The One Who's Fallen

Chapter 5

I follow her, finding myself fascinated at how easily she moves silently through the forest.

After years of learning how to move quietly on metal (the squeaking noise gets old really fast), it was difficult to transition to  walking on ground. I've only managed to move quietly enough that animals won't startle. Unless they're a rabbit or have great hearing.

"I sent a messenger to Heda and informed her I was going to reveal myself." Anya says, breaking the silence. "She is curious about you. However, she is busy now and will come before the next full moon." At my confused look, she sighs. "In two weeks. Certainly you understand the simple concept of time?"

"Of course." I say, trying not to be offended. I have a feeling that this is just her personality.

"The leader of my clan is coming, as well. While we await their arrival, I will train you and teach you our ways." Anya continues like she didn't hear me. "We are close the the village. It is called TonDC."

"Like Washington DC?" I ask.

"No. TonDC." She repeats it slowly like she thinks I'm stupid. Which she probably does.

The woods open up into a clearing and my mouth drops open. There are houses built from wood and metal that look like they were haphazardly out together. When I look closer, I realize they're stronger than they appear and could probably survive a missile. Though I doubt there are any of those anymore.

There are so many people with smiles on their faces it makes me automatically begin to grin. On the Ark, everything was so serious. We had to survive so the future of the human race could be preserved. Here, there are only a few with stoic faces, and I'm pretty sure they're guards. Even the guards look happier than the children on the Ark. There's lines on their faces, scars showing, and a darkness in their eyes I know will never truly fade. But they seem... Freer.

"Come with me." Anya says again, but I swear I can hear amusement in her voice as I gawk at everything. "You can look around later."

I follow her, trying to take everything in. Anya stops suddenly and turns to me.

"Why did we stop?"

"This is to be your tent. Heda may want to take you to the capital. If that is so, you will be given more permanent housing there. If not, a house will be prepared for you here or wherever you wish to settle."

I study the tent for a moment. It's larger than some of the houses I've seen in this village, but it's not excessively huge. "Thank you."

Anya doesn't respond and gestures for someone behind me to approach us. The boy I saw first comes into view. "Artigas will be your guard. Heda would not be pleased if I allowed you to die without her permission."

I balk at that. "Your commander can order you to kill people?"

Anya gives me a glare and I make a mental note to try not to question this Heda again. "Yes, she can."

I decide to change the subject and turn to my new guard. "Your name is Artigas, right? You look young to be a guard, you must be good."

"That is correct." He responds with a kind smile. "I am a warrior, like my father before me." Artigas purses his lips and looks at Anya. She nods. "He is missing. We believe the Maunon have him."

"Maunon?"

"The Mountain Men, in Gonasleng. They live in the mountain and come out in odd suits to watch us. They use their Reapers to capture more of us." Artigas explains, pain in his eyes.

"What are Reapers?"

"They appear to be some of the captured. They are soulless beasts and have a taste for flesh."

"I'm sorry about your father." I say quietly.

He gives me a sad smile, one I know well. My father wore it whenever he was around me after he found out the Ark is dying. "Mochof. Thank you."

"I trust you will keep her safe?" Anya asks him.

"I will guard her with my life." Artigas promises.

I wince at that. I don't want him, or anyone, to die for me. My dad was killed because of me, I don't want any more innocent blood on my hands. If only I hadn't told Wells...

"Sky girl." Anya says, making me snap out of my thoughts and look at her. "You can have the rest of the day and night to explore and get situated in your tent." She steps closer to me. I almost take a step back, but ignore my automatic reaction and stare into her intense eyes. She smiles, only a small one, but still smiles. She seems impressed almost. I bet not many have been able to look her in the eyes for long. "I will wake you up at first light."

Anya's small smile turns into an unnerving grin. She spins on her heel and walks away, practically oozing confidence.

I hope I wake up when she comes in. Otherwise, I have a feeling she has no problem waking me up in the worst ways. Getting up in the morning so early is punishment enough. But I have a feeling I'll get an extra one. I sigh and nearly groan. She's going to train me. Here, that probably means fighting. I'm not weak, but after a year in the Sky Box, my muscles aren't as strong as they used to be. I might as well enjoy today because tomorrow is going to be... Interesting.