Monastery outside of Delpi

The servants had packed case upon case and stacked them by the front door. Ornate chests and serviceable, pine boxes were piled side by side. There were house items and preserved foods, weapons and Earth relics. To Julian, it looked like they were trying to move the whole house.

The helstrom prevented them from leaving as quickly as his Manager would have liked. Julian was grateful. His head wound had been far more serious than he realized, leaving him with waves of dizziness if he moved too fast. Grinding his teeth, he wondered for the millionth time what the xia had hit him with. He resisted the urge to scratch at the bandage, and stretched his legs in front of the fire.

Dinner would be a few more hours, and while his stomach grumbled about the wait, the cozy seat and whisky were a sweet luxury. His new Manager usually took a drink in this room before dinner. Julian was hoping to engage him in some conversation. He needed to find out more about what the man had planned.

It was difficult to wrap his mind around the unexpected turn his life had taken. The building and its staff provided luxury that few enjoyed in Eganene, especially outside of Orlenia. Even more confusing was his relationship with his new Manager. Lost in contemplation, he was pleasantly surprised when the man put a hand on his shoulder and then took the chair beside him.

“Julian.” The greeting was warm, and he fought the wave of familiarity that rushed through him. He’d been thinking about it for close to two weeks and he was sure. He didn’t know the man. But, there was just something about him, about his way, that caused Julian to react strangely.

A servant followed, fetching a blanket for the Manager’s legs and a whisky for his hand. The man took it neat, no ice. Outside, the storm beat against the glass of the windows. There were thick curtains draped over each, but the wind still made it inside.

“Sir,” Julian murmured. “How many more days do you think we might be delayed?” He had learned a long time ago that talking about the weather was an easy opener on both Earth and Eganene.

The man frowned, his skin tight against the bones of his face. “Can’t be sure, but Leo thinks at least another week. Helstroms are unpredictable, of course. We’ll leave when we can be sure. I’ve got a set of beautiful carriages to take us South. Had them commissioned a decade ago and the crafter is finally finished with them. We’ll travel in luxury.”

Julian smiled, thinking about the number of crates the servants were bringing. They would need a lot of carriages. “My appreciation,” he said. “I hear it is a long trip.”

The man let the next few words drawl, “You've heard true. It’ll take us a month or more. But, the Black road is more heavily used the further south we go. Leo already has rooms reserved at the best Inns. And, the temperature will rise with our distance.”

“I have a residence in the city close to Palace. We sent word ahead so that everything will be ready for us. To be sure, there will be a host of events to attend. The whole city will be in bloom for Spring Fest.”

“I’ve never been,” Julian commented, a thread of concern worming its way into his thoughts. He’d never been invited to the Family social events. He had no idea what to expect. He would need to ask Opia for a few sets of finer clothing.

“Then you’re in for a treat,” the man said, his forehead wrinkling. “Although, I had been made to understand you’d spent considerable time in Orlenia.”

Julian pulled a blanket off the back of his own chair and spread it over his legs. He’d taken the widest seat, so the blanket didn’t quite cover the whole thing. He didn’t want to talk about the past, but the Manger was looking at him expectantly.

“I was there for the Assault and Rebellion,” he said. “Before that, I was training. Not much time for the gentler pursuits.”

“I see.” The man paused in consideration, his deep set eyes focused on the fire. “My staff generally have the time and means for both pleasure and business. Family first, but I strive for all things in moderation.”

The man focused on Julian’s face, “I hope the same balance for you in the future, Julian.”

“Thank you, sir,” Julian murmured, breaking eye contact. He wasn’t sure how to react to such a sentiment.

Along the side of the room was a shelf of books. He had been eyeing them over the past few days, thinking to ask if he could read them.

“May I?” he inquired, gesturing.

“Of course. Leave them here when we go, though. They are precious to me and won’t travel well.”

Julian nodded, grateful to have access. There wasn’t much to keep him occupied at the house while they waited for the helstrom to pass. Opia was good for a few hours of entertainment, but the days were long, and even his time with her had grown monotonous.

