Chosen Page 7

  “Lord Hyde,” the female census agent greeted. “What are you doing in this area of town?” Her eyes trailed to me, running up and down my figure as she decided what to make of me.

  She was the agent who’d spoke to Lin—the one who’d admired his scar. She had commented on my looks. I knew the moment she recognized me. Her confusion morphed into pleasure.

  “I don’t believe I got your name, Miss...?”

  “Amelissa.”

  “Amelissa. What a unique name. Tell me, what are you and Lord Hyde doing on this desolate street?”

  I bit my tongue, fighting the urge to reply that all of Caldiri was desolate. This was just the worst area.

  “Donating food to the unfortunates,” Hyde answered for me. “What are you doing here?” I inhaled sharply, registering his tone. Only a draekon or half-draekon would be so bold as to speak to an agent that way.

  Well… and Lin.

  “Interacting with candidates, of course.” She gestured toward the Martin’s house and my stomach fell.

  “Tell me, where is your companion? The one from the banquet.”

  Dread and foreboding filled the hole left by my stomach. “Pardon me?”

  Her lips flattened. “The man with the scar.”

  “He is working.” There was no way to avoid saying it. “And he is my brother.”

  “Your brother?” Her mouth quickly returned to a smile. “How wonderful. Perhaps I should pay you two a visit. See your humble abode?”

  Silence settled as I waited to see what game she played, and she waited to see my reaction.

  I won the unspoken competition when she said, “But I think I may not be the first agent to visit your home. Tell me, have you seen Agent Leith?”

  My confusion was genuine. “No. Not since the banquet.” Frantically, I tried to think of what could have motivated such a question.

  Had Agent Leith mentioned me to Agent Stone? Did he list me as a potential recruit?

  Even if I was wrong, I knew nothing good could come from the Agent Stone’s questions.

  “Indeed?” Agent Stone pursed her lips. “Interesting. Very interesting.”

  I didn’t know where to look, what to do with my arms, or how to reply. Again, I opted to play the waiting game.

  Agent Stone surprised me by letting her imposing expression fall away. “If you see Agent Leith, you will report back to me or Lord Stanley.”

  It wasn’t a question, but I nodded nonetheless. “Yes. O-of course.”

  Agent Stone observed me, searching for any hint of deceit. I prayed my face projected the false calm I was trying to instill, otherwise I feared she would detect my nervousness regarding Lorie and misread it. I was surprised when Agent Stone turned seconds later, expressing a brief farewell with Hyde before gliding away.

  I waited until she turned the corner. “What do you think that was about?” I whispered.

  I heard Hyde’s shuttering sigh. “I wish I knew.”

  8

  The sky was clear, and the sun shined brightly. A gentle breeze rolled in off the rocky coast, and the temperature was mild for the time of year. By all accounts, it could be described as a lovely summer day. But the scene was deceptive.

  There was nothing lovely about today.

  The Day of Choosing had arrived, and I never felt such dread. The week passed without incident; I did not run into Agent Stone or any other draekon again, and no one asked about Lorie.

  Despite the good fortune, unease plagued me. Not once in my previous two years had anxiety affected me as much as it did that day. I tried to tell myself not to worry, but I couldn’t shake the foreboding feeling. Something was going to go wrong. I could feel it.

  I sat beside Jem among all of the eligible candidates gathered at Town Hall. It was one of the few fine structures located within the heart of the town, and the only one that could host almost the entire region’s small population.

  Jem placed a comforting arm around my shoulders, resting his forearm on the back of my wooden chair. I leaned against him, taking solace in his proximity. I knew Lin was somewhere in the room, but family members were prohibited from sitting in the front rows with the candidates. Jem was all I had to help me through the nerve-wracking ordeal. For the one hundredth time since daybreak, I thanked the gods Lorie was safe at home.

  All around us, candidates alternated between silence and barely audible whispers. I saw many pale, frightened faces along with a few stoic and indifferent ones. Everyone handled The Day of Choosing their own way.

