“No, but you will.” Kani’s jaw sets and she places a hand on her hip.
Turning to Fenton, Traeton says abruptly, “No … no, it’s fine. I was just … doesn’t matter.” He shakes his hands dismissively. “I’ll take her. Kani, can you find a change of clothes for her? We should really fix up her trouser leg.” He closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose.
“You—want—me—to—what?” Kani’s eyes narrow to laser beam precision.
“Don’t be so melodramatic,” he retorts.
Kani gives me a once-over and heads out the door. “She’d better not stretch them.”
Traeton’s shoulders drop and sits down across the table. “Sorry about all that.”
I attempt a smile, but I’m pretty sure it’s more of a grimace.
In this light, Traeton’s hair is a brilliant blue and the color stands out against his black shirt. Like Kani’s, his shirt is partially zipped, revealing a gray shirt underneath.
Traeton places his hands on the table and taps his fingers lightly against the wood. His eyes wander, landing on everything but me as we sit for a long, awkward moment.
Kani finally saunters back with a stack of clothes in her hand. She plunks them down unceremoniously on the table in front of me. “Do not wreck them.”
“Come on, Runa. We should get going. We have a fifteen-minute walk, or so.” Traeton shifts out of his seat and moves around the table. Once again, his arms slide around my body and he hoists me out of my seat. With one arm still around me, he grabs the clothes Kani brought in. He places the folded clothing in my lap and smiles awkwardly.
If circumstances were different, I’d love to be in his company for a walk. Instead, this is going to be the longest fifteen minutes of my life.
6
Runa
THE LONGER I’M HERE, the more questions rattle around in my head.
Why are the three of them living here? What made them leave the Helix? How did they discover this place? What is it like to live here? What’s the Lateral I keep hearing about? Why do they eat primitively? Why does Fenton speak weird? Is Kani always so—crabby? Why blue?
Traeton’s focus is solely on the walk ahead—he hasn’t spoken a word. Not one.
An interrogation would be better than this.
Tunnel sconces light up every ten meters or so as he takes me to wherever this Oasis thing is. The shadows show how rocky the cavern walls are, drawing my eyes to the dark crevices leading off in new directions. I can’t believe the size of this place.
“How big are these tunnels?” I finally break the silence and crane around to view Traeton’s stoic face.
He keeps his eyes straight ahead, “Fairly big, I guess.”
“This place is amazing. If I’d known about this—”
“If you had known?” Curiosity plays at Traeton’s tone, and for the first time in what feels like forever, he looks at me.
I bite the inside of my cheek. “Things are ... less than perfect for me inside the Helix.”
“Ah. Is that why you left?”
I sigh. How can I explain everything that pushed me to leave? Would he even understand?
“I’ve always been different, as you can probably see. I’m the only one I know who likes being outside.” I steal a glance at his face, watching his eyes for any sign of disapproval. When he offers none, I add, “Well, until meeting all of you.”
“I can’t imagine not being outside.” Traeton offers. “It’s my second home, really.”
A grin creeps across my face and I pull myself a little closer to him.
The minutes tick by like hours as he continues walking in silence.
“Traeton, if you set me down, I’ll try to hop along on my left leg. I might need you for balance, though.”
He shakes his head and winks. “Nah, I got this.”
My cheeks flush, but I smile again.
There’s no way I could carry another person fifteen steps, let alone fifteen minutes.
“Sorry about all the confusion earlier,” he says.
“I’m sorry too.”
“For what?” he asks, surprise playing in his tone.
I wrinkle my nose. “For being gross. For needing someone to help me get cleaned up. I’m sure it’s not what you want to be doing.”
I look away, letting my hair fall between us like a curtain.
“Honestly, it’s no big deal. I don’t mind. Besides, you do have a pretty good reason for needing help,” he chuckles.
“Well, thank you anyway.”
