Page 41 of Dark Shaman: Eternal Hope
"I don't know. Maybe, if they could achieve focus. Right now, they're too fractured, too insane." He paused. "Navuh thinks they're the future of warfare. Soldiers who need no communication devices, enjoying perfect coordination through shared thought."
"That's terrifying."
"It's also unrealistic. They can't be controlled, and they think they are gods."
She chuckled. "In a way, they are. They are the descendants of gods. I wonder how many experiments the gods went through before perfecting their formula."
He frowned. "They weren't naturally immortal and powerful?"
"That was what they claimed, but who knows? Maybe they were created like these enhanced soldiers." She nuzzled his neck as she whispered. "Is there any way you can conceive of that we might use these men to help in our escape? If you can access their minds, you might be able to command them."
Eluheed gave her an incredulous look. "Didn't you hear what I just said? They are chaotic. Besides, I need to touch them to make contact."
Tamira glared at him. "I'm trying to think outside the box. I'm desperate."
"I'm sorry." He deflated. "I shouldn't have snapped at you."
"It's okay. I'm not really mad." She cupped his cheek to prove it and kissed him on the lips. "What do you think? Should we make love and provide the perverts who are watching us with a show?"
His whole demeanor changed instantly. "We could move things to the bathroom."
That was what they'd been doing since their return to the harem, and Tamira was a little tired of lovemaking in the shower or the tub. She wanted a comfortable bed.
"Perhaps we can find a room in the servants' quarters that is private."
"I wish." He cupped the back of her head. "But it's not allowed. The rest of the harem staff still thinks that Navuh makes use of all of his ladies and that he's just a little kinky and likes to watch them with other men."
"Really? Did they tell you that?"
He snorted. "They didn't tell me anything, but that's what I would have assumed if I were suddenly invited for an interlude with one of the ladies."
Tamira pursed her lips. "In theory, that sounds kinky, but I'm not built that way. I can't get excited while thinking that he's watching me."
"How about someone else?"
"Anyone." She pulled away. "I wonder if the enhanced soldiers share intimate moments with each other. If they have any, that is. They are probably savages."
Eluheed's grimace was all the answer she needed.
"How many more of these monsters does he intend to produce?"
"As many as he can. He's looking for new scientists to continue the project and perfect the process."
"We need to get out of here before that happens." The urgency felt more pressing to her suddenly. "The next rebellion might not be as easily quashed. Not that this one was easy. But you know what I mean. They might take longer to plan, coordinate better, and have contingencies. Nowhere on this island will be safe."
"I can't argue with your logic. I tried to point out how dangerous it is, but Lord Navuh is enamored with the idea of creating an unstoppable army."
She sighed. "I'll talk to Areana tomorrow and find out about the security."
"Be careful," he repeated. "If she suspects anything?—"
"She won't. I've known Areana for five thousand years. I know how to navigate her moods, her guilt, her need to be both Navuh's perfect mate and our protective older sister. Those contradictions create openings."
"You sound like you're planning a military campaign."
"That's because I am."
"My warrior queen." He kissed her, soft and sweet, and for a moment, she let herself forget about tunnels and alarms and escape plans. Let herself just be a woman in love with a man who loved her back.Not a man, she reminded herself.An immortal.
