Legacy (The Biodome Chronicles) (32 page)

“We did talk to The Elements for thirteen years, remember? And, I’m still connected to Jeff through his Scroll.” Hanley paused, staring at the ground and Fillion braced, knowing his dad was buffering. The tables were about to turn, and Fillion would be accused of something publicly as deflection.

With narrowed eyes at his dad, Fillion said, “What were you going to say, Michael? I think I interrupted you.” Hanley looked up at him, and Fillion smirked.

Michael continued, oblivious to their war once again. “No worries. Milking a goat will be your first lesson. Then, we’ll shear an alpaca using scissors. After working with the animals, we’ll take you to the agriculture room so that you can learn some planting and gardening basics. Do you know how to build using a saw, hammer, and nails?”

Fillion nodded absently as he tentatively approached the goats. Woodworking was one skill he did possess, thanks to his Great Grandpa Corlan. Mack and Lynden would belly laugh if they could see him right now. He would never live it down. Perhaps his sister was right. He and Hanley should just beat each other up and get it over with. It would be a lot easier than milking goats, shearing alpacas, and planting food. Easier, but not a choice he possessed at the moment. His only consolation was that Hanley couldn’t control anything he did once inside New Eden.

And he would finally stand before Willow Oak Watson, face to face.

   
***

    New Eden, just like the rest of planet Earth, is made up of four basic elements: water, fire, wind, and earth. I have selected four scientists, each a master in their specialty, to oversee and manage areas of the biodome pertaining to the element they represent. Each Element Noble is also a master in live action role-playing and will guide the community toward crafting a new, living history. Water is Norah Daniels; Fire is Connor Hansen; Wind is Timothy Kane; and Earth is Joel Watson. The Aether, an unseen force, will oversee each of these leaders in such a way that there is no political grasp for power and no art of persuasion to accomplish an agenda at the top level of government. The only grasp for power I can perceive existing is between The Elements, just as in nature. Sometimes fire takes down a forest, sometimes water puts out that fire, and sometimes wind fans the flames.

    
The Aether, the unseen force, is never to reveal who they are, since to do so would change the substance and function of the community. The only time they are allowed to reveal their identity is to tell the inheriting power upon Legacy maturity or death. If that does not happen, I will make a way for the inheriting power to know secretly so that The Legacy may continue.

—Hanley Nichols, on
Atoms to Adams Daily Show
, August 15, 2030

***

L
eaf overlooked the meadow and temperate forest as he leaned against the wooden railing. A bio-breeze gently meandered over his skin. The air was refreshing and cool, allowing his thoughts to meditate without overheating. The wind carried the laughter and conversations from inside his home to his ears, stirring up dissension in his heart.

All his life, he had considered The Elements an extended family, and now he was confused, finding their smiles and well wishes an artful game of deception. He should be inside, allowing the Noble houses to celebrate his bravery and valor before the exchange tomorrow. Yet he was consumed with nerves, rehearsing what he wished to assert in order to gain the Earth Element title all the while trying to dismiss the betrayal that had rooted itself and was beginning to grow.

Skylar sidled up to him along the carved wooden railing, looking out to the forest thoughtfully. His friend respected his need for silence while keeping him company. This entire week Skylar had kept a companionable distance, understanding Leaf’s need for solitude and expressing his sympathy and concern with fleeting expressions. There were no words, and Leaf was grateful that Skylar did not presume to know his needs or try to cheer him for lack of a better solution.

Since they were young men, they had understood each other in ways others did not. With the fervor of young men nearing the age of adulthood, and with the voices of boys turning into men, they had gripped each other’s forearms and swore an oath to serve each other the remainder of their days.

Honor-bound to each other in sworn brotherhood, Leaf was tormented over what was appropriate and fair concerning Ember. Although Skylar knew that Ember had held Leaf’s heart since boyhood, his friend had confidently stepped forward when Leaf had shied away from the opportunity to make his affection known following Ember’s sixteenth-birthday feast. The declaration had surprised Leaf, but he chose to wish Skylar well rather than form resentments, even though his heart still belonged to the Daughter of Fire. Leaf glanced in Skylar’s direction, unsure of how to share that Ember would become his wife.

The confession failed to form, so Leaf decided to lean on the comfort of small talk. “Escaping?”

“I felt rather warm.” Skylar gave him a sideways glance. “What is your excuse?”

“I have none.” Leaf smiled as Skylar chuckled at his joke.

