Preserving Hope

by Alex Albrinck

  “What if there were additional volunteers, though? What if there were a group of our neighbors who could be sidelined for a few days without harming the rest? We could make much greater progress in that fashion. It will also help us to determine if one must reach a certain age before anything actually works.”

  Will could sense the man’s thoughts. Arthur knew he couldn’t simply dismiss the idea outright, so he had to listen. But he knew that adding any adults to the mix meant he’d lose income. Why would anyone pay him to “hire” Elizabeth — Will cringed inwardly at the word — if others truly had volunteered, and there was no way to convince the rest that Arthur needed compensation for their time? “Will, all of our residents are essential to the success of this community, and we cannot afford any losses. Every single person is necessary every single day—”

  “I disagree, Arthur.”

  Careful, Elizabeth’s voice sounded in his head. He doesn’t like people disagreeing with him.

  Arthur raised an eyebrow. “Really? Who around here doesn’t work every day? Who around here do you — a new resident, I might add — think is not essential every day?” The threat was there; Arthur feared Will would name him as the nonessential person, as did Elizabeth. That was a challenge that would undoubtedly get him banished for good.

  But Will had other ideas. “The Traders.”

  Arthur cocked his head. “You’re saying that the group you’re part of, the group that just returned with ample profits and the supplies we need… you’re saying that group is not essential to our success?”

  “I’m saying the community functions fine each time the Traders leave to go on Trading missions. Between missions, yes, Traders can do work as farmers or foragers or carpenters; but the community functions fine while we’re gone. Right? If that weren’t true, we would have returned after our week’s journey to find the rest of you incapacitated, or worse. No, Arthur, the community has adapted each time the Traders have left in the past — including the only Mission I’ve participated in. It could survive just as well if a Trader fell ill for a few days.”

  Will could sense the rising panic in Arthur Lowell. Will terrified the man, for Will wasn’t mesmerized by his words, or fooled by his empty rhetoric. And Arthur knew he’d have to deal with Will, and likely as not a more senior Trader who’d put such ideas in his head. “That’s a very interesting theory, Will. I’d like some time to think over your proposal.”

  Will nodded. “Take all the time you’d like, Arthur. I’ll talk to the Traders. It will be several weeks before we need to Trade again, so we should be able to get quite a bit of testing done before we leave.”

  Arthur’s eyes widened, and Will enjoyed the riotous laughter from Elizabeth in his mind as the man spluttered out his response. “But I haven’t told you my opinion on the matter yet! How would you go about such a thing?”

  Will frowned, a puzzled expression on his face. “I’m not sure I follow. Elizabeth volunteers each day and has full access to this building and the potential unlocking substances. Would other volunteers not be able to do the same?”

  Arthur’s eyes narrowed. “I have the key.”

  One mystery. Arthur had the only key to the building. “You’re denying me the ability to test myself, then? Even if that’s what I choose to do? And others as well?”

  “I own the key, Stark. And I’ll use it as I see fit.”

  “I’d also note that you previously asked me to serve as the village doctor,” Will said.

  Arthur blinked at the change in the conversation. “I did. Have you cured anyone yet?” There was a sneer in his tone.

  “No, thankfully, there have been no injuries, and no one has gotten sick. But I suspect that the Schola stores many plants and herbs useful in healing. I’d like the opportunity to take inventory.” Will arched an eyebrow, knowing the Arthur was cornered. Word of Will serving as the village doctor had spread throughout the community when he’d arrived; to hear he’d been denied access to the Schola, where many mysterious plants and herbs were stored, would undermine Arthur.

  “I… shall see about getting you access to perform an inventory. And I shall ensure that you have further access at such time as you need to retrieve something… to help someone who is sick or injured.”

  Will smiled. “I thought that’s what you’d say.” He walked over to Elizabeth, bent down, and picked her up. She feigned sleep, but contentment flooded his Empathy senses; he’d done well by her account. There was still a tinge of sadness, however, for Arthur clearly wasn’t turning against his past freely, despite her suffering.

  “What are you doing?” Arthur snapped.

  “Carrying her home. It appears that today’s session has made her ill, and she’s unable to return home without assistance. As the village doctor, it’s my responsibility to make sure she’s adequately cared for. She needs to sleep and build up her energy. And possibly…” Will glanced back at Arthur. “Something in here to help her fully recover. You might want to leave the door unlocked. It will save you time.” Will could feel Arthur’s open-mouthed stare burning into him as he left the Schola.

  Elizabeth shook with silent laughter all the way back to her room, curled contentedly in Will’s arms.

  XIII

  Innovator

  “This is insane,” Eleanor said.

  Will had explained his idea to the Traders. They’d spend their downtime between missions — or at least parts of it — working in the Schola and learning what they could. They’d essentially fulfill the same role that Elizabeth had been performing on her own for a decade, but they would truly be volunteers. No one would rent their services from another and demand research from them; it would truly be a free choice they’d make.

