Talent Storm (21 page)

She smiled, shaking her head. “Come on wise guy.”

We followed the guards through large oak doors to enter an office. I assumed it was the high general’s. Commander Deo stood inside.

“Commander,” I said, saluting, then squinted at a large white screen dominating the center of the room. A man sitting at a desk could be seen through the screen, but it obscured his features.

“Allow me to introduce you,” said Deo. “This is the High General, Maeron Austin. The screen is necessary to protect his identity.”

“Saboteur Astor, Saboteur Stone, it’s an honor to meet you,” Maeron said, then saluted.

Lilly saluted back. “Nice to meet you too, Sir.”

Instead of responding, I scanned the room. I saw a sculpture of a topless woman with short hair and missing arms. I admired the oil paintings decorating the walls and the pottery and sculptures resting on tables. Talent, he must have had a lot of money.

The high general cleared his throat. “You will salute me saboteur.”

I twisted back and saluted. “Sir.” I swallowed, feeling acid rise in my throat, my heart pounding. Why did he even want to see us? Couldn’t he have one of his underlings give us our assignment? Unless— “Refreshments?” he asked, startling me from my thoughts.

Three beautiful serving ladies, wearing low-cut shirts and skintight pants, appeared through a door. The ladies stopped in front of us, each holding trays. One carried an assortment of colorful beverages. The other two carried little plates of strawberries, treats I’d only seen in books until now. Lilly accepted a glass of some kind of juice, and I grabbed a plate of berries. I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to try something so rare. While the women walked away, I saw the silhouette of the high general turn to watch them.

“Ahh, the perks of being the high general.”

When they fully departed through a door, he turned back.

“Now down to business. After much deliberation, I have decided to send you two as one of three saboteur strike forces.”

I gasped, wide eyed, dropping a strawberry. It hit the ground and rolled under the screen. I couldn’t believe it. We were being sent into the wasteland of Liberty Kingdom. I tasted bile in the back of my mouth. I never thought I’d experience the horror stories I heard as a child. I looked over to Lilly and felt my stomach tighten. I couldn’t lose her; I wouldn’t lose her.

“This is ridiculous!” I yelled.

Lilly gasped.

“Stand down soldier,” the high general said.

The two men flanking him lowered their rifles at me.

“I will not stand down! This is bullshit.”

My talent began to surge, casting out swirling light. Monster-like shadows danced around me, encouraging my anger.

“Please Jaden, calm down,” Deo said.

Blind and deaf to his pleas, my rage continued to bubble. I wheeled on him. “Who are you to talk anyway, Commander? You, of all people, know the horrors we’ll face.”

“I’m sorry. You’re right, but you have no choice.”

Damn. Everyone was always trying to control me. Well I wouldn’t let them anymore. “You convinced me to accept my mandatory training because I’d be protecting my loved ones, not putting them at risk,” I said to Deo. I turned and scowled at the silhouette of the high general. “Liberty is a death sentence and an unnecessary one. I won’t kill unless it’s done to protect. You’re sending us on a preemptive strike as murderers. What about the truce?”

“If we don’t destroy them, they will destroy us. Remember what happened to America when they didn’t eliminate Iran early enough?”

The Terror Virus. The end of the world.

“Besides, the truce is a lie. Goldwater’s armies are planning a full offensive.”

“Bullshit. Where’s your evidence?” Raising my fist, I stepped forward.

When I felt Lilly’s gentle hand on my shoulder, I froze, some of my anger melting away.

“I know you’re worried about me, but it’s our duty,” she said.

I glanced back to look into her concerned eyes. My anger deflated, and I suddenly felt foolish. What could I do about it anyway? “I apologize, Sir... my anger seems to have gotten the better of me.”

“I don’t know what you think you’re doing here, but you follow my commands. You’re mine and you will not question my orders.”

I felt a wave of manipulative talent invade my mind and attempted to resist, pushing against the general’s influence. After only a second, I exhaled sharply, my will crumbling. He was too powerful.

Suddenly, I didn’t know why I had protested. “Of course, Sir. I wouldn’t dream of questioning your orders. I pledge my body, mind, and talent to the Coalition.”

