Awakening the Mare (Fall of Man Book 1) Page 7

  I could see why; there was no way to drive.

  Trees had surrounded the old city. It truly wasn’t the Angeles City I remembered.

  The buildings were painted by nature. Moss, vines and other growth crept up the sides of the metal and concrete structures. The streets were clear, though very little concrete remained. It was a mixture of grass, dirt, and stone.

  Speckled about the landscape were cars. They too had become part of nature. Growth had sprouted out of the old vehicles, and in a few more years they would disappear.

  There were so many people on the streets that it took my breath away. They had barter carts set up everywhere, trading and smiling. It reminded me of Akana and how we traded on Saturdays. I could smell food cooking. People waved and were pleasant to Tanner as we passed them.

  We walked for a while and then we finally approached and stopped before a building. It reminded me of the art I had seen in class of the palaces of the early Ancient Sybaris, only it was a smaller version. Pillars graced the front of the building and a large staircase leading to the doors.

  “Headquarters,” Marie said. “One of the few building we actually use all the time.”

  “There are so many buildings.”

  “A lot aren’t safe. They’re old. We use them for shelter or retreat. Most people live outside the city and come in for training and trading.” She waved her hand. “Come on. Don’t be scared.”

  Marie and Snake led the way and I walked alongside Tanner. What I could only deduce as ‘guards’ casually emerged from the building. They wore black and carried weapons.

  “That’s gonna be me,” Tanner whispered in my ear. “I’m gonna be a soldier.”

  “What are you now?” I asked as we ascended the stairs.

  “I’m just an escort and protector.”

  “You do your job well.”

  “Oh, wow, cool, thanks.” He smiled. “I start training this summer. I’m pretty excited about it.”

  Marie looked over her shoulder. “He’s not gonna move you to infantry, Tanner. You’re too good at what you do.”

  Tanner scoffed. “He will too.”

  “Who?” I asked.

  “Our leader,” Tanner answered.

  The huge tarnished bronze doors were open and we walked in. The interior of the building was magnificent. It was clean, shaded, and cool. The floors were marble and it was huge and hollow, with few furnishings.

  Many soldiers moved about, walking up and down the staircases.

  I couldn’t help but look up to the high ceilings. I was amazed.

  “This way,” Tanner said. He took hold of my arm and led me across the large room.

  At the far end was a desk, and two men stood there with their backs to us. They looked to be discussing something.

  “Hey, El Capitan,” Tanner called.

  The bigger man on the right tugged his ear and shook his head. “Tanner, I have told you to stop calling me that,” he said, his voice deep and raspy.

  Tanner laughed and with Marie and Snake on my other side, we approached the men.

  “I come bringing a gift,” Tanner said. “Look what we found at the sea.”

  The man turned around and looked at me.

  “This is Vala,” Tanner said. “Vala, this is our fearless leader…”

  My heart beat out of my chest and my throat tensed up almost to the point of choking. Tanner didn’t need to say the leader’s name. Even older, even with years past, his face was clearly recognizable. It was a face I had photographed and preserved in my mind.

  “Davis,” I blurted in shock.

  20. Davis

  “I have known one Vala my entire life,” Davis said softly, his eyes staring at me. “Last I saw her she was maybe five years old. I knew one day I’d see her again.” He walked over. “It is so good to see you.”

  Then, surprising me, he wrapped his arms around me and embraced me tightly. There was no shame in that for me, I returned the embrace, flashing back to the safety I felt in his arms as a small girl.

  “Look at you.” Davis stepped from the embrace and laid his hand on my cheek. “So grown up. How is your mother? Please tell me she’s fine.”

  “She is.”

  “Your brother or sister? They have to be, what, fifteen?”

  I shook my head. “My brother was killed. My mother used him as an entrance into the Straits.”

  Davis’ hand shot to his face. “I’m sorry. I am so sorry. I knew it. I tried.”

  “I remember.”

