A Spoiled Rule

Chapter 25

The journey back to the ship was not ideal, even when considering it was the time of an apocalypse. When they left the food bank, Liam's heart was full of thanksgiving. He had promised Father Carmen that they would visit again. They would need to, for Christopher could only grab so much food. He'd packed it in a sack and slung it around his shoulder. As a consequence, the way back took longer because Liam and Jackson had to protect not only themselves but also Christopher. When a zombie would come, Christopher would have to drop the pack on his shoulder and defend himself. Twice, they were outnumbered and had to hide in a building until the zombies grew tired or their attention was diverted. Finally, when the sun was setting, they made it back to the ship. There was no one working on it, and Liam assumed they were waiting for Christopher to cook a delicious meal.
They hastily climbed up a ladder that Prima threw down and hauled up the food. Liam leaned against the railing, catching his breath. The sun was touching the horizon, the orange waves were calm and still.
"You're hurt!" said Prima, her eyes wide.
Liam dismissed her. The blood on his hands was nearly dry. "It's only a cut."
"Where's Theo?" asked Prima, placing her hands on her hips.
Liam winced. He had hoped Theo would have made it to the ship before them. The fact that he hadn't worried him. "He separated from us."
"What do you mean?" Prima hissed.
"We should have a meeting downstairs, with everyone," suggested Liam.
So they did. Prima showed him the progress they'd made. The walls of the additional room were not yet finished, but the floor was. They had even begun tearing down the wall on the opposite side of the hall to start an addition on that side. Tomorrow, they were going to gather more resources for the build. They had been attracting zombies all day from the noise. They had to stop hours ago to let the zombies cool down.
After Christopher had made them bowls of beans and rice, they sat in the hall very quietly. The night air brought a chill through the ship. Liam hoped they'd be able to finish the construction before the cold months settled in.
"Where is he?" asked Gresham, breaking the silence.
"He separated from us," said Liam. "Theo disappeared. I assume he's gone to steal whatever it is he needs to steal on his own."
"How did he disappear without you noticing?" asked Prima sharply. "I thought your guard noticed everything." She waved a hand at Jackson, who stood off to the side.
"We were being attacked," said Liam. "We had to run for safety. Theo didn't come with us. This is not the first time he's gone on his own. Prima, you and your brother should know more of this."
Before Prima could retort angrily, Gresham nodded. "He does this often. Somehow, he always comes back alive."
Eager to change the subject, Liam said, "We've made an important connection with the food bank. For the near future, our food supply is secure."
Everyone gazed at their empty bowls of food. Liam replayed his own words in his head. He knew this meeting was not going very well. He couldn't control the tension in the air. He wasn't strong enough.
Harvey adjusted the hat on his head. He'd been quiet, which was unusual for the man. In fact, as Liam gazed at him, he noticed that he kept glancing at the others sitting down, as if they were keeping something a secret and he disapproved. Liam realized he had an edge. He pushed away his bowl. "Harvey, do your crew keep secrets from you?"
Harvey glanced at the two crew members, who laughed. "Well, nothin' important. They try to keep theft a secret, but I know of it."
Their laughter faded.
Liam took a deep breath. "What happened while we were gone that no one wants to speak of?"
Another deafening silence pressed against his ears. He looked each of them in the eyes, fighting back his temptation to squirm. He moved from Harvey and his crew to Stephen, who was good at maintaining eye contact, but he was pale. Next to him, Gresham and Prima averted their eyes.
"While we were out," said Liam, "a zombie found us. This one was on suspensors made from Dínam, like the ones Mettiam wore. We concluded that this zombie was planned. How it found us, we don't know, but it did."
"A zombie on suspensors?" Stephen said. "How could that be? Zombies don't know how to fly."
"Exactly," said Liam. "Someone grabbed technology from Dínam, put it on, was deliberately bitten, then flew before they could turn. It was to scare us." He looked at each one of them again. "Whatever it is that happened, it endangers all of us. Oliver is trying to scare us. It's a tactic to get us to do something that will give him a right to attack. He will follow the rules of battle. If we don't communicate, we will be unable to keep ahead of this."
