I went at her, releasing all my strength, the heft of my fist landing dead on her nose. Blood splattered on the mat as she fell.
“Whoa… Party’s over,” Eryx said, and left the room. I was tempted to follow.
“Galilea,” I said, “I’m so sorry.”
“About time you grew some lady balls and hit me back,” she said, taking a towel from David’s hand. She wiped her nose with it and winced, purple bruises already forming under her eyes. She put the towel down. “Is it bad?”
“Well…” I grimaced. “Define bad.”
“You’re lucky I like you. You’re even luckier I have the ability to heal a broken nose.”
***
Twenty days passed, and I grew proud of my progress. Frederick and I trained a little harder and a little later each time. Every day, I felt stronger, more capable. The Chios men helped me prepare by participating in training drills assigned by Frederick. Even Samuel joined in on a few of them.
Nyx bowed out of the Isis Boot Camp and took on babysitting duties instead, which relieved my angst of leaving Faith’s side to a great extent. I trusted the new ensemble of warriors to guard my daughter, but I didn’t trust them to care for her—not after I found Faith wrapped from shoulders to toes in diapers. It was Persia’s version of swaddling an infant.
Claire helped babysit Faith, as well. She came by the house every day after work and on weekends, taking time to watch me train. She’d been carrying on with work as if everything were fine and dandy in our lives. Maybe it was her way of dealing with all the craziness. Maybe she was trying to hang on to what little normality was left in her life. On several occasions, I noted the strange gazes Samuel and Claire exchanged when they were in the same room. When I confronted Claire and asked her about it, she told me I was imagining things. I wasn’t. To save myself further frustration and worry, I left the topic alone.
While sparring, I found I was strong. Very strong. Stronger than anyone in the household. I beat Galen at sprinting and found he was a sore loser. He claimed Frederick rigged the race when I won. Eryx imparted his knowledge of breaking limbs at the joints. I squirmed through most of the lesson. The most extreme part of my training entailed weaponry. Ayrie showed me how to maneuver a sword and grip a dagger. Frederick stepped in to show me how to handle nunchaku and strange, archaic-looking weapons with spikes. Eryx presented me with a shield, which had belonged to Alezzander and Alezzander’s father before him. Against my protests, I accepted it—but only after David explained it was a gesture of respect for a worthy warrior. I felt humbled to be given a gift such as their family shield. My first heirloom, so to speak. I didn’t feel worthy at all.
Once I achieved ease in handling the range of artillery I’d been practicing with, Frederick informed me it was time to spar again. This time, armed. My eye twitched when Frederick asked for volunteers. Throwing a fist around was one thing, but throwing a razor-sharp object around didn’t sprout any profound feelings of confidence. I breathed a sigh of relief when Frederick asked a second time for volunteers, and no one came forward. Suddenly, everyone had an excuse and somewhere else to be. The room cleared out in less than two seconds. Frederick and I were left alone, but it didn’t mean I was off the hook. Frederick handed me a sword and the shield. Needless to say, it didn’t end well. During one of his fancy warrior roundhouse kicks, Frederick’s long, black ponytail flew a little too close to my sword.
“Oops,” I said, looking down at the slab of hair. “Sorry. Does this mean we’re done for the day?” He nodded and bent over to pick up the black chunk of hair. “But, hey, on the bright side, I saved you twenty bucks for a new haircut, right?” He didn’t look amused. “I’m sorry, Frederick.”
“It’s fine. It’ll grow back. Just make sure it’s not my head on the floor next time.”
A thought that hadn’t occurred to me.
“We’re doing this again?” I asked.
“How else do you plan on reinforcing your skills?”
“You’re not one of those people with a death wish, are you?” I asked. He shook his head. “Could’ve fooled me.” From the pile of white towels laying at the edge of the mats, I grabbed one and threw it to Frederick. I wiped the sweat from my face and neck. “Frederick, I’ve been thinking. I want to address the troops.”
“We shouldn’t be talking about this without the proper precautions.”
