London Pride, Or, When the World Was Younger by M. E. Braddon (fiction books to read .TXT) 📕

to life, forcing Sedom to jump from the ship as it rose from the ground. The ship sped off into space, creating a dust storm in its wake.

Sedom turned back to the city. Just beyond the smoke, she could see hundreds of bodies lying on the ground, their blood staining the white pavement of the street. Some moved slowly, but it was unclear who would live and who were going to die. The moaning of the dying mixed with the crackling pops of the fires surrounded the city as the cold wind howled through the trees.

Her eyes turned upwards towards the moons where three scout ships were descending. She had no time to check for survivors. The ships dropped down, raining fire over the city.

Sedom ran back to the forest, taking shelter in the trees. She watched from afar as the flames engulfed the city. The screams of the injured filled her ears with painful horror, forcing her to hold her hands to them to block out the cries.

She watched as a man crawled from the flames, half his body burned. “Help,” he cried out, holding his bloody hand out to her. She grabbed him, pulling him free of the path.

“I’ve got you,” she whispered as she cradled him in her arms. He looked up at her, painfilled tears rolling down his cheeks. Half of his face was burned so badly she could see his charred bone. He struggled to breathe, every breath agonizing. “I’ve got you.” Tenderly, she took up his hand. His body quaked with her touch.

“You’ll be alright,” she soothed. With a gentle touch, she placed her hand on the back of his neck, relaxing him from his pain. Her mind connected with his, forcing a wave of his memories to wash over her. “I promise,” she gulped, nodding. “For now, sleep,” she whispered. She held her breath, making him do the same. Slowly, darkness flowed over his mind as he gasped his last breath. “I’m sorry,” she continued to whisper as her hand slipped away, tears clouding her eyes.

Zion grabbed Sedom’s arm, forcing her to stand from the man. “Come on!” he demanded, pulling her from the man’s body.

A short distance away by the river, a large group of Crehail waited for them. Zion called to them, waving for them to follow. He led them through the forest to the tunnels where Rosanheer stood guard. Rosanheer wore a scarf over his face so as to not cause their guests any alarm.

“Inside, quickly,” Rosanheer called, waving them into the tunnels.

Sedom stared at the group of Crehail, her mind fuzzy from the memories of the burned man. She started to sway, having to hold onto Zion’s shoulder to remain upright.

“Rosanheer!” Zion called out to his friend, motioning for him to take Sedom.

Rosanheer hurried over to Sedom, wrapping his arm around her. “Time to go home, Chadon,” he whispered to her. “Good work,” he complimented.

She gulped hard, nodding. “How many did you count?” she asked as he guided her through the tunnel.

“We’ll know soon enough,” he spoke low. “Keep going. You’ll see a light soon,” he called out, his voice echoing within the tunnel.

A group of twenty orbs quickly surrounded the group, their domes red and their lasers charged. Sedom forced herself away from Rosanheer, her hands raised to beckon one of the orbs to her.

“I'm allowing level one, limited access to those currently not registered. Scan and attain any information on them. If any of them are considered a risk, contact me immediately and detain. Stun only if necessary,” she ordered low.

“Command accepted,” the orb announce sending the group of orbs back to the ceiling.

She continued to an area near the opening of the tunnels and raised her hands up to gain everyone's attention. “Everyone relax. You are all safe here. The Marisheio can't find us here. There are beds available as well as food, water and medical aid,” she pointed in the distance, seeing Lolum, Cidele, Noral and Evolanc fast approaching. “You have nothing to worry about,” she called out.

“My son,” called a woman. “Where is my son?”

“I’m sorry to say, but those you left behind are no more. The Marisheio have incinerated what’s left of your city. The odds of their survival…” Sedom called back, pausing to hold back her own tearful emotions. Her words brought many to instant anguish. “I’m truly sorry for your losses and my heart bleeds for you all.”

Rosanheer stood next to Sedom, keeping an eye on her in case she started to sway again. She motioned him forward, whispering to him. “Find Hasapoi for me,” she requested. He nodded, understanding why she wanted him.

A man stepped forward, taking the mound next to Sedom. “Have hope. There may still be survivors. We will arrange a search party in the morning. For now, we should do as our host says and settle in for the night,” called the man.

“What about the Marisheio?” Another man called out from the crowd.

“The city of Gathow is far beneath the surface. They won't find us,” Sedom called. She pointed to the ceiling to the orbs. “And they will protect us.”

“You will protect us,” a woman declared, pointing to Sedom.

“You saved us all!” called another woman.

Cheers filled the air, causing Sedom to shy away from the crowd. “Get your people settled in for the night,” she demanded of the man next to her. In her eyes, it was obvious he was the city’s leader. With a quick nod to him, she hurried off towards the cafeteria.

Lolum and Zion met Sedom near the cafeteria. The look on Lolum’s face was of concern and contempt dwarfed only by Zion’s expression of panic and outrage.

“Sortec, have you gone completely mental?” Zion began, his voice irate. “I'm getting tired of your half-cocked sanity, ego trips. You could have been seriously injured or