by Samuel Fort
Chapter 33 - Green Light
Moros bore a triumphant expression. “The Families have directed that Lilitu be stopped. Tonight we assault Ridley’s abode.”
Nizrok was flummoxed. “Stopped, Lord Moros? From what?”
“From whatever she is planning, obviously.”
Nizrok was baffled. “But surely you are wrong,” he protested. “I have read today’s scripts. There is no reference to such an attack.”
“Nor would there be, because those scripts are sent to the very people who must be killed. This will be ‘off the radar.’”
Nizrok held his arms out. “Then how shall the attack be orchestrated? How shall the Ardoon be manipulated without a script?”
“There will be no script and no Ardoon,” said Moros. “This will be an internal action. That is why you are here, Lord Nizrok. How many Peth-Allati are at your command in this region?”
Wide-eyed, the other Peth said, “We cannot attack another member of the Seven!”
Moros pulled a large envelope with a wax seal from the other side of the table and slid it toward the other man. “As of this morning, Lilitu is Maqtu, as are any who willingly associate with her. The Families have said so.”
“Really? Why has Lilitu been designated as Maqtu?”
“That,” said Moros, less triumphantly, “I do not know. But it gives credence to my suspicion that the whore and her associates are planning something. I do not say that their plan would have worked - in truth, I cannot imagine what it is. Yet if the Families are aware of it and concerned, it is a matter that must be dealt with immediately. Tonight.”
Nizrok was troubled. “This is most unusual.”
“These are unusual times,” replied Moros solemnly. “How many troops do you have?”
“Here? Only my personal guard and commanders. Fifty-three Peth. You?”
“Fifty-nine.”
Nizrok frowned, not liking where this was going. His personal guard consisted of elite Peth whom he had hand-selected for their loyalty. The senior Peth of each kingdom, which included not only him but also Moros, Disparthian, Belusmar, and three others, were allotted up to sixty such guards. While well concealed, they were always near their master. These elite guards also protected the praetors, the commanders of each Peth lords’s legions. Five praetors orbited each lord, and each commanded a thousand Peth around the globe at their master’s behest.
“Are you using Peth from any of the other kingdoms?”
Shaking his head, Moros said, “No. I can’t chance word reaching Lilitu, and the larger the operation the greater the chance that might occur. In truth, I have doubts about Belusmar, who seemed unenthusiastic when we last met. Disparthian is too insubordinate and there is no time to summon Peth from the other kingdoms. This mission will be carried out by you and me, old friend. But do not worry – you will not need to commit your praetors. The guards will suffice.”
“But do you think it prudent for us to send our personal guards on a combat mission? The Maqtu might be crushed as a fighting force but many of their assassins still roam the streets. With the collapse approaching, they will be particularly zealous. Besides, our guards are trained and equipped to protect us and defend our abodes - not to conduct assaults.”
Moros shook his head. “Do not underestimate our protectors. They were in the field conducting combat missions for many years before they became our guards. Granted, they won’t have the efficiency or coherency of a unit trained to conduct assaults, but consider our opponent! A hotel full of academics and blue bloods. A hundred seasoned Peth are more than adequate for such a small operation, guards or not. Even with the bitch present,” he added, referring, the other man knew, to Fiela.
“Wouldn’t it be easier,” asked Nizrok, unconvinced, “to simply plant a bomb or two and set them to detonate during the reception?”
“Yes, but the Families desire the capture of Lilitu and her followers.”
“Capturing is far more difficult than killing.”
“True, but keep in mind that we have a particularly docile and lethargic target group. They will be like sheep in a pen once they have gathered for the reception.”
“What shall be done with them?”
“They are to be turned over to the Families for trial. Most will be executed while others, the politically useful ones, may be allowed to live. Deals will be made.” The Peth sighed. “The politicians have spoken. Even Lilitu must be kept alive – for now. She is to be executed publicly, with much fanfare.”
“What of Ridley and Lilian’s husband?”
“They are to be killed on sight. The Families plan to remove the Ardoon from our history so a public execution is counterproductive, and the Sage is too well-loved to execute, so must be ‘collateral damage.’”
“I assume Fiela will be turned over with Lilitu?”
The other man smiled darkly. “No. Fiela is to be mine. She is my reward.”
Nizrok understood that to mean that Fiela would be offered the choice of marrying Moros or being brutalized. Surely the man didn’t think it would be so easy, though? The girl would die before allowing either to happen.
As off-handedly as possible, he said, “It goes without saying that we shall both be present for the surrender of Lilitu.”
Looking offended, Moros spread his arms wide and said, “My friend, we shall share that glory. In fact, you are to escort dignitaries of the other Houses to Steepleguard so that each of the seven kingdoms may share in the victory that marks the end of this epoch.”
“And the start of the next,” added Nizrok.
“Of course,” said Moros, studying the back of his hand. “That, too.”
