CITY OF BRIDGES

35

A Final Meeting

Leonie woke from her restless sleep as the curtains parted.

Jade stepped in through the window. “Having no doors is a real pain.”

“You’re just getting old,” Leonie quipped. “But you must admit, it does deter unwanted visitors.” She cautiously rose from the bed, squinting at the glare through the parted curtains. “Checking up on me, are you?”

“The thought did cross my mind however, I did want to see how you were faring. The city is in an uproar – well, the religious sector anyway. All they’re doing is blaming each other. The city guard is patrolling in earnest, keeping the two orders at arms-length from each other until things calm down”

“That could be a while.”

“The good news is no one is talking about you.”

“So, I’m reminding you of the need to stay out of sight. We don’t want to stir any needless trouble. Understood?

“Perfectly.” She began cautious stretching.

“Need any more cream?”

“No. I’m coming along fine. You know I heal well.”

“A good thing for you; seems you can’t go a day without getting injured in some way.”

“Ha, that’s what Feiron says.”

“Great minds think alike. When did you speak with him?”

“A couple of days ago. He says he’ll be heading off after his training.”

“With the wyverns?”

Half bent over in mid-stretch, Leonie nodded. “Maybe I’ll join him. For a while at least.”

“Will you?” Jade considered. “With what’s happening, it would be the ideal time.”

“What? No argument for losing your best thief?” Leonie tried to look hurt.

“We did manage without you quite well while you were away. No temples were destroyed for weeks!” Jade chuckled.

“I’m really hurt,” Leonie said sarcastically.

“As you say, you heal well. But,” Jade added, “you will be missed.” Her tone turned more serious as she pulled a rolled note from her belt. “This was left on the bar at the Heart.”

“For me? What’s it say?”

Jade looked affronted. “As if I’d sneak a peek at a message to you.”

“You’re too funny.”

“Keep resting, and keep off the streets.” Jade turned to the door. “I’ll catch up with you later.”

“Don’t you want to know what’s in it?”

“I’m sure you’ll let me know if it’s important.”

“Oh! Speaking of important – all those obelisks and monuments around the city are used for spying. The watchers in the palace monitor it constantly.”

“What? Damn!” Jade slapped the wall. “That means we’ll need to change our routes to avoid them.” She sat on the window fuming.

Leonie quickly read the note, too impatient to wait.

‘I have some exciting news. Come to the sanctum as soon as you can.’

The message was intriguing, if disappointingly short. Why the sanctum and not in the library, she wondered.

Leonie had an idea. She thought furiously. “You know, I could visit the palace and find out exactly what they see; map blind spots. It will keep me away from the temples; it’s on the other side of the city and probably the next safest place other than being cooped up here.”

“How did this news come about?” She looked up. “Did Feiron tell you?”

“It’s amazing what information he gets.” Leonie shrugged innocently, covering her relief for managing to tell Jade without actually lying to her face. “If I’m leaving Delta, now is surely the best opportunity,” she enthused. “And although you won’t admit it, you know I’m the best and only person to do it.”

Jade swore under her breath. “And if I said no?”

Leonie idly studied her claws. “You could potentially lose half the guild profits, if not the Takers themselves. Nowhere would be safe.”

“Tonight then. I’m coming too.”

Crap! “Umm, you know. I don’t think that’s the best idea you’ve had. I mean, in your element you are fantastic, but in this situation I can move and climb faster, and can see in the dark. And of course, now more than anything, you need to be around for the others just in case…”

“Damn I hate it when you make sense.”

“I agree, it is rare.” Leonie nodded, trying to look serious.

“Fine. Come see me the moment you return. I know me being asleep doesn’t stop you.”

“Sure thing, boss! You’ll be the first person I speak to.”

“I better be.” Shaking her head, Jade climbed out the window and swiftly climbed down to the quiet lane.

Leonie paced the room. Before her trip to Qelay and meeting Styx, she would have been out the door in a heartbeat. Tempting as it was, she forced herself to relax and be more patient. Everything Jade said was true; she did have to keep a low profile, and running around in broad daylight with the extra patrols with her current injuries could prove disastrous. Taking a deep breath, she got busy. First thing was to get breakfast.

Once done, she searched through the drawer of the one cupboard she had to find something to draw on and a stick of charcoal. She found a roll of vorien leather in it’s case. Very expensive because it was impervious to water damage – if one actually paid for it. From memory, and the occasional foray to the higher rooftops nearby for reference, she drew a map of the city. It was something she had always considered doing, so she concentrated in an effort to make it as accurate as possible.

Every now and then, when she got cramps, she alternately stretched and practised the various mind techniques until her stomach grumbled for more food. In a light, hooded cloak, a furtive visit to the nearest tavern provided her with a fulfilling meal, after which she forced herself to return to her room, determined to wait it out until nightfall.

