The Fall of the Keepers

Chapter 10 Broken Together

I trudged through the snow, head down and hood up, pacing my steps so as not to draw attention. Ghost had stayed with Navia and despite her pleas to see her brother, I didn't feel it was safe to bring her to him. It was better to keep them where they were, bringing them together only increased the odds of the two being discovered. I was on my way, however, to let Ranen know his little sister was safe.

As I tromped along, Ghost's words played over and over in my head. I was still in disbelief, how could I, plain old Astrid Coften, be some Wind Clan Princess? How had the Keepers never discovered such a massive secret? Yet at the same time, I felt some hope. I wasn't such a freak, after all, there were others out there like me. And then there were all the questions I was dying to ask. Were my real parents alive? Were they good people? Ghost had mentioned an older brother, did I have other biological siblings? What did this mean for Solomon, Esha, and I's relationship? Perhaps that was the hardest question right there. I didn't want to lose my beloved brother and sister.

I finally reached the entrance to the subway tunnel, taking a quick scan of the area to make sure it was truly deserted before I slipped down into the blackness. I clicked my flashlight on at the bottom of the cement staircase, locating the locked door and passing through it. At the end of the hall, a light flickered and voices echoed quietly. I had made it all of three steps before Idris called out.

"Who goes there?"

"It's just me."
I replied back, grateful that her senses were so sharp.

"Keeper Hadassah, it's good to have you back."
She told me with a respectful bow.

"All is well?"
I questioned as I reached the doorway.

Her eyes flickered from the corner of the room where Ranen was sitting, his head resting back against the wall.

"He's a sullen fellow but he hasn't made for a bad prisoner."

"He's not a prisoner."
I hurriedly corrected.

"You're keeping him contained underground, doesn't that make him a prisoner and me his guard?"
Idris cocked her head to the side, only pointing out the obvious.

I grimaced, pushing past her into the dimly lit room. Ranen glanced up at me and as our eyes met I froze. There was a darkness of spirit there I had never seen before from the light-hearted Prince.

"Well, any news of my sister?"
He asked, clearing his throat.

"Yes, she's alive, well, and safely hidden."

He closed his eyes and nodded.

"I presume you won't allow me to see her?"

Now I really did feel like his jailer.

"I wish I could, she wants to see you very badly too. But Ranen, it's just not safe. Quetta wants you dead and half the country stands behind her."

"So we stay in hiding until the other half comes around to Quetta's side?"
Ranen queried.

"No, I-"
I sighed heavily and ran a hand through my hair, not knowing what to say.

"You'd be best off leaving the country."
I finally said, repeating Ghost's advice.

"And going where exactly? The Wildlands?"

"Yes, it is inhabitable."

"Not for me it isn't."
He mumbled.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You can't take me and my sister to the Wildlands, we won't survive long."