Timeless (The Cartographer Book 3) by Craig Gaydas Page A

like an elevator moving upwards. When the train came to a complete stop, Mazu stood up and led us to the door. The two guards flanked us as we made our way down the aisles and toward the exit. The passenger cars were empty and it seemed that the train had emptied earlier. I assumed only invited guests were allowed to continue to the Temple station.
    We disembarked and stepped into a terminal similar to the one we left. Mazu and his guards led us outside where the cool, crisp air pierced my lungs like an icy dagger. My breath formed small, white clouds while I tasted ice crystals on my tongue. It had to be around thirty degrees outside. I shivered through my hooded sweatshirt that I brought along—the last piece of clothing remaining from my former life on Earth. I shoved the hood over my head and rubbed my arms to keep warm. Kedge didn't seem to mind the weather. He was wearing a long trench coat, but he was more machine than man anyway, and I wasn't exactly sure how the environment affected him. Vigil only had a thin vest constructed of some sort of synthetic fabric. He didn't seem to mind the weather, but then again, he was someone who could withstand the harsh environment of space, so a little chill in the air shouldn't bother him.
    There was a two lane road which ran parallel to the terminal, leading into a tunnel. A double decker bus sat at the curb with a set of stairs extended from the middle. The vehicle was a perfect rectangle with tinted glass windows. It was red in color with neon tube lights highlighting the outside of the vehicle. Between the first-class train car and the limo bus, it appeared the Order of the Sun leadership took their luxury seriously. Kedge glanced at the vehicle with only minor interest while a scowl was plastered to Vigil's face. He must have been thinking of Vayne and his taste for luxury.
    “This transport will take us to Brasus Plaza. From there, we will meet Braxii and he will take over our tour.” Mazu ascended the stairs and turned to us once he reached the top. “I like to think of myself as a worthy diplomat, but I believe you will find Braxii a bit more jovial than me.” He smiled and entered the bus.
    Kedge turned to me. “Is that even possible?” he muttered. “I thought I would gag from all the pleasantries.”
    I chuckled. “Come on grumpy old man, let's get you up these stairs before you fall and break a hip.”
    Kedge muttered something under his breath and entered the bus. I stepped up behind him and froze when I saw the inside. The luxury of the vehicle rivaled that of the train. Several leather-bound couches lined the walls of the vehicle. Separating the couches were circular bars lined with wine glasses and various bottles filled with colorful, exotic spirits. A glass partition separated us and the driver of the bus—a cantankerous, bald behemoth of a man who looked like a hairless gorilla. He was dark-skinned with a protruding forehead and bulbous nose. His sausage fingers gripped the steering wheel tightly and his steely eyes remained locked on the road ahead. He didn't even turn when we entered the vehicle, but I wasn't sure he could turn because his thick neck was almost nonexistent. Our armed escorts retired to the top half of the vehicle via a spiral staircase located at the opposite end of the bus.
    Mazu motioned us toward the couches. I dropped into the nearest one and stretched out. I was determined to soak up the luxury while I had the chance. Vigil and Kedge sat across from me. Judging by their faces, neither one was taking as much pleasure from our surroundings as I was.
    Mazu removed a bottle from a nearby bar that was filled with a clear liquid. It appeared to be more of a crystal decanter than a traditional bottle. He removed one of the wine glasses and filled it before handing it to Vigil.
    Vigil narrowed his eyes, but did not accept it.
    “It is only water,” Mazu chuckled.
    Vigil relaxed, eventually acceptingthe drink. Mazu passed a glass to me