Tablet of Destinies (13 page)

I told you to stay away, and leave me with my demons.

Maelgwn came to a standstill just inside the door, to gauge her reaction before approaching. ‘It is I, Maelgwn Gwynedd, who addresses you, Inanna. I was told you wished to see me.'

Dragon?
She twisted around to see for herself, and upon sighting Maelgwn, Inanna gasped in disbelief.
Once again you take mercy on my soul.

‘I have been told of your tragedy, Nin, and I grieve for your loss.'

Inanna forced out half a laugh.
You can, you see … as thanks to me you know how it feels to lose a child before you've even had the chance to hold it close.

Although Inanna was sounding very sentimental for one of her breed, Maelgwn was fairly sure it was not an act; she was plainly displaying signs of experiencing heartfelt emotion. She knew nothing of his own recent tragedy, and thus the Goddess could only have been referring to the child she had aborted from a Delphinus woman some seventy years before. Maelgwn had made the dire mistake of having a brief encounter with the wife of one of his own past-life incarnations. Her name was Aquilla, and her soul had been akin to Tory's. She had become pregnant with the first Chosen One of the Delphinus kind; the forced termination had devastated Aquilla.

‘Destiny has a cruel agenda at times, but it always acts in the interests of the greater good, without bias against one soul or another. Whatever has happened was meant to be, and that which eludes us was never fated.' Maelgwn neared the Goddess cautiously.

As he approached, the cradle over which the Goddess wept came into clear view and Maelgwn saw the remains of her lifeless babe therein. He had to stop himself from gasping aloud, for the infant was remarkably similar in appearance to the alien creatures that had consumed his own children.

He was not so hideous when born.
Inanna noted the Dragon's look of disgust.
He was beautiful beyond compare
. Her tone had softened as her gaze became lost in the cherished memory.

‘Is this,' Maelgwn considered a non-offensive way of describing the disfiguration, ‘condition, the byproduct of some sort of virus or disease, Nin?'

The Goddess shook her head.
It is a nervous reaction to an unpleasant situation,
she advised him calmly, thankful to have someone to speak with who was generally interested in her misfortune. Inanna had no true friends and those of her kind did their utmost not to feel emotion at the best of times.
As adults, we Nefilim have learnt not to allow unfavourable outside stimuli to distort our perfected physical forms. But infants of our kind, who have yet to learn the art of detaching the physical body from the mental, directly reflect the extent of their physical discomfort in their appearance.

This information seemed to indicate that the creatures who had consumed his children were Changelings after all, and therefore his own children would be safely residing in the Changelings' realm of origin. Then Tory had been right to want to befriend the entities, for they could well hold the only key to finding Avery and Lirathea. No matter how badly Maelgwn wished to whip himself over the issue, he pushed it to the back of his mind and came to focus on the problem at hand.

As you can see my babe died a very painful death … and is it any wonder, when his mother is cursed?
Inanna bowed her head in shame.
I have inflicted on others such tragedy without sympathy or remorse for their loss — none of whom are still alive to appease for my malice.
The Goddess raised her sapphire blue eyes to look at Maelgwn's face.
You are the only one who can alleviate the tragic plight that I have created for myself.

‘You cannot hope to return the child that you took from me, Nin. In any case, I forgave you your crimes
against me long ago.' Maelgwn found himself strangely moved as tears began to trickle from the eyes of the Goddess. In seventy years he'd never seen any of the Nefilim cry for any reason but fear for their own skin.

I couldn't kill him, Dragon. I wanted a baby so badly that I merely stole the child from your lover's womb.
Inanna paused in her confession to allow the news to sink in.

Shocked to the foundations of his being, Maelgwn could scarcely believe that she might be telling him the truth. In the seventy years since that tragic episode, it had never once occurred to him that the first immortal Homo sapien-Delphinus baby had been permitted to survive.

Nobody knew about the child bar Serena and Barnabus, my personal attachés … they aided me to keep my secret from the rest of the Pantheon. I called the babe Zabeel, ‘the gift of the Logos', for he was so very much like you.

‘He is immortal?' Maelgwn sought clarification.

Inanna shook her head and looked away.
At the time my doctors advised me not to take the risk of allowing a half-caste to be born immortal, so we deactivated the immortal gene during the earliest stages of foetal development.
As Maelgwn served her a cold look of disapproval, Inanna defended her decision.
He could have been deformed and condemned to that deformity for all time. He could have
—

‘Been the first of the Chosen of his kind!' Maelgwn snapped, infuriated by what she had done, for although the immortal gene could be reactivated, if Zabeel encountered death before his DNA was returned to normal, he would indeed die as a mortal. ‘Where is he? Is he still alive?'

