“I wouldn’t,” Marsh answered for me.
“Bind him up,” Lark ordered. “We’ll figure out what to do with him later.”
“Why can’t I walk like them?” He winced.
“Apparently, they don’t like you,” said a large man who grabbed hold of him. Another used rope to tie him up. Seeing Blue’s sudden fear brought me joy.
Trisk looped her arm in mine and led us away. “Who is he?” she mumbled in my ear.
“He’s the one who had me arrested.”
“No way! He’s the boyfriend? With intentions like his, he may not last long here.”
“He shouldn’t have been stalking me.” I felt no sympathy for him as the men dragged him behind us.
* * *
Trisk led us to a more obvious path that wound along a shallow creek. There was no need to announce where we were going, because when we came to it, there was no question what it was. A towering log fence separated the wood from the activity inside. Visitors would be foolish to scale the wall, as each timber stood on end and sharpened to a point at the top. Armed guards standing at either side of the entry gave further warning against ill-doers.
“Welcome to the Resistance.”
A guard pushed the gate open just enough for us to enter. As our escorts fanned out in the space beyond, my pace slowed to take it all in. How could all of this be in the center of the forest? Marsh took my hand as we gazed upon another world. The wall that enclosed the camp didn’t go all the way around it. The caves to the north created a natural barrier. In the expanse between where we entered and the rock face sprawled a small town filled with people occupied with various tasks, and there were wolves everywhere!
It reminded me of the market, but less intense. Everyone seemed to be busy but content. Some tended pens of animals, others sewed. To the west, a group of men raised another tent to the rows that previously existed. A ball hit my feet, nearly making me trip. I picked it up and was rushed by a team of children begging me to throw it. I handed it to Marsh, and he lobbed it over their heads. They swarmed to where they thought it would land, evidently playing some sort of game far more competitive than anything we’d known.
“How many people are here?” I asked.
“You know, I’m not sure.” Trisk noticed Marsh’s eyes fixed on a large rotisserie full of juicy cuts of meat over an open fire. “Hungry?”
He shrugged, not wanting to admit he was nearly starving. “I could eat.”
“Let’s get a bite, then we’ll go get you two approved.” She took my hand. At the grill, Trisk asked for a brisket for Marsh and a chicken leg for me. I reached into my back sack for some of Reinick’s currency. “There’s no need for payment.” She handed us the meat. “We all have a job here. If you work, you are cared for. If you don’t, well, you don’t get to stay. Then again, you don’t get to leave either.”
Marsh wiped the juice from his chin and choked on his bite. “We can’t leave?”
“Well, not exactly.” She bit her lip. “You have to be assessed first.”
“What does that mean?” I asked.
Trisk invited us to sit at a table to explain. “The Resistance is a pretty special place to be, and therefore, it’s heavily protected. Every person who is welcomed in, like you, is approved by our Seer. Think of it like a background check, only he checks your past and your future. He makes sure that you’re not going to put the movement at risk.”
“What if he’s wrong?” Marsh asked.
“He hasn’t been so far.”
“What if a person fails?” I asked nervously.
She slouched, pouting. “Then you see someone else to clear your mind and you’re released.”
“So you don’t kill them?” Marsh said with his mouth full.
“Oh, heavens, no!” She laughed. “We’re not the Authority!”
He sighed with relief. “That makes this meal much more enjoyable.”
Once we were finished, Trisk collected our leftovers and put them in a bin marked carnivores. “We don’t waste anything. I’m sure you two can appreciate that!” She nudged me with her shoulder. “Come on, I’m sure he’s starting to wonder where we are.”
We walked back toward the gate, serpentining through the tents until we came to a more permanent structure protected by two muscular men.
“For someone who knows the future, you’d think he wouldn’t need guards,” Marsh whispered in my ear.
“I have two visitors for assessment,” she announced.
One of the men patted us down after my brother voluntarily gave up his thistle darts.
“Don’t poke yourself with that,” Marsh warned.
My stomach knotted up as we were led into the building. It was pretty plain considering it housed the most important man of the camp. His desk, more like a thin table, stood in the middle with his chair on one side and two aged guest chairs on the other. At one time, I bet they were lovely. Like anything else, they could not hide their age, yet they remained sturdy and capable. The building, not quite the size of our house, had been separated into two rooms by a curtain hanging from one wall to the other in front of us. At first, I assumed we were alone, but when the guard announced our presence, the man we’d come to see moved behind the drapes.
“Have a seat,” he said.
Our escort held out his hand to invite us into the two chairs, keeping his place between us and the man he intended to protect.
My hands trembled, and somehow the room got warmer. I unbuttoned my cloak and fanned the collar of my shirt.
A man, not much older than Marsh, stepped into sight and paused.
Is this the man we came to see?
I expected robes made of velvet and a headdress lined with rabbit fur, not a man wearing a simple tunic with his dark hair pulled back in a ponytail. Unlike the High Priest, who painted his face, the Seer needed a shave. I got the sense he preferred to keep a trimmed beard under normal circumstances, but days had passed since he had the opportunity. I thought I saw a smile pull at his mouth, but it never fully appeared.
