The Uprising (The Mamluks Saga: Episode 2) (8 page)

I came forward and smiled. “Well, at least I found you again.”

She blushed. “Yes, but I wish it were in a different setting. Nevertheless, it
is
a pleasure to see you again as well, My Champion.”

“Please, call me Juozas.”

She nodded and showed me that lovely smile of hers. I got on the bed and lay on my stomach. I put my hands under my chin and stared at the bed frame as Isabella got closer. She rubbed my back with the cloth, and I felt an ointment being smeared onto my wounds.

“I read the report on your detainment. It was very nice of you to help that slave off the ground.”

My heart thumped. “You...agree with what I did?”

Isabella waited a moment before answering. “I’ve never believed in slavery. I think it’s awful.”

I quickly rose and sat on the edge of the bed.

Isabella narrowed her eyes and released a slight chuckle. “Lay down, Juozas. I have to close your incisions.”

I ignored the request and stared at her in awe. “I’ve never heard anyone in our society say that.”

Isabella fearfully glanced at the entryway and listened for an activity. Luckily for us, it was quiet in the hallway. She looked back at me and gently touched my shoulder. “There are many like us, Juozas. However, speaking out against slavery would be detrimental.”

I nodded sadly and looked down. “Yes. I’ve learned that the hard way.”

Isabella kneeled and rested her arms on my leg. She reached up and carefully lifted my head. “But perhaps we’ve found the right voice.”

In a daze, I looked into her eyes and gave her a big smile. “I think I’ve fallen for you, Isabella. Until this moment, I’ve never felt so content.”

She gently slid her hand onto my cheek. “I’m flattered, Juozas. Your courage uplifts me—gives me hope that the world can change.”

I reached down and pulled her up with me. Isabella’s lips opened and her eyes became aroused. I bent down and closed my eyes. We kissed, and I hugged her firmly. Then carefully, I pulled my lips away and slowly opened my eyes.

Isabella flashed a warm smile as I held her in my arms. “Now, let me heal those wounds.”

I felt a burst of energy engross my body and released a gentle sigh.
You already have.

A
t last, my
ozlon
had stabilized, and I had acquired a
sija
. Everyone was extremely proud of the accomplishment—especially Mother. On the surface, I made it seem as if I had finally put aside my compassion for humans, and accepted the reality of our society. However, on the inside, I knew the truth. 

The stabilization of my
ozlon
was the result of rising above my fears, and gaining the courage to act against Mother’s decree; but I couldn’t have done it without Isabella. She was the guiding light that made me see the possibility of a rebellion.

Shortly after making a commitment to each other, I told Isabella about Lauren-Lynn—and explained that I would have to meet with her to respectfully end our pairing. She was very understanding—and it made me honor our bond even more.

I met Lauren-Lynn at the shore. We took off our boots and walked along the water. As we went along, for some reason, I felt as if she already knew what I was going to say.

“You are truly a wonder, Lauren-Lynn, and there will always be a place for you in my heart. However, I’ve brought you here today because I’ve fallen in love with another. I have to end our coupling.”

She took a deep breath. “I understand, Juozas.”

I glanced at her, expecting to hear more. “You seem...indifferent.”

She quickly shook her head. “No. It’s just that...all I’ve ever wanted is for you to be happy, and it appears your new love has given you that, so I am pleased.”

We stopped and faced each other.

“You are remarkable, Lauren-Lynn. I want you to know—this doesn’t change our friendship.” 

She gave me a kind smile, and I planted a kiss on her cheek. Then we hugged, and she rubbed along my back and kissed my cheek.

When we separated, I put my arm around her waist and turned. “Come on, let’s head back.”

There was a brief silence as we carried on.

“As a caring friend, I have to ask. Who is your new love?”

“Her name is Isabella. She’s a student of Giedre’s teachings.”

Lauren-Lynn nodded. “I’ve seen her before. She
is
rather beautiful.”

“Yes, she is. I’m very lucky.”

A
s Ruler, it was my responsibility to preserve our way of life, to carry on tradition. From day one, I have been prepared to do whatever it takes. I loved Juozas, and it seemed he had
finally
risen to his true potential. However, I knew him better than anyone—and there was still
something
off about him. Therefore, I had to continue with my plan.

