The Great Fall

Chapter 4: Part 1: Poison

*Grace and Cain anxiously await Jake as the sun begins to stretch on the ground towards them. They look up as they hear footsteps racing their way.*

“Guys!” Jake panted, clearly out of breath. “If we’re going, we have to leave now. Natasha caught me snooping around and the guards are looking for Grace.”

*Cain grabs Jake’s arm to steady him as we scurry into the old shed. Jake lays his findings down on the floor.*

“Grace.” Jake says, still catching his breath. “I found quite a lot. Before you read it, let me explain the origin of the language.” “Okay, that’s fine. What have you found?” I say, excitedly.

*Cain stares inquisitively at the paper.*

“Well, first of all… the language is of a people called “The Aconites”. Which I thought was odd, because Aconite is a term used for a poisonous flower or plant. However, when I started reading into it more, I began to understand why they were called that.”

“Well, don’t hold back! Tell us! Who are these people?” I say, as I gently shove Jake’s head.

“Okay, so these are a people who live outside of our walls. Our leaders have generalized them as “The Aconite People”, even though they weren’t always known as that. History tells it, according to Natasha’s writings… Their ancestors chose to stay behind when The Great Fall happened to assist the sick and wounded, while our leaders built our home and society. Later, when the aconites asked for refuge here, our leaders refused them. Saying they couldn’t risk another people infiltrating the society they built. The aconite leader summoned for a peace meeting with our leaders. And, our ancestors sent out food to the aconites. What the Aconites saw as a peace offering, in turn, became the last meal of many that were there. Our leaders had poisoned the food in an attempt to assassinate the leader of the Aconite people and hinder any further attempts from them to join our society.”

“That’s terrible!! Are you serious?!” I exclaimed!

“Wait, Grace… that’s not all.”. Jake said quietly.

*Cain and Grace are looking intently at Jake, rising to catch the next words that fall from his mouth.*

“The Aconite people, rightly enraged began to intercept our hunts and scavenging trips. They would shoot poisoned arrows at our people. Many died. The fear of going outside the compound caused many to starve or die from the chills they caught with no proper blankets or firewood. Many years later, new leaders came into power of our society. They began to make civil attempts with the Aconite people. Housing some of them here, inside the compound. However, as to not mix them up with their own people, they would mark them on the back of the neck with a circle.”.

*As Grace listens, she reaches up and touches the back of her neck to feel the circle.*

“What does the circle mean?” I piped up.

“Wait, does this mean Grace is one of the Aconite people? But, her parents didn’t have that mark!” Cain reasoned.

“Shut up Cain! Let me finish! … I’m sorry, Grace… So, the circle itself, seeming like the rays pointing out of a hollow sun… means “lost object”. It seems as if they’ve taken the weak things placed upon them by our people and turned it into their power. They named their people after what they were poisoned with and now they call who I assume to be their leaders, “The Circle”.”…

*Grace places her head between her knees as tears begin to well in her eyes. She starts to ponder in her own thoughts.*

(It’s all starting to make sense… My parents were trying to have a baby… they told me that I “Graced” them with my presence. I always assumed that meant they became pregnant with me. If they’re not my biological parents… who are? How did I come to live in the compound… why was I given away? I’m a “lost object”? What happened to them?! Why did they never return? What if they stole me and the Aconites killed them?! Why did no one ever tell me? … If the leaders know about the Aconites and they know I’m one of them because of the mark… why do they want me to become a leader?)

“Jake?” I say, as I sniffle and wipe away my tears. “Can you just tell us what the paper says now?”…

*Cain reaches over and begins to rub Grace’s back in an attempt to comfort her.*

“Yes, Grace.” Jake gently replied…

*Jake solemnly looked at Grace before taking to the paper in front of him.*

“The paper says, “The circle is demanding retribution. They call to meet on the next full moon outside the ruins. They are calling for everyone. Be prepared. War is coming.”.

“War?!” Cain exasperatingly questions.

*Grace stands up and takes the paper from Jake.*

“Jake, did you bring along the way to decipher this language?” I inquire.

“Yes, of course!” Jake says, assuredly.

“Okay, we need to go now. We’ll go back to the house and search for more writings about the circle. I have a million questions that will all be answered in time. But, right now… we need to focus. That full moon… it’s tonight.”.

“Nooo, Grace. We are NOT going to that. You heard what they did to our people! Imagine what they’d do to us! Are you crazy?!” Cain starts, upset.

“Maybe it’s not such a good idea, Grace.” Jake begins…

“Stop! Both of you! I have a plan. Just trust me. I have the mark on my neck. I think I can use that to get some answers if anyone finds us. I won’t let anything happen to you. The both of you seem to forget that I’m top in the class… for everything. Let’s just go to the house and we will figure out the rest from there.”.

*Jake and Cain look at each other, knowing that Grace would leave without them. They began to follow her.*

“How exactly are we getting out?” Cain questions.

“Through here!” I say, motioning toward my secret escape.

“Grace! You weren’t really asleep were you? I caught you sneaking back into the compound! You’re impossible! How many times have I told you not to go out there without us?! Ugh… it smells awful in here.” Jake whines.

“Oh, do be quiet. I don’t want to listen to you fuss the whole way. Come on, now. Stop whining and start crawling.” I say, with every ounce of condescension I can muster in my voice.

*Cain snickers, Jake smacks Cain and Grace rolls her eyes. Finally, they make it to the other side.*

“You do know where you’re going, right?” Cain teases.

“Of course I do! Now, come on!” I say, annoyed.

*Jake huffs and throws his head back before following the others into the woods. Starting their journey to the house, completely unaware of how things will go awry.*

“Grace, are you sure no one is here?” Cain asks, while Grace sifts through the papers on the desk.

“Well, I can’t be too sure now… can I? That’s why we need to hurry. It’ll be dark soon. Whoever has been writing here, is definitely a part of Aconite leadership. These are plans!” I exclaim!

“Alright, this one says they are planning to release the prisoners 5 days from now, as decoys.” Jake states.

“Decoys? What for?” Cain prompts.

“It doesn’t matter. I found a name. Asher Langley. That’s who I’m going to ask to speak to tonight.” I say, confidently.

*The boys look at each other wide eyed watching Grace walking toward the door*

“Let’s go. We need to scope out that place before they get there. Find a good place to hide until it’s safe.” I state, as I walk down the stairs.

*A smirk appears on Grace’s face when she hears the boys footsteps following behind her.*

“I knew you would come.” I say, playfully.

“Ugh… Grace…” Jake says, rolling his eyes.

“Hey, Jake. If you die tonight, can I have your throwing blades? And, that sandwich you packed?” Cain asks.

“Seriously, Cain? You’re unbelievable.” Jake shoves off Cain.

“Come on man!” Cain prods.

“Boys! Calm down. You have to play the quiet game now.” I laugh.

*Grace giggles as the boys continue their silly banter behind her. Looking ahead, her eyes locked on the sun as the clouds begin to swallow it for the night.*

“I’m really worried this isn’t a good idea, Grace.” Jake says, shakily.

“Stop worrying, Jake. I have a feeling I’m going to find exactly what I came for.” I say, walking at a steady, determined pace.

“Listen to the lady. She’ll save us!” Cain says, as he munches on the sandwich he finally took from Jake.

“Yeah…” Jake says, looking back… “It’s too late to turn back now.” …