Author's Note: This chapter runs a little longer than the previous few to include the next two talons...which are some of the most shameful memories for Selketh. Through her trance-ridden eyes, we learn of a secret love affair not even Octavia expected, Selketh's further 'conditioning' at the hands of The Shadow, and the sinister events leading up to Kraelis Jaster's murder. Buckle in, grab a drink or a cigarette, and get ready for a peek into Hell.

***

Selketh laughed. "Sixth talon, I'm surprised that you bring me here. But Adlorel leads us to the most relevant truth. And so, whatever its purpose, you've called this forth.

"I 'escape' from occupied Hepslovia shortly after the horrible sacrifice of the prisoner and the lamb. Myrktilhet's network of undercover agents delivers Eleiana and I to the front. We're disguised as common laborers. No one suspects it's all a ruse, staged to expedite our entrance into the colonies. When bombs rain upon the Kaezer's base, we retreat to a fortified bunker. After the assault, we emerge with twenty other citizens, and cheer with everyone when our liberators arrive. The free nations take us in as refugees. But Eleiana and I have a mission, and Eleiana is faithful to the Kaezer without question. We are to settle on the habitat known as Tri-Jovian and infiltrate the secret organization headed by Hir Kraelis Jaster. From there, we'll await Myrktilhet's instruction.

"Living in the free society comes as a shock to me. I've been a prisoner since I was six years old, and I've forgotten what a tranquil existence is like. Of course, Eleiana is still in charge, and through her I'm still in thrall to the great leader. Nevertheless, I hold to my secret design of escape. It will be risky, but I plan with caution.

"The Shadow takes its time to maneuver. Two years pass. I'm now twenty years old, and I reside with Eleiana on the orbital colony of Tri-Jovian. I attend university under a sociology and politics major, and she works as a data consultant for a processing firm. We have a comfortable flat on the central tier, and we've both learned to speak the local language. The surface appears mundane, but much turbulence boils beneath our ordinary routine. Eleiana still treats me like a child. I resent her for it, though I wear amiable compliance as we go about our sham. It grows more difficult each day. I must abide until I can leave without retribution from Myrktilhet. If such a time ever arrives.

"Myrktilhet has agents within Hir Jaster's clandestine cult. Through their influence, Eleiana has earned us admission into The Order Of Sacred Skulls. Similar to Myktilhet in its organization and teachings, The Order is Kraelis Jaster's attempt to bring knowledge of the Old Ways to the free nations and colonies. Hir Jaster fled Pruessia decades ago, during the early years of the War. He disagreed with Anzelvik Kaezer's policies and defied the nefarious shamans who desecrated the ancient Circles of the Empire. Leaving Pruessia was dangerous, but he found a way out. He eventually settled on Tri-Jovian, and has led a domestic existence for years. He married a colonial woman, had a son, and now works as a horticulturalist. But the true labor of his heart is The Order. Kraelis teaches the Old Ways as they were before Myrktilhet twisted them into depravity.

"The Order has grown immensely popular among the free nations and has attracted seekers from all social classes. In its hierarchy are influential politicians, business moguls, teachers, artists, and celebrities. It's become a covert think-tank of sorts, where powerful minds can collaborate and mingle in a setting removed from the divided factions of everyday society. The further I've progressed within The Order's ranks, the more I've realized why the Kaezer wants to destroy it. Hir Jaster has created a loyal following with abilities equal to the shamanic might of Myrktilhet. As The Order grows, the free nations gain a defense against Hir Thulsbek, Hella, and all who aid the Kaezer through supernatural methods. In this light, The Order is a bastion of the last true shamans--those who abhor warfare and the murder of innocence.

"Eleiana has become an Interpreter within The Order, and I've chosen the path of a Seer. I still hide the magnitude of my clairaudience, as I don't want Eleiana or Myrktilhet to discover its potency. But one person notices me, no matter how much I've tried to avoid undue attention. Near my twenty-first birthday, two years after I've joined The Order, Kraelis Jaster approaches me in private. He's always been kind to me. A short man with a lofty purpose, he stands proud and unafraid of those who conspire against him. His dark eyes study me, face creasing in a thousand lines of mirth when I present myself as only a diligent Seer.

"'What did you hear tonight when Freyir journeyed with the Song of Bone, Selketh?' he asks. His voice is warm, and mischief paints his smile. 'At the end of the rite, you were enraptured by something above us in the Otherworld. Among the seekers of this Circle, only Freyir and myself heard the howl of the Mother Wolf. But you noticed it, too.'

