Ascended

We stopped at a clearing a twenty minute walk from the city.

Most of the trees that were close had already been cut down. I had a feeling that they’d worked as far away from the safety of the water and walls as they thought possible without being unable to get to safety.

I’d seen a lot of different methods the Humans used to try to keep themselves safe while outside their walls. But the one thing that every one of those systems that I’d seen had in common was that inevitably Zombies got through or around their system and people died. I understood that many of them were frustrated with having to stay inside the walled cities when the open land outside the walls seemed to be so safe. The fact remained, even the trained Wranglers were no match if Touched showed up.

There was a little nagging in the back of my mind that was a little concerned about what would happen if the Touched looking for Fyga decided to make a move, but I had to trust that we’d be able to handle a few Touched. I’d never seen Master Bran struggle to take down a Touched, so between Val, myself, and Eveth’s sword, we should be okay. I just hoped all the Humans that were putting their trust in us would make it clear of the fighting before anyone died.

“This is where we’ll set up our tools.” Hugh dropped the ax that he’d carried with him. “We’ll fell the trees there and there.” He pointed to the north and west. “Once we top them…”

“I’m sorry.” I held up my hand. “I’m sure I could learn a lot about how you plan on harvesting the trees, but my job right now is to make sure no Zombies get to where you’re working.”

“Yes, Master Bokor.” The tall man gave me a slight bow.

I closed my eyes for a moment and tried to feel if there were any Zombies nearby. Usually, there was a slight draw at the edges of my senses even if there weren’t any close, but this time, I didn’t feel anything. I found that nothing felt more concerning than something.

I opened my eyes and looked at the older man. “You are safe for now. We’ll stay near the clearing until Master Val and Master Eveth get here, then we’ll take up our patrols.” I narrowed my eyes. “If we yell for you to run, drop all your tools and get to the water as fast as you can.”

“Yes, Master Bokor.” Hugh nodded again, then started walking back towards the shore.

Once he was well outside of earshot, I turned to Fyga. “What do you think?”

The short woman stopped slashing at a tree with a three-foot-long stick she’d found. “What do you mean?”

“I’m assuming you can feel Zombies?” I tried pushing my senses further, but there was still nothing.

Fyga rolled her eyes.

“A yes would have been fine.” I shook my head.

“Yes.” The black-haired woman resumed her mock swordplay.

“Don’t you find it strange that there aren’t any Zombies within a thirty minute walk from here?”

Fyga stopped midswing. “What?”

“I can feel Zombies at least two miles away.” I shrugged. “Can’t you?”

“No!” Fyga dropped her stick and rushed over to me. She grabbed my hands and started looking them over, then began pawing all over me.

I could feel a warm sensation in her fingers and assumed she was using some type of magic to examine me. It made me feel very naked despite being fully clothed.

“What are you doing?” I pulled away when one of her touches started tickling me.

Fyga flashed a grin that made me think her examination might not be completely scientific. “How did you turn?”

“I’m not telling you that.” I took another step back. I didn’t know if she knew about powdering the heartstone to attempt to ascend to a Bokor, but I wasn’t going to offer that information.

“I’ve seen a lot of Touched since I turned.” Fyga folded her arms in front of her. “I’ve never heard of anyone being able to sense a Zombie past a mile away. Sure, there are a few who can get a general feeling that there is something far in that direction.” She waved to the north. “But that’s not what you’re talking about, is it?”

I was starting to get the feeling that I wasn’t a normal Touched. Maybe there was still a chance that I could finish the ascension and become a Bokor.

“Maybe it’s because I’m supposed to be a Bokor.” I leaned against one of the large pine trees.

“Oh come on!” Fyga sighed. “Why would you want to be one of those pompous jerks!”

“Protecting Humans from the Zombies…”

“Is the least of their concern!” Fyga pointed to the north in the direction of the island. “Those power hungry tyrants treat Humans like cattle and despite everything you’ve seen, you still want to be one of them!”

“And treating Humans like food is any better?” I glared at her. “Just more bodies to feed to your army while you get ready to stick it to us!”

“I don’t eat Humans!” Fyga clamped her mouth when she realized that she’d screamed.

“You know what I mean.” She lowered her voice to a better volume for conversation. “We’re not all monsters. Most of us didn’t choose to be this way. We’re just trying to make the best out of a bad situation while the Bokor breath down our necks, waiting for us to come out into the light so they can kill us.” Fyga shook her head. “You know something about that.”

She walked off before I could respond.

I watched her disappear into the woods. I knew that I should go after her, it wasn’t safe to be alone in the woods with the threat of Touched, but it seemed like she wanted some space to cool down. There weren’t any Zombies around for miles and I was confident that she’d be able to scream and hold out until I found her if she got attacked by the Touched.

Now that I had some time alone, it gave me a chance to sit and think about what she’d just said. It was a lot to think about.