D. MacHale - The Pilgrims of Rayne

“I think it’s wrong to keep the truth from people. Don’t you ever wonder what else exists out there? Beyond this island?”

“No,” Telleo answered quickly. “I can’t imagine a better life than this one.”

“But that’s your choice. I’m not saying I agree with them, but Siry and the Jakills want more choices. They want to know what else this world has to offer.”

Telleo shrugged. “I guess I’m selfish. I worry there might be something out there that will change Rayne.”

“Or there might be something incredible that will make your lives even better.”

“I don’t see how.”

“Aren’t you even a little bit curious?”

“I’m curious about the Flighters,” Telleo answered. “It bothers me that they’re getting bolder.”

“Don’t you think it would be smart to find out who they are? Maybe they could be stopped.”

“The island security will protect us,” she said softly.

Man, she was pretty trusting. “What about the tribunal?” I asked. “Siry says they’re keeping secrets from the people.”

Telleo looked stung. “I believe the tribunal tells us what we need to know. Why worry about things we can’t change?”

“But don’t you want to know about your history? Where you came from?”

“Life is about the future, not the past.”

“You can learn from the past!”

“Things are wonderful in Rayne,” Telleo snapped, getting a little testy. “What could we learn that would improve on perfection?”

“But-“

“Besides,” she interrupted, “I trust my father.” Huh? Telleo saw the surprise all over my face. “You didn’t know?” Telleo asked playfully. “I thought you worked fast and had us all figured out.” “Guess not. Who’s your father?”

“My full name is Telleo Genj. My father is the chief minister.” Oh man. The next sound we all heard was my jaw hitting the table.

She continued, “I believe he will do what’s best for our village.”

“Wow,” I gasped. My mind raced, trying to calculate what this new twist would mean.

“I know the Jakills don’t trust the tribunal,” Telleo added.

“Yet they defended them from the Flighters. They care about Rayne. They’re just… misguided. Once they grow up, they’ll appreciate how wonderful we have it here and will stop acting foolishly.”

Things had just gotten seriously tricky. I guess they always were and I was just too dumb to realize it. Telleo was cool, but her father was the big cheese. According to Siry, he was the main guy who kept lying to the people. Telleo thought that was a good thing. Siry didn’t. Who was right? Don’t ask me, I was only passing through. Telleo seemed kind of, I don’t know, what’s the word? Naive, I guess. She wasn’t a dummy or anything, but she had blind faith in everything the authorities told her. She existed in a safe bubble that she didn’t want to risk bursting. Who could blame her? She lived in paradise.

On the other hand, it looked like there was more to Ibara than this perfect little island. The village seemed like paradise, but I could see where some might consider it a prison. Making it more confusing, Remudi was on the tribunal, which meant a Traveler agreed with the whole keeping-the-past-a-secret thing. Bottom line? I had no idea who was right. But it wasn’t my job to pass judgment. I was there to figure out what Saint Dane was up to, not to interfere. Telleo didn’t seem to know about Siry’s plan to hijack a ship and leave the island. Fine. I wasn’t going to tell her.

“I’d like to show you something,” Telleo said. “Would you come with me?”

All I wanted to do was lie down and pass out, but how could I refuse? This girl helped save my life and was taking great care of me. I didn’t want to insult her, so I pulled myself to my aching feet, put on my best smile, and declared, “Sure!”

Night had fallen on Rayne. The walkways had come sparkled from high in the trees. The effect was magical, like a tropical Christmas. Telleo led me along the path toward the center of the village. In the distance I heard the faint sounds of music.

“Tonight is the beginning of the Ibaran holiday called the ‘Festival of Zelin,” she explained. “It’s a time of feasting and fun. It’s a perfect time for you to be here. You can see the best of Rayne.”

“What’s the holiday about?”

“It’s all about being thankful for the wonderful island where we live. I think it’s just an excuse to have a party.” “Like Ibara Thanksgiving.” “Like what?” “Never mind.”

The closer we got to the center of the village, the louder the music became. Telleo led me to the large thatched canopy where I had seen the musical performance earlier. The place was jammed with people watching a performance. On the raised, circular stage was a band playing loud, lively music that reminded me of the upbeat, fun Irish music from Second Earth. There was lots of percussion and tambourines pounding out the quick rhythm, while several flutes played a lively, fun tune. Telleo grabbed my hand and boldly led me through the crowd until we were nearly at the stage. I found myself in a sea of clapping, smiling people. Drinks were passed around for everyone to share. I was handed a cup and took a sip of what tasted like hyper-buzzed root beer. I wasn’t sure if it was alcohol or not, but it wasn’t up to me to refuse their hospitality.

I saw familiar faces. I recognized the big security guy who had arrested me and the one who brought me to the tribunal. They didn’t look so intimidating now as they laughed and bounced to the music. I looked across the stage to see a small platform built up off the ground, where the three members of the tribunal sat. They weren’t rocking like the rest of the crowd, but looked like they were enjoying it just the same. The women clapped to the music while Genj tapped his foot.

There wasn’t a single Jakill in the crowd. No big surprise. If they didn’t buy into the life here on Rayne, why would they come to party at the Ibara Thanksgiving?

Me? I didn’t have any baggage so I was free to enjoy myself. I didn’t know if it was the excitement of the crowd, or the frothy drink they were passing around, or the music, but

I suddenly felt all sorts of energy. The music was hard to resist. Telleo started dancing. She locked her arm in mine and soon we were spinning to the tune. I had no idea how to dance a traditional Ibaran dance. For that matter, I didn’t know any traditional dances on Second Earth, either. But I had rhythm. Pretty soon I was swinging around with Telleo and clapping my hands and locking arms with complete strangers and having a great old time.

The festival was yet another example of how sweet life was in Rayne. The people lived in an idyllic, tropical world on the shores of a warm ocean. Everything they needed was right there for them. They had created a Utopian society where everyone played a role in providing for the whole. As I danced among the festive people, I wondered if maybe Siry was wrong. What’s that old saying? Ignorance is bliss? The people may have been ignorant about the rest of Ibara, but they were definitely blissful. Maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing.

Then I remembered the Flighters.

And the people who mysteriously disappeared.

And the outsiders, who were executed.

And the secrets.

I suddenly didn’t feel much like dancing. Telleo must have sensed my change in mood.

“C’mon,” she said. “You look exhausted.”

I was, in every sense of the word. She took my hand and weaved us back through the throng of revelers.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “You need to rest. I just wanted you to see a little about what life is like here.”

“I’m glad you did.”

Sort of. As we walked back to the hut, I realized how torn I was. Rayne seemed like a pretty cool place. For many of the people, it was perfect. I wanted it to stay perfect for them. Would hijacking a ship to explore the rest of the territory insure that? Or mess it up?