Nomad: Sequel to 'Two Sons Nelson'

By Christ Kennedy

A stunning sequel to the gripping novel 'Two Sons Nelson', 'Nomad' is another troubling story with a violent and sometimes shocking plot that sees the power of the God of Wreke handed to an innocent child who is not prepared for what has befallen him. Guided by mysterious forces, he neither sees nor understands, Sam, is led to learn how to lead while he governs his most loyal servants who guard him and his identity, even from himself. But Christ's Inquisitors have invaded his once idyllic home and the animosity which their presence breeds in him, and his need to prove himself to his girlfriend, Patricia, force him to take action and throw his life away when he enlists with the Inquisitors. Devastated by the news, the village erupts into chaos as he goes to Christ Academy where he is transformed into the monster his friends and family feared he would become before eventually coming home the hero he promised he would be.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Apr 6, 2009
• ISBN: 9781440126024

Christ Kennedy

Author of 'The People' and 'Two Sons Nelson', Christ Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Montreal. He is a bilingual Quebecois with a bachelor's degree in computer engineering from McGill University and currently resides in Saskatoon, writing computer software when he is not busy plotting a new novel.

Book preview

Nomad

sequel to

Two Sons Nelson

by Christ Kennedy

iUniverse, Inc.

New York Bloomington

Contents

Part I

Idyllic Isolation

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Chapter XI

Chapter XII

Chapter XIII

Chapter XIV

Chapter XV

Chapter XVI

Chapter XVII

Chapter XVIII

Chapter XIX

Part II

The Wreke Heir

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Chapter XI

Chapter XII

Chapter XIII

Chapter XIV

Chapter XV

Chapter XVI

Chapter XVII

Chapter XVIII

Chapter XIX

Chapter XX

Chapter XXI

Part III

Christ Academy

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Chapter XI

Chapter XII

Chapter XIII

Chapter XIV

Chapter XV

Chapter XVI

Chapter XVII

Chapter XVIII

Chapter XIX

Part IV

Homecoming

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Chapter XI

Chapter XII

Chapter XIII

Chapter XIV

Chapter XV

Chapter XVI

Chapter XVII

Chapter XVIII

Part I

Idyllic Isolation

Chapter I

27,05,19

Nonna at the Inn

I need to run out and fetch something, Francesca stood from the bench and looked to her side to see if she was being heard. Nonna, her ward for the moment, sat silently staring out the window and into the morning glow. Cosimo? Francesca called towards the bar where she expected to find the innkeeper who was absent rummaging in the back unseen. She approached the counter and shouted a little louder in his direction, I need to run out and fetch something, Cosimo.

Bright eyed and smiling, Cosimo stepped out of his backroom with an open wooden crate in his arms. He stood a head taller than the slight, dark-haired woman before him and looked at the old woman on the bench who still sat quietly staring out the window then said, sure, Francesca, Nonna will be fine. If she should needs something I won’t be far. She likes to watch the sunrise.

Oh, good, I won’t be long, Francesca approached Nonna and crouched next to her placing her hands on the old woman’s knees as she spoke. Nonna, she enunciated slowly, I’ll leave you with Cosimo. I won’t be long. If you need anything … She trailed off as Nonna smiled then turned her attention to the window again.

I’ll be just a minute Cosimo.

There’s no worries here, sweet one, Nonna and I will be just fine. Isn’t that right, Nonna?

Nonna made no reply and Francesca headed for the door. The latch was broken and did not shut properly behind her and a draft excited the flames of the inn’s fireplace as the kettle’s steam mixed with the smoke and Cosimo filled Nonna a cup of hot water. He wiped the counter using his cloth, hooked it onto his apron and brought Nonna her tea.

Here you are, love, he said.

As she made no answer he left her to her thoughts and went to the door, closed it tightly and checked the latch. I’ll have to gets Michael to fix that when he’s a chance. He spoke to noone in particular but knew that though the old woman’s senility made it difficulty for her to understand or be understood, she enjoyed the sound of a comforting voice nonetheless.

As soon as he reached his counter the door’s latch rattled and in came an unkempt middle aged man of strong build in wet dirty clothes. He stood filling the doorway with his frame and his short curly black hair fluttered in the draft he let in. With dark eyes that darted about the room the old man asked gruffly, Have you seen my little girl?

No, Vecchiardo, replied Cosimo, she must be out with Pia. Francesca was just here…

Vecchiardo scowled and stormed away leaving the door to the wind. Cleaver in hand, Cosimo went to the entrance and looked at the latch again. There’s gots to be a simple way to fix this thing. He tried the outside handle as he stood in the doorframe and found, once again, that it appeared to be working properly, it’s alright when you tries it like this, only it don’t shut properly. He closed the door once more and saw that Nonna continued to smile benignly at the window while he approached his counter and hacked at the salted pink flesh thinking of the swines he kept which had grown so that now one of his sows would soon litter him with new stock to supplement his inn’s fare. You’d hardly knows this was an inn, eh, Nonna. We being such a secluded rabble and all. He smiled at that. When’s the last time a stranger stumbled in here? No outsider ever visits ‘cause no outsider knows where we are. He hacked away at a thick bone and severed a hoof then went on, the farms on the edge of town keep a close eye for strangers and wayward travellers so noone knows we’re here. ‘That’s the way to…’ whatever town it is they’re looking for and tell them where to go but never a word or nod our way. ‘You don’t wants to be travelling around these parts,’ they says then tells them the stories about the highwaymen, bandits and the like. No. No. No outlanders will ever stay at Cosimo’s. Cosimo’s is just for you and me, eh, Nonna?

