The Premortals (The Premortals Series Book 1)

by Jacqueline Wrenley

  I stared silently at him puzzled but waited patiently for him to continue.

  “The Duke of Pinewood found great wealth in his Steel Plants that he built more. The Steel plants required more people to run it but most of the villagers of Pinewood were farmers, contented with their lives on the fields, where they can enjoy their produce at the same time sell it for a fair price which was more than what a steel worker was earning,” he paused before he continued, ”With the lack of manpower, the Duke decided to force villagers to work there. At first they were given meager wages but soon after more Plants were built, more people were needed and so more of them refused. The Duke then ordered his guards to round up innocent villagers and accused them of a crime they didn’t commit, even if you simply displeased the Duke you were accused, and instead of going to prison, they were sent to the plants to work with no wages, only food and water. If they refuse to work, they will be tortured or one of their family would be.”

  I couldn’t believe what I just heard. That something like that could ever happen here in a peaceful place like Pinewood. I knew Andrew was terrible but not like this, my own brother. I was in shock and appalled that he would permit slavery. It was illegal and had been abolished in the Empire for a very long time.

  “No this can’t be true,” I denied astounded and was sadly shaking my head.

  “Believe me I also wished it wasn’t.”

  “Does the Empire know?”

  Olfren shook his head, “We do not know yet but we know that other Dukes and some Lords do.”

  “Yet they did nothing?” I said sounding disgusted.

  “They can’t because some of them are doing it themselves.”

  “What??” I was in shock.

  “We are at the pinnacle of time where wealth means more power, and with more power, more people has to suffer.”

  “But I really thought Andrew had supported the farms.”

  “Lies! The Duke is slowly demolishing farming in Pinewood especially when Steel is more lucrative for him,” he reported.

  “But those people, held against their will……” I had the loss for words.

  “Are suffering unless you help us.”

  “Me?” I spoke not expecting his words.

  Olfren nodded, “Who better to help the people of Pinewood than its Lord, and James Conolly told us that we can trust you.”

  I didn’t get the sense of what he was saying. Yes I was a Lord but I have no power over Andrew and if I do help then get caught, it would mean my life. The Lord who betrayed his own Duke, nothing like that had ever happened before. I would be the destruction of my own family but if I didn’t do anything, I will be the destruction of Pinewood as well.

  “Look,” Olfren suddenly spoke calmly, “I do not expect you to answer right away. Take time to think about it until it sinks in but remember your people are suffering, and the longer we do nothing the more difficult it would be especially with the Protectors around.”

  It became suddenly clear to me when I stared directly at Olfren, “You are one of them, a Defier,” I spoke in a manner that I discovered something significant.

  He grinned, “You catch on pretty quick.”

  “So this is what you’re doing here? To stop the slavery?”

  “Yes and among others. What we have here in Pinewood is just a part of a larger picture. The Defiers was created for a much greater cause that you probably can’t fathomed at the moment, but that story would be for another time and I am not the best person to tell it. When the time comes that you decide to help us, then we’ll talk again.”

  “If I do decide to help, what do you need of me?”

  “Your support. We need access and your connections.”

  I just stood there saying nothing suddenly feeling a heavy burden was placed upon my shoulders.

  “The day has been long and I feel that our time here is done. We need to leave before someone might notice us,” I suddenly declared.

  I was on my horse when Olfren suddenly took hold of my reigns when he spoke to me with urgency, “Promise me that you will say nothing to anyone about what happened here or we both will be in trouble.”

  I stared down at him and said, “I give you my word.”

  Olfren finally relaxed his grip on the reigns.

  “And oh nice job at the First Village, James Conolly told me what happened and what you did, but people are talking more about your Lady and how she saved the villagers from the Protectors. She’s very popular now among the Betas and Omegas. Too bad their stories left you out of it,” he chuckled and went off his separate way.

