at the bottom of this cesspool. With enough power, we can kill the Darkness and then reap the benefits that come with almost unlimited power. The Garden of the Gods will become ours. In the meantime, we’ll allow that Darkness to call all of you.”
Monson’s mind started to whirl. That’s what he’s after, the Garden of the Gods? Who is Queen Saris? And the Shining Princess … now where have I heard that…?
He remembered. Sage’s note, the one that Casey found at the back of her diary. Now what did that say? Something about the Shining Princess….
Monson pushed the thought from his head. There was no use in thinking about such enigmas. It was not going to help the situation. He tried to keep his expression impassive as he asked the question burning in his gut since his awakening in the hospital so long ago.
“Before we do this, I want to ask you a question—”
Baroty interrupted. “Taking over this valley, destroying its people? Why do all men seek power? For the sole reason that they—”
Monson cut him off. “No, you misunderstand. What you’re doing exactly and why, I’m sure I could guess: money, power, fame, the ability to defame and destroy, even hatred; all tyrants are at least partially the same. You’re either a narcissist or a sadistic lunatic. I figure you either feel that whatever it is you’re trying to accomplish justifies your means, because your end is that much greater than the average man’s—or you’re simply vicious and enjoy inflicting pain on others.”
Monson chuckled wryly. “Or maybe you’re a bit of both. The point is I…don’t…care. Whatever you are and whatever the reasons for your villainy are not my concern, as your ambitions stop here and now, even if I have to kill you. But before we get the party started, I want to know what happened to my grandfather. Why do you look like him, why would you take the time to hide your identity and pretend to be him? Your actions don’t make any sense.”
Baroty’s expression became very serious but he chuckled ironically as he spoke. “My ambitions stop here? You’re awfully confident for someone who’s being detained at sword point.”
Baroty paused as his words took root. Monson could tell that he was concerned that Monson’s confidence might not be totally misplaced. The thought apparently passed quickly into obscurity though, as when he next spoke it was with a certain amount of derision.
“Your grandfather? That’s why you came headfirst into my clutches—because you miss you r dear ol ’ grandpa? You could have escaped! Those two fools from the Magi Order are more than capable of saving you. Yet you come to me instead—you come to me and your own downfall . You are much more like your grandfather than I thought. He, too, died a completely unnecessary and pointless death.”
Monson remained silent as Baroty’s threats fell upon mostly deaf ears; fear was not a luxury he could afford right now. He stood passively watching Baroty as the sounds of fighting trickled in from beyond his line of vision, supplementing the unnerving atmosphere. Still, he did not say anything.
“I see you’re beginning to control that temper of yours. Ironic, really. You might have mastered your Keepers and really become what the races had expected you to; it’s too bad that we’ll never know.
”Baroty shifted the blade in his hand. “I suppose it would not hurt to enlighten you as a final act of respect to Marques.” He gestured slightly, no more than a flick of the head, but this was enough direction for the commandos closely watching Monson. The black-clad men stepped back to the edges of the raised platform while the tar bubbled and popped in the background.
“Kei is the essential power in the universe. It makes up the spiritual essence of everything from matter to energy. It is one of the most basic elements for creation and is the true lifeblood of all living things. Without a healthy dose of Kei, life is not
Monson’s mind started to whirl. That’s what he’s after, the Garden of the Gods? Who is Queen Saris? And the Shining Princess … now where have I heard that…?
He remembered. Sage’s note, the one that Casey found at the back of her diary. Now what did that say? Something about the Shining Princess….
Monson pushed the thought from his head. There was no use in thinking about such enigmas. It was not going to help the situation. He tried to keep his expression impassive as he asked the question burning in his gut since his awakening in the hospital so long ago.
“Before we do this, I want to ask you a question—”
Baroty interrupted. “Taking over this valley, destroying its people? Why do all men seek power? For the sole reason that they—”
Monson cut him off. “No, you misunderstand. What you’re doing exactly and why, I’m sure I could guess: money, power, fame, the ability to defame and destroy, even hatred; all tyrants are at least partially the same. You’re either a narcissist or a sadistic lunatic. I figure you either feel that whatever it is you’re trying to accomplish justifies your means, because your end is that much greater than the average man’s—or you’re simply vicious and enjoy inflicting pain on others.”
Monson chuckled wryly. “Or maybe you’re a bit of both. The point is I…don’t…care. Whatever you are and whatever the reasons for your villainy are not my concern, as your ambitions stop here and now, even if I have to kill you. But before we get the party started, I want to know what happened to my grandfather. Why do you look like him, why would you take the time to hide your identity and pretend to be him? Your actions don’t make any sense.”
Baroty’s expression became very serious but he chuckled ironically as he spoke. “My ambitions stop here? You’re awfully confident for someone who’s being detained at sword point.”
Baroty paused as his words took root. Monson could tell that he was concerned that Monson’s confidence might not be totally misplaced. The thought apparently passed quickly into obscurity though, as when he next spoke it was with a certain amount of derision.
“Your grandfather? That’s why you came headfirst into my clutches—because you miss you r dear ol ’ grandpa? You could have escaped! Those two fools from the Magi Order are more than capable of saving you. Yet you come to me instead—you come to me and your own downfall . You are much more like your grandfather than I thought. He, too, died a completely unnecessary and pointless death.”
Monson remained silent as Baroty’s threats fell upon mostly deaf ears; fear was not a luxury he could afford right now. He stood passively watching Baroty as the sounds of fighting trickled in from beyond his line of vision, supplementing the unnerving atmosphere. Still, he did not say anything.
“I see you’re beginning to control that temper of yours. Ironic, really. You might have mastered your Keepers and really become what the races had expected you to; it’s too bad that we’ll never know.
”Baroty shifted the blade in his hand. “I suppose it would not hurt to enlighten you as a final act of respect to Marques.” He gestured slightly, no more than a flick of the head, but this was enough direction for the commandos closely watching Monson. The black-clad men stepped back to the edges of the raised platform while the tar bubbled and popped in the background.
“Kei is the essential power in the universe. It makes up the spiritual essence of everything from matter to energy. It is one of the most basic elements for creation and is the true lifeblood of all living things. Without a healthy dose of Kei, life is not
Similar Books
