The Last Singer (The Falcon Chronicles Book 1)

by Marjorie Lindsey

  I wiped a sleeve over my sweaty face. I couldn’t explain what I’d experienced. “I need to show the book to my mother.”

  We hiked to the house in silence.

  Our arrival coincided with Jarryd and Marta’s return from rock climbing. They were rosy-cheeked and laughing but went silent when they saw me.

  “Are you okay, Bryn? Did a leech get you on the way home?”

  “Don’t tease.” Marta held out her hand. “Brynna, you’re as gray as ash. What happened?”

  I ignored her gesture. “I’ll explain later. I need to speak with Mother first.”

  Jarryd nodded to the door. “She’s in the greenhouse.”

  Weyland stooped forward and passed me the wrapped book. “Secret. Promise.”

  “Thank you.” I forced a weak smile then ran to find Mother.

  Her humming was a soft balm as I entered the greenhouse. I walked between two rows of blooms, oblivious to the colors and scents, finally stopping within arm’s reach of Mother.

  “Did you have a good time?” She continued to trim back the rosemary that had become a bush.

  “No.” My control shattered, a sob escaped.

  Clippers clattered to the floor. Mother’s arms closed around me. I laid my head on her shoulder and wept.

  “Come.” She led me to an old couch. I curled up as she covered me with a shawl. I heard her set water to boil for tea. The familiar sounds were comforting as I waited for her return.

  “Now.” She pressed a fragrant cup of chamomile into my hands before sitting beside me. “Tell me what happened today.”

  After a sip of the hot liquid, I took a ragged breath and fought back tears.

  “Slowly, in your own time.” She started to hum and I felt my tension ease.

  I breathed deeply. Calmer, I wiped my eyes.

  “It’s not just today. I guess things have been building up. First, there’s Calia who I thought was my friend but now hates me.” I briefly told her what had happened. “Not to mention the threat of world destruction. Then Weyland telling me that my singing hurt him, which I don’t understand.” I glanced up to see her reaction, but her face remained serene. “Now this.” I pushed the purple package toward her.

  She rubbed the pale cloth between thumb and finger. There was respect in her touch as she gently removed the contents. I sensed that she knew its origin. Her fingers traced the outline on the cover. She pressed the diary between her hands as if absorbing its content.

  “Femin.” A sad smile followed her whisper. “Long gone. Where did you find this?”

  “In a cave at the top of the rock folds. Weyland found it. The place is full of old books. There’s a bed, a table and chairs. Who could have lived there?”

  “Your grandfather told the story of an old Genetrix whose feminary was flooded during the Rising. Your father’s family offered her a cottage near the village, but she preferred to live in solitude in the mountains. The villagers saw her occasionally when they left provisions for her. After the earthquakes, she disappeared, probably trapped in her cave.” Mother’s eyes were wet. “The last quakes must have uncovered the entrance. This must be her diary.”

  “But why would there be a picture of me in there?” I flipped over several pages and opened the journal at the portrait. “What does that mean?”

  She slowly examined the sketch. “I don’t think it’s you. Just a face with different colored eyes.” She squinted at the strange writing, her fingers floating over each word.

  I waited for her to speak, but patience isn’t my best quality.

  “Can you translate it?”

  She tilted her head. “It will take time to decipher her writing.”

  “What do you think the picture means?”

  “It could be a self-portrait, or someone she knew, or perhaps…” She paused.

  “What?” I anxiously scanned her face. “What were you going to say?”

  She shrugged. “I’d only be guessing. I’ll work on it and try to have an answer by your next work break. We can talk about it then.” She closed the book and placed it beside her, under her shawl.

  The diary was out of sight, but I knew what I’d seen inside would haunt me until I had more answers.

  “Now tell me about Weyland,” she prompted.

  There was no reproach in her voice, but mine was heavy with guilt. “I’m sorry, so sorry. I forgot he was with me. I started humming. He begged me to sing. I wasn’t going to but then Circe landed beside him. She trusted him and I felt I could too. After a month without singing, I couldn’t stop myself…” I dropped my head and picked at a fingernail, expecting censure.

  “What did he say about your voice hurting him?”

  I repeated what Weyland had told me. I couldn’t remember what he’d called himself but explained about the colors in my different vocal tones. When she didn’t speak, I filled the void.

  “Again, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to put you in danger.”

  “Who told you I was in danger?” Mother looked surprised.

  “Father said you might be arrested for teaching me to sing if I was found out.”

  She shook her head. “I’m sorry. That must have terrified you. But except for Weyland, no one else suspects you’re a singer, do they?”

  “I don’t think so, but I was nervous that the Genetrix might suspect somehow. She looked at me strangely when I met her.”

  I guessed by her surprise that Father neglected to relate my experience. “You met the Genetrix?”

  “My first day on Hypor. She used her voice on me.”

  “She did what?” Mother’s mouth tightened and her jaw clenched. “What do you mean?” How?”

  I described the high-pitched humming and that I couldn’t move my legs. “She held my chin and took the longest time peering into my eyes. Then she let go and went with the Premier.”

  Mother looked relieved then puzzled. “There were always rumors that the Genetrix had advanced vocal control.”

