1.) Reaper's Gale
They come like sacrifices in their trim,
And to the fire-eyed maid of smoky war
All hot and bleeding we will offer them.
- Shakespeare, Henry IV
I stepped off the shuttle into the cold wrath of the Martian atmosphere. Normally I wouldn't brave the treacherous Martian conditions but I was here as a favour for Lady Aphrodite.
A sword was slung on my belt, making me feel intensely uncomfortable for though I could hold my own in battle it was not in my conscious desires to fight or engage in any sort of warfare. Though, while I was here on Mars, I had to observe their customs and beliefs. It was, in the Martian world, disgraceful for an important figure, political or otherwise, to be unarmed.
"Theoroi-Daduchos Artemis?" A young boy questioned, using my Martian title and giving me a hasty bow. "The King is waiting on you."
I followed the boy through the castle corridors to the throne room, watching him with a mild interest. I had forgotten how centred the culture here was on war, the boy had a sword strapped to his side though he seemed no older than twelve. He paused outside of an ornately furnished door, then held the door open and ushered me inside.
The Aesymnetes Autokrator of Mars, in other words the king, was seated at a large table, surrounded by his Crimson Guard, all of whom had proven themselves in many a battle... and it showed. They looked like a hardened group of men, though you would never know that by the way they were able to celebrate a victory. This appeared to be what they were doing now, as the alcohol was flowing freely.
Through my time associated with the Martian people I had come to learn that this carefree attitude after battle was one of reasons many of the other planets thought them harsh and barbaric. Even I had to agree with the masses on this one, the Martians left the battle field with little or no remorse over the blood they'd spilled and the lives they'd ended.
"Ah, Artemis, I hope I find you well?" King Cycnus asked jovially, pulling me out of my academically inclined musings. He must not have known the reason for my visit, for the topic of his only daughter always seemed to worsen his mood.
"I am well, thank you."
"Now what brings you here Artemis?" He questioned, pulling out the seat next to him so I could sit. I warily took the offered chair, being careful to watch my own back. Martians were quick to anger or take offence, especially where matters of honour and pride were concerned. Usually the seat next to the King was reserved for the best warrior and I fervently wished that none of the others at the table felt inclined to test me. Such an event would result in me bleeding out on the floor, an indignity I had no inclination to suffer through. My only defence in this world was to act as though I was more adept with a weapon than I actually was, hopefully the King's influence would prevent a duel.
As I settled into my seat my mind was whirling. I knew that I had to phrase my purpose carefully, so not to offend the king. To say he hated his daughter would be putting it lightly.
"Both High Queen Serenity and Lady Aphrodite XXVII requested that I visit to collect some... property." I replied. The King scowled before muttering a string of curses under his breath.
"More about that bitch?" He muttered. "I hope it's to take her away, any longer here and I'm afraid I'd have to execute her... the unruly brat has already needed prison terms to keep her in line."
I tried my hardest not to frown. I'd met the girl briefly during my prior visit and she hadn't seemed that bad, while the impression I'd gotten from the King was that he was heartless and barbaric. Being a diplomat meant I wasn't permitted to act on my impressions, I could only keep the peace. I was unsure why Lady Aphrodite wanted to have an arranged marriage between her daughter Minako and Cycnus' daughter. Relations between the gods Aphrodite and Ares had always been favourable, but the history between their planets was less than ami(c)able. On top of that neither Aphrodite nor Minako had ever met Rei, thus the reason for my wondering why there was to be a marriage between the two.
"Yes, it was the High Queen's wishes that your daughter and the other princess's of the inner planet join her on the Moon. I was asked by Aphrodite to accompany Rei, due to her interest in the girl's relationship with her daughter." I told the King.
"Then it's up to you to fetch her. She's fighting in the Tharsis Campaign to the west. Prometheus will accompany you." And with that, I was dismissed.
A tall young man rose from the king's other side. His features were strikingly angular and polished. In the Venusian world he would have done well, having looks on his side.
"Theoroi-Daduchos Artemis." The man said, nodding his head respectfully. I rose from my seat and followed Prometheus out of the throne room.
After walking a distance together Prometheus glanced in my direction.
