The Constant Star (47)

THE STORY SO FAR

And not without the gods coming for me.”

“And that brings us to the worrying question, young lady. You told me they were coming. All of them. Are they?”

“I…don’t know. I was struck by one of them on the way down, I do not know who it was. At least one of them knows I am here and would come to get me if they could. If I’ve been here three days already, I don’t know what is taking them so long. It is against our law for me to be here.”

“What can we expect if they do come for you?”

“They love you. And want to protect you at all costs. They will see me as a threat to you, but will not harm you. They will take me back.”

“And what will happen to you?”

“…I don’t want to talk about that…”

“Do you have any godly powers? Lucas saw you descend on a giant wing, and claims you befriended a torren. Is this true?”

“I cast off my godhood when I came to you. I have no powers. The wing was my transport to you, I was supposed to burn it along with my other clothes as soon as I got here. And that monster…I don’t know why it didn’t kill us.”

“Speaking of your clothes,” the priest presents the uniform she was wearing on the way down, minus the helmet that still sits in the forest, “What are they made of? What is this material?”

“They were designed to keep my body warm as I fell through the sky. The material is of the gods and should be burned. If they discover you have it, they will come for it and do whatever is necessary to retrieve it.”

“So you are from the gods, but you are not a god. You were not cast out, but you were not sent. You know of Elysium, but you do not wish to live there. It stands to reason that if there is a way to us, there must be a way to them. Do you know of a way?”

“I’m afraid not. Not unless they take you there themselves. That forest was put there to keep you from them. To get to you I had to jump from above the mountains. And trust me, it is a better life for you here than there.”

“Thank you, young lady. That will be all. We shall return to Travos to discuss and deliberate on your words. In the meantime we leave you in the capable care of Lucas and Esken. Though it does seem that Esken’s services as healer will soon be unnecessary. Until we send word you are free to walk with Lucas, but not into our village until we have reached a decision on how best to meet you. Fare-well”

The group stands and leaves, a palpable excitement among them. Siff waits till they are back at the road before looking over to Lucas who smiles back, “I think that went very well. Snack?”

38

There are flatbreads and jams and pastries, all delivered as a welcoming gift from the elders. Siff revels in the imperfection of them: each one different and handmade, unlike so much of the food on Janus. Nothing synthesized here: just pure flavors and textures that make her mouth hum with appreciation.

“What’s it like up there? I bet you have some amazing stories.” Lucas is wide-eyed already with the joy of having a god come to them. It causes Siff to pause and think for what to say. She really doesn’t want any kind of an influence on these people: they need to believe.

“It’s really not my place to say. I’m not a messenger. I chose to leave it all behind so I could learn to be like you. That’s all I want: just to be a part of your world and leave my old one behind.”

“Was it really that terrible?”

“It wasn’t terrible, no. It just…wasn’t for me. Your world is different, and much better for me. And I would love to be a part of it.”

“Well, I think that would be great. I’d love to have you here. What do you think Esken?”

“Definitely. You seem to desire peace. I can see your mind struggles within, and unlike physical wounds the mind can take a while to heal. But I think living with us will help you on your journey.

“Lucas, why don’t you take her outside while it’s still light out. I’ll clean up here.”

“That’s a great idea. Would you like to see some scenery?”

She smiles, “I really would.”

“Okay, wait here, I’ll be right back.”

Lucas opens the door and jogs around back. Siff stands and walks over to the open door, taking deep breathes of the late-afternoon air. Scents of wildflowers and grass fill her with peace and joy as she stares in wonder at the vibrancy and beauty of this world, trying to take it all in. Can this really be happening? What a dream.

It only feels like a few seconds, but it must have been a few minutes at least. Lucas has brought a horse and cart around to the road out front. He has collected some blankets as well, “This is Callio,” he pats the horse’s back, “I figured you might not be up for walking the whole way yet.” She walks to the cart and he steps down to help her up, then sits beside her and wraps a blanket over her shoulders before taking the reins, “G’yup.” And they are traveling up the hill.

There are fields and low rock walls, bright blue skies and wonderful company. Crap no. Don’t go falling for him like every other girl in school. But he’s super nice. And handsome. And charming. NO. Shit, maybe.

They reach the crest of the first hill and Siff sees more farmland and wild fields, distant mountains and the curve of the Tube. Fog and

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