OTHERBORN: THE DIG [WP PROLOGUE EDITION]

TEN

When I arrive at our shelter, I'm allowed in through the curved, narrow space between the two largest of boulders, standing well over all of our heads—as long as I'm silent, and I couldn't be more grateful for this expectation right now.

I still haven't slept. I am in more than a trance.

Unlike our tribe, Reggie's used his previous time with the "outfolks" to adapt his own sleeping hole in honour of their preference for space. Using beam poles and corrugated metal, then painstakingly covering them with dirt and dried grass, it looks just like ours from the outside, but larger inside.

It's worked. The place is one of his seasonal homes—invisible from above and without. No one can find it without staring a while and only by eventually noticing equally indiscernible tracks in their random approaches to the shoal stone-slab.

It's where I keep my home stay bedding in this canyon whenever I'm with him. Reggie's been my dedicated teacher since I was found.

But even Reggie isn't much pleased to see me right now. I'd better not talk. I just hang my head. There is nothing to say.

A throat clears to my left, and suddenly I realize, I'm not alone with Uncle for now. I squint. Miguel, Nyack, and Morack are here in the shadows of rock.

Miguel had been in the Circle when my name was extended for All Tribes, but Nyack was absent on a journeying quest during that summer.

I was glad that he was. Nyack doesn't like much about me and I'm losing my trust around him.

I creep around the edge of the talking—behind them, to not interrupt—and I sink to the mat on the floor... I'm now quieter than when I tried to come in through soft hide and burlap flaps at the front.

Reggie's other name, "Cryo", was given in a story about an outfolk town crier somewhere. I guess our people, see him the same in his role for us now...in a way.

If anyone has news of or trades with the outfolk, it's Reggie who's gone, ever since he first got here, as his skin is quite pale.

Overhearing some words, my attention rapidly pivots. Morack is discussing...my punishments now?!

And in fast hindsight...this makes me grow nervous. It means the elders all have a plan—to do with me! This doesn't bode well. I'm not in the loop like I should be in assigning my own punishment!

"And you, Cryo?"... Morack is checking with Reggie.

Suddenly, I can't believe the sound coming out of my mouth. I've begun to shout, "No! You just said..." But I catch myself, not remotely in time. And I know what will happen if I choose to protest.

I'm not prepared for what they decide. I can never run well enough to do that. We are in the "vast country", where we can lay low.

"I'm too young yet to study with Elder Sojourn," I protest. Some consider this honor, others might be afraid. He is a legend.

The names, 'Grandfather', 'Aunt', 'Uncle' and 'Cousin' are for everyone, given their status and respecting their place, but 'Elders' like Sojourn commune with the Ancients!

"Too young to go..." questions Miguel, with a knowing quirk to his lips, "...but not too young to wander away from the desert footpaths we choose?"

I shouldn't have spoken a word, but Morack's face tells me, I am correct and the worst is assured. One wrong move, and my punishments will be announced by a much longer list...and become a lot harsher still.

So, I wisely point out, "Harvest is first?" I accept I am going, but I don't quite manage to keep the 'dreading it' tone from my voice.

They all confirm with satisfied nods. And I'm staying quiet.