Clan World

by Jim Kochanoff

  Tuko was right. The enormity of the situation was weighing on me, and even though I felt like sitting down again, the needle had cleared my mind.

  “We need to leave,” Lucaz answered, standing up. “I’m feeling helpless right now, like I just want to give up. Let’s find an exit before I stop caring.”

  “Go ahead.” Jinn motioned to us leave without her. “I don’t need my father’s pressure anymore. I’m fine right here.”

  I grabbed her arm and pulled her up. “We’re in this together, remember? No one gets left behind. If you don’t like it where we end up next, you can come back.”

  “Okay,” she responded, and we trudged ahead. I took a step forward but felt like I was walking through a mental fog. Nothing seemed to matter. My dad was dead and I would never find my mother, even if she still existed. Better to curl up in a ball and go to sleep. Let the pain of the last few days leave me.

  “Get up, Pene.” Lucaz grabbed me before I could kneel. I didn’t even realize I was doing it. It felt so much easier to give up. “Follow the rodent.” He pointed. It jumped between some bushes and I just focused on where the little creature went. I moved forward but my feet felt like they were stuck in cement. What is going on? We passed through a curtain of branches and the sun washed over our faces. A familiar face was there to greet us.

  “You made it!” Rustin cupped my face with his hand. His skin was tough and calloused, but his grip was gentle. “You have Relic’s support to the Cradle. Come with me.” He guided me to a hammock tied between two branches.

  The trials had exhausted me. My body was as tired as my mindand both demanded that I rest. I smiled, closed my eyes, and let sleep take over.

  20

  Race

  “I thought you’d never get up,” Jinn teased me.

  “Neither did I,” I answered truthfully. I had slept for ten hours while the Relic clan had busily prepared for our trip.

  “Not that you were much better,” I said. “Tuko said that you only woke up an hour or so before me.”

  “Whatever that last trial was, sapping our will to leave, it drained all four of us. The boys weren’t much better off. I’m just glad we made it out together.” She smiled. She almost looked happy. With all the running and attacking, it was nice to have a moment together. That would change when the road trip began. The other clans would be on the watch for me, and we were all heading to the same place. I nodded to Rustin, who gestured toward me.

  “You and your friends are remarkable. The trials of the trees are difficult and many do not pass despite several attempts.”

  “Were we in danger? The flowers especially felt life-threatening,” I asked.

  “No,” was his swift reply. “The tree would heighten your feeling of danger but control your circumstances. You could have been hurt, but never life-threatening. These trees,” gesturing around us, “protect us.”

  “Well, in the final trial they felt like they were taking our will to think and act.”

  “And yet you fought against the strength of the trees. I hope the items in your bag were helpful?”

  “All of them were. Thank you.” His face betrayed a stress that I didn’t understand. “What’s wrong?” He pulled me away so the others couldn’t hear us.

  “I don’t believe you came to us by chance. Our world is like our trees. In a forest of dry wood, it only takes one match to ignite and devastate our home. I think you are that match, and there is war ready to be ignited between the clans. Your attempted capture just shows how divisive our clans have become.” I thought back to the dinosaur camp.

  “Dero alluded to a coming war as well, although I attributed it to his madness. But now I think he may have spoken some truth.”

  “I hope I am wrong, Pene, but I will know for sure once we arrive at the Cradle.”

  “Speaking of that, are you sure you want to risk your lives for a person who is not part of your clan and you have only just met?”

  “The trees have determined you worthy of our support. We have no time to debate this. Go now and help your friends with the final preparations.” He left me and returned to his clan members. I could tell that they were inspired by him. Their body language expressed their love and devotion. He was a very capable leader and I was lucky to have his support. I stepped back to Jinn.

  “We’re packed up here.” Jinn lashed the rope around the last crate on the Relic vehicle. We headed over to Tuko’s car, anxious to get going. There was a convoy of eight vehicles. We were in the back for protection in case they met another clan. Rustin’s vehicle would take the lead in an oversized truck with sharp spears on all edges. It made me feel underprotected in the car, but Tuko insisted that we needed speed, not armor or weapons. We’d soon find out if he was right.

