Текст книги "Riposte"

Автор книги: Michael A. Stackpole

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Текущая страница: 18 (всего у книги 24 страниц)

36

ComStar First Circuit Compound

Hilton Head Island, North America, Terra

20 August 3028

Archon Katrina Steiner bit at her lower lip to stop it from trembling as she watched her daughter's reflection in the triptych mirror. Melissa, my child, you are so beautiful. I do not want to lose you yet.Though she fought it, a tear rolled down one cheek.

Melissa turned slowly amid a swirl of white silk and smiled gently at her mother. Fine lace covered her from throat to shoulders and down the bodice of the gown. Wide white silk bows sat on each shoulder as though securing the puffy upper part of the sleeve to the body of the dress. From elbow to wrist, the sleeves tapered down Melissa's forearms, ending in a lace triangle that covered the backs of her hands.

Hundreds of pearls had been painstakingly handsewn over the bodice to roughly describe not the well-known Steiner Fist, but the four center-pointing triangles crest of Arthur Luvon's home-world, Donegal. Delicate lace patterns decorated both the gown and the train.

Melissa reached out to her mother and brushed away the tear. "Please don't cry." She smiled sheepishly. "If you start, then I will, too, and then we'll never be ready."

The Archon nodded. Katrina looked over at Misha Auburn, Melissa's maid of honor. "Misha, could you give me a minute alone with my daughter?"

"Call for me when you want me to put on the veil and I'll help you," Misha said, flashing them both a smile as she closed the door of the dressing room behind her.

After Misha had vanished, the Archon turned to her daughter.

"I know we've had this conversation before, Melissa, and you've answered my questions . . . I just want you to know . . ."

Melissa raised her right hand to her mother's lips. "Hush, Mother. Yes, you and Hanse Davion arranged this marriage six years ago when I was still a child. You asked for my consent then, and I agreed because you asked. What I knew of Hanse Davion at that time was nine-tenths legend and one-tenth hostile court gossip."

Melissa smiled as memories flooded back to her. "When Ardan Sortek came to Tharkad to recover from his injuries on Stein's Folly, I developed a fine crush upon him. Hanse seemed so distant then and Ardan so immediate. It was difficult to keep things straight in my mind, but so fierce was Ardan's loyalty to Hanse that I don't think anything in the galaxy could have made him return my interest.

"It was then that I realized what sort of man Hanse Davion must be. He trusted his friends and confidants with power and responsibility." Melissa glanced at the framed picture of Hanse on her vanity table. "As you've often reminded me, a ruler is judged by the people she keeps as advisors. A strong person associates with strong people, and a weak ruler gathers a court of sycophants around himself. Hanse Davion, as I came to see him through Ardan's stories and actions, had to be a strong man."

The Archon nodded. "But is he a man with whom you can spend the rest of your life?"

Melissa nodded. "The incident with the Silver Eaglelast year gave me all the assurances I'll ever need. When I reached Northwind in the company of the Kell Hounds, I was badly shaken. I saw every death on the Styx station as my fault and an indication of my inability to do anything effectively. Hanse was firm but gentle in pointing out where my assessments were flawed, and where I had made errors in judgement. He helped me understand that I must learn from that horrible situation. I know I cannot prevent disasters, but I do feel I'm better able to deal with them because of his help."

Melissa half-shut her eyes. "More important, Mother, I saw how deeply Hanse cared for me and for those lost in the Styx station battle. To him, the people who died there were more than statistics. In private moments, he spoke of his pain at seeing so much human potential senselessly wasted.

"I do not doubt, Mother, that Hanse is capable of using men and machines to punish his enemies—this we both know—but I do believe a piece of him dies with each of his citizens. Any war he chooses to wage will occur only because it prevents a conflict that would be even more destructive."

The Archon smiled openly. You made a decision first as a child, but you have grown into it as a woman. I pray you find the happiness you deserve."Melissa, I always believed that you were destined for great things. This wedding, sealing the fates of the Lyran Commonwealth and the Federated Suns together, is just the beginning. Thank God such responsibility has fallen upon one who is willing to accept it."

Melissa hugged her mother tightly. "Thank you for trusting me with it."

The Archon broke the embrace reluctantly. "I'll get Misha."

Melissa shook her head. She crossed to the room's other door and knocked on it twice. She waited, then knocked three more times. The Archon-Designate stepped back as the lock clicked and the door opened.

