by West, Shay
“Ugh, can you get that thing open already? I think you destroyed my hearing,” Brad groaned.
“You could lend a hand rather than sitting back there and complaining,” Forka grunted.
Brad moved up beside him and together the two men forced the door open as wide as it would go. Forka held his torch aloft and moved into the narrow tunnel. The floor was littered with debris and dust so thick his eyes watered as they pushed through it.
“Sir, look.”
Forka turned at the sound of Robert’s voice off to his left. He inhaled sharply as he spotted a piece of a skull partially buried in a pile of dirt.
“I wonder how many more we will find?” Robert asked.
--Most of the bodies turned to dust long ago. You probably won’t find much more than a few pieces of bone in the piles of bone dust--
“You mean that this dirt may be what’s left of a person?” Sloan blanched.
“We need to leave our feelings at the door. I won’t bring the Jhinn up here until we have searched every inch of this place. The sooner we finish, the sooner we can tell them we found a safe place to hide,” Forka said.
As he moved from the tunnel and into a larger room, Forka heard Robert mumbling a few words over the skull of whoever had died in this entryway. Forka couldn’t help but wonder who it had been: had it been a man or a woman, was the person young or old, had he tried to seek shelter and died of old age or had he been sick?
He spotted a few more bits that could be old bones or perhaps bits of concrete. His boots kicked up pieces of metal as he moved through the room. He wondered what they were.
Brad and Sloan moved piles of dirt aside and gathered as much wood as they could find, making a few meager heaps. They lit them with their torches, trying to push the darkness in the large room away.
“Let’s see if we can move these piles of dirt against the walls. We’ll clear them out later,” Forka ordered.
Using a large piece of metal he found against one wall, Sloan pushed it against the floor, shoving large amounts of dirt up against the walls. The others searched the area to see if they could find anything large enough to help with the clean up.
Forka leaned against the large plank of oak he’d found, wiping his face with the bottom of his shirt. The clean-up job stirred up so much dust that the men took turns leaving the room to breathe the somewhat cleaner air in the tunnel.
“How did the people of the past deal with all this dust?” Brad growled as he walked back intothe room.
--The installation had electricity in the past. It was used to power the air purifiers. When this place was in use, the people kept it clean and free of dirt and dust--
“Is there any hope of the machinery working?” Brad asked hopefully.
--None. With the main doors open, this whole installation is exposed to the elements. The machinery will be rusted if not completely disintegrated by now--
“Figures,” Sloan said.
“We will have to do the best we can. At least we can get the Jhinn out of the open,” Forka said.
--There may be shafts that we can open to allow in some light and fresh air--
“Why don’t we have a look around? Brad, you, Robert and the clone take the door opposite where we came in and Sloan and I will take that door,” Forka said, pointing to a door on the other side of the room. “We’ll meet back here. Don’t be gone long.”
Forka motioned for Sloan to bring the torch and follow. He wanted his own hands free. The door opened fairly easily when he tried it, though the hinges protested a bit.
“Which way?” Sloan asked.
“Let’s go to the left.”
Forka moved slowly, noticing there was hardly any dirt in this area. He assumed it was because the doors had been closed and it had been more difficult for dust to find its way in here. Another building with a door lay just ahead. Forka frowned as he examined the walls more closely. The building was not cut into the rock of the mountain like he had first thought. There was at least a foot of space between the building and the edge of the walkway. The top of the building disappeared into the darkness above.
Forka opened the door and walked slowly inside. The light from the torch reflected off several metal shelves, many of which still had stuff still on them. Forka reached out and blew some dust off a small bottle.
“What is this place?” Sloan asked.
“I don’t know. There’s no sign or no labels on anything in here.”
“It’s a little spooky. That bottle could be hundreds of years old.”
Forka nodded, putting the bottle back on the shelf. The building was small, but several stories tall. He explored a set of stairs off the back of the building but they were so rotten he didn’t trust them to hold his weight. Further exploration would have to wait until he could bring some ropes or lumber to fix the stairs.
The pair exited the building and moved around it and into the main passageway. Another building rose up in the middle of the hallway, as tall as the previous one. Once they got the door open it was obvious that this one was much larger than the first one. There were many rows of shelves, disappearing into inky darkness. In front of these were a half dozen rectangular counters. As they moved deeper into the building, Forka caught the reflection of the torch down one of the aisles. His pulse sped up as curiosity drove him between the two tall shelves. He was met with row upon row of cans. The labels had long since rotted away so he had no idea what was inside, but he suspected it was food of some kind.
They explored further and found more cans on other shelves, piles of dust on the shelves as well as on the floor, and strange cases that had once been walled in glass. Much of it had broken and now lay on the ground or inside the cases.
I think I know what this place used to be!
“I believe this used to a place where people could buy food,” Forka said.
“People used to buy food? How do you buy food?” Sloan asked.
“With something called money. It used to be printed on paper, though they also used coins made of various metals. People earned money by working and they used it to buy what they needed.”
Sloan shook his head. “So they would come and buy deer, elk, stuff like that?”
