Forged in the Dawn

by Gavin Zanker

  ‘Adam,’ Aiden said, approaching him. ‘You’re still alive.’

  Adam looked down, his white teeth bright under the layers of soot as he smiled in recognition. ‘Hello Aiden.’

  ‘What are you doing here?’ Aiden asked.

  ‘Work. Working for food.’

  Aiden looked down the line of miners. ‘You shouldn’t be here. You know you’re being kept as a slave, right?’

  Adam frowned. ‘Just working for food.’

  ‘They’re using you, making you work. Why don’t you come with me? I know somewhere you can go where you’ll be safe.’

  ‘Can’t leave,’ Adam said, continuing to push the cart along the track. ‘Not allowed.’

  Aiden ran his hand through his hair in exasperation as the man lumbered past him. No one would be here if they had a choice, not even a simpleton like Adam. He was being forced, manipulated to serve.

  He jogged along to keep up with the large man. ‘Adam, do you want to be here?’

  ‘Work. Eat,’ he said. Adam tilted his head for a second before adding, ‘Fine.’

  In the dull yellow light of the lanterns Aiden could make out the vacant expressions and malnourished bodies of the slaves. The guard blew a whistle and called for a short break as Ellis and James began handing out the food.

  ‘Hey, retard,’ the guard shouted at Adam. ‘Come and get some eats. If you’re not too stupid to chew that is.’ The large man continued pushing the cart, unaware that he had been spoken to. ‘Oi!’ the guard yelled, picking up a nearby pebble and throwing it, hitting Adam in the back of the head.

  Seeing his former ally bullied, something in Aiden snapped, and before he could stop himself he was charging at the guard’s back. A wall of Adam stepped in front of him, stopping him short.

  ‘No fighting,’ he said, putting his arm on Aiden’s shoulder. ‘No more hurt.’ He looked down at Aiden, smiling joylessly, then moved back to his cart and disappeared back into the depths of the mine.

  The guard hadn’t noticed Aiden’s act of aggression in the darkness, but Ellis had. He kept throwing nervous glances at him until they had finished handing out the food and were following the metal track back out of the mines. Aiden felt the heavy weight of sadness around him as they trudged. People like Adam suffered while Trent and his Kiln Boys profited. He found it frustrating not to rail and lash out against the cruelty, to fight it rather than watch as a bystander as Fenton taught.

  He did not look in the direction of the guard hut as they exited the mines, and the journey back to the Citadel was made in silence.

  CHAPTER 50

  ‘HAVE A SEAT, AIDEN,’ Fenton said, his back to the door.

  Aiden entered the office and sat, angry at himself and already knowing the reason for Fenton summoning him. The older man turned and took a seat himself, but before he could speak, Aiden launched into a defence.

  ‘I know what this is about, and I’m sorry for what happened in the mines. I lost control for a second, and I don’t intend to let it happen again.’

  ‘I believe you,’ Fenton nodded. ‘You don’t need me to discipline you like a child for what you did. You already know it was wrong.’

  ‘An old friend being there was a shock. Seeing him being taken advantage of and mistreated like that just flicked a switch inside me.’

  ‘The way Ellis tells it, you’re lucky this friend of yours stopped you or you probably wouldn’t have made it out of those mines. No one is perfect though. Only discipline and practice can put you in control of your emotions. I believe you are doing well, but there seems to be a reluctant part of you that refuses the teachings.’

  ‘I think you’re right,’ Aiden said. ‘I feel fine until Kiln Boys come into the picture, and then I just lose control.’

  Fenton leaned back in his chair and cupped his chin with his hand. To Aiden, the man’s etched face seemed timeless, as old as the mountains themselves.

  ‘I’m thinking that a change of scenery and some distance from the Kiln Boys would help you,’ Fenton said. ‘How would you feel about that?’

  ‘You’re kicking me out?’

  ‘No, not at all. But I think taking a trip away from the Citadel and the town would help you.’

  ‘I don’t think travelling back to the Rim would be a good idea for me,’ Aiden said, frowning. ‘People would ask too many questions.’