“Leave us, Emrel.”
“Sir? You want me to go?”
“Yes. I know it’s not how we usually do things, but there’s no need for concern. Please.” He pulled the door open for him.
He didn’t argue, yet he didn’t follow the orders quickly either. “I’ll be right outside,” he said, focused on my brother. Clearly, the man felt uneasy with the request.
The Seer secured the door and leaned against his desk casually. “I’m Donik, but most everyone here calls me Nik.”
Considering the pause he took, he probably expected me to introduce myself, but I didn’t. My lips moved on their own, and the words tumbled from my brain right out my mouth. “Are you really a Seer?”
“Do you have your doubts?”
Marsh and I glanced at each other.
Did I insult him already?
He cleared his throat and chose to put distance between us by sitting in his chair. “Yes, I’m what many call a Seer. As the lore suggests, I am able to find out whatever I want about you. However, I do like to keep things as normal and natural as possible, so let’s just talk for a bit. If you choose to allow me, I’ll search you if you’d like approval to stay. How’s that sound?”
“Fine, I guess.” Marsh shifted nervously.
“Why don’t you start by telling me how you two found us.”
We each expected the other to speak. Clearly, one of us needed to. When we started, we stuttered simultaneously. We paused, each attempting to let the other finish, only to talk over the other when trying again.
Nik stopped us; more specifically, he silenced my brother. “I’d like to hear your version, Una.”
A tingle ran up my spine. I didn’t remember telling him my name. He waited patiently as I considered my options. The stranger had done nothing to earn my trust, but would lying to him be my best play? If he was what he claimed to be, my integrity would be called into question, and that would not be easily f
ixed. He’d see my dishonesty if he didn’t see it already.
“I know what you’re thinking.” He smirked. “You have nothing to fear. What is mine is yours.”
How many times had he said that?
Never mind his motives, I never could keep track of made-up stories or inflated excuses. If we were going to stay, or consider staying, I’d tell him what he wanted to know. He might have already known, and this was my first test.
“I met Paw at the end of Talium, and he invited me here. At first I declined, but recent events made me reconsider.”
“You’re a friend of his?” He stood, walked to the door, and whispered something to the guard.
“Um, well…” I was nervous to confirm or deny his question, especially since he suddenly needed to relay a message to security.
“I mean, we met; I don’t know if we’re friends, exactly,” I stammered as he sat back down in his chair. “He gave me a pup,” I blurted.
He chuckled. “Una, Paw is well respected here.” His second display of familiarity made me uncomfortable. “Tell me about the wolf pup.”
“That’s a long story. I’m his father in spirit, or something.” I sounded ridiculous, so I stopped.
“Are you running from something?” His eyebrow arched inquisitively.
“No, not exactly. Well, kind of.” I sighed. “Maybe you should just do the mind thing and see for yourself.” I reached forward.
Nik sat back in his chair. When he didn’t take me up on my offer, I put my hand back in my lap apologetically.
“Marsh, why are you here?” he asked.
“To look after Una.”
“That’s the only reason?”
“I’d be lying if I said my interest wasn’t piqued at your plans to overthrow the Authority.”
“Is that what you think we are doing?” Nik leaned forward on his desk and pressed his fingertips together.
“Well, you are the ‘Resistance,’ right?”
“But other than being anti-Authority, what do you know about us?”
Marsh was seldom outwitted, but this line of questioning left him without a comeback.
“You’re going to tell me eventually.”
For a man who usually ran his mouth, my brother’s tongue was tied worse than mine. Not wanting to offer too much information, my brother struggled with what to say next. The Seer wanted something and didn’t seem rushed to extract it.
Marsh sat back and sized up his inquisitor. “The Authority murdered my parents and left me for dead. Do I believe in your cause? I don’t know, but I know I don’t support theirs.”
A small bell rang, cracking the block of tension between them. “Come in,” Nik answered.
Rain pushed through the canvas panel, jumping all around me and Marsh. Letting him cover my face with slobbery puppy kisses seemed to be the only way to keep him still. I scratched at the thick fur on his neck, keeping my eyes and mouth shut tight as he welcomed me.
“Well, I guess I don’t have to tell you he’s happy to see you.” Paw snapped his fingers, and the wolf sat. I stood to bow but ended up accepting an awkward side hug. Rain jumped, yelped, and spun in circles until warned by his human companion to obey the command.
Marsh rose to bow properly. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, sir.”
“And who are you?” he asked.
“This is my brother, Marsh.”
“Ah. The pup has said much about you, my friend.” He smirked as if he shared some joke about my brother with Rain. “You called for me, Nik?”
Nik pulled another chair from behind the curtain for him. “They seemed…cautious. I thought seeing you might make Una feel more at ease.”
“Did you clear ’em?”
“Not yet,” he answered.
“Well, she’s the gifted one. The girl with the wolf’s blood. Hawk’s niece.”
“Really? Huh. Even as a Seer, I still get surprised once in a while.”
“So what are you waiting for?” Paw wiped his nose with the back of his hand.
