The Uprising (The Mamluks Saga: Episode 2) Read online

  Table of Contents

  The Uprising

  Copyright

  Part One—The Next Challenger | Chapter 1: Juozas

  Chapter 2: Emily

  Chapter 3: Juozas

  Chapter 4: Juozas

  Chapter 5: Emily

  Chapter 6: Juozas

  Chapter 7: Juozas

  Chapter 8: Emily

  Chapter 9: Juozas

  Chapter 10: Emily

  Chapter 11: Juozas

  Chapter 12: Emily

  Part Two—A New Era | Chapter 13: Emily

  Chapter 14: Juozas

  Chapter 15: Emily

  Chapter 16: Juozas

  Chapter 17: Emily

  Chapter 18: Juozas

  Chapter 19: Emily

  Chapter 20: Juozas

  Chapter 21: Emily

  Chapter 22: Juozas

  Chapter 23: Emily

  Chapter 24: Juozas

  Chapter 25: Emily

  Chapter 26: Juozas

  Chapter 27: Emily

  Chapter 28: Juozas

  Part Three—Humanity Lives | Chapter 29: Juozas

  Chapter 30: Emily

  Chapter 31: Juozas

  Chapter 32: Emily

  Chapter 33: Juozas

  Chapter 34: Emily

  Chapter 35: Juozas

  Part Four—The Alliance | Chapter 36: Emily

  Chapter 37: Juozas

  Chapter 38: Emily

  Chapter 39: Juozas

  Chapter 40: Emily

  Part Five—Civil War | Chapter 41: Juozas

  Chapter 42: Emily

  Chapter 43: Juozas

  Chapter 44: Emily

  Chapter 45: Juozas

  Chapter 46: Emily

  Chapter 47: Juozas

  Part Six—To Protect The Ruler | Chapter 48: Emily

  Chapter 49: Juozas

  Chapter 50: Emily

  Chapter 51: Juozas

  Chapter 52: Emily

  The Uprising

  A Novella

  By

  Edward Lake

  Copyright

  All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the publisher.

  Copyright @ 2013 by Edward Lake

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

  Please be advised: This book is part of a series. It is highly suggested that you read episode 1 before reading episode 2.

  Part One—The Next Challenger

  Chapter 1: Juozas

  The words of the slave who sang, ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’ were stuck in my head as I ran through the forest. “My Lord, I guess our history dies with us.” Since hearing that wonderful, uplifting song, and those gripping words about a forgotten past, an old memory had resurfaced in my mind.

  The memory was of the night I asked my mother, Emily, about her mother. We were playing around in my room, and she began to tickle me. As a child, I loved Mother’s tickles. Her tickles always made me smile and laugh, and sometimes, I laughed so hard I cried.

  When I asked Mother what her mother’s name was, I was expecting to hear a story about a great woman. Instead, Mother ignored the question and hurried out of my room like she was hiding something from me. I sat there all night, wondering why.

  Could Mother be a part of the forgotten history the slave spoke of? Up until now, I had always believed that Mother had been born long after the conquest of Earth. At least that’s what I had been taught during my time at the Soldiers Academy.

  Still, even though I was deeply troubled, I had to stay focused on the task at hand. My fight with Adomas was only a few days away, and I was ready to fulfill my destiny. A new Champion will rise.

  A group of hovercrafts followed me from above, spraying water over the forest as I sprinted past the scenic trees and plants. I had been running since the early morning, strengthening my endurance, preparing for the fight. After such a long run, it was a delight to be under the cool, drizzling water.

  When I finally got back to my building, I stopped at the garden on the far side and jogged in place. I was in phenomenal shape, and I felt like I could run forever. I turned around to go back into the forest for another run, but before I could take off, I heard someone call to me from the balcony that overlooked the garden. I spun around and saw my mother, looking down on me with a warm smile.

  “My dear son, how are you?”

