Page 93 of The Red Woman on Mars

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.”

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

Presentation Day

Vivian met Xavier’s eyes and could see her own shell-shocked horror reflected back in his expression. She had no idea what to do now.

Fortunately, August took charge. He gestured to the Arcadian soldiers who’d arrived with him. “Send for a coroner to prep the Secretary to lie in state.” His eyes snagged on Xavier’s bloody leg. “And get a medic in here. We’ll deal with the bodies after the counselors and Red Mothers are evacuated.”

The soldier bowed. “Yes, Acting Secretary.”

“Is it safe to come down?” one of the Martians called from where they still congregated at the top of the chamber.

August stared without expression around the room for a moment before visibly gathering himself. “Safe enough.”

Vivian didn’t know where to put her eyes. There were bodies filling the entire floor of the Council chamber and now that she had the opportunity to pay attention, the rank stench of death was overwhelming. She was still holding the greatsword, she realized. Her bloody hands were clutching the hilt.

“Wait,” she ordered the counselors slowly moving down the aisle. Without meaning to, she lifted the sword. They immediately froze. “I was interrupted before.”

“Put the sword down, for goodness’ sake, Vivian,” August snapped. “The fight is over.”

Xavier placed one bloody hand on August’s arm. “Miss Bowen is responsible for many of those fallen men, cousin. She’s earned the right to hold that sword.”

August’s mouth gaped as he looked from the bodies to Vivian. She lifted her chin and met his eyes. Later, she’d have time to process what had happened. The death she was capable of inflicting. Not now. “Things are going to change around here. Today.”

“This is not the appropriate time to discuss this, Vivian,” Wim said in his high, reedy voice as he resumed walking down the steps.

Luz came to stand beside Vivian. “Wim baby, this is exactly the time.”