  “You ready?” Lucaz tapped my shoulder and gave me a grin.

  “If you mean, am I ready to be chased by dozens of clans willing to capture me for a dead-or-alive reward, the answer is absolutely not.”

  “You could just stay here and live with the trees. It might be a while before any clan caught wind of you hiding out here.”

  “I considered it. The beauty here is amazing and Rustin and his clan are friendly. But no, I don’t belong here, and the only way to clear my name is to head to the Cradle.”

  “Don’t you worry, we have your back,” a familiar voice said from behind. Valsa was carrying a series of knives stacked horizontally along his leather vest.

  “Pretty helpful for a guy we tied up and abandoned,” commented Lucaz.

  “First time is free. Second time you tie me up, I might have to hurt you. Besides, you passed the trial on your first attempt. That doesn’t happen very often. The trees have deemed you worthyand so have we.” He gave me a hug. The longer I was on this journey, the more I realized that I sucked at doing this alone.

  “So we follow you?”

  “You bet. We’ll follow the grassy plains once outside our home. There will be a jungle stretch to our left. For no reason should you veer off and enter this area. Understand?”

  I nodded, thinking how dangerous this world was compared to mine.

  “See you soon.” Valsa headed off to his vehicle as Lucaz and I climbed into Tuko’s convertible.

  “You sure you want to ride out in the open like this? Makes for an open target. You could hide in one of the other vehicles.” Tuko smirked.

  “Lay off,” Jinn interrupted. “Rustin already told us that the radio broke the news that the Relic clan has Pene and are escorting her to the Cradle. I guess every clan has their spies.”

  “That blows,” Lucaz replied in frustration.

  “Well then, there is no sense in hiding and making every vehicle a potential target. If they want me, I’m right here!” I tried to sound confident, but I was disappointed that my cover had been blown before our drive even started. Then a thought crossed my mind. “Tuko, you sure you want to keep driving us? Your car’s already got a few dings in it.”

  “It adds character,” Jinn butted in before Tuko could answer.

  “We’ve come this far with you, Pene. We may as well see it through,” Tuko responded.

  I looked at Lucaz. “There’s nothing keeping you with us and making a target out of the Spider clan. Want us to drop you off somewhere?”

  “My dad has a tough time communicating, but one thing he has drilled into me was to always follow through with what you believe in. I guess that’s your innocence.”

  “If we’re done patting each other on the back, can we get going?” Tuko asked, not used to everyone getting along.

  “I’m ready, and so is the lead vehicle. Look at Rustin.” I motioned. I pointed ahead. The big truck had already moved, and several other vehicles were following. Tuko didn’t need any further direction. The engine turned over and we followed. Soon the trees whipped past.

  “So how long to reach the Cradle?”

  “Not far,” Jinn answered. “We should reach it by late in the day. Providing we don’t run into any m
ore obstacles.”

  “What about Abraham? You think he’s still hunting me? Even though we helped each other in the desert?”

  “Abraham is all about the glory of his clan. Doesn’t matter if he’s changed his mind about you. The reward on your head is the same and there’s lots of prestige for Hunter clan if they capture you,” Jinn responded. I slumped in my back seat, energy rapidly leaving me as reality set back in. I might not be able to prevent the clans from chasing me, but I could prepare myself for our destination.

  “Tell me more about the challenge of the Cradle. Why do you think it exists?” I asked of anyone in the car. Tuko and Lucaz looked perplexed, as if everyone knew the lore of the Cradle. Jinn waded in to my rescue.

  “The cradle wall is smooth and higher than the tallest building. No one can climb or enter — some people question if entry will determine the beginning of our civilization or the end.”

  “Luther’s sermons focused on how entry into the Cradle would determine the next step in how our clans grow and evolve. To take our leadership to the next level,” Lucaz added, the wind blowing the hair in his face.

  “So who would have the most to gain by his death?”