I wish I knew.
She gave a great sigh, not eager to continue for none of it was good.
For fifty years now I have had bounty hunters trying to track Zabeel down, but having spent his entire life in hiding, he seems to have blended into the shadows … my trackers haven't found so much as a hair.
Inanna stood, for she had yet another confession to make.
I told him many lies about you, Dragon. I despised you for rejecting me, and Zabeel was to be my revenge.

‘Why didn't you tell me of this fifty years ago, when I resurrected your husband from the grave and saved your marriage?' Maelgwn was not feeling quite so compassionate towards the Goddess now.

Because Zabeel jumped ship before any of that unfolded,
she replied, tears streaming from her eyes as she gripped hold of Maelgwn's shirt to implore him to hear her out.
I held off from telling you in the hope that I could find him and set him straight before you encountered one another. You must believe that I have done all within my power to make amends for my actions, for you have shown me great kindness and I am … so … very
— The Goddess swayed and, exhausted from her ordeal and the great outpouring of emotion, she fainted.

H
aving waited half the day to see the Lahmuian mutant, Brian and Rhun looked forward to its imminent appearance. The master of ceremonies, a large man of the Falcon breed who was dressed for the part, called for the evening's challengers to come forward and enter the arena.

The bird breed of the human species were easily defined by the huge wings they sported. Upon their heads in the place of hair grew soft, quill combs, which could be raised or lowered, although some Falcon wore their quills so long that they were no longer able to elevate them. Their skin colour varied. Some Falcons had fair skin and white or beige body feathers, and others with feathers that were brown or black had skin that was dark.

When no warriors presented themselves for the challenge, the crowd became disgruntled.

‘I wonder who the Pantheon are going to sucker into this fools' crusade then?' Brian commented aside to Rhun, who shrugged, looking about the room for potential nominees.

They say he is warrior who is second to none.
Aya's query flashed through Rhun's mind as he spotted her having a quiet word in her father's ear. ‘Oh dear,' he uttered, as Nergal rose to put forward his challenge. ‘Governor, this might be a good time to go take a leak.'

‘Why?' Brian asked, wary of the expression on Rhun's face. ‘What's the concern?'

No sooner had he asked than Nergal's Falcon Viceroy was calling the room to attention to hear the Lord's announcement.

‘He's going to challenge you,' Rhun whispered in his Governor's ear. Brian smirked, thinking Rhun was joking, until Nergal turned and looked their way.

I have a proposition for the new Governor of Kila.

‘Shit,' Brian uttered under his breath, but he stood to hear what Nergal wished to propose. ‘Proposition away, Lord.'

As the Pantheon are still undecided as to whether to extend the Dragon's invitation to join the twelve to yourself, we thought this might be a good opportunity for you to impress us all. The Dragon's conquests are well known throughout the galaxy, but the name Brian Alexander has no legend currently attached.

Brian rolled his eyes, having no intention of being conned so easily. The Nefilim had every intention of
permitting one of the Chosen to sit in the Senate, so as to have access to that person's mind.

And yet,
continued Nergal,
it has been rumoured that you are a warrior who is second to none amongst the Chosen … and if you decline to fight the mutant, I shall send a more inferior warrior of your species to meet the challenge. How would that rest on your immortal human conscience, when your supposed purpose is to act in the best interests of all humankind?

Brian was going to suggest that Nergal forgo his entertainment completely, and thus spare a human life, when Brian realised that humans of every breed were watching him and waiting for him to defend them. If he called for Nergal to cancel the fight, this would make the Head of the Pantheon look like the hero in the eyes of those gathered here today. However, if he accepted the challenge and won the fight, this was a perfect opportunity to win the favour and trust of the other human tribes. This was a dangerous game Nergal was playing, so he obviously expected to win. Brian turned to Rhun, who was observing the breathless masses awaiting their decision.

Rhun realised what a crucial political opportunity for the Chosen this was, and knowing what he must do, the Vice-Governor rose to address Nergal himself.

‘In view of his important business in the Senate on the morrow, I must advise my Governor not to accept your challenge.'

As the crowd began to boo loudly, Brian turned to his nephew to quietly convey his disapproval. ‘Have your senses taken their leave?' he uttered hoarsely.

‘But I should like,' Rhun ignored his Governor and spoke up to silence the din, ‘to accept my Lord Nergal's challenge on my Governor's behalf in the hope of securing for him a seat in the Senate so that he may bring about a better life for all humankind.'