  “Do you think it’s something to do with what Weyland felt?”

  “I’ve never heard of anyone reacting as Weyland did, but our individual voices were always modulated to the tonal ranges required for healing. Outsiders were never present when we sang together.” Mother smiled slightly. “I remember those joyous times. Lifting our harmonies, transporting ourselves into ecstasy.”

  “That’s what I experienced today on the mountain before Weyland slumped against me. It was as if I was in another world. I felt strong and free and my voice was flying.”

  “Did you say anything to Weyland?”

  “No, he only knows what happened to him. I wanted to talk to you first.”

  “Until we know more about how this occurred, I think this should be our secret.”

  “I wish I could wipe Weyland’s mind of the incident.”

  “I suspect that he isn’t the only one who knows you can sing. I’m sure Jarryd has told Marta since she’s joining the family. At least they don’t know you’re a Femin healer, although, Weyland will be curious about today’s incident. He’s a scientist after all.”

  “He promised to keep my secret. I promised to keep his, except for you. Do you think what happened to him is important?”

  “I’ll research my old feminary texts to see what I can learn and we can talk next time you’re home. Now we should go. Marta offered to make the midday meal.”

  We walked home in silence.

  She took my arm and stopped at the threshold of the kitchen door. “Before we go inside. One last thing, about Calia. Do you remember years ago when your gold bangle went missing? The one you inherited from your grandmother?”

  “Yes. It reappeared a few days later.”

  Mother nodded. “Calia took it from your bedroom. She admitted it was yours when her aunt discovered her wearing it. She was forbidden to enter our home again. She’s always been jealous. It’s something we hoped she’d outgrow.”

  The revelation wasn’t as shocking as it might once have been.
<
br />   “It’s just as well you’re no longer friends. Jealousy is destructive.”

  The condemnation was strong coming from a woman whose nature was always to see the best in people.

  “I’ve learned my lesson where she’s concerned. We avoid each other at work. She’s out of my life forever.” I waved my hands, pushing away her unwanted image, hoping my words were true.

  “Good. Let’s go and discover what my future daughter-in-law has cooked up.”

  Father didn’t return so we were five around the dining table. Marta’s vegetable soup and homemade bread were delicious and filling but didn’t distract me from the broken drone that now lay on the floor by the fireplace. I suspected the others were also pondering it and the threat it posed because no one uttered a word until we’d cleared the table.

  We returned to our seats. I waited for Jarryd to speak. His solemn expression made him appear older than his twenty-one years.

  “Okay. As I see it, our goal is to collect information.” He scanned our faces. “We know we’re being watched. There’s real danger if we’re caught but I don’t think we have any option. Father needs to know what Delio is planning. It’s not just a council concern. The situation affects all of us.”

  I leaned forward, eager to help. “What I can do?”

  He responded with a nod and a brief smile. “We all have a part to play.”

  There were murmurs of support from the others.

  I waved my arm excitedly. “I know. I can search the databases in the media lab for anything that might be linked to Delio, or the CMEs.”

  “That’s a great idea,” replied Jarryd. “Marta, your father confides in you, so you’re our best source of what’s happening with the council. Weyland and I will work on getting into Delio’s private computer files. I have friends in various departments that I’m sure will help when they know about the threat. That’s the most important thing. We have to make sure everyone learns about the CMEs—anonymously.”

  “How?” Marta nibbled her lip.

  “I’m still working on that.” Jarryd’s nails tapped the table.

  No one spoke for several minutes.

  “You’ll find a way.” Mother leaned forward and rested her hand on his arm. “What can I do from here?”

  “You’ll be our link to Father. It’s best you keep out of sight as much as possible when you’re alone. They might send more drones.”

  “Disrupter.” Weyland pulled the small black box with a red button from his pocket. “For Mother Bokk.”

  I’d forgotten his invention. “He used it to kill the drone.”

  “Not kill,” he corrected. “Disrupt circuitry.”

  “Fantastic.” Jarryd examined the box. “Can you make more in case we need them?”

  “Easy.” Weyland’s face bloomed pink with embarrassment as all eyes watched.

  My brother’s smile hardened into a determined line. “We continue our usual routines. We’ll meet at the recpod in the evenings. Keep everything normal and dig until we find something.”

  “What do you think will happen when the citizens learn about the CME danger?” Marta’s question produced silence. Then Jarryd started to laugh.

  “Delio will be up to his neck in problems.”

  13

  A Covert Investigation

  Leaving Mother and returning to Hypor proved more difficult this time.

  The appearance of another drone, this time a lethal one, coupled with the discussion about the Delios had me concerned for her safety and what might come. I’d always viewed my father as an invincible guardian, but his continued absences filled me with doubts about his ability to protect her, especially now.

  My brother controlled the lander as we lifted away from the island. Weyland was at his side, Marta and I sat in the rear. Tears blurred my view of the lone small figure waving goodbye.

  “Jarryd, what about Mother? With Father away and those drones flying around, she’s vulnerable.”

  “She won’t be alone. I’ve had a word with a few of the villagers. They’ll check on her discreetly. And don’t forget Roddy. He feeds the falcons every day and his cottage is close to the house if anything happens.”

