"I... I had something important..."
Ava faced him, her face drawn, the ever-present smile faded. She pulled a folded paper from her own pocket and held it out to him.
"My brother has been looking for hours for his precious Book. I should've known you'd taken it." He expected anger, but not the sadness that showed in her eyes.
He took the paper, stood and tucked it into his waistband then grabbed her arm. She let him pull her towards him.
"Ava, I never meant to hurt anyone. But that Book doesn't belong to him. It belongs to the people in Lael. I don't know how it got here, but I need to find it. I can't let it get into the wrong hands." He turned her wrist over and traced the scar there with his finger. "This... mark you have, that your father gave you on the day of your birth, it identifies you, right? It... tells you where you belong." He looked up at her, surprised at the tears in her eyes. He pointed to his chest. "This is my mark. I don't know why, but I believe it's important. There are only three of us who have this mark. I found that out because of the Book. And if I find the other two who have this mark then... well, I need the Book so I know what has to happen next. All I know is if everything goes according to plan, Lael won't have to fear the enemy anymore. That enemy is coming after Shai and I need to protect her."
Ava nodded then pressed her other hand gently against the mark on his chest. His skin prickled beneath her warm palm. "What about Shai? Is she marked like you?"
He dropped her wrist and turned away. He pulled his sweater on before answering, his back to her. "No. At least I doubt it. She would've told me."
"But she knows about yours?" She touched his shoulder and he turned around again.
"No. It's better that she doesn't know. Safer. Until I understand it a little more. "
"Do you love her?" Ava's green eyes were wide and glittered with tears.
Aliah shook his head. "Love is... not something I know. Feelings like that lead to infractions, and as a Watcher I have a responsibility to protect the Laelites from those crimes. I don't have to love someone to protect them." He picked up his trousers and his blanket she'd washed and shoved them into his bag. Ava watched him.
"Ace, there's something you should know. My brother knows a lot about..." She looked around then whispered, "your Book. Kael even knows who wrote it. I feel like I need to warn you not to go to Sector Seven, north of here. The leader there is dangerous. His name is Elchai."
Chills spread through Aliah’s body. He didn't expect Elchai to be in the Northern Borderless territory. He had just sent his mother and Ellersly right into Elchai’s hands.
He swallowed hard and nodded. "Thanks."
"Be careful, Ace. I don't know what's in that Book, but my brother has spent his whole life trying to decipher its secrets. And when it arrived here the other night, they asked him to protect it, now he will do anything to find it."
Aliah slung the bag over his shoulder. "Do you know who brought the Book to him?"
She shook her head. "I didn't see who it was."
He smiled at her. "Thank you, Ava. For everything." He walked to the door then stopped and turned around. "I'll bring the trousers back when I have a chance to wash them." He winked at the young woman then opened the heavy wood door.
"Ava!" A deep voice thundered from inside the house and Aliah smiled as Ava rushed down the hall before he shut the door.
Relief flooded him. At least her father sounded alive and well.
CHAPTER 37
Shai
She found Kael elbow-deep in bricks and mortar, re-building a house with a group of young men. A line of sweat trickled down her back in the hot sun. Everything about Conley was intense, including its people and their weather.
She watched Kael drink from a canteen that hung from a clip off his belt. His shirtless back glistened with sweat, his dark hair shiny in the sun. He turned and wiped his face with a forearm then frowned when he saw her.
"Thought you'd gone home by now."
"I... I want to talk to you, Kael." She hated that she sounded squeaky.
He raised one eyebrow then wiped his hands on his trousers before walking over to her. "About what?" Sweat shone along his upper lip and she stared at it.
"That Book you were looking for, why is it important to you?"
"Why is it important to you?" His eyes narrowed.
"I think it's from Lael and I just want... I just need to understand some things. About my family." She shoved her hand into her pocket and squeezed the key for reassurance.
"I didn't know you believed in family. You're an orphan aren't you?" Kael smirked.
