Anita

“Wait!” Lily leapt in front of Sasha, both arms raised. “We’re not here to fight.”

Still the bearded man didn’t answer.

His dark eyes revealed nothing of his intent.

The weapon was bigger than Gabriel’s rife. Most likely, a shotgun. She’d seen one, once, many years ago. The blast had been enough to tear a mutant in half…

Would he shoot now?

Lily didn’t dare take her eyes from the man.

What was Gabriel doing? If he’d already raised his own gun, would it make things worse? He’d be so worried. After all, his stupid sister just jumped in front of a barrel, she thought. I should be worried too!

Especially without protect from her kami.

But she had to try something.

Footsteps echoed up the street as two more men approached. They carried rifles slung over each shoulder and wore similar clothing to the first: black jackets and boots.

Their expressions were just as unwelcoming.

One man was clearly older, based on the wrinkles on his face, but it was the younger fellow who spoke. “What are your names?” His voice was hard. “Where have you come from? What is your purpose here?”

Lily explained. But she didn’t go into detail about why they needed to pass through the city. Best to keep things simple, since she doubted they’d believe her if she told the whole truth. “We only wish to trade.”

“Hmmm.” The leader glanced at her kami jars before gesturing to his fellows. “Take them to see the Warden.”

“What of yourself, Captain?” the older man asked.

“I’ll go a little deeper.” He glanced back toward one of the buildings. “There has to be another clue.”

“Be careful in there.”

The leader smiled as he left. “Send someone to check on me, if you must.”

“I must.”

Finally, the bearded guard lowered his weapon.

A hand fell on Lily’s shoulder – Gabriel, concern clear on his face. [What’s happening now? They’re not going to attack, I assume.]

“We’re being taken to see the Warden,” Lily replied, signing as she spoke.

“Quickly,” the older man said with a frown at her hands.

Lily didn’t have time to explain, as the man with the shotgun waved them after.

It didn’t take long to reach the ‘yon’.

Being up close was enough to distract her – for just a moment – from the lingering tension.

The vehicle comprised two main parts.

First, a covered area for driver and passenger near the front two wheels. The ‘cab’. It bore a large glass window and a stub ‘nose’ where the engine would sit, according to history books from the Twin’s library, back in Haven.

And then the second part, over the back wheels, where several people or supplies could ride in what was called the ‘tray’.

Which is where the older man directed them.

Lily climbed over the side, more white and silver steel beneath her grip. In fact, it didn’t seem all that different from pieces found at Haven. Most likely the yon was built from parts of the Grand Ships, salvaged over the decades.

Or maybe the vehicles simply been hidden for a long time? Like the ship beneath the lake that Virren had shown them

The Lionsheart.

Lily checked on Sasha and her brother. Both seemed just as curious as she herself, so she settled in to watch the buildings slide by.

Which was where she got her second surprise.

The ride was quiet.

She could hear the two guards complaining to one another about having to “drive so far out of the way” quite easily. I thought engines were supposed to be noisy, she thought. What fuel did the yon use? Or did the people of Koy have plenty of batteries?

If so, rumours would have reached even Haven, surely…

The driver turned into side street and the vehicle rocked.

Lily gripped the tray.

She squinted as lights now flashed between the buildings. She still caught a glimpse of what looked like a market square as they passed but the details were fleeting: colours and sound, and then the yon was turning again.

In the next street, they rolled up to a nearby three-storey building. It featured imposing columns of stone and grand double-doors that stood open. More guards were stationed outside. Half a dozen, which seemed quite a large number.

These men and women were armed with rifles too – but also kami in jars at their belts.

Before Lily could ask any questions, they were being handed over to new guards with curt efficiency.

“Follow us,” one said.

The women led them through a massive reception area and directly to a small room nearby. Inside, there was a row of wooden chairs and not much else. No windows even, just a simple lamp on the wall. “Wait here. It may be some time.”

Lily thanked them before taking a seat and folding her arms, Gabriel and Sasha joining her.

[Think this is a good thing or not?] Gabriel asked. [They haven’t taken our weapons or possessions, I suppose.]

Lily nodded. “It could be worse.”

Sasha wore a frown. “I’m sorry. I thought this would be easier.”

Before Lily could reassure her, the door opened to reveal a young woman.

She had short blonde hair and wore a faded jacket that left her muscled arms bare. Her eyes were ringed by dark lines, which lent her gaze a striking look. Make-up… quite similar to what Lily had seen in the north as a child.

And rare, too.

“Welcome to Koy,” the young woman greeted them. “I am the city’s Warden, but I don’t expect any formalities. You can just call me Anita.”

Lily blinked. This was the Warden? How? She’s only about my age, she thought.

“Surprised?” Anita grinned. “That’s okay, I won’t hold it against you. But I will need to explain a few things before I let you wander around.”

Lily translated for Gabriel, then asked a question. “Rules for the city?”

“In a manner of speaking,” Anita replied. “But first, I’m curious about your method of communication. I’ve never seen anything like it. Who taught you?”

She exchanged a glance with Gabriel.

[We made it up ourselves. As children,] her brother said.

Lily translated.

The Warden raised an eyebrow. “That’s impressive. Could you teach it to other people?”

“Well… it takes a long time,” Lily said, and her brother nodded his agreement. Sasha too, was nodding.

Anita smiled. “Even so, there’s someone I’d like you to meet. After that, you’ll be free to trade for whatever you need in the city.”

[Someone who is deaf?] asked Gabriel.

“Yes,” Anita replied after Lily translated. “He’s become quite volatile since changing.”

“Changing?”

Anita’s good cheer faded. “Aye. There was an… accident. He’s a mutant now. But be warned, he’s not as lovely as your Olana friend here.”