A Measure of Disorder (25 page)

Jenni woke to a sky blazing with stars.

She could feel the life around her, taste it almost. Mother lived and breathed in a way Earth just couldn’t match. One thing Mother didn’t have though — her parents. She cried at the thought of losing them for a second time.

Crank sat up and put an arm around her. Mr. Kain stayed on the ground and groaned.

“I’m not sure how much I like this ‘conduit’ thing.”

“Just rest for a minute, Crank and I will go find some
Tolenton’naie
,” Jenni said, composing herself.

She remembered some bushes to the north that she, Sara, and Tori had found when they had first arrived. She and Crank asked for several of the fruit and returned to Mr. Kain. He ate two in short order and managed to sit up.

“Brandon and the others have almost a day’s head start on us,” Jenni lamented. “I’d better fly up and see what I can find.”

“Their trail shouldn’t be hard to follow,” Crank said, pointing to the south. Tire tracks ran along the lake shore, then turned east, heading through the trees.

Jenni nodded. “I’ll be back in a little while.”

“Be careful,” Crank said.

Jenni created her leathery wings, somewhat self-conscious that she wore only “created” clothing. Then she took off, following the tracks.

Crank was correct: the trail was easily seen from the air. The truck had been driven through the thinly forested area and down into the hilly grasslands around Crank’s village. Jenni saw the devastation that had been wrought on the small community and, again, felt guilty for all the pain and suffering she and the others had caused Crank and his people.

The tracks turned north, following a small river running east of the village.
They must be looking for a place to cross.

After a couple of miles, the river had become shallow enough for the truck to cross, and Jenni picked up the trail on the other side, heading east again.

A few minutes later she saw a dark shape lying in the grass along the tracks. She flew closer and saw it was one of the
Gobinstratstorai
she had seen with Brandon. He lay, unmoving, staring at the night sky.
He’s dead!
Jenni realized.

She landed nearby and did her best to control her stomach. She had seen creatures die since she had come to Mother, but she’d never been this close. The
Gobinstratstorai
had burns and open sores on his hands and arms, and he looked almost human.
They must have been transforming, just like Crank.

Jenni leapt skyward again, following the trail. She encountered three more bodies, much like the first. Jenni didn’t stop to investigate, but flew on, hoping to catch up with the truck.

Soon, she saw light up ahead in the tall grass. The truck had stopped, but still had its headlights on. She didn’t see anyone around.

Jenni circled once then landed and walked to the front of the truck. Then she saw someone was sitting in the driver’s seat. He turned his head slowly and looked at her.

“Oh, hey, Jenni,” Todd said tiredly. The truck’s engine was off, and he sat woodenly, with his hands on the wheel.

Surprised, she said cautiously, “Um, hi, Todd … what’s goin’ on?”

“Hm?” he said in a daze. “Oh … Well, Brandon and those guys left and I’m supposed to drive the truck as far as I can.” He paused again. “But it ran out of gas.”

“I saw some of your other friends back there … what happened?” Jenni asked him.

Todd stared out the window ahead of him for a moment before answering. “They couldn’t heal like me. Radiation got ‘em. I’m startin’ to think this wasn’t such a good idea.”

Jenni was confused, but knew time wasn’t on her side. “Where are Brandon and the others?”

“He took some of the barrels to meet up with the army. I was the only one who could drive the truck, so … yeah.”

Jenni wondered briefly how many barrels Brandon could carry, but at least most of the dangerous material was still here, out of harm’s way. She had to get moving if she was going to have a chance to catch them. “Todd, you better get away from this stuff, even if you can heal, you don’t look so good.”

He turned and looked at her again. “Do you hate me, Jenni?”

What a strange question!
She looked at his tired eyes, enormous ears and thin, elongated limbs. “No, Todd, I don’t hate you. I feel sorry for you,” she said, and meant it.

He nodded once and put his head on the steering wheel. Jenni thought he might be crying. She shook her head and took off, flying as fast as she could back to Crank and her friends.

She found them in the trees, following the truck’s trail.

“Jenni!” Crank said with relief. “We were worried about you.”

“I’m okay. I found the truck.” She related what she’d seen and that Brandon and the others had gone on to
Seren’naie
to meet up with Mogritas’s army.

She tried to change into the dragon form she’d used on Earth, but couldn’t do it, as she’d suspected. Everything felt wrong again.

“Go without us,” Mr. Kain said. “You’re the only one that has a chance of catching up with them in time to do something.”

“But I can’t just leave you guys here by yourselves!”

“We’ll be fine. Mr. Kain’s right, Jenni, you have to go,” Crank implored her. “Matt can make us another boat and Bonnie can take us down river just like before. We’ll get there soon enough.”

“He’s right,” Mrs. Osorio said, “but you can take Lori and I with you, in case we can reach Zoe along the way.”

Mr. Kain nodded. “That sounds good. Take Crank’s small bag with as much
Tolenton’naie
as you can fit.” He took her by the shoulders and looked in her eyes. “You can do this, Jenni. We believe in you.”

