Beyond All War

by Eric Keller

  “And that’s when you knew?”

  Wrapped in the memory, Jacob missed the question, “Huh?”

  “That’s when you knew you were meant to be together?”

  “Oh. No, I knew long before. When I first saw her, when she first came to Malden, I knew. She was distraught, not talking and her mother was too exhausted to help her. Even though I was only a kid, I wanted to take care of her, more than anything I wanted to make sure she was ok, make sure she got better. I held her hand, I talked to her, read to her, sometimes I only sat next to her bed. That moment she first spoke to me, my heart beat differ-”

  “Jacob? Tina? You guys here? Where the hell are we?”

  Griff, his voice raspy but surprisingly strong after his recent mutterings. Immediately flung from the pleasant memories back to their current nightmare, Jacob moved over, putting his face close to his friend, “Hey. Hey Griff, welcome back. How do you feel?”

  Sounding scared, he said, “Feels like I’ve been beaten with a bat. Everything hurts. Where are we?”

  Thinking it not best to tell him of their horrible predicament right away, he said, “We’re ok. We’re still at Thule.”

  Griff flinched when he heard Kinma move closer. “What the hell? Who else is here? Light a candle or something.”

  “That’s Kinma. She’s a friend. Sorry, we don’t have any candles right now.”

  She said, “Here, drink some water.”

  He took the cup and then they carefully moved him to sit up against the wall as comfortable as possible. Sipping water and carefully chewing, he asked the question Jacob anticipated but did not want to hear, “Where’s Tina?”

  . . .

  Kinma could hear the heartbreaking sadness in Jacob’s voice as he told his friend about how the girl died. She could feel the intense grief and guilt the two young men were enduring, knowing they would never be the same as they pondered what had happened.

  Finally, in his pained tone, Griff rasped out, “Ok, what do we do now? I mean, that crazed asshole is going to ask us about home again and again until we tell him what he wants to know or he kills us.”

  Jacob responded, “I’ve been thinking about that. We need to come up with a new, more believable story, send them on a goose chase or pick a place really far off so they won’t bother looking. We’ll memorize it together, so it becomes reality to us. Then, when they come we tell them, we give up -”

  Griff interrupted, “No, no, no, I can’t. If that monster thinks we’re lying, he’ll be even worse...”

  Jacob sounded defeated as he whispered out, “I know, I know.”

  For days now Kinma listened to the surprisingly talented storyteller paint perfect scenes for her which she gratefully fell into to avoid the current horrors of her own life. Before hearing of the world, Jacob came from she could not have believed such a place of harmony and humanity could exist in this world. It was the place that Hale had wanted to create.

  Initially, Jacob’s stories of simple meals eaten together in peace, of men and women working side by side in gardens and of old-fashioned celebrations with no fighting gave her a glimmer of hope. The glimmer kept growing and growing as he told more in-depth tales of newborn babies, of reading books to children, of developing traditions and of his perfectly blossoming love with Louisa. She did not know how she could possibly get to it but, if she could not have Hale back, all she wanted was to at least see that life with her own eyes.

  Kinma’s words came without thought, “Look, it could be worse.”

  Changing from afraid to angry, Griff said, “I don’t know you, you’re only a voice in the dark to me, but I’d like to hear how you think this could be worse? I’m lying here in a prison cell after being beaten so bad I can barely move. Tell me, voice in the dark, how could it be worse?”

  “Harrison hasn’t killed you yet.”

  . . .

  Harrison enjoyed being surrounded by paper, he enjoyed making notes of his plans with a sharp pencil. He carefully reviewed the list, wrote another name and wrote the new number. He erased the name off the other list. He examined both lists side by side.

  If the plan presented to the Bank was what he actually wanted to play out, he knew he should be leaving more men behind to guard Thule but, privately, he hoped it would not be necessary to return. Over the last few days, Clarence had been situated outside the storage closet, eavesdropping on the boy and Kinma. Hard to make out everything being said but he caught enough to give Harrison the idea that the three young people were from a very well-established community. The boy told stories involving other families, making it seem there were a fair number of people, and he mentioned gardens, cabins, fishing and a lodge.

  If they found what he thought they might find, they could take over the place and re-established themselves there. This re-settlement option appealed to Harrison on a number of grounds. For one, he could merely leave members of the Bank he found to lack usefulness or to be troublesome behind. Potential problems like Kinma would only be vague memories. In a new place, anger over Hale’s death would fade while re-settlement provided a rational trigger point for transitioning the Bank from violent pillagers to colonizing farmers.

  Harrison even had a fresh idea. The patrol’s stories of the Survivalists keeping slaves intrigued him, perhaps such an arrangement might work as these far off farmers with families might be easily cowed into toiling for them. This slavery arrangement would ease the transition even further as the tedious, unfamiliar work could be carried out by others.

  Finally, by taking everyone useful from Thule to a new, desirable land of plenty Harrison would be championed as a prophetic leader. His command would become unquestionable once again.

