《Beyond the Veil》


 Chapter 1 -Mundane

    I wake up in a cold sweat. Sitting up, my eyes begin to dart all over the room, frantically looking around, trying to make sure that I had escaped the world that my mind had so intricately conjured up. It wasn¡¯t really a nightmare, there was nothing that would harm me. What scared me, however, was all the mysteries that seemed to plague that world. One part of me wished it was reality, as the one in which I currently live, was an unwanted cycle that offered no semblance of unconstrained living. Squeezing my eyes shut I silently chided myself for even thinking something so blasphemous. These thoughts would do good to remain as just thoughts. If my boldness went unchecked I¡¯d most definitely get in trouble with anyone who would hear. Because This was a clear show of going against the teachings of the high beings.


    Glancing down I could see my legs, a mangled mess of pillows and my blanket that had seen better days. This had to be the fifth day in a row I¡¯ve had this same dream. I peered out the small tattered window to see the lesser light breaking through the clouds. This pulled me out of my daze. It was time to get ready for another day of toiling in the fields.


    Scoffing somewhat thankful. I remembered the poor sods who worked in Cromer; they''d have to slave away under the unforgivable heat of their village. I could never understand why the villages had such different climates. Leeside always tended to be cooler and the greater light didn¡¯t seem to affect us as much. On the other hand, Frostforn was a clear contrast to Cromer. The heat of the greater light didn''t seem to even reach them.


    Trying to be positive despite another day of mundane life, I repeat the mantra taught to us at village school: ¡°If you smile, the work won''t seem so hard¡±. I scoff again at the hypocrisy. Those who taught at the village school had no experience in the fields.


    I let out a sigh and tugged off my sweat-soaked shirt on my way to the bathroom. I was tired and fed up of living like this. The girl in the mirror staring back at me seemed to agree. Her caramel eyes lacked the spark she once had in youth and her laugh lines had all but disappeared.


    After freshening up, I hurriedly put on my uniform, an ugly long-sleeved pale yellow shirt and a pair of trousers that were a horrible brown. Glancing at the clock I realized I had all but 7 lis left to get out the door if I wanted to be on time and escape punishment. I rushed out of the room into the living area and sat on the little bench near the door to put on my worn-out boots, which were littered with patches. It was clearly time to go down to the hub to receive a new pair but I just couldn¡¯t. It was one of the only things I had left of my mom after all. Letting out a deep sigh I open the door to walk out but stop in my tracks. My eyes catch the small table propped up against the living room wall. Two nameplates and a vase with 3-day-old flowers occupied it. I said a silent goodbye and left.


    I inhaled deeply. There was much I didn¡¯t like about this village starting with all the watchers that were stationed at every turn. Or the fact that we had little to no privacy between our houses. The one thing I appreciated, though, was all the fresh air. It carried the fragrance of the flowers.


    ¡°Get a move on fielder¡±.


    I didn¡¯t need to turn back to know it was a Watcher already breathing down my neck. It took me all but 5 sil to appreciate the fresh breeze and one was already on my case.


    I said nothing... I could say nothing. Everybody knows you don¡¯t interact with the Watchers, you only need to listen to their commands and carry out their orders.


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    I quickened my steps. My thoughts already clashed with what they stood for. It would do no good if they could pick this up in my actions.


    The field was 45 lis away from the residential area on foot and another 15 lis more would get you to where the livestock were raised.


    By the time I got there, I was a little out of breath. My fellow workers were already assembled in the square waiting for the Dire to hand us field assignments and tools. Though all aspects of life in Leeside held repetition, you could always count on fieldwork to never be the same. One day, I would be tending to some vegetables, another day, fruits and another day, ground provisions. They always switched it up.


    ¡°Odessa Olsen¡±.... ¡°ssa Olsen¡±.


    The sound of my name pulls me out of my thoughts. I look up to see the Dier watching me with a deep scowl etched onto his face. The Dier and Watchers were different from us. It wasn¡¯t just in the clear hierarchy but their physical appearance. Their skin was like a deep blue, watered down to an almost translucent colour. They were tall. The men had big, bulky builds, a testament that it wouldn¡¯t take much to subdue any of us who stepped out of line. The women I had seen were slender. Their features all resembled each other with few differing physical characteristics. It seemed like a clear case of copy and paste.


