by Silver, Ruth
CHAPTER 14
There was never any other choice. Life had been that way all along. I was born. I didn't have the choice to be born, it just happened. Again I didn't have the choice who I would marry. The government had demanded I marry Joshua. Although I eventually had been given the choice, it wasn't without consequences and costs. Friends had died and I would always carry the burden with me.
Isaura stood outside Spade's stone walls. “Where are you going?” A guard shouted at me as I motioned for him to open the gate. I wasn't dressed for battle. I was wearing a gown, the same one I'd put on that morning with a mix of red and blue, the waistline cinched in white and fanned out. It reminded me of a book I'd read in the library about a fallen country, and it had inspired me to be so much more than I felt capable.
“I'm going outside. Open the gate.” The guard frowned, unsure he should do as I said.
“Is that wise?”
“Probably not,” I muttered. “She wants me.” I wanted him to know by lowering the bridge between Spade and the Gravelands, Isaura wouldn't attack Spade. Two guards stood at their posts, lowering the entranceway. Without hesitation I stepped outside. I would not fear Isaura. She was nothing more than I was, a byproduct of men dabbling in science.
“Olivia. Olivia.” Isaura smiled. I didn't turn around. The gate closed behind me as I stepped forward towards her. She looked harmless but she had something planned. I just wasn't sure what it was yet.
“What do you want?” I stood with my feet planted on the surface, waiting for her demands or her to try and kill me. It wasn't easy to retain a level head knowing it might be my last moment on earth. I wasn't going to be afraid. I was doing this to save Adelaide, Henry, and the entire town of Spade.
“You, dear. Just you.” Isaura grinned as a wave of smoke erupted around us. Her arms came up with it and I grimaced as I tried not to cough. I felt myself incapable of moving. She'd done something to me, made it impossible for me to run. I was paralyzed.
“Isaura?” I choked, barely able to get the words to my lips as the air around us was impossible to breathe. With the smoke followed a dense fog and my body grew rigid for another minute before finally falling to the floor in a heap. My eyes blurred and grew heavy. The ground beneath us didn't change but the castle behind us had vanished. “What happened? Where's Spade?” Had she destroyed it and those people inside? My head throbbed as though I'd be beaten with a brick.
“Not where but when.” Isaura laughed darkly. “I wanted to show you this land before Spade was erected.” I struggled to stand, dusting my legs of dirt as I took in the sight around me. It was all open fields. “2225,” she said. “When Cabal had won independence from the Republic of China.”
“Why are we here?” I didn't understand the significance. Unless she intended to kill me in the past so no one would ever find my body. I wouldn't put it past her.
Isaura waved her hands and our surroundings changed again. I had preferred the open fields and 2225 to this place. “Welcome home,” she smirked. We were in a cellar. The room was dark, the walls made of cement and smelling of mildew.
“Excuse me?”
Isaura smiled. “You have two choices. Save your dying husband or kill me.” She waved her hand once more and Joshua appeared on the floor. His face bloody, his leg badly twisted. Isaura retreated a few steps before vanishing. I cursed under my breath as I rushed to Joshua's side and bent down.
“Josh, can you hear me?” My hand reached down towards his head, examining the damage.
Touching his warm skin, Joshua groaned in protest. At least he was still alive. I closed my eyes and focused on him the same way I had when I'd healed the injury to his chest. It took less time than I remembered as my fingers glowed amber. Slowly the marks faded against his skin. Joshua's eyes fluttered open, staring up at me. “Where am I?” He grimaced as he moved to sit up. Although the injuries had healed, it still didn't erase the fact we were locked in a cellar. I had no idea where we were or when we were. Considering Isaura had found a way to travel through time, I didn't trust our surroundings.
“I don't know. Can you get up?” I asked, helping Josh to his feet. His body trembled but he didn't protest or complain. He was always tough, no matter the situation.
“This looks a little too familiar,” he muttered. “How do we get out of here?”
“I have no idea,” I breathed, glancing at him relieved even in the dark cellar with no windows I could see a faint overhead light. “To use Mindonsiphan, I need a mirror or something for a portal. I can't just make us disappear into thin air.”