Leonie donned her harness, tucked the scroll case inside her vest, and slipped out the window well after sunset. Her priority was to see Magda first and find out what was so ‘exciting’, then she could ‘relax’ mapping the sections of the city under observation.

The streets had been chaotic earlier, but the fracas between the temples had now subsided in the evening, but extra patrols were still out and about to discourage any over-curious citizens or vengeful clerics. Every second she waited for a clear route was an eternity and she chaffed silently at each delay before continuing through the sprinkling rain.

Deciding it would be much quicker to enter via the cavern where the sanctum was located, she made her way along the shoreline below the palace headland, then ascended the cliff face with the aid of the harness. Avoiding bumping her blistered back, she spent a few awkward moments slinking through the orifice. Eventually, she emerged into the cavern. A few pigeons erupted from their roost. Her heart skipped a beat. Slistorf’s balls! Leonie waited for them to settle.

As she approached the sanctum she heard voices coming from within. Quickly, she stepped behind the dilapidated structure that used to be part of the dormitory. Careful not to touch it and risk it collapsing, she used what she could as cover and edged closer. One sibilant voice was easily recognised as Magda, but the other one, she had no idea.

Deciding she’d have to roll under the sanctum if anyone approached, Leonie snuck up to the entrance, listening intently. The door was now wide open. The acoustics distorted the voices, making the conversation gibberish. Slistorf! I’ve got to go in. Still, she hesitated, not daring to think who was inside. What was such ‘exciting’ news? Breathing slowly and deeply, she mounted the stairs and slipped into the central passage. The column in the centre of the floor now had blinking lights. There was a faint vibration through the floor and an unusual odour throughout.

Whoever was occupying the sanctum was ahead and to the right. Her ears twitched. Another female was talking. Leonie ducked around the corner, heading down the passage to the room her mother used to take her.

At first, Leonie saw one figure visible facing away from the door. It took a moment to realise Magda was laying on the strange bed her mother – and every other favoured – had used. The stranger was taller and looked human, though the heavy cloak didn’t help determine much more detail. The voice was vaguely familiar.

The cloaked woman stopped what she was doing. Hello, Leonie, she said.

Not trusting her legs, Leonie gripped the doorframe.

“Yes, it’s me. Dianah.” The figure turned.

“You’re alive!” It was Dianah, though looking much older.

“We have returned, but only for a short time.” We mean you no harm.

“Who’s we?” Leonie’s voice quivered. “You mean Magda?”

“Nope. She means me,” said a deep, male voice behind her.

Leonie spun around, struggling to remain conscious. Her stunned mind was overwhelmed with feelings and emotion. Remember what they did to you! The massive man stood at the intersection of the passage, next to the vibrating column. Brendon was much hairier than she remembered. He was aging as well.

“Looks like you’re in worse shape than us. Lucky we came back. We can help you,” he said.

“Yes child. You need healing,” Dianah suggested.

Leonie studied her. Not quite hidden under the cowl, Dianah’s facial features were wrong. Her skin was grey and harder. Any other time, Leonie would be hard-pressed to recognise her.

Magda looked up from the bed. “Leonie. I’m so glad you got my message. Lady Dianah and Lord Brendon can help you.” She held her arms out to the side. There were weird tubes taped along her arms, then running into the base of the bed. “They helped me. I am no longer riddled with burns. The pain is but a memory and… I can see! You look wonderful. Everything looks so wonderful.”

“Let’s get you finished up.” Dianah said to Magda, and started removing tubes.

“Why are you here now?” Leonie asked. “Why did you return?”

Brendon answered as Dianah was busy. “We needed the Skydancer – the sanctum. The last time, we left in such a rush… I thought Zander was going to kill Dianah. I’ve not seen him so mad. Until Magda sent us a message, we had no idea anyone survived the fires. We’re glad to see someone.”

“As Magda says, you are truly wonderful.” Dianah finished and was helping the seleth to sit up.

Dianah turned. “It’s so good to see you again.” She stepped towards her.

“Stop right there,” Leonie ordered, surprised at the tone in her voice. “I’ve been wanting to kill you ever since the fire. And get answers. The answers first, would be better though.”

“I understand—”

“You understand?” Leonie hissed. “You make me, then leave me and the others to die? My mother died!”

“I can explain—”

“Yes, you will.” Leonie stepped forward, claws unsheathed.

STOP! Brendon ordered from the door.

Leonie froze mid-step as an invisible force clamped her body as if in iron. A switch in her mind ‘clicked’ the moment she recognised what was happening. She placed her paw firmly on the floor and looked at Brendon. The shocked look on his face told her the story. “I don’t reckon you’ll be doing that to me anymore,” she said to cover her sigh of relief.

“How?” he almost whispered, eyes wide.