  ‘No, I was not thinking about the Rim. I know Ellis has been wanting to visit Carson Waters for a good while. Maybe you and him could head out there together. Get a fresh perspective on things.’

  Aiden considered the idea, a change of scenery probably would do him some good, and Carson Waters was a long way from his troubles. Seeing no downside, he agreed.

  ‘Great, I know Ellis will be pleased,’ Fenton said, his smile returning. ‘He seems to enjoy your company and I believe he is a positive influence on you.’

  ‘Any idea why Ellis wants to visit Carson Waters?’

  ‘Well you know he runs the electrical systems here in the Citadel. He’s been warning me for a while now that many of the old components are on the verge of breaking down. If that were to happen then we would be relying on trading with the Kiln Boys for coal again to keep ourselves warm. Something we would all rather avoid if possible.’

  Aiden nodded. ‘So he wants to visit the markets then?’

  ‘That’s right. He wants to hunt down some more components for us, and rumour has it the market inside the beached aircraft carrier at Carson Waters has quite an impressive selection of pre-Dawn technology. I saw it myself a few years ago. It’s an impressive sight.’’

  ‘I’m sure Ellis will be excited. When do we leave?’

  ‘Whenever you like. Tell Ellis to visit James in the gardens, he should have prepared some herbs and such for trading.’ Fenton scratched the grey stubble on his cheek. ‘I have no right to ask you, but would you do me a personal favour on your trip?’

  ‘Of course, name it.’

  ‘I have an old friend, Owen Ashcroft. He left the Kinship a few years ago to settle down and start a family with his new wife. He sends me letters from time to time, letting me know how he’s getting on. My thoughts turned to him a few nights ago when I realised it had been a many months since his last letter. Would you check on him for me?

  ‘No problem. It’s on the way I assume?’

  ‘He moved to an old farmhouse with his wife Carol, not too far from Carson Waters. Ellis will know where it is.’

  Aiden rose from his seat. ‘Consider it done. I’ll go and tell Ellis the news then.’

  ‘Oh and Aiden? If you could bring some smoked fish back with you, it would be appreciated. I’ve always had a weakness for it.’

  Aiden smiled, then left the office and headed for the library to find Ellis and tell him the good news.

  THE TWO OF them set off from the Citadel the next day under clear skies with Hitch bounding along beside them. They headed west, deciding to take a longer route to avoid Kiln Commons entirely. The terrain was mountainous, but the weather held clear and they made enough progress through the day to reach the southern edge of Stryss Forest before night fell. Aiden rigged a tarpaulin between two trees as a shelter while Ellis collected firewood. Soon they had a camp set up just inside the tree line.

  ‘These woods have always spooked me,’ Ellis said, feeding more fuel to the camp fire, ‘ever since I was a kid.’

  ‘Don’t worry,’ Aiden said, scratching Hitch’s ear as the dog’s head lay in his lap. ‘There’s nothing but trees and wildlife in there.’

  ‘I’ve heard stories about these woods. Full of man-eating plants, mutated animals, even ghosts. What makes you think they’re safe?’

  ‘I used to live there,’ Aiden said, stirring the pot hanging over the fire.

  ‘In there? No, you’re pulling my leg.’

  ‘It’s quite peaceful actually. The place has such a reputation that most people avoid it entirely’

  ‘So why did you leave?’

  Aiden fell
silent at the question, and stared into the flames as his memories took him back to the day Kate was taken.

  ‘Sorry,’ Ellis said, seeing the pained look. ‘I didn’t mean to pry.’

  ‘Don’t worry.’ Aiden spooned some of the stew into a bowl and handed one to Ellis. ‘Here, take this. I’m not much of a cook but it should do.’

  Putting one of the ground for Hitch, he saved the third for himself. They ate the meal in amiable silence, then lay down by the fire to rest. Ellis was soon snoring despite his reservations about the forest. Aiden stared at the bright stars through the tree canopy as owls hooted in the branches around him. He had forgotten how calming the forest was, and it was not long before he fell asleep with Hitch curled up at his side.

  The next morning, they stirred up the embers of the fire and cooked some simple bannock bread for breakfast before packing up camp. Ellis was unused to travelling, so Aiden took the time to explain the importance of leaving no trace of their presence, as he scattered the ashes of the fire.

