I find myself heading toward my magnolia tree. I always seem to migrate in that direction when I need to think or be alone. Today, right now, is the perfect time for that.
My hands easily grasp a low branch after I jump off the ground. When I swing up into the tree, I find that I’m not alone. Val is perched on a branch with her knees drawn up to her chest. Her balance is impeccable. “Hey,” she mutters through a stream of tears.
“What’s wrong, Val?” I ask as I climb up to sit close to her. I notice that her short hair is messy and her tan skin has red blotches on it. She’s been up here crying for a while.
She whimpers, “I’ve just been thinking about leaving. I’ll have to leave my family behind. And what about Kwan? He’s a good person and doesn’t deserve to be walked out on. I’m also scared. We don’t know where we’re really headed. All I know is what you told me Ryker has said of this place.” She wipes tears from her cheeks.
She is absolutely validated for having these feelings. What we are doing is unthinkable. It’s beyond what an Exalted could ever imagine. But we are doing it.
“You aren’t leaving them forever. We’re leaving so that we can help them. We are trying to help all of them. And we can’t do it from inside any longer. It’s been hard for me to let go of that. I don’t want to leave everyone either, but I have to. You can stay if you want, but you’ll be at risk unless you start taking the Pump again,” I warn her. This is a difficult time for all of us. What we are planning to do, goes against everything we have been taught our whole lives.
“No, I’m going to leave with you tonight. I’m just worried. I haven’t felt these emotions yet. It’s hard to deal with.”
I nod in agreement. “I know. It is difficult. I still struggle with all of it . . . Actually, I’m glad you’re here. Something terrible has happened.”
“What?”
“Dr. Fredericks found out about Ryker and what he has really been doing out on his scouting missions. He’s going to Denounce him tonight and then have me execute him,” I tell her, even though every time I say it, it feels like when I first found out all over again.
“What do we do?” she asks. Her tears have stopped flowing and her face becomes fierce. She’s had enough of this place.
“Here’s what I’m thinking . . .”
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
A pristine white dress is waiting for me inside the tiny bathroom off the blood-red hallway. The garment is hanging on a hook and taunting me. It’s amazing that there is so much implication in a piece of fabric. I touch the bottom of the skirt. The shape of it is similar to the black dress I wore to the Third Trial Banquet in that it fits snuggly, but the color . . . it’s so white. I had forgotten that white is the customary color for being United. The three of us (Ethan, Val, and I) are going to have a hard time sneaking out in these clothes. We will stand out like a spotlight among the dark night and dark uniforms of the guards. Regardless of the implications and foreseeable problems it may cause with our escape, I put it on.
There are white pumps with short heels waiting for me as well. This is even more unfortunate than the dress. I slide them on and reluctantly discard my black boots. The only thing left now is my knife belt. I quickly decide that an executioner should be armed, so I fasten it back around my waist. After removing two smaller daggers, I fasten them to my thighs with my bootlaces. This is not ideal, but I make it work. The dress covers them perfectly.
As I make my way out of the Capitol, I realize that my parents and Jenna should be getting ready to make their way into the underground garage. I hope they all make it there safely. Ethan, Val, and I will have a much more difficult time . . . and Ryker.
When I step outside into the evening air, I let it run over me. I breathe it in for what it is—life. After witnessing Sean’s murder, I truly realize how precious life is. Mine could be taken from me in less than an hour. Even if I don’t physically die tonight, I could emotionally expire if something happens to Ryker. It won’t be me that kills him, but I’m sure an Exalted will be more than willing to take the life of a Denounced in my stead.
I crack my knuckles, as I get closer to the stadium. Other Exalted, all of who are dressed in black, flood the grounds as they head in the same direction. Some nod at me, knowing my first place status. I must admit; it will be hard to give that up. There are a few trainees dressed in white like me. They stand out against the black sea.