    With a disapproving look that held a silent warning, he continued.


    ¡°Odessa Olsen. Zone B shed ii¡±


    I held his gaze and then gave a deep bow, signalling I had received the order. Again, the less you say to them, the better for you. Sometimes the smallest things would set them off.


    I walk off to join my team for the day in the area marked off for working in shed ii casting my eyes down in a silent hello. The number one rule for us was silence was golden; we couldn''t speak unless permitted to, hence why our communication was limited to head and hand gestures and the occasional word. I think we¡¯ve all mastered the art of internal dialogue. The field was set up in two zones, which were further divided into 4 other areas, each specializing in a different crop. The sheds were identified by increasing I from i to iiii. Shed ii was where we prepped the vegetables that needed to be planted. It took at most 2 weeks for all crops to reach full maturity. Yesterday was harvest day so today we¡¯d be working like clockwork to replant.


    ¡°Now that all of you have received your assignments you may report to your designated area. The only parts of your body that should be moving are your hands and feet. Failure to complete your daily task will result in a week''s ban from the Hub. Remember, you lowborns exist for the sake of our high beings. As such, you will be monitored for all 12 rous of your work cycle. When the greater light bursts the clouds, and you hear the bell ring your 30 lis break will begin. Failure to report to the Hub''s canteen on time will result in missing your lunch.¡±


    I drone out the sound of the Dier mouthing off these pathetic rules. This is why I hate this village. We had no freedom. Every time I would pass by the ranch area, all I saw were my fellow villagers reflected in those animals. Just like all their worth amounted to was for consumption, all our worth amounted to was for hard labor to please their high beings. I could feel my blood boil the more I thought of our pitiful situation. Why were they the only ones entitled to freedom?


    The shuffling of feet signaled our dismissal. As we headed towards shed ii I glanced around and observed my workmates for the day. Unlike the Watchers and Diers, we were one, yes, but we still varied so much in physique and complexion. The young girl to my right was short and petite, her black hair pulled into cornrows, her skin was on the lighter side of brown and glistened, seemingly taking in all the rays the lesser light had to offer. On the other hand the middle-aged man to my left towered us both, his skin resembled the wool of the sheep kept at the ranch. My eyes continued to shift from person to person. All appearing so different. I wished so dearly to hold a conversation with any of them. To at least learn a name or voice my hellos. A wave of sadness washes over me as I accept the fact that this most likely would never happen.

 Chapter 2- The Dream

    It was almost time for the greater light to peek. At this point, we had gone through sorting half of the seeds for replanting. This was a painstaking process. In village school, we learned how to prepare each seed for the planting process. At 5, you were told your job, and at 8, two major things happened. You would enter the Temple of Change and then you¡¯d start your education necessary for that job. There we were taught how to read, write and do basic calculations. But the most important thing was tending to the crops.


    The bell going off in the distance signaled the start of our lunch break. I set the bag of beet seeds I was working on down and started my walk out to the hub where the canteen was. It would take us 10 lis to walk there.


    In front of me stood a massive building, a testament to all the facilities it held. It took up as much land as the residential area did. It stood tall with glass windows running along the bottom perimeter which then finished in concrete to the top. The building was surrounded by neatly cared-for grass, which morphed into a forest beyond it. A concrete walkway led up to its massive double glass doors. A Watcher stood at either side ushering us in. This was the hub where everything happened. Where we had all our meals and where we went to get new clothing items when we used what we had to the point of it being worn out and falling apart. Even where we went to for the gatherings for Venandris and our checkups. The building was the only modern and nice thing we had access to. Our homes, in comparison, were dated and old. The core belief of Venandris was ¡°Simplicity Breeds Righteousness¡±.


    We all lined up in a single file and headed to the canteen. The entire process was swift. Before you enter the glass doors the Watcher there would check you in. After, you go to the washing station and then stand where the servers would dish out your food. You didn¡¯t even have a choice in what food appealed to you. It was take what you get. Funny enough, the Watchers ran everything but serving; I guess it was too beneath them. Instead, the serving was done by the elderly women who had been retired from the field.


