The Orphans of New Lur

by Blake Vanier

  “What do you mean, if all goes well?” Iona asks.

  “Well, there are two main concerns. The first is this ol’ girl.” He pats the hood of his truck. “Hopefully she’ll pull through for us. Gracie's dependable, but occasionally throws a little temper tantrum.”

  Korbin leans forward. “And the other?”

  Sosimo looks at the children. “Today, we’re going to make a run along the Citol Plains.”

  “What’s wrong with that?” Iona asks?

  “Well the only reason we’ll be safe from the Erohsian patrols is because this is right at the edge of Drebin Territory.”

  “Who are the Drebin?” Thea asks tentatively.

  Sosimo frowns and inhales. “The Drebin―as they call themselves―are a group of fanatical religious followers made up of any race they can convert. It’s actually ironic―they’re the only instance of all the races of the world working together. They believe in a savior that will come back and cleanse the world of all suffering and unify the races.”

  “What's wrong with that?” Thea asks. “It sounds like something I’d want.”

  “The idea’s nice. Their means, on the other hand―can be quite horrible for someone in their way.”

  “Can't people stand up to them?” Korbin asks.

  “The Drebin are not afraid of death. They believe they'll be reunited with their savior when they die. It’s not a virtue you want in an enemy. To make it worse, each traveling group of Drebin is led by a seeker who is said to be the real-world projection of their savior. Their Aether abilities are formidable―to say the least―and they absorb the essence of anyone that falls in battle. They only grow stronger and more difficult to defeat the longer the fight goes on. If a seeker is killed by chance, then another Drebin will absorb their essence and become the new seeker. It’s a tough situation and they’ll fight to the very last one.”

  Iona drums her fingers on her leg. “Couldn't a Human absorb the essence of the Drebin or whoever falls in battle so the seeker can't?”

  “Drebin essence is very potent. Humans who attempt this usually lose their minds. They’ll either become a Drebin or a seeker―unintentionally. There have been attempts to capture the seeker, but the Drebin are extremely fanatical, so they’ll do pretty much anything to free them. It usually causes more problems.”

  “So, what if they catch us?” Nero asks.

  “We’re going to do everything we can to avoid that scenario.”

  “I kinda want to meet them,” Thea says.

  Sosimo raises an eyebrow and looks at her. “You’d regret it as soon as you did.”

  Iona looks carefully at the map. “So, it seems like the best plan for us is to just shoot through this section as fast as possible.”

  “That's what I hope to do,” Sosimo says. “We’ll be at a higher risk for about eight-hundred kilometers after we pass north of the Tine river with no safe towns in between. Fortunately, only the Erohsians are looking for us so I think we’ll do this with little trouble.”

  “How far can your truck go without filling up?” Iona asks.

  “With my trailer, Gracie can haul us four hundred and fifty kilometers, so―”

  “But you said it’s eight-hundred kilometers without fuel!” Nero blurts out.

  “No, I said we’ll be at higher risk for eight-hundred kilometers. It’s actually closer to a thousand kilometers where there won’t be a safe fill up station.”

  Nero’s mouth falls open.

  “I’m not finished.” Sosimo looks at Nero until Nero closes his mouth. “With a full tank of fuel, we'll only be able to go about four hundred and fifty kilometers. This can be easily remedied by bringing extra fuel with us,” he says, eying Nero. “The real danger comes in needing to stop and fill up. As long as we’re not being chased, we should do just fine.” Sosimo reaches for the edges of the map and folds it up. “I’ll give you all specific tasks to help speed up the process.”

  “Is it always this dangerous when you head home?” Ryder asks.

  Sosimo shakes his head. “Not at all. Usually I make the trip right from Sunta, and spend the night at a small town called Praun before I make it to the Boruk pass.”

  “Why Praun?” Thea asks.

  Sosimo shrugs. “It’s on the way, it’s a nice big city, and has a beatiful fountain which reminds me of Kiats. I stay there when I’m coming and going from Boruk… I guess just old habits.”

