Eyera (The Eyera Series Book 1) Read online

  Eyera

  By

  B.L. Johnston

  Copyright © 2017 B.L. Johnston

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  DEDICATION

  For you.

  “Dear Citizens, our world has become a great nation. As the Director of Eyera, the Capital of Elspeth, you will Abide these laws, if you choose not to, punishment will be served. We will thrive! ~ The Director.”

  CHAPTER one

  Whenever I wake up, I spend a good hour staring at my ceiling, getting lost in thoughts and replaying the same dreams on a loop.

  There is a particular dream that happens frequently, at first, it starts off dark like the night, cold wind blowing strong, and that is when I hear cries, a boy crying for help and instantly I know who it is, my little brother Hadrian.

  That is when the sky turns grey, and a mist of fog permeates. I follow his cries, but I can never get close enough as I get stuck behind a wall that spreads down each end, and the harder I bang on that wall, the more he screams, and that is when I wake up not knowing if he’s safe. All sorts of things can be happening to Hadrian, is he lost? Is he stuck? Is he playing games? Or maybe he’s hurt. It doesn’t matter how many times I try to help; I physically cannot, my body usually freezes, or sometimes I’m in slow motion. I’m not strong enough … and I hate it. It’s more of a nightmare than a dream so to speak, but I have worst nightmares to face, The Eyera Corporation. Eyera captures Hadrian and mentally and physically hurt him in many abhorrent ways, and when they are done they send him home, but it’s not him anymore. Hadrian has lost his soulful eyes; he never smiles and doesn’t have that spark anymore – only broken. He’s not the brother I know. He is one of them, one of their pieces and that is why I’m so overprotective of him, because if I can’t protect him in my dreams, what makes me think I can protect him in this world.

  The alarm buzzes usually signalling for me to get up and train, lucky for me though, it’s my day off. My father has trained me so I’m able to protect myself. I train every day to keep fit, and in shape pushing myself to the limits, it’s one of the things that keeps my mind from wondering and helps me to stay focussed.

  Father teaches me Aikido Bokken which is a form of martial arts. He has been teaching me since the age of five. I have not beaten my father in training, and when I fail he makes sure I get back up and fight again, it’s not easy, and he’s strict too. ‘Training is not for the mind to wonder but to keep it sharp and focussed’ his words echoes.

  I peel myself from the worn, damaged bed; springs sprung through the fabric making it very uncomfortable to sleep on, the ripped blue curtains let in a little light as dust dances in the air, the rest of my room covered in darkness. I pass my clothes that scatter across the floor and open the door slowly, rubbing sleep.

  Stumbling across the hallway to the bathroom and hard coldness prints on my feet sending a small shiver up my spine. I tug on the string that hangs above causing the light to flicker. I let out a sheepish yawn and run my fingers through my knotty hair, picking up the wooden hairbrush and begin to tidy up my dirty blonde hair that dangles below my shoulders, leaving the ends in waves, my crimson fringe stands out from the smeared mirror. I remember when I dyed my fringe a couple years ago, and my mother went ballistic saying I had beautiful hair and now it’s ruined. I like it. I think it was a little rebellion in me and wanted to go against my parents and make sure they know it. I came downstairs so proud but also nervous. I’ve never been able to do something like this, normally I do things behind their backs but I wanted that little taste of defiance, and in all honesty, it felt good.

  I twist the hot and cold tap, and water gently pours out, cupping the warm liquid making contact with my face as the water drops gracefully down my cheeks, my skin soaks up every last drop. I look in the broken mirror; my reflection stares back with a small smile. I wasn’t up for smiling today, if fact, most of my days I’m not sure what smiling is like. I smile, but sometimes I never mean it. I twist the taps and turn the light off to save energy and head back to my small bedroom, at the bottom of the bed my outfit is set. I slip out of my nightclothes and pull on black jeans and a T-shirt with blue electricity waves wrapped around the body frame, and finally slide into my black combat boots that hide underneath the bed. Lastly, I wrap a blue ribbon around my left leg leaving two pieces hanging down loosely. I have different coloured ribbons, each one having their meanings, today I feel peaceful and confident, but each ribbon comes with negative implications that my soul sucks in too, but I try to use them for positivity, Eyera can’t take that away from me. Plus the blue ribbon is my favourite. I click the door into place and walk to Hadrian’s room. Half of his face imprints on his colourless pillow, and his mouth is slightly open; he looks like Mother, apart from our hair colour and our freckles, we both inherited that from Father. His hair is a little lighter than mine. Most people say that Hadrian looks more like Mother and I look more like Father, which is true, I got his pale skin, his eyes and nose, whereas Hadrian got tanned skin and brown eyes. I envy that Hadrian has a colour, I look like a ghost. He also has her smile, nose and love. Hadrian is full of love always wanting to share it with everyone, he is full of life and finds light even in the darkest of tunnels, one thing I wish I could have.

  I reach into my pockets to reveal a small box of emplons placing them on his pillow; emplons are Hadrian’s favourite sweets; coconut flavoured fruit shells, if he could, he would live on them. I sit on his bed lacing my fingers through his hair. A little scar sparks from his head. I remember that day crystal clear. An Eyera guard hit him because he accidentally ran into the guard. Hadrian was shocked and confused on why the guard did that.

