Free [05] Elite: Reclamation by Drew Wagar Page B

them …’
    Eventually the vows began. Corine and T’Clow were ritually and symbolically linked by the act of a deep maroon cord being bound around their wrists. Then they exchanged various lies about their undying affection and commitment to each other. It seemed strange to Kahina how a simple alignment of family interests needed to be dressed up in so much pomp and ceremony, yet it was the Imperial way in all matters of any significance.
    Trumpets signalled the successful conclusion of the formalities and Kahina followed the families out down a central aisle towards the grand hall where speeches, music and the banquet were being prepared. She trailed at the rear, just in front of the maids.
    They walked directly into the great hall, taking their places at the top table. Corine and T’Clow sat in the centre, facing directly back into the hall, with Algreb and T’Clow’s mother to one side, and Algreb’s wife and T’Clow’s father on the other. Tala was seated next to T’Clow’s father and surrounded by a gushing collection of T’Clow’s brothers all vying for her attention to her great delight. His sisters were seated on the other side, looking almost as bored as Kahina felt. Kahina herself was relegated to the edge of the table, in a darkened corner with the maids standing behind her. She tried her best to ignore their whispers and giggles, contenting herself with watching the amazing display of hats and outlandish fashions that paraded into the hall as the guests found their seats.
    The centre of the room was reserved for the East Coast Orchestra themselves. Kahina was surprised that they didn’t seem to have already prepared their instruments, but the troupe was known for being somewhat risqué with their performances, something that endeared them to Imperial audiences, who enjoyed the unexpected.
    The doors to the great hall were closed by the servants and everyone took their seats.
    The conductor, his back to the assembly, stood up and turned. The musicians sat still, still having not taken their instruments out in readiness. Kahina wondered if they were going to start with a vocal rendition. She hoped so; their harmonious singing was a glorious thing to behold.
    ‘Senator,’ the conductor said with a deep bow.
    Algreb acknowledged him with a nod.
    ‘Lord and Lady Rebia,’ the conductor continued, bowing once more. ‘Esteemed family, Patrons, clients, citizens and honoured guests. It is our privilege to play for you this evening …’
    Kahina stifled a yawn. Her feet ached from having been standing for so long and even her face ached as a result of the false smile she’d had to wear to greet the seemingly unending stream of guests throughout the day. The conductor continued with his narration.
    ‘… to celebrate this auspicious event in the manner it deserves, we have put together an original work calling to mind the momentous history of the Loren family …’
    ‘Just play,’ Kahina muttered to herself and scowled at the conductor, as if trying to hurry him up by mental command.
    ‘… the impressive achievements of our glorious Senator and his family. Especially commissioned in tribute to this celebrated legacy, we call this first piece “Retribution for the original settlers of Chione”’.
    There was a brief pause. Conversation, which until this point had been a faint muted buzz, now stopped abruptly. Kahina looked up in surprise.
    What did he say?
    The conductor raised his baton. The orchestra rose to its feet.
    Somehow, instead of the finely crafted musical instruments expected, each member now bore a gun; some small, some larger, depending on the musical case from which the weapon had been drawn.
    No one moved; all eyes were fixed on the orchestra.
    Somebody pointed and shouted. ‘They’ve got guns!’
    The conductor dropped his baton.
    Deafening weapons fire crashed through the great hall. The screams of women and the cries of men rose in the turmoil. Bullets flew; shredding