Architects of Destiny Read online

  ARCHITECTS OF DESTINY

  by

  Amy DuBoff

  ARCHITECTS OF DESTINY

  Copyright © 2015 by Amy DuBoff

  All rights reserved. This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. No part of this eBook may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles, reviews or promotions.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  www.amyduboff.com

  Editor: Nicholas Bubb

  Cover Art: Copyright © Tom Edwards ([email protected])

  Publisher: BDL Press

  ASIN: B00TT6OIFO

  First eBook Edition: 17th April 2015

  Kindle Edition

  To my Bay

  Table of Contents

  Part 1: New Beginnings

  CHAPTER 1

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  Part 2: Awakening

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  CHAPTER 7

  CHAPTER 8

  CHAPTER 9

  Part 3: Fulfillment

  CHAPTER 10

  CHAPTER 11

  CHAPTER 12

  CHAPTER 13

  CHAPTER 14

  CHAPTER 15

  Next in the Cadicle series

  Acknowledgements

  Glossary

  About the Author

  Part 1: New Beginnings

  CHAPTER 1

  I must leave tonight. I can’t stay here any longer— Cris Sietinen was pulled from his thoughts, aware his tutor was still speaking.

  “Get inside your opponent’s head,” his tutor urged, his steel-blue eyes locked on Cris. “Reach out to them, just as Marina taught you. Analyze their intentions and emotions. Movements can deceive, but what’s in the mind cannot be faked. Trust your intuition.”

  Cris lowered his electronic rapier. Getting through the rest of the day was going to be a challenge. He took a deep breath and gave his full attention back to the lesson, a challenging glint in his cobalt eyes. “It’s not intuition, Sedric. Science has told us that much.”

  Sedric sighed. “Telepathy, clairvoyance, call it what you will. You are one of the few with the gift. Use it.”

  Cris’ restraint slipped. “If it’s such a ‘gift,’ then why does everyone treat it like a curse? There must be a reason the Priesthood condemns the use of such abilities.” Then again, they practically control the rest of our lives. Why not tell us to deny an innermost part of ourselves, too? He shuddered to think what the Priesthood would do if they found out about Marina’s covert telepathy lessons.

  “It’s not our place to speculate about matters regarding the Priesthood. Not even yours, my lord.” Sedric Almar was decades past his prime, but he still possessed the same youthful vigor as the day he joined the Tararian Guard. As a trusted Captain, he remained a formidable opponent in any close-quarter combat, gray hair or not.

  Cris tilted his head. “But you have to wonder. On Tararia and most of the colonies, there’s nothing but anti-telekinesis propaganda. Yet, an entire division of the Tararian Selective Service is dedicated to honing the abilities of those rare few ‘gifted’ like me, and the Priesthood does nothing.”

  “The TSS is unique in many ways,” Sedric replied, dismissing the dispute with a shake of his head. He gripped his sword and struck an offensive pose. “Now, we have a lesson to finish.”

  Cris was resolute, determined to finally get an answer to the questions his teacher was always so eager to dodge. “You spent a year with the TSS, didn’t you? You must have seen so much—”

  A single crease deepened between Sedric’s dark eyebrows. “My lord, with all respect, your father doesn’t appreciate discussion of the TSS.”

  No! Why did he have to say that? Cris fought for a moment, but the serene facade shattered. “Of course he doesn’t!” he exclaimed, his chest tight. “He wants me to ignore my abilities, just like he did. Why should I listen to someone who wants me to live a lie?”

  “I’m sorry, I—” Sedric started at the sudden outburst, bringing his slender sword to a resting position with the illuminated tip on the ground.

  Cris shook his head, letting out a pained laugh. “You don’t understand what it’s like… to have all the privileges of being born into this family, and yet it doesn’t mean anything. He’ll never be happy with who I am, not after the son he lost years ago. Me? I’m just his replacement heir to the Sietinen Dynasty—a tool to perpetuate our familial empire.” I’m nothing but a disappointing shadow of the brother I never knew.

  “You mustn’t think that way, my lord,” Sedric said with a gentleness that belied his hardened exterior.

  Stars! Just a few more hours… Cris swallowed, his throat raw. Then I can get away from Tararia and stop being compared to the impossibly perfect memory of Tristen. “I know I’m just a constant reminder of who he lost. Shite, it’s no wonder he and my mother avoid me. I guess by now I should be used to seeing my instructors more than my own parents.” Cris met Sedric’s gaze for a moment before looking down.

  Sedric put an encouraging hand on Cris’ toned shoulder. “You’re true to yourself, and that’s the best thing you can be.”

  Like that’s done me any good so far. Cris undid the collar of his training jumpsuit. The subtle blue sensor lights on the dark gray suit extinguished.

  There was no hope of resuming the self-defense lesson.

  Cris stepped from the black rubberized tiles covering the training arena onto the familiar veined, white marble found throughout the estate. He set his sword in its rack along the wall next to the other training weapons. As he removed his jumpsuit, he stared out the window at the clear sky above the manicured grounds. He couldn’t wait to be out among the stars.