  Eyera guards are cruel people, they don’t simplify with love or kindness. They are here to keep us in order, making sure we follow the rules, and if we break them there will be consequences. They can be very colourful with the way they punish us.

  I grab my faux leather jacket and walk outside.

  Our area is called Siver. The poorest area in Elspeth. We are divided into four sections called Nisahles, Eishen, Siver and Wister.

  Wister is also poor, whereas Nisahles and Eishen live in riches. The majority of the people in Siver and Wister work for the richer areas. My father works as a craftsman for the guards; he does not like it as he is forced. He also crafts for the children, making all sorts of objects.

  When I was a child he crafted many animals, he was the one that told me animals are just like us, and we must look after them as we are equal, and I live by those words. My favourite animal is a stag, they are magnificent, they always fascinated me, their stance is courageous, and their antlers are sturdy. Father crafted a stag for my sixth birthday, and I hold that gift very close to my heart.

  It’s the break of dawn, only the odd few people sit out on their deckings sipping hot beverages, everyone else is tucked away in their cottages waiting for the sun to rise.

  Today is collecting day, where all areas come together in Elspeth Dome to receive monthly food, selling items from their business and trading. Monthly food for Siver and Wister is limited due to our poorness as not many people can afford it, the children are hungry, and I hate seeing that. No child should starve.

  I slip my hands into my pockets feeling a little chilly, living in Siver the weather is mild which can have its perks. Most of the times it’s sunny but not too ho
t, we have the odd few days where it’s clouded. I enjoy early mornings where Siver is freezing and frost sets.

  I walk down the broken steps and head down the angular rock road, loose stones tumble, I get to an alienated silver wire that cuts us from the field, it’s a basic wire, so it’s easy to climb over. I head to my favourite place of all time, the river. The river and the field are the only places I can go and feel free. It is forbidden, we are not allowed to cross over the wires, but I still do, no Eyera guards come out here because the citizens know not to cross it, which is why it’s my favourite place of all time, no guards, no people, only nature at its finest. Hunter, my friend, occasionally comes for company and protection, even though I don’t need his protection but he likes to make sure I’m safe, and that is one of the many things I like about him.

  The field is vast, spreading across the lands, even the forest too, in which anyone can easily get lost. I know the forest very well and have mapped out everything. I startle deer, badgers and squirrels and walk along the stream, fishes swimming gracefully.

  Even though I live in a poor area, I can never hunt animals to survive, kill, ripping their flesh and eat them. It’s unnecessary and wrong to hurt animals. As much as us humans think we’re superior, animals have every right to live their lives. Animals feel, breathe, see, hear, have heart and souls just like us, that’s the way I see it. I have survived without the need to eat ‘meat’ and I will continue to do so. I like to ‘hunt’ for my food differently, a few berries here or whatever I can get. Sometimes I trade my possessions for seeds to grow food or trade my father’s crafts. I’ve managed to get food for my family, that is the most important thing, to keep them alive no matter what. We’ve been hungry but who hasn’t. Meat in Siver is hard to get because in Elspeth it’s too expensive not many people here can afford it, and besides, if the people do hunt the guards will know they crossed the wires.

  I move nettles and branches that block my path, the grass beneath is a little damp. I push one final nettle, and the river lies ahead, the water’s current is slow but still makes little splashes against the rocks. The river is beautiful, no matter how many times I come here I still get breathless. I swiftly make my way to seven large rocks on the side of the river and climb on them. I grip onto the rocks while pulling up my legs. I’ve been climbing these rocks for years, so I’m up at the top in seconds. I wipe off the muck and pat my hands on my jeans. I stand tall above the small blissful waterfall. I take my usual spot on the patch of grass stretching my legs out, and my hands planted behind as I take in the beauty. The birds in the trees whistle softly, the branches of the trees twists over the river, and the sun behind the hills in the distance creeps up slowly. I’ve always wanted to go behind those hills to explore but it can never happen, I wouldn’t make it far not with Eyera, they’ll know, and they will track me down instantly. As a child I would have this urge to get up and go, not caring about the consequences, I’ll run and run never looking back, letting my little heart soar high and laughing.

  I let out a small chuckle, how careless.

  I never discovered this place if it wasn’t for my father sending me on one of his famous runs, he told me to run a specific route around the wires, but I stopped for the first time seeing the forest and wanted to know what was out there. Father has told me repeatedly never to cross the wires, and I never did, but that day I took a risk. I explored the field, following the butterflies into the forest and that is how I stumbled across the river. Father has no clue I come here thankfully, if he knew he’d scold me and lecture how dangerous it is, and I could end up seriously hurt – or Eyera finding out. That is his fear. I know it’s dangerous, but I cannot help it, it seems like Eyera doesn’t exist and this world is peaceful and loving but as soon as I leave the river, the clouds turn grey, and the world is back to its usual self. Cruel. Inhumane. Evil. I hate it.

