Tory was at the Institute of Medical Advancement this morning, spending time with Sparrowhawk. She liked to sit and talk with him, and kept a constant check on his progress with Rebecca.
Maelgwn’s abuse of his wife during the Mahaud ordeal still made him sick to the stomach — Tory wouldn’t hear of an apology, but he was still finding it difficult to forgive himself. Mahaud was one entity he was glad to see the back of and dwelling on her demise, Maelgwn suddenly felt a whole lot better.
In fact, the vibe of the warm, breezy morning was as if all negativity and dread had been swept clean away, and an atmosphere of hope and expectation prevailed.
He didn’t envy Brian and what he must be going through. Maelgwn had been pleasantly surprised when he hadn’t been called upon to advise on the governmental nightmare being sorted out in the Senate at present. ‘I’ve earned a rest,’ Maelgwn impressed upon himself, stripping off his shirt to take in some rays.
‘Father? Father!’
Maelgwn heard someone moving about inside the house. ‘Zabeel?’
‘There you are!’ his Delphinus son announced when he found Maelgwn baking himself on the back stairs of the house.
‘What do you mean, here I am?’ Maelgwn queried. ‘Dumuzi’s vessel docked days ago. Where have you been?’ Zabeel smiled broadly, and Maelgwn knew at once where this was leading. ‘So you’ve found the love of your life already, hey?’
‘Now don’t be sceptical, Father.’ He sat down beside Maelgwn. ‘At least, not until you’ve met her.’
Maelgwn couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. ‘What I think of her is irrelevant.’
‘I know, but,’ Zabeel was bursting to tell someone, ‘she’s in love with me! I mean, really in love, and that’s never happened to me before … ever!’
‘Any woman is bound to fall for the next leader of her people, Zabeel.’ Maelgwn suggested a little caution, whereupon Zabeel’s expression became more sombre.
‘I haven’t told her about my being Chosen, or that she might be.’ Zabeel obviously felt bad about withholding such important details. ‘I told her I was a government official on Kila, which isn’t exactly a lie,’ he justified. ‘I had to be sure she could just love me for me … and she does! Even though she thinks I’m a bit young for her, but I even got her to see beyond the age difference!
‘Good for you.’ Maelgwn manifested a pitcher of Bahula and a couple of goblets. ‘Tell me more.’
‘She’s been working in administration and has a love of the arts, thanks to her father. And being a mutant, like me —’
‘Ah!’ Maelgwn pulled him up. ‘You are no more a mutant than any creature in creation. You’re a hybrid, a thoroughbred of your kind and don’t forget it! If you feel unworthy of such greatness, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to prove yourself in the near future.’
In the light of Maelgwn’s words, Zabeel seemed even surer about his feelings. ‘Cordella has the makings of a leader. She is my queen, Father. I know it.’
‘Cordella, hey?’ Maelgwn found this interesting. ‘In my native tongue Cordella means “jewel of the sea”.’
‘Oh … that she is, to be sure.’ Zabeel got lost in the memory of the woman who had him so enchanted.
‘Well, then, when are you planning on bringing her to meet us?’ Maelgwn inquired.
‘I’m afraid that she might be a little disconcerted upon meeting parents who appear to be younger than she is.’
‘Ah!’ Maelgwn could see his dilemma. ‘Then perhaps you should tell her the whole truth before we meet,’ he suggested.
‘It’s a sticky predicament.’ Zabeel became disgruntled once more. ‘I don’t want to get her hopes up and then discover she is not my Chosen other … that would crush her.’
‘That does make things rather awkward.’ Maelgwn raised both eyebrows in sympathy. ‘I’ll tell you what … why don’t you bring her to lunch with Tory and myself? You don’t have to tell Cordella we are your parents. Perhaps, together, we can shed some light on your dilemma before Brian’s address.’
Zabeel smiled broadly, obviously relieved by the idea. ‘I would be eternally grateful, Father, if you could.’
‘Then consider it done.’ Maelgwn reclined back onto his elbows, happy to have appeased his boy.
The Nefilim had spent several days in Chaliada’s temples of healing in the company of the Devas, purging themselves of their horrid experiences, crimes and secrets. The ex-Pantheon members were then delivered to Chaliada’s council chambers, and it was a very different group of beings who graced parliament that day — for all the Nefilim had been lightened of a physical form, and now radiated with celestial light.