"He's right," said Gresham with a frown. "You are right, Liam. I'm sorry."
Liam nodded. "Thank you, Gresham. What happened?"
"One of Mettiam's inventions came from the shore."
Oh no, thought Liam with a sickening feeling.
"It was an android. It was a mechanical version of one of us," said Gresham uneasily. "It simply walked out of the water. It didn't look finished, there were wires hanging out. But the zombies didn't run toward it. They knew it wasn't human. I had to use the suspensors to carry it into the air, and then I dropped it. It broke and was buried with the tide and the sand."
Liam shivered at the thought. If Mettiam had built an entire army of androids, then their chances of freeing Dínam were slim. "Why did you wish to keep this from me?"
"We were scared," said Prima quietly.
"I've never seen anythin' like it," said Harvey. "And I've seen some weird stuff out on the sea."
"Were any of you hurt?" asked Liam.
Stephen winced at the question.
Gresham rolled back his sleeve. A series of black and purple bruises sat on his arm.
Just then, they heard yelling from outside.
"Hey, I'm back! It's Theo! Let me up!"
The group sprang to their feet and rushed up the stairs. Theo stood in the sand, waving his arms. The sky was turning purple, and beneath it, a fresh crowd of zombies was emerging at the sound of Theo's voice.
Jackson and Liam threw down a ladder and Theo climbed it. A couple of zombies reached the ladder and began tugging at it, clawing toward them. Jackson and Liam cut the rope as Theo hauled himself over the railing. The zombies slammed their bodies against the side of the ship and clawed at each other's heads to try and climb up.
Liam gazed at Theo. His hair was wild and his injured foot was bleeding, but otherwise, he looked fine. He'd passed Jackson's inspection. He was even wearing a brand new golden bracelet that was even thicker than his drawing.
Prima pushed him. Under her breath, she growled, "You little-"
Liam pulled Theo aside. "We need to talk," he said quietly. Without waiting for a response, he pulled Theo downstairs into the hall, away from the zombies. He wanted to start yelling at Theo, but he had to control his anger. "Why did you leave?" he asked quietly.
Theo blinked. "Liam, that is what I do. Surely you know this."
"We had spoken about this," said Liam.
"I told you I would let you know when I would be leaving, and I did." Theo fidgeted with the bracelet. "If you, your guard and your chef went with me, it would've been too crowded. Do you know where I found this? It was in a tiny-"
"Theo," Liam interrupted, "After you left, we were attacked by a flying zombie."
"Flying-"
"Then, an android came out of the water and attacked the ship," continued Liam. "Gresham had to destroy it, and he is still recovering from his injury!"
Theo scoffed. "You and I both know that I would not have brought much help."
"You would have me believe that you don't have a weapon?" said Liam in disbelief. "You haven't thought of stealing one?"
Theo shifted uncomfortably.
"We could have brought back more food," Liam continued.
Theo held up his hand. "Now, hold on. Why couldn't you carry anything?"
"I had to protect Christopher," said Liam defensively. He felt like a child. Surely this argument would become mature.
"I thought that's what your guard was for," said Theo.
A wave of anger washed over Liam. Theo was acting like his advisors. Liam wanted the disrespect to finally end. "Jackson should not be protecting two people at once. It puts him at too much of a risk."
Theo frowned. "Sure it does."
"I told you not to yell," said Liam.
"I forgot," said Theo simply.
Liam tilted his head. "I know that is not true. There are zombies everywhere! You cannot possibly forget!"
"Are you accusing me of doing it on purpose?" Theo shook his head in disbelief. "I would never do such a thing!"
Liam wanted to pull at his hair. He looked Theo straight in the eyes. "I am king-"
"Really?" Theo shook his head. "You, a king? It didn't look that way when you knelt before Mettiam."
Liam was momentarily stunned. Gazing at Theo, he couldn't believe the man would act in such a way. "I am king of Harksgold! As long as you put my people in danger-"
"Your people?" Theo was beginning to yell. "We aren't your subjects! Me, Gresham, Prima-we are Dínes. I wouldn't even want to be your subject! Your people are dead!"
