There seemed to be a box to perform some mysterious task in every room.
Tentatively, Coal lifted his hands above the light and then shut his eyes tight as he turned his head away. Every muscle tensed in anticipation. A light pressure on his arm jolted Coal’s eyes back open as Michael gently guided Coal’s hands into the box. The ethereal light blanketed his fingers and Coal held his breath as he internally counted to ten, slowly pulling them out upon completion. He flexed and curled his fingers and accounted for every sensation that should exist, relieved with the results.
“We’re going to a meeting room down the hall,” Michael said casually over his shoulder. The scientist then stepped before the entry and the door opened.
The stark hallway startled Coal’s senses. Nevertheless, the rug again caressed his bare feet and he luxuriated in the soft sensations. Fantastical rooms, open to the hallway, appeared from time to time. Each space contained a multitude of men and women who performed various tasks he could not describe, the images surreal and belonging to a dream-state. The foreign concepts and visions blurred together in Coal’s mind, adding to his confusion, as very little resembled the people, landscape, or things of home. And although he wished to absorb each image and entertain each curiosity, Coal eventually kept his head down. He did not wish to make eye contact with any of the Outsiders, who paused in their work to study him as he passed by.
Warm light caught his vision, and distracted him from his anxiety. To his left, a large window perfectly framed the enormous biodome structures outside. His steps faltered. Sunlight glinted off the honeycomb-shaped panes of the biodome, producing a brilliant flash of light. It was a magical image, which added to as well as eased the pang his heart endured with each beat. Michael did not slow, however, and the sight of New Eden Township disappeared from view as they continued forward and left the window behind. Wistfully, Coal fixated on the long, bleak hallway that stretched before him and not the eyes that studied his every move.
So far, he was not impressed with the hospitality given him, nor the strides taken to ensure his comfort as he navigated a new world. Although he could accept the scientific community’s concern to keep him healthy and alive, he could not understand the necessity in tricking someone who was completely and wholly dependent upon another for his welfare. He was a grown man, and he deserved to be treated as such. Given such insults, Coal was grateful he took Leaf’s place so his brother-in-law did not experience the shame of being in such a frightening and vulnerable position so soon after losing his father.
Large double doors loomed ahead and Michael paused before the entry to place his thumb onto a strange black box on the wall. An unexpected click greeted Coal’s ears before Michael turned the knob.
“Here you go. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be back in a bit.”
“You are not staying with me?” Coal shook his head, realizing he asked the obvious. The scientist misunderstood his body language as disapproval and frowned for the first time.
“I won’t be gone long. Promise. There’s an aquarium inside filled with exotic fish. Have you ever seen an aquarium before?” Coal did not reply, crossing his arms over his chest and allowing his guide to feel a little discomfort in their exchange. Michael cleared his throat and then continued in his usual jovial tone. “I imagine the room looks similar to what you’re used to seeing in New Eden. Might be a comforting sight. OK, I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
Coal peeked into the room, begrudging each step as he entered. The door shut behind him and he turned around in a panic, feeling the ebb and flow of disorientation as the motion in his head created waves in the walls. He placed his hand on the handle, but it would not turn. A fire simmered in his veins as the Outside world sealed him away once more, and a few choice words in French breached his self-control and passed his lips.
Home seemed so far away even though it was mere steps. It was a thought that mournfully sang in his mind as he slipped a hand into his pocket to caress Oaklee’s leaf. Taking in a deep breath to calm his nerves and the quickly spreading fury, Coal pivoted on his heel to study his new enclosure.
***
It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.
— Niccolò Machiavelli, Italian historian and philosopher, 15th century A.D. *
Liberty is to faction what air is to fire, an aliment without which it instantly expires. But it could not be less folly to abolish liberty, which is essential to political life, because it nourishes faction, than it would be to wish the annihilation of air, which is essential to animal life, because it imparts to fire its destructive agency.
