Lexan's Pledge (Starbright Novellas) by Hilary Thompson

Author:Hilary Thompson [Thompson, Hilary]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: A Starbright Secrets Novella
Published: 2014-03-11T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

Friday morning Saloman has me practicing my horoscope reading with the two older ministry students, since I’m the only one from my own class. They’re just a year older than me: Wynton is a Libra, and Willow is a Pisces like Saloman - the only two signs allowed to choose ministry.

Willow moves the metal hands of her jointed rules across Saloman’s large woven star chart as Wynton scribes the order of the ten names - sun, moon, and the eight planets our people have never seen. I can’t help but watch their practiced movements with envy - not only are they easy friends, they both have demonstrated the true sight, as well as the blind, trusting belief that I often lack in my own ministry training.

Saloman enters and inspects their work, pointing out a few discrepancies, but I have a hard time focusing. All I can think about is the last time I was here in his office and the prophecy he made. I want to press him further on its meaning, but I can’t even mention it unless we are alone.

He seems to sense my need, as he sends the others to the library to continue their work.

“What would you like to know?” He says as soon as the door has shut behind Wynton.

I’m startled at first by his bluntness, although I shouldn’t be. Saloman can read people as well as he can read the star charts.

“Where are the other two children from?” I ask, watching him carefully. He holds my gaze, then shakes his head.

“I don’t know. But I do know that when Asphodel was formed, two other cities were formed. Three cities—”

“Three children,” I finish, nodding. “But what if those cities have died out already, like our history says?”

He smiles. “History is written by people. People aren’t always honest with others, or with themselves.”

“So you’re saying our books are lies?” I can’t hide my anger, and I don’t even try.

“No. I’m saying none of us has been outside in a hundred years. Who knows what’s out there. But I’ve seen cities and outlying groups in my dreams since I was a child. I don’t believe Asphodel is alone out there.”

“And neither does First Leader Keirna?”

He smiles again, but with sadness. “No. She doesn’t.”

I run my fingers along the lines of the woven star charts still carpeting the desk. Nobody knows what to expect from the outside world, and fear of the unknown can make people desperate.

“Have you decided what you’ll do when Astrea leaves?” He asks after a few minutes of silence.

I don’t look at him when I answer. “Yes.”

“Good. I’ll see you on Monday.”

I nod and gather my books, blinking back the panic that fights me every time I allow myself to think this might all be real.

When I arrive in our classroom, Anan is announcing to everyone that Dian, the girl he’s been after, has accepted his promise for Choosing Day. I clap him on the back in congratulations, truly happy. Isa smiles a little as she listens, and I’m glad to see there seem to be no lingering feelings between them.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.