The small boat was tossed and thrown about on the wild ocean, but Elisha, Arietta, Tami and Luna stayed the course. Luna seemed dejected after discovering they weren’t going to look for Pandora, but she stayed quiet and did not protest openly. Elisha often saw her looking out at the sky, though, as if she hoped to see black wings above her.
“Luna... Are you okay?” Elisha asked one evening as she went out on deck to see Luna scanning the sky.
“I just keep hoping... that she’ll find us,” Luna said. “I’m scared that her power’s gone away and she’s alone somewhere, waiting for our help.”
“I want to help her,” Elisha said, “We have no idea where she is, though. Have you had any dreams? Do you even know where she might go?”
“I haven’t, and I don’t,” Luna admitted, “It just seems so wrong, leaving her out there. She’s my wife and I feel so helpless!” Tears stung her eyes, “I promised I’d always be by her side, that I would protect her, but when it comes down to it, there’s absolutely nothing I can do...”
“We’ll find her,” Elisha said, “Somebody with power as great as hers will attract notice. I know we’ll hear something. Perhaps when we reach Lady Thea, we’ll get some answers. Either way, we’re not giving up on her! Pandora’s our friend.”
“So... what’s going on between you and Arietta?” Luna asked, changing the subject, “You’re not fighting any more, and that’s good, but...”
“It’s complicated,” Elisha said, “Arietta’s been through a lot in the last two years. There’s a lot of changes with me as well. I’m not sure how I feel any more.”
“Do you love Lady Thea?” Luna said, “Is that why we’re going halfway around the world based on a dream?”
“I don’t know,” Elisha said, “Everything used to be so clear, and now it’s not... I feel like I don’t even know who I am any more.” She stood at the side and looked over at the rolling waves as Luna took the helm.
“I guess we can only wait and see,” Luna said, wistfully.
~
Arietta woke with a feeling of terror filling her entire body. She could see them surrounding her. In the dream, she was trying to strangle one of them, but they came at her anyway, having their way, doing whatever they wanted with her and she was powerless to stop them. Powerless...
Looking up at the wood supporting the bunk bed, she reminded herself that she was safe now. There was no immediate danger to worry about, and she was in the company of friends. Nobody here will hurt me, she told herself in her thoughts, over and over. I’m safe. Nothing can hurt me here. For now.
With that thought, she sat up. Afraid to go back to sleep, she went out on deck and looked out at the sea. In the distance, she saw the lights of settlements on the land. It seemed almost like they were surrounded by a hostile world. Each light was a soul that could bring her harm, a potential spy or informant. The once good people that made up the masses now seemed cold and cruel, doing whatever it took to save their own skin. That’s how she’d been captured. She’d just wanted a place to sleep and was offered hospitality by a local who lived near the ruins of the Ancient Citadel, a known friend of the Resistance. She’d been rudely awakened in the middle of the night and dragged away, while a sorrowful face whimpered, “I had to do it for my family!”
Arietta couldn’t blame the man, but it still hurt. She wondered if he would do the same thing if he saw what had happened to her. She knew he would. Friend of the Resistance or not, the thought of the same being done to his fifteen year old daughter would have made him sell out at any cost.
“Arietta.” Elisha was at the helm, “Can’t sleep?”
“Just some bad dreams,” Arietta said dismissively, “I get them occasionally.” She continued to look over the side, her back to Elisha, afraid that Elisha would read her features and see her pain.
“Are you worried about going to the Arian Empire?” Elisha asked, “It’s been plain sailing so far, except for the occasional demon attack. I hope the demons distract the army.”
“We can’t count on that,” Arietta said, “There will be danger, and we’ll just have to fight through it. We don’t have any other choice. There is no safe place anymore. No Sanctuary.”
The words hurt Elisha, the reminder of a tragedy too soon past, “Don’t,” she said, “I’m not ready... to talk about that.”
“You have to face it sooner or later,” Arietta said, “The sooner, the better. It’s a hard truth to face but you have to accept that Sanctuary has been destroyed. You’re all too soft. This world will punish you for it.”
“Perhaps, but I’m not willing to give into despair,” Elisha said, “There will be a time for grieving, a time to mourn, but right now, we have a job to do. We have to find Lady Thea. We have to find Pandora and return her to who she was. Somehow, we have to get this Gate closed before the demons destroy our world.”
“Bringing down the Moral Revolution doesn’t even fall into your plans, does it?” Arietta said.
“Not at the moment,” Elisha said, “If you couldn’t stand against them with a ship and an army, we’ve got no chance. I just want to save my friends and find a new home, try to preserve what’s left now that Sanctuary is gone.”
Arietta was shaking. Elisha wondered if she was angry, but didn’t dare to ask. When she eventually turned around, Elisha saw tears rolling down her cheeks.
“Everything I’ve fought for is gone... There’s no way we can win against the Moral Revolution! They’ve won this war...”
