We stood in a circle in the small room. Being alone with some of the top leaders of the revolution and suspecting they would berate me caused me to feel targeted and threatened.
Ordway glared at me and was the first to speak, “So you are the lone wolf, placing the whole movement into jeopardy.”
“I am simply doing what I deem necessary to shatter the confidence of Casimer’s rule and create chaos among High Society.”
“But much too early,” stated Kuno.
In frustration, I said, “What do expect of me. I was forced into High Society as a woman of influence when I am in actuality bred for war. I refuse to sit idly by and do nothing, frivoling my time away on fancy gowns, teas and balls. I must have purpose! Doing nothing will be the death of me!”
Ordway actually smiled at my tirade and began to clap his hands.
It infuriated me even further and I glowered at him.
“Such a magnificent performance. I almost believed you,” he said.
I remained quiet as I inwardly seethed and waited.
Luixa spoke next. “You need to know that Ordway and I have been trained in war tactics from our earliest memories, as children. As part of this trained child army, we are both bred for war and yet not once have we actually participated in one. We’ve been in preparation mode our entire lives, waiting for the right moment to be released into the battle. If we were able to wait this long and are still patiently standing by, surely the great Viveka has the restraint to also delay for the right timing.”
Her words shamed me and I chose to remain silent.
Razmig said, “I understand your desire to do something, move forward. We all feel the same pull but we need to move as a team, as one unit and only once we are all agreed that the time has come. All the players are not yet in place.” He moved his hand to indicate Ordway, Luixa and Kuno. “They have just recently arrived, the first of the leaders of this massive hidden army. We cannot be killing people off at will and create suspicion while this movement is still in its infancy and the players are moving into position. When the time is right, you will be released to do what you do best, Viveka.”
“You need to know that I have joined a secret club. The women of High Society have an alliance between them and invited me to join them. I repeated their vow of allegiance. They are determined to do whatever they can to destroy Casimer and to better the existence for all women.”
Alarm showed on their faces. Kuno asked, “And how are they planning to do this?”
“Similar to my situation, the women of High Society have no say over anything. Their men rule supreme, help themselves to whatever women they desire, and are violent and cruel to their wives. These women are desperate for change and are absolutely thrilled that I am killing off their men’s mistresses and whores. My entrance into their world has given them hope.” I went on to explain High Society more fully and the rules that govern it.
Luixa nodded. “I can understand their frustration and their thrill in the retaliation of their hurt pride and position. Having someone rally to their cause and vindicate their pain would be very satisfying.”
“Also, there’s another thing you should know. They speak in code. We call this movement the Tempest, the same code name we have given the Revolution.”
“Another risk you’ve taken without seeking advice,” Ordway stated. “Perhaps you’ve become too much of a liability.”
“Meaning what?” I demanded.
Vanora took a step forward. “Let’s not jump to rash decisions. Viveka is still vital to this movement. She is in a prime location and can keep us informed on events that take place on the Royal Palace Grounds.”
Razmig said, “I still think you should have accepted Daegel’s hand. There is too much risk with you being so close to Casimer.”
I said, “I believe you’ll change your mind when you learn that Daegel will likely be executed, along with his entire household.”
Razmig stared at me dumbstruck. “Why? For what reason?”
“In his jurisdiction of the squadron of Royal Guards he oversees, they have encountered numerous injuries and deaths due to faulty equipment. Casimer is demanding an accounting from him and he will likely be punished or executed.”
Razmig said, “But wasn’t it you who advised Kibou’s troop to begin to alter this equipment to encourage injury and death among the Royal Guard?”
“That was before I ever met Daegel. How could I have known that this would be the outcome?”
Ordway ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “This woman is more trouble than she is worth.”
“I agree,” stated Kuno.
Luixa, likewise, looked at me in disdain.
Razmig interjected. “No. We still need Viveka.” He looked at me and said, “No more killings. This must stop. You are drawing too much attention to yourself and causing too much trouble in the ranks of High Society.”
I released a seething sound between clenched teeth and turned my eyes to the floor in disgust.
“Also,” Razmig continued, “you must extract yourself form this vow, from this secret club.”
“I cannot break my word to these women! I will not!”
“Then you must explain to them that the crazy mission you are on has become too dangerous and that you will need to step back from your deathly agenda.”
I refused to answer. Frustration and anger raged inside my chest at the commands.
Vanora said, “You could end up like Daegel and his household. Then where would that leave this movement? Don’t get yourself killed, Viveka. Restrain yourself now and perhaps you will live long enough to see this revolution through to the end.”
Luixa said, “You are stronger than you believe. You can contain yourself, you can wait and you can continue the deception of being a high-born of Dwarkaa City. You must practice patience and control if you are to continue in your position in this revolution.”
“I despise being the coverling of an unfaithful, whoring man!”
Luixa said, “I agree that the ways of Dwarkaa High Society are detestable to all of us but your desire for retribution and retaliation will need to be curbed for now. The time will come when you can take out your frustration. I promise you, the time will come.”
“Do we have your word?” Ordway asked. “Can we trust you?”
I glared at him without answering, and then looked at each one in the small circle. A thought invaded and I knew I had to share it. “There is something you need to know.”
They all waited.
“Towsaj appeared to me, spoke with me.”
Dumbfounded looks filled each face.
“He graced you with an appearance?” Ordway finally asked. “Why you?”
I knew Ordway hated me and the feeling was mutual. Ignoring him, I said, “He appeared to me on Casimer’s Royal Grounds, right under that tyrant’s nose.”
His eyes wide, Razmig asked, “What did he say?”
