The Crystal Curse

by Gin Hollan

  "When your parents passed away. That right?" asked Sam.

  Andun nodded. "I would like to find out if it's resistance to the Advisor, or to me."

  "Why are there no regional squabbles?" Arabeth wondered. "I would have thought a siloed system would create more trouble than they're worth." She asked this question more for Sam's sake than for her own.

  "I believe it has to do with the seers. Because of how they can check-in remotely, there is a layer of accountability," Andun said.

  "But if you haven't got an army, why do they care?" Arabeth wondered. "I'm sorry. I just don't understand.”

  "Once we get inside, where do we go?" Sam asked.

  "They'll hold him in the Arboretum." Andun put his finger on a large circle in the middle. "The criminals water the plants and do other simple horticultural tasks. Idle hands are the devil's playthings, and all that."

  "No one saw your squire arrive late yesterday. We should wait until it's dark again to leave, so they can't verify the facts," Andun said.

  "They have him gardening?" Sam sounded confused.

  A short laugh burst out of Arabeth and she covered her mouth. "It may be good for him, except for the eventual trial and his being an Exiled and all."

  "It may also be their aim to reduce the number of people loyal to you," Andun said. "I understand alliances and loyalty. Even in a rebellion, there are people loyal to the crown. If they can get Graham to turn on you, what would they gain?"

  Arabeth's brows furrowed. "Gain? Nothing, really. It's not like we have prestige or power."

  "What about back home?"

  Yes, that was different. Her parents were some of the wealthiest there. Even if she didn't pay attention to it, their status impacted her life. "That should have no bearing."

  "You're here, proving your kind aren't a power-hungry mob of murderers. I think people are noticing. They may think it's time to invite you all back out."

  "Most people don't know where we're really from, and when they do, they're not scared," Arabeth noted. "They're curious."

  "Well, you don't look like the monsters of yore."

  Arabeth chuckled. "Back on topic. We need a plan."

  She didn't want to scare the boy by telling him about Sebastian, but they needed to get it all out in the open. He had to be behind this, at least partially. His belonging to a large, powerful group was alluded to while they visited.

  And then there was Clare. She was an authority there. She was the one who sent Graham off in the shuttle, but then apparently didn't? And could they trust Kennen? Probably. He was with Melanie, but from the Owen area.

  She needed someone to could trust. Was it only Andun? Hopefully none of the Gypsies were involved. Their kindness with giving her Davin and the pistol may have been good business sense, not a personal choice. The pistol they had given her had worked flawlessly thus far. She suddenly patted her coat, checking to make sure she still had it. She had completely forgotten about that. She pulled it out slowly and aimed it nowhere in particular. That didn't stop Andun giving a light yelp at the sight of it.

  "Careful where you point that thing," he smiled nervously. "At least we do have one advantage. Those are rare."

  Arabeth laughed. "I'm just wondering about recharge times, and hoping I won't need it."

  "Let's all hope that." Sam guided the pistol back inside her coat.

  As they cleared the room, Arabeth set a row of pillows under a blanket, just in case someone peaked in looking for an occupant. They put the no housekeeping sign up. That would only delay a room inspection for a couple days.

  // Chapter 31 //

  Andun's new disguise seemed to work. The inn keeper asked if the other guest would be staying. Arabeth nodded and paid for two more night's room and board.

  Next, a shop keeper bundled up a blue shirt, black vest, and black trousers. He was a young journalist this time, latching on to what he hoped would be a compelling story or series of articles. He needed to make a name for himself, writing about their travels, before he could return home victorious.

  Andun hammed it up, talking about how this story would make him famous and winking at the shopkeeper's daughter who simply rolled her eyes and turned away, but not without a blush.

  It was closing in on dusk as they headed out. Arabeth held the red crystal in a tight grip, hoping Melanie would say something. Anything. What was their actual deadline? Had Melanie come up with a plan, or would they be winging it? What was Clara's take on all this, and why had Graham's shuttle come back to Owen?