“All injustice comes to an end someday,” Elisha said, “It just takes time and patience. The Moral Revolution will fall. Nothing lasts forever. Even this.”
“It could be hundreds of years,” Arietta said, “Their hold is so tight! They have everybody fearing for their lives. How many of us will still walk this world by the time it is over?”
“We’ll survive,” Elisha said, “We’ve come this far, seen this much. I’m not planning to die before the Moral Revolution. But we have to assess our priorities. This entire world could be in danger from the Gate. Demons don’t give a damn about sexuality or pure values, they’ll kill all of us equally.”
“You’re right,” Arietta said. Then she looked up in horror. “Oh no,” she whispered, and pointed off into the distance. A huge ship was approaching them. Lights milled around the deck as soldiers moved about.
“Get the sails down, and get below deck,” Elisha said. She handed a torch to Arietta, “Hurry,” she said, “Then get the lights out!” She hurried below deck and woke Tami and Luna.
“What’s going on?” Tami asked. Elisha explained the situation.
“We may have already been spotted,” Luna said, “Are you sure it’s a Moral Revolution ship?”
“Almost certain,” Elisha said. Arietta raced below decks with a fearful expression on her face, “I think they’re heading towards us,” Arietta said, “They must have seen the lights.”
“Then we’re doomed,” Elisha said, “Should we jump overboard?” She didn't relish the thought of getting wet again, but even drowning was better than capture.
“Hold your horses,” Tami said, “I have an idea. Boats like ours operated out of San Ria al the time. They smuggled forbidden items into Garania and the Arian Empire. They were often raided, so they had hidden compartments to hide goods.” She looked around. Under the bed she found a trapdoor. “One person will fit in here. Arietta, you’re the most wanted. Go first.”
Arietta squeezed into the hole without hesitation. How you’ve changed, Elisha thought. Once upon a time you would gladly have been the last to go. You would have protested that somebody else needed to be safe more than you. That alone frightens me - to know that they can scar somebody as strong as you so deeply.
“Elisha!” Tami almost shoved her into the secret compartment behind the closet.
“Wait--what about you?” Elisha said.
“Someone has to do the talking. Leave it to me!” Tami said, “Just stay perfectly still and be quiet, no matter what happens, okay?” She shut the door and Elisha was left in total darkness. The small space scared her, and she started to breathe fast, her heart beating out of control. Got to get a grip, she thought. If only I could fall asleep and wake up when this was all over...
~
Tami lit the torches. It all has to look normal, she realized. She threw clothes that were obviously not hers into the closet, and made the beds so that it looked like only one person was currently using them. Even then, it seems like a stretch... Fire God, please be with us. It was a prayer echoed by Luna in her hiding place, who was fervently mouthing prayers. Arietta simply closed her eyes and readied her knife. If they should find me, I’ll die before I give myself up. She took a deep breath and waited.
The ship pulled up alongside and soldiers of the Moral Revolution rushed onboard, “Show me your papers!” the captain demanded of Tami. Tami showed them the ship’s purchase papers and her own citizenship papers. “Hmm, why is a citizen of San Ria so far into Arian territory?” the captain asked.
“I thought all of our lands were part of the glorious Moral Revolution!” Tami said.
Don’t overplay your hand, girl, Arietta thought, from her hiding place. She held the steel to her wrists. If they find me, I need to do this fast, so that I bleed out enough before they can save me...
“Indeed they are,” the guard said, “That still does not answer my question, though, young lady, why are you so far from home, and alone? Demons roam about; why did you not bring even a guard from your household?
“I was informed by bird that my mother is ill. She resides in the Empire. I simply wished to see her, as it does not look good. As for the lack of guard, I departed on this journey before I knew of the demons. It has been hard out here; I don’t suppose you could lend me a guard to protect me? My family would pay you handsomely...”
Brilliant, Arietta thought. No traitor or smuggler would request aid from the Decency Guard. We just have to hope he doesn’t actually agree.
Meanwhile, guards were tearing apart the room, looking in chests, under clothes, for anything that they could use against her. Tami protested enough not to arouse suspicion that she didn’t care about her belongings being casually tossed aside, but not so much that the captain would think she was hiding something. Eventually, he seemed satisfied.
“Back to the ship, men.” He ordered, “There’s nothing to see here.”
The guards shuffled out, but the captain stayed, “There’ll be the matter of the safety fee, then.”
“Oh, the safety fee.” Tami said. A bribe? I don’t have any money! I have to think fast, or he’ll order those men back to impound this boat on some made-up charges. She started looking through the possessions, hoping to find money. Hadn’t Arietta brought a bag of gold with her?
“Hurry up, woman, I don’t have all day,” the captain said, “If you can’t pay in coin, then perhaps you can pay me with... other pleasures.” His snarky smile made Tami feel sick to her stomach.