He stepped from behind his counter and wiped his bloody hands on his apron as he approached the old woman. Mixing some sugar in her tea with a spoon Cosimo watched her take it in her frail hands and perk at the smell of the warm drink.

Forestiere, she said.

Oh, yea. Yea, yea, he agreed without understanding then walked over to his work and took up a long serrated knife. Examining the blade in the light of the fire he spoke again, yea, yea. That Piero of ours will soon have a little baby. Think of that Nonna! Piero a father! Can you imagine. That boy’s been in so much trouble despite himself its hard to believe he’s all grown up now. Still the same though, still the same. Always wants a fight. Always ready for an argument, wrong or right. He’s good with Sarah though, she’s calmed him down some. He laughed and shook his head, hard to believe. Our little Piero soon to be a father, you know he’ll be a …

Sbirro! she spewed from her mouth foully.

Sure, sure. Yea, yea. That’s right, Nonna.

He chopped quietly and let his thoughts take him. When he was done this chore he turned to his fire and continued his soliloquy, and poor Francesca. The sincere affection in his voice was easy to read, she’s such a sweet girl. I’m not the one for her, she knows that and I knows that. Such a sweet girl like her, why’d she have to go and get herself in that mess, eh? We all was worried wasn’t we, Nonna, wasn’t we, though? She been gone a month a’fore Santos brought her home. Here’s where she belongs, with us. There ain’t no sense in a girl like that be going out and about with her head all messed up as it was. Good for Santos! If it weren’t for him we’d have lost our sweet one.

He scraped the cutting board clean and threw the mess in a bucket at his feet. More feed for the hogs, he thought aloud and wiped the counter once more before checking on Nonna and going on with his monologue. Such a lonely lass, its sad. No kirk, no coddle, he said hearing the latch rattle again and waiting for the door to open.

Two young girls with books and pencils walked in and sat at a table near Nonna.

Hi, Nonna, said the first.

Hi, echoed the second.

Without waiting for a response from her they turned to Cosimo, is aunt Lina here, uncle Cosimo?

No love, he said with a beaming smile and closed the door behind them. But can I get you girls some cocoa?

Cocoa! they cheered, you have cocoa?

Yes, love, that I have. Old uncle Cosimo was in his back room today and look at what he found. He pulled from behind his counter a small tightly woven burlap sack with the word ‘Cocoa’ boldly written on it. You want some?

Would we?

Oh, please, uncle Cosimo. We’d love some cocoa.

He spooned some cocoa into a small pot and added water then with the pot in one hand and a spoon in the other he walked to the girls’ table.

Uncle Cosimo’s a little busy, so’s you’ll have to mix it yourselves first. You know how, don’t you?

Do we?

Oh, sure, uncle Cosimo.

Well, alright then. He placed the pot and spoon on the table and looked to Nonna who’s attention had turned to the two girls, still smiling, still quiet.

You know your aunts Pia and Sarah make a good cup of cocoa. Pia used to make me cocoa when I was not that much older than you two. Cosimo went back to his counter and put the kettle on the fire to boil again while the girls stirred the cocoa with a spoonful of water into a thick paste. You know we’re gonna have another little one about soon.

The girls looked puzzled but continued their stirring as they argued quietly about who could hold the spoon.

Finally one of them looked up to Cosimo and made a reply, a stranger, uncle Cosimo?

No, no, love, not a stranger. You know Piero and Sarah will soon have a, he fumbled for a word to explain as the girls watched him struggle.

Oh, we know all about that, uncle Cosimo.

Sure, sure. Yea, yea. Of course you do. Old uncle Cosimo was just testing to see what you’d say.

Sarah’s going to have a baby. Auntie Lina talks about it in class almost everyday.

Sure, sure. You know Pia’s a good mother to Piero and Sarah takes from her, he praised, so you best watch and see how its done.

Yes, uncle Cosimo, they agreed eager for cocoa.

The water was already boiling so Cosimo promptly relieved the girls of their strenuous stirring. Two cups in one hand, kettle and rag in the other, he approached their table and, taking the pot of cocoa from them, stirred in some water transforming the thick brown cocoa paste into a creamy steaming liquid.

Not too much water! cried the first girl.

We like it thick, uncle Cosimo.

He poured more water in and said, what about your friends? Don’t you want them to have some too? then pulled a ladle he had hooked to the back of his apron and scooped some cocoa into their cups.

There you go girls.

They jumped onto the sugar bowl and helped themselves to several spoonfuls.

Visitatore, said Nonna.

What’s that, Nonna?

The old woman remained silent as the girls looked into her cup.

I think she wants more tea, uncle Cosimo. Nonna, wants more tea.

Well, does she now? Bring me her cup, love, and Cosimo will fill it up.

The first girl sipped at her cocoa, found it too hot, placed that cup down then took Nonna’s half empty cup from her and walked to the counter just as the door’s latch was heard. It rattled noisily but wouldn’t give until Cosimo rushed over to open it while the girls looked on curiously as he easily managed the door and greeted his visitors.

Hello Pia! Hello Sarah.

Hello Cosimo, said an older woman as she held the hand of a younger, pretty blond woman who walked with her belly thrust forward. Could you help Sarah up the step, dear?

