by T. C. Edge
Drake opens the cell and steps inside. Jackson and I follow behind.
“Tell us what's happening in the regions,” roars Drake.
The man on the floor doesn't look up. He just stares forward, unblinking.
“Tell us!” roars Drake again.
He takes a step forward, takes the man by the neck, and lifts him to his feet. Jackson pours forwards and holds him against the wall. He doesn't struggle.
“Tell us about the camps,” says Jackson. “Tell us how it works.”
Still, the man stares forward.
Jackson sends a strong fist into his stomach. He wheezes, gasping for breath. But when it's regained, he doesn't speak.
“It's no use. He doesn't know anything. Look at him!” I say.
A blank stare continues to swamp Manson's face.
“His sister did the talking. All he and his brother could do was cackle and grunt. You'll learn nothing from him.”
My father seems to agree. He releases him, and he slides back down to the floor. We all step from the cell and the door is once more locked.
“Who told you this?” asks Drake. His voice has calmed a little.
“The boy from Arbor. Dylan,” I say.
“Go back to him. Find out more. I'll send a directive to all of our interrogators to get as much information on this as possible. I need to speak with the Master right now. We need an emergency council meeting. Now go, quickly.”
The rest of the morning charges by. We quickly return to Dylan to find him a weeping mess. We coax what we can out of him and find our fears somewhat subdued. The camps, it seems, are not solely for extermination. Only the most unruly and riotous are executed. The rest are taken, apparently, as a threat and precaution. We can only hope that our own families have yet to cross that line.
But things are getting worse. Word has begun to spread of the despotic nature of Knight's rule. Things that, for me, were so obvious, are now being taken seriously by the masses. Dylan tells us that many other soldiers feel the same as him. That the wanton slaughter of harmless people across the Deadlands has left a bitter taste in their mouths.
That bitterness has filtered back into the regions, where many people know of friends and relatives who have themselves been banished. Good people, send out to die, thought to be long gone. But maybe not? Maybe they're part of this rebel force, people think.
The long standing rumours of cannibalism are beginning to fade, replaced by others. Tales of valour and courage, stories that have begun to give people hope. The breakout of Stein from Tartarus. The attempt on Knight's life on Eden. The public execution and subsequent escape. All stories spread among the people, of a regular girl from Eden and her allies, creating such a stir.
Knight is growing less stable, more tyrannical. A figure who so long kept to the shadows, ruling silently from Eden, has begun to reveal himself for what he truly is. Systems everywhere are starting to fail, and his response is simple; those who step out of line will suffer. Those who contribute to the rumours or try to propagate them will face death.
We squeeze from Dylan all we can. Others provide similar information. Within the mountain, word spreads of these camps, of the unrest brewing across the wall. Many who were once from the regions discover that their own families and loves ones might just be in mortal danger.
Any celebration of the victory in the valley is put on hold. A fresh energy begins to rustle through the air, filling every space inside the mountain. People begin to whisper: now is the time to strike.
By late afternoon, the entire shape of the world seems to have changed. The blockade is gone, the Eden army on our doorstep is defeated, the regions are beginning to wake, the embers of revolution rising. But amid all that, with all that excitement and hope, comes the fear that grips so many. Fear for their families on the mainland. Fear for what Knight will do as his position becomes more fragile.
“You've started something here, something big,” I'm told by Troy as the afternoon races on. “These people are looking up to you. They'll be looking up to you across the regions too.”
It's a responsibility I don't want, never wanted. All I ever wanted to do was make sure Jackson was safe, to save him from the rebels who I, foolishly, once believed to be evil like everyone else. Those winds changed for me long ago. And now they're sweeping across the regions.
“You can't escape it,” says Troy. “We all have a duty, Cyra. This is yours.”
In the early evening, we're all called up for an emergency council meeting. The usual suspects are present, with both Markus, Troy, and Link now added to the assembly.
As I enter, there's a rumble of conversation in the air, urgent discussions already taking place between the military commanders. Professor Lane sits quietly, her left hand scratching her chin in contemplation. Stein, next to her, smiles at me with his yellow teeth as we enter. I don't have it in me to smile back right now.
I sit down next to Jackson and Ellie as the Master, heading the table, stands up. His hands rise to call for quiet. We all look to him.
“I'd first like to congratulate all of you on an exceptional job two nights ago. In particular, we have Troy to thank for this intervention. Together, our forces overcame a more powerful and well equipped force. You have all saved countless lives.”
He takes a breath, having got the pleasantries out of the way. The Master, I've come to understand, is a keen reader of situations. He knows well enough that none of us want to waste a second on aimless talk.
“We welcome today Troy to our council. He has served the rebel cause for many years and is a faithful servant. I have also invited Link here to offer his unique insights into the Eden forces. I was wrong to keep you incarcerated, young man,” he says, directly at Link. “You have proven your worth to our cause.”
His eyes drift over me. I can tell he's not entirely pleased that I went behind his back to release Link, but is well aware that such things can be passed over at this time.
