My smile disappeared and my heart clenched. "Dad, I—"
Makari chose that moment to enter the room. "It's time to go, Auren."
I gave my father a quick hug, wishing I had time to ask what he meant. "I'll see you tomorrow."
My father caressed my cheek with his thumb, wiping the tear that had fallen. "Be careful, my daughter."
I nodded as I picked up his bowl and joined Makari.
Chapter 4
I had almost forgotten about going to the yard. It gave me more time to speak with Makari. He told the troopers guarding the yard he didn't trust me to be on my own, but I knew he just wanted to be with me, which sent a thrill racing through me. If it was up to me, we'd never be apart. But as long as we were in this place, something would always come between us. I hoped he would figure out a plan soon, so we could return to Appolia together. No one would keep us apart then.
"What was it like growing up in the academy?" I asked him. I remembered to keep my head bowed as though exhausted and drained.
"To be honest, it's not much different from the reconciliation centers. We went through daily cleansing and had to sleep in dark rooms on a cold, hard floor just like you do here. Comforts, like beds, are something you earn when you prove your loyalty to the Emperor. It was a luxury never given to me though. I suspect it's because I'm a shadow stalker and my father has never fully trusted me."
"That's horrible. I can't imagine children going through the cleansing."
Makari nodded. "The settings on the shock wands are much lower for children, and they are bound at first to prevent them from moving. Children are believed to be born into the world with the delohi-saqu's influence already implanted in their minds. My father has managed to convince people it's why young children have so many tantrums." He became thoughtful for a moment. "Maybe it's why he allows children to stay with their parents until they are a little older. So, he can use that to further his indoctrination."
"So how is it not like a reconciliation center?"
"When we weren't going through the cleansing, we were in classrooms, learning. We were separated into cubicles and worked from a computer. We were never allowed to speak to one another. The computer generated a series of random questions we had to answer. Bracelets were placed around our wrists, which would emit a small electric shock every time we got the answer wrong. If we answered too many of them wrong in a row, we were punished in front of the whole group, and then put in confinement for a day for being poor servants of the empire."
My blood boiled as he spoke of such cruelty to innocent children, but I forced my expression to remain neutral.
"When we reach the age of thirteen our aptitude is tested, and we begin training for a specific job we will have throughout our adult lives."
"You mean people don't even get to choose their careers?"
"No, Auren. Servants of the empire are placed where they are needed. Our goal in life here is not to seek that which gives us pleasure, but to do as we are bid for the good of the empire. We are given no choices."
I knew life in the Galvadi Empire was harsh, but I had no idea how bad it really was. These people truly were slaves to Drevin. How did they not see this? I glanced up at him. "Do you at least get paid?"
Makari chuckled. "There is no money in the empire. Everyone is given a ration and supplies based on the quality of their work. If you do well, you receive enough to last you a month. If not, well your family could be starving for a while. So, people work hard to get what they need."
"So, you were thirteen when you found out you were a shadow stalker?"
Makari gripped my arm and pulled me to a halt, bending to my ear as though scolding me. I did my best to look chastised.
"No, I knew before I went to the academy. My father beat me daily to remind me how horrible my powers were, and how it made me inherently evil. I was relieved to go to the academy just to get away from him. The cleansing was easier to take, but he had a shadow stalker prisoner who trained me in exchange for his freedom. He was one of the elders who served on the council on the Dark Isle."
"Why does that not surprise me? So, which one was he?" I asked, wondering if I had met the man who trained Makari.
"My father had…" Makari paused. "He had him killed when my training was complete. He never had any intention of letting him go."
"Oh." Well that was surprising. Makari's mind closed, somewhat, giving me the impression he didn't want to talk anymore about this, but I was curious. "I thought Drevin favored the elders because they were his friends."
"Some of them are. Others only went along with it because they were afraid to be on what they perceived as the losing side. Others, like the man who trained me, openly opposed my father. Without the Foramar, the elders were the only authority on the Dark Isle, but my father had to have all of them on his side or his plans wouldn't have worked. Once my father captured or killed those who stood against him, the council was his, and no shadow stalker was willing to stand against them. Well, until Kado returned apparently."
I couldn't stop the grin now plastered across my face, so I bowed my head lower to hide it. "I guess he’s caused some trouble for you?"
"In a manner of speaking, you both have." Makari discreetly caressed my cheek. "But it has worked out for the best."
"Has it?" I looked up quickly to see his face. I knew what he was about to say, but I wanted to see him.
"We found each other." A smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Yes, but we’re both in danger now. We have to find a way out of here." I hoped he would reveal a plan, or at least an idea, but he was quiet for a moment.
"I'm not sure we can do it with the others, Auren."
My breath caught. "You said you'd try."
"I will, but I don't want you to get your hopes up. You may need to escape through the shadow world." Before I could argue he added, "Come. I have to take you to your room."
