The Pilgrims of Rayne

IBARA

You must find Mark.

Courtney, I think I made a huge mistake by coming to Ibara. After seeing what’s happening on this territory, the reality of what Saint Dane has accomplished is now clear. Scary clear. Our fears were correct. It isn’t about single territories anymore. Saint Dane is tearing down the boundaries of Halla. I don’t think I’ve made things worse by coming here, but I haven’t helped much either. The truth is that I should be on First Earth, with you, looking for Mark. You were right. Saint Dane lured me to Ibara and I followed him like a hungry rat sniffing cheese.

Cheese in a trap.

Right now I’m so confused, it’s hard to think straight. When we were together on First Earth I told you I thought it was too late to undo what Mark had done. I hope I was wrong. The future of Halla depends on it. That’s not an overstatement. Stopping Mark may be the key to stopping Saint Dane.

How could I have been so dumb as to not know that? I guess that’s a lame question. I know why. It’s my own ego. I keep saying that in order to control Halla, Saint Dane needs to defeat me. I still think that’s true, but after matching wits with him for so long, I’m as obsessed with beating him as he is with me. He’s gotten into my head, Courtney. It’s become a contest between the two of us. That’s wrong. What matters is the big picture. I’ve wanted to bring him down so badly, I’ve ignored that. That’s why I’m on Ibara when I should have stayed on First Earth. While I’m chasing after one single guy, he’s busy manipulating all that exists.

Our first instincts were correct. Mark must be stopped. It might be the only way to save Halla. The thing is, it may be too late already. I don’t know when First Earth exists, relative to other territories. Yes, it’s in the past of Second and Third Earths, but do the rest of the territories exist in the future of First Earth? Or before it? Or do some exist before and some after? I have no idea. Wondering makes my head hurt.

When I left First Earth, I said the most important thing was to save Mark from whatever fate dealt him. Of course I still want my friend, our friend, saved. But given what I’ve seen on Ibara, I also want him stopped. The only chance we have of defeating Saint Dane, once and for all, is to prevent Mark from introducing Forge technology to First Earth. To understand why, you’ll have to read this journal.

Read it fast.

I’m sorry, Courtney. I’m sorry for leaving you alone and being too stupid to realize I should have listened to you. I’m also sorry for laying it out to you like this and throwing such a huge responsibility onto your shoulders. I know you’re doing everything you can to find Mark, but I can’t tell you strongly enough that it isn’t just about saving him. It’s about stopping him.

I’ve already finished this journal. I started it a while ago before I understood what was actually happening here and came back to the beginning to tell you this. Not that you need convincing, but once you read this journal I think you’ll understand as well as I do that you, Courtney, you are the last best hope to save Halla.

I hope it isn’t too late already.

Siry and I left the rocky ledge that overlooked the colorful fleet of sailing ships and made our way back to the village of Rayne. I needed rest badly. Food, too. When we reached the edge of the village, Siry stopped and stood in front of me.

“Are you with us?” he asked.

“When do we go?” was my answer.

“When everyone is able,” he answered. “The wounded Jakills have to recover.”

I nodded. He glared at me and cautioned, “If you tell the tribunal of our plans…” He let the threat dangle.

“Still don’t trust me?” I asked.

He shrugged and walked away.

“One thing,” I called after him. “Jakill. What does that mean?”

He shook his head. He wasn’t telling. “You’re right,” he replied. “I don’t trust you. Not yet.”

Fine. Be that way. The one thing on my mind was sleep. I was so beat, I had trouble lifting my feet and dragging them through the sand. Since my hut had been turned into a makeshift hospital for the Jakills, I wasn’t sure if I should go there, but I didn’t know where else to go. When I returned, I saw that I didn’t have to worry. The injured Jakills were gone. Only Telleo was waiting for me.

“Where are they?” I asked.

“I did what I could for them and helped them to their homes. They will recover. Are you hungry?”

“I should be polite and say you don’t have to go through any trouble, but I’m starving.”

“I thought so,” Telleo said warmly. “I’ve prepared some roasted vegetables and broth.”

The two of us sat at the wooden table and ate an incredible dinner. Actually it probably wasn’t all that great, but I was so hungry I could have eaten the table and thought it was a gourmet treat. By the time my belly was full, I was ready to drift off to sleep for about a month. But that would have been rude.

“Tell me about yourself,” I said to Telleo. “You work for the tribunal but you risk your job by helping the Jakills. Isn’t that playing the game from both sides?”

“I don’t look at it that way,” Telleo said. “I love this village and my people. That’s all. Siry and his friends are part of the village. I don’t discriminate.”

“I heard that about you.”

Telleo blushed and continued, “I don’t understand why Siry is so angry. Does it seem to you like there is something wrong with the way we live?”

“I think it’s wrong to keep the truth from people. Don’t you ever wonder what else exists out there? Beyond this island?”

