Kora (Kora Series Book 1)

by Marina Epley

  “It’s my own decision,” I lie.

  “Sure it is,” she rolls her eyes. “Just don’t get too attached to him, all right?”

  I’m not planning to get attached to Wreck, but ask out of curiosity, “Why not?”

  “Because he isn’t the type of guy a good girl would want to be associated with. He’s a mess.”

  “I’m not exactly what you would call a good girl,” I smile.

  “Well, I guess you’ll be all right then.”

  She returns my smile and leaves just as abruptly as she arrived.

  I stare at the door, feeling troubled. I didn’t even have a chance to ask her name.

  Wreck returns along with Tanya, and my little friend hugs me tightly. I mimic her gesture, although I don’t feel the need for all that. I’m more reserved and unskilled at expressing my feelings. Wreck steps outside, giving us some privacy. I begin telling Tanya about joining the roamers, but she already knows everything.

  “I wish I could become a roamer too,” she says.

  “I don’t really think joining these guys is such a good idea,” I confess.

  “We might use them to help rescue your friends from Samuel and avenge our families.”

  I ponder her words, feeling something churn inside my chest.

  “I doubt the roamers would help us,” I sigh. “They don’t want to have a conflict with Central Settlement.”

  Several minutes later Wreck reenters the cabin, approaches Tanya and says softly, “I’m very sorry but I have to take you back. If Tartis learns you are here, we’ll both be in really big trouble.”

  “I understand,” Tanya nods.

  I watch in astonishment as she eagerly takes his hand and they leave. Tanya is obviously more comfortable in his presence than I.

  After Wreck returns, I ask him, “Who is the girl with black paint on her lips?”

  His eyes sparkle angrily. “Darn Maxine! Did she stop by already? Well, don’t pay any attention to her. She’s crazy. She said something mean about me, didn’t she?”

  “No,” I lie. “She just came to say hello.”

  “I don’t believe that for a second,” Wreck sighs. “Maxie hates me. But someday I’m gonna put her in her place.”

  I’m too worn out to wonder what’s happened between them.

  “You need to rest before meeting Tartis,” Wreck says after I yawn. “You didn’t sleep much last night, did you?”

  “I’m fine,” I say, although my body aches and my head is cloudy.

  “C’mon, take a little nap,” he insists, giving me a blanket and a pillow. I sit unmoving, just looking at him, and he adds, “I’ll be right outside. I’m too wired to sleep anyway. Don’t worry, nobody will come in and bother you while you’re sleeping. I promise.”

  He leaves, closing the door behind. I stretch out on the blanket, thinking about my coming meeting with the leader of roamers, the one who’ll be determining my fate. I don’t notice when I drift off to sleep.

  CHAPTER 24

  I awaken terrified, my fingers wrapped tightly around my knife. I can still see my mother being swallowed by flames. I can still hear the gunshot that killed Amethyst. A heavy feeling of grief floods over me. I turn to my stomach, cover my face and begin to cry.

  Weak and glum, I walk outside several minutes later. It’s not yet evening, but low dark clouds hang above the village making everything look hopelessly gray. Wreck sits on the ground, leaning against a wall of the cabin with his eyes closed.

  I stand several feet away, observing his bare neck. I’m still holding my knife but my arms suddenly begin trembling. I shake my head to force out the violent thought, and place the knife in my pocket.

  I know I could do it, but at least for the moment don’t believe I should.

  “Hey,” I say softly.

  Wreck wakes, staring blankly as if not recognizing me, his expression startled.

  “Hello there,” he stretches his lips into a grin, becoming himself again. “Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine,” I lie.

  “You were talking in your sleep,” he says.

  “What?” I scowl. “Were you watching me sleep?”

  “Oh please.” He rolls his eyes. “I seriously doubt that watching you sleep is a very exciting activity. Nah, I’ve been outside the whole time. But you were talking loudly enough for me to hear. You actually screamed a few times. You were calling for your mother.”

  I don’t say anything, feeling embarrassed and saddened at the same time.

