Shackled Serenity

by Leon Logos

  The contemplation of Desmos revitalized her impatience. She sprang to her feet, preparing for dinner by herself, without the assistance of Lily or Mizzy. Even though dinner time was still two hours away.

  “Slow down,” Sixto noted, watching her wolf down lamb-skewers. “Why are you in such a rush? Only I eat that fast.”

  “Sorry,” said Serenity, not realizing what she was doing. “I guess I’m hungry. Really hungry. Haven’t ate much at lunch.”

  “You ‘guess,’?” Sixto repeated. “Make up your mind. Are you hungry or not? Those lamb-skewers are amazing, though. I don’t blame you.”

  “The Iranian Aurelians must be delighted,” Serenity nodded.

  “Yeah, they sure are. One great thing about the holidays is that the menu expands because of the guests. Food spanning from a wide variety of countries and cultures. You can’t hate it.”

  Sixto wasn’t lying. She loved it. But the exquisite, foreign meals didn’t excite her anymore. Not after she was assigned this task. Her eyes frequently averted to Bastion, who was seated at his usual spot with the other Councilmen. He seemed to be in the midst of telling a tale with the others, producing chuckles, discourse and argument within his audience. “By the way, are you still sick?” Sixto asked her.

  “No, I feel better now,” she said, eyes still fixed on Bastion.

  “Good. Otherwise, I would’ve consulted the physician,” Sixto whistled in relief. “We don’t anyone catching a sickness from you.”

  “Uh-huh,” she said absent-mindedly.

  “What are you looking at?” Sixto asked, bewildered, following her gaze.

  He registered that her eyes were on the Councilmen area.

  “Oh, Bastion must be telling another war-story,” Sixto said casually. “What ‘war-stories’?”

  “Stories about how he killed an enemy or captured one. Or maybe how he took down three guys at once. Just anecdotes from his numerous experiences on the field, deployed out into the world.”

  “Deployed? How long until you get deployed?”

  “Years,” said Sixto dourly. “I’m still a novice. You need to serve for at least five years before being sent out to apprehend our enemies.”

  “Do Aurelian soldiers get deployed during the holidays?”

  “Nope. But after New Year’s, I think Bastion and Destiny are leaving to Italy. Apparently, they’ve got a mission there. Don’t know the details.”

  “How will they get there? Plane?”

  “No, by boat,” Sixto said sardonically. “Yeah, a plane!”

  “It’s hard to imagine Bastion and Destiny walking through an airport and flying on a commercial airliner,” she said, amused. “Weird.”

  “We have private jets, they won’t be going through the airport!” said Sixto. “How are they supposed to bring weapons, then?”

  “Ooops,” she said, slapping herself playfully.

  “It would be an interesting experience, being at the airport like a normal person,” said Sixto wistfully, staring off into space.

  “Nothing’s interesting about it,” she attested. “Trust me.”

  “Why? What’s it like?”

  “You’ve never been to an airport?” Serenity asked curiously.

  “Nope and neither have I been on a plane. I haven’t even left the country! Or even seen the world outside this property.”

  “Wait, you’ve never left the residence?!” she said astounded. “What?!”

  “Yeah, you didn’t know?” Sixto said airily. “I’ve never had any reason to leave before. But that’s why I’m so eager to become a soldier; that way, I can leave and see what’s out there!”

  She was stunned at this news. Sixto’s case reminded her of a character from a dystopian fictional novel. Someone confined by walls or a government, who never had seen the outside world. She wondered if the Councilmen were intentionally inhibiting their residents from leaving the estate, protecting them from the dangers and inconveniences of the world.

  “Have you tried asking your uncle for a vacation or something?” Serenity asked, hungry for the context.

  “No, because that’s a ludicrous question to ask,” Sixto chortled. “We’re not permitted to leave. Not us ‘kids.’ We have everything we need here.”

  “But don’t you think that’s kind of unfair?” Serenity pressed. “You’re basically trapped in here. You haven’t even left!”

  “I know it is, but it’s not a big deal,” Sixto said dismissively, though it was clear that he agreed with her.

