Chapter 7: Infiltrator

Maryn stared up at the tower as her captors brought her to its base. Vines and moss covered most of the metal, but it was still imposing. Two guards, armed with cudgels and swords stood guard at a door which had rusted open. They bowed when they saw Otho. "Chamberlin, where are Harlon and Nerral?" One of the men asked.

"Dead," Otho replied, hanging his head slightly. "One of the artifacts our guest was transporting was, unknown to her, an energy storage device containing a number of Wraith soldiers. Thankfully the Lord Protector called forth the lights just as the Wraith emerged and slew them, but not before Harlon and Nerral were struck down." Otho raised a hand and four soldiers carried the bodies of the slain guards into the circle of light.

"You will pay for what you have done," said one of the guards as he drew his cudgel and advanced on Maryn.

"Stay where you are," Otho commanded. "This woman is a guest of the Lord Protector and holds valuable information which I wish to obtain from her." Otho's hand had slipped down into his robe and now held the pommel of his poison dagger in case anger won out over reason. Thankfully the guard lowered his weapon. "Now then, I shall take my guest to the Lord Protector, and rest assured, there will be retribution for what has happened today."

The guards bowed as Otho and Maryn passed them, and Maryn felt their eyes on her back. "Thank you for what you said."

"I wouldn't be giving thanks in I were you," Otho said as he looked Maryn in the eye. "Remember that as of now you exist at my pleasure. If you do anything to cross me, I will not hesitate to reveal the truth of what happened in the forest, and if I do not even the Lord Protector will be able to defend you."

"I understand," Maryn replied. "Am I still going to meet with the Lord Protector?"

"Yes, he is already expecting your arrival," Otho said as he pushed Maryn towards a flight of stairs. "Agree with everything I say and you may survive to see your family again."

"I will do as you ask," Maryn replied. As she began down the stairs she signed. Her rescue attempt was not going as she had planned.

The pain was the first thing Misheltrec became aware of as he woke. His leg felt like it was broken and his lungs were burning, forcing him to stifle a shout. A weight was pressing down on his back, and he felt sharp edges poking into his neck. Opening his eyes he could see nothing, but from the dampness around him he gathered he was still where he had fallen in the underground pit. Gently moving his arms he began digging himself out, moving the sharp rocks jabbing into his neck and doing his best to avoid moving his legs. After several minutes his hand met cool air and he pulled himself out of the soil and rock tomb he had nearly made his permanent home. Sucking down the cold air he clenched his fists as his leg protested the movement.

After unburying the rest of his body, Misheltrec took stock of his situation. His right leg was broken but he could already feel it beginning to heal, and his other injuries were minor. His pistol and sword were lying a short distance away and he quickly secured them to his armor. His eyes now easily penetrated the darkness, and he saw that he had fallen into an artificial corridor. The architecture was distinctly Atlantian. "So, the vessel was overgrown by the forest as I suspected," he said to himself. If the city-ship has indeed been on this planet for the last ten thousand years he had realized it would have been in a state similar to his hive.

As he stood, Misheltrec did his best to put his weight on his good leg. Leaning against the wall, a small device fell from his chest armor to the floor, a green glow slowly fading. Misheltrec smiled. He had anticipated the possibility of his slave betraying him even at the cost of her family, but she had also given him the means to save himself. The Atlantian personal shield she had activated during his studies had protected him from the brunt of the weapon which had struck him and had now presented him with the means to infiltrate his target undetected. Picking up a branch which had fallen in with him, Misheltrec used it as a crutch as he began limping down the corridor. The dust layer told him no one had been down here for a very long time, which was perfect for Misheltrec since he could now explore without fear of detection.

The first several doors Misheltrec came to were partially open but the rooms beyond were empty. He forced a forth and found himself in an operating theater. Dust covered tools and several monitors surrounded three beds and a larger diagnostic table, though he could discern little detail in the darkness. Seeing nothing of interest, Misheltrec returned to the main corridor. He knew that finding the control center and weapons storage chambers were his main objectives, but if the city-ship was as large as Atlantis he knew his chances were marginal. Using what he remembered of the distance to the tower he guessed he was not far from what would probably be inhabited portions of the city several levels above. Before he moved against the inhabitants of the city he would need to feed to heal regain his strength.

