The Constant Star (43)

THE STORY SO FAR

Another man in his thirties stands to the side in simple tunic and trousers, and Lucas next to the bed. She figures elders, doctor, cute guy. Dammit this was supposed to be a secret.

“Hello and greetings, young one. How is your mind?”

Siff smiles painfully back as she adjusts her position. The man’s voice lets her know he is the one they were referring to as Wise One, “In better shape than my body. Greetings.”

“Do you remember where you came from and how you came to us?”

“I’m afraid so.”

There is a pause as the group waits and Siff collects her thoughts about how best to tell them. She gathers what little strength she has to speak, “I fled my people. In the hopes of leaving behind the past and becoming one of you.”

“And who are your people?”

She sighs and looks down. Here we go…“I was one of the gods.”

There is a collective intake of breath. Several glances cross the crowded room, “What was it that brought you to us?”

“I was not cast out. Neither was I sent…There is a great and violent struggle among ourselves, one that has affected every one of us…It is called a war. There has been unveiled great injustice, and I sought freedom from the struggle that ensued. My plan was to cast off all godhood and come live as one of you. But my plan must have been found out.” She struggles to keep her eyes open, fatigue beginning to take over, “As I descended I was struck from above.” Her voice quietens as she begins to drift into sleep, “I am so very, very sorry. They will be coming.”

The Wise One comes forward and kneels beside her, ear close to her mouth so he can hear what she has to say, “Who will be coming?”

Siff whispers as sleep takes over, “All of them.”

35

It is light outside when Siff wakes up again. Though she can’t be sure of how long she has been recovering, her side feels remarkably better. Examining herself she finds fresh bandages on her side. She doesn’t have the courage to take them off and see the damage, but there is no blood on them, which is encouraging. She decides to attempt moving and manages to roll over to the edge of the bed and sit up. She is a little dizzy, but puts that up to being in bed for…how many days? Last time she woke up it was three. It could be anything now. How come she hasn’t been retrieved? What must be happening back on the ship? It’s suddenly terrifying thinking of the possibilities. Has the rebellion been successful? Has it failed? Is the war still ongoing? Has whoever knew she was down here been killed? Are they biding their time for some reason? Will she ever be safe down here? Has revealing who she is to the Chosen Ones jeopardized the mission? Siff forces herself to stand up. The pain pulls her thoughts back to the reality of the moment. Time to figure out where I am.

She puts on the tunic that’s been left for her on a wooden chair. Different from the one she wore on the way down. Probably ruined with blood. The bandages still look clean though: whatever they did to treat her seems to have worked really well. Almost as well as a med-bed, and they don’t have near the technology she is used to.

The floor feels strange on her bare feet. Textured and soft. She can’t quite figure out what has made it, but the same texture is on the walls she uses to steady herself. A simple hanging leather curtain separates her room from the living area. She pushes it aside to see the small home empty. Their is a table and some chairs, with a rest area built into the wall. She sees it is the same texture as the rest of the floors, with some cushions laid around for comfort. Sun shines through the window, it is a beautiful day outside. Siff limps to the sill and watches the wind blow wild grass in textured patterns across nearby fields. Far different from the manicured gardens she is used to seeing. The door is open a crack and she gently pushes it until the breeze fills her senses with wonderful scents and fresh, free air. It smells different. Earthy rather than pumped through vents. She takes a deep breath and winces a little as her ribs expand. She smiles as she exhales. What a beautiful place.

Siff steps onto a cool stone path that splits leading one way to a dirt road, or another around the back of the dwelling she has been staying in. She spreads her toes and moves her feet to feel the texture under her, a smile covers her face as she hugs herself. Can this really be it? What a beautiful place. Siff hears voices talking around the back of the home and decides to make her presence known.

As she follows the stone path she admires the natural feel of the place. The outside of the home is covered in wild grass and smells amazing. She comes into sight of Lucas and the doctor who drop their gardening tools and run smiling toward her, “Hey look at you! You’re up! That’s great news! I’ll head into town and let the elders know. My name is Lucas, and this is Esken. He’s been responsible for your well-being. I knew I had to get you to him when you were beyond my help; he’s a fantastic doctor.”

Esken holds out his hand, Siff gingerly shakes it and smiles, “Thanks…for everything.”

“Don’t mention it. You responded very well to treatment, and I am so glad to see you up and moving about. How are you feeling?”

“A little tender and tired. But pretty good, thanks.”

“You must be hungry as well, you’ve been on a minimal diet the last

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