Jeana bowed her head to the Archon. "You need me?"

Melissa nodded, then turned to her mother. "Mother, could you hand me that box on the vanity, please?" Melissa took the small hinged box from her mother and handed it to Jeana. "Open it."

Jeana looked from Melissa to the Archon and back apprehensively. She started as she opened the box, then drew from it a slender silver chain. Hanging from the chain was a twisted, partially melted sliver of metal. The Archon's eyebrows knitted together in a wary look. That's a 'Mech charm. What's Melissa doing with it?

Melissa smiled at Jeana. "That is what they refer to, in the Federated Suns, as a 'Mech charm. The tradition of salvaging a piece of your first 'Mech, especially if it's shot out from under you, dates from Star League days—or so Hanse tells me. He said the graduates of the Albion Military Academy believe that to give a 'Mech charm to a loved one will protect that person, and that it is the greatest honor one person can bestow on another."

Melissa swallowed hard. "Hanse gave me the charm after Styx, and said he wished he'd given it to me earlier. I've worn it ever since."

Jeana slowly shook her head. "I can't take this, Highness, I . . ."

Jeana tried to give it back, but Melissa firmly shook her head. "You must. I have Hanse to protect me now. I want you to have this 'Mech charm to hold you safe, and as a very inadequate token of my gratitude for all you have done for me, and will continue to do. Because of you, I have this chance to be happy."

Jeana nodded wordlessly. Melissa reached out and brushed the tears from her cheeks. Jeana brought her head up and smiled. "I have happiness in service to you, Melissa Arthur Steiner. You are the heart and soul of the Lyran Commonwealth. You make all of us proud."

"Thank you, Jeana." Melissa gave her a brief hug, then let her slip back through the door. Turning to her mother, she smiled happily. "Don't worry, Mother. I really do love him."

The Archon nodded at her only child. "You look so beautiful, Melissa. Your father would have been proud of you. I can only hope that you and Hanse will share the joy that your father and I did, and know it for many more years."

Melissa closed her eyes to hold back the tears. "I love you, Mother."

The Archon enfolded her daughter in a hug. "And I love you, Melissa, my child. Always."

37

ComStar First Circuit Compound

Hilton Head Island, North America, Terra

20 August 3028

Morgan Hasek-Davion tugged at the sleeves of his midnight blue dress jacket. The silvery starburst at his left shoulder sent four rays out toward the jacket's centerline. He rubbed his sleeve against one ray to remove a smudge, then brushed his long red hair back from the argent epaulets with the wide white band at their base. Turning from the full-length mirror, he opened his arms wide. "What do you think, love?"

Kym smiled proudly, then reached up and adjusted the ceremonial silver gorget so that it was centered on Morgan's broad chest. Standing on her toes, she kissed him briefly. "I think, dear heart, that you look very handsome and that I shall be most jealous at the reception while you dance with the maid of honor."

"Not to worry, Kym. I learned the other night that Misha Auburn was quite taken a year ago with Andrew Redburn during his tour of the Lyran Commonwealth. I guess they've been corresponding since then. I'd not steal a woman from an old friend."

Kym's lower lip began to thrust forward in a pout. "Is that the only reason you'd not be interested in her?"

Morgan pulled Kym close. "You are the only reason I'm not interested in any other woman."

She smiled and brushed the tip of Morgan's nose with one finger. "That's the right answer, Morgan Hasek-Davion. Don't you forget it."

Morgan nodded happily. "Just as long as you're there to remind me."

The door behind Kym swung open, but Hanse Davion hesitated in the doorway. "Forgive me. I should have knocked."

Kym shook her head. "No, I'm the one who shouldn't be here." She kissed Morgan quickly, then added, "I'm just leaving. Congratulations, Highness. I wish you much happiness."

Hanse smiled pleasantly. "Thank you, Lady Sorenson. I trust you have made sure Morgan has the rings and will not embarrass the Federated Suns."

Kym winked at Morgan. "Have no fear, Highness." She bowed to the Prince, then withdrew, closing the door behind her.

Morgan smiled at the Prince. "I have the rings, Uncle."

Hanse nodded somewhat distractedly. "I know, Morgan. I know."

Morgan's red brows knitted together in a frown. "Hanse, you're not actually nervous, are you?"