Brian and his government were holding an inquiry into all of the Nefilim’s holdings and business affairs. The aim was to establish in what way the redistribution of capital to each of the races might best promote beneficial trade and industry. The Governor had been dreading the summit and was ecstatic when the Nefilim all proved extremely cooperative. Even Shamash came clean about his illegal development — where it could be found and how it should be destroyed. The ex-Pantheon members had already prepared their proposal that Brian would present to the peoples of the galaxy in his speech, and it was a deal that they felt would be acceptable, fair and beneficial to everyone. The Nefilim leaders also recommended to Lahmu members of their human staff who might prove helpful in the formation of new governing bodies on each of the once Pantheon-ruled planets. These persons had already been invited to be present on Kila for Lahmu’s address and Brian would pass on the recommendations to the nominated Governors of each planet for consideration.
The summit adjourned early and was deemed a great success by all who attended, although details of the proposal would not be disclosed to the masses until the Governor’s address the following day.
There was a big celebration planned to take place in Central Park following Lahmu’s address. The event was to be hosted by DJ Nova and beamed across the galaxy on her network, updated for maximum efficiency, as she was no longer being hunted as an outlaw. The main event planned for that evening’s festivities was the pirate DJ’s final address.
May the muses be with you tomorrow, Lahmu. Shala stayed behind after the inquiry to speak with Brian, and Micah remained also.
Yes indeed, Micah smiled. We feel confident at leaving the physical world in your very capable hands.
‘That’s very comforting.’ Brian frowned, as their tone had a ring of goodbye about it. ‘But you are going to be at the celebration afterwards, right?’
Shala shook her head. I have recorded my final broadcast, and plan to be well on my way to eternal bliss by the time it goes to air. Trust me, Lahmu, it is important that we do not delay here.
‘But what if tomorrow turns out to be a disaster?’ Brian voiced the first protest that came into his head. Micah and Shala both served him a look that implied he knew better than to even suggest failure. ‘Alright! So everything is going to be fine, but still …’ Brian paused to consider what really bothered him. ‘I won’t get the chance to thank you guys —’
You hate goodbyes, Lahmu, Micah interrupted politely.
‘I know,’ Brian protested, ‘but if I’m not going to see you again, then that’s what this is.’
Everything we do is divinely conceived. Micah tried to make it easier. All we did was believe … and we had a lot of fun doing it. You, however, you have to live up to the legend.
Now that Micah mentioned it, Brian thought, they had let him in for the monstrous task of resettling the galaxy. ‘You’re right,’ Brian admitted. ‘What am I thanking you for?’
The pair chuckled as they began to fade from his presence.
Live long, Lahmu. Shala blew him a kiss.
Rule with an intelligent heart and a loving mind, and you can’t go wrong. Micah bowed as they vanished from Brian’s presence completely.
Brian did hate goodbyes and now that the Pantheon were departing, everyone would be looking to him for answers. He exhaled heavily, a little da
unted by what lay ahead. ‘Ah well, it’s not every day one gets to rearrange a whole galaxy.’
‘Governor.’ Sybil stuck her head inside the door. ‘The Falcon captain, Hawk, is waiting to see you in your office as requested.’
‘Ah, very good,’ Brian hopped to it, glad not to have the luxury of time in which to worry.
‘I think the captain is a little curious about being summoned back to Kila,’ Sybil advised, as the Governor approached.
‘I should think he would be.’ Brian rubbed his hands together as he passed his secretary. ‘Time to start doing a little delegating. I think I’ll start by saying, “My sister has told me all about you.” That ought to get the conversation off to a lively start.’
Sybil had a little chuckle at the Governor’s remark. ‘I wouldn’t get too clever if I were you, lest you come up a governor short tomorrow.’
Tory and Maelgwn had arranged to meet Zabeel and Cordella at an outdoor café by the canal where the Institute of Medical Advancement was located, and Tory allowed herself time to sidetrack and check on Sparrowhawk en route. She was curious and delighted to find Hawk in the observation lounge gazing at the unit that nurtured their developing son.
