The Fenimeldiyaan: Displaced Time - Chapter 4

“I don’t like the look of this area” Elaine remarked, keeping her hand on her dagger as she looked around at the dilapidated houses and boarded up shops.  “It reminds me of some of the poor districts in Vordelle where Elsa and I would hide after we’d stolen something”.

Anwyn pointed towards the next street.  “Elsa’s trail be getting stronger now.  She can’t be far away”.

The two women walked along in silence.  Elaine worried about what state Elsa might be in and whether her baby had been harmed.  Anwyn used her crystal senses to scan each of the big old houses for Elsa’s mind signature.

“In there”.  Anwyn stopped outside one of the larger houses.  “She ain’t alone though.  There be at least four others with her.  None of them have powers but we still need to be careful”.

“What do you suggest?” Elaine asked, inspecting the house for the easiest way in.

“I can’t translocate us in there as I don’t know the interior layout” Anwyn replied.  “I’ll have to merge with the fabric of the building and sneak us in that way.  Twill be unpleasant, worse than a mind merge, but twill give us the advantage.  Once we be inside, we’ll go invisible and check the place out”.

Elaine grimaced.  “Can’t we just pick the lock or force a window open?”

Anwyn shook her head.  “Twould make too much noise and lose us the advantage.  Stealth be better”.

Elaine watched with a mixture of revulsion and fascination while Anwyn plunged one hand into the brickwork.  Gradually the Carpathian woman’s body seemed to melt and merge into the structure of the old house.  When only one arm remained, she reached out and grabbed Elaine’s arm, pulling her in.

When they emerged, Elaine felt as though she had been trampled on by a herd of wild animals.  Her entire body ached and her legs wobbled when she let go of the wall and moved out into the middle of the room.

They had arrived in a sitting room.  The décor looked a little shabby but in far better condition than they had expected, given the dismal state of the exterior.

Voices could be heard in the hallway.  A moment later, two men entered the room.  One had his hair slicked back into a tail and wore a smart suit, while the other had his hair loose and wore nondescript casual clothing.

“I don’t trust the authorities anymore than I trust the slave traders” the suited man said.  “However, I’ve no wish to announce meself to the State Police, even if I be doing me good citizen’s duty by turning the Silvereye woman in.  Given her exotic looks, she’d fetch a pretty price in the slave markets.  Eyes like hers ain’t exactly commonplace”.

Anwyn tapped Elaine on the arm and sent a telepathic transmission to her.  “Rogue Carpathians.  They be planning to sell yer sister in the slave markets”.

Elaine scowled but made no reply.  While she could understand telepathic communication, she could not project back and dared not risk even the faintest whisper.

“Time to pull rank, methinks!” Anwyn announced.  “I know ye want to rip their heads off but I don’t want them seeing ye yet.  Trust me, I know how to deal with upstarts like these two”.

She banished her invisibility spell and approached the man in the suit.  “Elsa Silvereye belongs to me and I demand that ye return her”.

“Ye have no right to be making demands of me, woman!” the suited man yelled.  “Who be ye and how did ye manage to get inside me safe house without tripping any alarms?”

Anwyn laughed, enjoying the man’s obvious discomfort.  “I have every right to demand the return of me property.  I be Lady Anwyn Lyandra Menehari-Cesario, Matriarch of the Cesario family and representative of the Inner Circle Alliance.  And as for how I got in, twas too easy.  Ye need to train yer security team better”.

“That name again, boss” the other man prompted.  “Cesario”.

The man in the suit glared at his colleague.  “Nothing wrong with me hearing, Rocco”.  He then addressed Anwyn.  “Never heard of the Cesario name until Elsa Silvereye mentioned it.  But every Carpathian has heard of the Menehari family.  If ye be a Menehari, then that makes us enemies.  I be Lord Ambrogino Auguiste.  Elsa Silvereye were caught trespassing in me territory.  That makes her me property by default”.

