“Ah, there she is,” Videus says. “I have a surprise for you.”
7
Traeton
HIDING THIS BOOK should really be priority. Not only is it getting damn heavy, but the Caudex seems to glow brighter, the longer it’s ignored. Pretty soon, it’s gonna be a mini-sun bursting from my arms. There’s no way I’ll be able to bring it directly to Runa without setting off some major alarms and I’m pretty sure getting caught with it will be worse than hiding it now.
Trudging through the deep snow, I play out what will happen next. What my plans will be, heading into the Helix. I need to get to Runa—if I can convince Videus I’m still being controlled by—whoever this is—then maybe I stand a chance. He might just let me in, or allow me to stay. Whichever. At least, that’s the plan.
Of course, the opposite could always happen, too. Could be a stupid plan. So, I can’t rely on any of Videus’ generosity to get me through this. I need a backup as well.
~We could wait for the Daughter of Five to escape on her own.
The intruder is back.
“You’re kidding, right? Who knows how long that could be. And what could be done to her in the meantime. No thanks, I’ll pass,” I say aloud.
~If my master gets even a hint you are not me, things will not end well for either of you.
“They’re not ending well now. We can’t just sit and wait for things to happen. Or let Runa do all the heavy lifting. She needs help, and I’m not about to sit here. We need to go in,” I say. “You got a better idea?”
Silence greets me.
Of course he doesn’t have a better plan. His plan is to stand back and see what happens. Some plan. No, we have no choice but to head in and hope for the best.
~Where will you hide the Caudex? It’s power will not be contained for long.
“Hell if I know. You gotta bunch of clever hiding spots here on Pendomus, oh great Pillar?”
~All of my hiding spots are now dead.
My footing falters slightly, “Well, that’s morbid. So, you’re pretty much no goddamn help.”
~It would appear not.
I scan the surrounding area. Without heading all the way back the Lateral, there’s really nothing but trees, and more trees.
“Come on. You’ve been on Pendomus for how long? You have to know some better spots to hide this than me. Any dead trees? Another small cave? Anything?” I say.
Maybe this isn’t a good idea.
~There is one spot which may work. However, it is more open than I would like. It could still be found, if someone were to look close enough.
“Well, it’s better than what I got. Where do we find this mystery spot?” I say.
~Turn right and follow the sun’s halo. I will let you know when we get close.
It occurs to me I’m putting an awful lot of faith in someone who, just days ago, had been taking over my body upon Videus’ command. I hope like hell I’m not misplacing this trust in the name of saving Runa.
~I will not betray the Daughter of Five. She is our last hope to restore the balance to our planet. I realize this now.
“Don’t read my mind and then answer my thought. It’s creepy. And you better damn well keep Runa safe. So help me, if you turn on me I will hunt you down,” I say.
~You would not have to look far. I am stuck here with you.
“You know what I mean,” I spit.
~I do not.
“I mean, I’ll figure out who you really are and how to end you. Hell, I’ll end myself, too, if I have to. Just to get rid of you,” I say.
~That does not make much sense. You would die.
“Yeah, that’s the general consensus,” I say.
It should probably phase me, but it doesn’t. If it meant saving Runa, or eliminating a threat that I could harbor, I’d do it in a heartbeat.
~You are an odd man, Traeton Revasco.
I snicker.
“From you, I’ll take that as a compliment.”
~Take it as you will.
I scan the trees around us. It’s eerily quiet out here today, and I can’t help but feel an ominous forboding about this adventure. Where’d all the damn birds end up? They’re usually so damn cheerful as they flutter about.
~They are most likely congregating about my disappearance. I have missed my check-in point. We will need to deal with this if we are to be welcomed inside the Helix.
“One issue at a time. We can suss out how to handle that on the way in.”
~If you would like.
“I would. Alright, where’s this hidden spot you speak of?” I say. “I’d like to get a move on.”
~Not much further. Continue toward the sun.
After what still feels like forever, it occurs to me where we’re headed.
“Wait, wait,” I say. “We’re not going back to the Tree of Burden are we?”
~It is the only place I know where Videus will not be able to find it.
“There isn’t even a goddamn tree anymore. It’s burned to the ground. Your pal made sure of that. How in the hell are we going to hide the book in a bunch of ash?” I say.
Anger wells up inside me. I should have known better. Talk about a gigantic waste of my time. Every minute wasted is another minute Runa has had to endure inside the Helix.
~You may be surprised at what you encounter when we arrive. Please, it's not much further.
I shake my head. I must be insane, or stupid. Hell, maybe both.
Damned if he isn’t right, though. As we get closer, instead of the pile of ash I expect, a crystalline tree stands in its place. I approach slowly, taking in the sight. The branches extend upward, touching the blue sky and reflecting the sun’s light in fractals across the snowy ground.
My mouth drops open as I walk in full circumference. It’s breathtaking.
“How—how did you know it would be here?” I ask.
~I knew if Runa was truly the Daughter of Five, the Tree was not lost to us. It must reemerge in order to bring us her light.