“Why not?” Joshua coughed, grimacing as I glanced him over yet again. My fingers found their way into his hair, trying to study his eyes and then down and across his chest. “I'm fine,” he insisted.
“It doesn't work that way.” I threw my arms up into the air, frustrated. “Why does she want us?” I couldn't fathom why she'd kidnap us and lock us in a cellar.
Joshua paced the length of the room, feeling over the concrete walls. There was no indication of a door anywhere. “She's working for the new government.”
“No way. It's not possible.” I couldn't believe the system was involved in her plans. The cellar was bigger than the one at my mother's house, but smaller than our bedroom in Shadow. I missed home even more now. I touched my palms to the cold cement. We were deep underground. I didn't want to consider we could die in here.
“I don't know when she approached them but I'm sure of it,” Joshua answered. My eyes adjusted to the faint light. Joshua's hand was trembling. He may have been trying to sound brave, but his exterior was crumbling. “Isaura saw what you did with those men. I still can't believe you were able to set them on fire.” His eyes locked with mine. He was curious how I'd been able to do it. So was I. “She told the new government you're a monster and they put a bounty out on you. Anyone treated with Mindonsiphan they ordered dead.”
“Funny Isaura forgot to mention to them that she injected herself with it.” It didn't matter what she'd done. It was only a matter of time until others would come after us. No one was safe.
“What are we going to do?” Joshua asked. His hand hit the cement, we were trapped. There wasn't much chance of help finding us.
“Our best weapon, Joshua, is you.” I stared at him, my gaze unwavering. “I don't think she realizes what you're capable of.”
Joshua reached out his hand to stroke my cheek as he approached. I remembered our encounter with Isaura. She'd wanted me because of what I was worth to her. She hadn't known there were others just like me. It was our greatest defense, as was Henry if he learned how to use his abilities. “We need to get out of here and back to Spade.” I maneuvered away from Joshua, feeling over every wall. There was no indication of a way out. “With all four of us together, we have a fighting chance.”
“The four of us?” Joshua repeated.
“Henry, Cate, you and me.” I couldn't tell if he was relieved or agitated that I said Henry's name. I wouldn't ask Adelaide to help us. She was still a child, but Henry was capable if he studied and trained for a few weeks’ time.
Joshua glanced towards the ceiling. “You've got me thinking, there has to be another way out. Someone built this place and unless they intended for themselves to die, we're missing something.”
I followed his gaze and saw the slightest discoloration on the ceiling. “Lift me up,” I demanded.
He paused for a moment before giving in. I was lighter: it would be easier for him to lift me than vice versa. It took only a second for me to find my way on his shoulders. My body shook as he lifted me. I wasn't sure if I trembled from nerves or from fearing he'd drop me. Once in the air and my feet secure on his shoulders, I felt over the ceiling. “It's wet.” I glanced down at Joshua. “Why do you think that is?”
“Push it?” I tried. Nothing budged. My fingers moved over the material looking down at my fingers realizing they were caked with dirt.
“I think the ceiling is made of earth.” I used
both palms, jamming with all my force upwards, trying my best to lift the door. It inched but a slight creak followed.
“That's it. Try again!” Joshua encouraged. I shifted on him and he gripped my legs tighter. I couldn't look down again, the height made my stomach somersault. I bounced upwards slightly hearing him grimace but the force was enough to push the door free. The afternoon light poured in, temporarily blinding me. Seeing the outside world I wanted out faster.
My hands clawed at the earth, pulling myself up out of the small hole we'd been in and onto real ground. I lay motionless for a moment on my back, gasping for air.
“Olivia?” I heard Joshua's voice and rolled around, glad no one kept watch. Moving towards the hole I reached my arms down. “I don't think that's going to work.” Joshua laughed. “I'll pull you right back down. Go get help.”
“No way! I'm not leaving you,” I refused. “Let me just find something to help you climb out, wait there.”