  “I’m very sorry for your loss,” he adds quietly. “I know what it’s like to lose someone you love.”

  “Did you lose somebody?” I ask carefully.

  “I don’t really want to talk about it,” Wreck says, and I know better than continue the conversation. Besides, I don’t really care whom he lost.

  “Come, sit with me,” he motions toward the ground beside him.

  I don’t really want to sit so close, but follow his suggestion because I don’t feel like arguing. A few other roamers walk by. Wreck watches them warily, remaining silent until they’re out of earshot.

  “You’ll have to meet with Tartis soon,” he says. “Remember not to mention Central Settlement. You’ve never been there, okay? People around here don’t know the meaning of servant branding marks, so nobody will learn the truth. Got it?”

  I nod, already knowing that lying comes easy for me. I’m an excellent liar.

  “Just be sure to tell how you wasted the two guards in the Recycling village during your escape,” Wreck continues. “And our squad didn’t actually capture you yesterday. You were looking for us because you wanted to become a ranger.” He pauses, turning to face me, and asks, “How old are you by the way?”

  “Sixteen.”

  “Really? You look older.” He seems surprised. “You’re so tall. Well, I told Tartis that you’re eighteen. He doesn’t like rangers to be too young.”

  “That’s fine with me,” I say, knowing I can easily pass for eighteen. “How old are you?”

  “Well, that’s a good question,” he grins. “I don’t know exactly when I was born. I believe I’m around nineteen. I just don’t see how I could be any older.”

  I offer no comment. I don’t even really know why I asked.

  “Tartis doesn’t like outsiders, those not born in our village,” he says. “He’ll be against your joining us. Don’t let him intimidate you, all right?”

  I nod again, remaining quiet.

  It’s warm outside and the gentle wind brings back memories of long distance runs along the ocean shore back in Central Settlement. I close my eyes, leaning against the wall and trying to rest my mind.

  What am I doing in this strange hostile village? I ask myself. How did everything in my life become so twisted? The familiar sharp feeling of self-pity overwhelms me. But a second later I remember my mother carefully wiping the dirt and blood off me, and the pity is replaced by feelings of guilt and hatred.

  You let Samuel kill your mother, I tell myself. She’s dead because you couldn’t save her.

  Tears well underneath my closed eyelids, and I sniffle, blinking them away. I worry that Wreck will try to comfort me or maybe even hold me, but he doesn’t. He politely looks away, pretending not to notice my crying, and I feel really thankful for that.

  “Well, I guess it’s about that time,” Wreck says finally, standing up.

  I realize that I’ll have to face Tartis and a crowd of roamers in a few minutes. A bit of nausea rises in my throat and I swallow hard, still sitting on the ground.

  “Are you okay?” Wreck asks.

  I know I should continue faking bravery, but am too drained. I shake my head negatively.

  He kneels in front of me, looking straight into my eyes.

  “Kora,” he says solemnly. “You have nothing to fear, because the worst thing that could have happened to you has already happened. You watched your mother die. So what could Tartis possibly do to you after that? In a sense you’r
e invincible now.”

  His words snap me out of my panic. Because what can Tartis possibly do to me, indeed? A big part of me is already dead.

  “I’m not scared of Tartis,” I say sternly.

  “That’s the spirit!” Wreck exclaims.

  I rise to my feet and follow him, my fingers gripping the handle of my trophy knife.

  ***

  My courage wears off as we get closer to the crowd of men with painted faces. They all turn to look at us, their eyes following me, and I slow my stride. I realize I’m the only female here, which makes me feel even more vulnerable and exposed. Wreck lightly pushes me in the back, urging me forward.

  “Hold you head high,” he whispers into my ear.

  I remember Amethyst taking my hand and whispering instructions, as we were walking out of the water toward Logan and his friend.

  The roamers step out of our way, and Wreck and I stroll slowly through the crowd. There are approximately two hundred people here. I stare straight ahead, but know they’re all watching me.

  “She’s an outsider!” somebody yells. “Kill her!”

