by Bobby Adair
Ella sat next to Bray on the steps of the ancient building, chewing her nails. The warmth of the mid-day sun couldn't erase the nervous chill in her bones. She studied the cracked, upheaved road. A squirrel skittered over a vine-covered wall, appraising them before dipping out of sight. They'd left the barrier behind them partially uncovered.
"Maybe Ivory's right about the demons in this area," Ella said. "I haven't seen as many here as I thought I would."
"Maybe," Bray admitted with a shrug.
"What do you think of him?" she asked Bray.
Bray smiled. "He seems all right. I like his bow."
"I know you do," Ella frowned and scowled. "I'm sure that's your primary concern. But I don't trust him."
"He's not a rabbit hunter. Or at least, that's not all he is."
"How do you know?"
"I saw him in Brighton. He was selling metals to the blacksmiths."
Panic and anger rose in Ella's heart. "You know him? And you didn't tell me?"
Bray shrugged and spat in the dirt. "When would I have said something? In front of him?"
Ella searched for a plausible reason for her anger, but couldn't find one. Her anger turned to palpable fear. "Does he know you?"
"No." Bray stared off into the distance. "I don't think so."
"You're not sure." Ella couldn't hide the tremor in her voice. "What if he recognizes us? What if he figures out we're from Brighton? He could give us up."
"I'd be able to tell, Ella. He thinks we're from Davenport, just like Melora told him. I don't think he questioned our story."
"And you're willing to risk William's life on that guess?" Ella looked through the partially exposed doorway behind them, as if William might be standing there, even though she heard him playing deeper in the building. "What if Ivory is collecting information so he can tell someone in Brighton? What if he knows the soldiers are looking for Melora?"
"He's a metal smuggler, Ella. Traveling to the Ancient City is as forbidden for him as it is for us."
"He could say he followed us from the woods."
"There's no reward in turning in a woman and child on the run." Bray grinned sideways at her. "If there was, I'd be headed in a different direction."
"That's not funny." Ella closed her eyes and reopened them. When she did, she noticed Bray had moved closer. She instinctively moved away. She knew her anger at Bray was misdirected, but her frustration about Ivory needed an outlet.
"You're letting your mind explore all the worst outcomes," Bray said. "You're worrying too much."
"I'm a mother. I can't help it."
They fell silent for a few moments, listening to the squawk of birds and the shrieks of distant demons.
"If it comes down to it, I'll take care of Ivory. But we're safe. Trust me."
"My children are all I have left," Ella said matter-of-factly.
"I understand."
"Do you?" Ella stared at him. "Motherhood isn't a job you can abandon. No matter how far I have to go, whether it's the Ancient City or the edge of the flat earth, I'll protect them."
Bray sighed and looked off into the street. "You can't protect them forever, Ella. They're growing up."
Ella looked at Bray, wondering how much of the argument he'd heard between her and her children. To her surprise, he didn't appear to be chastising her. His face was sympathetic.
"I admire your devotion," Bray said honestly. "But the best thing you can do is to teach them for when you're not around. They'll need your good sense to fall back on. That's the way to keep them safe. Like my father did for me. Like your parents did for you."
Ella opened her mouth and closed it. She thought of the angered look on Melora's face, the determined look on William's. Then she recalled Frederick and Jean's worry when she'd set off to marry Ethan and move to Brighton. She'd survived. She wanted to be angry at Bray for what he was telling her, but she knew he was telling the truth.
"Letting go is a hard thing," she admitted.
Bray reached over and patted her leg.
"I know it's hard," Bray agreed. "But you need to take care of yourself, too."
Ella looked down, realizing Bray's hand was still on her. For some reason, she didn't pull away. She looked at him, noting the cut on his ear from where he'd fought the soldiers for her and William.
"You should clean your ear." She looked down at his pants. "How's your leg?"
Bray shrugged. "I'll live. At the worst, I'll have another few scars to brag to the ladies about."
