by Ania Bo
“But it is strange that many of the Readers are oblivious to the human way of life.” He made a quick look at Violen. “Why keep the races apart? Why can’t we, you know, commingle? Humans would benefit greatly from even the lowest base technology you possess in Atlantis.” Dwade was trying to understand why he had such a primitive life while these Readers had a mind-bending lifestyle. If it had been the other way around, his race wouldn’t be the one about to be annihilated.
Kelleph smiled. “Yes, that’s true. Our people do lack information about the other races, but our government does this on purpose.” Dwade looked at him puzzled. “We don’t want to confuse our people. You see, the nature of others is completely different from ours, especially human nature. I know this may sound rude to your ears, but humans possess a destructive quality. What our people need are peace and balance. Unhappy Readers are hopeless, and hopeless Readers are the last thing this universe needs, trust me. This is why the races were separated from one another with the Founding Agreement so they would not damage one another. We try to protect the Balance. Our soldiers are here for that reason. Every sacrifice is for the Balance.”
Just like every other creature on earth, Dwade could be defined as a believer in the Balance although sometimes he had troubles with believing in something so grand. Still, he was tired of the Readers using it to justify their privileged lifestyle.
Don’t be angry, Dwade, Shasta said. The Readers aren’t evil. This is the way it has always been. We know our strengths and weaknesses, so we design our lives in the best way we can to serve the Balance.
I know you’re not evil, Dwade replied, but you are wrong, and I believe the Balance will make this right. Readers are more powerful than any other race. That is unbalanced. You’ll see. The world will rebalance itself one day, and it won’t be like the one you created.
This telepathic conversation scared Shasta, and she stepped away from Dwade, uncertain of who this human truly was. What he said didn’t seem like an angry rant; it sounded oddly prophetic. She chewed on that thought, wondering if Dwade was more powerful than even the Chancellor was aware.
The small group followed Kelleph into the castle, and they were met with multiple marble sculptures. Each one was a life-size model of one of the different races. The details of the sculptures were so intricate and precise that Dwade wondered if they were carved by hand or if the Readers had used their advanced technology to create something so realistic. Maybe they covered real beings with marble, he thought for a second, but then even he found the idea ridiculous.
While Dwade and Shasta stared at them without blinking, she realized how big the world was and how ignorant they were. Despite their earlier mental conversation that left her a bit worried, she became excited once again. From the way Dwade smiled with her, he was on the same page. They were going to see more of the world than they ever imagined. See the other races up close and personal. This journey was going to be beyond anything either could have imagined.
After a few minutes of walking the long and winding corridors, Dwade frowned, wondering why there were so few people here now. If what they saw earlier were all the soldiers they had, he didn’t think Atlantis was as safe as the Chancellor made it sound.
Kelleph suddenly stopped and turned to his guests. “We will have you stay here tonight for it has been announced the fertilization winds will blow by the full moon.” He turned to Dwade. “The high winds aren’t safe to travel through. You may return to the Glass Pyramid in the morning, Protector.”
Dwade turned to Shasta in surprise. “Fertilization?”
“I already explained that,” Violen said, irritated. “Fertilization days are when strong winds are created so the seeds of trees, flowers, and crops can spread. This way, many plants are grown through a natural process, and the best period to make a seed grow is during the full moon.”
Having partially understood, Dwade directed his next question to the less temperamental Shasta. “So, you create the wind?”
“We create the wind, rain, snow, everything so we don’t risk losing our crops, and the quantity is controlled. You would not believe how generous nature can be with a bit of intervention,” Shasta replied, reciting the answer she would if she was teaching.
Dwade was shocked; he couldn’t even imagine such a thing could be done. All his life, he and everyone he knew believed whatever came to them was fate created by the Balance. But the Readers had gained control of the Balance, and that knowledge disturbed him. He didn’t feel safe anymore. These people knew so much, controlled everything, yet they had no power to stop a mad commander.
Either they are naïve or stupid, he thought and wished his race had such power. Perhaps he could save his villagers from horrible deaths by starvation or freezing in the bitter winters.
They continued walking through the rear courtyard of the castle finding nothing but flowers and fountains where water squirted out of the mouths of magnificent sculptures modeled after the Thae.
Kelleph halted in the courtyard and explained, “Let me give you more information about our base as the Chancellor wished. She wants you to know how strong we are as your allies. In this base, soldiers receive their first and last training sessions. Since our race is already disciplined, we train them in a way to teach them how to use their powers strategically and with greater precision. Balance be thanked we have not had to use our powers in a war for many years, although unfortunately, that may change any minute.” His voice became solemn as he continued. “But as loyal servants of the Balance, we must do our part and be ever vigilant.”
“How many soldiers do you have? To be honest, I don’t see many,” Dwade said, concerned.
Kelleph gave Dwade an amused look. “We have around sixteen million currently.”
Dwade’s eyes grew wide. “Sixteen million!”
Kelleph smiled. “Yes, our population is around two hundred million, and this is one of twenty-three bases. I believe sixteen million is a good number for an army. To put it in perspective, though, if we look at the armies of other races, one could say we are outnumbered. This continent is bigger than you might’ve imagined, Protector Dwade, and there are more of us than you think.”