Forka laughed. “Not exactly. Earth of the past was very different. I’ll tell you about it sometime.”
The pair walked out of the entrance and went down a side tunnel. Forka wanted to see what was near the center of this area. As he moved closer to one building that didn’t stand as tall the others surrounding it, Forka noticed that the side wall was see-through. Sloan held the torch high as they both peered into the room. The material the wall was made of was dirty and it was difficult to see into the room but what Forka could see made him grin.
The room was full of computers. They weren’t functional and probably hadn’t been for hundreds of years. Many of the monitors were broken and the towers crumbled into dust if he touched them. Large screens covered the walls, most broken.
“What is this place?” Sloan asked breathlessly.
“I would say this was a central command room of some sort. The men and women in here could keep track of many different things at once using the computers and large screens.”
Sloan nodded slowly. He remembered the computers they had seen on Gentra. Knowing the people of this planet had once used such devices made his chest swell with pride.
“Let’s head back. On the way out, we can see if there are any places that might open to the exterior,” Forka said.
As they made their way through the passageways, Forka kept his eyes focused on the tops of the walls, hoping to see something that might open to the outside, but all he saw was the same unbroken wall with pipes running along it.
Brad, Robert, and the clone were already in the large chamber.
“We found something,” Brad said, practically jumping up and down.
“An opening to the outside?” Forka asked hopefully.
“No. But we found a natural spring and
four reservoirs filled to the brim with water. Good water.”
Forka hid his disappointment. He hadn’t been worried about water since they could easily find a creek or a spring nearby. What they needed was a way to bring in fresh air.
“We’ll have to keep looking. But for now, we need to eat.”
Hunger drove them back outside to find food in their saddle bags. The sun had set, bathing the landing in front of the tunnel in darkness. Robert started a small fire to ward off the chill. Far below, he could barely make out the pinpricks of light from the Jhinn camp.
“Tomorrow I want Sloan and Brad to return to the camp and begin moving the people up. The more hands we have cleaning the faster it will go. Robert, the clone, and I will explore more of the buildings to see if we can find anything of use to us,” Forka said.
As he lay there waiting for sleep to descend, he swore he could feel the ground vibrating beneath him.
You’re acting as dramatic as Brad, old man.
Forka sent up a prayer to the God of this world to keep his friends on Astra safe. He closed his eyes and sleep took him.
ASTRA
SAEMUS GLANCED BEHIND HIM at the long line of people making their way up into the Shadow Mountains. The horses danced sideways, forcing their riders to keep a firm hand on the reins. They could feel the vibration of the Mekans. Saemus couldn’t feel anything while standing on the ground but he trusted the instincts of the animals. The mountains had been free of any wild life, making it difficult for the hunters to feed the large group of people. They had to wander far from the group and most came back empty handed.
“We’ll be stopping for the night. Spread the word.”
Seamus looked at Rome Collins and nodded. Saemus had taken up the mantle of second-in-command. He had tried to argue, saying there were others older and more experienced than he was. Rome seemed to think the experience Saemus had gained since leaving the village all those years ago more than made up for his age.
Once again he found himself in an unwanted position of leadership, carrying the burden of responsibility on his shoulders whether he wanted to or not. He found himself praying to the good Spirits to keep an extra close eye on Rome. So long as the man lived, he wouldn’t have to bear the weight of being the new village leader.
“Has anyone heard from Jon lately?” Keera asked.
Saemus shook his head. “Not since the last time.”
“Are they still in Faerow?”
“I think so. The dark magician is mad if he thinks he can take sides with the Mekans. If what Feeror says is true, the machines won’t even acknowledge his existence.”
“Maybe he has an idea, something he can do with the dark magic that will work,” Keera said, chewing a strand of her red hair.
“I wouldn’t worry. Let the man waste his time. At least he is out of our hair.”
“I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him. If he says he wants to join forces with the Mekans, he must think he can do it.”
Saemus sighed. He knew Keera was right. It was just another twist in their life that he didn’t want to deal with. So many Chosen and three of the four Guardians had been killed; Volgon was destroyed, the Gentran prophets were silent, the Mekans were on all their worlds, and it was only a matter of time before Earth, Astra, and Kromin were as ghostly silent as Volgon now was.
“I’ll have the clone contact Jon and get an update. Happy now?” he asked.
“Don’t grump at me. This is part of what comes with being in charge,” Keera said as she turned her horse to ride next to Kaelin.
Saemus fought the urge to stick his tongue out at her retreating back. As he rode, he communicated with the clone and asked it to contact Jon and find out what was happening near Faerow. For all they knew, the Mekans could have already destroyed the capital city of the Western Continent, or perhaps the dark magician had been successful in communicating with the machines and all their troubles were over.
Just as he was about to open his mind to the Kromin, his mare stomped, fighting the bit, trying to turn around and go back the way they’d come. The animal whickered in fear, her eyes rolling.
“Easy girl.” Saemus patted her neck.
“What’s going on? The horses are trying to turn around. What do they know that we don’t?” Rome asked.