In the distance, I make out the faint hum of running water. However, as we get closer, the sound is more like a hundred Helix showers, all running at the same time.
“Stay here. I’ll trigger the lights. It’s a little rocky and if I can’t see where I’m going, I’m liable to drop you.” Traeton sets me down and steps into the darkness. “I’m sure you could do without that.”
Instead of doing as instructed, I hobble behind him, holding the wall for balance. He’s done enough for me, the least I can do is manage a few steps on my own.
The lights flicker on as I enter the space they call the Oasis. Five sconces illuminate the upper part of the walls, and they cast deep shadows in the grooves of the natural rock formations.
It’s breathtaking. From what seems like everywhere, water pours into two large pools, one on either side of the walkway.
“Uh, well, okay. That’s the bathing side.” Traeton points to the left. “Soap and such should be over there.” His face turns white, and he starts backing toward the entrance. “You should have a towel with your clothes here. I’ll just—I’m gonna be—yeah—out there,” he points out the way we came. “Yell if you need me.”
My head is spinning and I’m suddenly overcome with fear. What if he leaves me here? Would he? Could I find my way back?
“Will you be far?” I blurt, making an attempt to smile.
“No. Not too far. In the tunnel here.” He shifts his eyes and backs out farther. “I’ll give you some privacy.”
“Thanks,” I mumble, wishing I could voice more of my concerns. It’s ridiculous to question his motives, but I’d never survive in here if he left me alone.
On the opposite side of the walkway to where he pointed is another pool of water. Though he didn’t mention what it’s for, on the floor are large containers. Suddenly parched, I hop over to it. Water trickles down, running over the stones before free-falling into the standing pool below. I reach out and let the chilly water flow over my hands.
Cupping the water, I drink in some of the cool, deliciousness. It’s better than anything I’ve ever tasted, and I can’t seem to get enough. I drink until my stomach aches, which doesn’t take long.
I scan over my shoulder, using the nearest rock for balance. This task—bathing in open water instead of a shower—it’s a little daunting. The area is so exposed. A few days ago, I had no idea water existed like this on our planet. Does this come in on its own, or is it somehow created by Traeton and his group?
The scent of wet dirt surrounds me, a clean sort of smell that settles some of my anxiety. Smiling to myself, I take a tentative hop to the bathing water’s edge and glance down into the mirrored reflection.
My smile instantly evaporates.
I look awful.
My hair’s a tangled, bloody mess, and the bandage covering my left eye is worse.
Slowly, I sit on the nearest rock and struggle to get undressed. It’s a relief to free myself of the ripped NanoTech garments, but everything aches, despite the medicine.
I remove the bandage around my calf and pieces of the absorbent fabric stick to the dried gash, reopening the wound. Blood slowly trickles to the ground, darkening the stone at my feet.
There’s no sign of Traeton in the black void.
I remove my undergarments and clumsily make my way into the water. Colder than I expect, I’m not sure I can even bathe in it. However, the longer I stand, water up to my ankles, the warmer it seems. I hop along
the rocks until the water is deep enough for me to submerge most of my body. My injured calf itches, and I’m unsure if I should even be getting it wet.
Trying not to get the bandage on my face wet, I bend forward slightly to rinse the blood from my hair. My footing falters, and I fall face first into the frigid water. My hands instinctively reach out, but I don’t find the bottom. Instead, bubbles surround my body and the current is so strong, I can’t tell which way is up as I flail against the water.
I’m blinded by a fierce white light blasting through my entire perception—even my damaged eye senses it, sees it. I want air—I need air.
A woman’s voice rings out clear and crisp, as if she were in front of me.
“Runa, Daughter of Five, please don’t be frightened. We are here to protect and guide you. Your place in this world is more important than you realize and we are doing all we can to prepare you for what comes next. Even now, from this great length, we are helping to speed your regeneration. Allow the affects of the water around you to sink in. At this moment, it is imperative you listen closely, for we don’t have much time.
