The Last Singer (The Falcon Chronicles Book 1) Page 3

  Our harmonies were faultless as Mother and I raised our voices. After years of practice, we understood and anticipated the tones of the other. Our enjoyment continued until Jarryd attempted to join in. His discordant notes tangled the melody. I laughed myself to tears. Jarryd tried to look offended but eventually chuckled.

  Suddenly, Mother stopped and cocked her head to one side. We went quiet. Then I heard it too. Acute sound sense was something we shared.

  “What’s up?” Jarryd asked, the hum of the lander too distant for him to detect.

  “Father’s home.” For a moment my irritation at his absence lifted. Maybe he’d remembered. I listened for his footsteps, but he entered his private study directly from an outside door and never appeared.

  Mother sighed, sensing my disappointment. “Sorry, Brynna.”

  “Don’t worry, Bryn. We’ll ask him about the drone tomorrow, on the way to Hypor,” said Jarryd with his usual obtuse understanding. Then his mouth widened in an exaggerated yawn. “I’m for bed.”

  “Bed for both of you,” said Mother. “You have work tomorrow.”

  Work. The word sent my mind spinning. All my ‘what ifs’ returned in force, but it was the final one that distracted me the most. What if someone in Hypor City discovered I was Femin?

  5

  What’s In A Dream

  Deep in thought, I ambled along the hallway to the doorway of my bedroom.

  Harsh streaks of light speared through the open window stabbing the floor. My gaze lifted to the full moon glowering in the sky.

  A shudder of anxiety rippled down my back. I dragged the curtains together and blocked the light. Even that small action brought some relief. I undressed, tossing my clothes without care. I donned a nightdress, then crawled into bed, yanking the heavy blanket over my head before curling into a ball. I prayed my sleep would be uneventful and silent, and that my dreams would be kind.

  Floating high in a stone cavern. Below me, a circle of women. First humming. Then singing. I feel a rush of delight at the beauty of their harmonies. Two women sit inside a circle. Their faces are unclear, but one appears youthful, the other withered. Through an opening in the rock, moonlight penetrates, bathing the scene in an eerie glow. The singing stops. A central figure lifts her hands. Colors flash wildly. Voices rise, but something is different this time. The singing is intense, almost painful. Building, building to a crescendo. Then the anguish and terror of a solitary scream.

  Silent yet piercing.

  Imagined yet real.

  I want to stop it, but I can’t.

  I awoke to a plaintive rip of agony. It wracked my senses, stabbed at my temples and pushed terror into my core. I clutched my head and rocked my aching body, waiting for the pain to stop.

  I heard a soft humming and forced myself to join in. The healing vibrations lessened the pain. When it finally abated, I opened my eyes. Mother sat at my bedside, as usual her face reflected the anguish she’d also experienced.

  “Why is this happening?” I swiped at frustrated tears. “Father and Jarryd don’t have these dreams. Why only us?” I was confused and angry—not with her—but at whatever was causing them. “It must be something to do with being Femin.”

  “I suspect that it might, but I can’t understand what it would be. As I explained before, the feminaries were like sanctuaries, dotted on low lying islands scattered across the oceans. The one near my village was a joyous community until we were forced to escape the Rising. Most sanctuaries and my village were flooded or destroyed by earthquakes. Because of its mountain location, only Prima Feminary survived. Things may have changed since I left and my... the new Genetrix took over.” She shook her head. “I don’t know what is causing the dreams.”

  She seldom mentioned the past, which only fueled my curiosity and imagination.

  “Are we the only Femin left with—gifts?” I hesitated over the word because concealing my heritage sometimes felt more like a burden.

  “No, there are others at Prima Feminary. Older ones, who came from my village. Unfortunately, all singers at the feminary are celibate. To the best of my knowledge, there are no other new singers. I suspect that you are now the youngest and may be the last.”

  I hadn’t expected that. It made my gift even more special, but also made me sad.

  “Have you always had nightmares at the time of a full moon?”

  She shook her head. “They started more recently.”

