Clouds of Tyranny Page 19

  CHAPTER 15: PRAYER, REST, AND PREPERATION

  Terra walked through the grassy green plains surrounding the wayfarer’s wall holding hands with Lars. The sun was bright and warm against her smooth skin as her and Lars were blissful in their time together alone in the tranquility of the beautiful day that befell them. Lars pulled her close as they shared a sensual kiss in the warm breeze. Above them clouds began to gather, black clouds that blotted out the sun. It was pitch black around them, as the air got colder blistering her skin. The grass died beneath them and shadows began to surround them getting bigger and bigger until thousands of figures fell from the sky around them. Terra tried to get closer to Lars for protection, but he was pulled from her by several dark hooded figures with no faces; just white sharp eyes glowed from inside their hoods. Their gloved hands blanketed his head and pulled it from his body; a waterfall of blood flowed down the front of his body as his body faded away and the figures crept slowly towards her as she was frozen in fear with tears flowing down her face. “No!” screamed Terra. She sat in her bed with her face drenched in tears and sweat; she was back in the dorm. She breathed painfully as she looked around the room to see no one else was awake. “Ter?” Terra’s head jerked over to Ruthie’s bed, who was awake. “Are you okay?” asked Ruthie. “Did I wake you? I’m sorry,” said Terra apologetically. “No, I was already awake.” “Good.” Terra wiped her face dry. “What was it about?” “It was awful, Lars died.” “It was just a dream, Ter.”

  Locke’s eyes popped open and he saw that Alex was still in his bed turned away from him with the sheets down to her waist. He lay there looking at the indent on her side making her body resemble an hourglass crafted by the finest craftsman. Locke rolled over to put his arm around her waist and felt his sore muscles ache; penance for the night before. His hand slid over her side and across her stomach. She smiled and placed her hand atop his and pushed her body back to press against his, “Mmm, morning baby.” “Mornin’ you were incredible,” said Locke kissing her shoulder, “How was I?” “Eh,” shrugged Alex. After a brief silence she laughed and turned to face him, “Kidding, you were wonderful,” laughed Alex kissing him as he smiled at her. “I’m gonna get up,” said Locke slipping out from the sheets and planting his feet on the cold floor. Alex lifted head and placed it in her palm with her elbow planted against the bed as she admired Locke’s naked body, “You wouldn’t wanna stick around for another session, would you?” Alex smiled evilly at Locke. “Sorry, got work to do,” said Locke pulling on his pants. “Work? What kind of work?” Locke sat in his chair as he slipped on his boots and laced them up, “Well, since we have to leave tomorrow night I’m going to instruct everyone to stay awake till tomorrow morning, sleep during the day, and awaken before we set out at dusk. Need them to be fresh for the battle in the morning.” Locke stood up and put on a sleeveless shirt. He leaned over Alex and gave her a kiss, then left the room. Outside the room Locke saw Pearl emerging from her room looking refreshed. “Mornin’” said Locke smiling. “Morning Casanova.” “I’m sorry?” She laughed and walked past Locke. Locke sighed and ran to catch up with her, “Ready for Harmon?” “Yes, going to instruct the soldiers of our standard ‘sleep during the day, travel at night’ policy.” “I was thinking the same thing actually.”

  When Locke and Pearl made it into the dining area breakfast was already being served due to the fact that sleep would come quicker today. The Velxeer archers were sitting at their table eating breakfast. Ruthie, Terra, Eve, Clyde, Lars, Ray, and Julius were sitting at the Returner’s table; Lars and Julius were as far from each other as they could get. Locke was surprised at the segregation of Lars and Julius, wondering what had transpired the night before; anything to get his mind off of his night. Pearl headed over to the Velxeer table to explain their sleep policy while Locke made his way over to the Returners’ table and sat across from Julius. “How you doin’?” asked Locke to Julius. “Uncomfortable,” grunted Julius, “Don’t think my ‘roommate’ much cares for me.” “Different beliefs? View?” Julius glared at Locke and began rubbing two fingers along his own arm declaring it as a skin color issue. “Really?” said Locke in amazement as a young girl placed a plate in front of him consisting of fried potatoes, yolky eggs, and dry bread. Julius nodded, “Yeah, he seemed uncomfortable in my presence. Wouldn’t even shake my hand or put his lips to the same bottle as me. Hell I tried, right?” “That’s all you can do, I guess,” shrugged Locke as he looked at his plate and began separating the burned potatoes from the edible ones.

