I think for a moment before saying, ‘And Jay, if we had Jay, could you Vault all three of us over the Rampart?’
Eli tilts his head. ‘Yes, I think so. We’d have to be right next to it and I don’t know how far northwards I’d be able to travel with three of us, but we should make it over the Rampart. Why?’
‘I’ll be going to the Jasper Institute tomorrow with my – with the king. Since I’ll have seen the inside of the building we can Vault in that night, the same way we got here with me directing the Vault the day of the parade.’
‘That’s too risky. The last time you redirected me may have been a fluke.’
‘Then we’ll walk to the institute tomorrow night and talk our way past the sentinels!’ I say, exasperated.
‘I don’t want to leave him in the hands of the kingdom either, Thea.’
‘I know. Look how I turned out in their hands.’
The slight smile I was hoping for emerges.
‘Let’s wait a day before you take me to your – our dad. Please. Then we’ll reassess and decide what to do.’
‘All right. Dad has given me a day to return with you. You worry like Mum and are persuasive like Dad.’
I sit back in my chair, trying to picture the parents I can’t remember, but there is nothing. I realise even Eli is still a stranger to me. I have no understanding of who I really am.
I would trade all of my kingdom memories for those of my childhood. If only I could properly remember this young man who sits before me, our father, our mother. My only solace is that I have been able to recall scraps about Eli and my kidnapping, which means there is hope I may remember everything. One day.
‘Do I look like Mother?’
He looks up at me, running his eyes over my face before saying, ‘Yes. It helps that you don’t have Dad’s blond hair.’
‘And you, you look like Father?’
He chuckles. ‘Yes. Scarily so. Jay’s always saying I’m going to end up as the leader of Concord, because I’m the younger version of Dad. I try to mock him by saying he looks like his mum, but that makes him happy.’
I can’t picture Jay happy. Sure, I’ve seen him smirk but that’s not happiness. I think back to my conversations with Jay, how he shut down when I mentioned his parents. ‘He doesn’t like his parents, does he?’
‘It’s only his dad he doesn’t like.’
‘I understand how he feels.’ My childhood is closed to me because someone took me and somehow erased my memories. And because of Duncan, my fake father. If, indeed, he does know who I really am – Thea Reid, Variant.
‘Eli, who was the man who took me?’
The change of subject, or just the question itself, catches him off guard. ‘I . . . he was part of Concord.’
‘A Variant? Why did he take me?’
He casts his eyes downward. ‘We don’t know. He was a very angry man.’
‘Who was he? Where did he go?’
‘Nobody knows where he went. Perhaps he sold you to the Kingdom of Cardiff and moved on. He probably ended up in the Wastelands.’
‘Where have you been living all these years?’
‘We move around a lot. We lost our home, our village, when you were taken. Between the Cardiff armament patrolling the outer areas of the kingdom and the North Empire’s slow expansion, it isn’t safe staying in one place for long.’
‘How many of you – of us – are there?’
‘Since the village was destroyed, a lot of Variants formed their own small family groups. There are about eighty people left in Concord. As I mentioned, there are Variants in the Wastelands, but nobody knows how many. I’m sure there are Variants in the kingdom. Some wouldn’t even know what they really are – like you. Some would be too frightened or self-loathing to use their Abilities, or to leave the safety of the kingdom.’
The idea of Variants living within the Rampart hadn’t occurred to me. Genes are probably still mutating from the toxin released three hundred years ago, just showing the effects now.
‘How many Abilities are there?’
‘Ha, Thee, that’s an impossible question to answer. New Abilities emerge every generation.’
‘What kinds can you tell me about?’
‘Let me see. There’s Space Vaulting. There’s Jay’s Air Warping, which is common, but most people I’ve met with it don’t have an Ability as strong as his.’
‘Why’s that?’
‘He’s a Descendant. We have the strongest Abilities. There’s also Kinetic Movement, Strength, Time.’ I give him a look of annoyance. ‘The Elements, Electric Ignition, Vision, Telepathy, Telekinesis.’