They resumed their silence, gazing out into the dark forest. There was no moon this night. A soft illumination shone from the uppermost biodome panes, but an inky blanket covered the sights beyond their range of vision. Leaf lowered his head into his hands, wishing that clear answers would come to alleviate the weights he carried around his neck.

Rubbing his hands over his face with resignation, Leaf asked, “Do you ever wonder what other young men our age do beyond these walls? The trials they face? The lives they lead?”

“No, not really. Although, it is natural you should have those questions, considering you shall find out soon.” Skylar placed his back against the railing and turned his head to look at Leaf. “Do you feel your absence was planned?”

“I am not sure I know what you mean,” Leaf said, trying to sound natural, even though he had pondered that exact question far too many times to count.

Skylar peered up at the ceiling of the dome while resting his elbows upon the railing. “Come, you know my meaning exactly. Why did they choose you, especially within your bereavement week?”

“I fear that is a question I am not fit to answer. Perhaps you should ask your father, as he nominated me along with the rest.”

“Leaf!”

The sound of his sister’s voice pulled them from their discussion, and he glanced at the stone-capped entry. Amber candlelight flickered across the hewn door, casting an orange glow on his sister’s dress and turning her long blond hair to bronze. Willow lowered her head respectfully as she looked first at Skylar with surprise, and then peered up at him.

“How may I assist you, Oaklee?” Leaf asked cordially.

“You are needed, My Lord.”

“I shall join you shortly, thank you.”

She curtsied and then went inside.

Leaf kept his eyes downcast upon the deck. “I suppose it is time.”

“Wait a moment if you would.” Skylar drew closer and Leaf glanced at him warily as the Son of Wind’s hazel eyes studied him with intensity. In a low voice,
Skylar said, “I wished for you to know that a faction is forming.”

“Whatever do you mean?”

Skylar drew closer and lowered his voice barely above a whisper, “I caught wind of a rumor that some in the village are displeased with project shutdown, and they believe your father was murdered as a supporter of rejoining the Outside world.”

Leaf took in a sharp breath, and stared with growing horror at Skylar.

Skylar continued in a strained voice, “It pains me to share this with you. I have held within me this disturbing rumor for most of this week, and I would never wish to burden you with such news, but I did not wish for you to leave without the knowledge. I have battled all week on whether I should say something or not.” Skylar turned and grabbed Leaf’s forearm. “I vow to care for your sisters to ensure their safety.”

“Thank you, Skylar. You are most kind.” Leaf hung his head, feeling his body slump, desperate to reign in his building emotions. “Where did you hear this rumor?”

“Thomas, the Miller. He shared the rumor with me to see where the Wind Element stood on such matters.”

“And where does the Wind Element stand on such matters?”

“We are undecided.”

“‘We,’ or your father?” Leaf knew he sounded stern, but anger began to burn inside his chest.

“My father, of course. Where do you stand, Son of Earth?”

Skylar’s tone shifted, and Leaf knew he was being challenged. Was his friend part of the faction? Or simply reacting to the tone he used with him?

“Until I have more details, it would be unwise for me to declare a position.”

“Well said, and quite noble of you.” Skylar laughed. “Have you been trained for the aristocracy?”

Leaf laughed at their old joke to appear casual, but his heart was growing heavier with each breath. “I do believe Willow has summoned me. If you will excuse me.” He gave Skylar a wry smile as he walked away, fulfilling the rest of the joke by avoiding their age-old question, part of the game they played as political sons. He could hear Skylar laugh as he trailed behind him and into the apartment.

The gathering quieted as he entered, and Leaf smiled timidly at everyone before finding his seat along the wall. Willow walked over and handed him a wooden tumbler of cider before taking a seat next to him. She sat and fanned her skirt widely across the front, picking at the folds, before placing her hands neatly into her lap while holding a wooden tumbler of cider. They turned and shared a glance and she graced him with a small smile before they returned their attention back to their tumblers as a toast began.

He lifted his cup into the air as everyone shouted “cheers,” and he took a sip, feeling sweat bead on his forehead. The Elements and their families laughed, taking sips as well. He was being celebrated, a hero for his bravery in venturing forth into the great unknown.

Leaf glanced around the group, and his eyes softly landed on Ember. His stomach danced nervously as she subtly acknowledged him, not wishing to draw attention to herself or to them. Desiring to appear nonchalant, he took a shallow sip of his grape cider, enjoying how the sweet cinnamon and other added spices enticed his tongue. As his intended gave him covert glances from across the room, this is how he thought of her, as well—burning with a spice that flavored and enriched his life, beguiling his senses. Now that he had tasted her sweetness and pledged his life to hers, there was no moving backwards, nor would he be willing to change his course to save his friendship with Skylar. Even if
Leaf was accused of dishonoring their oath as brothers.