Yes, of course, I will. Here we go Sarah. My you’re getting big for such a little woman aren’t you?

Sarah smiled at the two girls who glowed at the sight of her while Cosimo took her wrist in one hand and delicately lifted her arm in the other. Once up the step she was relieved to finally be inside and the two girls rushed over to see her.

Hello, Sarah! Auntie Pia! How are you feeling, Sarah?

How is the baby?

Sarah stepped farther into the room and greeted the girls.

Hi girls, she said panting for breath while Cosimo led her to the bench next to Nonna. Hello, Nonna.

A smile crossed her lips and Pia too was pleased to see the old woman.

You girls get back to your cocoa, now, said Cosimo, leave Sarah to rest. You know she’s tired.

Yes, uncle Cosimo.

Sarah sat next to Nonna and fixed the old woman’s shawl onto her shoulders then strained to take off her coat while Pia sat across the table and looked into Nonna’s full cup. It was still where the little girl had left it and out of reach of the old woman so she pushed it closer to the edge and said, here you go, Nonna, a bit of tea will keep you warm.

Then she took off her coat and looked to Sarah.

You know your father has thought of everything for the little one.

Oh yes, Mrs.Pesare.

Please, dear, we’re family now. Have been since you married my boy, Piero. Call me Pia.

No, Sarah was sorry to contradict her, I couldn’t.

Then, dear, just call me madre or mamma.

Madre? Sarah asked uncertain.

Yes, Pia said happily.

Madre, I know Mr.Pesare has the best intentions and I don’t doubt he’s…

Yes, dear?

I don’t for a moment doubt he knows what’s right for my baby…

Our baby, dear, you’re not alone here. We will all help you, you’ve nothing to worry about.

Yes, madre. But do you think …

Of course, dear, every thing will be just grand! You’ll see, old Vecchiardo cares for you both so much he’ll never let anything go wrong. You, Piero and the Little One will always be happy here because old Vecchiardo is never wrong. Everyone will do what’s right by Vecchiardo because everybody knows that it is Vecchiardo who is always right. He has your best interest in mind and so do we all.

Yes, but …

But what, dear? speak.

Well, Mrs. Pesare.

Madre, dear, please call me madre.

Well, madre …

Sapere è potere, whispered Nonna, interrupting the two women.

Sarah bowed her head and Pia turned to Cosimo, I think Nonna wants some more tea, Cosimo.

Right away, Pia, right away.

Cosimo took the kettle and brought it to Nonna who’s cup was still full. He looked at the old woman and she seemed content so he turned to Pia and asked, Do you know where Michael is? The door latch is still broken and I’m sures he could fix it.

Oh, you know Michael, said Sarah, always adrift in his mind with those ideas of his.

He likes to read a lot of science and that other witchcraft. Sometimes you can find him in the ruins of the beached vessel down by the dock. Always reading and dreaming. He’ll fix your latch alright, but care he doesn’t put a strange lock you won’t be able to open.

Michael, Sarah said exasperated, when will he stop dreaming?

The two women shook their heads in agreement. There’s nothing he needs in those books but a good woman to keep him happy.

The door swung open as she said this and everyone in the inn turned to see who it was. Three more children filed in with their books and the first was quick to smell the cocoa with the others soon following after him.

Cocoa!

That’s right, there’s cocoa, its getting a bit cold in the mornings and uncle Cosimo has just the thing. Put your coats and books down and get yourselves a cup.

Thanks, uncle Cosimo! was the common acclaim.

Not a moment later the door opened again and a stout shorter man, bewhiskered and grey, entered the inn and stood holding the door for Vecchiardo.

Smiling benevolently at the children, and then turning his attention to Sarah, Vecchiardo said, Hello, Sarah! I’ve been looking for you all morning. How’s my little girl?

Hello, Vecchiardo, Sarah replied cheerfully.

Don’t go making a fuss about you not being able to find us, you know I’ll always be next to our little girl. No worries for you to get all riled up about, you grumpy old lark.

Vecchiardo smiled at his wife and beamed at Sarah. Then turned to Nonna, is she alright?

Yes, yes, don’t you worry about her neither. We women got it all together. You leave us to ours and you to yours and we’ll all be fine, she said half-heartedly as Vecchiardo ignored her and turned to Cosimo who approached with a carafe and two glasses.

Hi, Santos, said Cosimo.

Santos’ eyes smiled but his face didn’t move. He took a glass from Cosimo and held it for him to pour then Vecchiardo took the other glass and the carafe and helped himself before sitting next to his wife Pia as she looked at Santos who stood nearby.

Santos! she said, What are you doing standing up while we all sit. You’re making us uncomfortable. Sit down, dear, join us.

Without a word Santos sat down a respectful distance from Sarah, across from Vecchiardo, and kept his eyes on his glass.

We still haven’t seen L’Esperia, Marco should be arriving any day now. He’ll have aboard with him a few things for the Little One.

A crib, some clothes … continued Pia.

But we don’t even know if it will be a boy or a girl, interrupted Sarah.

Viva la regina! shouted the old woman.

They all sat silently as Sarah looked at Nonna’s cup. Her quizzical expression told Pia that it was already full.

What does she want? asked Cosimo kettle in hand.

I don’t know, said Pia.

