The Children of Calm
Page 31
“We shouldn’t set up a campfire, you know,” Tresten said. “Just in case there are still Imperial soldiers some distance away keeping an eye on things.”
“You’re right,” Rylek nodded. “In which case we desperately need to get out of the open. Let’s head around to the south side of Lake Calm. No one ever goes over there, and we’ll have enough tree cover to hide in.”
“We’ll need to take turns keeping watch, too,” Tresten said.
“I’ll take the first round,” Rylek said. “But let’s eat first. Our true Finding begins in the morning.”
***
Their appetites were nonexistent, but each of them knew they needed strength for the next day. They ate in silence, taking comfort in each other and feeding off the dogged determination Rylek was exhibiting. The only sounds were of the leaves rustling in the branches above their heads; they heard no bird.
The physical toll of their impossibly-paced journey and the emotional toll of their circumstances had left them numb for the moment. Rylek knew nerves and hearts would waken raw in the morning, and was a little concerned the others would change their minds about their plan.
It doesn’t really matter, he thought. Either way, I know what I need to do. Though I do hope they will come with me.
He subtly examined each of his friends, and wondered at how weary and ragged they looked. The ashes of their childhood drifted off into the night air, burned away on the pyre that was their home.
Some Finding I’ve had. I’ve failed everyone. I had vowed to protect this village, and I’ve failed. I maybe could have prevented all of this if only I had told dad, or Elder Caenar. First Selenor, and now this.
He dropped his gaze to the ground as shame and guilt knotted his stomach.
How can I tell them everything is my fault?
At that moment, something from deep within his chest resonated differently. It was warm and light, and he thought again of the vision he had earlier. Although it was small, hope was incubating unscathed by his emotions. The voice he had sensed returned to his consciousness.
I am with you always, even through death itself.
Then a not-so-distant memory formed in his mind: Tresten walking with him to The Bell And Candle, saying, We carry the most important parts of the village along with us: each other.
He was right, he thought. They are my home, and we’re going to find the rest of our home.
***
The forest was black and chilly, for a damp fog had rolled in over the lake. Lana, Selenor, and Tresten were completely spent and fast asleep on their mats. Rylek slowly wove through the trees, never venturing far from the others. He had neither seen nor heard any sign of any other living being. Occasionally he stood where he could observe what had been Calm, and other times he found himself in the same spot he had overheard the end of the conversation between Celek and the scarred man. Left alone to his thoughts, his anger was slowly brewing inside his heart.
Celek, you cold-blooded coward! What dark secrets you must have been carrying for all these years, known to no one else here. How dare you betray innocent people to exact your brand of justice on the few who are guilty?
His fingers were playing with the crystalline orbs in his pocket. He picked the one he wanted and brought it out, squeezing it lightly between his fingertips. In the moonlight it looked sometimes shadowy and pearly, and at other times translucent. As he quite suddenly made up his mind, a sudden chill of a thrill ran down his spine.
If you think this is over, then you’re wrong.
He placed the orb within his ear.
You couldn’t be any more wrong.