Once inside the stadium, I head toward the arena floor where the others my age are sitting. There are black chairs set in a semi-circle next to the podium that Dr. Fredericks will be speaking from. I take a seat and look out in the crowd. Only Exalted that are already United are allowed to witness this Ceremony. They sit facing us with blank faces. Such a Ceremony should mean more. Giving one’s life to a partner should be filled with emotions, not devoid of them.
And before we are to be joined with our equal, we are to be given our purple armbands. Shouldn’t that be an experience filled with emotion as well? Tonight, I will receive only one purple armband for my first place status. This is the highest honor an Exalted can receive. It’s an honor I will only be allowed to privately enjoy for a few short minutes before I escape—or die trying.
My heart is thundering inside my chest as I sit waiting. I notice that I am the only trainee with weapons, though I know Ethan hasn’t come unprepared. Val on the other hand doesn’t have anywhere to store her bow and arrow on her person. To keep from panicking I run over the plan inside my head one more time. Since Ryker was captured, it’s become altered. Jenna plays a huge role in this plan. I hope Val was able to get to her and she was able to do her part . . . otherwise, we don’t stand a chance.
The speakers that surround the stadium suddenly let out a high-pitched screech, and then a female voice announces, “Welcome to the United Ceremony! Please stand as we welcome Dr. Fredericks!”
Dr. Fredericks saunters out of a dark tunnel. He’s dressed in an all-white suit—his glasses are even rimmed in white. I have yet to see those. He must save them for special occasions. A smile spreads across his thin lips as he takes in his loyal audience. Behind him, he is followed by a group of two-dozen Ambassadors. Their billowy garments flow as they glide into the arena. They wear such beautiful colors: blues, purples, oranges, and yellows. They stand out against the white clothes of us trainees and the black clothes of the United. The Ambassadors sit in several rows of chairs off to the other side of the podium where Dr. Fredericks has taken his place.
My attention shifts back to the tunnel when I hear a loud grunt. My stomach twists when I see him. Ryker is being drug into the arena by an Exalted guard. His hands are bound and his mouth is gagged. There is a cut over his eye where the blood has dried. When he passes before me, his eyes seek mine and he shakes his head furiously. He’s telling me not to save him. He’s crazy! How could I not try? I love him!
Dr. Fredericks temporarily breaks me out of my morbid thoughts. “Welcome United and trainees to this year’s United Ceremony! We will start the evening by awarding your rankings. Then, the United Ceremony will be performed. And finally, we will hold judgment of the Denounced traitor. Before I begin giving out your armbands, I would like to congratulate our trainees. They have proved their abilities in their Trials as well as in their patrols. Good work, trainees.”
The trainees and United stomp their feet in response to the praise. I stomp along, though I’d rather vomit. It’s so hot. I’m sweating in this skin-tight dress. As I wiggle the hemline down, I glance over to Ryker. He is being shoved down onto his knees behind the podium. I quickly turn my attention away from him before Dr. Fredericks notices.
“We will start with the lowest ranked trainees and finish with first place. Let’s begin . . .” Male and female trainees are called forward one at a time. Each one walks with confidence over to our leader. They are given armbands according to their ranking. Dr. Fredericks secures them around their arms and then they return to their seats. The crowd stomps for each trainee, and
they respond louder the higher the ranking. It’s all very monotonous.
“Mena, please come forward,” Dr. Fredericks calls me. As I approach, he eyes my belt suspiciously. I keep my face blank and whisper, “Execution,” when I get close to him. He nods in response and places one purple armband around my bicep.
I am somewhat surprised that I feel nothing. Nothing at all. I’ve waited for this moment for so long. I finished first. I deserve to feel the honor that comes along with it. But there is no honor here. The Republic is a sham. They deal in control and murder. Honor will find me when I end their reign.
Ethan is called next. When he returns to his seat, I can see the nausea building in his face. He’s turning a light shade of green. Val has remained calm the entire time. I am so proud of her. I wasn’t sure she could keep herself under control with this much pressure. She’s so lively. I cannot wait to see her outside of these walls.
