4: The Countdown Begins

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Kain J. Waterlew

Columbian Complex (C.C.)

8/5/47

                At first they were one thousand strong.

                Then they were five hundred.

                Then two hundred and fifty.

                Then fifty.

                Now, they are twenty-five.

                Kain’s number had been called early; he hadn’t had to wallow in his nerves for long. It was a good thing too, because he probably would have started to bite his nails otherwise. The last part out of his control was gone. His fate rested in his own hands now, and that was the way he liked it. His lips twisted unconsciously into a smirk, and he rested his weight on one foot. This was how he liked it. Let the world prepare, Kain Waterlew was coming, and coming in strong.

                “I give warning, these tests are near impossible.” The Heir started speaking, and Kain paid some attention to her words over the beating of his heart. “However, I have faith that at least four of you are up to the task. The first test: Command a man to death, but have him smile as the blade comes down,” Kain blanched, fake calm forgotten. If the other tests were like this, no one stood a single chance. No one. His hopes flitted away on the stifling breeze. “The second test: build a palace of ten thousand stones and win a war with the extra,” how on Earth were they going to test that? Did they have a mountain or two lying around? “Test three: destroy a mutant lion with only a dull butter knife,” that was more realistic, but still. “Finally, test four: walk from one end of a sun lit room to the other with only a cloak and not be seen.”

“Near impossible?” someone sputtered from the back. Nefertiti’s eyes snapped to the offender, and Kain’s heart nearly stopped as her voice froze the entire courtyard.

“Do you have an opinion you would like to share?” A broad shouldered heavy browed teenager pushed his way to the front. There was murder glittering in his brown eyes.

“Yes, actually, I do.” He stood five paces form the Heir, and Kain watched all the others tense. This could end in a way that would ruin the succession of the empire. A long finger pointed at where the Heir’s heart must be under that suit. “You, you bring us all here, put us through this house of torture, and then you give us this?” He tosses his hands into the air. “This joke?” he turns to the crowd of silent boys. “Are you going to stand here and take this? Are you going to let her play her little games with you? Are you-”

“You,” the Heir spoke up, not having moved. At the sound of her voice the offended Chosen shut up. “Are a coward.” She begins to pace, “Instead of trying the tests, you chose to complain and give up before you even start. You are afraid of failure, and you cower before it.” She pauses, and drops her book and pen on the ground, before pointing. “It is time for you to leave.” The boy huffs and turns on his heel, stalking away. He calls something out, but no one understands, or cares to try.

“Anyone else?”  Four boys begin moving. They don’t leave like the first, all sharp gestures and diligent foot placement. Their shoulders are rounded like over ripened fruit, and hopelessness drips from the set of their mouths. Their feet shuffle down the hall, and they make not a single sound.

Now they are twenty. 

“Well, the cowards have been weeded out,” contempt pops from her lips like bubble gum. “Volunteers for test number one?” An animal screams somewhere in the distance. “Anyone?”