Before anyone could answer that mystery a half dozen children raced in and grabbed seats at a table near the wall. They were followed by a tall young man carrying a chalkboard with a rolled up magazine tucked into his back pocket. Its glossy and torn sheets drew attention from the children while Sarah gave a knowing smile to Pia about Michael and his dreams. In a moment he was putting the chalkboard down next to the wall and pulling its legs out under it while his mother stalked close behind him trailing more children in with her.

She put her books down and looked at her class, good morning children. Did everybody do their homework?

Some were more eager to answer than others and she energized them with her own natural enthusiasm for teaching.

Alright then. We’ll get to that in a minute. You all just settle in and I’ll be right with you, she said as Cosimo approached with cups of cocoa for the new arrivals.

Want some cocoa Michael? he said after giving each child a cup.

No, thank you, Cosimo, Michael replied and turned to leave without another word.

With her class busily stirring their cocoa, Lina approached the table where Nonna and the others sat. She looked in on Sarah to ask, how is our young mother today?

She’s not a mother yet, but she soon will be, said Vecchiardo forcing a smile out of Santos with his own proud grin.

Lina nodded to Vecchiardo to tell him that she had heard him but wanted to hear from Sarah. She approached the expecting mother and felt her stomach, pressing here and there while she looked into her face spying for a sign that there might be some pain. No pains, dear?

No, Lina, no pains, Sarah said as she forced herself to smile feeling that the attention she got was sometimes tiresome, I feel fine.

That’s good, dear, you’re a healthy girl and I’m sure all will be well. She looked at Nonna who now sat quietly holding her cup. Did you give her tea? she asked noone in particular. Who gave her tea?

She likes tea, Cosimo answered nervously holding his rag in his hands and feeling like he’s about to be scolded.

Lina took the cup away from the old woman who made a grimace and only reluctantly let it go.

She can’t be drinking tea or coffee, give her water or juice but not tea. No Nonna, she smiled sternly and took the cup away. She gets sick when she drinks tea or coffee.

The children were getting restless and Lina took the cup to the counter expecting to be obeyed.

Knowing better than to stay, Pia said, Santos, won’t you be a dear and help Sarah with her coat. Come on, Sarah, let’s get some air by the dock. Vecchiardo, Cosimo will help you with Nonna.

Alright, children. Let’s begin our review, Lina said addressing the classroom.

Chapter II

27,05,19

Wreke Ascension

As he stepped back from the couch Nelson’s flaccid dew-damped member shone across the network giving witness to Christ that the reckless roué had surrendered his seed, giving her the power to make him the God of Wreke. He staggered back and stumbled against the coffee table then lurched to a nearby cushioned armchair while Christ and her courtiers completed the protocol and recognized his ascension to head the See of Wreke. Panting and gasping for breath he zipped up his pants and turned to the screen and saw Christ being distracted by her aids as she stamped and signed the various documents which announced his rise, and capture, to every court.

What’s his name? she asked her courtier to the side.

Nelson, Your Grace.

Nelson Wreke? she called to him.

Yea, he asked anxious to see how this would unfold.

I will have you dress your deceased wife’s body and prepare yourself to be presented to the world. My Inquisitors will find you and make a recording of the occasion in order to give you more credibility and make it easier for you to control your flock. Now that you are the God of Wreke, as such, you will have to show proper deference to me and my wishes. You are my charge, Nelson Wreke, my Inquisitors will arrive within minutes and you will comply in conforming yourself to all I command.

I’m god! Nelson replied in an angered defense certain his father would not have approved of anyone talking to him in such peremptory tones. And in my see you’ll do what I tell you. Who do you think you are?

Christ! she replied curtly. Perhaps you are unaware of the way of things but as your master it will be my duty to teach you how to behave in the presence of your one and only ruler. In a very real sense, Nelson Wreke, I own you. Your predecessors may have eluded my subordinates before but now that I have you you will not escape, she paused to measure his submission then proceeded. But you need not overly concern yourself with any business other than strict and complete compliance to my wishes.

You’ve got your head up your ass, Nelson mumbled sinking his face into his hands.

What do you mean you can’t find him? she asked a minister who stood nearby, the Kehrani heavens are hardly bigger than a small lake bed.

He doesn’t appear to be in the Kehrani heavens as we had supposed earlier so we will have to expand our search. In the meantime network engineers have begun retracing the signal and promise certain results.

In what time frame? Christ asked.

They tell me hours if the link remains open, days perhaps weeks if …

Nelson’s ears pricked up and he saw the hesitance in which the minister spoke then approached the console and searched it’s face for a way to shut it down.

Wreke! Christ belted red-faced, There is no sense in trying to escape.

Nelson Wreke shut the link’s volume off. Then, once at the audio controls he cut his own voice receiver and noticed a clear look of aggravation taking over Christ’s normally serene countenance as she vainly tried to take control of him. With a certain sense of satisfaction rising in him as he watched her writhe and gyrate, outraged to see him slip from her grasp, he found Arthur’s communications screen only to be thwarted by the complexity of his former brother-in-law’s computer encryption codes as the sound of the console’s refusal to satisfy his wishes and sever the outside link frustrated him. He punched at the screen to little effect and then considered using his Shark to settle the matter but recalled Molly’s warning that the cave’s life-support could easily fail and leave him breathless and cold, if he damaged the wrong computer.