  To Cris’ disappointment, when he glanced at the time displayed on the viewscreen integrated into the wall, he saw that it was only halfway through the scheduled lesson time. He sighed.

  Sedric groaned in response. “I can’t stand to see you looking so glum.” He rested both hands atop the hilt of his sword. “Do you really want to know about my time with the TSS?”

  Cris perked up, restoring the hint of a spark to his eyes. “You know I do.” He returned to the arena, wearing only the gray t-shirt and black workout pants that had been beneath his training jumpsuit.

  “Fine,” Sedric yielded. “But it stays between us, okay?”

  Cris nodded, feeling the tension in his chest dissipate. “Of course.”

  Sedric smoothed his light gray uniform as if reliving a morning muster. “The TSS training program is unlike anything here on Tararia. Though it was all such a long time ago, I’ve never forgotten how it felt to be there. Nothing of anyone’s outside life mattered. You could come from one of the High Dynasties or from the streets—everyone was treated the same.” He paused, but Cris’ pleading eyes drove him on. “I was only in the Militia division, for those without your gifts, but I had a few chances to meet the Agents. They have this presence that can quiet a room. Such power. I was always awed by the abilities they possessed. It was something timeless.”

  “So why did you leave?”

  A grimace flitted across Sedric’s face, barely perceptible. “Many only attend for the first year. It just wasn’t the life for me.”

  He’s keeping something from me. Cris examined his instructor. “If many leave after the first year, it must be easy to join. How do—”


  Sedric let out a gruff laugh. “I never should have said anything. Now you’re getting fanciful ideas.”

  Cris smiled disarmingly, bringing out his natural good looks. He ran a hand through his chestnut brown hair. “Please, Sedric? I’m only trying to broaden my knowledge of the outside world.”

  His teacher scrutinized him. “There’s an open application process for Militia, but most Agent slots are by invitation. However, it is best if you permanently remove such thoughts from your mind.”

  Cris composed his face, but the mischievous smile never fully left his eyes. “I was just curious.”

  The old guard was not convinced. “You have a duty, my lord. Whether you like it or not, you are the Sietinen heir and will one day be in charge of SiNavTech and the Third Region of Tararia. That is an extraordinary responsibility. I only hope that you will embrace that power.”

  “Oh, I will.” Just as I will embrace the power that I have within. “That will come with time. I’m only sixteen—I still have much to learn. Eventually I will inherit my birthright and all that comes with it, but until then, I will do as I please.”

  Sedric was about to respond, but was interrupted by the door opening.

  Cris turned to see who had entered. His gaze rested on Marina Alexri, one of his father’s Court Advisors; the intrusion did nothing to improve his mood. Marina was young and pretty, but had a frigid demeanor. Her station as his sole telepathy instructor was the one redeeming element of their relationship. He instinctively bolstered his ever-present mental guards. Stars! What does she want?

  “Working hard with combat techniques, I see,” Marina said, stepping into the room. Her dark blonde hair was pulled up into a complex bun with braids and twists, and she wore a rich emerald dress tailored to her slender figure. Her green eyes surveyed the room, missing no detail.

  Sedric came to attention. “We were exploring the finer points of verbal battle, madam.”

  “Naturally.” Marina smiled curtly. “Come, Cristoph. There is a matter your father must discuss with you.”

  “It’s ‘Cris,’” he corrected, despite failing with his hundreds of previous attempts.

  “Yes, as you wish, my lord.” The Court Advisor turned and walked out of the room.

  When Marina was back in the hallway, Cris sighed and turned to Sedric. “I’m sorry for arguing. You’re a wonderful teacher—one of the best I have. I don’t mean to be difficult.” His throat tightened. You’re the only one I’ll miss… You always believed in me.

  Sedric smiled. “Think nothing of it, my lord.”

  Marina stepped back into the room. “Come along. Your father is waiting.” She disappeared again.

  Cris smiled one last time at Sedric and then went to meet Marina, trying to ease the knot in his chest. Stay focused. He took a deep breath.

  “I’m surprised my father sent you to fetch me. Now you’re running errands for him?” Cris asked the Court Advisor as he approached.

  Marina’s brow twitched. “Actually, in anticipation of your conversation with him, he wished me to terminate your telepathy instruction. I thought that best said in person.”

  A sense of loss overcame Cris. The telepathy lessons had been the one thing to make Cris feel like himself. If even that was being taken away, there was truly nothing left for him on Tararia. “That just figures.”

  “The lessons persisted for far too long,” Marina continued. “It’s time to focus on what matters.”

  Except, what mattered to Cris was of no concern to the rest of his family. He shook his head and looked down.

  “Come along. We’re late.” Marina set off down the corridor.

  Cris stood his ground. “I’m not in the mood for a lecture. I think I’ll pass on the father-son chat.”

  Marina stopped and spun around on her heel to glare at Cris. “How can you be so flippant? You seem to forget all too often that your father is a very busy and important man. There are many pressing political and economic issues you’ve never bothered to understand—”

  Cris crossed his arms. Oh, don’t I? Try quizzing me sometime and we’ll see who knows what.

