by Coralee June
After a few more loud exhales, he plucked the ball from his mouth and tied the end of it into a tight knot. “Now, listen closely,” he ordered. “This isn’t an ordinary ball. This is what we call a balloon in our Providence. It is extremely fragile, but you should be able to toss it amongst yourselves.”
Cyler then bounced the balloon off of his fingertips and towards the closest child. The kid was wearing overalls that were too big for his body, and the thick, denim straps slipped down his shoulder when he caught it. A rudimentary, flatulence sound erupted, causing all of the children to chuckle.
Within moments, all the children were passing the balloon amongst one another while wearing wide grins. Some imitated the sound the balloon made with snorts and giggles. The earlier unease seemed to dissolve as other Walkers began approaching the courtyard to see what all the commotion was.
The growing crowd made me nervous, but Cyler seemed cool, calm, and collected. His carefree eyes made me wonder if he was scared of anything. He made his way back to my side and addressed me.
“If they are to be my people, I’ll need to build their trust. Loyalty isn’t something they will reward me with freely,” he explained while observing the growing crowd of Walkers. It amazed me that something as simple as a balloon could bring such joy to these people. “I wanted to apologize for being so forward to you, Ashleigh. I wanted to come clean about my intentions and ask for your help.”
Creeping insecurities about being a Walker crawled to the forefront of my thoughts. “I’ve noticed the way my sister’s future husband looks at you. I doubt even he realizes how much you capture his full attention.”
My mouth dropped slightly in shock, but I quickly recovered by feigning indifference. This trade deal was crucial for Josiah, and I didn’t want anything corrupting his chances at procuring a contract with the Dormas Providence.
“I need to ensure that he is fully committed to this deal. Which is why I’m using you to push his buttons a bit.” His flirtatious and abrupt behavior suddenly made more sense. I was a Walker; a high ranking Providence leader would never want to associate himself with me. I felt a little disappointed by this revelation, which was a somewhat surprising emotion.
“Don’t look so sad.” He chuckled. The corner of his mouth lifted as he observed me. “I can tell that you love that Galla boy just about as much as he loves you.” With that, he poked me in the ribs with a smirk. I squinted my eyes at him in annoyance.
“I felt like you deserved a warning. Tonight, I’m going to ask Josiah if I can include you in on the trade. I’d like to bring you back to my Providence. But mostly, I’d like to see his reaction to my offer. How he handles this will determine whether or not I want to form an alliance with him.” Cyler’s words hit me like a ton of bricks, and I gasped before beginning to beg him no.
“Look, I know you’d rather kiss the ass of that loony Mistress Stonewell than leave your precious Josiah behind, but I truly hope you’ll consider my offer. You will enjoy living in my home, Ashleigh," he clarified.
“That is most kind . . .but . . . I-I couldn’t,” I stuttered.
“Look,” he began as the children's cheering grew louder as more Walkers joined in on the fun. “The way I see it, if Josiah wants you around, he won’t be accepting of my offer. And, if he does accept the offer, could you honestly still stay here?”
Cyler’s question nearly knocked the breath out of me with how incredibly accurate it was. It would merely be torturous to stay and watch the man I love, love someone else.
“I’ll give you the final say; I don’t believe in taking people against their will. All Walkers will have a choice. But, I could use you as an ally while transitioning Walkers into our Providence. Plus, you make a damn good chocolate cake,” he said with a wink. “Think about it.” Cyler left me standing there speechless while he went to play with the Walker children again.
I stood in the dirty courtyard wearing a shocked expression. I picked up a piece of my hair and observed its frizzy ends while I considered everything. Cyler was right. Would Josiah agree to his offer and let me go? Despite a childhood full of memories and the unspoken tension between us, I couldn’t help but consider that his duty to his family and Providence would ultimately take priority.
A rough hand shook my shoulder, and I turned to see a man with yellowed teeth and brown hair sprinkled with dandruff. He smelled of urine and smoke. I looked around, seeking support, but Cyler was still busy playing with the Walker children and currently had his back towards me.
