Dark_Serpent

37




The Jade Emperor saw us the next morning in his small meeting room. Three carved rosewood sofas sat in a U-shape, with tea tables at the corners. A four-metre-long screen sat behind his chair, inlaid with gold and semi-precious stones showing a stylised depiction of longevity cranes flying through China’s distinctive mist-covered mountains.

The Jade Emperor nodded to the fairy who brought us tea, then turned to us as he poured. ‘Your period of penitence is complete. You may return to duties.’ He placed a pair of teacups for me and John on the corner table, pulling his long sleeve out of the way. ‘I will not hold a public ceremony or make an announcement. You may choose to tell others whenever you please. Your precedence as the Dark Lord’s promised is restored, Lady Emma, but you are no longer a Heavenly General. Ah Wu and Er Lang have those positions covered.’

‘Good, I don’t want it,’ I said. ‘Can I choose not to tell anyone until I’m stronger?’

‘I’d advise that course.’

‘I assume this means there is no longer any danger of her teaching the demon army in the West,’ John said, glowering.

‘That is the case,’ the Jade Emperor said, his face bright and serene.

‘You knew she’d be taken.’

The Jade Emperor didn’t reply, his expression unchanging.

‘Did you know I’d lose the baby?’ I said.

His expression faltered slightly but he still didn’t reply.

‘Sometimes I wonder why I serve you,’ John growled.

‘Did our baby really have to die?’ I said. ‘There had to be another way.’

‘The future is not fixed, Emma,’ the Emperor said. ‘There are many possibilities laid out before us. We can guide the realm in the right direction, but sometimes sacrifices must be made to serve the greater good. There was no other way.’

‘I find that difficult to believe,’ John said.

‘The qilin said something similar,’ I said. ‘That things need to happen.’

The Jade Emperor put one hand out towards me. ‘She understands. You are wiser than your Lord sometimes, Emma. I look forward to the two of you working together to defend the realm. Begin teaching her strategy, Ah Wu, because her intelligence will be a great asset.’

‘That’s what I told you,’ John said, exasperated.

‘And you were right. We will need our greatest minds and spirits to defend our realm, because there is a very good chance that it will fall.’

‘It could still fall?’ John said, his anger dissolving into concern.

‘How much of the future can you see?’ I said.

The Jade Emperor didn’t reply; it was obvious I was wasting my time asking.

‘Are we done here?’ I said.

John turned and stared at me.

‘Absolutely refreshing,’ the Jade Emperor said.

John smiled and shook his head.

‘Dark Lord. Dark Lady,’ the Jade Emperor said.

He rose and we did as well. He bowed slightly to us and we returned the courtesy. I was obviously able to act as close to an equal now that I’d been re-promoted. Nevertheless, I was glad the Jade Emperor hadn’t told anyone my rank was restored and I could retain my lowly status in public for a while longer.

‘Go back to your Mountain and plan the defence of the Heavens in the coming war,’ he said. ‘Both of you will be pivotal in the times to come.’

‘How long do we have?’ John said.

The Jade Emperor’s serene expression slipped. ‘The first casualties have already occurred.’

The Tiger was waiting for us at the outdoor table setting in the courtyard of the Imperial Residence. He fell to one knee and saluted John as we arrived, and we all sat.

‘Welcome back, Emma,’ he said. ‘It’s good you’re home. He’ll stop traipsing halfway around the world every second day, and your knowledge of what they’re up to is sorely needed.’

‘You need to give me half a day to spend with Emma, and we have a funeral tomorrow,’ John said. ‘After that I can start work.’

‘It can wait,’ the Tiger said. ‘You might like to know that Thirty-Eight broke my compulsion and went to Hell anyway. She lasted thirty-five minutes.’

‘That’s Thirty-Eight the Mother?’ I said.

The Tiger nodded.

‘I remember her; she and Louise were good friends. Why’d she go to Hell? She knew they’d tear her to pieces.’

The Tiger leaned one elbow on the table and put his chin on his hand; he was silent for a long moment.

‘What?’ John said.

The Tiger concentrated on him and John’s face went grim.

