My aura shot out more, and I slammed the desk breaking it in half. “It’s not true,” I murmured.
“The queen suspected she was being cheated on. The queen was the one who made the landlord notice. The queen knew that your mother would seek the king for money if the affair was true. She waited to catch your mother with the king. She used a camera for her blackmailing scheme. The king had a choice from the queen; to sacrifice all his wealth and be exiled for what he did. to watch your mother hang and keep everything. He chose wealth. She punished you both as a result. That’s why they allowed public hangings again, even though it had been banned for ten years, Queen Mammon wanted to make an example out of her,” said Tora.
I grit my teeth, “Where is he now?”
“He died of a heart attack a year after your mother died,” said Tora.
My hands were shaking with hatred. My mom killed over a royal dispute. She didn’t deserve to die. Why should she suffer?
“I’m sorry but I must ask you for a favor, and this cannot wait,” said Tora.
I paused for a moment processing all this information. Logic was more important than being emotional. I slowly calmed down.
“What do you want from me?”
“There is a loophole Faslow laws. Even though you are half-royalty, a man is the successor to the king over two female daughters, even a wife. This means you are Faslow’s next ruler. That is why you have been called here.”
“I want nothing to do with that place!”
“There are uprisings in the ghettos, Salan. You need to stop this. If you are alive and have a voice, they will listen to you. We suffer as well; a lot of the global market depends on other countries for trade. When one collapses, the others start to fall like dominos,” said Tora.
Mr. Gram spoke up again. “I have a proposal. Salan would like Sanoj to have the same freedom we do. Once you agree to give Sanoj the same rights and benefits as a Minyades citizen, Salan will help stop the uprisings in Faslow.”
“Preposterous, to give a Bastil rights is…” began the man on the right.
“I agree to the terms,” interrupted Tora.
“I agree,” followed from left to right. Until it got back to the old man.
“I refuse,” he said sternly.
“11 out of 12. May Salan be excused now to see his friend Sanoj?” asked Mr. Gram.
“Yes, you are excused Salan. Relay the message not to harm any Bastil’s until Sanoj is found,” responded Tora.
Tora followed me out with Mr. Gram, where reporters barraged around us. We made it to the train, and all three of us sat down.
“Nothing will happen to Sanoj. Is it alright if my wife and daughter come? It’s on the way.”
“Sure, why not.”
I wondered if my mother was honestly just a maid. Would she tell me? My mind kept racing with dark thoughts. I tried to focus on rescuing my friend Sanoj. The train started up, and we left the station. It stopped near a guarded community.
“We counselors have high security. I’ll ring the bell and tell them to come out quick,” said Tora.
I watched him fly over and quickly go through the front gate. Within five minutes, I saw Seraculus with her mother as they got on the train. I stood up and indicated a handshake to Seraculus. She immediately hugged me and almost knocked me over.
“What happened to you? Are you OK? Why is your one eye different than the other?” asked Seraculus.
I put my right hand on her back to calm her down. I forgot I didn’t have my robotic arm anymore. She turned her attention to the nub at my elbow.
“What happened to your arm?!” she shouted.
“Oh this, well it happened soon after we got separated that day,” I replied.
Seraculus glared at her father.
“Come on Seraculus. Can you forgive your father now?” pleaded Tora.
“I’ll think about it,” she said stubbornly.
Seraculus’ wings were fully developed now. She had a hourglass figure and long hair that extended past her shoulders. The material of her dress seemed expensive as well. The dress had an opening for her bat wings. My eyes stopped at her chest but I quickly glanced up, so she didn’t catch me.
“You look... different Seraculus.”
“How so?”
“Ah well, your wings have developed well,” I stuttered.
“Mhm, wings,” she said staring at me.
I decided to change the subject quickly. Didn’t want to give her the wrong impression.
“Oh, yea you haven’t met Sanoj. I bet you’ll like him,” I said.
“Who is Sanoj?” asked Seraculus.
