And neither did Sam, no matter how much it broke her heart to watch him leave. Hawk was the one who held her as she cried at the prospect of never seeing her brother again.
Her mother shakes her head. “That was something Luca needed to do. You knew that.”
“Exactly.” Sam lifts her chin, waiting for her mother to see their hypocrisy.
This is something Sam needs to do.
Her mother’s shoulders sag. “This is different, Sam. Luca had some idea of what he was up against. He was prepared.”
“Don’t you see? I’ve been preparing for this my whole life! I didn’t know it at the time, but this is exactly what I’m supposed to do.”
All her knowledge, if it’s not for sharing, what else is it good for? The people of Askala already know its value and what they’re supposed to do with it.
It’s the people beyond their borders who need it.
And the very planet they’re standing on.
Sam reaches out to her mother, just like she did a moment ago with her. “This is what you raised me to do, Mom. To fight for this.”
Her mother’s eyes flutter closed before opening again, full of desperation and tears. “Please, Sam. We’re begging you.”
Sam stills. She’s always done what they’ve asked of her. Always. Making her parents proud is all she’s ever wanted.
But how can she be proud of herself if she stays?
How can she watch Hawk leave?
She shakes her head. Her parents may not agree with the decision she’s about to make, but maybe one day, they’ll be proud. “I’m a Seeker. I want to go.”
Her mother’s shoulders droop so low, Sam wonders how she doesn’t buckle. “Then you need to understand that we’re going to do everything we can to stop this from happening.” Her eyes beseech Sam’s. “We love you, we’re desperate.”
“But…that’s selfish. All I want is your support.”
“Love isn’t as clear cut as that, Sam. You leaving could be seen as selfish.”
Sam takes a step back, stumbling a little. Her mother reaches out, but Sam brushes her hands away. Is her mother saying Sam’s doing this for herself? To prove she can do it?
To be with Hawk?
Turning away, Sam takes a step further down the path. “If I stay, you’ll lose me anyway.”
Without looking to see what impact her words have, Sam continues to their destination.
Sam’s first meeting of the leaders.
She’s dreamed of this moment. Imagined it. Used to look forward to it…
Only one generation ago it was called the High Bound meeting, but Bound and Unbound no longer exist. Nor does the great big ship the meetings were held in.
Now, a large circular table has been built under the canopy of the trees not far from the ballroom, wooden stools circling it.
It’s peaceful. It’s beautiful. It holds the hearts and minds dedicated to Askala.
And Sam’s here. Taking the seat beside her mother, joining her father and everyone else she’s looked up to her entire life. And just like she hoped, Hawk and Mercy are there with her. Mercy’s with her parents. Hawk’s sitting quietly on Sam’s other side.
Except, this isn’t a dream come true. They’re not deciding on the future of Askala.
They’re deciding hers.
And every Seeker who passed the second Proving.
She wasn’t supposed to be here. They were all meant to be on their way to the Newlands by now.
Her father stands, and the shuffling around the large table instantly comes to a halt. “Thank you for coming here at short notice. With the new information we’ve received, there are decisions to be made.”
Sam’s hands tighten in her lap. The decision whether the Seekers should even leave.
Her father indicates to Wren and she stands. “As you all know by now, a note was intercepted this morning. It speaks of stage one being complete and to wait for the Commander’s further instructions.”
An unsettled murmur drifts around the table. People glance at each other, their sense of peace suddenly feeling fragile.
Wren’s gaze connects with each person. “The Outlanders are planning something. I believe they’re preparing for war.”
Dex rests a hand on her arm. “We don’t know that for sure. But it’s certainly worrying.” He glances at Mercy on his other side. “The Newlands are far more dangerous than we anticipated.”
Sam’s father nods. “We need to discuss whether it’s safe for the Seekers to go there.”
Hawk stills beside Sam. There hasn’t been time to talk, but she knows all his dreams are riding on the vote that her father will propose.
Sam freezes. What will Hawk do if they’re told the Seekers must remain in Askala? Will he leave anyway?
If he does, Sam will have to choose.
Her father’s gaze falls on Luca across the table. “Luca, could you tell us what the Seekers can expect when they arrive in the Newlands?”
Her brother nods and stands as if he was expecting this. Tension winds through Sam’s gut. Why does it feel like they’re being ganged up on?
Luca clears his throat. “The Outlanders who arrive here aren’t the same as the people the Seekers would meet out there. They haven’t just been offered a safe haven and unlimited food. They’re desperate and accustomed to using violence to get what they need.” His gaze falls on Mercy. “Women are the most vulnerable. They’re seen as a possession. More of a commodity to be traded.”
A few women inhale sharply. Mercy simply lifts her chin, holding Luca’s gaze.
Luca’s brows twitch down as he looks away. “They fight first, ask questions later. And now that we know they’re planning something, they’re going to be less likely to want us over there. They’ll see it as a threat.” His gaze clamps onto Sam. “That’s why they didn’t welcome us when we went to the Newlands. Why they walked us out with spears.”
Sam’s hand flutters in her lap, wanting to press it against her cheek. The swelling and bruising are subsiding, but the ache still clings.
Except one moment of anger isn’t enough reason to quit. Doesn’t Luca see? The only way the people of the Newlands can learn Askala isn’t a threat, that there’s so much they can learn from each other, is to show them.
Grace seemed like someone they could reach. Maybe even Raiden.
And imagine what would happen if the Commander listened? If he were helping spread the message…
Her father’s pale as he nods. “Did you know about this new Commander?”
“I’d heard whispers, but I didn’t believe it was true,” Luca says heavily. “Since Ronan died, they’ve fought amongst themselves too much. They were never that coordinated.”
Dex leans forward. “And this Falcon they mention. Have you heard anything about him before?”
Luca shakes his head. “I’m guessing it’s code for something.”
The Falcon is dead.
Everyone’s mulled over that puzzle. Obviously, the Outlanders were waiting for that to happen. Whatever it is. And it’s now cleared an obstacle for whatever they’re planning.
Sam has to hold herself in place. She wants to stand, to shout at every worried face.