by D. B. Goodin
“Here Nigel,” April said, trusting the blade into one of his hands.
He thrust the blade at the writhing appendage, then stabbed it repeatedly. Roars of pain and frustration emanated from the creature. Nigel lost his footing and almost got bitten by another set of fangs that seemed to grow from the creature at an alarming rate.
April screamed as an outstretched piece of flesh with a mouth snapped at her face. Nigel cut it off the creature. The mouth-thing dissolved as soon as it hit the floor.
At least I can hurt it.
“Let’s get out of here,” Nigel yelled.
“Un-Por-Vet,” Jet said.
A blue oval appeared, and April jumped into the portal. Nigel hesitated for a moment. His heart was throbbing, and his breathing quickened.
Oh no, I can’t freeze up now. Move, Nige!
The blue oval began flashing.
“We have little time left, the portal is collapsing,” Jet said.
He moved toward the portal but hesitated just before entering. Jet tackled him, and the two dove headlong into the blue, shimmering expanse.
Nigel hit the ground hard but got his body into a controlled roll. April and Jet barely seemed to exit as the portal closed. A scream of anguish nearly deafened Nigel. The portal disappeared, but half of the dark denizen flopped around on the ground like a fish. Jet squashed it with her staff.
The trio took a moment to rest.
“Where are we?” Nigel said, looking around.
“We are at the Garden of Light,” April said.
“Look,” Jet said, pointing to a giant edifice.
“Where did that come from?” Nigel said.
“The gardens do not always show themselves to nonbelievers,” April said.
A structure with many spiraling columns made of alabaster appeared before the trio of travelers. The terraced complex reminded Nigel of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. A waterfall poured from the top of the enormous construct, which seemed to be obscured by clouds.
An old man dressed in tattered white robes approached the group.
“Are you the redeemer?” he asked.
Jet stared at the old man. “I’m just a humble Magi, at your service.” Jet bowed.
“Come. The Council of Nine is convening now, and we require your assistance.”
The old man strode toward the terrace.
“What is the Council of Nine?” Nigel asked.
“Well, if they are meeting, then the world of the Colossal Machine is failing, and soon the constructs will crumble,” Jet said.
“Constructs? What are you talking about?”
She ignored Nigel and followed the old man. She appeared to be in a trance. Nigel and April followed closely behind.
Chapter 5
Meanwhile, somewhere in the Tatra Mountains
Dahlia gazed upon the mountain’s splendor from her office in the chateau. It had been a challenging year since the battle of the island that cost her so much. Her life had changed forever that day. Although she would never admit it to anyone else, she lost part of her soul when her only child and his father were murdered by Jeremiah Mason. She shook off the memory.
It’s not the time to reflect. I must check on the girls.
Moments later she strode down the path that led to the training area. As Dahlia watched two young women fight, she suppressed the pang of regret and nurtured the seeds of hope. One was taller than the other. The taller girl had a long wooden staff, and the other fought with her bare hands. Dahlia paid particular attention to the unarmed girl; she was not afraid of getting hit with the staff—quite the opposite. Neither wore any protective gear, as Dahlia had insisted they fight as they would on the street: with limited protection.
Vedrana and Eva are only fifteen, and they fight like pros.
Although she preferred a bladed weapon, Vedrana wielded the staff with precision. She missed Eva’s head by mere centimeters. The girl ducked, then countered the sudden motion with a swift punch to Vedrana’s side.
“Protect that midsection,” Dahlia chided.
Vedrana blocked Eva’s continued advances with the staff. Although she blocked each thrust, she couldn't regain her advantage. Eva switched fighting stances and missed a blow to the head. Eva continued her upward thrust, and Vedrana attempted to block it but was too late. A roundhouse kick sent Vedrana staggering. Eva kept coming. She threw another punch. It connected with the other girl’s head with a thud. She tried to hit the girl again but was blocked. Eva switched tactics and tried striking low, but Vedrana expected this move and hit Eva on the knuckles. Eva let out a cry but didn’t give up. She straightened her posture, took in a deep breath, and watched as the other girl attacked with the staff. Eva waited for the right moment before striking the staff in its center. It snapped like a twig. Vedrana shot Eva a wicked smile before dual wielding the two pieces of the broken staff. Eva went on the offensive. She threw a series of blows, and half of them landed on the tall girl’s ribs, arms, and head. She managed to land two blows with the broken pieces of the staff, but neither seemed to bother the unarmed girl.
“Enough!” Dahlia said.
The girls both faced her but otherwise didn’t move. Dahlia examined the girls. Each had several cuts, bruises, and scrapes; some of the wounds looked painful and blood oozed from many of them, but the girls stood motionless.
“Why do you think I’m training you so hard?”
The trainees remained silent.
Dahlia pointed to the tall girl. “Vedrana—answer the question.”
“It’s not a matter of difficulty, but how we focus on the target that matters,” the girl replied.
Vedrana shook her head to get the excess hair out of her eyes. It got caught in a light breeze.
She is both a beauty and a beast.
Vedrana’s gaze was unwavering. Her ready stance reminded Dahlia of the young girl she’d been in Czechoslovakia all those years ago, before she’d became the infamous Black Heart.
