It was night time now. It wasn’t as noisy outside anymore, and Ian had watched the sunset turn the walls in the next room bright orange and red, before the light faded away. Wherever he was now it was cold. He didn’t know it would be so cold.

After grandpa had… after what that man… he paused. Why did his head feel funny? He tried to scratch it but the ropes around his wrists were too tight, and itchy too! He sighed as he picked at the ones on his ankles. Well, it didn’t matter. Grandpa would come pick him up soon, and then they’d go do something fun! He just had to be good and wait until then.

He’d already listened before. Grandpa had told him to run and he had, as fast as he could. He’d gone straight to the house that they usually went to when they visited the city, just outside the big walls. Normally, grandpa just talked to the men inside, so Ian went and told them that his grandpa met a mean man on the road. He knew some of their faces so he thought they’d listen, and they did… for a while; but when he finished they just told him to wait. He spent the whole day there, watching the men inside, until eventually he fell asleep there. When he woke up they’d taken Ian to one man, then another, until all the faces around him were strangers. One of them had brought him here.

They were somewhere in the lower district. He knew that cause on the way over here he’d seen the huge walkways overhead. Every time Ian saw them he wanted to climb all the way to the top, but adults never let him, not even Grandpa! He didn’t like anything over here. Ian never really knew why. Now, he was in a small stone room, sitting up against the wall.

When it was brighter, he could see big sacks tucked up along the stone around him, the dirt covered floor, and a little table in the middle of the space. There was a door on the same wall as him, but it was hard to see it now. The only light left in the room was a candle, flickering quietly on top of the desk. It wasn’t that bright though. Everything just looked like shadows against the dim light. He looked around the space again. At least I’m not by myself.

There were other kids here too. When Ian first showed up, all the others were in this room eating bread. He got some too, which was ok, but then they put the ropes on all of them and left. He didn’t know why they tied everyone up. It made it harder to play!

“Hey!” A girl’s voice called out to him. Ian turned to face it. She was sitting to his right with ropes tied around her brown wrists and ankles too. She was a looked older than him with puffy hair tied in two small buns that were dark, just like her eyes. Her brown dress had short white sleeves that were pretty but a little dirty, and her dark shoes were too. It was dirty in here though, so that made sense.

“When can we go home?” She asked. “I wanna go home.”

Oh no! She looks scared. “Don’t worry!” Ian said. “My grandpa will be here soon, and I’m sure your parents are coming too!”

“They… they aren’t here anymore,” she said. “I stay with David, and Auntie Inas sometimes too.”

“Then I bet that’s who’s coming!” Ian said. “We just have to be good and wait for them.”

The girl still looked upset. Maybe she just wants a friend. “I’m Ian,” he said with a big grin. “What’s your name?”

“Mariam,” she said, “but everyone just calls me Mari.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Mari!” Ian said. “I think we’re gonna be best friends!”

Mari smiled a little at that, and Ian beamed back with pride. I knew that’s all she needed! A moment later though, he heard footsteps in the next room as some mean men started talking.

“Why are we the ones who gotta wait all night with the brats?” A man’s voice said.

“Cause someone’s gotta watch them till we dump them off in the morning, and I’m not waiting around by myself,” another replied.

“So now we both gotta have a bad night?”

“Canute’s puttin’ some shit down in the back, but he’s staying. That makes three. We spread the bullshit out between us and it won’t be that bad.”

“Yeah, if we spread it, but the way you’re playing with that knife makes me feel like you’re not trying to take your share.”

The other man laughed at that. “Relax. You’re just mad you don’t have my touch. I could hit that shield right in the sun from here. I’ll bet you five coins right now.”

“Yeah, whatever, you’re not taking any more of my money. Still need to see the coin from this. How much are these kids even gonna be worth? They can’t do anything.”

“They’re worth enough. Families out in the plains will buy ‘em’ young. They help with livestock or cleaning and they don’t fight back. Easy coin.”

“Yeah, but you don’t gotta listen to Dust whine.”

