The Last Singer (The Falcon Chronicles Book 1)

by Marjorie Lindsey

  “Not for this. It’s probably citywide. We’ll have to wait for another day.”

  “This information is too important to wait. My father needs to know about Delio’s plans.”

  “Yes, and so does Kaal, but too many interruptions will be suspicious. I’m not prepared to risk Kaal’s life. If he’s caught, the rebellion might falter and we’ll have no means of defeating Delio even if he is exposed.”

  I felt frustrated but understood her concern for her brother. “You’re right, but there must be something we can do.”

  “Perhaps there is another way to contact Kaal.”

  Metallic squeals drowned her voice as the equipment lurched into action.

  “Back to work.” Ruby stalked around the machines as the women scrambled to their workstations. “That means you, Bokk.”

  “I’ll tell you later,” Leika mouthed the words and hurried away.

  That evening I pulled her aside. She didn’t look happy to lose her place in the dinner line.

  “What’s your plan?” I asked when we were a safe distance from the others.

  “It’s hard to think on an empty stomach,” she grumbled then grinned unexpectedly. “You better smile too or someone might think we’re plotting.”

  I curled up the edges of my mouth and forced a laugh. “What’s your idea?”

  “You’ll have to find Kaal at the recpod. He’s there most evenings. It’s the only way to get a message to him quickly.”

  “If I can find him among all the guards.” The recpod was getting busier every night. Guards not only trained there, they socialized at Swigs.

  “And you’ll have to make sure no one sees you,” warned Leika. “Especially Ruby. Can you find a way to ditch her while she’s training?”

  “I might have a way. Where’s the best place to look for Kaaluk?”

  “I’ve never been in the recpod, but apart from swimming, I know that Kaal likes heights. He loves the challenge of the climb and being able to see everything.”

  Something we had in common. A flutter of anticipation whispered through my body. “So maybe I should start with the rock walls. Ruby avoids climbing. She hates heights and I usually go up alone.”

  “That would be the perfect opportunity to look for Kaal. You know what he looks like and you can recognize his eyes, can’t you? He also has a faded scar here.” She drew her finger across her high cheekbone and smiled. “It’s where I caught him with a blade. I was eleven and he was teaching me to throw. He lied and told his friends he’d won a knife fight.”

  “Sounds like something my brother would say.”

  “They’ll get along well then.”

  For a few seconds, fond memories left us silent, then I confirmed my task.

  “Okay. I’ll look for Kaaluk tonight.”

  Six feet tall, broad shoulders, athletic build, green eyes, scar. How hard could it be to find Leika’s brother?

  My confidence dropped when I entered the recpod behind Ruby. A mass of dark-clad bodies impeded my view. Cheering men blocked the entrance to the track. The noise level lessened when a countdown commenced.

  “What’s going on?” Ruby demanded of a man beside her.

  “It’s a race.”

  Ruby swore and pushed her way through the crowd. It was easy to follow in her broad wake. She crossed the track in front of runners, lifting a finger to the booing crowd. I kept going as well, fully aware that our disruption had stopped the countdown and probably made us some enemies.

  “I’m going swimming.” Ruby strode away, not waiting for my response.

  She’d expect me to follow, but I decided to take a chance.

  “I’ll be climbing. Meet you later.” Would she demand my company? I held my breath and waited.

  She stopped and frowned. “Be back in the change room in one hour. Or else.” Her raised fist punched the air as she turned to leave.

  Could I complete my mission in an hour? I broke into a run and sped toward the rock walls.

  Most of the men still watched the race so climbers were few. I quickly found a clear route to the summit. Adrenaline fueled my progress, but near the peak my muscles started to burn. After a twenty-minute ascent, I hooked one foot over the final edge and pulled my legs onto the uppermost plateau. Exhausted, I lay for several minutes before checking for somewhere to wait without being noticed.

