The Phantom of the Earth (Books 1-5 Omnibus Edition) by Raeden Zen

Author:Raeden Zen [Zen, Raeden]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-10-09T16:00:00+00:00

Boreas City

Boreas, Underground North

“It’s an honor to meet you, Minister,” Gwen said. She bowed and kissed the hand extended to her. “Antosha has told me so many wonderful stories that I feel as if I’ve known you for decades.”

In truth, Gwen had conducted her own research on the minister, for Antosha never mentioned Genevieve, except in passing. He had told her they had a history, and she may be hostile. “Do whatever it takes,” he’d said, “get me Faraway Hall.”

Antosha had designed this hall before his exile.

Genevieve closed her eyes, batting unnaturally long lashes curled with blue mascara, pursed her glittered lips, and nodded. Fifteen of her guardsmen formed a crescent behind her, opened toward the pyramid-shaped Northern Passage Transport Station in Boreas City. The guards wore military suits lined with golden buttons on their left sides.

“Windy today, isn’t it?” Marcel said, and as if on cue, the air swirled synthetic snow from the nearby skyscrapers in the cool morning.

Gwen couldn’t imagine how much it cost to keep the temperature this low, this deep inside the Earth! It seemed likely the minister paid the bill just so she could wear the lavish fur coat she had on.

Gwen giggled and covered her mouth. “Please, my lady, forgive my brother’s … boldness.” She extended her hand. “Minister, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to Marcel Auroro, my brother-in-development, famed holographic artist from Marshlands.”

Marcel would’ve turned as red as lava if he wasn’t frozen, Gwen knew. He bowed and kissed the minister’s hand.

The guards shifted and formed a tunnel, saluting the minister and her guests. Genevieve, Gwen, and Marcel made their way along the promenade. After they passed, the guards lowered their forefingers from their foreheads and marched evenly beside them, knees high, chests out.

“Many thanks for meeting with us on short notice,” Gwen said. “I understand the demands on your territory must tax your people enough without a supreme scientist’s interest in your hall.”

“Undeniably, Boreas provides a vital service to the lower twenty-two.” She tsked. “What would they do without the arctic water we provide?” Gwen didn’t know how to respond, so she nodded agreement, which seemed to please the minister, who added, “All the lower twenty-two think of the vast wealth in Palaestra, Phanes, and Luxor, but they forget the riches of the North exceed all three combined.” Gwen had never heard that before and couldn’t hide the confusion from her face. “Oh, I’ve seen that look before. You think I’m crazy, but it’s true, the wealth in our water isn’t fully valued, or paid for.”

Antosha had told Gwen about the North’s gripes regarding fair valuation for the commonwealth’s most valuable renewable resource—cold water. Before Gwen could respond, the minister switched the subject. “Antosha’s reputation for scientific excellence precedes him. Such a pity it was nearly wasted. What was it, ten, fifteen, twenty years ago?” Genevieve paused as if for confirmation, and when neither Gwen nor Marcel provided it, she added, “His exile occurred at a time of great construction in my territory.

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