Song of Empire

Book 2: Unpicking the Web

De: Anthony Harrington

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

In Song of Empire, Book 2, Siian and his companions on the Merryweather, Seth, Y'leta and Fodar, set out to transform Xenon, which has regressed to a medieval way of life. They also have to devise a way of defeating the Federation, which has a space-going navy capable of suppressing colony planets whose technology is vastly superior to Xeon's. In their planning they can draw on the resources of their ship's artificial mind, the AM Kodin, but ultimately success will depend up on Siian's capabilities as a human/Guardian cross. One of their first tasks is to end the threat posed to the colonists by the Nyohite, the army of warriors raised by the crazed Guardian, Teth, who is hell bent on revenge for the colonists' ancestors murdering her fellow Guardians and injuring her terribly. "...“Guardian Teth,” Y’leta spoke softly, “show yourself.” “I will do so, merchanteer Y’leta, when you, rather than your machine stand in my room.” The Guardian’s voice was thick. distorted, more a croak than clearly articulated words. Y’leta had to listen closely to make out what she was saying. “I would do so, but I do not wish to provoke a pointless attack from your people. Enough have died already. I have with me sixty nine survivors from the ambush on Lord Kargon’s party. They are all that remains.” “More than I expected,” the Guardian replied softly. “I had counted the whole party lost when they failed to return. Why do you hesitate to come? I know you are not vulnerable to my people’s spears.” “I will come, Guardian. But I tell you plainly I do not like what I see about me here. You doubtless have some weaponry of your own with you. You will guarantee me my safety. Kodin, our AM, will record everything that passes between us. If I feel threatened in any way, I will not hesitate to take appropriate measures.” “I care nothing for your judgements or your threats, merchanteer Y’leta. My duty and yours is to the Federation. If you are honourable, you are quite safe with me. As to how you get here, you must use your own powers. I will not appear until I see you face to face. I cannot give my people orders without exposing myself to what may be a grave risk.” Y’leta’s irritation mounted. “If I wanted your death, Teth, you must know I have weapons which could reduce this whole camp to dust. I repeat, we are from the merchanteer Merryweather. We are not the ones responsible for the destruction of your colleagues. You will be safe with us.” There was a soft cackle from within the darkness of the room in which the Guardian had chosen to conceal herself. “Humour me, merchanteer. I have been long at the game of survival. Many sought me in the early years. It is not impossible that the rebel colonists could have found some way of offering a merchanteer a sufficient reward for my death. Come to me in person. “You need not be too nice with my people. They are creatures of battle and death. To die in the effort to protect me would be a glorious fate for my warriors...”