The Lost Animas (The Ammonite Galaxy Series, Book 5)

Chapter 11

PETRA AND MANDALON glared at each other across the magmite floor. It was an impasse.

"You cannot allow those guards attending the Second Votation entry to the dome without being searched," she said in a flat tone which clearly expected no argument from her emptor. The blue namura stone flashed at her neck.

"Those attending the Votation are all the most trusted Sellite bodyguards," Mandalon pointed out.

Her lip curled. "Precisely. That is the problem."

There was a rumble of discontent from the burly Sellite guards surrounding the leader of Sell. One or two of them made a step forwards, in Petra's direction. She was unimpressed.

"One of your own guards tried to kill you, not so long ago," she said, in a cool voice which rang through the family chamber of the 50th level of the 1st skyrise. "This is only a natural precaution. Guards should be searched before they come on duty. Why has this not been scheduled before?"

The head guard stepped forwards, an expression of intense dislike running across his stolid face. "It was not thought to be necessary, Mandalon." He addressed only his head of house, ignoring the Namuri girl quite deliberately.

Petra stamped her foot, which was now clad in a sensible white running shoe instead of the heeled pump she had initially been issued. "Who thought it to be unnecessary, pray?"

Mandalon raised one eyebrow at the Sellite, clearly expecting an answer to be forthcoming.

The man faltered. "Well ... it ... that is ... naturally nobody would expect ..."

The young leader of Sell dipped his head. "I think we should make sure that all bodyguards set an example," he said. "See that it is implemented at once."

The man bowed, promised revenge by a quick hard glance in Petra's direction, and then withdrew.

"You are not making yourself popular," said Mandalon 50, rather amused. "You do realize that they will now insist on searching you, too?"

She lifted her chin. "Let them try!"

Mandalon raised an eyebrow. "Then I predict some interesting scenes. I hope you can look after yourself."

The girl looked scornful. "I can."

"You may have to."

"I may have to look after you, meritocrat!"

"And as your emptor, I sincerely hope that you can!"

"I will protect you with my life."

Mandalon 50 sighed, and looked heavenwards. "Let us hope that such a sacrifice will not be necessary."

"Your guards are sloppy and overconfident, and I see signs of corruption in them. I do not, however, perceive the same level of threat that you do."

"There are too many Sellites anxious to prevent the Second Votation. One or many of them will act. I don't know when or how, but I am sure that they will act."

"Do you still have the orthogel fragment which Arcan gave you?"

Mandalon nodded.

"Then it is hard to see how they can harm you. Arcan will know where you are at any one time, and I can alert him instantly through any orthogel tube on Valhai."

The leader of the Sellites looked uncomfortable. "I know. Yet I have had this insistent conviction for several weeks now. Just as Atheron plotted to have my father killed, I am sure that somebody on this planet is plotting my demise at this very moment." He gave a shiver. "Someone seems to be walking over my grave." He looked down at the ground sheepishly. "I suppose you think I am imagining it."