  Over at the other end of the table Terra, Ruthie, Eve, and Lars were engaged in conversation. “So, still all girls?” asked Ruthie inquiring about the population of Eve’s underground Returner’s lair in the east. “Yes, of course. Though, I do allow them three days a month to leave so they can experience the sunlight, men, or women; if that’s their pleasure,” explained Eve. “Do alot of girls there lean towards same sex relationships?” inquired Terra. “About two-thirds, I suppose. But that’s just cuz its convenient,” answered Eve eating her eggs that were blanketed in salt; it made Lars cringe every time she took a bite. Alex walked out the ‘Returners’ door and into the dining area halted their conversation; Alex was dressed in her black fatigues and long sleeved mesh shirt that she took to Locke’s room with her the night before, which made Locke realize that the whole thing was planned. Alex waved across the room in the direction of the Velxeer archers who all stood stoic except for Ten who raised a palm halfway into the air. “Ten!” yelled Reuben in anger of her insubordination. “Sorry captain,” said Ten as she hung her head in shame. It took all of Alex’s self control not to run over to captain Antleon and teach him some compassion by way of her fists. Alex walked over to the Returner’s table and nodded a ‘hello’ at everyone. “Your bed was made when I woke up. Get up early to talk with Smith?” asked Ruthie. Alex stood there quietly thinking of a viable excuse. “She was with me last night,” spoke up Locke confidently. Terra’s jaw dropped in surprise, “Doing what?” Everyone looked to Terra wondering why she cared; Lars looked as if his heart had been shattered, though he looked angry as well at the thought of Locke sleeping with yet another inhabitant of the lair. Terra put her hand over her mouth wishing she hadn’t said anything, but her words shot out of her brain and through her mouth with nothing to stop them. “That’s all I’m gonna say about it,” said Locke angrily, “The rest is our business. Alex sat next to Locke and kissed his cheek in appreciation. Everyone was quiet at Locke’s openness to bring their relationship to light. Locke half smiled and looked back to his Returners, out of the corner of his eye he saw Bridget across the room nodding her head in disapproval. “Alright!” said Locke loudly so the entire table could hear, “In preparation for Harmon I want you all to stay awake through the night and sleep in the afternoon, so your refreshed for the trip to Harmon tomorrow evening. No drinking!” They all nodded in concurrence with Locke’s suggestion. Smith came through the ‘Returners’ door as Locke finished his speech and looked towards the Velxeer archers where they were nodding at Pearl who no doubt was telling them the same thing. Smith made his way to the center of the room, “Attention!” Everyone looked to Smith who was fixing to say something; the room was quiet as he spoke. “After breakfast we will be having a service with the Rev for whomever requires it. Singers are welcome to join the choir girls.” Smith went over to his usual spot and began to eat his breakfast. Locke picked up his now half empty plate and placed it on the floor hard enough to make a clanging sound. Hans jumped up from his lying position and ran over to Locke’s plate to enjoy the scraps. Within fifteen seconds, the plate looked brand new as the large black dog licked it clean.

