Under the Stars (13 page)
Authors: Rebecca A. Rogers
“Not yet you don’t. There are more important matters.”
I yank my arm to see if he’ll loosen his grip, but he doesn’t. “What is wrong with you?” I demand through gritted teeth.
He stops so that we’re eye to eye and says, “You have no idea what it’s been like since you’ve been gone.”
“In three days?”
He ignores me and continues. “Not only have we been on limited rations, but our sales are limited, too, which ultimately confines how much money we make and how much we can buy. You do the math.”
“I don’t know what to tell you, Malik. I’ve been trying to convince you and myself that I did my best, but King Zarek wouldn’t have any of it. I played my part well, and yet he only complained about beggars in his court.”
“That’s why we’re going to talk to Old Man Tatters. He needs to speak to the King.”
I snort. “Yeah, good luck with that. The old guy will probably send us to live in Halgan, and it’s not much better from what I’ve heard.”
Malik has this crazy look in his eyes like he might punch me in the face any second. Luckily, he doesn’t. Have things really been that bad? How could everything change in three days? How could
I
have let my people down?
Old Man Tatters’s office is located in the back of the building where the town always convenes. He sits over a hand-crafted desk with two maidens connected at each end; both hold bowls of fruit. I mutely question how they were carved.
The white-haired man glances up at us from a stack of papers. “Can I help you?”
Malik pushes me forward.
“I’m Andrina—the one you sent to King Zarek.”
His eyelids thrust back, exposing too much pasty color. “How can this be? You only left a few days ago.”
“King Zarek sends you this message: if you want provisions for Legora so badly, then you need to plead for them yourself.”
Old Man Tatters fists crash on the top of his desk, triggering an involuntary jump. “This is a spit in my face! How dare he?” A wrinkled finger points at my nose. “You will get me those supplies—whatever the cost. Do you understand?”
“But there’s—”
“Do
not
challenge me, child. This town is depending on you to get the job done. If you can’t persuade the King, then we’ll all be forced to leave Legora and move elsewhere. Do you want that for everyone? Your family?”
My chin fights me, quivering. Does he not know what I’ve been through? King Zarek will never agree to this. He’ll send me back again.
“It won’t work,” I say, trying to keep the edge off my voice. “He wants you to be the one. Why won’t you go to him yourself? These are
your
people.”
“I am too old. I wouldn’t make the journey.” The elderly man moves around his desk, clasping each of my arms. “When you depart here, look at the face of every man, woman and child. With every minute that passes, they lose a small piece of their life. You can see it in their eyes.”
Malik pulls me away from the old man. “I’ll see to it that she’s off again if you have your guards ready.”
“No! You can’t do this to me,” I beg.
“If you don’t persuade him this time,” the old man begins, “then I will have to see that your family finds a home elsewhere.”
“What? You can’t just kick them out.”
“I’ll be kicking out more than just your family if we don’t get the supplies. This town has suffered too much, and I hate to see these people go through more pain.”
“C’mon, Andy,” Malik whispers, tugging at my arm. I shrug him off.
“Furthermore, if you become a bother with this, I’m afraid I’ll see to it that your family
never
makes it to Halgan or any other city left in this world.”
“Is this some kind of a joke?” I yell. It has to be. How can this old guy threaten to hurt my family when this entire town is about helping others?
Malik jerks my arm. I glare at both of them until he drags me to the middle of the market.
Near us are Mama and Xara.
I don’t know what’s gotten into him. It’s like he’s a totally different person. How can someone change so quickly?
“What is
wrong
with you? I thought you were on my side. He needs to speak to the King,” I say, pointing toward the building we came from.
“Well, it’s obvious he won’t, so what would you have me do?”
Mama’s busy flashing shiny jewelry to uninterested travelers. There’s a strained look in her eyes, almost as if she knows this won’t work out for us. What does she do with Mattie during the day?
While Malik glides over to his mother’s booth, I slink back unnoticed and run up the hill to our home. The front door swings open and crashes against the wall.
“Mattie?” I call. “Are you here?”
Shuffled footsteps come from the loft. Mattie appears next to the rail, wiping the sleep from his eyes. He stops, his eyes growing wider and wider.
“Andy?” his meek voice asks.
“It’s me,” I reply, taking the stairs two at a time. By the time I reach Mattie, his tiny arms are stretched around my neck.
“I thought you weren’t coming back.”
I shush him. “You didn’t think I’d stay in Valyad, did you?”
He nods his head.
“Don’t be silly. I couldn’t leave you and Mama behind. You know that, right?”
“But Mama said you might stay there. With them.” His eyes swell with tears, like he had actually believed he’d never see me again.
I try to clarify for him. I’m sure he misunderstood her. “She probably meant that I had to stay there for however long it took to convince the King. I’m back, though, because I couldn’t change his mind.”
“I think Mama will be happy you’re here,” he says, a smile forming on his lips.
“Mattie, I’m only home for a little bit. Since I didn’t receive the King’s help, I may have to go back.”
