by Obert Skye
“He’s doing nothing but spitting out lithen doctrine,” Zale explained. “My brother’s intentions might be good, but he has no idea what a month, a year, decades here can do to a person’s mind and ability to see hope as the errant dog that it is.”
“There’s the opening,” Nick said happily.
All four of them moved through the tunnel and into a new cave. From there they took stairs that ran downward and looked to have no ending.
“How do you know where you’re going?” Geth asked.
“Spend a few years moving through these tunnels and I’m certain you’ll know your way,” Nick said. “There used to just be a few tunnels leading to the valley of Lars, but now there are hundreds that connect. I still get lost on occasion, but there are hubs and rooms to recognize all over. I always just make my way back to some spot I know and hope . . .” Nick looked firmly at Diego. “And hope that my mind ain’t so confused as to not get me out.”
“Great,” Zale complained. “We’re being led around by someone with a soft brain.”
The stairs grew dark as the candles burning on the wall ran out.
“Just keep moving,” Nick said. “The stairs still go on for a spell. Seconds before Zale was about to sit down and refuse to go any further, a pinpoint of light could be seen in the far distance.
“We can take you to the light,” Nick said. “From there you’re on your own.”
“Perfect,” Geth said gratefully.
“Perfect?” Zale scoffed. “You could really use a dictionary. I think your definition of perfection is a bit skewed.”
The pinpoint of weak light slowly grew larger. At first it looked like they were heading toward a glow stone, but as they moved closer, they could see that the light was clearer and brighter than that.
The stairs came to a stop at the end of a tunnel that opened up looking over a bright valley filled with grass and trees. The sun was just coming up, but Geth could see a thick blue river running through the deep, rich grasses and there were birds flying through a sky that was as clear and glossy as glass.
At the end of the tunnel and stairs there was a brick balcony with a stone railing that overlooked the beautiful landscape below. There was also a large telescope on the balcony. The telescope was pointing downward as if it were waiting for tourists who wanted to take a closer look at what lay below.
The view was definitely worth looking at.
The valley was completely surrounded by mountains so tall that Geth couldn’t see the tops of them. Light clouds slid through the glassy sky as a soothing wind drifted up and around them. All over the sides of the mountains Geth could see other balconies where other tunnels were.
The fields below were peppered with horses and other animals that Geth couldn’t instantly recognize. In the center of the valley was a small hill thick with forested growth. On the top of the hill was a cluster of massive trees.
The smell of grass and sunshine filled the air.
Geth stood there with his mouth open, baffled by the utter beauty and surprise of the scene before him.
“What is this place?” Geth whispered reverently.
“Lars Valley,” Nick said. “Purdy, ain’t it?”
“I don’t understand,” Geth uttered, looking around. “Are there boors here?”
“No,” Nick said solemnly. “Boors know nothing of this place. They can’t travel through the tunnels due to the darkness.”
“It’s so peaceful,” Zale said, dumbfounded.
“Where’s Lars?” Geth asked.
“In the middle of the valley,” Nick said, pointing. “Up in the growth of the trees.”
“You can’t take us?” Geth asked.
“No,” Nick insisted. “The air will kill us Stone Holders. It might kill you, but I’m guessing since you’re not a dream you’ll be fine.”
“Aren’t you standing in the air right now?” Geth asked, confused. “You look fine.”
“Oh, that,” Nick said, waving. “Lars said that the air on the balconies is perfectly safe, seeing how it’s still kind of tunnel air.”
Zale stared at Nick as if he were an idiot.
“Does that make sense to you?” Zale asked in disbelief.
“It’s not best to question Lars,” Diego insisted. “We are fine in the caves.”
“I need to talk to Lars,” Geth said with purpose. “I hope he’s not too surprised by visitors.”
“He won’t be surprised,” Nick said. “He watches from those trees. He most likely already knows you’re about. Nothing surprises Lars.”
Nick stepped up to the telescope and directed it toward the hill in the center of the valley. He looked into the telescope.
“He’s not on the platform,” Nick said. “But I bet he’s watching from inside the leaves.”
“Let’s find out,” Geth said passionately. “Come on, Zale.”
Geth and Zale hopped over the balcony railing and fell the twenty feet down onto the green, grassy pasture below. Geth tumbled and ended up on his knees. Zale tumbled and ended up on his rear. Geth stood up and helped his brother do the same. The two of them looked back and up and waved at Nick and Diego on the balcony. As soon as they were clearly out of earshot, Zale spoke.
“What was that garbage about the air being unbreathable?” Zale asked Geth.
“Just that,” Geth answered. “Garbage. I’m interested to see what this Lars is up to.”
Geth began to run down the field of green grass with Zale behind him. He wove through a thick stretch of tall white trees with red leaves, breathing in deeply. His lungs didn’t burn, and the muscles in his legs grew stronger with each step. There was a wide stream flowing quickly with amber-colored water. Geth walked across a big stone bridge that spanned it. He then climbed up the bank on the other side and waited for his brother.
When Zale finally caught up, there was a curious mix of confusion and serenity on his face.