Lilly eyed me, squinting.

“Oh and our information is right from the source. Show him,” the general said.

One of the guards opened an oak door on the wall adjacent to me. Another guard walked out, holding a rail thin man with dark circles under his eyes. He raised his bound hands, squinting at the light. Cuts and bruises covered his sunken face. His dirty clothes were ragged and a gag was stuffed into his mouth. I studied his face again, feeling like I knew him. Right. He was the one responsible for the explosion. Despite his attack, I was disgusted with how he was treated. I couldn’t believe the Coalition would resort to torture.

“This man is a saboteur from Liberty. His attack is proof that their war machine is rumbling.”

The man shook his head and made muffled sounds through the gag.

“Take him away,” said Maeron.

The guards that had pulled him out shoved him back into a dark room.

“Although you must meet your objectives, feel free to kill as little as possible.”

My stomach rolled. “I will.”

“There are two other sabotage teams, but like yours their identities will be kept secret to protect them and the mission. If you encounter a suspected Coalition team, repeat the phrase, ‘the tracks are primed and ready.’ They will follow with ‘but the train is late.’ If they do not follow with that response, they are hostiles and should be killed immediately. Memorize this phrase.”

Lilly and I shared a look. Everything was happing so fast. I burned the phrase into my memory, knowing that I had to.

“Make sure to filter all of your water before drinking it. It’s not safe to drink, and only eat the food that we provide you with. There will be an infiltrated adept telepath and an adept illusionist who will track each team's progress to report back to me. You will not be able to communicate with the telepath, but if the mission is blown, they will instruct you to return. If you are captured, you will be abandoned by the Coalition, and the invasion will be cancelled.”

I looked toward Lilly uncomfortably, but she didn't notice. I always thought that the Coalition would be more loyal.

“Instead we will bolster our defenses and prepare to repel a counterattack. Do you understand?”

Lilly nodded. “Understood, Sir.”

I hesitantly followed suit. “Sir.” Being a saboteur was starting to sound even riskier than I’d imagined.

After the high general briefed us on the rest of our mission, one of the guards handed us our saboteur survival packs.

Commander Deo held out a thin two-foot black blade to me. “Jaden, along with Peacemaker you’ll carry a short sword. Lilly, as an illusionist your best weapons are knives and short blades.” He handed her two unreflective blades. One was just like my short sword. The other was slightly shorter and serrated on both sides. Their edges looked razor sharp.

“It is imperative that you pave the way for the invasion,” said Maeron. “We must remove Archduke Goldwater.”

I cringed at hearing his name.

“Unfortunately, he cannot be reasoned with. Oh, and another thing. As part of military policy, a relationship between military personnel during war is strictly forbidden. You’ll have to put your relationship on hold until after the war. Normally I wouldn’t have you serve together, but you work so well as a pair.”

My heart sank as I stared at him dumbly. How did he know? Commander Deo must have told him. Damn him. Lilly and I met eyes, her skin looking paler than normal. I had no intention of following the rule, but Lilly was dutiful. Would she leave me? The war could go on for years. I couldn’t even imagine being without her for a day. I knew better than to protest though. It was better to ask for forgiveness, than for permission.

“Go home now. Say goodbye to your families and prepare to depart tomorrow morning.”

Tomorrow morning? My eyebrows lowered. “Tomorrow—” The high general’s talent invaded my mind and destroyed my resolve. “Tomorrow morning is perfect sir.”

“Good, now go.”

Commander Deo approached and shook our hands, his grip firm.

“Goodbye Lilly, Jaden. I have the utmost faith in you. You've both grown a great deal since I met you. I look forward to seeing you again.”

“Thanks.” I couldn’t believe he snitched on me. I didn’t care if he was just doing his job.

“Thanks, Commander,” Lilly said.

After waving, we left the room.

☼☼☼

Twenty-nine Years Before Present

The remaining guests filtered into the Liberty Palace, leaving their weapons at the door. Thomas stood with his beautiful bride to be, Sara Tamar, at the podium. She wore a flowing white gown, her red hair pinned up in the current fashion. A grin was plastered on her face, and she loved it. It was finally her wedding day.