    I get to the end of the line, grab some cutlery and napkins and walk off to join the people who I worked with for the day. I glanced down at the silver tray, each dish neatly placed into its space. I internally gagged. All these bland vegetable dishes were tiring. I had to grow them and now eat them daily. They didn¡¯t even try to make the food seem appetizing. Everything was either boiled or steamed. Today¡¯s meal was no different. Steamed potatoes and pumpkin with rice and some lentils. Though we did have the ranch area where the animals were raised we didn¡¯t get to partake in their meat. It was for the Watchers and anybody higher up than them. With an internal sigh, I dug into my food. I was almost done when I felt a nudge to my side. I glanced up a bit shocked to find the short girl I was staring at earlier looking at me with a hint of amusement in her eyes. I was taken aback by this. Everyone I know or rather looked at and analyzed held no such look. Their eyes were devoid of life. Resigned to the fate that was handed down to us. But she was different, she looked like there was more to our mundane lives. Like she had experienced more. I was intrigued. I stare at her trying to figure out why she wanted to communicate with me. She tapped the table next to her elbow. I followed her finger to see a napkin with the word ¡°hi¡± written on it. If I wasn¡¯t intrigued before, I was now. She had mashed her steamed pumpkin and used it to write out the words. Never in my 25 years had I seen someone so blatant in disregarding all that we were taught. I mean, yes, I complained about it, but it was to myself, and yes, I wished for it, but the consequences of being caught far outweighed that brief satisfaction.


    I looked back up at her to see that her mouth held the tiniest of smiles, and her eyes just glowed with a silent laugh. I held myself back from returning it, it seemed infectious. Instead, I opted to cast my eyes down in our usual hello.


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    I guess she took the hint that I would not participate in her dangerous game because the rest of lunch passed without any more interaction between us. I get out of the seat, go to drop off the tray and line up again so that we can head back to the fields. It was the same going out as coming in, we washed at the washing station, got checked out, lined up and filed out of the hub.


    The rest of the afternoon passed uneventfully. Thankfully, we all finished our tasks and returned to the main area, waiting to be dismissed by the Dier.


    Up on the podium overlooking all of us you could feel his arrogance. He practically sneered with each word he spoke.


    ¡°Luckily for you all, all work was completed on time. Remember, after your dismissal, you are to head straight to the hub for dinner and then to your abodes by the time the bell goes. That is by 7 pm. And lights out by the time the greater light descends.¡±


    He gives us one last glance to say you¡¯re all pathetic, and, with a sharp turn, walks off the podium.


    With no hesitation, we all fall into one line and head for the hub.


    After dinner at the canteen, I headed home. Enjoying the peaceful and silent night all that could be heard was the wind rustling through the trees. I tried not to let my admiration of the orange-hued sky slow down my pace. The watchers would be on you in a matter of sils if you decided to detour or again if you were walking too slow. 2 lis later and I was outside my bare brick home. It was small and consisted of a bedroom, living room and bathroom. I lived on the outskirts of the residential area so I could afford to slow my pace and still have enough time to get ready before lights out. As soon as I stepped through the door I beeline for the bathroom, showered and donned the oversized shirt I wore as my pajamas. The old bed creaked under my weight as I lay down. All that was left to do was close my eyes but I just couldn¡¯t. The strange actions of that girl kept replaying in my mind. How was she so brave? How could she show such blatant disregard for the rules placed on us? Had the watchers caught her she would have been placed in isolation for a week with no access to food. I roll over to look out the tattered window to see signis just peeking out from the clouds. Its light so bright. I could feel its sereness lulling me to sleep. It didn¡¯t take too long for me to fall asleep from the exhaustion of the day.