"I hesitate to answer, admiring the arcane scrawl of tattoos on his arms, neck, and face. The Jaster line has long been blessed by Fenvolvna, and draws much from the Wolf Guardian's power. This is common knowledge among The Order. Kraelis' grandchildren, Freyir and Verthandis, are two of the most gifted Seers in our midst. They're about my age, and they learn from their grandfather in private about the more obscure practices of the Old Ways. I've long envied them, as I've become a devout seeker here. I'd love to learn more about the true path--not the sinister adaptation of Myrktilhet. So when Kraelis asks me what I heard during Freyir's Knoseidtru, I tell the truth. I heard a wolf's howl pierce through every realm that night.

"Kraelis is impressed with my honesty and my sensitivity to the Otherworld. To my delight, he offers to include me in his private lessons. I accept, buoyant with hope. Eleiana isn't invited. It's just for me. This may be a chance to sever her control over me. Of course I don't tell her where I go after class and on weekends. I disguise the excursions as shopping runs or recreation with friends. In reality, I go to Kraelis Jaster's modest little cottage on Agri-Ring 5 of Tri-Jovian, and he teaches me things which transform my very soul.

"There are four of us in the secret study group--Freyir and Verthandis, a young Steward named Cyrilio, and myself. Together we learn the songs and ceremonies of the innermost Circles, the things which Myrktilhet reveals only to its highest ranks. Kraelis was one of the most esteemed elders of Fenvolvna when he was in the Pruessian Circles, thus his knowledge is untainted. I'm honored to partake of his wisdom, and my power grows beyond measure.

"After several months, I find another surprise--Freyir. Holten Jaster to the everyday world. He distracts me every time he's near. I think of him often, and am eager to impress him. It begins as a casual rivalry, a competition between us to outdo each other in shamanic prowess. One evening, after a strenuous lesson in soul retrieval techniques, Holten and I meet at a quiet bar. He buys me a drink. When we toast the Guardians, his fingers brush against mine."

I fumbled a moment in my drumming and lifted my eyebrows. Mother coughed behind a tight fist. The draw of her lips hinted she wasn't pleased.

Selketh proceeded without shame, lost in her trance. "Holten's eyes are brighter than his sister's and grandfather's, a sweet, rich shade of brown. Witty, handsome, confident, sometimes overbearing, he awakens a temptation I've never known. We meet again, and within weeks we share a room at a discreet little hotel in the metropolitan sector. He warns me to keep silent about our trysts, as his parents are terribly strict. He's already seen how they've treated his sister regarding her love for a working class man they disapprove of, and he wants to avoid their wrath. They pressure him to stop spending so much time with his grandfather, and to pursue a viable career or education. Holten is obsessed with learning the Old Ways as much as I am. We share similar interests. As a lover he brings me joy, and a sense of belonging. I regret we can't share our happiness with the world, but I'll do what I must to protect it. It's not the first time I've had to hide what I cherish."

The sixth talon's memory ended. Selketh wrapped her arms around herself and stared at the floor. "I didn't expect the rite to take me here, but I suppose it all weaves together. I assume your brother never told you about us, my Lady, as I've never revealed it to anyone."

Mother tapped her fingers against her crossed arms. "No, he hasn't. This puts a new perspective on everything. I'm sure it has some pertinence to the true reason he abandoned The Order, and why he refuses to return, or to help me."

Selketh bowed her head. "I don't know. He doesn't speak to me anymore. But Holten always kept his own aspirations before anyone else's, and his choices are often brash. Quite the opposite of myself. I suppose it's why we drifted apart in the end."

The sound of Mother's laughter jarred the stillness. "How quaintly you put it. Well then, I must hear the rest of this alarming disclosure. Proceed."

Selketh grasped the seventh talon and drank again from the goblet. The potion was nearly gone, with only two talons were left. "Where will this lead me? A continuation, or a wandering? Is there any order to the chaos, or an answer to my greatest unraveling? Seventh talon, you point me to a moment I dread. I'm barely forty years old, but I've borne enough sorrow for a thousand lifetimes." She paused. Her breath and eyelids fluttered. "Guardians forgive me for what I've endured, and what I have done. If I could change it all, I would, even at the cost of my own life.

"Everything changes, and not for the better. I've just turned twenty-two years old. Other young women of my acquaintance have promising futures. Love, children, a career. I have only a traitorous noose about my neck, and a vise of the most potent evil binding my mind. The Kaezer will never own my heart, for that belongs only to Holten. The last time we met, he kissed me and professed utter devotion. He wants to marry me, but his family will never allow it. He doesn't care, and asks me to run away with him. He's willing to forfeit his inheritance for me. Oh, blessed Guardians...why must I bear this? I should say yes. I love him, but to accept will endanger both our lives. I'm sworn to serve Eleiana against my will, and The Shadow will never let me go. Holten and I continue our affair regardless. His family's antagonism is a good excuse to delay my answer. I tell him I need time to think about it. Undaunted, he promises to wait, no matter how long it takes.