The servant standing closest hurried to fetch a selection. Julian took two, the Uniting and a compendium on wildlife. The first book would be a good political review for Orlenia. He’d never spent much time in the forests, so he the second book might give him a quick primer for the carriage ride south.

Paging through the Uniting, he appreciated the delicate scrollwork painted along the edges. Books in Eganene were all handmade, precious copies illustrated by masters. He opened to a random page.

And there were seven families who united from the darkness, each with its own Power and Knowledge. The danger of separation had grown and each could not survive without the other. The lands were filled with other races, their natures barbaric and heathen.

Julian wondered how much had changed while he’d been hunting for the witch on Earth. How many of the seven families still ruled on the Council? From what Leo said, the men held all the seats. As was appropriate. But what had they done with their wives? He didn’t think the women would have gone quietly back into anonymity. Not after the witches had emboldened them.

Glancing at his Manager’s face, he resisted the temptation to break the silence. His relief at the absence of follow-up questions trumped his need to speak. Julian assumed his old Manager must have filled the man in about most of his history. His life was no secret. The Family knew basically all of it, anyway, apart from the pleasantries he kept private.

Pleasure and business. Julian, considered the Manager’s philosophy. It was a strange idea to be sure. For the past decade, he’d been limited to his old Manager and their small cell, so it was possible this perspective was held more broadly in the organization. Thom has been the only person he’d spent much time around, and he hadn’t mentioned may other people in his life. He wouldn’t have, of course. Not with his particular circumstances.

Julian had never shared the particulars of his pleasures with anyone other than Thom. It would have been an exploitable weakness. Did Leo and Sasha discuss such things with their Manager? It would be strange to be open with his predilections.

Julian frowned, annoyed with his response to his Manager’s seeming goodwill. Shouldn’t he be glad the man wanted him to have interests other than work? The Romans on Earth had said all things in moderation, right?

He laughed internally. What next? A five day work week and paid vacations. It just didn’t sit right.

Hopefully, his Manager just cared a bit more for his staff.

That, he could live with. Julian much preferred this new paradigm to his old Manager’s cold anger, but it would take some getting used to.

The extended silence was comfortable, so the two men sat listening to the crackling of the fire and the moan of the wind. After the servant returned with another round of drinks, Julian steeled his nerves.

“If I may, sir,” he said. “I’d love to hear more about our objectives in Orlenia. I am grateful for the opportunity to be helpful to you.”

His Manager ran a hand through his dark hair, pushing it off his face. He wore it down and long this evening, the ends resting against a velvet smoking jacket. Julian was surprised he wasn’t in regulation Family clothes, but he supposed there would be a certain level of privilege at his rank and in his own home.

Julian, himself, was wearing a mismatched shirt and pants. The servants had been unable to salvage the clothing he’d arrived in. Not a surprise, since they’d needed to cut his shirt from his body. They were working on a replacement for him. Julian had been assured it would be ready before they departed.

“Hmm,” the man sounded, his upper lip over his smaller lower one. “I’ve inquired about you, of course.”

Julian’s heart stopped. He wished Thom were hear to strengthen him, to shoot him a reassuring look. Knowing, rationally, that his new Manager would look into his past was far different than having it confirmed in conversation.

“Sir?” he said.

The man took a long sip, fire light turning the liquid into an amber potion. “I looked into your background. I’m particular about those I permit into my employ, Julian.”

He nodded to himself. “I was surprised by our first conversation. You showed initiative in dealing with Peter. Rooting out his treachery. You’d been granted an important role searching for the witch, and those guns of yours were a precious gift from the Family. You’ve acquitted yourself well in your years with your partner.”

“I meant to ask,” his Manager continued, more softly. “How are you feeling, now? Working alone is certainly a different experience.”

Julian fought the urge to wipe at his eyes. He wasn’t crying; they just sometimes leaked like this. “Thank you for your concern. Thom and I had been together for awhile. I mourn his loss for our Family.”

“True, Julian. Thom was an asset for us. I’d like to ask you some questions about him later. But now, I’m asking about you. How are you feeling about working without a partner? Working alone?”

Swallowing, Julian gathered his thoughts. He mustn’t lie to this man. But what to say? He wasn’t prone to deep introspections about himself.