Leonie started to appreciate Styx’s constant training. “A little friend’s been working in my head.”

“Styx?” Dianah frowned. “We spoke with him. He was… curious about you.”

Leonie’s turn to her, curious. “Is this another trick? Another lie? Last I heard, he was heading to Reenat.”

“So he said.” Imploringly, Dianah put her arms out. “Leonie, whatever you think of us, of me… I’m not your enemy. True, you have the right to think unkindly of what was done to you, and the way it was done, but that wasn’t how it was meant to be.”

“My mother was murdered, along with many others,” she repeated. Dianah almost sounded sincere. Leonie focused on her anger. “You were responsible for us. You deserted us!”

“Because of Zander.” Brendon found his voice. “You can blame us for many things if need be, but not that.”

“You ran and left us. Surely you could have done something. Aren’t you the ‘high ones’?”

“Please, Leonie,” Magda pleaded from the bed. “Lady Dianah and Lord Brendon only meant the best. What happened was not their doing. Please believe me, if not them. They can heal almost anything. Am I not proof?”

“Now I’m not so sure. Perhaps this was a trap.” The rage burning inside her diminished slowly, but not completely. “You could have told me they were here instead of some cryptic note.” Embers still glowed hot, fanned by despair and her yearning for answers.

“Anyone could have read it. I had to be careful.”

“Okay. Talk then.” She locked eyes on Dianah.

“Shall we get more comfortable?” she smiled. “We have refreshments, or we can heal—”

“No healing. Not yet. I want to hear answers before I even consider you ‘helping’ me ever again.”

“Fair enough.” Brendon stepped away from the door, leading towards the head of the sanctum. “We can all sit comfortably in the lounge.”

Leonie guessed right; the ‘lounge’ was the large curved room towards the front. She sat upright, not resting on her blistered back. “Where’s Magda?” she asked suspiciously.

“I sent Magda back to her rooms for more rest,” Dianah said. “In our world, I was a scientist,” Dianah explained. “While I have the knowledge in helping the sick to heal, I can do so much more. In my efforts to develop a body that could repair itself, I used many techniques and samples from a variety of sources.” Her voice took on a clinical tone; forthright and cold. “In so doing, I created your line using a rrell embryo.” Whilst she talked, Brendon collected the drinks, placing a tray of glasses on the low table.

“What am I? What ‘sources’ did you use to…?”

“To create you? I conducted so many trials… many failed until you came along. You are a perfect combination of human, illios and hroltahg genes in a human host.”

Leonie sat silent, letting this horror sink in.

“You were impressive while growing up,” Dianah added. “From what Magda has told us, you were one of the best and last results that escaped the fires. If you know of others, it would be a great benefit to further the studies,” she paused. “Leonie?”

“There is no one else,” she replied, dragged back from her thoughts. “But if you think I’d hand over anyone for your experiments, you are sorely mistaken.”

“I understand.” Dianah’s eyes dropped. “I’m only human, and as guilty with ego and ambition as the next person – perhaps more so. In my efforts to increase my own meagre telepathic abilities, I started using genetic samples from the hroltahgs – they are truly incredible specimens. Perhaps I’ve been punished – in my eagerness for results, I modified myself.” She fully lowered her cowl. The extent of the skin change covered her body. “My aim was only partially successful, while my abilities increased slightly, my skin has taken on the hue and texture of a rollo. This was one of the reasons Zander went crazy, he couldn’t handle the change in me or my resolve to continue. I’m guilty of many things, but there’s no excuse. We argued, we fought and there was an accident. We cannot find it within ourselves to punish him for what he has done – either to you and those that perished, or to us.”

“What about my father?”

Dianah smiled wryly. “He’s not from this world I can assure you.”

Not of this world. Breathing steadily while this all sank in, Leonie sipped at the unusually flavoured drink Brendon had offered her earlier. Studying the glass, she was amazed at its thinness. “If Zander disapproved of all this, where does he fit in?”

“Back home, on my world, Zander – or Alexander – was my lover and confidante. He was as ruthless, if not as crazy, then too. Weak-minded, untrusting, almost paranoid, but extremely wealthy. Some things don’t change between worlds. Wealth always means power.”

“What, or where, is your world?” Leonie asked. “You have power there too?”

Dianah paused for a moment, thinking.

“Not the ‘power’, like in magic,” Brendon filled in the silence. “She means control. Our world is called Earth. Can’t say for sure where it is from here.”

“Ah.” Leonie took a moment to digest this. “So, you wanted control?”

“Not I,” Diana replied. “It’s what drove Zander. To control everything. On Earth, power also means wealth. I needed his resources to continue my experiments.”

“So that’s what’s driving you. What about you, Brendon?”

“Initially, I was part of her experiments,” he replied. “I helped her; she helped me.”