  Not for the first time, hatred filled my belly as I thought about the pain and stress draekon leaders imposed on their human subjects. Those of us recruited in the Census were forced to give up our families, to give up our lives to serve in Draek. There weren’t enough draekon to run their city or repopulate their numbers, but why were we the ones who had to suffer? Why were my dreams and aspirations forfeit if selected? Even if I obtained money, I would never be able to travel to other regions to study the healing arts. I would be someone’s property. I wouldn’t get to go or do what I wanted. Why didn’t I have a say?

  I knew life wasn’t fair, but what was being forced upon humans in Draekon went beyond being unfair. It was unjust. And I despised those who allowed it to happen, namely: Lord Stanley, the agents, and any other draekon who condoned the Census.

  My thoughts were dangerous. I knew it, but I couldn’t stop them any more than I could stop my lungs from requiring air. Such musings were what led to rumors of rebellion but even if the rumors were real, a rebellion of humans had little chance of success against the draekon and their powerful forces.

  Sunlight streamed through the open doorway as Lord Stanley and two agents entered the hall. I noted Agent Leith’s absence, as well as an unfamiliar female agent, and wondered at it briefly before the ruler of our region stepped up to the raised podium. There was no display of finery here, no attempt to impress. Lord Stanley knew it was not an occasion to twist to his benefit.

  I leaned away from Jem, sitting straight in my chair. He removed his arm.

  Lord Stanley’s expression was hard. “I hereby open this year’s census. Those whose names are listed for recruitment will join the agents and I at the front of the room. Agent Trunk, if you please.”

  The mentioned agent stepped forward and replaced Lord Stanley at the podium. He withdrew a piece of parchment from the leather casing he carried.

  This was it. Agent Trunk was going to list the young men selected to serve. Men were always recruited first.

  My pulse raced. I didn’t care if anyone noticed; I reached over and desperately clasped Jem’s hand. In previous years, I’d taken pride on holding myself together during The Choosing ceremony.

  I would no longer be able to make such a claim.

  Jem did not balk at my sudden gesture. In fact, he placed his other hand on top of our joined ones. He ran his thumb over my skin, doing his best to soothe my anxiety.

  Please. I lifted my prayer to whatever god still took the time to listen to the woes of humans. Please don’t let them take Jem.

  I wouldn’t be able to handle it. Jem’s presence was one of the few things making life bearable. Aside from Lin and Lorie, there was no one I loved more in the world. Not to mention, Jane would lose her only family. I’d do anything to save anyone from experiencing that pain.

  Agent Trunk wasted no time. He read the first name. “Warren Ajax.” He would proceed in alphabetical order.

  None of the candidates made a sound. In the back of the room, where the families were seated, I heard the faint sounds of a mother sobbing.

  Warren, a sixteen-year-old boy, rose from his chair. I marveled at his bravery. He was young—too young for such strength. Fate dealt him a challenging hand when he was born in Caldiri, but it just delivered another tremendous blow with his recruitment.

  Over three hundred pairs of eyes followed his trek down the aisle and towards the stage. He held his head high; his steps did not falter. Agent Trunk followed Warren�
�s progress until he stopped beside Lord Stanley.

  “Jasper Green.”

  The cries of sorrow from his family were not so quiet. I fought the urge to turn and observe the grieving family.

  “He almost made it,” Jem whispered, his face stricken with pain. “Jasper turns twenty-two in one month.”

  Tears pricked my eyes as they followed the young man to the stage. That could have easily been Lin. The crying family could have been Lorie and I last year. I had thanked my fortune many times, but I took another moment to acknowledge just how lucky we had been to not lose Lin.

  Agent Trunk worked through the list. He stopped calling names after the seventh recruit.

  I exhaled. Seven.

  Seven young men were being torn from their homes and families to serve in Draek. No one ever knew how many recruits the Census would claim. It was different each year, but seven seemed like a lot.

  My eyes focused on each young man. I vowed to remember each name and face. Caldiri was losing seven good men: men who would have fought until their dying breath to help feed and protect their loved ones. Some might forget them in the years to come, but I never would.

