The Unpeople

Chapter Two

Evelyn tried not to think about the outcast man on the way back, but it proved difficult. The hate and the terror that had mingled in his eyes were still there in front of her, mirrored on the faces of the people walking past her in the streets, in the shopkeepers folding away their awnings, in the quiet unmoving stares of the elderly. The little part of her that quailed under their gaze, that longed to be on their side looking out, was growing stronger again. It was always coming and going, usually swayed by the changings of the political tide, and presently it was stronger than it had been in a long time. She was afraid of it – this part of her being – because it was dangerous. Routinely it needed stamping out before, Goddess forbid, she be convinced to act on it.

Steadying herself with a scowl, she stopped at the Primus' Hall to be officially signed off for the day.

The huge courtyard in front of the Hall had two entrances, neither of which was accessible for the average Geornan citizen, as they were guarded by tall metal gates and armed sentries. As Evelyn approached, the guards swung open the gate for her with a nod of recognition, used to her coming and going. She even knew their names.

Once inside, it was quiet and calm. A handful of soldiers milled about on the smooth limestone slabs that paved the surface of the quad, half of which glowed golden in the light of the setting sun, while the other rested in shadow. The long, narrow, stable-esque building that ran along the right-hand wall was part of the latter. It had no windows, and only a single door leading in and out, although Evelyn knew that there was another archway linking the Hall to this squat adjoining building. The cells.

To their left, as an ornate mantelpiece takes pride of place in rich man's living room, the Primus' Hall itself stood tall, commanding and magnificent. Well cared-for but ancient, it was a beautiful feat of almost pure marble, with wide steps leading up to a portico whose columns rose like tree trunks out of their smooth, white earth. The tip of the triangular roof pointed up to the heavens, and – just in front of it, towering at the top of the portico – stood a proud marble statue. From where Evelyn was standing, it looked to be the size of a normal person, but would likely be twice her height if she stood beside it, if not more.

This statue – one arm outstretched lovingly towards the city, while the other held a bough from the Mother's tree – was particularly of note, for it was the Geornan angel; the country's symbol. It was the one reminder that Geornan royalty had once resided here, long before the Primus claimed it for himself, and had ruled from it up until the day that the Sursh had arrived and the very last Geornan queen had been killed.

Of course, there were plans to replace the angel with the Sursh eagle, but the Primus had far more important things on his mind.

Evelyn crossed the courtyard quickly, eager to finish up and go home. Heading towards the entrance of the Hall, the soles of her boots tapped out an echoing rhythm on the marble steps, and the sentries opened a small wooden door for her. It was an odd little door, absorbed within one that was far vaster and grander, like a country enclaved within another. The larger entrance, almost as huge as the doors in the city wall, was only opened for the Primus himself – although he largely didn't bother with such ostentation. For all his cruel faults, the Primus wasn't a vain man.

There was an entry hall inside, small and high ceilinged, and Evelyn knew that if she continued through the door directly opposite it would take her through to the Hall proper. She had only been permitted to the grand marble chamber on one or two occasions, but couldn't possibly forget the glowing gilded chandeliers; the long heavy tables built from wood of the deepest red.

Unfortunately, today was not one of these occasions, so she turned to the desk on her left.

"Ev-e-lyn," drawled Henrik from behind the desk. He was on duty here almost all the time, and appeared more bored with every passing day. "What is this?" He motioned at his own forehead, in the place where Evelyn's cut was, and raised an eyebrow.