  He reviewed the lists. One more name needed to be added to either side of the ledger. Harrison, however, could not decide whether to bring or leave Clarence. He generally trusted the lackey but this trust was based solely on the coward’s fear, if he ever grew a backbone it could be a problem as he now knew too many secrets best left unknown. And Clarence would want some recognition for his role in discovering the settlement. Plus, if the mission failed, Clarence might actually have the wherewithal to keep the building in Thule standing while they were away. It made sense to leave him back.

  For an instant, Harrison considered if a sense of loyalty to his companion of the last ten years mandated he not abandon the man but he quickly pushed such considerations aside as irrelevant. He wrote “Clarence” on the short list of people to remain.

  Clarence would not be happy being left behind, especially since he knew what they were likely to find at the end of their trip. He might even be smart enough to realize Harrison did not plan to return. Turning an ally into a sudden enemy, especially one who would be at his back, even a coward like Clarence, might be problematic in a time of drastic change like this, adding another wild card to the already uncertain deck. He decided he would tell Clarence he was being given command of Thule until his return as he needed someone he could trust for such an important role. The praise and promotion would likely placate him.

  Thinking it best to get the scheme implemented as soon as possible as Harrison long ago learned that time kills all plans, he stepped into the hall and called out. Within a minute, a young woman appeared out the gloom, nervously asking how she could help him. Harrison coldly said, “Get Clarence.”

  Returning to the table, certain the summoned patsy would arrive shortly, Harrison decided that giving Clarence more distraction would help ensure he stayed put after they all left. Reviewing the lists again he saw the name ‘Kinma’ at the top the list of people to be left behind, and the idea came to him as Clarence hurried into the apartment, still chewing the last bite of his dinner.

  Knowing small talk was
not necessary the former pilot asked, “What’s going on?”

  Harrison had already told Clarence about his general plan, allowing him to get right to the point, “I need to go on the trip as much can happen over such a distance and length of time which will require leadership and immediate decision making. That means I need someone smart and trustworthy to stay here and manage things while I am away.”

  Recognition crossed Clarence’s features, and he lifted his hands as he responded, “Wait, I’m the one would found out this place even exists, I deserve to go.”

  Harrison understood why someone would protest being left out. Not only would he miss out on any rewards they found, but he would also be robbed of the glory of being mentioned in the numerous stories to be told afterward. However, Clarence lacked any hint of bravery so missing a fight would appeal to him. Harrison merely needed to give him a replacement for the benefits while reminding him he would not need to face the difficulties.

  “I know what you have done, and it is appreciated. When we succeed I will ensure everyone knows it was your insight that led us there, the story will not be able to be told without mention of how you brilliantly ferreted out the opportunity.”

  This only got a pensive look as Clarence apparently pondered so Harrison continued, “While you will not be taking part in the long march or the ensuing bloodshed, everyone will appreciate the key role you played.”

  That seemed to help as Clarence nodded slightly.

  “On top of that, by having you stay here, everyone, myself included, will know that our home base is secure for our return. You will be in complete control with discretion over all matters including rationing of supplies.”

  Harrison added this last part so the conniving fool would know he could be as greedy as he wanted while everyone else was away. More nodding and Harrison figured it was time to seal the deal.

  “Also, Kinma is a problem. I cannot merely dispose of her, she’s seen as too valuable by the men. But she is far too unpredictable to bring along. So, while we are away, she will be yours and yours alone.”

  They shared a look. Harrison realized Clarence might actually be afraid he could not control the strong-willed woman and would either look foolish or be killed in his sleep. In truth, Harrison doubted Clarence would be able to bend her to his weaker will and he might face the same fate as Luke. He needed to push Clarence over this final hurdle, so he added, “Oh, and I’ll leave you the handgun. We have the rifles now so I won’t need it on the trip. I doubt you’ll have problems, but it will help ensure your authority if there is an issue as you will have the only firearm.”

  Another nod as he said, “Ok, if you need me here then I’ll stay here and run things. Who else is staying?”

  They turned their attention to the papers. Harrison felt slightly dirty at having been so complimentary and accommodating to the idiot, but it was for the best. If they needed to return, he could easily take the place back from Clarence. If things went as planned and they stayed away, the fool would likely freeze to death with an empty stomach.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  JULY 1, 2046

  DAY THREE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-ONE

  The door opened, and a plastic jug of water was slid in by an unseen person. Thankfully, this happened on occasion. Feeling the torment of all his slowly healing injuries, Jacob crawled over to get it when he noticed a crack of light. A crack of light that was not there before. A crack of light running up the side of the door.

  When they were first put in the room, Jacob tried the door numerous times, but it would not budge. But then there had not been this crack of light. Jacob forced his battered body to stand and, when he touched the handle, the door moved.

  Startled, Jacob pulled his hand away and scurried back. In an intense whisper, Jacob said, “Hey, hey, Kinma.”