Dwade couldn’t believe there were that many Readers and that nobody was trying to annihilate them. He was confused and wondered how many humans lived on earth.
While Dwade was still trying to figure out the true number of his people, the captain opened a door on the other side of the courtyard which led to a staircase, winding down to a lower level. There, many of the soldiers meditated, sitting with their legs crossed on small mats.
Kelleph continued. “This is Training Center One where the soldiers learn how to control their powers. This is the basis of our military training because when we use our powers correctly, there is no limit to our knowledge and strength. Please, follow me and remain quiet as we move through.”
Dwade looked at the crowd in awe and followed the others. They appeared as if they had been in those positions for hours. He wasn’t sure if he could sit still like that for just a few minutes.
After a brief walk, they entered a narrow corridor which led to a garden strangely covered in snow. Dwade and Shasta were surprised to see snow in such nice weather. The ground was messy like there had been a battle. So many footprints, drift traces, etc. Even Violen seemed surprised. After seeing her confused look, Dwade tried to ask a question to Kelleph, but the captain paid no attention to him. He moved fast through another door and before opening it, gave Shasta and Dwade a warning.
“Here is the War Training Center. The Readers in here are practicing more advanced fighting techniques that deal in battling with the mind.” He tapped the side of his head with his finger. “Please be cautious while in this room.” He opened the door slowly, attempting not to disturb the soldiers inside. The walls were covered in mirrors, which seemed to be a theme in Atlantis, and it gave the illusion that the room had no end. Soldiers sat at tables where they stared at small objects in de
ep concentration.
What’s going on? Dwade asked using the telepathy so as not to disturb the soldiers. He was extremely confused as they walked through the room.
The teacher side of Shasta popped up again and warned, Shh, they’re practicing the art of telekinesis. They may hear you.
Oh, my Balance. Dwade immediately tried to clear his mind, afraid of being heard by them. One extra person in his head was more than enough.
Shasta knew nobody would be able to reach the Protector’s mind except herself but frightening him was the easiest way to hush him. She wasn’t proud of what she did because a Reader never misbehaved, but it was nice to have him silent for a few moments. And hearing him while he was trying to stop thinking was quite amusing.
As they moved deeper into the room, Dwade’s eyes widened in surprise at the sight of a child. He didn’t know the Readers recruited children. The kid sat before a sword, and before his very eyes, the sword started to float, rising higher and higher until it reached the ceiling.
“Fantastic!” A man who appeared to be the instructor reached his hand out toward the sword, and it flew to him. He caught it by the hilt.
Dwade was thoroughly impressed. “That was incredible.”
The child turned around and locked eyes with Dwade. His stare was cold and penetrating, and it immobilized Dwade. Darkness engulfed his senses, and lightness came over him as if his body were defying gravity. Suddenly, he found himself in a forest. A feeling of panic overwhelmed him, and his little feet were frozen as he stood ankle deep in the snow. “Little feet?” He heard a familiar voice from far away but couldn’t recognize it. His mind was a blur, and none of the images were clear enough to name them. Then he looked at his hands; they were small and fragile like glass toothpicks. Around him, the forest covered in snow became familiar. He knew the forest and the voice that kept calling, “Little Feet.” His father. Blurred images gave way to clear ones. Dwade was a little boy and was about to freeze in the forest. Just when he thought his body was going to collapse from the cold, his father appeared. He ran up to Dwade and wrapped him in a fur coat.
“Dwade! Thanks be to the Balance I found you.” Dwade teared up at the sight of his father. His body relaxed as warmth enveloped him, and he saw his father’s worried eyes looking at him. Then Dwade’s eyes were closed and the darkness took over him.
As Dwade slowly tried to open his eyes, Shasta hugged him, her head on his chest. She stood between Dwade and the penetrating stare of the child. Violen was next to Shasta, holding Dwade’s hand and kept on saying, “This is a memory, Dwade. This is just a memory, it is not real. Wake up!”
Kelleph was concerned, but neither Han nor he could do anything to intervene; it would be more dangerous for the Protector. But the teacher of the boy had no such worries. He whispered something into his ear, then waited till he looked at his teacher.
“Surel! What were you thinking?” The teacher grabbed the boy’s arm to cut his connection with Dwade, forcing the boy to look at him. As soon as Surel came back to himself, he realized the panic around and appeared ashamed.
The captain and Han rushed to Dwade. “Are you all right?”
Dwade nodded slowly to Kelleph but couldn’t get any words to form.
Kelleph bowed low. “Please, forgive him. He’s quite new yet and a very strong Reader. He’s just beginning to control his abilities. He must have panicked; he’s never seen a human before.”
Dwade recovered and Shasta let go of him. She was staring at Dwade like a mother protecting her child. Violen and even Han appeared uneasy.
“I’m alright,” Dwade reassured them. “Though I have no clue how he did that. Suddenly I couldn’t breathe, and I fell into a memory. I was about to freeze to death.”
It was Kelleph who explained in a stern tone, “He entered your memories and probably found one that caused you a considerable amount of fear thus disabling your body by making you re-experience some form of trauma. He could have killed you.”