‘Out loud, I do not believe this!’ I said.

John nodded, and the Tiger looked down and turned his teacup on the glossy ceramic of the table. ‘While you were away we were attacked.’

‘What happened?’

‘Demons infiltrated the Western Palace. Small flying poisonous ones. Deadly.’

‘Did you lose anyone?’ I said.

‘Thirty-six wives, thirty-five Horsemen. Sixteen of my children also died.’

‘Oh dear Lord, no.’ My eyes filled, and I took a deep breath. ‘Not Louise?’

‘Louise passed away three days ago.’

I moaned quietly. ‘What about the kids?’

‘Both the children are fine; their auntie has taken them in.’

‘Louise’s sister?’ I said.

‘It’s a tradition in the Western Palace,’ John said. ‘One of the wives who can’t have children acts as a second mother for another wife’s children — something like your concept of a godmother in the West.’ He was silent for a moment. ‘Kimberley and Lucas have known their auntie all their lives and will be well looked after by her and their father.’

‘I suppose that’s something of a relief,’ I said, wiping my eyes. ‘When’s the funeral?’ I sipped some tea through my choked-up throat. ‘Another funeral. Have you told her family?’

‘She died to her family years ago,’ the Tiger said, still studying his tea. ‘She even went so far as to fake her death.’

‘Seeing what my family have been through, I can actually understand why she’d do that,’ I said.

‘The funeral is tomorrow afternoon.’ He looked up at me. ‘Spare yourself the exertion and don’t come. She would not have wanted you to put your health at risk. You can come visit her grave when you’re stronger.’

‘I’m well enough.’

‘With all due respect, Emma,’ the Tiger said, ‘I can smell the blood you’re still losing, and you’re barely able to hold yourself upright. Ah Wu says you have a funeral tomorrow morning already, and your family will be here.’ He raised his teacup without drinking from it. ‘Louise would not want you to make such huge sacrifices for her.’

‘I will anyway,’ I said. ‘She was my friend. I’ll see you tomorrow, Tiger.’

He rose and put his cup on the table. ‘I knew you would, but I had to make the effort. It’s what she would have wanted.’ He rubbed his hand over his face. ‘You may find this difficult to believe, but I miss her horribly. She was my wife and I loved her.’

John and I rose as well.

‘She was happy, Tiger,’ I said. ‘Isn’t that all that really matters?’

He nodded, his face grim, then saluted John and left without another word.

‘He’s not usually like that when wives die,’ I said softly after he’d gone.

‘Actually, Emma,’ John said. ‘He is. You’ve just never seen it.’

I flopped back down on one of the ceramic chairs.

‘Are you okay?’ he said, sitting across from me and studying me with concern. ‘We need to have you checked out in his clinic as soon as you’re stronger.’

I rubbed my hand over my forehead. ‘I’m okay. Just tired, and sad, and worn out.’ I sighed deeply. ‘And empty.’

‘Go rest.’

‘I won’t sleep; I’ll just lie awake staring at the ceiling and feeling miserable. I need something to do.’ I stood back up with renewed energy. ‘I’ll write a full report on everything I saw and did while I was in the West. The quicker I get the information down, the more I’ll remember for the defence effort.’ I made for the stairs, and stopped. ‘I wonder if I can take my office back? It would be good to work near you.’

‘It’s ready for you; just move your things back in,’ John said, rising to stand with me. ‘But don’t carry anything. You are confined to light duties as much as possible. We need you stronger so you can take the Elixir.’

I moved into him and he wrapped his arms around me.

‘Did the JE give you permission to make an Elixir for Simone when mine is done?’

‘Yes. I’ve also talked her into pursuing the Way.’

‘That’s very good news.’ I pulled away and took one of his hands. ‘Come on, let’s check out the status of my office. I bet I’ll be in there a week before anyone realises I’m back in the good books.’

‘The good books?’

‘As opposed to the bad books.’

‘Where are these books?’

‘I’ll explain on the way.’

I wore the plain black pants and jacket of the Mountain uniform the next morning for Leonard’s funeral. I joined John and a few of the closest Retainers outside Dragon Tiger to wait for my family to arrive.