He
lowered his eyes as he thought of his father’s murder and Skylar, forcing his mind to face the rest of the group, despite the distress Leaf felt in doing so.

His eyes reluctantly skipped over Ember and studied Connor Hansen, noting how the Fire Element’s sizable stature stood awkwardly out of place in this group. He came from solid Swedish stock, or so Connor always joked. The large frame and big hands were always gentle and continuously performed acts of kindness. Connor’s generous nature radiated his inner warmth and compassion. This week, Connor’s personality became grave, withdrawn, and almost snappish at times, and he knew the Fire Element suffered from grief. His father was one of Connor’s dearest friends. Perhaps this is why Coal chose chores in the barns on Wednesday rather than work in the The Forge alongside his father.

Although The Elements were equal in authority and Noble status, Connor acted as the public leader, representing the Noble Houses to the community. Jeff would also relay messages to Connor from The Aether, who in turn would consult The Elements and then herald the decision to the community. Leaf had always thought that perhaps Connor was The Aether, his refinement and regal bearing a highly respected characteristic he possessed and that commonly reflected a kingship. Ember had a similar quality. Her presence naturally created an air of majesty that made those around her sit up a little straighter and behave with more honor and decorum than they might otherwise.

The Fire Element also had an impetuous side that would surface on occasion, making decisions on a whim or reacting to information in such a way that Leaf could only conclude that Connor was a man accustomed to authority and power. To learn, then, that
Leaf’s earthy and reserved father was The Aether was astonishing.

Connor’s wife, Brianna, sat elegantly against the high-back chair. Her posture and mannerisms were infused with class, although her tongue often led to trouble. She was known for always attempting to control the group in subtle ways. Leaf had seen the Nobles as well as some from the village become inflamed by Brianna’s careless probing and insensitivity at times. At other times, she would dote upon those in her care with a fierceness akin to a broody hen. Ember reflected her step-mother’s attentive nature, but with a genuine selflessness that Brianna failed to exemplify. The Daughter of Fire did not obsess on her caretaking abilities; rather, she quietly stepped in and gave of herself where needed, not wishing to draw attention to her actions.

Brianna was the village midwife, working alongside the naturopath to deliver babies safely into the world, and she took her position within the community quite personally. When Leaf’s mother died, Brianna went to her own bed for several weeks before recovering from the heartache and loss. She muttered that it could have been prevented, and then faded away inside her grief. She was not responsible for his mother’s death, and Claire was not the only woman lost to childbed fever inside New Eden. Life and death had always been a delicate dance, and their tightly choreographed steps would continue to tread upon those who walked the Earth.

Coal sat next to Brianna, with arms crossed against his large frame as he stared crestfallen at the floor. Willow walked by on her way to the serving table, and Coal peered up with hopeful obsession. The longing was evident in every tight muscle and his wrinkled brows as his eyes trailed her every move. Leaf took in a weary breath, concerned for the Son of Fire and for Willow. How would she fare in his absence, left with Coal’s moping and injured pride?

Blaze, Coal’s four-year-old brother, crashed into him as he wiggled in his chair while playing with a stick sword. Coal slowly turned away from Willow and tousled the young lad’s mess of dark hair, giving him a firm look and a kind smile. Corona and Laurel sat next to each other talking away, oblivious to the others in their company. Their cheerful laughter filled the room like the chirping of small birds.

To the left of the Hansens sat the Kanes, and Leaf thought of how Timothy’s paunch frame and brown hair appeared strange next the wiry wisp of his wife’s frame and mousy brown waves. Both husband and wife had light brown eyes. In fact, Leaf often remarked to himself how they could almost pass as brother and sister in appearance. Skylar did not resemble either parent in coloring, possessing light sandy brown hair and hazel eyes, but he did inherit Timothy’s nose and voice. Their smooth tones and clipped pronunciation was so similar in pitch and sound that it was uncanny.

The Wind Element rarely made a fuss—or “put on airs,” as his sister often joked. Willow enjoyed finding puns in the ways The Elements related to the community and to each other. Timothy possessed a quiet charisma, bringing a brevity to the group with perfect timing whenever the need arose. He was witty, highly educated in both the arts and sciences, and had a special talent for imparting confidence with a subtle breeze of encouragement. Emily, his wife, was one of the teachers who schooled those ages four through fifteen in the Great Hall three days a week. Their daughters, Windy and Gale, sat whispering into each other’s ears, giggling as they cast looks in Canyon’s direction.