Unsure what to do he sampled some of the options on a different menu and found the holographic back-up of the day’s security logs then thought that perhaps Arthur had entered a code he could decipher if viewed on the backup. Knowing enough to highlight a segment of time which might show him what he needed, he pressed the same ‘play’ button he used to watch his favorite porn, and the hologram came to life beside him. In less than twelve seconds he was speeding the action forward waiting for a scene where Arthur approached the console but minutes elapsed before Molly dropped to the floor and Arthur came running in aware that something had gone wrong. Slowing the recording down to play it back at actual speed Wreke leaned forward on the rolling stool by the console and magnified the image stretching it to cover much of the work space.

Molly! he heard Arthur call out as he appeared in the hologram running towards her, Nelson! You shit!

He watched as Arthur picked her up to his arms and wept in silence then laid her down gently despite his anger and stood to race to a console. In a moment he was cursing and muttering, too far, which led Nelson to believe he meant the trap was too far. With only seconds left before the marble was sure to run him through Arthur could be seen spitting out his last message on the recorder.

You unbelievable retard! You’re sick, Nelson. Sick. You thought you could get away with this but obviously as a marble you’re sick with power! Say goodbye to your ride, asshole, I set the auto-pilot…

Arthur’s hand released the record button as he fell to the ground and Nelson watched the tiny blur that had run him through and was scarcely visible knowing that that was the marble he had trapped only minutes earlier when it tried to kill him. The recording further reinforced the gravity of his situation to him and he was sitting numb and unsure what to do next when he heard a voice from the console again. It sounded like Jack and he was glad to hear it then realized it was part of the recording that ran on as the former God of Wreke stepped onto the stage.

Domina, said Jack, the way is clear.

Amicus, he heard the God of Wreke say, have you gotten through to Nellik?

Nellik, Nelson wondered, who the?

The trail is circuitous and winds unpredictably, Domina, but I have reached an outside port, the voice from the console replied, no doubt it was Arthur’s intention to prevent outside communication.

Was that the marble? Who the hell is that? Jack? Nelson’s curiosity made him forget his fear.

Well done, intimus, put me through to Nellik.

Hello? she heard Nellik say from the warehouse.

Hello, Jack, Wreke answered, are you alone?

Yes, Domina, he said, I have done as you wished.

Excellent, she replied, and noone will suspect?

My brother will be blamed for the prophet’s death.

Brother! Holy fuck! Nelson stretched his legs out and rolled backwards as he reeled with the enlightening news, that’s Nellik-Nellik… The Nellik! Nellik Kehran. Jack’s twin, Nellik! Fuck…

Nelson forced himself to pay more attention to the holo-recording and was even more surprised to see his own acolyte, Rubber Duck, down Wreke with a Shark of his own while she was leaning back on the couch, with her feet on the table scooping contentedly at a bowl of ice-cream.

Shit, Nelson ejaculated surprised to see the events unfold, despite knowing the outcome, throwing out another curse when the Duck Man also fell only seconds later. So, he thought out loud, that marble isn’t mine but Jack’s? Or his brother?

He spun on his chair absentmindedly distracted in his confusion wondering which way to turn then found the D on the table and helped himself to a hearty line. The body next to him lay twisted and contorted just as he had left it and the sight of it could not tear his mind from the puzzle before him.

So, Nellik probably killed Jack and that explains why Jack was so funny lately. Then he handed me my marble back in its nest only it wasn’t mine it was his. Nellik’s that is… Nellik Wreke?

Digging his hands through the cushions of the couch as if looking for a remote control and then standing up and scouring the room he found the marble programmer near some of Arthur’s things then raced to get the nest he had left on his cot in his room. He ran out the common room and along the hall then burst through the door and ran to his waiting mound of D to take another hit. With powdered nose and bulging eyes he brought the nest to the programmer and clipped the two together confident that he at least had the skills of any Morgan grunt whose level of expertise had been one of the constraining specifications around which the unit was designed.

The brightly labelled data flow control buttons marked ‘in’ and ‘out’ helped him transfer the marble’s memory into storage and the transmit control began to flash red. Encouraged by this success Wreke scrambled to find the Forensic Memory Recorder and collected it in the same spot where he had found the programmer. Unsure if there was a frequency adjustment to be made, and hoping there wasn’t, he powered up the recorder and fumbled for a receive button which he failed to locate.

Come on, he said careful to contained any violent outburst directed towards the fragile equipment, what’s with this thing?

As he turned it over a sliding compartment became visible to him and he pried it open to reveal the link ports. The optical receiver was similar to the one on any old holographic projectors and their hand remotes so he assumed that the two needed to point towards each other. With this insight to guide him he placed the two next to each other and saw the flashing red light settle then turn green.

Yes! he shouted and smacked the air before pressing the ‘transit’ control and within seconds the small screen in the recorder indicated that the transfer was complete and a moment later he put the recorder in parlor mode as he had seen Arthur do weeks before.

Domina? Nellik asked confused.

Yes, Nellik, its me, Nelson said hoping to sound convincing.

Nelson, the recorded memory tried to sound more like Jack, what’s going on?

Nellik, I know its you in there. Its ok. The God of Wreke is dead and I have ascended in her place.

There was a pause of silence until Nelson repeated himself again.

I am the God of Wreke, Nellik. You have sworn yourself to defend the See of Wreke. I am He.

It is true that the Domina has been killed but you could not replace her. I serve noone but the God of Wreke.