  “Shut your hole or I’ll make you very sorry you didn’t!” Wreck shouts so furiously that I shudder. Nobody dares to confront him.

  We approach an odd wooden contraption, which resembles a stage. There’s a big chair on top where a middle aged man is seated, holding a rifle across his lap. His uniform is identical to the others, but his face isn’t painted. I have to bite my lip to suppress a nervous laugh because this whole setting seems exaggeratedly dramatic, and the man somehow reminds me of a king. I guess this is exactly how he perceives himself, because his expression appears arrogant and mean. He must be Tartis, the leader of the roamers.

  Wreck and I stop in front of the stage, and the crowd forms a large semi-circle around us. I feel cornered again and have to force myself to remain calm. Wreck folds his arms across his chest, eyeing the others carefully.

  I notice Maxine amongst the crowd of men, watching us, and her presence somehow makes me feel safer. Our eyes meet for a moment, and she smiles.

  “So you’re the girl who caused one of my soldiers to disobey an order,” Tartis says in a low voice.

  I don’t know how to answer that, so I simply nod.

  “What’s your name?” he asks, glaring at me.

  I take his gaze, looking right back into his dark eyes. “Kora.”

  “Did you know that only residents of our village are allowed to hunt and walk in these woods? This is our land, any trespassers are to be killed.”

  “I’m aware of that,” I answer.

  “Then why did you come here?”

  I take a deep breath and begin lying. I explain that I wanted to become a ranger so I escaped from my village, killing two guards who got in my way.

  “I understand your desire to join our group,” Tartis says after I finish speaking. “But what makes you think we might want you?”

  I linger with my answer because I can’t think of a single reason why these roamers should allow me to join them.

  “She’s an outsider!” I hear a familiar voice. “We should cut off her head!”

  I turn to my right and see a big guy pointing a finger at me. His face isn’t painted so I can make out bruises and his right eye swollen shut.

  “Watch your mouth, Ace!” Wreck barks.

  “Quiet, boy,” Tartis thunders, and Wreck reluctantly becomes quiet. “As you can see, Kora, my soldiers don’t want you amongst us. So I’ll ask you again, why should we let you become a ranger?”

  Ace’s presence along with the other numerous eyes watching me is unbearable. I don’t know what to say, becoming mute. It’s the same reaction I had when facing Gabriel. The skin on my neck begins to crawl.

  “Kill her! Kill her!” Ace starts shouting again, and several other roamers join him. Tartis curls his lips into a satisfied smile.

  “She must join us because she has a ranger spirit!” Wreck yells, turning to face the crowd. “She’s a strong fighter! Just look what she did to Ace!”

  Everybody stares at Ace’s battered face.

  “He’s lying!” Ace exclaims.

  “Shut up,” Wreck laughs. “You’re just ashamed to admit that a girl beat the hell out of you.”

  I know there are a few roamers in the crowd who know exactly what happened, but they remain quiet. I guess they’re not willing to contradict Wreck.

  “You shut up!” Ace growls. “Everybody knows why you want to have this girl here. You’re only after one thing!”

  Everybody turns their stare to Wreck.

  “You’re right,” he states, unfazed. “I’m always about finding good warriors for our gang. Kora will become an excellent soldier. She has more guts than anybody here. I was holding a knife against her throat but she continued fighting. I could barely get ahold of her.”

  “You just want to use her for your own personal entertainment!” Ace continues. “And that’s all she’s good for.”

  “Careful now,” Wreck says. “You may make her mad, and she’ll beat the hell out of you in front of all these people.”

  “Quiet!” Tartis orders.

  I suddenly realize that what Ace is saying may actually be true. I look sideways at Wreck as he shakes his head no. I don’t know what to think.

  “Why exactly do you want to join our rangers?” Tartis asks me again. “Why did you escape from your master? Do you really think you can survive out here?” I remain silent. “Answer the question!” he shouts.

  “I escaped because I wanted to be like Jingfay,” I blurt, realizing this is the truth.