I shouldn’t have said anything. His entire face wrinkles like he’s in agony, and he buries his face in my shoulder, crying.
“You can’t leave us again,” he wails.
“I don’t want to leave you, but I’ve been assigned this task. If I don’t do it, then we don’t get to stay here. You don’t want to move again, do you?”
He shakes his head.
“No. Of course not. So if we can stay here, then everything will be okay. I just need to work on my powers of persuasion.”
Glancing through the railing, I see Mama standing at the entrance. She carefully closes the door behind her, as if it might shatter.
“Andy, what are you doing here?” she asks.
“I just got in not even an hour ago. I wasn’t of any use, so the King sent me back. He said that he needs to speak with an advisor, not someone of my lowly status.” I slowly take the stairs. Not that it matters, the place is so small I can hear a conversation that takes place in the kitchen, in the loft.
Mama crosses her arms. “So we’re not good enough people to speak to a king about our issues? That doesn’t make sense.”
“He’s the King. He can say and do as he pleases. Who are we to question his orders?”
“Have you spoken to Lazar?” Mama asks, taking a seat on the couch.
“Who?”
“Lazar. Legora’s leader.”
“Old Man Tatters?” I ask. Mama frowns, probably at the unusual nickname. “Yeah, I spoke to him. Malik dragged me into his office, so I didn’t have a choice.”
“And?”
“And… I have to go back. He won’t speak to King Zarek. Says he’s too old to make the trip.”
“You
have
to do something, Andy. We can’t continue living like this. I, like every mother out there, want to provide clothes and food and a good future for my children. I can’t do that hopping from town to town.”
I emit a melodramatic huff. “Why are you taking their side? Don’t you get it? I’m nothing. I’m an insect buzzing around his ear. If I continue this, it won’t take long before he’ll crush me.”
“If you
don’t
continue this, we might not make it. That’s the reality of it.” She stands from the couch. “I have to get back to work. When do you leave?”
“Not sure yet,” I mumble.
“Should you go before I see you again, you have my wishes for success. I hope the next time you return, you show up with items of necessity.”
“It’s not her fault!” Mattie yells, scowling at Mama over the railing.
She releases an exasperated sigh, looks at me and says, “Now see what you’ve done.”
When the door closes behind her, I feel like sinking to the floor and squalling until my eyes are dry. But then I remember I have to be strong for Mattie. Even now, he watches me. If I break, what will happen?
So I turn and say in my most convincing voice, “It’s okay, Mattie. Mama’s just tired from work. I’ll make it right this time.” I force a smile to my lips; it takes every fiber of strength in me.
30.
Lazar holds a private meeting with Mama and me after she is released from her work duties. We sit across from him at his desk. The papers that were piled up earlier are no longer there.
“I assume you know why you’re here, Andrina,” Lazar says.
“I do.” I give him a trivial nod and add, “But I think it’s a mistake.”
Mama gasps. “Andy, quiet.”
I refuse to look at her. I’m so upset about the way she treated me earlier, and that our show was in front of Mattie.
“Look,” I begin, leaning forward in my chair, “neither of you were there. King Zarek stated he doesn’t want anything to do with drifters anymore, but if my leader—
you,
Lazar—asks for supplies, then he’ll negotiate a deal. I don’t know how many times I have to repeat myself. He’ll only send me back.”
“Andrina, we
need
—”
“I know you need goods. We all do. If you feel I’m not qualified, then I suggest you find someone else to perform my job. I’m done.” I stand from my chair and exit before either of them has a chance to speak.
The thick night air envelops me. It’s like a rush of musky perfume. Creatures of all shapes and sizes collide with the unseen dome surrounding the city. Even through that mess, I can see the moon and stars perfectly.
But it’s not the vivid circle in the glittering sky that captures my attention; it’s the guards at the front gate running to place themselves into formation. I poke my head further around the inner dividing wall to see what’s going on.
“The King!” a footman yells.
What?
He’s here? Well, of course he’s here. But
why
is he here?
And then he comes into view. He first glances left, then right. A playful grin fastens itself to his lips when he notices me.
“You are a sight for sore eyes,” he exclaims.
I glimpse at my clothes—holes, dirt and all. “I don’t know whether to take you seriously or not, Majesty.”
“Where is your leader?”
I point to the closed door behind me. “In there.”
“I shall speak with him, and when I’m finished, I think I’ll enjoy a walk through the city.”
Curtsying, I reply, “Of course, Majesty.”
He brushes past me, disappearing past the door. Soon, Mama emerges. Her face is filled with the utmost confusion.
“Andy, what’s going on?” she asks, staring back toward the building.
“Um, that was King Zarek. Don’t ask me why he’s here.”
Mama scoffs. “He kicked me out like a dog.”
“Don’t feel bad. We’re all dogs to him.” Then I say, “I just hope he’s here to help.”
“Me too.”
Mama and I decide to walk to the housing area since we have no idea how long the conversation between Lazar and King Zarek will take. Mattie sits alone on the couch, in the dark.