“I don’t know. But maybe we should take heed. Animals often sense things we don’t,” Saemus said, all thought of Jon exiting his mind.
“You suggest we turn around and go back? We’ve been traveling for more than a week.”
“No. Just that maybe we should take it easy and not force them to move forward if they are this reluctant.”
“It’s probably just a shadowcat,” Rome said.
“I don’t think so—”
Saemus’ horse reared up and nearly bolted back down the path. He lost his grip on the reins and hit the ground hard. A moan escaped his clenched lips as soon as he was able to breathe. As he lay there hoping he hadn’t broken anything, he noticed a queer vibration in the earth that made the hair on his arms stand on end.
Saemus forced himself to his feet. He shook his head trying to clear the haze of pain.
“Here’s you mare,” Rome said as he handed Saemus the reins.
“Thanks. I know why the animals are spooked. If you stand on the ground you can feel the vibration.”
“Vibration from what?”
“A Mekan, somewhere close, I would assume. We felt it when we were in the Blasted Lands and when they landed near Faerow. Maybe they are in the mountains digging somewhere.”
“Let’s send a scout. I hate to turn around and go back for nothing. We’ll camp here until the scout returns,” Rome said.
“I suggest Feeror and Moylir. No one can travel faster than those two.”
“Agreed. You find them and I’ll send word to the people to set up camp,” Rome said as he wheeled his horse around.
Saemus swung up on his horse, still fighting to keep her from bolting. He didn’t blame the mare. That vibration coming through the ground made him want to run screaming down the mountain.
He located Feeror and Moylir near the periphery of the group. Both watched the trees like they expected Mekans to come swarming into the midst of the travelers.
“I need you two to go ahead and scout the area. There’s something spooking the horses and I have a feeling a Mekan has landed somewhere ahead of us. Rome doesn’t want to take the people ahead until we know what we’re dealing with,” Saemus said.
“Do you want us on foot?” Feeror asked.
“I think that would be best. If there is a machine up there, you will have your hands full fighting a frightened animal. Contact the clone if you find anything. Watch yourselves. There are shadowcats in these mountains,” Saemus said.
Feeror grinned. “Sounds like a foe worthy of two Volgon warriors.” Moylir answered his grin with one of her own.
Saemus rolled his eyes. He should have known the pair would find the idea of encountering the enormous predators exciting.
Saemus watched the warriors head up the mountain at a fast pace. As always, when the Volgons left, he felt a twinge of fear coiling in his stomach. Their confidence and willingness to run headlong into danger made him feel braver and more able to face the uncertain future.
He moved off to find his twin. Ever since Brad had left to return to his home world, Kaelin had been more melancholy than he had ever seen her. He made it a point to keep an eye on her. Every night when they stopped to camp, he made sure to help set up her tent. She would sit near the fire and stare into it listlessly, nibbling on food when someone brought her dinner. She didn’t engage in conversation and responded with single-word answers if pressed.
“Rome has called a long stop. I’ve sent Feeror and Moylir ahead to scout the mountains,” Saemus said as he staked Kaelin’s tent to the ground. When she didn’t respond, he sighed.
“Kae, you have to snap out of it. He’ll be back, you’ll see.”
“No one i
s going to make it. The next time I see my husband will be in the home of the Spirits.”
Saemus turned to face his twin. She stared at the ground and refused to meet his eyes.
“There’s always hope.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. There is no hope. I almost wish I would have died with Gwen.”
Saemus grabbed her shoulders and gave her a sharp jerk. “Don’t you dare say that! What about me? What about Mom and Dad? Hu, Tad, little Malory? Don’t you care how they would feel if you were dead?”
“It would be easier to be dead and have it done and over with. Why is it better to drag things out?”
“Listen to yourself! Do you really believe things would be better if you were dead?”
She met his eyes and Saemus backed away from the defeat he found within their onyx depths. “At least I wouldn’t feel this way anymore.” She sagged against him and the force of her sobs nearly brought her to her knees.
Saemus held her and let his own tears fall onto her black hair. He felt her pain as though he were going through it himself. It had been difficult for her to accept Brad’s proposal of marriage, hard to have faith that a good man would be enough when she had dreamed all her life of marrying a rich man who could provide for her. This destiny had taken her world and shaken the very foundations on which she had built her dreams.
And now her husband was gone, probably never to return. Saemus didn’t want to admit that. He talked only of hope, and yet he was guilty of harboring none in his own heart. In his mind he saw his world ravaged by the giant machines, and every man, woman, and child dead.
He couldn’t say how long he held his twin in his arms. He walked her over to a log so that she could sit down. There was a pot of boiling water hanging over a fire nearby so Saemus went in search of some tea.
Kaelin sat where he had left her. She reached out and took the tea he brought back for her but didn’t say a word. Saemus missed his lively twin. He swallowed hard against the anger rising in his throat. Part of him wished Brad had agreed to stay behind with his new wife. But another part knew that he couldn’t leave the people he’d grown up with to face the Mekans alone.