“If you’re talking about eavesdropping, scum-from-hell demons, there aren’t any here. I would’ve picked up their stench.”
“You can do that?” Frederick asked, and I nodded. “How?”
“Uh… With my nose? It’s the first-order Turpis I had trouble with before, but I feel like my senses are sharper than they were. As of two days ago, even more than during the pregnancy. Tenfold.”
“How do you mean?”
“It’s hard to explain,” I said. “Dr. Gunn says it’s because the pregnancy may have been prohibiting the development of the last of my powers. But now, everything in me has intensified. My body feels different. I feel different.”
“And the hunger?”
“Under control,” I said. “Hey, let’s focus on my monster abilities later, okay? I was saying I want to address the troops. There are thirteen days left until D-day, and I’m afraid the army’s growing nervous and impatient waiting for instructions. I know Onarit and you think it best not to speak to them because Turpis may be listening in, and I agree. But I also think leaving them in the dark until the last minute is risky. What if they desert us right then and there? They don’t know they’re up against two different forces, and if any decide to leave, I’d like to have a plan B in place if I’m left without an army for some reason.”
“They won’t desert you,” Frederick said with certainty. “If anything, they’ll see how brave a leader you are to be going head to head with both enemy armies at once.”
“Brave or crazy?” I twisted open a bottle of water and was about to drink from it when a thought crossed my either brave or crazy mind. “How do you communicate with warriors when you’re not at the campsites?”
“Via text messages.”
“That’s it?”
“Encrypted text messages. Sometimes, we use emoticons.”
“Smiley faces…” I blinked. “Wow. I thought you’d have something more technologically sophisticated in place.”
“More sophisticated?” He laughed. “You’ve never tried to teach a 100,000-year-old deity to text, have you? Trust me, these devices are as high-tech as some can handle.”
“I see your point,” I said, remembering when I had to teach Claire to text. “Is there a way to record a video and send it to all their phones at once?”
“Yes. I use a mass-text application we developed when we first…” He tilted his head a bit. “Wait a minute. I know what you’re thinking, but I’m going to have to disagree with you on this occasion. Your idea, it’s dangerous. Imagine a video being played by two hundred and thirteen phones at the same time. Your voice amplified, divulging our plans to the wind. Might as well include a courtesy copy text to the enemy while you’re at it.”
“Yes, I agree it would be unsafe to listen to the video on a phone’s speaker. But you fail to remember earphones can be adapted to cell phones nowadays.” I took a sip of water from the bottle in my hand. “Lucky for us, plugging in earphones is a lot simpler than teaching multi-millennial gods how to use text messaging. All we need is a bit of Cezario’s camouflage magic to keep the battalion and their phones hidden while the video plays.”
Frederick’s dark eyes narrowed as if considering the idea. “If you really want to do this, we’ll have to figure out how to delete the video once it’s finished playing. I don’t want anyone replaying it, increasing the chances of having us found out. It may take a day or three to rewrite the software and reinstall it on their phones. How soon would you like to address your army?”
“As soon as you’ve got everything worked out on your end.”
“Well, in th
at case, I’ll need the video to upload as soon as the modifications to the software are finalized.” Frederick walked over to the rattan chair he’d set his phone on. He picked it up and pointed the phone’s camera in my direction. “Ready when you are, madam.”
CHAPTER 37
The modifications for the texting software Frederick projected to take a few days took longer. But when he tried to do a test run, the app deleted the video I’d originally recorded, so I had to record a second one, which got deleted as well. The third and final video was recorded on the day it was to be aired to the army. That day was today, a whole week later.
As I rocked my sleeping daughter in my arms and paced, I tried to memorize the features of her face. In six nights, I’d have to leave Faith, not knowing if I’d see her again. Or Claire. My heart ached. I closed my eyes and forced the tears back. I’d spend the next six days crying if I allowed myself to break down today.