After passing through several more corridors Misheltrec found an access ladder which he entered and began making his way upwards. His injured leg made progress slow and the broken bone sent jolts of pain every time his foot banged against the metal rungs. Misheltrec did his best to ignore it until he finally came to an access port. Placing his ear to the cold metal he could barely make out voices on the other side. Waiting until they faded, Misheltrec braced his uninjured leg and lower back against the wall as he pried the portal open and carefully slid out onto the floor. Closing the portal behind him, Misheltrec blinked to readjust his eyes to the light. Torches lined the corridor at regular intervals and colorful tapestries hung between them, depicting humans lording over other humans and golden orbs rising into the sky to explode against black masses which only vaguely resembled Wraith hive ships.

Slowly Misheltrec made his way down the corridor, keeping his ears open for humans. He heard the voices from before up ahead. There were two of them, and Misheltrec flattened himself against the wall as he closed on their position. They were laughing at something, their tones completely relaxed in the safety of their tower. Misheltrec grinned at their stupidity. No position was ever completely secure. He clenched his fists. With his leg still not fully healed he would need to strike quickly and silently so as not to draw in any guards. Drawing his blade, he knelt down and used the polished metal to see around the corner. One man had their back to him, with the other making elaborate gestures in the air. Bracing his leg as best he could, Misheltrec swung himself around the junction with one arm and buried his sword in the eye of the man facing him. As the man's remaining eye widened in shock his companion spun around and gasped as he saw who was attacking him. Misheltrec released his grip on his blade, allowing it and its now dead victim to fall to the floor. Before the second man could shout out a warning Misheltrec got a grip on his throat. Shoving him to the ground, Misheltrec moved his hand to cover the man's mouth as he latched his feeding hand onto the man's chest and fought to keep a howl of victory from escaping as the man's life force flooded into his body. His injuries healed in seconds and the feeling of weariness vanished.

As the human expired Misheltrec rose to his feet. He saw a door a few feet away, which opened as he ran his hand over the crystal sensor. Grabbing the dried husk of his victim he threw the man inside, then retrieved his blade from the body of the other human, wiping it clean on the man's elaborate robes. The body left a trail of blood as he dragged it inside the room, but Misheltrec tore the robes from the body and used them to wipe up most of it. After throwing the bloody rags in the room, he closed the door and pulled the sensor away from the wall. Using the pommel of his sword, he shattered the circuits inside before replacing the panel. If anyone happened upon the bloodstains they would waste time getting inside the room, hopefully giving Misheltrec enough time to find and seize the primary control chamber. As he made his way towards the center of the tower, Misheltrec hoped his slave was still alive. He needed to reward her for her service.

After descending the stairs Maryn found herself in a large audience chamber. Elaborately dressed men and women milled around both on the ground floor and a balcony overhead. Several guards were spaced evenly around the room, looking very bored. When Maryn and Otho entered a portly man with graying hair rose to his feet and raised a hand for silence. Otho bowed to the man and Maryn followed his lead. "Lord Protector?" Maryn asked.

"Yes, and you must be the woman promising treasures of the Ancestors," the man replied. "However I saw that one of your devices was hiding Wraith within it."

"Yes, it must have been an attempt from my captor to sneak inside your tower. However with its destruction his ship will now be completely unguarded, and the Ancestor artifacts within your for the taking."

"Why should I believe you?" The Lord Protector asked. "For all I know you are a Wraith worshipper and brought those Wraith here on purpose."

"As I told your chamberlain, if it had been my intention to bring the Wraith here to take your tower why would I have released them in the exact place where your lights could destroy them?" Maryn asked.

"Perhaps it was a ploy to gain my trust and allow you to reveal more hidden Wraith within one of your other artifacts."

"Please," Maryn begged, "the Wraith imprisoned my family aboard his vessel and unless I get to them soon the poison my captor placed within their bodies will kill them!"

"My lord," Otho said as he stepped forward, "I am inclined to believe this woman's story. I observed her reactions in the woods closely and I do believe her to be telling the truth. If, as she claims, there is an unguarded Wraith vessel close by with a wealth of Ancestor technology then we must seize it."

"I am not willing to stake the safety of this city for a chance at technology we likely already have here," the Lord Protector replied. "Any Wraith ship not destroyed will never be unguarded; other Wraith will soon come to retrieve it. I am sorry Otho, but I cannot take the risk."

"But my Lord, it may represent our best chance to-"

"Enough," the Lord Protector commanded, "I have make my decision. I forbid you to send any expeditions through the ring."

"As you command my Lord," Otho sighed after a long silence.