“What a pretty, little, princess Walker we have here.” With shaky hands he put his fingers on my shoulders and pushed back my thick hair, revealing the pronged tag on my ear that marked me as a procured Walker.
“Come to visit and look down upon your subjects?” He spat. Immune Walkers were typically looked down upon by other Walkers. It mostly stemmed from an unreasonable jealousy. We survived when so many didn’t.
My breathing quickened as he stepped closer, invading more of my personal space. His jaundiced skin looked sickly, and I was close enough to see the white of the many pimples that decorated his cheeks.
“I bet you think you’re better than us, right, princess? Living up in that city. Kissing your master’s ass.” He then pulled a forbidden knife out from the waistband of his tattered pants and held it against my stomach. I knew in that moment that I was one deep breath away from it piercing my skin, so I didn’t dare scream.
“I’ll let you in on a little secret. You may think you have it better up in that pretty city of yours. But, I'd prefer filth and freedom to the life you lead. You’re a prisoner, princess.” His voice cracked with mad laughter, and I nearly fainted from fear. Walkers nearby looked curiously at the situation unfolding in front of them, but none of them made any move to stop him.
Suddenly, a low, blood-curdling scream erupted from the man as large hands wrapped around his neck and threw him to the ground. Cyler gave me a quick glance to ensure I was well then stalked his prey. The dirty man scrambled away but couldn't get his bearings. His feet kept slipping, kicking up dust, sand, and dirt all around him, causing a cloud of debris to surround us. Cyler’s large boots stomped towards him, his eyes locked onto his intended target. He looked deadly.
"What makes you think you can threaten my Walker?" The way he took ownership of me sent shivers down my spine.
“I was . . . just poking fun. I was simply scaring the little princess a bit. That's . . . tha-that’s all!” the man exclaimed.
I looked over at the transport and saw Josiah scurrying out the doors and quickly pacing towards us wearing a determined look on his face. I turned back to the scene in front of me to see Cyler gripping the Walker by the throat. He then started to squeeze until the Walker’s face turned blue.
“Do you like feeling scared? Do you like knowing that if I squeeze for a little longer, you’ll no longer have to live your miserable, little life?” Cyler whispered in a tone that caused gasps to echo around the courtyard. If Cyler wanted to create an excellent first impression on his new people, he was failing miserably.
“Master Black, please release him,” Josiah pleaded with a shaky voice. Cyler immediately complied and dropped the suffocating man in the dirt. After checking to see if he was alive, he made quick work of dusting off his coat and hands.
“This Walker threatened Ashleigh. I simply wanted him to know that his behavior would not be tolerated. I assumed that you, of all people, would understand.”
I watched as Josiah’s temple throbbed angrily. His lips turned white from pressing them together. I’d only seen him this livid a handful of times, but as always, he managed to keep his voice steady. My ever diplomatic and image-conscious Josiah refused to let anything derail him.
“Thank you for protecting Ashleigh,” he said loud enough for everyone to hear. “The Galla Providence deeply values our Walker community, and we want to ensure that everyone feels safe and cared for. It is our responsibility to make the Walker Zones a safe pla
ce which means we must police ourselves during these trying times, and report unruly citizens to the nearest Archés.” Just as Josiah finished his speech, a group of Archés guards stormed up to our group and cuffed the Walker that had nearly stabbed me.
Many of the Walkers that were watching everything immediately dispersed, and Josiah lowered his voice for only Cyler and me to hear. “Relations with the Walkers are in a delicate state, right now. We want to maintain the peace as much as possible. Thank you for protecting Ashleigh. Unfortunately, this is why we have such rules about intermingling. Once again, I encourage you to join your sister and me back in the transport. It is the safest place for you both. Come.” Josiah then stretched his arm out for me, but as I went to grab it, Cyler snaked his arm around my waist and guided me to the transport. Josiah remained silent and allowed Cyler to carry me away.