My parents got there first, with Jade, and I was shocked by how much older they looked. It had been less than two years and they appeared to have aged ten. I hugged both of them, teary-eyed with joy tempered by sadness for the reason they were here.

‘Mandy stayed home,’ my mother said. ‘She and Allan are happy where they are. Mark’s settled and they don’t want to disturb him, and she’s minding Jen’s baby for them.’

John put his hand out. ‘Brendan, Barbara, so good to see you.’

‘Look at you, John, you actually seem younger each time we meet,’ my father said as he shook John’s hand.

‘I don’t feel it,’ John said, and somehow that broke the ice.

Michael and Clarissa arrived in a flash near the entrance to Purple Mist, Clarissa in a long-term therapeutic wheelchair with a low back. Simone went to them first, quickly followed by Martin and Leo in his own chair. Leo went up to Clarissa and held one hand up, palm out. She stared at it for a moment blankly, then grinned and high-fived him. They spun their chairs side-on to each other and had a small sideways hug.

I stood back to let them have their moment: Michael and Simone ribbing each other like brother and sister; Clarissa’s and Leo’s heads nearly touching as they compared chairs. Simone bent to hug Clarissa, both their faces full of delight. Michael wiped one eye and shook Leo’s hand, turning it into an embrace. Martin watched them with contentment, and I turned to see John had a similar expression.

A group of happy children all grown up, he said to me. It’s been a long road but completely worth it. Sometimes I feel very old.

I squeezed his hand. ‘I feel old too.’

‘Don’t we all,’ my mother said from behind me, and I moved back to put my arm around her. She scolded John. ‘Talk out loud.’

‘Sorry,’ he said. ‘I just said I’m so glad to see them grown up and happy.’

‘We all are.’

Greg and Jen arrived with Jen and Leonard’s boys, Andrew and Colin. I went to Jen and hugged her.

‘I’m so sorry, Jen.’

‘I heard what happened to you,’ she said, smiling sadly. ‘We were hoping you’d give Mum and Dad a granddaughter. Maybe next time.’

‘Maybe,’ I said, making light of it. ‘How’s the baby?’

Her face lit up. ‘He’s a bundle of trouble. Terrible twos soon.’ She glanced at Greg, who was standing next to her with his expression full of pride. ‘We’ve yet to see if he can do anything special.’

‘We’re hoping he won’t,’ Greg said. ‘Both of us are glad to be well out of the whole Celestial thing.’

‘If he turns out special we’re always here to help,’ I said.

Her face froze for a moment and I silently cursed myself. Her son had been kidnapped and raped by the demons after he’d come to me asking for training. Greg took her hand in his and she brightened. ‘Thanks, but Greg can handle it.’

I turned to the grief-stricken boys and hesitated. Colin was hovering protectively over Andrew, his younger brother who’d been taken by demons. Andrew had put on a great deal of weight and his face was pock-marked with acne.

‘Hi, guys,’ I said. ‘It’s really good to see you again.’

Colin gingerly hugged me, obviously uncomfortable, and Andrew didn’t move at all. He was frozen like a rabbit in headlights. His expression became even more panicked when John approached.

Greg fell to one knee to salute John.

John raised one hand. ‘Up, Greg.’ He studied Colin and Andrew, who had also raised their hands to salute him. ‘No need for formalities. I’m just Uncle John; you’re family. Treat me like your uncle. Okay?’

Colin nodded, obviously relieved. Andrew didn’t even blink.

John went to Jennifer and took her hand. ‘I know you and Leonard had parted ways, but you had a family together and I’m sorry that’s gone now.’

‘Thank you,’ Jen said, and Greg put his arm around her shoulder.

Clarissa went to Andrew and took his hands — she’d been in the cell next to them when the demons had held them. I couldn’t hear what she said to him, but he nodded a few times, wiping his eyes. Colin hovered behind him protectively. Andrew leaned down to Clarissa and hugged her, and she patted his back.

John gestured towards Dragon Tiger. ‘If you’ll come this way, the hall is ready. Everybody would like to pay their respects.’