"Now then, tell me about yourself," the Lord Protector addressed Maryn.

"My name is Maryn. My world was recently culled by the Wraith and I was taken prisoner. My captor used me in his studies of the Ancestors' technology, using my family to ensure my cooperation. However, once I realized what he planned to do to the people of this tower I realized I could no longer cooperate. I plotted with your chamberlain to take the device he used to hold my family hostage and dispose of him. At most he left one or two of his crew on his vessel, but I have learned enough to know that he frequently leaves his Hive for long periods of time and is not missed. Please, if you will not allow your own people to go then at least release me so that I may free my family," Maryn pleaded.

"You are not a prisoner here; however I must insist that you remain until the devices you brought with you have been studied and found safe. In the meantime Otho will show you to your room. It would also please me if you would dine with us this evening."

Looking at Otho Maryn saw the chamberlain nod. "I would be honored," she replied, bowing.

"If you would follow me then," Otho said, taking Maryn's hand in his own and guiding her down a corridor and around several turns.

"I will not allow my family to remain in Wraith hands," Maryn whispered.

"And I have no intention of allowing such a treasure trove of Ancestor technology to be wasted," Otho replied softly as the pair came to a door which Otho opened with a wave of his hand, gently pushing Maryn into a room decorated with bright red curtains and a portrait of the tower. A large bed took up one corner beneath the painting and an ornate chest of drawers another. "You will remain here until you are summoned. I have people to speak with."

"What about my family?!" Maryn demanded.

Otho smiled. "As I was telling you, I have people to speak with. You will see your family again, so long as you do EVERYTHING I say." With a knowing smirk Otho left the room, shutting the door behind him. Making his way to the royal apartments he knocked on a door decorated with a brass sword and shield crest. A moment later a yawning man clad in light orange robes with a high collar opened the door. "Tavius, may I come in?"

"Of course chamberlain; what brings you to my chamber this evening?" Tavius asked as he returned to his padded couch. "Would you bring that to me?" He pointed to an open bottle of wine near the door. Otho picked it up, subtly dropping a few grains of powder into the liquid inside.

"I have a proposal for you," Otho said as he seated himself on a chair across from the Lord Protector's son. "You know the woman I brought to the tower. She is a refugee from the Wraith, her family held hostage. How would you like to become her hero?"

"You want ME to leave this tower, sneak aboard a likely guarded Wraith ship, and rescue a family?" Tavius laughed. "You've been inhaling book dust for too long."

"I never said you had to be the one to go," Otho replied, fighting to keep a frown from his face, "but I expect you know men who would be willing to do this in exchange for a raise in power and influence within the royal court. Not to mention that if you do this for me the woman I brought to the tower would be…profoundly grateful," the chamberlain smiled.

"And just how do you know she would be willing to serve in the way you're suggesting?" Tavius asked as he stretched out on the couch. "She seemed quite strong willed when she spoke to my father."

"Then you may control her with her family. You heard that she now holds the device to save them. I will take it from her while she sleeps, and once your men return with the wealth of the Wraith ship I will give it to you. Does this interest you?" Otho asked.

"Hmm, I suppose the idea is interesting at the very least, but I doubt this woman would be very affectionate in my bed if I'm holding her family's lives over her head. Besides, I know that if my father found out I did this he would punish me, severely. I am sorry Otho, but I have no wish for a public flogging," Tavius said as he yawned. "Now, if you would leave, the hour is late and I grow fatigued."

"Very well," Otho said calmly as he turned to leave, "though I wouldn't want to be the one who finds you tomorrow."

"What are you talking about?" Tavius asked as he felt a sudden chill go down his spine.

"The wine you just drank contained a poison. Slow acting but very fatal; you will be dead in two days as your body begins to cool until it can no longer keep you alive," Otho elaborated. "I do have the antidote close by, if you agree to this little operation."

"You dare to poison the son of the Lord Protector!?" Tavius shouted, snatching a club from its mounting on the wall.

"If you so much as touch me with that you will die, and I assure you the final stages are quite painful. The poison is also undetectable and leaves no trace. Go to your father with this and he will find nothing, so it would be in your best interests to simply speak to your men and organize a little raid. Don't you agree?" Otho smiled slightly.

Tavius was ready to bash Otho's skull in with his club, but another chill down his spine stopped him. "What assurances do I have that you'll give me the antidote?" He asked.