    ~~~


    It was her again, running through the wooded area that separated Leeside from Cromer. She carried a satchel across her body. You could see papers peeking out the top. It was such a strange feeling hovering over her and just watching. In the distance, I could hear yelling. Tall, pale figures whizzed in and out of the trees in hot pursuit after her. A strange static filled the air, and in a swift move, the young girl was flung back; a pained cry left her lips. I could feel myself panicking, willing her to get back up because whoever was chasing her had almost caught up. I leaned down in a rush to pick her up but my shadowy hands were of no use. She didn¡¯t even recognise I was there. I looked up as she scrambled to her feet. It was already too late; the pale figures had her surrounded. Upon closer inspection, I could see it was the Watchers and a Dier. Their mouths were moving but I couldn¡¯t hear what was being said. The girl''s eyes grew wide with fear as she clutched the satchel and brought it close to her chest as if to shield it away from the Dier. He raised his hand in it was some type of machine I¡¯d never seen before. I didn¡¯t know what it was but my body buzzed with the sense of danger. I could feel myself screaming at her to just give him what he wanted to save herself. One moment, the girl was clutching the satchel for dear life. The next, she hit the ground with a loud thud. I ran over to her body and it appeared lifeless. The Dier came over to the body, knelt and began rummaging through the satchel. It was apparent that whatever he was looking for was absent. He slammed the satchel onto the ground and turned beckoning the watchers to follow him. With that, he disappeared into the thick of the forest.

 Chapter 3- Juno

    I get up with a strange ache in my chest. I felt .. sad. That dream felt so close to reality. What could be so important that that girl would rather be killed than give it up and save herself, and I¡¯ve never seen the Watchers and Diers act so .. hostile and violent. I mean yes I¡¯d get the occasional verbal abuse but they were never that violent with us and those tools certainly weren¡¯t used. Maybe it¡¯s because they didn¡¯t feel the need to or maybe it happened but we just couldn¡¯t see. I let out a sigh and rub my chest willing the invisible ache to go away.


    The morning passed without anything much happening. We got our field assignments and slaved away in the as usual.


    ~~


    The greater light had just peeked and as if on cue the bell goes off in the distance. . at the sound of this we all take our place on the line to walk up to the hub.


    I go through the mind numbing process of being checked in and collecting my food, this time a medley of vegetables. My legs as if having a mind of their own lead me towards the table where my team is sitting.


    I didn¡¯t recognise it earlier but that odd girl had already found herself a space at the table; meaning she was working with me again. Everyone else in the team was different. This confuses me, it''s strange. We usually don¡¯t end up with familiar faces in the same group until about two cycles.


    I give her a brief glance and take my seat. As if sensing me she perks up, moves out of hers and drops down in the chair right in front of me. I look around horrified and scared. Everybody else seems to not notice, their heads down focused on their meal and those on our table didnt even seem fazed.


    ¡°Hi, I''m Juno,¡± she introduces with an even wider smile, an elbow propped up on the table and her hand cupping her chin.


    I continued looking around; again the atmosphere seemed undisturbed. She watches me amusement flickering in her eyes. This gets me a little angry, how can she find putting us in danger funny!


    ¡°Odessa right. I tried stricking up a conversation yesterday but I was clearly¡­ ignored. It seems mashed up sweet potato isn¡¯t your thing.¡°


    I lift my head and look over to the Watchers positioned all around the canteen.


    ¡°Why are you doing this? Do you want me to get dragged to the isolation room with you¡±


    Hearing my voice was so disturbing it sounded so foreign I didn¡¯t like it.


    Her smile drops a little.


    I suddenly felt apologetic, It''s not that I wanted to be mean but my self preservation was just on really high alert.Yes I¡¯ve whined next to a million times about just getting someone to speak to and hearing somebody else¡¯s voice in not just short words or sentences but an actual conversation and here I am ruining it.


    I cast my eyes down, the foreign feeling of guilt too hard to bear.


    ¡°I''m sorry .. I.. I. Just. This is so odd. In my 25 years here I¡¯ve never had anyone display so much curiosity and interest in me, I mean not that it¡¯s any of their fault.¡±


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    I look back up at her and her gaze softens, a picture of understanding and pity. She knew what it was like under these conditions. We were puppets, beings of limited free will. If they told us to jump we couldn¡¯t even ask how high. We''d just need to play froggy.