The passing out of the armbands is finished. It’s time to be United with Ethan.
CHAPTER FORTY
“Let us begin the United Ceremony!” Dr. Fredericks announces. The crowd replies with thunderous stomping. It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for . . . and everything depends on Jenna. I lick my lips in anticipation.
“Since the beginning of your race,” Dr. Fredericks says, as he motions to the stands, “you have always lived by a strict code—one that will make you stronger as a race.” The Exalted all sit a little taller from his words. “The United Trials are completed each year to show just how strong you are, and as your reward, you are matched with your equal. Tonight, we will celebrate our new pairings. Let us begin with the blessing. Please bow your heads.”
Everyone follows orders. We bow our heads and wait for our leader to “bless us.” With great importance, he says, “I bless these Exalted who are to be United with their equal. I wish them strength, obedience, and fertility. Strength be with you!” My nausea increases with each word that venomously drips from his forked tongue.
The quiet Ambassadors start to shuffle around. They prepare the wine that we will all drink before we are tattooed and joined to our partner—even the Exalted in the stands will drink. It’s supposed to be a symbol of our shared brother and sisterhood.
Ambassadors glide about the stadium, one stopping at the end of each row of seats. There is one Ambassador standing next to our seats on the arena floor. They all hold a cup filled with wine.
“Let the Exalted join together in drink!” Dr. Fredericks commands. He and the Ambassadors do not drink of the wine. It’s meant only for our race, which is unfortunate if you ask me. Perhaps it is this way because he has added some kind of additional drug for us. One thing is for sure . . . Jenna has most certainly added an additional drug.
When it is my turn to drink, I do not let the warm liquid pass my closed lips. I wipe the back of my hand across my lips just to be sure no liquid will get in my mouth. Ethan and Val are set to do the same.
Jenna’s task was to lace the wine with the sleeping liquid. It will be just a few minutes before the Exalted start to pass out, leaving only Dr. Fredericks and the Ambassadors to keep us from escaping with Ryker—and the one Exalted guard that is keeping watch over him.
“Very good. Your unions have been blessed and you have all shared in drink. Tonight, your race becomes stronger. Now, let us begin with the last place pairings and finish with first place. Garrison and Bria, please come forward.”
Garrison and Bria stand together. They cross the floor to stand in front of Dr. Fredericks’ podium. “Join hands,” he instructs them. “Tonight, you are United as one!” Every Exalted present stands and stomps at the simple sentence that joins them together for life. “Please proceed to the Ambassadors for your tattoos.”
“Etana and Cuyler, please come forward.” As I watch the new couple pass before me, I glance past them into the stands. No one has fallen unconscious yet. My nerves are on the verge of exploding out of my pale skin. Somewhere in the distance I can hear the warbled announcement, “Tonight you are United as one!” Each couple is joined until Dr. Fredericks calls for Val and Kwan. My focus suddenly sharpens as I watch her stand. Her hands are shaking. But something else is happening. I see a commotion within the sea of Exalted. Several of them have finally passed out. Others are standing and yelling, only to fight unconsciousness themselves. One-by-one the Exalted and my fellow trainees tumble to the floor. The Ambassadors are squealing like frightened piglets. They all converge into one group and press against the back wall.
Before I know it, Ethan and I are the only two Exalted left sitting. We stand and join Val in front of the podium. “What have you done?” Dr. Fredericks demands an answer.
“We’re leaving,” I state as I head toward Ryker. His guard comes to stand in front of him. He shakes his head and readies his ax. He did not partake in the ritual wine drinking as I suspected he wouldn’t. The guard is for a fight.
“Stop them!” Dr. Fredericks shouts at the guard. Then he turns to the cowering Ambassadors, “Stop them!” None of the Ambassadors make a move toward us. They remain tightly grouped in the back of the arena.
“I’ll take care of this,” Ethan tries to step around me.