  Iona holds up her finger. “So, let me get this straight. You’re only risking your neck to help us? Why? I still don't understand.”

  “You’re the first people who might be able to help me. Something my friends tried to do, but…” Sosimo’s eyes drift off toward the horizon.

  “What do you mean?” Iona’s heartbeat slows.

  “It’s time to go, Iona. Everyone, get your stuff together.”

  *****

  Sosimo stares off into the distance while they drive over a small hill leading away from the Tine River, his posture erect, his hands tight on the wheel. “This is it. In eight hours, we should be through the worst of it, and hopefully in no more than twelve, we’ll be done driving for the day.”

  A tense quiet falls over the passengers as Gracie rumbles over the rough road.

  “So you’re going to train us to use Aether?” Korbin asks eagerly.

  “I’ll try.”

  Thea wiggles in her seat. “Can you use Aether?”

  “Can I use Aether?” Sosimo rolls the toothpick in his mouth. “It's not quite that simple. Do you even know what you’re asking? Do you know what Aether is?”

  There is a long silence until Iona finally speaks up. “Magic?”

  “Hmm.” Sosimo chews on his toothpick. “Just as much as a card trick is magic to someone that doesn’t know how it’s done.”

  There is another silence. “Well, then, what is it?” Thea asks.

  “Doesn’t Aether allow people to manipulate the energy of their surroundings?” Nero asks under his breath.

  Sosimo glances back. “Yes, that’s correct. Do you know what Aetheratin or Aethersotto are?”

  “Um… the Woman said Aethersotto is kinda like how well you interact with Aether?”

  Sosimo nods. “That is an indirect result of Aethersotto. In basic principle, it comes down to energy and power.” Sosimo’s posture relaxes and the edge to his voice softens. “Imagine you had a jug of water. Aetheratin would be how much water you could hold in the jug and Aethersotto would be how quickly you can empty the jug. Now imagine Aether instead of water and your essence instead of the jug. The ratio of these two values determines how someone would use Aether. Let’s take Borukins for example. We have very little Aetheratin but very high Aethersotto, which makes our bodies practically a straight conduit for Aether. We have barely enough Aether to lift up a large rock, but if we use Aether from another source, we can do some incredible things with our Borukin skills. Our culture is entwined with our talents, which are demonstrated during the Borukin Games.”

  “What are the games?” Korbin asks.

  “The Games were started by our great King Stone, who led us to freedom from the Creators. When the battle was over, he wanted us to continue to hone our skills without war, so he created the Games. They happen every time the planet Delue is in Axiom and last for four weeks.”

  “What does in Axiom mean?” Iona asks.

  “It has to do with the Aether tides. Delue is the one planet in the solar system with the greatest effect on Anterra’s Aether. About every three years, this year being one, when Delue is in alignment with Illi and Anterra, we call that in Axiom. The Games display every aspect of our abilities with Aether. The earlier competitions are focused on the finer skills of Aether, such as Aether-weaving. It’s a beautiful art that requires a tremendous amount of talent. When the Aether tides are high, manipulating Aether is easier, which allows us to push the limit on what is possible.”

  “Is there ever fighting?” Korbin asks.

  “There are competitions of comb
at, but fighting isn’t everything, Korbin. These games are more than just proving might. They are also a means to bring pride to our race through tradition and a common cause. For example, one of the most anticipated games is Capture the Orb, which is an Aether game for children.”

  “What do the winners get?”

  “There is no medal, but it is a great honor. If a child does well, they may be invited to go to the last day of the Games, where Stone’s Trials are concluded. A unique aspect about this game is any race can enter.”

  “Wait, so Humans can enter?” Korbin asks.

  “There’s only an age limit. Generally, race diversity is encouraged. I don’t think a Human has ever brought the orb to the other side, though.

  Korbin bounces in his seat. “Awesome. Can we do it? I want to be the first Human to capture the orb!”