“What is your full name?” Dahlia asked the tall girl.
“Vedrana Cizerle, Madam.”
Dahlia nodded her approval at the girl’s proper use of her title; most of the other girls didn’t. Dahlia turned her gaze to the shorter, but no less able opponent. She had had long hair, but kept it tied up. She looked frail, but Dahlia could see the muscles in her arms. Dahlia had seen her train many times.
“And your name?”
“Eva Zidarn, Madam.”
These are the two best fighters I’ve seen. They will come with me to the meeting with the Cabal.
“Both of you will serve as my associates for the next conference.”
The girls shared a look, but their expressions didn’t change.
Dahlia bowed without taking her eyes off the girls. They returned the gesture.
“Report to Blanka just before the dinner bell—she has your first assignment ready.”
The girls nodded before continuing their training.
My girls are almost ready. Soon they will pass the ultimate test and become my lieutenants.
Dahlia watched the girls for several moments before taking her leave.
About ten minutes later, the two girls faced each other, bowed, and put away their weapons.
“How do you feel to be chosen for Madam’s assistant?” Eva asked, handing Vedrana a dry towel.
“It’s not our place to analyze or to question Madam Dahlia. We are mere tools to help the madam, and I’m honored to do my part,” Vedrana replied.
“At least we will see beyond this encampment. I’m eager to venture beyond these walls. I have been viewing articles and recordings of large metropolitan cities, such as New York and London.”
“If a mission requires us to leave this place, I’ll do my part.”
“Exciting, isn’t it?”
Vedrana smiled. “I must admit I’m a little curious to see other places, but our duty comes first. Come on, Blanka will be waiting. I don’t want to be late for our first official assignment.
”
“Race you to the showers,” Eva said.
Vedrana bolted toward the path leading to the main trailing plaza. She ran up the steep incline with little effort. She glanced back to see Eva just behind her. The girls ran past several other girls who were performing various exercises. The preparatory building was next to the dormitories; Vedrana estimated it was about three hundred meters from their starting point and she wasn’t even breaking a sweat.
At the baths, the girls washed up using ancient showers. Vedrana’s skin reacted to the cool afternoon air against her body. The hard water peppered her, and, despite the cold, it was refreshing. The girls dried, then tended to their wounds, dressed, and made their way to the primary building to meet Blanka, their new master.
At five minutes to six, Vedrana and Eva checked in at the administration desk and asked for Blanka. A woman escorted the girls to a nearby bar. Blanka sat near the back at a round table with three comfortable-looking chairs. Blanka pointed to the two empty seats.
“I see you are underdressed for the occasion,” Blanka said.
Eva gave Vedrana a look of surprise; it was a subtle tell, but Vedrana knew her sparring partner well enough to detect it. Most people wouldn’t have noticed, but one of Eva’s tells was that her right eyebrow raised when she was surprised.
“We were not told this was to be a formal meeting. We were only told to meet you at six o’clock,” Vedrana said.
Blanka smiled.
“You were correct. No one told you what to wear, but as Mother’s chosen you should have expected any meeting before a meal would be more formal than the training rags you wear. I’ll brief you on your first mission, and then you will get properly dressed and meet me in the main dining room. As of now, you no longer dine with the other girls,” Blanka said.
“Question. Will we travel for this mission?” Eva asked.
“Travel is not required, as your mission is local. Now be quiet and let me explain.”
Vedrana urged Blanka to continue.
“You have mastered the art of fighting with various weapons. Your first mission requires subtlety and cunning. The local magistrate has invited two ladies from our facility to help in a matter of need.”
“Need?” Vedrana asked.
“He has a penchant for girls with red hair,” Blanka said, looking at Vedrana.
She got up and examined both girls.
“I think you will be the one who will lead the seduction,” Blanka said, pointing to Vedrana.
“Why can’t I do it?” Eva demanded.
“Both of you girls are the same age, but Vedrana looks at least a year older. So, she is better suited to lead the mission. Don’t worry, you shall have a part to play. Now get ready and meet me at the main dining hall in ten minutes.”
Vedrana and Eva waited in the chateau’s bar at the appointed time.
“Are you ready for your first mission?” Eva said.
Vedrana stared at the mahogany wood paneling. She remembered reading somewhere that the wood was so popular it was almost extinct. The United States had classified the wood as an endangered species.
“Vedrana, you seem out of sorts. Are you up for the mission?” Eva said in a concerned tone.
“Of course.”
“You’d better be ready. I’ll drive you when I feel you’re up for the mission. Tell me, are you ready?” a voice asked.
Vedrana glanced in Blanka’s direction. She hadn’t even sensed the woman was close.
I need to avoid making simple mistakes, Vedrana admonished herself.
Blanka gave Vedrana a skeptical look.
“Repeat the plan,” Blanka said.
“Tomáš Rybár is the magistrate of the local township. Eva and I will meet the magistrate at his villa. He is expecting the company of two beautiful young women. I will distract Tomáš with my charms. He is known to let alcohol get the better of him, so I’ll slip him some of this,” Vedrana said while fishing a small vial out of her bra. She held it up for Blanka. “When he awakes, he will think he drank too much and passed out. Meanwhile, we will look for the flash drive.”
