Some of the pain went away. The rocks below could save her and this relaxed her enough to close her eyes and rest her cheek on the ledge. Then sleep saved her from the rocks.
Her dreams were pleasant. Migun, Endell, and Jasper told her about a new forest they had discovered and they wanted her to run away with them. When the morning light chased away her slumber, she opened her eyes excited to go out and play. But she looked around, confused; she wasn’t home. Why was she in this giant windowsill? She remembered the castle, staying with the Guide…she climbed down and saw the plant. Something told her to look away. It told her not to pry, not to think…but she did. The plant was wilted and dead. It meant something, but what?
She should look away, something very bad was waiting, but she had to know. The tea, she remembered. But why had she poured her tea… Her blood turned cold and now she tried to stop remembering, but it was too late. Her mouth fell open and the world blurred as today’s wave of tears began falling. She had awakened to a nightmare.
Someone knocked at her door but she ignored it.
“Delorah?” the Guide said from outside her room.
She wanted to be alone but knew he wouldn’t go away. He was kind and wanted to help, but he didn’t understand. At least not this situation. Nobody understood her. Even though she had shared all her feelings and thoughts with him in the past, this time she wouldn’t. She tiptoed to her bed, slipped under the covers, and wiped her tears on her pillow. The door opened.
“Delorah? Did you sleep well?” he asked from the doorway.
Delorah grunted, her back to him, pretending he had awakened her.
“Mmm hmm,” she said.
“How are you feeling this morning?” he asked.
She shrugged and somehow managed to keep from crying.
“It is hard, I know. I just want you to know that I am here for you.”
“I know,” she said.
“Breakfast is almost ready.”
This wasn’t an invitation; it was his way of telling her it was time to get up.
“I’ll be right there,” she said.
After he closed the door and left, she rolled out of bed and dressed. She took one final look at the plant. Stripped of its color and boldness, it appeared as if its soul had been drained.
She walked out of the room and to the balcony. Trask was at the breakfast table, which surprised her.
“Delorah, do you know Trask?” the Guide asked.
“Yes,” she smiled weakly, trying to be polite.
The Guide turned to Trask. “Delorah is a strong young woman. She is handling herself like a hero.”
A compliment like this would normally have filled Delorah with pride. Today it didn’t have that effect, but she smiled and faked it.
“You have been through a lot, Delorah,” Trask said.
She was caught off guard by the tenderness in his voice and it nearly brought back her tears.
“If I can be any help, whatever you need, please don’t hesitate to ask,” he said.
“Thank you,” she said, very close to crying.
She caught his eye and felt something. Did he want to tell her something? Confused and nervous, she looked away.
* * * Jasper’s mouth watered. He was starving and the roasting boar teased him with an aroma so strong to he could almost taste it. It was like having food in his mouth but not being able to swallow it. The fire popped and sent a burst of embers streaking up into the dark sky. Although the day began terrible, it was ending wonderful. Across the fire, Father laughed and chatted with Crazybeard. Behind him, Mother helped Leon prepare the feast.
Migun and her family were sitting where Rudolfo’s broken leg was propped up and secured with a wooden splint. Jewell hadn’t left his side once. Migun noticed him looking and smiled, her eyes reflecting the glow of the fire. He smiled back and his stomach twitched. Embarrassed and unsure of how to act, he turned around as if Mother had called, and then stood and walked to her. She gave him a bundle of green leaves to wash.
It had been a long day. After the injured had been treated, there was a somber ceremony for Shad. Then Father told them all of the marketplace and of Endell’s near death. Hearing about Endell’s participation with the Resistance touched him more than he expected. His best friend hadn’t betrayed him after all, it was a huge relief. And although his parents hadn’t betrayed him, it bothered him they taught him to live his life one way when apparently they believed another. But he loved them and was happy to be with them; maybe he didn’t need to know. He wouldn’t upset things by asking.
China and Crazybeard had returned to the dragon to gather certain parts of its body that could be used in magical blends. Everyone had taken turns admiring the new armor and weapons, although the four would not tell the group how they acquired it. Then everyone slipped away for afternoon naps and Father told him of a secret room in the mountain where a god had given them the gifts. Jasper fell asleep dreaming that he found the magical room and was allowed to pick his own sword and armor.
But now everyone was awake, laughing and talking. Even Sharel seemed to be in a pleasant mood. Mother wrapped an arm around his shoulders and planted a kiss on his cheek.
When the sky was dark and everyone’s stomach was bursting with delicious food, Jewell stood and walked to the head of the fire. “I’ve been speaking with China and she has important information from Char. I’d like you all to listen to what she has to say and then we’ll talk about our options.”
China stood and joined Jewell and the jovial laughter was replaced by a serious atmosphere.
China spoke. “I have had the chance to get to know several of you throughout the day but there are many of you that, unfortunately, I haven’t. Jewell has assured me that all of you are dedicated to the Resistance. What I have to tell you comes directly from Char.”
She cleared her throat.
“We have found a place, rich in magic, wildlife, and water. Char has named this place Mandala and wants a small group of Resistance members to join him there and begin the work of building a new kingdom,” China said.