With the announcement the crowd went wild.

‘You are insane.' Brian grabbed hold of him. ‘I won't let you do this. You're a better diplomat than I.' He attempted to reason with his nephew.

‘That is horse-shit, Brian. My father didn't nominate you as his Vice without good reason. Clearly, one of us has to fight this thing, and if the creature whips my butt you can still bail us out. If it flattens you first, I've got no hope.' Rhun admitted to being the inferior warrior and Brian knew he was right. ‘So, I figure our best bet is to give me a chance to put the beast down first and you can finish him off if needs be.'

Nergal was now feeling uncomfortable about the enthusiasm the human masses were showing for the challenge. He was hoping their excitement stemmed from pure bloodlust and not the want of a new hero. He was having second thoughts about inviting one of the Chosen to fight, for if by some miracle he won the duel, he stood to win far more favour for the Chosen in the eyes of mortal men than they'd ever had before.

No, Father, this won't do at all.
Aya objected to Rhun volunteering.
You said I could see Brian Alexander fight.

Change of plan,
retorted Nergal preferring that the challenge remain as it was. This way the Vice-Governor would be shamed when defeated, and Brian Alexander would remain out of favour with the human masses and
in good health to have his mind probed in the Senate. When they had learnt all they could from him, the Pantheon would figure out some quiet, non-eventful way to be rid of him and then lure the Dragon back into taking up the position in the Senate.
We find your proposal acceptable,
Nergal pronounced and was again seated.
Release the contender.

As the doors within the pit of the arena opened, the master of ceremonies fluttered up to a safe height above ground level. ‘Behold, the master instrument of death,' he announced, as the Luhmuian mutant crawled forth out of the darkness.

At about three times Rhun's size and weight, the tarantula scorpion cross was a formidable fighting machine. It sported eight legs to support its huge body weight and two shorter clawed arms at the front, which could sever limbs with a single scissor motion. But it was the long upturned scorpion tail that gladiators feared the most, for its sting paralysed both immortals and mortals alike. The fight was all over for the gladiator once stung, as the mutant injected the fatal venom into its victim from its forward fangs, or finished its prey by dismemberment and finally ingestion.

When the commentator finished outlining the beast's killing potential, Rhun was looking decidedly more doubtful about the duel. ‘How the hell am I supposed to kill that thing?' Rhun put the question to Dumuzi, who was looking rather concerned for his charge.

‘I don't think you're supposed to succeed.' Brian fixed their chaperone with a look of accusation. ‘I think
the idea is to get us both killed, in order to get the Dragon back in the Senate.'

You think I had something to do with this?
Dumuzi challenged.

‘If Maelgwn were here he would negotiate a way around this mess,' Brian explained pointedly, ‘but Maelgwn is not here, is he my Lord?'

Rhun caught Brian's drift and even though he felt Brian's suspicions might be correct, it was too late to avoid the trap now. Their only chance was to fight their way out. ‘If father were here he would have volunteered his services in your stead, just as I have. Now how do I kill that thing?' The Vice-Governor appealed to the Nefilim Lord for his advice.

Dumuzi was eager to prove his innocence and so moved in closer to advise Rhun:
See the hard dark shell over the mutant's head?

Rhun nodded. ‘I thought it was its eye.'

It's a helmet
, Dumuzi told him,
that protects what little it has of a brain. In order to kill it, you have to remove its protection and spear it straight between the eyes.

‘With what?' Rhun wondered aloud. The Lord directed his attention to the master of ceremonies who dropped a charichalum spear into the arena from a great height. ‘I don't suppose either of you want to go fetch that for me?' Rhun asked in jest.

The beast does have other weaknesses.
Dumuzi slapped the warrior's shoulder in encouragement, as Rhun was urged by the chanting crowd to enter the arena.
Its legs are puny and it has trouble turning around quickly,
Dumuzi advised as he accompanied Rhun towards the pit.
The
best defensive position is to be found beneath the creature, for it has no means of attack or defence on its underbelly.

Rhun nodded to confirm that he'd heard every word, and methodically stripped to the waist, removing his weapon belt and thigh holster also.

‘It's not too late for me to take your place.' Brian gave him a final opportunity to change his mind.

‘Nah.' Rhun was outwardly confident as he swung his legs over the barrier. ‘It's been ages since I've had a good fight. It'll be a hoot.' He winked and jumped into the pit.

As soon as the creature spied Rhun it began to attack, scampering forward to confront its challenger. With its body dipped low to the ground, the Luhmuian raised its tail high into the air and drove its stinger forth in Rhun's direction.