  CHAPTER 7: Revelations

  ELAINE

  I was at the library searching for a book that would catch my eye. I wanted to spend the day outside but it was getting too hot lately. My lessons finally ended and my teacher had a look of defeat on her when she told me that she had done the best she could. I was relieved when she said it was over, and then I would not see her ever again. I was slowly walking among the bookshelves and there were books about The Great War, The Conquest of Fortis, Yuvaika: The Strong and The Wise, and some more books about history, the world, and the Empire, and more books about other different Empires, and books documenting great men and women and their accomplishments that affected the lives of millions while here I was, sulking most of the time, hating what my life had become. During my visit at the First Village though was when I felt my true self again. It was a lovely release, and I felt once again that I belonged. I was not expecting to enjoy the visit but I was completely delighted by their warm welcome. It was refreshing talking to them where I would not be judged by my actions or words. The villagers were even amused when I told them to call me by name instead of my Lady and when I told them not to bow, I saw in their faces that they were bewildered by my words but they had the widest smile after. They thought of me a real Lady but truly I was just like them. I may have dressed the part of an Elite but I was still Elaine Gertrue of Coastal City. When the Protectors arrived at the village, my heart broke when I saw how terrified the villagers were. Curtis surprised me though when he defended Mr. Conolly. I honestly thought he was just going to stand there and watch but I didn’t expect him to run towards Mr. Conolly when the Captain pointed his firearm at him. I was afraid that day that someone was going to get hurt especially the way how Curtis and the Captain exchanged words. That was when I felt the need to intervene, and I was scared at first but I needed to do something before it got out of hand, and I was relieved when the Captain finally conceded. Curtis and I barely spoke again after that day and I didn’t mind, but I was grateful for what he did for Mr. Conolly.

  I continued my search when I came upon a green book that seemed old but was still in good condition. I glanced at the words written in gold on the spine and it read The History of Pinewood. I took it out from the shelf, and I saw the seal of the House of Bermule which was a tree painted with gold on the cover. I placed the book on the table nearby and I sat down a chair and opened it. The paper had a hint yellow discoloration as time got hold of it but the words written were still readable. I read through the first few pages; it dated back to its ancestry during the time of the very first Emperor Fortis. Lord Desmond was brother to the Emperor and closest confidant; he was the crucial piece to the Emperor’s army with his exceptional talent in military tactics. He won the Battle of Pinewood that it temporarily crippled Yuvaika’s forces. When peace finally came, he was one of the Emperor’s loyal supporters to be granted a Dukedom by the Emperor and he was given one of the largest lands which was Pinewood. Lord Desmond then took a mate from one of Yuvaika’s powerful allies, and he made Bermule the name of his House. Pinewood flourished under his rule, his kindness and his sense of justice made him beloved to the people. Farming and agriculture was their main source of wealth and Pinewood had an abundance of it. I flipped through the pages and came upon a family tree. Andrew and Curtis’ names were at the bottom and on top of it was the name of their parents Lord Triston and Lady Loren. I had see
n their names somewhere before along the hallway below a portrait but I didn’t know that they were Curtis’ mother and father. I closed the book and returned it. That was enough history for today.

  I made my way through the corridors and decided to go to the portrait where I saw the names. I found them not far from the library near the balcony overlooking the gardens. Lord Triston’s portrait looked almost exactly like Andrew while Lady Loren was beautiful and she had this elegance in her, her white skin glowed against the dark blue gown that she wore, and her blue eyes were astonishing as they resonated on the painting, her long black wavy curls shone as they flowed almost to her waist. She looked like Curtis except that she was happy with her enchanting smile. I couldn’t help but be captivated by her. I was admiring the portrait when a voice suddenly interrupted me.

  “She’s beautiful wasn’t she my Lady?”

  I looked around startled and I saw Miss Pattilyn standing behind me.

  “Yes she was,” I smiled.

  Miss Pattilyn then stood beside me and was admiring the portrait, “It’s a shame that she’s gone.”

  “How did she die?” I asked respectfully.