“Remind me why the flash drive is so important?” Blanka chided.
“It contains information we need,” Vedrana said.
“And what is Eva’s role in this?”
Eva started to say something, but Blanka held up a hand to silence her. “Let Vedrana answer.”
“She will replace the key?” Vedrana said.
“Close. As mission lead, you not only need to be aware of what you are doing, but aware of every member of your team. Eva will fetch the verification device from behind a potted plant in the Magistrate’s study. The device is easy to use, but she needs to hurry, since the drug that the Magistrate consumes will wear off in minutes. It’s a low dose that will make him disoriented. It will help sell the story of him being drunk. You also left out the part where you need to be nearby when he wakes. Eva will be busy planting the decoy,” Blanka said.
Vedrana pushed down a feeling of revulsion.
I just need to let this pig of a man think he is having his way with me while I play along, giving Eva enough time to switch the device? Vedrana thought. I can and will do that—I will not disappoint Madam Dahlia in her time of need.
Blanka made Vedrana and Eva go over the plan two more times before it satisfied her. Their already limited time was slipping away.
An hour later, Blanka pulled up to the villa that the Magistrate was assigned on the outskirts of Zakopane, near the edge of the Tatra Mountains. The sun was setting in the western hemisphere, and golden rays of light shot out between breaks in the clouds. Vedrana was wearing a black dress cut so high that much of her legs were visible. It was much too cold for the attire, but it was sexy. Eva wore a similar dress; it was dark blue. She wore bright red lipstick, which was a contrast to Vedrana’s look of no makeup.
“You girls look ravishing, but don’t let the bastard touch you,” Blanka said as the girls got out and she sped away into the fading sunlight.
“You must be the Magistrate’s dinner companions,” a female voice said.
The girls looked in the voice’s direction. A small middle-aged woman with short-cropped black hair examined them.
Vedrana nodded.
“Come, follow me,” the woman urged.
Vedrana and Eva followed the woman into an enormous chateau. Vedrana counted at least twelve servants on the way to the magister’s study. As she entered the villa, Vedrana made a mental note of each entrance and escape route. Eva made some similar calculations. The furnishings looked worn and well used. The villa couldn’t escape its nature any more than Vedrana could escape being who she was: a natural-born predator and killer. The magister’s study was elegant. It contained pieces of artwork and antique furniture.
“Welcome, and thank you for the honor of visiting me in person. It is so rare that people as young as yourselves still pay attention to the old ways,” a middle-aged man said.
“The magister, I presume?” Vedrana said.
“Come,” he said. “Join me for a cocktail.”
After dinner, the magister made a signal. Moments later, a servant brought a stringed instrument to the magister. He dismissed his staff, then strode over to his lovely guests. He arranged himself into a serenading position, then started playing. The sound was captivating.
Is that a mandolin? Vedrana wondered. Maybe this magister isn’t so bad after all.
The performance lasted for what seemed like an eternity. Vedrana glanced at Eva, who had a blank expression. After the performance, the magister bowed, and the girls applauded. The magister finished his drink, then stumbled a little as he led them into his sitting room.
He’s drunk . . . good. Now I just need to slip him the nectar.
The magister turned, then kissed Vedrana. She could smell the alcohol—almost taste it—on his breath. His tongue darted around in her mouth like a fish out of water. She repressed the wave of revulsion, pushing it far away. The mission
was the only thing that mattered.
Vedrana smiled and unbuttoned the top portion of her dress, revealing her bra. The magister’s breath changed and sweat beaded on his brow.
Eva tripped and spilled a drink on the magister. For a moment, his expression changed to what looked like anger, but after a moment he laughed.
“Here, let me freshen your drink,” Vedrana said.
“Please do,” the magister said while removing his shirt.
Vedrana took his empty glass, then sauntered to the nearby bar built into one of the many furnishings. Eva kissed the magister while Vedrana prepared his special drink. The middle-aged man pawed at Eva’s breasts, and she gave him a light slap.
“I don’t like to rush, take your time,” Eva scolded.
The magistrate gave Eva a cool look.
“Have another drink while we get ready,” Vedrana said, handing the drink to the already drunk man.
He gulped the drink. “Take off your clothes, now!” he demanded.
He’s a mean drunk—he will be sorry.
Vedrana removed her dress. The magister gaped at the young naked body. He patted his lap, signaling for her to join him; but by the time Vedrana got close, the magister was out. Moments later, the magister dropped the empty glass. He was out faster than she thought possible.
“He was pawing at me for far too long. I thought you would never fix that drink,” Eva said.
Vedrana dressed as Eva pulled the fake flash drive from her bosom.
Eva hurried to the magister’s desk. After a moment of searching the messy desk, she found the safe.
“Biometric lock. We need to get him over to the safe,” Eva said.
With some effort, Vedrana and Eva dragged the man to the safe. They tried each finger. The safe wouldn’t open. The magister stirred. Eva shoved the magister’s fingers, one by one, on the biometric sensor. It still wouldn’t open.
“What are we going to do now?” Eva said.
