Zo's Quest: — Book One — by Abigail Ortiz

Author:Abigail Ortiz [Ortiz, Abigail]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: KMAO
Published: 2023-05-15T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 26

They’re led to a large courtyard. Several massive composting piles stacked higher than the surrounding huts fill the center and are tended by teams of moles. Some water, a few use pitchforks to mix, and others bury themselves in the piles, boring holes. One mole is overseeing the entire operation.

“These are my other children,” Sargon holds out his hands. “Though not my mated heirs, these few are entrusted with my secret, and so akin by privilege. After all, family first.” His toothy smile is no less chilling.

He brings them to the foremole. “And this, this is my Tiberius.” Sargon holds his arms out to embrace the mole. “Not my lineage, but my son by selection.”

Zababa’s small paw tenses against Zo’s back.

“My father,” Tiberius embraces Sargon. “I see you have come upon new travelers. Welcome.”

Sargon turns back to his guests. “Oh, yes, quite new—”

The king mole can’t contain his cheesy smile, and his hands are flailing like a kid meeting his superhero. Zo bites her lip to quiet her amusement.

“—just arrived last evening.”

Tiberius crosses his thick arms. “And you’re already to know the secrets of the soil? Impressive.”

Inanna whispers, “Most travelers take more time to earn father’s trust.”

Zo sours. “What is this secret?”

“In time, deary. One must first appreciate the process to truly value the essential element.” Sargon wafts his paws. “Now, son,” (Zababa snorts) “if you will?”

Tiberius leads them through the compiles, offering in-depth explanations for each stage.

But Zababa is only interested in the visitors.

“Tell me of the path,” he whispers. “What is it like? What have you seen? Have you come upon the Trailblazers?”

In a truly hushed voice, Augur shares his encounter at the canyon. Zo does her best to show interest to their guides, but her attention is split between the quiet conversation beside her and the awkward silence of Inanna, whose eyes dart uncomfortably between her brother and Tiberius.

“Inanna,” Zo whispers, “have you traveled on the path?”

Inanna wiggles her nose and lowers her head. “I am not allowed.”

“Not allowed? Why?”

“Father says it’s too dangerous,” she whispers, “but I know the truth.”

“The ‘truth’?” Zo asks out of the side of her mouth.

Inanna leans in close and, barely audible, adds, “You’re not safe here.”

“…and so as you can clearly see,” Tiberius continues, “it is the decomposition of what has been that supplies every essential element for that which is to come. Isn’t it wonderful how all that we are, all that we may ever hope or strive to become, at the end of everything—” he shoves his arm into a pile and pulls out a handful of dirt “—everything inevitably returns to soil. Soil is the end—” and he picks out a large earthworm “—and the very beginning of life.”

Sargon bursts into applause. “Very good, very GOOD, Tiberius!” Turning to his guests, he urges, “Go on, now, feel it for yourselves, I must insist. Plunge your hands right in there and let it squish through your fingers. Feel how rich our soil is.”

Without hesitation, Augur goes in double-fisted. “It’s considerably warmer than I anticipated.

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