There wasn't a soul in sight. My feet crunched along the earth. My fingers moved over the bark of a tall tree. If I found a solid branch I could use it to help Joshua climb out. Though I didn't have any tools on hand, how would I saw it down? If I was lucky enough to find a downed tree, it'd have to fit in the hole and I'd have to carry it. I may have been treated with Mindonsiphan but I couldn't do the impossible.
From forty feet away, I saw the perfect tree. “I got it!” I called out, hoping he could hear me. Tall vines hung from the highest branch down to the root. I could make it work. Even if it took a few hours at least Joshua would be out before nightfall.
I climbed the thick trunk, finding my way to the top of the tree. I refused to look down. I had no idea what type of vines they were and didn't care. It would work. I singed the tips of a dozen vines. One by one they fell to the ground as I was careful not to set the tree ablaze. It was the best I could do without a knife. I climbed back down and gathered the vines, tying them around the trunk of another tree closer to the hole. Braiding them together I formed a rope, throwing it down to Joshua.
“Try this!” I yelled down to him, praying it would hold his weight. I stayed close to the opening of the cellar, in case it didn't hold and I needed to grab him. Joshua gripped the vines, giving them a slight tug. “They're tied around a tree,” I explained. “It'll be okay.” I wasn't sure it would, but I needed him to feel confident in what I'd done. “Just climb it, Josh.” Besides, the longer we stayed, the worse off we were. Isaura would come back to the cellar, wouldn't she?
He wasted no time climbing the vine rope. As he reached the top, I gripped his arm helping him the rest of the way. “Thanks,” he gasped, breathing hard. He sat down on the grass squinting as his eyes adjusted to daylight. “Where are we?”
“I have no idea.” All I'd seen were trees when I'd gone looking for a way to help Joshua out of the cellar. There'd been no sign of civilization at all. “I guess I should probably tell you this now rather than later.” I grimaced. “Isaura has the ability to move through time.”
He snorted a laugh.
“You don't believe me?”
Joshua glanced around once more, finally standing up. “I believe you think she told you the truth but no. I don't think she can move through time. I think she's trying to intimidate you.”
“Why?” I frowned, not understanding her motivation.
“Maybe so you'd give up trying to track her down? If you think she can't be found, maybe you won't try.” He sighed. “I don't know. Come on.” He stood up, offering me his hand.
Together, we walked through the thick forest. The canopy overhead allowed daylight to pass, but I could tell it wouldn't be long before night set in. “We should find something to eat. Remember what Milo and Uma taught us?”
“A little of it.”
“There's no stream around here so we likely won't catch any fish, but I can scout for berries,” I offered.
Joshua stared up at the trees masking the sky. “We should make camp soon. Start a fire and try and keep warm for the night.”
“You gather firewood. I'm going to see if I can find something to eat that won't kill us.”
Joshua laughed under his breath. “You do that, Olive.” I hadn't seen any plants that looked edible, but I hadn't been looking earlier. I'd been paying more attention to finding signs of life. I'd seen none other than each other.
I picked a handful of berries, hoping I remembered right and they weren't poisonous. We'd find out soon enough. Night approached as we curled up together on the ground. Joshua had gathered wood and I started the fire. I hoped no wild animals roamed the forest at night.”You're freezing.” His hands brushed against my arms.
“I guess I am.” I smiled moving closer to the fire. I felt Joshua's arms encircle me as he pulled me into his lap.
“Body heat,” he whispered into my ear. “It'll warm us both up.” I doubted Joshua needed to get any warmer, his hands felt like they were on fire. It felt good though. I didn't complain.
“Thanks.” I shifted, turning my head back to kiss him. “I'm glad we got out of the cellar.” I didn't hear him answer me. The day had taken its toll on both of us. I closed my eyes, leaning back against his chest. I could feel every breath he took. It lulled me to sleep.
CHAPTER 15
Early the next morning I stirred. Joshua's arms were wrapped around me in a warm embrace. I longed to stay curled in his warmth but we needed to find our way out of the forest before night fell again. Reluctantly, I slipped from his grasp, walking away from our small camp to find more food.
I didn't gather much. There wasn't anything to carry it in and hopefully we'd have a real dinner tonight.
