Eyera (The Eyera Series Book 1) Read online

  Hadrian stumbles up and stands between us, he looks at the city and then turns around with a crinkled face.

  “What do you think H?” I ask.

  “Nothing special,” he says.

  I shake my head. He has a lot to learn.

  “We have seen the city many times,” he says, bored.

  “But have you seen it from this distance?”

  He stands in front tilting his head up high moving from left to right scanning it.

  “It’s nice but as I said, nothing special.”

  Father brings up his arm looking at his watch.

  “Come now we best get going,” he says.

  Hadrian follows immediately, but I keep my feet planted on the earth. I take this moment to appreciate the view; maybe today will be a good day.

  “Come on Acelyn.” Hadrian shouts breaking me from the hypnotising city.

  CHAPTER Three

  We stand by the bus sign with four men and two women looking rough and tried. We wait for what seems like hours, by this point I am tempted to walk, but that will take days to reach the city, as much as I would love to walk it.

  A loud rumble makes Hadrian’s head dart; a silver bus drives steady, rocks crushing underneath the large black tyres. The bus halts hissing as the driver opens the doors, a strong whiff of exhaust fumes makes me crease. Hadrian quickly gets on, but father stops him.

  “Hadrian,” he says sharply.

  Hadrian realises what he’s done and looks at the people and murmurs an apology. He steps off and let the people on, and they smile.

  “What have I told you Hadrian?” Father says.

  Hadrian looks at the floor then at me and finally at Father.

  “Manners comes first,”

  Father ushers Hadrian and he runs to the back. I take small steps against the porpoise floor; my hands connect with the metal bar as I travel further, rows of dark green seats filed in a line containing two seats, and the back contains four seats. All the people are mixed with different feelings a lot of them nervous or scared or both.

  I sit next to Hadrian and look at my father as he reaches into his light blue jeans, pulling out two cards and gives it to the driver. The driver studies and stamps both cards. My father walks to us and takes a seat.

  “What was that about?” I ask hoping he’ll answer but knowing him; he will say ‘it’s nothing to worry about.’

  “Nothing to worry about Acelyn,” he says. I knew it.

  “Dad?”

  He sighs and smiles.

  “It was business, Acelyn, I crafted something for his wife, and in return we get free transport, here’s your card and this is mum’s card,” he says pulling out the cards showing me.

  “Oh, this is great.” I take the card inspecting it.

  “I told you there is nothing to worry about,” he says yet again.

  “Just like your mother.”

  “Where’s my card?” Hadrian says.

  “You get one when you’re older,” he says, raising a hand meaning the conversation is over, but that doesn’t stop Hadrian from muttering under his breath, ‘I’m old enough.’

  The doors shut and the bus takes off making the same hissing sound. The bus jerks left and right making our bodies jump and collide. Hadrian crashes into me a few times smiling as it happens. The roads in Siver are awful; it’s beaten and messy, no one in Siver has cars, the only transport is the bus. Some people can not afford the travel expenses, how does the Director expect people to survive if it’s difficult to get anywhere? It’s hard enough to buy food and adding travel suspense makes it difficult. Sometimes, people take their backpacks and hike to the city sleeping on the side of the roads or in the field.

  I look out the glass window only to be greeted by green and brown bushes. I get bored knowing the journey will take a while, so I lightly rest.

  I am shaken lightly and then violently. I wake up seeing Hadrian nudging. He doesn’t say anything as I know we are here. I step off the bus; the road is smooth, and the bushes have bright pink and yellow flowers, large trees hover above. People come out of their small coral houses waving at us.

  I look at Father as he starts fiddling with his fingers, he hides it well from other people but I can see it crystal clear. He doesn’t allow Hadrian to see his nerves, but Hadrian is oblivious. He gets scared taking us here especially Hadrian; he told me once he preferred it was just me and him or him alone. But Mother said to bring Hadrian. Hadrian doesn’t quite fully understand the world we live in, even though Father has explained about the city, the guards, Eyera and the Director so many times, Hadrian is convinced everyone has something good in them. He has a good heart, but that can be seen as weakness. When I was eleven years old, my father told me what I should and shouldn’t do. I’ve seen horrible things, things that I hope Hadrian never sees or experiences it.

