“We're working on it. Tell the staff to expect something very good or very bad in the coming days.” Dredge professed quietly.
“Yes, well. I'll plan only for very good. And I will accept nothing less.” Clara was weeping by the time she left the room.
Dredge poured himself another small glass of provisions for the long trip across the empty house to his bedroom. He could easily remember how dark and empty the house became in the days after his daughter's death. The same dark oppression eagerly crept across the marble floors and clung to the thick draperies waiting for its chance to bloom.
Jason ate his forced dinner plate of pasta and had a measure of hope to pull him into the next day. Light would have to enter the house again soon. Dredge couldn't bring himself to live through the total darkness of crushing grief again.
THE LIVING AND THE DEAD
The evening air that rolled across the old seabed floor was still and warm. Very little wind blew through this protected area of land. Shadows from the day gave way to thick blackness that seemed to grow out of dirt and rock. The Pastor shook my hand and asked me a few banal questions before wishing me well on behalf of his flock.
Next, I was sent to speak with the Priest. The prayers the man recited—I half knew them. The words unpacked themselves from my childhood memories and conjured happier times. I could feel my grandmother’s soft hand holding mine as he waived the incense over my head and wiped my forehead with streaks of oil. We spoke briefly, pleasantries of having a safe trip, and the blessings of returning home to family.
“Thank you. I feel oddly close to my grandparents after hearing the melody in those poems.” I patted the top of the man’s hand and noticed a faded green tattoo of an ancient frog on his wrist. I thought of Difference and the large knife that was held to his throat.
“I’m happy the prayers bring you peace, that is part of their purpose. If I may be bold for a moment, I understand you have an aversion to our more religious lifestyle choices, but would you contemplate this on your journey.
“The things you find unacceptable about my religious beliefs, for example, are oddly like the tenants and laws of the Continental government’s rules and regulations. Could it be that your people have your own religion? A governmental pride-based dogma that took the place of a supreme being in your lives.”
“That is an interesting observation and something I will have plenty of time to think about on my trip home.” The Priest smiled and placed his hand on the top of my head. He whispered something in Latin before bringing his hands down to his sides and motioning for me to move towards the exit.
Chip, the itinerary taskmaster, took my arm and helped me walk out the doorway of the large tent. My old day gear made my frame wider than usual, and my movements very clunky.
“Thank you, Karine. It will bring relief to the people knowing we sent you off with every consideration for your physical body and for the safety of your soul. I don’t suppose you were baptized,” Chip asked.
“I have never told anyone this, but yes. My grandmother took me for ice cream one day, and we saw the theology teacher at his house. He and a small gathering of people poured water on my head, recited some stuff, and told me all my sins were washed away.
I remember how upset I was that I hadn’t taken Beryl’s China doll from her room before we left the house. If my grandmother had told me what she was planning, I would have made full use of the pardon.”
Chip laughed and squeezed my hand. “I’m glad she took you, I’m sure it was in secret, but that doesn’t matter now, your soul is safe.”
“Well, that is good news.” I rolled my eyes at Blue. She put her still manicured thumb to her mouth and bit it lightly to keep herself from laughing.
“Blue and I don’t need any of this mystical who-ha Chip. We are practical girls,” I explained.
“I think you two need a great deal more mystical notions in your lives. I wish you would stay so we can all show you what life can be like. I know Zeke doesn’t want you to leave.”
“It’s not fair for me to ask about him, but I haven’t seen him all day.”
“The north entrance to the main city access was bombed overnight. Zeke went with a group to survey the damage and find you a new route home. I’m setting your packs for a two-day land trip, but I’m hoping for a better option. I don’t think you can take more than twenty hours in the sun with this leather gear.” My heart sank, the bombing was proof that I needed to leave today, but it was also counterproductive to my survival.
“If you can set me in the right direction with food and water for two days, my family will find me once I reach the open shelf.” I could picture my father and brother standing side by side with Jason swooping in to collect me by helicopter transport.
“It’s not flat ground, Karine. There are deep caverns and dangerous areas you need to avoid. You must navigate that stretch in the daylight with a clear head. There’s no other way.” Chip explained.
Blue grabbed my arm tightly. I could see the tears start to form in her eyes. She was committed to staying. I imagine she was conflicted by her choice to abandon her family and the only life she knows. Once I was gone, any real option for her to leave would be gone as well.
I would risk my life for the chance to return home, and she would risk hers for the opportunity to stay with Chip. I didn’t agree with her
