She thumped her forehead with the heel of her hand. “I completely forgot. I’ll have to wear a juba again.”
I grinned when she grimaced. “Are you sure my brother is worth the sacrifice of wearing robes for the rest of your life?”
“Or until I can get the laws changed.” Her warrior’s eyes went misty and soft. “I’m tired of fighting. I think I can be an asset on Hypor. Life with someone like Jarryd is my dream. I love him, Brynna.”
“I can see that, and I know he feels the same way about you. But I don’t want to see you hurt.” I hesitated and watched her expression when I spoke. “You remember I told you about Marta.”
She nodded. “I know he cared for her and part of him still does. If she is alive and should fate bring them together, I will abide by Jarryd’s decision.” Leika tipped back her head and took a deep breath. “I understand the risk, but I can’t ignore my heart.”
I put my arms around her and kissed her cheek. “No matter what happens, you’ll always be my sister.”
Leika blinked away tears. “My personal concerns are minuscule compared with what we’re facing, but if the world ended tomorrow, I’d be happy at Jarryd’s side. I suspect that you and my brother will be together as well. He’s already said he’ll accompany you to Prima Feminary.”
I didn’t deny my connection to Kaaluk. “Your brother and I are just getting to know one another. We both have responsibilities and goals. I’m not sure what the future holds for us.”
Jarryd’s entrance curtailed further discussion. “Almost finished, Leika?”
She pointed to her stacked bags. “Just saying our goodbyes. It might be a while before we see each other again.”
“Keep a close watch on Calia, Bryn.” Jarryd’s eyes narrowed. “She’s a manipulator and slick as a fox. I’d like to take her back to Hypor City for trial, but I want to wait until the situation there is calmer.” He retrieved several of Leika’s bags, and she picked up the rest. “Just make sure you keep her locked up. Soon as I can, I’ll send a lander for her.”
“Good idea,” I answered. “In the meantime, I’ll try to figure out why she came back here.
“One more thing. And this is your big brother speaking.” Jarryd faced me. The twinkle in his eye lingered for a moment before vanishing. “Please don’t attempt to rescue Mother alone. I know you have this superpower, but the Genetrix has her own arsenal, including a team of assassins. You cannot handle this on your own. Take Kaaluk’s offer to help.”
I lifted my chin slightly. “I’ll do what I have to do. You’ve made your decision and I’ll make mine when the time comes.”
“No need to bristle. I’m only thinking of you and Mother. Don’t risk your life, and hers, trying to be a hero. Once we determine a way to save the planet, there will be time to deal with the Genetrix. According to your visions, Mother still lives. The Genetrix must have reasons for keeping her alive. Let’s hang on to that hope.”
“Whatever you say, big brother.” I made light of his statement. My future decisions would be my own. I intended to follow my heart and do what I felt was my duty, just as he was. I sensed he was about to give me a firmer lecture, but Leika changed the subject.
“Perhaps one day soon we’ll see you back in Hypor City. You can help me inject some equality into that antiquated system.” She flashed Jarryd a mischievous grin.
“There’s another tiny problem we have to solve first,” he responded. “Once we survive the solar threat, then we can discuss women’s rights.” His lips formed a tight line but started to twitch. “In the meantime, I hope you packed your juba.”
Leika feigned disgust and rolled her eyes.
I laughed at their playfulness, trying to erase a tinge of sadness. “Take care of each other.” I hugged Leika first and then Jarryd.
“Keep in touch as best you can.” Jarryd gave me an extra squeeze. “And remember what I said.”
Kaaluk entered the common room. “Your lander is prepped to leave.”
Jarryd nodded. “We’re ready.”
As the lander lifted into the air, I felt a hollowness deep in my being. This might be the last time I’d see my brother and my friend.
Would I ever know the comfort of family again?
21
The Prisoner
I faced Kaaluk. “I have to speak with Calia.”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “What do you think you can learn from her?”
“I may be able to get her to reveal why she’s here. The Genetrix must have sent her, but why?”