Chapter 5
Though my time with my father was short, when we were together I managed to fill him in on most of my life on Appolia. I told him about my friends, Deakan and Jade, and the things we did together. Zain was entranced by every word, and I could see it thrilled him that, despite the constant danger and need to hide my identity, Kado managed to provide me with a good life. That was until the Galvadi invaded and ruined it all.
"It seems to me, Kado prepared you better than he thought," my father said.
"I didn't feel very prepared on the Dark Isle. He put me in the hole as soon as we arrived, long before he gave me back my memories. All I knew was the little he’d told me about being a shadow stalker in the time it took us to get to the Dark Isle. I thought it was punishment, and that he’d left me down there because I went to Luten Isle without his permission, and endangered myself."
Zain scoffed and, when he spoke again, his tone turned serious. "Even if it was a punishment, it’s nothing compared to what I would have done to you for being so foolish."
My mouth dropped open in surprise. I had new sympathy for Kado. I always thought Kado was strict, but now I could see how lenient he was in comparison to my father. I decided to thank him the next time I saw him. I had no interest in learning what Zain believed to be a suitable punishment, so I made no further comment on it.
"Well, I did eventually figure it out—with help—but it's an awful way to train someone to move through the shadow world. There has to be a better way."
"It's effective, so for now it will have to do," Zain said, chuckling. "If you come up with something better, however, perhaps you should make a suggestion."
I nodded, sad, as always, that our time was up. Even my time with Makari was limited now. Yet with every passing moment our bond grew stronger. It really was as though we were becoming one person. Even during the night, when I was alone in my cell, I never felt completely alone. The bond was akin to having him right there with me.
The only time he shut me out was when he had to participate in a cleansing session. The knowledge
that it had never been necessary, and the fact it was his father's way of brainwashing people, weighed on him greatly. It was why he didn't want to involve me. He didn't want me to see him hurting others. It didn’t change how I felt about him, nothing could, but Makari feared it would taint our connection somehow. Of course, I could always see it in his mind afterward, but I never said anything.
"Isn't there any way you can avoid it?" I asked him one afternoon.
"No. Some of the guides are growing suspicious. I'm afraid it won't be long before someone decides to investigate or test my loyalties."
I hadn't realized how bad it was for him. "We've been so careful though."
"I know. It's nothing we're doing wrong. Some of the guides are naturally suspicious, and the time I've spent with you is not normal. It's not unheard of for a guide to focus attention on a person who is difficult, but because of my reaction to you in the office that night, I may have given away the fact that we knew each other."
"Oh, the lizard comment?"
Makari nodded. "That, and my familiarity with you, yes. I wasn't trying to be careful then because I had every intention of turning you over to my father. Eventually. Had I known what would happen, I would have been more discreet."
I shrugged. "You can't change the past."
"No, but Auren, you have to promise me something."
"Okay," I said, though I didn’t like his tone.
"If something happens, I’ll send you a warning through our connection. If that happens, you have to promise me you’ll leave Nadiria and go back to Kado so he can keep you safe."
I rolled my eyes. "I don't need anyone to keep me safe, Makari. I'm not helpless."
"I know that. But I promised your father I'd protect you," he said, gripping my arms. "If I send you a warning, it will be because they know you're here and that I've betrayed them."
"So, I'm supposed to run and leave you to your death?" I said, my chest constricting. "I can't do that. I can't live without you."
"Then leave and trust that I can take care of myself."
"What if they put a recinder on you? What if they put one on me?"
"If that happens, we're both as good as dead. Auren, promise me, please, that you’ll leave at the first sign of trouble. You can worry about rescuing me later, but don't stay here and put yourself at risk."
I wouldn't put myself at risk, but I wouldn't run with my tail tucked between my legs either. I would come up with my own plan. I still had no intention of leaving without my father or Shai, and I certainly wouldn't leave without Makari.
I bit my lip when I noticed him scowling at me. "I’ll promise you this much. I won't allow myself to be captured. I will go into the shadow world at the first sign of trouble, but I won't run. I’ll do what I have to, to help you escape too if it comes to that."
Makari nodded, but his expression was grim. He didn't like it. "You are stubborn."
"I know."
Chapter 6
The following morning our routine began as normal. Makari collected me from my room and took me to the kitchen so I could eat and gather my father's food. As I dished porridge into a bowl, Makari became distracted by the loud clattering of pots that someone accidentally knocked to the ground. I glanced briefly toward the ruckus, but went right back to my work. The guide in charge of the kitchen approached while Makari's back was turned, and I was so engrossed in my task I neglected to notice her. She knocked my arm, causing me to dump the bowl's contents all over Makari.
"How dare you?" the guide cried out, then turned to Makari as he got to his feet. "She did that on purpose. I saw the whole thing. She should be punished for her insolence."
We both knew she was lying, but Makari was trapped. I could see in her mind she was testing him. He had no choice but to follow through.
"I agree," he said, glaring at me.
The guide returned with her whip, holding it out to Makari. "You should do the honors since you are the one she assaulted."
I barely noticed the crowd gathering as he took the whip. His gaze never left mine, and though the expression on his face was enough to make me wilt, his thoughts were soothing.