  Coming out of her light sleep, Kinma muttered, “Huh, what?”

  “The door, I think it’s unlocked.”

  “Really?”

  Moving back towards Kinma, Jacob said, “Yeah. Someone brought water. I think they didn’t close it right after.”

  . . .

  It seemed strange. How could someone simply leave the door open when the whole point was to have them locked up? Kinma sat up against the wall. “Did you see who brought the water?”

  Jacob squatted down next to her. “No, they only slid it in.”

  It probably would’ve been one of the women. Maybe Seanah or Martha. They might be willing to risk angering Harrison to free Kinma and they would not know about the chain on her ankle. They had spent a lot of time fighting with the chain, the padlock and the bolt holding her to the cement wall, but none of it would give. She would not be going anywhere until someone showed up with a key or a hacksaw. The boys were not chained though, they could leave.

  She said, “Might be your chance...”

  Griff stirred, coming awake. “What’s going on?”

  Jacob answered with more enthusiasm and surety, “Our chance. The door’s unlocked. We can sneak out, get away.”

  “What? The door?”

  “Yeah, yeah. Our chance, we can get out of here.”

  With a strange panic in his voice, Griff immediately answered, “No, I can barely stand. They’ll catch us. He’ll catch us, hurt us. I can’t. I want to, but I know… I can’t.”

  Kinma could hear the pain in Griff’s voice, now mixed with terror, and she couldn’t blame him. She knew he was right if Harrison caught them they would be severely punished. She said, “That’s true. Griff’s got serious injuries, I can’t imagine him walking more than a dozen steps. And Harrison will be especially cruel if he needs to go looking for you.”

  Jacob said, “It doesn’t matter. We need to go. We need to get home, try at least.”

  “I know, Jake but I can hardly move let alone run through the goddamn woods.”

  “We need to try Griff. We can’t simply stay here and hope for another chance.”

  Griff mumbled, “I know… I know we can’t stay here, but I can’t move. There’s no way.”

  Kinma did not completely trust the fortuitously left open door, but she realized it could be the best chance they would get. She knew what needed to happen, the boys probably realized it too, but neither wanted to say it. Kinma said, “You go Jacob. Griff is too hurt. I’ll take care of him, it’ll be ok. You get back home, back to Louisa.”

  Regaining his composure somewhat, Griff stopped the sobbing and stammered, “She’s right, you go. At least you can tell my parents I love them and tell everyone I’m sorry, sorry for what happened to Tina, that I’m sorry we ever got in that damn boat.”

  They stayed silent for a moment. Over their time in the darkness, Kinma had come to deeply like Jacob. He was insightful, curious and caring. He reminded her of Hale, but with less experience hiding behind the harder edges of his toughness. Now, Kinma could only guess at the difficult thoughts rolling through the young man’s mind.

  Finally, Jacob said, “Ok. I’ll go on my own.”

  . . .

  None of it appealed to Jacob. The risk of being caught. Wandering the woods alone. Leaving Griff behind. But the image of Louisa, being able to apologize to her, seeing her smile again, holding her again, talking with her again, made it obvious he would go.

  The decision made and his mind focussed, he turned towards Kinma. “How do I get away?”

  Sitting on the floor, Kinma quickly explained the layout of the building and where the sentries were normally posted. Thankfully, the storage room they were in was located on the main floor, near the back so Jacob would be able to slip out without having to go through an area where people usually congregated.

/>   Kinma said, “Go to the left when you get outside, you’ll go by the kitchen, it’s in a stand-alone building. There are often people around but you can sneak up behind some bins put there for garbage. Listen near the door and, if there’s no one there, go in and get some food, a knife, whatever else you can find.”

  Feeling wholly unsure, he said, “Ok, I’ll try.”

  “Now, I don’t want to know where your home is, I can’t be made to tell Harrison something I don’t know, but we need to figure out what direction you should head. From what you told me, I’d guess you came south and east. That sound right to you?”

  Griff, always better with directions, interjected, “Yeah, more east than south though. The river mainly runs east.”

  Jacob said, “Right. I’ll use the stars, head straight north, I only have to get to the river and then I can follow it back.”

  “Sure, but there’s more than one river that way. By the sound of it, the one you guys were on had to be pretty wide and fast and, if it brought you close to the Survivalist settlement, my best guess is it’s the Pembina. You’ll have to cross a narrower river first. Keep heading north from there and then follow the next river you come to, it’ll take you all the way home.”

  It sounded simple but Jacob knew they were talking about huge distances through harsh wilderness filled with evildoers and innumerable other threats. He said, “Ok.”

  Jacob hurriedly gathered up a soiled bedsheet to use the as an ad hoc bag. Kinma stood, and they embraced as she said, “Be careful. Get home.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I will.”

  Feeling masses of guilt and sadness, Jacob moved over and awkwardly hugged his friend. “I’m sorry, Griff.”