Shai curled her hands into fists. How could someone with such kind-looking eyes be so cruel? She turned around and walked away with her back rigid.
Kael caught up to her and put his hand on her shoulder, turning her around. "I... I'm a little protective about that Book. It's my life's work."
"Your life's work? What are you, barely eighteen? And you've only had it for a few hours at most."
Kael threw his head back and laughed. "So, you're feisty. I may have been wrong about you."
Shai frowned. She hadn't meant to be funny.
"I'm nineteen actually. My sister is eighteen. And yes, my whole life I've worked at deciphering the codes in that Book." The gleam disappeared from his eyes again and the brooding demeanor returned. "I don't know what you want with it, Shai from the Borderless. But I wouldn't go poking around asking questions."
"Or else?" She crossed her arms and matched his stony look.
He shook his head then leaned towards her, his face inches from hers. She could see darker flecks of green in his irises. "That key of yours... makes you a target. Just watch your back."
She pushed both hands against his chest and he stumbled back with a look of surprise.
"When you're an orphan you learn real fast how to fend for yourself. Watch your back!" She stormed off towards a make-shift shelter.
"You and your friend better leave Conley! And today isn't soon enough!"
Shai willed herself to keep walking and not run. Her body went hot then cold. Her friend?
The shelter was full of younger woman with children on cots and blanket-nests on the ground. Ava had suggested she take a bed at the back of the shelter for more privacy. But Shai got the feeling that it was for protection, from others, or others from her, she wasn't sure which.
She threw herself across the cot and buried her face in a blanket. The heat had become nearly unbearable, but she preferred it to Lael's constant storms and bleak skies.
"Your friend is really handsome." Shai rolled over and looked up into the wrinkled face of an old woman with grey hair and watery brown eyes.
Shai shook her head and sat up. "Kael's not my friend."
The woman chuckled and sat beside Shai. She was so thin, the bed barely dented under her weight. "Kael? Oh my, no. Kael's only friend is his Book. I meant your wounded friend from Lael. Dark hair, green eyes. Heard him asking Ava about some book. I wonder if it’s the same one as Kael’s." The woman looked pointedly at Shai beneath white eye brows.
Shai's heart nearly stopped. "Aliah? He's here?"
The old woman shook her head and patted Shai's hand. Her leathery skin felt warm and dry. "His name's Ace I think, Ava said. I'm the Conley nurse. Stitched him up real good and gave him some tea to help him sleep. Been out a few hours now. He keeps calling for you in his sleep."
She got up and smiled at Shai who sat with a stone in her stomach.
"Ava said not to bother you, but if I were in your shoes I wouldn't let that one get away." The woman wobbled away with a hitch in her step.
Shai stared after her until she reached the shelter's entrance. "Wait!" Weaving around children playing on the floor, she hurried after the nurse. "You mentioned the Book. Do you know what's written in it?"
The older woman smiled. "All I know is someone came here the other night asking for Kael. He went all starry-eyed when he was asked to protect that Book; went to grea
t length's trying to keep it hidden. His father doesn't know he has it. Mallak never wanted any part of it and certainly doesn't want his children involved in any future wars. There've been many deaths surrounding that Book and if it's in the wrong hands many more will die. It's the reason why you and your friend need to stick together." She patted Shai's cheek then disappeared into the bright sun.
Shai licked her lips tasting sweat and dirt. Her head felt as though it might lift off from her shoulders and float away.
So. Aliah was here.
CHAPTER 38
Aliah
Ava hadn't said where he could find Shai. He got the impression that she didn't want him to know. Is she protecting Shai?
He looked in several make-shift shelters and asked everyone he saw if they'd seen a blonde, blue-eyed girl. They all gave him the same look: are you kidding? Look around. It wouldn't be easy trying to find Shai with several different Sectors helping to rebuild Conley. It seemed every eye color was represented.
