Shaun Jeffrey: Dead World

Anna fingered the piece of paper in her hand that read, Martin Wainwright. “I don’t trust Roman Quail.” She paused, drew in a deep breath. “Neither does your mother.”

Isaiah chuckled. “My mother’s old, Anna. We discussed this already. She’s not in her right mind. As for Roman, he’s a man of the cloth, an emissary of the Gods. Of course you can trust him. Why would you even think otherwise?”

“How did Lucy’s name get put in the lottery?”

Isaiah shrugged. “Destiny.”

“That’s crap.” Anna started to open the piece of paper. Isaiah noticed, and moved to reach for it.

“What’s that?”

Anna leaned back, cupping the piece of paper in her hands. “It’s… a…” She glanced across at her daughter.

Ben jumped down. “Well I wish it was me who was chosen.”

“Don’t ever say that, Ben. It’s not an honour it’s… it’s… wrong,” Anna shouted.

Ben flinched back.

Isaiah stared at her with wide eyes. “This is our way, Anna. You know that. I can’t fathom what’s come over you. First the things you said to me earlier, and now this. I know it’s not the way the lottery usually works, but we have to abide by the law. Of course I’m sad, but she’ll be going to a better place. She’ll become an immortal.” He turned to Lucy. “Sweetheart, you can wear your Sunday best. You’ll be beautiful.”

Anna stood up, glanced at the piece of paper in her hand and then marched out of the cell. She saw Zeke staring at her, indecision marring his features.

Anna knelt in the small church, alone. Most of the candles were burnt out and the room was cold, making her shiver. Tears streaked her cheeks and she studied the piece of paper in her hands. It looked so innocent, but she knew it possessed the power to change lives. If she told Isaiah the truth then her secret would tear their family apart and she would be an outcast. She couldn’t bear for that to happen. Gritting her teeth, she dipped the edge of the paper into the nearest candle and watched as the small flame took hold. The heat travelled up to her fingers and she held the paper for a moment too long, wincing as the flame burnt her skin.

The candlelight cast shadows across her body. She stood, heard what sounded like the scuffling of feet. She peered towards the shadows but couldn’t see anything and then hurried out of the room.

Roman watched as Anna left and then stepped out from an alcove. He walked across and stared down at the piece of paper she had dropped. Most of it had burned away, but he could make out a few words written on it and he ground what was left beneath his heel. As figurehead for the church he couldn’t have his position undermined. Anna needed to realise her place. Everybody had to know their place. Without order there was only anarchy. Their community was small and insular. Everybody knew everybody and even the smallest incident might trigger dissension. If word of his relationship with Anna ever came out, it would light the fuse. He had a duty to uphold. Anna needed to know her place. She had to recognise who wielded the power.

He blew out the candles and navigated a well worn path in the dark to his bedchamber.

It appeared everyone in Sanctuary had turned out to view the ceremony. Lucy was wearing a yellow dress and had a ribbon in her hair. She smiled at everyone she passed but Isaiah saw beyond the smile to the sadness in her heart that her mother hadn’t come to watch her on this, her special day. He didn’t understand what had come over Anna recently. He knew they weren’t as close as they used to be, but he hadn’t realised until now how much she had changed. Perhaps she had been listening to his mother too much.

“I’m so proud of you,” he said to Lucy.

“Thanks, Dad.”

“This is your moment. Enjoy it.”

He smiled down at her for a moment, and then wrapped her in his embrace, his stance a little stiff. Lucy hugged him back, but as they separated a hint of sadness crept into her face.

“I wish Mum had come.”

Isaiah glanced back to the crowd, frowning. He forced a smile and ran a hand down her cheek. “I know, sweetheart. I do too.”

He took hold of her hand and continued leading her forwards.

The Enforcers observed from the watchtowers that dotted the walls, while the residents of Sanctuary formed an open pathway for them, leading towards the single gated exit.

He noticed Ben and Zeke standing at the front of the crowd. Zeke had his hands in his pockets, fidgeting, kicking at the dust, looking like he would rather be anywhere else. Ben had his arms crossed, pouting. Isaiah knew his youngest son was jealous his sister had been chosen. He probably wasn’t alone. It was an honour to be sent outside. Why didn’t Anna realise that?

Anna stood towards the rear of the crowd, nervously wringing her hands and chewing her lips. Despite the heat of the sun, she wore several layers of clothing, and carried a small satchel over one shoulder she tried to keep hidden as best she could. She stared up at the platform where Roman stood. Roman looked out over the crowd and caught her eye. He fixed her with his gaze, eyes narrowed, a fierce expression that said he was in charge, a glare that seemed to dare her to try to stop what was about to occur. Anna turned away, feigning subservience.

She sensed the crowd growing restless as people shuffled around murmuring, and the Enforcers seemed unsure whether to focus their attention outside Sanctuary or on the courtyard. Roman nodded to the other brethren and signalled the Enforcers at the gate.

The heavy front gate opened and Isaiah led his daughter outside until they stood several metres out. He gave her a hug and a kiss, and hurried back inside. A man in one of the towers struck a loud gong. The sound reverberated around Sanctuary.

Anna fidgeted. She chewed a fingernail. Roman lifted a well-worn leather bible. He raised one hand and the crowd fell silent, all eyes on Roman, as if anticipating his next words.

“But your dead will live; their bodies will rise. You, who dwell in the dust, wake up and shout for joy. Your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead.”

The man in the tower struck the gong again.

The crowd began to chant: “ Out with the old, in with the new .”

Anna weaved her way towards the front where her children stood. When he saw her coming, Zeke appeared taken aback.

“Mum. I didn’t think you’d show up.”

Ben turned and looked up. He smiled. “She’s so lucky,” he said, indicating his sister.

Anna peered through the gate. In the distance she noticed crooked figures stumbling from the tree line. Their movements jerky and awkward, they seemed to sniff around aimlessly as if looking for direction. The gong reverberated through the air again, and all visible heads snapped simultaneously towards Sanctuary.

Anna grabbed her children and pulled them close enough to hear her above the crowds chant. “Both of you, listen to me. This isn’t right. Something’s wrong.”

Ben tried to pull away. “You’re hurting me. Let me go.”

Anna didn’t relinquish her grip. “You’ve got to trust me. I can’t tell you how I know, but your sister wasn’t chosen. The lottery was rigged.”

Ben shook his head, looking at Anna as if she’d grown a second head.

“We were there. She was chosen.”

Zeke frowned.

“Zeke, I know you’re unsure about the Chosen. I see it on your face every time there’s a lottery.”

“I’m not… I don’t…”

“Come with me.”

“Come where?”

Anna glanced towards the gate. Zeke followed her gaze.

“We’re getting out of here.”

Zeke’s mouth dropped. “Are you crazy ? That’s their domain. Nothing’s out there except them. That’s why we’re not allowed out without express permission.”