  There were too many questions, and they seemed to multiply in the dark of her mind.

  "Oh right... we need press credentials for you, don't we?" Arabeth suddenly stopped walking.

  "He's young enough. He can say he's working on the cuff," Sam suggested.

  "Exactly," Arabeth smiled as she reached up and messed Andun's hair. The kid was growing on her, it seemed.

  He stood stunned a moment then laughed. "It's a good thing you're a foreigner. I'll overlook that."

  "I know it's another mouth to feed, but we will need a third horse. Devon isn't going to pull a wagon big enough for both of us. Not over a long distance."

  At the stable they found a man in his late 50s tending their other two horses. He looked them over with a nod.

  "I do not lease horses, and I do not sell them cheap. I do have a buggy, but it is not a gypsy contraption."

  Arabeth was wishing they didn't have to abandon theirs in Owen. As the silence stretched Arabeth knew she didn't have the money for another horse. "Is there a way we could earn one? The horse, I mean."

  "If the future king were here, he could commandeer it," the man said, with a knowing eye.

  A sudden dread shivered through Arabeth. Had they been that transparent?

  The man started to laugh, loud and hearty. "You don't recognize me boy?" He said, looking at Andun.

  Andun looked embarrassed. "I wanted to test this disguise."

  "Not a bad idea. If you hadn't spent so many hours here covered in set and Smithy ash, I'm sure it would work."

  "Wait, what is going on?"

  "Nothing nefarious. The boy used to escape his keepers and head this way. I put him to work, as befitting his cover story of being an orphan in need of an occupation."

  Seeing their confused expressions, he laughed again. "I am also the blacksmith for this town. It's not uncommon in smaller places. I'm also the Mayor. When there are only 2000 people, you tend to take on more than one role."

  Sam extended his hand in greeting. "It's good to meet someone we can trust."

  The man's usually jovial expression shifted. "We owe his parents a debt. This whole town does."

  "Sir, if you would loan us a horse, we will bring it back. Right now we have urgent business that prevents us from taking advantage of your company longer," Arabeth said, with what she hoped was the right mix of respect and urgency.

  "Half of my horses are here because this boy would escape on one then be taken away on the back of someone else's, but I have a better idea - one that won't leave you looking for a stable at the other end. There is a train that goes past here. If we put the flag up, it stops. Where are you headed?"

  "I'll take good care of your horses, but promise me you'll come back for them."

  "Yes, sir," Arabeth said, at a loss

  To pick this man's brain for any and all information related to recent history. She had questions that she couldn't ask Andun. He was too close to the situation, and some of the questions might be sensitive.

  As they waited, the man pressed a crystal into Arabeth's hand. "What are you doing?" she asked as he held tight.

  "Wait," he said.

  As Arabeth watched, the crystal slowly changed from clear to blue, then shifted into a radiant turquoise. His smile grew as it did. "I hope you won't mind me calling you, should the need arise."

  Arabeth was still trying to understand what had just happened. She felt a little lightheaded. "Um, No. Anytime... you can contac
t me anytime."

  In the back of her mind, Arabeth wondered how she would even start to explain this to her parents or anyone outside the trees, really. There were too many things about it that seemed like magic. Her family hated magic. They didn't deny its existence, but they, as well as the rest of the Blastborn, had a significant hate when it came to even the mention of the word.

  Looking out across the horizon, Arabeth imagined she could see the entrance to Owen, even at this distance. She knew it was her imagination, but the land was flat and lifeless, with only the occasional small grouping of trees, as if to break the monotony. Soon they'd have to get off and finish the distance on foot. They could sneak in, find Graham, and devise a plan.

  Thoughts of this being Sebastian's trap crossed her mind, but she couldn't imagine why he would care enough to go to the trouble. Not over a small box of crystals, surely.

  This had to be the Advisor. He must have found out about Graham's connection to her, and her connection to Andun.