  “Dude?” Tanner stepped to us. “You really know her?”

  “Tanner,” Davis said irritably. He squeezed the corner of his eyes. “Go.”

  “No, I’ll stay.”

  Davis grumbled a little.

  “Hey, Davis,” Snake said, “if you don’t need me right now, I wanna go see my wife.”

  “Absolutely. Check in later.”

  “Will do.” Snake paused. “Before I go… our, um, newcomer is gonna need full treatment.” Snake nodded his head toward me.

  “Seriously?” Davis asked, surprised.

  “Yep. She is immersed.”

  Immersed? What did they mean by that?

  Davis looked at Marie. “Is he exaggerating?”

  Marie shook her head.

  Standing there, my head went back in forth listening to their conversation. I knew they were talking about me, but was clueless as to what it was all about. I was the newcomer. But immersed? Immersed in what?

  “You seem so shocked, Davis,” Marie stated. “I mean she is young.”

  “I knew her mother. I would’ve never thought …” Davis rubbed his head. “Okay, if it’s that deep, prep a team, Marie. Our best. And we’ll plan for tomorrow afternoon.”

  “That soon?” she asked.

  Davis nodded.

  “You don’t want to toss her in the mix at first.”

  “If she is that immersed then it would only be worse.”

  Snake and Marie left and once they were gone, Davis inhaled deeply, placed his hands on my shoulders, and looked at me. “Where were we?”

  “What is wrong with me? I know you were speaking about—”

  His hand covered my mouth, shocking me.

  “Nothing is wrong. Okay? Just… you are very much a part of that world, and we can’t have that here.”

  “I want to fight. I want to be part of this revolt I have heard about.”

  “And you will, if that’s what you want. First things first though. You have to learn.”

  “I already know much.”

  Tanner giggled and Davis shot him a glare.

  “I’m sure you do,” Davis said. “But we have a way. A fast track integration into our society.”

  “Like Esperanza detox,” Tanner piped up.

  “What is that?”

  Again, Davis crinkled his brow at Tanner. “Part of training.”

  “Yeah, we make you normal.”

  “Tanner,” Davis scolded softly.

  “I am normal.”

  “Yeah, in that place you lived, but here you’re kind of a freak.”

  “Tanner!” Davis shouted. “Have some tact for crying out loud. Now go, make yourself useful elsewhere.”

  “Fine, fine, I’ll go.” Tanner took a step and stopped. “Oh, hey, before I forget. Speaking of freaks…”

  “Tanner,” Davis growled.

  “Sorry. Didn’t mean that. Uh, apparently… she’s a Mare.”

  Davis looked at me and smiled. “Yes. I know.”

  21. The Stroll

  Although he was as irritating as a summer rash, there was something comforting about Tanner, like a favorite childhood blanket or toy. When Davis sent him off to ‘do something useful’, I missed him.

  Davis was a busy man. His desk was sprawled with maps and papers, yet he excused himself to walk with me. We left the grand headquarters building and walked to the street. He explained about the bartering, which I was very familiar with, and we stopped at one cart where a man hande
d me what looked like meat on a stick.

  “I have no barter items,” I said.

  “Enjoy,” Davis said. “Charlie here brings the meat to town to hand it out. Sometimes we have too much meat and this is a way to get rid of it so it doesn’t go to waste. I love these.” Davis held up his meat stick.

  It looked odd and I took a whiff. It smelled savory, that was the best way I could describe it. I took a bite, and discovered that the meat was tender, with just enough of a tanginess.

  “Do you have any questions?” Davis asked.

  “Where will I stay? With you?”

  “More than likely. We’ll find you a job and start your training.”

  “What will the training be?”

  “Physical stuff, fighting and tactical. You said you wanted to fight. And, well, you have a gift, Vala.” Davis stopped walking. “We need to work on that, bring that out, only we don’t know how. I have someone over at the library looking up old books. The woman who placed the blessing on you passed away three years ago.”