“A Bastil I made friends with. We were together for a while. We got separated but they are allowing me to have him around.”
“A Bastil. Those are dangerous. I’m surprised you managed to make friends with one,” Seraculus said.
“It was easy because I can talk to it. Apparently, that’s a rare Felis ability.”
“You always were full of surprises. You know my father fought and killed two of them a while ago,” said Seraculus.
“Oh, come on it was self-defense. That was back in my guard duty days before I became a politician,” said Tora.
“Where did this happen?” I asked curiously.
“Near the same mountain actually. I was patrolling around with my buddies, and suddenly two appeared in front of us. Two of my friends died from the attack. I managed to kill the remaining. They gave me a medal and I slowly earned popularity enough to run for office. It was a turning point in my career,” explained Tora.
“He certainly is a strong man,” said Seraculus’ mother.
“What was your name again?” I asked.
“Oh, I’m Elizabeth.”
I turned to Seraculus, who was still staring at me like I might take off at any second.
“I’m not going anywhere, relax,” I said.
“I thought you were dead this whole time!” shouted Seraculus.
Her parents grinned. I knew what they thought.
“Relax. I’m OK,” I whispered.
She backed up and smiled. Then, she gazed into my eyes and her face changed. She seemed concerned.
“Did something happen to you?” asked Seraculus.
I lied to protect her, “Oh, nothing. I’ve just been on the road that’s all. Running from town to town, nothing interesting really.”
Tora and Mr. Gram said nothing. At least they gave me the benefit of who to tell. How could I tell her the truth? It took enough out of me just to tell Mr. Gram. I sat down on the chair that was empty. Seraculus sat next to me. She seemed interested in asking me a bunch of questions. I tried to steer clear of them, but they kept coming. I continued to answer questions
“My eye isn’t robotic but the lens material is synthetic, that’s why it’s blue. I had a robotic arm too but it’s at the top of the cliff along with my other stuff,” I said.
“Why didn’t you bring it along?” asked Seraculus.
“They didn’t welcome me with open arms here. I was arrested and knocked out. I told Sanoj to run away and hide. That’s why we’re going back.”
“That’s horrible. Why would they knock you out?” asked Seraculus.
“They saw I was a Felis and had a Bastil. That was enough.”
“I’m sorry,” said Seraculus.
“For what? You didn’t hit me over the head.”
“I’m sorry I should have been there to help you. I left you all alone and then your mother. She…” Seraculus started to tear up. “You must have been so alone and scared. How did you do it?”
“It wasn’t easy, but I didn’t have the luxury to really mourn at the time. Life doesn’t wait for you to cry over spilled milk,” I said.
“I guess not.”
Seraculus and I paused our conversation while the other three kept up theirs. I guess they wanted to give us space to catch up. I yawned, feeling very sleepy.
“Seraculus, can I nap for a bit until we arrive.”
>
She patted my head, and I quickly fell asleep. I’d like to say my dream was peaceful but it wasn’t. There were a bunch of people from the facility, along with my mother. They came out of the ground and grabbed onto me. The force started to pull me down into the hatch.
“Why did you kill us? Salan, why didn’t you save us,” they chanted.
“I’m sorry, there was nothing I could do! I’m sorry, I’m so sorry!” I shouted.
I kicked and screamed to get them off and eventually I heard Seraculus’ voice shouting,
“Salan! Wake up! Salan!”
I glanced around the train car. The entire table had been shattered, and the window had been broken. Seraculus was shaking in fear. She was far away from me. Tora, Mr. Gram, and Elizbeth all moved back with concern. Tora was covering up Seraculus. The moment was awkward. My childhood friend did not look at me the same. The look she gave was of someone who witnessed a monster. That hurt me more than any punch could.
“It was just a bad dream, sorry,” I said.
“That was one hell of a dream Salan,” Seraculus said critically while in her father’s clutches.
I let go of my aura and stared at the ground. I felt like a freak that people pay to see money for at a circus.
“Everyone off! We’re here,” shouted the conductor.