  I smiled back and walked closer. “Excellent, Mother. I’m ready for the fight.”

  She leaned back and crossed her arms. “Well, it’s still a few days away. Don’t exert all your energy now.”

  I firmly shook my head. “No. I feel invincible. Nothing can stop me.”

  Mother let out a slight chuckle. “Then at least take a break to spend some time with the rest of us. I’ve hardly seen you since the fight was announced.”

  I grinned and shrugged. “I suppose I can stop for a moment.”

  Mother waved me on. “Come on up, Dear. I’ll have Audrey get us something to drink.”

  I jogged inside and hiked to the balcony. Audrey was just getting there when I arrived. She came forward and handed me a chilled drink as I sat down.

  “Than—’’ I stopped myself and set the drink down on the small, sandstone table between the chairs.

  Mother caught me and flashed a tense smile. I looked away in embarrassment, upset with myself. We stayed quiet as Audrey placed Mother’s drink on the table. Then, when Audrey left, I looked back at Mother and saw her staring at me.

  “So, you feel ready?”

  “Yes. And I’m so excited I can’t wait. I’ve trained my whole life for this. At last, the time has come.”

  Mother nodded and waited a moment before continuing. “You know, Juozas. No one has ever defeated the Champion without the strength of ozlon.”

  “I know. But I won’t need it.”

  She smiled. “To be honest, I’ve been really excited, too.” She lifted her cup and held it out to me. “To us—may we enjoy a glorious reign.”

  I watched Mother with a curious stare and carefully copied her. This was the first time she had ever done such a gesture. To finish, she struck her cup against mine and said, “Cheers.”

  Chapter 2: Emily

  After my drink with Juozas, I headed to the security room to check on Adomas. When I got there, I found him standing at the center of the room—holding his hands behind his back— staring at the holographic monitors. It was like he knew the end was coming, and he wanted to look over the security room one last time.

  I walked in and stood beside him. Even after being with him for so long, I was still amazed at the sheer size of our Champion. All the Mamluks were big, but Adomas was something special. His arms were incredibly long, reaching a few inches past his knees, and his muscles looked like they were carved out of stone. His daring, bold blue eyes were always a pleasure to stare at, too. And in the bedroom, his thick, full lips could make me climax like no human man ever could.

  He glanced at me with a smile. “Emily.”

  “Hello, Adomas.” I quickly checked the monitors. “How is everything?”

  “Excellent.”

  Lately, I had noticed a change in him. The sexy coldness about him that I had grown to love had been replaced with a passive shroud. Maybe the upcoming fight with Juozas was having an effect on him?

  In the past, Adomas had always regarded the inevitable battle against his spawn as ‘only the next fight.’ Now, I
doubted such a claim. Even so, I knew he would give it everything he had left to win.

  “How are you feeling, Love?”

  He smiled anxiously and gradually turned away. “I am prepared for the next challenger. The fight is all that remains.” Then he left the room.

  Chapter 3: Juozas

  On my second run, I came across a field of working slaves. They were spread out for a few miles, digging holes in the ground with shovels, and chopping at the soil with other tools. The sun was shining a bit brighter now, and the increased heat was making me sweat like crazy.

  Near the end of the field, I spotted one of my closest friends. Eager to talk, I stopped my run and jogged over to him. “London!”

  He turned and flashed an ecstatic smile. “Juozas!”

  “How are you, Old Friend?”

  “I’m doing very well.”

  We turned to check the slaves.

  “And production?”

  London chuckled. “These bloody animals are pathetic. It takes them half the day to dig one hole. We’ve been stuck in this same spot since morning.” He had the same accent as his mother, Bridget. It sounded very proper and punctual. I had always wondered where it came from.

  I nodded sadly, glancing at the slaves. They looked exhausted and most of them were moving sorely. “Well, hopefully they’ll pick up the pace.”

  London shrugged and laughed. “It’s no matter, really. They’ve only got the rest of their miserable lives to finish the job.”