  “So you knew?”

  “I did. I was part of a transient group headed to New Mexico. I was in the camp when your mother arrived and gave birth. I was there with her in that truck. When you were born, I raced with you to get you to the camp.”

  “You’ve known me my whole life.”

  “Well, when you were with me. It broke my heart when your mother left.” He squinted and looked up to the sky. “I was sad for the longest time.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “The special gift was placed upon you as a thank you for saving us and for protection. No one believed it would work. I knew when you were little. Many times the Sybaris were right there and it was like you were invisible to them.”

  “They could see me alright in Akana.”

  He began to stroll with me again. “How so?”

  “They always looked at me during the choosing ceremony. Like they were waiting for me to be eligible. Or ready, as Iry said.”

  “Who is Iry?” Davis asked. “A boyfriend?”

  “Ugh!” I gasped. “He was my educator. I am not promiscuous.”

  “What?” Davis laughed. You can have a boyfriend and not be promiscuous. It’s life, Vala, it’s what makes us part of who we are. Being human and being around humans. Touching them, being touched. Connecting, even innocently, it’s normal. The Sybaris didn’t want you tainted, which is why you are going to the facility.”

  “What is that?”

  “The Sybaris want you to act a certain way and only know what they tell you. You are programmed, in a sense, to be exactly how they want you to be.”

  I took offense to that. “I am rebellious.”

  “I’m sure you are, but really, how rebellious are you that you act like having a boyfriend is a crime? You act that way because that’s all you know. We are going to secure you away and basically teach you all you need to know pretty fast. Sort of deprogramming you. We are going to teach you how humans act, talk, react. We are going to teach you man’s history.”

  “I do know a lot about man’s history. I believe I at least have some advantage there.” I stopped, pulled back my shoulders, and proudly stood straight. I was going to impress Davis with my knowledge. “I know who Ronald Reagan was. He was a great leader of yours.”

  “Yes,” Davis chuckled. “Yes he was.”

  “And your God, he had long flowing hair.”

  “He did.”

  “I saw a picture of him. He wasn’t wearing a shirt.”

  “You’ll have that.”

  “Not in Akana. Men always dress fully. Your God was very beautiful. In the picture, there was a light, it was behind his head, glowing through his hair.”

  Davis nodded. “That’s called a halo. It signifies holiness.”

  “I see. Do your people pray to him?”

  “Many do, yes.”

  “Is there a temple for him?”

  “As a matter of fact, yes.” Davis said. “People keep it clean and go there regularly. It gives them strength and hope.”

  “I would like very much to see the temple of Bon Jav Vie. Will you show me?”

  As if I made a shocking request, Davis came to an abrupt halt. He turned to face me and stared down at me.

  “Am I in trouble? Did I say something wrong?”

  “No. Vala… you said... Bonjav…?”

  “Bon Jav Vie.”

  He shuddered a bit. “Where did you hear the name Bon Jovi?”

  “Oh, is that how it is said? I am so sorry. Are you impressed?”

  “Yes.”

  “I learned from a box I uncovered long ago. My mother said it was a time capsule from the year 1988. I kept it hidden and learned everything about man that I could from that box. It is special. I brought it with me.”

  “I would love to see it.”

  “I’ll show it to you. You’ll have to be careful.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Because there is poison in there. It’s the best of poison they had in 1988, so be careful. I didn’t throw it away in case we can use it one day on the Sybaris. You think we can?”

  “Maybe.” He closed one eye, looking at me strangely.

  “See?” I smiled proudly. “I am not as bad as Snake said, am I? I don’t have that much to learn.”

  Davis didn’t really reply to that. He cleared his throat, placed his hand on my back, guiding me to walk. “Finish your food.”

  22. Three Times

  “What do you know about the Sybaris?” Davis asked me.

  We had stopped at what looked like a garden. In fact, many people were resting there, enjoying their meat on a stick, talking to each other, laughing.