"Only my word, and my promise that within the year you will be the Lord Protector," Otho said calmly. He knew Tavius envied his father's position, and with his poison already within the noble's body he had little choice. "So, we have an agreement?"

"I will speak to my men," Tavius hissed as he reluctantly lowered his weapon.

"Very good, I will leave you to it then. Good night," Otho bowed as he left Tavius's chamber and headed for his own. After dinner, once the hour grew late enough he would return to Maryn's quarters and take the Wraith device her family needed. With both her and Tavius having no choice but to obey him, his dreams of ruling the tower would soon come to fruition.

Misheltrec ducked into an alcove as another group of humans passed, laughing and joking among themselves. From what he had gleaned of the conversations he had overheard most of the population of the tower were gathering for a meal, which meant he would be able to explore the city more freely. Part of his mind railed against hiding from the humans, but he knew that he had to discover a means of preventing the deployment of more drone weapons or he could easily be killed.

After the group of humans had passed around a bend Misheltrec dashed across the corridor. He knew he was close to the center of the city and the control chamber. His memories of raids on Atlantian outposts was serving him well as he was able to recognize the subtle changes in architecture that the builders' often incorporated to please the eyes of their leaders. The lighter shade of metals and tint of the lights gave it away.

Hearing more humans approaching Misheltrec looked for a place to stay out of sight. Spying a conduit hatch, he pulled it open and slipped inside, finding himself in a small crawlspace lit by a series of crystal computer chips. Dust had collected on the metal floor but not the crystals, one of which sparked every few seconds. Misheltrec began moving along the passage on his hands and knees, a jolt of power sparking off his armored shoulder as it touched the damaged crystal. The dim blue light was no hindrance to Misheltrec's vision and he quickly found a junction. Taking the left turn he figured he was close to the end of the hallway he had entered from, which meant the eating chamber should only be a short crawl away. If he captured the city's rulers there was a good chance he could hold them hostage if his search for the control center failed.

After several long minutes of crawling the sound of human voices reached Misheltrec's ears. The next crawlspace carried a current of cool air and there was light near the end. Once he reached it Misheltrec saw a grill and beyond it a long table surrounded by humans. The table was piled with food and the humans fed with all the grace and dignity of animals. Only half of them were even using the implements he knew most humans ate with, and one of them, a man in an orange and cream colored jacket gave a belch which Misheltrec didn't even need his superior senses to hear. He saw both his servant and the man who had summoned the weapons which had nearly killed him sitting near the head of the table. His servant looked troubled and Misheltrec could only surmise that her rescuers weren't cooperating with her to rescue his other captives, and the thought brought a smile to his face.

Part of him wanted to burst through the grill and take control of the room, but the rational part of Misheltrec recognized that the dozen guards around the edge of the room, and the people themselves could prove too numerous for him to subdue quickly. Even with his superior training and strength, twenty to one odds were a bit too much for him at the moment, and as his eyes reached the far edge of the room he saw a control chair similar to the one on the vessel he had seized. It was likely the control chair for the entire city, and if he jumped into the room one who could use it would likely be able to take several potentially lethal actions before Misheltrec could kill them. If he waited until after the meal and the middle of the night they would be busy digesting what they had eaten and there would likely be fewer guards. In the meantime he would explore more of the crawlspace network. Giving the room below one last glance he moved on, eager to learn the secrets of the tower.

Maryn picked at the food in front of her as all around the table the 'royals' of the tower laughed and joked around her. She had quickly lost interest in their talk of keeping the peasants in line and the latest trends in dress. All of her thought were of her family. She could almost see the children in agony as the Wraith's poison ate its way through their bodies. The device poking into her leg gave her hope, and if she could only make it to the ancestral ring she knew she could free her family. The chamberlain Otho had told her that he wanted the technology on board her captor's ship, and Maryn suspected that he would make an arrangement with others in the city to use her family against her. The look in his eyes was very similar to the one her captor had looked at her with after he had taken her to his ship. He wanted to use her, and in more ways than her captor had she suspected. "You're not eating, are you sick?" A voice from her left asked. Turning Maryn found Tavius, the son of the Lord Protector looking at her, his gaze dropping a bit once every few seconds as he tried to hide his lecherous glances.

"I am worried about my family," Maryn answered. "Your Lord Protector has forbidden Chamberlain Otho from mounting a rescue and soon the Wraith poison within them will begin working and kill them."