  He did not meet eye contact when he said this, and there was pure indignance blazing in his eyes.

  “I’ve lived a life ten times shittier and restricted than yours, but even I’ve been all over the world,” she said candidly. “Ironic.”

  “Well, I guess I’m better off staying here,” Sixto shrugged. “I have everything I could want, and certainly everything I need.”

  “Still, you wouldn’t regret visiting Disney at least once in your life,” she sighed. “Or any amusement park at that.”

  “Disney? Which one?” Sixto asked, his interest piqued.

  “Any one,” she said emphatically. “Although, I’ve never been to Disney, either. That’s understandable; Gunther would never take me there.”

  “And neither would Uncle Ali,” he frowned. “I’m sure Lily fantasizes about going there. Me, not so much. It’s for kids…”

  “Yeah, Lily would kill for a day at Disney,” she nodded in agreeance, recalling the many rapturous raves towards the park from her.

  “By the way, Serenity, there’s something I want to discuss with you,” said Sixto, his voice shifting to a more serious tone.

  “What is it?”

  “About last night? Lyla seems to think you’re up to something.”

  “Of course she does,” said Serenity slightingly, glancing at Lyla, who was currently scolding Lily for spilling ice cream all over her dress.

  “I mean, she has fair reasoning,” Sixto said tentatively. “You were out in the hall, at like three in the morning, with a thick jacket, long pants, and your boots on. You broke the curfew, didn’t you?”

  “I know how it looks—” she began.

  “Don’t lie to me, Serenity,” Sixto interrupted. “Please.”

  “If I said I broke curfew, what would you do?” Serenity tested.

  “Depends,” he said darkly. “Where were you?”

  “Honestly?” she sighed.

  “Yes, please.”

  “I was feeling unusually hungry. So, I thought a trip to the kitchens wouldn’t hurt. Please, just don’t snitch on me.”

  Sixto blinked and gawked for ten full seconds. She stared back, awaiting his response. It was an adequate lie, the best she could conjure up. Fortunately, Sixto took it well; he laughed heartily, banging the table with his fists. Some of the neighbors reproached him for his impertinent behavior.

  “Why didn’t you ask me to come, then?” he hissed jokingly. “I’m a master at breaking into the kitchens!”

  “I didn’t want to get you involved,” she smiled anxiously. “If I got caught, you would get in trouble too. I didn’t want that.”

  “If you got me involved, your chances of getting caught would be drastically minimized!” he argued. “But seriously, don’t do it again. It’s risky, ESPECIALLY now. Wait till the holiday season is over.”

  “Sheesh, sorry…”

  It worked. And it wasn’t even a complete lie. She had broken into the kitchens. However, she did experience a twinge of guilt at tricking him. Dishonesty was pivotal in diminishing his suspicion.

  “So, what did you eat?” Sixto asked, amused, remaining on the subject.

  “Um, bread, chicken, some vegetables,” she replied. “Not much.”

  “Woah, that’s not a late-night snack,” Sixto remarked. “That’s called a second dinner. Make sure you eat well tonight. I don’t want you sneaking out again. See that pudding? Try some.”

  “No, thanks, I’m done,” she grinned. “Don�
�t worry; I’m not gonna take any more unnecessary risks. I almost got caught last night.”

  “By Lyla, yeah.”

  “No, by guards that were patrolling the halls,” she corrected. “Oh. I’m sure they were too drunk to even notice.”

  “If not that, lazy,” she nodded.

  She returned to her chamber earlier than everyone else. Lily had insisted they go outside to take a nighttime stroll, visiting the tree in the courtyard. She declined, providing the lie that it was too cold, and she was tired. In reality, she wasn’t inclined to participate in unnecessary activities. Walking around the property at night would gain her nothing. She wanted to be alone with her thoughts, hoping it would factor in formulating a coherent plan. Six days left. In a couple of hours, five. Serenity stood by the window, her hand on the frigid glass slightly blurred by the night air condensation. She gazed down at what the view from her chamber supplied: a good portion of the southern side of the estate. Nothing too intriguing. She retired back to her bed, lying down and staring up at the ceiling. Too often had she found herself doing this. Her nightgown was already equipped, having undressed the instant she arrived. It was still a bit early, just under 9:00 PM. But she lacked the motivation to do anything else.

