by Jill Cooper
Rebecca sighed loudly. “The day I respect you, Sebastian, is the day I turn in my apron.”
“We need two rooms for tonight. Are they available?” Sebastian asked slowly, but I could tell his patience was wearing thin.
“Only one. You’ll have to share one. Pity, right?” Rebecca raised a high eyebrow before she moved on, slapping her cloth against the counter as she went.
“I’m sorry for her.” Sebastian leaned in close. “I’m afraid we’ve known each other a long time, and she’s… wanted things from me I can’t give her. She thinks I intend to give it to you, but she doesn’t understand what we are after is much more important.”
I’m not sure I do, either. I finished my food and sat up straighter. Wiping my mouth on my napkin, I tepidly give Sebastian a glance. “Will we really need to share a room?”
Sebastian nodded. “I’ll make sure it’s respectful. I can take the chair or the floor. Sleep is all we’re after. Tomorrow I’ll buy us a few supplies, and then we’ll be off on our own.”
“Supplies?”
“Water, food rations. Rebecca keeps a well-stocked storefront. While it might not all be as gourmet as beef, it’ll at least keep our strength up. Our bellies full.”
I nodded. “I don’t have any money I can donate to you. Money in Rottenwood is in short supply, I’m afraid. Most everything we do is through barter and trade.”
Sebastian held up his finger. “Your money is of no use to me. I have enough to get us where we’re going. I hope so at the very least.” He rapped his knuckles on the bar top and slid from his stool. “I’m going to secure a room from Rebecca. Best you stay here.”
He sauntered away, and I finished my warm broth. It had an earthy flavor, was warm and comforting, and full-bodied. Most things I ate were watered down to stretch a few days longer, but nothing had tasted this good.
An old man slid beside me on Sebastian’s vacant stool. His bald head shined, and he wore a black patch over his left eye. “Civilized girl, I’d recognize your kind anywhere.” He pointed at my plate and then my glass. “How does freedom taste to you?”
It tasted good, yet I felt I didn’t deserve it. There was nothing here worth anything to me. No work, no family. The ministers kept us safe and secure, but here they kept themselves safe by keeping watch and using weapons. If they fell asleep while on guard, if something happened and these people made a mistake, everyone might die.
They lived under the threat of scavengers, and I feared the price of freedom was too high. But in the back of the room, sounds of laughter swelled and caught my attention. A young woman and a man laughed, they danced in circles with a fast stomp of their feet. People gathered around them and clapped.
There was love and laughter, and I smiled despite myself. Despite my doubt, I liked being here. I liked watching the dance and wished someday I could dance, too.
****
We didn’t retire right away. I stayed behind in the kitchen long after others did and helped wash the dishes and wipe down the silverware. Rebecca hovered about, sighing and breathing too loud at every little thing I did. When my eyes met hers, I saw disdain on her face and contempt flash in her eyes.
I wiped my hands on the apron I had borrowed. I untied it and slung it over the countertop. Rebecca stood with hands on her hips, clearly not happy with my work. “If I did something you don’t appreciate…”
“Your worth ethic is strong. Clearly, not everything in the civilized world is as we are told. I thought the ministers did everything for you.”
“You’re wrong. It’s more we do everything for them.”
Rebecca nodded. “Sleep well, you’ve earned it.” She rubbed her lower back as she turned away from me, and it made me think of my momma.
“Do you dislike me just because of where I’m from?”
She turned and gave me a pithy look. “He’s been looking for you for years. Sebastian. He hunted and searched, it’s all he could think about.”
Was that all it was? She was jealous? “I have no interest in Sebastian.”
Her eyes slanted. “Now he’s found you, and you’ll get him killed. I know it. I feel it in my bones.” Rebecca hurried off, placing her hands on the doorway to help herself get up the stairs, and I stood in the drafty kitchen, listening to the wind howl.
Rebecca’s feelings for Sebastian ran deeper than I thought. There had been real despair in her eyes, and my stomach turned sour. Were her words true? Would I get Sebastian killed?
It made me think of George, and it turned my stomach.
On the counter, I picked up a candle that burned lightly. It lit the way as I carried on up the stairs and turned toward the room Rebecca rented Sebastian and I. The fireplace in the corner burned bright, and there was a green stuffed chair beside it. Sebastian glanced up when I entered, and I greeted him tepidly.
“Nice room,” I said as I wedged the door shut. It barely fit against the jamb, and the floorboards creaked as I made my way across. I placed the candle on the end table by the small bed. Sitting on the green comforter was my satchel, chock full of books and papers.
Plus now, a magical remnant. Everything I needed to restore the world. If the world didn’t kill me first.
“Nice as it gets around here.” Sebastian licked his lips and picked up his stein of beer. “If you need to wet your whistle…”
I shook my head. “No, thank you. I doubt I could ever bring myself to drink such a thing. It’s ingrained in us how bad it is for you. How it affects productivity and your work load.”
“Life isn’t about just work, Tarnish.” Sebastian threw back his blanket and stood up from the squeaky recliner. In a few short strides, he stood before me. “It’s about fun, love, living. I know you know this.” Sebastian picked up my bag and gave it a little shake for emphasis.