"If they have anything like the fire I can see in your eyes I'm sure they will find a way to escape and come here," Tavius said as he bit into a fruit, the juice from it dribbling down his chin where he caught it with a cloth.

"You have the power to help them?" Maryn asked. "As the son of the Lord Protector I am certain you have vast power over the people here, enough to match your impressive physique." She smiled inside as she saw Tavius puff out his chest at her words. She knew his type; lecherous dogs, but easy to manipulate in the short term.

"Well of course I have power, but only my father can sanction what you wish done," Tavius replied, leaning in close so he wouldn't be overheard. "Though I wouldn't pull my sheets too tightly around myself if you know what I mean," he added a bit louder. Several people to either side rolled their eyes.

Maryn smiled at Tavius even as her stomach turned. She was searching for something else to say when the Lord Protector raised a hand for silence. Instantly all eyes were on the grey haired man as he began to speak.

"It gives me great pleasure to welcome our first visitor to the tower in many years. Maryn recently escaped captivity by the Wraith and brought to us a host of technologies which may prove of great value. Unfortunately the Wraith attempted to follow her here and two of our constables gave their lives to end that threat. We will bury their bodies tomorrow. Maryn, would you care to address us?"

Getting to her feet, Maryn took a deep breath. "I am deeply sorry for the tragedy my arrival has brought you. The Wraith have taken my family from me as well. I sincerely hope that I can make amends for what has happened. The devices I have brought you are only a small amount of what my captor has collected over the centuries. If you are unwilling to risk your safety by going to the ship I would be glad to go alone and return with all I find. Your world is the first I have ever found that is free of the Wraith and my family and I would be more than willing to do our share of work in exchange for being allowed to stay."

"A fine speech," the Lord Protector said, "but my earlier ruling stands. Until the technology you brought to us is deemed safe you must remain here. If you wish you may help with the analysis, and if no threats are discovered I will allow you to leave and return to your family."

"But my family may not have that much time," Maryn replied. "The Wraith's poison will activate within a day. Could I not simply take what I brought with me? That way there would be no lingering threat to your tower."

"But one of your devices could already have done something to the tower which would activate once you leave. I am sorry, but until all possible threats are ruled out you must remain here," the Lord Protector stated.

"Then I will begin now," Maryn said as she turned to leave the table. "Chamberlain, would you be so kind as to escort me to where the devices I brought are located?"

"Of course," Otho answered. "Lord Protector?" He asked, looking over to the master of the tower, who nodded. "Follow me." As he escorted Maryn from the main hall he glanced at Tavius, who gave a small nod, indicating his plan was proceeding.

"I assure you," Otho said once the two of them were out of earshot of the eating hall, "your family will be with you soon."

"You have found someone willing to rescue them?" Maryn asked, keeping excitement from her voice for fear it would give the Chamberlain another advantage over her.

"I have convinced him to see my point of view," Otho answered as they walked. "They will be here before time runs out, but remember our bargain."

"What do you wish from me?"

"Tavius, the son of the Lord Protector, has taken an interest in you," Otho said.

"So I have noticed," Maryn grimaced. "You wish me to return his affections don't you?"

"It will aid me, and allow you and your family to live comfortably here."

"So we will still be prisoners," Maryn said.

"In a way, but you will be well cared for here in the tower, free of the Wraith and most importantly, you will be alive. Isn't that worth a bit of discomfort?" Otho asked as they came to a door blocked by two constables, who stepped aside as Otho approached. Opening the door with a wave of his hand, the chamberlain led Maryn into a small grey colored room dominated by a large metal table. Several large ceiling lights filled the room with a strong glare and glinted off the devices Maryn's captor had given her. Besides the table the room was completely bare of any technology or ornamentation. "Begin with any device you wish, I have business I must attend to. I should warn you, the Lord Protector can see anything he wishes to see, so if you attempt to use any of the devices to escape, he will know."

With that, Otho left the room, closing the door behind him. "Inform me once she is asleep," he instructed the constables, and smiled as he strolled down the hallway, hearing the door open so the constables could move inside and make certain Maryn did nothing foolish. Everything was coming together. In an hour or two the sleeping draught he had slipped into his captive's drink would put her out, allowing him to remove the device which would save her family. By the time Tavius's agents brought them to the tower the son of the Lord Protector would be completely in his power since he would need continuous dosages of Kallick Root to prevent the chills from running their course and vanishing. Once again he was glad the Prince had never shone any interest in medical studies.

