by Gavin Zanker
Aiden told him about the diary, explained about Carol’s illness and Owen’s eventual suicide.
‘This is sad news,’ Fenton said. ‘Owen was an old friend of mine and it pains me to hear what he and Carol went through. If only I had known, I could have helped.’
‘I saw no reason to tell Ellis. He was already shaken up by the trip.’
‘Yes, Ellis mentioned some troubling things,’ Fenton said, an edge of disapproval in his tone. ‘Would you tell me what happened?’
Aiden took a deep breath and recounted the events of the journey. The attack on the camp, how the thieves had threatened them before being chased away, and the Kiln Boys who had singled out Ellis in the market and tried to steal his possessions. Fenton listened impassively until Aiden had finished.
‘I hoped the trip would help you with your struggles, but it seems to have only reinforced your old patterns of behaviour. I see now that it was a mistake to send you away.’
‘With respect, I disagree,’ Aiden said. ‘It has been all I have thought about lately, and I’ve realised that finding a balance can be the only real option. I’m no longer consumed by rage, but at the same time I see no positive in giving up and letting people walk all over you needlessly.’
‘Committing violence is not balance, Aiden.’
‘It can be when it’s a reaction. Defending myself and Ellis was the right choice, and because of my actions, no one was hurt.’
‘You saw no opportunity to reason with these attackers?’
Aiden shook his head, laughing in disbelief. ‘Fenton, how did you get to be so naive?’
‘My naivety has kept this Brotherhood alive and pure for a long time,’ Fenton said, glaring at Aiden. ‘Regardless, I am concerned about the effect your actions are having on the Kinship. I worry you may have planted seeds in the minds of many Brothers, which if left to fester, could pollute their spirits.’
‘I acted without any motive other than protecting me and Ellis.’
‘I will leave you to your work,’ Fenton said, turning away. ‘I have much to contemplate.’
THE NEXT DAY a travelling merchant arrived leading an old grey pack mule laden with bulging saddle bags. He was selling an assortment of exotic goods and many Brothers crowded around him excitedly to get a look at his wares. Seeds were purchased for the Citadel’s greenhouse, as well as a few trinkets.
When the Brothers drifted away, Aiden approached the merchant and struck up a conversation as he played fetch with Hitch in the courtyard. ‘You look like you’ve been around,’ Aiden said, noting the bronzed skin and weathered face of the merchant.
‘I’ve seen my share of the world. I actually just made the journey back from Shenai a while ago, though no one this side of the Expanse would believe me.’
Aiden smirked at the boast. ‘And how did you manage to cross the Expanse without ending up being worn as a hat by some psychotic Ravager?’
The merchant leaned in closer, looking around suspiciously. ‘Old underground bunkers,’ he said with a wink. ‘Built long before the world descended into madness.’
‘Bunkers,’ Aiden repeated sarcastically.
‘Right, miles and miles of tunnels connecting them. If you know where to look, you can travel anywhere in this world without being seen.’
‘Say for a second I believe you,’ Aiden said, ‘what’s it like in the east? I mean, no one has seen it since before the Dawn.’
The merchant shrugged. ‘Same as everywhere else in this world. Just people fighting among themselves to survive.’ The merchant looked distant for a second, a smirk on his face. ‘Beautiful girls though. Highly trained. They can make you feel like a king if you can afford their prices.’
Aiden doubted his story, figuring it was just his way of raising prices on his exotic goods. He continued the conversation as he played with Hitch, and it turned out the merchant had passed through the Rim recently on his travels.
Aiden asked about the state of things there, and the merchant recounted what he had heard. Attacks were becoming more frequent on the surrounding farmlands, with reports of Ravager sightings getting closer to the city every day. Without protection, farmers were fleeing back to the city in fear, resulting in more food shocks and even riots. The police were struggling to manage the growing violence within the city, and many residents had barricaded their homes in an effort to protect themselves.
Aiden asked about the Dawnists, but the man could only tell him what he already knew. They had been quietly locked inside their Compound for months now, no one knew what they were up to.