I’ll kill him before I let him touch her! Arietta thought in the confined space. She had her knife ready. It would take just a moment to squeeze from her hiding place, trip the captain up and slit his throat. Then there would be the matter of killing all the soldiers on the ship. Better to go down fighting then to let anybody else be abused like this. Nobody should have to carry this shame. I won’t let it happen.
Just as Arietta was ready to dive from the crawlspace, Tami laid her hands on a bag full of coin. She held it up to the captain. “Take it!” she cried, unable to hide her fear and revulsion, “Take all of it!”
The captain greedily snatched the bag from her hands and peered inside. “I suppose it will do,” he said. He laughed, “I could still have you if I wanted,” he said, “but forget it. You’re ugly anyway. No wonder you came alone - the demons must be afraid of your face! You're not pretty enough to risk my hide protecting.” With a self-satisfied chortle, he turned and left. Tami heard the ship sail away. Trembling, she fell to her knees and started to weep.
Arietta squeezed free of her hiding place and put her arms around Tami, “It’s okay,” she said, “You did well. We’re safe now.”
“Men are such scum!” she said, “I hate them!”
“That’s not true,” Arietta said, “and I think you know that, too. The scum are the leaders of the Moral Revolution, those who preach purity yet let such egregious abuses of power and decency go unchecked. Don’t blame all men for the crimes of a few.”
“I know,” Tami said, “I was just scared... I thought... I thought...”
“It’s okay,” Arietta said, “Don’t think. Just let it all out. It’s okay now. I wasn’t going to let him hurt you, I promise. Selesti would never forgive me if I let anything happen to you.”
“Thanks,” Tami whimpered.
Elisha and Luna came out from their hiding places, “That was a close one,” Luna said, “Thank you, Tami. You were so brave.”
“You were incredible,” said Elisha, looking visibly shaken, “I hope we don’t have to do that again.”
“This is just the beginning,” Arietta said, her expression steely, “If you’re scared, then we should turn back now.”
“We can’t go back,” Luna said, piping up, “We came to save Lady Thea and we’re going to do just that! I’m tired of worrying about what will happen to us. Maybe you’re the one who’s scared, Arietta, I don’t know, but stop being so negative! I understand you’ve seen terrible things, but are you saying you’d rather just give up? The Arietta I knew used to give us hope and the will to go on. You’re just a vampire who sucks us dry because you’re hurting inside!”
“You’re still a child!” Arietta said angrily, standing up to stare Luna in the eye, “Living in your innocent world, with love and marriage and virtue! You haven’t been sullied by those monsters! You don’t know how it feels to have somebody lay their hands on you like the own you and you’re powerless to stop them!” She stormed out onto the deck.
“I’m sorry...” Luna said, “But it needed to be said.”
Tami stood up, wiping the tears from her eyes. “What just happened?”
“We’re falling apart,” Elisha said, and stormed out after Arietta.
~
“Arietta!” Elisha grabbed her by the shoulder and she stopped. “Luna shouldn’t have said those things! We’re all just scared.”
“She might be right,” Arietta said, “I’m not sure I know any more.” She looked out at the ocean, the ship long gone, “Each day I live in fear of the past and the future. I’ve talked about destroying the Moral Revolution, but they’ve destroyed me. They’ve won.” She leaned on the side of the ship, staring down into the murky water, “Ariel said that perhaps with time and love, I’d heal. Find a way to put what happened behind me, but I’m so filled with rage and fear that I don’t think that’s possible.”
“We’re here for you,” Elisha said, “I know we can’t relate, but we do care. Perhaps Selesti is the only person we know who really understands what you’re going through, and she’s a long way away.”
“I think... I think when we get to Manheim Island, I should leave,” Arietta said, “My journey is over. My war has already been lost. I’m only bringing out my rage and hopelessness on people who are trying to achieve something. I need to be alone for a while, to work things out.”
“We’re not leaving you in the middle of the Arian Empire!” Elisha said, “That’s madness!”
“Manheim Island is virtually deserted,” Arietta said, “The Empire pays it little mind, and the Moral Revolution even less. I think I was supposed to go there. I’m not sure I’ll ever be myself again, at least not the person I was when I loved you, Elisha, but maybe I’ll find some peace, like Selesti did. I think it’s what I need to do.”
Elisha took Arietta’s hands in hers, “Arietta, please stay with us. Please. I don’t want to lose you again after going so far to find you.”
“Elisha, I don’t know what you want from me, but I have nothing left to offer you. They took it all from me, and I don’t know if I can ever get it back. Find Lady Thea, and let yourself feel the feelings I know you have for her. Don’t be bound by guilt or duty to me any more. I know you care for her. Otherwise you never would have been so adamant to rescue her.” Arietta closed her eyes, “You have my blessing, Elisha, for what it’s worth. Please, find happiness.” She let go of Elisha’s hands and went below deck, leaving Elisha staring out at the sea, dazed and confused, a thousand thoughts swirling in her mind.
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