  “If you’re still in Kiats next summer, and I’m satisfied with the progress you’ve made with training, I’ll see what I can do. Unfortunately, the Games have become more aggressive and violent. Capture the Orb is no exception, and I’d be worried one of you would get injured. Even back when I was younger, there were hints at this change, but there was still honor. My brother,” Sosimo says, as though the word is thick and hard to flick off his tongue, “was a great competitor for a while.” He is solemn, and silence falls over the vehicle.

  “What happened to your brother?” Thea asks.

  “He lost touch with what was important and we lost everything.” Sosimo stares down the long road, touching the side of his scarred face. “I’d rather not talk about it.”

  *****

  Nero looks back.

  Iona shakes her head. Alright, chill, Nero, there's no one there.

  They begin to climb up another moderately large hill.

  “This is it. When we get to the top, we're going to fill up Gracie. Everyone remember what to do?” Sosimo looks at each of them.

  Nero frowns at the bare crest of the hill. The yellow and green grass of the rolling plains stretches out in every direction from the edge of the foothills. “Shouldn't we stop where there’s a place to hide?”

  “If there are places for us to hide, there are also places for the Drebin to hide. Up here, at least, we won’t have any surprises.”

  At the top of the hill, Sosimo pulls Gracie to the side of the road. The children scramble out before the truck is turned off. Iona climbs to the top of the trailer and scans the horizon. Sosimo hurries to the back of the trailer and opens the ramp while Thea unlocks the gas cap for the truck. Nero grabs the large crank-operated pump, Ryder and Korbin lift one large drum of gas, and Sosimo hauls another. They insert the pump into the open drum and start to fill the truck by spinning the pump crank as fast as they can. Ryder and Korbin alternate cranking, each breathing heavily by the time their turn is over. Nero and Thea scramble to the top with Iona.

  Kobin finishes his turn and throws his hands over his head, taking in deep breaths. “How's it looking up there?”

  Iona looks over the side. “So far, so good. Could you all go any slower, though?”

  “You want to come down and help?” Korbin asks with his arms out in challenge.

  Nero walks over to Iona. He taps her shoulder. Suddenly, her palms are sweaty.

  “Hey, I have a weird feeling. Do you see anything over there?” He points down the hill way off in the distance, from the direction they came.

  Iona squints, shielding her eyes with a hand. “You always have that feeling, Nero. I don't see anything.”

  Several minutes later, the first drum is emptied. Sosimo starts on the second. He spins the crank faster than Korbin and Ryder without resting. They look at him in awe.

  “Seriously, Iona, are you sure you don't see anything?” Nero asks.

  Ugh! She shakes her head. “There's nothing there Nero, stop stressing out.”

  After another few minutes, Sosimo empties his drum. They begin to pack up, and he calls the children down from the top of the truck. “Not bad, everyone.” He catches Nero looking off in the distance. “See something, Nero?”

  Nero points. “I'm not sure, do you? Way, way off in the distance.”

  Sosimo covers his eyes from Illi, shaking his head. “I don’t see anything. Regardless, I’d feel them if they were dangerously close. I think we’re clear. I'm glad you’re being especially vigilant, though.”

  Iona hops in the truck. Especially stupid. How can he be scared now, but not in the forest?

  Moments later, they are back on the road and moving down the other side of the hill, safely on their way. Many more kilometers pass while Illi sets to the west. Eventually, they hit an intersection and turn right, back into the Laifen Mountains. The road is considerably smoother, allowing a strange quiet to fall over the truck.

  “Oh, yay. That’s much better. Those bumps were rattling my brain loose,” Thea says. “How much longer?”

  “We’ll drive a few more hours before we start looking for a camp site.” Gracie begins to groan as the road gets gradually steeper. “Come on, girl, we’re almost done.” Sosimo pats the wheel affectionately.

  The failing light illuminates a much smaller set of grass covered mountains. The road ahead disappears as it weaves between them.