  Lord Stanley returned to the podium. “Caldiri is honored to have these men to represent our region in the capital. I know each of you will make us proud.” He looked at the row of men, tilting his head in fake respect and pretending to acknowledge their sacrifice. I knew he cared very little for the men and their fate.

  The leader faced the crowd again, not bothering to wait for applause, a murmur of agreement, or any other sign from us that we supported what was happening. He knew better.

  “Agent Stone?” Lord Stanley invited her forward. She already had her piece of parchment out and ready to read.

  The stunning agent glided to the podium. She wore the same black outfit, but a belt of daggers hung around her hips. The cold, cruel gleam in her eyes made her look ready and willing to use them.

  With an eerie smile, she called out the first name. “Amelissa Allaway.”

  Time stood still. Cold enveloped me. I could hear my heart beating wildly in my chest but could make out no other sound. Vaguely, I felt Jem’s hands tighten around mine.

  I needed to move. I knew it, but I couldn’t force my limbs to comply. I sat there, stunned and horrified.

  She said my name…

  I stared at the agent’s unnerving face. She met my gaze, a knowing smirk lifting the corner of her mouth.

  I rose from my chair. Jem followed my movement, not releasing my hand. I turned to my friend. “You have to let go,” I whispered.

  “No,” he breathed. His eyes filled with disbelief and agony. “No.”

  With my free hand, I reached over and gently pried his fingers off of me. He didn’t resist, too stunned to do anything but stare at me.

  I kept my attention on the ground, counting each step and breath as I walked toward the stage.

  One, two, three. Inhale. Four, five, six. Exhale.

  I passed through the row of recruits with no hindrance. A few whispered consoling words, but most stayed silent. I preferred it that way.

  As the seconds passed, my hearing improved. I could make out the sound of a scuffle. Looking up, my eyes found movement in the family seating area.

  Lin stood, fervently fighting against the hold of two older men. They pulled back, forcing him into his chair. His eyes were wild and the sight pained me.

  I turned and continued walking to the stag. It wasn’t until I was standing beside the recruited men that I looked back at my volatile brother. Lin met my gaze, and my chest tightened. I’d never seen my brother look so defeated. I willed myself to look calm.

  It’s okay, I tried to convey with my stare. I’ll be okay.

  Lin shuddered, shaking his head. I swallowed and gave him one firm jerk of my head. He needed to calm down.

  Agent Stone cleared her throat. I looked at her, and loathing filled me when I saw genuine amusement on her face. What kind of monster reveled in separating families?

  I turned away. Instead of looking at Lin, my attention landed on Jem. He watched me with sorrow, but there was a soothing element to his expression. He wanted to be strong for me, and he wanted me to be strong for myself. I kept my eyes on him, memorizing every freckle on his nose. I wanted to remember each one as I lived out the rest of my days.

  Agent Stone stood still. She waited for the room to quiet before continuing. I was surprised by how many whispers I heard. Most of the time, humans waited in silence. We all wanted to get The Choosing over with as soon as possible.

  Gradually, silence blanketed the hall.

  Flattening her parchment, Agent Stone cleared her throat and read the next name. “Alorie Allaway.”

  9

  Lin’s roar vibrated throughout the town hall. Dozens of incredulous cries lifted as one. The entire room filled with shock and, if I wasn’t mistaken, anger.

  Never before had the Census selected two members of the same family in one year. I’d heard of siblings being selected but never during the same census. My neighbors did not refrain from voicing their objection, but that wasn’t what made my skin break out into a cold sweat.

  Lorie was supposed to be safe. Hyde said he removed her name from the list of candidates. What happened?

  I scanned the room, looking for any sign of the half-draekon, but he was nowhere in sight. That wasn’t surprising; Hyde was not required to attend the Choosing. Neither he nor his mother were there.

  Turning back, I stared at the side of Agent Stone’s head.

  How did she find out about Lorie’s eligibility, and why did she decide to select both of us?

