The One Who's Fallen

Chapter 10

Before Artigas and I get too far, I take my map out of my pocket and mark where TonDC is.

"That is a good map. Did you make it?"

"Yeah," I respond as we continue walking. "My dad taught me how. I didn't really understand why he did because there's no reason to make maps in the Ark. Now that I'm down here, I wonder if he knew it would come to this."

"What is an ark?"

"It's the name of the ship we were on. It's a combination of a bunch of ships that survived the bombs all put together. I'm not sure how they came up with the name. Maybe something to do with some Old Earth religion."

Artigas nods and we fall back into a comfortable silence as we walk through the forest.

It still amazes me how beautiful it is down here. The thousands of shades of green is such a nice change from the bland gray of the Ark and my cell.

We reach my pod quickly, and I pop open the door. It hisses, making Artigas tense beside me. My pencils are still on the seat from when I set them aside so I wouldn't forget them. I put them in a smaller basket I left behind and sling it over my shoulder. I take one last look, searching everywhere in the tiny interior of the pod. Once I'm satisfied, I climb back out and shut the door. I lock the door as best I can to make sure it won't be easy to get in for anyone other than me.

Artigas is not watching me, but the trees surrounding us. "What are you looking at?"

"I am watching for enemies."

"Enemies? Why would they come after us?"

We begin walking back as he speaks. "I do not know, but I have been taught to never let my guard down."

"Don't you have any time to relax?"

"If I relax, I might get us killed. There are many out there who do not like us or our clan. It could be Azgeda, a Pauna, Maunon. There are always enemies. Until the newest Heda, the concept of peace seemed impossible."

"Really? What did she do to change that?"

"She united the 12 clans. Most thought she was mad and many leaders did not want peace or the Coalition. She convinced them all."

"How did she convince them?"

Artigas is silent for a moment, and there's sadness etched on his face. "She put her people first. It took true strength to do what she did." He must notice my curiosity. "It is not my place to tell you what happened or what she did. She will be here by the full moon."

"Alright, that's fair." We're close to TonDC again. Time is passing quicker than I thought it would. "Is that Anya?" I question, squinting at the figure in the distance standing at the gate.

As we get closer, I realize it is Anya and she looks a lot angrier than usual. She scowling at us, her arms crossed in front of her.

"Now is not the time for a leisurely walk, branwoda (fool/idiot). The enemy has been seen moving in the forest."

Anya grabs our arms practically drags Artigas and I inside the gate. The guards shut it behind us with amused expressions.

"What happened?" Artigas questions.

"The fog came again. You both were not here."

"Did we lose anyone?" Artigas asks.

"Cius' fight is over." Anya replies somberly. Is this their way of saying someone died?

"He was a good man. When is the pyre going to be lit?"

"Tonight."

"I'm lost." I murmur.

"You are in TonDC." Anya says disbelievingly.

"Are you always literal?" I wonder aloud. "I meant I don't understand what you're talking about."

"Cius has been killed by the fog. His... What is the Ginasleng word for it? His soul is to be sent to its next host." Anya frowns.

They believe in reincarnation? "Do you mean a funeral?" I ask.

"That sounds correct." Anya remarks, nodding. "It is our tradition to burn the bodies of the dead. The fire that will consume his body and free his soul will be set tonight."

I run over the conversation again, committing it to memory. I want to learn their customs and traditions. "Hang on, you said fog killed him? How does fog kill someone?"

"It is a fog that burns the skin and if you are exposed to it too long, you will die." Anya says.

I blanch. Acid fog? I guess it makes sense that the Earth has become a lot more dangerous than it used to be, but this seems a bit odd, even for Earth.

"I did not hear the horns. We were only at the pod, we should have been able to hear it." Artigas says worriedly.

"It was not where it usually forms. It has formed where it did only five times, as far as the hunters remember. That is why Cius was killed, he and the other hunters did not realize it was there until it was too late for him. The others are all back with minimal wounds from it, but Nyko is overwhelmed. There were nearly ten people on that hunting party and they all need treatment."

"Maybe I could help." I suggest.

Anya focuses on me. "How?"

"I think I told you my mom is a doctor and she taught me. She wanted me to follow in her footsteps. I remember most of it, and I'm sure my knowledge of medicine is different than what you have, so maybe I can help." I stop before I ramble more.

Anya glances away from me at Artigas. "Take her to Nyko. If nothing else, she has knowledge of medicine and he will appreciate the extra hands."

Artigas leads me to a large hut that seems larger and sturdier than most. "I will accompany you, as long as you do not mind. I have basic knowledge of our medicine so I may be of some use."

"Thank you."

I use a rubber band I found in the pod to tie my hair up, mentally preparing myself. I take a deep breath and walk into the tent, the agonized groans audible from the moment I step inside.