Fracture (The Chronicles Of Discord, #1)

By D.D. Chant

In a world torn apart by war and divided into three nations Astra struggles to achieve balance. As a child she experienced a horror that caused her life to fracture around her, changing in an instant everything she’d ever known.
Sixteen years later and Astra has been pressured into a false position by her past and is forced into taking a stand that enables her to keep her loved ones safe, but the cost is high.
Caught in an intolerable position Astra is loyal to only one thing: the family that loves her. But when a diplomatic mission from the Free Nation arrives for peace talks with the Tula, Astra’s precariously balanced world begins to fracture again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: D.D. Chant
• Release date: Mar 4, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311952844

D.D. Chant

Hiya everyone, my name is Dee Dee, I’m twenty five and I live in a beautiful part of England, Devon. Broken City is actually my second novel. My first, as my Aunt so delicately put it, was crazy, but in my defence I was only sixteen at the time. On the plus side I learnt a lot (or so I hope) and two years later Broken City was finished. Since then I have written another book ‘The Promise’, which is set in Saxon England and is a romance, it is the beginning of a series. I am currently writing my third book, which is set in the distant future and is also the start of a series. I’m about half way through and very excited about it! I really hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.

Book preview

Chapter One

The Tula

Ben lounged in his seat and gazed out of the panoramic window of the viewing deck. This large room was usually a hive of activity but at the moment he was the only person on board who had the time to be there. Everyone else on board was feverishly preparing for the imminent docking.

His fingers tapped an impatient rhythm against the arm of his comfortable chair as he studied the vista before him. The viewing deck was the highest point on the ship and he could see the lower stories and out across the canal to the strange city beyond. Black stone buildings reached far into the distance, austere and unfriendly.

The small compu-pad on his lap had slipped a little to one side as if forgotten, its screen displaying the images that he had been flicking through a moment before. Among the pictures were several overfed and prosperous looking men and the few stern women that made up the Tula High Council.

I thought I’d find you here.

The voice was mild but Ben started guiltily, turning quickly in his chair. He hadn’t heard the sound of his father's approach on the thickly carpeted floor.

Sorry, Dad, did you want me for something?

Senator Philip Burton shook his head and made his way through the chairs huddled around low tables to stand behind his son’s seat.

No, I just wanted five minutes to myself before the onslaught begins. He smiled faintly. It struck me that you’d probably had the same idea.

His eyes fell to the compu-pad on his son’s knee and took in the now familiar faces it held. Ben twisted in his chair awkwardly, looking up at his father.

Cheerful bunch aren’t they? he remarked, noting the direction of his father’s gaze. Senator Burton smiled but did not reply to his son’s irreverent statement.

You’re still not happy?

Ben tensed and, turning away, fixed his gaze resolutely outside.

I just feel a little strange. He shrugged dismissively. I dare say I’ll get used to it.

Senator Burton regarded his son with exasperated fondness. It seemed Ben had still not realised why he had been dropped from his official position as secretary. He patted his son’s broad shoulder.

I already miss your efficiency: although Lester is trying, he doesn’t know me like you do and can’t anticipate the things I need.

He’ll learn.

I suppose so. Senator Burton looked again at the compu-pad. Will you remember them all?

Sure, I don’t know why it’s necessary though.

It can’t hurt to be prepared. Senator Burton smiled at the frown in his son's blue eyes. Don’t look so irritable, Ben, it would be a waste to have you languish as my P.A. when you can be of so much more use elsewhere.

Ben’s eyes narrowed and he grinned smugly.

I knew you were up to something.

I’m taking precautions, responded his father. This is one of the biggest opportunities we’re likely to get. No one from the outside has crossed over Tula borders for over a hundred years: our diplomatic envoy will be the first. Senator Burton shook his head. The trouble is we’ll be so busy with all the pomp and ceremony we’ll miss everything.

Ben raised an eyebrow.

What do you mean; miss everything?

Senator Burton picked the pad up and glanced idly over the images it held.

You’ve been around politicians all your life, Ben; I would have thought you of all people would know that the carefully presented image that the Tula High Council will give us of their nation, will have little resemblance to the day to day lives of its people.