  “Hypor City.” I looked at her aghast. “What will I do if it happens on Hypor?”

  “Use your voice, discreetly to ease your pain. Low humming works well. I’ll also give you some herbs.” She stroked her hand across my brow. “They might help.”

  “What if someone is injured on Hypor? I’d have to respond. That’s part of my calling.”

  “Hypor will have its own medical service.” She stroked my hand. “Only assist if there is no other option but be cautious. Remember what could happen if you’re caught singing.”

  “I wish I could just be me, crazy eyes and all.” I twisted my face in disgust. “I know, I know.” I raised my palms in surrender before she could speak. “It’s secret.”

  “Until the day comes when Femin healers are free again, you must not reveal your heritage.” She kissed my brow that now ached for rest.

  I drifted into sleep wondering if one day Prima Feminary might be my sanctuary. Surrounded by others like me, I’d no longer feel like an outsider. I’d be free.

  That was my secret birthday wish.

  6

  Unwelcome Journey

  The morning sun’s golden rays were a reminder of what I’d be missing under the domes of Hypor City.

  Jarryd flicked the back of my head with his finger then took a seat at the breakfast table. “You look like hell.”

  “Thanks a lot.” Eyelids barely open and feeling like every blink was gritty torture, I didn't appreciate being reminded of my haggard appearance on the day I had to start my new job.

  Mother set a plate of eggs between us. “Your juba fits well.”

  I didn’t answer. More like an encumbrance, it had no pockets, the hood blocked my view and I couldn’t walk with normal strides.

  “You’ll fit right in,” my brother teased, dressed in his comfortable gear.

  “And you'll get a smack if you don't shut up.” My threat was an idle one. I didn't have the energy to swat a bug.

  Mother sent me an admonishing look.

  “Almost ready?” Father stalked through the dining room clasping his briefcase. “Meet me at the lander in ten minutes.”

  Mother reached out her hand. “Torren?”

  Father drew closer but shook his head. “Not now, Myrrina.”

  A quick peck on Mother's cheek and he was out the door. No ‘happy birthday,’ not even a smile. I tried not to feel crushed, striving to remember that I was now an adult, but I couldn’t prevent a childish pout.

  Mother’s brow furrowed as she followed his retreat. Her fingers pulled at her bottom lip, a sure sign of concern.

  Jarryd noticed the gesture too. “Is everything okay, Mother? Did you mention the drone to Father?”

  “Your father's under pressure from the council,” she cautioned. “Now isn’t the time to badger him with a lot of questions. Soon things will be back to normal.” She stacked the empty breakfast dishes. “You'd better hurry and finish eating.”

  Vague assurances couldn’t mask her nervousness. I sensed her fear.

  My brother lifted his eyebrows and shrugged. He gulped down a few final mouthfuls, kissed her cheek and left. I took one last bite, grabbed my pack, and hugged her—maybe a little too long.

  As we pulled apart, her lower lip quivered. Her fingers touched my face, stroking my slanted brows, then my eyelids and finally my lips. A familiar childhood ritual made more poignant by her failing eyesight.

  “I’ll miss you too, darling Brynna. Better go. Mustn’t keep your father waiting. Take care of yourself. Don’t forget what we discussed last n
ight.”

  Backing away, I swiped at a persistent tear, then sent her a final wave before hurrying outside.

  The sight of the lander parked nearby wasn’t unusual but I’d been very young the last time I’d flown to Hypor City. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. I liked heights. It was water that scared me.

  I lifted my juba and ran to catch Jarryd. Ten feet from the lander, I grabbed the back of his tunic.

  “Hey, watch the goods.” He grinned and adjusted his clothes.

  I lowered my voice, not wanting Father to overhear. “They’re hiding something.”

  “Yes, I got that too.”

  “Promise me. If you discover anything, you’ll let me know.”

  His expression was serious when he nodded.

  Father sat at the controls of the lander with Jarryd beside him and I had the back seat. I felt exhilarated at lift off but was heavy-hearted to see my island home fall away as we headed north toward Hypor City.