  There was no place to hide so I removed a boot and fiddled with it so as not to look conspicuous. As climbers arrived and left, I watched for distinguishing characteristics but none matched Kaaluk’s description. I sensed my time was almost up and started to feel despondent. I’d been certain I’d find him tonight, but in reality, the odds were against me.

  Another climber neared the top as I prepared to descend. Long fingers curled over the edge. A head thrust above the rim. The torso emerged. The build was right, the height too. I saw the faint white line on his cheek.

  “Kaaluk?” I asked softly.

  Green eyes shot to my position. He approached as I slipped on my boot. A surge of warmth flooded my chest when his strong hands pulled me to my feet.

  “What are you doing here?” he demanded then lowered his voice. “I know who you are. Pretend you’re afraid while we speak. Cameras are everywhere.”

  I glanced around but saw nothing.

  “Well, speak up,” he ordered thunderously.

  Even though he was acting, his tone alarmed me. I launched into a hurried explanation, remembering to whisper at the last minute. “I have information about Premier Delio. I overheard Prince say that his spaceships won’t take everyone, only those loyal to the premier. I think that’s why people are disappearing.”

  He nodded but said nothing.

  “Do you know my brother, Jarryd? Can you contact him? Can you give him the information so he can get it to my father on the council?”

  Distracted by the noisy conversation of approaching climbers, Kaaluk ignored my questions. “Go now,” he commanded as two men rolled onto the plateau. Seconds later, he strode to the rock rim and dropped over the edge.

  With agility and impressive speed, he was well down the rock face when I hooked my toes into the first foothold. When I reached the ground, I searched the milling crowd in vain. Kaaluk had disappeared.

  If only I’d been able to speak with Kaaluk longer. The Delios weren’t my only concern. I craved news about my family, but I understood his caution.

  Certain my climb had taken longer than an hour, I clenched my fists and pumped my arms as I ran to meet Ruby, pushing past black bodies, not caring about the furious grunts.

  “You’re late!” Ruby exploded angrily as I entered the change room. “Where were you?”

  “I told you I went climbing.” I stripped off my workout gear and donned my prison garb.

  “And I told you to be back here in an hour. If you disobey me like that again, I’ll tell the podmaster. I don’t need you anymore and I’ll get your recpod privilege pulled.”

  My deal was with Pig so I suspected her threat was an empty one, but I didn’t want to test that theory.

  I mumbled a ‘sorry’ but she continued to rant and spent the entire boat ride grilling me about my whereabouts. She didn’t touch me, but I still felt battered by the time we’d reached the laundry.

  Only the emergency lights were on as I entered the bunker. I looked at Leika who pointed to the wedge. I pushed it under the door, then staggered toward my bed. As usual, no one else acknowledged my presence.

  As I sat removing my boots, Leika’s hand dropped from the bunk above and brushed my shoulder.

  “Meet me in the bathroom in half an hour.”

  22

  Diary Revealed

  Despite a daily cleaning, the smell of urine persisted around the toilet cubicles.

  I suspected Leika was also wrinkling her nose but I couldn’t see since only a dim globe lit the area around the stalls.

  “This is something I won’t miss,” she said.

  “The smell or the secret meeti
ngs?”

  “The smell, of course. Secret meetings can be fun. How did yours go? Did you find Kaal?”

  “Yes. He showed up at the top of the climbing wall. I told him what I’d overheard Prince say. I tried to ask him about Jarryd, but other climbers arrived. It was too dangerous to continue the discussion.”

  “I’m sorry.” Her gentle tone soothed my disappointment. “At least you were able to tell him what you overheard. That’s important.”

  Shuffling footsteps approached. We crouched into a corner while a woman used a toilet. We were surprised when the cubicle light came on. The power was back. We remained hidden until we heard her leave.

  “Maybe next time you can ask about your family.” Leika’s boots scraped the floor as she stood. “I’ve had enough of this cesspit. Time for bed.”

  I waited. “Toilet, then bed for me. Sleep well.”