— James Madison, “The Same Subject Continued: The Union as a Safeguard Against Domestic Faction and Insurrection,” The Federalist No. 10, November 23, 1787 *
***
The Fall air brushed across Oaklee’s skin as she ran through the forest, and a shudder trembled through her body from head to toe. The leaves rustled a soothing song from up above, a beauteous melody that slowed her feet. With eyes closed, she stilled her mind, not wishing to miss a single windy note or arborous lyric. Oaklee never tired of nature’s gift to heal and encourage the soul, a necessity to temper her turbulent tendencies.
Glancing over her shoulder, she sighed with relief. The gathering still continued in the meadow by the North Cave. Desperation drove her to seek solitude. She needed to sort through her mounting emotions before she crashed, growing ill as she had a few days prior. Fury consumed her moments earlier when The Elements quarreled and disparaged one another upon learning how Coal had traded places with Leaf And Oaklee had used every ounce of willpower she possessed to remain planted in the meadow as long as she did, listening to the building dissension...
“Whose idea was it for Coal to leave?” Timothy, the Wind Element, had demanded.
Her brother, Leaf, had remained passive. “My answer does not change the fact that Coal has left and, therefore, the answer is irrelevant.”
“Are you refusing to honorably take responsibility?”
“Perhaps you can enlighten us all as to how I have broken The Code to warrant such a claim as dishonor? Anyone can leave at any time and for any reason.”
Heads turned toward Norah, the Water Element, as she began to speak. “And why is Coal leaving the source of such discord?” She drew in a shallow, raspy breath. “The Son of Fire made a choice and the Earth Element honored that request.”
Norah’s breathy voice turned to wheezing and she paused with a hand in the air to signal there was more to say, even though her knees bent with weakness. Norah’s eldest son fetched a chair he had brought for his mother and eased her in while her husband caressed her hand with gentle strokes.
The Water Element lifted her head and viewed the gathering, continuing in a strained voice, “Would the community have refused Coal’s request? He is a grown man and no longer under the authority of his parents. This debate does not hold merit, nor does it honor Leaf as a leader, a man still in his bereavement week no less. He holds the right to remain with his family.”
“That is, unfortunately, not the point, Norah.” Timothy offered Norah a kind smile and walked closer to Leaf. “You do realize, Son of Earth, that with the coming colonists, during the Second Phase, your strength and integrity as a leader will be questioned more regularly.”
Leaf had crossed his arms over his chest and considered Timothy’s words, narrowing his eyes in a look of contemplation. “Mine specifically or all leaders?”
“All leaders, of course.”
“Well, then, thank you for the reminder, My Lord.” Leaf bowed his head in deference. “That was most kind of you to ensure that we are all prepared.”
Corlan, the Outsider exchange, quietly snickered by Oaklee’s side. Anger flashed through her body, and Oaklee shot a glare Corlan’s direction before fixing her attention upon Leaf once more.
The Wind Element released a low, humorless laugh. “People do not like change, My Lord. If they feel a leader is easily tossed to and
fro with every breeze, they will cast off any and all respect they once held for his or her position. The Nobles who stand unwavering—whose strength and trust are predictable and reliable—will withstand the winds of change.”
Leaf took a step closer to Timothy. “The community will respect a leader who is willing to forsake tradition and bend for their benefit if the situation requires such flexibility. Honor is not defined by holding fast to traditions. Laws, codes, rules, and traditions can change.” Oaklee tensed as her brother spoke with uncharacteristic boldness. “Flexibility is a necessity for our future. The game of survival demands it, does it not?”
Timothy’s eyes subtly widened, and he smiled in such a way that Oaklee discerned he understood Leaf’s hidden message. “Interesting,” Timothy said. “Are you suggesting that you support disbanding and merging with the Outside world? Like your father?”
The crowd gasped and the rustle of murmurs grew to a rumble as Oaklee observed men and women whisper into one another’s ears. Leaf watched the crowd as well, yet determination shone in his eyes.