  After the dishes were picked up from the various tables, the majority of the occupants ran to their beds to retrieve their rosaries, books, and various religious peripherals and returned to the dining area. After a short time the Rev and eight young girls in white robes holding candles entered the dining area and settled in the center of the
room. Locke felt this was the time to leave the room. He stood and began walking to his room. “You’re not staying?” asked Alex. “It’s not for me?” said Locke walking to his room. “Let’s pray,” said the Rev bowing his head, as did the rest of the room along with folding their hands on the table, “Lord Jehovah, we pray for your guidance and your mercy. Protect these young men and women in their attempts to deliver us from the evil that hangs over our land. Place a shield around them as they fight to deliver us from the evil malice of Lucifer instilled in the imperial force that threatens our lives. I the lord’s name we pray. Amen.” “Amen!” repeated the entire room. “Now,” continued the Rev, “I hand the floor to the ‘Canary Choir’ for a hymn.” The Rev walked to a table and sat facing the choirgirls as they began to sing:

  “Why are the nations in uproar,

  and the people devising a vain thing?

  The kings of the earth take their stand,

  And the rulers take counsel together

  Against the Lord and against His anointed:

  “Let us tear fetters apart,

  and cast away their cords from us!”

  He who sits in the heavens laughs,

  The Lord scoffs at them.

  Then he will speak to them in His anger

  And terrify them in His fury-“

  Locke listened from his room at the hymn taken straight from the third Psalm of the bible; it’s a good message for what they soon face. He sat there thinking about the day he stopped speaking to God when Alisa became nothing, Why should I praise someone that took her from me? He heard a gentle knocking on his opened door; he looked up and saw Bridget. “Hey,” she said smiling. “Hey,” responded Locke. She let herself in and sat behind him, “You still can’t let her go can you?” Locke shook his head from side to side in confirmation. “Locke, you need to let Alisa go. She’s gone.” “I can’t,” said Locke holding back his tears. She put her arm around him, “God can help.” Locke picked his head up from staring at the floor, “Why are you here?” “Just because we’re no longer involved doesn’t mean I don’t value your life or care about your well being,” said Bridget as she kissed him on the forehead, then stood up to leave, “Please be safe.” Locke sat in his room for several minutes till he saw Pearl enter. “It’s over,” said Pearl standing in the doorway, referring to the religious service. Locke stood up and went with her into the dining area where Lars and Terra were hugging.

  “Please be careful,” said Terra as she held Lars tight who stood next to a wheeled box with metal rods, gears, and tools protruding out of it sloppily. “I’ll see you in less than a day and a half,” he promised. She released him and they kissed gently. He walked over to Locke dragging the cart of metal parts, “See you soon. The civilians will be underground prior to your arrival. I will see you at the west entrance at dawn.” Locke extended his hand and Lars shook it after a short hesitation, so the others would think he is a team player, though he never really cared for Locke as a person. “Don’t go jumping at shadows; that’s just Retriever,” said Locke. Lars nodded annoyingly and headed through the tunnel where a horse awaited for him outside. “You gonna be alright?” asked Locke to Terra. “I’m just worried, that’s all,” she said looking at the tunnel Lars disappeared into.

  Alex went into the training room with Pearl where Ray, Terra, Ruthie, Eve, and Clyde were doing various activities. Clyde was stretching his muscles, as he was feeling stiff from his injuries (like a statue brought to life), Ray was shooting arrows at targets as he adjusted it for a more precise aim, Ruthie and Eve practicing their martial arts and various flips together as a team. Alex unsheathed her dragon blade and began a series of thrusts, swipes, and parries to warm up for the next day’s events that were most assuredly going to test her abilities against her former employers. Pearl pulled out her weapon of choice, a twelve foot long cord consisting of a series of tiny metal plates that made it bend much like a vinyl rope, only more durable; at one end a serrated spearhead and the other end had a looped noose-like end that acted as a handle. They practiced for several hours; Terra did not show herself this time. “Interesting choice, Pearl,” said Alex admiring Pearl’s weapon, “What’s it called?” “I made this when I saw a similar weapon in a book. But, in the book it consisted of human hair rather than this metal cord I made. I call it ‘The Stinger’. Ya know, kind of like that of a scorpion’s. Ruthie told me that you made yours as well.” Alex beamed at Pearl’s attempt to take an interest in her, “I didn’t actually invent it like you. When I was a child, I learned how to smith arms so it was quite simple. But, I did do the painting of the pearl dragon myself.” Pearl smiled, “That’s ironic.” Alex looked at her cockeyed, “What is?” “I carry a stinger and you’re a swift warrior, like a scorpion. And you carry the PEARL dragon.” Alex giggled at Pearl’s pathetic joke.