“Yeah, okay. Don’t get all spacey on me. You’re starting to sound a lot like the guys in the Lateral who've been smoking too many leaves.”
~I am not sure what that means.
“Forget it,” I say, shaking my head. “What now? Where am I supposed to put this thing? I don’t see the opening from before.”
~You will have to rest it upon its roots.
“Are you kidding me? Out in the open?” I gasp.
~The Tree will protect its own, masking its energy. Very few on Pendomus will be able to see it.
“Well, that’s very reassuring. Who are those few? Others like you?” I say.
~Technically, yes. But they would have to be looking for it.
“And you don’t think Videus will be looking for it?” I say, rolling my eyes.
~Good point.
I wipe my hand across my face. How in the hell do I get into these messes?
As if sensing the Caudex, the Tree begins to pulse light and hum softly. It’s a soft, low energy at first—but grows louder the longer we’re near. Suddenly, the beautiful crystalline branches bend down, snatching the Caudex from my grasp.
Bending back up to the sky, the book is cradled in its embrace, nearly hidden in broad daylight, thanks to the reflective light of the Tree.
“Well, I guess that’s that.”
~It would appear so.
“I sure as hell hope Runa knows how to get it back from the Tree,” I mutter.
~I am sure the Tree will deliver it to her when it is time.
“Oh, now you’re sure about something. Figures. C’mon. Let’s get our asses over to the Helix and get this over with. I have to know Runa’s alright,” I say, turning around.
I throw a final glance at the Tree. It truly is magnificent.
The crunching of the snow drones on for a few moments, as I lose myself in my thoughts. There’s so much at stake here—and I can’t let anything go sideways.
“Alright—if I’m going into this,
you need to tell me who the hell you are. I can’t expect to pretend being you if I don’t even have a name,” I say, unsure I really want to know.
~I am Caelum.
My heart drops and I stop walking.
“You’ve gotta be kidding me. The Caelum. As in, Videus’ right-hand—er, shoulder—bird?” I say, gasping.
~Is there another?
God, I hope so, but I’m not that lucky.
I should have guessed he’d only send his most trusted on a mission like this. Of course, it’s him.
My jaw and fists clench.
Caelum. Shit.
~I will not betray you.
“Yeah, okay. I’m sure you said that to Videus, too. No offense, but I’m not all that convinced at this particular moment in time.”
And he knows exactly where the Caudex is. How stupid—how goddamn stupid.
I run my hand through my hair, curbing the impulse to pull it out.
Well, we’ve come this far—no real chance of turning back now. I can’t escape him, even if I wanted to. He knows too much now, anyway. The Caudex’s location, the Archives and what it is—I have to follow this through to the end and hope it all turns out well.
~I would feel the same, if I were in your position.
“Well, gee, that’s really comforting.”
~I simply mean it is okay to be leery. But we will need to work together if we are going to make a passable impression upon my master.
“Yeah, okay. Whatever,” I say, swiping my hand in the air. “Let’s get on with this. How do I pass as you without drawing attention to myself?”
~For starters, you must not let your emotions show. You are much too controlled by them and it will be an immediate warning.
“Emotions, check. What else?”
~Do not speak until spoken to. When you enter the Helix, the safeguards will automatically give way. Enter like you belong there, and you will be accepted.
“That’s good news, I guess,” I say.
~Once approached, tell them the connection was compromised and you were unable to rendezvous. That will explain the need to come back in person. I have been able to block all communication from the others, so this will seem believable to them.
“If you’ve been able to do that, why didn’t you do it sooner?” I say, making a face.
~It was not until I was in your Archives that I realized what was going on. It was as if being in a trance. I may have had the ability, but it never occurred to me to use it. Does this make sense?
“Yeah, I suppose. Kinda like an indoctrination. Or maybe you were just asleep at the wheel,” I say.
~The wheel?
“It’s an old expression. Not even sure what it was meant to mean. I just like the way it sounds.”
~Odd.
“I suppose. Okay, what else?” I say.
~Whatever happens, it is imperative you go with it. Your natural instinct will likely be to fight it, but do not. You will give yourself away and everything will be lost.
“Can you explain? What will I want to fight? Any advance warning will help me prepare.”
~Keep your face still as stone when you see Runa—or any other who you may know. Do not let your expression flicker, or it will give you away. If my master asks something of you, go with it until you have succeeded.
“What if he asks me to kill someone?” I say, anger coursing through my veins.
~In all my time with him, there has never been a need for such one-on-one violence. He has other methods in place to handle those necessities.
“Reassuring,” I lament.
~It may not seem it, but it should be. Do you think you will be able to manage this?
“We’ll find out,” I say, tipping my head to the side and shrugging.
It doesn’t take long until the Helix’ structure looms in front of me. I pause momentarily to take it in. It’s a beautiful building, if only it didn’t symbolize everything that’s wrong with the world right now.
~Do not linger. You are being watched. My master has eyes on every square inch of this building.
My eyes widen. Runa and I didn’t know that last time.
