Chapter 15
Night falls as Vates's War Rig fades from view behind us. All heat vanishes from the Wasteland; cold air bites into my hands and face as it whips in through the open windshield. Three helps me navigate the cliffs, making sure I don't get lost in the maze of rock. He seems to know the area well - probably a result of working near Anuket's territory for so long. At some point, Chuckles falls asleep, snoring softly with his head tilted back and mouth agape.
"Yeah, you're good," Three says as we finally exit the rocky area. The world turns to sand before us once again. "At this point, it is a straight shot to Eden."
The Cyclops leans back, settling against the rear windowsill. I expect him to try for some shuteye after such a long day, but he doesn't seem interested. He just looks out the window, watching the horizon for any signs of trouble. Does this man ever sleep?
"So, how did the fight go?" the old Road Warrior asks after a short stretch of silence. "What was he like?"
"Terrifying," I reply after a moment.
I decide to be honest with Three. I'm sure he remembers his younger Road Warrior days, full of fear and paranoia; no point in trying to hide mine. The Cyclops couldn't have always been this emotionless, could he?
"He didn't even have to think about what he was doing. He… Just look at this." I take a frigid hand off the wheel to gesture at the empty windshield. "Jumped headfirst through the glass and disarmed me before I could even move. Dislocated his shoulder, but that didn't slow him down. It was like he didn't feel pain."
My mind flashes back to the fight. Those piercing, blue eyes. His speed and strength. Jaw biting and tearing at his throat. The look of raw determination on his face as he bashed my head against the window sill. Insanity. The shouting in that weird language. My fear of death. Calmness. Falling out of the car. Wrestling him in the sand and finally subduing him. Then those things he said…
"Do you know what 'rein…' uh… 'reincarnated' means?" I ask, struggling briefly with the word I don't know.
Three grunts, taking a moment to think. Beside me, Chuckles snorts in his sleep and rolls over on his side.
"I think it means to be born again in another body," the Cyclops finally answers. "Why?"
"Vates, he…" I trail off. I hadn't paid any attention to Vates's final speech at the time. Still too caught up in the rush of the fight. But now, they play over and over in my mind. The dying words of a madman. "He said something about Max being… reincarnated. Right before I killed him."
"That's ridiculous," says Three, leaning forward again to be heard better over the whistling wind. "Max is a famous Road Warrior - the first and the best. Supposedly. I think he's just a made up tall tale. All kinds of stories of him helping random people and then disappearing."
I nod. I've heard stories about Max before - who hasn't? Cord didn't believe in his, either. Said it was too good to be true, and that there's no point pretending some legendary hero might show up to save us. For some people, though, Max is like a God. They worship him like Chuckles does with Anuket. I've never seen the point in that. If Max were real, he's probably long dead by now. No sense in praying to someone who can't help anymore.
"He mentioned those visions again, too," I add, remembering what Vates told me to do. Go forth… and bring order to the Wastes. Sounds like something Max would do in one of those stories. "Another part of his crazy religion, yeah?"
"No, probably not the religion." Three shakes his head. "The religion Bishop follows is called Christian. Some crazy Historymen found some texts from pre-Fall and brainwashed some people with it." He pauses for a moment. "But I suppose it isn't all that crazy compared to these Gods."
I don't reply, too busy wondering what Vates meant by what he said. The stuff about Max is nonsense, of course. No way I'm some mythical Road Warrior reborn. Maybe he meant Jaw, since the dog was really the one who cut his life short. The idea of my dog showing up to answer prayers and bring order makes me smile a little. He's usually too busy sleeping for that.
"I don't know what this means for Thor, though." The Cyclops pipes up again, quieter this time, like he's talking to himself. "How many of his Asgardians turned? Did they rebel? Did the leave quietly? Is there a civil war there? Did Thor himself convert? How is Anuket going to react? Is there going to be War?"
I don't answer, not sure what half his questions even mean. The veteran Road Warrior is unusually talkative tonight. Maybe he's trying to keep himself awake. With all he's seen and done, he probably has nightmares worse than mine. I don't mind talking to him, though. Keeps me awake, too. And the Cyclops isn't so bad when he isn't pissed off.
