“The Sentry is here,” Mother says, one hand holding a candle, the other gently shaking me.
I blink against the darkness, roll over, and bury my face in my lavender-scented quilt. “They said they wouldn’t come until morning.”
“I suppose this is their version of morning.” Mother clucks her tongue. “Put on your work tunic and pants. That will be the most comfortable for your trip.”
I groan into my blanket, wishing I could just fall back to sleep and put off my worries and fears for later. But that won’t solve anything. Not to mention, the patter of my heart from excitement and curiosity, blending with my fear. Maybe I’ll like being an apprentice. At least I won’t have to marry a man who doesn’t love me.
I roll off my mat and shrug into some clothes, trying my best not to wake Charise, who decided to stay with me. Last night had been so special. I don’t want to ruin it with awkward goodbyes. Besides, she can be a real sea monster when woken too early.
After braiding my hair, I slip into the main room and settle at the table. I take in all the elements of our home one last time. Who knows when I’ll be able to return? Dried flowers hang over the doorway and kitchen window. Lantern light fills the small hut with a warm glow. Even though it’s one of the smallest in the clan for four people, it has been home for my entire life.
I’ve known that anytime I’d have to leave since I’m past the age of being matched, but still it’s hard to finally face the moment now that it’s here.
A lump forms in my throat as I pick up my mug, steam coiling out. I sip the jasmine tea, letting the warmth slide down my throat. It’s my favorite. No one can make it quite like Mother, but after today, I won’t be drinking it anymore.
The thought twists the knot in my stomach tighter. I need to stop thinking like this.
“Just a few sips,” Mother says from where she’s standing by the window, wringing her hands. “The Sentry is pacing outside.”
I try to smile up at her, but tears edge the corners of my eyes. There’s no way I can trust myself to say anything without breaking down.
There’s a pound on the door.
“That man is impatient,” Father says with a shake of his head as he opens the door.
The Sentry fills the doorway. He’s wearing the Sentry gray breeches and a black tunic, but it’s slightly different from the ones that patrol the isle. His tunic is trimmed with gold, and his head is shaved bald except for a single band of black hair down the center of his head, signifying him as a Temple Sentry. Hooked to his belt hangs a gleaming scythe and dagger. I shudder, wondering if he’s actually ever used it.
A cool breeze drifts in, smelling of sweet Lillian plants and sea. Outside, in the dim morning haze, I can make out a crowd. Unbelievable. I push away my tea. That is the last thing I need right now.
“Seems like you’re the talk of the clan,” Charise says, shuffling into the room, rubbing sleep from her eyes. She openly glares at the Sentry as if it’s his fault that I’m leaving. “The sun hasn’t even risen.”
“It has,” the Sentry says unapologetically.
“I guess this is it then.” I rise and give each of my family members a hug. Then, bracing myself, step outside.
A fire has been lit in the clan's central courtyard. A crowd has gathered around it, gossiping. Hester is passing out her honey cakes, and Storyteller is spouting his typical gibberish about how this is a moment to remember to tell our children’s children. A small cheer bursts into the quiet when they spy me. I stiffen, and chills slither down my spine. I’ve done nothing to deserve cheers or honor. All I did was pick a stone.
Aunt Trisa rushes up and hangs a lei around my neck, enveloping me in its flowery scent. “My sweet niece,” she says. “I’m so proud of you.”
“You’ll find a way to bring back the Lillian plants, won’t you?” Jarious asks.
“I knew you’d be the one to save us!” Gigi says, tears streaming down her face.
My fear morphs into dread. I can’t look at their faces. They’re so hopeful. They believe I can make a difference and save them. They should know better than that. I’m the same woman as I was yesterday. Being named the Paladin’s apprentice changes nothing about me other than now I’ve got a new title.
“Now they love you,” Father mutters to me. “Tomorrow they’ll hate you. Fickle as roses.”
At least Father gets it. I hug my parents and Charise goodbye once again. Both my parents tear up while Charise openly cries.
Mother grips my forearms too tightly, as if she doesn’t want to let me go. “Remember,” she says, “this is your chance to make Eden a better place. I love you.”
I nod. Tears escape from my eyes.
Charise squeezes me tight. “Don’t change,” she whispers into my ear.
“Don’t let Storyteller’s tales scare you,” I say, tucking a stray strand of hair out of her eyes. “I won’t change. We’ll see each other soon. I promise.”
“I’ll keep you to that promise,” she says, and finally releases me.
“I’m ready,” I tell the Sentry.
He nods. “This way.”
Morning light now streams across the sky as he leads me through the crowd—cheering and tossing flowers above my head—out of the clan’s front gate. Two horses stand tied to a post. He effortlessly leaps onto his saddle and nods for me to mount the other.
My legs are wood posts. Only Sentries and the Paladins ride horses. That beast might trample me.
“You want me to ride that thing?” My voice quivers.
“It’s much quicker than walking,” the Sentry says. “Your father can help you get into the saddle if you can’t.”
Good Maker! I’m about to make a fool of myself in front of my entire clan.
“Every moment keeps the Paladins waiting,” Storyteller adds from the front of the gathering streaming out of the gate. His eyes are bright as if even now he’s spinning the perfect tale to recreate my departure.
“He’s right,” Mother says, eyes darting to the crowd as if she’s annoyed by all the fuss. “You should hurry.”
Now I’m glad I wore my work clothes. I rub my palms and inch to the horse’s side. The beast gives a quick snort and paws the ground, but otherwise remains motionless.
The Sentry gives instructions on how to mount. With Father’s help, I’m soon sitting on the horse’s back. A grin forms on my face. The crowd cheers as if just getting on a horse proves I’m going to be a great apprentice.
That dampens my victory.
“Your horse is trained to follow me,” the sentry says. “Hold the reins and let’s go.”
My body jerks as my horse takes off. I clench the horn of the saddle and try not to drop the reins as we take off down the oak-lined path. I glance over my shoulder at the large crowd, waving. I don’t dare loosen my grip to wipe the tears streaming down my face or even wave for fear of flying off the horse’s back.
Soon, the trail slips through a forest of pines. I’m leaving behind everything I know. My thoughts jumble through me as I bounce on top of the horse. What would my new life be like? How will I ever meet my clan’s expectations and become the leader they expect me to be?
It’s impossible.
Yet through the pain of leaving my family, I cling to the idea that this is my chance to change things in Eden and help my clansfolk. Besides, every moment we ride, the closer I get to Tor.
What will our relationship be like at the temple? How will we act around each other? I want to believe we will have a chance to be together even if it’s not allowed. I focus on the horse’s hoof beats pounding the dirt path like a chant, screaming his name.
Tor. Tor. Tor.