When you vacated the Tree of Burden, you initiated the seal—the gateway to us needs to be reopened and you must return to us. The Tree holds everything you will need to protect yourself and Pendomus from the oncoming storm Videus is stirring. He is ruthless and he will stop at nothing to acquire you. We must not allow this to happen.
This won’t make sense now, but it will. In order to regain access, you must reacquire the key, which will be a most difficult task, as it remains inside the Helix. Until you are strong enough to retrieve it, stay hidden amongst the shadows. At this very moment, you are being sought after by those who wish to do you harm. Be watchful. Your guardian will connect with you when you are ready. There is much you don’t understand about this world. But above all else, you must be protected. At any cost.”
I break the surface and fill my lungs deeply with fresh air. My arms thrash against the water, groping for something to hold onto. A high-pitched noise reverberates off the walls, stinging my ears. In the same instant, Traeton bursts in, an expression of complete shock—no, horror—on his face. He immediately spins around to face the other way, his hand flying up, shielding his eyes.
My heart vaults into my throat, and as quickly as I can, I dive behind the nearest rock outcropping. The high-pitched noise goes silent as I close my mouth.
“What the—Are you okay? Why were you screaming?” he calls over his shoulder.
I watch him closely, waiting for any sign of a shift in his demeanor. When nothing changes, I allow my shoulders to unclench.
“I ... yeah. Sorry. Don’t turn around, okay?”
Shaking, I don’t let my eyes leave his silhouette. He stands stone still. Taking a deep breath, I move toward the towel.
What just happened?
Daughter of Five? Tree of Burden? Guardian? Did I bump my head when I fell? What do I tell him?
I chew on my lip.
“Sorry I screamed. Just now, when I was under the water, it was like it … reacted and I got disoriented. It reminded me of when I was floating in the tree.” The last sentence slips out unintentionally, and I scrunch my face.
Great. I’m sure he’s going to think I’m insane. Heck, I think I’m insane hearing voices this far out. The constraints of the eLink require proximity and even if we were right on top of the Helix, the rock alone would block the signal. So how someone could enter my mind—I just don’t know.
Dropping the towel to the ground, I keep my eyes on his back and pull on my undergarments swiftly.
“Reacted?” he says, his voice arching higher.
With trembling hands, I hold up the white shirt Kani gave me. I don’t understand how I’d possibly stretch the fabric. It has to be at least two sizes too big.
“It was like the water was boiling around me,” I tell him, sliding the shirt over my head. “Maybe I was out of my senses, but it felt like the water did the same before when I was in the tree. Boiling hot … and then … I saw you. Or at least, I think it was you.”
I yank up the brown trousers and survey how they fit. They, like the shirt, are large and the fabric flows loosely around my legs. They aren’t necessarily pretty, but they do have a nice flow to them.
“You uh, saw me at the tree?” Traeton’s voice is gruff and he rubs the back of his neck.
“I think so. Well, your blue hair, at least,” I say. I point to the top of his head and drop my hand to my side.
He can’t see you, Runa. Back turned, remember?
“Is that all you remember? About me, I mean.”
His question catches me off guard, and I look up. “Yes, just blue.”
“Ah.” He shifts to one side.
My encounter moments ago circles around in my mind. Despite having no visuals to connect to, the sensation was extremely real—as if the woman was right beside me. Or connected to the eLink…
“Traeton, what do you know about the tree you found me in?” I ask.
He shifts slightly and says, “Uh, not much. That was the first time I’d noticed the tree before. It was sorta weird, though.”
“How do you mean?” I ask, sliding my foot into my boot and letting it constrict to my size.
“Well, besides the obvious of standing water—” Trae raises a hand to his forehead and taps it gently as he thinks. “The tree itself, though… There was something unusual about it. Like it had a mind of its own.”
I stop in mid-step of the next boot. “A mind of its own?”
