Perspectives

Chapter 40

For the second time in a week, Kalen found himself standing in the Council Chambers. All members aside from Rothgard were assembled, sitting around the table, sharing uncertain looks. Kalen's gaze met Devon and Celia's for a brief moment, but Kalen was quick to look away. They couldn't let on that they had any more of a relationship than they had at the last meeting. Duchess Magnussen was especially perceptive, she would no doubt take note if Kalen shared too many long looks with the Marquess and Marchioness. 

Kalen fiddled anxiously with the sleeve of his jacket. This was even worse than the last time. Now he had something to hide, and it was very possible Rothgard already knew. 

In the next instant, the large wooden doors were swung open as Lord Rothgard strode into the room, a look of hard determination on his face. He stepped up to the table, placing his hands on the top as he leaned forward with a certain intensity that set Kalen on edge. "All of you are already aware that the human was able to escape with the help of one of the scientists that had been working on the inter-dimensional transporter last night." Rothgard began unceremoniously. "IRIS, display live feed of interrogation." He commanded, causing a holographic screen to appear at the center of the table.

Kalen felt a lurch of guilt as he saw Jed Ambrose appear on the screen. He was in a featureless room with steel walls, sitting at a table across from an unknown man Kalen assumed to be the interrogator. Jed's hands were in front of him on the table, bound by magnetic cuffs. 

"This is Jedidiah Ambrose, the one caught at the scene aiding the human's escape." Rothgard announced. "He is currently undergoing interrogation in order reveal whether or not he was in on this alone." He added emotionlessly.

"What would bring a Sovereign employee to betray Amasis like this?" Viscountess Borden asked, shaking her head in disapproval. 

Rothgard commanded the holographic screen away as he took his seat. "Right now his motive is the least of our concerns." He stated. 

Duchess Magnussen made a sound of shock. "The least of our concerns? Lord, I beg your pardon, but could this not be an indicator of growing dissent among the populace?" She questioned incredulously. 

"Perhaps, but the more immediate problem lies with the escaped human." Rothgard replied. 

Viscount Borden nodded fervently from the other side of the table. "It is true that the human having returned to Earth with the news of our existence could cause trouble for our plans." 

Countess Anders rolled her eyes. "You overreact." She said with an exasperated sigh. "Besides, it isn't as though there's anything we can do about it now." 

"That is where you are wrong, Countess." Rothgard stated smoothly. 

Kalen felt as though his heart had stopped beating in his chest momentarily. All eyes in the room stared at Rothgard in surprise. 

"I have decided to send a team to Earth." Rothgard announced. "They will depart shortly to locate the human and bring them back." Kalen's blood ran cold. Rothgard was out of his mind. He had become obsessed with getting Piper, meaning everything they had done to get her home would be for nothing. 

"You can't be serious!" Celia cried. 

Devon gripped his wife's arm gently. "Surely the general human population would never believe a story about an alternate dimension with giant people." 

"Can humans even comprehend the concept of different dimensions?" Duke Magnussen chuckled.

"Lord, would it not be better to put our focus on discovering whether or not this Jedidiah Ambrose had any accomplices?" Kalen's mother spoke up.