“You have spent the day interrogating the prisoners, and much has been learned, good and bad. The mainland is starting to flicker. Now is the time to make our move. We cannot delay. At this urgent time I open the floor to discuss our options. General Richter, would you start us off.”
“Of course,” says General Richter, standing. “We have discovered from our interrogations that there are portions of the wall that are weak and largely unguarded. If there was ever a time to break through, that time is now. General Sharpe has conducted an inventory of our armoured forces, added to by the Eden vehicles we discovered at the rear of their base. We have sufficient wheels to send a thousand soldiers across the Deadlands at speed. We will be able to reach the wall in a couple of days.”
“My forces are ready for the fight,” says Troy. “I will contribute my best soldiers to the cause.”
“Most of my own seasoned soldiers survived the Eden assault,” says General Richter. “We will take the best we have and strike at the wall, using General Sharpe's tanks and artillery to break through. General Sharpe...”
“Thank you, General Richter,” says General Sharpe, himself rising to his feet. “We have four heavy mobile artillery units, a dozen operational tanks, and an additional three artillery guns taken from the wreckage of the enemy camp. If we hit a weak point in the wall's defences, we should be able to break through. We will then send our forces into the mainland to overrun some of their forward bases.”
“Our reserve army will follow behind,” adds in General Richter. “We have another five thousand active soldiers remaining after the battle in the valley. They will march on foot towards the wall. When we can spare them, we will shuttle as many forward using our APCs' and other vehicles we take from the mainland.”
I listen as the Generals continue to provide tactical information on our plans. It becomes clear that they have garnered good, usable intel from the Eden prisoners, many of whom, like Dylan, are clearly willing to help. According to Colonel Jensen, that help goes beyond merely spilling secrets
.
“We have heard from many prisoners that they are willing to join our cause,” he says, taking his chance to speak. “They will defect in exchange for immunity. All of them have family across the mainland. They have been forced into doing terrible things on their journey here, and have become disillusioned.”
“Excellent,” says the Master. “We will add them to our reserve forces in a special unit, under armed guard.” His usual cautious nature, I know, will prevent him from allowing these men weapons and freedom quite yet. “Now, he continues, what of these concentration camps?”
His eyes turn to Drake. My father stands and addresses the group.
“We have learned that anyone revolting or causing unrest in the regions are being rounded up and sent to camps. They are no longer being banished beyond the wall as that would only mean them joining our cause. It pains me to say that many are being exterminated in these camps.”
“How many camps are there?” asks Stein, his eyes crinkled in a show of pity.
“We can't be sure, but we understand that one has been set up in each region. By the sounds of it, Agricola has seen the most unrest. They have the largest camp.”
The Master looks to Jackson, smouldering in his seat.
“Captain Kane, do you have anything to add?”
“Yes, sir,” he starts. “I spoke at length with an old friend from home called Dylan Stone. He travelled with me to Knight's Wall after the Duty Call, and has been in contact with his family back home. People are being taken to the camps if they so much as utter Cyra's name in a positive tone. Anyone associated with us have been taken, my family among them, as well as Cyra's brother and sister. I propose we send a force ahead to liberate this camp. Anyone there will join us. We have ready many allies out there, sir, just waiting to do their part. We need to go get them.”
I see nods all around the group. There's no dissonance now, no disagreement. All appear to be on the same page. The Master stands again.
“I see agreement among you,” he says. “We need to take the initiative, take advantage of this opportunity. Do we know where this major camp is exactly?”
Eyes look around the group. Jackson speaks once more.
“It's in the north of the region,” he says. “Up in the arid plains.”
“And what sort of force of soldiers guards it?”
“A force of about fifty is the estimate, guarding the main gates and patrolling through the camp.”
“General Richter, what's your take on this?” asks the Master.
“I believe we all concur that a special force needs to be sent ahead. Myself and General Sharpe will lead the army towards the wall. We will send a force ahead to liberate the camp, arm those able to fight, and retreat back to the wall. We will coordinate a double strike on either side.”
“How?”
Professor Lane's voice enters from the far end of the table.
“I have managed to reconfigure the communicators salvaged from the Eden army. They will allow you to stay in contact on a special long range frequency that only you can hear. We only have a few, so each force will be issued one. Unfortunately, they only work to a certain distance so might be temperamental.”
“How far?” asks General Richter.
“It's hard to say, but they should be good for several hundred miles. Once the forward party goes ahead, you will lose contact. When you both come closer to the wall, however, you should regain communication.”
“Thank you, Professor Lane,” says the Master. “General Drayton, I assume you're leading this party?”
“I will be doing so, yes.”
“And who is your strike team?”
Drake looks around the room.
“I will take the same team as on our mission to rescue Aeneas and assassinate Knight. Cyra, Captain Kane, Ellie and Colonel Jensen, unless he is needed with the army?”
“Colonel Jensen, the choice is yours,” says General Richter.
Markus looks to Drake.
“I would like to be part of the strike team, sir,” he says.
“So be it.”
