by Eliza Tilton
“Saving your sister is indeed a noble cause. There will be many obstacles on the way, but how you rise above those obstacles is what separates you from everyone else. Do you think killing everything in your path will make it easier?”
I frowned. I already knew the answer to that. If anything, it made it harder. Killing wasn’t as glorious as I had imagined. It made me sick, but I had no choice. Jeslyn’s life depended on it.
“Have you prayed to The Creator for guidance?”
The priest couldn’t see, but I was rolling my eyes. “I don’t believe in The Creator,” I muttered.
“That is unfortunate because he believes in you. May The Creator bless you on your quest. You may enter the chamber.”
That’s it? I sat there feeling awkward and unfulfilled. A part of me expected the priest to say I was forgiven and I only did what was necessary. The air in the wooden booth became hot, and my chest tightened. I pushed back the curtain and stepped out.
Another priest stood in front of the arched door leading to the altar room. He nodded and allowed me to pass.
Sweat tickled my neck. This was a stupid idea.
The altar room was an empty round chamber with a stone shelf and a giant likeness of The Creator against the far wall. There was something intimidating about that giant statue. The face resembled a lion but the body was man with giant arched wings.
On the shelf sat a stone basin filled with water, candles surrounding it. A golden pitcher on the right and left of it. The floor beneath the altar had been covered with tokens: coins, flowers, crafted figurines.
The only thing I had to offer was one of my marbles.
I took out the pouch and opened it, remembering when my mother brought it home from the market. It was the best gift she had ever given me. The marbles were black with swirls of red. I took one and placed it on the pile of tokens.
Next, I was supposed to take a candle and light one of the unlit candles. I grabbed one from the holder. Wax dripped onto my hand and I dropped the candle. “Ouch.”
It landed right on top of a cotton figured token. Lighting it.
“No,” I said, and stomped it out before the flame caught something else.
Not only did I stomp on a bunch of The Creator’s tokens, but the priest walked in right as I was doing it.
“Sorry,” I said. “I dropped the candle.”
The priest’s mouth hung open as if I had desecrated the entire place.
Time to go. I hurried past the flabbergasted priest and back into the main chamber.
Sunlight filtered through the openings on the temple walls. The arched doorway leading outside seemed farther than I remembered. Long chords flowing from the organ filled the temple. Each note sounded ominous, and I walked faster, trying to escape the judging room.
When I reached a comfortable distance, I took a deep breath and thought about my failed attempt at an offering. I didn’t believe The Creator would help us. Could you be cursed for disrupting an altar?
I hoped not. I had enough bad luck.
We were out of Crain Village and heading towards Nod Mountains when I realized I’d left my pack. I groaned and turned Brushfire around.
“I forgot my pack in the Temple,” I said. “You guys keep going.
I’ll catch up.”
“I’ll go with you,” Derrick said.
I nodded, and we raced back.
My pack was in the confessional. I could tell Derrick wanted to ask me a bunch of annoying questions. I held up my hand in protest. When we walked outside, Jericho was on his horse, racing up the hill.
We immediately mounted our horses.
“What’s wrong? Where are the others?” Derrick said.
“There’s been an attack,” Jericho said in a grave voice.
My stomach dropped. “What happened?”
“After you left, a group of bandits came; they were looking for you two,” Jericho said, his eyes shifting from me to Derrick.
No. “We have to hurry!”
Jericho guided his horse in front of mine. “Rudy told me to get you two out of here. They will hold the bandits off.”
“I don’t care what he said,” I argued, “we can’t leave them—Derrick?”
Derrick nodded. “I’m with you. It’s our fault they’re in danger.”
Jericho rode closer to us. “Rudy and the others are risking their lives so you two can escape. Don’t let their sacrifice be in vain!”
“And you expect us to trust you?” Derrick glared at him.
“No, but do you think those men would’ve allowed me to escape?”
No, they wouldn’t have.
“Come, there’s not much time.” Jericho didn’t wait for us to respond. He galloped away, and we followed.
We didn’t stop riding until the next morning. The horses needed to rest and we needed water. During our ride, I told Jericho about the dart. His face paled. He said it belonged to his captain. A sure sign that his return would bring a lot of questions.
“What happens when we get to Daath? Won’t they wonder why you’re back? You did say they tried to kill you.” Derrick folded his arms, glaring at Jericho.
“I’ll take you to my house; it’s on the outskirts of town. I have friends in the guard I can trust. I’ll speak with them first.”
“What do you plan on telling them?” I said.
Jericho dipped his hands into the stream and drank before answering. “That it’s time for a rebellion. Lucino has oppressed us for too long. It’s time Daath became free.”
A rebellion? I just wanted to save my sister, not the whole forsaken town!
“We don’t want part in your war,” Derrick said. “Jeslyn is the only reason we’re going.”
Jericho looked at us. “There’s something you need to know about Lucino … he’s not human.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Jeslyn
Soft light slipped through the arched windows, basking the room in a warm glow. I heard the clink of a serving tray, the opening of the curtains. A petite servant girl with shiny blue eyes said, “Good morning”.
