“An anonymous donor paid for it.”
“Of course.” I don’t quite know what to say, but the silence isn’t awkward as it is with so many people. It’s more like the silence between us validates that no words are needed to relate.
“Dare I ask you to walk me back to my room?” I smirk.
“How did you get out?” he asks.
“I climbed out the window. Are you going to send me home?” I ask—just in case.
“No.”
“Why didn’t you send Johnny home?”
“It’s complicated.”
“Another one of those things that you’re unwilling to share?” I tease.
He smiles. “Fine, I’ll tell you. He’s the illegitimate son of President Volkov.”
My eyes pop open. “What? Are you joking?”
“I wish I were.” He huffs and leans on the railing, his eyes gazing out into the distance. “Johnny doesn’t know.”
“Didn’t Johnny’s mother say anything to him?”
“The mother is dead. He was raised by his grandmother,” he says.
This is why he wants to provide her with a better life. “So, he’s your half brother.”
“Yes.”
“Wow…that’s…unexpected. When did you find out?”
“My father just told me today.”
I see the pieces coming together. “That’s why your father let you become a registrar.”
He gazes at me for a moment. “You pick up fast. My father wanted me to personally invite Johnny to join the Savage Run, to test him. I suppose to see what Johnny was made of. My father always has some agenda—his agenda. I thought that this one time…but it’s never-ending.”
“But when you become president…”
“Now that’s even questionable. If he doesn’t like the way I plan to run the country…”
“Oh…you’re so done for.”
He barks a laugh. “Thanks,” he says sarcastically.
“Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. You’re exactly right.”
“Well, as I see it, the only way to win is to play the game and beat everyone at it. And I mean, who’s to say you can’t make your own rules?”
“Spoken like a true outlaw.”
I smirk, a little guiltily. “I suppose. Thank goodness you went along with it. Anyone else would have refused to register me or left me to Master Douglas.” Shivers go up my spine.
“Partners in crime.”
I laugh at first, but then think about it. “That’s kind of sad.”
“Or exciting.” He stares at me for a moment. “Well, speaking as your registrar, you need to get some rest.”
“Are you ever going to let me have any fun?” I ask.
“Not until the sun stops shining.”
“Well, technically it goes down every night…” I say.
“Not in this country.”
Chapter 17
Before bed, Nicholas gives me a pill—says it will take away the bad dreams and help me recover from the soreness more quickly. I take it willingly and like he said, I sleep like a baby and wake up much less sore.
All morning, Mai works on making me look presentable. She manages to remove all my sores and burns with a nifty little device called the Heal-R, so in that respect, I look okay, but the tuxedo does nothing to make me look more muscular. Sissy boy—was that the word Sergio used? Of course it’s hopeless, Mai keeps repeating. Somehow, men with at least some substance to fill out the black and white suit look way better than a twiggy girl like me. Go figure.
Around noon, when Mai has just given up on me, a couple of paramedics bring Arthor to Mai’s room. The color in his cheeks and lips has returned and though they’re rolling him in on a wheelchair, he asserts with rather colorful language that he can walk just fine. The second I see him I throw my arms around him.
“You scared me!” I say.
He hugs me back. “Well, I couldn’t just let you continue the obstacle courses without me. And look at you, all handsome.” He winks at me.
I think about the last conversation I had with him and how we had shared our deepest, darkest secrets. My heart swells in my chest for him and I feel like I need to protect him—from what, I’m not so sure. His leg looks like new and he looks exactly the way he did before the obstacles started: red, curly hair, light eyebrows, and a wide grin on his face.
“Back to bed with you,” Mai says to Arthor. “You need to rest up before the second phase starts tomorrow.” She takes the wheelchair from the paramedics and wheels him into the bedroom.
“This isn’t necessary,” Arthor says begrudgingly on the way to the room.
I follow after.
“We had a deal,” Mai says. “You promised to rest if we’d allow you to compete.”
Arthor hops into bed and huffs.
