Marital Law Read online

  ****

  It took many months for me to settle back into my old routine in Providence. I was different somehow and couldn't for the life of me figure out why. For one thing, I looked at the children in a different light. There were many instances I found myself wanting to play with them, to throw down my spear and be like them. This only further confused me. I also thought it strange that I couldn’t remember what had gone on during my time in the forest, how I’d managed capture Colin and bring him to justice.

  A few weeks after I returned from the forest, Kaylee surprised me by showing up at the house unexpectedly for dinner. After dining with us, she asked me to take a walk with her. I could tell something was on her mind, as we headed towards town.

  “So, what’s going on?” I asked after we’d trekked a good distance from the house.

  “Are you okay, Sidnie? I mean, you’ve been a little different ever since you came back from the forest.”

  “What? Of course I’m okay. I’m the same Sidnie as I was before the forest, and I’ll be the same after my wedding in a few weeks. Why do you ask?”

  “It’s nothing. I should head home,” Kaylee said as she turned to leave.

  Grabbing her arm, I said, “I’ve known you since we were toddlers, Kaylee. What’s going on?”

  “It’s just that you seem distracted, not completely here. What happened out there?”

  Knowing Kaylee would be heading out in just two short weeks to capture her own dweller, I understood what she was going through. “I wished I knew. My memory of that time is nonexistent. But it really doesn’t even matter. The important thing is that I was successful, and I have no doubt you will be as well. Now don’t dwell on it and use these next few weeks wisely. Spend time with your family and continue to hone your skills.”

  Squeezing my hand, Kaylee said, “Thanks, Sidnie. I’m thankful to have you as a friend.”

  “I’m very thankful to have you,” I replied.

  Before she departed, Kaylee said, “I wanted to congratulate you on your upcoming marriage to Caleb. The two of you will be good together.”

  Her words were kind, but it was obvious there was something there, something I couldn’t quite put my finger on. She seemed sad almost, and I had no idea why. I eventually dismissed it, assuming she was just dealing with a lot. After all, she would soon take her final steps to womanhood.

  ****

  Lucius

  He headed to the basement, his mission plain, his mind set. He had to do something, or else she would have him removed. He would be discarded again, treated like the innards of a dead animal.

  There were plenty of specimens strapped to steel tables: the abnormals, Lucius called them. He'd been collecting them for months, using them for his little experiments. He needed something to help capture the dwellers, something to bring them to their knees.

  Going from one table to the next, Lucius studied them, trying to decide which one might be able to withstand his potion. He'd lost seven already, none able to hold up against the severe changes it wrought on the human body.

  Up to this point, Lucius had only chosen the biggest, strongest males in the group, but he was beginning to think a female might work better. After all, the mind was what had gone south on his previous specimens, not the physical body. And it was a well-known fact that women were stronger mentally than men.

  Deciding upon a dark skinned, older looking woman, Lucius carefully unstrapped her from the table, tossed her drugged body over his shoulder and headed for his lab. Using the key strapped to his belt, Lucius opened the lock and entered his private sanctuary, his peaceful haven away from Marcella and her childish ways.

  Placing the woman's body in the experiment chair, Lucius carefully strapped her down. He knew how important it was to keep her arms locked down. He'd learned that lesson the hard way.

  His first specimen had gone mad, throwing and breaking everything in sight. The man/creation eventually made his way to Lucius and attempted to choke him to death. His only saving grace was his height. The thing had to get on its tip toes to reach him, and Lucius had managed to knock him to the ground in the process. It was a pretty harrowing experience, one he would never allow to happen again. The specimens gained incredible strength when injected and Lucius still cringed to think what might've happened had the thing found his neck.

  Before he injected her, Lucius looked at the spot where her missing leg should've been. He knew she'd have to be discarded, even if the potion actually worked. What good would it do to give her super human strength if it took her an hour to walk a half mile?

  Lucius didn't feel bad for what he was doing. To the contrary, by bringing them here to his lab he'd actually extended their lives. The lame weren't allowed to be placed with the sick and aged. They were sent to the badlands as part of an agreement Marcella had made with their leader. In essence he'd saved them, at least temporarily. Once they'd fulfilled their experimental value they were put to sleep and then transported to the badlands.

  Taking the needle, Lucius went over to the woman and waited for her to awaken. The drugs only had another minute or so before they wore off. It gave him a sort of sick pleasure to see the horror on their faces when they saw the needle coming at them.

  The woman went into panic mode, but her struggle didn't last long. Within minutes, her efforts were spent and all she could do was watch helplessly as the long needle pierced her arm. With the woman's resolve now broken, Lucius bent and loosened her straps enough to accommodate for the growth that always accompanied the drug.

  Lucius couldn't control himself as a large smile came across his face. Stepping back, he gave the drug a few seconds to work its magic. He was fairly certain the makeup was right. He'd meticulously gone over it again and again. It has to be the specimen, not the potion. This time it will work. This time I will succeed.