  I grinned nervously and looked away. “That is true.” Then I looked back at him. “So, do you have any plans after your duties are complete for the day?”

  “Yes, in fact. I’m going to The Saulius Lounge this evening with Lauren-Lynn. You should join us, Old Friend. We haven’t seen you much since your fight with Adomas was announced.”

  “I’ve just been training nonstop. This is my chance to fulfill my destiny and become Champion.”

  London gave me a fiery look. “You’ve already won, Juozas. Adomas is too old. He nearly lost the last fight—and the one before that.”

  “They’ve called Father old for a long time. And he’s still the Champion. I could never underestimate him.”

  “Well, you should still come to the lounge. Lauren-Lynn wonders about you constantly. She would be grateful to see you there.”

  I smiled as I thought about Lauren-Lynn. I did miss seeing her, and I figured one night of fun wouldn’t disrupt my training. “All right. I’ll go.”

  London tapped me on the arm. “That’s the spirit. Meet us there when the sun sets. We’ll be inside somewhere. I would tell you to call but you have no sija.”

  “No. Not yet.”

  “When are you going to stabilize your ozlon? It’s been far too long.”

  I shrugged. “I don’t know. Perhaps there is still a lot of uncertainty inside me.”

  “Seems that way. But if you are to become the Champion, you had better resolve that issue soon.”

  I reached out and tapped his shoulder. “Of course, Old Friend. I’ll see you at the lounge.” I jogged ahead and looked around as I passed the sea of slaves. I saw a clear lane that led to a mountain. I figured climbing to the top and then running back home would be enough training for the day. Finally, I exhaled deeply and took off at my normal speed.

  Chapter 4: Juozas

  The Saulius Lounge was one of the most popular recreation sites in our reign. It was owned and operated by a Mamluk named Saulius. He was a festive citizen, and very popular in our society.

  The lounge was a tall, long building, filled with dance rooms echoing with the sound of drums, and lounge rooms with local singers. There were also plenty of servants on site to provide refreshments.

  When I arrived at sunset, the area was rather full. I parked my ship by the rows of ships lined up on the open landscape nearby. As I left the ship and walked to the building, I bobbed my head and listened to the insistent uproar coming from inside.

  Just as I entered, I heard someone shout greetings from above. “Welcome, Juozas!”

  I looked up and waved at the stranger, then I swayed to the back entrance and nudged my way through the crowd. Like most nights, there was a good mix of soldiers and citizens. I headed to the second floor and checked one of the dance rooms.

  The drummers were playing one of my favorite sets. I danced to the beat as I looked around for London and Lauren-Lynn.

  A beautiful citizen spotted me and waved me over. She was dancing with a group of friends. “Come in and join us, Juozas!”

  I shook my head, smiling. “Not now. But maybe later.”

  Right then, I felt someone tapping my shoulder from behind. I turned my head and saw London.

  He waved me into the hall. “Come on, we’re over here.”

  We squeezed through the crowd and went down the hall to another room. There was a group of vocalists inside, singing danuo.

  Danuo is an animated tune with humming and simple phrases. The band was doing a great job with it, setting a nice atmosphere in the room.

  London and I walked over to Lauren-Lynn and a group of soldiers I didn’t recognize. They were sitting on a row of sandstone chairs that were built into the floor.

  Lauren-Lynn flashed a gorgeous smile. “I’m surprised to see you here, Juozas.” She looked just like her mother, Katie. Long red hair, light green eyes, and tiny brown marks on her face that Mother called, ‘freckles’.

  I smiled back. “London convinced me.” I took a seat across from her. “It’s good to see you, Lauren-Lynn.”

  “It’s been far too long, My Friend.”

  London took a seat by Lauren-Lynn and put his arm around her.

  She quickly moved his arm away. “Calm yourself, London. You have not won my affections yet.” She gave him a naughty stare and gently struck his chin.