It was late at night, and I had just returned from Africa. Lauren-Lynn was scheduled to meet with me on the rooftop of my building when I arrived. I flew in steadily and saw her standing by the edge of the roof. I landed in front of the stairs that led to the lower levels and exited the ship with the soldiers.

I waved them off. “Leave us.”

Together, they gave me a bow and promptly headed downstairs.

I marched over to Lauren-Lynn and stood beside her.

She kneeled and bowed her head. “Welcome home, My Ruler.”

I put my hand out over her head. “Rise.”

She stood up and waited.

I turned and calmly placed my hands on the roof’s barrier. I looked out into the forest and released a slow exhale. “What’s the status of your mission?”

Out the corner of my eye, I saw Lauren-Lynn step closer and nervously rub her hands together. “I’ve failed you, Great Emily.”

I heatedly shook my head.

“Juozas has found another.”

I quickly faced Lauren-Lynn. “Do you know who she is?”

She responded with a speedy nod. “Yes. A caregiver named Isabella.”

I nodded. “Ah yes—I’ve seen her around. She’s one of Giedre’s best students.”

Lauren-Lynn let out a depressing sigh and looked down. “I am greatly disappointed in myself.”

I was pleased to see her show some empathy for her failure. Still, it was a major setback.  If Juozas were to betray us, I needed to have control of his spawn—and that meant having influence over his mate.

“I appreciate your honesty, Lauren-Lynn. However, you
will
be punished for this.”

She nodded. “I understand, My Ruler.”

I gave her a nod. “Good. Now follow me to the backyard.”

I gathered a few soldiers as I led her downstairs. When we got to the backyard, I stepped back and ordered the soldiers to deliver an onslaught to Lauren-Lynn. They immediately got in a fighting stance. Lauren-Lynn stood tall with her chin up and took a deep breath.

One by one, the soldiers attacked her and beat her to the ground. They kicked and stomped Lauren-Lynn as she tried to protect herself. I crossed my arms and casually walked around as the soldiers continued.

I waited a few minutes until I heard Lauren-Lynn screech in pain. “That’s enough, soldiers. Step back.”

They backed away and relaxed a little. Lauren-Lynn staggered to her knees, clutching her side with one hand.

I bent down in front of her and forcefully grabbed her jaw. I moved her head up and glared into her eyes. “Don’t ever fail me again.”

With watery eyes and a bloodied face, she nodded. “Yes, My Ruler.”

I
was flying over an open terrain, trying to locate a group of runaway slaves. London and a few other soldiers were assisting me, flying nearby in their own ships. After scanning the area for some time, we finally picked up some activity when we came upon a mountain range.

I pressed a button on my control board to activate the radio. “I’ve picked up a life force.”

London sent a quick response.
“I see it as well, My Champion. There are several, actually.”

“Yeah, I think we found them. Let’s get closer.” I flew down and slowed my speed. The holographic screen on the control board showed some lively readings. We were getting closer.

A moment later, an alert flashed on the screen and a beeping sound blared from the speakers on the control board. I glanced at the other monitor to my left and spotted the runaways. “I’ve found them.”

I landed and hurried out of the ship. London and the others followed my lead and marched out of their ships. The slaves froze and put their hands up. I exhaled deeply and pulled out my whip.
OK, you can do this.

I quickly got into character as I walked up to them. “So, you thought you could run from us?”

London and the others laughed and pulled their whips out. I flashed a fake smile as I circled the group of slaves. There were seven of them, all with heads full of gray hair.

I chuckled and backed away. Then I pointed at one of them. “You, come here.”

The man came forward, trembling, with his head down.

I looked him over with a grin, shaking my head. “Where were you going to go?”

London laughed hysterically as he looked on.

I’m doing well so far.
I boorishly waved my hand over the slave. “You may speak, Human.”

The man looked up at me. “We were headed to the northern ice lands. They say there aren’t any Mamluks up there.”