  I hate this world, I hate the city too, Elspeth lives in terror, and I hate watching the city live like that. Fear of Eyera the capital of Elspeth, the one place no one wants to go. Everyone is restricted, not having freedom to do what they want, its rules, rules, rules. And the worst thing of all, anyone disobeys Eyera punishments will be served.

  I take a deep breath as I watch the sunrise, beautiful orange rays sprouting above, the river sparkles like crystals, the sun slowly pokes through the fluffy clouds making the sky light up, it’s breathtaking … it’s time to start the day.

  CHAPTER Two

  I head back home, people awake from their slumber – hand washing and hanging out worn clothes, children play with wooden sticks sword fighting and chasing each other, their laughter is music to my ears, and a goofy smile is on my face. Sometimes I wish I could experience that. I had friends, but I never felt connected to them, I wanted to see the world and explore, but they didn’t, they were afraid too. The teacher told us what we should and shouldn’t do, just like the parents. In the end I became distance that I only had a few left, but we don’t talk much. Plus I had intense training, so I never got to do all those kids things.

  I stand on the deck, the tattered door busts open and Hadrian runs out followed by Father, even Hadrian’s clothes matches his bright personality, light blue jeans with a red checked shirt. I look down at his brown boots, his laces undone as usual. No matter how many times he laces them up, they come undone in a matter of minutes. Father walks down the steps slinging his backpack over his shoulders and straightens out his blue jacket.

  People come out of their cottages setting off to the city. Father has saved enough money from his crafting to be able to afford the monthly food. The monthly food doesn’t feed all of us, only two. My parents make sure that Hadrian and I eat even if it means they don’t and it makes me guilty, that is why I go out and try to find food.

  I kneel for Hadrian to jump on my back. I stumble as he jumps and I let out a groan. Hadrian locks his hands around my neck like a seatbelt; not too hard, and with that, we set off. I love walking, it’s one of my favourite things, Father loves walking too, he used to take me on long walks when I was a child, spotting different type of birds, knowing what plant is poisonous and what isn’t, and how to tell time using the sun. I miss those walks. He stopped them and I wish he hadn’t. Hadrian, on the other hand, does not like walking, he complains about how long the journey is, even if it’s not long. He’s dramatic but makes me laugh, that is the difference between us. I love the outside whereas he loves the inside. He spends his time making models, he is exquisite at capturing details.

  We walk to the gate and head up the road; I kick the loose stones that bounces off the dusty, cracked path. Hadrian’s boots dig into my side, and he tightens his grip which chokes me.

  “H stop tightening your grip, I can’t breathe.” I say.

  “Sorry,” he mumbles as he loosens his arms.

  “I’m not going to drop you,” I sigh.

  “I know.”

  Father stays in front walking quickly, the problem with my father is that he looks at the world one way, most people do. He never used to be like this, he appreciated life itself, but things change over time. I see this world in multiple forms; I have that time to look at it differently, and looking at it differently can change people, and it’s certainly has changed my father. I miss those days where he stops and takes in the beauty instead of the ugly that surrounds, where there is evil, there is good. At every dark tunnel, there is always light. I’d love if Father shared what he knows with Hadrian, but he doesn’t do anything like that. That is why I share my knowledge with Hadrian, show him what I know.

  “Thank you,” Hadrian whispers which take me a while to process.

  “For what?” I ask.

  “You know.”

  He has lost me.

  “Honestly I don’t.”

  “Acelyn stop messing around,” he whines.

  “The emplons.”

  I let out a chuckle finally understanding. A small smirk sits on my face as I decide to play dumb.

  “I don�
�t know what you’re talking about,”

  I can feel him pulling a face.

  “You’re annoying,” he whispers.

  “How dare you say that H, you hurt my feelings.” I act.

  “See – annoying.”

  “Alright H you are getting way too big for piggy back rides,” I say shaking him off.

  “You’re never too big for piggyback rides.” He grins.

  We carry on, Hadrian kicking stones into the bushes, Father stops in his tracks which makes Hadrian and myself stop too. He bends down looking into the bush and moves the nettles making a path. Hadrian and I look at each other confused as he enters, I decide to follow, and Hadrian follows too. I mimic my father’s movements and I see him standing on a hill head up high with his hand resting on his hips, and on his forehead blocking the sun. I walk up the dry muddy slope, small rocks tumble, and I stand next to him. I look in awe, overlooking at Elspeth City. In the distance a massive pearl dome sits behind everything, houses placed nicely around the city and outside. Large buildings emerge in the distance in many different shapes and sizes; more buildings dotted beyond the city. At night it looks more beautiful than it already is, the whole city is lit with blue, white and orange. A train track in the far distance stretches across the greater lands; a train enters into the dome.

  I never think that this world is capable if evil; it’s like an illusion, a beautiful, wonderful, destructive illusion.

  Trees stand proudly on the vast land, birds flying high in the vibrant sky, the clouds look like an explosion of ice, other clouds look like they’ve been scrunched and thrown randomly.

  “Do you remember me taking you here?” Father says fixed on the city.

  “Yeah,” I reply.

  We take a long moment soaking in the beauty, how can a place like this be cruel?