  Miss Pattilyn sighed, “A terrible accident my Lady while on horseback riding,” she replied sadly, “The entire household cried when she had passed, and she was so loved,” she added solemnly.

  We stood there in silence for a while looking at the painting.

  “But no one was devastated as Lord Curtis. He was only a child when she passed. They were very close and he was her favorite. He never cried in public though but I knew he was when he was alone behind closed doors,” I could sense that this was hard for Miss Pattilyn to talk about.

  It was hard for me to imagine losing a mother and father. I would be destroyed too if I lost mom and dad, I wouldn’t know what to do if that would happen then I suddenly felt sorry for Curtis. What could have been going through his mind losing a mother and father while he was still a child? The thought of it raised the hairs on my skin.

  “Oh look at the time! My apologies my Lady but I have things to do. I should take my leave,” Miss Pattilyn hurriedly spoke then curtsied and left after she gave me a warm smile.

  I continued roaming the huge hallway after Miss Pattiyln left. I was about to turn a corner when I heard something broke. It sounded like it came from just ahead and sure enough when I turned, I saw a little girl with brown curly long hair that shone like velvet standing over something that was broken on the floor. She saw me and was suddenly frightened then I hurriedly went to where she was.

  “Are you hurt?” I asked concerned as I knelt before her.

  She shook her head and tears started to fill her eyes.

  “It’s okay don’t cry,” I comforted her while gently placing a hand on her shoulder, “Don’t worry I won’t tell anyone, it will be our little secret,” I assured her smiling.

  She smiled in return and wiped her tears.

  “What’s your name?” I softly asked smiling.

  “Kat,” she responded smiling shyly.

  She must be Katherine and Andrew’s daughter; she resembles so much of her mother.

  “Well Kat, I’m Elaine but you can call me Ellie. Nice to meet you,” I extended my hand to her and we playfully shook while giggling.

  “That will also be our little secret, nobody knows I’m Ellie but you can call me that when it’s just the two of us, deal?” I said teasingly.

  “Deal!” she nodded cheerfully and we continued to giggle.

  I entered the dining room not looking forward to this. Katherine and Curtis were already there and it looked like they had just began eating. Katherine smiled when she saw me approaching and I smiled in return. Curtis was seated across from her and didn’t saw me coming. He briefly glanced at me when I took my seat beside him but he did not show any reaction. I was getting used to this were we ignore each other. I ate in silence when the footman served my first course. I could never get used to the food here, everything was delicious and extravagant, and every night if I decide to dine in this room, the food was always different and there were more than one course; unlike back home when sometimes we would only have leftovers from the night before. I felt guilty whenever I ate these lavish meals when mom and dad back home only ate one type of food each meal. I was startled when the door suddenly burst open. It was Andrew and I could see that he was in his foul mood. He sat on his chair grumping, and then Mr. Thistle hurriedly placed his first course in front of him. Andrew angrily waved at Mr. Thistle signaling him that he didn’t want it, so Mr. Thistle took it away then served the second course which Andrew didn’t object. He was cutting through the meat angrily then gave up and threw his knife and fork at his plate which clanged in the silent room.

  “When I catch those Defiers, they’re going to regret coming here,” Andrew angrily declared to no one in particular. We stopped eating and sat silently not daring to look at him.

  “You know what they did?! They attacked one of the trucks,” he shouted furiously venting his anger to no one. He grabbed his glass and drank the wine from it.

  “And those fools,” he angrily continued in a low voice, “those villagers harboring these rebels. Ungrateful people. They complain about everything and whine like little children but when they need help, they’ll come running to me. No sense of loyalty whatsoever.”

  I didn’t know what came over me that night but maybe I was tired of him, tired of how he felt so entitled that he can do or say anything as he pleases, and I was frustrated that he always got his way.

  “Maybe if you were good to them they would be,” I mockingly muttered under my breath while I took a sip from my wine.