“Come, we have much to celebrate today.” Leaf offered Timothy his hand. “Let us not quarrel.” When Timothy refused his hand, her brother leaned in and whispered so only those in the circle could hear. “Let us not be inflexible for the sake of tradition, My Lord. You would not wish to appear rude before the community, now would you? Or, is honor no longer defined by tradition?”
Timothy smiled but the warmth did not reach his eyes. “Why should I shake hands with a man who breaks a brother’s oath?”
Leaf flinched and looked down at the grass. Oaklee’s stomach tightened into a complication of knots with her brother’s response. Remorse darkened Leaf’s features, but he did not cower before Timothy. Instead, he maintained a posture of dignity though the words visibly pained him. Fury had tingled in her limbs and she felt Hurricane Willow gain strength as the winds of injustice whipped inside her heart. She clenched her fists and teeth as she glared at Timothy, her breaths heavy as she, in vain, tried to contain her spirit.
A soft touch on her forearm had startled her from her raging thoughts, and she whipped her head in Corlan’s direction. He faced the circle but slowly shook his head, casting her a quick side-glance. The interference baffled her and the winds quickly died down, replaced by an eerie calm. How did he know she would react? Oaklee studied Corlan’s profile, further perplexed as he held a look of open contempt. If he felt such emotion, why did he wish to hold back hers? Timothy’s voice regained her attention and she turned back his direction.
“It seems there are some traditions you still measure through honor, Leaf. Guilt is a cruel friend.”
“Enough,” Connor said in a near whisper, but with an authority that demanded obedience. The Fire Element’s large shoulders had sagged as he turned to Oaklee and asked, “Have I offended my son? Did I fail him somehow as a father?”
She lowered her head as a profuse blush colored her face. “No, My Lord. Your son has left to prove he is a man worthy of my hand after I have refused him.” Her eyes began to fill and Leaf’s features softened with a sad smile. “The day Leaf was nominated, I had unkind words for Coal and attacked his character. I believed his nomination was an act of punishment for refusing his hand. I was wrong, My Lord, and the price of my carelessness is his life.”
The look on Coal’s face, after she hissed that he was a stupid and insensitive fool, flashed in her mind. Oaklee knelt in the soft grass before Connor. Her throat constricted against the forming tears as she whispered, “I am most sorry for shaming your house and ask your forgiveness for being the cause of such distress and pain this day.”
The Fire Element had knelt before her in the meadow. With a single finger, he lifted her chin and then took both of her hands in his. “I assure you there is nothing to forgive, Daughter of Earth. It is I who humbly asks forgiveness on behalf of my son, who would selfishly place the responsibility of his actions upon your heart to carry and grieve over as a move to win your affection. Coal acted dishonorably and that rests upon his shoulders. Not yours.”
Large, work-worn hands pulled her into an embrace as she began to sob. Oaklee closed her eyes and melted against Connor as callused fingertips rubbed her back in soothing circles. For a heartbeat, she almost believed it was her father granting comfort in the moment.
When she had recovered, Oaklee pulled away and Connor offered his hand to help her rise and led her back to Leaf. Connor whispered loud enough for those in the circle to hear, “I would be proud to call you daughter, but you should marry for your reasons alone and not my son’s, words I know your own father would share in this situation.”
Tears had trailed down her face in silent grief. Connor had offered a momentary reprieve from her guilt. But Oaklee knew she had used her words as sharp weapons, delivering the injury with glee and motivating her friend to behave in such a way to regain her good opinion.
She touched her lips and remembered their kiss, and the pain of her choices returned. In the end, Coal had pledged himself to her and Oaklee was fairly convinced she would never see him again. And if he came home, she would have to refuse him again, severing any hope he had upon his return. It may very well end their friendship, but she could not marry him.
Self-conscious, she examined each Noble in the small group, then curiously studied the young man at her side. Corlan remained quiet and tense, holding an expression she had seen only one other time. Five days prior, she had been called upon to offer an apology in order to seal a young man’s secrecy. She had humbled herself and lowered to the floor before the Outsider, who had stared at her through the portal.
