The Telematrix, Part 10
When the door swung open, 93 pairs of eyes were startled as sunlight poured into the dark, muddy stone dungeon.
These were the condemned sisters of the Telematrix, those who had been rejected at the age of 5 and for the two subsequent years had not been allowed out of their underground prison. Logic suggested that the opening of the door should have resulted in a stampede for a freedom; it turned out, however, that time and malnourishment were more a disincentive than freedom was an incentive.
Telematrice felt incredible guilty being the one to give the news, being one of the reprieved sisters, but she had drawn the short straw. Making up for the awkwardness of the situation, though, was the positive nature of the news she was about to deliver.
“The king has changed his mind!”
A low, excited murmur passed through the young women like brushfire, all heads turning to Telematrice with hopeful curiosity.
“A great tragedy has struck the kingdom. Lystria and the eastlands have fallen to Lord Bobolonious, and in a bid to weaken the king, he has captured, hidden, and scattered the rest of the Telematric across the land. King Reginald, therefore, is offering you freedom and a second opportunity to be selected as eventual heiress. You now have the upper hand; capture and return 10 of the missing Telematrix and you will be given finalist status.”
The girls were beginning to shout questions at her, but instead she raised a hand to silence them.
“Before being allowed to leave, you must utter a binding spell with the Mysts, requiring you to return to the king on your twenty-first birthday. Those whom you capture and return will not be eligible for selection. They will become part of the sacrifice.
“Go!”