Gavin frowned at me. “Sorry to hear that.” He paused and after a long minute continued, “I’ve never met any of them, but you hear stories in Torv.”
I reached towards the fire, trying to keep warm. “What kinds of stories?”
Gavin rolled onto his side, watching me as he spoke, “Tales of how they refuse to follow the government’s rule and how they’re allies with Haven and Torv, but have their own militia and agenda. No one in the past twenty years has reached past their gates since the rebel treaty.”
“What’s the rebel treaty?” I asked. I hadn’t learned about that in Haven or Shadow.
Rane smiled. “You don’t know?”
I shook my head, glancing between them.
Gavin answered me, “The rebel treaty was formed to allow an alliance between the rebel cities. The government put the rebels against one another when it had been under Cabal’s rule. The three cities – Torv, Haven and Spade – promised an alliance and would allow anyone who was not a member of the active government into their walls. Its reason was to grow the rebel alliance and over time defeat the government. It worked for a while until the government threatened Torv. Torv, in return, gave up its men building an army for Cabal. They received government protection, which is a way of saying the government promised not to touch the town as long as they cooperated.”
“They broke the treaty?” I guessed.
Rane sighed. “Yes, it wasn’t a known fact outside of Torv. Rumors spread aplenty though. Haven suspected it but we could never find any real proof. It wasn’t as though we’d walk into a government city and ask them if what they’d done was true.”
Gavin glanced at Rane. “It’s why the town of Spade has blocked itself off from any communication with rebels or the government. They probably don’t even know Cabal has fallen.”
I chewed my bottom lip, thinking about what he said. “Then we should deliver the message.”
Rane’s eyes widened. “Didn’t you hear what Gavin just said?”
“I did, but I also think they should be a part of the new government system. They should have a vote, a say in what they want. Maybe it’ll reign in the outlaws and instill order.”
“You’re crazy if you think you’ll be safe. You said they killed your friend. What makes you think they won’t shoot you?” She pointed out the obvious.
“I’ll be ready,” I answered matter-of-factly. “In the morning, we’ll travel to Spade. Then we’ll find our way to Haven.” I yawned. I hoped Joshua was there, I didn’t know where else to find him.
CHAPTER 5
I left before dawn, scribbling a note for Rane and Gavin. Gone to Spade. Be back before you wake up. Olivia. I didn’t want to worry them, but we’d be in more danger if they followed me to Spade. I trusted they’d be awake and I’d be back in no time. I just hoped it was as easy as I imagined it to be.
I took the car with me, driving to the farthest point north before being seen. Pulling over I turned off the car and shoved the keys into my pocket. I wasn’t going to let anyone steal it while I walked the extra one hundred and twenty-two steps towards the gate.
“I’ve come to speak to your leader,” I called standing unarmed and yet prepared. Should they try and shoot me the bullets would deflect. Armor of pure energy. I’d never done it before but I was confident it would protect me.
“Who are you?” a voice echoed from the top most gate and I glanced up towards the rising sun, squinting.
“Olivia,” I said. “I’ve come to tell you the government of Cabal has fallen and in its place a new government is rising. Each city is electing three to represent its citizens. Your town of Spade has not been given a place at the table. If you want it, let me in.”
The silence lasted for a long moment before the gate opened. I passed slowly through the high-stone walls. My eyes moved over the fort, it was unlike anything I’d ever seen before. Men rushed towards me in metal armor with swords and shields. They parted ways as one man approached me.
“Search her!” the man shouted at me and I felt one guard then two hold me in place. I didn’t struggle: there was no need.
“I have nothing on me,” I retorted as a third patted me down.
“It’s safe,” the third stoutly man answered.
“Very well.” They let go of me and led me further inside Spade. “Come with me.” My eyes moved over the city, the interior stone walls and its fortress. There was no escaping from here, for anyone.
“Where are we going?” I asked, hiding my fear. This had after all been my idea.
“To sit down someplace a little more comfortable,” the man told me. “I’m Henry.” He held out his hand to properly introduce himself.
“Olivia,” I responded. “I’ve come to you for two reasons.”
“Two reasons?” Henry repeated curiously. “The first was to tell us of Cabal’s fall, am I correct?”
“Yes.”
“How did that happen?” His eyes narrowed with skepticism.
“The rebel alliance from Shadow led the attack…”
He interrupted me, “Shadow?” Henry frowned. “I don’t know it.”
“Most people don’t,” I acknowledged. We’d done well in keeping our town a secret. “Maybe you know of Chancellor Collins?” It was a long shot, but he’d once admitted to being from the Eastern Rebel Alliance.
“Collins,” he repeated trying the word on his tongue. “Perhaps. I remember a young boy in his teens who ran away decades ago.” Henry paused. “He’d be sixty, maybe? Martin Collins. Could that be him?”
“I don’t… know,” I stammered. I’d never asked his first name and he hadn’t provided it.
“Cabal is restructuring their government?” he prodded.
“They’re seeking leaders from every neighboring city,” I explained. “The Governors of Cabal are dead. Well,” I sighed heavily. “All but Craynor. The other reason I’m here.” He opened the heavy wooden door for me. “A friend of mine has been taken. I was hoping you might know something.”
Henry paused again with one door open as he turned towards me. “Are you suggesting we have something to do with a kidnapping?”
“I never used that word,” I reminded him.
“Very well.” Henry turned walking into the chamber and I followed a moment later. “We see it quite often in the Gravelands, kidnappings. Pirates sell young men and women into the slave trade. It’s not uncommon.” My eyes moved over the stained glass windows and the painted ceiling. It was a beautiful, old cathedral. I’d read about such places but had never seen one.
“What is this place?” I asked turning around in a circle taking in every sight around me.
“Is that what you’ve come here to ask me?” Henry questioned, leading me to sit down on an oversized plush suede sofa. Unlike a cathedral, this seemed to be his living quarters. Some things still mystified me.
“No,” I admitted, trying to understand where I was and what was going on. “The former Governor of Genesis Alpha, Craynor, has taken Joshua. I’ve got no leads other than I suspect he went to Haven.”
“You’re a ways from Haven, dear.” Henry smiled. “But I can show you a map and spare you two men if you’d like.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I don’t require any men to accompany me.” I didn’t want to tell him I had help on the outside. I didn’t trust Henry and refused to risk Rane and Gavin’s life. “I would appreciate a look at the map, though. It might help in me finding my way to Haven.”
“Of course,” Henry smiled. “I can provide you with a map to take with you. There is a price, though.”
“A price?” I asked, wondering what I had that I could trade for the map. I had nothing of value on me, except for the ring Joshua had given me. I moved my hands behind me, sliding it off and into my pocket. “I’m not sure what I have of any value.” I couldn’t give it up.