Part 21 (2/2)

A line of white-clad Eyes in the Dark have closed off both ends of the bridge. They have their ways of knowing who to single out for punishment. The loudest troublemakers are dragged away out of sight, Pedla Rue included. Gunshots echo in the dead-quiet side streets. Am I hearing right? Are these executions? Now the vision I once had of Pedla Rue's bullet-blasted death makes sense . . . as much as anything makes sense any more. If this is what they do to people who believe in the existence of witches, what about someone who's accused of actually being one?

Like water down a sink-hole, the rest of the crowd swirls and vanishes, leaving me alone with Reef.

Not quite alone. As we climb down from the bridge a truck comes belting round the corner. When it stops, the pa.s.senger door opens and there's Zoya's father, my very own Uncle Mentira.

*Hurry up, jump in,' he calls. *No time to waste a” the train to Corona won't wait.'

I turn to Reef. *Is Pedla really dead?'

He frowns. *I haven't been updated about those civilians. You should go; this could be the last train out of Sea-Ways before the siege closes completely.'

*Go where?'

*To collect your medal, of course. You've got a guest of honour invitation to Corona City for their Festival parade and award ceremony.'

*Is this some kind of sick joke?'

*I wouldn't joke about something so important.'

*But . . . I was just at home. Haze was there, and Mama . . . and why are you being so nice to me . . . ?'

*Calm down, Rain, you're not making any sense.'

Briefly his palm touches my cheek. It's still a thrill to feel his skin, even if I'm also wondering, Did he kiss his parents goodbye-and-go-well before they were arrested too?

*I didn't mean to upset you back there in the cla.s.sroom,' he says. *I'd never do anything to hurt you, you know that, don't you?'

He's looking at me like he's seeing me, but how can he know me if I don't know myself? What is there under my skin that's got Mama and Haze and Pedla so worked up?

*Hurry up, Rain!' calls Uncle Mentira.

I can't bear this feeling of being torn in half. *Don't make me go,' I whisper to Reef. *I'm scared. Please, tell him I should stay here with the Storms . . .'

*This is a huge honour, Rain. Think of it, you'll be a Hero of Rodina!'

*Reef a” you don't understand. You heard those people . . . shouting accusations at me. They called me a witch!'

*And we all know there's no such thing as witches.'

*So how come your parents could get arrested for believing in them?'

*Bring her over here, Starzak,' shouts Uncle Mentira.

Reef steps away from me, eyes dazed. When I start walking towards the truck he doesn't try and stop me.

*Excellent!' says Uncle Mentira. *Excellent indeed. I've messaged ahead for seats on the train and something more suitable for you both to wear.'

Both? Does he mean Reef? No, Reef has vanished. Ang is in the truck with us.

*Isn't this just amazing?' she beams. *Not just me, but two of us from the squadron getting the award!'

*Oh dear,' says Uncle Mentira. His face furrows into a frown as he glances down at our boots. *I forgot about shoes. They'll have something in Corona, I'm sure.'

*Are we really going to Corona? Can we tell everyone? They'll be so proud. My family always said I'd do well flying.'

*Where else did you think they'd have such an important award ceremony?' Uncle Mentira beams. *No a” best not to message anyone yet, either of you. Keep it a surprise. Here, why don't I take your keypads and look after them; you wouldn't want to lose them in all the excitement.'

Once we're on the armoured train and speeding north to Corona a” along the very same railway lines Storms have fought hard to keep free of Crux a” Uncle Mentira explains what's expected of us during the procession that will precede the award ceremony. Ang rubs it in that I've never been to the capital, while she knows it like the back of her hand.

How well does anyone really know the back of their hand? I wonder, looking at mine as if it will suddenly burst into leaves and flowers, or go black and drop off. Aloud, I tentatively ask if we'd not be more use to the war effort back in Sea-Ways.

*Don't worry,' says Uncle Mentira. *We know you're an invaluable a.s.set. Ang, you can use the compartment next door to change. We're on a tight schedule and we'll need to go straight to the ceremony. Rain, you stay here with me.'

I shrink into the train seat and brace myself for an interrogation. Surely Mama will have messaged him? Surely Reef must be investigating things now? But Uncle Mentira just smiles and taps his fingers on his leg.

I can't stand the silence for long. *I know Zoya told you we were on the Storm squadron. The rest of us weren't allowed to tell our families.'

Uncle Mentira smiles. *Yes, yes, Zoya's kept me up to date. It's very impressive. Impressive indeed. Fighting for your Nation. Saving lives. All very important, wouldn't you say? More than important a” crucial.'

He's always had this way of speaking, as if everything has to be emphasised and jammed into your memory.

*She's a really good navigator,' I add, thinking he must be a bit mad that his own daughter's not nominated for an award too.

*Good enough.' He nods. *Not better.'

Once Ang has changed a” *Don't I look amazing?' she preens a” it's my turn to go to the compartment next door. I peel off fusty flying gear and slip on a long, gold tunic-dress that has no sleeves and too many spangles. I'm glad I get to keep my boots on. They're familiar. Part of who I am and what I do. I feel vulnerable in a civilian dress a” all thin, bare and breakable. Eye Bright looks out of my jacket pocket. I blink back tears. What's going to happen to my pet? What's going to happen to me?

Uncle Mentira knocks on the compartment door. *Are you ready? Haven't you done yet? We'll be there soon. Very soon indeed.'

Once, before the war and the weird things started, I was looking forward to the Festival of Light. Once I was even afraid of the darkness the Eclipse would bring. Recently, like everyone, I've been counting down the days till Long Night begins. Others, in fear; me, in antic.i.p.ation. I had the crazy idea I could hide in the dark.

How wrong can I be?

I'm blinded by how bright everything becomes. As we approach Corona there's a surge of power to the train and all the lights get stronger. In Corona there is no sky, only a continual arc of radiance. Roof-to-ground stream-screens beam out bold pictures of suns.h.i.+ne. Walls glow with inlaid lamps. People even wear light-casting clothes.

Ang is impressed. *Don't they look awesome!' she says.

I think they look well fed, fearless and war-less.

I can't admire the ma.s.sive buildings, the sculptures, or the illuminations. I can't take in the sight of the Festival parade, made up of the Nation's finest military machines and endless ranks of impeccable soldiers. I barely even register when Uncle Mentira hustles us over to a brand-new Storm with sun designs emblazoned on the wings.

Instead I'm seeing the faces of the crowds in Sea-Ways, uglified by their fear.

I don't start beating time to the great drum bands. I won't sing along with the patriotic crowds. I haven't got ears for the cheers as the Storm is wheeled along in the parade, with me and Ang inside, waving at the crowds.

Instead I'm hearing other voices. Mama crying, a” *She can't help what she is.' Haze accusing a” *Witch-sp.a.w.n, changeling.' Reef soothing a” *Hush, Rain, you're not making any sense.'

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