“What is this place?” Zale said. “The air’s not poisonous. In fact, I feel stronger just breathing it.”
“It’s remarkable,” Geth agreed.
“It’s a slap in the face to everyone who has suffered the crushing blah of Zendor,” Zale ranted. “It’s a slap in the face to me. How dare this be kept from others?”
Geth looked toward the hill in the center of the valley.
“My mind doesn’t feel so sleepy,” Zale added.
“That’s a good thing,” Geth reminded him.
The two lithens looked around, breathing in deeply.
“You know you left me for dead,” Zale finally said. “I’ve been rotting in that cell for years.”
“We had no idea you were alive,” Geth answered innocently.
“Really?” Zale complained. “On the words of others, you accepted my death?”
“The reports seemed sincere,” Geth said solemnly. “Had I thought for a moment that you lived, I would have torn apart Foo.”
“Yet you didn’t think for a moment,” Zale reminded him.
“I had to accept the fate,” Geth said honestly. “Your death wasn’t easy on any of us.”
“I didn’t die,” Zale argued. “But you were more than willing to write me off.”
“That’s not true,” Geth said firmly. “We have not written you off. Even in death we knew we would meet again. My question is, why didn’t you fight to return?”
“You think I didn’t fight?” Zale spat. “You think I was thrown in here by Sabine and that I instantly decided to fold and give up? I fought, Geth. I fought and fought to convince these stupid creatures to want more for themselves. There were a few, but they were captured and killed as quickly as they came forward to fight. I could find no exit from Zendor, and in my eagerness to destroy Payt, I was captured. I walked right into one of his traps. He didn’t even have the mercy to kill me. He let me and
my brain rot for all these years.”
“Your life is not over,” Geth pointed out carefully.
“I have nothing,” Zale said. “You question why I don’t want to fight? Well, there’s nothing for me to return to, no life to step back into. I am dead to everyone who ever knew me.”
“That’s pathetic,” Geth said honestly. “I don’t care if you have been caged up for fifty years; you know what your course in this world is. You are a lithen. You were dealt a hand that should now be an experience to make you stronger, not a weight to keep pulling you under. At what point is it okay to give in and let the evil of others wash over and drown you?”
“You’re preachy,” Zale said. “That sycophant’s right, you’ve always used way too many words.”
Geth hit Zale as hard as he could under the chin, using a bit of his brawn instead of his brain. Zale flew back and against a tree. He slid to the ground and grabbed his jaw while moaning.
“I don’t remember you hitting people so much,” Zale said.
“I don’t remember needing to,” Geth replied.
“I’m your older brother,” Zale argued.
“I find that hard to believe at times,” Geth said. “My older brother was a man of great conviction and character. A person who would do what is right at all costs and regardless of how he had been treated or if the outcome might harm him.”
Zale was quiet for a few moments as he stared at the tips of his bare feet. He looked up at Geth.
“We’re going to die,” Zale said.
“Everyone dies,” Geth reminded him.
“That’s the first sensible thing I’ve heard you say,” Zale said sarcastically.
Geth left Zale to cool down a bit and get control of his own emotions. He walked back down to the amber river. Geth kneeled by the water and cupped his hands. He took a couple of drinks and splashed water on his face and arms. He then dunked his head under. Back up, he pushed his wet hair behind his ears. His blue eyes shone under the bright sun. Geth shook his hands dry and stared up at the clear sky.
“This place might be even prettier than Foo,” Clover said while invisible and to the left of Geth.
Geth shook his head. “Somehow I knew you wouldn’t stay put.”
“See?” Clover said. “So in a way I’m just doing what I’m expected to. I guess I’m reliable.”
“Among other things,” Geth said, trying not to sound happy. “How long have you been here?”
“The whole time,” Clover admitted. “I was riding on that cowboy who led you here. I thought it would make me feel western.”
“Did it?”
“No,” Clover said sadly. “And his hat stank.”
“What about Edgar?” Geth asked. “You were supposed to keep an eye on him. He needs you.”
“He’s fine,” Clover insisted. “I told the girls to look after him. Besides, he doesn’t need me like you do. Now, what is this place?”
Geth stood up and looked around slowly. All over, colorful rivers flowed and deep, rich fields of grass and growth swayed mesmerizingly in the wind.
“I’m not sure what this place is, but it’s amazing,” Geth admitted. “Breathe in deep.”
Clover took a giant swig of air.
“It feels nice in my nostrils,” Clover said sincerely. “I heard you and Zale talking about the air. I like it.”
“But for some reason nobody but Lars lives here.”
“Maybe everyone’s allergic to pretty?” Clover suggested. “I mean, some of the people we’ve met out there are sort of ragged and dirty.”
“I don’t think people are allergic to pretty,” Geth insisted. “They’ve just had to live in caves and fields. I can’t think of a reason why they don’t just come here. The whole realm could fit in this valley.”
“Maybe Lars doesn’t like to share.”
“Maybe,” Geth replied.
“Listen,” Clover said seriously. “Not to change the subject, but I have something to say about Zale. I heard what you two were arguing about a few minutes ago. I know he’s your big brother, but I just think you should remember that I don’t always get along with my brothers.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Geth said.