"I don't know," Three repeats, as clueless as I am. "But it can't be good. But at least the Asgardians have someone to fear now. People won't forget you killing one in single combat easily. I have been remembered for less."
"Just as long as they don't all come after me for this," I reply, taking off my scarf to wrap it around my hands. They feel like they're frozen to the steering wheel. "Doubt I'd survive."
"Don't worry about that," Three assures me. He pulls his jacket tighter around his shoulders, his tolerance for the cold waning. "Asgardians, and most of the people in Midgard, value strength and martial glory. They'll probably throw you a feast or something."
Doesn't sound so bad. Still, I think I'll avoid any more Asgardians if I can. One is more than enough for me. Chuckles would probably agree. I glance over at the young man in the passenger seat. He's shivering in his sleep. I pull a hand from the scarf and drape Vates's coat over the young Road Warrior's torso. No way I'm letting him die when we're this close to turning in the job.
Three leans back again, scooting closer to the dog for warmth. Jaw is curled up on the floor, fast asleep. I watch the horizon, searching for the silhouette of Eden's small mountain. Despite knowing nothing about Thor or the relationships between the Gods, I find myself worrying about what Three said. If Anuket blames Thor for Vates's actions against her people, what will she do? An army of Crocodiles versus a league of Asgardians. The Wasteland would be torn apart. I don't want to get caught in the middle of anything like that.
"What if there is War?" I ask the Cyclops after a long silence. "Will you join in? Or go somewhere else till it boils over?"
"I don't know. I have a history working with both Thor and Anuket. I'll probably be forced to take sides." Three stares out of the window for a long time before continuing. "I'm not particularly loyal to either, so depending on what my die says, I'll either fight with whoever pays me more, or hightail it somewhere else. What about you?"
"Never met Thor," I say, shrugging, "And Anuket is…"
I trail off as the image of Trace suddenly appears in my mind. What if Anuket loses the War? What would happen to her and the Handmaidens? I told myself I wouldn't care, that her kindness was all an act, but deep down I'm not so sure. I'm not sure of anything in this strange part of the Wastes.
"I don't know," I conclude lamely.
"That's fine," Three says, his voice less gruff than usual. "You don't need to decide your stance on something that might not even happen."
Off in the distance, I finally see the two cities of East and West Eden peeking up over the horizon. Nearly there. I can almost feel the damp, warm air of the throne room on my frozen face.
"Whatever happens… I hope we don't end up on opposite sides. I don't want to fight you," the Cyclops says awkwardly but sincerely. He quickly changes the subject, glancing up at the approaching cities. "I look forward to a bath."
"Same here," I agree, both about the bath and the fighting.
I'm not sure if he doesn't want to fight me because he likes me or because he thinks he'd lose. For me, it's both. The old man has definitely grown on me, and I think there's no way I could beat him. Maybe I'd last longer with Jaw's help, but Three would be prepared for that, unlike Vates.
As the cities get closer and closer, nerves flare up in my stomach. I'm not looking forward to seeing Anuket again, especially if there's a good chance she'll get pissed about Vates and Thor. Trace will be there, too. I see her smiling in my mind, looking at me with those blue eyes. I wish I knew what to think about her. Does she want information out of me, or is she just looking for a friend? I've never been good at figuring people out.
"We almost there?" Chuckles's whispers groggily from the passenger seat.
"Almost," Three responds, his voice returning to its normal, rough monotone. "You'll get patched up soon."
"Good. I don't know if you ever had your arm cut off, Three, but it fucking hurts."
"I'll take your word for it."
We spend the short remainder of the journey in silence. No Blackthumbs drive out to meet my car this time, and the marketplace is eerily empty. All the merchant tables and trailers are gone. If there are still guards around, they are well-hidden. I speed up the hill to the cages. Here, there are a few signs of life. Several Blackthumbs are still working on vehicles, not letting the long hours of night go to waste. They look up as we come to a stop in one of the cages. Three waves to one of them through the chicken wire in his window. The Blackthumb nods excitedly and runs off, heading up to East Eden to announce our return.
