Nightshade City

by Hilary Wagner

  “Yes, Noc, your timing is ideal. The boys and I were just talking about Nightshade.”

  Noc addressed the boys as if they were grown. “Now, boys, it seems Nightshade City is once again going to have to call on your mother for help, but this time we may need your help as well. Do you think you might be able to assist us in our efforts?”

  The boys all nodded their heads in silence, unaware that worms were sightless. “They said yes, Noc,” said Mother Gallo. “They are not used to having visitors, especially those who aren’t rats. I hope you understand.”

  “Oh, yes, indeed I do,” said Noc. “We think rats are as strange as you think us. You rats have an odd aroma and all that itchy hair—horrible stuff!” The boys giggled. “Mother Gallo, we need to request an additional favor.”

  “What can I do?”

  “Well, our friend Suttor, who is doing much better, by the way, is desperate to have his brothers join him. With your Ministry ties, we were hoping you could track down their location within the Kill Army and find a way to get them back to your quarters.”

  “Noc, of course I’ll fetch the boys. I know just what to do.”

  “Wonderful,” said Noc. “Now we can move your family and Suttor’s to Nightshade together. All we need is for you to find a way to get Suttor’s brothers back to your quarters. We worms can do a bit of reverse engineering and dig a corridor from here, meeting Juniper and his rats, and then dig straight down to Nightshade—so everyone can leave together.”

  “So soon! How exciting!” said Mother Gallo. “Boys, do you understand? We are leaving the Catacombs. Noc, I think I can have Suttor’s brothers here by morning, shortly after breakfast.”

  “But how can we help?” said Tuk, who was at the age when helping was most important.

  “Well, my young friend,” said Noc, “what I need you to do is of the utmost importance, paramount to our mission’s success. Suttor’s brothers are going to be rather nervous, maybe even afraid. I need you to reassure them that everything is going to be just fine. Can you boys do that?”

  Tuk spoke most assertively. “We can, Noc. I promise.”

  “Well, then, I hold you to your promise,” said Noc. “Mother Gallo, before I take my leave, I’ve been instructed by Oard to give you the boys’ descriptions.”

  “Not to worry, Noc. I remember them well, Duncan and Kar. With their features, they are a hard pair to forget.”

  “All the better, then. We are going to start the dig in the early morning hours, so get your rest, the lot of you. I’ll be back soon to help guide you out.”

  “Noc,” she said suddenly, “how did you know where to find me? I didn’t pound out the signal.”

  “Juniper plans well in advance. He asked Oard to have me stay behind after Clover’s rescue and follow the soldiers who took you to your quarters that night—a silent escort, if you will—making sure you were all right and learning the location of your home. Well, I’m off to Nightshade. I will be back soon with Oard and as many tribesmen as it takes to get the job done. Boys, it was a pleasure to meet you.” Noc spindled gracefully back into the earth.

  Hob looked down the hole as the worm vanished into the dirt. “Bye, Noc,” he whispered.

  “Good-bye, Hob,” Noc’s voice echoed back, already sounding awfully far away.

  Morning came quickly to the Gallo household. In order to gain access to Suttor’s brothers, Mother Gallo would have to clear it with Killdeer and Billycan. She was uneasy. It was one thing when Billycan questioned her in her own home, but to go to Killdeer’s compound, to enter his den and lie to his face—well … “Eat up now,” she told her sons. “You’ll be of no good to anyone without a proper breakfast. Now, boys, I must go.”

  Mother Gallo unpinned her blue sash from the clothesline. “Now, do not answer the door for anyone, and for Saints’ sake keep your voices down.” She threw her sash over her head and arranged it neatly. “Tuk, you are in charge. Now, that doesn’t mean you can bully your brothers. This is not the time for that sort of nonsense. Lives are at stake. Do you understand me?” The boys nodded as she headed towards the door. “All right, then, you know what to do. I’ll be back soon, hopefully with Suttor’s brothers. Say a prayer for me—in fact, pray to the Saints very hard. Be good to each other and do everything the earthworms ask. I love you, my little ones.” She slipped into the corridor.

  Tuk locked the door behind her. “Hob, Gage, please finish your breakfast. Mother is worried. She is not letting on, but this is dangerous. If we don’t work together, things could go horribly wrong, and it will be our fault.” Hob and Gage nodded seriously and gulped down the remains of their breakfast.