Saved by the bell. I said nothing of what happened. I had one true friend that understood my pain. That friend was Sanoj. There were reporters when we got off. The electric fields were set up to stop them.
I continued my journey to the mountain. In a fast jog, I left them behind.
“Salan it will be faster if I flew you there,” said Tora catching up to my pace.
“No need, Tora.”
I flashed out my Abundan wings that emanated through my arms. My Abundan wings allowed me to fly fast towards the mountain. It was night time now, and I went at top speed. My eyes were not blind here due to my night vision. Some reporters followed me, but the guards stopped them mid-air. I went back to the original spot at top speed. I landed and peered around. The ground had been dented from the previous crash landing. While searching in the abyss, I only heard silence, and no scent of my friend. This, made me more desperate.
“SANOJ! ITS SALAN COME OUT PLEASE!” I shouted at the top of my lungs.
I observed my surroundings and sniffed. Still running around, I couldn’t detect any presence of Sanoj. Suddenly, I got a faint scent. I ran as fast as possible, trees and bushes zoomed by. The scent came closer and closer. I saw a silhouette of Sanoj far away just over the hill. Once Sanoj saw me, he bolted towards me. The silhouette of my best friend in the moonlight made me so happy. Running at him, Sanoj knocked me over. He started to lick my face. I cried because I was happy. Happy to know he was OK – that I could save at least one friend in my lifetime.
“I told you. I told you I’d be back,” I sobbed.
17- Opportunity for Growth
God seemed to have become a brand, a packaging, and people purchase this trusted brand with such faith and devotion that they no longer care who the vendor is.”
― Justin Villanueva
“I’m crying because I’m happy,” I said.
“Meow.”
“Your hungry? I got to go get my bag at the top of the hill first; then we can get something to eat.”
Tora caught up with us and landed beside me.
“I’ll do it, don’t worry Salan. It’s just at the top of the mountain, right?” asked Tora.
“Yes, it is.”
Sanoj started to growl and went on his hind legs when Tora came by.
“Doesn’t like me too much, does he? I better get that bag.”
Tora flew off, and Sanoj kept his eyes on him the entire time as if he was prey.
“You can trust him, don’t worry,” I said.
“Meow.”
I tilted my head, “Murderer? Who? Tora? He wouldn’t murder anyone.”
My mind went back to the story Tora told me about the two Bastils. I assumed the worst.
“How old were you when this happened?”
“Meow.”
“When you were a kitten? Are you sure it was him?”
“Meow.”
Sanoj was completely serious about Tora. His expression didn’t change. Seraculus caught up and dropped down beside me.
“What is it?” asked Seraculus.
“Sanoj had two parents who passed away when he was younger. Sanoj are you sure? Do you remember any defining features on your parents?” I asked.
Sanoj put a paw on one eye and put it back down. Elizabeth just arrived at the scene with Mr. Gram holding onto her. Guards were barely able to keep the reporters flocking towards me while I interrogated Sanoj.
“A scar on one of the eyes?” I asked.
Elizabeth's face told me that this was the same bastil who died. Tora landed, gripping my bag in one hand. A Bastil never forgets a scent.
Tora dropped the bag in front of us, “Here you go Salan.”
Sanoj roared angrily at Tora and went back on his hind legs. Tora moved back. The reporters loved every second of the scene. Sanoj pounced at Tora with his claws out. I got in between and took the hit. I wrestled Sanoj over. His claws dug deep into me, but I still pinned him to the ground.
“No! You can’t!” I shouted.
One of the guards moved up to assist; he had a tight grip on his spear. Tora made a hand gesture for him to stop.
Trying to make eye contact with the agitated animal, I said, “Please, Sanoj. You must let it go. I’m sorry, Sanoj. I know you want revenge, but you can’t.”
“What’s going on here?” asked Tora.
“Did you kill a Bastil with a scar on his face?” I asked.
“Yes. How did you know that?”