Tavius watched as his father slowly made his way toward his bedchamber. Sliding down in his seat at the table, the son of the Lord Protector rested his head in one hand. How had he come to this? The chamberlain had poisoned him and now he had no choice but to use what few allies he had to launch a raid to another world which could lead to him losing his position as inheritor of the mantle of Lord Protector. If he refused he would die, but there was the possibility that the technology aboard the Wraith ship could purge him of the poison, so there was less risk in going forward, and once he was cured Otho would pay dearly for his actions.

Slowly getting up, Tavius made his way to the entrance to the tower, where four men were waiting for him, three standing in a loose circle, the forth balancing a crossbow on his foot. All four wore the uniforms of constables, but the ill-fit gave them away. "Varick, Telvis, Keb, Trell, thank you for coming," he greeted his allies.

"Why did you ask to meet here, and at such a late hour?" Varick asked, adjusting the belt which held the cudgel his uniform required. "And why did you insist we dress in servants' cloths?"

"Because I have something I need done; something I cannot have my father knowing. The girl Otho brought here, her captor's ship is currently unguarded and I require several artifacts which are on board," Tavius explained.

"You want us to travel outside the protection of the tower and board a Wraith vessel? Have you gone mad?" The portly Keb asked, doing his best to stifle a laugh.

"So you do not wish to sit at the right hand of the soon to be Lord Protector?" Tavius asked. "Otho has promised my father will be dead within the year. Whether that is due to an illness he already has or some plot of Otho's we must stop I do not know, but he has already poisoned me and has promised to do the same to you if we do not do as he says."

"Why should we believe any of what you are telling us Tavius? You've been known to invent fanciful stories in the past," Trell smiled as he twirled part of his beard between his fingers.

"You've all seen Otho's skill with potions in the past, you know of the poison dagger he carries; why could he not devise a potion which could cool your body until it dies? He has already given it to me," Tavius said as a great chill shot down his spine, causing him to shiver violently for several seconds.

"Even if this is true, why should we risk our lives simply to advance your station Tavius? We're all royals here; there is not any higher rank to be attained save for that of Lord Protector, and we all know that you will be the one to inherit that title," Keb stated.

"Then if you wish to remain in power when I do become Lord Protector you will do this, or I can arrange for…accidents to befall you," Tavius threatened. He had known it would be difficult to convince his supporters, but he had no anticipated them outright refusing.

"So, now you threaten to kill us if we do not do as you ask," Telvis spoke up for the first time. "That is a dangerous thing to do."

"I am already dying, so I have nothing to lose," Tavius replied. "I will be dead in several days if this does not happen, or you can take the risk and become my inner circle when I am Lord Protector. The choice is yours to make." He knew that if his allies wouldn't help him he would have to go alone, and the thought of being fed on by a Wraith was even more terrifying than dying of Otho's potion.

"If you are already dying, then you have no hold over us," Keb smirked. I know you lack Otho's medical expertise, and physically you've never been a match for any of us, so I will say goodnight." As Keb walked away Trell and Telvis joined him. Only Varick remained, relaxing against the wall.

"Why did you stay Varick?" Tavius asked as another chill passed through him, though not from the poison. He knew now that he would have to go to the Wraith ship himself, and his father would likely notice his absence unless he returned before sunrise. "I know you have never been the most enthusiastic of my supporters."

"I knew the others would never go along with this, and although I recognize the danger I am also a seeker of excitement. You have never come, but my hunting expeditions have always given me great pleasure; hunting predators the most of all. And what greater predator is there than the Wraith?" The black haired royal asked. "I am not doing this for you, although I will gladly place you in my debt for it. So, are you coming or shall I go alone?"

"Telvis, Trell and Keb will not risk waking my father even if they believe I've gone, but they will pounce on my absences at the morning meal," Tavius pointed out. "But take this," he said, handing Varick a piece of parchment. "The gate symbols to the world where the Wraith's ship resides. Good luck."

"Very well then," Varick said as he picked up the crossbow lying at his feet. "I shall depart on my first Wraith hunt. When I return I will let you know just how deeply in my debt you are," he smiled as he walked off into the night.