By sundown, my army would learn about what lay ahead—a war with not one, but two powerful adversaries. Would they stay to carry on with a dubious and perilous plan of attack? I’d know in a few minutes. Until then, I’d pace to remain calm and block the chatter coming from the seventeen other people occupying the room. Was it necessary for all of us to be in the same room to watch this video? So much tempting flesh in one room.
“Do you want me to hold her for a while?” Claire asked.
“I’m okay, Mom. But thanks.”
Claire set down her tea on one of the side tables in the living room. “Isis, honey, come sit down. You’ve been pacing for an hour.”
“I know. I’m nervous for the reaction the warriors will have after they watch the video.”
“Just nervous? Because, to be honest, I’m scared to death of what’s been happening.”
“Really?” I stopped pacing to look at her. “You sure put up a good front.”
“Like mother, like daughter,” she said. “Although, I’m reaching my breaking point. I can feel it.” Her voice caught in her throat. “The closer it gets to the day…” She breathed in a ragged breath, but quickly composed herself. “Samuel tries to assure me you’ll be fine. I watched you train because he suggested I see for myself how strong and able you are of taking care of yourself.”
“And—are you convinced?”
“Sort of.” She shrugged. “Mostly, yes, but it doesn’t make me any less afraid for you.”
“I know. And knowing you, I still can’t figure out why you haven’t locked me up in a bomb shelter,” I teased. “Called in your cop friends.”
“I’m not in charge of your life anymore.” Claire lifted one of Faith’s hands and kissed it. “And I’m not that type of overprotecting mother, am I? You know what? Don’t answer that.”
I smiled because she was exactly the type.
“You know,” I said, “I never could understand why you got so crazy over things I thought were trivial, like when I didn’t wear a jacket on a cool day, or when I slept too much or not enough. I figured you were overly dramatic.” I glanced down at Faith as she yawned, and then back at Claire. “But I get it now. I understand the impulse to protect your child from anyone or anything that could be a potential harm. I guess what I’m trying to say is I’m sorry for putting you through this hell, Mom.”
“Honey…” Claire hugged me, careful not to crush Faith who was sleeping in my arms. “Don’t apologize for being my daughter, silly. You’re the best thing to ever happen to me.”
I kissed the side of her head. “I love you, Mom.”
“Ditto, kid.”
A tap on the shoulder prompted me to turn around. Onarit handed Claire and me each a pair of earphones. David left Gemini’s—Eryx and Galen—side by the bay window and joined Claire and me. He plugged the earphones into my phone and helped secure the buds into my ears. As I looked around the room, I saw every eye was glued to the lit screen of a phone. Claire rubbed my arm reassuringly before turning to focus on her own phone.
Frederick raised five fingers in the air, indicating the seconds until transmission began. He signaled at Cezario and Galilea with four fingers. They nodded, letting him know their invisible and camouflage blocks were activated. Cezario was in charge of concealing the squadrons who’d moved closer to the house for this occasion, while Galilea focused on the people in the room. Frederick continued the countdown with three fingers, then two, and then there I was on my phone’s screen, red and blotchy, hair matted to my forehead, holding a sword. I almost looked menacing, and…
My. Gawd! My boobs are ginormous.
“Warriors,” I said a few seconds after the video rolled. “I apologize for not reaching out to you sooner. Under other circumstances, I would’ve addressed you in person, but complications have arisen, and this video is the best I can do.
“I’ll be short and to the point. In six days, we’ll be up against not only a deity army, but a Turpis one as well. I’m not going to stand here and lie to you. We’re significantly outnumbered. Should we go against both enemy armies at the same time, we stand no chance. However, we’ve planned a course of action to better our odds, and I feel confident we will succeed.
“I know some, if not all, of you question my validity as a leader. And if you do, you shouldn’t be here. I have no need for cynics in my army. To those of you who trust in me, are willing to tread forward and do battle alongside me, it’s you I need. Because I know you feel the urgency to save the lives of the people of this world as well as your own. Because I know you live on the hope of seeing a better tomorrow, unlike the skeptics who have nothing to live for today. I would rather die with hope, than to live without any hope at all. So if you’re uncertain about fighting this war, I tell you again—there is no room for you in this army. Your chance to leave is now. If you should decide to fight for your future, know that I value your bravery and loyalty. Expect further instructions from First Commander Frederick in the days to come.” The Isis on film lifted a fist in the air as Frederick had instructed me to do from behind the camera, and the video ended.