“No,” Telleo answered quickly. “I can’t imagine a better life than this one.”

“But that’s your choice. I’m not saying I agree with them, but Siry and the Jakills want more choices. They want to know what else this world has to offer.”

Telleo shrugged. “I guess I’m selfish. I worry there might be something out there that will change Rayne.”

“Or there might be something incredible that will make your lives even better.”

“I don’t see how.”

“Aren’t you even a little bit curious?”

“I’m curious about the Flighters,” Telleo answered. “It bothers me that they’re getting bolder.”

“Don’t you think it would be smart to find out who they are? Maybe they could be stopped.”

“The island security will protect us,” she said softly.

Man, she was pretty trusting. “What about the tribunal?” I asked. “Siry says they’re keeping secrets from the people.”

Telleo looked stung. “I believe the tribunal tells us what we need to know. Why worry about things we can’t change?”

“But don’t you want to know about your history? Where you came from?”

“Life is about the future, not the past.”

“You can learn from the past!”

“Things are wonderful in Rayne,” Telleo snapped, getting a little testy. “What could we learn that would improve on perfection?”

“But-“

“Besides,” she interrupted, “I trust my father.” Huh? Telleo saw the surprise all over my face. “You didn’t know?” Telleo asked playfully. “I thought you worked fast and had us all figured out.” “Guess not. Who’s your father?”

“My full name is Telleo Genj. My father is the chief minister.” Oh man. The next sound we all heard was my jaw hitting the table.

She continued, “I believe he will do what’s best for our village.”

“Wow,” I gasped. My mind raced, trying to calculate what this new twist would mean.

“I know the Jakills don’t trust the tribunal,” Telleo added.

“Yet they defended them from the Flighters. They care about Rayne. They’re just… misguided. Once they grow up, they’ll appreciate how wonderful we have it here and will stop acting foolishly.”

Things had just gotten seriously tricky. I guess they always were and I was just too dumb to realize it. Telleo was cool, but her father was the big cheese. According to Siry, he was the main guy who kept lying to the people. Telleo thought that was a good thing. Siry didn’t. Who was right? Don’t ask me, I was only passing through. Telleo seemed kind of, I don’t know, what’s the word? Naive, I guess. She wasn’t a dummy or anything, but she had blind faith in everything the authorities told her. She existed in a safe bubble that she didn’t want to risk bursting. Who could blame her? She lived in paradise.

On the other hand, it looked like there was more to Ibara than this perfect little island. The village seemed like paradise, but I could see where some might consider it a prison. Making it more confusing, Remudi was on the tribunal, which meant a Traveler agreed with the whole keeping-the-past-a-secret thing. Bottom line? I had no idea who was right. But it wasn’t my job to pass judgment. I was there to figure out what Saint Dane was up to, not to interfere. Telleo didn’t seem to know about Siry’s plan to hijack a ship and leave the island. Fine. I wasn’t going to tell her.

“I’d like to show you something,” Telleo said. “Would you come with me?”

All I wanted to do was lie down and pass out, but how could I refuse? This girl helped save my life and was taking great care of me. I didn’t want to insult her, so I pulled myself to my aching feet, put on my best smile, and declared, “Sure!”

Night had fallen on Rayne. The walkways had come sparkled from high in the trees. The effect was magical, like a tropical Christmas. Telleo led me along the path toward the center of the village. In the distance I heard the faint sounds of music.

“Tonight is the beginning of the Ibaran holiday called the ‘Festival of Zelin,” she explained. “It’s a time of feasting and fun. It’s a perfect time for you to be here. You can see the best of Rayne.”

“What’s the holiday about?”

“It’s all about being thankful for the wonderful island where we live. I think it’s just an excuse to have a party.” “Like Ibara Thanksgiving.” “Like what?” “Never mind.”

The closer we got to the center of the village, the louder the music became. Telleo led me to the large thatched canopy where I had seen the musical performance earlier. The place was jammed with people watching a performance. On the raised, circular stage was a band playing loud, lively music that reminded me of the upbeat, fun Irish music from Second Earth. There was lots of percussion and tambourines pounding out the quick rhythm, while several flutes played a lively, fun tune. Telleo grabbed my hand and boldly led me through the crowd until we were nearly at the stage. I found myself in a sea of clapping, smiling people. Drinks were passed around for everyone to share. I was handed a cup and took a sip of what tasted like hyper-buzzed root beer. I wasn’t sure if it was alcohol or not, but it wasn’t up to me to refuse their hospitality.

I saw familiar faces. I recognized the big security guy who had arrested me and the one who brought me to the tribunal. They didn’t look so intimidating now as they laughed and bounced to the music. I looked across the stage to see a small platform built up off the ground, where the three members of the tribunal sat. They weren’t rocking like the rest of the crowd, but looked like they were enjoying it just the same. The women clapped to the music while Genj tapped his foot.