"I ponder Holten's offer for weeks. He suggests we go to Venus, where his father's construction company is building a new research platform. With the cover that he's on a business outing, he says I can sneak away with him. Venus being a neutral and independent territory, any marriage performed there requires no license nor supporting signature, yet is valid under interplanetary law. We can then move to some remote habitat on Mars or its moons, far from the drama which is sure to ensue. If only I can tell Holten the truth, that Myrktilhet will follow me anywhere, and they'll kill us both for my desertion. Even to confess will involve him, and they might seek to harm him for knowledge of my alliance with the Kaezer's secret occult forces. The fact that I'm a pawn in the plan to assassinate Kraelis torments me most of all.

"Dearest Kraelis. He has the manners of a stray dog, and a tongue that dispenses the most biting criticism with his wisdom, yet I love him as much as I do his grandson. I've told Kraelis much, perhaps too much, but he has a way of persuasion. It's a gift of his family's power--an ability to cajole others. Holten and Octavia possess it as well. It takes all of my restraint to withhold, to keep my terrible secrets. On a few occasions, Kraelis nearly shatters my wall of treachery, and pressures me to confess. I dodge his influence, but I know I can't do so for long. Kraelis surely knows I hide something. Perhaps he already knows the truth. I must find a way to escape before I can tell him what The Shadow intends. And I'm running out of time.

"The nightmare begins during a confrontation with Eleiana. She warns me to stop being away from home so much, to stop avoiding her, and to remember where my loyalty belongs. We argue. She slaps me across the face, and I throw a porcelain vase at her. The clamor awakens every neighbor and barking dog in the vicinity. I grab my coat and run out the door, with Eleiana screaming after me. She's grown complacent and overweight during our comfortable tenure in the colonies, and I flee from her easily. At this awkward moment, Holten calls on my wristcom. He sees my distress and insists we meet. Not having anyone else to turn to, I arrange to rendezvous with him at our usual hotel.

"I'm a fool to believe my love has been sheltered, that I've been careful enough. Eleiana must be on to my game. And if she knows, she'll have told our superiors in Pruessia. Though it saddens me, I must end my relationship with Holten. If anything were to happen to him, I couldn't bear it. As for Kraelis...should I tell him the truth? Will it make any difference, make him aware, even save his life? I might be the only person in the worlds who can.

"I never make it to the hotel. I'm still on foot and still wearing my university attire. My heeled pumps clatter against the pavement, not efficient for subterfuge, so I take them off. I move faster barefoot. This is a well-lit commercial area of Tri-Jovian's central ring, patrolled by regular rounds of civic security units. I hope it will provide cover if Eleiana is tracking me.

"As I turn a corner onto a secluded street, my clairaudience detects voices. Whispers slur from the rooftop several stories above, a sound inaudible to any untrained ear. My Guardian, Olenhesch, calls a warning in the Otherworld, and I know it can only be my foes. I run in the opposite direction and survey my surroundings, trying to catch my breath. Must remain clear, think. Lead them away from the hotel, away from Holten. Find safety, help. Who can I call? I'm alone. I've always been alone, even when Holten takes me in his arms. All of my hopes to find love and acceptance fade. I can only count on myself, as I have my entire life.

"I stop at an intersection occupied with several convenience shops and cocktail lounges. A few people stroll by, though none give me much attention. Across the street, a sturdy Sentinel unit guards the after-hours terminal of a bank. Surely Myrktilhet wouldn't dare attack in plain sight of a security robot.

"Again, I'm mistaken. The swoop of long black clothing and the whir of advanced robotic actuators descends faster than my scream. Two lean, dark figures dive to the ground beside me. Gloved hands lock around my arms, strong and inescapable, covering my mouth and pinning me against a broad chest. I feel the hard metal of my captor's robotic exoskeleton beneath his hooded cloak. Within the space of half a breath, too fast for common vision or the robot's precise sensors, the strangers bound impossibly high, landing atop a nearby building...at least five stories up.