Instead of backing up, as most men would, Rhun ran towards the mutant and underneath it, just as Dumuzi had advised. As the creature turned about in confusion, Rhun launched himself, feet first, into one of the creature's hind support legs, which snapped as the warrior made contact.

The creature reared up in pain and the crowd went wild.

That's the way!
Dumuzi was excited that his advice had been of aid to Rhun, but glancing aside and catching Brian's look of disdain, the Lord decided he'd best play down his enthusiasm.

Rhun made a break for the spear, which was in the centre of the arena. Fortunately for him, the beast's injury threw its aim off and its second attempt to
paralyse him with its lightning fast tail hit the ground to one side of Rhun as he dived for the spear. He rolled clear, and with the spear firmly in hand he launched himself into several backflips, landing on his feet to confront the mutant. The creature became noticeably more cautious now that its prey could defend itself, which seemed to indicate a certain level of intellect and reasoning on its behalf. It circled at a distance, snapping its razor-sharp claws as it made ready to use them. Rhun changed his grip on the spear and wielded it like a staff to block the mutant's attempts to retrieve the weapon from him. When the creature became fed up and again tried to strike at Rhun with its tail, the warrior batted the stinger away like he was hitting a home run, whereupon the creature again wailed in pain.

Suddenly flowers began pouring into the arena, and Rhun looked up to see all the women of the various human tribes casting their offerings of admiration into the pit whilst chanting his name.

‘Focus on the fight!' Brian yelled, noting his nephew's distraction.

With renewed confidence, Rhun gripped the spear that he still held like a bat, and took aim at the creature's helmet.

This had been the very move the mutant had been waiting for. It pulled back to avoid the strike and, gripping the spear with one claw, it severed Rhun's arm at the shoulder. The defunct body part fell onto the dusty ground at the warrior's feet.

The crowd gasped in horror and disappointment, believing their gladiator was done for.

Shocked though Rhun was, he gripped tight the spear with his one good remaining arm and willed his severed limb back to rejoin his body. Then, yanking the spear free from the mutant's claw, Rhun somersaulted off to one side to avoid being stung.

As the crowd again went wild, Brian breathed a sigh of relief. ‘I swear that kid's ego will get him killed one day.'

Not today, however,
replied Dumuzi, as Rhun speared the mutant in the chest and it began to bleed a red river onto the stadium floor.

As Rhun chanced a glance at his adoring crowd of female fans, the creature dipped low.

‘Rhun, look out!' Brian cried, although he knew his nephew had no hope of hearing him over the din.

The stinger came down and planted itself in Rhun's chest, and he fell to the ground completely immobilised.

‘Goddamn it!' Brian jumped into the arena and the lamenting audience gave a mighty cheer.

Splendid.
Aya jumped up, overjoyed by the development.

Her father stood also.
You had better hope he survives. The Pantheon can't learn anything from him dead.

He's not the one you really want to probe, Father.
Aya brushed off his threat.
And as this new Governor certainly seems to appeal to the crowd, I rather thought the mutant might be doing you a favour by finishing him off.

The spear had fallen to the ground next to Rhun, and the mutant was dangerously close to him. Venom dripped from its huge fangs, which were positioned just above the charichalum helmet that concealed its face.
Dumuzi hadn't mentioned what effect the creature's venom might have on an immortal, but Brian felt fairly sure that if the mutant dismembered and ate Rhun, he'd be looking for a new Vice-Governor.

Brian came skidding in from beneath the mutant's body to grab hold of the idle spear. No sooner had the Lahmuian spied its second challenger than Brian had disappeared beneath its body once more. The mutant backed up quickly, hoping to expose its prey, but Brian kept pace with the creature until it grew frustrated and came to a stop to turn about. As it did, Brian gripped hold of one of the mutant's upper legs and swung himself up and onto its back. Although the roar from the crowd was near deafening, Brian heard nothing as he took a seat at the base of the creature's spine, facing its long smooth tail. The curl of the mutant's stinging device did not allow for it to reach that section of its own body, probably so the creature could not injure itself. With the spear aimed at the stinger, Brian slid down the scaled tail so his weight held it down. As the end of the tail made contact with the ground ahead of him, Brian launched the spear. The sharp point pierced right through the creature's stinger and into the ground, pinning the mutant to the spot — well away from Rhun. As Brian scampered back up the tail and onto the mutant's back, it wailed in pain and frustration, trying to cast the warrior off. Brian looked to the master of ceremonies and held his hands high to appeal for a second spear with which to finish the contest.