Hanse hesitated, then laughed. "It shows, then?"

"A bit," said Morgan, a devilish grin working onto his face.

"But I don't expect you'll have any trouble, you know . . ."

Hanse raised his eyebrow, but kept his good humor. "Trouble with what, Morgan?"

Morgan chuckled. "Remembering your lines today. But if you do, I'll be there to help."

Hanse laughed along with his nephew. "Thank you, Morgan, for helping me to loosen up some of this tension. This is a momentous day."

Morgan nodded solemnly. "That it is." He chewed his lower lip, then swallowed hard. "I just want you to know, Hanse, that being your best man means a great deal to me. You know, back when the tradition first began, the best man was chosen because it was his job to fight off pursuers when the groom stole the bride from her family." Morgan looked down at his boots and spurs. "That's what I'll do, too . . . I'll defend you, your bride, and the House of Davion against anyone who threatens it."

Hanse rested both hands on Morgan's broad shoulders. "Morgan, when I brought you to New Avalon four years ago, it was a way to make your father think twice about some of the actions he'd taken. Soon after your arrival, I realized it was a mistake because I ended up punishing you for difficulties your father and I had with each other." Hanse smiled briefly. "However, I also came to realize that I wanted you to remain on New Avalon. It is my home and having you there made it seem even more the kind of place I want it to be."

Hanse dropped his hands and turned away. "I would be lying if I said there were not political considerations in choosing you to stand beside me, however. Ardan suggested it, and I agreed because we know that by honoring you, we show the people of the Capellan March that I do care for them and their well-being."

Hanse turned back slowly. "Believe me, however, when I tell you that not for an instant have I regretted that choice. There are those who advise me against trusting you. They say you are a Hasek and they remind me that you spent your formative years in the Capellan March. Indeed, you sit nearest the thrones of two Houses. Were I to die without an heir, you would certainly be pressed into service as a candidate to succeed me."

Hanse smiled with sincerity at his nephew. "Still and all, I have come to understand one very important thing about you, Morgan. Because you have lived in both the Capellan March and the Crucis March, because of your education at Warriors Hall and NAMA, and because of your blood, you do truly understand what it means to belong to the Federated Suns. You are a Hasek and a Davion, but more than either one. No matter what, never doubt that you have my complete trust."

Morgan looked down for a moment as he collected his thoughts. He was touched by the fervor in the voice of the man who was his uncle and also his Prince. "Thank you, Hanse, for that trust. I don't want Marches to rule, nor do I want the power-that intoxicating, mindnumbing power that warps and twists people—that seems to go hand in hand with ruling some part of the Successor States. Once you have an heir, you can award me a small plot of land somewhere and let me live out my days as a country squire."

Hanse smiled. "You've been talking to Ardan Sortek too much."

Morgan shrugged. "Maybe so, but he's got the right idea. Politics is for those who know how to navigate the intricate and subtle patterns fate weaves. I served the Federated Suns willingly, but if I can keep the thread of my life clear of political entanglements, I will be more than happy."

Hanse glanced at his chronometer. "Well, it looks as though the time has come to tie another knot in fate's tapestry."

Morgan nodded, leading the way to the door. "Into the future, my Prince, a future of great happiness for you and your bride." Into a prosperous and secure future, my Prince, which I will do all in my power to make come true for you.

38

ComStar First Circuit Compound

Hilton Head Island, North America, Terra

20 August 3028

Justin refrained from making a comment as Colonel Ardan Sortek met him and Candace Liao just inside the cathedral's door. Sortek graciously bowed his head to the two Capellans. "Good afternoon, Duchess . . . Citizen Xiang."

Candace smiled politely at Ardan. "And to you, Colonel."

Justin nodded stiffly, keeping his voice flat and emotionless. "Colonel Sortek . . ."

Ardan offered his arm to Candace. "As an usher, it will be my distinct pleasure to lead you to a seat. Do we consider you a friend of the bride or of the groom?"

Even Justin had a hard time keeping his face impassive at Candace's reply. "Why Colonel," she cooed, "that must have been a most difficult question for many of the guests to answer."

Though Ardan managed to smother a chuckle, amusement lit his handsome face. "Truer words have seldom been spoken. Citizens of Houses Marik and Kurita have split over the issue, though your father and sister have chosen to represent themselves as friends of the bride."