"Ancestors have mercy. These are Wraiths of Myrktilhet, its most esteemed faction of assassins and stealth warriors. Trained in the ancient art of ambush and camouflage, and augmented by the Kaezer's advanced robotics, the Wraiths are the most feared among Pruessian agents. I notice the silvered arrow pins on their collars, and the flash of Hir Kaezer's fist, gear, and sword emblem on the left side of their chests confirms my fears. I struggle in vain and try to bite the hand covering my mouth, but my teeth only sink into thick leather. My captor jerks my neck back with one fierce tug, so that my ear is next to his lips. His face is masked, the hollow glare of a human skull, the living eyes beneath it blacked out with thick paint and ash.

"'Hush, little mouse,' he whispers in Pruessian. His snide, nasal voice sidles into me, reaches with breathless glee into places he has no right to touch. 'You will come with us, and we're to have a chat. You're the guest of honor. If you behave, you'll be rewarded. If you continue to fight and bite and resist the love of the great leader, you'll receive your due for insolence. And you don't want that, do you?'

"I try again to scream, but his grasp smothers me.

"The Wraiths laugh. One of them locks a restraint around my wrists, and the other ties on a gag. Once I'm incapacitated, they lift me into their arms, and carry me away, bounding at unnatural speed and distance. The Wraiths dance along narrow ledges, jump between roofs and terraces, weaving a path between the narrowest shadows. Their power surges in the Otherworld and forms a veil around us, a blur to any common sight. I've received some training in this art of obfuscation myself, from Kraelis Jaster. It's an ancient hunting technique, passed through the generations from Pruessian antiquity. Myrktilhet now uses such talent to enhance the technical capabilities of its recruits. How many Wraiths exist here in the colonies, beyond the surveillance of the colonial defenses? How did they get here when sanctions against the Pruessian Empire and immigration are so tightly controlled? I shudder to think of the possibilities.

"The Shadow's claws gouge deeper into free society than I'd ever suspected. To my dismay, the Wraiths deliver me to the penthouse level of a major administrative building, right in the urban heart of Tri-Jovian. They set me onto my feet, and push me to walk. My clothing and hair are disheveled, stockings shredded, and I lost my shoes when they apprehended me. I'm an absolute wretch. They lead me through a reinforced steel door, and down a long, sterile corridor within. At the end, a pair of guards in nondescript black suits and display visors scan us through a vaulted concrete portal.

"The vast chamber beyond is deathly cold. Garish lights alternate along the dreary gray walls. At the center, a pair of arced stone desks surround a circular dais, occupied by more than a dozen robed and masked elders of Myrktilhet. Upon the middle seat of honor reclines an old man, his withered figure draped in long scarlet robes. A half skull mask covers the top of his face, only the sag of his mouth and jowls visible. He straightens when the Wraiths bring me forward, and he curls gnarled fingers around the armrests of his high-backed iron chair.

"The old man's voice slices across the room, and all surrounding eyes burn into me. 'Are you not Fru Pilistiya Francazti, now known as Phyllis Franco, and as Selketh within the society of the traitor?'

"The Wraiths remove my gag and shove me to my knees. I cough and sputter, and meet the scrutiny of my superiors with feigned respect. I answer as calmly as I can. 'Yes, I am.'

"The old man leans forward and the lines of his jaw droop in a frown. 'We hear from your teacher and caretaker, the venerable Fru Blevasnya, that you shirk in your duties to the great leader of late. This concerns us deeply, as you must be well aware of the discretion required in our mission. Why have you forsaken your vows?'

"My strength falters then. I hate them all. Balling my fists, I laugh like a madwoman. 'I've forsaken nothing. Why have you brought me here?'

"With the wave of one hand, the old man summons one of the nearby elders to stand. A portly figure in a long black robe, she pushes her skull mask from her face. Eleiana. She glares at me down her stubby nose. 'It is at my request that you be brought here. Foolish, wayward girl. You scorn me and my counsel, and drift away from our purpose every day. You have dallied with our enemies against my direction. Since you won't listen to me, you will now answer to the Council. Your fate rests in their hands.' She bows to the old man with a flourish and tosses me a disgusted look.

"Murmurs fly around the room. The old man stands and walks toward me. His cane raps in harsh time with his footsteps. When he draws close, I notice the cane is tipped with a cackling silver skull. I recognize him now, having seen him years ago at a Circle gathering in Hepslovia. Hir Himmeler, one of the three presiding elders of Myrktilhet with Hir Thulsbek and Fru Orsic. How has someone of his notoriety sneaked into the colonies? When I consider the government building we're now in, I tremble.

"'You stand accused by your own companion of treason to the great leader, and to your position within Myrktilhet.' Hir Himmeler wheezes and wraps both hands around the cane. 'Due to the precarious nature of your assigned task, we must be certain of your absolute commitment and devotion.'

