Empress Fallen (Through Darkness Book I)

Chapter Thirteen: Every Gate: Part 2

ii. Certamen

Aliya watched in a horrified fascination as Ultor stepped aside, his head inclined slightly. Standing between two armed Imperial soldiers was the tallest man she had ever seen, three golden arrowheads of rank embroidered on the shoulder of his blood-red uniform. His eyes were a piercing cerulean colour, dark with fury, his hair a deep auburn, like the feathers of an eventide raven. That chiselled jaw, sharp features, high cheekbones, so striking, he looked just like... Aliya glanced behind her, eyes wide in shock as she met Miriam's fierce gaze. It couldn't be?

'General Dux... is it?' the Marshal growled. His voice was deep, and utterly commanding, a voice that was always obeyed. Before Dux could answer he continued.

'The small renegade force commanded by Caradoc Aquila will be disbanded immediately, the fleet melted down and those who ever served under him will be executed. Aquila himself will be sentenced as a war criminal and incarcerated for the remainder of his life in the Augusti Jail Fortress on Tyrannis.' Silence followed his words. Aliya couldn't breathe.

'All prisoners of Omicron 24 will be terminated. You will lead us to your headquarters before your execution... There will be no resistance.'

Aliya met Jagan's tortured eyes and saw the same despair she felt mirrored there. Many of the Armada soldiers were turning their heads, staring in desperation at the General. Aliya tensed, terrified that they would try to flee, abandoning her home to its barbaric fate. The atmosphere in the Command Centre rested on the edge of a needle. Dux opened her mouth to speak, unblinking, but with a strangled cry, Miriam broke out of Damon's arms and moved to stand directly in front of the viewport. Aliya exchanged a look of wary confusion with Jagan, but she suddenly noticed the Marshal's reaction. Contumax had visibly recoiled as his dark eyes settled on Miriam. A flash of some raw emotion sliced over his face. For several seconds there was nothing, then the corner of his mouth curved fractionally in the shadow of a smirk, utter derision burning in his eyes.

'Ah, General... I see you have found my daughter.'

The shock throughout the room induced by these words was almost tangible. Aliya stared at Miriam. She had been right. The resemblance was unnerving. It could only be true. Miriam wore an expression of surrender, like a slave lined up for execution.

'No,' Jagan hissed, glaring at Miriam with a look of utter betrayal. Aliya narrowed her eyes, confused at this reaction, but then Fortis spoke, stepping forwards.

'Ferox?' he murmured, his back to the viewport. Miriam didn't answer, naked panic on her face. He turned his eyes to the General questioningly.

'Stand down, Colonel,' Dux snapped, placing a hand on Miriam's shoulder. Miriam turned, fear just visible in her eyes. Dux contemplated her for a moment before nodding fractionally and turning back to the Marshal.

'Yes, we know.'

Aliya glanced at Miriam in confusion. She looked just as perplexed, moving back slowly.

'Augustus,' Dux began, her voice cool, 'you seem to be under a grave misapprehension. Let me enlighten you.'

Aliya glanced at the Marshal. His jaw was locked, eyes flashing, daring Dux to continue speaking. Aliya paled, but the General seemed unperturbed, even emboldened.

'The Ghost Armada is not some renegade force that the Empire can mute quietly. No. The Armada is the embodiment of the truest feelings and hopes of the human race. Look around you, Augustus, you think your Empress is a leader? You think she is loved? Hatred... Augustus, that is the only sentiment that is held for her. We know about Mission Eversor.'