A group of Brothers overheard the conversation and wanted to aid the people of the Rim. They asked Fenton for permission to head to the city and offer their services as farmers to help feed the people. Fenton agreed and they set out with the merchant the following day when he left the Citadel heading south.
Over the next few days, Aiden was approached numerous times by Brothers asking about his trip, and how he had managed to defend himself from Kiln Boys and robbers. He guessed Ellis must have been spreading exaggerated claims about their trip. A few Brothers even asked Aiden to teach them some self-defence in case they were ever in a situation that demanded it. Aiden refused out of respect for Fenton, knowing that the old man would never approve, and they headed away disappointed.
Much of the Kinship were tired of being pushed around and having their hard earned supplies stolen. And with the growing threat of Ravager attacks pushing ever closer west, many doubted that without the ability to defend themselves, an attack would result in the Kinship being obliterated.
Aiden felt frustrated at not being able to help those who wanted to stand up and fight for themselves. The Brothers followed Fenton out of loyalty, but he was leading these men down an unsustainable path. A path that would end with everyone’s death.
CHAPTER 56
‘IT’S STRANGE TO see this place empty,’ Travis said, entering the barracks to see Samuel alone, pacing between the bunks.
‘If it wasn’t for you, it wouldn’t be empty,’ Samuel said.
Travis ignored the comment, not looking for another argument. ‘What are you doing here anyway? Surely you’re not missing Kane and his Seekers?’
‘Don’t be ridiculous.’ Samuel shot Travis a sharp look. ‘The man was a relic.’
‘A useful relic though.’
‘True, he was useful,’ Samuel said. ‘I’m surprised you liked him.’
‘Why wouldn’t I? The man had honour.’ Travis poked around inside an open locker, finding only a crusty sock. ‘Besides, we weren’t ready to lose him yet.’
‘No we weren’t, and if it wasn’t for your temper then we wouldn’t be in this position.’
‘You think we’re in danger?’
‘We’re always in danger, I keep telling you that,’ Samuel said, running a hand over his head as he paced. ‘But if you mean immediate danger, then no. No one would openly move against us while we’re inside the compound. We still have enough manpower to guard the walls.’
Travis sat on a nearby bunk. The sheets were askew, the last occupant not having bothered to tidy up before leaving. The remaining Seekers had quickly disbanded after the news of Kane’s death reached them.
‘We should get someone to clean this place up,’ Travis said.
‘Clean up? You have a strange order of priorities. You heard the news, right? Another food cache has been uncovered inside the city.’
‘Yes, I heard.’
‘Only this time it was the heroic city police that uncovered it. Naturally, we’re the ones being blamed.’
‘I said I heard, Sam.’
‘That fat man is going to come out of this smelling like roses and it’s all a damn lie,’ Samuel said, kicking the metal frame of the nearest bed.
‘So what can we do?’
‘Nothing. Even the Syndicate have made a statement on that damn radio station, openly condemning us for withholding supplies from the people.’
‘You’re kidding. Ju
lian Caldwell said that?’
‘That’s right. It seems the little peace we arranged with him meant nothing. He was just aching to sell us out at the first opportunity.’
‘I haven’t seen you this agitated in a long time.’
Samuel pushed his glasses up his nose and glared at Travis. ‘There’s propaganda all over the city already. You’ve seen the posters plastered over Oldtown? They captured your image quite well all things considered.’
‘I saw them,’ Travis said. ‘Not exactly flattering.’
‘I arranged an interview for you with Grace Ludgate so we can at least try to put out a statement and defend ourselves. We’re going to have to work doubly hard to contain this nightmare.’
‘Calm down, Sam. You’re going to have an aneurysm. Here, sit down.’ Travis kicked the bunk next to the one he was sitting on.
Samuel sighed and took a seat on the bunk, hanging his head in his hands. ‘We weren’t ready for this,’ he said.
‘I know. But we’ll be fine. We’ve made it through worse, right?’