A sudden outburst of cheering startled Jasper; he joined it. When it settled, she continued.
“We think the Guide isn’t working alone and has partnered with the leader of the dark ones. The two of them seem to be using us against each other to keep all of us under their control.”
Nobody spoke; the words hung in the air and Jasper tried to comprehend them. She couldn’t have said that the Guide had partnered with the dark ones. He’d never do that…would he?
Jewell broke the silence. “The Guide is working with the dark ones?”
China nodded. “They call themselves the ataiki and are led by a female known only as the Director. She appeared thirty years ago and taught them how to stop the dragon from attacking. I’m sure it won’t surprise you to know that it involves sacrificing lifestock, gold, and other resources, just like us.”
Jaspers mouth dropped open in shock.
“But how do you know this?” Jewell said.
“Char has been in contact with ataiki who disagree with their leader and have—”
“—Stop!” Sharel yelled. “Do you think we are idiots? The Guide has teamed up with the dark ones and the Resistance leader also meets with them? That is outrageous.”
China fumbled for words, obviously surprised and at a loss. “…They, well…they aren’t dark ones, they are ataiki,” China said.
“They are dark ones and you should call them what they are…or have you forgotten what happened thirty years ago? They are blood thirsty animals with one desire — blood,” Sharel said.
“Just hear me out. I know it’s hard to believe but it’s true. And what you are talking about, the fear and hatred we have for them, is exactly what let the Guide and Director control us. We are so afraid we give over half of all our resources to the dragon and the ataiki do the same. Meanwhile the Guide and Director are amassing massive amounts of wealth and power and we don’t know why�
�”
“—This is the most outrageous lie I have ever heard in my life,” Sharel spoke slowly, pronouncing each syllable like it was a dart shooting from her mouth.
China was obviously taken aback, and she looked at Jewell confused.
“Shut up and let her talk!” Crazybeard said.
“I would expect a comment like that from somebody of your intelligence,” Sharel stood. “You can’t expect—”
“—STOP!” Father yelled, standing and holding up his arms. “Sharel, you have some valid points and your insight is important but before we debate anything let China finish.”
He glared at her and waited. Finally she threw up her hands and sat down next to Thamus, who was still clutching his large book and staring ahead at the fire. The focus turned back to China.
China looked around apprehensively and turned to Jewell. “I thought everyone here was Resistance?”
“We are,” Tari said. “And Sharel is doing what we Resistance members do best, question what we are told. She’s just more, well, animated and passionate than most.”
China looked back at Sharel. “This information is accurate but we will continue to do everything we can to find out the full truth. If we are wrong, we want to know. In fact, I wish this wasn’t true. But we know that somebody caused a massive explosion in the marketplace this morning that killed hundreds of people. Your son is being blamed for it and we are all wanted as conspirators. I spent the morning with Endell and I know he didn’t do it. I know we didn’t do it…everything suggests that the Guide himself was behind it.”
“The Guide would never do that,” Sharel said.
“Then find out who did. We just want to know the truth. You can’t tell me it was Endell and Len, like the Guide says. Thamus was there, ask him.” China said, as all eyes turned to Thamus.
“Well?” Sharel said to him, frowning.
He squirmed, looked quickly at Sharel then back at the fire. “Endell triggered the device that set the explosion, but I know it wasn’t really him. When I talked to him he didn’t even recognize me. Somebody else was controlling him and set us up.”
“You have an amazing son,” China said. Have you heard about what happened to him?”
Sharel nodded, but frowned to shrug it off. Jasper couldn’t believe her, why was she so unwilling to consider this? It all made sense to him. How could she even defend the Guide after all they had been through?
“The Guide wants to stop us, so obviously he’s afraid of what we have learned. And why would he be afraid if there wasn’t truth behind it? We’ve made contact with the ataiki which could ruin all his plans, and he’s scared. He’s hiding something. We’ve learned how to harness magic, magic that he preaches against but appears to use himself—.”
“—Just take him out!” interrupted Crazybeard, and he smacked a fist against the tree next to him.
“We can’t, it’s complicated and he is powerful. Even if we could remove him we wouldn’t right now…the wars would return because everyone is too afraid. Without the protection of Nix the people would demand we build an army and the ataiki would do the same. It would only be a matter of time before war broke out…we do recognize the Guide brought peace and ended the war,” China said.
“See? Even you acknowledge the Guide saved us, so how can you turn against him like this?” Sharel said, in a calmer tone now.
“Well, we can’t remove the Guide but we can’t let him keep manipulating us,” China answered. “That’s why we are going to Mandala, to figure it out. We have to remove the fear between ataiki and human. That is the basis of every problem our nation has faced for the last thousand years,” China said.
“But they are animals, Sharel is right. They are vile, filthy beasts who crave nothing but blood. I fought in the wars. I saw them, they killed my family and nearly killed me,” Rheno said.
“I know that is what you have experienced, but I can tell you, it’s not true. They aren’t all like that. They were afraid just like us and they see us the same way. All they know of us are spears, swords, and armor. Does that mean we are only bloodthirsty warriors out to kill and destroy?” China asked.