“No,” I say as I place a hand across his chest, “I’ve got this. Go recover your weapons.”
I face the large male guard. He wastes no time and charges me, barreling straight toward me. He is absolutely massive and rippling with muscle. As he gets closer, he raises his ax high over his head. I don’t make a move for my knives just yet. Instead, I wait until he is almost on top of me. He swings and I rapidly dodge the hit. But as the ax swings downward, I grab hold of the back of the ax-head and heave. I continue the weapon’s forward momentum and duck around the guard’s side. He struggles to keep his grip, and loses it once I give a hard yank. As the guard stumbles forward, I jump up and bash the butt of the handle into the back of his head. He drops to the ground with a thud.
“Get up! Get up!” Dr. Fredericks shrieks at the unconscious guard.
I ignore his rants as I rush to Ryker’s side. I remove the gag from his mouth first. “You’re insane,” he quips with a hint of a smile. I quickly kiss his lips before cutting his hands free. Then, I hand him the ax.
“Don’t think I will let you go, my prize. I know where you are going. We will still wipe them out as planned. And then I will drag you back here and kill you myself.”
“We will be ready for you,” Ryker spits at the weak man that was once our mighty leader.
“You have no idea what’s really going on, do you?” Dr. Fredericks asks with a sinister chuckle.
Ryker clutches my hand and pulls me toward our waiting friends, but I resist. I release my hold on him and stride over to the small man. A look of panic fills his face. I thrust my dagger up against the delicate skin on his neck. “Why don’t you tell me,” I demand. When he says nothing, I press the knife deeper into his skin. Blood seeps out from the small cut.
Still he remains silent, so I drag the blade across his forearm. A red stain instantly forms on his beautiful suit. He screams out in pain. “Okay! Okay!” He squints and starts panting heavily. He obviously can’t take pain. Sheer terror has filled his beady little eyes.
“Well?” I push the knife against his throat again.
“The war didn’t go exactly how we taught you in school,” he begins.
I raise an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue.
He sighs. “Your race is the product of a government experiment gone wrong. Some of the Exalted overtook the U.S. military. They started bombing every country that they saw as a threat. Those countries retaliated. And that was the end of the world, as we once knew it. What people that were left, they cowered from your race. But we finally devised a plan to get control back. And it worked. We were able to modify a common drug that would kill your emotions, thus making you more manageable.”
Dr. Fredericks stops speaking and tries to step away from me. Ryker is waiting for him. He puts another dagger a
gainst the man’s back. “Keep talking,” he commands.
Dr. Fredericks gulps loudly. “We built two other cities like this one. We threw in the refugees from the remaining friendly countries along with the Exalted. We needed people to live amongst you, and none of the U.S. citizens would volunteer. The foreigners were dispensable . . . Plus we couldn’t afford to support them after the war. Unfortunately, they were also scared of you, and they were angry with us for sending them to the Republics against their will. We decided to drug them too.”
“And the Ambassadors? Why aren’t they drugged?” I ask, my nostrils flaring with anger.
“Ambassadors are loyal to the new government, and they had to keep the Republics running—follow through with our goals. It was difficult for them to be amongst you at first, but once they saw the Pump had somewhat of the desired effect on your race, they got lazy. I think they are in denial about your true potential for destruction. We wanted to condition your race to follow orders, be loyal, and protect citizens in a proper way. We failed in doing so previously, which led to the end of times. If you ask me, we should have destroyed you a long time ago. We are in the fifth generation of Exalted now. I thought we were close, but you and your friends are proving me wrong. You just can’t follow orders! Why? Why do you have to go against the government and cause trouble—just like marauders . . . Maybe we will still destroy you after all,” he spits. He quickly went from informative to hysterical.
“So, basically you’re saying we are evil freaks? We caused the war? You’re lying!” I yell at him. My brain is having a hard time wrapping itself around his horrible words.
Denounced (Exalted Trilogy: Book 2) Page 17