b]Prologue [/b]
"Assimilate. There is no identity for the weak. I am your strength, your mind, and the thoughts you think belong to me. Every step you take is in the direction I steer you towards, and every breath you breathe is evidence of my mercy. You deserve nothing, yet I give it all to you."
The hastily assembled army stood in silence as Argutus Rex's amplified voice faded. He looked out among the faces of his emaciated people, his cold grey eyes passing over me as though I was but an inconsequential speck on this world in which he ruled. The young and the old swayed in unison around me, eyes wide and mouths gaping. Controlling people was effortless for him. They were more than willing to be led, weaklings with less power over themselves than a simple animal. They could be taught tricks: to fetch, to sit, to kill, as it suited him. With the sound of his voice and the pressure of his mind he has sent hundreds to war. The only trouble he ever had came from the few pests among these people who would begin to think for themselves. His gaze would linger upon these people. and he would make a note to himself. They would be 'handled' before the end of the night.
"I understand you are hungry, and I can see your fatigue in every movement you make; but this is no excuse," he said, voice rising, "for you to disobey me! You know who I am. I am your leader!"
Each word he laced with his will, and the assembled crowd had bowed in deference. The strongest of these minds fought his power, but I could feel them succumb as he finished.
"You are one. My children, you shall wish for my happiness. You will not question my authority, and you will not disrespect me, lest death be your goal!"
The cool evening air thrummed with the power his voice evoked, and I watched him from my supplicating position as the setting sun sent a bloody cast over the land. I saw his composure begin to crumble. Already he was being afflicted by one of the piercing headaches that so frequently accompanied these speeches he made. It isn't easy to spread the power of one mind, albeit superior, over such a large expanse, and it made him weak.
I am of his kind. I am the only other Intendem like him, and as my gaunt campmates and I stood, I knew it was time to end his tyrannical rule. Reaching out with my mind, I encircled his and constricted. There was a great mental struggle, his mind and mine clashing, barbed wire against the untainted expanse of my consciousness. His eyes were clouded as I watched him fall. I could no longer feel his mental presence, and the camp was in pandemonium.
This is it.
I walked with legs made of lead to where he was laying upon his makeshift stage, senseless. No longer would he oppress us, no longer would he send us to risk our lives for his gratification. These were my thoughts when everything went black.
Chapter One
From the depths of the shadows I had hidden myself in, I listened. I could hear my own heart thundering as if it wanted me to be found, and with each passing second I became more amazed that I hadn't been. I strained not to move, to take breaths that only whispered through my lungs. The conversation taking place before me was one that was not meant to be overheard by anyone, let alone a simple citizen like myself.
"...nothing to be done. The Rectors don't even acknowledge that its happening, and the civilians are oblivious. It's best to keep this quiet, lest the Province fall into a state of panic."
"There are rumors that this rogue leader has declared himself the Rex of the land he has seized. It is Council property, and those are our people he has sent to war! I do not see how they can let him just take what he pleases!"
This second man's mind was so overcome by his feelings that they crashed through my mental barricade. Anger, confusion, and a twinge of sadness flooded my consciousness; I tasted the red of his fury, enveloped with his roiling uncertainty and riddled with streaks of blue. It was enough to break my concentration, if only for a moment.
"...using mind control. Is that even possible?"
Their voices dropped to low whispers as I stiffened in my corner. Mind control? Surely I misheard them.
"Who knows what is possible anymore? We have lost over twenty men and women within a single moon cycle; loyal citizens, just disappearing without a trace."
"They've been found."
One of the town guards was walking past me, too close for comfort. I nudged his mind away with my own.
"There was another skirmish outside the border, and many people were killed. Most of them were adults who had been declared missing from the royal provinces."
"They were with Argutus?" asked the second man. His question was followed with a heavy silence.
"Argutus himself was not present, but yes, it was he whom they were fighting for. It is believed that he has influence over them."
The sinking feeling that had settled in my stomach became even stronger. This brute, Argutus, was taking people from their homes and sending them to die on the battlefield. He declared himself king of land he stole from the Council.
He could possibly control minds.
I'm supposed to be the only one.
I crept away with a heavy heart, wishing to hear no more.