We wait quietly. Chuckles sits up in his seat, looking confusedly at the foreign coat draped over his body. He puts the garment back between the seats and gazes out the window, watching the Blackthumbs with a blank expression. I wonder if he regrets becoming a Road Warrior already. He didn't really have a choice, but I don't think he would've said no even if he had. When Anuket told him the title was a curse, the former lowly Blackthumb was too awed by her attention to care. He'd seen some combat before, he said back in the throne room. Two border defenses and a scavenging skirmish. Nothing that could have prepared him for Vates's War. Will he go back out on the Road after this, or will he stay in Eden and hide from the terrors of the Fallen world? Not until I was forced to become a Road Warrior did I realize Utopia hadn't been the paradise I always believed. Chuckles may come to feel the same way about Eden someday. Or he might devote himself to his Goddess more than ever.
The herald returns, informing us that we have permission to see the Goddess and protector of the Holy Cities of East and West Eden, the Great Lady Anuket. I wrap my scarf around my neck again as we exit the car. The Blackthumb returns to his work, confident that we know the way without an escort. Jaw walks by my side, moving a little more slowly than usual due to bruises on his ribs. I grip his leash tightly as we pass the Crocodiles guarding the basin, but he doesn't try to approach them. The enormous men watch us carefully, looking even angrier than usual. My frozen face barely feels the water splashing onto its skin as we pass the basin.
We enter East Eden at the top of the stairs. Even in the dark of night, the city is still a sight to behold. The pale moonlight casts a blue glow on the plants, fruit, and water. The people in white are gone, most likely sleeping comfortably as citizens of the upper city.
Before the palace doors, we are again forced to disarm by four Crocodiles. The terrifying soldiers pat down our bodies even more violently than last time. Either they just get angrier at night, or something has them on edge. Once the searches are done, two of them push open the doors for us to enter.
"Watch yourself," one of the Crocodiles warns us as we pass into the mouth of the palace. "The Lady is angry. A Handmaiden has escaped."
The doors slam shut, leaving us at the dark base of the throne room stairs. I narrow my eyes in astonishment. Escaped? Why? No one would be stupid enough to actually want to go out into the world, would they? They've all seen Three come back from jobs before - tired, battered, covered in dirt and blood. That should be enough of a hint that the Wastes are no place for anyone but savages and Road Warriors.
"This ever happened before?" I ask Chuckles quietly as we approach the stairs.
"No," Chuckles replies. He sounds shocked. "Never. Why would anyone leave?"
"How would anyone leave?" Three adds, reminding us of the tight security surrounding palace's only entrance.
"It's crazy. I don't understand it." Chuckles shakes his head, visibly confused.
I take a deep breath as we head up the stairs, dreading what lies ahead. It was bad enough when Anuket was content. Now that she's pissed off, there's no telling what might make her snap. No way I'm talking back to her this time.
The three of us enter the long, illuminated throne room. The same odd smell from last time hangs in the air. Electric lights buzz softly overhead, and the two streams of water drift lazily by on either side of us. The throne and dais are empty. This time, Anuket stands in the center of the room, waiting for us. Underneath the translucent gown, her spine and shoulders are rigid, but her knees are slightly bent. She looks like someone preparing to attack. The Goddess's head is held high, and her black, braided hair is arranged in a different pattern than before. The black paint around her eyes is harshly angular, making her gaze seem even sharper. Her painted lips are pressed tightly together. Anuket is shorter than I am without the added height of the dais, but the aura of absolute power she gives off makes me feel like I'm still looking up at her. Beside the Goddess, four Handmaidens kneel on the floor with their heads bowed. Trace is not among them.
The cold moves from my fingers and snakes its way into my gut. She's gone? Trace is the one who left? I don't understand. The scribe was curious about the outside world, sure, but I warned her about its horrors. She told me she wished someone would fix it; I had no idea she meant herself. Why would she offer to teach me to read whenever I came back for another job if she were planning to leave? Even after I yelled at her, she said she'd be here if I changed my mind. It was a song and dance after all. But instead of acting on Anuket's behalf, Trace was hiding something deeper. I hope the Goddess doesn't think I somehow had something to do with it just because I talked to her. I meet Anuket's spiteful gaze, afraid I'll draw suspicion by avoiding eye contact. She looks at me like she's trying to read my mind. I stare back with what I hope is a blank expression.