This new Outsider reflected a similar inward and withdrawn posture. He radiated an aloof grace and a reserved authority––thumbs tucked into his breeches casually, shoulders elevated a notch, his dark mahogany hair feathering in the wind. Though he moved nary a muscle, Corlan’s gray-blue eyes slid her direction. The air rushed from her chest in response.
Her body must have stiffened noticeably. Leaf gently patted her arm, which was looped through his, and gave her a wary look. He considered Corlan and then, as if nothing was amiss, returned his attention back to The Elements and the gathered community.
Corlan continued to hold her inquisitive stare, and he blinked as if trying to determine if she were real. It was the most perplexing response. So much so, Oaklee tilted her head in question. In the Cave, he had confessed that he was heartbroken, just like her. And he wished for her to grieve for them both.
Oaklee’s pulse thrummed audibly in her ears as questions continued to flash in Corlan’s eyes. His gaze trailed over her face, hair, and body with fearful reverence. Then, as if his emotions snuffed out akin to a candle, his face relaxed and softened, his attention resting upon her mouth. The warm air of his nervous sigh caressed her skin for a moment before he sharply turned away from her. Oaklee had winced with the abrupt disconnection as the emotions he openly and intimately expressed to her swirled in a mad rush inside her head.
Who was this Corlan that an entire Exchange was orchestrated to ensure his presence within the Township? Their town had been sealed shut for nearly twenty years, with the Second Phase still ten months away. Why receive visitors now and not then? What did this have to do with her family? How would Corlan revolutionize her community? And was their touching moment in the North Cave genuine and real? Or part of this game they all played? It was all so very confusing.
Motherly had hands reached out then and stroked her cheek, and Oaklee turned toward Norah. “Willow Oak, how did you receive the gash upon your forehead? Do you fare well?” Norah looked upon her with concern.
Ember came forward, brushed a strand of hair from Oaklee’s face and took her hand. Oaklee wanted to grab Ember and hold her close, to cling to Coal’s sister as a connection to her lost friend and beg forgiveness. Instead, she had focused on staying calm. “The sun’s light was intense, and when The Door shut I had felt disoriented and hit my head upon the cave wall.”
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Excited chatter sifted through those gathered nearby. She had seen real sunlight. Until The Exchange, that was an experience no other second generation had known––and that most could still only imagine.
Her brother remained fixed on the circle of Nobles and did not pay the crowd nor her any heed. Oaklee was thankful, as she did not wish for the community to know about the horrifying technology beyond their panes, or that Corlan possessed a magic unparalleled to any skill or occupation within New Eden. Until she understood the reason for his presence, and why he looked and behaved in so familiar a fashion, Oaklee would not expose his capabilities.
Inquisitive stares drifted to Corlan and he shifted on his feet, turning his head the opposite direction as the muscles in his jaw clenched. Long and awkward heartbeats passed before Timothy asked, “Corlan, how did you receive your injury? Rather peculiar coincidence, is it not?”
The Outsider leveled his eyes at Timothy and raised a single eyebrow with a look bordering on boredom. “Really? Out of all the questions you could ask me, that’s the one you lead off with?”
“Indeed,” Timothy said, returning the steady inspection. “Perhaps I should ask—”
“Corlan,” Connor interjected. “Our most humble apologies. You see, we heard a rather loud scream followed by a pounding sound...”
Leaf cleared his throat. “The Door made a loud screeching sound as it shut. We can only imagine what it must have sounded like from the glade.”
Oaklee inclined her head at Leaf and tried to remain passive, but she did not recall what they were discussing. Perhaps this occurred while she was unconscious? Corlan lifted his shoulders a little higher and angled his head away from the curious glances. Vulnerability flashed in his eyes once more and Oaklee felt a wave of exhaustion pass over her as she attempted to make sense of all the events this morning. There were simply far too many emotions.
Unable to stand trial a moment longer, or stand in Corlan’s presence, she had blurted, “Please excuse me. I suffer a headache and wish to lie down.”
Elements (The Biodome Chronicles series Book 2) Page 2