You want me to spy on them, stated Ben bluntly.

His father nodded.

I want to know everything that’s happening in the Tula strongholds, he returned evenly, not just what they allow us to see. I want to know every skeleton in their closet intimately.

Ben chuckled as he watched his father lower himself in to the seat opposite him.

I’m glad the momentous nature of our visit hasn’t robbed you of your faculties, Dad. What do you suspect to be going on in the Tula strongholds?

More than meets the eye, returned Senator Burton wearily, there always is.

He had been flicking absently through the images on the pad but the motion of his hand was suddenly arrested and the thoughtful look on his face deepened. Ben leaned forward, reaching out a hand to tilt the compu-pad, so that he could see what had caught his father’s attention.

The picture was of a grey haired man in his fifties shrouded in the black and silver robes of a Tula statesman. Ben didn’t need to read the short biography to know that the man was Corbani Va Dic Ladron, the Councillor in charge of the Tula security forces.

The Tula didn’t have a separate army and police force but had amalgamated the two. Ben remembered that the fact had unsettled him when he had read about it, now he wondered why the feeling had stayed with him so clearly.

In their ongoing war with the Una it made sense that the two entities be combined, so why did it bother him? Ben shook his head knowing he would have no peace until he had solved the conundrum.

Senator Burton saw his son’s frown and nodded. Ben’s interest had been piqued and Senator Burton knew that there was no hiding anything from Ben once he had decided that he wanted to know the truth. It was one of Ben’s most valuable attributes. Any fool could eat lunches and dinners, or be shown around factories and such, reflected Senator Burton. However, it took a cunning mind to ferret out the truth without causing offence.

And they were not in a position to give offence.

For a hundred and thirty-two years there had been no trade with the Tula strongholds. Before their borders had been closed the technology that had emerged had been far more advanced than anything the Free Nation had produced. Senator Burton shook his head knowing that the Tula must be capable of far more now; the possibilities were endless.

This advancement in technology had been the root of the problem with the Una, or at least, that was how the Tula had presented the matter. The Una had considered that using technology to help nature would lead to more damage than had already been caused and had instead suggested more organic, less intensive methods of farming. The Tula had responded that it was twice the effort for half the crop in an already starving world. The Una had pointed out that using food stocks for fuel had hardly shown consideration to the world’s malnourished.

And so the argument had escalated.

Through all of this the Tula’s technology had advanced, stretching into every facet of their lives, from the food they ate to transportation and health care.

The Free Nation was greedy for that technology, desperate for it, and Senator Burton was there to see that they gained access to it.

After the unrest of the Hundred Year War, the Free Nation's Board of Senators had realised that, far from entering a time of peace, the threat of war now came from a different source. The Tula were strong, much stronger than the Free Nation. The turmoil that the war had created in the Free Nation’s lands had kept them safe from the Tula’s machinations.

Now the Free Nation was stable, that would no longer be the case.

The Tula needed new troops for their conflict with the Una. However the Board of Senators had decided that they would not join forces with the Tula in war with the Una. Senator Burton had been despatched with the unenviable task of walking a very thin line. He needed to manoeuvre the Tula into a trade agreement with the Free Nation while at the same time withholding military support. The Free Nation’s refusal to join their cause would anger the Tula and the Free Nation couldn’t afford so powerful an enemy.

Senator Burton? A slight young man had unobtrusively entered the viewing deck and stood by the door.

Yes, Lester?

The boat has docked, sir, and the Tula High Council is ready to welcome you ashore.

Very well. Senator Burton got to his feet and turned to Ben. No more waiting, Ben; now it’s time to face the music.

Ben stood and angled a look across to his father.

If you say so, Dad, but I draw the line at dancing.

Senator Burton rolled his eyes at the weak joke and followed Lester down the corridor to the lift.

Ben reflected that his father didn’t really look as though the safety of millions rested on his shoulders. Senator Burton was calm and radiated a power and serenity that made others aware, without words, that he was a person of responsibility and power.

If the Tula had been aiming to shock and awe then they succeeded. As the diplomatic mission stepped out into the fresh air and made their way toward the gangway Ben looked around in wonder.