The room remained quiet as I lifted my head to numerous eyes staring in my direction. The silence was broken by the sound of Frederick’s vibrating phone. He scanned the text message and signaled me to follow him to the window. I pulled on David’s arm so he’d come as well. Frederick dragged the curtain across the rod from one side, and Pluto helped with the other. Golden beams of sun poured in through the window. With Faith in my arms and David by my side, I stepped forward and viewed the spectacle outside the window. Rows and rows of warriors lined the front lawn of the house and the edges of the lake. The setting sun behind the warriors’ bodies created the illusion of an aura around each of them. Chrosis and Zedin stood in the first line, and then I saw Ayrie and Onarit walking in front of them, forming a new row. I hadn’t heard them leave. Just then, Cezario, Vasilika, Pluto, and Persia walked into formation, joining Onarit and Ayrie. I looked back to ask Frederick what was happening, but he was gone. David, Claire, Faith, the Doctors Gunn, and I were the only ones left in the room. I glanced back to the window, and there was Frederick, along with David’s family, Samuel, and Galilea standing in the first row. The multitudes of warriors stood stiff as statues, and then, row by row, they began to fall to one knee and raise a fist in the air.
“What are they doing?” I asked David.
“Pledging their allegiance to you.”
CHAPTER 38
Claire sat in a corner of the formerly enclosed patio, now provisional gym, while Frederick went over last-minute details with all of us. Claire had been crying for half the evening. She’d warned me she was nearing her breaking point, and she’d finally reached it today. On D-day. I was on the verge of tears myself from watching her agonize as each hour passed. I’d been keeping my own tears in for her sake. I couldn’t afford to break down. Not now. I wanted to maintain focus on Frederick’s words, but it was getting difficult to do so knowing I was causing Claire’s pain.
“Are we clear on this, madam?” Frederick aske
d. I nodded. “Everyone?” Muddled words of agreement responded to his question. “We’re set, then.”
“We’re done?” I asked Frederick. “Because I need to go to talk my mom before we leave.”
“Go ahead. But keep in mind, we’re set to go in an hour, and you still need to gear up, so…”
“Yeah. I won’t take long,” I said over my shoulder. I kneeled next to Claire and hugged her. “Mom, please… You’ve been crying for hours. I can’t leave you like this. I need you to pull yourself together. Otherwise, I…” I breathed. “Faith needs you. She needs you to look after her while I’m gone.”
“I know, but…” Claire sniffed. She pulled away from me and grabbed my arms. “Isis, I don’t want you to do this.” She cupped my face. “I’m begging you. Don’t do this, honey. What if you…? I can’t even say it.”
“Listen to me.” I took her hands. “You were the one who taught me to be strong against all odds. You taught me family comes before everything else. I owe who I am to you. And I know if you were in my shoes and the one person capable of saving your family, you would do whatever was in your power to ensure our well-being.”
“That’s how you see me?” she asked.
“Yes.” I squeezed her hands. “Mom, you’re my hero. You always have been.”
“Why did I have to be such an awesome role model?” she wailed.
“I don’t know,” I said. “But you make it hard for me to fill your shoes.” Claire hiccupped and hugged me tight. I let her cry into my hair for a few minutes, restricting my own tears from falling. From the corner of my eye, I saw Samuel and Ayrie at the door. I knew it was time for me to go. “I need to go get my armor on. It’s almost time for us to head out.”
“I know.” She sniffed. “Before you go, I want you to know I’m proud of you, and of the woman you’ve become.”
“Ditto, kid,” I said. She smiled at me. I walked to the door where Samuel stood. “Your orders have changed. You won’t be coming with us to battle tonight.”