  As if timed perfectly, Noc poked his head through the dirt wall, directly over the table. “Well, boys, good morning to you!” Tuk nearly scaled the wall in fright. Gage and Hob giggled. “I deduce your mother has left to gather Suttor’s brothers?”

  “Yes, sir,” said Tuk, scowling at his brothers and wiggling his claw at them, just as he’d seen his mother do.

  “Young Tuk, man of the house. We’ve a lot of work to do. For now, I need your help getting things prepared for the dig. The rats are already digging from Nightshade. The rest of our tribesmen will be here momentarily to start the excavation. Boys, your mission is to help move the tilled ground out of the way. We have no place to store the dirt, and we won’t until the tunnel is open, so pick a good-sized part of the room and we’ll start moving earth there.”

  Tuk directed his brothers. “Gage, let’s start over there. Leave everything where it is. It doesn’t matter if it gets dirty. It will all have to stay behind. Hob, you find anything small you think Mother might want to take with us and put whatever you find in one of her baskets—gently.”

  Mother Gallo stood in the corridor outside Killdeer’s den. Trembling, she exhaled a shaky breath and knocked on the massive doors of the compound.

  She heard small feet racing from within. They stopped abruptly. A door opened partway, and Texi poked her head out.

  “Mistress Gallo,” she said cheerfully. “How are you today?” She slipped out into the corridor, speaking again before Mother Gallo had a chance to answer. “I’m glad it’s you and not another major. They’ve been coming in and going out at all hours—very pushy bunch.”

  Mother Gallo acted surprised. “You don’t say? Well, the Minister must be awfully busy, then.”

  “Yes, it’s been rather hectic around here. Killdeer and Billycan are in an uproar over the Chosen One’s disappearance. I heard them saying she’s been taken to another city.” She whispered, “A secret city—they don’t know where it is, but they are having the majors scour the Combs for information on its whereabouts. My brother said he is ‘waging a war.’”

  Mother Gallo acted aghast. “My goodness, Texi, did you say war? That sounds awfully serious. I won’t take more than a few moments of their valuable time, then, but I do need to speak with the Collector or the Minister—either one will suffice. It’s a Ministry matter, dear.”

  “You’re in luck. They just finished a long meeting in the War Room with the majors. It lasted all night. They’re both having breakfast in Killdeer’s den. Follow me.”

  Mother Gallo followed behind Texi. Senior lieutenants and sector majors zipped in and out of rooms within the deep workings of Killdeer’s compound.

  High Major Lithgo plodded past them as they turned the corner towards Killdeer’s den. “Mistress Gallo,” he said, nodding courteously at her. Mother Gallo nodded back in acknowledgement, hoping her smile covered her panic.

  “Here we are,” said Texi as they arrived outside Killdeer’s throne room. She took Mother Gallo’s paw and squeezed it. “I heard about the blow you took to the head. I’m glad you’re all right.”

  “That’s sweet of you, dear. Yes, I’m just fine. Perhaps we can talk a little later.”

  “Maybe,” said Texi, “but I am very busy today. Billycan ordered me to get rid of any Oshi or Carro ale I find in the compound. I’m to toss it al
l away—must have gone sour, I suppose. Bye, now.” Texi skittered down the corridor.

  Killdeer’s sudden sobriety concerned Mother Gallo. It was clear that the Ministry was planning something big.

  Mother Gallo entered the den. Killdeer and Billycan were seated at a table, both devouring fatty chicken legs. Killdeer set down a newly stripped bone and licked his claws as he addressed her. “Mistress Gallo,” he said, sucking the grease from a claw. “Good to see you up and about. We were all quite distressed to hear of your ordeal.”

  Mother Gallo curtsied. Billycan looked up from his fowl and nodded his head in recognition of her presence. As he was still very much involved with his chicken, conversation was not essential. “Gentlemen, I’m so glad to have a short moment of your time,” she said. “I know you’re in a hurry to catch the culprits from the kidnappings and—”

  Killdeer interrupted. “I’m just delighted to know you’re all right. Why, we would be inconsolable if our enchanting High Mistress was snatched from us. Now, how may we be of service, dear Mistress?” He leaned back on his chair and stretched out his packed belly.

