The Rise of Azlyn (Book 4): Planet Urth, no. 4

by Jennifer and Christopher Martucci

  Mr. Derrick, who I now know as just Derrick, pumps his fist and gives me a thumbs-up signal. But before I go to him, I see that Sully is just a few steps away from me.

  When he’s beside me, he smells of grass and leather and musk, and a part of me aches to wrap my arms around his neck to celebrate that he’s alive and unharmed. I don’t, however. Instead, I maintain a respectable distance.

  He tunnels his fingers through his sandy blonde hair then blows a stream of air from between his lips “That was way too easy.”

  “They weren’t soldiers. We had the advantage this time, in both numbers and skill.”

  Sully nods in agreement. “I know.” His eyes move from me to the battleground. “They’re coming for us. King Leon’s army is coming. And when they find us, I’m pretty sure we’re going to be in over our heads.” His tone borders on apologetic. I don’t know why. He’s speaking the truth. Our circumstances aren’t his fault. His gaze meets mine once again. He reaches out a hand and cups my elbow. “The close to fifteen thousand of us can’t take on hundreds of thousands of Urthmen.”

  Leaning in toward him ever so slightly, I resist the urge to lay my head upon his chest. He’s right. We’ll be the fish in the barrel if we meet King Leon’s army on the battlefield. “I know,” I say. “We need a plan, a way we can draw them out in smaller groups, I don’t know, something.”

  “We’ll figure out something.” His hand slides up my arm. He rubs my shoulder gently.

  I look up at his handsome face and am about to tell him how glad I am he’s okay when waving in my periphery halts me. “Come on,” I say to Sully. “Derrick has survivors.”

  Sully and I jog to where six Urthmen have been rounded up. They each kneel with their heads on the ground and blades at the back of their necks.

  “What do we have here?” Sully says.

  “Good work, Derrick.”

  “Thank you,” he says. Gone is the arrogance and curtness with which he once spoke. I’m both shocked and impressed by his transformation.

  I clip my head toward him before I begin questioning the Urthmen. I start with the one beneath Derrick’s blade. Derrick steps aside and my sword replaces his at the Urthman’s throat. “Did you hear that we were coming?”

  The Urthman watches me as I address him. Tiny eyes train on me with unconcealed hatred. “I don’t talk to lowly human scum,” he spits.

  Without a word, I raise my blade high and bring it down hard against his neck. A loud thunk echoes just before his body collapses to the ground without his head.

  Grinding my molars hard, I breathe shallowly through my nose and turn to the next Urthman. “How about you? Do you talk to lowly human scum?”

  “We didn’t know anything,” he surprises me when he answers. I wonder whether perhaps he will be of any use to me. But that wondering ceases as soon as he says, “How have so many stray humans joined together? It’s not possible.”

  Strays, a word that makes my blood boil. We aren’t mangy animals that haphazardly met up and formed a pack. We’re humans, highly intelligent and as it turns out, incredibly adept at surviving even in the most hostile of circumstances.

  “I thought we’d killed off enough of your kind—” the Urthman begins.

  I silence him when I plunge my blade into his neck. “We are not strays!” I shout at him.

  “Avery! What’re you doing!” a voice screams. I twist to see Will rushing through the ranks toward me. His brow is low and his eyes are narrowed. Whatever his issue is, it’ll have to wait. The Urthmen must die whether or not they provide information.

  “Keep him back,” I tell those closest to me.

  Will is quickly grabbed and prevented from approaching.

  I resume my interrogation. “Has King Leon sent his army after us?”

  My question is met with willful silence.

  “No one knows anything?” I ask.

  After several moments of quiet, one calls out, “Once King Leon hears of this, you’ll face the full might of the Urthmen army!”

  He hasn’t shared a threat I’m not already aware of. I nod to Derrick and he promptly kills the Urthman who spoke. Those who hold their blades to the remaining three follow suit.

  “No!” Will cries out.

  Shocked, I whip around to face the direction of his voice. Our gazes clash. What can only be described as disgust mars his features. Taken aback briefly, I hesitate then wave him toward me. I begin walking as soon as he is near, leading him away from the group.

