Chapter Forty-Two
Presentation Day
Vivian didn’t stop to think. She stooped and grabbed the greatsword with two hands. It should have been heavy. On Earth, it would have been impossible.
But she was on Mars.
Vivian planted her feet in front of the unconscious Xavier, waving the sword in a clumsy arc.
Two of the soldiers jumped backward. One was too slow.
The sword cleaved through half his body and caught, wedged in his ribs.
Another soldier rushed toward her. She let go of the stuck sword and kicked out with one leg. He flew across the room.
The last soldier swung his sword in Vivian’s direction. She ducked. The sword whistled over her head. She put her foot on the fallen body of the other soldier and yanked the greatsword free with a grunt. The man swung his sword overhead, and Vivian lifted her own in response.
She’d only had a single sword fighting lesson. But it was enough.
Vivian’s body remembered how she’d gotten into Xavier’s guard, so long ago at Yarrow House. Now, the weapon found its target, snaking past the Catena soldier’s smaller sword to land through his chest. There was a horrible crunching sound, and the man crumpled.
By now, the other Red Mothers had come forward. Delivering strong punches like Shiloh had taught them. Kicking with free legs, their skirts knotted at their waists. Hurling any heavy object they could grab.
And then they came in earnest. Two dozen soldiers at least, rushing the room with weapons raised.
Luz picked up a chair and threw it at one man’s sword arm.
His sword clattered to the ground as his arm bent in a horrible unnatural angle.
Shiloh lifted her leg and kicked him in the chest. His head snapped against the Council chamber floor, and he didn’t rise again.
Vivian wielded the greatsword without finesse, swinging wildly and chopping. It didn’t matter. Her opponents couldn’t get inside her guard. Soldier after soldier fell to her clumsy blows.
And then, it was over. No more soldiers poured through the doors. The Red Mothers had killed them all with found objects, borrowed weapons, and their bare hands and feet.
In a matter of minutes.
A shocked quiet permeated the chamber. At some point during the struggle, the siren had finally stopped.
Vivian crouched down without letting go of the sword and touched one filthy hand to Xavier’s cheek. “Wake up, love. It’s over.”
Xavier muzzily blinked open his eyes. “What?” He swallowed. “What happened?”
“Come on.” Vivian put one hand under his elbow and helped him to his feet.
“X,” shouted August’s voice from the hall. “Hold on. We’re coming.” He raced into the room with a drawn reddened sword and stopped short. His face went slack with shock as he beheld the scene of carnage in front of him.
“Acting Secretary Yarrow.” Xavier’s voice was filled with sorrow. “Let me be the first to welcome you to your seat on the Council.”