"You've come to retrieve Rei?" He asked in Venusian, the language of the planet I liked to call home. He had a cultured accent, unlike the King, whose speech was always marred by a certain hostility or harshness that those on Venus would have shied from.
"Yes. And you would be?" I asked in Venusian, I wanted to hear him speak again, just to listen to his voice. It held power in it, much like the king's, though his had a softness to it; it was silk rather than steel.
"The heir to the throne," He replied. "Ephor Anax Prometheus."
"Ah." Was all I could say. For a diplomatic representative one would think I would be more articulate. I should have noticed the way he carried himself, it declared he was royalty almost as much as his commanding air. He was built to lead.
"Is she finally to be married?" Prometheus asked. His question sounded indifferent and I could tell he was just trying to make polite conversation. It was just then I realized he was Rei's brother. I refrained from saying that thought out loud, chances were that he and his father shared a certain disdain for her.
"Not immediately, Minako, the future Aphrodite XXVIII, still has yet to meet Rei. It is ultimately up to her who she marries. It is forbidden on Venus to marry unless it is for love."
The Martian growled, it was understandable. Most of the Martian lifestyle was centred around survival and preservation of the blood line, not on things like love and emotion.
"I worry about her." He grunted in Martian, then slipped back into Venusian. I was caught off guard, he worried about his sister? "It would not bode well for Rei if this marriage were to fall through. She has only survived this long due to her... diplomatic importance."
"What do you mean?" I asked, wondering what in the nine hells Lady Aphrodite had gotten her daughter into.
"Rei has only avoided execution this long due to her betrothal to Lady Minako." Prometheus told me. I was momentarily taken aback. While the Martians were a harsh people, usually punishments were swift and painful or they were made to 'defend' their honour. Executions were rare.
"Execution?" I questioned, wondering what someone would have to do to achieve that punishment, let alone a Princess.
Prometheus shook his head.
"It is not a subject to be spoken of." Prometheus announced stiffly, his face hardening. It was only then that I remembered that to earn execution one would have to shame their entire family publicly. Such an action could never be forgiven.
"I apologize; such a question was rude of me." I acknowledged with a slight bow. Prometheus waved it away.
"Little matter Artemis, it is nothing you should concern yourself with." He replied. I was confused, had I made a mistake in thinking I had offered a grievous insult? I decided to hold my tongue on the subject and avoid it whenever possible; it seemed I was missing part of the story... And Prometheus looked disinclined to reveal it to me.
Prometheus stalled slightly as we reached the end of the corridor.
"Shall I summon a shuttle, or is yours readily available?" He asked. As far as I knew the transport I came on was being restocked for the journey home, something that would take at least a day. I opened my mouth to reply but Prometheus cut me off.
"I will summon a carrier." He said shortly. "One is kept stocked at all times."
A disinterested flick of his hand brought about a faint flurry of motion behind me, a glance over my shoulder indicated that a servant had been following us the entire time. I hadn't noticed...
"Pardon my ignorance, but where are we going?" I asked, turning my attention back to Prometheus. He leaned against the wall casually, his stance seemingly relaxed even though his hand was still rested on the hilt of his sword.
"The Tharsis region of Mars. It's a volcanic plateau near the equator in our Western Hemisphere. There was an uprising in the highlands near the Noctis Labyrinthus. Rei is in command of... quelling the rebellion." Prometheus replied.
"She's in command?" I asked. He nodded.
"Whatever else she is, Rei is an adept strategist and tactician, along with being the best fighter I've ever encountered. I, for one, am grateful for her efforts to maintain the Martian peace." I found myself raising an eyebrow. Martian peace?
Prometheus glanced at me when my silence had stretched on, he laughed. I quickly fought to bring my expression back under control.
"Yes, I suppose that would seem amusing to outsiders, but this is the most peaceful the planet has been in centuries. I can't help but attribute that to Rei, which I suppose brings us to the heart of the problem..."
"What problem?"
"Earlier you asked what Rei was to be executed for. They are one and the same."
Yet again I got the feeling he would stonewall on the subject so I didn't press.
Momentarily the shuttle appeared before us. Prometheus led the way out and we made ourselves comfortable for the journey ahead of us.