  Leika yawned. “Same to you.”

  I didn’t like to deceive Leika but I needed time alone. I’d shoved the diary into my boot before meeting her. With the power back on, I was determined to read it.

  The first week in the laundry, I’d worn the diary, strapped to my leg. It was secure but my skin became raw from the irritation inside my sweaty boots. I had to find an alternative.

  Since there were no bed checks or dorm searches, I surmised that Ruby and Pig had little interest in the bunker. Fashioning a headscarf into a small sling, I tied it to the metal grid that supported my bed and slipped the diary inside. Out of sight, it was the perfect hiding spot.

  The light beamed as I opened the cubicle door. I closed the lock and pulled the book from my boot.

  The ancient cover felt warm to my touch. My fingers stroked the faint impression. I’d forgotten to ask Mother about it because I’d been so upset that weekend. Memories flooded back. Mother’s care. Hiking with Circe. Jarryd and Marta’s engagement announcement. Weyland’s victory over the drone. Even Father’s disapproval didn’t bother me. I missed them all. So much had changed in such a short time.

  I closed my eyes for a moment. Images of the island filled my inner landscape. Being home again seemed an impossible dream where I couldn’t afford to wallow.

  When I opened the diary, a paper slipped out. A lump filled my throat when I recognized Mother’s handwriting.

  Darling Brynna,

  The diary was difficult to understand, but I think my translation is accurate. I’ve added some instruction that will assist you in learning the old language as well.

  As I suspected, this diary belonged to the Genetrix who lived on our island many years ago. Most details are memories of daily life in her feminary, but in the final pages, she has recorded a prophecy. It foretells of the destruction of the sisterhood by a strange-eyed visitor. The last page of the diary is missing, so the source and the timing of the prophecy are unknown.

  Prophecies are only predictions. During my time at the feminary, this foretelling was never mentioned. It was probably discarded or forgotten over the years. Still, it is important that you wear your lens at all times.

  She mentions a second diary containing details about the secret rituals and ceremonies of feminary life known only to the Genetrix. It might hold some answers that could explain the unusual vocal experiences—both yours and Weyland’s.

  The impression on the front cover is an outline of the oracle stone worn by the Genetrix. It’s a large circular crystal. A symbol of her rank and power. A falcon is etched onto the back cover. I expect that the second book will have the same cover markings.

  The cave is the most likely place to look for the second diary. My weak eyesight prevents me from searching for it, but I hope that once you are home again you will find it.

  Until you return,

  All my love,

  Mother

  Be strong and safe. Your voice is your power.

  I flipped to the end of the book. My fingers followed the foreign words, reading Mother’s translation under each line.

  Strange-eyed? Could they mean mismatched? Could it be me?

  My heart thumped in my chest as I gasped shallow breaths. My shaky hand flew to my necklace. It represented family and love and gave me strength.

  Logic dictated that the diary was from before the Rising. The old Genetrix was from a different feminary than the one that now survived. As Mother wrote, it might have been just a prediction that never came true. One long forgotten.

  Momentary relief fled as the damning phrase replayed in my mind. Strange-eyed.

  Then I remembered that my lens had belonged to my grandmother. She’d been a Genetrix but the sisterhood hadn’t been destroyed. Perhaps mismatched eyes were a genetic variation that affected other Femin.

  I couldn’t be the only one.

  Could I?

  I turned to the first page of the diary and started to read. There had to be more.

  “Brynna? Are you in here?” Leika knocked on my stall door.

  “Yes. Not so loud. You’ll wake the others.”

  Leika harrumphed. “It’s morning, you idiot. If you don’t hurry, you’ll miss breakfast. What were you doing in there?”

  My all-night venture proved unsuccessful. The writings offered insights into feminary life, but no additional information about the prophecy.

  I shoved the diary down the side of my boot and opened the door. Fatigue made my head spin. I stifled a yawn but when I saw Leika’s stern scrutiny, I doubled with laughter. “Your scowl makes you look like a mad ferret.”