‘There are so many.’
Eli shrugs. ‘And sometimes the same Ability manifests slightly differently in another Variant. For example, my Ability doesn’t differ from Dad’s, however, Jay’s Ability is more powerful than his mum’s. She could only create a repelling field around her own body, whereas he can “shoot” the force out, pushing people and objects back.’
‘Your Ability can change?’
‘No, not change. But it can develop in strength with age and practice.’
‘Why didn’t Vaughn come with you tonight?’
Eli hesitates before saying, ‘He can’t.’
‘What do you mean? Jay said he has the same Ability as you.’
‘Jay should have told you more.’
‘I haven’t spent too much time with Jay, but even I know he’s not loquacious. Tell me.’
‘He can’t Space Vault here because he doesn’t have his Ability anymore.’
A lump forms in my throat. ‘Why? What happened to it? You can’t lose it, can you?’
‘No, Thee, you can’t lose your Ability.’
‘So what happened to his?’
‘It was stolen.’
‘How? By whom? When?’ Each question twists the knots in my stomach.
‘Like I said, there are all kinds of Abilities, some that are generations old, and others that have developed over time,’ he says slowly, forcing each word out.
‘And there’s a new Ability that allows you to take someone else’s?’
‘Yes. It’s called Absorbing. We didn’t know that it could be used to steal someone else’s Ability completely. In previous generations Absorbers could share another Variants’ Ability for a short period, not take it completely.’
‘Who stole our father’s?’
‘It’s complicated, Thea, and, well, it’s not my story to tell. Right now we should get some rest. Tomorrow will be a big day. By the end of it, we will have left the kingdom forever.’ He pauses, taking a heavy breath before continuing. ‘With, or without, Jay.’ Eli stands up. He seems so much stronger than me and yet we are the same age.
‘Fine. But don’t think that after we leave I won’t have a million more questions for you.’ I lead him out of the room.
‘You’ve always had questions, Thee.’
I take him to the formal parlour at the end of the hall to a comfy red settee. The last time I was here was with Finn, laughing and talking. It seems so long ago.
Eli makes himself comfortable with cushions and a blanket, and I drag myself to my bed with my mind abuzz. Once I settle on the thought that this time tomorrow, I will be home, I fall asleep easily enough.
The long-limbed man drags me along and I kick and scream for him to let me go. There is an explosion behind us but the man seems unfazed. He walks towards the tree line, dragging me away from my family. Two strangers meet us at the edge of the woods.
My captor issues orders to the men. But I can’t hear them – the murmuring is too soft. The man tightens his grip around my skinny arm and pulls me further into the woods. I am yelling at the man, but I don’t know what I’m saying. The panic I used to feel within this dream, before I knew who I was and what it was about, returns. I have never ventured so far into the dream-nightmare before.
The forest becomes denser as we go deeper. Moonlight barely penetrates the trees and the growing darkness adds to m
y fear. In the distance, I make out a small-framed person; easing my fear for a moment.
As we get closer, I finally hear some of my own words. ‘Why are you doing this?’
But I cannot hear the answer. Although confused by this new part of the dream, I realise I know my kidnapper. I don’t remember who he is, but I knew him before he took me. He is a man from Concord.
I open my eyes to Eli leaning over me. ‘Wakey, wakey, Thee.’
‘Good morning.’ My voice is croaky.
‘Not so much for you. You were tossing around and muttering. Were you dreaming about that night again?’
‘Yes.’ I rub my eyes. ‘He took me into the woods. People were waiting. It’s scary, remembering, but I desperately want to remember it all.’
‘That’s something I can’t help you with, Thee. I don’t know what happened once he took you.’
‘What time is it?’
‘Just after eight.’
‘Lucy will be here any moment! Quick, hide!’
Eli trips as he scrambles towards the wardrobe.
There is a knock on the door as Eli squeezes into the wardrobe. ‘Princess, are you up?’
‘Yes, Lucy, come in.’
Lucy enters with her ever-present smile. ‘Good morning, Your Highness.’
