Dark Convergence - By Dave Gross Page 0,30
forces in secret, rarely allowing anyone a glimpse of their clockwork creations. They plan to reshape the world to suit their schemes. To do so, they will desecrate the arteries of the world.”
“You speak of ley lines?”
“You know something of the natural system of the world?” She nodded. “Wherever these Cyriss-worshippers control the ley lines, they can harness the flow of natural energies.”
“And deprive you of those same energies, yes?”
“Yes,” she said without hesitation. “If their scheme would harm only you, why would I come to offer warning?”
She certainly made no pretense of altruism, thought Nemo. That was a mark in favor of her honesty, or else a calculated effort not to appear insincere. Still, the presence of a single druid made Nemo wonder how much the Circle truly feared the Convergence. “Our arcane forces do not depend on these geomantic energies. This enemy would seem to be a far greater threat to your people than to mine. Why does your Circle not fight against them?”
“This is not the only ley line that passes through these southern lands,” said the druid. “Many more cross the territory you claim as your own. Are you willing to allow them to plant dozens or hundreds more of these towers all across your country, knowing that each one can power and sustain an army?”
There was no need to answer the rhetorical question.
Nemo wanted to hear much more from this blackclad, especially since she claimed not to represent her Circle.
“Let us continue this conversation inside. Blackburn, have the troops restore those tents.”
“Yes, sir.” Blackburn retrieved the druid’s long axe. Bronwyn made no objection as he hefted the unwieldy weapon.
Another shout of alarm rang across the camp. Everyone looked around for its source, but Finch spotted it first. She pointed toward Calbeck, high above the ground. “Look!”
In the no man’s land between Calbeck and the camp, a lone clockwork angel flew toward them, trailing a long white banner.
“It would seem the Convergence would like to parlay,” said Chaplain Geary. “Necromancers and savages! It would be far simpler to wipe them out.”
“More simply said than done,” said Nemo. “Fortunately for you, it is my decision to make.”
“Of course, General. I meant no disrespect.”
Nemo nodded to Blackburn. “Dispatch a man under banner of truce, and see that our guest is comfortably settled. She’s not to be disturbed until I return to continue our discussion. In the meantime, I’ll prepare our terms for parlay with the Convergence, and then we’ll hear what this winged warcaster has to say.”
Aurora
Escorted by a guard of reciprocators and clockwork angels, Aurora stepped outside of the temple with Mags Jernigan. The mechanik’s artificial leg squealed with every step. By contrast, Aurora’s bodyguard moved with the barest whisper of metal.
With a gesture, Aurora released Jernigan into to the custody of the reciprocator prefect. “Take her to the staging area.”
“What does that mean?” said Jernigan, more fear than defiance in her voice.
“Don’t worry, Margaret,” said Aurora. “Soon it will all be over.”
In the short time they had talked, Aurora had developed a certain sympathy for this peripheral-cult Cyrissist. Between her mechanikal aptitude and keen intellect, she was a fit candidate for indoctrination to the Convergence. Aurora even liked the brief glimpses of crass humor the woman had demonstrated. If Jernigan had found the opportunity to prove herself earlier, she might already be serving in an optifex directive. More likely she would be leading one.
A clockwork angel descended from the astronometric nexus to land nearby. She approached and bowed. “Numen, First Prefect Sabina awaits your orders on the pinnacle.”
Aurora nodded. When Sabina had reported an hour earlier, Aurora had sent her away to await her pleasure. She remained irritated that her most trusted subordinate had failed to report the prime enumerator’s scheme.
Sabina was the last person Aurora would have imagined Septimus could turn against her. If he had somehow managed to influence even her personal bodyguard, then Directrix’s reach extended further than Aurora had imagined, even into the field.
As the reciprocators led Margaret Jernigan away between double ranks of shields, a squad of reductors approached, marching double-time. At their side jogged First Prefect Pollux.
“Numen!” he shouted, running toward her. The clockwork angels drew their binomial blades at his sudden rush, but he did not attack. Instead he threw himself to the ground before Aurora, kneeling with his steel head bowed low. “I just learned of your secret orders to Prime Enumerator Septimus. Forgive me, Aurora. I never should have questioned your dedication to securing the lives of