Read Online Gathering of the Titans: The Tol Chronicles Book 2 by Robert G. Ferrell - Free Book Online
Authors: Robert G. Ferrell
Ads: Link
naturally, without any study. Each kin group specializes in a different form. The storm titans actually absorb energy from atmospheric disturbances and store it within themselves. When necessary they can channel that energy into feats of almost unbelievable strength and endurance. Since titans respect strength above all other attributes, storm titans were always elected as the leaders of Hellehoell. They are luckier than they can imagine to have one available for the reunification. We must go now.”
Tol walked over and re-locked the cell door. “That might confuse them a little and buy the gobs some more time. All right, let’s blast.”
Chapter the Sixth
in which an assassination is narrowly averted
Boogla sat at her desk in the Royal Palace poring over the details of the recently-signed trade agreement with Solemadrina. Every outgoing shipment had been thoroughly inspected before being allowed to depart, as a result of the hanky-panky she had uncovered. Only one ship had failed inspection; it was being held in port in Cladimil until the disposition of its cargo could be decided. Some of it was proscribed military technology, including upgrades and accessories for secret devices and systems, which implied that they already possessed the base units and wanted to increase their utility.
She wondered how long this technology leakage had been going on. She decided to draw up a proposal for increasing the security of programs that produced intellectual property not intended for foreign use. She took a new sheaf of paper from a drawer just as an RPC guard came in.
“Quarter hour check, Your Highness.”
“I am well. Thank you.”
“Acknowledged.”
Since Hobert had recommended an increase in Boogla’s protective detail, RPC were required to check in on her every fifteen minutes around the clock while she was alone, in addition to the heavy perimeter and interior security present in the Palace at all times. She had finally come to terms with being constantly under protection and even found it somewhat reassuring now. She returned to her work and was soon engrossed in it.
The Royal Palace of Tragacanth was an elongated “u”- shape with the throne room and receiving halls located at the center of the bend. The Royal Residence occupied two-thirds of the right-hand wing; offices, conference rooms, and similar spaces filled out the rest of the right-hand and all of the left-hand. There were private underground tunnels connecting the Royal Residence with the most frequently used areas of the remainder of the Palace, as well as nearby buildings. The tunnels had both rail carriages and pedestrian walkways, so the Royal Family had an option for traveling them.
The downside of this convenience was that the tunnel system provided additional difficult-to-secure avenues of access for all locations thusly connected. While the RPC were aware of the vulnerability, the existence and exact mapping of the tunnels was a state secret, known only to those with need for the knowledge. The Royal complex was vast, and the RPC had only so many agents.
When Aspet was in the Palace, Boogla most often ate lunch with him; either in his office or in one of a half-dozen private restaurants scattered around the complex reserved for the Crown, high officers of State, and their guests. When she was alone, however, she preferred a working lunch, brought to her by a member of the Royal Household staff, all of whom were closely vetted by the RPC. Today was no different. She ordered a mixed-greens salad with leggen nut oil dressing and a cup of steaming herbal infusion from the Royal menu. Ten minutes later there was a knock on the door.
She waited for the security card to slip into the slot, which would tell her on the view screen next to the door who was knocking. Even the maids had those. She had very specific instructions from the RPC not to open the door without that confirmation. The very highest-echelon RPC agents could open the door from
Tol walked over and re-locked the cell door. “That might confuse them a little and buy the gobs some more time. All right, let’s blast.”
Chapter the Sixth
in which an assassination is narrowly averted
Boogla sat at her desk in the Royal Palace poring over the details of the recently-signed trade agreement with Solemadrina. Every outgoing shipment had been thoroughly inspected before being allowed to depart, as a result of the hanky-panky she had uncovered. Only one ship had failed inspection; it was being held in port in Cladimil until the disposition of its cargo could be decided. Some of it was proscribed military technology, including upgrades and accessories for secret devices and systems, which implied that they already possessed the base units and wanted to increase their utility.
She wondered how long this technology leakage had been going on. She decided to draw up a proposal for increasing the security of programs that produced intellectual property not intended for foreign use. She took a new sheaf of paper from a drawer just as an RPC guard came in.
“Quarter hour check, Your Highness.”
“I am well. Thank you.”
“Acknowledged.”
Since Hobert had recommended an increase in Boogla’s protective detail, RPC were required to check in on her every fifteen minutes around the clock while she was alone, in addition to the heavy perimeter and interior security present in the Palace at all times. She had finally come to terms with being constantly under protection and even found it somewhat reassuring now. She returned to her work and was soon engrossed in it.
The Royal Palace of Tragacanth was an elongated “u”- shape with the throne room and receiving halls located at the center of the bend. The Royal Residence occupied two-thirds of the right-hand wing; offices, conference rooms, and similar spaces filled out the rest of the right-hand and all of the left-hand. There were private underground tunnels connecting the Royal Residence with the most frequently used areas of the remainder of the Palace, as well as nearby buildings. The tunnels had both rail carriages and pedestrian walkways, so the Royal Family had an option for traveling them.
The downside of this convenience was that the tunnel system provided additional difficult-to-secure avenues of access for all locations thusly connected. While the RPC were aware of the vulnerability, the existence and exact mapping of the tunnels was a state secret, known only to those with need for the knowledge. The Royal complex was vast, and the RPC had only so many agents.
When Aspet was in the Palace, Boogla most often ate lunch with him; either in his office or in one of a half-dozen private restaurants scattered around the complex reserved for the Crown, high officers of State, and their guests. When she was alone, however, she preferred a working lunch, brought to her by a member of the Royal Household staff, all of whom were closely vetted by the RPC. Today was no different. She ordered a mixed-greens salad with leggen nut oil dressing and a cup of steaming herbal infusion from the Royal menu. Ten minutes later there was a knock on the door.
She waited for the security card to slip into the slot, which would tell her on the view screen next to the door who was knocking. Even the maids had those. She had very specific instructions from the RPC not to open the door without that confirmation. The very highest-echelon RPC agents could open the door from
Similar Books