"Codex, please see to it that our new Road Warrior gets the medical attention he deserves," the Goddess orders as we reach the middle of the throne room. She struggles to keep a straight face and an even voice, just barely managing to control her fury.
"Very well, My Lady," the redheaded Handmaiden replies, nodding.
Codex stands and motions for Chuckles to follow her. He obeys without a word. No groveling at Anuket's feet this time - not when she's this angry. Smart move. The two exit the room through the door to the right of the throne. Beside me, Jaw yawns and sits down near my feet.
"As for you two," Anuket says, looking between the two of us. Her eyes eventually settle on me. "Care to explain what happened?"
"Lady Anuket," I begin, forcing myself to focus on speaking instead of thinking about Trace. "We tracked the ones who attacked your people. Found them burning the bodies. Their leader was a man called Vates. We fought and killed him and his men."
"Excellent," Anuket says, feigning interest. Seems the last thing she wants to be doing right now is talking to us. "You shall be paid as normal after you return the scrap from the site here. For completeness. I'm sure you understand."
"Anuket… Uh…" Three mumbles.
"Speak up, Cyclops," the Goddess commands harshly. "You know I can barely understand you."
"The man leading the savages was an Asgardian. Taught by Bishop."
Anuket stands silent for a moment, staring at Three. She clenches her teeth, flexing the muscles along her perfect jawline. Her eyes fill with the terrible rage she's been trying to hide, and the muscles around her small nose tense up in the tiniest hint of a snarl.
"Please tell me you are joking. If you are joking, I promise I won't have you executed."
"I'm afraid not."
Anuket sighs and puts her face in her hands, completely breaking her usual regal composure. In that moment, the facade vanishes. She's still extremely powerful, but she's also just a person. No Goddess would act like this in front of her subjects. Then again, Three and I aren't her subjects; we're Road Warriors, free men. I glance at the Cyclops, but his face is as emotionless as ever.
"Damn it," Anuket mutters through her fingers. "He wasn't loyal to Thor, was he?"
"I don't know. He may have just been one rebel. Or maybe Midgard is in the middle of a class war. It was hard to say. But Vates clearly had a lot of power; he had a whole War Rig to himself, and he raised ravens."
"I guess I will need to send a diplomat to Midgard to see what is going on," Anuket replies, raising her head and dropping her hands. The calm but prideful demeanor has returned, transforming her into the Goddess again. "I am impressed the three of you took out an Asgardian, however."
"Actually, Lady, Roman fought and killed him. Alone."
"Really?" Anuket says skeptically. She turns her fierce gaze to me, narrowing her green eyes. "How did a lone Road Warrior manage that?"
"Wasn't alone, Lady Anuket." I motion to Jaw at my side. His tail thumps against the floor, and he looks at the Goddess with interest. "We make a good team. Vates didn't expect that."
"Interesting. Well, I'm glad you have made some use out of that hound. Between killing an Asgardian, destroying a War Party, Chuckles losing an arm, and…" Anuket eyes Three's battered torso through his open jacket. "… whatever you went through, I think you deserve a rest. I will send some men to pick up what remains from the fight. It will be here in the morning. You may go rest." The Goddess looks down at the Handmaiden with dark skin and wavy, brunette hair. "Tell Chuckles he has been awarded the rank of Tribune for his bravery and success."
Anuket turns around and heads for the doorway to the left of the throne. The thin, blonde Handmaiden and the woman with pitch black hair follow, walking in the same trance-like state as Trace when she first led me to my room. In contrast, the Goddess's stride is quick and purposeful. I wonder if she's going to rest or make arrangements. She has a diplomat to send and a Handmaiden to find - in addition to running two cities. I don't envy her. Anyone with that much power is bound to have enemies everywhere.
"Is there anything the two of you need before resting?" the brunette Handmaiden asks softly as she approaches us. She is larger than the others and has dark skin with light brown eyes.
Three shakes his head once. I hesitate, knowing exactly what I want to say but unable to say it. Not with the Cyclops here. Need privacy.
"Yeah, could you, uh… take a look at my stitches?" I ask, trying to sound casual. "Think I might have torn them during the fight."
"Of course." She smiles, but it doesn't reach her eyes.