  After a few more hours’ drive, Sosimo pulls off the road, out of sight and into a small meadow next to a river. He cooks a simple meal in the back of his trailer before the tired gang lay down for the night.

  *****

  “This should be the last of the dangers for this trip,” Sosimo says as they coast down the road from the Laifen Moutains to more grasslands. “Just this last bit through Erohsia and then we’ll be at the Borukin Gate. The edge of Boruk.”

  There is a large river in front of them with a long, dark body of mountains beyond that. They have sharp peaks scratching the sky that make the Laifen Mountains truely look like hills.

  After another hour and a half, they join up with a road alongside the river. The river follows the mountains for a little before taking a turn right for their heart.

  “What river is this?” Thea asks.

  “It’s the Carn,” Sosimo says. “The one that passes through Sunta. You crossed it in Ferin forest.”

  “Wow, it’s so much smaller here.”

  “It covers a lot of distance to get to Blue Horin and there are a lot of mountains to feed it.”

  The mountains continue to grow. They shoot straight up from the hills, towering a thousand meters above the road. They are covered in a blanket of pine trees with large rocks and cliffs in between. The only break in the mountains is the gash carved into them by the Carn. Two large cement turrets, with impressive cannons poking out, stand in front of the canyon mouth. A thick wall runs over the river and spans the entire opening. Gracie stops at a large, grey metal gate and a Borukin guard steps out of the wall from a small door. She is the same size as Sosimo, wearing forest green long sleeves and a helmet. None of her hair is visible. After reviewing Sosimo's papers and eying the children for a long while, the guard signals for the gate to open, letting them pass. Sosimo loosens his grip on the steering wheel and they continue on the gently winding route through the mountains.

  13

  Stone’s Fortress

  Iona

  After several hours of driving along the winding canyon road, where the faces of tall cliffs block almost all the light, the canyon opens. A large town spreads across the valley, homes sprinkling the sloped sides of the mountains.

  Thea plasters her face to the window. “Wow, I can’t believe there are so many people up here.”

  “Why not?” Sosimo asks, not taking his eyes from the road.

  She pulls her gaze off the town and blinks for a moment before shrugging. “I don’t know. With all the steep mountains and stuff, I didn’t think people would live up here.”

  “You’d be surprised where you can find people. Nowadays, Jasmeer is a little worse for wear, but ten years ago, it was bustling.”

  They drive through the center
of town, where Gracie blends in perfectly with the other rugged vehicles. The buildings and the longhaired Borukins walking the streets all share the same appearance: well-worn.

  “Why is everything so much nicer than where we’re from?” Korbin asks.

  “The Erohsians have all but enslaved the Humans over the last hundred years,” Sosimo says. “Lur used to be a thriving city before the Erohsians scattered and repressed the survivors. They haven’t left the Humans much to work with.”

  Iona glances about the buildings. “These buildings seem weird, but I can’t figure out why.”

  Sosimo’s shoulders lift ever so slightly. He looks at her. “What’s one of the most obvious differences between Humans and Borukins?”

  “They’re dark-colored,” Thea says.

  “Humans can have dark skin too Thea.”

  “Yeah but you all are dark colored.”

  “That’s just skin color. It provides a bit more UV protection but it’s not applicable to this conversation,” Sosimo says. “What else?”

  Size… Iona drums her fingers on her thigh. “Woo! That’s it. It’s all a little bigger.”

  “That’s correct. Everything’s about twenty-five percent bigger, to accommodate our larger size.”

  Sosimo pulls Gracie off the main road, working his way through the streets toward the edge of town. They snake up the side of a mountain and pull into the driveway of a large, two-story house.

  Sosimo turns in his seat to face the children. “Just wait here a second. I’m going to see if anyone’s home.”

  Iona ducks her head to see the full house through the window. “Who's house―”

  The door slams shut. Sosimo walks around the back of the truck. He opens the rear hatch, pulls out a package, then walks toward the house, patting down his clothes with his free arm.