The canal, which had brought them to the centre of the city, was lined on each side by black high rise buildings. The docking point lead on to a park and Ben had the impression of neatly clipped trees and short weedless grass with small uniform hedges lining the interlinking walkways. The four sides of the park were hemmed in by large buildings made from a strange black rock that glittered in the sunlight.

The metal gangway, which stretched across from the dock to the ship, connected to a podium where the Tula High Council were seated. Behind them, filling every space so far as Ben could see, was a cheering crowd of spectators.

Ben didn’t think he’d ever seen anything quite so orderly as the massive city and those who inhabited it.

He was a little surprised to see that the whole crowd was wearing monochrome silver suits that contrasted with the black and silver robes of the Councillors’ waiting to receive them. One Councillor stepped forward and placed his hand over his heart.

It is an honour to welcome you to our country, Senator Burton, he intoned solemnly. My name is Councillor Corbani Va Dic Ladron, Commandant of the security forces.

A pleasure to meet you, Councillor, responded Senator Burton, holding out a hand.

Councillor Ladron regarded him blankly before turning to converse with the young woman standing just behind him. A few moments low voiced discussion and Councillor Ladron turned and placed his hand into the Senator’s.

Please forgive me, Senator, this form of greeting has not been used in my country for more than a hundred years. He smiled and turned to introduce his fellow Councillors.

Ben paid minimal attention to them; he already knew who they were and what positions they held thanks to the information that the Tula had already given them. Instead, his attention was on the woman that Councillor Ladron had spoken to briefly.

She had stepped back into obscurity, her hands clasped lightly in front of her and her eyes downcast. She seemed to withdraw completely and, for all the attention she received, she might have been invisible.

Councillor Ladron finished his introductions and Ben, hearing his own name called out, stepped forward to shake hands with each Councillor in turn.

We will have to look after you, smiled Councillor Ladron. I believe you’ll find many things to interest you during your stay with us.

Ben could see a sharp, speculative gleam in the Councillor’s eyes and realised that Councillor Ladron saw him as a complication, a loose cannon. He was trying to feel him out, to see how much trouble this problematic Senator’s son was going to give him. Ben sensed that Councillor Ladron was not the sort of man who liked his carefully laid plans interfered with.

I hope so.

For a second, Ben allowed his eyes to drift pointedly to the young woman, still standing respectfully silent in the background. Despite the lengthy introductions, she had not been presented and he wondered why. She must be of some importance or she wouldn’t have been present on the platform.

He saw Councillor Ladron follow the direction of his gaze and then watched the older man’s face register a thoughtful, almost sly expression. Ben realised, as Councillor Ladron turned a wolfish smile on him, that his action had been misunderstood. It never occurred to Councillor Ladron that Ben sought an introduction, he’d supposed Ben’s interest to be of a much baser nature than that.

For a moment Ben was irritated, but then he saw the opportunity that the misunderstanding created. If Councillor Ladron thought that he would be easily entertained by female company, then he wouldn’t keep such a close eye on him. If he wasn’t closely watched, then he had a much better chance of feeling out the sociological situation in the Tula strongholds.

With that in mind Ben smiled at the girl, or at least he tried to, but she was staring sightlessly at the ground and seemed completely unaware of the attention she was receiving.

Corbani Va Dic Ladron, however, was not. With a satisfied smile he looked from one to the other, but still made no attempt to introduce them.

Take them to their seats.

It was an outright order, apparently addressed to the woman, for she placed a hand over her heart and bowed. Then she gestured that the diplomatic envoy should follow her.

As Ben sat down, he heard Councillor Ladron begin to address the crowd from the podium, but let the words wash over him unregistered. His thoughts were still on the woman. At no point had she spoken to them. She had seen them to their seats and, as they had settled into their places, her eyes had remained respectfully downcast. It was almost as though she thought herself invisible to them.

Despite her self-effacing manner she stood out and Ben tried to figure out why. His eyes ran over her appraisingly. She was good looking — if you liked marble statues — but it wasn’t really that.