  The two travelled west until the salt of the sea could be tasted on the air. Aiden picked up his pace, excited at the prospect of seeing the ocean again. They soon reached the coast and stood staring out over the foaming, grey sea mirroring the sky overhead. The cliffs rose high over the crashing waves below, with jagged rocks jutting up through the water.

  The Marina Arch rose out of the water a little way offshore. An enormous, natural stone archway, home to hundreds of seagulls. Ellis commented on the arch as they took in the view, saying he had read it was a popular tourist attraction before the Dawn.

  They turned away from the forest and travelled south along the high winding paths that led over the cliffs. The wind blowing inland was strong here, battering the fern and heather underfoot. They made good progress though, and Aiden enjoyed the bracing weather.

  On the second night, they set up camp on a secluded white sand cove. Hitch enjoyed himself running in the surf, barking at the waves as they crashed on the sand. As darkness fell Aiden noticed the tide begin to glow. He had seen it once before as a child. His father had explained it was amoeba in the water reacting with the moonlight and becoming luminescent.

  He pointed it out to Ellis, and they watched the entrancing scene as the sound of waves broke gently on the shore. It was the most beautiful thing Aiden had been a part of for years. Kate had always spoken about wanting to see the ocean more, but every time the subject came up he had persuaded her not to risk the journey out of the forest as it was too dangerous. A stab of regret took him as he lay down to sleep, wishing she had been able to see this before she passed.

  CHAPTER 51

  CARRYING THE FIREWOOD back to camp, Aiden stepped over the grassy dune to see two strangers sat with Ellis. A knot formed in his stomach, but he took a breath and pushed it down as he approached the camp with Hitch at his heels.

  ‘Ah, you must be the fella our friend here mentioned,’ one of the men said.

  He was skeletal thin and held a rusted pistol that looked like it was hammered together from bits of scrap. Aiden dropped the wood by the fire and knelt down, holding on to Hitch’s collar.

  ‘What do you want?’ Aiden asked coldly.

  ‘That ain’t very hospitable, is it?’ the man said, turning to his friend.

  ‘I don’t think he likes us very much,’ the other replied, whose face was riddled with red pock marks. ‘People are so rude these days.’

  ‘Why don’t you come and take a seat over here,’ the one waving the gun around said. ‘Supper is nearly ready and your friend here invited us to share.’

  ‘If you get up and leave now, neither of you will get hurt,’ Aiden said.

  The two men laughed, the pock-marked one slapping Ellis on the back and making him wince. ‘Keep stirring, fella. My friend and me are hungry.’

  Aiden released Hitch’s collar and rose, stepping towards the men with his hands in the air. ‘All right here, I’ll empty my pockets,’ he said. ‘Take whatever you want.’

  He reached into his pocket and pulled out his fire lighting pouch, tossing it towards the man holding the gun who instinctively dropped his pistol to catch it.

  Aiden dived forward, scooping up the pistol. Hitch was already clamping his jaws down on the other man’s arm who had fallen backwards trying to scramble away. Aiden returned his attention to the now disarmed man before him, aiming the pistol at his head.

  ‘Leave. Now.’

  The man dropped the pouch in panic, and sprinted from the camp, disappearing behind the dunes. Aiden whistled and Hitch released the other man who ran after his friend clutching his wounded arm.

  ‘You okay?’ Aiden asked Ellis, who had watched the scene without moving.

  The blue-robed man ran his hands over his short hair, his face ashen. ‘Hell, I thought I was done for. I completely froze.’

  ‘Don’t worry, they won’t be back again,’ Aiden said. ‘Not now they know we’re armed.’

  He tucked the gun into his belt and examined Hitch. Not a scratch on him. He wiped the blood from the dog’s mouth and patted him fondly. ‘Good boy,’ Aiden said, spooning out a piece of meat from the stew on the fire and giving it to the dog who chewed it happily.

  ‘Aiden,’ Ellis said, his tone solemn. ‘Thank you. Really. Without you and Hitch, I’d probably be dead.’

  ‘Don’t worry about it. You need to eat,’ Aiden said, noticing Ellis shaking slightly.