“That was Sanoj’s parents; the two were defending Sanoj as a child when your team came to their home. Sanoj remembers your scent.”
A look of remorse flashed across Tora’s face. He seemed disgusted with himself. After a moment of reflection, Tora motioned the guards to step back even further, “No matter what happens you can’t kill this Bastil that is a direct order.”
Tora took a step closer, and calmly said, “Let the bastil go.”
“Sanoj might kill you if I do that.”
“He has every right to. I didn’t know about Sanoj’s parents, and I am truly sorry.”
I got up as he instructed and Tora walked over. He tilted his neck towards Sanoj’s mouth. He could be killed very quickly at this moment. My heart began to pound furiously.
“I’m sorry for what I did,” said Tora.
Sanoj moved very close to Tora’s neck. He was considering what to do.
“Sanoj! Please don’t; we’ve worked so hard to get here,” I begged.
Sanoj moved back. He had forgiven Tora. I took the bag and kept walking. Sanoj stayed close to me the whole way. The tension was still high, so Seraculus remained with Sanoj and me. She was quiet the entire way. Tora, Elizabeth, and Mr. Gram kept their distance. The other guards were holding back all the reporters. This made a pathway to the train from the hill.
All of us sat down. Tora talked with Mr. Gram at the opposite corner of the train car. He understood that Sanoj needed space. Besides, I wouldn’t want to sit beside a bastil that wanted me dead, either.
Seraculus finally spoke, “Wow! It’s cool to see a bastil up close like this. Can I pet you?”
Sanoj glanced at me for the translation. Some words Sanoj did not understand. Simplicity was key, using something like Pidgin English with a foreigner or hand gestures. I pointed to Seraculus and mimed petting. Sanoj nodded his head to confirm that it was OK. Seraculus pet Sanoj and he started to purr.
“You two are alike,” smiled Seraculus.
After a moment, she then switched her attention to me, and I still felt the old familiar embarrassment.
“Who’s a good kitty?” Seraculus cooed in baby talk.
“Ha-ha, very funny.”
“Meow.”
“Now you sound like my mom,” I snarled.
“What did Sanoj say?” asked Seraculus.
“Oh, that you're interesting. That’s all.”
Seraculus stared at me for a while. I think she knew that was a lie. I felt the need to change the subject.
“So, what have you been up to since I was gone?”
“I’m about to start university. It’s a 15-minute flight from my house. Last time you and I didn’t fit in well. While being an Abomination here is still frowned on, it’s nearly as bad as in Faslow.”
“It’s good to hear you’re making friends. So, what do you want to do in your future?”
“I have no idea. I’m done high school, and I still don’t know. It’s a stressful decision to make. I don’t want to be unhappy with my choice.”
“You get to choose your job. That’s quite a luxury.”
“What about you? Aren’t you nervous? You’re going to be king.”
I solemnly stared out the window, “I don’t want that job.”
Tora responded from the other end of the train car, “Salan, the needs of the people outweigh your own.”
“I don’t want to go back!” I snarled a tinge of petulance in my voice.
“Salan, I stuck my neck out for that promise. Besides, you can live a wealthy life and become a memorable man in history. Not many men have had a chance to affect the course of history,” said Tora.
“I don’t care about history. That’s not what I want.”
“Poverty is killing people, Salan. Slavery is still allowed, and you as a Felis know too well how little freedom your people have.”
“But what would I say? What would I do? I’ve never been a leader. How can an inexperienced 19-year-old run a country? What kind of a system is that?”
“You have to do something, Salan. I know it won’t be easy. We’ll have to send a private mission to get you there,” said Tora.
“Why a private mission?”
“The country is weak right now, and they aren’t allowing anyone in or out of the country. It’s anarchy, Salan. The queen is afraid of an invasion.”
“Who is planning to invade?” I asked.
“Right now, it could be anyone. All countries have built up their military. The global economy is poor. If action isn’t taken soon, we could have another Great War,” said Tora.
Untold Deception Page 22
