by Emerson Fray
Chapter 21
Ren sat with her nose in a book a day later, unable to come up with a good enough plan to escape the watchful eye of the Monarchy or the Sisterhood. If she was going to do anything, now was the best time to do it, and the encompassing tree line was only a taunting reminder of her cowardice.
Sheridan, Elian, and Garret weren’t around to watch her, so she could easily start walking into the forest to find what she wanted. After Ross had returned yesterday with the cake he announced he was joining the Guardship, and today was his swearing-in ceremony. Ren thought it was odd that they made the oath before any actual training, but it was their way. So it was suggested that Elian go to show his support, and also announce that everyone on Novae would be wearing communicators. Sheridan wanted to stay with Ren and ensure her safety, but she insisted Sheridan leave. Though Ren wouldn’t be surprised if she took one step into the trees and Sheridan popped up to drag her back to the manor. To “safety”.
Which made right now Ren’s only moment to get away and find the rebels; to find Kian, to be exact. She was certain that if the Sisterhood wasn’t willing to help, then he would be. Any kind of help would be appreciated right now, but her feet wouldn’t move. She’d never gone into the forest alone, and the thought of running into more arenthrope made her heart jump into her throat. The jade dagger from the Sisterhood wasn’t going to be enough protection and she wasn’t exactly sure where the camp was.
“What are you reading?” Naomi asked.
Ren jerked her head up to find her old advisor there, smiling down on her as if nothing had happened between here and Earth. For a moment Ren wanted to reply about a paper she’d once worked on, but it felt like ages ago that she’d written anything. She set the book in her lap. “Just the history of World War IV.”
“Ah.” Naomi nodded and sat on the stone bench beside Ren. “Looking up espionage tactics then?”
Ren shrugged, but that was exactly what she’d been doing. “I never got the chance to read up on it back on Earth. It’s interesting what they did when they didn’t have much technology to help spy on everyone.”
“Sometimes people need to be watched,” Naomi said, “so they don’t get hurt.”
Furrowing her brow Ren stared at the trees. She didn’t want to see what kind of face Naomi was making or figure out why this was such a sudden change from the other night. Maybe she’d been wrong in thinking Naomi would help her.
“I’ve learned that sometimes it’s better to be on the outside,” Ren said, “where nobody can see you.”
“You’d rather hide than fight?”
Ren thought a moment. “I’d rather avoid the fight.”
Naomi chuckled. “Sometimes fighting can be good; it doesn’t have to end in bloodshed you know. Sometimes people need to fight for what they want, for the change they want.” She tapped Ren’s shoulder and made Ren face her. “Sometimes fighting is the right choice.” She arched her eyebrows.
Ren didn’t understand. But when Naomi stood and said, “Elian and Garret won’t be back until after dark, so use your time wisely, okay? Those ceremonies go on for a while, apparently.” She nodded at the book.
Absently nodding her head, Ren watched as Naomi walked away. There was a message in her words, Ren knew that much, but all she thought it said was to fight for something. Ren didn’t want to fight, she just wanted to ensure the Monarchy no longer had control over Novae; and she didn’t want there to be a battle. Novae would surely lose against the scow armies.
Naomi had given her the push she needed though, and Ren set the book on the bench. There was plenty of time to find Kian and find out what his plans were. Ren stood, her vigour and determination renewed to find a solution.