Three days had passed since I ate dinner with Lucino, and only once had he visited me. I spent a good portion of the time walking the beautiful grounds. His gardens were massive and intoxicating. I’d no difficulty losing myself in their splendor.
I’d been thinking much, wondering where Avikar and Derrick were. I prayed daily for their safety. I knew they were searching for me, but I had little hope they’d find Daath. If Lucino was kind enough to send word to my family, he might send someone to search for Derrick and Avikar. Yes, I would ask Lucino as soon as I saw him.
The servant politely ushered me out of bed and over to a small table covered with food. I sat on a large cushioned chaise and eyed the assortment of fresh fruits, cheese and roasted figs—a delicacy back home.
Since my arrival, I’d indulged in various delectable treats, foods that melted on my tongue and tasted of a hundred flavors. At home, the only time I experienced anything other than rue and leavened bread was during a festival. I closed my eyes and bit into one of the sweet figs. The soft meaty taste reminded me of pear and apple with a hint of honey.
The servant bustled around the room, making the bed and picking my robe off the floor. I wanted to ask her if Lucino would visit with me, but she moved around the room, cleaning, and avoiding me. Watching the girl work filled me with longing. I dreamt of a life filled with riches, servants and the pleasantries of wealth. Was I wrong to want more than my parents could ever give me? I loved my family, but this place called to my every wish.
Lucy entered the room wearing another low cut dress. The bodice hugged her curvy frame, and I wondered if a gown that size could ever fit me, even though it was very improper.
“I’m assuming a girl your age knows how to ride a horse?” Lucy asked, ru
mmaging through the massive wardrobe.
She speaks to me as if I’m a child and she’s a woman. She cannot be that much older than me. I nodded, remembering my manners.
“Good,” Lucy said. “Now get undressed.”
I slipped out of my chemise and covered myself with my arms while the servant brought a pile of clothing. The girl helped me into a petal pink dress and asked me to turn around. With a sharp tug, the servant laced the back of the bodice.
“Tighter,” Lucy said while standing behind me.
The servant pulled again, and I thought my chest would break in two. I gasped as she forced every breath out of me.
“That will do,” Lucy said. “We’ll need to fix that tangled mess on top of your head.”
Lucy pushed me onto a seat and began pinning my hair and dabbing powders and perfumes over my body. When she finished, I stared in the mirror at the reflection of a girl much too pretty to be me.
We walked outside to where Lucino sat on top of a black steed, outfitted in a black and crimson riding outfit. The fitted jacket hugged his muscular frame, flattering every beautiful feature. He looked regal and confident.
The white stallion next to him had delicate flowers threaded through its mane. I remembered what Mother said about the proper way to ride. I wished I’d practiced it more.
The servants hoisted me onto the mount, and I dangled my legs off the one side. I gripped the reins tightly, hoping I could ride in such an uncomfortable position. Before I could think of switching my legs, Lucino’s horse took off in a gallop, and my stallion quickly followed.
The further into Daath we rode, the more enchanting it became. Spiraled around great trees were flowers redder than blood, more vibrant than amethyst. Musical birds cawed from high above. Their large calico wings fluttered in rhythm to their song.
I turned my gaze to the opposite side of the path and spotted a large furry creature, half-ferret and half-caterpillar, inching along an enormous branch that dipped to the forest floor. The small animal disappeared into a hole in the bark.
Could anything in Tarrtainya be more magnificent than this? Daath was more breathtaking than a butterfly’s first flight. I wished Mother and Calli could see it. I prayed they would accept Lucino’s offer, if only to see Daath.
The horses trotted down a winding path until it ended on white sand.
“Is this the sea?” My heart swelled with wonder.
“Yes, have you never seen it before?”
“Never like this,” I replied, remembering the busy port at Luna Harbor where my grandfather lived.
Lucino hopped down from his mount and walked over to me. “Would you like a closer look?”
I smiled. “Oh, yes!”
He helped me off the horse and then tied the horses to a nearby tree. He removed his black boots and rolled up the bottom of his pants.
I slipped out of my slipper shoes and dug my toes into the sand, feeling the warmth. I wiggled my toes, enjoying the feel of the soft texture moving across them, and watched the distant waters lapping on the shore. I grabbed my dress, lifted it, and walked to the water’s edge. The breeze blew through my hair, and I inhaled the salty scent. Aqua blue stretched before me with no end in sight.
“It’s magnificent.” With my eyes glued to the shining horizon, I stepped into the cool water. “Where are the waves?” Mother had shared bits of information about the sea, which I’d mostly forgotten, except the waves. I remembered her saying they were tremendous.
Lucino placed a supportive hand on my back. “The barrier reef stops them.”
“What’s a reef?”
His lip curled, and his blue eyes shined underneath the suns. “I’ll show you.”
I followed him down the beach to a rocky out cove. Tied to wooden poles were a handful of rowboats. He untied one and pushed it to the shore.
“Get in,” he said.