  It was a comfortable place.

  “In which way do you mean?” I asked.

  “Do you know how many kinds there are?”

  “Two. The Savage Sybaris and the Civilized,” I answered. “The Savage kill for food and do not reason. The Civilized ones use humans for food and workers.”

  “Do you know where you are wrong in your answer?”

  I shook my head. I honestly did not know because I did not think I answered incorrectly.

  “There are three types,” Davis said. “The Savage, the Civilized, and the Day Stalkers.”

  “They are not Sybaris!”

  “Ah, but they are.” Davis held up a finger. “They are a combination of the Savage and human. For every human a Savage kills, a Day Stalker is born. The numbers are growing, we are constantly fighting them. We have three thousand people here, and we are trying to get more. One day I hope to go into the Wastelands of the east, as I really feel there are more people there.”

  “How do you know?” I questioned. “How do you know that this isn’t it? That there are more people?’

  “Because we get people every day. I send soldiers out to look for them. A lot of times they find remnants of villages and nothing but Day Stalkers. So people are out there, they just aren’t safe. I want to make them safe. I need to bring them here.”

  “You control and kill the Savages?”

  Davis shook his head. “Not always. We try. We lose people as well. The hardest to fight are the Day Stalkers. They don’t have the same weaknesses as the other Sybaris. They’re stronger because they can eat other things aside from humans, sunlight doesn’t hurt them the way it does the Savages, and they are not afraid of water— they’ll dive in after you.”

  I was speechless. This was new information. “I… I did not know that.”

  “It’s not water that kills the Sybaris, it’s the pressure of a lot of water. It causes some sort of internal combustion in them.”

  “How do you know this?”

  “Well,” he winked, “we experimented on a few Savages. It doesn’t work on the Day Stalkers because they were originally human. I’m glad that for some odd reason they migrate toward the Civilized or we’d be overrun. Those sons of guns are fast and tough.”

  “The Civilized have the ability to control them,” I t
old him. “They call them. They use the Day Stalkers for entertainment and to fight Savages.”

  “That’s because the Civilized go to great lengths to preserve the humans they have. Heck, you’re a meal for forty years. They take what they need, let you replenish, take some more. They want to control the human population so they are never overthrown again.”

  “So it’s true, the Sybaris did rule the world at one time?”

  “In a sense. That was long ago and man has ruled the world since.”

  “This is what I do not understand,” I said. “In Akana we hear tales of a growing revolt. That is you? If they know of your revolt, and they fear losing control again, then why do they let you grow?”

  “Because with all of us centered here in Angeles City, it keeps the Savages out here. If we fail and lose to the Savages, then they’ll head toward the Ancients’ City. It will be a battle of all three breeds. And that, my dear, is actually a goal of the revolution.”

  “A goal is to lose to the Savages?”

  Davis shook his head with a smile. “No, we alone can’t defeat the Civilized. If we can figure out how to lead the Savages to the Civilized, then all we have to do is let them battle it out, and they will. Then we pick off the remnants. The world, at least here, is ours again.”

  There was something disheartening about hearing him say that. It wasn’t what I expected. I suppose it showed on my face as well as my silence.

  “What’s wrong?”

  After a brief hesitation, I answered him. “May I be honest?”

  “Please.”

  “This is disappointing. All we heard was tales of warriors training to overthrow the Civilized. It sounds as though what you really want to do is let others battle for you. Allow your enemies to combat, so when they kill each other, you take what is left.”

  “That’s not a good plan to you?”

  “No. It’s an easy way out.”

  “Tell me why you say that, please,” Davis said.

  I gathered my thoughts and hoped that my words would not offend him. “If a person wants to take full pride in and credit for the vegetables of his garden, then he should plant the seeds and nourish them. If you want this world to be yours, then do not get it by default. Do as our ancestors did. Earn your inheritance. Rise to the occasion, defeat them, and only then take it back.”