Life In The Palace (16 page)

“But aren’t you all on the same team?”

“Yep, but we also all have an Interloper. Who wants to admit they can’t manage?”

Tal shifted uncomfortably.

In a flash of insight I asked her, “Why don’t you like them?”

She looked down. “My brother-in-law is kind of becoming one, and he’s taking my sister with him. They’re not like us.”

I pursed my lips, “But I thought they were the mega-cool fighters. Shouldn’t you be pleased your sister is becoming all ninja?”

“It’s kind of complicated,” Tal shrugged uncomfortably.

“It’s one thing to be part of the Scoobies, but to really be a Slayer means you stand alone.” Jov explained.

“But you said there are loads of them.”

“But they’re not us,” Tal said quietly.

I didn’t pretend to understand, but I let it go. There was clearly a lot of back story I wouldn’t grasp on a street corner.

“Who are the Reinterperters?” I asked instead.

Tal rolled her eyes, “The opposite extreme.”

Jov flashed Tal a warning glare as he started to respond. “It’s another group of People. Are you shocked to learn we’re not just one big happy family who agree on the best way of doing things all the time?” Jov asked with Force 9 snark alert in place.

“What with the all those Interlopers trying to knock you off track?” I smiled back. I was glad at least someone spoke my language.

Jov looked serious as he started the actual explanation. “All the People are connected to the Palace in some way. The more connected you are, the more you can See. Most of the Reinterpreters are Serfs, which means that they’re connected to the Palace, but that their sight is limited.”

“They don’t actually believe in the Palace,” Tal jumped in. “They think it’s a religion. They just want to feel connected to their heritage, so they go around in robes and wave paper swords and call it Service.” Tal sounded really angry. “If you don’t want to Serve, don’t Serve. It’s bad enough that we have to work twice as hard to keep the Serfs out of the trouble, but they pat themselves on the back for faking it. You can’t really blame them; most of them weren’t born into Service so they don’t know any better.

Jov looked at Tal again, then added calmly, “The real problem is that there’s only so far into the Palace you can get with them.”

“Huh?” I had the feeling many years’ worth of politics and prejudice were being summarized for me. I placed a mental post-it note “may contain propaganda,” on the discussion.

“It’s not actually all or nothing. Obviously it would be ideal if all the People performed Service full time. We should all be Courtesans, but in the real world any bit helps. The People who turn up to Chapel three times a year and stumble their way through the prayers, you can’t imagine the effect they have on the Palace. He Who Sees knows where everyone is standing. The worth of your Service depends on who you are. Someone who is born and raised a Court doesn’t get much reward for not eating bugs, but a Serf who picks the lettuce out of their burger gets big points. But because the Reinterpreters teach that the Palace isn’t really real, they prevent their followers from moving forward with their Service. They are Serving, but they can’t get any further into the Palace. To make the leap forward you have to believe the Palace exists.”

“Why do they do it?” It seemed beyond pointless.

“Their Interlopers blind them to the truth,” Tal replied witheringly. “They think the Service is just a bunch of rules made up by men. They think we should “update” our religion.”

There wasn’t much I could really say. It seemed that they had covered all the main points because we started walking towards the metro again.

“All the Courtesans have horses?” I asked.

“No,” Jov smiled, “He was a Knight.”

I raised my eyebrows indicating my readiness for an explanation.

Jov sighed happily. He really enjoyed explaining this stuff. “I’m afraid it’s complicated. Your level, Serf, Maidservant, Bootboy, Footman, Courtesan etc., is the area in which you’re working. But your standing in the Palace says how well you’re doing at it. A Courtesan who is losing his battle with his Interloper could have a lower standing than a Maidservant who is on a roll.”

I nodded to show I was following.

“A Knight is a certain standard in controlling your Interloper.”

“It’s one of the best,” Tal added.

“A Knight has their Interloper enough in check that they can use it for their own purposes.”

“Unlike the rest of us who are just working to stop it from derailing us from the mission.” Tal muttered under her breath.

“The robes were a sign he was a Courtesan, and the horse was a sign he was a Knight. This means he really had it together. If he showed up it means that the Big Bad is really big, so now you’re going to the head honcho Guides to find out what to do?” I summarized tentatively.

“Exactly,” Jov beamed with pleasure as his pupil got the picture.

“I’ve got one more question. The elderly were helping you or something by praying, but why didn’t they just get in there and join the fight? I know they’re old and everything, but surely all together they would have been able to do something.”

Tal and Jov both suppressed smiles.