I climbed into the boat and sat on one of the planks. With a few shoves, Lucino had us in the water, and he jumped into the boat. He grabbed two oars from the floor and rowed us out to sea.
With my hands folded in my lap, I watched him. He wasn’t like other boys. He exuded nobility and power. He reminded me of Lord Tyre riding through our village. The first time I’d seen Lord and Lady Tyre I’d been overcome with envy. It didn’t seem fair that they rode around in fine silks while I dressed in rags.
Lucino stopped, placed the oars on the bottom of the boat and smiled. “Look below us.”
I peered over the side and gasped. Orange stone, surrounded by hundreds of bright colored fish, reached out in every direction. “Where does this come from?”
Lucino explained the natural barrier in great detail. The stone he called coral was a living life form. Face aglow, he spoke about the community of fish, and he gladly answered my many questions.
“How come no one has found Daath? Surely many boats have tried.”
“Yes, many do, and die. Past this barrier, the air wavers, and a man’s perception, becomes distorted. They go in circles, lost beyond reason, until one of the whirlpools swallows them.”
“That’s horrid. Have you ever tried leaving?”
His gaze went past me, out into the open water. “I have a … tool … that allows me to navigate around the whirlpools and find the shores.”
Fish swam under the boat. A turtle floated by, as large as a pig. I’d never imagined the sea could hold so many beautiful creatures. Each animal different than the next. And the colors. Different shades of reds, even purple. Mother never mentioned how colorful the sea was.
The touch of fabric hit my feet. I looked over at Lucino, barechested and beautiful. I knew I should avert my eyes, but besides my brother I’d never seen a man topless. Heat rushed over me in a vicious wave.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
He stood and put a foot on the edge of the boat.
“You’re not going in there, are you?”
“Don’t worry, my lady. I’ll be back shortly. Stay in the boat, and you shall be safe.”
Before I could reply, he dove in.
The wind was my only companion. Lucino had been gone too long. I rung my dress in my hands, and my left leg trembled. Instead of making a fuss over nothing, I kept my thoughts focused on the world below. I leaned over the side and dipped my hand into the sea, tracing my fingers across the surface, loving the refreshing feel.
A silver object appeared on the north side of the boat. I squinted, wondering what it might be. With my hand, I splashed the water, searching for the peculiar sight. I looked behind the boat and spotted a shape moving in the water. My eyes widened at the size of the creature as it swam past. I reached out and touched its smooth and slippery skin.
I smiled.
The fish disappeared again. I hoped it would return. I wanted to stroke it once more. I scooted to the opposite side, placing both hands on the ledge and peered into the water. Two similar shapes swam beneath me. I reached into the water attempting to catch the friendly creature.
Something slammed into the boat and I lurched forward. The boat rocked again and I slid away from the sides, my heart hammering louder than the waves. The rocking turned violent. I grabbed the edge for support.
“Lucino!”
The front of the boat popped out of the water, and I was thrown into the sea. Salt water filled my lungs and I swam to the surface, breaching right below the capsized boat. My dress weighed me down, threatening to send me to the sandy floor. One of the fish swam at me and bit the dress, dragging me away. I kicked my heel into its eye and it retreated, taking with it half my dress.
Three more grey shapes darted underneath me and to the side. I was scared of the dark and terrified of snakes, but nothing compared to the growing fear inside me now. I treaded water and tried to keep my head above the surface. The bodice that had desirably shrunk my waist now constricted
me.
I didn’t want to cry. I was afraid if I let one tear fall, I would panic. Think of the prayer Mother said to use, I thought. She said The Creator always protected his own if they called on him. I closed my eyes, forgetting the shiver of death grasping my skin or the monsters below, and whispered the words.
“Creator above, merciful and pure, surround me with your holy aura and protect me from those who would do me harm.”
“Are you alright?”
I opened my eyes to see Lucino in front of me. I threw my arms around his neck and squeezed. “Thank The Creator!”
He pulled my arms off. “I need to flip the boat. Swim over there.”
“No, I can’t!”
He held my face with both hands and stared into my eyes. Again, that strange stormy image swirled inside his pupils. “Swim over there and wait for me. Go now!”
I took a deep breath and plunged back underwater. The salt stung my eyes, but I refused to close them. I glanced down and saw pools of crimson mixing with the sea.
Blood.
I vigorously swam through the water until my head reached the surface. “Help!”
The boat turned over, and Lucino appeared beside it. He swam to me, grabbed my waist and, in one swift movement, he hoisted me up and over. I fell onto the bottom of the boat and hugged my shivering body. Lucino returned with one of the oars and climbed in next to me.
“The blood,” I whimpered. “I thought they’d killed you.”
He looped my wet hair behind my ears.
“I killed them,” he said, without the slightest hint of remorse.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Lucino
When we arrived at the beach, Jeslyn sighed. I helped her onto the shore. I stepped back, examining her disheveled appearance. Humans never seemed to do well in difficult circumstances. A Reptilian female would never allow herself to look so disarrayed.