The Constant Star (49)

THE STORY SO FAR

There are thirty-two of us—mainly farmers—and we work and live together, encouraging and supporting one another. Both my parents still live, and I have three brothers and one sister. I’m the third-born after my sister. My family has sheep, and they wander the hills much of the year. I have the freedom to track and hunt most of the time, as my siblings all enjoy sheepherding. I do as well: it is very peaceful. But I enjoy this life more. I hope that through my adventures we can understand this world better and change to live in it in a more fulfilling way.”

“But aren’t you already doing that? What could be better than how you live now?”

“There’s always room for improvement. Within ourselves and in the world we live. Without change we will stagnate and be rejected by the universe.”

“What do you mean?”

“Look at the stars above. See the one in the far distance? In the centre there? That’s Olympus Nova. The Constant Star. Future home of the gods. And circling her is Vesta, our home to come where the gods are taking us. We travel through the sky to this promise, and we know this to be true because the heavens not only revolve around her, but also are birthed from her. Multitudes of stars have formed from her and passed us by; the sky ever-changes around us. The universe in which we live is always changing, if we are to live in it we must be like it. There is no final destination of humanity’s moral or psychological development. We must always change and grow, learn and adapt to remain in harmony with the changes around us birthed by Olympus Nova. If we cease growing we will cease being in harmony with our purpose, and we will either be destroyed by change we cannot stop, or destroy the universe as it attempts to change around us.”

Siff is in awe. She could explain the physics of what is happening: that the Tube is rotating and that Janus is indeed traveling straight to their new home. She could explain that the stars are not birthed from Olympus Nova, but rather that the traveling brings to light stars that were always there and must be passed by. But though Lucas may not understand these things as Siff does, he seems to understand the universe better than she ever has. The ‘gods’ have refused to change. They found their interpretation of humanity millennia ago and have not turned from it. They have destroyed every part of the universe they have lived in. And now, even on this mission to save themselves, their refusal to change has brought destruction upon them. War in Elysium above. And her to the earth below. Is it right for her to be here?

The fire is getting low and Lucas leans over to grab another log, he puts it in the flames and stays standing, “Feel like walking a little bit?”

“Sure.”

They meander slowly by the water’s edge, the soft lapping of occasional small waves and fish dancing in the dark, playing against chirping insects in the trees around. It is so peaceful. I want to live here, in this moment, forever.

Neither of them say a word as they both take in the atmosphere before returning to the fire. They sit next to each other again and Siff puts her head on Lucas’ shoulder. Her eyes are heavy and her heart at peace. She drifts off to sleep quickly, the blankets and crackling fire soothing her mind.

There are brief moments of wakefulness where she feels herself being carried through the trees, then laid carefully in the back of the cart surrounded by blankets, traveling down the road once more, and finally being lain in her own bed. Siff curls up and hugs the blankets close, whispering, “Thank you Lucas, so much.”

“You are most welcome, Siff.”

39

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Entry#21982

The wrath of the gods is a fearful thing. And that it must be unleashed upon the innocent seems an injustice. But we gods know that every trace of corruption must be destroyed. So I shall steel myself for what is necessary, and bring full justice to the traitor when she is returned.>>

Siff rubs the dust from her eyes and rolls out of bed. Light shines through the other side of the curtain and Lucas’ excited voice can be heard on the other side, “They’re on their way! They’re going to say yes! I know it! We have to wake Siff up; this is going to be an amazing day!”

“Alright, alright. Calm down, lad. I’ll go check on her; it will take a few minutes for them to come up the hill.” Esken gently calls through the curtain, “Young lady, are you awake?”

“Mmhmm. Yep.”

“May I enter?”

“Sure.”

Esken pushes the curtain closed behind him. Siff stands with a slightly groggy smile on her face, “Had a good evening last night, I hear.” She blushes a little which gives Esken an excuse to smile that smile of pride older people get when they manage to embarrass the young, “Here. Let me take a look at your bandages.” Siff remains standing and lets Esken remove the bandages to examine the wound, “You’re healing up very nicely. The bleeding has completely stopped and the binding has done its job. You won’t be needing these anymore. It will still feel tight and at times painful, but so long as you spend the next few days resting it, you’ll be completely healed very shortly. Now get dressed and come on out. There’s breakfast waiting and the elders are on their way up the road.” Esken’s fatherly care reminds Siff of her own home, but she quickly pushes the thought from her mind. She is here now, where she was always meant to be. She hopes.

Siff puts her shirt back on and joins the two others in the main room. She casts Lucas a

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