Robert Newcomb - A March into Darkness

“The moment we took each consul, a forgetfulness spell was enacted over him, negating his magic use,” he added. “For security reasons, each was locked away in his own windowless quarters. Two armed warriors guard every consul’s door. The consuls clearly know who they are, and they still owe their allegiance to the Vagaries. We compared their signatures to the blood-birth records stored here. In several cases, our findings yielded interesting results.”

“How so?” Shailiha asked.

Sighing, Wigg sat back in his chair. “Some of the girls’ fathers are imprisoned here, including Mallory’s.”

“Did you know Mallory’s father before he was captured?” Adrian asked.

“Yes,” Wigg answered. “I knew them all. The selection process was intimate. Each Directorate of Wizards member had a hand in it, as did Queen Morganna. After all, it was at Morganna’s insistence that Fledgling House came into existence.”

“What is the consul’s name?” Shailiha asked.

“Nathan of the House of Esterbrook,” Wigg answered. “At forty-three Seasons of New Life, his blood is strong and his intellect keen. Just as I suspect Mallory’s are.”

“Can the consuls’ blood signatures be changed to lean rightward once more?” Abbey asked. “Jessamay’s was.”

“Perhaps,” Wigg answered. “But I believe that should wait until the threat from Serena has been dealt with.”

For several moments, silence again filled the room. Wigg looked into Shailiha’s eyes.

“What are your orders, Princess?” he asked.

Shailiha didn’t hesitate. “Only Mallory will be told. I believe that she is the only one mature enough to fully bear up under the news. We will let her see her father, if she chooses. But we will tell her about him in private. If she wishes to inform the other girls later, that will be her decision.”

As her thoughts turned to her brother, Shailiha’s face saddened. “I take it there has been no word from Traax?” she asked.

“No,” Wigg answered. “But we must not give up hope. It is possible that Traax’s group has yet to reach the pass, or that they were distracted by something important along the way. Traax is an able warrior. When he has something newsworthy to relate, he will send a messenger.”

Shailiha couldn’t help addressing the darker question. “Do you believe we’ll see Tristan again?” she asked softly.

Wigg laced his fingers together. “I do not want to offer false hope, Princess. But your brother is a resourceful man, and it seems that the Heretics have some plan for him. At the very least they want him alive and unharmed.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Jessamay added. “All we can do is wait and see.”

“No,” Shailiha said adamantly. “We can do more than that. We will attack the Citadel, just as he asked us to do. As we speak, Tyranny is readying the Black Ships. We sail as soon as possible.”

A knock came on the door. Calling out, Shailiha granted permission to enter.

The doors opened to show the eight Fledglings, accompanied by the warriors Shailiha had sent to fetch them. Each girl wore a uniform like the one she had donned at Fledgling House-a white blouse, a blue-and-gray plaid pleated skirt, and shiny black shoes. Each crisp blouse carried a bright red image of the Paragon embroidered over its wearer’s heart.

Like they had just encountered another world, the Fledglings gazed wide-eyed into the magnificent Hall of Blood Records. When they spied Martha, their decorum vanished.

“Martha!” they screamed. “Martha! Martha!” Charging around both sides of the table, they joyously deluged her.

Hugging her girls incessantly, Martha soon had tears running down her face. Shailiha wisely decided to let the affectionate reunion run its course.

When things had quieted, Shailiha politely commanded the girls’ attention. Suddenly remembering themselves, Mallory and Ariana blushed. Shailiha looked at the two guards.

“Please seat our guests,” she ordered. When more chairs had been situated at the table, the girls took their places. Leaving the room, the guards shut the doors behind them.

One by one, Shailiha smiled into each new face. She then nodded at Adrian.

“We have learned that you are indeed who you claim to be,” the First Sister said. Lifting her hands, she graciously gestured about the room. “Welcome to the Redoubt.”

The girls beamed. “Thank you, First Sister,” Mallory said. “On behalf of all the Fledglings, it is an honor to be here.”

Shailiha smiled. She is indeed their leader, she realized. The princess gave Mallory a thoughtful look.

“Sister Adrian tells us that you have told her your story,” she said. “I would like you to tell the rest of us. But before you do, would each girl please give her name?”

One by one the girls identified themselves. They were Mallory, Ariana, Magdalene, Deirdre, Carol, Daisy, Constance, and Scarlet. Suddenly remembering Duncan, Mallory gave Martha an apologetic look.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “We loved Duncan very much.”

Martha nodded wistfully. “Don’t be sorry,” she answered. “What happened was not your doing. Duncan would be happy to know that we are all back together again.”

Shailiha looked at Mallory again. “Now then, please tell us your story,” she said.

Mallory nodded. She spoke for a full hour beginning the tale with their departure from Fledgling House. Even though the part about being in debtors’ prison personally embarrassed her, she left nothing out. After finishing she sat back in her chair.

Mallory’s story clearly enraged Shailiha. Leaning closer, the princess looked into the Fledgling’s eyes.

“Do you believe Lothar is dead?” she asked.

Mallory shook her head. “I don’t know. Ariana and I combined our bolts, so it’s possible. He was unconscious and his clothes were smoldering. I believe several guards died, though. They had to-the flames overtaking the floor were too intense.”

Shailiha looked over at Wigg. “Did you know that such things were going on?” she asked.

Wigg scowled. “Not to such a degree. But for as long as I can remember, our justice system has been seriously flawed. The debtors’ prison will be a good place to start forcing some changes.” Looking wryly at the door, Wigg thought about the Minion warriors standing on its other side.

“And I know just how to go about it,” he added. “By the way-who is the woman who brought the girls here?”

Adrian started to speak, then looked down at her hands. She blushed noticeably.

Smiling, Wigg leaned forward in his chair. “Out with it,” he said.

“It seems that Mary is Tammerland’s foremost brothel madam,” she answered. “She has apparently acquired girls from Lothar in the past.”

“Are you telling us that she is also a slave trader?” Shailiha asked. “If so, then she is no better than Lothar.”

“Not exactly,” Adrian answered. “True, she has paid Lothar for girls. But she always offers them their freedom. It seems that she is some kind of angel of mercy-despite her occupation.”

“How curious,” Abbey said. “Does she expect a reward?”

“No,” Adrian answered. “I believe that she was simply glad to have been of service. To hear her tell it, she hates Lothar as much as anyone.”

“The proverbial whore with a heart of gold?” Shailiha asked rhetorically. “How interesting… When next you see her, thank her. Reward her for her kindness, then send her on her way.”

“As you wish, Your Highness,” Adrian answered.

Knowing that her next task would be difficult, Shailiha looked at the Fledglings. “It is time to tell about your fathers,” she said. “I’m sorry, but this will be painful to hear.”