“Do you suspect it has something to do with your mother?”
“Or the prophecy perhaps. Whatever she reveals will help me.”
“You’re determined to get to Prima Feminary?”
I was surprised at the question. “Yes. My plan hasn’t changed.”
“Then we’ll both talk to Calia.”
“No. I think I’ll get more from her on my own. I’m used to her tactics and might be able to trick her into exposing her intentions.”
“The guards have been instructed to remain at their post if you need them. I’ll walk part of the way with you. When you’re finished, come and find me. I’ll be in communications.”
Leaving the guardroom, we crossed the compound to the main door we’d entered the first night. We parted at the lift. Down six floors then along the winding hallway, I retraced our steps until I reached the labs.
The two men guarding the door watched my approach. I was surprised when they nodded respectfully. Was it was because I’d healed their leader? Or had news of my relationship with Kaaluk filtered through the ranks? I acknowledged them quick smile and turned toward the lab.
Through a window, I saw Calia slumped in a chair. After a few moments, she reached for her pouch. She swiped her finger inside it and lifted a white residue to her nose. I motioned to the guard. He opened the door and stood back, allowing me to enter.
Calia jerked as the lock clicked. She wiped her nose, trying to erase the evidence of her addiction, forgetting about the white spots of powder that dotted the front of her dirty juba. Her sly eyes belied her pitiful expression. “I’m so glad to see you, Brynna. I hope I can win back your trust and we can be friends again. The Delios forced me to betray you. I realize I should not have let Prince manipulate me the way he did.”
With a deadpan expression, I shrugged. “There’s not much I can do for you. I expect you’ll be returned to Hypor City for trial.”
The drugs slowed her response. Fear gradually pinched her brow. Her eyes darted wildly as she looked for an escape. “Please, Brynna. Don’t let them send me back.”
“If you tell me why you’ve returned to the compound I might persuade the others to let you go.” I stood with my back to the door. If I had to use my voice on her, the guards would be safe.
She pushed from the chair and paced unsteadily around the room. Her glances flicked from me to the guards who stood watching through the window. She finally halted an arm’s length away. “I’ve changed my mind. I want to go to Prima Feminary.”
I couldn’t hide my surprise. “Why? What reason could you have for going there? You said you’re afraid of the Genetrix.”
What was her angle? I knew there was more. I stayed silent hoping she’d continue.
She leaned closer and whispered. “Wouldn’t you like to be young forever? Beautiful forever?”
Her fetid breath repelled me.
“The Genetrix has the secret of youth.”
It sounded absurd, but I could hear truth ringing in her voice. The desperate, dirty woman before me believed that her drug-damaged looks could be reversed. She was chasing a mirage.
“I don’t believe you, Calia.” I hoped to provoke her. “You always were a good liar.”
Her face twisted with hatred. A vein bulged in her forehead. “Miss high-and-mighty-daughter-of a-councilor.” She retreated a couple of steps, sneering as her unsteady gaze flicked me from head to toe. “You think you know everything, but yo
u don’t.”
I tried again. “You’re no longer the mistress of the powerful man. Prince is dead and you’re nothing.”
Eyes wild, she raised her fists as if to attack. She retreated when I drew my knife from its sheath.
“I know things!” Her calculating gaze returned. “I know your mother is close to death at Prima Feminary.
I wanted to scream at her lie, but I clenched my teeth to maintain a bland expression.
She cackled and collapsed into the chair. “I also know how to infiltrate the Genetrix’s stronghold without being seen.”
I turned my back on her and signaled the guards to open the door.
Calia cackled as the door opened. “Try sleeping tonight knowing the Genetrix plans to kill your mother.”
I exited the lab and walked until I was out of sight of the guards. Once I got around a corner, I sagged against the wall. The thought that Mother might be close to death gnawed at me. Was Calia telling the truth? Was it possible she knew a hidden entry to Prima Feminary? I desperately needed to find out, but I’d be a fool to trust her.