"You don't need to embellish. I was there." Ella smiled.
Before she realized what she was doing, Ella leaned toward Bray. Surprise lit his face as he moved to meet her. She embraced him, pressing her lips against his. He smelled of the wild, the breakfast they'd eaten, and the experiences they'd shared. She closed her eyes, forgetting the anxieties that felt like they'd been sewn into her skin.
Maybe Bray was right. Maybe she needed to let go.
They kissed for several seconds, holding each other. She moved her hands up and down his shirt, running her hands from his shoulders to his arms to his neck. For a moment, Ella felt like she was in some alternate reality, where no one was sick and no one was in danger. What was she doing?
A voice from behind Ella ripped her to the present. She broke away from Bray, instinctively recoiling. She turned.
"William?"
"Are you okay, Mom?"
"I'm fine, honey. We were just talking."
Ella stood, wiped her lips, and hurried away from Bray. "I'll talk to you later," she whispered.
Chapter 17: Ivory
Ivory awoke with a start, casting aside the thin blanket draped over him, looking for his bag and bow. To his relief, they were next to him. He pulled them close, as if someone might be trying to snatch them.
Melora wasn't in the next room. He heard voices in the room downstairs, but it was impossible to discern whose they were.
He hadn't meant to sleep for long. His goal had been to close his eyes for a few moments of peace. He wanted to check on Jingo, but he was enjoying Melora's company, and he wasn't ready to leave. She was one of the most beautiful girls he'd seen in a while, and it seemed like he'd impressed her.
He was surprised when a voice rang from the doorway. "You're up?" Melora was there, smiling and watching him.
"How long was I out?"
"A few hours, I think," Melora answered. "You slept longer than me."
"Is everyone still downstairs?"
"Ella and William are keeping watch. Bray went out in the city."
"What's he doing?"
Melora shrugged. "Hunting, I guess. Doing whatever it is he does."
Ivory scooted up and pulled his bow onto his lap. Melora's eyes roamed over the weapon. He could tell she wanted to ask about it again. "Do you want to try it now?" he asked, grateful Bray wasn't around.
Melora nodded, her eyes growing wide. "I'd like that."
"We'll check and make sure no demons are about." Ivory watched her. "If they aren't, you can shoot it."
"Why can't we shoot it downstairs?"
Ivory looked around, as if Ella might be watching. "We'll have more room outside. And besides, there are some cool buildings nearby I can show you."
Melora's eyes lit up at the offer. She scrambled to her feet. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, Ivory followed her. They descended the stairs to the first floor of the ancient building. Ella was talking with William as they inspected one of the broken pedestals. They broke their conversation when they saw Ivory and Melora coming. William ran up to greet them.
"How'd you sleep?" William asked.
"Well, thanks," Ivory said.
Melora called to her mother, "We're going out."
Ella's face remained stoic as she tried to conceal an emotion. "How long will you be?"
"Not long."
Ella didn't ask for details, though it was clear she wanted to, and Melora didn't offer any. Reaching the doorway, Ivory and Melora started moving the
barricade. William tailed behind, watching.
"Can I come?" he asked.
"Not this time, William," Melora said.
"Why not?" William asked, his face turning sour.
In a whisper loud enough that only Ivory and William could hear, Melora said, "I need you to stay here and protect Mom."
William frowned. He continued watching them as they moved the last of barricade. When they were through the threshold, he argued, "I'd rather shoot the bow."
Melora turned, squeezing his arm. "Another time, William," she said. "I promise."
**
Melora and Ivory walked several cross streets past the ancient building, leaving Ella and William behind. They traveled far enough they could maintain privacy, but close enough they could assist in case there was trouble.
"I'm surprised William didn't chase after us," Ivory said.
"Me, too," Melora said, her eyes roaming back and forth across the fragmented buildings and scattered stones. "He's very strong-willed."
"That must be a family trait."
Melora smiled at the compliment. "He's grown up a lot. We've all changed, after what happened in Davenport."