As Tavius watched Varick vanish between the trees he hoped with all his might that the hunter succeeded. If he didn't, Tavius would have no choice but to attack Otho and take the antidote for himself, but the chamberlain would doubtlessly give him the wrong potion and both of them would die in the ensuing struggle. He needed a drink, a very strong drink. Slowly he made his way back to his chamber, where he opened a chest and pulled out a bottle of amber liquid. Breaking the wax seal he inhaled the aroma, coughing a bit at its intensity. Pouring a small amount into his glass, he drank it in one swallow, smiling as it burned its way down his throat. If he was going to die in two days, he would enjoy his remaining time as much as he could.

By the time Misheltrec arrived back at the chair room his legs were aching from the extended crawling he had been forced to do. Looking through the grate he saw that the room was almost empty, with only three men inside; one near the chair and the others standing to either side of the entrance. Probing their minds, he sensed they are all on the verge of falling asleep at their posts. Making sure his blade was secure, he slowly loosened the grill. It was held in place only by four clamps which he opened. Keeping one hand on the grate, he allowed himself a moment to feel the excitement he had gone for so long without. Infiltrating an enemy position and taking it single-handedly was something he had never attempted before, and now his efforts would yield him an entire Atlantian city-ship.

Launching himself through the opening, Misheltrec rolled as he landed, throwing the grate at one of the guards at the door, hitting him in the throat before he could recover from the shock of the Wraith's appearance. Drawing his sword he beheaded the man by the chair as he drew his cudgel. The second man at the door turned to run, a scream of alarm spilling from his mouth. Drawing his energy weapon, Misheltrec sent a single bolt of blue light into his back, exploding the bottom of his neck and sending his head rolling down the corridor. The crack of the weapon echoed down the corridor and Misheltrec knew more people would come at him soon, but he had the chair now; unless there was another like it he was in command of the city now.

Crossing the room, he saw the man he had struck with the grate was dead, blood pooling from the gaping wound the grate had opened. Quickly making his way to the chair, he sat down and flinched when it reclined sharply and lit up. He quickly looked around for anyone entering the chamber and was surprised when a screen flashed into existence in front of him, showing him guards and elaborately robed nobles racing down corridors towards him. He grinned in triumph; this chair controlled every system in the city. Not wishing to risk damage by using weapons on the structure around him, Misheltrec leaned forward and the chair came up, but he did not rise to his feet. Instead he simply waited and activated the lights, filling the room with clear light. Seconds later the first humans entered, stopping with mouths open as they saw who was sitting in the control chair.

The first few guards into the chamber rushed forward, cries of vengeance spilling from their lips. "Your mistake," Misheltrec said as he lunged forward. He ducked the first swing of a cudgel, smashing the pommel of his blade into a guard's head. He crumpled to the floor as a second man swung at Misheltrec's head. He blocked with an armored forearm and punched the cudgel's owner in the jaw, breaking it and spinning him away. The third guard aimed low, looking to take out Misheltrec's knee. Moving faster than the man could follow Misheltrec spun on his heel, grabbed the wrist holding the cudgel and swung the man around, sending him flying into the wall with a sickening crunch.

As the body of the third guard fell to the floor Misheltrec faced the growing crowd, teeth bared and a hiss emanating from his mouth. "Who wishes to die next?" He asked, sheathing his sword but keeping his hand on it. "I am in control of this place now, and if you wish to live you will do exactly as I command. Or, if you wish you may fight me for control." Seeing none of the humans rush forward, Misheltrec grinned. Fear had them now.

"What is going on?! A voice from the hallway demanded as the Lord Protector entered the throne chamber. When he saw a Wraith standing in front of the throne chair his heart nearly stopped. "You are not welcome here Wraith!" He said wish all the courage he could muster.

Misheltrec laughed at the old man who wore elaborate blue and green sleep robes. Probing his mind he saw that this man was the ruler of the city. "If you wish your people to live through the night you will order them all to leave the tower and proceed to the closest village where they will wait."

"Wait for what?" The Lord Protector asked, fighting to keep his voice from shaking. For so many generations his people had been free of the Wraith, and now one of the demons had somehow made its way inside the city he and his forefathers had vowed to protect. He thought about reaching for the ceremonial dagger in his robe, but he knew the Wraith would kill him before he could throw it.

"You will wait for instructions from me. My allies are already on their way, and when they arrive you will have the option of working with us in restoring the tower to its former glory, or tilling the fields with your peasants," Misheltrec answered. "The choice is yours."

"We are royals! We were born to rule not toil in the dirt!" A man wearing a deep blue robe stated as he stomped forward, taking four steps before Misheltrec shot him in the head, sending fragments of his skull and brain over those standing closest to him.