Liam gave in to his anger. "Remember when you came up on land? You were amazed. You'd rather be stuck in Dínam as a prisoner?"
"At least I could be on my own!" Theo shouted.
"You want to be alone?" Liam shouted back. "All I've tried to do since I met you is to be a friend, because you needed one, Theo! You're becoming even more reckless and it's going to get you killed! It's going to mean the death of us all! I'm sorry if your parents-"
"This has nothing to do with my parents!" Theo snarled, pointing a finger at Liam's chest. "Stop talking about things you know nothing of."
Liam clenched his fists. "I know exactly what I speak of. What would have happened if we spent all night searching for you?"
"But you didn't," hissed Theo. "You didn't even look."
"We thought you'd be back!" Liam exclaimed angrily. "How did it take that long to find a golden bracelet when there was no one around to protect it?"
"I'm a thief," said Theo. "You will never understand my work."
"No," agreed Liam. "This is why I have never cared to meet a thief. You're too reckless. You're greedy."
"And you are no king," said Theo under his breath. "You don't act like a king, and you certainly don't look like one."
Liam took a step closer to Theo, if only so that the man could feel the anger emanating from Liam like steam. After several breaths, Liam said, "You will stay here and help the others with the building that you designed."
Theo scoffed. "You can't order me to do anything."
"Jackson will make sure you help," said Liam. He was no longer looking at Theo-not really. His mind was elsewhere. "You will do it as long as I'm away." He turned and spotted the others standing very still in the hall. Prima held a hand over her mouth. Gresham was glaring harshly at Theo. Stephen, Christopher, and Harvey and his crew stood with blank expressions on their faces. Jackson met Liam's gaze and gave a stiff nod.
Liam brushed past them all and went upstairs. He heard someone following, and when he turned, he saw it was Stephen.
"Liam," said Stephen nervously, "Do not take everything that Theo said to heart."
"There are rules," hissed Liam. "He has forced me to make that very clear, when they should have been obvious."
"Liam," said Stephen, his eyes glowing in the dark. "I agree with what you've said, but... I fear... I fear you will let this anger get ahead of you." He added quickly, "Not to say that you will, I only fear it."
Liam looked away, out toward the sea. He could hardly believe his friend would fear such a thing. "You feel I would turn against my principles? Do you truly believe I am so easily swayed?"
Stephen winced. "Forgive me, I shouldn't have spoken."
Liam took a deep breath. He could hear snarls and cries coming from beyond the ship. He'd attracted more zombies by yelling. "I am going to Dínam."
Stephen frowned. "Now? It is dark. Perhaps you should wait."
Liam gripped the railing of the ship. "The sea is calm, and now is an unconventional time to go. It is right."
"Why are you going?" asked Stephen.
"Because it is only a matter of time before an android walks into Coulím's room and kills him." He spotted a small boat a few docks away. "I am going to put a quick end to Oliver's fiascos."
"I will go with you," said Stephen.
Liam shook his head. "Your hands are still healing, and... and Theo's foot is bleeding. How is Gresham?"
Stephen frowned. "His arm will heal. His bone is bruised." He took a step forward. "Liam, you will take Jackson, won't you?"
Liam sighed. "He is following my orders with Theo. I wish to go alone."
"I see I can't persuade you," said Stephen stiffly. "When should we expect your return?"
"Two days, at the latest," replied Liam. "I know the way. Stephen," he grasped the doctor's shoulders, "would you mind distracting the mob?"
Stephen clenched his jaw. "I shall do so for you. But will you at least allow me to take a look at your hands, and your shoulder?"
Liam sighed. He knew he wouldn't be a good king if he didn't take care of himself. He slumped against the railing and allowed Stephen to take a look.
"I really must insist on staying, or letting someone to accompany you," said Stephen as he pulled out a thin roll of gauze from his pocket.
Liam smiled. "Would you like to come?"