  "You know... I think we should take the horses. We'll be back, but there's something about being trapped inside a high speed projectile that can go wrong in so many ways."

  "You don't seem to have a problem with the shuttles," Sam leaned close to whisper.

  "They're concealed and a highly guarded Secret," she whispered back.

  He stared at her a moment then nodded. "Alright, let's go by horse."

  Arabeth sat with one hand on the red crystal as they rode out, praying Melanie would send more information. Graham must have a reason for coming back. It itched at the side of her mind - why was he back? He'd been so desperate to leave.

  It struck her then - she'd abandoned any thoughts of going home. Maybe because she had Marble, Melanie couldn't go back, and Sam was here with her. She had no real reason to go home, except to be there. That did have its appeal, but there was no rush. Now that her family knew she was safe, she'd stopped worrying. With the right questions, this adventure had become quite interesting.

  Still, why was Melanie being so quiet when their friend was in trouble?

  Grumbling to herself about this bizarre habit of constantly checking for messages that weren't due or coming, she pulled it out of her pocket and dropped it with the others.

  Looking out over the horizon, there was endless dry, where even tumbleweeds struggled to survive. They were to travel Northwest, until they hit a patch of trees, then veer southwest.

  Marble had decided to stretch her legs, jogging alongside them.

  "Wait, I have to go back," Sam said. "I forgot something."

  "We'll ride ahead," Arabeth said. They were already losing enough time by riding instead of taking a train.

  "I don't think that's wise," he protested.

  "Andun, ride ahead. I'll catch up," Arabeth said.

  As Andun rode away, Arabeth turned to hear Sam's explanation. "Why don't you want us to go yet?"

  "Seriously, I forgot my coat. The weather's been pleasant. I don't think it's rained once."

  "Alright. Why do we have to come to?"

  Sam fidgeted with his glasses, adjusting them then taking them off to wipe them and put them back on. It was trying Arabeth's patience.

  "I know I am all gadgets. I can't sneak to save my own life. I can't lie without giving it away and you're worried to save Graham to. I'm not going to get better if I don't try."

  "Is that really something you need to get better at?"

  Arabeth smiled and rode horse over to stand beside his, facing the opposite way. Lifting her nearest hand, she cupped the side of his face a moment. "It's nice that you care so deeply. Thank you."

  "And what about the kid? How are we going to keep him safe?"

  Arabeth didn't have that answer. "Maybe we should swing by Melanie's."

  Sam coughed. "You want to get him killed?"

  "No, of course not, but...."

  "If we're going, we need to go direct."

  "Fine. You're right." She turned to catch up with Andun, wondering why she felt compelled to check in with Melanie. She was safe, right?

  Andun slowed, turning to see her ride up.

  "Why are you in danger before assembling the key?"

  "I don't think I am, but you would be," he said.

  "They're not after me."

  "We don't know that. I've had some time to think over what you've told me of your travels through Vensay. Between Sebastian, the Friars, your cousin from Owen, your friend with the crystal affinity, and meeting me, you have information that no one else does. That specific information gives a temporary yet powerful advantage to those holding it."

  "Be that as it may... why would anyone care?"

  "Your lack of affiliation until you started helping me puts a target on your back. Now that you are affiliated, all opposing are nervous."

  "Again, why?"

  He snorted. "Well, if nothing else, you have an uncanny instinct for coming between the powerful and their goals."

  Arabeth had to laugh at that. She'd never heard it put quite that way, but it was true.

  "And I think you may be my lucky rabbit's foot. Everything has gone forward reasonably smoothly, thanks to you."

  "You're the one who said this was all too easy."

  "I think that has more to do with you than with fate or enemies laying a trap."

  "How so?" Arabeth asked. As Andun rode away, she turned to hear Sam's explanation. "Why don't you want us to go yet?"

  "It's not that. Seriously, I forgot my coat. The weather's been pleasant. I don't think it's rained once."