How did he feel? Not sad, no. But there was a loss there. After all the years together, they’d had a seamless working relationship. They’d watched each other’s backs.

That, Julian would miss.

He met his Manager’s gaze, “Yeah. We protected each other. Back to back during the tough times. He was my Brother in the truest sense.”

His Manager gave a curt nod, “I believe you’ll find in me a good partner, Julian. Of course, in a different way than you had with Thom.”

He took another sip of his drink, “I hope you’ll recover from the loss quickly. I’ll need your full faculties once we get to Orlenia. I’ll brief you on the important players while we travel.”

“Yes, sir.”

The man nodded again, “Good. Your role in the Family, thus far, has been limited to your search on Earth. That time is growing to a close.”’

“But…,” Julian began.

His Manager raised a hand to forestall the complaint. “I know you are an excellent tracker, Julian. I’m sure those skills will be necessary in the future. But, we are an immense organization.”

“Peter…”

“We will have him in hand soon enough,” his Manager said with confidence. “The Family has increased his Bounty to something not seen since the witches. And he has been deemed Anathema.”

The man tapped his finger against his glass, his expression satisfied. “He’ll find no succor in Eganene, and he wouldn’t dare Travel back. We have the full weight of the Family coming for him. We will find him.”

“Sir,” Julian tried. “I would be honored to assist in finding him. What he did to Thom, and taking the girl, could there be anything more important?”

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The man shook his head, “No, finding the girl is critical. However, as I’ve said, we have it well in hand, now. Trust in the organization, Julian. We are greater as a whole than as one.”

Julian finished his drink and set the empty glass on the table, stalling for time. He had to be the one to kill Peter. After all these years. After Thom’s death. It had to be him.

He knew better than to push the issue now, though. His Manager had his own plans. Important plans, Julian was sure, if the Council was calling him south. Julian would wait for the right moment to change his mind.

His Manager continued, “The reach and goals of the Family are far greater than you can imagine, Julian. You must understand that while you’ve been on Earth, we have been busy. Things have changed here. Politics have continued.”

Julian tried desperately to steady himself. It almost sounded like his Manager was hinting that their leadership was divided. He couldn’t image anything more terrifying. If only he’d already found the witch.

The Revolt had caught Julian unawares, terrorizing his dreams for the past two decades. He’d dedicated his life to earning enough power to know when the danger was coming next. Board membership would secure him that.

Suppressing a shiver, he considered his Managers words. He needed to listen and wait. Now was not the time for bold moves.

“Yes, sir.”

“Let me catch you up, Julian. In the last five years, there have been some significant company goals. Have you heard about the Areaslian insurrection?”

Julian shook his head.

“How about the Facilities?”

Again, Julian shook his head. All he knew was that Opia, his maid, had been concerned her cousin had be taken there.

“As I expected,” his Manager said, sitting forward, “for a man working on Earth.”

Julian suppressed a shock of fear that ran through him. This man had advocated of him to join him, he wouldn’t begrudge Julian his ignorance on events on a different world.

“For years,” the man explained, “we’ve been culling those with the Power. Of course you were there for the Assault and were hunting the witch yourself.”

Julian nodded in agreement.

The man continued, sitting back, a serious expression pulling his mouth down, “There are always more born, but we’ve done a decent clean-up job, if I do say so myself. Over the following years, it has become apparent that those previously aligned with the witches, including our neighboring countries, also needed to be cleansed of the Power.”

“We’ve been pushing the Family’s hold outward. Areasl was the most recent country to come into the fold. But new territories bring new challenges, and the Areaslian are no different.”

Julian grimaced. He was well aware of the monsters in Areasl. If their country was under the Family’s stewardship, Julian assumed the Family was now responsible for cleaning up their mess.

“It is a larger problem than we were prepared for.”

Silence stretch out. Julian wasn’t sure what he was supposed to say to that. Admitting weakness in front of the Family was basically a death sentence. If his Manager was saying they couldn’t handle Areasl…

The man tapped the bottom of his glass against his knee, “We’ve had to find some new solutions to our new problems.”