‘We’re losing territory in the city. I’ve already had reports of Dawnist shops being broken into and vandalised. The city is turning against us.’
‘We could always move the schedule forward,’ Travis said, raising an eyebrow.
Samuel shook his head. ‘No, the project isn’t ready yet. However tempting, we can’t act prematurely or all of our planning will be for nothing.’
‘Okay, so what are we going to do about the Dawnists in the city? We can’t leave them out there unprotected.’
‘We have no choice. We don’t have the forces to send out.’
Travis frowned and rubbed his chin. ‘That doesn’t sit well with me, leaving them to fend for themselves like that.’
‘We buckle down and we let the waves crash against the door. It’s the only way we’re going to survive. If we open ourselves up and spread ourselves too thin then we’re going to get washed away.’
Travis rubbed his forehead. He thought he felt a new worry line and dropped his hands to his lap. ‘So we bide our time then.’
‘It’s the only long-term option we have.’ Samuel looked at Travis. ‘You know, being the face of the Church, you’re going to have your work cut out for you.’
‘We all have, I’m no exception.’
Samuel nodded in agreement. ‘True, but you’ll be a target. You’ve already seen the propaganda. From now on, you don’t go anywhere alone. I’m doubling the guard on you when you leave the compound.
‘Can we spare the men for that? I won’t leave the compound vulnerable.’
‘We can’t risk the alternative. There are a lot of angry people out there.’
‘And I’m today’s whipping boy for the starving masses.’
‘We’re where Reinhold is deflecting blame now,’ Samuel said. ‘I should have seen this coming.’
‘All while that glutton fills his pockets and stuffs his craw with whatever he pleases.’
‘I’m glad you’re starting to get angry.’
‘Speaking of anger,’ Travis said. ‘I want to talk to you about Emily.’
‘Not now.’
‘Then when? You know I can’t let this go.’
‘You’re going to have to for now, and you know it. She’s in there for the duration. You’d rather she was out there facing down angry mobs?’
Travis remained silent, knowing the truth of his words. As much as he wanted her out, the inner compound was currently the safest place for her.
‘Nothing is fair,’ Samuel said, as if reading his mind. ‘For any of us. I’m not sure if things ever truly were.’
Travis stared at his feet. One of his expensive tanned leather shoes had a stain. He reached down and rubbed at it with his finger, but the stain remained.
‘Yes, you do look like a mess,’ Samuel said. ‘You’d better go get cleaned up. We’re due on topside at the redoubt in an hour.’
Travis rose and moved to a locker, glancing at his reflection in one of the mirrors. His shirt was creased, and his face unshaven. Emily would admonish him for looking so scruffy. He smiled at the thought of her fussing over him.
‘Why are we heading to the surface?’
‘Reinhold has sent us a formal invitation, and I get the distinct impression it’s not voluntary. There’s rumours that there’s going to be a banishment. He would never show any open hostility towards us, not while there are so many Dawnists still in the city. We should prepare ourselves though, this isn’t going to be good if he specifically invited us.’
‘No, I guess not.’ Travis smoothed his hair back under his headband in the mirror. ‘Are you coming too?’
‘Of course. Where you go, I go,’ Samuel said, rising from his seat and heading for the exit.
Travis followed after him, pausing to glance back. He felt a wave of sadness as he remembered how busy the room had been, with people living and laughing together. Now it was empty and served no purpose. He flicked the lights off and closed the door behind him, leaving the barracks in darkness.
CHAPTER 57
‘HEY AIDEN, FENTON wants to speak to you,’ Ellis said, entering the lantern-lit library.
‘I figured he would soon enough,’ Aiden said, putting aside his book on local fauna.
‘He seems pretty depressed lately, we should do something to cheer him up,’ Ellis said, moving to the fireplace and scratching Hitch behind the ears. ‘Think you’ll be long? Shall I put some more tea on?’
‘I wouldn’t bother,’ Aiden said, rising from his seat and smiling weakly. ‘I’m honestly not sure how much longer I’ll be welcome here.’
