Forged in the Dawn

by Gavin Zanker

  ‘You know what I miss? Peanut butter.’

  ‘That’s it?’ Aiden said. ‘Civilisation ends and all you miss is peanut butter?’

  Ellis looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded. ‘Yeah, pretty much.’

  A log hissed in the fire and Aiden noticed the flames starting to burn lower. ‘Let me ask you something,’ he said, moving to stoke the fire back to life. ‘Why did you join the Kinship?’

  ‘A couple of years ago, after my parents passed, I had nothing. I saw some of the Brothers walking through town one day. The look of serenity on their faces and the way they carried themselves, it just stayed with me. So one day I hiked up here and asked Fenton if I could join, and that was that.’

  ‘This pacifism thing,’ Aiden said. ‘It works for you then? I mean, you found peace?’

  ‘Fenton says so, though I wonder sometimes. I find it hard to argue though since there’s more peace inside these walls than anywhere else I’ve been to.’

  Aiden nodded and finished his drink. ‘Is that really due to the teachings and pacifism though, or is it just the community here?’

  Ellis shrugged. ‘We have a good thing here and I’ve never wanted to rock the boat. Why do you ask anyway?’

  ‘There’s a man who I’ve spent the last year wanting to kill. He haunts my every thought, and I don’t feel like I can rest until I find a sense of justice for what he did. Even now, in this place that teaches non-violence and letting go of the past, I can’t ignore the drive for revenge.’

  Ellis picked up a nearby book and turned it over in his hands. ‘I think you’ll never really know until you actually go through with it. Then you’ll either know peace or you won’t. If you’re asking me, then I’d guess that you probably won’t. Fenton told me that violence can never lead to peace, the two things are completely opposing forces. I struggled with that concept for a while, so I went and asked James in the gardens what he thought. He told me that fighting for peace is like screwing for virginity.’

  Aiden laughed. ‘I think I like James.’

  ‘Yeah, always tells it straight. Honestly though, this conversation is way above me. I’m just someone who spends his time looking after the books and keeping the lights on. You should go and speak to Fenton, he’ll be able to help you.’

  ‘I might do that,’ Aiden said, standing.

  ‘Are you going to join the Kinship then? I know you practically have already, but are you going to make it official? I could put a word in with Fenton and see if we could work the library together.’

  ‘I think so. I mean, I’m still thinking about it before I commit,’ Aiden said. ‘Thanks for the tea, I’m going to see if I can find Fenton.’

  ‘AIDEN, WHAT CAN I do for you?’ Fenton asked, rounding the corner to find him leaning against his office door.

  ‘I was hoping we could have a talk.’

  ‘Of course, let’s head into my office so I can rest my old bones.’

  They entered the room, and Fenton sighed with relief as he sank into his chair. ‘Age catches up with all of us,’ he explained, noticing Aiden’s concerned expression. ‘So, what can I do for you?’

  ‘I suppose I wanted to talk about the whole non-violence thing a bit more.’

  ‘You’re still struggling with your anger?’

  Aiden nodded. ‘I’m finding it difficult to understand how your path can lead to peace. Refusing to fight seems as extreme as unnecessary violence. Surely peace can only come with balance?’

  ‘Violence only leads to more violence. You’ve experienced it personally, have you not?.’

  Aiden nodded as he thought about how his life had changed from a single act of violence. Since Kate had gone, he had been set on a path littered with pain and death.

  ‘You still hold much emotion inside you, Aiden. Tell me, are you serious about following our path to peace?’

  ‘I’ve let my anger guide me for a long time now, and it’s only resulted in the people I care about being hurt. I don’t want to see that happen again.’

  Fenton nodded and steepled his fingers in front of his face. ‘You mentioned before that you’ve had encounters with the Kiln Boys. Would you be in any danger if you were seen by them? I don’t know your history, but I assume a meeting would not be peaceful.’

  ‘No, I don’t think so. While they know my name, it’s only Trent who knows my face. As long as I don’t draw attention to myself, I think it would be fine.’

  ‘We often travel into Kiln Commons to trade at the market there. Some of the Brothers are heading out tomorrow. I would like you to accompany them.’