  Once again, I hoped Father might remember my birthday but he remained silent.

  “I saw a drone over the island yesterday afternoon.” My delivery was offhand, as if it was a regular occurrence.

  Father’s head jerked up. “Impossible.” His tone was dismissive but his knuckles whitened as he clenched the controls. “They’re short range devices.”

  “That’s what I thought,” said Jarryd, “but they heard the same noise in the morning.”

  “Who are they?”

  “Mother and me. We heard a buzzing near the greenhouse but I couldn’t locate the source.”

  After a short silence, Father nodded. “The science lab is probably testing a new model. I’m sure it’s nothing more than that but I’ll make some inquiries.”

  “It injured Circe,” I persisted, wanting to add weight to the incident.

  Father chuckled. “More likely Circe attacked it and got her feathers ruffled.” He knew falcons and guessed the truth.

  “She was protecting me. But then it chased her.”

  “And then what?”

  “I tried to scare it away, but Circe may have damaged it. It tumbled end over end, then dropped into the ocean. It was difficult to tell in the dusk, but I think it fell near the line of electric wind generators off Bokk Harbor.”

  “It was probably a prototype that malfunctioned,” said Father.

  “But why—”

  Father raised his hand. “Let it go, Brynna. I’ve said I’ll look into it. There’s no point in speculating when we don’t know the facts.”

  “I’m worried about Mother being alone…” I stopped talking when I saw Father turn to Jarryd and shake his head. I resented the silent condemnation. My brother glanced back and winked. At least I had his support.

  “Can I take over now?” he asked.

  “What?” My life in Jarryd’s hands? “What do you mean take over?”

  “Don't worry, Bryn. Father's been teaching me to fly for a while.” He grasped one side of the dual controls.

  When we didn't immediately plunge toward the ocean, I exhaled an exaggerated sigh of relief.

  Jarryd chuckled.

  “Can I learn someday?” My question was more a test of equality and an urge of competitiveness than real desire. I preferred being on the ground.

  Father nodded absently. “In a couple of years.” Then taking my desire to fly as genuine interest, he launched into teaching mode.

  I already knew some of it.

  The landers, although fast, were only capable of transporting six passengers because of the limitations of the solar batteries. Scientists were hoping to extend the propulsion capability in the near future. He pointed to the dials and indicators, explaining their significance. Then he demonstrated the operation of different levers. When Jarryd interjected technical questions, I tuned out.

  I tried to enjoy the view, but the sight of blue ocean in all directions was unnerving. When I was eight, I’d waded out from a beach on our island and my foot had slipped into a hole. I’d cried for help before the water closed over my head. I couldn’t swim and the darkness was terrifying. Calia had been nearby chasing Jarryd. He’d heard my cry and scooped me from certain death. I still panic at the thought of that moment and I’ve never learned to swim.

  I forced my eyes to the distant horizon. Faint crescents glimmered in the sun—the steel domes of Hypor City. Two large transporters crept wavelessly toward them, loaded with containers. What was the cargo? Where was it going? I wanted to ask but Father and Jarryd were engrossed in a discussion about solar energy generation. I kept silent knowing that once in Hypor City all my questions would be answered. There was a lot to discover.

  Despite my reservations about going to the city, I felt eagerness as we flew closer. I couldn’t deny that the newness was exciting. But when I remembered what I’d be losing, my heart plummeted. Five years in Hypor City felt like a life sentence. How would I keep my dreams of being a healer alive?

  “We'll be there in five minutes.” Father motioned forward. “You can see the city ahead.”

  I craned my neck for a view over my brother’s shoulder. Suddenly the lander tipped forward. The blue of the cold ocean filled the front window view. Flashes from my childhood replayed my watery nightmare. Terror froze my lungs. My vision dimmed. Then abruptly we were upright.

  “Okay, Bryn?” Jarryd’s concerned voice penetrated my panicked fog.