“You’ve been carrying these around for God knows how long because you crave something more than work. Fun, freedom. Life. You want it all.”
He might be right, but I didn’t want to admit it. “I’m afraid. I think being here has me more afraid than I’ve ever been. I'd rather face the death hunters, that’s how afraid I am.”
“What are you afraid of?” Sebastian took me by the shoulders. “What is there to fear here other than living? You tell me.”
“The choices. Here there are many. Back home, all the choices were made for me. What I’d do with life, who I’d marry, even the food is chosen for us. We have some freedom, but the important things, it’s all pre-ordained by the ministers. I never realized what a comfort that is.”
“Comfort?” Sebastian stepped back, and it’s clear my choice of words has offended him. I didn’t mean to, I’m just trying to come to grips with everything I’m feeling. Everything I’m seeing in this new place.
“I didn’t mean it the way I sounded. I know what they are, I know who they hunt and take from my friends. My family.”
“If you miss the ministers so much, say the word, and I’ll take you back. You don’t have to go on this mission with me if you miss home that much. You'd rather live in servitude? I’ll take you back. You just say when.”
Sebastian returned to his side of the room and slid back into his chair. I wanted to say something, apologize, but I didn’t know how to say what my heart felt. I tried to come to grips with everything that’s been happening, with everything being asked of me.
“I didn’t ask for any of this,” I said loudly. “I didn’t ask to be dropped into this mission or this fight. I’ve lost George and—”
“Everyone has lost someone. I might have lost my father, my entire family of friends, loved ones. Those children.” Sebastian kicked his legs back and stood up again. He pointed to my bag lying on my bed. “You’ve been heading toward this all your life. You just don’t see it yet, but you’re her, Tarnish Rose. You’re the leader we’ve been looking for. You were born to do it. Now you just have to get out of your own way and figure it out.” He threw his arms up in the air. “I can’t do it for you.”
Chapter Six
The Temptress
Inside, she was empty and flat. There was a shallowness to the Temptress that couldn’t be filled.
Restless, she entered the throne room through the wide doors. The top of the tower overlooked the great wastelands she roamed. She stormed over to the far circular platform, shiny and black with twists of silver through it like a spiraling rope. There were no walls, but yet, she didn’t fall.
Temptress lifted her hand as she approached, and the invisible force field kept her from flying off. In her hand was the golden staff for her to protect and wield. A blue light glowed from the top and shot out, growing like a fire. Temptress smiled as the wild lands she surveyed disappeared and the tower entered darkness.
The tower was gone and soon would move, but right then, Temptress and all those in the tower were lost in the abyss. Her favorite time of the day. Turning, she walked back to her throne in the center of the room. She flipped back the hem of her red robe and sat down, crossing her legs.
Temptress slid both her hands against the metal armrests and felt how they clanked and banged against the cool, hard material. Leaning her head back, she gazed up at the blue shining light coming down from the canopy of stars.
Soon she’d be refreshed, just as it had been for the last few hundred years she had been alive. If not for this place, if not for the ravagers who kept her fed, Temptress would’ve withered and died a long time ago.
But it couldn’t be allowed. Not until Creighton died at her hand.
****
“You will change your mind.” The Temptress gritted her teeth and stabbed her golden staff against George’s side. Inside the cell, George cried out in pain. His head was back, and the chains on the floor that bound his ankles and wrists clacked as he fought. He tossed his body back and forth, the area where the staff touched burning hot. His flesh seared and began to smoke.
“Please, Temptress! I can’t give you what you want!”
The Temptress pulled the staff back, giving him a moment of reprieve. George sobbed, half in pain and half in relief, his chin to his chest. “You mean you refuse! Pledge your allegiance to me and my tower! You do, and all this will stop, dear George.” She bent down and stroked his chin, but George only pulled his head back.
“I can’t stomach your touch,” George whispered.
“You’re a damn fool!” she hissed and grabbed his hair, pulling his head back even further. “I see the fear in your eyes. You wreak of it! All I ask is that you rebuke Abby Taylor and you side with me. It won’t hurt anymore. You’ll look into my eyes, and you’ll love me. You won’t feel remorse. What could be better?”
“Being by her side. Looking into her eyes again. Standing for what is right. All of that is better than living a lie with you.”
She pushed his head back. “Well, you’re a damn fool. I almost pity you. Almost.”
George swallowed hard and waited for what she’d do next. “Please, have mercy…”
“Mercy is for the weak! I’ll make it so you’ll never look upon her again!” The Tempress spun her staff and angrily pushed it against his right eye, pushing harder when he screamed as his eye began to smoke.
“Your suffering will not end! I’ll make sure of it that you never die! Not until you beg to be mine.”
Chapter Seven
Tarnish Rose
He’s right. When I wake in the morning, the only thing I can focus on is how right Sebastian was and how wrong I was. Being here in the forbidden lands has overwhelmed me, but I need to move past it.
I got myself ready for the day, freshening my hair up with a bit of water before I put on my cloak. I tightened my belt tightly against my waist and slung my satchel over my shoulder. Slipping on my tall black boots, I was ready to continue the journey, wherever it took me.