  “It’s not intended to be a daily activity,” Will said. “You spend most days between missions helping out in areas that function fine during your absence, as you’ve always done. If we each did one or two days between missions, that’s another dozen rounds of research… and whichever one of us actually finds the combination becomes the first one living here to develop those abilities. And… we’re setting an example for the rest of the community. We can simply explain that we want to speed up the results, and we’re willing to spend a few days a month doing our part.” He smiled. “It probably wouldn’t hurt to mention that one needn’t pay a fee to Arthur to make progress in this fashion.”

  “I don’t like it,” Eleanor said. “What if we all get so sick that we can’t go Trading? What if… what if one of us actually dies from this? It’s not right.”

  “You aren’t concerned that an innocent girl has suffered those exact maladies? Or that she might die from it?” Will’s eyes narrowed.

  Eleanor looked at the ground, swaying in obvious discomfort, her toe tracing the dirt. She looked up, her face hard. “Better her than one of us. She adds no value to this community. After more than a decade of experimentation we have no results.”

  Will had never hit a woman in his life, and it took all of his strength to maintain that streak. “It could be argued the same for us. We do nothing that couldn’t already be done by others, a point proven each time we leave to go Trade, and our best work happens infrequently. Yet there’s a payoff for everyone for that supposed lack of contribution. By having us available to make those Trading runs, everyone gains wealth. If we were to adjust to having us hold full-time spots with the farmers or smiths or weavers, then our departure would mean less food to eat and less metalwork to sell. Yet that financial payoff is nothing compared to what will happen when the people in this community finally unlock the secrets to those abilities. Don’t you want to be part of that?”

  Eleanor shook her head. “The risk is too great. I will not risk my health and my life, especially when it seems obvious that there will never be a payoff like Arthur promises. There are only so many foods and plants in the world, Will. Surely by now our Travelers have found all of them? Surely after ten years, Elizabeth has tested out every one of them in the Schola, in all pos
sible combinations? If she’s found nothing … then there’s nothing to find. This is all a foolish dream spearheaded by Arthur as a means of controlling us and enriching himself.”

  Will sighed, in part because he agreed with her regarding Arthur’s motivations. “The world is large, Eleanor; the Travelers have not reached every part of it. Perhaps even now one returns with the confirmed answers we seek. Perhaps even now, the substances we need are in the Schola, needing only to be consumed in sufficient quantities over a period of time, or prepared in a specific way. Why quit now? It can be done, Eleanor; the Travelers, I’m told, have seen people with these abilities, seen it themselves, and thus I believe others can do the same. Isn’t that a worthy goal? If you never take risks, you’ll never reach your full potential.”

  Eleanor shook her head. “I’m a widow, Will, and spent many years after as a virtual slave. Now I’m free. I’m a woman, and yet I hold a position of prominence in this community. I was never permitted to own anything; now I have my own money and can buy whatever I choose. I was married to a man by the choice of my parents and bore children for him though I did not love him; here I am free to be own person and choose the relationships I wish to have. My family was murdered by an invading army; our location here is secret and the walls are secure, and I am safe. My wealth continues to grow, my health continues to improve. I have no desire to throw it all away on some foolish fantasy of developing magical abilities.”

  Eva shook her head. “You have essentially called my brother a liar, Eleanor. He saw it himself, has spoken to those who can do these things. I, for one, think it’s foolish not to do what I can to help. Will is right. I will volunteer as well.”

  Eleanor’s face was one of pity, rather than anger. “I hope you don’t come to regret that choice.”

  “And I hope the same for you, Eleanor,” Eva replied, her eyes flashing. “I will tell you this now: should I discover the secret combinations, I will ensure that no one shares it with you. You are content with your current self and turned down the opportunity to learn this on your own. If, when given this chance, you refuse… well, I will make certain that you will not grow beyond where you are, the state you truly love, on the shoulders of those braver than you.” She scowled. “And frankly, that goes for everyone not willing to do this themselves.”

  Eleanor stormed away.

  “That went well,” Will said, arching an eyebrow.

  Eva glared at him. Then she faced Aldus, Gerald, and Matilda. “I don’t know where each of you stands on this plan, and I don’t care to know. If you wish to volunteer, then do so. I have made my choice. I will test once per week each week and will stop one week before we leave on each Trading mission. Will, I believe it is best if you and I stagger our tests. I will take Monday, if you will take Thursdays.”

  Will nodded.

  “Might I suggest Wednesdays for Will?” Gerald asked. “That would leave a gap between us if I take Fridays.”

  “I’ll take Tuesdays,” Matilda said.

  “If it’s okay with you, Will,” Aldus said, smiling, “I’ll take Wednesdays if you’d like to take Thursdays?”

  Will smiled and nodded. “Thursdays it is.”

  Eva smiled, a rare sight, and her face erased any remaining gloom from Eleanor’s earlier departure. “Thank you. This will be of great benefit to Elizabeth, and she’s had precious little help in this regard from anyone, including me. Especially not since Genevieve’s death. My request is that you keep anything you learn from those not willing to participate, and should Elizabeth be there with you… make sure you try to convince those she’s with to participate in the research as well.” With nods of deep resolve, the Traders dispersed.

  Eva looked at Will. “Have you given thought to what you might be doing the other six days of each week? I sense you’re not one to simply stand back and watch others do all of the work.”