  She crossed over to her door to switch off the lights next to it. The moment before she did, there was a knock at her door. She opened it immediately, being conveniently adjacent to it.

  “Hey, that was quick,” said Destiny. “Are you about to turn in?”

  “Yeah. Is there something you want?”

  “Uh, yeah,” Destiny said genially. “Sorry to bother you, but could you take something else to Bastion? There’s something urgent I need to do with my father, so I don’t have the time. Bastion’s in his chamber already.”

  “What is it?”

  Destiny handed her a golden pendant. Serenity recognized it. Every Councilman wore one. She had surmised it was something to distinguish their position. An assertion of their high status. The pendant was adroitly engraved with the Aurelian letter “A.” The family crest.

  “Don’t lose it,” Destiny emphasized importantly. “It’s really valuable. Irreplaceable. Can you take it to him for me? Right now?”

  “Yeah,” Serenity smiled wholeheartedly. “Yes, I can.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  Serenity changed into clothing more appropriate for a Councilman visit. Destiny had given her specific directions to Bastion’s chamber. “Fourth door to the right” was all she needed. This was her chance, an opportunity she had to seize and capitalize on.

  She left her room and proceeded down the hall. The way to the Councilmen living quarters was still in her memory. She descended down the double staircase and made a left, entering an arched hallway. Torches were lined along the walls, illuminating the path. Serenity sped up, feeling discomfort from the heat emanating from the flames. The majority of the hallways and corridors were lit up with lanterns and torches, rather than electric lights. She was aware that the house was constructed centuries ago. Though, they somehow managed to install an Internet connection. She imagined ordinary guys from a network provider setting up a satellite, unaware of where they were, and who their customers where.

  She arrived at her destination, searching for the fourth door to the right. She approached it and knocked three times lightly. The door was made of polished crimson wood. It was so smooth that it would be utterly impossible to be struck with a splinter, even if somebody grinded their skin against it. Additionally, it was thoroughly painted. Serenity pressed her ear to the door, attempting to ascertain if somebody was there. The light in the room was on. Suddenly, she heard heavy footsteps approaching the door, growing louder. She backed away just in time as the door was unlocked and swung open. Bastion revealed himself.

  “Serenity,” he announced her presence matter-of-factly.

  “What?”

  “May I come in?” Serenity asked kindly, to prevent the contingency of not being allowed inside. She needed at least a cursory glance of the place.

  Bastion stared deeply at her and then stepped aside, ushering her in. She entered his room, surveying every detail. She observed the gold-trimmed furniture, the weapons (most likely ceremonial) stacked on the glossy marble walls, a full suit of armor displayed on a mannequin, and a giant portrait of a soldier. It was a man clad in silver armor, wielding a two-handed sword and a silky scarlet cape. The man wore a helmet, so she couldn’t see his face. Bastion noticed her looking and addressed it.

  “That’s my great-grandfather,” he stated proudly, almost boastfully. “He was a tremendous soldier in our family, back in his time. A war hero. I often try to emulate his greatness, but it’s difficult.”

  “Did he die in battle?” she asked, keeping the conversation flowing, simultaneously searching for any keys.

  “Yes, against the Carlisles,” Bastion said acridly. “He died with honor, though. Legend says he took down four men at once before he fell.”

  “Wait, the Carlisles have been in war with the Aurelians for how long?” Serenity asked, puzzled. She had no idea this feud was so perennial and everlasting. Since even before Gunther’s time.

  “Oh, of course!” Bastion snapped as if she was insane. “You had no idea? Your family and ours have been battling for nearly a century.”

  “My family? My family is yours,” she frowned.

  “Oh, I apologize,” Bastion drawled. “Your former family. Now, what do you want? What brings you to my chamber?”

  She pulled the pendant out of her pocket, holding it up.

  “Destiny asked me to bring you this.”

  “Destiny’s a good girl,” he beamed. “One-of-a-kind. I have work to do for the Council; set the pendant down by the mantel, would you?”