"Punishment position."
I hesitated. He was really going to go through with it.
Everything is at stake right now, Auren. We have to see this through. Hide your mind in the shadow world, but I will have to be harsh. Make a good show of your suffering.
That wouldn't be hard. The thought of him whipping me was enough to make me suffer, even without the pain. He was right though. We were both in danger if we couldn't fool the guide. So, I did as he instructed, kneeling with my arms crossed before me and my forehead on the floor. Someone lifted my shirt so my back was exposed, but I barely noticed. I was already in my safe place in the shadow world.
When the punishment began, my body reacted automatically; jumping with every lash of the whip. I could tell he wasn't holding back, despite the fact I felt no pain for the moment. At one point, I let out an anguished cry though it hadn't been voluntary on my part. Makari was still in my mind, reassuring me, though it seemed pointless. The entire experience was surreal for the moment, and I felt safe.
I will use the Danam on you as soon as this is over. Just stay with me.
It seemed to go quickly in comparison to my earlier torture. My mind was still in the shadow world when he pulled me to my feet, wondering if I should come out.
No. wait.
I tried to listen to his discussion with the guide, but focusing was difficult. Makari handed the whip back to her, thanking the guide for allowing him to use it.
"It was my pleasure," she said, with the sadistic grin she always wore after punishing someone. She seemed to derive even more pleasure watching someone else carry out the punishment. "I doubt she’ll try something so foolish again."
I shuddered. She was a scary woman.
Makari grabbed a fist full of my hair and lifted me so I had to walk on my toes to avoid having my hair ripped out. "Oh, I'm not done with her yet. I have her booked in for cleansing this afternoon. Will you see to it that the girl and the old man are fed? She’ll be far too busy this morning."
"Of course." Her grin grew wider, probably wishing she'd be there to see it.
I had no time to contemplate it further because Makari started moving with my hair still held firmly in his grip. He continued until we were safely inside the cleansing room, where he locked the door and immediately pulled off my shirt. That's when I realized why he had been working so hard to keep me calm. Blood coated my shirt. It was worse than when the demon had slashed my back open on Luten Isle two summers ago. The panic welled up, but Makari quickly pressed his mind down on mine, forcing me to stay calm.
"Let's get you on the table, Auren. The Danam will heal you. There won't be a scar."
It would hurt though. Worse than the effects of the whipping.
"Just stay in the shadow world for as long as you need. There is no reason for you to suffer through the pain, Auren. It will soon be over. I promise."
It hit me then, how horrified Makari felt for what he’d had to do. "I'm okay now, it was just the shock of it."
He nodded. Once my back was coated in the Danam, he let me stay on the table as he combed his fingers through my hair. "We can't keep up this pretense for much longer, Auren."
"Then think of something to get us out of here. All of us."
Makari sighed. "I'm trying, Auren, but there is little I can do without drawing attention."
"If you did draw attention, how much time would we have to escape before someone took action?" I asked as I pushed myself up on my elbows.
"Maybe a couple hours, if that."
"Maybe that's all we'll need."
I could see by his frown he doubted it would be that simple.
"I'll think of something," he said more quietly. "You should rest."
*****
Later that evening, I managed to retrieve my father's dinner without incident. It was hard ignoring
the gloating look on the guide's face, but the last thing I needed was to put Makari in the position of having to punish me again, so I did my best to look remorseful. His pain over what he had done made that part easy.
My father knew something was wrong the moment he saw me. Makari left us, as usual, so I had to explain what happened on my own. His face became grim as I explained, not only the punishment, but the fact that Makari was under suspicion.
"You have to escape, Auren. Remaining here is foolish. You and Makari are playing a dangerous game, and it won't be long before you are caught."
Hadn't Makari told her that very thing only days before? "I know, but I can't leave without you. Plus, Makari told me Shai, Kado's daughter, is here as well. I won't leave without her either. He's trying to come up with a plan to get all of us out of here."
Zain set his bowl down and placed his hands on either side of my head, gazing deep into my eyes. "If things go wrong, Auren, you need to go. Don't try to be a hero. Your life is too important."
I tried to shake my head in defiance, but my father held me still. "I'm no more important than—"
"Be silent and listen to me," he said in a tone that deflated my obstinacy.
I could see why my father was Foramar. Not even Kado was that imposing when he was angry with me.
"You must not risk your life for others. There are things not even Kado understands about you, Auren. But you are the most important person in our world right now. You are the key to bringing down the Galvadi Empire and the survival of the people of the Serpent Isles. If something happens to you, all is lost."
For someone without his power, I felt his mind on mine as strongly as I ever felt Kado's, and I wondered how much of his power the recinder had really taken. Was it possible that not all of a shadow stalkers power came from the shadow world? As his mind pressed into mine, breathing became difficult.
"You will never risk yourself for anyone again. Is that understood?"
"I can't—"
Shadow Stalker Part 2 (Episodes 7 - 12) Page 10