And that’s me, Nelson was pleased to announce, I have proof. I can prove it, wait.

He worked the console and played back the conversation he had had with Christ then noticed she was still on the screen watching him silently and expectantly waiting for her network engineers to find a path to the cave.

Watch, watch, Nelson said turning the volume on again. Christ, he said, by what title should I be addressed when spoken to?

Christ was surprised to hear him back on the line and intended to keep him there even if a conversation with this rogue was the necessary fee.

Dominus, of course. All your subjects shall call you Dominus. I am glad you have finally seen the logic in my reasoning…

But more specifically, how is one god different from another. In title, I mean, he asked cutting her off.

Annoyed but still playing her part, Christ continued the conversation with a simple answer, you are the God of Wreke and so many will use that form of address when speaking of you or they may shorten it to the more colloquial ‘Wreke’.

Thank you, Nelson said and shut the volume again. Do you see?

Yes, dominus, Nellik’s recording replied.

Good, I’ll let you out of the nest and then you…

Dominus! Nellik interrupted.

Yea?

You must upload this memory from the recorder or the marble you release will hunt you as before.

Yes, Nelson said agreeing with the logic, hadn’t thought of that. He looked at the recorder he had in parlor mode and asked, how do I do that?

First record this session. You’ll have to exit parlor mode, then the save option will appear and ask you if you…

Yes, yes, ok. I can do that. And then what?

Then be certain the two devices are connected and press send.

Got it.

These instructions seemed simple enough to execute and their execution proved that they were but still he was anxious to release the marble which had nearly killed him only minutes earlier. Looking up from his task and seeing the fretful look on Christ’s mien gave him courage and he pulled the lever on the nest then released the marble watching it as it popped up and out.

Still alive to command the marble he had just released, Wreke said, Get this bitch off my screen and close the outside link.

The marble interfaced with the console and only a moment later Christ’s image disappeared.

Woohoo! he cheered, yes!

Magister, Nellik spoke through the computer.

Yea? Wreke said interrupting his impromptu dance.

A virus has been uploaded into the cave’s computer.

So?

I’m afraid it’s attacking the life support system.

Shit…

Chapter III

27,05,19

Fare Cargo

The escape pods are this way, magister, Nellik spoke through the loud speaker then slashed some marks on the walls to lead the way.

Hold up, Nelson gasped, I’m out of breath.

Yes, magister, but the oxygen will get thinner until you pass out unless you escape.

The two followed the hallways of the cave along the final distance to the escape pods where a door slid opened for Nelson and he stepped through it without thinking. I’m hungry, he said forgetting the danger.

There are rations waiting for you in the pod.

And where the hell is this damned pod anyway.

We’re almost there, magister, right this way.

Another door opened just a few paces down the corridor and as the God of Wreke turned the corner he saw three capsules with opened hatches inside and entered the middle one seeing it power up as he did. Once seated instructions were read to him by an automated emergency prompt telling him to seal the compartment after all passengers were aboard. Vainly trying to comply with these instructions he pulled on the hatch door only to see it swing open again. He tried this twice and nearly lost his balance before Nellik hit the console where indicated by the flashing light and the door sealed itself shut.

Now what? asked Nelson.

The outside compartment will flood in a few moments and we will float to the surface, Nellik spoke through one of the pod’s speakers.

That’s it? I just gotta sit here?

Yes, magister.

So why did Arthur send the shuttle home?

Wreke got no answer from his marble who opened a panel on the side near his feet and he was quick to dive in looking for something for his munchies. Rifling through the contents he found packs of dried rations, broke one of them trying to open it and littered the pod with spices, rice and dehydrated vegetables. He then jammed some of what was left in the bag into his mouth and was soon spitting it out again.

What the fuck is this?

Those rations need to be hydrated, magister. There are instructions on the side, use the tab near the edge to open the package then place it in the ration stove.

With those words a small circular lid flipped up over the table protruding from the floor of the pod. Wreke took another package, found the tab in question and with little difficulty managed to open the second one without breaking it or littering the pod with its contents. Then he placed it in the oven and closed the lid, how long’s it gonna take?

Not very long, magister, said Nellik as the pod lifted off its moorings and they began to rise towards the ceiling of the cave. The current will carry us to the cave’s exit and we will be on the surface in less than one hour. This pod is pressurized, like the cave, to one atmospheric unit so you will have no difficulty once we are on the surface.

The lid popped open and steam billowed a refreshing scent delectable to Nelson. He grabbed at the package and pulled it out then almost dropped it on the edge of the table burning his fingers. Without a spoon to eat the soup he pilfered through the first panel again and found the implement he needed. The curiously shaped utensil fit comfortably in his hand and as he dug through that drawer he looked up to see another panel was now opened nearby. In it he found dried biscuits and a colorful package, the label of which promised was, filled with energy rich sweets.

Sitting back now, spoon in hand, the God of Wreke opened the candy first and threw a handful into his mouth as the pod bobbed on the surface of some stream inside the cave and he relished his meal while Nellik spoke through a speaker again.

Magister, you are new to the See of Wreke and it is not I who will judge you but you who will judge me as you are my master. The direction your predecessors have chosen to take the see in is one of long standing. For generations now the God of Wreke has been a god of stealth and knowledge. My previous magistra wished to remain anonymous and that was a great strength for her. With a myriad of spies born into the vast number of sees that span the planet she was able to influence the heavens and undermine the authority of many of the gods. If it is your wish to continue in this direction you must realize that the inquisitors know who you are which will make it difficult for you to remain concealed.