Ben looked again at the women in the crowd, trying to decide what was so different about her compared to them. They were all dressed the same in a dull shade of silver, a jacket and knee length skirt. Ben glanced back at the girl to see that she was wearing the exact same thing, but with a slight difference. On her jacket, the elegant little collar and down the angled edge of the neck was trimmed in bright blue silk.

It was, Ben realised, the only colour present other than the green of the park and it really did have the effect of bringing her to the forefront of attention. He frowned looking over the crowd again. Now that he thought about it they all looked like they were wearing a uniform. Their clothes were the same cut, same colour… he found it a little unnerving.

Thunderous applause broke out and Ben clapped along with everyone else as Councillor Ladron brought his speech to an end.

It was then Senator Burton’s turn to say a few words. Ben watched as his father calmly took the podium and gave a brief, but nevertheless pointed, speech on the peaceful nature of relations that the Free Nation hoped to engage in with the Tula.

It was masterful, thought Ben ruefully. It served as a warning to the Tula High Council not to expect the Free Nation to involve itself in any unrest with the Una, yet he said nothing that they could take exception to.

And then it was over.

With a final wave they left the podium and proceeded along one of the avenues toward the parliament buildings. Ben had an impression of the crowd forming orderly queues before the angle of the path placed them out of his line of sight.

As the buildings neared, Ben gazed at the tall structure of Government Building curiously. The glittering black stone façade was broken up by large swathes of glass that ran with abstract freeness through the whole. The effect was astonishingly beautiful but Ben felt that there was a warning in the austere structure. It radiated a potent and suffocating power.

Ben shook his head.

Apparently his father was not the only Burton with a suspicious mind. He chuckled a little at his own thoughts as an image of the Freedom Buildings, the Free Nation’s seat of power, rose in his mind. Their very purpose was to awe and intimidate.

Ben forced himself to relax. There would be plenty of things to disagree with the Tula over, without imagining more. With that resolutely in mind Ben entered the large glass door of the Government Building.

Chapter Two

The room was strangely silent, the ring of their shoes on the black granite floor the only noise. It sounded amplified, unnaturally loud and faintly ominous. At first it seemed as though the ground floor of the large building was a single room. After a moment Ben noticed that there were partitions, seemingly made from glass. It explained why there was no sound even though he could see people in conversation.

They continued to walk toward the centre of the hall where twenty etched glass columns, moulded with rope work and fleurs-de-lis, held aloft an intricately woven half sphere of beautifully formed glass. Inside the huge circle a wrought iron framework of twisting metal cradled twelve clear glass globes that Ben immediately recognised as lifts. It was like nothing he had ever seen before and for a few moments he stood silent.

It was there, under the clear glass dome, that their procession halted and the eleven Tula councillors turned to Senator Burton.

We considered that you would enjoy a few moments rest before eating the greeting meal that has been prepared.

Thank you, it would be appreciated, responded Senator Burton.

Ten of the eleven councillors placed their hands over their hearts and inclined their heads before moving away, their robes whispering against the glittering black floor. Councillor Ladron and the young woman were the only ones left behind. Corbani Va Dic Ladron smiled and gestured towards one of the lifts.

May I ask for your first impressions of our country, Senator Burton?

Ben looked up from the fascinating spectre of the ground floor seeming to disappear beneath his feet as he shot upward. His father glanced around their surroundings with indifference before allowing his eyes to rest on Councillor Ladron.

It’s very different from the Free Nation, he answered.

Ben hid a smile.

Councillor Ladron had not been expecting such an unimpressed response and it took him a few moments to regain his balance.

And you, Ben, what are your thoughts? he asked pleasantly.

Ben stiffened at the over familiar use of his first name and gazed at Councillor Ladron somewhat hostilely. Corbani Va Dic Ladron seemed to sense that he had said something inappropriate and turned to the young woman, asking a question that Ben didn’t catch and receiving an immediate reply that he didn’t hear either. Councillor Ladron turned to face Ben, laying his hand over his heart and inclining his head.

Forgive me, Mr. Burton, I didn’t mean to offend you. It is customary in our culture to use first names without it being considered a liberty. The term ‘Mr.’ has not been used in our lands for over a century.