  “— and, as the overseer of this Region and leader of the transportation industry for known civilization, your father must take care of it all. You should be more appreciative of the time you get with him.” She made an exasperated gesture with her arms. “Honestly, Cristoph, you become more insolent every time I see you.”

  That’s because I can’t take feeling like an outcast in my own family anymore. “I apologize for the faults in my personality. And since apparently I’ll be berated anywhere I go, you may as well lead me straight to my father so I can get the worst of it out of the way.”

  Marina’s eyes narrowed. She let out a huff and resumed striding down the hallway.

  No snide response? I’ll count that as a win. Cris followed her at a safe distance. As he trailed Marina through the spacious corridors of the Sietinen mansion’s southern wing, he glimpsed the landscaped grounds of the estate through towering windows overlooking the city of Sieten below and the great Lake Tiadon in the distance. Sieten, the capital city of the Third Region, was nestled in the breathtaking foothills of the Bethral Mountains. Its temperate climate was pleasant in the peaks of summer and winter even without weather modification, making it envied by Dynasties throughout the five other Regions of Tararia. Though it was the only home Cris had ever known, he still felt the need to get away and see what the galaxy had to offer. I’ll come back eventually. I just want to find myself while I still have the chance.

  Marina and Cris arrived at the palatial outer administrative office for the Head of the Sietinen Dynasty. The attendants and advisors throughout the room looked to be working furiously at various touch-surface computer consoles and desktop holodisplays, though Cris had doubts about how much was actually being accomplished.

  Cris spotted his father. He, like all Sietinens before, had the distinctive chestnut hair and striking cobalt eyes that defined the bloodline; carefully arranged marriages ensured the continuation of these traits. Cris knew his mother’s Talsari heritage was nearly as pure as Sietinen, but the prestige of Sietinen was paramount.

  Marina led Cris toward the elder Sietinen, who was absorbed in conversation with two advisors. To Cris’ displeasure, Marina halted just beyond earshot of his father’s conversation, leaving Cris to stand idly while the exchange concluded. It just figured, after all the rush to arrive for the meeting, Cris would still have to wait. He glanced over at Marina. She returned his gaze with a decidedly hostile smile.

  After a few minutes, the advisors were dismissed and Reinen Sietinen-Monsari turned to look Cris over silently. Gray touched his temples, bringing a sense of distinguished age to his handsome features. He wore a deep blue suit embellished with silver accents, the finest available. “Marina informed you of the change to your instruction, I presume.”

  “Hello to you, too, father,” Cris replied. “Yes, she told me.”

  Reinen nodded. “Well, there’s another matter to discuss. Let’s go into my private office.”

  Cris nodded his consent and followed his father into a smaller room off to the right. Reinen sat down on a sleek brown couch near the center of the room and gestured for Cris to sit in one of the upholstered chairs across from him. A desk at the back of the room was framed by an arched window that stretched nearly the width of the room, looking directly over Lake Tiadon. The sun was beginning its descent, shadows emphasizing the features of the lush landscape.

  When Cris was seated, Reinen began, “I received a communiqué earlier today from the Priesthood. They requested a meeting with you.”

  Cris froze. “The Priesthood? What do they want with me?” Stars! What if they found out about my telepathy lessons?

  Reinen shook his head. “The representative refused to state the nature of their inquiry, only that they wished to interview you as soon as possible. That’s not the kind of attention we need.”

  Cris was well aware h
ow rare it was to be singled out as an individual. The Priesthood of the Cadicle oversaw all Taran affairs, governing even the High Dynasties and their respective corporations that were the pillars for inter-planetary society. The organization served as the critical moderator to regulate the Taran worlds, controlling laws, the flow of information, and the application of new technological advances. Even lending the tiebreaking vote on any matter brought before the six High Dynasties, the Priesthood’s authority was complete and binding. But, given its roots as a formerly theological institution, the Priesthood had been unquestionably viewed as Taran society’s moral compass for generations.

  “Did you set an appointment?” Cris asked.

  “No. They wanted the interview to take place on their island. I could not agree to such a meeting without knowing to what it pertains.”

  No matter now. If all goes well, I’ll be gone by tomorrow morning. Cris felt his father’s eyes on him and looked up.

  “You’re getting older, Cris. People are beginning to take more of an interest in you.”

  “You mean dynastic heads are trying to marry me off to their daughters. I’m still way too young to have any interest in such matters.”

  His father sighed. “One day soon you will have to.”

  “But not yet.”

  “Cris, I— I just worry about you.”

  Why does he pretend? At least Mother just ignores me. “Is that so? Forgive my incredulous tone, but it’s just that you’ve never expressed much interest in me before.”

  Reinen seemed taken aback. “What makes you say that?”

  Cris shook his head. “It doesn’t matter.”

  “No, Cris, if something is bothering you, I want to know about it.”

  Cris sighed. “Now, when you say you worry about me… What do you mean—my political future? My future as the leader of this dynasty and as an executive of SiNavTech?”

  “Well, of course. You seem disinterested.”

  That’s because I am! “What about my feelings as your son?”