Since they’d met, he’d been the picture of perfection. He was tall and handsome, with a chiseled jaw and muscular frame. He was always courteous and was one of the most charming men Sara had ever met. His intelligence was unparalleled, and she loved their long talks. He was wealthy, powerful, and he loved her. She couldn’t believe her luck. Every other woman in Liberty must have been envious of her.

An old watery-eyed official, with thin white hair stood before them. “Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the joining of Duke Thomas Goldwater and Sara Tamar, heir to Liberty, in marriage. With love, they have decided to live their lives joined as husband and wife. No human bond is stronger than the one you are about to enter into. Understand that the contract of marriage is sacred as are all of its obligations and responsibilities. Now the bride and groom will be reading their vows. Thomas.”

Thomas locked eyes with his love. “Sara, there was a time when I’d given up hope on meeting someone as wonderful as you. You are the meaning of life and you brighten a dark world. I take you to be my spouse, as equals, as partners who honor each other in all things, till death do us part.”

Reaching into his pocket, he drew forth a delicate gold ring and placed it on her outstretched finger. “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment.”

Blushing and giddy, Sara said, “Thomas, you’re a kind, loving, and trustworthy man. You’re a once in a generation type of person, and I’m the luckiest woman in Liberty. You enliven me when I’m sad and laugh with me when I’m happy. I’ve seen into your heart and your love is pure. I take you to be my spouse, as equals, as partners who honor each other in all things, till death do us part.”

With trembling hands, Sara accepted a thick gold ring from her bridesmaid and placed it on her love’s finger, smiling the whole time. “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Sara and Thomas Goldwater. Thomas, you may now kiss the bride.”

The official signed the marriage papers and the newlyweds embraced, kissing long and passionately. When they pulled apart, they stared into each other’s eyes with matching broad smiles.

The celebratory music chimed to life. Selina Tamar sat watching her daughter, wiping the tears from her eyes. Suddenly, a loud crash caused her to wheel around, mouth gaping. Three men charged into the room, wearing polished steel breastplates and brandishing long swords. Those around her screamed or cowered as the men began slicing through the wedding guests.

“Guards,” she yelled.

None came.

Sara screamed and looked to Goldwater for help. “Thomas, stop them!”

After her love drew forth a hidden dagger, she knew there was hope. No one could stand up to Goldwater in battle. Now these men would see the terrible mistake they’d made. She always felt safe around Thomas.

Goldwater made no move toward the attackers as the slaughter continued. Sara looked at him perplexed until his look hardened, becoming unfamiliar.

“What are you doing? Thomas, help—”

A sharp pain bloomed in her stomach. Mouth gaping, she stared down at the knife sticking out from her. Her pale, freckled face lost all of its color.
No. What had he done?
She looked up. All love and compassion was gone from his eyes. He was a stranger in the same body.

A lunatic’s smile grew on his face. “I don’t know why people say marriage is so difficult. We made it all the way till death do us part without a single argument.” He threw back his head and laughed as he twisted the knife.

With a groan of pain, Sara fell, clutching her stomach in disbelief. On the ground, she stared up at Thomas, wide-eyed and shaking her head, her mouth repeatedly shaping the word no. Heat fled her body, and her mind slowed, but still her head rocked side to side. Her last thought was for her people as the light faded from her eyes. What would happen to them now?

☼☼☼

When Goldwater turned back to the crowd, the slaughter was finished. Lifeless bodies lay sprawled around the room, their blood pooling around them to coat the floor. Selina Tamar pushed herself up from the sticky ground, using only her right hand. Her left hand had been crushed during the struggle. Two attackers grabbed her wrists and yanked them back. She screamed at the pain and momentarily blacked out. When her vision returned, she gathered her composure, because she had to. Ignoring her misery, she scanned the area. Her previously hidden knife lay across the room, its blade wet with blood.

At least I stabbed one of them,
she thought
.

A thin man with pinched features stood four paces in front of her, his sword in its scabbard. Goldwater stood next to him, his face cold and hard. She couldn’t believe he was the same man who courted her daughter. He was always so charming and kind. How could he have fooled her so completely?