  He grinned. “In due time.”

  Lauren-Lynn let out a cute chuckle. “We shall see.”

  Recently, London and I had been quietly battling for her affections. She was truly magnificent, someone I loved deeply. Even so, I had to make sure she was the right one to bear my spawn.

  A servant came to us with a tray of drinks. It was an older woman, wearing a worn-out, white dress and holey shoes.

  London eyed her and laughed. “This servant is due for a new wardrobe, wouldn’t you say.”

  The others joined him and laughed at the old woman as she handed us our drinks.

  I flashed a false smile—trying to fit in. When the servant came to me, I took a drink and said, “Thank you.”

  Everyone stopped and gave me an unpleasant stare as she carried on. And right after, when the servant left, a fellow soldier questioned my behavior.

  “You are improper for thanking her, Juozas.”

  I put my drink down and stared at her. “You know, I’ve heard that for a long time now. But in my heart—it feels like the right thing to do.”

  “Why?” Lauren-Lynn asked.

  I waited a moment before continuing. “As a youngster, I heard my mother say it. She would say it to everyone, including the servants in our building, so I copied her. Whenever someone showed generosity I would always say thank you. Then one day, Mother stopped. And she told me to never say that phrase to a servant or slave. Still, I believe I should.”

  London quickly stepped in, shaking his head. “Servants and slaves are animals, Juozas. They are not the same as you or I.”

  “You’re wrong, Old Friend. They have emotions and knowledge, just like any of us.”

  “It doesn’t matter,” another soldier said. “They are still lesser than we are.”

  I nodded. “Perhaps. But I still believe they deserve respect.”

  London released an obnoxious laugh. “Fellow soldiers, let us move along from this rubbish and enjoy our break from duty.” He reached down and took a pouch from his boot. He opened it, and spilled some forbidden seeds from the qwze plant into his hand.

  I looked at him with great disappointment. “What are you do
ing with those?”

  London gave me a droll look and put a few seeds in his drink. “What do you think?” He passed the seeds around to Lauren-Lynn and the others.

  I looked around at them in a rage. “Those seeds are forbidden.”

  Lauren-Lynn glanced at me. “You’ve never tried them, Juozas?”

  It hurt to see her put the seeds in her drink. But it also brought to mind a stark realization. Clearly, she may not be the one for me. “No, I haven’t. And I don’t intend to.”

  Some slight laughter echoed from the group.

  After a moment, Lauren-Lynn reached out to me with two seeds between her fingers. “Take two to start. Trust me, Old Friend—you won’t regret it.”

  I looked around and saw everyone staring at me, smirking. The pressure was numbing. Finally, I reached out and took the seeds. I picked up my drink and dropped them in the water. The seeds evaporated and made a fizzling sound. I exhaled as I looked into my cup, then cautiously, I took a gulp.

  Lauren-Lynn leaned forward, licking her lips. “Now, in a few minutes—tell me how you feel.”

  We all got up and headed to a dance room. The drummers were playing hard and the crowd was wild. Lauren-Lynn took me to the center of the room. We bounced to the beat and swayed our heads to the rhythm with our hands gently pressed against each other’s hips.

  Shortly after, I felt a burning sensation engross my body. I stared at Lauren-Lynn and saw elation in her eyes.

  She leaned in close and put her lips by my ear. “How does it feel?”

  I breathed out slowly and smiled. “Incredible.” I turned my head and stole a kiss. “Absolutely stunning.”

  Chapter 5: Emily

  I was in my room practicing my walk—holding my hand out—trying to imitate Dalia. On the outside, I seemed ready. But on the inside, I was terrified. Could I really handle being the Ruler of all Mamluks?

  Dalia had done a great job grooming me. Still, the pressure was unreal. To think that in a few days, I could be in charge of governing five planets—including Marsden— was insane.

  As I went along, I heard a knock at the door. I turned and saw Audrey. I stood there for a moment, waiting.