Time passed quickly in Prometheus's company as we travelled across the planet. As I gazed out the window I was startled by the majestic trio of mountains that stretched across the horizon, even further in the distance loomed the legendary Olympus Mons. I shifted in my seat, flicking my eyes downwards. Underneath us was the Labyrinth of the Night. Rumour had it that at the bottom of the canyons it was always dark; the chasm was so deep it ate all the available sunlight... I gave an involuntary shudder at that.
The red planet had an eerie beauty that few beside its inhabitants could appreciate or ever get the opportunity to see. People travelled between the worlds these days but few ventured to Mars.
"It's incredible, isn't it?" Prometheus asked. I nodded, it truly was a sight to see even if it was a chilling vision. The shuttle angled towards the ground, obviously the pilot had sighted the Martian camp.
The shuttle landed smoothly, dust billowing out around the ship as it settled onto the ground. Prometheus got up and headed towards the bay doors, which slid open slowly and Prometheus stepped out into the cool Martian evening. I rose from my seat and followed him.
We were suddenly engulfed in a celebratory atmosphere. Prometheus looked momentarily taken aback.
"It seems the fighting is over already." He murmured. "That was fast."
"Why? When did the campaign begin?" I asked.
"There were nearly four thousand rioters; she was given a command of two hundred... To think she achieved that much in under a week..." Prometheus muttered as if he hadn't heard my question and was merely mulling the facts over. He shook his head, then glanced at me.
"Come, we should go find Rei." Prometheus said. I nodded. Together we walked towards a large tent, from which came the sounds of celebration. Prometheus elbowed aside the heavy canvas and entered, only to be surrounded by his soldiers. I saw a faint smile grace his lips as he was welcomed by a hearty cheer. Prometheus was careful to make sure I remained at his side. I had to admit I was grateful for that. It made me less uneasy, as I was surrounded by his soldiers.
A large tankard of alcohol was pressed into my hand by one of the revellers. I shot a questioning glance at Prometheus, he gave another smile and nodded.
"We'll find her tomorrow. I don't think I'd be allowed to leave the party anyway." He told me, gesturing towards a seat at the head table. "Let us enjoy the celebration."
We sat down together at the table. Almost immediately, food was placed before us, followed by an endless stream of alcohol.
Late that night Prometheus and I stumbled out of the tent, guided by one of the many warriors. It seemed like accommodations had been set up for the two of us.
I was shown to a large tent. Prometheus entered the one directly across from mine after muttering a quick goodnight. I pushed aside the flap, ready to fall onto to the military bedroll, however I was brought up short. Inside the tent was a lavish bed. I smiled. So this was how the royalty lived while campaigning.
I unbuckled my belt to remove my sword and it off the bedpost before I stripped off my clothes. I fell into the bed and was instantly asleep.
I awoke early and was mildly surprised that I didn't have a raging hangover. I exited my tent and came face to face with Prometheus, who was looking slightly worse for wear. He nodded in recognition.
"I was just coming to wake you." He told me. "I'm glad to see you aren't feeling too... under the weather."
"That was quite the celebration last night." I said. He smiled.
"The only thing they like better than fighting is celebrating after a victory." He replied. "I was quite impressed with how well you handled yourself last night."
I gave him a grin.
"You mean how well I held my alcohol." I said. He nodded. "That is accredited to a very... unruly childhood."
He laughed, clapping his hand against my back.
"Well then, I guess we should go find one more wayward youth." He said, leading me towards the stable. While we saddled up the horses a few others entered. They all gave Prometheus hasty salutes. He beckoned them over.
"Where is Rei?" Prometheus asked of one of the soldiers.
"The heathen?" The soldier asked, pausing to spit on the ground at the mention of Rei. "Look to the battle field, Anax. You'll find her among the corpses."
Prometheus nodded and turned away, he motioned me to follow him. We lead our horses out of the stable into the cold morning air. A soft mist floated through the camp giving it an eerie feeling.
"What's going on?" I asked as I caught up with him, my voice was tinged with worry. Had I finally failed in my mission? Being told to look among the dead was not a very promising thought.
"You best hope she hasn't gotten herself into trouble. You may end up bringing a corpse to High Queen Serenity."
I did my best not to freeze upon hearing this but still my step faltered. Prometheus glanced at me.