There’s a light knocking at the door. “Tarnish, breakfast is ready if you’d like to eat before we head out.” Sebastian stuck his head in the room. There seemed to be no ill will about the night before in his tone or stance.
Good. I don’t want to fight.
I don’t want to bring it up, either. “Sounds great, yeah.”
We walked together downstairs, and Sebastian kept glancing at me. When I looked at him, he quickly glanced away. “Something on your mind?” I asked.
He tossed his hand in the air. “Last night. I was grumpy. This is all new to you, and I’m just sorry. I keep expecting you to take charge and drive us on. You’re not ready yet, and that’s okay. I’m with you in this until the end, no matter how we get there.”
Kind words, but they didn’t make me feel any better. “I want to take charge. I want to be confident and filled with resolve, but I’m not used to being on my own. I’m used to running from the hunters, not running to them. It’s just going to take some time.”
Sebastian’s lips turned into a thin line as he smiled. It was more forced than natural, but I’m glad he’s trying and wanted to work together. “For now, we will eat and head out. Do our best to make good time to cross the barren wastelands between us and our destination.”
And our destination? I wish I knew.
****
Sebastian grabbed the rations from the general store he spoke of the previous night. While he negotiated with the man at the counter, I browsed around. Finally, we were ready and pushed off. A tall man in a burgundy hat and long, twirling mustache met us at the gate. He took both my hands and gazed deep into my eyes.
“We all appreciate what you’re doing, and we know who you are.”
“And how do you know?”
“You’re with him.” He nodded his head toward Sebastian. “He’s only ever been looking for you. To see the sense of purpose he now has…”
“Okay, Franklin, enough. You’re going to scare her,” Sebastian warned. As the gates were pulled open, Sebastian gestured that I follow him.
“Goodbye, Franklin. I hope to see you again someday.” I placed a kiss on his rosy cheek.
He gasped in surprise, and his hand clamped to his cheek. “Well, I wasn’t expecting one of the broken ones to be so ready to dispense kisses! If I had known, I would have asked earlier.”
The broken ones? Was that really what they think of us? Of course, I thought of them as flesh eating barbarians, so which of us had it worse?
I followed after Sebastian, using my staff as a walking stick to get over a series of large rocks. When I noticed Sebastian gawking at me, I scowled. “What?”
“You. Franklin is a buffoon who fancies himself mayor of a place with no political structure. Yet you treat him like a… well, you treat him better than you treat me.”
“I’m sorry, Sebastian. I didn’t know you were looking for kisses.”
His face broke out red, and the color just kept intensifying. “Not from you, Tarnish Rose.”
Sebastian’s sudden serious nature spoke to me, and inside I felt a knowing tingle. “Did you lose a wife? A girlfriend?”
“I never had a chance to settle down, meet someone. The mission was too important to let things like that get in the way. There was someone back at the museum I fancied, but…” Sebastian shook his head. “The point is moot at this point, isn’t it?”
“We might still see them again. They might be okay.”
“I hope so, but our mission will take us far.”
“I guess, then we should keep walking.” I took up the lead.
“Do you even know where you’re going?” Sebastian asked as he struggled to get ahead of me.
“No, but neither do you. I’m the one—” I paused as heat radiating off my leg stole my attention. I glanced down, opened my satchel and peered inside. The fabric wrapped remnant shard glowed a bright blue color while omitting a pulsing, repeating noise—like a
beating drum.
Sebastian licked his lips and watched as I unwrapped the part of the crystal sphere. It pulsed as it glowed, and I held it in one hand, extending it out toward the direction we were headed in. After I took a few steps, the rhythmic drum noise it made muffled. When I took a step back, the noise grew louder.
“Which way does it want us to go, then?” Sebastian asked, but I only focused on my task at hand.
“Tell me,” I said like I was almost talking to a small child. “Show me the way, it’s okay.”
I pivoted left, swishing my arm quietly through the air. Facing a growing mountain range, the remnant grew so bright, it nearly blinded me. “This way. This is the way it wants us to go.”
Sebastian stood beside me. “We go this way toward the treacherous pass.” He raised his eyebrows in a way that suggested our trek would be treacherous. “I’ve gone this way before but never on foot. Are you sure about this?”
I nodded and wrapped the fractured sphere back up in the rag. “I’ve never been more sure of anything.”
“Then let’s go,” Sebastian said. “Quickly, so we can get across the passage before dark. It comes out to feed after dark.”
His dire warning made my skin crawl. As he took the lead, I hurried after him, running down the rocky terrain and toward an old, dry riverbed.
****
We made our way up a mountain pass, only to come down it on the other side. The hint of what was once a city skyline, except now most of the buildings were missing chunks of themselves and smoke billowed from the wreckage as if hundreds of years later, the city still burned.
The war to end all wars. I never thought I’d get to see it. Never dared to dream any part of the old world still stood.
Sebastian stood beside me and pointed to our left. Down there was a steep cliff, and I didn’t need to ask him what he was looking at. The ground rumbled and shook, and the tops of the trees swayed, even if they were nothing more than sticks. Something large was coming this way, and it had to be what I feared from the look on Sebastian’s face.