  "Alright. Why do we have to come too?"

  Sam fidgeted with his glasses, adjusting them then taking them off to wipe them and put them back on. It was trying Arabeth's patience.

  "I know my expertise is all related to gadgets. I can't sneak to save my own life. I can't lie without giving it away and you're worried you'll have to save Graham too. I'm not going to get better if I don't try."

  "Lucky rabbit's foot," he grinned and shrugged. "Your friends are unique, as well, and in interesting positions of influence..." he frowned, looking at her backpack. "Your bag is glowing."

  Stopping, she pulled it off and opened it. "Whoa... the crystals are all bright." They looked almost normal again, as though the one active crystal influenced them. What was the key then, she wondered. "Resonance or time?" she wondered, pulling out two of them. They weren't as clear as the red one, but if she had more of the good ones, would they react to them as well?

  Andun slowed to see what had caught her attention.

  "Hey, where did you get so many shards? Those are a controlled item."

  "Sebastian was disposing of them. He'd irradiated them and said they'd become useless."

  "The friars refused?"

  "You knew about that?" Her eyebrows raised. "I doubt they knew this could happen."

  The colour change could mean they're regenerating, or it could mean nothing, making them shiny, decorative objects," he said.

  "Or decoys," she thought aloud.

  "I need to assemble the key." Andun laughed. "We need to speed up, but our destination is over there." He pointed to an uneven line across the horizon.

  "There doesn't seem to be anyone after us, at least," she said, looking around.

  "They have a limited range."

  "What do?"

  "Automatons. They can only go for about an hour before they have to recharge."

  "We're being chased by automatons?" She couldn't believe her ears. Surely they weren't being that obvious about their course of travel.

  "They're guided remotely and powered by crystals. They can't work at night because the crystals drain so fast, and they need sun to recharge."

  Batteries. She'd heard that was a use. Maybe that's why the one in Blastborn was so easy to subdue.

  "They wouldn't hurt Sam, right? I mean, they're after you...." Arabeth's breath caught in her throat.

  "As long as he doesn't try to interfere with them."

  As they neared a l
arge stand of trees, Andun slowed his horse to almost standing still.

  "What is it?"

  He wavered in his saddle a moment. "Dizzy. I'm dizzy."

  Arabeth reached out to steady him. "What's wrong?"

  "I can't stay awake..." he turned and saw she had three crystals out. His eyes went wide a moment before closing again. "Put those away."

  Arabeth quickly stuffed them in the saddle bag, feeling a sharp pain as she did. She barely turned in time to grab his arm as he leaned heavily the other way.

  He sat up, rubbing his temples. "I wish I weren't so sensitive to those things. It's annoying."

  "I had no idea that was a thing. Crystals are new to me." She checked her hand and saw it was bleeding, badly. She opened her satchel and pulled out a stretch of cotton to bind it. "On that topic, do you know what a memory clone is?"

  He gave a bit of a shudder. "It's where someone else's memories are implanted on a layer more accessible than your own, as though they became permanent short-term memory. The only way to break it is to talk with people you only knew during the time of the overlap. Apparently, it's quite traumatic. I'm a little ashamed to say, my parents sponsored that research."

  It was a little different than what Sam had said. Either way, the ramifications were startling.

  "How do you know... is there a way to detect it?"

  "That's just about the only good part of this whole thing. Every now and then they'll speak a sentence completely backwards. That's why this tactic hasn't been implemented."

  "What would you do if you found out you were a memory clone?"

  "Seriously, as a Royal? I'd grab a journal and start writing down everything memory I have of the past year or so. That would be pure gold. When the memories finally decayed, who knows what will be in that journal? It could be worth money or a commutation of sentence, if I handed it in without divulging the contents to others."

  "Or an assassin's next paycheck."

  "That's always a risk," he laughed.

  Again, her mind went back to Sam. Was she really all right with breaking off their engagement? Was he being as obtuse as she thought he was? If so, why?