“Ye have no honour, Lord Auguiste” Anwyn declared.  “Twould seem that ye be no different from previous generations of yer family.  I have prior claim over Elsa.  If ye be seeking to challenge me, twould mean going up against the entire Inner Circle.  Be ye prepared for that?”

At the same time, she projected to Elaine.  “Go and find Elsa.  She be in the next room along.  Another goon be guarding her.  Although these men be poorly trained, don’t take any unnecessary risks”.

Still invisible, Elaine hurried away, eager to find her sister.

“The Inner Circle, eh?” Ambrogino mused.  “The Silvereye woman did claim to be under the protection of the Inner Circle, but I thought she were lying.  After all, what would someone from outside the Fenian Galaxy know about the Carpathian Way?”

“She knows plenty” Anwyn asserted.  “Our husbands happen to be good friends.  They’ve been on many missions together and the Silvereyes have earned the trust and support of the Inner Circle through their brave and honourable actions”.  She paused, allowing her eyes to take on a sinister blood-red glow.  “I forgot to mention, Lord Auguiste, that I be a powerful sorceress of the Vyrdigaan Order as well as Matriarch of the Cesario.  I have an offer for ye.  A chance to become better than yer forebears.  Tis well-documented that the Auguiste have a long history of involvement in the slave trade.  I be here on a mission trying to track down some other important personages who have been captured by slave traders.  Unless ye want me to blast ye to oblivion on the spot, ye’ll divulge the names of all slave traders operating in this city, those ye deal with and those who ye avoid.  Co-operate or die.  Yer choice!”

She released a bolt of energy towards Ambrogino, halting it at the last moment before it made contact with him. 

With a shaking hand he traced a circle in the air and bowed his head.  “I accept, Lady Menehari-Cesario”.

He grabbed his tablet and called up a document from one of his business report files.  “These be the ones I deal with”.  He then showed her a different document.  “These be the others”.

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A short while later, Gyul returned.  “I have news for you.  I have found out who stole the child from me.  It changes my position a little.  I realise that you have no reason to trust me and no reason to want to help me, but if you care about the girl, I strongly urge you to consider my offer”.

Rachel sat upright and gave the man a hostile glare.  “What offer?”

Gyul smiled.  “The man who stole her be a disgruntled client of mine.  He has already made me an offer for all three of you, but twas far below your true worth.  I turned him down, but twould seem that he be determined to possess you.  He plans to use you as attack dogs to bring down an enemy of his.  His powers of sorcery be stronger than mine, so I can’t take him on alone.  However, if you be willing to help me, I give you my word that I won’t sell you.  Instead, I’ll take you to one of the sorcerers’ enclaves.  I’ll be losing out on my profits but twill be worth it to be rid of a troublesome meddler.  What do you say?”

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Torn between self-preservation and wanting to help his fellow prisoner, Gerald watched Veerna lashing out at the guard.  He wanted to yell at her, tell her that this was not the way to regain freedom.  Did he owe her anything?  So far, she had done nothing but antagonise everyone.  He sighed and shook his head.  His only duty was to stay alive for Elsa, not get himself killed in an ill-conceived escape attempt.  Elsa would never forgive him for taking stupid risks.  He could not afford to involve himself with Veerna.

The other guard was speaking on some sort of communications device, before Veerna turned on him and knocked it out of his hand.  The guard whom she had attacked first had blood pouring down his chin and from his awkward movements, appeared to have broken ribs and something wrong with his right knee.  She gave him a final shove, sending him crashing to the floor, then ran off down the corridor.

In line with what Gerald had predicted, she did not get far.  More guards, at least four of them, were waiting at the far end of the corridor where it branched off three ways.  She seemed undeterred by their numbers, her fists flying and her legs kicking out, trying to sweep them off their feet.  She even managed to grab one of the electric shock batons from the belt of the nearest guard.  Despite his earlier thoughts about self-preservation and not getting involved, Gerald could not help cheering silently when he saw her jabbing another guard in the shoulder with the stolen baton.