“We will also take Link with us, and Athena. Both have proven themselves to be formidable assets.”
“I would also like to accompany you,” adds Troy. “This mission will be dangerous, and under the guidance of Generals Richter and Sharpe, my men will not need me. I would like to be on the front line,” he says.
“You'd be most welcome,” says Drake smiling. “I wouldn't expect anything else from you, old friend.”
“Excellent. That's settled then,” says the Master.
“Not quite,” says Stein. “I would not sit here on my hands and do nothing. I assume, for this mission, you will be taking the aircraft we stole from the Eden hanger. I believe I am the only one capable of flying it.”
“Yes, Aeneas,” says Drake. “We will be taking the aircraft.”
“Then I must go too.”
“Aren't you a little old, Aeneas, to be gallivanting off on such adventures,” says the Master. “Perhaps you should leave this one alone.”
“Julius, we have no choice, unless you're to trust one of the prisoners to fly the craft. That's if we can find one who can. In any case, I may look like I'm half dead, but I certainly don't feel it. I wouldn't miss this for the world.”
“And we'd be delighted to have you with us,” says Drake. “God knows you've helped us get this far. Without you, half of us around this table would be dead.”
“Thank you, Drake. Your seal of approval means a great deal to me.”
“Well, I'm not sure I entirely agree, Aeneas,” adds the Master. “But, you do have a valid point. So be it.”
I look around the table at my companions. My father, Jackson, Ellie, Link, Markus, Troy, and Stein. And down the passage in the main chamber, Athena. Among us are six Watchers, five with the ability to see deep into the Void. A small team, but a powerful one.
And we will cause havoc.
18 - Journey Back Home
The following morning, with first light yet to dawn, I find myself alone, deep in the mountain. I stand in silence, my torch pointing ahead of me. It lights up a small alcove cut into the rock wall. Inside, Theo's body lies, encased in a tomb.
I walk forward and lay my free palm on the cold stone. A shiver runs up through me. Around, I feel the spectre of death looming. Not only in here, but the many other caves now filled with the recently deceased. Some have yet to be identified. All are still to be officially laid to rest.
All of that will occur in the coming days, but I won't be here to see it. In less than an hour, the strike team will set out once more towards the mainland. Following close behind, the newly assembled force of experienced soldiers, made up of our own forces and those brought here by Troy, will begin their journey to the wall.
This may be my last minutes in this city. My last chance to say goodbye. I stare directly at the stone and shut my eyes. Through the fog, I search for a lasting memory of Theo's face. It comes to me. He's smiling.
I smile back.
And with that final thought of him, I lean down, kiss the stone, and then walk back out, leaving the cave in darkness.
The smell of death rises up my nose as I walk back through the catacombs.
I quickly escape, passing weeping women and fearful men as I go, come down here to confirm that their sons and daughters, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters are dead. It's a terrible journey into the mountain for them, all but sure now that they have lost people close to them. There must be no one up above now who hasn't tasted tragedy.
When I reach the main chamber, the entire place is already active. In the distance, through the exits, dawn is rising fast, the sky a cool blue. Bright sunlight shines in, sending rays of hope all around the great hall. As I walk towards the plateau, I hear my name being called. I turn and see Leeta rushing at me.
“Cyra, darling,” she says, wrapping me up. “I heard about what's happening across the mainland. Its terrible, so terrible.”<
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She lets me go, her eyes pained.
“These camps, I just don't believe it. They say there's one for each region?”
“That's what we hear.”
Her eyes drop down.
“My son...” she says quietly. “Do you think he's been taken?”
I shake my head quickly.
“No...no, I'm sure he's OK, Leeta.”
“Are you going to Arma?” she asks with hope. “Are you going to free them?”
“I...we're going to do everything we can,” I say.
A single tear rolls down her cheek.
“Be safe, dear Cyra,” she says.
Then, with a sniff, she turns away quickly and melts back into the crowd.
I continue on outside onto the plateau. Once again, the main force of the army is being prepared. The main gate lies open, with the armoured division gathering beyond. Seasoned soldiers with gritty expressions pile into APC's, heavily armed and armoured. Others are issued their weapons along the main street. I see Generals Richter and Sharpe shouting orders, giving instructions. Soon they'll be moving out, a huge convoy rolling across the Deadlands towards the wall.
Over to the left, gathered on the edge of the platform where our aircraft lies, I see the strike force assembled. All of them are fully geared up for battle, adorned with Eden armour and carrying Eden weapons. With them, the Master and Professor Lane stand, dressed in their finery.
I jog over as the plane's engines begin to power up. Stein must already be inside. The rest turn to me.
“Ah, Cyra, you're here,” says the Master. “I just came to say to you all...good luck. You have all made the city proud. Do so again.”
“We will try our best,” says Drake as I join the group.
“Where were you?” whispers Ellie.
“Visiting Theo,” I say. “It might be the last chance I get.”
She takes my hand in her gloved paw and smiles.
“We'll be back here one day. I'm sure of it.”