  Bastion pulled up a chair and took a seat by his desk. Grabbing a sheet of paper and a pen, he began scribbling away without stopping. The job as a Councilman must’ve entailed plenty of paperwork. Serenity walked over to the mantel above the fireplace, setting the pendant down. Her eyes remained fixed on the mantelpiece, dazed at what she discovered: Bastion’s set of keys, attached to a ring. Among the dozen keys was what she was looking for: an old, rusty iron key standing out from the rest of them, as if it was an apple among oranges. Her hand slowly gained on the key, compelled to reach out and simply take it. She threw caution to the wind, not even noting Bastion’s presence in the room. Just three more inches.

  “You can take your leave now, I’m busy,” Bastion suddenly ordered.

  She withdrew her hand instantly, spinning around. Bastion noticed the abrupt motion from the corner of his eyes, looking back at her. He had not seen anything, thankfully. Serenity nodded, walking primly to the door with her hands behind her back. She was shattered with disappointment on the inside; the key had neared so close to her possession, and possibly may never come as close again. Had she blown her only opportunity?

  “And if I somehow manage to forget something else, don’t knock on my door tomorrow afternoon. I won’t be there.”

  “What time exactly?” Serenity asked, pretending to sound mildly curious when, in reality, she was fully intent on finding out.

  “1:00 PM the latest, and I won’t be back until dinner time. I take a bath at 12:00 PM sharp. And another before bed, of course.”

  “Oh, okay. Goodnight,” she waved, shutting the door behind her. Another chance had presented itself to her. Burglary was inevitable.

  The next morning, she awoke while instantly remembering the events that ensued the preceding night. Excitement and anticipation welled up inside her. Today is the day, she told herself avidly. Five days left.

  Knowing how punctual and organized Bastion was, she knew 12:00 PM would be her time to strike. Depending on how long Bastion took to bathe, she had only a five-to-ten minute window to complete her mission. She conjectured that he wouldn’t take long; military people did everything in a hurry.

  After breakfast, she retired back to her chamber. Her peripheral vision w
arned her that she was being tailed. She caught a glimpse of who was surreptitiously following her through a wall-mirror situated by a turn in the hall. Of course, it was Lyla. She paid no mind to her, unwilling to stir up conflict or a confrontation. Ascending the double staircase, turning into the left hall, and opening her door was executed as it was like on any other ordinary day. As soon as she shut the door, she waited with her back against it, listening closely. There wasn’t any noise outside. Lyla must’ve quit tailing her, upon realizing she was simply returning to her chamber. Serenity groaned, contemplating on when to have a serious conversation with the girl. Sooner or later, she would have to address the matter head-on. Ignoring it consistently would not avail their bitter relationship. She was desperate to uncover the revelations regarding Lyla’s dislike towards her. What was the source? It was obviously more than distrust. It transcended distrust, evolving into loathing. How had she wronged her? Lyla masquerading as the apathetic, anti-social girl was a contrived personality often; it was clear she faked it, as the animosity was palpable.

  Serenity reposed on the recliner next to her fireplace, watching the clock as the minutes passed interminably. The hour hand seemed miles away from landing at 12:00, despite it being three hours away. She questioned whether she should stay in her chamber for the next three hours.

  “I’m going crazy,” she muttered to herself, sliding down lazily to her feet off the edge of the cushion of the recliner.

  But it wasn’t lunacy. Insanity was Helena. This was commitment. A virtue that was a prerequisite for completing any daunting task. At the thought of Helena, she remembered suddenly the process of stealing the basement key back at Patrick’s house—and definitely the consequences that followed after being caught. Lashed by a belt under freezing temperatures and burned by a lighter. These two events had exacerbated—no, birthed the nascent hatred she had for Patrick. However, stealing Patrick’s key was a far simpler task than purloining Bastion’s jailhouse key. For the basement key, all she had to do was exploit Helena’s negligence and swipe the key from the kitchen. It was wide open and unguarded, inviting her to take.12:00 PM arrived with a resounding tick, summoning her to her feet. She had zoned out the majority of the time, at forty-minute intervals. Without delay, she proceeded out of her chamber and down the hall.