  “What has gotten into you?” I whirl on him and ask as soon as I stop.

  “Me? Me!” he asks incredulously as his hand splays at his chest. “What about you? What’s gotten into you?” He jabs his finger at me accusingly.

  Hot tendrils of anger lick at my skin. I rein it in and speak through my teeth, refusing to be baited into a shouting match. “Don’t ever question me in front of my people. Do you understand me?”

  Will’s upper lip snarls over his teeth. “Oh yeah, that’s right, Azlyn.” He hisses the name venomously. “You’re our leader.”

  “They chose me,” I say defensively and immediately regret it.

  “They chose someone who’s no better than the Urthmen.”

  His words land like a slap to my face. My head involuntarily jerks back a fraction of an inch. I’m at a loss for words. He sees me as a monster.

  Capitalizing on my temporary silence, he continues. “You just killed unarmed men on their knees. How are you any different from them?”

  I close my eyes for a split second and try to grab hold of one of the multitude of thoughts swirling around in my brain. “I didn’t kill men, Will. I killed Urthmen,” I say evenly.

  “You slaughtered helpless beings.” He tips his chin with self-righteous indignation.

  “Helpless beings? Are you out of your mind?” I explode. “Do you even understand what’s happening here? The same helpless beings that murdered your family and executed my pregnant mother died today. And they wouldn’t have thought twice about bashing Riley or June’s brains in either, or any one of us.”

  Will huffs smugly.

  “We’re not fighting to win a war and live with the Urthmen in peace. That isn’t possible. We need to wipe the planet clean of them. It’s the only way. They all have to die.” I enunciate each word in the last sentence I speak so that my message is crystal-clear.

  Will makes a soft snorting sound, a derisive sound. He looks down at his feet then into my eyes. “Not like this they don’t.”

  “Yes like this. Any way we can kill them they will die. They will not be our prisoners, and they will not be shown mercy. If we leave any alive, they will go on to kill humans any chance they get. You don’t understand that yet?”

  “I think there’s a better way,” he says challengingly.

  “What should we do, let them go free so they can alert King Leon? Maybe give them a hug and a pat on their heads before we send them on their way?” I do not suppress the acid in my tone or the anger I feel. “Never question me in public again, is that understood? If you can’t get on board with how I do things, you can leave anytime you like.”

  Now it is Will who looks as if he’s been struck. His aquamarine eyes widen and a hint of color touches his cheeks. A pang of guilt lances a place deep in my heart and I watch as a great divide manifests between us. I am saddened by it in a way that supersedes words. I never wanted to hurt him, not with Sully and certainly not like this, but we are in a battle for our right to exist. As long as any Urthman lives, we are not safe. His rebellious questioning had to end.

  I watch as he turns on his heels and walks away, knowing fully that he’s separating from me in more ways than one. After taking a moment to collect myself, I return to our group. Sully finds me. I know he wants to ask about what happened. He searches my face for answers but senses that I need space. He wraps his hand around mine and assures me with a quick grip, fortifying me.

  In my periphery I see his profile, his straight nose and strong
jaw. Beyond it, houses, empty now, await. “Tonight, we will sleep in beds!” I announce to everyone.

  I ripple of cheers erupts. I know June will be happy. A soft spot to sleep sounds like exactly what I need, what we all need. We won’t be safe here for long. A few days of shelter will be good for us, nonetheless. Hopefully, I’ll be able to force my interaction with Will to the back of my mind and enjoy a night of deep, restful sleep. I’ll need it. Many more battles in the fight for humanity still need to be waged.

  Chapter 3

  After an intensive search of every nook and cranny of the neighborhoods within the town, Sully, June and I arrive at the last one, the house in which we’ll sleep. Nearly a dozen men accompany us. They conduct a final inspection. One among them, Mark, leads the team in a sweep of each room. Sully and I stay back to watch the perimeter, and to protect June. When every inch of the house and surrounding property has been examined, Mark approaches me.