Justin nodded. "Choosing the lesser of two evils," he said evenly.

Ardan smiled cautiously. "An interesting perspective, Citizen."

Candace flicked a cool gaze at Justin, and he fell silent. Quite right, Candace. This is not the time or the place for rancor.

Candace slipped her arm through the crook of Ardan's elbow. "If you think the Prince would not find it offensive, Colonel, I would wish to sit on his side of the aisle. I do this as the first installment on the debt I owe him."

Ardan raised an eyebrow. "Debt, Duchess?"

"Yes, because the Prince did not attack the St. Ives Commonality after the unfortunate terrorist attack on Kittery. My passions do not run as hot, nor my blood run as cold, as they do for others in my family at the mere mention of Prince Hanse Davion's name."

"A wise decision," Ardan said with a slight smile before turning to Justin. "Citizen Xiang, if you will follow us."

Justin went along with them, but his mind was elsewhere. What game is Candace playing? Sitting away from the Chancellor while her sister sits close by can only serve to weaken her relationship with her father. Romano's stock may be very low with her father right now, but it rises with every passing day that ComStar does not punish House Liao. Candace must know that whatever she says to Ardan will get back to the Prince.

Organ music filled the cathedral with strong, impassioned notes as Ardan led the couple to a pew parallel to that occupied by the Capellan Chancellor and directly behind Jaime Wolf. Candace slid into the pew with a rustle of blue silk, but Justin genuflected automatically before joining her.

She laid her left hand upon his right. "Why did you do that?"

"Old habits die hard," he said with a shrug. "I was raised in the New Avalon Catholic Church, but I renounced my faith when Hanse Davion stripped me of my name. Since then, I have begun to study the Buddhist beliefs of the Capellan Confederation."

Candace squeezed Justin's hand. She nodded toward the altar where two men in gold-trimmed white vestments sat in canopied chairs emblazoned with medieval crests. "Perhaps, with your knowledge of religion, you could tell me why we have two priests to officiate at this wedding."

Justin leaned closer to the Duchess. "Those are cardinals, not just priests. The one on the left is Francis Flynn, of the New Avalon Archdiocese, and the one on the right is John Maraschal of the Tharkad Archdiocese. Because the Prince is New Avalon Catholic and the Archon-Designate is Roman Catholic, the wedding mass is to be concelebrated."

Candace frowned in puzzlement, prompting Justin to continue. "Two hundred and eighty years ago, when Stefan Amaris usurped the Star League throne, his goons occupied the Vatican. In response to the emergency, the Pope transferred church control to the Cardinals on the capitals of the five Houses. Unfortunately, the Pope's message to New Avalon was garbled in transmission, and the New Avalon Cardinal ended up believing he'd been given control of the entire Catholic Church.

"It took thirty years to elect a new Pope. During that time, the New Avalon branch of the Church initiated some reforms—such as allowing priests to marry—that created difficulties with the Church's mainstream. Since then, the two denominations have not reunited, though they openly recognize their common beginnings and respect each other's offices. To keep the peace, both Cardinals will officiate at the ceremony, though they will forego the mass that usually accompanies a wedding celebration."

Leaning back against the pew's oaken back, Justin allowed his mind to drift as he studied the beautiful architecture of the cathedral. Like the trunks of venerable redwoods, massive white marble columns rose strongly from the floor to support the vaulted ceiling. Above the central aisle, a vast stained glass mural depicting the Last Judgement glowed red, blue, and gold in the midday sun. Painstakingly exact reproductions of frescoes from the Sistine Chapel decorated the ceiling's vaults and won grudging admiration from Justin.

Once I would have marveled at these images and assumed that they thrilled me because of the story they represented.He glanced at a corner painting depicting David beheading the slain giant Goliath. Seeing that picture on a holodisk about Michelangelo inspired me to become a MechWarrior. Even now, it still has the power to take my breath away.

Justin studied the stained glass windows in the exterior walls, his gaze lingering on the huge rose window above and behind the ornate marble altar. I know the Church built this Cathedral from the rubble of churches destroyed during the Civil War started by Stefan the Usurper. But instead of it being a curious collection of unrelated styles, the unity of a theme binds everything together. Like the shrine back on Sian, this is a place of peace.