  “Everyone and no one,” Tuko answered, only glancing back slightly as he focused on the road and vehicles. “Every clan is always jockeying for the top position.”

  “Like Armor?”

  “Yes, and Hunter, Zombie, Chycle, and about five others are your top dogs. But there are dozens of middle-range clans who would like to make the jump to the top ten.”

  “Is it less likely that one of the minor clans is the trigger behind Luther’s assassination?”

  “Not necessarily,” Jinn said, turning in her seat to look back at Lucaz and me. “The big clans want to stay there and they know if they don’t keep on top, dozens of other clans will take their place.”

  “I’ve listened to one of Luther’s tapes. Seems like he was loved by all clans,” I commented.

  “Politically he was supported, but there were always rumblings amongst the other clan leaders that someone else could do a better job,” Tuko replied. “You think one of critics was the killer?”

  “I don’t know. I’m trying to figure out who framed me for Luther’s murder. We’ve been on the run for so long, I haven’t had a moment to really consider the options.”

  “Well, I thought the Chycle clan were our prime suspects. Having a secret base with killer dinosaurs would seem like a good start,” Lucaz suggested.

  “They’re definitely involved,” I answered, “but there was something in my conversation with Dero. His clan seemed like worker bees, not the masterminds of the operation.”

  “Based on what, Pene?” Jinn asked, her eyebrows arched. Unfortunately, I had nothing but a feeling of menace. Maybe it was another clan or whoever was watching this world. The drones and the underground lab told me that this place was more than it appeared.

  “My gut.” I shrugged, realizing that wasn’t much of an answer. “Luther affected a lot of people with strong ideals. There are clans who resist his ideas and would benefit from him being gone. If I can figure out who would benefit the most from his death, we’ll know who the killer is.”

  The four of us were silent for a moment, as if each of us was running through a list of suspects, crossing off or prioritizing the other clans and their leaders. My problem was that I didn’t know the clans like my friends did.

  “I don’t think you give the Chycle clan enough credit. Remember, they were the first clan to try to catch you at the stadium. They were ready before anyone else,” Tuko pointed out.

  “I still think Abraham and the Hunter clan are the most likely choice,” said Jinn. “He was quick to blame you without seeing you actually assassinate Luther. His clan has been jockeying for top position for years.” I didn’t like Abraham making it was easy to blame him. But he had been helpful at the desert base. But why did he disappear?

  “From what you told me about Zombie clan, they were pretty enthusiastic to capture you. Like they wanted you to elevate their standing,” added Lucaz.

  “You could almost say the same about Spider clan,” I said.

  “True.” Lucaz nodded. “Maybe you should look at the clans that aren’t interested in you.” Now that thought had a nasty afterbite.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, if a clan wanted to eliminate Luther and take control, maybe they want the top clans to pursue you and fight it out. Makes them weaker and creates an opportunity for the killer to swoop in.”

  Great! With dozens of other clans, Lucaz had just made every clan a suspect. I was back where I started. I looked out to the horizon, trying to focus my thoughts, when I noticed that something was moving toward us “What is that?” I pointed. A huge dust cloud had formed in the grass plains in front of us. It obliterated everything in its path.

  “I don’t think it’s a what, I think it’s a who.” Tuko squinted. “Is that who I think it is?” He looked to Jinn for an answer.

  “The Miners,” she answered and slumped down in her seat. “You rarely see one.” She covered her eyes to avoid the glare of the sun.

  “Can someone tell me who we’re dealing with?” A dark, huge object emerged from the dust cloud’s center, a large semi truck with shiny material reflecting off its exterior.

  “Is there any clan that you actually know about?” Tuko commented sarcastically. “Miner clan lives under ground. They are rarely seen, and they wear protective gear to cover their faces. Most people say it’s because they can’t handle the light. Their skin is a sickly green. I don’t think their faces see much sun.”

  “And now they decide to join the party? Can we fight them?”

  “Maybe if it was an even fight,” Lucaz commented and pointed at the dust storm.

