Majority: A Dark Sci-Fi Progression Fantasy (Torth Book 1) by Abby Goldsmith

Author:Abby Goldsmith [Goldsmith, Abby]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Published: 2023-09-04T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 3

Unforgiveness

Yellow Thomas had been prepared for deadly violence. He’d been prepared for criticism or condemnation. He’d half expected to be forced to follow the Giant into death.

What he had not been prepared for was another test of his emotions.

The Commander of All Living Things had forced him into a situation that (almost wrecked him) shouldn’t have affected him at all. Rage, grief, or shame would give the Commander a perfect excuse to sentence him to death.

That was why she had commanded Yellow Thomas to invite the Giant to speak last words.

She had tacked that command on as an afterthought, as if it had just occurred to her. But she’d timed it for maximum effect. With trillions of Torth throughout the Empire tuned in, her mild suggestion had whipped up a titanic chorus that no one, not even she, could defy. The Torth Majority had demanded to hear the primitive rite of last words.

So, with everyone watching, Yellow Thomas had had no choice but to confront whatever pain or rage Ariock might throw at him.

Pain and rage would have been bearable.

But instead, he had sensed goodwill from Ariock, a silent wish that Thomas would survive and thrive as a Torth, as guilt-free as possible.

“I forgive you, Thomas.”

With the simplicity of an animal, Ariock had assumed that Thomas was nothing but a helpless child under duress.

That was so (insightful) wrong.

Yellow Thomas was a rising star in the Torth Empire, not a fellow prisoner. He didn’t deserve or want pity. While the prison guards began to bind the gigantic prisoner to the steel cross, Yellow Thomas backed away. He wanted to (avoid the Commander of All) get a head start before the basin emptied and all these Torth headed back home to the city. The sun’s heat was hard on his fragile health. If he lingered, he might just (snap into uncontrollable rage) get heatstroke.

He felt ill.

His nausea must just be due to the desert heat.

Yellow Thomas, many Torth sang to him in the Megacosm, their thoughts overlapping with eagerness. You deserve a promotion.

This death sentence is ingenious.

Such a strange form of torturous death.

Wondrous and primitive.

The Commander of All Living Things spidered through his thoughts, touching each of his mild emotions and crawling through his intentions. You have proven your loyalty to the Empire, she decided.

His inner audience swelled with approval. Hooray!

As if planning a crucifixion was praiseworthy.

Yellow Thomas tried to agree with their praise, although he privately believed that (a thug could have done just as well) he didn’t deserve it. A few minutes of private time had not been quite enough for him to come up with a grand scheme.

They told him it was good enough.

How about promoting him to Chartreuse Yellow? the Commander of All Living Things suggested.

Yes! Many Torth chorused.

Good idea!

Yellow Thomas floated past dozens of richly-dressed Torth, trying not to reveal any hint of ingratitude. His primary slaves (Pung) (Nror) trotted behind him like a couple of loyal dogs. He ought to feel nothing except for mild pride.

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