  “The rooms are clear and so are the grounds. We’re good to go,” he says.

  “Great. Why don’t you go and get some shut-eye,” I tell him.”

  “Nah, I think I’ll take first watch here. I’m too stirred up to sleep right now,” he replies.

  “I hear you.” I nod. I know all too well how he feels. Exhausted in a way that penetrates the marrow in my bones, an odd buzz persists. Perhaps it’s adrenaline from the battle, or perhaps it is plain old nerves. Either way, my insides hum as if each cell contained within my skin is vying for the same spot. “Who else is taking the first shift with you?”

  Mark rattles off a list of names I’ve become familiar with. They will post themselves outside the house so that they can see any approaching threat. I feel guilty that men need to be stationed outside to ensure my safety, but I do understand the need to protect your leaders. I have made sure that they guard the house in shifts. The plan is for everyone to get at least a few hours of rest in a bed before tonight. “Don’t worry, we’ll keep this place secure,” he adds

  “Hopefully your shift will be uneventful,” I say and mean it sincerely.

  “Yeah, I think we’ve had enough action for the day, don’t you?” Sully chimes in in his signature laid-back manner.

  “I sure do,” Mark bobs his head.

  “I can’t believe we’re going to sleep in an actual house.” June’s voice interrupts our discussion and snaps my attention to her. “It’s like a dream or something, or a story Dad used to tell us.” Dark crescents resemble bruises beneath her eyes. Her exhaustion is evident; still she manages to be enthusiastic.

  “This is something else, isn’t it?” Sully agrees. “It’s an adventure.”

  “Well, you guys have a nice rest. I’m going to join the others and get situated,” Mark says before excusing himself and taking up his post outside.

  June’s tired eyes widen briefly as she continues her conversation with Sully. “It sure is.” We strip out of our bloody outer-layer of clothing, all the while, June seems happy. Then all too soon, her expression falters. “It would be better if, well, if.” She chews her lower lip and hesitates to finish her sentence.

  “What? What is it, June?” I know my sister. I know that the crease between her brows and the biting of her lower lip means she’s more worried than she’s letting on.

  “Come on, June bug, you can tell us.” Even Sully recognizes her anxiety.

  Bands of deep pink streak June’s cheeks. “Well, it’s just that, you know, the Urthmen.”

  “What about them?” I stiffen and look over my shoulder, straining to see out the wide window near the front of the house. “Did you see one?”

  “No, no nothing like that. Not really.” She shakes her head to punctuate her point.

  I sigh silently. “Then what is it?”

  “They used to live here. This is their stuff.” Her voice sounds pained and I worry she’s adopted Will’s line of thinking.

  “June, do you feel bad that we killed them and that we’re sleeping in their beds tonight?” I decide to come right out and ask her.

  “No!” she answers immediately. “Not at all! They’re monsters who killed Mom and killed Will’s parents!” Her eyes are narrowed and her nostrils are flared.

  “Okay, June. It’s okay.” I grip her shoulders and bring her close, rubbing her back and speaking soothingly. “Everything is okay.” I can feel the frantic patter of her heart against my stomach as it races.

  “I’m worried more will come, that more will return here and kill us while we’re sleeping.” Sobs rack her body. The events of weeks past are catching up with her. I let her cry, let her unburden herself of the troubles that have encumbered her. I debate reminding her that as soon as Urthmen send out a warning within their village, all come out to fight. No one remains behind, not the old or infirm, not the young. Everyone fights. But before I do, Sully’s gaze meets mine. I envelop her, my arms cradling her head. His laid-back demeanor has disappeared, replaced, instead, by concern.

  When her sobs turn to sniffles and the front of my T shirt can no longer absorb any more fluid, June leans away from me slightly. I brush an errant curl from her forehead. Her gray-blue irises glow ethereally against the bloodshot whites of her eyes. “I’m sorry about that.” She sniffs and uses her sleeves to wipe beneath her eyes.

  “No worries, June. You have nothing to apologize for,” I reply and hold her at arm’s length.

