Oh, Gods. It’s not just the ridiculous chain, or the purple velvet suit he’s wearing that makes him seem so oafish. Does this character seriously speak in the third person?
I could tell Lord Aeron the truth – that I was born just a few miles from the Capital itself, and that I’d studied in the city university. I could correct his assumptions, and reveal that I did a practicum in the hospital not ten miles away from this ostentatious estate.
I’d encountered the upturned noses of those born in the Capital before, but I’d never realized to what extent these nobles truly looked down on those who were impoverished.
So, instead, I confirm his lies by murmuring: “Thank you, Lord Aeron.”
The door shuts behind me and I repress a shudder. If this man is in charge of things – at least in name – then he needs to become an ally. The second I’m gone, the Viceroy will begin muttering things in his ear – as I suspect that the tall, thin man is the true power behind the Capital.
But two can play at that game. If this bloated oaf is to be manipulated by the Viceroy, I can do the same. Before that, however, I have to make Lord Aeron think that I’m as weak as he views me. Manipulation is always more effective when your victim considers you too pathetic to be an influence upon him.
“You must be exhausted,” Lord Aeron says. “Please, rest yourself upon the bed.” He sits down himself on the huge mattress and pats his hand on the empty space next to him.
I hope desperately that this bloated man doesn’t try to make a move on me. He’d have to be an evil man indeed to think that I’d just endured violent sexual assault at the hands of the Aurelians, and yet still try to touch me.
I give the big man the benefit of the doubt, and sit down hesitantly.
“Tell me everything! A Lord must be advised. The people of the Capital… They are protesting at what we had to do to stop the Aurelian spies and the Scorp horde that they unleashed upon Barl.”
I look into the man’s beady eyes, and I’m not sure if he’s reciting a lie, or truly believes that events unfolded according to the Viceroy’s story.
I play along:
“The Aurelians – they are so dangerous. Please, tell me that they’re not near us, Lord Aeron.”
He smiles at me, and I know he’s trying to appear wise. His hand strays to my knee, patting me placatingly; as though I’m a shivering piece of horseflesh.
“Calm yourself, my dear. They are in the dungeons in the lower levels. Fear not – my guards are very strong, and without those Orb-Weapons of theirs, the aliens are next to helpless.”
As he says that, Lord Aeron motions towards the dresser.
I turn my head and see the twin hilts of Forn’s Orb-Daggers, Hadone’s huge Orb-Warhammer, and Darok’s Orb-Sword resting on the top of the dressing table.
My heart pounds quicker as I look at them. I can’t believe that they would allow me so near to such powerful weapons!
Of course, if I tried anything against Lord Aeron, it wouldn’t just be my life forfeit. I fear that the Viceroy would take the lives of the orphans as forfeit, too – to openly demonstrate how betrayal is punished in the Capital.
My thought of the orphans makes me ask: “My kind Lord, tell me – are the children safe?”
He nods. “Yes. Take a look out the window.”
I walk to the window and look outside. In the gardens below, the four children are playing. Well, Stacy, Tod and Tyler are kicking a ball around. Runner is sitting at the sidelines, alone and brooding.
I know that he hates Aurelians, and I imagine he’s thinking about what he’d like to do to the three in captivity in the dungeons below.
If I break out the Aurelians then what will happen to the orphans? Surely, the Viceroy wouldn’t hurt little children...
I swallow hard, and my heart goes cold. He would hurt children, if it was to his advantage. But, if I am able to break the Aurelians out of the dungeon and get them to safety, he’d have no reason to hurt the orphans.
Just as there isn’t a compassionate bone in the Viceroy’s skinny body, I know there isn’t a vengeful one either. I knew, from the moment I met him, that he’d be the type to consider revenge as much a useless distraction as love, lust or affection.
He’d do nothing unless there was a reward to be received from it; and even if I escaped with the Aurelians, the orphans are still more valuable to him as prizes to be adopted out to the wealthy nobles.
After all, what use is taking life from those who’d barely had it?
So, that’s settled – but now: How do I get the Aurelians out from the dungeon? And even if I do, can I truly leave the orphans here? In the Viceroy’s grasp?
I shudder. “I’m sorry, my Lord. The events of the last two days have shaken me. Perhaps… Perhaps some wine?”
The nobleman nods. “Of course. A cup to settle the nerves.”
He starts to stand, but I quickly jump to my feet. “You… You saved me, Lord Aeron. If your man Captain Arnold had not come, then I… I can’t even think what would have happened. The least I can do is serve you a drink, my Lord.”
Lord Aeron smiles graciously. “Of course, my child. I’d be honored.” He points to a row of bottles and decanters on the dresser opposite – the same one which holds the Aurelian’s Orb-Weapons. “My favorite is the bottle on the right.