  Wreck gives me an astounded look. The roamers begin whispering something, but I can hear only one word, “Jingfay… Jingfay…”

  “Silence!” Tartis orders. “Don’t you know that Jingfay is just a silly legend?”

  “I believe in her,” I say.

  “Did you hear her?!” Wreck shouts, turning toward the crowd. “She’s like Jingfay! We must let her stay! She’s a perfect warrior!”

  “Death to the stranger!” Ace yells.

  Part of the crowd begins demanding I stay, while others call for my head. I feel sick, fighting back a growing desire to scream. I can’t stand being in this place any longer. Who are they to decide my fate? How can anybody else decide my fate?

  “All new rangers must have a mentor,” Tartis says after he subdues the crowd. “Before I can allow you to join us, one of our warriors must agree to mentor you. So who is ready to become the outsider’s mentor?”

  Nobody volunteers.

  “You see?” he laughs. “Nobody wants to mentor you, girl. So I can’t allow you to join us.”

  “I’ll be her mentor,” says Wreck.

  “That is against the rules,” Tartis scowls. “You’re too young for the role, boy. Only mature soldiers can become mentors.”

  “Seriously?” Wreck grins. “I’m the best fighter here. If anybody believes differently, I’m willing to take him on right now.” He faces the crowd again. “Anybody else believes he’s a better fighter than me?”

  Silence.

  “Then I’ll be her mentor,” he repeats. “You know you have to agree to that, Tartis.”

  “Master Tartis,” he corrects, but Wreck doesn’t react. “Fine then,” Tartis states finally. “But she must pass our traditional test.”

  “What test?” I ask.

  Tartis smiles. “You must kill a chimera and deliver its head to me. This test will reveal whether you truly deserve to become a ranger or not. I’ll give you two full days to accomplish the task. Your mentor will follow you to make sure you don’t escape. According to tradition, he must kill you should you fail.” He glances at Wreck. “That’s a direct order, Kris. You must deliver her head should she fail to deliver the head of a chimera.”

  “I get it,” Wreck nods. “I respect tradition. This girl will bring a chimera’s head or I’ll be bringing hers.”

  I can’t tell whether he’s lying or not.

 
CHAPTER 25

  Back in the cabin I curl my hands into fists, step toward Wreck and yell, “Why didn’t you warn me about the test?!”

  “Whoa, easy now.” He takes a step back. “It’s no big deal. You’ll be all right.”

  I suppress a strong urge to punch or kick him. Wreck isn’t the type of guy you really want to pick a fight with.

  “I need to see Tanya,” I demand.

  “We can’t right now,” he says, taking an axe and a pack from behind a pile of books. “Tartis has a squad of rangers guarding the prisoner shack. They won’t let us in.”

  “I need to see her,” I repeat.

  “Don’t worry about your friend. Nobody will hurt her. I promise.” He motions toward the door. “We’d better get going. Tartis gave us only two days, so we don’t have time to waste.”

  “May I take your handgun at least?” I ask.

  “You could,” he smirks, “but I have no ammo for it. Sorry. And according to tradition, you must kill the chimera with a blade anyway.”

  He exits the shack and I follow. What choice do I really have?

  Outside, the sky is still overcast and everything looks gray and gloomy. We leave the village behind and head into the woods. I look over at Wreck and for a moment, I can picture myself lying on my back, hands pinned to the ground. I can almost feel the sharp cold metal of his knife pressing against the skin on my neck. Would he really kill me if I fail? I don’t know. He seemed very determined when he was speaking to Tartis. I swallow hard and wrap my hand around the handle of my knife. I envision stabbing him but then recall how easily he disarmed Ace. A knife wouldn’t provide enough advantage against this guy.

  The desire to run almost overwhelms me. I know I’m faster, but I can’t escape because they still hold Tanya hostage. I can’t leave my friend behind.

  Wreck begins murmuring a song, obviously unaware of my growing frustration.

  “Remember when I told you that we would have lots of fun together?” he asks. “Well… the fun starts right now! We’re going on a great adventure.”