It was Tal who answered, “You can’t fight someone else’s battle. The best you can do is perform Service and direct it toward that person.”

“That’s what they were doing with the praying thing?”

Tal nodded. “Most of them are holding at such a high level in the Palace that even a few words of prayer from them has a huge effect in the Palace. They’ve had a lifetime to work on it. We are really just beginners in comparison.”

I looked at the small, squat metro station. There wasn’t much to see. They were pretty much the same the whole city over. I couldn’t think of any more questions. I’d need a dose of downtime before I heard any more.

“Good luck. Let me know what I can do to help. I see you’ve got your work cut out for you.”

With my head still spinning, I waved goodbye as I passed thought the metro turnstile.

*

Tal and Jov watched Chloe pass through the metro gates.

“That’s it?” Jov laughed. “Good luck with it and try not to get killed?”

Tal shrugged, “What do you want from her; it’s not her fight?”

“It’s just so weird. She seems so interested, but like it’s only the newest reality TV show. She wants to know what’s going to happen next, but it doesn’t actually touch her. Like it’s not really real, or something.” Jov struggled to explain.

Tal didn’t notice any lack of eloquence. “Yep. On the plus side she doesn’t seem likely to defy us or try to use the Palace against us.”

Chapter 12

T
al was so
shocked when I grabbed her arm and spun her around in the science building corridor that I felt rather guilty. But not that guilty: it had been three days.

“Are you ok? What’s happening? What did the Council say? I’ve been worried sick. I thought you might be dead,” I asked as Tal tried to catch her breath.

She laughed.

I narrowed my eyes. “Last time I saw you you were fighting for your life, then you totally disappear for three days. What was I supposed to think?”

“That I was busy?” Tal smirked.

“Maybe,” I conceded. “But what’s going on?”

“I’m not dead.”

I glowered back at her.

She smiled and got serious. “Gal was able to get us into the Council. They said that we are dealing with something really big.”

“Didn’t you know that?” I felt like I’d missed about ten installments of my favorite soap opera.

“Yes, but we didn’t know what it was. The Council says that someone was sent from the Throne Room to the physical world to complete a mission. Right now there is some sort of crossroads, whether they go on the path to complete the mission or fall totally to the Adversary hangs in the balance.”

“Came from the Throne Room? I thought you only go there after you’re dead.”

“You do. This person was reborn.”

I cocked my head to the side, “You guys believe in reincarnation?”

Tal nodded.

“Who knew?”

Tal smiled again, “We did. Remember the whole, ‘We tell everyone the truth and no one really listens thing’?”

I chose to ignore her smugness. “Some messianic figure is walking around about to blow it?”

“Not necessarily
the
messiah, but someone key to the Final Battle.”

“Can’t you just ask them to stop?”

Tal chuckled, “They probably have no idea. We don’t know if it’s a man or woman, a Serf or a Courtesan. It could be anyone. The Guides are guessing that it might be someone either young or connected to the university if we have been assigned to close the sinkhole.”

“You have to stop someone from doing something, somewhere, and it could be anyone doing anything, anywhere in the world?”

Tal shut her eyes and nodded, “But most likely someone young in Montreal doing something that could be stopped.”

Someone on campus is walking around unknowingly aligned with the forces of Evil.
My bag of books felt really heavy on my back. I was tired just thinking about it all.

Tal tried to cheer me up. “They loved Jov’s plan though. They even gave us seed money. That’s what I’ve been busy with. We think we found an apartment. We’re going to sign on it this afternoon. It’s right in the middle of the ghetto with a big open living space perfect for large groups and a couple of rooms upstairs that we could use for small classes. It won’t be ready for this week, but we’re hoping to be ready to have Day of Accounting prayers and a meal next week.”

“That’s great. Can I help?” Then I wondered if it was a People only sort of activity. “Am I allowed to help?”

“We need all the help we can get, and … ” Tal beamed, “Gal asked the Council and you can even come to the meals if you like!”

“Wow, thanks!” seemed like the appropriate response although I wasn’t quite sure why it was such a big deal. I didn’t really need the free food, but with Seth away it might be fun. Although, there was a certain irony in avoiding getting bored at his family religious gathering by attending someone else’s religious gathering.

“If we can get the keys today, then we’re going to go over on Sunday to paint and start cleaning up. I’ll text you the address if you’re up for painting.”

Sunday is usually Seth day
. Tal saw me pause to see how it all fit into my head.

“You don’t have to come if you don’t want to. It’s not your Service.”