“I told you we’re not doing Dust in the city. I ain’t payin’ tribute to nobody. Everybody’s on Nepis. We’re being smart, staying on our own trail.”

Mari whimpered a bit a that. “I don’t think they’re gonna let us go.” She tucked her knees to her chest.

“What?” Ian said. “No way! We’ll be home soon then—”

“Wait!” Mari slid over and grabbed Ian’s arm. “Shhhh! Listen!”

“Listen for what?” Ian asked, but then he heard it too.

“Hello?” It was a new voice calling out but… from farther away, hoarse and weary. “Hello?” It called again. That kinda sounds like—

“Get outta here old man!” One of the voices from before said.

Oh boy, I think it is! Ian shuffled up to his knees, as he heard footsteps moving around the other room.

“What’re you doing?” Mari hissed.

“It’s ok,” Ian said. “I think I know that voice.”

Mari fought him a little, but Ian still started inching his way over to the door.

“I said get outta here old man! There’s nothing here for you!”

“Please, I’m looking for a young boy. Ten years old, short brown hair, have you seen him?”

Ian peaked a bit through the door to the room beyond. He couldn’t see much. There were more candles in the wider space, but the door was just open a bit. There was only a low table surrounded by pillows and rugs in his view. He still couldn’t see anyone though. They must’ve been standing outside.

“He’s not here!” The voice from earlier said. “Now scram! We don’t want people hanging around here!”

That’s his voice for sure, Ian thought, I knew he’d come! “Mari, it’s ok!” He said with a grin.

She gave him a confused look as she tried to pull him back again. “What do you mean?” She asked. “Don’t let them see you!”

“No, it’s ok!” Ian said. “That’s my grandpa!”

“I see,” Grandpa said, though he still must’ve been standing outside. Ian couldn’t see him. After that it was quiet.

“You stroking out old man?” The earlier voice said. “Cause that won’t change—”

“Ahh,” Grandpa cut in. “He is here.”

“He’s not.” The man’s voice said. “Now I’m not gonna tell you again.”

“You won’t have to,” Grandpa said. “I’ll be leaving soon.” Not without me grandpa! “But, since it seems you’re not alone,” he said. “Why don’t you go back in there and kill all your friends?”

The man laughed at that. “What the fuck are you talking abo—” his voice cut off as he gagged. Then there was more silence.

Mari tugged at Ian’s arm. “Something’s not right—”

“What’s going on out there?” As the other man said those words he stepped into Ian’s view. He was a little short with a belly, and straight dark hair down to his shoulders. It was thin near the top of his head though. It made it look shiny. I like that! Ian thought. Mr. Shiny! He let out a laugh. Mr. Shiny had on dark boots and a cloak, which was all Ian really could see. “Gorm! What’re you doing?” Then another man walked in.

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He was younger, taller, and less shiny than his friend. He had on a cloak too, but from this angle Ian could see the rest of his clothes. A long-sleeved white shirt beneath a dark vest that matched his pants and boots. He didn’t seem upset anymore, but his eyes were purple now. It looked pretty from here.

“You… you alright?” Mr. Shiny asked. “Why didn’t you answer me?” He started to come closer, as Gorm fiddled with a knife in his hands. “What happened to your ey—” Gorm stabbed him in the neck.

Mr. Shiny gagged and spat out blood as he looked on stunned at Gorm, who ripped the blade out without a word, and let Mr. Shiny hit the floor. He stared down at his friend, covered in bright blood that almost blended with the candlelight.

“Shit’s put away now,” A new voice called out. “I’m gonna go—” he stopped as he stepped into Ian’s view. His hair was short and blonde, but his clothes were just like Gorm’s. He was only missing the vest. “What the fuck?!” The new man said. “What the fuck are you doing—”

Gorm launched his knife at the new man and the blade landed deep in his skull. He dropped.

Ian looked on at the blood-stained scene. That was a weird game. He thought to himself. I wonder if it was fun? More footsteps entered the home until at last in Ian’s view was— “Grandpa!” He shouted.