I nodded. “Yeah, we don’t like the cold, or snow.” I bent down and got in his face. “And we don’t like it when you peasants run, either.”

I lifted my hand and back-slapped the man across the face. He stumbled to the ground and curled up into a ball. I raised my whip and beat him wildly, aiming my lashings at his head. London hurried to the other slaves and viciously beat them. The other soldiers quickly joined in.

I whipped the man until he bled, then I stepped away and shamefully sighed. I watched the slave cry out in horror as I looked down on him. Inside, I was crying, too.
Don’t worry, My Friend. A change is going to come.

A
t last, the servants were starting to give birth. I was in Audrey’s room waiting for the caregiver to arrive. She was lying naked on the bed, breathing heavily with her legs wide open.

Seconds later, Isabella hurried into the room and set her bag by the bed. “Forgive me, Your Greatness. I came as soon as I could.”

I exhaled and took a seat by the window. “Don’t worry, Dear. I understand how busy you all are.” I folded my hands in my lap and carefully watched.

Isabella opened her bag and took out a soothing gel. She climbed onto the bed and rubbed it all over Audrey’s body. “Breath slowly, Miss, and try to relax.” Isabella got in position and watched her closely. “Now...
push
.” 

Audrey began to push, and within minutes, the baby’s head gradually came out. She was sweating like crazy, and her eyes were bloodshot. She pushed harder and harder until finally releasing the baby completely. Isabella used her
sija
to cut the umbilical cord, then she wrapped the baby in a cloth and carried it into the bathroom.

I stood up and walked to the bed. Isabella came back moments later and the baby was cleaned up. She went to her bag and pulled out a thick baby blanket. Audrey smiled and reached out to her.

I quickly moved over to Isabella and took the baby. “I’ll take it from here. I’m sure you have more work to do.”

Isabella sadly glanced at Audrey, then looked at me with a forced smile. “Very well, My Ruler.” She gathered her things and hurried into the hall.

I was displeased to see her show compassion toward a servant, but I was in a good mood, so I was willing to let it slide.

I rocked the baby in my arms and gradually looked at Audrey. She was trembling mightily with a dire look in her eyes.

“Soldiers, take this infant to the preservation camp.”

Audrey tried to get up but she was too weak. “No! Please!” She moved about a foot and slumped over on the bed.

A soldier walked into the room and took the newborn.

I turned and headed out. “And kill this servant. She was not permitted to speak.” As I marched down the hall, I could hear Audrey screaming at me in the background.

“One day, Emily! One day, someone will make you pay for this savagery!”

I heard the buzzing sound of a laser, and right after, a quick blast echoed through the hallway.

That night, I arrived at the preservation camp in our region to check on the infants. To assist the caregivers, I had ordered every available citizen and soldier in our region to help nurture them. 

To be reasonable, I had created a rotation system that would allow the participants to have a lengthy break between their days of providing assistance. 

The preservation camp was a long, wide building with six floors. I walked through the main entrance and went into the massive room on the first floor. Giedre and Isabella were there with about twenty other caregivers and hundreds of helpers.

From my view, there appeared to be well over a thousand newborns on this floor. I walked over to Giedre and stood beside her as she looked over an infant. “Hello, Giedre. How are they doing?”

She smiled. “Excellent, My Ruler.” She took out a wooden bottle and fed the infant.

The insistent crying was giving me a headache. I quickly moved along and found Isabella. She was feeding a baby, too. I walked up to her and smiled.

She turned to me and did a bow. “Hello, Great Emily.”

I studied her carefully as she went on with her task. “How are you feeling, Isabella?”

She sighed. “A little overwhelmed.”

I nodded. “I understand. It’s been a long day—for all of us.” I got a little closer and gave her a smile. “Listen, why don’t you and Juozas stop by and have dinner with me when you’re finished here. I understand you two are an item now.”

She beamed. “I would like that.”

“Excellent.” I walked to a cart and grabbed a bottle. “In the meantime—I will lend a helping hand.” I moved to the newborn across from Isabella and fed it the formula. As I carried on, I couldn’t help but pause and grasp the magnificence of my plan. “Isn’t it amazing, Isabella?”