"'I know this well,' I snap.

"Hir Himmeler clears his throat. 'I want very much to believe you, Fru Franco, yet you fail to convince me, given your insolent manners. I believe you need a reminder of the tremendous responsibility you--'

"He's interrupted when my wristcom chimes. The ringtone is Holten's. Please, my love, not now. I swallow my terror.

"'Answer it,' Hir Himmeler says.

"'No.'

"Hir Himmeler's arm whips forth and he seizes me by the shoulder. His fingers dig into my flesh, clenching my bones. Power streams into me. Every nerve and muscle in my body shriek with agony. I cry out and buckle to the concrete floor.

"'Answer the call. Now.'

"Compelled. Can't fight his power. It contorts me into submission. Every member of Myrktilhet carries a link of influence, bestowed at initiation, which allows the elders to force their will upon us. I activate the wristcom with voice command and wince when Holten's face appears on hologram.

"'Phyllis! Where are you, darling? I'm beside myself with worry.'

"Hir Himmeler inhales sharply.

"'I...I can't see you anymore,' I tell my beloved. 'It's over between us. Don't call me again.'

"Holten's jaw drops. 'What...why? Have I wronged you in some way?'

"'No. It's not that. It's just--'

"'Please, tell me.' His voice quavers. 'Don't leave me like this.'

"Hir Himmeler chuckles.

"Holten scowls, and his eyes darken to near-black like his grandfather's. 'Who was that laughing? You're not alone. Where are you right now?'

"My tears fall against my will. 'Pay it no heed. We're through. Never call me again. Do you hear me?' My shout echoes through the empty council chamber. 'Stay away from me.'

"I bash the wristcom against the floor and shatter the display. The hologram dies, and with it the only love I've ever known vanishes from my life forever.

"Hir Himmeler paces a slow circle around me. 'You are in love with Hir Jaster's grandson. Why have you not told us this?'

"'Forget about him.' I spit in his direction, blinded by grief. 'It's over, and is none of your concern.'

"'Oh, it's very much our concern, child. Consorting so with our enemies is treason, and bears the stigma of death. You know this.'

"I can't take it any longer. The resolve of years crumbles within me. Bile rises in my throat. 'If I've broken the law, then punish me. Kill me if you must. But leave Holten out of this.'

"Hir Himmeler grins, his teeth long and narrow. 'You know we can't do that, sweet girl. He's already involved by association. And now you will help us maneuver Hir Kraelis Jaster into our sacrifice. As you're so familiar with the traitor's family, it should be no challenge for you. And it's the perfect way to redeem yourself.'

"My retort comes as a growl. 'Never.'

"He lifts the cane, and hits me on the back of the neck. The resounding crack rattles my spine, and pain bursts across my shoulders and head. My tears and saliva drip to the floor.

"'Take her away, and help her remember who she is, and why she is here.' Hir Himmeler waves to the Wraiths. They grab my arms and pull me to my feet.

"I have no strength to resist. The Wraiths escort me through a side door, and up several flights of stairs. At the top, a small cell awaits. They lock me into it, and I huddle in the dark corner. All reason ceases after that moment. For three days, they torture me. Strip me of my clothing, my clarity, my dignity, my sense of self. Burned with torches, raked with the razored bone fingers of the Vile Hand, my mind and body are prodded and invaded. Unimaginable pain. They brand me with the runes of Fidelity, Servitude, and Allegiance. Here, across my belly. I still bear them." Selketh paused, and rested a hand over her navel. "Myrktilhet still seeks to control me through these marks. I've countered them for years, struggled against their schemes, and it may soon all be in vain. Thus far, I've faced them alone. But I falter, and they grow stronger every day." She crawled to Mother and raised her hands in a shivering plea. "Help me, my Lady. I beg of you. Not for myself, but for the worlds and all we hold dear."

Mother's face was a dollish visage, porcelain white and expressionless. "I pity you, Selketh, but one talon remains. And I must know why you helped them kill my Olfar before I profess my trust in you."

Selketh nodded, and gathered the last talon. "Yes. This must be the last memory. I can feel it pressing for release. I wish to be free of the guilt. And I ask your forgiveness for all that happened."

A corner of Mother's wine-painted lips curled in a smile. She stroked Selketh's dark hair. "We'll see. Now, enlighten us with the truth, once and for all."

***

Author's Note: Whew! There's so much to reveal. The final talon and the greatest revelation are imminent. Have to take a breather after this one, but the next installment is soon to come. Stay tuned for more mayhem and enlightenment!