Ben forced himself to relax and smile even though he was pretty certain that Councillor Ladron had purposefully tried to make him feel small and unimportant.

Then you won’t mind me calling you Corbani?

Councillor Ladron stiffened, assuring Ben that he’d struck a nerve. He heard a gasp and turned to his father, worried that he’d overstepped his mark. However Senator Burton was trying to contain a smile and was far from shocked. Then it struck him that it must have been the woman.

Her eyes were wide open, meeting his without flinching. Ben took a mental note of the fact they were blue tinged with grey, particularly beautiful. After a few moments she regained her composure and was staring at the floor again.

It is not — customary — to call Councillors by their given names, replied Councillor Ladron tightly.

No? Ben managed to look innocently bewildered. Your customs are a little confusing. I dare say I’ll get the hang of them eventually.

Councillor Ladron forced a smile and stepped out of the lift.

Their quarters, when they finally reached them, consisted of a two bedrooms connected by a large sitting room. The outside wall of the lounge was made entirely of glass, giving a truly spectacular view over the city.

I must leave you now as there are things I must attend to but I hope these quarters will suit your needs. If you have any requirements Astra will see to them.

Councillor Ladron placed his hand over his heart and inclined his head before leaving the room.

The view is spectacular, remarked Senator Burton eventually, wandering over to the window. Ben joined him, taking in the endless stretch of black buildings and small green parks.

A little too manicured for my taste, he replied, reaching out a hand and touching the glass. The surface immediately darkened beneath his fingers, taking on a black tint. Ben drew back surprised and muttered and exclamation beneath his breath. He reached out again, touching the surface and it cleared immediately.

Neat trick: I wonder how they do it. Ben turned to the woman still standing in the middle of the room.

Do you know how it’s done?

Her eyes rose to meet his.

The glass is embedded with micro-blinds; small rolls of metal invisible to the naked eye. When an electric current is passed through the glass the micro-blinds spring open, tinting the window. Your touch activated the sensors within the glass and started the current. When you touched it again that was the signal to stop the current, turning the window clear.

She paused.

This technology was first pioneered in The Free Nation’s lands, in the country then known as Canada.

Really?

Ben looked over the woman again. How was it possible that she knew so much about his people’s history? The civil war that had torn through The Free Nation had destroyed most of their records. Great swathes of information had been lost and Ben felt uncomfortable with the thought that the Tula seemed to have access to that missing documentation.

I see, very clever. He sat on the arm of one of the overstuffed white sofas. You’re Astra, right?

She inclined her head.

Correct, Mr. Burton.

And you're Councillor Ladron’s secretary? Ben queried.

Astra nodded.

Yes, however this term is no longer in use; we are referred to as subsidiaries.

Ben nodded, but there was still a frown on his face.

You seem to know a great deal about our culture Miss… ah…?

My designation is Astra Uel Ne Toban; it is customary for you to call me Astra.

Righto. Ben smiled. How come you know so much about our culture, Astra? I noticed that both times he was at a loss Councillor Ladron turned to you for guidance.

For some moments Astra was silent and Ben could see that she was thinking quickly.

Your customs are very similar to those in our history.

Ben almost choked. No wonder she had taken so long to answer; essentially she was saying that the Free Nation was backward.

I see. How come you know of these customs when they have obviously been completely forgotten by everyone else?

Astra’s brow wrinkled faintly.

It was obvious that there would be many differences in our etiquette. It seemed prudent to return to the time when our cultures were most similar and find a starting point that was familiar to us both.

Ben couldn’t fault her logic.

Your customs, continued Astra, they have not changed in so many years, why?

The question was hesitant and she met Ben’s eyes with a clear forthright gaze that begged him not to take offence at the question.

When The Free Nation came together in peace it was decided by the Board of Senators that there would be an observing of the old ways.

He watched Astra carefully as she digested this information and for the briefest of seconds thought that she had smiled softly.

I've been meaning to ask, what does Va Dic mean?

Watching her expression Ben saw that she had not understood the question.

When we were presented to the Councillors, they all have the words Va Dic between their first and last names, he explained.