The Handmaiden starts toward the hall that leads to the guest rooms. I give Three a parting nod and follow her with Jaw in tow. The Cyclops stays behind, making me wonder if he even uses one of the rooms. The only place I've seen him sleep so far is in his truck - Anastasia. Maybe that's the only place he feels safe. Can't say I blame him.
The walk through the hallway is worse this time. Despite the warm air, the place feels cold and uninviting. I peer into each room, looking for someone I know isn't there. The walls feel even narrower than before. I try to distract myself by thinking about what exactly I'm going to say to this Handmaiden. Eventually, we arrive at the same room I stayed in before.
"If you would, please roll up your pant leg for me so I could take a look," the Handmaiden asks politely as we enter.
Jaw jumps onto the mattress and curls up right in the middle. I sit on the edge of the bed and start working on the pant leg. I move slowly, giving myself time to talk to her before she can realize that I lied about the stitches.
"I heard one of your fellow Handmaidens is, uh, not here," I say, keeping my voice low. "Any idea what happened to her?"
The Handmaiden hesitates, struggling to keep her serene expression.
"She… left. Abandoned us. Abandoned Anuket. But there is no reason to talk about something so unpleasant. You have earned a great victory, Roman the Road Warrior." A hint of fear enters her voice. "Please, let me take a look at your leg."
"You're right," I agree, trying not to sound irritated. I don't want to scare her, but I need information. "I did earn a victory. I risked my life for your Goddess and her people - that includes you. Least you could do is tell me what you know about Trace leaving."
It's risky. If this woman tells Anuket that I'm asking questions, I doubt she'll be happy. But I don't know what else to do. I don't even know why I care so much. I'm just tired, that's all. Not thinking straight.
"Trace just… left." Tears start forming in the woman's eyes, and she lowers her head to hide them. "We don't know how or even when. Crocodiles guard every exit constantly. People in both cities would immediately recognize her. We are missing food and a bike, which she stole right underneath the farmers' and Blackthumbs' noses. Anuket suspects she had help. That there is no way she could have left. But us Handmaidens, we know better. We know she is smart enough to do something like this. She must have been planning for months."
The Handmaiden begins shaking. Tears drip from her cheeks and hit the stone floor with a soft tapping.
"Tomorrow, Anuket is going to start a witch hunt to find an accomplice that doesn't exist. Anuket is going to ask you to hunt her down. The reward will be great." She stops for a moment to choke back a sob. "Please. For Trace's sake, don't bring her back. But don't refuse the job, otherwise she will suspect you as an accomplice and have you executed."
She looks me directly in the eye. I study her face, trying to figure out if this is another act. Her face is wet with tears, and her lips tremble. This looks real. Then again, Trace's happiness looked real, too.
"Roman, please," the Handmaiden begs. "Take the job and never, ever return."
I lean forward and rest my elbows on my knees, processing the stream of information and emotion. It's a lot to take in. I rub my eyes with one hand, sighing.
"Smart enough to do something like this," I echo, talking more to myself than to the woman. "She's not smart at all if she thinks going out there is a good idea. Doesn't make any sense."
"I don't know why she would do this. She has always been dangerously curious about the outside world, but…" The Handmaiden wipes away her tears and tries to regain her composure. Her face is flushed, and her eyelids are puffy. "But I shall leave you alone since I doubt you actually wanted me to look at your leg. I am sure you know where the bathhouse is if you are interested."
"Yeah," I say quietly, lowering my hand to look at her. "And, uh… thank you."
The woman avoids eye contact and leaves the room quickly. I wait a few moments, giving her time to head down the hall. Then I get to my feet. The mention of a bath is enough to make me put aside my thoughts for now. They can wait till I'm clean.
"C'mon, Jaw," I call, heading for the doorway. I turn back to see him sitting on the mattress, tilting his head at me. "That's you. Jaw. Now let's go, yeah?"
Jaw jumps down from the bed and follows me, wagging his tail. I lead him to the bathing rooms, choosing the same one as last time. The towels have been changed, and the water looks clear and inviting. I shut the curtain as Jaw runs inside. He leans over the edge of the pool and furiously laps up water.
"Leave some for me, yeah?" I tell him as I sit down on the bench and remove my boots.