  We walk across the road looking up, my mouth is slightly open. The blue, silver buildings touch the sky. I take a deep breath of air, the air is fresh and feels clean too, in Siver, we smell of charcoal or sometimes smell of paint and wood.

  We get to an arched brick that says Elspeth City in steel letters welcoming us in, shades of blue pavement tiled across and large buildings tower over us casting shadows. In the middle lies a large circular crystal fountain, two big sculptured lions on either side, mouths opened ferociously. On top of the fountain, a fearful black figure sculptured, it cannot be seen as male or female, but whatever it is, it’s scary. Its posture is high and sturdy; its hand rests on one of the lions and looking at it will give people nightmares. I shiver every time I look at it. The water from the fountain sprays in rings. Father walks ahead with Hadrian behind and enters through the tunnel. Hadrian turns.

  “You’re so slow.”

  I stroll taking in everything, I’ve seen the city a few times, but it always changes, they add new buildings, houses, markets and outside sculpture, and the air changes too.

  “It’s called appreciating H,” I say.

  I catch up, and we both enter through the tunnel leading us to the dome. People are dressed differently, some dress in smart clothes and others scruffy and ragged. We fit in between, that is all thanks to my mother as she sews, she enjoys sewing and makes sure that our clothes are somewhat presentable.

  Inside the dome the walls are painted with a thick coating of gold and silver and unique sculptures. White tiles spread on the gleaming floor. A white train with silver rims stops in the middle with people carrying heavy boxes; this train is sent from Eyera containing clothes, food, water and fabrics for market uses. Eyera has a three coloured trains, white, silver, blue and white; I’m not sure what the silver train is used for, but the blue and white ones are for the rich.

  Four letters carve on doorways. N. E. S. W. We go under the letter S, as soon as we enter the atmosphere changes – people beg, covered in dirt and ripped clothes.

  At the side, men and women in grey uniforms observe, it’s the signature Eyera uniform. Some of the guards bring out their white clubs threatening to hit the beggars. Father pulls Hadrian tighter to his side making sure he doesn’t do anything. All he wants to do is get food and get home quickly as possible.

  I look at the people from my hometown; it hurts knowing they can’t feed their families, all they want is extra food, and it makes me sad seeing them beg, and Eyera not caring.

  “Acelyn, go to the fruit market, Hadrian and I will go to the trading centre,” Father says as he hands me coins.

  Father is good friends with the man who runs the trading centre. I make my way to the fruit market only having enough to get a small portion of blueberries, three banana’s, and two apples; it’s not much, but it’s something.

  “Acelyn wait,” a voice shouts.

  I turn round to see Hadrian dashing, Father’s body stiffens.

  “Can I come with you?” he asks.

  I look at Father who is not approving.

  “H no, it’ll be best if you stay with Dad,” I say.

  “I’m
old enough to take care of myself, I’m eleven years old,” he snaps.

  I rest my hand on his shoulder.

  “I know, I won’t be long, I promise,”

  He pouts.

  “Okay.”

  Hadrian runs back to Father.

  I head outside, lots of markets and small stores spread through the city, there are not many cars in Elspeth due to it being busy, only guards use cars in the city, and they rarely get used, only if something bad has happened.

  I dig deeper into the city; a giant monitor planted high on a wall. Usually, it’s used when Eyera announces new rules, new recruitment, and new technology, not as I care for technology. I have no use for it.

  I carry on walking to the fruit store; an old man owns the store. Not a lot of people go in there because there are bigger and better stores, but I go in for support. Plus his fruit is fresh and tastes better than any other store. The store hides in a corner down an alley, only fitting three customers. I don’t think a lot of people know he exists. A sign hangs slanted on the crooked door, I push it open and the bronze bell rings calling him from the back. I like the old man he is generous and loves telling stories. Not many people have time to listen but I enjoy hearing about them, he finds happiness in everything, like Hadrian. And I like that.