  ‘You want me to go?’

  ‘Think of it as a test. Show me you can control yourself around the root of your anger. If you’re successful, then you will have taken the first step on a new path.’

  ‘It sounds counter intuitive,’ Aiden said, unsure if he was ready, ‘but I’ll do as you ask.’

  ‘Don’t take Hitch with you though. You won’t see many animals around Kiln Commons these days. Most people can’t afford to keep them, and if they do then they’re often snatched for food. Having him with you would just make you stand out.’

  ‘That makes sense. He seems to like it here anyway.’

  ‘He is a hit with most of the Brothers,’ Fenton said with a smile. ‘I believe Ellis is among the group heading out to the market tomorrow. I hear you two have struck up a friendship, so I’ll let him know you’ll be tagging along.’

  ‘Very well,’ Aiden said as he rose from the chair. ‘I’ll stop by the kitchen and ask them to bring you some supper.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Fenton said, smiling gratefully. ‘Good luck, Aiden. I know you won’t disappoint me.’

  CHAPTER 48

  AIDEN SET OUT from the Citadel with five other robe-clad Brothers. Having not yet committed to the Kinship, he did not wear the blue robes, instead dressing in an old pair of jeans and a shirt Ellis had lent him. He walked at the back of the group, behind the pack mule which pulled a cart fashioned from the rear half of a car.

  Ellis attempted conversation as they travelled, but Aiden was too lost in thought to respond. He felt conflicted, knowing he would soon be in the presence of something he hated except now his anger was somehow invalid. He struggled with the concept, and it must have played across his face because Ellis kept flashing him concerned looks.

  They arrived on the outskirts of Kiln Commons with the sun high overhead. They passed rows of disused factories as well as the remains of the burned warehouses as they followed the cracked asphalt roads. Soon they came upon the bustling market in the centre of town, the broken rider statue rising up in the centre. The square was filled with rows of stalls, fabric stretched over them in an attempt to block out the weak, but blinding sun overhead.

  The Brothers split off, each with a list of items to find, agreeing to meet back under the statue when finished. They spread out through the market, leaving Ellis and Aiden standing with the mule and cart. Aiden had not spotted any Kiln Boys yet, but he was feeling on edge already and took a few measured breaths to calm himself.

  Two children wearing ragged clothes with mud smeared across their faces approached him. They held out their palms and looked up at him with wide eyes. The ruse was obvious to Aiden, the mud on their faces was too neatly smeared to be an accident, and their clothes were ripped rather than worn. He shook his head, but they remained. He stepped towards them menacingly and they scampered away through the crowds.

  ‘Not a fan of children, eh?’ Ellis said. ‘You want to have a walk around? You’re looking a bit jittery. I can stay here with the mule.’

  Aiden nodded, not standing around waiting would probably help his anxiety. He left Ellis, and ambled between the colourful stalls. The rows were crowded as the sellers hawked their wares, their shrill cries reaching out over the background noise. The town was not rich, and the people reflected it. Everywhere the signs of poverty stood out to Aiden. The people were so gaunt, even worse than what he had seen in the Rim. He w
ondered how the town could be so poor when they traded so well. The Kiln Boys’ greed obviously dipped deep into the citizen’s pockets.

  Aiden saw a familiar woman ahead of him and stopped in his tracks, stunned at who he saw. It was Blanc. He had assumed her dead, but there she stood right in front of him. He could not believe another Seeker had survived the battle. Seeing she was alone, Aiden moved up beside her.

  ‘Blanc,’ he said, greeting her quietly.

  Blanc’s eyes widened as she recognised him. ‘Aiden? So it’s true, you are alive.’

  Aiden shushed her, glancing around to see if anyone heard her outburst. No one seemed to react to hearing his name.

  ‘What the hell are you doing here?’ she asked.

  ‘I was going to ask you the same thing.’

  ‘I guess there’s more to both of us than meets the eye,’ Blanc said looking him up and down. ‘It’s good to see you again.’

  She extended her hand, and Aiden frowned as he noticed the crossed revolvers tattooed on the back of her hand.