I put my hand up for her to stop. “No, I do want to help. I often spend Sunday with my boyfriend.”

Tal smiled and blushed slightly at the mention of a boyfriend.

“I’d really like to help so why don’t we keep in touch on Sunday and I’ll see what I can do?” I hoped I didn’t sound too lame.

Tal smiled reassuringly. “There will be lots of things to do after Sunday also. We need to put up flyers and try to get the word out so we can have as many People coming as possible. If we get a nice sized crowd then that means we need a lot of food, and we have to get tables and chairs from somewhere. Painting is the tip of the iceberg.”

“I’ll try to dedicate all my boyfriend-free time to the cause.”

Seth ran to the corner to get milk, and, I presume, more smokes. He knows I don’t really like him smoking so he didn’t mention that part. I actually managed to find my phone in the pocket of last night’s pants before it stopped ringing.

“It’s before midday, are you in the ER again?” I ask.

Spike chuckles, “Nope. I just woke up in a strange bedroom, started freaking out because I couldn’t remember how I’d got there or who I was with. I checked the room for possible escape routes and potential weapons should the need arise. I was just wondering whether I should try to talk my way out of it and what I’d say to Fred, when I realized this is my own room. I’m in the stupid dorm, and I was too lazy to put my posters up yet.”

“Sounds like time for drastic action.”

“That might be why I’m calling. Want to come to Boston?”

I scanned my room, it was homey in a I-never-spend-enough-time-here-to-clean-it sort of way.

“Right now?”

“It’s only a six-hour drive.”

I waited to see if she was serious.

There was a pause.

“Maybe not right now.”

“Do you want to actually tell me what you’ve been up to? I thought you met some cool kids.”

“Yeah. Ok, this Samantha chick from Virginia is cool and down the hall from her is Manjit. For a guy who went to some preppy New Hampshire private school he’s remarkably worth it. There was a girl with pink highlights in my Western Philosophy class, but I didn’t catch her name.”

I pulled my legs up to my chest and leaned back against the pillows.

“You are going to make friends. It’s quality not quantity, remember.”

“Yeah, I know.” Something else was clearly bugging her. Spike was usually more proactive about these matters. Jen reminded me much of Spike’s approach to life.

“How’s the school work part of life?” I felt like my mother probing for information.

“Fine. I actually had to engage my brain at more than one point last week. Quite a novelty.”

I had a flash of inspiration. “What’s it like being in school with just the smart kids?”

There was another pause. Since Spike had been the smartest kid in every educational institution she’d attended since kindergarten, being normal or nearly normal might be something of a surprise.

“There was this guy in two of my classes who’s a freaking genius. He left the whole class in the dust. He must have already finished the reading list. And he didn’t even have the decency to be an uber-nerd. He was pretty normal looking.”

“Date him.”

“What?” I could just see her whole face scrunched up in shock and horror.

“Date him.”

“Why? What about Fred?” At the edge of her voice there was just a hint of interest.

I smiled to myself and was glad Spike couldn’t see. “Look, don’t break up with Fred over it. But should things not work out, and four years of college is a long time, then keep it in mind and consider dating him. Anyone who can knock you for six from the other side of a lecture hall is worth keeping an eye on.”

It didn’t take Spike more than a second to process and move on.

“How’s Mr. Wonderful?”

“You want to meet him?”

“You really want to drive down?” She’d obviously discarded that suggestion.

“Not actually today. In a few weeks’ time we’re due to drive down on the weekend so I can do the big meeting-the-parents ritual. I’m not going all the way to Boston without at least making a drive by, and it’s about time you met Seth in person.”

“Cool, sorry about the parental part though.” She sounded perkier. I guess it was good timing all around. “Are you doing anything besides Seth? What’s with the Angel girl?”

“She’s not an Angel.”

“Sorry, my bad, defender of the universe.”

I hate the fact that it’s so easy for Spike to make it sound so lame. I didn’t reply.

“Come on
chica
, it’s just begging to be mocked.”

“It’s serious.” I sounded way too prissy.

“Can I reserve my judgment, but take it seriously for you?” Her tone was conciliatory.

“I guess so,” I said begrudgingly.

“Did they win the fight yet?” Spike was a really good actress, she sounded genuinely interested.

I couldn’t be bothered to continue the argument and I needed someone to talk to about it all.

“No. It just got way worse. They’re about to try some new offensive.”

“Guns?”

“Guitars.”

“Huh?” I loved it when I could stump her even for a second.