He entered a large building with tables down the center, and breathed in the scent of canned vegetables and meat in broth that mingled with the smell of too many warm bodies packed into a confined space. He tossed his bag on the nearest bench and waited in line to get a bowl. Bright sunlight streamed through the bare windows and beat on his back. He wiped his forehead on his sleeve just as someone pushed him from behind. He turned around expecting an apology, but found himself looking up into steady green eyes. The young man had broad shoulders and dark hair. The resemblance to Ava was startling.
"Kael." Aliah clenched his teeth. He pressed his forearm against his waistband, holding the page from the Book tightly against himself.
Kael raised an eyebrow then smirked. "Ah, my reputation precedes me. Welcome to Conley. I'm sure you'll be leaving soon."
"Soon enough." The two stared at each other.
Kael's mouth twitched. "Just mind your own business and you'll do well. My sister doesn't quite see the danger in you being here, but she doesn't know what I know."
Aliah turned back around and took the bowl of stew that was offered to him. He sat at the table and waited for Kael to walk past him with his food. He curled his fingers around a slim, table knife and slid it up inside his sleeve.
"What do you think you know, Kael?"
Kael slammed his bowl on the table and the broth sloshed out. Several people nearby jumped, and an older woman clutched her chest.
"I don't think I know, Ace! I know!" He leaned across the table. "It might seem like a good thing to bring together the Coalition, but if you're not prepared for the consequences..." Sweat popped out on Kael's forehead and trickled down his face.
"What consequences!" Aliah stood and leaned on his fists, which pressed into the table. The knife slid down, ready to drop into his palm.
But Kael deflated, shook his head, and sat down, holding his head. All the fight seemed to have left him. "I don't know... I haven't gotten that far in deciphering it. It went missing in the fire. All I know is there are three keys and three people. If they come together... bam! The largest war between Sectors will extend to the Outerlands." His eyes looked wild, his cheeks red.
The Outerlands. Aliah stared at Kael without really listening anymore. He remembered his mother mentioning the Outerlands too. It was on the map, beyond the Division of Edan.
Aliah's attention was abruptly turned back to Kael who had started to raise his voice and jab the air with his spoon for emphasis.
"I will do everything in my power to stop that War from happening!" Kael's eyes glazed over and his lips moved. Aliah heard him chant in a low voice: "Out of the ashes, out of the fire. Born of blood, forged in tears. A passion stronger than the grave."
Aliah sat down and ate in silence. Kael stopped chanting, but remained trance-like, still holding his head. The people resumed their chatter around them, apparently accustomed to Kael's outbursts.
Aliah shook his head, grabbed his bag and stood. The motion seemed to awaken Kael. When he raised his head his face was drawn and tired-looking.
As Aliah passed him, Kael stood and gripped his shoulder. "Ava told me you're here to bring Shai back with you. But I'm warning you to leave her alone. For her sake. I know you must care for her."
Aliah side-stepped Kael and wove his way around people as he headed back outside. These people speak so much about care and love, but what do they really know? He was the one who protected Shai. Every day. And he was willing to die doing it.
He thought of the words on the page he had torn from the Book: ‘Eli and Elyon under one Commanding Officer, The Son of Thunder.’ Eli and Elyon. Who are they? Sweat prickled his upper lip. Eli. What if it’s Shai Eli? He wiped his mouth across his sleeve. No, it can’t be. That would only complicate things. Eli and Elyon are first names. So who are they? Where are they?
The clenching of his gut told him that Kael probably knew the answer.
CHAPTER 39
Shai
She hung around the cot shelters for the afternoon, pacing and chewing the split skin around her fingernails until they bled.
She didn't want to see him. She didn't trust him. He'd lied to her. Locked her up. Left her. Then tracked her here. He knew the Book was here too. The old nurse said they should stick together. But why?
Ava came towards her with a huge smile. She clapped her hands together. "Good news! The power's back on and we have running water again!" Ava grabbed Shai's arms and twirled her around.
"Power?"
