Grains of Sand

by Varian Morn

  Before I could thank him again, Bormor began to walk away. He probably hated being shown appreciation, especially in public.

  “Thanks again!” I said as he walked away, and turned to head home. If I was going to work tonight I needed to complete my duties early.

  A small price to pay for one of the best baths in the city, for a whole week as well.

  My pace was now a proper one as I headed back, and I was thankful for the many seeds of blessings planted today.

  Work, baths, food... And the promise of happiness for my sister. Quite an amount of blessings to receive all on one day!

  Right before I turned off the road, to head deeper into the city and return to my House... I glanced back to the massive wall off in the distance.

  It was always there, since it rounded the whole city, and it wasn't what I wished to see.

  Instead I looked at the still numerous figures walking along the top of the wall. It was quite a sight, since usually only one or two guards ever patrolled the walls and they were usually hidden away in the towers or within the wall itself.

  The thing that drew all those people to the wall was worrying. But there was little I could do about it.

  Like many others, like all the rest, our lives must go on.

  But it was no surprise. We lived thanks to the whims of the Sands, so what point was there in worrying?

  Who knows... maybe it'll be another seed of blessing.

  Maybe this was finally the end of the House of Derri... Maybe the seed of destruction was finally going to sprout.

  Maybe we would finally become just another grain of sand.

  Chapter Four – Madness and Promises

  It was rather large, but it was also partly buried under all the sand.

  “It has to be it,” Jamthi says in awe.

  “No more speculations. There's no docking port, so whichever city it is, it is outside any Line's path,” Sarley said from my left.

  We were standing together alongside others in one of the many observation decks around the bridge. I knew a vast majority of the crew were huddled against similar windows, all along the Front-Line, staring at our so-called destination.

  “It's not uncommon for such places to have no dock. Doesn't mean they won't welcome us,” Jamthi argued back.

  “Or it's buried under all that sand,” a corpsman said nearby.

  Others agreed, and it made me wonder if at one time this city had been larger... flourishing, even.

  The man who had sent me here had said they were poor, but lively and numerous... although the city was indeed large, it was far from the size I had expected.

  Although larger than many cities and towns, it almost looked too small to survive by itself without the help of Lines. How did they have enough people to grow enough food, or defend themselves from the creatures that terrorize this sea of sand?

  It looked like it could house a hundred thousand people, at best. Yet half of it looked… ruined. Buried even.

  “Sarley, prepare a greeting expedition. We could easily dock next to the wall, probably to the north, but I'd rather to follow protocol,” I ordered.

  “How many?” she asked.

  “Two dozen at least... make sure Yevin goes,” I said.

  “Thought this was a peaceful excursion?” Jamthi whispered his question as Sarley hurried to give my order to the rest.

  “It is. I'm just being cautious. You know how some of these hamlets get when left alone for generations,” I said.

  “True, don't want another city going up in flames thanks to your anger after all,” he teased.

  A few others nearby snickered at his joke, and I was half tempted to leave him here when we left. “Greeting stations everyone! Expect a warm welcome, but plan for confrontation. Line-wide alert to prepare for combat if necessary,” I ordered.

  Although many still stared out to the city, most went into motion. No one hesitated to follow my command, nor found it strange.

  “They don't look very wealthy...” Jamthi grumbled as I watched my crew go into motion. I was glad to see even the few who had been injured were moving swiftly, no one seemed worse for wear.

  A healthy crew was a happy one, after all.

  “Neither do you,” I said, gesturing for him to join me. Sarley most likely was almost ready for the expedition team, and I wanted to be there.

  “Well it's hard to compare to you after all,” Jamthi sneered as we headed off of the observation deck and headed deeper into the Front-Line.

  “You'd rather a poor employer?” I asked back.

  “Depends, are they poor because they pay me so well?” he asked.

  I couldn't help but sigh at him, always finding a way to see the good in the bad.

  Luckily he went quiet for the remainder of the trip to the embark room.

  Though I doubted he'd remain quiet for long, it was pleasant to walk in silence.

  I quickly found Sarley and the group she had gathered. Two dozen people surrounded her, and another dozen or two were scattered throughout the rest of the room preparing and assisting her.

  The group noticed my approach and parted so I could get to the center.

  I gave Yevin a pat on the back as I passed him. The quiet man only nodded in return.

  “Just a typical greeting expedition. Greet yourselves; let them know who we are and what we're here for. To trade, to replenish, to rest. We come in peace, and wish to leave as friends,” I said loudly to the group.

  Most of them were men, but there were a few women as well. Most Lines didn't allow women in such positions, fearing risking them, but such a thing was foolish. Their input was unique, and insights valuable. Not to mention they were in just as much danger as the rest of us during battle, so there was no difference.

  “This the home of that madman? Was he not as mad then?” one of the younger men asked.

  “What do you think? Look how hot this place is, doubt anyone here is sane,” I said.

  “What's that make us?” someone laughed, causing others to smile.

  “If it gets too hot, come back immediately. I expect each one of you to come home,” I ordered.