He led the family, followed by the staff of the Mountain, up the stairs into the hall. Clarissa hesitated at the bottom of the stairs, and Michael levitated her.

‘You need a ramp here,’ Michael said.

‘We’re in the process of installing them everywhere,’ John said, waiting at the top of the stairs. ‘Next time you come there’ll be one here.’

‘Took your time accommodating Leo,’ Clarissa said, but her smile was wide.

‘Leo can carry himself,’ John said. ‘The ramps will be for an injured student. He’s chosen to stay even though he’s lost the use of his legs. He’ll be studying hand-to-hand and would like to learn financial management from you, if you have the time.’

‘I’d be glad to help,’ Clarissa said.

The hall had been filled with chairs and decorated with flowers and a large portrait of Leonard with candles burning on either side of it. The service was non-denominational according to Leonard’s wishes, and Martin would officiate as a high-ranking Celestial.

Ben’s and Tom’s portraits stood on a side table in the hall, receiving offerings of incense and food for six weeks after their funeral as was the custom. I had a horrible feeling that I would be seeing a great many more of these in the near future. After this afternoon’s service, I would add a portrait for Louise myself.

We had lunch together in the officer’s mess after the service, and I quizzed everybody about what they’d been doing.

‘Greg’s my apprentice,’ my father said with obvious pride. ‘Natural affinity to electricity, and boy, can he lift heavy stuff.’

‘They have their own company,’ Jen said with similar pride. ‘We’ll be putting more people on soon.’

‘You’re not doing too much, are you, Dad?’ I said. ‘I thought you’d retired.’

‘I run most of it,’ Greg said. ‘Brendan is the brains, I’m the brawn.’

‘Oh, I wouldn’t say that,’ my father said, pleased at the compliment.

‘We’re vegetarian now, dear,’ my mother said to Simone as she turned the lazy susan in the middle of the table for them.

Andrew wasn’t eating. I tried to draw him out. ‘Colin and Andrew, how are you two going at school?’

Andrew’s face screwed up and he began to sob silently. Jen jumped up and ran around the table to soothe him, holding his shoulders.

‘Can I go home?’ he said, his voice close to panic. ‘I want to go home. Can we go home now?’ He gulped a huge mouthful of air. ‘I just want to go home. I just want to go home.’ He rocked in his chair, silently repeating the words over and over.

Colin turned away; he was breaking down into tears as well.

‘I’m so sorry. Go if you want to,’ I said.

Jen crouched to speak to Andrew. ‘You can be brave; you’re safe here. Can’t you stay just a little bit longer?’

Andrew threw one arm over her shoulder and let go into her. ‘Please take me home. This is all too much.’

‘Take him home, it’s fine,’ my mother said. ‘You can stay with us if you want, Colin.’

Colin had his hand protectively on Andrew’s back, tears running down his face. ‘I’ll go with him and look after him.’

‘Greg?’ Jen said, turning to him.

Greg nodded to us, went to Jen and the boys, and they all disappeared.

I ran my hand over my forehead. ‘I ruined it.’

‘No, that was coming,’ my father said. ‘It wasn’t anything you did.’

‘He’s been more than a month without a breakdown; it was inevitable,’ my mother said.

‘Even a boy who hadn’t been through what he has would react like that to the loss of his father,’ John said. ‘Don’t blame yourself, Emma. The boys know they have a family that loves them.’

‘He did very well to make it as far as he did,’ my mother said. ‘A year ago we wouldn’t even have been able to get him up here.’

‘Just tell me when you want to go home as well. We’ll arrange transport,’ John said.

‘We’d prefer to stay a while and talk to Emma,’ my mother said, reaching out and holding my hand. ‘I heard what happened. I’m sorry about the baby.’

I tried to say something, but the words wouldn’t come out. ‘Thanks.’

‘You look like hell, Emma, what did they do to you?’ my father said.

‘Demon stuff,’ I said, my voice thick. The boys’ reactions had hit me hard.

‘Would you like us to stay up here on the Mountain with you?’ my mother said.