“I guess nothing now.” He sat forward and held out his hands with his palms up.
“I don’t know why you don’t just start out with this part,” he mumbled.
“Because these are people, not animals.” Nik rolled his eyes. “So, do I have your permission to enter your memories, past, present, and future?”
“I’ll go first.” Marsh moved forward in his chair and took his hands. “What do I do?”
“Just relax, and don’t think too hard. Pretend like you’re trying to fall asleep; that seems to do the trick for most people.” The Seer closed his eyes and breathed in slowly. I studied his face as he smiled, evidently pleased with what he saw. He let go of Marsh’s hands. “Thank you.”
“Well?” Marsh asked.
“Well, what?”
“Do I get to stay?”
“Are you so unsure of your own intentions that you need someone like me to tell you if you mean this camp harm?”
Marsh rattled his head. “I don’t understand any of this.” He sat back in his chair, giving up on any hope for an explanation.
Nik slapped the table and laughed. “There you go.” When he caught his breath, he sighed and nodded his head. “I see why you and I are going to be friends. Do me a favor and remember that when you hit me.”
Marsh squinted his eyes at the Seer. “Whatever you say, buddy.”
“Una, it’s your turn, if you choose.” He held out his hands.
I moved to the edge of my seat and took his hands, but I didn’t close my eyes. Instead, I looked into his. As soon as our hands touched, I felt the energy passing between our grip. I flew through his childhood. His mother, also a Seer, taught him well. She aged through the years, her hair grew long, fading from brown to blonde then gray. Time slowed in what felt like her final moments. Her grieving son knelt next to her, using what little strength he had to pull a newborn off her still chest.
“No!” He dropped my hands and growled. “You first ask for permission!”
“What? I didn’t mean to—”
He retreated, his hands guarding his face. “I’m not angry.” He breathed deeply.
“Really? Because you look angry,” Marsh spoke up. “Una, what did you do to him?”
Nik stood, facing his curtain. “You have no control over your gift. As such, you will return here tomorrow at dawn, and we will begin your training. Paw, see to it that he gets set up with Lark. He needs to learn to use a bow.”
“I use darts,” Marsh objected.
“Yes, I know, but you’re much better with a bow.” He glanced at me then gave his friend additional instructions. “Tell security to keep that Blue character guarded.”
“You’re not going to assess him?”
“Not yet. The time is not right.” He stepped behind the curtain without another word.
“Are we done?” Marsh whispered.
“Apparently,” I answered.
* * *
“So?” Trisk put her hands together, hopeful for positive news.
“We’re approved.” I smiled.
She beamed. “You guys should stay with me. My tent isn’t full yet.”
“Or you can reside in the caves with the wolves,” Paw offered.
“What do you think, Marsh?” I thought it only proper to ask him since he didn’t know anybody here. I wanted him to choose where he felt more comfortable.
“How about a tent for now,” he replied. “I’m not sure how I’d feel about sleeping with a pack of wolves. I’m not sure that will be very restful.”
Paw masked his disappointment poorly. “Very well, come, I’m to take you to Lark.” He nodded to me. “You’re welcome in the caves any time you wish. Mother Wolf should see you.”
“I’ll make sure I stop by this evening when they wake.”
The communicator led my brother away for training with Rain at their heels.
“Ergh.” I shook my head.
“What?” Trisk asked.
“I forgot to ask about Hawk.”
“Are you sure you want to see him after what he did to you? If Nik saw your past, I’m sure a reconciliation session will be scheduled soon enough.”
“Are you saying he’s here? At the Camp?”
“He’s not always here. I’m sure he’ll leave you alone.”
“No, I want to see him. Do you know where he’d be?”
“Of course, he’s part of the Council. I bet he’s in the leadership tent right now.”
“Take me there.”
Chapter 16
Trisk talked nonstop about the camp’s happenings, although I didn’t catch half of what she said. I was too distracted by the various activities around us. In the village, people worked for currency; what motivated them here? There were no officers, other than the guard protecting Nik and the entrances. While they lacked the fancy attire of Citizens, their clothing fit better than what would be had by Reclaimers. Nevertheless, I felt compelled to avoid staring at anything, or anyone, for too long.
I wasn’t convinced the Seer read me the same way he did Marsh. He held my hands differently. He didn’t close his eyes, but then again, neither did I. What happened between us was obviously not what he intended, and I figured once he came to his senses, he’d tell me to leave. Perhaps if I didn’t cause trouble, I could stay, and he’d force Blue to go back home.
Blue.
That damn farmer was the whole reason we left home in the first place. Would I ever be rid of him? The more I pushed away from him, the deeper he dug his talons into my life. How could I make my intentions more clear? The last time he approached me, I threw mud at him and told him to leave and never come back. So he stalked my home and followed me to the one place I hoped would be my sanctuary.
Perhaps I should let him follow me somewhere secluded and—
“Are you listening?” Trisk jabbed me with her elbow.
“Huh?”
“I said, do you think you’ll stay?”
I shrugged. “I’m thinking about it. How long have you been here?”
“After the Authority released me.”
Season of Hytalia Page 17