By that time, the guard standing next to him had retrieved his communication device and resumed speaking into it.  No doubt summoning reinforcements, Gerald assumed.  “What will happen to her?” he dared to ask.

The guard clicked off the communicator.  “She will be sedated and taken to the Punishment Block.  But that is no concern of yours.  We will now proceed to the men’s dormitory block”.

Gerald only got a brief glimpse of the sedated Veerna being carried away before his guard prodded him in the back with the baton. Thankfully it was only on the lowest setting, causing an unpleasant tingle along his spine.

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Yozev shook his head.  “What I’m about to tell you will disturb you beyond all reason.  You’ll probably want to lash out at me for being the bearer of bad news.  If you injure or kill me with your powers, there will be no-one to protect you from being recaptured by Gyul Khrychyt or one of the other slave-traders.  For both our sakes, the collar will have to stay on for the time being”.

Ignoring the cramp in her fingers, River picked up the pen again.  “You rescued me.  I won’t attack you.  What bad news?”

He patted her on the arm with a trembling hand.  The gesture did nothing to reassure her.  She pointed to her words again, wishing that he would believe her and take the uncomfortable collar off.  The slight prickling sensation had increased to a burning itch as her powers fought to reassert themselves.

“I’m afraid that everything you’ve been told about the Donovan Institute and Judaas Fendor is a lie”.  His lips curved into another of his cold smiles.  “Layers upon layers of lies, in fact.  The Fendor family history is nothing to be proud of.  I should know, for I am distantly related to them.  I cut off all ties with them many years ago and I have never looked back”.

River’s face screwed up in confusion.

“You were taught about the four Founders of the Vyrdigaan Order – Judaas Fendor, Drusyt Retnik, Reginald Levereton and Wilfred Trahern.  You and the rest of the eager young recruits are taught to regard them as brave heroes and pioneering healers, but the reality is rather the opposite.  Their early experiments with artificial crystal implantation were brutal and caused the death of most of their test subjects.  Those test subjects were homeless people, orphaned children and criminals — the dregs of society whom no-one would miss.  The ultimate purpose of their cruel and unnecessary experiments is the same as it always has been — to build an army of powerful sorcerers to help them take control of the universe.  Nowadays they dress it up in fancy rhetoric, preaching their lofty ideals about making the Fenian Galaxy a better and safer place to live.  Perhaps they even believe it.  Citizen Meer, the sorcerers at the Donovan Institute are not your friends.  They want to use your powers to oppress the vast majority of us who only have mundane abilities”.

River shook her head.  Rage burned within her and her aching fingers tugged at the collar, trying to dislodge it.  Conflicting thoughts churned around in her mind.  He rescued her from a slave trader.  He was on the side of good.  Why would he lie to her?  What if it were true?  What if the teachers had been lying to her?  Surely Andreas and Anwyn would not lie?  Or would they?  Her hands slipped from the collar and her head sagged in defeat. 

“Don’t give into despair!”  Yozev’s grim tone had been replaced by an urgent enthusiastic pleading.  “You can help me stop them from taking over.  I can’t command a vast army like the Vyrdigaan Order, but even with small numbers of sorcerers, we can make a difference.  We can rise up against the evil oppressors, starting by removing Judaas Fendor from the equation.  I don’t expect you to do it alone.  I’m in the process of recruiting people to support you.  At least say you’ll consider it”.

River lifted her head and looked up at him through watery eyes.  Still unsure what to believe, she gave him a slight nod.

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Other than Anwyn’s imperious voice behind her, Elaine could hear nothing else. There was no indication that anyone was with Elsa, but she remembered Anwyn’s words of caution and proceeded carefully. Especially considering the fact that she had never been the greatest of thieves in the first place.

She slipped into the room and spotted Elsa immediately. Her twin was bound to a chair and gagged. However, judging from the dirty looks she was shooting at her captor, she hadn’t been harmed yet. Elaine’s hand fell to her knife, but if she killed the man … who knew what might happen?