Stephen's eyes began to dart all around. "Well, of course! You need someone to stay by your side, and..." His voice trailed off and he met Liam's gaze. "You are staring at me funny. Was this an honest gesture or a teasing one?"
"I see how you look at Gína," said Liam quietly. "She is a beautiful woman."
After a moment's silence, Stephen said, "Yes, she is."
Stephen finished bandaging Liam's hands and tending to his shoulder. "Two days, you say?"
Liam nodded. "Hopefully it'll only take one. Stephen, keep an eye on Theo."
"I thought-"
"As much as I am upset by him, he knows best what this construction is supposed to look like, and he also knows best how to injure himself."
Stephen clenched his jaw and nodded, his hair falling into his eyes. "I understand."
"Thank you," said Liam. Stephen gave one more nod and then went below deck, passing Harvey on the way. Harvey tilted his hat toward Liam as he approached. "Liam," Harvey began, "May I come with you? I would like to come with you. I have a feelin' that it'd be the right thing."
Liam thought about this for a moment. He was reminded of Harvey's best man Ryan, and how he had instinctive feelings, nearly supernatural, that would guide them on which way was the safest. Liam wished the kid was still around so he could get to know him better. "I trust this feeling you have," said Liam. "Very well."
Just then, a ruckus sounded through the hole in the wall of the ship. Stephen was below them, shouting at the zombies. Their attention was diverted to him, and Liam took the opportunity. He swung his legs over the railing and, as quietly as he could, jumped to the sand.
A zombie spotted him.
He ran as fast as he could, slipping through the sand. The tiny boat was tied to a dock a few feet away. Liam took out his knife and, without stopping, threw it. It slashed through the ropes. He practically fell against the boat and pushed it into the water. He could feel the zombies shift the water's current, and he jumped into the boat and pulled a small lever that ignited small propellors. The ship stuttered to life and began zooming away. Liam turned around and found Harvey, who was a few paces away, clutching his hat on his head as he ran. A zombie grabbed at his leg and he stumbled. Liam clutched the edge of the boat and reached out as far as he could as the boat put more distance between he and Harvey. With his free hand, Harvey reached out. A zombie snarled at Harvey, and he slammed his elbow into its nose.
Liam couldn't hold back a shout. "Harvey!" He couldn't stand to watch another of his people die.
Harvey lunged, and Liam caught a hold of the man's wrist. For a moment, Harvey stumbled and was dragged through the water as an onslaught of zombies pursued them. When the water became deep enough, Harvey kept his head above, clutching onto Liam's arm and his captain's hat. A minute later, they were too deep for the zombies to gain on them.
With his free hand, Liam pulled at the lever between his feet, and the boat slowed. He grabbed Harvey's shoulders and pulled the man aboard, nearly flipping the boat in the process. Though his arms were shaking, Liam caught his breath and steadied his voice. "Are you hurt?"
Harvey rubbed at his wrist. He glanced behind them at the shore. Most of the zombies were still throwing themselves into the water, but some were still fixated on the spot where Stephen had drawn their attention. "I'm alright," said Harvey. "They didn't get me. If they did, I wouldn't have grabbed onto ya. You're the king. I'm not puttin' ya in harm's way."
Liam frowned. He began to feel a bit sheepish. "I shouldn't have said those things. Honestly, I was never really king. I don't want that title to loom over my head and turn me into a privileged snob."
Harvey snorted. "The title won't do that. People would see me as an incompetent captain just 'cause of how I speak, or look, or 'cause of the way my crew behaves. But I hope I've done a good enough job to prove that I'm more than what they think."
Liam clapped a hand on Harvey's shoulder. Again, he was reminded of what wisdom the captain had. "They knew you were someone to be respected. After all, you were appointed my personal captain."
Harvey snorted again. "They did that 'cause of a joke. But I built connections, and only then did they start to see me." He took a deep breath and pulled the lever on the floor of the boat, and the boat took off. "So," he said loudly over the waves, "You are king. I, the doctor, your guard all know that that means good. Now, which Dínam are we headed to-the good one, or the bad one?"
"The good one," said Liam. "We have to warn them that Mettiam's inventions are out of control."