  I saw Katherine’s jaws dropped and her eyes were wide opened in horror. Curtis stared at me frozen on his chair similarly shocked. They heard me.

  “What did you just say?” Andrew emphasized his every word when he asked while his fury started to grow on his face.

  I didn’t answer and pretended I said nothing. Andrew continued to stare at me full of hatred then he drank all of his wine in one gulp and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, then a footman hurriedly refilled it.

  “I received another message from your father last week requesting an audience with me,” Andrew said nonchalantly changing the topic, “Of course I didn’t allow it so I sent my lawyer instead.”

  I sat there listening anticipating his next words.

  “You know what he wanted? He begged to see his daughter because they miss her so much,” he taunted with an evil grin, “and I responded to him that the only time that you will ever get to see your daughter is when you are lying on your bed.… dry…. wrinkled…. worn out…. and unrecognizable, and by that time, you would have forgotten her as your mind starts to deteriorate into nothing, and she will also forget about you as she becomes a high class Lady too good to be seen by the likes of you.”

  Every part me started to scream as the fire of rage swept through every inch of my being. I was overwhelmed, blinded, by such fury that I might lose myself.

  “How dare you,” I said slowly, loathing, and every word was drowning in hate.

  Andrew let out a sinister laugh, loud and menacing, “Face it! Here you are enjoying every pleasures I have to offer, my food, the soft bed, my servants, and the fine clothes. Sooner or later you can’t live without it, you’d probably be craving for it just like any other Lady. You should be grateful that you’re living what every Beta, Omega, or even an Alpha can only dream of while the rest of your friends and family are rotting their lives away working.”

  I could feel the tears fall down my cheeks. I wanted to say something back and I wanted to hurt him so bad.

  “Trust me, you’ll get used to being an Elite that you’ll forget what your life was like before all this. Your past ends here and there is nothing you can do about it,” Andrew sneered and raised his glass making a toast at my direction. It was getting harder to breath, I felt a lump in my throat as tears started to fall. I was suffocating. I
felt myself falling, losing control. I wanted more than ever to get away from this place. Escape and never come back. What they would do to me didn’t matter anymore; so I did what I felt was right, I suddenly stood up from where I sat then ran away as fast as I could. I didn’t know where my feet were taking me as I crossed the hallway until I reached the back door. I hurriedly opened it then ran outside into the cool night. I passed through the gardens almost running out of breath, and then the large garage until I finally reached the stables. I stopped outside and nobody was there. I was panting and sobbing at the same time in the cold night air. I was frantically looking around from where I stood, not knowing what to do or where to go. My hands were trembling, my knees were starting to falter, and my eyes were blurred as the tears continued to fall. I was startled when I heard a horse neighed loudly behind me. I turned around and saw a dark figure riding a large black horse. As the horse trotted towards me, the moonlight shone on the rider who sat on the horse with no saddle or bridle, and it was Curtis. What was he doing here? He must have ran after me but why? Then he reached out his hand to me. I looked up at him into his eyes, I was hesitant but I wanted to trust him so I took his hand and he pulled me over the horse and I sat behind him. He motioned the horse to run, and when we reached the main gate, the Protectors saw that it was a Lord riding, so they opened the gate and let us passed through. We were outside the manor in the dark, and the horse kept running faster and faster. I didn’t know where he was taking me but I didn’t care. I placed my arm around his waist tightly and leaned against his back as the horse picked up more speed. I could only hear the horse’s breathing and the sound of its powerful hooves each time it touches the ground in this still night. My tears started to dry as the cold strong wind blew on my face. We finally slowed down and I could hear flowing water nearby. We continued to ride until we reached and stopped near a riverbank. I went down from the horse first as Curtis offered his arm for support, and then he followed after. I stood there clutching my arms from the cold as I watched him hurriedly gathered some twigs nearby. He piled the woods and leaves and rubbed two stones together which after a while a fire came alive, and it grew bigger as he fed it more wood.