Wreke chewed his biscuits and gulped down another package of candy then, looking at his soup, he dipped his dried biscuit into the warm broth and brought it to his lips. Yea, yea… I’m listening, he acknowledged with his mouth full. But where are we gonna get me some D? I need a fix pretty bad and we left most of it back in the cave.

Yes, magister, if that is your wish. There are thousands of your upper echelon subjects who await news that you are safe, what shall I tell them, magister?

Tell them to go to hell, he laughed with his mouth regurgitating bits as he did so, but first get me some fucking drenal!

I see. Yes, magister. Nellik went on, the See of Wreke has been structured into a simple hierarchy which only serves to make your commands more easily executed. Each cell in every heaven is separated from the next and unless we tell them about each other they are not aware of anyone’s loyalty but their own. That way they will never give their peers away. The See of Wreke is very organised yet in the minds of most gods, Wreke is a minor nuissance not worthy of note. Very few take Wreke’s power seriously and then only after it is too late. Christ, it seems, is the only real threat to your power and now that you’ve escaped His clutches you can resume what your predecessor had in mind. That is our strength, magister, they are not aware of the power which you wield. Every one of your subjects is ready for anything and the technology you, that is your predecessors, have amassed is superior to any on the planet. My previous magistra made ample use of a teleportation device which, to the unacquainted, appears to be nothing but a simple string and can easily fit into one’s pockets. That is but one of the tools you have which no other god has.

Mmm, Nelson nodded assent as he went on chewing only half listening to what Nellik was saying.

When magistra found the researchers that were on the brink of a great discovery she stole their work and had it completed by her Wreke subjects while sabotaging the original so that they could never complete it. That plan of action worked so well that their research was used as proof that it could not be done. They have given up trying to invent what you already have because they believe it to be impossible. Magister, this is a great power!

uh huh, Wreke slurped the last of his soup then slowly ate a biscuit before opening another bag of candy. He placed his spoon into his pants pocket then slumped back and leaned his head against a cushion letting his eyes close on their own giving Nellik the clue to remain quiet and let his master sleep.

The pod was climbing unnoticeably towards the surface of the ocean until suddenly its motion stopped and it started to bob up and down startling Wreke and waking him up, disoriented but not too groggy to dig for the dose of D which he had in his pocket.

We are on the surface, magister.

Right, said Nelson shaking his head after a long snort of the drug. He stretched his arms out and was surprised to find himself constrained as he accidentally bashed his fists against the confining inner walls. I need some fucking air.

The overhead hatch flew open as if by command dropping Wreke to the mattress alarmed at the surprise. Slow to regain himself, he lifted his head and noticed the sunlight beaming in then climbed up onto the table and peaked outside. Where the fuck are we? he asked, turning his head this way and that to look around outside and witnessing that the only thing he could see were waves crested by waves and more water beyond them with no land in sight.

This is the Indian Ocean, magister. It will be difficult to get you home without first entering one of the local sees. Here we are surrounded by the heavens of the Praeferratus Divinigarchy. We are in the Iron Age here and must hide this pod if you wish to remain anonymous as the inquisitors are not likely to accidentally discover you so far from where they are searching.

What’s the alternative?

Well, magister, the hatch has now inflated into a raft and is moored to the pod, it is less conspicuous than the pod but still considered magical contraband in the Praeferratus worlds. You will no doubt be asked questions if you are found by officials. There are few alternatives, magister, but I could race to find a nearby Wreke cell to rescue you.

How long will that take?

It is uncertain, magister.

What about them teleporter strings you were talkin’ about?

There are none within this area, magister, but that is an alternative. I could leave you here and fetch you a string to get you home…

Home? Where the hell is that? All I want is some more fucking shit! I don’t give a fuck about nothing else right now, I’ll get sick pretty quick and I need a fix. I need some D.

Yes, magister, I suggest then that you board the raft and sink the pod. I will return before the sun sets with a string and we will get magister what magister desires.

You’re damn right.

Nellik watched as Wreke tried to pull himself through the open hatch, saw that he had difficulty finding a foothold and dove down to catch his toe and push him up throwing his master into the cool waters where he swam cursing his way to the raft. Wet but still warm in the blazing sun Wreke leaned over the edge of the raft and vomited into the water while the pod began to sink behind him under Nellik’s silent push. When he lifted his head again it seemed like the sun had moved but perhaps he had merely turned leewards as he had no reference with which to take a bearing. With no voice to guide him now, he fell into a deep sleep alone and adrift on the ocean.

*   *   *

Aye mate, easy there!

Wreke woke up, still sore and sick, and too weak to hold his balance on the flimsy raft, as he noticed that a large wooden sailing vessel had approached and its cutter was now rowing out to meet him. A dark weathered man with blond hair and grisly face lashed at the raft with a gaff and punctured through the thin vinyl like material. Another of his shipmates using a different hook did the same to the other side and they drew him in.

Aren’t no natural ship at all but the work of some wizard!

A fact it is! Grab at the bugger afore ‘e gone use his craft on us.

Two of these men dove at Nelson who was unable to fend them off and bound him easily underwater. Rising to the surface, and still able to kick his feet to stay afloat, Nelson was pulled into the cutter.