The man yawned, rubbing the back of his neck. Elaine steeled herself, knowing that this monster had likely captured numerous people like Elsa and sold them into slavery. It was odd, to be approaching the man in clear sight, but knowing that he could not see her. She slid the knife from its scabbard and was within reach of the man …

Things went wrong. The man stretched and smacked his hand against Elaine’s forehead. Elaine recoiled, and the man grabbed at the air, managing to snatch at her hair. “What be going on?” he yelled, hurling Elaine against the wall. The girl cried out, and she saw herself go visible for some reason.

Elsa turned her head, seeing Elaine. Her silver eyes widened, but neither of them could take action before the man had grabbed Elaine and picked her up. The knife slipped from her grasp as she kicked at him. “Twins,” he said, smirking.

His smirk vanished when Elaine’s kicking feet struck home. He dropped her and she punched him, sending him staggering back. He hit Elsa’s chair, knocking it to the ground, before sagging himself. “Elsa!” Elaine cried, pushing the man’s bulk off her sister. There was blood on Elsa’s forehead, and she was unconscious. Moving as quickly as she could, she grabbed her knife and cut through her twin’s bonds, and tore the gag from Elsa’s face.

Elsa groaned, but her eyes didn’t open. Terrified, Elaine started shaking her shoulder. “Wake up, Elsa!” she pleaded. “Please! Wake up!”

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Veerna strained against the restraints that were tying her down to the table. The sedative was slowing her reflexes and making it difficult for her to think, but she couldn’t let them touch her. Couldn’t let them torture her. It was too much like before … although she’d started out cursing her tormentors in both Voldinian and English, they grew weary of her and gagged her.

They couldn’t do this to her! It was an insult. She struggled and fought, mostly cursing Gerald for not lending a hand when she needed it. She strained against the straps binding her down.

Then the torture started and she began screaming.

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“No,” Apollo said, shaking his head. “Absolutely not. You claim that he wants to use as attack dogs, yet you want us to do the same for you! I am a healer. I cannot take part in such a mission, whether it’s for River or not.”

“Don’t be an idiot,” Rachel scolded. “You’ll only succeed in getting yourself into trouble!”

“I don’t care,” Apollo answered flatly. “I don’t care at all. This is a vile mission and there’s no proof that he won’t simply turn on us and sell us anyway.”

Gyul shook his head. “I gave you —”

“Your word means nothing to me.” Apollo raised his chin stubbornly. “I will not take part in your mission to kill someone.”

Rachel sighed. “Are you sure?”

“Positive,” Apollo asserted.

She heaved a sigh again before turning to Gyul. “Looks like you’ve been turned down,” she said. “By both of us.”

“Wait,” Apollo said, grabbing her arm. “Just because I’ve refused doesn’t mean that you have to. It’s your chance to be free. I can’t in good faith kill anyone.”

“I think you’ve grossly over-judged my abilities,” Rachel answered wryly. “I’d rather be sold as a slave than captured by some lunatic and forced to attack someone. I’m sticking with you, even if I think you’re wrong.”

Apollo wasn’t sure if he thought she was mad or not. Still, it was reassuring that he wouldn’t be alone. He turned back to Gyul. “You have your answer, then,” he said. “Neither of us will accept your offer. It’s simply not worth it to lose who I am to escape.”

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Gerald groaned silently as he dunked the mop into the bucket of soapy water. Of all the demeaning things he’d ever done, this had to be the worst. Andreas couldn’t get there fast enough. He scrubbed at the main hall of the prison — no matter what they called it, it was most definitely a prison — and cursed his ill-fortune. The water dripped over his boots and seeped through to his feet. His hands ached from gripping the mop.

He heard a low murmur of conversation from one of the outer halls, and forced himself to ignore it. He’d noticed that certain prisoners had formed their own groups, and he had no intention of joining forces with them. There certainly wouldn’t be any need for him to join with them, since he didn’t intend to be there for very long.

Two men came in and started laughing, looking at him. Although Gerald’s cheeks turned red, he forced himself to ignore them. One of them said something in what had to be the Carpathian language, but he didn’t understand it. Obviously perturbed with him “ignoring” his words, one of them gave Gerald a shove and barked orders at him.