  “Yes sir!” they shouted, and went into motion.

  Studying them as they gathered onto the crafts, I noticed Yevin giving guidance to one of the younger women. Had he finally picked a suitable apprentice then? Or was he simply testing her.

  I'd ask upon their return.

  “We'll be back by nightfall,” one of the older men said, giving us a salute.

  “Send a flare up if you need us,” Sarley said.

  There was no more to be said as I motioned for the door to open. Not that anything more could be said as the roaring winds buffeted into the Front-Line, nearly causing a few to fall over from the pressure.

  Raising my arm, I gestured for the crafts to disembark. The two crafts started to glow as they absorbed the Front-Line's aura, and then began to tilt. It only took a few moments for them to slide out of the Front-Line.

  With their disconnect and departure, sand was forced into the Front-Line. The Front-Line kept most particles out of its system from natural structure and the layer of aura covering it, but little could be done to stop stuff like sand from entering during moments like these.

  The sand was both hot, and lingered in the air as the doors lowered and closed. The roaring wind died down, and the Front-Line returned to being its normal calm.

  “Since we're so close it should only take them an hour or so to get to the city,” Sarley said, brushing sand out of her hair.

  “Have people on the lookout for them, keep an eye on the sky for flares,” I ordered.

  “Already stationed,” Sarley said as she reached over and brushed some sand off my shoulder.

  Without saying anything Jamthi also reached over to start brushing some off. “Knock it off,” I grumbled, stepping away from them.

  “I knew the sand was going to get everywhere. I swear if it gets into my bed somehow, I'm going to file a complaint,�
� Sarley said as we headed back to the bridge.

  “It's a miracle it isn't already everywhere. Please keep up the good work Commander,” Jamthi said, as if somehow it was me that was keeping the sand out.

  “Keep it up and I'm going to create Sand Duty,” I said.

  “Aren't we already on such a duty?” Jamthi asked Sarley.

  “Seems like it.”

  Ignoring them as they began to banter back and forth, I went into motion to prepare the Front-Line for docking.

  After so many weeks of travel, there was much to prepare for.

  I was glad to have found the city, even if it turns out to not be our actual destination. Better to find something, than to find nothing.

  “Jamthi, Sarley, go prepare for docking. If all goes well we dock tonight or tomorrow morning,” I said.

  “Hopefully into a grateful city, and not a sandy tomb,” Jamthi said as he left.

  “Either works as long as I get paid,” Sarley laughed as she too went to fulfill her duties.

  There was little doubt in my mind that we'd be welcomed. In all my years as a Line commander, only on two occasions had we been rejected entry without any concessions or negotiations. Even places that didn't even know of the existence of Lines, although shocked and weary of our arrival, always ended up welcoming us with open arms.

  This world simply wasn't kind enough for people do to anything but welcome us.

  We were a lifeline, a miracle. Rejecting us was like rejecting fresh water in a drought.

  It was why these were called Lines after all.

  “Commander,” an ensign nodded as we passed one another.

  Heading to my office, I was somewhat surprised to find it empty. Though, I had just ordered Docking Procedures, and Sarley and Jamthi were proficient.

  Not that I needed anyone to attend me, and I could easily summon anyone as needed.

  Before sitting at my desk, I procured the small lock-box that had started this venture.

  The small key took a moment to find, and I was relieved once I did. Why had I not properly stored it away in the safe with the rest of the similar objects?

  Unlocking the small box and pulling out the papers, I made sure to not damage them anymore than they already were.

  It wasn't too difficult, but time had left its mark on them and it wouldn't take much to tear them completely.

  I ignored most of the private journal entries; I didn't need to reread any of them. None were valuable to me, other than being required later as proof to those I'd be meeting shortly.

  Nor did I look at the drawn maps, or the leaflets of promise made by a certain company... a House of some kind.

  Instead I focused on one of the smallest pieces of paper. Uniquely small, especially compared to not just the rest but any standard paper piece.

  A small contract.

  There wasn't much written upon it, and it was only ratified by two fingerprints.

  My own, and the one they all called mad.

  The old man's blood was already faded and oddly colored... yet unusually mine retained its bright red color, and seemed much bolder... as if it had only been a short while ago I had made it.

  It was impossible after all… he and I had placed our fingers upon the paper at nearly the exact same moment. Right after shaking hands.

  “You can't say I didn't try,” I said to the paper.

  Although my office door had been propped ajar, the one who entered still knocked. A young lookout, whose chest was quickly moving, she must have run here at her top pace.

  I gave her a nod.

  “Sir. A green flare, lofted high,” the lookout girl said.

  “Good. Can you see them returning?”

  “Yes. Both crafts will be here within the hour,” she said.

  “Very good. Prepare for their return, inform Sarley. And have Jamthi put the crew into docking positions,” I ordered.

  She saluted then hurried out of the office.

  With a smile I returned the small contract, and the rest of the papers, back into the small box. Locking it, I decided this time to put the small key into one of the drawers I frequently used.

