Once the required information had been extracted, the Ministers and their families were killed one by one, starting with the screaming infants. Sons and daughters were murdered, followed by the wives, and finally each of the Ministers. The Császár and his wife, witnesses to each loss, were kept alive.
Over the next week, the Császár’s wife was tortured in front of him as the Keeper led the interrogation. When he was satisfied that he had learned all that he needed, he plunged his knife into her ruined body. She had been tortured so severely that part of the Császár was thankful for her death to end her suffering.
The Császár was kept alive for an additional month so he could endure the memories of the death of his wife and friends. During that month, he was given reports of how the world had fallen to the Keeper.
At the conclusion of that month, the Császár was taken to the courtyard of the Palātium and executed in front of the citizens of Orleans. Word spread quickly that the last Chokka was dead. To help spread the word, the body of the Császár was put on tour throughout the world so that everyone would know that the Keeper was indeed in command.
So began the rule of the Keeper.
CHAPTER THIRTY TWO
Babel listened intently as Quentin told him of the coup. Of how his grandfather and grandmother were killed. He had never known his grandparents but the tale of their death filled him with great sorrow. He felt like crying; but instead, he swallowed that sorrow, allowing it to turn into anger. He would avenge his family.
“There is more.” Quentin said. He nodded at Jims, who came forward and produced a small book. “This book was written by your grandfather during his one month imprisonment. The words will be very hard for you to read as your grandfather speaks of his feelings during that time. He often considered suicide.”
“How did you get such a book?” Babel asked.
“There were many men who died getting this book to me. I cannot say for certain how the book was discovered or how exactly it was taken from the Palātium. I can say that your grandfather knew exactly where to hide the book so that only someone who was familiar with the Palātium could have found it. It was given to me anonymously.”
“Then how do you know it was actually written by my grandfather?”
“I knew your grandfather when I was a boy. There was a certain way about him that comes through in the book. Plus, I do not believe, from the knowledge shared within the book that this book could have been written by anyone else other than a Chokka imprisoned by the Keeper. When you read the book, you will understand what I mean.”
Babel thanked Quentin and Jims and that evening he did read the book. And he did understand what Quentin meant. There was little doubt the book in his hands had been written by his grandfather during the worst time of his life.
Babel also knew the book was key to understanding the Keeper. He knew very little of the Keeper outside of what he had been told. The book was very insightful. If they were to defeat the Keeper and retake the world, the book would play a part in that.
The next morning Babel woke and felt anew. His situation was just as dire as the night before but there was something about possessing a part of his grandfather that stirred him. For the first time since being in this world, he felt that at least a part of him belonged. He did not doubt that later those feelings would grow. He would come to see this world as his own. He had agreed to become the Császár, but knew that he would never fully fill that role until he became part of this world.
He rose from his bed and walked out into the morning sun. He stretched for a moment, enjoying the sun on his face.
“Good morning”
Babel opened his eyes and looked at who had spoken to him. It was Jims. “Good morning.”
“You look very fresh this morning.”
“I feel fresh. I slept well.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Jims motioned to his right. “This is my wife, Krista.”
Babel started to stick out his hand to take Krista’s but stopped himself and nodded instead. “Pleasure to meet you.”
“And you, Babel. I’ve heard much about you.”
Jims laughed, “Nothing that wasn’t true, mate.”
Babel smiled. “Thanks, I guess.”
“Well, we’re off.” Krista said. “You’re welcome to join us. We’re heading to the stream baths to wash off.”
“Thanks, maybe next time.” Babel wasn’t sure what exactly a stream bath was. He did, however, expect both Jims and Krista to drop their clothing where they stood before heading down to wash up.
Jims read Babel’s face and laughed. He leaned in to Babel. “Don’t worry, mate. Quentin told us of your fear of nakedness. We’ll keep clothed until we’re out of your sight. We wouldn’t want to offend the Császár now would we?”
Babel wasn’t sure what to say. His face blushed even though he tried to play it off. Finally he managed to say, “Enjoy your stream bath.”
Jims laughed heartily and his wife and he headed down the path. Babel watched them go, then walked out into the commons area. Quentin was sitting outside of his shack, waiting on him. “Good morning. Sleep well?”
“I did, and you?”
Quentin’s face turned somewhat serious. “Not so much. I keep having dreams.” After a moment of reflection, Quentin shook off the images running through his head and looked at Babel. Then he smiled as well as he