    She lets out a sigh ¡°look I get it .. maybe I could have been a little more subtle¡± she lets out a chuckle ¡°but subtle really isn¡¯t my thing.¡±


    she glances around ¡°like you, I know how things work around here ..¡±


    ¡°clearly you don¡¯t care¡± I mutter under my breath


    Ignoring me she continues ¡° it''s hard to explain but trust me .. she motions to the watchers stationed around the canteen ¡° All they¡¯re seeing right now is us happily munching on our veggies like the cattle we are.¡±


    I gave the room a once over for like the fourth time. It was the same as the first and second time, they acted like it was another day of manning the canteen. To them nothing seemed out of place.


    Now I had even more questions whirling around in my head.


    I open my mouth to ask how that¡¯s even possible but she cuts me off.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re curious but I can¡¯t give you an answer .... well I can¡¯t for now at least. But trust me I feel the same about this shitty life as you.¡±


    I watch her. I''m sure she could see the suspicion clear as day.


    ¡°We''ve only just met and given the circumstances where I¡¯m clearly at risk of being holed up in who knows where because of you. I find trust hard to give out right now.¡±


    She lets out a sigh


    ¡° That''s fair enough. Look I just want you to see me as a fellow soul who is as sick of this life as you are and wants something different. I¡¯m no different than you .. The only thing is I¡¯m just bold enough to act on my desires.¡±


    I go to defend myself but just as I open my mouth the bell goes signaling the end of lunch.


    She gets up to leave and disappears in the sea of others scrambling to make it out of the canteen.


    The rest of the day passed and I couldn¡¯t help but replay the entire exchange. One part of me felt relieved, though the sound of my voice sounded strange, I was happy; and those foreign feelings I¡¯ve never experienced made me feel alive. But on the other hand I was deeply offended. Who was she to be judgmental? Yes I agreed I wanted more out of this life but I preferred actually being alive to enjoy the little that was offered instead of offering myself on a silver platter to be ¡°taken cared of¡± .


    The time flew and dinner came around just as fast as lunch did. I was hoping I¡¯d get to talk to Juno again and maybe try to smooth things over but she was nowhere to be seen. It''s like she was never there in the first place. What''s even stranger is that there were no signs of the Watchers looking for her..


    ~~~~~~~~


    On Tuesday evenings we did one thing out of the norm: we attended the gathering of venandris. The one activity we were allowed outside of work.


    I follow the rest of my group out of the canteen and down the hall past multiple doors to an open hall filled with chairs. A Dier stood up on the podium at the front impatiently waiting for us to file in and settle down.


    When the last person was seated a hush fell over the room and he started.


    ¡°The high beings have granted you all grace for you are ignorant sinners marred by the evils of your ancestors.¡±


    I look at the crestfallen faces of those around me. Their faces a reflection of sadness at the fact that they''re all sinners. I scoff, these people were so far removed from what was around them that they¡¯d take words stringed together to clearly manipulate us to heart. What does the evils of my ancestors have to do with the me whose living in the present.


    My eyes turn to the Dier on the podium. He looks so satisfied seeing their hopeless faces.


    ¡°Fear not for their grace has been granted. For in simplicity you will find righteousness and in righteousness you will gain salvation. Give up your love for excess. Want no more than what is given and you will find your yourself in the land the high beings have created as your final resting place.¡±


    On cue hands are lifted in the air and the congregation erupt in mindless chorus.


    ¡° Simplicity breeds righteousness! praise be to the high beings!¡±


    All this made me sick. I could see that these people¡¯s minds were so far gone that their only escape was these manipulative words from this sham of a religion. I couldn¡¯t help but feel alone. Why was I the only one who could see this for what it was, invisible chains used to keep us in line. Why was I different? Why wasn¡¯t I a mindless drone clinging to the words of those self righteous pompous Diers.


    I zone out, the words of the Dier becoming a buzz and I sink deeper into my thoughts.


    The shuffling of feet brings me back to reality and I see everyone making their way out. I follow them out of the hall and go through the usual procedure to get out of the hub.


    Getting home was the same as usual so was getting ready for bed. Today was so out of the ordinary it was hard to believe.


    The exhaustion of the day takes over and I slip into a deep sleep. The wisps of a dream tugging me in.

 Chapter 4 - Throw me a Bone

    I was taken back to where it all began before the chase. There were five girls were frantically discussing something. I could see the twisted looks of panic on their faces. Even though I couldn¡¯t hear what was discussed, I knew it was important.