  “Thanks. That makes me feel better.”

  Marta squeezed my hand in support. “Delio employs lies and persuasion. He won’t gain support using violence.”

  “I’m more concerned about his son,” said Jarryd. “Prince is a hothead and likes power. I suspect he’ll use whatever is necessary to get it.” He glanced at Weyland. “But thanks to my brilliant buddy, Mother has protection against drones.”

  Weyland blushed.

  Silence filled the lander until we neared the city.

  “Okay, we’re almost there,” said Jarryd. “You all know what to do.”

  The landing was perfect. We made light conversation as we walked to the main entrance. Even in our short absence, things had changed. The security force was larger.

  Six guards stopped us. Four held their weapons in readiness while two rummaged through our belongings.

  The pod doors didn’t open automatically. A guard signaled all clear to someone inside before they slid apart. The empty entrance I remembered was filled with equipment and more eyes watched our movements. I was relieved to see other workers returning from break so we weren’t the only ones under scrutiny.

  Marta grabbed Jarryd’s hand. “Something’s happened.”

  I wanted to hold his other one, but I didn’t want to draw attention to our little group.

  “Just stay calm. We’ll find out what’s occurred once we’re inside.” Jarryd placed his right hand on the palm reader. We did the same and joined the single line into the open concourse.

  After a quiet word with Jarryd, Marta left us and followed the hallway to the tubes. We joined the groups waiting for lifts. Uneasy glances and murmurs threaded through those gathered. As the lift doors closed behind us, we exchanged glances. We had a plan.

  My muscles tightened as I stepped from the lift into the sixth-floor hallway. I walked confidently in case someone was watching, but there were no guards, only workers mounting objects on the ceilings.

  I stopped and spoke aloud without realizing. “What are those?”

  “Cameras. They’re watching us.” Stick’s voice came from behind me.

  “Why?”

  “Delio’s paranoid.” He chuckled.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I forgot. You’ve been on work break, haven’t you?” He continued when I nodded. “Someone’s leaked information about a solar threat to the planet. There’s graffiti showing up everywhere accusing the council of trying to hide things from us.”

  I felt light-headed and must have blanched.

  “I didn’t mean to scare you.” Stick appeared nervous. “I’m sure it’s all bogus.” He opened the door to the media lab. “Better get a drink of water or something.”

  I smiled and nodded. He hurried to his workstation.

  The cold water was refreshing and gave me time to think. Who had released the information about the CMEs?

  On the positive side, Jarryd and Weyland would be beyond suspicion since they’d been on break. On the downside, graffiti would put added pressure on the ruling council and give the Premier further justification to tighten security and an excuse to add to his private force.

  If Delio was deceiving the council and making a bid for absolute power, there was more reason than ever to find the truth.

  I returned to my desk just as Calia entered from the hallway. Dench stared at her from his office doorway. She was late, but he said nothing. I’d heard others gossiping about her relationship with Prince Delio. Was that why Dench was silent?

  She ignored everyone but managed to draw attention to the flashy bangles on her wrists by fiddling with them as she proceeded to her workstation. She strutted like a peacock, swishing the folds of her blue silk juba. A present from her boyfriend no doubt. Definitely not from the common supply. Would her newfound prosper
ity appease her jealousy? I had my doubts.

  The day’s translations were light and I had time to check through the database. There were no obvious items about coronal mass ejections, only a couple about the solar cycle and the upcoming eclipse. I didn’t expect it to be easy. Delio wasn’t stupid. I had to try another approach. If the Premier was making deals with someone in Nuvega, and possibly the Genetrix, it might be important to track the visits or any talks they may have had. I decided to research the past year.

  My efforts were fruitful. Delio had journeyed to Nuvega eight times, three during the last two months. The Genetrix had visited Hypor twice recently as well, not including the day I’d seen her. The visits made headlines and were well documented. I took discreet notes of the times and dates, hoping they’d be useful.

  Two minutes before six o’clock, I jumped in my chair when Dench’s voice rattled across the room.

  “Bokk, in my office. Now.”

  I felt eyes following me as I approached his domain. Had Calia been telling tales about me again?

  “Yes, Sir?” Nervously I clasped my hands behind my back. Nothing good came from an interview with Dench.

  “What have you been working on today?” His glasses hung on the end of his nose as he peered over the rims.

  “Just translations as usual. Sir.”

  “Why have you been studying the archives?” His voice penetrated like a spear. My hands got clammy, but he’d given me an idea.

  “I thought I’d expand my knowledge of events on Hypor.” It wasn’t the greatest excuse, but reasonable since I’d arrived only a month ago. “Starting with the year before my arrival.”

  Since he knew I’d been in the archives he probably also knew the dates I’d been examining. I hoped he couldn’t track the length of time I’d lingered on specific news items.

  He didn’t scoff at my explanation, but his eyes squinted with suspicion.

  “Stick to your translations from now on. If you want to know about Hypor City, go to the market and watch the videos. That’s all for now, but I’ll be monitoring you.” He flicked his bony fingers toward the door and I hastily retreated.