"I doubt anyone had gotten the best of her, despite the fact there are many here who wish her harm." Prometheus told me. I was not reassured as we mounted our horses at the edge of camp. My feeling of dread was encouraged by the raven I saw winging overhead as the mist dissipated. Such birds were said to foretell death or misfortune on my home planet.
Even before we reached the battlefield a sickly smell permeated the air, it only intensified as we drew nearer and I found myself fighting not to gag.
The ground beneath the horses' hooves was damp and muddy with blood and other fluids, despite the fact we'd heard the battle was long over.
I averted my eyes, turning my attention to Prometheus. He scanned the landscape closely, his eyes straining for some sign of his sister. Then without warning he spurred his horse forward into the heart of the battlefield. I followed quickly, eager to leave this scene behind. The sooner we found Rei, the better.
As our horses picked their way through the battlefield I was struck by enormity of the destruction that had occurred. Trails of smoke rose up from various points throughout the war zone. Prometheus seemed to be studiously avoiding them, as if he already knew what lay at the heart of the smoke's column. I flicked my gaze to the ground. Furrows had been carved into the land, creating a scarred appearance that reminded me of the watching the Noctis Labyrinthus from the shuttle.
Off in the distance a small rise was visible, it seemed that was where Prometheus was headed. As we drew nearer I realized it was not a natural feature. It was man made.
A makeshift altar filled with corpses had been erected. I wanted to recoil in disgust from such a sight upon first glance, then I realized it was a funeral pyre. My mind flashed back to the spires of smoke I had spotted earlier on. My stomach turned weakly. Little wonder we hadn't passed any bodies yet.
"Rei..." I heard Prometheus mutter, something flashed in his eyes. Fear? Revulsion? Hate?
Worry?
I pretended I hadn't heard him speak and followed him as he picked his way through the chaos of the battle field.
There was a faint noise, like a hacking cough. Prometheus drew his sword, spinning towards the noise. My own hand had travelled to the hilt of my weapon. I scanned the landscape around us, seeing nothing but blood, dirt, and mud... along with the looming altar.
A bird took wing from behind the altar. Prometheus seemed to relax, sheathing his sword.
"She'll be this way." Prometheus stated cryptically as he nudged his horse forward, swinging wide around the pyre. I nodded, following him around the pyre, closer to the plateau's edge. I stalled as the whole picture came into view.
Two carrion birds circled listlessly over the funeral pyre, before which stood a wraith-like warrior. She was the only soldier left on the battle field. I glanced to the bodies on the pyre, it felt like someone had punched me in the stomach. The bodies weren't of soldiers, but of youth. They were naught but children. I tore my gaze away from the corpses, instead watching the flames that had only just begun to flicker towards the sky. The woman knelt down, inscribing something in the dirt at the foot of the pyre. The flames reached ever higher as if racing for oblivion.
A crackling roar filled my ears as heat washed over me. I hadn't expected the fire to grow that quickly, or become that hot. I raised an arm shielding my face from the blaze, noticing that Prometheus had done the same. The woman remained motionless but for her lips, which formed words I could not hear nor decipher.
The flames began to recede as quickly as they had flared, leaving in their wake nothing but ash, which was scattered by the wind. The bodies were gone. I could feel a strange sense of peace wash over me, I flicked my eyes to Prometheus who was stirring in the saddle uncomfortably. My eyes were drawn back to the warrior. Blood streaked her face and clothes, along with the grime of war. Shadows were visible beneath her eyes, as if she hadn't slept in a long while.
A delicate breeze toyed with the woman's long hair, blowing it out around her, a few sparks floated through the air as if trying to caress her. Prometheus held his silence, so I followed suit.
"I hear tell you've been looking for me Ephor Anax." She said, turning slowly away from the last of the dying flames. Prometheus dismounted.
"You've been summoned, Rei." Prometheus said, his voice never hinting at any emotion. Rei bowed her head in a gracious nod.
"May I ask if this is an arrest?"
"It is not." Prometheus replied curtly. "This is Theoroi-Daduchos Artemis, he is here to escort you to the Moon Kingdom."
Her pale eyes flicked to me before she nodded again.
"Very well."