“But, it all came crashing down,” Brendon added. “It’s complicated, but for various reasons we had to flee home; all three of us. We used this craft to escape, but crashed here instead.”

“And that vexed Zander so much.” Dianah shrugged. “More than anyone guessed. Being marooned here eventually took its toll. On him. On all of us.”

“Don’t look to me for any sympathy.” Leonie drained the glass and put it down. There was a moment of dizziness as she struggled trying to fathom all this information. She needed to hear something more familiar. “When did you meet up with Styx?”

Brendon sat up leaning forward. The chair adjusted to the new position. “In short, I was trying to amass an army to fight the l’ith – you know about them?”

“Only a little. I saw some a few weeks ago. In the mountains west of here. They had killed a nest of the glins’ool.”

“Big buggers, aren’t they. Anyway, we were up near the pass to the Vale and along comes this rollo. Stops for a visit, then goes off and kills the l’ith queen.”

“That’s not the Styx I knew.” Leonie felt odd. Maybe I’m tired?

“Well. He had changed – gone rogue – and covered in spikes. But you’re right, it wasn’t as straightforward as that. He said he was going to try negotiating with her first.”

“Yep. That’s more like him.” She started feeling dizzy and lethargic.

“But he failed, and killed her instead. He survived, told us the good news, and left for Reenat.” Brendon and Dianah paused, watching her.

“You look weary. You should relax, and I’ll get you another drink?” Brendon rose to collect her glass.

Her mind tingled briefly. In a flash of insight, she twisted and tried to leap to the side. Too slow!

Brendon grabbed her in a vice-like grip, and kept his face away from her jaws. Struggle as she might, Leonie could barely breathe. With her arms pinned and his massive weight holding her legs down, her claws were useless.

Dianah was by her side in an instant.

Leonie felt a sharp sting in her neck and the fight fell out of her. She dropped into unconsciousness.

*

The voices she could hear were faint, but distinguishable.

“… look at this … the previous sequence did have its merits, but these new vectors show far more potential. I think we should pursue that now.” She heard Dianah say.

“What about Leonie?”

“We’ll gather more DNA samples, but she’s of no further use. She could even pose a threat, especially now Styx has meddled with her mind.”

“And then?”

“Once we get what we need, she is of no further use.”

“And after that?”

Dianah shrugged. “We trade her for the ship, and Zander can get the information he wants.”

“After all she has been through?”

“You’re getting emotional. If she finds out this was our fault and framed Zander, you think she’ll be forgiving?”

“I forgot how cold-hearted you could be.”

“Cold-hearted? No. I’m still a scientist, and desperate for a remedy.”

The voices got louder. They entered the room seconds later.

Leonie looked around, faking confusion as if she’d just revived. “What happened?”

Dianah turned to Brendon, surprised. “I gave her so much sedative even you would’ve struggled to stay awake. Her abilities are uncanny. Far more successful than I had thought possible, even with Styx’s modifications.”

“What… have you done?” Leonie looked at the bandage on her arm and the various tubes.

“I require more material to continue my research. We ran a few tests for further analysis; we’ll probably need a bit more: hair, skin, blood—”

“All those words before were lies! I should have known.”

“Not all of them. But I am ambitious.” She shrugged. “I couldn’t help myself.”

“Seems you just did.”

“You wouldn’t be here without me—”

“Here where I’d rather not be.” Slowly, feelings came back to her limbs. She did feel better, but she continued to act listless. “What are your… plans now? I gather… letting me go isn’t… part of it?”

“Zander has a desire for any knowledge of this codex, and we need this ship,” she replied with indifference. We think it a fair trade.”

“And what? You think Zander will have a chat and then release me?”

“Probably not. Bren, better get more sedative. She’s too lucid for my liking.” There was no pretence of empathy or compassion now.

Damn. Time to relax. Breath in slowly. “You say you aren’t responsible for any deaths? What about mine, or Zander’s?” I’m dead if they sedate me again. “Either way – him or me – only one is going to be walking away.”

Brendon returned with a vial and needle and handed them to Dianah. She filled the syringe from the vial with a pale green liquid.

Leonie tested the bindings; two straps across her legs, another for her torso and one each forearm. “Against my better judgement, I’ll give you both one last chance,” Leonie said as they turned and approached the bed.

“You are persistent.” Brendon held her steady. “And hardly in a position to argue.”

Dianah brought the needle up. “We probably won’t see each other after this.”

Gritting her teeth, Leonie released the power she had been slowly absorbing. The powerful fireball exploded amongst them. In the confined space, the blast was effective. Dianah flew back, smacking into the wall; Brendon flew across the bench behind the bed. Both collapsed in unmoving heaps.

Secured on the bed with nowhere to go, the intense heat washed over her, singeing her fur. Already weak, she blacked out.

* * *