Motioning to the building, Ivory said, "You got lucky picking this place to stay."
"I wonder what it used to be?" Melora asked.
"It was a museum."
"A museum?" Melora frowned at the unfamiliar word. "What's that?"
"A place where the Ancients stored things of value. They put things into glass cases so they could admire them without ruining them."
"William guessed that," Melora said, her eyes filling with wonder. "How do you know? Did your uncle tell you?"
Ivory smiled. "I'm good at figuring things out."
"You still need to tell me about floating on the water."
"I will," Ivory said. "In time. But why don't we try the bow first?"
Melora's excitement made it easy to change the subject. Ivory halted next to an enormous ancient building with a roof so collapsed that it hung diagonally from the structure it used to protect. Mounds of rubble had collected at the bottom. Seeing the giant, sloping building reminded him of some of the sharp hills on the outskirts of Brighton. On the side of the slope were several soggy, weather-beaten boards, propped at angles to protect against the weather. It looked like settlers had used them at some point as shelters.
"What do you think about shooting here?" Ivory asked Melora. "We might have luck getting the arrows to stick."
"That's exactly what I was thinking," Melora agreed.
Without another word, Ivory readied the bow and nocked an arrow. He aimed at one of the boards about twenty yards away, focusing on his target. Melora watched in awe as he pulled back the string, the wheels of the bow turning as they complemented his force.
"You hardly have to pull it back," he told her. "And it shoots much faster. Watch."
He let go of the arrow. It flew through the air, thunking into the target, splintering the wet wood. He smiled with confidence. Melora studied the landed arrow. She looked at Ivory.
"You're already quite good. I'll have to see how I do," she said.
"Okay." Ivory smiled and handed her the bow, guiding her hands over the metal. He saw excitement pass through her face as he gave her an arrow. For a moment, the dangers of the Ancient City and the slaughter of Davenport faded for both of them.
"Much of it works the same as what you're used to," Ivory explained. "But it might take a few shots to get the hang of it."
Melora drew back the arrow.
"I can't believe I'm holding Tech Magic," she whispered.
"Yes," Ivory affirmed, unable to resist a smile. "A real weapon of the Ancients."
She smiled back and looked away, concentrating on Ivory's arrow. She let go. Her arrow whisked through the air, grazing the end of Ivory's and landing in the wood just above it. Ivory watched her with astonishment.
"You're better than—"
"Any girl you've met?" she finished for him.
"No. Anyone I've met." Ivory's eyes were wide.
He saw Melora watching his face for insincerity, but Ivory had only true admiration. She smiled and lowered the bow. Watching the two arrows hanging from the wood, Ivory recalled afternoons spent in the woods outside Brighton, shooting bundles of grass with his uncle, or practicing in the Ancient City with Jingo.
"Do you want to get back to the building?" Ivory asked.
"No," Melora said with a full smile. "I'd rather shoot some more."
"Okay," Ivory said, reaching down to his quiver.
"I'll split your arrow with my next shot." Melora grinned.
Chapter 18: Melora
Ivory and Melora smiled and joked as they made their way back to the ancient building, skirting around several flattened, dried animal carcasses that had become little more than landmarks, watching for demons. Melora was becoming more accustomed to the Ancient City, so much so she envisioned it becoming her home, with Davenport gone.
When they reached the building, Melora found Bray sitting on the steps, several dead rabbits next to him. There was no sign of Ella or William.
"You shot the bow," Bray guessed, disappointment coloring his face as he watched them approach.
"I didn't know when you'd be back," Melora answered.
"You were asleep when I left." Bray grunted and nodded at the bounty he'd brought back. "I was waiting."
"Maybe we can shoot later." Ivory shrugged.
Bray contorted his face, trying to think of an argument. Before he could say anything further, Ella appeared at the doorway. "You have lunch?"
"Yep, I got some rabbits," Bray said, motioning with his chin toward the rabbits on the step next to him.