Even though I recognized Cyler’s forward actions towards me to be a test of Josiah’s intentions, I couldn’t help the flutter that stirred to life in the pit of my stomach. “Thank you,” I whispered. His wide eyes looked me over before responding as if to double check that the deranged man didn't harm me. “I should have been paying closer attention. That was too close.” I merely shrugged, which seemed to frustrate him. Then we wordlessly boarded the transport and headed back to the Stonewell manor while thoughts of Josiah, and Cyler’s offer, made my head pound with nervousness.
Chapter 6
The drive back was spent mostly in silence. Jules tried to ease the palpable tension with charming stories about her childhood, but the effort felt wasted on the two, brooding men in our company. I still shook with fear and wanted to scrub my skin clean of the nasty things that the Walker said to me, but there was a lot of work to be done once we got home.
I fled the transport the moment it parked, not allowing Cyler to assist me in exiting the vehicle. His nearness spent sparks down my exposed skin, and I needed a break from the confusing tension he caused within me. I quickly prepared dinner and forced myself not to obsess over what was happening.
The ultimatum Cyler had in store for Josiah made me nervous. A small part of me hoped that Josiah would choose me, but the more realistic side knew that he was duty-bound. His position required certain sacrifices.
Once again, I daydreamed about Josiah and me running away to one of the more primitive Providences. We would start from scratch and build our lives together. Our children would have my eyes and his hair.
I wished for this life for us daily. If I were a braver woman, I would beg Josiah to run away with me. Give up his father’s legacy. But, I’m not nearly that bold. Nor that selfish.
The ultimatum Cyler would put out for Josiah made me anxious and sad. A small part of me wished that Josiah would choose me, but the more realistic part knew that Josiah was duty-bound. Whatever childhood love existed between us would never matter. Josiah's position required certain sacrifices.
Too soon, the moment came for Josiah to decide. Everyone settled in at the kitchen table, and the stress from the earlier Walker Zone visit was still evident in their weary expressions.
Mistress Black wore a long, elegant evening gown which pushed her tiny chest up almost to her chin. She flaunted her body like it was all she had to offer, and I noticed Josiah occasionally peeking at what she so proudly displayed on a golden platter of silk and makeup. Josiah dressed in a suit that made my mouth water. Twice, he caught me staring at him, and the hint of a smile curved the corner of his lips. He knew he had my full attention, and he reveled in it. Even Cyler cleaned up. If it weren’t for his beard and fiery eyes, I would almost have thought that the crisp shirt and ironed pants made him looked refined–handsome almost.
"I'd very much like for Ashleigh to accompany me back to my village,” Cyler’s voice boomed over the table. “Her cooking is divine, and our leadership council is seeking to hire a new cook. She would be a free citizen in my Providence. We will agree to the trade under that condition."
His voice was final and demanding, and he spoke with such confidence, as though he already knew what decision Josiah would make. After a second of pure agony, I turned to look at Josiah and gauge his reaction. Aside from his fiery eyes that burned hot, scalding my heart, the rest of his face remained expressionless. He gave the impression that Cyler’s offer meant nothing to him. I waited for him to say something, anything, but surprisingly, it was Mistress Stonewell that replied.
"Oh, how lovely. We are truly flattered that you've taken such a liking to our dear Ashleigh. We, too, think she is an amazing Walker. I think this might change some parts of our deal, though, yes?" Her menacing eyes twinkled, and I coughed in discomfort. Josiah still silently sat while clutching the handle of his fork with force. Linda Stonewell was never one to pass on an opportunity.
"Well, what would you have in mind Mistress Stonewell, or may I call you Linda?"
Linda blushed at the informality of his request but refused to let it show how much he disgraced her. This trade deal was a game, and we all knew that Cyler chose informalities to gain some psychological upper hand intentionally.
"Well, Ashleigh has been a part of our family for almost a decade and a half. In fact, she grew up with Josiah. It will be challenging–almost downright impossible for us to part with such a sweet and hardworking girl. Not to mention, her cooking is divine.”