  The woman's skin color began to change to a dark blue. Her veins started to protrude, and Lucius looked on as the drug coursed its way all throughout her body. Her arms expanded first, and then her legs. She grew two feet taller in length, even the stub where her leg had been lengthened. She managed to break the chair she was seated in, but not the hand restraints.

  Knowing they were probably next, Lucius said forcefully, “My name is Lucius and I am now your master! You will do as I say or I will be forced to dispose of you! Do you understand?”

  The new creature struggled a few more minutes and then it looked Lucius up and down. It appeared confused, lost. The thing managed to break the bond securing its left arm and went to work on its right. It was making some sort of loud grunting sound the entire time, and it intensified after the one strap finally gave way.

  “Stop! I demand you to stop!” Lucius bellowed. “You will do as I say!”

  The thing temporarily halted what it was doing and glanced over at Lucius. It then proceeded to glance back and forth from its straps to him. Lucius seized upon it. “You will cease what you are doing and listen to me! I saved you from being tossed out into the badlands and brought you here. If you obey me, I will allow you to live out the rest of your life here in the Capitol.”

  The creature/human looked puzzled, but it was obvious it understood the Capitol, because it nodded its head at the mention of the word. And then it shook it off and went back to work on its remaining bond.

  “Stop that! I will release them when you acknowledge that I'm your master.”

  The thing hesitated, looked back at Lucius, and then it nodded again.

  “Say it!” Lucius ordered.

  “You, you are mast...master,” the thing managed.

  “Good. Now before I release you, I need you to understand that the drugs I've given you will instantly kill you if you try to harm your master in any way. When I created this little elixir, I included this little fail safe as a means of protection.” Lucius said, pointing at the needle he still held in his hand. “And just to be clear, who is your master again?”

  The former woman pointed at him.


  Satisfied, Lucius undid her bond and said, “Now that we have that out of the way, I would like for you to test your strength for me.”

  For the next few hours, Lucius guided the woman through a series of wooden and metal weapons and had her attempt to break them. She had to complete each task while seated, for obvious reasons. The beast inside of her seemed to grow stronger with each test, leaving a mass of destruction in her wake.

  The success at having created something with super human strength was too much for Lucius to keep to himself. After leaving his new creation, he let out a loud yell of success.

  Chapter 11

  Walking alongside Kaylee, I nodded my final encouragement as she entered the forest. Today was her day and I wanted the best for her. What I didn’t want was for her to get captured, or to end up like Ellen.

  “Remember everything you've been taught and keep your eyes open at all times,” I reminded Kaylee, realizing I was probably more nervous than she was.

  “I will, I will. Now please stop hounding me. You are making me tense up,” Kaylee said.

  “I'm sorry, Kaylee. I just want you—”

  “I know, Sidnie. And I appreciate you being here for me. Just go over some of the dwellers' routines again with me.”

  “Mother said they never leave their camp without a battle buddy, and they prefer the bow and arrow over the spear. You and I both know that firing off an arrow can only be done fully standing or kneeling, so this will give you the advantage,” I replied.

  “Thanks, Sidnie. I will keep that in mind. Well, you take care of yourself, just...” Kaylee started.

  “Don't even think about it. You will be back, and I will be right here waiting,” I replied as I squeezed Kaylee's shoulder for encouragement.

  Nodding her head, Kaylee turned and entered the forest. She looked worried, doubtful.

  I prayed to the Mother that Kaylee would be successful, that she would make it out alive.

  The next day lasted an eternity, my mind consumed with thoughts of my friend and what she might face. I had encamped on the outskirts of town, the best vantage point of the forest. I didn’t expect to see Kaylee for another day or two, but I wanted to be there regardless.

  I had just dozed off to sleep when I heard something. Slowly coming to, I looked on as two figures exited the forest, heading towards town. What? Kaylee?

  Sprinting towards them, I was both surprised and ecstatic to see my friend. “Kaylee, you did it. You just beat the fastest time. I can’t believe it.” I said throwing my arms around her. I didn’t even notice her prisoner.

  “Yeah, it was pretty easy, to tell you the truth. This dweller was off hunting for food, when I sneaked up on her. She never even saw me coming. I had her bound and gagged before she even realized it.”

  Taking a few minutes to really look at the prisoner, I did a double take. I recognized the girl but wasn’t sure how. She appeared to be a few years older than me and Kaylee, with dark brown eyes, and a muscular build. She didn’t look worried, maybe even bored.

  “Do you recognize her?” Kaylee asked.

  “Not really, but she looks familiar.”

  “It’s Brianna Melbourne. She used to live down the road from me. She went into the forest two years ago and never came back. My guess is she defected to their side. A traitor.”

  “I’m sure MOM will be very proud of you for bringing her to justice. Good job, Kaylee,” I said. But I was conflicted inside. It was hard not to be a little jealous of Kaylee. She had not only broken the record, she’d captured a traitor. She would be hailed a hero, and I would have to hear all about it for years to come.

  ****

  My dreams were haunted by some distant land where children laughed and played freely, and the sick and aged lived life alongside everyone else. I felt like I was a foreigner in my own land, and I knew my own people were taking about me. I did my best to quell their rumors. I wouldn't have people thinking me weak.