Dwade wasn’t certain what he was dealing with, but it was certainly unnerving. He had no idea Readers had the ability to enter a person’s psyche. These people continued to amaze and terrify him. He had to remind himself this wasn’t real to overcome the sudden anxiety he had.
The Readers were not as peaceful and inert as he once thought. As much he hated to admit it, maybe Han was right. Maybe it was better for the world that they all lived apart. He couldn’t even imagine what they could do to the humans if they had been in the shoes of the Kree. The chaos they would create among his people would be catastrophic. This child revealed something very important. Some Readers didn’t require physical contact to decode. Now that Dwade was aware, he sensed he would never be safe again till he returned home.
Dwade slowly approached the boy from behind. Even though he knew he wasn’t supposed to, he put his hand on the boy’s arm and thought, Don’t worry. You showed me something important. No matter what the others say, I’d like to thank you. The boy smiled at Dwade. And the Protector hoped the thing Shasta said was true and the little reader heard him.
Kelleph quickly led them out of the training room. He didn’t want Dwade to be harmed again. The captain approached him once they were safely outside. “Are you sure you’re all right? You don’t feel nauseous or anything?”
“I feel fine, just a little tired,” Dwade answered. There was still a chill in his bones. He had to rest, but he wasn’t here for a vacation; he had to learn as much as he could to know the Readers better. And he’d only just started to unveil the mystery.
Han silently approached him and whispered, “What you witnessed was only a junior training session. Senior warriors can do so much more. I hope you can understand now why we should avoid a war at all costs.”
Dwade nodded. Although he didn’t like the threatening tone of Han, he had to admit he was right. An army that doesn’t require weapons. It was scarier than dragons or giants. He felt grateful that the Chancellor was an ally.
The group continued their tour through the training center where they watched soldiers in various forms of combat—sword fighting, hand-to-hand, some were even strengthening their ability to stop arrows in mid-flight. However, Dwade was most interested in those who were trying to communicate with animals.
The captain pointed toward the soldiers who worked with a young doe. “Unfortunately, this is an area we’re not so successful in. We can find the frequency to communicate with them; however, we’re not anywhere near as skilled as the Kree. At this point, our power is not enough, so we turn to our technology for help. Hopefully, we will be successful soon. If the Krees turn on us, we don’t want them to have such an advantage.”
Shasta had never personally met a Kree, although she always found them interesting and beautifully bizarre, Dwade had literally lived with them for most of his life, and it wasn’t a secret they weren’t his favorite race among the twelve. Shasta tilted her head, listening to the slight agitation in Dwade’s mind. From what she could tell, hunters from Dwade’s village would often stumble across a Kree’s prey and find it ripped to pieces. The Kree were not the kind to fight over nothing but would be unstoppable once they had begun. This mission was starting to sound more and more like a suicide mission. Shasta gulped back her fear, reminding herself of her duty.
“We wouldn’t want to fight against them either,” Dwade said. He understood the worries of the captain very well, but everything he saw created other questions in his mind. Why would the Kree betray the Readers? He found the Readers’ point of view hard to understand. They were getting prepared for war as if they had been betrayed by everyone. There was more going on here than Dwade could see, and he wouldn’t stop till he revealed all their secrets.
As they moved on, they passed through a door leading to another long hall with more glass doors. Behind each one was a classroom.
“Here we study the characteristics and customs of others. A warrior must know every aspect of every race,” Kelleph said. “We start soldiers ar
ound the age of five, and they continue their education until adulthood.”
Dwade couldn’t believe these children were already labeled as soldiers. “Are these children made to fight?”
“No, of course not. Only Readers who have reached the age of fourteen are able to join us in battle.”
Dwade still thought that was a bit young, but at least these children wouldn’t be caught on a battlefield. Looking at their faces reminded him of Lillian. He had to stop this war for her. Although his only mission was to save the Creators, in his heart, he swore to stop it for her.
The long corridor of classrooms eventually led back to the combat training area. It was dead silent. The soldiers had retreated inside as the wind speed gradually rose. Kelleph was surprised, wondering how he lost track of time.
“Fertilization has begun. I’m sure you all must be tired. Have some rest in your room. Protector, we eat a very light dinner here of porridge and green tea, which may not be to your liking. However, you can get whatever you desire from the kitchen. Han, Violen, please take them to our guest room and keep them company. Goodnight for now and see you in the morning. From here on out, it’s forbidden to be outside, so please stay within the walls, Protector.” Kelleph saluted Shasta and Dwade then left in a hurry. Dwade and Shasta were in the care of Violen and Han now.
They escorted Dwade and Shasta to the dormitories. On the way, they examined the interior with great excitement. The architecture within the dormitories was spectacular. Everything seemed to be made of marble, from the hallways, the walls, and the large columns that stood by each entryway. The ceilings were painted with murals telling stories of the universe and the twelve races. Like every other part of Atlantis, plants were abundant, and vines with ruby red flowers climbed the walls and touched the ceilings. Shasta approached one of the columns to smell the flowers and noticed there were tiny flecks of reflective material in the marble that made it sparkle.
“They really went all out here,” Dwade said admiringly.