I pull off my jacket and shirt, tossing them beside the pool. As I take my pants off, I hear something crinkle. Confused, I reach into the pocket and pull out a small piece of paper covered in writing. My heart skips a beat. Trace's note. How did I forget about Trace's note? I should have asked that Handmaiden about it when I had the chance. Then again, if that whole display was some kind of trick, a note from Trace might be a death sentence for me. I look towards the curtain hanging in the doorway, suddenly paranoid that someone is watching me. For all I know, the note says nothing important at all. But if Anuket finds out I've been withholding information - any kind of information - I'm as good as dead. Have to keep it secret.
I stuff the paper into one of my boots and slide into the water. It's just as amazing as last time, and my heart and mind feel a little lighter. I look down at my reflection. My face is still covered in a mixture of Vates's blood and my own. No wonder the Handmaiden seemed scared of me.
It takes forever to rub all the red from my face, neck, hair, shoulders, chest, and hands. The gash on the back of my head is mostly scabbed over already, so I don't think it'll need stitches. I splash some water on Jaw, who still has blood all over his snout. He snarls at me and goes to sulk by the bench. I laugh a little as I pull my clothes into the pool to wash them. The bloodstains will never completely come out, but that doesn't bother me. Just part of the job.
By the time I'm done, the water has a rust-colored tint, and my fingertips have strange wrinkles on them. I get out of the pool and dry myself off with a towel. Then I wring out my clothes several times before putting them back on. The note stays tucked away in my boot, where it can't get wet or fall out of a pocket.
Jaw and I head back to the bedroom. I don't bother holding his leash, trusting that he'll follow me. Seems he's taking as much of a liking to me as I have to him. Maybe I can train him to do some new tricks, like tear out throats on command. Could come in handy next time I find myself in a Road War.
The room feels cold after the slightly warm bathwater. The air smells of earth and wood, free of the strange scent of the throne room. I lie down on the bed. Jaw makes himself comfortable next to me, trying to take up as much space as possible. I leave him be. I'm used to sleeping in cramped spaces. Besides, I don't want to get bitten. I stare up at the ceiling, not bothering to close my eyes yet. I know I won't be able to fall asleep for a while. I'm completely exhausted, but there are too many thoughts racing around in my head for me to be able to relax just yet.
My job is done. I killed an Asgardian and helped take out a War Party. Eden is safe for now, and I'm getting paid tomorrow. Then I'm free to go. But it's not that simple. If what the Handmaiden said is true, Anuket will ask the Road Warriors to hunt down Trace. If I say no, she'll be suspicious. I have to say yes. I doubt Trace will get very far; no matter how smart she is, there's no way she'll survive her first trip in the Wasteland on her own. But when - if I actually find her, then what? The brunette woman begged me not to bring Trace back here, but she didn't say why. Execution, I assume. If the runaway isn't already dead in the dirt out there, that is.
What if Three and Chuckles want to track her down, too? Three could turn it down and go somewhere else, but the reward might be too good for him to pass up. Or he might just let his die decide. Chuckles will do whatever Anuket asks of him, I'm sure. If I want to keep Trace alive, I'll have to find her before they do. And then keep her hidden from everyone Anuket sends after her. And for what? Maybe a couple of reading lessons between running for our lives? Not worth it, especially if Anuket's reward is as great as the brunette woman said. But… would I be able to just deliver Trace to her death without a second thought? I've done plenty of jobs like that before. Why does this one feel so different? Maybe I'll accept the job and then just not do it. Go wherever I want and forget about this whole thing. Avoid Anuket and her anger, avoid Thor and his Asgardians. Go somewhere new, where nobody knows me. That would be easiest. But it doesn't feel right.
I roll over on my side, frustrated. I need to sleep. Can't think straight after such a long day. My muscles are beginning to ache, and my eyelids are heavy. I close them and see Trace's blue eyes staring at me in my mind. Innocent, curious, joyful. For a moment, I thought that maybe, just maybe, she really did see something in me. That she thought I was different.
If only I could read that damn note.
Author's Note: Thanks as always to the people reading this story. Special thanks this week to new follower Spartan1725. We appreciate all of you! Stay tuned.