  I went out of my way to show how skilled I was, how I wasn't to be messed with. By my wedding day, I had proven myself again, had removed any doubt about my abilities with the spear and with my hands.

  Time passed slowly after Kaylee returned and was hailed a hero. Even though my life wasn't bad, it wasn’t exciting either. I’d envisioned bringing the entire forest to its knees, but had barely even succeeded in capturing a single dweller. And it had taken me an extra day at that.

  I did my best to find happiness with Adeline, Mother, and Father. But something was always missing. Even hunting had lost its appeal. I killed, I ate, and I still felt lacking.

  Hoping to bring some focus back into my life, I decided to take a walk down to the arena. It was important to know the layout of the arena, the place where I might possibly have to fight for my husband to remain in my household. I had been there often as part of my training on many occasions, had imagined battling numerous opponents. I remained at the arena for nearly an hour, but it did little to help my demeanor.

  When I returned home, I must've still been carrying around my jealousy, because Adeline pulled me off to the side and said, “Is everything okay?”

  “I guess so. I’m sure you already heard how Kaylee came back from the forest with the fastest time for completing her mission. I know I should be happy for her, but...”

  “It's perfectly common to feel these things, Sidnie. Listen, you succeeded in capturing a dweller, and in a few short days, you will be wed to Caleb. And everyone in Providence knows your skill, your ability,” Adeline said.

  “Wow! When did you suddenly become the adult?” I said, as I hugged my sweet Adeline. “Thanks. I'm glad I've taught you so well.”

  “Nah, all of that came from Mother. This might come as bit of a surprise, but I secretly get a little jealous of you too.”

  “What? Why would you be jealous of me?”

  “Uh, because you are much faster than me, and you never miss. I've watched you train for years now, Sidnie. You are always spot on. I can barely hit the outer perimeter of the target,” Adeline said downtrodden.

  “Listen to me, Adeline. You never have to be jealous of me. If you need help achieving expert marksmanship, all you have to do is ask.”

  “I know, but—” Adeline started.

  “But what?”

  “It's just that you seem to be somewhere else all the time, ever since you returned from the forest.”

  A beat. I couldn't dispute what Kaylee and Adeline were saying, because my mind, maybe my entire being did feel like it belonged elsewhere. And the dream place was beginning to haunt my days and nights.

  I found myself drifting off to this make-believe city in the trees, fending off creature’s half-human, half-beast. But I couldn't tell Adeline such madness, or anyone else for that matter. I had to pull myself from the funk and appear normal, or my adult life would be one of trials and challenges.

  “I'm sorry, Adeline. I've just been wracking my brain trying to recall the time I lost in the forest. Listen, I promise I'll put all of that behind me, and from this day forward, I'll be the same big sister I used to be.”

  “That would be great. And I really could use your help with target practice.”

  “Consider it done. We will begin first thing in the morning.”

  Suddenly noticing how empty the house was, I said, “Any idea where Mother and Father are?”

  “Mother said they had a meeting in town to attend. She didn't say about what though,” Adeline replied.

  “I've been wondering about all these meetings they have every week or so.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Just curious what they are talking about, who’s in attendance, and exactly where they are being held?”

  Adeline shrugged, “Grown up stuff. I have three more years before I have to worry about all of that.”

  I pondered Adeline's words. In three years she would be sixteen, the legal age to wed in Providence. Up until now, I'd never given it much thought, but for some reason it suddenly seemed way
too young. And yet I would marry at the same age, in just a few short weeks.

  The next morning, my mother awakened me and whispered, “Get dressed and meet me around the back of the house. I need to discuss a few things with you.”

  “What?” was all I managed to get out.

  Sonia placed her hand on my mouth to keep me from waking Adeline. “Just get some clothes on and meet me out back. I'll explain when you get there.”

  Having stayed up pretty late with Adeline, I had a hard time shaking off the fog of sleep. We'd laughed and gossiped most of the night, something we hadn't done since we were toddlers. It felt good, uninhibited.

  Dressing quickly, I quietly stepped out back, where I saw mother standing over an old metal barrel, stoking the fire she'd obviously just started. I was thankful, because the morning was brisk, and in my haste to meet with her I’d failed to put on enough clothes to stave back the cold.

  Walking up to Sonia I said, “What's so important that you pull me out into this bitter cold morning?”

  “There are things I can't tell you right now, Sidnie, but you will be wed soon, and I want to prepare you for some changes that will come about in the near future.”

  “What changes? What are you talking about?” I asked, clearly not following.

  “Please don't ask me questions I can't answer at this time. Just listen and remember. Can you do that for me?” Sonia said more than a little serious.

  “Of course. Is everything okay? Should I be worried?”

  “Everything's fine, for now. Remember, no questions. Be careful who you trust, Sidnie. Guard your heart, your family. Providence will soon undergo some changes, and those changes will directly affect us all. Be prepared, be ready.”

  “What? Did you hear something during those secret meetings you and Father have been sneaking off to every week?”

  “No questions. Over the course of the next few months, I want you to spend more time at the Capitol,” Sonia said, her tone intense.