“Olivia?” I heard his voice, echoing through the forest. “Olivia!” It grew louder and more frantic.
“Josh!” I came running back, dropping a few berries on the way as I maneuvered back to camp. “What is it? What's wrong?” I glanced around, unsure what I expected to find.
I could see his face red and his chest breathing hard as he tried to catch his breath. “I was worried she came back for you.” I handed him a few berries and sat on the ground. Although I felt ready to walk, Joshua didn't quite look up to it yet. I rested a hand on his thigh, giving him a faint smile.
“I'm right here. It's okay,” I assured him, patting his leg. “I thought it would be a good idea to find some breakfast.” I saw the look on his face as the normal color returned to his cheeks. “Isaura will be back.” I said. “But not today. I think she's waiting to make her move.”
Joshua studied my face, his thumb moving up to my cheek, brushing a strand of hair from my eyes. “What do you mean?”
I popped a berry in my mouth, tasting the tart sensation as my tongue crushed it to the roof of my mouth. “She can't let anyone know what she's capable of. She's smart, devious even, and also a planner. She didn't drop us in a hole for us to get away.”
“I'm not following.”
I sighed, offering him a berry before putting another in my mouth. Joshua took it, having a slow bite as I continued to explain my theory. “You mentioned that the government is involved. That they want us dead. She could have killed us both yesterday if that was her intent. Clearly, it wasn't.”
Joshua grabbed another berry from the ground. He dusted the dirt off it before eating it, waiting for me to elaborate. “She's after something. Originally I thought it had to do with value, what I was worth to her. It's not, though. Not if she's capable of the same things we are.”
Joshua eyed me skeptically. “We're not killers.” He stood up, offering me a hand. I joined him as we walked together further through the forest.
“No, we're not. Isaura wants something from us. Both of us. If she doesn't know what you're capable of, why abduct you?”
Joshua let out a heavy sigh. “I thought it was to get information out of you. Torture me and you'll talk.” Our feet trampled leaves and my eyes moved along the forest looking for any other signs of food, water or an escape.
“Except she le
ft us alone. She dropped us both off and ran.” I couldn't make sense of why she hadn't stuck around. What was the rush if she'd taken the time to abduct us, why leave us on our own?
“Maybe she's not a planner. She could have been called back to Torv?”
I stopped walking. His mention of Torv caught me off guard. “What do you mean?”
He grabbed my arm, pulling me with him to keep up. “Torv is the capital now. Officially on the map of The Republic of Cabal.”
“You're not serious?” I laughed.
Joshua shrugged. “I didn't choose it. They wanted to be able to move forward without forgetting the past.” How could they ever forget what they'd done, breaking families apart?
I kept walking alongside Joshua. “What else did you find?” We hadn't seen each other since he'd left for Torv.
“This way,” Joshua said. He pointed towards the tree. “Tree moss grows thickest on the north side.” I raised an eyebrow, wondering how he knew that. “It gets the least amount of sunlight.” He glanced at me with a faint smile. “I did ask around to see if anyone else from Shadow was still alive.”
“And?” I tried to keep up with him. Joshua was taller than me, though just barely but he seemed to be faster at walking. Or maybe he just hoped to cover more area by moving quicker through the forest.
“Hazel is.”
“What? How?” My eyes widened. “Are you sure?”
“Positive. She's also pregnant.” My mouth dropped in astonishment. “She's one of their new recruits for the pregnancy initiative.” My stomach sunk at the words. They were seeking out volunteers.
“Did you talk to her?” I couldn't believe he hadn't mentioned it sooner! I could only imagine Hazel with a round belly cursing every time the little critter inside her kicked or moved around.
“For a few minutes,” Joshua admitted. “She hadn't heard the news about Shadow though I'm not sure those in Torv may have known. I think they were trying not to worry her because of the pregnancy.” It made sense to not put the baby’s or mother's life at risk any more than they already had been. “I tried to convince her to come back with us, but she wouldn’t,” Joshua admitted. “Now that I think of it, maybe that’s why Isaura took me? To keep me from meddling?”