  After the large semi truck came out of the dust, there were about twenty vehicles. I spied trucks, cars, and motorcycles. Our convoy was outnumbered. We couldn’t meet them head-on.

  “Get Valsa over here,” Lucaz said. I waved my hand, and even though he didn’t see me immediately, he eventually noticed and swung his motorcycle back toward our car.

  “What are we going to do?”

  He was concerned. “We have to go into the jungle. We can’t overpower the Miners.”

  “I thought you said we shouldn’t go there?”

  “We don’t have a choice. We can’t get back to our home before being overrun. Reinforcements are too far away. We know this area, the Miner clan doesn’t. We’ll exploit it to our advantage.”

  “What is that place?” I pointed to the trees.

  “Tucantz region. Full of wildlife — few clan members come here to hunt.”

  “Any of the clans live here?” I asked.

  “None that I know of. The bugs are big enough to carry you away. I’ve visited once, but I wouldn’t want to live here.”

  “Can we get through it?” Jinn asked.

  “We have to,” Valsa replied. “Although with the Miner clan behind us and the animals of this region in front of us, we’ll be in tight quarters. But if anyone can get us through, it’s Rustin.”

  “Okay — attackers behind us and death in front us. I’m all for it.” I swung my arm in front of me in mock enthusiasm.”

  “The Miner clan might be delaying us instead of seeking the reward. If we miss the opening ceremony at the Cradle, we won’t get to persuade the others of your innocence. We need to be there when everyone else arrives.”

  “Then we have no choice. Will the vehicles get through?” Tuko questioned.

  “There is a way, but we’ll have to drive slowly through the switchbacks.” Valsa hit his accelerator and veered back to the front. He yelled back at me. “And be vigilant for the trees, that’s where the bugs tend to hang out.” He sped off and was gone. Everything was a danger in this world. I didn’t know how people slept at night.

  Our vehicles changed direction, making a beeline for the jungle. The Miners were accelerating as well, tryi
ng to cut us off, but they would be just a bit too late. The desert terrain changed and small ferns sprang out of the ground. The road developed potholes a few of which were full of water. Our back wheel spun for a second spraying dirty water on my sleeve.

  Was this nature’s way of getting back at me? Before I could wipe off the mud, a large fern branch swung by, almost scraping the side of the car. I hoped Tuko was ready for a bunch of scratches. We slowed as we hit the jungle, but the back tires slid a bit to the right.

  “Don’t slow down,” Jinn said. “The last thing we want is to get stuck at the start of the trail.” Tuko gunned the engine. We were about a minute ahead of our pursuers. Rustin’s convoy were still ahead of us but driving fast enough that it was getting harder to see more than one vehicle in front of us. The jungle was dense and the sun was partially blocked out by its thick canopy. The air had changed as well; I could feel the moisture and watched droplets hanging from the leaves. But the jungle felt off; the only sounds were from the roar of our engines and spinning of our tires. Tuko hit a bump, and I went flying. Lucaz pulled me down.

  “Buckle up.” He pointed to my seat. I clasped my seat belt just in time as our car drove through a pothole and my head swung to the left. Were the Miners going to capture me or were we going to get into an accident? As we turned a corner, one of the vehicles in front of us was stopped, its axel broken in half. Tuko slowed his car to a crawl and we jumped out.

  “Help load these packs into your car. After hitting the pothole, this vehicle is dead,” Valsa commanded. We grabbed the packs, lifted them over our heads, and placed them into our car. They rattled like they contained something metallic. The Relic clan members from the car ran with their weapons into another vehicle ahead. One took Valsa’s motorcycle.

  Valsa took a pack and joined Lucaz and I as we jumped into the back seat. We heard rumbling behind us as the Miner cars were shortening the distance. There wasn’t much space between the wreckage and the jungle and Tuko had to inch his car past. A scraping sound rang out as the two vehicles rubbed each other. Tuko cringed but continued past the dead vehicle. Rustin’s group accelerated in front of us causing Tuko to increase his speed.