He was wearing another dark cloak, but it was cleaner than the one he had on the other day. His hood was up, though that didn’t matter. Ian already knew he was really shiny.

The other kids jumped and shrieked at all the noise.

“What was that?”

“What’s going on?”

“I wanna see!”

“Where’s my mommy?”

Their hushed and panicked murmurs quickly filled the room, as more kids shuffled over to the door.

“Ian!” Mari hissed. “Ian, what’s going on? Why are people screaming?”

Ian looked at her, then back around at the others. Why does everyone look so scared? He thought. It’s just grandpa. “That happens sometimes,” he said. “But it’s ok! That’s grandpa! I told you he’d come!”

Grandpa turned and looked toward the door. The scar going down his closed right eye made him look so cool! Too bad his beard looks so old, he thought with a laugh. The grey tangle was as scruffy as always, but it couldn’t hide his warm grin, or the light behind his dark brown eye. “Ian,” he said. “I’m glad you’re alright, I’ll be there in a moment.”

“What?!” It was Gorm who stepped back and shuddered as he dropped his knife. “No, no, what is this?! What happened I—” He looked down at his blood soaked hands, breathing faster and faster. Then he turned to Grandpa. “What did you do to me?!” He said with a snarl, then he charged, but Grandpa just raised his hand.

“That’s enough,” he said, and the man stopped in his tracks, straining as his eyes turned purple again. I wish my eyes did that too! Ian thought. They’re so pretty!

The first kids who peaked through the doorway screamed and jumped back, and even Mari slid away. Ian didn’t know why they were so surprised. Everyone listens to grandpa.

“Wretched fool,” Grandpa spat, as he brought his hand down. “You have been given every advantage, and yet you stoop to this filth, live in this place.” He came up close to him, until his beard nearly scratched Gorm’s face. “You disgust me.” He scowled at him a moment more, before speaking again. “Go pick up your knife.”

Gorm obeyed silently, walking back over to his knife and picking it up off the floor.

“Put it up to your neck.”

Gorm obeyed.

Grandpa stood and stared at him for a while, before nodding to himself. “I was right to come here,” he said. “This is far from good enough.” He scowled again as he looked Gorm over. “There is no other way.” He growled at those words, then stepped up to Gorm once more. “You can wake up now.”

Gorm gasped, panting as tears swelled in his eyes. “What the fuck I—”

“Goodbye.”

“No!” Gorm slit his own throat, gagging as blood stained his vest and shirt, until with a final spasm he collapsed onto the floor.

All the kids screamed at the sight of Gorm, pulling away from the door as they shrieked and wailed.

“Guys it’s ok!” Ian said. “It’s just a game! We can go home!”

“What are you saying?!” Mari cried. “Ian, he killed them!”

Ian gave her a curious look. Killed them? He thought. What does she mean? His head felt all fuzzy again. Well, it didn’t matter. Grandpa was here, and now they’d go do something fun like they always did! He turned back toward the door.

Grandpa was still standing over Gorm, who was lying face-up in a pool of blood. He wasn’t looking down at him anymore though, he was staring at the door. “Yes… the others.” He bent down and picked up Gorm’s knife. “The mess never ends.” With a groan he stood and started heading for the door. “Don’t worry, Ian. I’m coming.”

The others whimpered at the sound of his steps.

“We gotta hide!”

“I’m scared!”

“Shhh! He’ll hear!”

Mari came up and tugged on Ian’s arm once more. “Ian get away! He’ll hurt you!”

“No he won’t!” Ian said with a laugh, as he pulled his arm back. “Everything’s ok now!”

She slid away as the footsteps drew closer. Ian sat smiling with glee, until Grandpa stood just before him. He pushed open the door, letting light spill into the small room and over the other kids’ faces.

They screamed and whimpered at the sight of Grandpa, but they just didn’t know him. He thought the scar was scary at first too. Stuff like that never bothered Grandpa though. He stared at everyone for a moment, before squatting down to Ian. He brought up the knife.

“Ian no!” Mari shrieked.

Grandpa cut the ropes. He started with his wrists then his ankles, and together they both stood.