“Are you sure he can’t come?” I ask Mai, seeing he’s back to his old self.
“No. The medication needs to run through his system, and while he appears and feels completely recuperated, he still needs his rest. I’ll be staying with him to make sure he gets it.”
Mai lets me stay in her room while we wait for the fundraiser to start. I change out of my tuxedo and slip on my light blue Savage Run outfit. Glued to Arthor’s side, I watch him drift back to sleep. Soon I, too, find my eyelids feeling unusually heavy and lie down next to him. Within moments, I’m out. When Mai wakes me up, she says it’s an hour until the fundraiser starts. I’ve slept for at least seven hours.
Once I’ve changed back into my tuxedo, I go out into Mai’s living area. Nicholas is tying on his shoes and is wearing a black tuxedo nearly identical to mine. But one of the differences is that he looks really handsome in his—like he was born to wear such a fine suit. His hair, combed slick to the side, appears darker than usual, making him seem years older, and there’s something about him being dressed so formally that has me weak-kneed.
“Ready?” he says, standing up and pulling his jacket down.
I really wish I were wearing a dress right now, not this man-suit. I roll my eyes. “Sure.”
“You look great,” he says.
I can’t tell if he’s being serious or if he’s just trying to make me feel better—either of which I don’t want. For some reason I find myself wanting to look nice for him. I shake the thought out of my head.
We take the elevator down to the foyer where many of the participants have gathered. Tuxedos range in color from white to red to green, to pink, to black. The moment I see Johnny in the hotel lobby, I remember our little incident on the roof. And he’s Nicholas’s half brother. How did he end up being such a jerk? He wears a smug grin, and glares me down from across the room as if he owns me. I want to claw his eyes out, but it will be stupid to infuriate him more since there will be no one to protect me once I’m out in the obstacle courses again.
The participants from Culmination fly together in a hovercraft to the Dovre Manor—the castle where the fundraiser will be held. There are only seven of us left, including Arthor, and I see that Danny and Timothy made it. The others I don’t know the names of, but I’m sure I’ll get to know them tonight. I should be jumping up and down, having survived over all the others, but instead, I think about all the families who lost their sons and how most likely, I won’t be participating in the next fundraiser. Next time my seat will be empty.
“The Savage Run event coordinator has flown in female students from the University Trollheim. You may dance with, speak with, and take walks with these young women, but nothing more. Men, be at your best behavior.” Nicholas glances over at me, probably knowing how awkward the evening will be, and already is, for me.
We approach the Dovre Manor—a gray stone castle with two circular towers and a drawbridge, allowing crossing over the murky moat. A hedge maze is behind the building, and the shape of the Savage Run wreath is mowed into the front lawn. The hovercraft lands on a helipad, and not wanting to attract attention to myself, I wait until everyone else has gotten o
ut. When I step out, fireworks light up the still light sky and the hundreds of formally dressed people standing on the lawn cheer for us.
I hope no one will notice me.
I follow Nicholas toward the castle, but don’t get far.
“You’re Joseph, right?” a platinum blonde, middle-aged woman asks as she grabs my elbow.
I stop and nod, anxiously watching the others continue on.
“Excuse my intrusion, but we came all the way from Normark just so we could be here tonight, and you were one of the participants we wanted to meet. My husband, Dr. Konders…” She gestures to the dark, lanky man with a mustache standing right next to her. “…and all our friends were so impressed by your bravery that we decided to donate a good little chunk of change to the Savage Run on your behalf.”
“Indeed,” Dr. Konders says. “Nicholas has been heavily involved in getting us to commit. I was skeptical that the program could do what he claimed: be a catalyst in bringing equality to Newland. Until the moment I saw you. After you—an emaciated little slave boy—showed up all those muscle heads out there I believe I witnessed the beginning of the end of your hierarchical society.” He raises his glass to me.
“Thank you, Sir,” I say.
Mrs. Konders continues. “You are such an example to everyone who has dreamt of becoming something more. Finally, a man who doesn’t shrink in the face of the impossible.”