“The fighting is all on the higher spiritual plain. Down here they need to find ways to inspire People to be spiritually connected, hence the guitars.”

“They’re going to try busking?” She didn’t try to hide her cynicism.

“They rented this apartment that they’re going to use for gigs, jam sessions, big potluck meals, poetry readings; a whole bunch of things.”

“Then they can slip the propaganda in the back door, a little after dinner brainwashing?”

I chuckled despite myself. “Drug the After Eight mints? Not at all. Everything is totally out in the open. No one has to do anything if they don’t want to. They say it doesn’t work unless you do it of your own free will. The point is just to get past the Interloper.”

“That’s the whole possession thing?” Maybe Spike wasn’t just faking the interest. But then again, she did have a good memory for detail.

“Yeah, if they can get it to shut up for a few minutes, then even the most unconnected of the People can see the Palace. Seeing the Palace is unbelievably pleasurable.”

“Basically it’s like some guy coming over and saying, ‘Can you do me a favor and help me finish up this keg of beer over here, the catch being that you’ll have a great time in the process?’ ”

“Exactly.”

I wondered if I should think about getting dressed. I wasn’t really planning on spending all day in pajamas. At some point I needed to go help paint.

“Are these People stupid?”

“What?”

It might be nearly eleven but it was still too early in the morning for an abrupt change of direction.

“These People; they’re destined to be superheroes. God will rearrange time and space to help them do it. If they fight the good fight then they are filled with the ultimate pleasure. But some of them look over the whole package and still say no thanks? Are they totally retarded?”

I got up and wandered aimlessly over to the window. Seth wasn’t back yet.

“I don’t really get it, either. Tal says you can’t understand if you don’t have an Interloper. Did I tell you Seth is one of them?” I knew that I hadn’t.

“Seth is one of the People? He’s clearly not a superhero one.” I could hear her eyebrows shoot skywards.

“I just found out a few days ago. I keep wanting to ask him why he doesn’t Serve. He’s so chilled about it. He does the very bare minimum and reckons that’s enough. Maybe it is, what do I know?”

“Hey, maybe you could become one of them, too.”

I sighed. “Don’t think I haven’t thought about it, but I hear it’s really hard. There’s some epic quest thing you have to complete to get in. I’m not sure what Seth would say if I suddenly started popping off to go fight the forces of darkness.”

“You could fight together.” Spike sounded really upbeat, but then she loves a challenge. I wouldn’t be surprised if she wanted to sign up just for the kicks.

“Except that everyone looks different in the Palace. You see their spiritual self, and sometimes they are totally unrecognizable. Also, where you are in the Palace depends on your spiritual standing. Your best friend in the physical world could be a thousand miles away in the Palace.”

Spikes capacity to feign interest lasted only so long. “Fair enough, cheerleading is also a champion sport.”

I laughed, “With cuter outfits. You’re actually right. Apparently, the rest of us mere mortals get to the Throne Room by believing, living basically moral lives, and staying out the way of the People.”

“Just don’t fuck it up? That’s our big mission?”

“Something like that, oh and don’t eat the live flesh off an animal.”

“Damn. Well, there go my weekend plans!”

“Yeah tell me about it.”

“Do you think He maybe likes us better? It sounds like we get a much easier deal over here.”

I shrugged, “I think that’s the answer to how come some of them don’t bother Serving.”

“Who can blame them?”

Seth popped his head around the door. I smiled and waved. He came and kissed my neck, smelling of fresh cigarette smoke.

“Is that lover-boy back?” Spike asked suspiciously. “Tell him I’m only agreeing to hang out with him if he can keep his hands to himself. I like to keep my lunch where it’s supposed to be.”

“Seth, Spike says ‘Hi’ and she can’t wait to meet you.”

Seth wrapped his arms around my waist. “You can tell her I’m eagerly anticipating our meeting too, and I’ll try to behave but if she’s really worried she should skip lunch.”

I laughed, Spike swore. “The phone is right next to my head,” Seth explained.

“On that happy note, Spike I’ll talk to you later.”

I hung up and turned my attentions to my best friend baiting boyfriend.

“What are you doing today?”

Keeping his arms on my waist, he took a step back to size me up.

“What’s the ulterior motive?”

I smiled, “What do you mean?”

“You didn’t ask me what
we
are doing today, you asked me what
I’m
doing today which would suggest you have something you wanted to do alone. Why don’t you just tell me what you’re doing today, and I’ll say ‘sure have a good time,’ then I can make my plans without my hands tied behind my back.”