I take a deep breath, flatten my facial expression, and square my shoulders. Walking with purpose to the door on the side of the building, I enter in like I own the place. It’s an odd feeling—being the imposter for a change.
As I walk in, the sights and smells of the Helix make me want to gag. Everything so forced, and artificial. How in the hell do people not realize this?
~It’s all they know. How would they expect something different?
Stop doing that.
I roll my eyes, keeping my mouth clamped shut.
Yeah, okay, I suppose stopping isn’t gonna happen. It’s still odd to have someone talk to you in your own mind. Especially when they’re responding to something you think—and not something you say. Not sure I’m gonna be able to get used to that.
~Continue down this hallway for a meter or so. When you come to the checkpoint, you will need to allow the retinal scan. It will recognize you—and will also alert my master you are here.
I take a deep breath.
Swell.
My footsteps echo off the boring gray walls. The hallway is devoid of anyone else—an oddity, but not completely unheard of. My best guess on time is the middle of the day. Most everyone will be at their professional appointment stations.
As I reach the checkpoint, I deliberately keep my face stone cold, and my arms at my side. I envision Caelum moving like a robot, so it helps me alter my innate mannerisms. I step forward to the retinal scanner and allow it to verify my identity.
As promised, the safety features release and I’m allowed to continue on.
I never thought about it before—but it’s strange that the Helix needed so many safety features. Was there ever a problem with safety or order? In all my time here I can’t say there ever was. Maybe it was in anticipation of these moments.
~My master has an obsession with invulnerability. These checkpoints also allow for the flow of data—keeping track of the comings and goings of his flock.
I snort. Is that what we’re calling people now? A flock?
~It seems a fitting description.
Struggling to keep my face flat, I can’t help but snicker. I suppose to a bird, that would be an apt descriptor.
~You will take the door to the right.
I follow Caelum’s direction, making my way to the door. As I approach, it swings open for me.
~This is a sensored door. It will recognize those with authorization.
I keep my gaze focused straight ahead of me, but it’s damn hard not to stare at my surroundings. The decor of the place shifts entirely from the cold, sterile environment I’m used to and into a warmer, darker light. Walking down an ornate staircase, I keep my movements almost mechanical. Flames—or at least sconces with the appearance of flames—flicker on the walls. They cast deep shadows, giving an intensely ominous vibe.
Creepy decor, Caelum.
~I must admit, this is the first time I’ve come from this direction. It is the first time I would have used your human form to enter.
Not even when we—I mean when you helped Kani be taken captive?
~No, I had no need. Videus took her and I was told to return to my post.
Oh.
The thought that it was my being, even if not technically me, that allowed Kani to return to the Helix—to be taken captive—it’s not something I overly want to think about.
I enter an open square, with no apparent doorway, but as we approach, the wall directly in front of us dissolves. Beyond, Videus stands in waiting.
~Do not move. Simply wait for instruction.
I stand like a statue, arms at my sides, and my gaze softly focused in front of me. Videus walks forward, an odd mask covering his face with a strange looking bird atop his head. It takes everything I have not to laugh at the ridiculousness of it. I mean, what does he think he is, part of a cliche horror movi
e from back on earth? He even has a damn cape.
Circling me like a predator, Videus moves wordlessly. His hands are clasped behind his back, making his cape float outward at the floor.
“Tell me, where have you been?” Videus asks.
Without turning to him, I slowly blink and say, “My connection was severed. When it became apparent, I made my way back to you.”
Standing just off to the side, not directly in front of my gaze, I feel the weight of his faceless stare. His assessment is clinical in the way he watches me. Any wrong move, and I may as well kiss this whole thing goodbye.
~Do not move at all. Do not look at him. It’s what he’s waiting for.
I cast my gaze in the distance, seeing the long tunnel of stone with doorways on either side. Trying not to dwell on what they are—or who may be in them—I soften my gaze, clear my mind, and wait.
After what seems like forever, Videus says, “Very well. I had wondered. You were meant to check in two hours ago. Thank you for returning to me.”
I tip my head, in lieu of words.
“Do you have any news for me?” Videus asks.
~Tell him the Daughter of Five left while you were asleep. He knows that already and wants you to verify.
“Yes. R—The Daughter of Five left while we were asleep. I am unsure where she went,” I say.
“I am aware of this,” he says, moving to the other side of me.
I keep my gaze straight ahead.
“She and the boy were looking for ways inside the Helix. It is possible they were going to attempt to break in.”
~Tell him that is all you remember from this last round. End with the word, omega. It is his secret code word, for instances such as this. It is meant to assure him it is I talking, and not someone else.
“That is everything I remember from this last round,” I say. Tipping my head slightly, I end with, “Omega.”
Videus’ shoulders straighten perceivably. Confidence of some sort restored to him with the final word.
“Very good, Caelum. Now, I need you to do something for me,” Videus says. “Come, follow me.”
As I turn to follow, the last thing I see is the blunt instrument in his hand as it comes down on my face.
8
The Complete Pendomus Chronicles Trilogy: Books 1-3 of the Pendomus Chronicles Dystopian Scifi Boxed Set Series Page 55