  ‘We all do what we need to to survive,’ she said, taking her hand back. ‘Wasn’t it you who told me that?’

  ‘So it was you then. I figured you had problems with the Dawnists, but I didn’t know your hatred ran so deep that you’d betray your friends.’

  ‘You know nothing about me,’ she said, scowling. ‘So don’t think you know my motivations.’ She rubbed her face and sighed. ‘How did you survive this long anyway? First the battle, then you take out Wesley. Everyone thought you froze to death. Then you turned up and attacked Trent the other night.’

  ‘I should be dead, but I made a few friends who helped me out.’

  ‘Friends? I find that hard to believe. Who would help you out when Trent wants to wear your skin as a jacket? No one around here would be brave enough for that.’

  A Brother strolled past carrying an armful of faded cloth, nodding at Aiden with a smile. ‘I think most of us are about done here,’ he said. ‘See you back at the statue.’

  The man walked away and Blanc laughed loudly. ‘You fell in with those lot?’ she said. ‘I didn’t take you for a coward.’

  Aiden glared, seeing a hardness about her that he did not recognise. ‘And I never took you for a traitor.’ Blanc’s laughter quickly turned back to a scowl. ‘So you’re a Kiln Boy now,’ he continued. ‘How are you finding life in a group of thieves and murderers?’

  ‘You think the Dawnists are any different? You never saw the true face of that place. At least Trent is up front about what he does.’

  ‘Maybe, but does it really matter if he’s honest or not when he’s still a bullying psychopath? Anyway, the Dawnists will be back you know. They won’t forget what happened.’

  ‘The Church is finished. After Kane and his Seekers were wiped out, they lost their muscle. The Syndicate smells blood and the Police hound them at every turn. The Dawnists cower behind the walls of their compound, too afraid to move out. The Kiln Boys though? They have the strength to survive, and they’re not scared to take what they need. Looks like you picked the wrong side, Aiden.’

  ‘I picked nothing. I’m on my own side, Blanc.’

  ‘Tell that to Trent. Look, I owe you for saving my life back in the Rim. If you hadn’t been there outside the Brentford I wouldn’t be standing here now. So I won’t give you up. But if anyone finds out you’re still alive…’

  ‘I’m keeping my head down. I’ve had my fill of violence, believe me.’ Aiden rubbed his aching shoulder. ‘Did anyone else survive the battle, or did everyone die because of you?’

  Blanc’s expression softened, and Aiden thought he detected sadness. ‘Check out the coal mines north of town when you get a chance,’ she said. ‘You’ll find the answer there.’

  A Kiln Boy appeared beside behind Blanc and Aiden tensed. ‘We about ready, Blanc? The boss will be expecting us soon. Who’s your friend?’

  ‘Just some nobody,’ Blanc said, staring at Aiden as she spoke. ‘Come on, let’s head back. I don’t want to be responsible for setting Trent off on one.’

  Aiden watched Blanc disappear through the crowded market. Finding her alive was not something he had expected. And changed too, no longer the meek girl he had first met back in the city. He almost felt a respect for her, doing what she needed to survive. Then he remembered the betrayal, and the chain of events that left Faye and the rest of the Seekers dead.

  He headed back for the statue when he passed Ellis engaged in an excited discussion with a merchant. ‘But how do I know it works?’ Ellis asked. ‘If the circuit has blown then it’s just an expensive piece of junk.’

  ‘It works,’ the merchant said. ‘You calling me a liar?’

  Ellis dropped something unrecognisable on the table and sighed in exasperation. ‘Look, I’m not calling you a liar. I just-’

  ‘Enjoying yourself?’ Aiden interrupted.

  Ellis turned to Aiden who now stood beside him. ‘Hey, how’s it going? You doing all right? Calmed down a bit?’

  ‘I’m fine. Find anything decent?’ Aiden asked, glancing over the assortment of wares on the table.

  Ellis waved his hand dismissively at the merchant. ‘They’re all trying to take you for a ride here.’ They left the merchant behind and walked back towards the statue. ‘No trouble then I take it? I didn’t see any Kiln Boys around here today.’

