Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 47529 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 238(@200wpm)___ 190(@250wpm)___ 158(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47529 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 238(@200wpm)___ 190(@250wpm)___ 158(@300wpm)
An elevator takes us several thousand feet below the surface of the planet, to a dungeon more ancient than almost any other structure we have. The black spire building above is built over the ruins of the castle of our first royal family. Some say the land is cursed, but it does not matter. It is the vortex at the core of our civilization, necessary because one cannot have dark without light.
“They told me my brother was here to see me. I would never have guessed it would be you. I thought your shame at my existence would prevent you from ever setting foot down here.”
Zain greets me in the telepathic speech while he is still in the shadows. We have not so much as laid eyes on one another and already we are needling each other. I have a grim feeling about this meeting that is not at all aided by the stench of wet decay and blood that permeates the air.
“Wow!” I hear Jennifer exclaim as Zain looms out of the deep, first wrapping two big fists around the bars of his cage, then bringing the rest of his body into the pale light of the prison’s meager bulbs.
He does cut an imposing figure, of that there can be no doubt. Zain’s deep green hair has been cut close to his head. His tusks seem longer and more pronounced now. There are some legends that indicate our primary means of attack grow when we commit violent acts. Zain’s musculature is pronounced, and the color of his skin has faded to an unhealthy underground gray. He barely seems like the same species as myself, and yet he is my full blood brother.
He looks at me and then at the human attached to me by a leash. He seems confused, as well he may be.
“What do you want?” The question is blunt and gruff and given out loud.
Jennifer takes a step toward Zain, her expression one of pure sympathy.
“How long have you been here?”
Zain looks at her. I worry he’s going to curse at her or otherwise terrify her, but his expression softens. “Three years.”
“I was inside for three years as well,” she says. “By the time I got out, I barely believed in freedom anymore. But I found it again.”
Zain takes that information in for a second.
“You’re leashed to my brother.”
“True,” she says. “But… well. True. But that’s kind of a temporary thing. I’m humoring him. He’s having a hard time.”
“Is he?” Zain snorts. I have not seen my brother smile in years, not since before my father passed. For a brief moment, he is his old self. He is the younger brother I have always loved and wanted to protect. I feel a pulse of connection and sadness, and I know he feels it too. It zips between us, strengthening the connection that had withered with distance and fraternal neglect.
“Oh yeah. He has…. What’s his name? Kahn. He has Kahn complaining about everything. The guy cannot chill out for even a second. The first time I met me, he hit me. And that’s no way to make friends, you know what I’m saying?”
“Sounds like Kahn,” Zain smirks.
I feel a welling of emotion as I watch this little human who I know does not identify as mine, or my pet, do her very best to cheer Zain up simply because she knows his suffering. I should not be surprised to discover that her own species saw fit to incarcerate her at some point. My pet has a history I am yet to investigate, but she has a spirit that shines through.
“She’s cute,” Zain says, turning his gaze to me. “Be nice to her. Let her go.”
“Yeah. Be nice. Let me go,” Jennifer pipes up swiftly, knowing she has an advantage to press.
“I’m afraid that is not an option,” I reply. “For either one of you.”
“Then why are you here? It’s not a social call, is it, Ark? You don’t come to me unless you want something unspeakable done.”
“I am here because I am your brother. We are family, and family must stay together.”
My pet makes a gesture with a finger into her open mouth. I am briefly mystified as to the possible meaning of it, but the gagging sounds she makes soon clarify. She finds my words sickening. So does Zain, by the looks of things.
“You want something, Ark. You always want something.”
“I want to see you. I want to tell you that I have not forgotten you, and will not forget you. I want you to know that I will be lobbying the council once again for a pardon. All you need do is plead guilty.”
“Never.”
“But you did try to kill Phenix.”
“But I don’t feel guilty about it.”
We have had this conversation many times over the years. I knew he would not be any more remorseful this time than the others, though I had hoped he might have found some remorse in the shadows of his confinement.