  “Yeah, you’ve been through so much. It’s a wonder all of us don’t spring a leak more often,” Sully says.

  His words evoke a small smile. “Spring a leak,” June repeats his words and shakes her head with a small chuckle.

  “Don’t laugh, I’m serious! You might find me curled in a ball on my side crying into my knees. After all the stuff I’ve seen and been through, I’m sure it’s coming.” Sully frowns exaggeratedly and raises one knee high while curving his torso toward it. His act draws uproarious laughter from June, which only encourages more performing on his part.

  As soon as the laughter dies down, I remind her that she has a bed to pick. I glance at the window. The sun has set some time ago. The sky is already a rich navy blue. “This house is huge. And guess who gets to pick her room first.” I tap my chin with my index finger, pretending to think. “Any guesses, Sully?”

  “Well, me, naturally. I get to pick my room first because I’m the oldest.” He shrugs and says with feigned smugness.

  “Oldest? You’re not that much older than I am. I’m eighteen.”

  “Eighteen? When was your birthday?” The playful expression he wore evaporates.

  “My birthday?” I feel my eyebrows draw together.

  “Yeah, you know, the day you were born, along with the month and year.” He cocks his head to one side, perplexed that I don’t know this piece of information.

  “I have no idea what day I was born on or what month it was. I only know that I was born when all the leaves had fallen, just before winter. Every year when the trees look as they do now, I know I’m a year older.”

  All cheerfulness seems to have seeped from Sully’s expression. He seems sad, in fact, an air that is fast becoming contagious. For reasons that aren’t quite clear to me, depression settles in my chest like a stone. He tries to smile, but the corners of his mouth waver. “You don’t know the exact date of your birth,” he states more than asks.

  “You do?” I ask incredulously.

  “I do. I was born on January eleventh nineteen years ago. It’s been hard to keep track of the months since leaving the underground city, though. But I know the month, date and year I was born,” he says, his tone so apologetic my heart clenches.

  “I don’t have one I guess.” My mouth is suddenly dry, and, conversely, my eyes are suddenly too moist.

  “Everyone has one,” he says softly. His gaze lowers to his feet. When it returns to me, it brightens. “Hey, why don’t we make today your birthday. Being able to sleep in this house will be our celebration, okay?”

  June claps her hands and bounces on the ba
lls of her feet. “I think it’s a great idea! Avery always makes a fuss the first truly hot day of the year, the first day of summer. She says that’s the day I came into the world and that it’s an important day.”

  “That’s a birthday!” Sully claps his hands loudly. “Your birthday is the first day of summer. And we’ll say Avery’s birthday is the first day of winter, when the leaves are gone and the temperature turns cold. Both days are important days to observe. Agreed?”

  I nod in acceptance, though the melancholy that blankets me like a layer of freshly fallen snow refuses to thaw.

  “Great! Let me be the first to say, happy birthday, Avery.” His tone is earnest and his gaze is thoughtful.

  “Happy birthday, Avery,” June says and encircles my waist with both arms.

  “Thank you both,” I reply.

  “What should we do next?” June steps back and looks up into my eyes. “We have to celebrate.”

  I’m not sure how I’m supposed to reply. I’ve never even acknowledged my birthday officially, much less celebrated it. I don’t know how.

  Before I can comment on the subject, June yawns, as if on cue, reminding us that the time for her to get settled into bed is upon us. “Maybe we should put off celebrating for a while. June needs to get to sleep, and so do we.”

  “I’m not tired,” June protests then yawns again. “Okay, maybe I’m a little tired.”

  “I think you’re a lot tired.” I tilt my head to one side and wait for her to object again. When she doesn’t, I say, “Come on, let’s go find a nice, cozy bed for you.” I give her a quick hug then turn her and guide her down a short hallway to a staircase.

  Sully follows us until June stops at a door beyond which a large bed sits at the center of the room. Topped with a thick mattress and inviting covers in a shade of pale mint-green, the bed looks cozy and welcoming. “This is where I want to sleep,” she says in a small voice.