Her emotionless replies shook me to my core. What was Aphrodite thinking? Why this girl? I could not see Minako ever being happy with her, let alone falling in love. I shuddered to think what an impact this revelation would have on the Moon Kingdom.
Rei knelt, picking up a sheathed sword from the ground and slung it across her back. Prometheus turned his horse around and headed back to the camp. Rei rose and followed him. Prometheus and I slowed our pace, keeping time with Rei.
A fair distance from camp Rei veered off course. Prometheus followed her lead, dismounting as we approached a lone tent. I glanced at him as I dismounted.
"There have been a few... assassination attempts recently. I assume this is a precaution she has taken to avoid an incident." Prometheus murmured. I was stunned yet again. People were trying to kill her? Gods above, what had Aphrodite gotten us into?
In a matter of minutes the small camp had been disassembled and packed away. Rei easily slung the single bag over her shoulder.
"I'm ready." She announced. Prometheus nodded.
"I'll take over the remainder of the campaign." He said, then his attention shifted to me. "I contacted the Venusian shuttle this morning, they resupplied as quickly as possible and are on their way here. I have a feeling they are eager to leave this planet. They should be here quite soon."
There was a moment where a wry smile crossed his face. I smiled in return.
From above us came the dull roar of the Venusian shuttle. I left the two siblings alone while I went to oversee the landing of the shuttle. I needed to be there in case of a... misunderstanding between our two people. Bloodshed at this point could shatter the relative peace we'd shared with the Martian government. Planetary warfare was the last thing we needed at the moment.
The landing of the shuttle passed without incident. I turned back to the two Martians, watching the tail end of their farewell.
"Rei, if this marriage falls through, don't ever come back." Prometheus said, I was once again awed by the harshness in the Martian families.
"I don't plan to." Rei replied coolly, turning and striding to me. One of the pilots leaped forward, relieving her of her bag and loading it onto the ship for her. She stalled by my side.
"Shall we go?" I asked. She nodded almost imperceptibly and I lead the way onto the ship. She did not look back.
I nervously scanned the woman across from me, casting about desperately for something to talk about. She cleared her throat, drawing my attention.
"Why were you sent to retrieve me?" She asked, her pale eyes searching mine.
"Because I am familiar with your culture, I spent a bit of time travelling in my youth. When this marriage was arranged, I was one of the Venusian ambassadors who accompanied Lady Aphrodite. She sends her apologies for not being able to accompany you herself."
"There's nothing to apologize for, I'm away from that place and that's all that matters."
I glanced at her, wondering if she would react poorly if I pressed her for more information. There was a lapse in conversation. Rei's eyes studied me carefully, for the first time in years I felt uneasy under someone's gaze.
I was a politician for gods' sake, scrutiny was nothing new to me. But there was something about the way she looked at me that chilled me to the bone. Her eyes held nothing, no hate, hope, or happiness. It was like she was already dead.
"What brought you to Mars in the first place, Theoroi?" She asked me. "Surely it wasn't our comfortable accommodations and wonderful climate..."
I actually laughed. Her sarcastic assessment of her planet had surprised me.
"No. It wasn't." I replied, chuckling again. "When I was eager to learn and experience new things. A little too eager, perhaps..."
This time she was the one to give a soft laugh.
"I imagine you had quite a steep learning curve once you landed..."
I nodded, remembering my first few hours on Mars... and how lucky I was to survive them. Not to mention how lucky I was to survive the next six months on her planet.
"It was learn or die." I replied. Her brow furrowed slightly.
"That never changes." She replied, gazing out the window. Something about her tone was different. She didn't seem approving of that fact, like so many of her countrymen were. Life was harsh on Mars, causing the inhabitants themselves to become a harsher people.
"You don't seem..." I let my statement trail off as I caught the look on her face. This was the first time I'd seen emotion show in her eyes. A raw pain radiated from them, before falling away... as if she had slammed shut the door to her soul.
"I do not approve of many aspects of the Martian culture." She said lowly. I felt my entire perception of her fall to pieces. None of the Martians I had met previously had ever questioned or contradicted their upbringing. None of them had ever expressed discontentment with their way of life, if anything they had all enjoyed it. They had enjoyed the violence, the bloodshed, and the hardships that came with living on Mars. Rei didn't, she was an enigma. And I was eager to learn more.