I crossed the room with the broken androids and made my way up the stairs to the main floor. I stopped at the tunnel entrance and pressed the communication panel. “I’m at the tunnel. How do I get to the tower?”
Weyland responded. “Step through. It’s open.”
Hesitantly, I pushed my hands through the shimmering veil and was immediately pulled through. I knew what to expect so I managed to remain standing. When I emerged on the other side, Kaaluk was waiting.
“How did it go?” he asked. “Did she reveal anything?”
“She said that my mother is at Prima Feminary.”
He nodded. “If she’s not lying, it means she’s definitely had contact with the Genetrix. That proves her motives are suspect.”
“She also claimed to know the way there and a route to enter the feminary undetected.”
He shook his head. “You can’t give credence to anything she says if she’s in league with the Genetrix.”
“Perhaps not.” I shrugged my shoulders but Calia’s words still lingered.
He flung his arm around my shoulders. “Don’t worry. We will find a way to access Prima Feminary and rescue your mother. It’s best to leave Calia were she is.”
“Better inform your guards that she’s a drug addict. When she runs out of whatever she’s addicted to, she’ll start to act erratically. I don’t know if she’ll survive the withdrawal.”
“Even more reason to keep her confined. If she survives, we’ll send her back to Hypor City for trial.” He nodded and took my hand. “That’s the best solution.”
“That’s if CMEs don’t destroy us,” I mumbled as we waited for the lift.
He tipped up my chin with a finger. His green eyes softened. “Have faith in your brother and Weyland. There is still time and therefore hope.”
We stepped into the lift. As we ascended, his lips lowered to mine.
Trill appeared when the doors opened. Her eyes narrowed as she glanced from Kaaluk’s face to mine. “I can guess what you’ve been up to.”
I couldn’t stop my blush.
Kaaluk quirked an eyebrow and grinned, which increased my embarrassment. Our relationship still felt private. I wasn’t comfortable expressing affection in public.
Trill squeezed my arm and dragged me to the window.
Kaaluk joined Weyland at a bank of video screens. “Anything new?”
“A few drones, but they’re keeping their distance.”
“Any progress on the shields?”
Weyland shook his head.
“I hate doing nothing,” said Trill as we stared out the window. “I feel trapped in this compound. Like a duck on a pond, wondering when the hunter will show up.”
I looked across the acres of useless spaceships.
Her shoulder touched my arm as she leaned toward me. “Are you still planning to go to Prima Feminary?”
Before I could answer, an insistent buzzing filled the room. Lights on the control panel began flashing.
Weyland flicked a lever. “That’s the warning signal. There’s a lander approaching.”
My heart started to race, thinking it might be the Genetrix, or one of Delio’s allies.
Kaaluk grabbed a communicator. He started to warn his men.
“Wait.” Weyland tilted his head. “Listen.”
An indecipherable voice crackled over the intercom. Weyland put on a headset. Trill and I watched the lander getting bigger.
“Repeat your message.” Weyland went silent for a few seconds. “You’re cleared to land in the compound.”
“Who is it?” Kaaluk demanded.
“It’s men from your village. An urgent matter.”
Kaaluk ran to the lift.
Trill and I watched from the window as the lander set down in the compound. The men ran from the vehicle and greeted Kaaluk. They walked away from the rotor before huddling in conversation
“Their auras are dark, almost stormy,” said Trill. “I wonder what’s happened.”
“We’ll soon know. Here comes Kaaluk.”
We looked around when the lift doors opened.
Kaaluk emerged, his expression somber. His jaw flexed repeatedly as he strode toward me. “I have to leave.”
My heart sank. First my brother, now Kaaluk.
“What’s happened?” asked Trill.
“My village has been attacked. Women and children have been abducted. We need to track the scavengers. We’ll take Tarvek’s landers. I’ll leave six men here to guard the compound. That should be sufficient.” He turned to Weyland. “Keep the compound locked and the domes closed. If any problems arise, contact me immediately, and inform Jarryd as well.”