It is customary, responded Astra. Va Dic is the statement of allegiance to the Tula government. Long ago when the Tomorrows United Leaders Alliance first came to power, the words were prefixed to the last names of all T.U.L.A. supporters. It is now a requirement by law that every citizen of the Tula strongholds includes it in their name.

Ben felt a shudder run the length of his spine. Then he frowned as he wondered why her words struck him as conflicting.

All citizens? he mused aloud. "But your name, as you stated it, is Astra Uel Ne Toban."

He saw her eyes widen, just fractionally, and knew he had surprised her.

That is so, she answered. It is a special dispensation.

Ben took note of the evasive nature of her answer.

A special dispensation? Why?

He saw her flinch, the slightest stiffening of her shoulders that conveyed tension.

I come from a line that is… rare.

How so?

For the briefest of moments Ben thought he saw blind panic flare in her eyes before they were again lowered to the floor.

It is a very long, boring and tangled story that I could not explain with any degree of lucidity.

She turned and faced Senator Burton.

I will not intrude upon your time of rest any longer. Should you need anything else press the white button on the control panel by the door and I will return immediately. The black button will call security forces to the room should you find yourself threatened in any way.

Astra placed her hand over her heart and bowed before turning and slowly leaving the room. Ben allowed himself to slip from the arm of the sofa and into its soft confines.

Looks like we’ve found our first skeleton, Dad.

It does seem that way, Senator Burton responded. It was too much to hope this would be easy.

Ben stretched lazily.

Maybe, but… He broke off, suddenly rising from his chair and crossing to where there was a desk set at an angle and facing the window.

Senator Burton’s briefcase had been placed on its glass surface and Ben set his finger to the sensor. It bleeped in acceptance and the clasps sprang open. From inside he extracted a notebook and two pencils and took them back to the glass coffee table that stood between the chairs. His father didn’t seem to see anything odd when Ben ripped two sheets from the notebook and passed one along to him. Senator Burton took the pencil and began writing on the paper.

You think we’re being watched?

Ben read the note quickly and set about writing a reply.

I don’t know but it’s probable that they could watch us without our being aware of it. It would be a hard to resist.

Senator Burton nodded in agreement.

Always so cynical, Ben.

You were thinking the same thing.

But I’m a bitter old man, you’re still supposed to be hopelessly blinded by rose tinted ideals at your age.

Ben snorted.

I don’t think I ever had any of those.

Senator Burton considered his son’s offhand words for a moment. They were very true. Ben had always been a realist, seeing the world and its faults, and people and their faults, without fear. Most were too afraid to look at the truth of the matter, to examine every fault and imperfection unflinchingly. They seemed to think that if you didn’t acknowledge the bad things around you, then maybe they would disappear. However Ben was of the firm belief that it was only when you had faced a problem on all fronts that you could truly correct it.

Senator Burton felt a twinge of sadness.

It took most people a lifetime to become so cynical. Ben had never known anything different. He had accepted from childhood that people made the world what it was and that people, regardless of who they were, had an agenda and they would do anything to reach their goal.

Senator Burton watched as Ben set fire to the pages that they had just written on. The flames spread upward leaving a thin grey ash behind that Ben crushed between his fingers, removing every trace of their conversation. Senator Burton had a sudden clear glimpse into his son's soul.

Ben was angry.

------

What are they doing? Corbani Va Dic Ladron glared from the viewer in front of him to where Astra stood respectfully at the side of his desk.

Perhaps, Reverend Councillor, it is a custom, she responded.

Councillor Ladron’s fist slammed onto the desk.

What sort of foolish custom could it be? he asked angrily, looking at the viewer again. Plague of the Una: they’re using paper! What sort of barbaric country is the Free Nation that they still produce such primitive materials?

Mr. Burton said that their senators had decreed that there would be an observing of the old ways, Reverend Councillor.

There is a reason why they are ‘old’ ways, barked Councillor Ladron. What do you make of Mr. Burton?

Astra considered the question for a while.

He is alert and notices things.

A problem, commented Councillor Ladron speculatively. His attention must be diverted, must it not, Astra?

Yes, Reverend Councillor. Astra bowed,