    Suddenly the girl who seemed to be the leader took two ball shaped objects out of the satchel that was strapped across her body. They shined and glistened under the light of signis. She shoved the balls into the hands of two of the other girls who then hurriedly placed it in their bags. in unison they whipped their heads to the left. I could see floating lights in the distance inching closer. With one last look of each other the girls sprint away in different directions.


    This time I followed one of the girls who carried the ball. Her legs moved faster than anything I¡¯ve ever seen. I never knew we could run let alone so fast.


    The lights that were in the distance were already following her. She criss crossed her way through the trees, most likely trying to throw them off. In the blink of an eye the girl disappeared, one minute she was there and the next gone. I hovered over the area to see she had fallen into a narrow and dark hole. It looked like the dirt there had been weakened and her weight caused it to cave in. After following her in, I realized that what I thought was caused by nature seemed to be the opposite because we kept walking for what felt like rous until we finally reached an opening in the tunnel to see a cave-like structure that had writings all across its walls. The cave was lit up by a flower which emitted a soft green glow. I hover closer to it to see its petals shaped like triangles and leaves thin strips. It was odd but beautiful. I''d never seen anything like it. I Hover over back to the writings I couldn¡¯t understand any of it but the girl seemed to. She walked along the walls her fingers tracing the deep grooves that formed the letters. I floated closer watching as her mouth moved, whispering the words there. Her eyes began to fill with water and tears streamed down her cheeks. I looked up at the wall, willing myself to understand what was written there and what could have made her so sad. She jerked as if bringing herself back to the present and realizing that she didn¡¯t have much time. She dropped down to the floor and began digging a hole. She placed her satchel in it and covered it up. Giving the cave one last glance she turned around and exited the way we came in. I followed her back to the hole we dropped in from and floated up to the surface as she crawled out. Once She was out she began filling the hole with fallen branches and then dirt. Granting one last glance to the spot she bolted off in the opposite direction from where she started. I continued following her. I felt happiness for the first time in that dream because it looked like she would have more luck than the girl from my previous one and get out of the forest unharmed. But as if to mock my hopefulness my body began to buzz and watchers appeared in front her all pointing to those dangerous tools. It was an ambush . The Dier walked towards her tauntingly . They began to speak and he began to circle her. Again I could not hear what was being said but whatever she did say earned her a slap. The Dier roughly grasped her face, his twisted in a look of hate and rage and began to search her.


    Not finding what he was searching for he walked up to one of the Watchers, grabbed the tool and fired. The girl hit the ground in a bloody mess. Just like the other one her life came to an end because whatever she hid was more important than it.


    I woke up with a start. More and more these dreams were becoming too vivid for me. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder why this was happening now. I did nothing different from two or even five years ago. Hell, I¡¯ve followed the same routine since I was ten.


    Letting out a sigh I slide out of bed. I still had time before the lesser light peeked and I would have to get ready for work. I was tempted to go out for some fresh air just to ease my mind a bit and mentally prepare myself for another labor intensive day. I shake my head knowing that was impossible. The little breeze wafting through my window would have to do.


    ~~


    It had been two cycles since my run in with Juno at the canteen. We decided to ease whatever tension had built up and start over. I''d come to realize that whatever Juno was capable of was going to keep me safe. I¡¯d learn to lower my guard even just a little after observing what would happen for a few days.


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    Since then we¡¯ve spoken everyday around that time. I picked up a few things during our interactions.


    One- Juno was a girl with a fiery attitude and a blatant disregard for authority.


    Two -She always disappeared after lunch


    Three- I¡¯ve never seen her in the fields despite purposefully keeping an eye out.


    And four - despite her saying she knew what life was like in the village I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen her.


    Yes every face was somewhat new but you would always recognise them after a while but I just couldn''t remember seeing hers.


    By now my curiosity was bubbling vigorously and it was just about to spill out the pot. Clearly Juno had some big secrets and was capable of doing who knows what. It¡¯s near impossible to ever miss work in the fields. It was one of the gravest mistakes you could make. I¡¯m talking isolation chamber, starvation and who knows what else.


    Again today¡¯s lunch was no different from usual. Juno sat with my work group of the day despite not even working with us.