  Looking in the light brown baskets lots of fruits fresh, bright and tasty, especially the cherries they are my favourite, so sweet and so delicious. But so expensive.

  “All done,” the old man says as he smiles gracefully.

  I look up at the counter to see a brown paper bag filled with the fruit I needed. I guess after coming here all these years he knows exactly what I’m after. I smile thanking him. I give him a few silver coins and he places them in the register drawer. I see a glimpse of sadness, it’s with him every day, his wife died a long time ago, I don’t know how she died, but I heard it was by the hands of Eyera, she was a lovely woman too. All his stories are about her. I take the paper bag and head to the door but his voice stops me.

  “Be safe,” he says worriedly.

  He tells me those words every time I leave the store.

  I slip out walking down the narrow alley passing other small businesses. I push my hands inside my pockets feeling a little chilly, fiddling with the last few coins, not much I can get. Something yellow captures my attention on my left, and I follow, a bright yellow sign greets me in, a sweet store, a very popular one. I inhale the sweet smell of different flavours; strawberry, banana, toffee and maple leaping of my nose making me drool. I walk by the shapes and sizes of sweets, some in boxes, packets and others in glass jars. I head to the emplons to surprise Hadrian with a box. I touch the price tag, ouch. I count the coppers and silvers hoping to have enough but hit with disappointment. Maybe next time.

  The door swings open, a little boy bounces in gleaming with joy as he sees all the sweets, his father walks in too, Mr Galyzes. I know him, not personally of course, but I know of them, they live in Nisahles. Both are smart, wearing stylish suits and expensive black leather shoes, his father wears a blue hat which finishes the touch of his look. The little boy runs around the store shouting at all the sweets he wants as his father puts them in a tub. Once the boy finishes Mr Galyzes pays for them, he lifts up his hat greeting the man behind the counter. Mr Galyzes does this when he greets and when he says goodbye. The little boy turns around and catches me staring; he comes over curiously to know what I’m doing.

  “Hello miss,” he says formal and gentle.

  I return a smile, and he looks at the emplons.

  “Have you ever tried these?”

  He shakes his head.

  “You should try them, they are delicious; my little brother loves these.” I wink.

  The little boy picks up a box studying it; he runs to his father, and he pays for the box. The little boy looks about nine years old maybe a little younger, seven perhaps. The little boy rips open the emplons and pops one into his mouth; his face scrunches as the strong coconut flavour hits him, after a few seconds his face melts as the delicious fruit tackles his taste buds. I smile at his reaction, but the moment is disturbed as the door bashes open, cracking the window, Mr Galyzes’s face turns white, two Eyera guards come in followed by the second in command, Officer Slevic. A slashed scar sits over his white eye, looking like an Inland Taipan. Scrawny but deadly. He looks at Mr Galyzes’s, lip curling. I’ve heard that both of them are big gamblers, betting insane amounts of money. But something is not right. Officer Slevic slinks to Mr Galyzes, people in the store run out and the man behind the counter hides in the back.

  “I’m sorry, I-I don’t have the stuff, please give me some more time. I-I promise you will get it,” Mr Galyzes says struggling.

  Officer Slevic growls impatiently. Officer Slevic has done many cruel things; unspeakable acts. Betting against an Eyera and losing specially to an officer such as Slevic, you’re asking for death. Never, ever go against Eyera, never stand up for yourself and don’t dare speak your mind. That is the way it is, one wrong move – just one – and it’s game over.

  Officer Slevic tilts, plastering a wicked smile.

  “Hmm, maybe you need a little motivation,” he sniggers.

  Officer Slevic stares at the little boy who hides behind his father. Mr Galyzes sees Officer Slevic stare, and he begs as he knows what Officer Slevic is planning. Officer Slevic rips the boy from his father, but before Mr Galyzes can react, he is held by the two guards.

  “Papa,” the little boy says frightened.