  Will smiled. “I guess I’m pretty easy to read.”

  Eva laughed. “What skills do you have that you can perform around here? You’re obviously skilled at Trading. Do you think your… other skills… might be useful in any specific area?”

  Will sighed. “I don’t know. But I’d like to move from group to group and see what I can do to help each of them. Perhaps my other skills will help me to think of ways to improve how we handle each of the major craft areas.”

  Eva’s gaze narrowed. “Be careful, Will. People don’t like being told how to do their jobs, especially by one as inexperienced as you.”

  Will nodded. “I’ll be careful.”

  He left Eva’s room. It had been quite crowded with all of them in there. They needed to find a place to meet as a group. He wondered if he could use the cave, and decided against it. That space was reserved just for him and Elizabeth; should any others develop Energy abilities, he’d use the cave to train them there as well.

  Will walked among the shops and the Stores, simply watching what people were doing. He chatted with those plying their trade, explaining that his previous trade was, simply, Trading, and he was trying to determine where he could best help the community. Perhaps aided by the financial gain they’d experienced in no small part due to Will’s skills, everyone was eager to talk to him and convince him of the superiority of their craft, and the always-urgent need for more hands. None seemed terribly concerned by Will’s lack of skill in their area, and his senses detected that he’d become something of a valuable piece in the social hierarchy. The group that landed the mysterious newcomer Will Stark would be the envy of the community.

  Will sighed inwardly. People were always trying to win the status wars, rather than simply trying to do the right thing.

  Will’s primary skill wasn’t trading. It was problem-solving. As he walked through the community, watching the bakers bake and the smiths forge, and as he walked with the hunters and foragers collecting food from outside the walls, and as he watched the farmers tend the crops they’d planted, he found one thing all of them needed.

  Water.

  The bakers would spend great amounts of time fetching water used in the baking process, and additional water to clean out their oven-safe dishes and mixing tools. The smiths needed water to cool hot metal, potters needed water to mold clay, foragers to clean the foodstuffs gathered in the forests. The farmers, of course, needed water to ensure their crops were adequately hydrated. Everyone needed water, and yet within the village water could only be gotten from the single, modest-sized well near the gate. Could he use that twenty-first century mindset to solve an age-old problem? Could he bring them an abundance of water, easily obtained for all the various crafts, and help them thrive even further?

  He vaguely remembered reading about artesian wells at one point, having considered adding one for decorative purposes at the entry to De Gray Estates. However, the engineers indicated that the nearest aquifer was several hundred yards away, and it would be highly impractical. Artesian wells were created by drilling holes into underground aquifers, releasing pressure restraining the water underground and enabling the water to bubble up above ground through the channel bored into the earth. He had no doubt that the metal workers here could create a metal bit and rod that they could use, but he wasn’t sure how he could convince them to drill a hole in the ground in the hopes of finding water. They’d note that they already had a well, and the effort would be pointless. He shifted, and began to wonder if he could create a system of running water in the village.

  In his day, of course, water was transported from various sources to homes, and could be accessed through various taps and faucets inside and outside the home. That would be too much to attempt here, at least at first. The well was the only source of water within the village, but the nearby rivers held essentially a limitless supply. Could he get the water here directly from the rivers?

  He thought of the aqueducts built by the Romans, centuries earlier, and his fuzzy historical memory suggested that the Roman empire had spread far enough that it could have touched historic England. Cou
ld he work that in as the source of his inspiration for the idea?

  When in doubt, of course, he could fall back to his reasonably true back story of being a merchant, and state that he’d seen various portions of the now-extinct empire of Rome, and marvel at the aqueduct system that could bring fresh water from far away mountains. The Romans had the advantage in that the mountain-based water sources were high above their cities, and gravity could help the water flow the entire journey. Both nearby tributaries were below the level of the village, with the fast-moving waters of the Ealdor flowing higher by a few feet than the slow-moving Halwende. He’d still need to raise the river water up into the air, dump it into the aqueduct-type system they’d need, and let it flow into the village. He wanted a separate system to remove waste and debris as well, but that would come later. For now, getting the water here in abundance would serve his purposes.

  He saw the Store where they stowed the parts of the wagons he’d used with the other Traders on the recent mission to Richland, and an idea formed. He’d use the power of the river to collect the water. He grabbed one of the wheels, and marched over to the carpenters.

  Spotting a man named Joseph, the head carpenter, Will asked if they’d made any water troughs recently. “Sure have,” Joseph replied. “You Traders sold the lot of them on your last trip, and a couple of the troughs here broke down. Just finished up several of them. Got the sap in place to keep the water from soaking in, too. Should have enough to replace the old ones here and maybe sell a few later.”

  “May I buy one from you?” Will asked.

  Joseph looked at him in surprise. “Sure, I guess. I’d probably need to get a silver for it, though, because of the wood—”

  He broke off as Will dropped a silver coin in the man’s hand. “A pleasure doing business with you, Will,” Joseph said, smiling. “Anything else I can help you with?”

  Will smiled. “As a matter of fact… yes.”