What’s to be done with this abomination? asked the blond one with a hooked wooden shaft in hand ready to strike.

Leave it to the gulls, replied the first.

The cutter bounced over the waves until it slammed into the ship as Wreke’s head bobbed up and down with the sea surf while he struggled to read the name on the side of the craft. A two-masted sailing vessel like he had seen in the holos, the Savonarola was short and wide with a deep hull and still broke through the waves as hooks were caught onto the cutter to keep it stable and Wreke was quickly lifted up to the deck by a rope winched beneath the yardarm. He bounced off the side of the ship twice before scraping against it the rest of the way then was left hanging above the deck as the cutter was lifted out of the water and its crew climbed a ladder to board.

Thine craft be wicked in these parts, shouted a large man dressed in ruffled shirt and three pointed hat. He wore a blackish-red coat that looked like it had been awashed in blood that very morning and the sabre at his belt was the only article of metal or iron within sight of the God of Wreke. You be lost in the wrong sea, mate?

Something like that? the strain from the ropes made it difficult for the god to speak.

And where is it thee be heading? and have you got copper for the fare?

I…

Take him down, and search him.

Wreke was jerked up and then dropped to the wooden deck beneath him before his pockets were roughly searched by the crew and the spoon from his meal was pulled from him and handed to the captain.

What’s this? A pretty bit of luxury on our lost warlock is it not? He heated the spoon with his breath then wiped it on his dirty sleeve and looked at it again. This will be your fare to the next port, and be glad of my generosity for ‘tis fortunate you’ve found me before some blood crazed pirates did. He ordered his passenger to be released and commanded the crew to their stations.

In a moment Wreke was wobbling to his feet and grabbing at a nearby rail to keep him balanced. Bleary eyed and sick he looked off into the distance wondering where Nellik was and how the marble would find him now.

This way then, we’ll get a meal in you. To my table, you there, he called to a nearby crewman, bring him to my cabin.

A smelly shoulder pressed against Wreke as the sailor grabbed him and carried him to the fo’c’sle where the captain had already seated himself and his cabin boy was pouring some wine when Nelson was callously dropped into a chair in front of him.

Eat, said the captain as he grabbed at some of the meat still left on the table.

The God of Wreke looked at the food and felt his withrawal symptoms take away his hunger then asked for wine, may I have some wine, unsure of himself the god added a faint, please.

With a command from his captain the cabin boy poured their guest a glass of red which was eagerly gulped down and refilled again before the short stout bottle was left on the table within reach.

That’s enough, Edward, clean up when we’ve done.

Without speaking a word the cabin boy left the two diners alone.

That there be a strange craft. You may not be aware but the work of witches can get thee burned. Even talk of such things is a quick road to perdition. Nelson made no answer. But I know these parts better than most. You have before you a man who’s life was spent at sea. Captain I am but aven’t always been. The Savonarola is mine through luck as much as work and craft. Her crew is its strength but without me at the helm she’s lost. Me name is ‘Blackscab’ as that’s what it reads on the ship’s manifest. And what is it you be called then?

Wreke hesitated but finally answered, Nellie, my friends call me Nellie.

Well, ain’t that so. Blackscab took another long draught from his glass and stuffed some fowl meat into his mouth. He was spitting out bits of food as he ate and made good company for the God of Wreke who remained silent. Me and mine be from the see of Amnis like all good sailors be. You like? He proffered a drumstick to his guest who waved a negative reply. Yes Amnis is the likes of all good sea going-ships as this one is. Already she’s twelve years old and none but good fittings for her. Of course, you know all about the Amnis vessels and their crews you being a well-rounded lad of fine qualities, eh, Blackscab scoffed in Wreke’s direction. "The gods of the Praeferratus Divinigarchy are quite particular as to what type of ships be allowed in their sea. All, you know, the heavens within the Praeferratus Divinigarchy are without those things which are known as magic to these parts. The good old sweat off a man’s back and the wind and rain, that’s what runs this world. Sure we’ve got iron and forges but wind and sail keeps life simple.

"Now Saltus, for example, the God of Saltus was the first to cling to the idea of the banning of magic from the heavens. But he could nay do it alone you understand. No… There be three other gods that of the likes of him and of a like mind there be. So a union of sorts was formed, the intellectuals of this world calls it a Divinigarchy. In this case the Praeferratus Divinigarchy’s common aim is to ban all magic. And that they’ve done. For noone but the most intrepid and foolish can find or dare use such things as be contraband since if found out the crime spells cruel death. No, you nay find the likes of these here, my mate Nellie, sir.

For ever I knew of such, and you didn’t hear it from me, I could nay tell, ya see, because that alone would be reason for the, here Wreke’s host dragged his fingers across his neck and made a wry face. Do you understand me now, when I tells ya that thee be lucky it was me that found ya and not the authorities! Eh, mate?

Nelson nodded in silence as the captain went on.

"So’s you see now, the divinigarchy, as I’ve already said it be called, is comprised of four heavens. Four sees of a like mind. Amnis, Saltus I’ve told you of now aven’t I? But the others I haven’t yet ‘ave I? The other two be these : Radicis and Arcis. ‘What’s to wonder about them’ you ask? All four of these sees support one another and each has a hand at the commonwealth of all. Radicis, as you may know is a Latin word, perhaps you’ve heard of the tongue ancient though it is, Radicis, is a word which means ‘of the root’ but ‘of the