  “Thanks a lot.” She grinned but persisted. “Are you going to tell me what kept you in here all night?”

  “Private business.” My words weren’t harsh, just direct. For the first time, I hadn’t tried to soften my response to please someone else. Instead, I’d been true to myself.

  She shrugged. “Okay. Let’s go.”

  Unlike Calia, she didn’t push and prod. Instead, she respected my answer without question, as a real friend would.

  We peeped cautiously into the bunker. Workers were gathered around the video screen and paid no attention as we joined the group.

  “What’s happening?” she asked.

  “Special announcement,” responded one woman.

  From the door came a clack of heeled boots. The crowd parted for Ruby and her entourage as they headed to the front. Moments later, the screen went live and Premier Delio’s face appeared. He uttered the usual comments about the rebels and security that we’d heard before but he added one final announcement.

  “For security reasons, Steepchase will be canceled unless the rebels are apprehended. The council has offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of the rebel leaders. Their capture will ensure the continuation of our annual games. Once again, loyal citizens are asked to come forward with any information.”

  Delio’s image flickered out.

  “He can’t do that,” growled Ruby as she strode to the door, her acolytes on her heels.

  “Pig’s in trouble,” said Leika.

  “So are we if Steepchase is canceled,” I added.

  “Steepchase will go on.” Leika nodded.

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “Delio’s already got enough trouble on his hands without canceling the games. My bet is the Premier is getting desperate and looking for any leverage.”

  “I hope you’re right.” I wasn’t as confident.

  As far as I knew, there was no Ruby-Pig confrontation. Later that afternoon Ruby appeared again, Pig beside her. Her arms draped around his neck. His hands stroked the sides of her breasts. They shared a smile of satisfaction.

  I felt nauseated when I guessed at the reason, but also some relief that she might have managed to persuade him to push for the games to continue.

  Getting out of the laundry was my route to freedom.

  My future depended on Steepchase.

  Changing the water in the laundry vats was a disgusting job. It involved scraping out several inches of black sludge that lined the bottom of the washers. Th
e only positive was that Leika and I were both assigned to the task so we were able to talk.

  “Can you sabotage the machines today?” I was on edge after a second sleepless night.

  It was obvious from the morning video that Delio was still in charge. Perhaps Kaaluk hadn’t yet passed the information to my brother, or Jarryd to Father. I was desperate to know what was happening on the rest of Hypor.

  Leika shook her head. “It’s too soon. Kaal will need time. He knows we’re anxious but he has to be careful. He’ll contact me when he can. You have to trust him.”

  Trust was difficult with so much at stake. Stuck in the laundry, all I could do was wait. With luck, I’d soon be free to join the rebellion and help expose Delio’s plans before it was too late.

  I leaned over to scrub the last section of dirt that ringed the tub when Leika jabbed me with the toe of her boot.

  “That hurt.” I rubbed my calf and scowled but quickly forgot the injury when I looked in the direction she nodded.

  Prince Delio and two guards had entered the bunker and were walking toward Pig’s office. Prince went inside. One guard proceeded onto the dock while the other leaned against the wall beside the office door and surveyed the room. His piercing green eyes hesitated slightly when he spotted Leika.

  It was Kaaluk.

  My heart quickened as Leika started forward.

  “Don’t watch, just keep scrubbing,” she whispered before gathering an armful of dirty clothes from a nearby pile.

  I couldn’t stop myself. From the corner of my eye, I saw her stumble and tip her load of garments onto the floor. The operation must have been one they’d executed before. Kaaluk kicked at the offending pile and walked away, but not before dropping something. Leika quickly picked up the item, then the clothes, and returned to our task.

  She grabbed a scrub brush but said nothing. Her slight smile gave me hope.

  A short while later Ruby appeared and sent Leika to clean the bunker. It wasn’t until dinner that I was able to ask her about her brother’s exchange.