‘Morning, Lucy.’ My voice is shaky but I think I hide it well with my dreary tone.
‘How did we sleep?’
I jump out of bed and cut Lucy off before she reaches the wardrobe. ‘I’ll pick my clothes, Luce. I am working with Father today and I want to impress him.’
The joy that spreads across Lucy’s face almost scares me. Why does she care so much? ‘What fabulous news, Your Highness! I am certain the king is very happy that you wish to learn from him.’
I purse my lips, trying to smile. ‘Not as happy as you, it seems.’
‘Shush, Your Highness. I am so very glad you are putting behind you that dreadful incident with the horrid Manipulators.’
If only she knew. ‘There is no point dwelling on the past.’ My first lie of the day.
‘What time shall I tell the kitchen you will be down for breakfast?’
‘May I have breakfast up here? I am rather nervous about the day ahead and would like to collect my thoughts.’
Lucy nods. ‘As you wish, Your Highness. What shall I bring up for you? Perhaps some porridge, or toast?’
With Eli hovering in my mind I say, ‘Both.’ Lucy regards me quizzically. I’ve never been a big eater. ‘I, um, think I shall need energy today. And breakfast is the most important meal, as you always tell me.’
‘I will bring it up shortly.’
‘Thanks, Luce.’
I close the door behind her and lean against it. I jump at Eli’s voice.
‘I’m presuming you’re going to share this big breakfast with me?’
I shake my head. ‘I thought I’d eat it all myself.’
‘I hope you’re not completely used to being treated like a princess because it will be nothing like this back home.’
‘And here I was hoping that it would be,’ I say sarcastically. ‘You had better get back into the wardrobe, you don’t want to be rushing to hide again.’
‘As you wish, Princess.’
‘Don’t go trying on my fancy clothes.’
‘I wouldn’t dare.’
A few minutes later, Lucy re-enters carrying a tray full of food. She sets it down on the dining table. ‘Princess, you are still not dressed.’
I scurry over to the wardrobe and open the door slightly. Eli is hidden behind the scarlet section of my wardrobe – long red gowns of silk and satin. I whisper, ‘The colour suits you.’
Eli doesn’t reply but his face has sibling anger written all over it. What I presume is sibling anger.
I lay a knee-length emerald skirt and short-sleeved cream blouse with a pleated front on my bed, along with a tapestry fabric satchel.
‘A perfect choice, Your Highness. I could not have chosen better. But what is the bag for?’
‘For my notebook. I thought I might take some notes. There will so much information to take in!’
‘I am so impressed by your dedication, Your Highness. Would you like company for breakfast?’
‘Actually, Luce, I would prefer to focus my thoughts alone.’
‘Of course! I must say, Your Highness, you are full of wonderful ideas today.’
I put on my sweetest smile. I just hope my plan to rescue Jay works.
I sneak my head around the door, watching Lucy disappear down the stairs. I gently close the door and go over to the wardrobe, ushering Eli out. After I dress in the bathroom, we sit at my round table and for a second I allow myself to feel that this is just a normal, family breakfast with a day of leisure ahead.
Eli chases it away when he speaks. ‘You have to be careful today, Thee.’
‘I know.’
He looks at me intently. ‘Thea, I’m serious. I told you last night. I am getting you out of here tonight. If we are not back by midnight, Father will send others in.’
I drop my piece of toast. ‘Who?’
‘Probably everyone, he wants to have you back so badly.’
I nod silently. Today is a big day.
‘I’ll wait here. Ooh, is that cocoa?’ He scoops up my cup and takes a long draught. ‘We can’t get chocolate, it’s too expensive.’
‘Have it.’
‘Thanks, sis,’ he says, a rim of brown around his mouth. ‘If I hear anyone coming, I’ll jump in the wardrobe. Knock twice on the door when you’re back so I know it’s you.’
I look at him with an arched eyebrow. ‘Or, I could just call out and say it’s me?’
‘Yeah, that’ll work too.’