‘What are you doing back on Kila?’ Tory embraced him warmly. ‘I thought you were on Karleashian.’
‘Lahmu requested that I accompany Thais back to Kila.’ Hawk was disturbed about the reason for his return, yet he was pleased to see Tory — someone in whom he could confide. ‘Lahmu wishes to entrust our son’s birthright to me, until he is old enough to handle his destiny himself. I have until the end of the day to decide if I shall take up the appointment.’
Tory was smiling, as she found Brian’s reasoning very sound, and yet she felt for the pirate captain — having been in hiding most of his life, Hawk was now to be key figure and guiding light for the whole of his kind. ‘You are the obvious choice to precede Sparrowhawk, because, as his father, you can build up Falcon confidence in your Chosen son,’ she advised gently. ‘And you already have a hero status among your people, and all the races, for having rescued those children.’
‘That’s what Lahmu said. But that incident was an accident!’ he stressed.
‘There are no accidents as far as fate is concerned. This is the gift you get to take away from our association,’ she told him. ‘You did say you were looking to get a life that would be of benefit to our son, but it looks as though that life has found you. Now you have to decide if you shall make this fate your destiny, or will you entrust the future of your people to another?’
Hawk bowed his head, feeling in his heart that he could not leave his son’s inheritance in the hands of a stranger. Only he could pave the path that would secure his son’s future as destined by the great Logoi. ‘The thought terrifies me,’ he admitted.
‘And the alternative?’
‘Even more so,’ he sighed, finally conceding how it was to be. ‘I guess I have my answer then.’
‘You’ll have loads of willing helpers, Hawk, starting with your own crew.’ Tory rubbed his back affectionately. ‘And I shall be more than happy to advise you.’
Hawk made a scoffing sound. ‘I wish I could say the same about your Falcon incarnation. She doesn’t even want to know me.’
‘So you found her,’ Tory quizzed, eager to hear the gossip.
‘We met,’ he clarified, ‘and …’ he frowned and shook his head, ‘it did not go so well. There is a bit of a division on Karleashian at present. The Falcon military, although happy to be freed from Pantheon rule and to have sunshine in their city, still don’t trust Thais. As I am associated with the one who has freed all the Centaurs from slavery …’ he shrugged again.
‘She’s dark on you too. I see.’ Tory took a deep breath to give herself time to think of something positive to say. ‘I could do some regression and tell you what happens,’ she suggested.
‘No, please,’ Hawk begged. ‘Let us just leave my love life to unfold as it may. It looks like I’ll have plenty to keep my mind off —’ He hesitated to say it, but his attentive gaze conveyed his mind well enough. ‘Don’t apologise,’ he said quickly. ‘I have no regrets, believe me.’
‘Nor do I.’ She wanted to kiss him, but a hug seemed more befitting their new circumstance. ‘Our love has set great wheels in motion.’
‘Yes, indeed,’ Hawk agreed. ‘And those wheels are about to roll on over me. Just kidding,’ he was quick to say, knowing how Tory detested a defeatist attitude. ‘I look forward to the challenge.’ The captain tried to sound confident, but his frown betrayed his doubts.
‘What is meant to be, will be, Hawk.’ Tory stepped away from him and smiled. ‘Worry won’t change destiny so why bother wasting your precious energy on it?’
‘That’s easy for you to say,’ Hawk warranted. ‘You’ve been a ruler most of your life.’
‘And a very satisfying, insightful and wondrous life it has been too,’ she allowed. ‘In fact, I highly recommend it.’
Another very pleasing outcome awaited Tory at lunch.
She was late for the engagement. Maelgwn, Zabeel and Cordella were already seated, drinking tea. She could tell by the look on her husband’s face that something extraordinary was taking place, for Tory had not seen Maelgwn appear so elated since the birth of the twins.
‘Mother.’ Zabeel stood as he spotted her approaching. ‘We have had a revelation,’ he announced, absolutely beaming with delight.
Tory was taken aback by his enthusiasm, having been given the impression from her husband that Zabeel didn’t want to tell his beloved about his Chosen status until they were sure about the match. The fact that Zabeel referred to Tory as ‘mother’ seemed to indicate that the cat was out of the bag.