There wasn’t a single Jakill in the crowd. No big surprise. If they didn’t buy into the life here on Rayne, why would they come to party at the Ibara Thanksgiving?

Me? I didn’t have any baggage so I was free to enjoy myself. I didn’t know if it was the excitement of the crowd, or the frothy drink they were passing around, or the music, but

I suddenly felt all sorts of energy. The music was hard to resist. Telleo started dancing. She locked her arm in mine and soon we were spinning to the tune. I had no idea how to dance a traditional Ibaran dance. For that matter, I didn’t know any traditional dances on Second Earth, either. But I had rhythm. Pretty soon I was swinging around with Telleo and clapping my hands and locking arms with complete strangers and having a great old time.

The festival was yet another example of how sweet life was in Rayne. The people lived in an idyllic, tropical world on the shores of a warm ocean. Everything they needed was right there for them. They had created a Utopian society where everyone played a role in providing for the whole. As I danced among the festive people, I wondered if maybe Siry was wrong. What’s that old saying? Ignorance is bliss? The people may have been ignorant about the rest of Ibara, but they were definitely blissful. Maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing.

Then I remembered the Flighters.

And the people who mysteriously disappeared.

And the outsiders, who were executed.

And the secrets.

I suddenly didn’t feel much like dancing. Telleo must have sensed my change in mood.

“C’mon,” she said. “You look exhausted.”

I was, in every sense of the word. She took my hand and weaved us back through the throng of revelers.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “You need to rest. I just wanted you to see a little about what life is like here.”

“I’m glad you did.”

Sort of. As we walked back to the hut, I realized how torn I was. Rayne seemed like a pretty cool place. For many of the people, it was perfect. I wanted it to stay perfect for them. Would hijacking a ship to explore the rest of the territory insure that? Or mess it up?

When we got back to the hut, Telleo gave me a warm hug. “Sleep well, Pendragon. I’ll bring you some food in the morning.”

“Thank you. If there’s anything I can do for you…”

“Maybe there is. Perhaps tomorrow you can tell me the truth about who you are. That is, if your amnesia isn’t still a problem.” She gave me a sly smile, as if to say she didn’t believe for a second that I had amnesia.

“Good night,” I said.

“Good night.”

Telleo ran back along the path toward the mountain. I watched her until she disappeared into the palm trees and twinkle lights. I liked Telleo. She was smart and caring and didn’t have an ounce of cynicism in her. Maybe she was right. Maybe you shouldn’t mess with something that seemed so right. Unfortunately, that led me to another thought. A darker one. Messing with what seemed right was what Saint Dane lived for. Whatever the past of Ibara was, whatever the future had in store, I had no doubt that Saint Dane was going to try and bring it all down. It didn’t matter if I agreed with the tribunal or the Jakills, one thing was clear: I had to know what was out there.

I dragged myself into the hut, kicked off my sandals and fell onto a cot, ready to sleep like the dead. I wasn’t horizontal for more than thirty seconds before dropping into oblivion.

I can’t say how long I was out. Six hours? One hour? Two minutes? All I know was that one second I was closing my eyes, and the next second someone was gently shaking me awake. I wasn’t surprised, or scared. My body was too numb for that. My brain wasn’t far behind. I had enough trouble trying to focus on who it was that was disturbing my rest.

Looming over me in the dark was a figure. I didn’t jump up. I didn’t try to defend myself. If this person meant me harm, I’d already be dead. It suddenly hit me that these huts didn’t have locks. I didn’t move. All my energy went into focusing my thoughts.

‘Are you awake?” came a familiar voice.

“Siry?” I croaked. “What the-“

I tried to sit up, but he clamped a hand over my mouth and eased me back down.

“Ready?” he whispered, and took his hand away. “For what?”

“We’ve got an hour until dawn. It’s time to take our ship.” “Now?” I whispered loudly. “Tonight?” “You have other plans?” he asked.

“I thought you wanted to wait until all the Jakills were healthy,” I stammered.

I heard a squeaky voice from across the hut say, “You didn’t think a little bump on the head would slow us down, did ya?”

I looked through my feet to see three more people in the room. The tall blond thief named Loque, the sniffy girl named Twig, and the little rat-eyed guy who now had a bandage around his head. Rat boy stepped forward and banged his bandaged head with the palm of his hand. “Pain keeps me alert.”

Freak.

“This was the plan all along, wasn’t it?” I asked, reality dawning. “You were always going to take the ship during the festival.”

Siry shrugged. “The party is still going strong. It’s the perfect time.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t trust you,” Siry answered. “I still don’t. Prove me wrong.”

The four Jakills looked down at me. They were ready to go. So was I. It was time to steal a ship.

(CONTINUED)