“Oh, forgive me. I forgot to light some candles before the meeting,” Mama says. She finds her way to the kitchen, where the moonlight streams through the grimy window.
“Is Andy leaving?” Mattie asks.
I take a seat, pulling him into my arms. “I don’t know yet. The King is here. We won’t know his decision for a little while longer.”
He whimpers. “I don’t want you to go.”
“Andrina will do as the King asks. Isn’t that right?” Mama nods at me for my response.
“Of course,” I murmur.
If I don’t, I’ll be the disappointment of Legora.
For dinner, we third a chicken breast and tomato. I’ve completely lost my appetite. Maybe it’s due to stress or maybe it’s because the food here isn’t as grand as the meals in Valyad. With as much luxuries as I had there, I should be full until the end of the year. I’m being selfish, I know, so I slide my plate across the table to Mattie.
“But—”
“No, Mattie. You eat it. I’m not hungry.”
His downcast expression is enough to break my heart, but he finally takes the plate and dumps its contents onto his.
“I guess our food isn’t good enough for you anymore. That’s one reason you should enjoy going back, if not for the entertainment,” Mama says.
“Entertainment? I don’t understand what you’re getting at.”
“Don’t play me for a fool, Andrina. I know the King holds over-the-top gatherings and feasts fit for someone of his status. Don’t tell me you didn’t attend anything of the sort.”
“I did. But it wasn’t because I
wanted
to. It’s because I had no choice.”
Mama chews another bite of chicken before standing from the table.
“And I might not have to go back if they can work things out tonight. That means we can stay here. You should be excited,” I add.
“I would’ve been more excited had my daughter returned with the supplies this town needs.”
“Is that it? You’re upset because I didn’t win the King’s favor? What would you have had me do? Flaunt myself? Act like a fool?”
“Now you’re just being silly.”
“No, tell me, Mama. Tell me what I can do to make this better. Yes, I failed. Should I immediately call a town meeting and announce it to Legora? Would that help?”
Mama’s lips squeeze into a tight line. “I just think you could’ve done better.”
“Well, I’m sorry that I’m such a letdown. I’ll go wait outside the town hall and kiss the King’s feet, praying that the stars will grant me one wish—to return to Valyad. Excuse me.” I slip out of my chair, not bothering to look at Mama or Mattie. If I have to do what it takes for this town, then I will. As long as they don’t hate me for the rest of my life.
Before I reach the bottom of the hill, Malik catches up with me.
“I heard the King is speaking with Lazar,” he says.
“He is.”
“Is that where you’re going?”
“Yes.”
I don’t owe him an explanation, do I? He was the one who dragged me around town earlier, wanting me to leave again. Whatever happened to a nice hello, or maybe a hug?
He tugs at my arm, stopping me. “Look, I’m sorry. My family is scared. They don’t want to trek through the desert again. And I know your family doesn’t either. You know how hard it was before.”
“Yeah. I know.”
“I keep asking myself what would happen if we moved on to Halgan. Would it be any better there? Probably not. My family and I want to find a place to permanently settle.”
“I don’t know what to tell you or anybody else. If you think you can convince King Zarek, then be my guest.” I motion toward the inner city. “If not, stop blaming me for something I tried to fix.”
There’s nothing else I want to say to him. Everyone’s against me. Only I can make this better. He’s just slowing me down.
And it seems I’ve made it in time. King Zarek exits the town hall just as I show up.
“Ah, Andrina. How about that walk you owe me?” he asks.
I shrug. “Sure, I guess.”
We stroll around the perimeter of Legora’s central city. For a long time neither of us speak. King Zarek makes one comment about how his dome seems to be working well at keeping out nighttime creatures. But that’s the extent of it.
“I don’t mean to be audacious, but did you and Lazar work out a deal? This town is kind of depending on me to change your mind.”
King Zarek smiles. “You are courageous, but that’s what I like about you. My power has no influence in your eyes. Most people would rather lose their nerve than lose their head.”
“By now you’ve learned I’m not like most people.”
“No, you aren’t. Which is why I have a proposal for you.” He halts, taking my hand in his.
“And what is that?” My throat tightens, in fear. I have no clue what he’s about to offer.
“I would like for you to come back to Valyad with me. Spend a few weeks there.”
“What good will it do?” I try to pull my hand away, but he’s persistent on holding it.
Mildly amused at my question, he replies, “We’ll discuss it more once you’re there and rested. But I’m leaving that decision up to you.”
Nothing can describe the thoughts racing through my mind. I glance at the outer wall, how the mortar is crumbling. I notice how clammy the palms of my hands have become. And the number of holes in my shirt? Seven.
“Andrina…”
I refocus on him.
“…you don’t have to think about this right now. Think about it tonight. It’s been arranged that I stay here until morning. You can confer your choice then.”
I make a noise that sounds like a mix between a nervous laugh and an over-the-top exhale. He hovers closer to my face than I like, and then plants a soft kiss on my cheek. When his back is turned, I try to remove the mark of his lips with my forearm. But it seems my skin has already soaked it up.