"Yes! Sector One manufactures power, converting water into usable energy to supply the Division with electricity. The Borderless, as well as Lael, doesn't live with power, of course, so you wouldn't know that. But the best news is that we can get cleaned up." She took Shai's elbow and pulled her along as she walked.
"Everyone is working so quickly and efficiently together. I don't think I've ever seen the Sectors come together like this. By the end of the week we should have half the houses rebuilt." She laughed and Shai couldn't help but smile. Ava's exuberance reminded her of Sileas. She blinked back tears and bit the inside of her cheek.
"So, where's your Bath House?"
"Bath House? No, no... you mean bath room. Every house is equipped with one. Where... where do you bathe?"
"We have a community bath house, but we respect each other's Privacy Rules." She added the last part when she saw Ava frown. The heat turned Ava's face shiny red and her curly dark hair stuck to the sides of her face and forehead. Curls like Aliah's.
"Hey, Shai. You look sad all of a sudden. You okay?"
"I just... I heard Ace was here. I know you've seen him. I... don't really want to see him. He doesn't want to hurt me, I know, but..."
Ava cleared her throat. "You don't have to explain. It's okay. He packed up and left a while ago. To look for you I think. Says he won't leave without you. Stay in my house tonight. He won't expect you to be there and besides Kael will be there, so Aliah won't dare try and see you."
She took Shai's hand and swung their clasped hands between them as they walked. Shai looked at their interlaced fingers and a dim memory bubbled up, but deflated as quickly as it came.
Then she thought of Kael. He'd be in the same house as Shai. Ava meant well when she hinted that Aliah wouldn't get past her brother, but Ava didn't know Aliah. Nothing stopped him from doing what he intended to do. She wasn't sure who she felt safer being around. She didn't want to see Aliah, but she wasn't so sure she wanted to see Kael either.
The opulence of Ava's family home left Shai awe-struck. Each room had a particular theme and scent. Lilies in the Great Room with dark wood and orange accents, a clean linen scent in the Dining Room which was painted light blue with white furnishings, fresh bread in the Kitchen and eucalyptus in the guest room, set up as a temporary nursing station. She paused in the guest room and stared at the cot with rumpled sheets and the dent in the pillow. Aliah had been here. A flash of heat struck her chest as she imagined his dark head on the pillow, his lean body lying under t
he white sheets.
Ava squeezed her hand. "Come. I'll show you the bathroom."
Shai allowed herself to be led to a sea-foam blue colored room with an oversized oval tub. A stack of fuzzy towels sat in a wicker basket near the tub next to a white bath mat that Shai longed to scrunch her bare toes in. She felt Ava watching her and turned to see a tender look on the young woman's face.
"Your appreciation for simple things reminds me of my mother. She had a great love for Conley's textiles. She enjoyed filling each room with different colors and fabrics just so she could look at them and touch them." She dropped Shai's hand and turned the faucet on the big tub.
"It's all yours. The adjoining door leads to the room you can stay in for the night. I'll make sure you have clean clothes."
"What happened? To your mother?" Shai asked quietly.
Ava dropped her eyes, a shadow crossed her face. "She died. In some war or something. I'm... not really sure exactly. Neither my father nor my brother talk about her anymore." Her face brightened again. "I'm sure you'll enjoy this bath tub. Take your time."
After a deliciously long, hot bath, Shai put on a pair of clean blue trousers and a lemon yellow shirt with no sleeves. She twirled around a few times, enjoying the comfort of the new style of clothing. She loved the way her cheeks looked healthy and pink against the shirt’s bright color.
She let her damp hair hang loose around her shoulders to dry. Before she left the guest room she tucked the key beneath the mattress.
The hallway glowed with a soft light that emanated from little glass globes suspended from the ceiling. She marveled at the way they lit up without having a flame inside. She walked down the hall toward the Great Room staring at the ceiling and bumped into someone.
"Sorry." She mumbled, but couldn't see who it was because of the dark spots in front of her eyes. She blinked, and gradually a face materialized.
The Coalition Episodes 1-4 Page 12