Julian watched him check the doors, but they were alone. The servants having stepped out after they served the last drink.

“Some of these ideas have been far outside the comfort zone,” his Manager said. “The Council’s priority has remained the witch, of course. There couldn’t be a more important target.”

“Yes,” Julian said. Having basically devoted his life to finding her, he couldn’t agree more.

His Manager set down his empty drink. “However, they’ve also approved some other initiatives. Jokihm agrees with the plans. I’ve been up here and not part of the deliberations, but I can tell you…”

He paused there, and Julian tried not move. This was the most important conversation he’d ever had in his entire life. It sounded like there were competing plots within the Family. He had to understand if he was going to survive the fall-out.

“Well,” the man said. “If you’re to work for me, you’ll need to hear this one way or another. The Council has accepted and elevated some unique members. Their skills sets wouldn’t have been tolerated a few years ago. Perhaps an exception here or there, but not what’s happening now.”

Julian was confused. His Manager couldn’t be saying what he thought he was saying.

“I can see from your expression that this idea doesn’t sit well with you, Julian. You and I likely share a more conservative opinion on these things.” The man held up his finger, “However, there is some nuance you’re going to need to understand.”

“It’s not majic, right?” Julian whispered, giving voice to his fears. Surely, the Family wouldn’t have switched positions on that tenet. They’d basically culled the whole populace!

“There’s not a simple answer to that, Julian. In Areasl, the density of those with the ability is much stronger than we thought. So, too, is the strength of the Bodin plaguing the cities. The Council tried traditional weaponry, but the Bodin numbers are overwhelming.”

“But, sir…”

His Manager sat forward, “Tell me, Julian. Tell me of the weapons on Earth. Do you think there is something strong enough there? Something that might wipe out the beasts once and for all?”

Julian’s mind catalogued the many war videos and newscasts he’d seen over the past years. “I do,” he said with emphasis. “Earth has no shortage of strong weaponry. The country I’ve spent the majority of my time in has thousands upon thousands of useful items.”

“Do tell.”

Julian considered, “They have certain technologies that allow flight for their weapons. They are called drones and are operated remotely by their armies.” Reading the confusion on the man’s face, he elaborated, “Like birds you can control, land where you want, and then trigger them to explode.”

“Ah,” his Manager breathed, sitting back. “How far can these weapons reach?”

“Hundreds of miles. Perhaps thousands. On Earth, they travel across the vast oceans to bombard foreign countries. They rain death out of the sky without even sending their men to fight.”

His Manager grinned, “I like the sound of that. And you know how to make them work?”

“Err,” Julian stuttered. “No, sir. We would need to bring a few of their operators over with them.”

The man nodded, “I can’t see why that would be a problem for us.”

“Right,” Julian agreed hurriedly, his mind a whirl of possibility. Since when did the Family condone bringing people back to Eganene? It had always been considered a sin punishable by death. Of course, Julian and a few select others moved across the worlds, but the risk had been tightly controlled. He’d hardly visited his home in Eganene to try and minimize the risk.

“What else, Julian? Tell me more about this world’s armies.”

Sitting straighter, he tried to concentrate on the task at hand. He would have time enough to think about all the implications of what he’d learned. “They have several different ways to travel, sir.”

“I already know about cars and ships,” his Manager said.

Julian nodded, “They have ships that travel across the sky and can carry people and weapons. Slower than Traveling, but anyone can use them.”

“What kind of weapons do these sky ships carry?” the man asked eagerly.

Julian recalled what he knew, “Guns of course. Bombs they can drop where they will. Even lasers which are sort of a stream of light that blasts away material. There’s also a whole range of new AI products that can…”

“What is AI?”

Julian shook his head. How was he supposed to explain AI to a man who didn’t know about computers, batteries or nanotechnology? He hardly understood it himself, despite his best efforts to learn.

“I… well… let’s forget that one. I don’t know how well it would hold up to Traveling. We’d need to do some testing to see what Travels the best.”

Quickly, Julian continued, lest he disappoint the man, “But I’m sure a percentage of the weapons would be viable if we used them soon after Traveling. The Americans have all types of bombs. The ones they call nuclear are the most destructive.”