  I didn't want to be fumbling around for it when the time came that I needed it, and with any luck it'd be soon.

  Running my hand over the small box, I hoped this was it. It felt good to both repay an old debt, and to be successful in business and ventures.

  After all, I had many mouths to feed.

  A whole Line full.

  Chapter Five – Disappointing Hope

  Water splashing was an odd sound, and not just because of the sandstone it echoed off of.

  Scrubbing the floor with a large brush, I listened to the faint echoes of my brush and others, and the people making small talk.

  There weren't many others in this bathhouse other than myself. It was still too early in the day. Only a few women and children were here, and only half of them were enjoying the baths.

  The rest of us, me included, were instead earning our rights to enjoy the baths we were cleaning.

  It wasn't that bad of a job, all things considered. Especially since I got to be around, and mostly covered, in water the entire time. This was far better than working with blood, or the blasted sand.

  Not to mention the rewards were astounding.

  Last night's feast had been monumental. I had to go back many years to find a similar banquet in my memories. And even then, the one I remembered was one which I had not been allowed to partake. I had been there to serve, not to enjoy.

  For the first time in a long time, I had a full stomach.

  Maybe if I was lucky... Bormor would find my work well enough to keep me for longer than a week. It was highly unlikely, since I was of a different house... but there was hope at least.

  “Hey sis!”

  A young girl greeted me as she entered the baths, passing me by. I greeted her and her mother in return, and wondered which house they belonged to.

  Though maybe here it didn't matter. Here where everyone was naked.

  “The water's hot,” I warned the girl as she hurried to get in. She didn't heed my warning, being a typical child, but I guess the water being hot was the entire reason they were here.

  And compared to the heat of the sand and sun, it wasn't much I suppose.

  Listening to the idle chatter of the woman and her child, I wondered if Sarn and her child would act the same way. It was odd how universal a mother and her child acted with one another, at least when the child was young enough.

  I couldn't remember the time where my mother actually acted like my mother. Though that wasn't entirely her fault.

  After all, all mothers in the House of Derri were...

  “Telleya, would you mind swapping with Karli?” An elder asked.

  She was accompanied by a younger woman, probably not much older than myself, and I could see the shame in the woman's face. The type of shame that came not from a mistake, but something beyond ones control... yet still made one feel guilty.

  “Her back is injured, and you're one of the youngest here right now,” the elder explained casually.

  The older woman who worked directly under Bormor didn't have to ask me, and could have simply ordered me to do so, but like Bormor and most in his house she was kind and gentle.

  “Of course,” I said, and handed the woman my brush.

  “Thank you Sister,” the woman said, giving me a small bow of the head.

  “Over here,” the elder guided me to my new station, and I was surprised to find that it was just cleaning one of the smaller baths with a towel. It was empty of water, and had already been scrubbed it seemed.

  “Once you're done with this you can bathe if you want, we'll be having lunch in a few hours as well,” the elder said before leaving.

  Was that her way of thanking me, possibly? Or simply giving me permission.

  Not that it mattered, I guess.

  Although it was one of the smaller baths, it still came up to my waist. I h
ad to careful clamber into it, which was probably why they had asked for me to do it instead of her. The baths were curved quite a bit, and may have been difficult to enter and exit with a pained back.

  And so too it seemed, was it difficult to scrub said curved baths as well. Thanks to the shape of it, there was a lot more bending than I had first assumed.

  “It's a Line!” someone screamed, nearly causing me to slip on the soapy stone.

  With careful haste I stood up and stared at the young woman who was now the center of attention, and not just because she was clothed and covered in sand.

  Entering the baths with so much sand like that on you was nearly a crime all in itself...

  “A Line! A Line is here and is going to stop! The Elders have called a Council!” she shouted again, a giant smile on her face. Now clear that she'd relayed the news, she turned and ran out... most presumably to inform others.

  “A line mommy?” a child asked, and with the tiny innocent question came a burst of excitement from the entire room.

  Bathers and workers alike went into motion, to stop what they were doing. To leave, to go back to their Houses. The small children and even some of those my age were unsure of the true meaning but still hurried thanks to the way the elders were acting.

  “We're closing!” the elder woman said loudly, and no one even bothered to ask why.

  Climbing out of the bath, I hesitated for a moment as people left. Before the elder could leave completely, I hurried over and got her attention.

  “It's a Line young one, we should all return to our respective Houses,” she said to me.

  “I know but... Can I keep working? Or...” I stopped myself from asking if the food was still going to be prepared, since I saw the answer on her face.

  “I'm sorry Telleya. At least for today, maybe tomorrow. If I can I'll make it up to you, on my house I promise,” she said sincerely.

  With a small breath, I nodded. There wasn't any point in complaining... if anything, her promise on her house was the best I could ask for.

  “Forgive me. May your house benefit well,” I said with a small bow.

  The elder gave me a sad smile, and I knew she understood my meaning. She, who knew the status of my house, knew full well my situation compared to her own.