Jenni looked at both of them and slowly nodded. “Okay.”

They quickly rearranged their supplies so she could take Crank’s bag and they filled it with
Tolenton’naie
. She formed a pocket to hold Mrs. Osorio securely and decided she was ready. She gave Mr. Kain and Crank each a quick hug and launched herself into the night air, speeding off to the southeast as fast as she could fly.

Brandon was in pain.

The salve Mogritas’s people had put on his feet had helped the wounds, but the pain was still there.

He couldn’t believe just carrying those barrels could have done that much damage. By the time they had reached the army, he could barely hold onto them. His feet had been covered in burns and bleeding sores, and the muscles in his talons had begun to spasm painfully.

The surface injuries had responded quickly to the ointment, but something deeper was still wrong.

Mogritas had been very pleased and had praised him for a job well done. Brandon just wished it felt more like a “job well done” to him. He felt tired and confused.

The conversation at the entrance to the city earlier hadn’t helped his confusion. Mogritas had seemed more interested in taking over the city than getting Carrie back. And from what the man on the wall had said, Carrie wasn’t even a prisoner as Mogritas had led them to believe. Mogritas had done so much to help him though — Brandon couldn’t sort it all out.

Mrs. Minch was frantic. She didn’t want to wait until morning to see Carrie. Mogritas had done his best to calm her by setting her to work with the earth spirit to create the counterweight needed for the catapult. She had found several other spirits wandering the area and had been able to get their help as well.

“Are you feeling better, my friend?”

Brandon hadn’t noticed Mogritas’s approach and was momentarily startled.

“Yeah, some. The stuff they spread on my feet helped, but they still hurt.”

Mogritas nodded. “The poison you brought is very powerful, but I’m sure we’ll be able to find something to finish the healing.” He gazed toward the city. “
Seren’naie
won’t be as lucky I’m sure.”

“About that,” Brandon said, “what was all that about wanting that old man’s title and stuff? I thought we were here to get Carrie.”

Mogritas smiled. “I’m sorry I didn’t have time to explain things earlier. Ba’ize — the old man — is the leader of the city, and he would never have believed that I had brought an army here solely for the purpose of retrieving the girl. So I simply told him what he expected to hear.”

That made Brandon feel more at ease. He couldn’t believe Mogritas, who had shown him so many kindnesses, had been lying all this time.

A commotion erupted by the catapult. Mrs. Minch’s voice could be heard over the shouts of others.

Mogritas sighed. “Get some rest, my friend. It appears I am needed to calm poor Kathy yet again.”

Brandon nodded and laid his head on the ground. He was quickly asleep, even over the din created by the upset Mrs. Minch.

Brandon woke a short while before dawn. He felt better, and although there was still a dull ache in his feet, much of the weariness from the day before had vanished.

Two herd beasts had been killed and left nearby and he set into them eagerly. The pain the day before had taken his appetite, but now he was famished. It didn’t take him long to devour both carcasses.

Once he was finished, the
Gobinstratstorai
that had tended his wounds before came to check on the bandages. He seemed very nervous and Brandon looked down and saw the bandages on his front feet were soaked in blood from his meal.
I really need to learn how to not be such a messy eater,
he lamented.

Brandon helped remove the bandages as much as he could so the healer could look at his feet. New skin and scales were already growing, and although everything was still tender, the healer seemed pleased with the progress. He repeated the procedure on Brandon’s back legs. Finally, the healer poured a large bottle of a syrupy liquid into a trough they had brought for Brandon to drink from. He stirred the water to mix it in, and indicated Brandon should drink it all.

Brandon nodded and thanked him, then set to drink.

The rest of the camp was waking up and making preparations for the day. Brandon felt an air of anticipation, and everyone was ready and waiting when the first movement appeared at the entrance to the city.

The city’s guard force formed up just outside the circular canal that bordered
Seren’naie
—
about a hundred yards away from the camp. Brandon saw they numbered maybe half of what Mogritas had brought, though the city’s forces were better armed.

Next, two figures walked over the bridge from the city, hand in hand, past the guards and toward Mogritas’s army. Brandon focused his vision and recognized them as fully a transformed Carrie and Marco. They walked until they were about twenty yards away and stopped.

Mrs. Minch screeched at someone, then broke free and ran to Carrie. She hugged Carrie tightly, as if she never wanted to let go. Carrie returned the hug, but not as vigorously. Mrs. Minch sobbed with joy, her huge ears shaking.

“Mom, it’s okay. I’m okay,” Carrie said after her mother had a minute to collect herself.

“Okay? It’s not okay! Those little monsters held me prisoner! And you too! I’m just so glad to finally have you back.”

“Mom, they’re not monsters, they’re good people. And they weren’t holding me prisoner.”

Mrs. Minch looked at her daughter doubtfully.

“Honest, Mom! It was my choice to come out here. Marco came along, too. He didn’t have to.” Carrie flashed Marco a shy smile.

Carrie continued in a lower voice, but Brandon could still make out her words. “Mom, the guy you’re with is a bad person. He’s a liar and he’s only using you to get what he wants.”