    A small smile tugged at my lips in response to hers. Though questions were burning a hole in my throat it didn¡¯t trump the genuine excitement I held being able to speak to her. She was a breath of much needed fresh air.


    ¡°Hi Juno. Fancy seeing you here even though I couldn¡¯t catch a glimpse of you in the field.¡±


    Juno shoots me a sly smile.


    ¡°You know you probably did see me, it just didn¡¯t register that you did.¡± she answers feigning ignorance, her eyes looking everywhere but at me.


    ¡°Yea right nice try.¡± I answer, my playful tone morphing into one of seriousness.


    Juno realizing that the fun atmosphere had all but dissipated wiped the smile off her face and sat up straight.


    I sigh


    ¡°Look Juno, I really don¡¯t want to start this again. I like you .. I really do. It¡¯s just really hard to ignore the blatant truth. I mean you¡¯re nowhere to be seen when we¡¯re getting field assignments. I¡¯ve never heard the Dier call your name and I¡¯ve never seen you in the fields¡±.


    I hold her eyes with mine


    ¡°You¡¯re not from around here are you. Who are you? What are you?¡±


    Junos'' seriousness remained unchanged. She was unfazed by my rant.


    Just as she opened her mouth I cut her off realization hitting me like a boulder.


    ¡°Oh My Being !!¡± the words came out in a hushed mumble.


    ¡°You¡¯re... you¡¯re one of those aren¡¯t you, the nameless ones. The things that would come to punish all non believers who engaged in blasphemous acts. The things they used to warn us about at village school.¡±


    With that she burst into the loudest laugh I¡¯ve ever heard and looked at me like I had already gone senile.


    ¡°woo Dessa... ¡° she let out, wiping the invisible tears from her eyes.


    ¡°I was taking you seriously up until that last bit.. the nameless ones seriously. You believe that.¡±She shakes her head.


    ¡°That¡¯s just another made up tail used to keep you guys.. especially the brats in check. ¡°These ¡°nameless ones¡± she said using air quotations. ¡°Don¡¯t exist.¡±


    Just like I never believed in the teachings of Venandris. I never believed in that as well. But I couldn¡¯t come up with any explanation as to how she was able to do what she was.


    ¡°Look Dessa.¡± she sighs out using the nickname she had so generously given me.


    ¡°I really want to explain all this to you but it¡¯s just not the.. it¡¯s not the right time as yet.¡±


    I know we¡¯ve only just gotten to know each other but I already held her in high regard. So it hurt when she said that. It felt like she didn¡¯t trust me, not even a little bit.


    She must have seen that I was a little disappointed in that.


    ¡°OK I¡¯ll throw you a little bone. Tonight after lights out. When you hear my voice don¡¯t answer just follow.¡±


    That was the vaguest set of instructions I¡¯ve ever received. I was blown away at how stupid that sounded.


    ¡°Juno do you mean follow... as in get out of my house and break curfew follow?¡±


    She gave me a look that signified she was anything but joking.


    ¡°Juno you¡¯ve said some crazy things before..¡±I shake my head in disbelief. ¡° but you¡¯ve really outdone yourself this time. I might as well hand my ass to the Dier on a silver platter. You know the place will be crawling with watchers. In fact even more than usual,On the lookout for idiots like me who would attempt to sneak out past curfew.¡±


    She raises her hand in surrender.


    ¡° You¡¯re the one who¡¯s so eager to find out my secrets. I¡¯m just giving you what you want.¡±


    Her hands drop to the table. She clasps them and leans in.


    ¡°Ultimately it''s up to you. Come meet me when signis has risen and potentially scratch that lack of information itch that¡¯s been bothering you. Or don¡¯t come and let that itch turn into regret and eat you alive.¡±


    ¡®Either way I know I¡¯ll be sleeping like a baby tonight, not a care in the world¡±.


    She was right. She technically didn¡¯t owe me a thing. I was the one who wanted to know. At this point the information she held was more important because maybe just maybe I could have what it takes to be like her and live a potentially freer life.


    Sighing I leaned back into my chair


    ¡°You¡¯re right, I¡¯ll be there tonight.¡±


    The bell went just as that last word left my lips.