"I'm starving," Ella admitted.
"Okay," Bray said. "I'll cook them." Grabbing the rabbits, he started toward the back of the building.
Melora and Ivory followed.
Chapter 19: Melora
"Melora!" William hissed.
Melora stopped and peered out over the balcony of the ancient building, certain a band of demons were breaking through the door downstairs. Instead, she saw her brother lurking behind one of the stone platforms. Her intent had been to sneak down and relieve herself. She hadn't expected to find William. She peeked behind her, listening to the hushed voices of Ella, Bray, and Ivory as they ate their meal. No one must've seen him leave.
William waved her down the stairs.
She kept quiet as she walked down to join him. William watched the staircase, his face pale and suspicious. For a second, Melora envisioned him as one of the demons, wart-covered and swaying, ready to pounce. She shuddered as she reached his side.
"Is everything all right, William?" she asked.
William nodded and swallowed hard. He was nervous.
"I saw something before you left to shoot the bow," he whispered, his eyes wide. He watched her with an expression that she couldn't interpret.
Melora felt a surge of dread. Was William having delusions again? She tapped the handle of her sword, wondering if this was the moment she'd have to draw it and call for the others. "What did you see, William?"
"Bray kissed Mom."
Melora's fear found a new source. "What do you mean?"
"They were sitting on the steps outside the building, talking. I was practicing with the sword I found. I came to ask Mom a question and saw what happened."
"What did Mom do?"
"She pulled away. When she saw me, she whispered something and came inside. I think she told Bray to leave her alone."
Melora bit her lip and clenched the handle of her sword, wanting to run upstairs and confront the Warden, to stick her sword under his chin and threaten him. Maybe she'd do worse than that. Ella had been right. They couldn't trust Bray. He wasn't here to help them. He was here for his own lascivious purposes.
I knew he was bothering her the other night.
He probably meant to rob them after he was done wiping his dirty paws on Ella.
&nbs
p; Her anger flared. She took a step toward the stairs, but William halted her. She flinched at his touch.
"It wouldn't be smart to do anything," William said, his face suddenly stoic.
"Why not?"
"The commotion might raise the demons. Talking might be one thing, but a battle can grow loud quickly. We've seen that in the woods."
"Who cares about the demons when the danger is among us?"
"He won't try it again."
"How can you know that, William?" Melora flung up her hands in frustration. "Men like him don't stop until they get what they want. Surely, you understand that."
William's face grew hard as he appraised her. He patted the sword at his side. "Trust me, Melora, he won't do it again. Because if he does, I'll kill him in his sleep."
Chapter 20: Franklin
Morning light peeled through one of the high windows, casting bands of brilliance on the Sanctuary floor. Franklin steeled his nerves as he prepared for his sermon. What Fitzgerald had told him made the uneasiness in the pit of his stomach more pronounced.
This will be your most important sermon yet.
Regardless of Franklin's anxiety, he needed every advantage to gain safety from Tenbrook. Franklin straightened his robe and looked around at the other clergymen. Novice Joseph waited by the door, taking up a position that was becoming a little more comfortable. Deacon Abbot nodded, forcing himself to smile through some of the fear on his face. The clergymen were more confident in Franklin's abilities than they had been before, though they still seemed afraid after what he'd done to Father Nelson.
Franklin was surprised to find himself just as anxious for his second sermon as his first.
Did Father Winthrop feel the way I do now? Winthrop never seemed nervous. He was too busy barking orders and looking down his nose at everyone to seem frightened.
Perhaps presiding over the congregation is a skill much like learning recitations, Franklin thought. Perhaps it will get better over time.
Thinking of Winthrop sleeping in a ditch, Franklin smiled. At least he was in a better place than that. He let that thought soothe him as the harps and woodwinds started playing. The soothing melody meant mass was about to begin. If Fitz were to be believed, he needed a succinct sermon. That meant Franklin had to focus.