“Grandpa!” Ian cried, while he gave him a huge hug.

“Oh, it is good to see you,” Grandpa said with a laugh.

“What took you so long?” Ian asked, pushing out of the hug. “All the adults were boring and mean. I had to spend a whole day by myself!”

Grandpa sighed and patted Ian’s head. “Ahh, I’m sorry. I was a little caught up.” He pulled him close again. “But I’m here now. Everything will be alright.”

Ian leaned into Grandpa’s hug as he finally heard the words he’d been waiting for. ‘Everything will be alright.’ Oh wait, Ian thought. “What about everyone else?”

Grandpa relaxed his grip and looked around the room. “Yes…” Then his gaze fell on Mari. He frowned. “You look like her,” he said, as he moved Ian aside. “That’s unfortunate.” He started heading toward her.

She shriveled beneath his glare as he approached, whimpering until he was standing over her. “No!” She shrieked, but then he bent down and grabbed her wrists.

“But still this is better.” He cut the ropes, leaving her ankles tied before dropping the knife at her feet. “When my grandson and I leave, count to ten, ten times then free yourself and your friends. At first call you will leave here and remember nothing. Then return to the last place you called home.” He looked around at the others. “That goes for all of you,” he said louder. “Is that understood?”

All at once everyone was quiet. The whimpers and cries were cut off, as the whole room turned to face Grandpa.

“Yes,” they said as one. “It will be done.”

He nodded then stood. “Good,” he said. “Keep quiet until then.”

After that no one made a sound.

With a satisfied grunt Grandpa dusted himself off and walked back over to Ian. “Come boy,” he said, reaching out his hand. “It’s time to leave.”

“Ok!” Ian said, as he grabbed his hand, then together they walked out of the house and onto the empty street.

- ~ -

The barren roads were kept lit by the wavering light of torches along the road and the twin full moons above. Ian always loved to stare at them glowing beyond the mountain, brightening its barren peaks. Hal Vala and Dhael Mil. The two eyes of God. During the day He brightened the world with his presence, but at night when he goes to rest he leaves his eyes to watch over us. Grandpa had told him that story. He always knew the best ones!

The road they were on was big. One of the two that went up to the huge stone wall. The view from there was wide enough that he got a full look at the sky, and under the light of God’s eyes the Wall and the upper district beyond were gleaming. I wish Mari could see this, Ian thought to himself.

“Hey Grandpa,” he asked. “How come no one else could come with us?”

Grandpa stopped at that, before pulling Ian close as he rubbed his shoulder. “Well you see,” he said. “You and I are going somewhere special, and not everyone can come.”

“Like that man Gorm?” Ian asked. “Cause they… ‘disk-custs’ you?”

Grandpa smiled at that. “No, child,” he said., but then his smile fell away. “Gorm was…” he paused. “He just… didn’t understand what he was supposed to do. He didn’t understand what’s important.”

Ian smiled back at him until he noticed something off in the distance, something shiny. “Grandpa,” Ian said pointing. “What is that?”

Grandpa turned around to see for himself and stood there frozen at the sight. Just beyond the huge Hall in the city, big plumes of smoke were rising into the sky. The spot they were coming from looked small from here, but Ian could still see the bright purple lights flickering in the distance. They looked just like Gorm’s eyes. They were pretty!

“Smoke… smoke means fire, right?” Ian asked.

Grandpa didn’t say anything back. He just kept watching the lights.

He looks kinda sad, Ian thought to himself. “What’s wrong, grandpa?”

It still took Grandpa a moment to respond. “Nothing,” he said at last. “Nothing. It’s just… an old friend of mine is gone now.”

Oh no! Ian thought. “Is there something we can do?”

Grandpa looked down at him and smiled. “No boy,” he said. “There isn’t. He made his choice, and I’ve made mine.” He looked back and stared at the fire a while longer. “Come,” he said at last. “We have things to do in the morning. Tomorrow will be a busy day.”

With that he took Ian’s hand once more, and they continued on into the night.