“See!” his Manager beamed. “That’s what I’m talking about. We have many other options than what the Council is planning. Part of your job, once we get down to Orlenia, is to detail these munitions. My hope is to pivot from some of the more concerning practices that we have fallen into of late.”

“And,” the man said almost as an afterthought, “put an end to some other ideas.”

Julian couldn’t muster the courage to ask. Not right now, at least. His Manager would tell him eventually, he thought. He’d be better at convincing the Council, if he had all the information.

“We’ll be joining up with a few of my people along the way,” the man said, seeming to read this mind. “I’ll have them prepare a brief on the current Council members and the other important players.”

His Manager smiled, “You’ll like Jezebel. She’s easy on the eyes. We’ll pick her up at the first Inn. I had her doing some work just south of here, so you’ll meet her soon.”

“What kind of work?” Julian. He hadn’t heard of a woman being part of the Family before, especially not one who had access to high level people like his Manager.

“I’ll let her fill you in,” the man answered. “She takes pride in her work, and doesn’t usually get a chance to enjoy her accomplishments.”

Julian stifled a flash of annoyance.

“I suppose you haven’t worked with many women.”

Julian shook his head.

“It’s true there aren’t many in the ranks,” the man agreed. “You’ll find her more than capable, however. Out of the city, she’s got the freedom to be a great help to me. I don’t expect she’ll be happy to be back in Orlenia, but I need her with us. And I need her report from the Facilities.”

The two men sat pondering their thoughts until they were called for dinner. After being told to wait for more information, Julian didn’t want to risk another question. His mind burned with them though. What could a woman possibly be doing for the Family?

It was Leo that came for them, issuing a quick knock at the door before entering.

“Ah, good,” the Manager smiled, tossing his blanket on the back of his chair and pushing himself easily from its embrace. Thankfully, both men moved toward the door and didn’t notice Julian’s own struggle to get up.

With the helstrom raging outside, there were no other guests. Besides Julian and his Manager there was only Leo and Sasha. He wasn’t surprised that Leo dined with them. He was the Manager’s Lieutenant after all. The Dog was a bit of an outlier though.

Four was plenty for conversation, Julian thought. He’d only had Thom in the past, and it required significantly more energy to keep track of three people’s comments. Had he not been trying so hard, he wouldn’t have missed the serving girl’s entrance.

“Sir?” Opia repeated herself, and Julian’s hand twitched. He was able to steady his glass, but it was a near thing.

He glanced behind him, “Yes, yes. I’ll take the chicken. You don’t have to harp at me.”

The girl had the grace to look embarrassed. She finished serving him and then hurried from the room to leave them alone. Julian focused on his food, hoping no one would comment on his reaction.

“She’s been in quite a state the last few weeks, Leo,” his Manager said.

Julian glanced at the Lieutenant, curious to hear this response.

“She’ll be fine,” the man said, his voice low and resonant. “The men I sent to fortify the Facility will check to see if her cousin is there. I gave them the name.”

“How many did you send?”

“Fifteen. We’ll still have a good contingent of men for our wagon guard.”.

Julian swallowed a bite of food without chewing and had to take a gulp of wine to wash it down. He guessed he didn’t need to bother with his promise then. Not that he’d spent much time worrying about it.

The man continued, not giving Julian’s reaction a thought. “Didn’t want to tell her in case there isn’t anything we can do.”

The Manager frowned, “This is bad business. I wish we could rid ourselves of it.”

Sasha grabbed a knife in his meaty hand and began sawing his food. Julian tried not to look at him, but the spectacle was impressive. “Girl should be able to do her job,” the big man intoned between mouthfuls.

Julian took the opportunity to ask a question, “What’s she so worked up about, anyway?”

Leo and Sasha froze mid-bite, their heads swiveling to the Manager’s face for his reaction.

“The Family has some research centers throughout Eganene. The Facilities I’d mentioned before. They need volunteers.”

“Oh,” Julian breathed. It certainly didn’t sound like Opia’s cousin was a willing participant. He wasn’t sure if he felt concern or excitement about the prospect. He kept his expression carefully neutral.