Weyland nodded.
“I have to go.” Kaaluk grasped my shoulders. “Brynna. Promise me you won’t go alone to Prima Feminary. Promise you’ll stay here until I return.”
The thought of his leaving was a knife to my heart. I wanted to give him the reassurance he sought, but I couldn’t say the words he wanted to hear. I was desperate to reach Prima Feminary and rescue my mother. What he asked was impossible.
“Of course she will,” Trill piped in. “Where else could she go? We’re in the middle of a desert. There’s nothing for miles except red sand.”
His eyes begged for confirmation, but I remained silent.
A man strode into the control room. “All is ready. We must go.”
Kaaluk nodded in acceptance and leaned his forehead against mine. “Take care, little one.”
It felt surreal to see the lift doors close behind him. I ran to the window, barely breathing as his lander become a speck in the sky, finally disappearing from sight. I understood the importance of his position and the responsibilities he carried as leader of his tribe. He hadn’t asked me to go with him, but I suspected he knew what my answer would be.
“So what now?” Trill stared at me.
I knew in my heart what I had to do. “I have to go to Prima Feminary.”
Even as the words came out, doubts started to surface. Should I wait for Kaaluk to return? Maybe Jarryd was right. If there was no way to protect the planet, all our futures would be lost.
I closed my eyes and searched for a happy memory. Images of Mother’s greenhouse flooded in. I heard her voice singing and knew that I couldn’t let her die alone. When I opened my eyes, Trill was still watching me.
“Where were you? Your aura grew bright as if you were experiencing something happy.”
“I was thinking about my mother and our times together.”
Trill tilted her head and took one of my hands. Suddenly her eyes became dark fathomless pools. Her voice took on a hollow, echoing tone as if she was speaking from a distance. “Prima Feminary is your destiny.” She relaxed and shook her head as if clearing a mist. “That was weird. Maybe I’m developing a new psychic skill. What did I say?”
“That I had to go to Prima Feminary.” I left out the destin
y part, not ready to explore what that meant.
I’d forgotten Weyland’s presence until he cleared his throat. “You can’t go alone. Kaaluk’s orders. Compound on lockdown,” he interjected before returning to his calculations.
I touched my necklace, the stoned warmed in my hand and my indecision cleared. “I’m going tonight,” I whispered to Trill. “Calia said she knows the way. She might be lying, but I have to risk taking her with me.
Turning her back on Weyland, Trill kept her voice low. “Don’t worry. I’ll help you get away. I found a map on the computer. I calculated it’s a two day walk to the mining town of Haven. It’s the closest village on this side of the inlet, across from the mountains of Prima Feminary.”
I dreaded spending two days with Calia, but I had no choice.
“So there’s no time to waste.”
Trill continued. “The map showed a railway track that goes directly to the town. It’s the fastest route, but you’ll be exposed to the blistering desert sun for a day or so. That will be the toughest part of your journey. Beyond that, you’ll reach the foothills where the mines of Haven are located. Too bad the map didn’t show Prima Feminary’s exact location.”
“Once we reach the town, I’ll have to depend on Calia for directions,” I added.
“That’s the worst part of this plan.” She glanced quickly at Weyland. “You better get some rest.”
Her suggestion made sense, but I knew sleep would be impossible. Instead, I collected the items I’d need for my journey: two bedrolls, food and water, and extra clothing. The CMEs were pushing the daytime temperatures to the boiling point, but the nights were cold.
I settled down on Leika’s vacant bed, determined to sleep. As I snuggled into the blankets, I cradled the oracle stone and falcon in my hand. Sleep. I whispered the word over and over in my mind.
The dream emerged. The image was of the greenhouse. Was that Mother waiting? I sensed it was although I couldn’t see the features of her face. The voice was hers, but then it wasn’t. The strange tone puzzled me.
Brynna.
Unlike the previous visions, there was no fire or distress. The sensation was warm, happy and inviting.
The Lost Prophecy Page 17