Relief floods my body as my curiosity piques. He’s had his own experiences with the tree.
“Yeah. When I was trying to get you out, the water rose and basically flushed us out of the tree. Then it froze solid.”
“Really?”
“Truly. I’ve never seen anything like it.” He nods. “Can I turn around yet?”
“Sure. I’m decent.” I say.
Traeton continues to stand still for a moment. Then, with a nod of his head, he turns around.
“I need to go back there again.” I confide. “To the tree. It’s important.”
His mouth drops open slightly, but he doesn’t say anything.
Why is he not saying anything?
I rub my hand across the fabric of my thighs in an attempt to make the wrinkles lie flat. “Does this look okay? Seems a little big.”
“Oh, yeah. Very fine,” he swallows, then continues, “So the tree, huh? Okay, I can help you find it from here. Was this a special place to you before the attack?”
“Yeah. Something like that.”
“Alright, it’s settled. As soon as you’re better, I’ll take you back to the tree.” He grins.
Smiling back, I push a wet strand of hair behind my ear, but it brushes against the wound on my face, making me flinch. I took no notice that the bandage must’ve fallen off in the water. With my fingertips, I touch the swollen flesh and cringe. In a swift movement, I pull the same strand forward again.
“My bandage—I was trying to keep—I think I may have lost it.” I say.
Shrugging, he says, “No big deal. We can get you a new one. You probably needed to rinse your eye off anyway. Let your wound heal fresh.”
With the extra role of bandage Kani slipped in with the clothing, I’d love nothing more than to cover my face. Unfortunately, the wound on my leg is trying to adhere to my trousers.
Picking up the roll, and lifting my trouser leg, I turn to Traeton, “Do you think you could help me get this around my calf?”
His eyes widen. “I don’t think I’m the best one to—it might be better to let—”
Wonderful, I’m insane and incapable. “N-never mind. I can do it,” I stammer.
I sit down and pull back the fabric on my right leg again.
“No, here. I’m sorry. I can help. I’m just … no good with this sort of thing.” Traeton kneels and takes the roll from me. He takes my leg in his warm hands and places it on his bent knee.
He raises his eyes to meet mine, and I blink away my wildly inappropriate thoughts. The way he observes me from under his eyebrows makes me bite my lip. He has nice eyes. For a moment, it’s like we’re magnetic. Slowly, his face inches toward mine. My breath hitches, because I don’t know what this means. I’m drawn to his mouth, as his tongue once again grazes his lower lip.
The connection is abruptly broken as he shakes his head, his lashes fluttering.
“Whoa. I … uh … Ready to head back?” He breathes out, and pushes to a stand, brushing off his knees.
What was that all about?
“Uh— if you are,” I say.
The dressing on my wound is hardly noticeable as I stand up, letting my trouser leg fall back into place. I set my dirty garments inside my towel, the way I would back home, to make them easier to carry.
He helps me through the narrow passage before picking me up again. Trying to make things easier for him, I reach around and pull myself closer. As I do, Traeton inhales sharply.
“I’m sorry. Am I hurting you? Do you need me to shift?” I ask, acutely aware of how heavy I must be.
Clearing his throat, he says, “No, I’m fine.”
Shadows play across his face, and I wish I knew what was going on in his head. So much about him baffles me.
“Why did you do it?” I ask.
His footing falters a little, and he replies, “Sorry, do—do what?”
“Pull me from the tree. Save me. Bring me here. Take your pick.” I shrug.
I’m not sure what it is, or why I need to understand his motives, but I can’t help myself. The indifference in his face evaporates briefly, and he sets me down.
“I don’t know. I couldn’t let you die,” he says, pacing back and forth.
“Why not? You don’t know me.” I try to understand things from his perspective, but he doesn’t make any sense.
The Complete Pendomus Chronicles Trilogy: Books 1-3 of the Pendomus Chronicles Dystopian Scifi Boxed Set Series Page 5