  “Minister, I thank you for your concern. I’ve come for a favor, a mission of goodwill. I’m hoping you will allow me to take Lieutenant Suttor’s brothers back to my quarters for the day. Spending some time with my family might just take their minds off Suttor, at least for a while. Suttor’s brothers are far too young for active duty, and I can only imagine what the poor dears must be going through after hearing the dreadful news of Suttor’s kidnapping.”

  Killdeer turned to Billycan. “Well, Collector, what do you think? Should we allow Mother Gallo this good deed?” Billycan shrugged indifferently and ripped into another chicken leg, stringy meat dangling from between his stained incisors.

  Mother Gallo was well known and respected, and Killdeer hoped word of his generosity would spread. “Mistress Gallo, thank you for thinking of these forlorn boys. It is not in the boys’ best interests to be left to their own devices at a time like this. Go retrieve them with my blessing. If you hurry, you may still be able to catch them in the mess hall at breakfast. Be sure to have them back to their barracks in time for head count. I wouldn’t want the sector majors pushing down your door, terrifying you and your boys.”

  “Thank you, Minister,” said Mother Gallo, clasping her paws together. “This is a wonderful favor you grant me. I will have the boys back by curfew, I promise.”

  “Very well, then, off you go. Do give those brave boys my deepest sympathies,” he cooed unctuously. “And feel free to let others know I was all too happy to grant you this favor.” He smiled a slippery grin, his teeth glossy from the greasy bird.

  “Thank you, Minister, I certainly will,” she said. “Thank you, Collector.”

  Killdeer nodded to her. Billycan waved her off, still focusing on the chicken leg, making sure every speck of flesh had been stripped from it.

  Mother Gallo quickly left Killdeer’s compound and made haste to the Kill Army mess hall, but not before stopping at her High Ministry workshop. There was something in the jewelry chest she needed. The Kill Army mess hall overflowed with soldiers at this time of day. She would need help locating the boys in the massive hall, and she knew just who to ask. More flies with honey, she thought, as she bustled down the narrow corridor.

  High Cook Longtooth sloshed the remainder of her mushy pig hash into a dented metal pan and placed the breakfast leftovers in a large pantry off the main army kitchen. The High Cook was not a cleanliness fanatic—not by far. The troops were lucky for their strong constitutions. Rats, unlike Topsiders, could endure the multitude of bacteria growing on their food. It seemed to make their systems stronger. They could safely digest everything from sawdust to concrete.

  The troops were all still eating as the cook called for final serving. She hoped to close up early so she could go home and soak her tired, dirty feet. She lifted her oily apron and scratched a leg. Cook Longtooth had sinewy gray hair that tended to fall out in strange clumps, leaving dry, itchy patches that made her even more cantankerous. Her eyes were opaque, invaded by cataracts. She was missing many teeth, and the few she had left were brown, stained from years of working in the thick smoke that emanated from the kitchens. There were several large holes above the kitchen leading Topside, relieving the smoke, but the taint still lingered in her skin and teeth, adding to her unsightly appearance. Her nasty temper certainly didn’t help soften her revolting looks.

  Mother Gallo entered the swarming mess hall, coming upon the throng of young rats, all talking loudly, loading their mouths with lumps of food. She inspected as many rats as she could on her way back towards the kitchens. She looked for splashes of orange and the contrast of black and white, but she could not find Suttor’s brothers.

  She spotted Cook Longtooth, scuffling about, sticking utensils here and there. The cook was born with an abnormally long front tooth that hung over her lower lip, ending well past her stubbly chin. The cook made the best of her oddity, using her snaggletooth as a crude can opener, which came in quite handy.

  Mother Gallo put on her brightest smile. She had a cheerfully wrapped parcel under her arm, done up in colors of plum and silver. “Cook Longtooth,” she said. “It’s Mother Gallo, come to say hello, if you have the time.”

  Longtooth twisted around, her teeth splintering into a fractured grin. “Mistress Gallo,” she said in her craggy, broken tone, “to what do I owe a visit from the High Mistress?” Mother Gallo took the wrapped parcel and presented it to the old cook. Longtooth’s voice crackled. “Well, what’s this, Mistress?” She scratched her head. “It’s not my birthday—is it?”