I openly gaped at her. Not once had Mistress Stonewell made me feel like anything other than a burden, so I was surprised by her sudden affections for me. My entire childhood was spent listening to how much of a waste of talent and space I was. But now, I was a pawn on the board, and she would use me to get whatever she wanted.
"Oh, yes of course! I want it to be a fair trade . . ." Cyler stroked his chin in mock contemplation and turned to address Josiah, who had a stoic look about him. My heart pounded in anticipation for his reaction. "What would you like for Ashleigh? I'm sure she has a special place in your heart. I want to make sure our trade is fair." Cyler grinned at me.
"I'm not sure I am willing to part with our Walker," Josiah muttered. Hope coursed through me, and I smiled.
"Oh, nonsense!" Linda interrupted. "I was just telling Josiah the other day that your peach orchids in Dorma are simply divine. What about a seasonal freight full of peaches this year? I think they would sell well here in our Providence."
Peaches. I was worth a shipment of peaches to this woman. My face fell.
"Is this acceptable to you, Josiah? Are you willing to part with your Walker for a shipment of peaches?" Cyler asked lightheartedly, but the phrasing made it abundantly clear. He wanted to know what my worth was. My heart thumped so loudly in my chest that my ears rang in time to my internal conflict. I wanted badly for Josiah to fight for me. Despite our socioeconomic differences, I wanted, no, needed, to know that he felt even just an ounce of affection for me. That my leaving would affect him in some way. But instead, he crushed my hopes, as well as my heart with five little words.
"Increase your gold by a quarter," Josiah whispered.
Pain radiated through me in waves of sadness and disappointment, and I stifled a sob. Memories of my childhood danced in my mind. Of Josiah holding my hand and whispering tall tales in my ear. Of our late nights. Of his smile. Each memory was now overwhelmed by his betrayal.
"That is quite a steep cost for one Walker. For that amount, I could buy vaccinations for ten Walkers in the Zone” Cyler announced, ignoring me.
Meanwhile, I noticed Mistress Black looking at me with a menacing grin. It appeared my departure made her all too happy. Perhaps the feelings between Josiah and I were more apparent than we realized.
"I agree that it is a steep cost, but Ash isn't just any Walker, and I think you've realized that," Josiah announced.
I pleaded with my eyes for Josiah to show some sadness at the thought of me leaving. But, each passing moment that he remained quiet, each tick of the clock made me further lose hope that the man I loved actually loved me back. How could he let me go?
"Well, I guess
it’s a deal, then. Oh goodness, forgive my manners. I didn't even ask if the sweet gal wanted to come with me to Dormas,” Cyler added with a grin. He pulled my hand into his lap, forcing me to bend over so that we were eye level.
"So, what will it be, sweetheart? Our Providence doesn't have the buildings or fancy technology of Galla. We live a simple life.” He brushed his rough hands over mine. “I’d love to have your cooking in my belly every night, and I think you could help me bridge relations with our new immigrants.” Cyler made it sound more like a marriage proposal than a request for me to move and serve his household.
Once again, my eyes found themselves glued to Josiah. I wanted to know that at least some part of him didn't want me to leave. His stony eyes connected with mine in a flash of fury. I briefly wondered if he was mad that I didn't immediately jump on the opportunity to stay. Josiah couldn’t risk his position in the Galla Providence by turning down such a lucrative offer. For the first time in my decade and a half at their home, I held power. I could see Josiah's opinions on the matter so clearly written across his face. But truthfully, the decision was made when he refused to fight for me.
"It would be an honor to serve your household, Master Black," I whispered.
"Call me Cyler, babe," he whispered back. If he hadn't told me of his intentions, I would have questioned his endearing nickname, but I knew this was all a game for him. I just prayed I wouldn't end up losing more than I could handle in the end.
Mistress Black coughed, forcing Cyler to let go of my hands.
"Well, I must admit I'm quite jealous of you, brother. I was looking forward to my new home with such delicious meals," she joked politely. Linda jumped in.