  As Eve and Ruthie practiced together, it appeared as if Ruthie were practicing in front of a mirror that showed her as an older version of herself; they were equally matched both in speed and ability. Eve flipped over Ruthie’s head and when her feet hit the padded training room floor, they were met with leg sweep from Ruthie, dropping her on her behind on the floor. Ruthie saluted herself and sat down next to Eve. Eve ruffled Ruthie’s hair with her left hand in congratulatory playfulness. “Did you sneak into Ray’s room last night after lights out?” asked Ruthie winking at Eve implying sexual activity. Eve’s smile faded away, “No. I wanted to…more than anything. But, Ray isn’t a man I can just ‘be’ with and not ‘BE’ with, you know what I mean, mouse?” Ruthie frowned for two reasons; one being that she knew exactly what she meant and the other being that she hated that nickname. “No mouse, I’m an adult now,” urged Ruthie. “Fifteen is adult now? I don’t think so, Ruthie.” “Hey! Fifteen years and three hundred and fifty days, thank you very much,” confirmed Ruthie. Ruthie definitely wasn’t an adult in a measure of years or maturity, but if you go by her experience and the events in her life; she was well into adulthood. “Anyway,” said Ruthie straightening her gaze on Eve, “You think that you’ll fall for him again if you sleep with him?” “Absolutely. I’ve never gotten over him. I still love him with all my heart. He’s the only thing I think about all day and everyday I live,” said Eve chokingly as she looked at Ray on the other end of the training room sitting in a chair, adjusting his armbow with a flathead screwdriver. “Are you serious?” said Ruthie, not knowing of this until now, “I thought you guys had a clean break up.” “We did, but I only pretended not to let it bother me. When he left to join HQ, I cried for a week. I wouldn’t get out of bed or eat. Even sex with another didn’t help.” Ruthie put her arm around Eve, “I’m so sorry Evelyn. I didn’t know. You could just stay here.” “Right,” scoffed Eve.

  Smith wanted some alone time with Terra so he led her through the entrance tunnel and out to the plains surrounding the wayfarer’s wall. Terra had reservations about stepping foot outside; her dream felt like a futuristic reality. “Terra, let’s go,” ordered Smith waving her out to where he was. She looked up into the sky for cloaked figures, but only saw fluffy white clouds and blue blanket of oxygen. She walked out to Smith as he looked up at the clouds. “What are we doing out here? Shouldn’t I be training?” asked Terra still scanning the area for threats. “I wanted to give you more room to test your true abilities…what are you looking for?” asked Smith bewildered by her behavior. Her head snapped to his direction, “N-n-nothin’” He gave her a confused look, “Okay, you see those clouds up there?” “Yeah?” said Terra questionably as she looked at the white clouds. “I want you to channel all your energy through your hands like I taught you and imagine those clouds black with dirty rainwater,” said Smith mimicking the hand motions he wished her to use. She placed her right hand in the air and squinted her eyes in order to distort the clouds so they’d appear darker. Her hand strained with intensity and her knuckles vibrated as she concentrated. The clouds began to shift slightly settling above them. Smith could see it in her body language; sh
e wasn’t confident she could pull this off. “Concentrate!” yelled Smith trying to rev her up. She may have been moving the clouds but they weren’t changing hue or consistency. Smith sighed and took a step back so Terra would be unable to see him out of his peripheral vision and motioned with his hands the same she way she was. Terra concentrated harder and harder until she felt her forehead begin to get rained on. Terra opened her eyes and say that it was raining around her and she threw up her hands in confidence of what she had accomplished; or so she thought. Smith quickly dropped his hands to his sides as the rain began to fall. “Good work, Terra,” said Smith half-heartedly as he put a hand on her back as he pushed her towards the entrance.