  “Cook Longtooth, please call me Maddy. You’ve always been so kind to me. I feel I need to reciprocate your generosity. Please take this gift as a gesture of my appreciation. I insist. The Ministry insists.” She put Longtooth’s decrepit paw on top of the package.

  Longtooth grimaced shyly. “I don’t remember the last time I got a present. It seems ages, perhaps when I was a girl.” As detestable as Longtooth could be, Mother Gallo couldn’t help but feel for her.

  Mother Gallo smiled. “Now, this is just a little something special I came across in my workshop, and I thought if anyone deserved it, it was you. We girls have to stick together, especially surrounded by all this Kill Army bravado and bluster.”

  “I suppose we do,” Longtooth said with a sigh. She used a ragged claw to sever the silver string, letting it fall to the ground. She tore open the colored paper, revealing something shiny, a silver beaded necklace and matching bracelet. “Oh, Mistress, you shouldn’t have! It’s lovely—just lovely!” Her ashen skin prickled in delight.

  Mother Gallo lowered her voice. “Now, Longtooth, these silver beads belonged to Nomi, our beloved High Duchess from days long gone. You know what a strong female Nomi was, and I know she would be proud for you to have these.”

  “Oh, Mistress, how can I ever repay you?” Longtooth wiped away tears with a corner of her soiled apron.

  “Longtooth, we are friends, you and I. I’m repaying your kindness. You owe me nothing.”

  Out of character for the old cook, she hugged Mother Gallo, squeezing her with all the might her raggedy arms could muster. “May the Saints bless your soul. There must be something I can do for you.”

  “Well, as a matter of fact—there is.”

  As it turned out, Longtooth did know Suttor’s brothers. Their atypical markings made them hard to ignore. She cackled as she told Mother Gallo that Kar looked as though he’d been smacked in the face with a bucket of whitewash. She did, however, have a soft spot for Duncan; the chubby orange rat had quite a fondness for her creamed corn with bacon. “I like that young fellow. He’s a tubby thing—likes my food, he does.”

  Longtooth pointed to where the boys usually sat, then hustled back to the kitchen, clutching her new treasure in her bony digits.

  Mother Gallo spotted the boys. They looked the same as they did the last time she saw them—five year
s bigger, but the same. She knew little Kar would not remember her, but Duncan was old enough.

  She approached the table. The boys were picking at their meals, shifting food around on their plates. “Boys,” she said, leaning towards the table, “do you remember me?” The boys looked up from their plates. Kar looked at her with a blank expression. Duncan stared at her for a moment. His pumpkin face brightened slightly.

  “I know you,” said Duncan. “You’re Tuk’s mother—Mother Gallo. You make those cherry tartlets.”

  “Yes, Duncan, that’s right. Do you remember my boys, Gage and Hob?”

  “Yes, ma’am, Gage used to play hide-and-seek with me. He always found me, though,” said Duncan, crinkling his forehead. “I never knew how he did it.” Mother Gallo chuckled to herself. Clearly Duncan had no idea that his size and tangerine hue made him rather easy to spot.

  Mother Gallo leaned in closer. “Now, boys, I have news of Suttor—good news.” The boys’ mouths dropped. Their ears perked.

  Duncan slid over on the bench as fast as he could move his pudgy frame. “Come sit, Mother Gallo. What news do you have of our brother?”

  “Boys, Suttor is alive and well,” she whispered. “He has asked that you come with me and meet him in a new city, far away from the Combs and the army. Killdeer and Billycan have agreed to grant you leave for the day, to spend time with me and my boys. As I speak, friends of your brother are digging an escape route. Now, then, if you want to stay here in the Kill Army, I’ll tell your brother myself. You do have a choice. You do not have to come.”

  Little Kar looked up at Mother Gallo. He seemed a bit overwhelmed, curling in closer to Duncan. “You mean we can leave this place?” he asked in a quivery voice.

  “Yes, darling,” said Mother Gallo, “you can leave forever. We are building a home for you boys, a wonderful home.” Kar sniffled, wiping away stray tears. “Now, boys, you have to leave all your things behind in the barracks, or it will look suspicious. We must leave right now, agreed?” Both boys nodded. “All right, then. Follow me—no dawdling.”