I want to sink into the earth; I doubt they would tell me that if they knew who I really am.
“Besides, our daughter just loves competing in obstacle courses,” Dr. Konders says. “Now personally, I don’t think it’s quite the womanly thing to do—”
“Edgar!” Mrs. Konders smiles and pats his arm.
“—but if it makes her happy, then let her compete.”
“That’s amazing.” My eyes widen.
“That’s right—equal rights,” Mrs. Konders says. “We believe in freedom, and it is so great that President Volkov has started to make changes in that direction. We were wondering when he’d finally catch up.” She laughs a little. “And to have such a liberal thinker as Nicholas soon to take over the presidency, that’s a true blessing.”
“Indeed! We brought a couple of friends tonight, and they, too are donating on your behalf.” Dr. Konders pulls out a gold-plated watch from his pocket, checking the time.
“It was a true honor meeting you. Sorry we kept you. You should probably catch up with your group,” Mrs. Konders says. “Good luck out there, Joseph. We believe in you. And if you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to contact us.”
Dr. Konders hands me a card with his contact information.
“Thank you.” It’s becoming apparent that Nicholas has supporters, too, and though he is still at the mercy of his father, bound to obey his every rule, Nicholas is building an empire for himself, in his own way.
With my eyes lowered so I don’t have to talk to anyone else, I walk across the wooden bridge and enter the castle’s foyer. I walk toward the sign that reads “Great Hall,” and enter a large room with a sea of roundtables and golden chairs. Each table is decorated with yellow and purple flowers that sparkle and millions of twinkling lights hang from the dark wooden beams in the ceiling. Beautiful music streams through the room. I see President Volkov sitting at one of the tables, and I remember that Mai said he was so impressed I made it. I desperately hope he doesn’t make me get up on stage again. Dr. and Mrs. Konders pass me and join President Volkov at his table. I feel sick to my stomach.
Nicholas steps up next to me. “Chopin.”
“What?”
“That’s who they’re playing.” He nods his head in the direction of the string quartet in the corner.
I listen for a moment over the hushed chatter, and the tune helps me relax. “It’s lovely.”
“Let me show you to our table,” he says.
“Okay.”
Our table has a golden plaque on it inscribed with ‘Culmination.’ Each setting has three forks, a spoon, two knives, three different-sized glasses, a cloth napkin, and a place card. Taking my seat, I notice I sit between Nicholas and Timothy, and not next to Johnny—he sits across from me. Thank goodness.
“I swear I know you from somewhere,” Timothy says, running a hand through his curly blond locks. “But I just can’t put my finger on it.”
“Really?” I say. “Because I remember everyone I meet, and I can guarantee you that I’ve never met you before.” I sip my water, making sure I hold my glass like a guy. And sit like a guy. Gosh, I feel so out of place. I even think I see Johnny laughing at me, and sure enough, when I turn to look at him, he’s sneering and staring me down. But I quickly look away.
“I thought we could each take a moment to introduce ourselves to each other,” Nicholas says. “As I understand, some of you haven’t been introduced. Tell us your name, your class, and the reason you registered for Savage Run. Let’s start with Johnny.”
Johnny keeps his eyes on me. “I’m Johnny—Advisor. Soon to be Master. I believe you all know why I’m here, but I can say it again. I’m here to help my sickly grandmother.”
When he says the word “grandmother,” his voice softens just a tad.
“I’m Abraham, but you can call me Abe. Advisor.” He has huge lips, small, black, beady eyes, and his skin is a deep espresso. “I’m here ‘cause my mamma kicked me outta the house. Said I needed to make my own livin’.”
We laugh a little, but I notice how when he laughs, his eyes still look sad.
We skip Nicholas because we all know who he is. “I’m Joseph—Laborer.”
“Aka, the Imp,” Johnny inserts.