"Are there any more objections?" Misheltrec asked as he panned his energy weapon around the room, the women screaming and flinching when it passed each of them. "Then leave this place. I will be watching, and if ANY of you attempt to hide within the tower I will destroy that section with the weapons you have used against my people for so long. Now go," he said as he sat back in the control chair, enjoying the fear on the humans' faces as it activated for him. As the humans filed out he noticed that the man who had summoned the weapons against him in the forest and his servant were both absent. They must not have heard the commotion, he surmised. Once his hive arrived he would find them. A more immediate problem was how he would communicate with the hive. The city-ship had no functioning comm. system capable of reaching it, and he had no way of getting to his cruiser without leaving the city himself and running the risk of someone currently hiding retaking the control chair. Engaging the screen again, he began examining the city-ship's functioning systems, looking for anything that could help him send a message to Alsherala and the rest of the hive.

Otho smiled as he slowly plucked the Wraith explosive controller from Maryn's hands. She didn't stir, nor would she for several hours. Once Tavius fulfilled his part Otho knew he would have the resources he needed to insure his place as the new Lord Protector.

As he walked back toward his chamber the corridor suddenly filled with royals, many carrying bulging trunks filled with their possessions. "What in the Lord Protector's name is going on?" He asked.

"A Wraith has entered the city and now controls the throne chair," a royal wearing a long blue coat replied. "He has said he will use the lights to kill any who stay."

The Wraith from the forest had survived! Otho's stomach froze as he realized that his entire plan had just been shattered. If the Wraith contacted his people more of the demons would swarm the city. He had to stop him before things went that far. "Move aside," he commanded as he forced his way through the crowd and continued on to his chamber, ignoring the cries for him to come back.

Once within his chamber, Otho selected several phials of liquid, pouring them into a larger beaker and sealing it with a metal plug. Slipping the beaker into his robe, the chamberlain grabbed several more phials, these filled with thick red fluid and checked that his poison dagger was secure in its wrist sheath. A part of his mind was screaming for him to run, but he knew that if he did he would never have another chance to rule the tower. He had to act now.

As he approached the throne room Otho flattened himself against a wall. Glancing around the corner he saw the Wraith reclining in the throne chair, observing the screen as it showed him various images. Slowly drawing his dagger, Otho gripped the point between his index finger and thumb. Taking a seep breath, he tensed his arm, then spun around the corner and hurled the dagger at the Wraith. The small blade spun through the air, headed for the Wraith's throat. The Wraith raised an arm and the dagger pinged off metal armor. Deactivating the throne chair, the Wraith got to its feet just as Otho drew back to hurl his poison phial. Before he could release it the Wraith drew a silver contraption and fired a blue pulse of light that tore Otho's forearm apart. The phial shattered on the ground and sizzled where it touched metal. Pain exploding in his arm, Otho fell to the floor as the Wraith stopped five paces from him. "Finish it," Otho gasped as he tried to reach for his other poisons.

"Anyone foolish or brave enough to attack me alone deserves a reward," Misheltrec said as he holstered his pistol. The human had not know that the first command he had figured out was how to use the city's life-sign scanners to find those still hiding. He had observed the man's approach and now he would learn what had made him so brave or so foolish. "I shall greatly enjoy tearing your mind apart thought by thought, but later." Closing the last few steps to the fallen human, Misheltrec struck him in the temple, knocking him out instantly. Reaching inside his armor, he withdrew a heat-sealer and applied it to the man's wounded arm, preventing him from dying of blood loss. Next he bound him with the clothing he had taken from the headless guard; the others were already tied up with their own clothing and lay in a line on the far side of the chamber.

Resuming his seat on the chair, Misheltrec continued his search for a way to activate the ring remotely. He watched as most of the city's inhabitants left and headed for the village near where he had been ambushed. Something moved in the trees a short distance away that caught his eye, and using his mind he focused the screen on it. A human was moving through the forest in the direction of the ring. If he had known how, Misheltrec would have sent a weapon against him, but instead he watched as the man reached the ring and entered the coordinates of the world where Misheltrec's ship had landed. Laughing out loud, Misheltrec thanked the memory of the Empress for such good fortune. Obviously someone in the city had wanted to acquire the Atlantian technology aboard his cruiser. Instead they had just ensured the fall of their city. Reaching out with his mind, he connected with the minds of the three drones he had left aboard his vessel. Smiling he sent one simple message. "Bring the hive," he commanded.