Rheno sniggered. “Say what you want, I don’t believe it. I’ve seen them and you can’t tell me they are anything but monsters.”
China’s face fell, and she lost all enthusiasm. “Then don’t go, I don’t care. For those who do, Char wants to show you.”
“How?” Rheno asked. “How can he possibly do that?”
She sighed, “the Resistance is made up of both human and ataiki. Mandala will be a united community of all of us.”
“Dark ones?” Sharel said, mocking China with heavy sarcasm.
“Yes, so I don’t expect you to join us,” China said, and turned away.
The group exploded, everyone trying to talk over the other. Some defended China others attacked her. It made Jasper sick. At least the most important people to him defended China; he felt bad for her. It was sad how the excitement in her voice had been vanquished by Rheno and Sharel. But it was out of control now, even a loud ‘stop’ from Father had been useless.
He slipped away and walked towards Jewell’s hut. China’s words made sense. He wished everyone would have just listened, he wanted to know more.
As he approached the hut he felt a hand on his shoulder.
“Hi,” Migun said. “I saw you leave. Can I come, too?”
“Of course, unless you want a yelling match,” he said.
She sighed. “I know, I can’t believe how mean Sharel was...I wanted to hear more.”
“Me too, it all makes sense to me. It really does,” he said.
There was a silence, and he felt awkward. Here they were…what should he say? He needed to know why the note was signed with her name. “There was a note in my pocket…” he fumbled for words. “It was from my mother but signed by you.”
Migun looked away and his heart pounded.
“Your mother wrote it and asked me to give it to you—”
He nodded, and swallowed, trying to hide a sudden wave of disappointment that washed over him.
“But…I agree with everything she wrote,” she said.
He smiled. “I’m glad.”
I’m glad? That’s all he could come up with? Where were words when he needed them? What did he even want to say? He felt cold and his fingers trembled.
She smiled. “So you think you’ll be going to Mandala?”
He nodded, glad to talk about something else. “Yes, I know I will.” He slapped a bug on his arm. “What about you?”
“Yes, me too,” she said with a smile.
He took her hand and they walked up the path to Jewell’s tent. They went inside and climbed into the warm blankets. They talked about Endell, Gardone, Delorah, their parents, the Resistance…they talked until they heard footsteps approaching and then pretended to be asleep. Their parents quietly entered the hut and a short time later, everyone was sound asleep.
Chapter 21
Crossroads and Destinations
Delorah poked at her breakfast to make it look like she was eating but her stomach was tied in knots and food was the last thing on her mind. She waited until Trask and the Guide finally went back into the castle and then she slipped off her chair and walked to the edge of the balcony. She could see over it into the valley but couldn’t look straight down because of the stone railing; it was too tall and wide. She needed to see the ground; it stopped the sickness in her stomach.
She stood against the balustrade that ran around the edge of the long balcony; it was as high as her chest. She reached across and was just able to grab the outer edge with her fingers. She jumped, scrambled with her feet, and climbed up. Crawling on her hands and knees, she peered over the edge. From here, high in the castle, even the treetops were far below. Directly below her were the courtyard gardens, the benches and tables looked like little toys from so far away. The courtyard ended down to the left at small lake that hugged the base of the castle. It c
ould be all over in seconds. Her stomach relaxed and she felt peaceful again.
She sat up and let her legs dangle over the edge. That felt even better. She leaned forward, and then slid forward. Even better. This wasn’t safe; she could slip and fall. But wasn’t that why she was here? If she slipped it would be a lucky mistake. She leaned forward and felt her body teetering on the edge. She didn’t want to jump; it had to be an accident.
“Delorah?” The voice startled her.
She jumped and would have fallen had she not unconsciously reached back and grabbed the edge. She turned and saw Trask standing a short distance away. She hadn’t heard him come.
“Delorah, I need to talk to you, things are not what you think,” he said.
“I’m just looking at the courtyard and I want to be alone now so you are excused.” She had to be bold with him. She could say that, couldn’t she? She was the princess after all.
He took a step forward.
“Please leave now,” she said, louder.
“I will, but first, will you just listen to what I have to say? I won’t come closer—”
“—I don’t want to listen; I don’t want anything. Everything I cared about is gone, now go away.” She felt tears on her cheeks.
“I was with your father this morning and your mother yesterday. They are alive and with Jasper. I took them across the mountain. The Guide just wants everyone to think they’re dead but they are fine. I can take you to them.”
“You are lying!” she said. She wanted to wipe the tears because she didn’t like him to see her crying, but she would fall if she let go.
“Your father asked me to give you this.”
Trask reached into his pocket and pulled something out. He extended his arm to her and a small green rock dangled from the leather thong wrapped around his fingers. Father’s necklace!
“Delorah, your father is part of a group of people that don’t agree with some of the things the Guide does, like sending the princess away every year. He doesn’t want to lose you. There is a tunnel through the mountain and I take banished people there all the time. I am supposed to kill them, but I don’t. They want me to bring you to them.”
Mandala's Catalyst (Gardone Trilogy) Page 25