I narrow my eyes at him. “Very funny. I’m here because I don’t want to work with my father anymore.” It’s a safe answer, and it’s true; no one should be able to figure out who my father is or who I am from that comment.
“Just out of curiosity, what does your father do?” Timothy asks.
“He works at the hospital.” Many Laborers work there cleaning and cooking. It should be a safe enough answer, but it worries me how Johnny’s dissecting me with his eyes.
“Next,” Nicholas says.
“I’m Timothy and I’m an Advisor.” His transparent, green eyes remind me of a fish’s. “I’m here…I don’t know why. I was just bored with my life, I guess.”
We laugh.
“I’m Danny, an Advisor. Here to make the family proud. Here so my kids can grow up without the restrictions I’ve fought all my life.”
“Dude, you’re already planning to have kids?” Timothy asks.
“Well, one day.”
“Let’s keep going,” Nicholas says.
“And I’m Fletcher.” He grins and reveals crooked teeth. He is almost as small as Arthor, making me think that maybe he is a Laborer, too. “I’m an Advisor and I’m here because I want to become a doctor.”
Just as we finish, the lights dim, signaling that the program starts. A female announcer takes the stage, welcoming us to Dovre Hall, explaining that this very castle is thought to have been built on the graveyard of trolls. She specifically welcomes the benefactors of the Savage Run, and hopes they all brought their checkbooks tonight. The gathering laughs. Referring to the programs on our plates, she says first we are to eat, after which we’ll head to the ballroom where there will be dancing and socializing.
While she’s speaking, my eyes wander from Nicholas to Johnny, back to Nicholas again. They don’t look alike at all. Johnny’s face looks like it’s permanently locked in this sour expression, while Nicholas seems to have a smile waiting to appear at any time. Other than the dark hair, there are no similarities. I think I remember that President Volkov had dark hair when he had some. Now he’s just bald.
The woman up on stage wishes us a wonderful evening and leaves the stage. The first thing I’m going to do after we eat is to find myself a secluded room so I don’t have to face Johnny anymore or dance with a girl. That would just be too weird.
“So w
here’s Arthor?” Timothy asks Nicholas. A waiter brings us each a plate with steak, au gratin potatoes, and creamed carrots.
“He’s recovering. He’ll be back participating tomorrow,” Nicholas answers, taking his first bite.
“You know,” Johnny says loudly, sawing at his meat. “It’s funny how we all chose to climb Devil’s Cliff the legit way, and how Joseph cheated his way up the mountainside.”
I groan inwardly. Great—here we go again. “What I did was perfectly legit. We were all informed about the shortcuts before we started.”
“It’s just a trap to see who will take the easy way out. Didn’t you figure that out?” Johnny counters.
“Or it could be a way to see who’s smart enough to use the resources provided,” I retort.
A vein in Johnny’s forehead bulges and his eyes bore a hole into me. “Are you saying that you, a Laborer, are smarter than all the Advisors in the program?”
“Did anyone else use the ledges?” I ask the others.
“I did,” Timothy says.
“Me, too,” Danny says. “They said we should look for them, Johnny.”
“I was one of the first ones there with Johnny. I couldn’t find it,” Abraham says.
It goes completely silent and I’m sure we’re all thinking the same thing: Johnny will never admit it, but he wasn’t able to find the short-cut.
Johnny leans forward and is about to say something to me.
“The important thing…” Nicholas asserts, “…is that we’re all here—alive.”
“You’re always defending Joseph—what, do you have a thing for him or something?” Johnny looks at the other guys for validation.
“Dude, that’s not even funny,” Timothy says, chewing on some meat.
“This is so not fair. You guys are naïve if you think there isn’t something shady going on.” Johnny stands up and throws his napkin on the table. “Here I am risking my life so that my grandmother can have a better life, and no one but me cares that Joseph is getting ahead by cheating.” He walks off.
“Well, that was uncomfortable,” I say, but the others don’t laugh or acknowledge me at all. “How is it cheating when we were encouraged to take the short cuts?”
Savage Run Page 16