The Manager took a drink and regarded him steadily. “I’m in charge of a few of the Facilities in the north. I don’t run the operations, but I do support with men and supplies.”

“I see,” Julian said.

Leo was looking at him with warning in his eyes. Julian wished he hadn’t asked the question.

“You know, Julian,” the Manager continued. “My hope is that when you give your information to the Council, it will help us to dissolve these centers. I shouldn’t think we’d need them when we have access to Earth’s weapons.”

The man’s eyes were hooded, set deep into his skull. He sounded sincere, which made Julian’s stomach squirm. If his Manager was in charge of a group of these Facilities and he was simultaneously plotting to undo them, then where did that leave Julian?

He fought the urge to slump in his chair. Unfortunately, it sounded like he was going to be exhibit one for the Council.

Julian barely made it back to his room without incident. He’d hardly tasted his meal, and while he was sure it was of excellent quality, it did not sit well. The glasses of whisky and wine hadn’t help either. The room was swimming in his perception, undulating to beat of his heart. He shouldn't have consumed so much, not with his head still healing.

He slumped into a chair. He couldn’t believe he’d almost knocked his glass over. Worse yet was that he hadn’t kept his mouth shut. Leo’s warning look when he asked about Opia had spoken volumes. The wiry Lieutenant was usually careful not let his expression slip.

Gripping his hands together, Julian stuffed them between his knees as he tried to settle himself. He’d only ever lived with Thom, and they had enjoyed their quiet. With Sasha, Leo and his Manager all talking together at the same time, he’d been overwhelmed.

Julian wiped his palms against his pants, waiting for his heart to stop racing. He needed to get control. If Opia came in right now and reported back to his Manager… he blanched, unable to complete the thought.

Letting his head hang, he begged the panic to subside. He couldn’t believe what was happening, how he’d somehow been stuck with this horrible task.

His lip trembled and he bit it viciously, tasting blood. What was he supposed to do in Orlenia? Of course, he had dreamt of finding the witch and being elevated to the Board. But that been a dream. He hadn’t thought it through.

He wanted to get up and pace, but he thought he would probably lose his dinner.

Julian wasn’t a politician. He hardly liked talking to people as it was. He didn’t know to act at parties or state functions. A private dinner with a few people had been enough to knock him off his game.

Was he supposed to give some kind of speech? His stomach flipped, sending a wave of nausea through him. He imagined a large room, stadium seating, and himself a miserable plaintiff before them.

He shook his head. He had no idea what the Council would be like, but just knew he couldn’t do it. He’d be an embarrassment.

And that would be it.

Julian grimaced, feeling hot tears against his cheeks. His eyes were leaking freely now. How he was supposed to convince the Council of anything?

Pushing himself off the couch, he staggered to the mirror. Gripping the table to stabilize himself, he stared. His watery eyes were sunk deep into his face, the flesh around his cheeks puffy and pale.

Thom should have been here, damn him! Thom would have figured out what to do. His partner had been the one who spoke with their Manager. Not Julian.

He reached up carefully, touching his head with the pads of his fingers. It was Peter he should be blaming for this nightmare, not Thom. It was Peter who’d somehow left him for dead in Delphi. When he found him…

Julians shoulders sagged. Now, he wasn’t even allowed the opportunity to track him. If he had one skill, it was that. Instead, he was supposed to convince Council to abandon whatever projects they were doing in these Facilities? Projects that they had obviously considered important, invested money and men into, and broken rules for. That wouldn’t make him any friends.

He pulled off his shirt, disgusted by the sweat that stained the armpits and darker the his chest. He placed it on the back of the chair to dry and wiped himself with a nearby towel. Opia had yet to bring him his new clothes, so he was stuck like this for the meantime.

Letting himself down onto the bed, he pulled his pants from his legs. They caught on his thighs, too tight to pull over. Trying not to jostle his head, he carefully worked them off. Finally in his underwear, he rested against the pillows.

These were powerful men. He was what? A failed witch hunter who’d lost his partner and been saved from bleeding out a second time. He rested his arms over his stomach, repulsed by the sight of himself.

He needed to find a way out.