  Ellis shook his head. ‘I’ve lost my appetite.’

  ‘It’ll help.’ Aiden pushed a piece of bannock into his hands. ‘Trust me.’

  Ellis did as he was told, and after finishing the bread he quietly excused himself and lay down by the fire, falling asleep almost instantly.

  Aiden lay with one arm under his head and another over Hitch. They had fought the thieves off, and even though he hadn’t used violence himself, he had been prepared to in order to protect Hitch and Ellis. Even though it went against the teachings of the Kinship, it had felt natural to act in defence of his friends.

  He struggled to understand how what he had done should be considered “bad,” as Fenton would no doubt tell him. He put the pistol on the ground and lay looking at it as he pushed the idea around in his mind. The fire eventually burned low and the sounds of waves breaking on the shore lulled him into conflicted dreams.

  THE NEXT DAY, Aiden and Ellis arrived at Carson Waters. Ellis had not spoken a word for the entire morning as they travelled, but as their destination came into view he started to return to his usual self.

  Carson Waters was smaller than Kiln Commons, just a large fishing village really. The town had sprung up around the remains of the Hermes, an aircraft carrier which had run aground at some point during the Event, probably due to GPS failure. The front half of the ship was on the beach, while the broken stern still jutted out of the waves a small distance away from shore. The Hermes was used by the residents as a market these days, as well as serving as a curiosity for tourists, drawing people to the town.

  Ellis led the way excitedly, with Aiden and Hitch following as they walked through mud-lined streets that reeked of fish. They soon came upon the docks where small boats bobbed in the shallow waters, with nets and rusty barrels littered everywhere. The entrance to the Hermes was a hole in the side of the hull, reached by walking along a raised wooden pier. Aiden followed Ellis inside, and the smell of roasting fish and the heat of too many bodies rushed over him. Inside, the carrier appeared even larger. The cabins were filled with all manner of shops, and most of the corridors and open space occupied by people and various stalls.

  Aiden had never visited Carson Waters before, and they wandered around the carrier for a while taking in the sights. Ellis hopped away when he spotted a shop selling assorted electronics, and began chatting excitedly with the shopkeeper. Aiden was too far away to hear the conversation, but he had no interest in broken electronics anyway.

  He spotted a bookshop sign hanging above a hatch door and decided to take a look. Books were be
coming rarer these days, and it seemed people would rather burn them for warmth than use them to learn anything.

  As he entered the hatch, the din of the market receded. Hitch sat by the door, panting as he stared out at the stalls, probably eyeing some of the food. Aiden walked between the heaps of books, most of them rising off the floor in stacks or fallen piles. A colourful book cover caught his eye and he stopped to pick it up. It was titled, “Wonders of the World.” He flicked through the pages, seeing images foreign to him now. Blue skies, rolling fields, and clean streets. He recognised a few landmarks, the Marina Arch, Mount Dagon in the north, and even a bare looking Seneca Canyon before the Rim was constructed.

  ‘Can I help you, sonny?’ a croaking voice asked from the end of the shop.

  Aiden turned to see an elderly man with a full grey beard smoking a pipe as he leaned back on a raised seat made of books.

  ‘Nice shop you have,’ Aiden said, smiling at the unusual throne. ‘I’m just looking around for now.’

  ‘Well, I suppose that’s more than most do these days.’

  ‘You don’t get many visitors in here?’

  ‘Not any more. Who can blame them really? No one wants to read about the old world when they’re too busy trying to survive in this one.’

  ‘Doesn’t that make it more relevant than ever? We all need to escape sometimes.’

  The bookseller laughed. ‘I like you, sonny. Here, take this. You look the sort that would appreciate a decent story.’

  The man picked up a book from a nearby pile. Aiden walked over and took it from him, wiping the dust off its cover with his sleeve.

  ‘The Count of Monte Cristo,’ Aiden said, reading the title. ‘What’s it about?’

  ‘Adventure, revenge, betrayal, hope. You name it, it’s in there.’

  ‘All right, you’ve convinced me. How much do you want for it?’

  The old man waved his hand. ‘Pah, take it. If you get some joy out of it then that’s enough for me.’