors and the Enclave army together to help us. The Noirs are counting on confronting only the Royal Guard.”

  He leans forward in his chair refolding the map. “Certainly, if we coordinate efforts we have a greater chance of
success. But when do you intend to have General LeGare ready your soldiers?”

  “Let’s discuss the timing tonight. He’ll be at the meeting too. Will you come?”

  “Of course. But I must go to Unicoi first and dispatch my trackers to locate this hideout.” He bursts out of his chair and stuffs the map into his pocket. Good Lord, the man can’t sit still.

  “Don’t run off yet,” I say, standing. “I have something else important to speak with you about.”

  I glance at Ralston. He takes his cue and coughs lightly into his hand. “If you two will excuse me, I’ll fetch my things and meet you downstairs.”

  Taking Ryder’s hands in mine, I feel him vibrating with tension. “Ryder, look at me.”