I climb the central stairs of Dominion Hall, reaching the top floor, five flights up. The stairs open onto a landing where Duncan’s clerk, Jacqueline, waits behind a wooden desk. She is pinching her cheeks to make them rosy.
‘Good morning, Your Highness,’ she says chirpily. ‘What brings you up here so bright and early?’
‘Did Father not tell you? I will be working with him today.’
‘That sounds delightful! But I’m afraid that King Duncan is not in yet.’
‘I thought I was too early. I wanted to show him how keen I am.’
‘I know what you mean. I am always early to get everything organised.’
Her overly sweet demeanour is too much and I feel my eyes narrowing. ‘Do you mind if I wait in his office?’
‘I suppose that would be acceptable.’ She minces out from behind her desk. Her red dress is tightly corseted with a narrow skirt and restricts her movements.
I walk past her quickly and into Duncan’s office, shutting the door before Jacqueline can follow me. The room is bright, sunlight streaming through the south-west floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Imperial Gardens. The white walls are bare, aside from a large-scale map of the Kingdom of Cardiff. I sit in one of the two guest chairs opposite Duncan’s large blackwood desk. The desk is neat and tidy, not even a pen loose. I wonder how often my hidden past has been discussed in this room, perhaps with his trusted delegates at the marble conference table. Maybe Finn’s mother was part of the conspiracy.
I leap up from the chair, realising what a fortuitous opportunity I have, being alone in Duncan’s private office. I scurry around the wide desk and pull at the drawer under the desk but it doesn’t budge. The larger wooden cabinet in the corner is also locked so I take a letter opener from the desk and try to jemmy the lock. It makes too much noise so I stop.
I move to the bookshelf, which displays more photographs than books. Amongst the pictures of my father with his delegates, there is a photo of the two us. I am younger, maybe twelve, standing beside Duncan on a wooden platform at one of the parades. I must have just been taken from Concord, from my real family. My hair is light brown, like now – it couldn’t have darkened naturally so quickly after I was taken. My smile is wide and my emerald dress, fluffed out
with petticoats, pads around the shoulders, slightly too big for me. I have no recollection of that day, that dress, or of the photo being taken.
Duncan must know who I really am, what really happened to me. My eyes burn with hatred as I stare at the smiling man who took everything from me. The outer office doors opening arrest my anger. In my hunt for clues, I didn’t hear anyone coming.
‘Althea, darling, you are early!’
I turn from the bookcase, a smile nailed to my face. ‘I thought it would be best to be early rather than risk being late. I was just admiring this photo of us.’
He walks over to stand beside me. ‘Ah, yes, a lovely shot. Taken at the Kingdom Day parade almost five years ago if I am not mistaken.’
It hits me. Eli said I was taken almost five years ago but I realise I only remember living in the kingdom for the past four years, since I was thirteen. I don’t remember the parade because I don’t remember anything before my thirteenth birthday.
‘I do not remember that day, Father.’ My knuckles whiten around the picture frame as my anger rises. Not only has he made me believe I was his daughter for five years, he’s hidden the year after I was taken, too.
‘It was shortly after your accident. Your seizures were more frequent and badly affected your memory. We had not yet perfected the medicine that helped ease them.’
Duncan’s lies come so easily. I remember the day the medicine was perfected – the first day I remember the kingdom. It was another parade, perhaps the next one after this. I used to have to take the medicine every day, but it made me feel so vague and I protested every time Lucy tried to give it to me that Dr Kelvin said I could take it weekly.
‘Althea, are you quite well? You seem distant. Are you experiencing a seizure?’
Thea. My name is Thea. ‘Not at all, Father. I am just a bit nervous about today.’
He walks behind his desk. ‘No need to be nervous, darling.’ He sits down, pulling out a set of keys from his pocket and laying them on the blotter.
I put the picture back on the shelf and take a seat in front of the desk, my eyes glued to the keys.
‘I thought we would start with the daily procedure. Jacqueline will bring my messages on any issues that have arisen and at 9:30 Harries will brief me – or us, today,’ he says with a smile, ‘on any security issues.’
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