  If any parents break the law, Eyera punishes them by beating their children in front of them as a warning for them not to disobey, they take it as far by taking their children away to Eyera. A parent having their child ripped from them is horrible, but this is different. I watch Officer Slevic wrap his snaky hands and place them on the little boy’s head, Officer Slevic smiles monstrously, his white eye glowing and with one twist he snaps the boy’s neck. The little boy’s face freezes, mouth open and falls to the floor, his dark pitiful brown eyes stare through my soul. The cadaver boy lies in front of me, lifelessly all because of his father’s addiction. Mr Galyzes wails and drops to his knees picking up his child, tears fall and snot runs down his lip. I stumble in shock, nearly knocking over jars, my heart beats unevenly. I look at Offer Slevic; his monstrous smile is still on his face. He mutters and walks out of the store leaving a tour family.

  I roam – needing to get out; I cannot stand the sight. I hear Mr Galyzes mumble and see he’s trembling.

  “Oh God what have I done, this is my fault, all my fault, please come back to me.”

  Guilt and tears flood as I run, running far away as possible but visions lithograph in my head. The little boy’s neck snapped in front of me. One snap was all it took to end him, an innocent little boy. I should be used to this by now, I have seen many children get hurt by Eyera, but this one got to me more than anything, this little boy had many years of life, and it was taken instantly.

  I run back to the dome avoiding people’s stares. I see my father up ahead, and I run giving him the bag, he sees something is wrong. He asks if I’m okay and what has happened, but I ignore him because there is only one person I need the most right now, and that is Hunter.

  CHAPTER Four

  I run and run passing through a crowd of people; they know what I have seen, some show apologetic looks and others don’t acknowledge me, they know the horrors that lie in the city, and doesn’t matter how many times I see the bad stuff it will always affect me. I try to shake off the haunting images, but they come back stronger. Fear is everywhere. Seeing that boy fall all I saw was Hadrian, Hadrian’s brown eyes staring back and I get scared thinking one day that can happen to him, something like that or worse. That could be him.

  I don’t want Hadrian to see this; I want to protect him, I want him to have a good life not seeing this city drown. It’s difficult to shield. I don’t want things like this to change him. I hate the guards more than anything. My father taught me not to ha
te but how can I not hate these guards? All they do is hurt people and strike fear into everyone. I cannot show love, appreciation or anything like that to people who enjoy hurting others.

  I knock into people; I don’t stop till I am at the bus stop, I want to carry on running back home but obviously, I can’t. I press my palms on my knees panting breathlessly, shaking my head rapidly. I run my fingers through my hair, scrunching the top, wanting to scream my lungs out but I suffer in silence. I sit on the floor pulling my knees up, burying my head in my arms; I want to get back home and see Hunter, he makes me forget about the bad things, and he keeps me from falling.

  I hear the bus stop, a low rumble follows by, and the door opens. I hop on and show my card, and take a seat at the back; I rest my head on the window, I thought today was going to be a good day, I was wrong. So stupid to think like that.

  I remember when Father took me into the city when I was eight years old, it was my first time on a bus and entering the city; it looked much bigger and I got lost in how gorgeous the city looked. The air smelt of fresh bread; it would make my stomach growl. My father and I went to the fruit store, but I got bored of them talking and decided to go outside and look around. The buildings surrounded me which made me feel small like an ant. There were kids my age on devices laughing. I admit I wanted to be friends with them but didn’t exactly make the cut. I wasn’t watching where I was going and accidentally bumped into an Eyera guard. My father told me not to make eye contact and don’t speak unless you’re spoken too, I was so scared, so, so scared thinking he was going to kill me, but nothing happened. The man looked down and smiled, and said ‘accidents happen’ and left; leaving me confused. I thought maybe the guards had a heart after all. My father saw the incident and scolded me never to abandon the store without his permission. I saw the guard in a heated argument with another guard; it was like as he was forbidden to show kindness. A few days later I heard my father and mother talking about the incident; he said that the guard was killed because of what he did; because that man showed kindness. I will never forget that. Even to this day is makes me guilty, if I never bumped into him, he’ll be alive today.