‘I would absolutely love that, but …’ I shook my head. ‘I think Andrew and Mark need you more than I do, Mum.’

‘We want to pursue Immortality,’ my father said. ‘We’ve talked about it, and since we have the opportunity, we thought we might as well see what’s involved.’

‘You are always welcome,’ John said.

‘Maybe we can split our time between there and here? Would we be safe doing that, John?’

‘Perfectly safe. We’re quite capable of arranging something for you; and Greg is a fine warrior who can protect you on the Earthly.’

‘That would be wonderful,’ I said, choking back the emotion. They’d always been too traumatised to even consider visiting us.

‘There you go, that’s much better, isn’t it?’ my mother said, seeing me cheer up at the idea of having them around.

‘I need to find you a nice residence here,’ I said.

‘Good, that will keep your mind occupied,’ she said, patting my hand. ‘Make it big enough for Jen and Mandy to come visit as well. Now let’s eat, and then we can go to poor Louise’s funeral.’

‘You know about that?’ I said.

‘Greg was listening the whole time. He nearly went back up to help out, but he wanted to be sure we were safe. It was awful.’

‘Yes, it was.’

After Louise’s service, John and I dropped into the Tiger’s medical centre and they took some X-rays and an ultrasound. The same doctor saw me in the same office. He held the X-ray up and snapped it onto the light box.

‘Do you know what they did to you?’ he said.

‘All I know is that I lost the baby. They said I wouldn’t be having any more.’

‘Once you’re Raised it won’t be a concern,’ John said, squeezing my hand.

‘I’d love some more samples from you if you ever have the chance, my Lord,’ the doctor said. ‘You’re fascinating.’

John leaned back and glared at him. ‘I don’t think that will be happening.’

‘You have no idea what I went through to get that one,’ I said. ‘And now everybody appears to know about it.’

‘What?’ John said, horrified.

‘It wasn’t me, I swear,’ the doctor said. ‘I think it was someone in the pathology lab, but nobody will admit to talking about it. I suspect it may have been our father.’ He turned back to the X-ray. ‘They did a hysterectomy on you, Miss Donahoe. Everything except a very small part of your remaining ovary is gone.’

‘What?’ I said, as horrified as John had been. ‘But there’s no scarring, no stitches. How did they do it without opening me up?’

‘They performed it vaginally so there’d be no scarring. It’s a very common method.’

‘They spayed me like a cat to make me more docile?’

‘No, if they wanted that they would have taken your ovary completely and removed all your hormones, turning you into a female eunuch.’ The doctor took the X-ray off the light box and put it back into its folder. ‘If the damage was as extensive as it appears from the scans, then it was a valid medical option. It could have saved your life.’ He shook his head. ‘The surgeon was highly skilled; I couldn’t have done a better job myself.’

John took my hand. ‘Once you’re Raised it won’t matter, Emma.’

‘As the Dark Lord said, once you’re Raised the matter is academic. You will choose your form and physiology,’ the doctor said.

I dropped my head and ran my hands through my hair. I’d heard of women not feeling like a woman at all after having this done to them, but all I felt was numb.

John took my hand in both of his. ‘Come on, Emma, let’s go home. You have a family there who love you and who have gone far too long without you around to annoy. Simone hasn’t had a chance to sit you down and talk your ears off about the boys at school, and I’m sure Leo wants to take you shopping because your clothes are more than a week old.’ He patted my back. ‘And I have a big pile of budgeting spreadsheets waiting for your magic touch. We’ve missed you sorely.’

I looked up at him and smiled through the tears. ‘Sometimes you know exactly the right thing to say.’

‘Good.’ He nodded to the doctor. ‘Doctor.’

‘Dark Lord, Miss Donahoe.’

‘This doesn’t change anything,’ John said from behind me as we rode his cloud back to the Mountain.

‘I never for a moment thought that it did,’ I said. ‘I know you better than that.’

‘Good,’ he said, and pulled me closer. ‘But if you ever want to talk about how it feels, I’m here.’

‘I may take you up on that, but right now I don’t know how I feel.’

‘I understand.’

I leaned into him. I knew he did.