“I was in Magdalon’s gardens when Towsaj came. He knew everything about me, my thoughts, my fears, my station, my sacrifice, everything. He spoke my true name in that place. I felt as though in a cocoon of safety as he spoke, as though nothing could be heard and no retribution would come. I’ve never felt such a sense of well-being before. He promised that I was surrounded and he encouraged me to stay.”
Vanora’s face scrunched in wonder. “Encouraged you to stay? Were you planning to abandon your position?”
“I was tempted to leave.”
“Why?” asked Razmig.
“My situation had become unbearable.”
“In what way?” Razmig asked.
I shook my head and refused to answer. After a pause, I continued. “Towsaj also told me that joining the cause of the women of High Society was a good plan.”
“He did not say that!” insisted Ordway. “You’re lying to manipulate us and get your way.”
“I’m telling the truth. He told me to join the women in their cause.”
Kuno said, “Why would he say that? There is great risk in such a venture.”
Luixa added, “What about the killings? Did he specifically tell you to start lynching off these women?”
“No. But this was the fastest way of gaining the trust of the women of High Society. They suspected me of getting rid of some of Magdalon’s love trysts and begged me to do the same for them. How can I back away from this now? They fully trust me and hope has returned to their eyes.”
“A premature hope,” Ordway said.
Razmig said, “I’d like you to leave the room while we discuss this.”
I nodded and followed him to the door. He opened it and I left. As the door clanged shut behind me I felt as though it was the death knoll of all enjoyment or reprieve for my immediate future. Boredom stretched before me like a drab wilderness with nothing to do but pretend.
All eyes in the large room turned to watch as I walked toward them. I dreaded the questions.
Andrei approached and said, “Was it as brutal as I suspect it was?”
“Worse.” I walked away from him and noticed a man I truly respected, one from my own farrin of Akoni. Ahiga is a powerful warrior from my own clan. He has an impressive stature and build and hardness to his features that would cause most to shrink back in intimidation.
He watched as I approached.
“Viveka. It’s been a while since we’ve spoken. And you are quite the vision of beauty.”
“Ahiga. How has your stay on Dwarkaa been so far? I’m sure you have faced much less upheaval than I.”
He nodded. “I’ve settled in well. I was placed in a city north of here, Mardin City which lies close to the foothills. The place is vast and unending and not that much smaller than Dwarkaa City, although I’ve heard it’s not as ostentatious as Dwarkaa City. I have made significant inroads among those agreeable to the revolution.”
I had not heard of this city. “How is the populace? Are they as starved and beggarly as the majority of the people of Dwarkaa Farrin?”
“I don’t know. I have not traveled to all the hovels, villages and cities of Dwarkaa. I agree that most of the populace of this land mass has substandard lives, the majority is starving. This was such a surprise to me. I always thought those living directly under Casimer’s shadow would be more favored and would live a superior existence. I have to admit that my life on Akoni Farrin, although harsh and difficult, was more worth living.”
“I agree. I had no idea that this brutal leader treated the populace of his farrin so harshly. No one is safe from his vindictive and tyrannical ways.”
Ahiga lifted his hand and swung it downward as he studied my opulent gown. “But it appears that you are living the dream. You are well fed and dressed like royalty.”
“A fitting and betraying ruse. No one knows another’s life until he has lived it.”
“Very true words indeed. I’ve heard that, although your life holds great adventure, especially if the rumors hold true, the art of deception can take a toll.” His face held great curiosity and a slight smile teased his lips.
“You don’t know the half of it.”
“I don’t envy your assignment. To pretend would be suffocating.”
“I detest it more than you know,” I said.
“I have actually met another revolutionary, a woman, a fine specimen. She has become a dear friend.”
“Is she Dwarkaa-born?”
He nodded.
I stared at him in surprise. “You’d actually consider taking a wife in these circumstances? A wife that is Dwarkaa-born? And you’d do this willingly?”
“I have not decided but the notion is tempting. Our goals align and she is a delightful distraction. And I must say, you questioning my marital consideration is completely hypocritical.”
“Marrying was not my choice. I would still be single and free if I had my way. My wants are not important to anyone. My freedom has grown wings and taken flight and I detest the constraints.”
Ahiga studied me for a moment. “It appears that the newlywed stage did not last long.”
I allowed a disgruntled short laugh. “My fascination with this movement has grown thin.”
Ahiga eyed me curiously. “Just be careful you don’t do anything foolish.”
“Perhaps I already have, according to them,” I said, pointing to the room I’d come from.
He chuckled. “I loved hearing about the adventures of Viveka from fellow revolutionaries. Your tales are very entertaining and…” he held up an index finger before continuing, “extremely innovative. I love your ideas. I applaud you for your creative style. You’ve managed to throw all of Dwarkaa High Society into a chaotic titer and no one can pinpoint the source back to you. Very ingenious.”
At least someone in this room appreciated my insight and schemes.
Ahiga leaned in close. “Don’t be too put out by their opinions. They are all very tightly wound and want to do this the right way. They don’t understand us and we will never fully understand their hesitance. The two of us have been in more battles than we can count. I identify with the impatience and desire to act. To sit back on our haunches and twiddle our thumbs goes against everything we’ve been trained to do.”
I so appreciated Ahiga’s words and his presence. To have someone understand my point of view was like a breath of fresh air. We had fought side by side in many skirmishes, felt the same blood lust rush through our veins and celebrated together over many battles won.
“I never realized how difficult this assignment would be. If I could go back, I never would agree to come to Dwarkaa.”
“And disappoint our leader, Xiomara?”
I didn’t answer. But I knew that I would do it again. I would do anything for my friend.
The door of the small room opened, Razmig stepped out and his eyes found me. He signaled for me to come.
I walked toward him and wondered what my future would hold. That my life was in their hands galled me but I felt trapped, in more ways than one.