Justin smiled to himself. Be careful, warrior. If you begin to think like a philosopher, you will lose your edge. That edge is the only thing that keeps you alive.Justin chewed his lower lip. Grant the ceremony and the Prince the respect he and it are due.

Seeing Ardan Sortek escort the Archon to her seat in the front row on the left side of the aisle, Justin smiled slightly. Interesting to see the Archon in civilian dress instead of the paramilitary uniforms she normally wears. She is, indeed, a beautiful woman.

Another usher guided Marie Davion, the Prince's half-sister, to a spot of equal importance on the Davion side of the aisle. Michael Hasek-Davion, his hair in its characteristic braid, joined his wife. Justin narrowed his eyes. The Duke seems ill at ease. I suspect he sees this marriage as the destruction of his chances to take the Federated Suns throne.Justin caught himself. Still, as long as Hanse has no heir, Michael's path to the throne remains open. And as long as Michael is alive, he will aspire to the throne.

Moments later, the six ushers filed up the aisle and seated themselves further along in the front row. As members of the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns, all wore dress uniforms decorated with gold braid, medals, and campaign ribbons. They sat tall and proud, and for the barest of moments, Justin envied them.

Through a side door behind the altar, Morgan Hasek-Davion led the Prince to his place a third of the way down the aisle. Both men wore the deep blue uniform of the Davion Heavy Guards, but aside from the insignia of rank, neither had added any medals or ribbons to their jackets. Justin admired that. Neither of these men needs trinkets to remind others of their bravery. Anyone with eyes to see can read it in their stance and in their eyes.

As the organ music shifted smoothly to the familiar tones of a wedding march, all the guests rose as one and turned to face the rear of the Cathedral. Justin strained unsuccessfully to see through the crowd, but the growing wave of hushed whispers proceeding from the rear told him the procession had begun.

Finally, he saw the first members of the wedding party. Two young girls, nervously glancing back over their shoulders to make sure they were not outstripping those who followed, scattered rose petals along the aisle. The Prince smiled at them as they drew close, and the one nearest him giggled as she moved past.

Next came the bridesmaids. All tall, slender beauties, they wore matching gowns cut from a deep green silk. In their hands, they carried small bouquets of mycosiablossoms that matched the color of their gowns.

Justin licked his lips. He knew that the mycosiaflowered only once a year on Andalusia. The Prince must have set up a Command Circuit of JumpShips to get the flowers here in time for the ceremony. The image of one DropShip passing from JumpShip to JumpShip along a string of jump points to reduce a long interstellar journey to mere hours sent a shiver down Justin's spine. Hanse honors his bride with such extravagant expense.

Behind the half-dozen bridesmaids came Misha Auburn. Wearing a gown similar to, but more beautifully embellished than those worn by the bridesmaids, she smiled radiantly as Morgan Hasek-Davion offered her his arm. He led her to the foot of the altar, then both of them genuflected and moved in opposite directions. Instead of joining the bridesmaids, who were seated beside the Archon, Misha proceeded on to the altar and stood beside the Cardinal from Tharkad. Morgan took up his place opposite her on the groom's side of the altar.

Justin felt Candace clutch his arm as Melissa drifted into view. "Justin, she is so beautiful!"

Justin nodded. Despite Melissa's veil, he could see the love shining in her gray eyes. Her expression was grave, but it was clearly that of a woman who very much wanted to marry the man waiting for her.

Morgan Kell stopped Melissa a pace shy of Hanse Davion. He enfolded her in a fierce hug, which she returned equally, then he turned to the Prince. Offering his hand, the mercenary Colonel murmured something to Hanse Davion. The Prince shook Morgan's hand warmly, nodding in silent reply to whatever the other man had said.

Morgan placed Melissa's hand on the Prince's arm, then drifted down the aisle to sit directly behind the Archon. Arm in arm, the bride and groom completed the walk to the altar. As the processional's final notes trailed off, and their echoes died in the ceiling's vaults, the bride and groom knelt before the altar.

Both Cardinals stood, but it was the bearded, black-haired cleric from the Federated Suns who came forward first. In a rich, warm voice, he greeted the congregation. "In the names of Prince Hanse Davion and his bride, Archon-Designate Melissa Arthur Steiner, I welcome you here within the sight of the one merciful God. Their wish is that you join them in celebrating this most holy rite and that you add your blessings to this union."

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