  “Fine.” I choked back the sour taste of bile and slumped back in my seat. “What happened?”

  “Nothing major.” Father was in control again. “I’ll have the lander checked once we arrive.”

  His tone was reassuring, but I still gripped the edge of my seat for the rest of the journey.

  The gray domes of Hypor City swelled in size as we approached. They stretched for miles dotting the surface of the ocean. Built on floating platforms, the city resembled a matrix of half-shells discarded on the water, interconnected by long narrow tubes. Spiraling outward were rows of sentinel-like wind generators rising from the ocean. They flanked our flight-path as we neared the landing site.

  “It's much bigger than I remember.” My last trip to Hypor City was for a Founders’ Day celebration. Eleven at the time, my only clear memory was of overwhelming crowd noise. I’d felt disoriented for several days after until Mother had provided a settling tonic.

  “There are more than one hundred and seventy domes,” said Jarryd.

  “And more to come,” added Father. “We're extending the water desalination projects and making room for more solar collectors and greenhouses.”

  “I'm part of the engineering team working on the new structures.” Pride swelled Jarryd’s voice.

  “You might be involved too, Brynna,” said Father. “The media lab where you will be working is creating promotional releases. How do you feel about that?”

  Overwhelmed. Nervous. Excited. “I don't know,” was all I could say.

  Jarryd took the controls again and dropped the lander precisely inside a numbered red circle on an area skirting the largest dome. Several empty landers were parked nearby.

  “What do you think, Bryn?” he asked as he gathered his belongings.

  He didn’t push for an answer, which was okay because I wasn’t sure whether he was asking about his flying or the city. I had mixed opinions on both.

  7

  Hypor City

  From the air, the largest dome had glowed like a jewel in the sunshine, but the fanciful illusion vanished once we landed.

  The dreary starkness of the construction materials belied the reflected beauty I’d seen from afar. The shimmer was from solar panels that encompassed the top quarter of the structure.

  Riveted sheets of hammered gray metal covered the lower fifty feet of the dome, broken only by two double entryways. The upper portion of the hemisphere, below the reflective panels, was comprised of a dull semi-translucent substance. I squinted into the sunlight, following the vaulted curve skyward hoping for relief from the monotonous presentation, but n
one appeared.

  My excitement deflated, but the sound of pounding feet quickened my pulse.

  Two guards ran from the dome. Their uniforms were black with gold trim. One guard sported two red chevrons on his breast pocket. All wore diagonal chest straps, which held several devices that looked like weapons. I started to question Jarryd but was distracted when the men stationed themselves at Father’s door and saluted.

  “Welcome, Councilor Bokk.”

  The salute surprised me. I’d never seen my father in his official capacity.

  We exited the lander. One guard bent into the vehicle to retrieve any cargo. Father had his case tucked under his arm; Jarryd too carried his bag, only my pack remained. I grabbed it from the man's hands. He retreated and quickly masked his surprise at my reaction. I said nothing, unable to explain that it was my security blanket, full of personal keepsakes and memories of home.

  Father glanced at me and shook his head in disapproval, before following Jarryd to a double portal. The doors swooshed open at our approach. I hurried to keep up but my juba forced me to take shorter strides. Once over the threshold, I stopped, wanting to assess my first moments in my new home.

  The interior was darker than I expected. The translucent exterior released only thin streams of sunlight, due to a perforated covering inside. The narrow beams created an eerie gloom that permeated the entry. In an attempt to boost my enthusiasm, I glanced behind me, somewhat reassured by the sunshine gleaming on the landers. Maybe things would get better.

  Embedded into the upper dome wall, several large fans whirred noisily. Despite the din, Jarryd’s booted footsteps echoed as they pounded the hard, black floor. Father walked quietly. I balanced on my toes as I moved forward. My new slippers made no noise.

  Apart from the guards, the only evidence of human occupation was a wall array of ten posters, one considerably larger than the others. I recognized my father’s picture second from the left. The other men must be members of the ruling council. The largest frame had to be Premier Delio, the leader of the council.