“No,” Clover waved. “This isn’t about me. Besides, my brothers think they know so much more just because they’re older. I knew that fire would be hot; I just wanted to touch it to make sure. They’re not the boss of me.”
“You showed them,” Geth said supportively.
“Right,” Clover agreed. “Okay, so I had to wear that bandage for a few months, but I’m my own sycophant.”
“Sure,” Geth agreed.
“Actually,” Clover said with a sigh, “I can see now why you don’t get along with Zale. Brothers are the worst. I wish I was an only child.”
“You’re the only child I see here,” Geth said comfortingly.
“Thanks,” Clover replied, reading the teasing as a compliment and not stopping to realize that he wasn’t even visible at the moment.
Geth began to walk back toward the direction where Zale was.
“Wait,” Geth asked Clover as he was walking. “Are you hugging me?”
There was a long pause before Clover replied, “Maybe.”
Geth reached up and petted the invisible sycophant on his left shoulder.
“Who needs older brothers when they’ve got a lithen,” Clover bragged.
“And Zale’s got nothing on you,” Geth said back.
“Well, he is taller,” Clover pointed out.
“There is that,” Geth said, laughing.
Geth and Clover found Zale still leaning against the tree with his eyes closed. Instead of nudging him, the two of them decided to sit down and take a few minutes to lean themselves. The valley was so beautiful, and the air so comforting as they breathed, that the aches and pains of what they had been through washed off of them and they drifted quickly to sleep.
Chapter Fifteen
Perfection at a Price
Knowing what to trust isn’t easy. I trust that most bridges will do their job, but I’ve been on one that was not only rickety but untrustworthy. As I fell hundreds of feet down into the alligator-infested water below, I realized that trust is earned. I would have spoken very highly of that bridge had it held up, but now I simply have to trust that alligators will always find me a bit chewy and leave me alone. What to trust? We trust that the sun will come up, but everyone knows that the moon is far less reliable. We trust that the future will bring innovation, but can we trust our shady past not to ruin things? We trust that soda will always be fizzy, bees will always buzz, and pickles will always make you pucker. Added to that list is my trust for Geth. Sure, the merging with the Ezra half hasn’t been easy, but I trust that in the end Geth will do what he needs to do when he needs to do it. Otherwise, there will simply be an end, and I trust that nobody will be happy about that.
I trust you understand.
Geth woke with a start. Clover was sitting on the ground in front of him chewing on what looked like a stick of yellow wax.
“How long was I out?” Geth asked, looking over at Zale, who was still sleeping against the tree.
“About thirty minutes,” Clover answered while chewing.
“What are you eating?” Geth questioned, closing his eyes to rest a couple of seconds more.
“I’m not sure,” Clover replied. “I was hungry so I just fished around in my void. This smelled better than some of the other things in there.”
Geth’s eyes flashed open.
“You’re not supposed to just eat things you find in there,” Geth scolded. “We’ve been over this.”
“I know you and Leven have something against candy,” Clover complained. “But I’m perfectly fine. See?”
Clover held out his arms to show Geth that nothing was ha
ppening to him.
“Not all of the food in my void causes problems,” Clover continued. “Remember that cake thing I saved from Reality?”
“The Twinkie?” Geth asked.
“Yeah,” Clover smiled. “What a great name. It didn’t do anything.”
“It made you sick,” Geth reminded him.
“It didn’t do anything cool,” Clover clarified. “Some food is just food. Now, do you want the last bite of this? It’s really good.”
Clover reached out and tried to hand Geth the final bit of the yellow, waxy stuff.
“I’ll pass,” Geth said, trying to shake the feelings of sleep out of his head. “We need to get Zale up and keep going.”
Clover popped the last bit of food into his mouth and then jumped on Geth as he stood up. Geth nudged Zale’s right foot with his left foot.
“Zale,” Geth said. “Get up.”
Zale didn’t stir in the least.
“Hold on,” Clover said, leaping down onto Zale’s chest. “I think I have an alarm clock.” Clover reached into his void and pulled out an iPhone. He tried to turn it on, but it was long dead. “I used to see everyone using these in Reality,” he said, perplexed. “It’s like an alarm clock that also tells people what to do if they talk into it.”
Geth looked down at Clover.
“This one won’t even turn on,” Clover complained.
Geth stared at the dead iPhone.
“Even if that did turn on, it wouldn’t work here,” Geth said, waking up more with each word he spoke.
“What’s the use of it, then?” Clover asked. “It’s just a fancy rock.”
Clover threw the phone up into the air to get rid of it. The phone flew up, twisted, and fell straight back down. It hit Zale squarely on the forehead.
“Ouch!”
“Your brother’s up,” Clover told Geth casually. “I guess it’s not that bad an alarm clock after all.”
Zale rubbed his head and looked around in bewilderment.
“Let’s go,” Geth instructed him.
Clover sprang from Zale to Geth and settled in on Geth’s right shoulder. Zale stood up, stretched, cursed a little more, and began to walk after them.