Ellis looked dejected. ‘You mean because of what happened on the trip? But you just did what anyone would have done.’
‘Don’t let Fenton hear you say that. He already thinks I’m a bad influence around here. I’ll come and let you know what happens anyway.’
Aiden headed out of the library and climbed the stairs to Fenton’s office for what he guessed would be the final time. He reached the top and took a breath to prepare himself for the coming conversation, then entered the office. Fenton was sat in his chair, pouring over a scroll on the desk. He glanced up with a sadness in his expression that Aiden had never seen before.
‘Thanks for coming. Please take a seat.’
‘How are you?’ Aiden asked as he sat and leaned forward in the chair.
‘Aiden, you have always been honest with me so I wish to do you the same courtesy. I am glad you survived the hardships you’ve been through, and I think the Kinship has managed to help you a great deal. But our time together must come to an end.’
‘I assumed as much,’ Aiden said, nodding slowly.
‘I must ask you to leave the Kinship and never return to the Citadel. You have become a polluting influence. I walk around the Citadel and I see Brothers looking up to you as if your violent ways are something to be admired.’
Aiden looked past Fenton, to the mountain range visible out of the window. It struck him how much he was going to miss the view of the white peaks.
‘I understand you have your own opinions,’ Fenton continued, ‘and I respect that. We follow different paths, and I realise now that they will never be compatible. Would you like to say anything?’
‘You have taught me a lot,’ Aiden said, rubbing his aching shoulder, ‘and I am grateful to you for more than just saving my life. I will leave if that is your wish. I think we both knew it was inevitable.’ Aiden paused, looking Fenton in the eye. ‘I believe you are wrong though. People need to stand up for what they believe in. People need to protect themselves in this world, because no one else is going to do it for them. That doesn’t make them evil or turn them into murderers.’
Fenton sighed. ‘Look at yourself honestly, Aiden. You suffered loss and you let it consume you. You clung to that rage, that raw emotion, and you held on to it as it dragged you through the world. It turned you into a monster. You kill and destroy and for what? To try and quell a pai
n that you can never cut out of yourself. You accepted it as a part of you and now you can never let it go. It will be inside you forever.’
‘Emotion is a part of living. Hiding behind walls and denying it is as futile as trying to light a fire under water.’
‘You talk of living, Aiden, but think hard. Are you really living or are you merely surviving? Leave your vengeance to the gods, and choose to live your life instead.’
‘You cannot live if you are dead. To live, first you have to learn how to survive. Twice on this trip, Ellis was confronted by men with intentions to do him harm. Both times, you would have stood by and watched him be attacked or killed. And then you would have died with him.’
‘I would rather die a noble death than live a life of evil.’
‘Then I am glad I was there and not you. There is no nobility in death. If you’d ever seen death up close you would know that. There’s nothing romantic about crows feasting on a rotting corpse. One day you will see for yourself. The world will come knocking and reality will force itself into your cosy little ideology. And what will you do then, will you stand and watch your brothers die around you or will you find the courage to fight and survive?’
The conversation was interrupted by commotion from outside. Raised voices drifted up from the courtyard below. Fenton rose and moved to the window, hanging his head as he looked down.
‘It looks like that day might be today. Oh, Aiden, what have your actions brought down upon us, my son?’
CHAPTER 58
DAVID REINHOLD STEPPED up to the hastily constructed podium to address the gathered crowd. Electric lights set up around the podium illuminated the night as people continued to gather in the redoubt. He had to suppress a smirk at the prospect of so many people witnessing his victory. He cleared his throat and began speaking into the microphone which had been set on the podium for him.
‘Residents of our fair city.’ Reinhold smiled at the immediate applause, realising this was going to be too easy. ‘Today I am saddened to have to welcome you to this regretful event. For too long now, there have been those among us who seek to do us harm. Those who work against the values we stand for. But as your Mayor, I will no longer allow this!’ Cheering spread through the crowd and Reinhold raised his hands for quiet. ‘So without further ado, I present. The exiles!’