Gerald shrugged, indicating he didn’t understand. The man swung a punch at Gerald, apparently thinking he was the big man in the prison. Gerald ducked, swinging the handle of his mop against the man’s stomach. His friend jumped at Gerald, wrapping his arms around his neck. Gerald gave a bellow and slammed his elbow backwards, knocking the man off him.

Then he crouched, wielding the mop like a weapon. Not exactly the most awe-inspiring of tools, but it would have to work. There were more voices, and some guards came to see what the problem was.

Gerald heard his attackers talking to the guards, and pointing at him. He sighed. He would pay dearly for his triumph over them. There was little chance of arguing, since he needed a translator for most of the guards. He didn’t even move as the guards moved forward to sedate him and most likely take him to the Punishment Block with Veerna.

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River huddled on the couch, alone. Yozev had gone to get her something to eat. It was only when he had departed that she covered her face with her hands and started sobbing. Was it possible that she would never be safe, no matter where she went? Would people try to take advantage of her at every turn? She’d thought that she could finally trust all of them. But what if she couldn’t?

Tears streamed through her fingers, and her body shook with uncontrollable sobs. It would be easier if she could speak to someone she trusted, but … did she trust any of them? Could she trust any of them? What about Andreas?

Could she even trust Yozev? She’d never really met Judaas before. What if he was right? She could do something good, to help the people of the Fenian Galaxy. Yet hopelessness overcame her. Hopelessness and betrayal. The same emotions she always felt.

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Morgan walked along behind Daren and Andreas, nursing his own embarrassment on top of his disappointment. With Apollo missing and likely enslaved, he felt like he was missing a limb. When he’d gone off, he’d been so sure that he’d found him.

Without warning, another spike of pain stabbed into his forehead, and he covered his face, crying out. Both Andreas and Daren swung around, staring at him. “Morgan?” Daren said. “What is it?”

Morgan shook his head, gasping, his eyes squeezed shut. “I don’t … I don’t know …”

Andreas gently pulled Morgan’s hands from the sides of his head and replaced them with his own, issuing a mind merge. Daren squirmed uncomfortably as he waited, wondering what Morgan’s latest ailment was. Finally, Andreas pulled away. “What is it?” Morgan asked, still not opening his eyes.

“It be … River,” Andreas said.

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Having heard the commotion from the next room, Anwyn looked up from the tablet which she had been perusing.  “If any harm comes to Elsa, ye’ll pay for it in ways ye can’t imagine.  I’d best go and inspect me property”.

She hurried from the room.  A nervous Ambrogino followed in her wake, still reeling from the shock of almost being blasted away by an energy strike.

Elaine huddled over her sister, sobbing and imploring Elsa to wake up.  Anwyn came and knelt beside her, putting a comforting arm around her shoulders.  “What happened?”

“I thought I could take the guard easily” Elaine explained.  I got too close and he accidentally touched me, then I panicked and the invisibility spell stopped working.  We had a scuffle and Elsa … Elsa got injured.  I can’t get her to wake up”.

“Let me look at her” Anwyn offered.

Elsa moved aside, wiping her eyes with her sleeve.  It was only then that she noticed Ambrogino.  She glared at him, her silver eyes taking on a harsh, relentless glint.

Anwyn finished her examination of the unconscious Elsa.  “I ain’t no healer, but far as I can tell, she ain’t seriously injured”.  She moved her hand downwards, placing it on the small baby bump.  “And her baby be fine.  She were lucky.  Anyways, I’ve got what I needed from Lord Auguiste, so we’d best be on our way”.

“On our way where?” Elaine demanded.

“First we need to get Elsa to the Donovan Institute.  Tis up to ye if ye prefer to stay there with her, or if ye want to come with me.  I’ll be tracking down all the slave traders on Lord Auguiste’s list”.

She picked up Elsa and grabbed Elaine’s arm, translocating them away from the Auguiste safe house.