  My thoughts were interrupted when the door on the far side of the room opened. The missing female agent entered, towing a disheveled Lorie behind her.

  “No!”

  I didn’t realize I shouted the word until Agent Stone turned her hard, dark eyes to me. They dared me to utter another sound. I clenched my teeth, shaking with fear and anger.

  The crowd observed Lorie’s entrance, and boos were thrown toward the escorting agent. Everyone broke the unspoken rule of silence and hurled shouts of dismay and cries of injustice. Their reaction would have warmed my soul if it weren’t for the horrendous situation my sister and I were in.

  Lorie stumbled as she walked, but she quickly righted herself. She rolled back her shoulders and lifted her head. We made eye contact, and I swore I saw a flash of regret cross my sister’s eyes.

  It was at that moment I realized Agent Stone had announced us out of order. Alorie should have been called first. My gut told me the agent had switched the order on purpose. She wanted to make the Ceremony dramatic. She wanted to watch my reaction.

  The agent deposited Lorie beside me. Before I could do anything, Lorie reached out and grasped onto my hand like her life depended on it. I squeezed hers tight, doing my best to silently reassure her we would be all right.

  Disgust and resentment continued to fly. The citizens of Caldiri were not pleased with the results of the Census, and they were determined to make it known.

  “Seize him and remove him from this hall,” Lord Stanley’s voice boomed, overcoming the raucous noise. Out of nowhere, numerous draekon agents filed into the room. They all charged towards Lin, who was busy shoving through the crowd, breaking through the hold of anyone who tried to stop it.

  He’d lost it.

  “Lin, no!” I cried out. “Stop.” Terror paralyzed me. I feared for my brother’s safety. He needed to pull himself together before an agent decided to end him and his threatening behavior.

  Out of nowhere, Jem reached my brother’s side and placed two hands on his shoulders. Lin swatted him away like a fly, sending my best friend reeling into a sea of chairs.

  The draekon reached him.

  “Gods, no. Please!” My cries went unheard as the strong and powerful draekon overcame my brother. They threw him to the ground, shackling his hands and feet.

  Lorie whimpered as Lin was he
aved up and out of the room. I’d forgotten she was beside me. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her tight.

  “He’ll be all right,” I told her, not entirely believing my own words. “He will be all right.”

  The crowd watched on, finally ceasing their objections now that more draekon had arrived. Once Lin was no longer in sight, all eyes returned to the stage. Though no one dared make another sound, resentment continued to float among them. It hung in the air. No one liked what was happening, and they would not pretend.

  Townspeople righted the chairs, and one helped Jem stand. Instantly, his eyes locked onto mine. He looked ready to pick up Lin’s cause, but I gave my head a firm shake.

  Don’t.

  Jem pinched his lips.

  I shook my head again. I’m serious. Don’t.

  We’d been friends for so long, I didn’t doubt Jem understood my silent command. I watched his jaw clench before he finally nodded.

  The room settled, and Agent Stone took the opportunity to announce another name. I didn’t hear who was selected. My mind buzzed with the events, and what they meant for Lorie and me.

  Would we be separated? Or would we be allowed to choose our positions together?

  A commotion behind me drew me from my thoughts. Still holding on to Lorie, I rotated my neck and watched as the additional agents fanned out around me, Lorie, and the other eight recruits. I looked forward.

  Lord Stanley took Agent Stone’s place. He shifted his stance. For the first time in my life, he seemed unsure. The leader of our region and the enforcer of our torment cleared his throat. “That concludes this year’s census. Family members of the recruits, you are invited to the manor to say your farewells two hours before sundown.”

  The draekon closed ranks. We were rounded up and led to the exit. No villager moved as we passed, but several conveyed their sympathy through their expressions. My throat tightened, and I had to will the moisture back from my eyes.

  Lorie wasn’t so composed. I felt her tears dampen the sleeve of my tunic as they fell from her cheeks.

  We were a few feet from crossing the threshold into the deceptively bright sun. With a fortifying breath, I turned my neck and scanned the crowd for my best friend.