‘May I introduce Cordella.’ Zabeel motioned to the woman who was seated with her back to Tory.
The woman turned as she stood up to greet Tory, and upon viewing her face Tory nearly fell over backwards. ‘Rose!’
At her proclamation, all at the table fell about laughing. ‘My reaction, exactly,’ Maelgwn explained their amusement.
Tory suddenly saw Zabeel in a whole new light. ‘So you must be …’
‘Marduk incarnate,’ Zabeel announced. ‘We haven’t confirmed that with regression yet, but, at least we have a hope of verifying this match to Nin Rebecca’s satisfaction.’
‘It all makes perfect sense now,’ Maelgwn mused, as Tory sank to a seat, completely floored at the universe’s capability to make its will known. ‘That’s why Marduk sent me on that mission to meet Aquilla —’
‘He was ensuring his own conception.’ Tory guessed the rest. ‘No wonder Gwyn ap Nudd got a good laugh when we thought Avery was Marduk, when here he was, right under our noses all the time.’
Returned to them as a human-Delphinus, with no trace of his Nefilim features, Marduk was not so readily recognisable as most human incarnations. Still, now that Tory looked closer, the truth was plain. Zabeel was Marduk, that wondrous soul who had defied the Great Pantheon to bring the Chosen into existence, the very same soul-mind who had spared the lives of those first twelve humans who fled Edin and Nefilim rule.
Tory picked herself up and ran around the table to hug her adopted son. ‘I am so happy for you, Zabeel. I feel you shall finally have the rewarding life that you have so long deserved.’
‘The future holds much promise,’ he concurred, pleasantly overwhelmed by her sentiment.
Tory looked back at Cordella, who was obviously a little in awe of everything that was taking place. ‘We must sound like we are talking in code,’ joked Tory sympathetically, as she sniffled back her emotion. ‘Forgive us, Cordella, but this is quite an unexpected, but welcome, shock.’
‘You took the words right out of my mouth,’ Cordella agreed, near jumping out of her skin with expectation.
‘I declare that we plead your case to Rebecca and Noah without delay,’ Tory posed to Zabeel. ‘That way Cordella can be made privy to all that you need to discuss before Brian’s address
tomorrow.’
‘I second that motion,’ Maelgwn concurred, whereupon Zabeel swept Cordella right off her feet and kissed her as he carried her forth to the Institute where Rebecca could be found. ‘I never thought I’d be praising the Logoi for Dumuzi’s infidelity,’ Maelgwn commented as he wrapped an arm about his wife, and trailed his son and soon-to-be daughter-in-law.
‘Well, Dumuzi was once hailed as the God of Love,’ Tory stated. ‘And as they are a match made in heaven, it looks as though he might finally have done something right.’
‘Dumuzi was actually hailed as the God of Fertility,’ Maelgwn politely corrected her misconception, whereby his wife’s smile broadened.
‘Then I expect we shall be blessed with many grandchildren.’
Maelgwn agreed that she was most likely right about that.
As Lahmu’s address was being broadcast live, there was no need for everyone to cram into the Grand Ballroom of Government House, where the speech would be given. Only the officials of each of the four races involved in the mammoth reshuffle were to be present at the luncheon, all of whom had been nominated by either the Nefilim or Lahmu. Most residents of Chaliada would be viewing the event from home, including a good percentage of Kila’s government officials, who, having been at the Nefilim inquiry, were already aware of the agenda.
The ex-Governor and Governess were listening in from home and most of the family were joining them for the day’s festivities. Maelgwn and Tory had offered to attend the luncheon as moral support for Zabeel, but as his old crewmate, Hawk, was in the same predicament as Zabeel, they had each other and Thais to lean on.
Old habits die hard and, unable to keep away any longer, Maelgwn popped by the Governor’s office to see how his brother-in-law was handling the build-up to his big gig. He arrived to find Noah inspiring Brian with a few final words.
‘Support for your rule is widespread,’ the historian-turned-Sage reported. ‘Far more so than you could imagine. The masses will heed your word, even the outlaws.’
‘Maelgwn.’ Brian noticed him standing quietly by and moved over to him, gratified by the visit. Brian looked his visitor up and down, noting how casual Maelgwn’s attire was compared to his own formal dress.