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Patricia Reding
a book bubble about
Ephemeral and Fleeting
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Author Insight
Absurdities
Broden and Brother Pestifere have a hate-hate relationship. Broden hates that Pestifere is the evil, bigoted, dishonest, man that he is. Meanwhile, Pestifere hates that Broden is bold enough and strong enough to call Pestifere out on the absurdities and inconsistencies of his positions. As is often the case in societies with top-down dictator-like control, the rules exercised in Chiran make sense from only one perspective: that of its leader, Zarek, who is deeply influenced by his own spiritual guide, Brother Pestifere. To take the things these men say and do and to measure them against reason is something Pestifere cannot tolerate--because the things Pestifere says and does are not logical or reasonable or consistent. Broden is brave to do as he does. Do you think you would be if you were in his position?
Book Excerpt
Ephemeral and Fleeting
Broden took another step forward. “I am studying. Now, let me show you how I can be of service.”
Zarek stared at his son. “What have you in mind?”
Sensing an opening in the man’s resolve, Broden nearly grinned. “I want to be put in charge of the slave program.”
Zarek pulled back. His eyes narrowed. “Of the women?”
“Yes.”
He scoffed. “Why would I trust you with them? I don’t even trust my regular guards with them. That’s one of the reasons the succedunt—”
“Excuse me,” Broden interrupted, “but who are these men in black anyway? These ‘succedunt’ guards? Where did they come from?”
“Perhaps if you studied a bit more, you’d learn the answers to your questions on your own.” Zarek stepped away. “They are an elite guard. They are—like me—descendants of the Hazarik.”
“Ahhh, yes . . . Brother Pestifere did mention them once. So, will I learn more of them from Serving Daeva?”
Zarek chuckled. “No, but you will learn of their origins.”
“I see.”
“Brother Pestifere will teach you the remainder of what you need to know of the succedunt, in due time.”
“Very well.” Broden shuffled his feet. “Is there some reason there are so many of them here now? I didn’t see any of them before we left for our journey. But since our return, they’re everywhere.”
“They’re overseeing massive changes for me here, in Chiran.” Zarek resumed his seat. “So, about this position you seek . . .”
“Yes?”
“I say we should try it out. The succedunt soldiers will oversee you. They’ll report to me anything you might try that is out of the ordinary.”
“Excellent. Now, about changes I’ll need to make—”
“Yes?” Zarek asked, grinning. Then, “Oh, never mind,” he said, waving his hand. “You go about your business any way you see fit, and I’ll get my reports as and when necessary.”
“I will need the services of some of the women to do my job.”
“Like I said, ‘you go about your business any way you see fit.’”
Broden fought to hold back his grin. “Very well,” he said.
Just then, the door opened.
Looking up, Broden immediately cautioned himself against showing any reaction—as there stood Brother Pestifere, himself.
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