  ‘I saw a one or two. No trouble though.’ Aiden saw no reason to tell anyone about Blanc. For a reason he could not understand, he actually trusted her not to turn him in.

  ‘Hey that’s great. Fenton will be happy, right? Let’s head back to the Citadel and you can tell him the news.’

  CHAPTER 49

  AFTER HIS MEETING with Blanc a few days prior, Aiden had been thinking about taking a trip to the coal mines north of town. He doubted Fenton would object, but he wanted to run it by him first. The Kinship had been kind to him and he had no desire to cause them trouble in return.

  He found Fenton leading a group meditation in the dining hall, so he took a seat in the back, behind the rows of silent Brothers. With nothing to do except wait, he closed his eyes and joined in the session. He quickly found himself dredging up painful memories from his past, making it impossible to focus. He opened his eyes to see Fenton looking at him with the encouraging smile of a mentor. The man seemed to know what was going on in Aiden’s head before he did himself.

  The session was concluded with the ringing of a gong, and Aiden approached Fenton as everyone trickled out. He explained that he wished to take a trip to the mines, but left out any mention his meeting with Blanc.

  ‘You proved yourself in town the other day,’ Fenton said. ‘You did well, remaining calm in the face of your anger. As long as you don’t interfere with the operation there, you have my blessing. I’ll assign a group of Brothers to travel with you to hand out supplies to the workers. They will be glad of the relief.’

  ‘Charity for workers?’

  ‘The mines are a harsh place, Aiden. The Kiln Boys run them with a brutality rarely seen in public. The workers are essentially slaves, so you should prepare yourself for what you will see there. Just remember that any aggression on your part will result in the Kinship suffering the consequences.’

  ‘After all you’ve done for me, I would not bring trouble upon your group, Fenton.’

  ‘Trouble finds us wherever we go,’ the grey-haired man said, with a half smile, ‘but I appreciate your intent. Go to the gardens and let James know of the trip, he will prepare some supplies.’

  THE NEXT DAY Aiden set out, accompanied by Ellis and James. He left Hitch behind again, knowing the dog would not be suited to the darkness of the mines. They trekked through the snow, passing ruined factories and forgotten, overgrown roads. The area had been a prosperous industrial town before the Dawn, now though only the centre of the town was populated, the outskirts falling to ruin many years ago.

  The three men found the main road and followed it north until they came upon the entrance to
the mines. A small guard hut stood outside the cavernous entrance. Through the windows of the hut, Aiden saw two men playing cards. Two guards were not much security, but the Kiln Boys probably never expected to be attacked this far north.

  As the three of them neared the hut, a window swung open and a voice barked out ordering them to halt. Ellis stepped up to the window with a smile.

  ‘Good morning,’ he said. ‘We brought supplies for the workers. Some relief for them in these hard times.’

  The guards shared a look, and thin-lipped smiles spread over their faces. ‘And what have you got for us?’

  Aiden gritted his teeth at their greed, remembering Fenton’s warning not to cause trouble.

  James stepped forward. ‘We have plenty to go around,’ he said, handing a package through the hut window. ‘Help yourselves.’

  ‘We’re okay to enter then?’ Ellis asked.

  The guards waved them through as they tore open the package and divided up the food between themselves. Aiden remained silent and kept his eyes open as he followed the two Brothers into the mines.

  The path sloped down, and they quickly descended underground as they followed metal tracks in the floor. The main tunnel was lit with sparsely placed lanterns, the lights enticing them deeper. The air grew still, and a sense of immense weight hung all around. The sound of metal tools striking stone came from further ahead, and they soon came upon the source of the noise. Along a side tunnel, twenty or so figures worked with pickaxes while a guard brandishing an assault rifle watched over them.

  James and Ellis approached the guard to explain about the supplies, leaving Aiden free to look around. He walked along the line of soot-faced workers, but failed to recognise anyone. He wondered at Blanc’s cryptic answer to his question, telling him to come here. Maybe she had just been toying with him.

  A hulking figure loomed out of the darkness, pushing a cart along the track. His face was blackened from the dust and his arms slick with sweat, but Aiden recognised him immediately.