“That’s not true! He’s the only reason you’re here with me. No one else would help me.”

Carrie shook her head. “No, Mom. All you had to do was come here. None of this,” she said, indicating the army in front them, “was necessary.”

Mrs. Minch stood staring at her daughter, then shook her head. “Brainwashed … they’ve brainwashed you!”

Carrie groaned in frustration. “No, Mom, they haven’t brainwashed me. You’re the one that’s got it all mixed up. This Mogritas guy has been lying to you.” She paused and said, “Just like Dad.”

Mrs. Minch shook with rage and shouted, “Don’t compare him with your father! Mogritas is the only man who’s ever shown me any kindness! Your father was a lying dirt bag who walked out on the both of us!”

Carrie dropped her head. “I know, Mom. But Mogritas is the same, he’s just wrapped in a prettier package.”

Brandon felt embarrassed to be eavesdropping on such a personal conversation, but he couldn’t help but wonder if Carrie was right. He had trusted Mogritas, but what if he hadn’t been telling the whole truth?

Mrs. Minch was sobbing again. “Carrie, how can you say that? You don’t even know him.”

Mogritas chose this moment to step forward. Brandon didn’t know if he’d been listening. Maybe he wanted to console Mrs. Minch, or perhaps he just wanted to find out what was going on.

“Kathy, are you all right?” Mogritas said and gently placed an arm on her shoulder.

“No,” Mrs. Minch cried. “Carrie’s been saying awful things about you, and I don’t know who to believe.”

Mogritas looked surprised. “What has she been saying?”

Mrs. Minch looked up at him. “She says you’ve been lying to me all along. She was never held prisoner here and you’ve just been using me. Is it true?”

“Of course not.” He turned to Carrie then. “I care quite deeply for your mother. She is a remarkable woman.”

Carrie looked at him. “Okay. Prove it. I’m here and I’ll come with you. So turn this army around and march back to your castle.”

Mrs. Minch looked to Mogritas for a response.

It was the first time Brandon had ever seen him look unsure of himself.

“I can’t,” Mogritas said at last. “I still have some business with Ba’ize.”

A tear ran down Mrs. Minch’s cheek. “What business?”

Mogritas pursed his lips, then said, “I am the rightful ruler of
Seren’naie
. Ba’ize has brought the city to ruin, I am only trying to set things right.”

“More lies,” Carrie said.

“Why didn’t you tell me this before?” Carrie’s mother was distraught, like someone whose world was crumbling around her.

Mogritas watched her sniffling in front of him. Her greenish skin was blotched with pink and red from her tears and distress, and her ears drooped in despair. Brandon saw Mogritas’s eyes harden as he came to a decision.

“Because I chose not to,” he said coldly. Then he turned back to the camp and shouted, “Launch!”

“No!” Carrie screamed.

A groaning of wood and stone sounded from behind Brandon and then a whoosh as the arm of the catapult swept forward, flinging two of the barrels of waste toward the city.

“Reload!” Mogritas shouted.

A crew went to work resetting the arm.

“What are you doing?” Mrs. Minch screamed. “You said it was only to be used as a threat!”

He turned to her sharply. “I’m taking back what is mine! Now go! Go and enjoy your family reunion which I have so thoughtfully provided for you!” He pointed back to the camp. Around him, Brandon saw the army preparing to march.

Anger flared in Mrs. Minch’s eyes. “Never again,” she said quietly, but full of venom. “I swore to myself, I’d never let a man hurt me again!”

The first two barrels impacted, one on the southern guard tower and the other in front of the bridge, in the middle of the guard force. Both broke open explosively, spraying their contents several yards in every direction. Brandon heard screams of pain and fear and saw two noxious clouds forming where the contaminated liquid had landed.

In front of him, Brandon saw the earth reach up and encase the feet and legs of Mogritas. He twisted around and glared at Mrs. Minch.

“That was a mistake!” Mogritas said and shifted form, breaking his bonds and absorbing much of the dirt and stone into himself as he increased greatly in size. Brandon watched as a fierce, rust-colored dragon took shape in front of him.

Marco grabbed Carrie and dragged her out of danger.

Mogritas roared and faced Mrs. Minch. Sections of earth continued to rise up and grab at Mogritas and Brandon felt gusts of air buffeting him.

“Launch!” Mogritas shouted a second time.

The catapult groaned and swung once more, sending the last two barrels at their target.

Mogritas broke free from the earth again and swiped at Mrs. Minch with a foreleg.

She screamed, “Tear him apart!” as Mogritas’s talons ripped through her midsection and sent her flying through the air. Mrs. Minch landed heavily and didn’t move.

“No!” Carrie cried, running to her mother’s side.

“Form up and finish off those that haven’t died from the poisons! March!” The army hurried to obey, giving Mogritas a wide berth.

Brandon had been too shocked to move.

The second set of barrels hit their mark and blew apart, splashing their deadly contents through the ranks of the defending force and into the city entrance. More cries erupted from the helpless guards and citizenry.