Becoming (11 page)

‘OK, explain.’

‘I’m not explaining anything until you step back and calm down.’

Aran’s words washed over Gaia’s anger and emotion, smothering them. She was lost, confused. Part of her wanted to believe Aran, but as soon as she grasped at the comfort of his words, more emotion swept in. The anger and voice of caution returned telling her to be careful, of the danger. Trust no-one. The words and emotion wrestled inside. Gaia’s head was a whirlwind of confusion.

The image of Kali kept flashing into Gaia’s head. The cold, bitter face staring back at her. Kali’s menacing eyes punctured Aran’s reassuring words. The sly, knowing grin stoking the fire of hatred from the pit of Gaia’s anger. Gaia looked at Aran. The faint glow of the candle was just enough to show the fear in his face. His eyes were pleading, begging her to listen. Aran was poised, ready to take action if need be. Everything now hung in the balance. The next few moments would define the journey. They stood at a crossroads, one path leading to the precipice, the other uncertain, but still offering a glimmer of hope, a fading one. These were the pivotal moments that define life, the important choices. The outcome would determine all that came after. Aran pleaded again, one last time.

‘Please Gaia.’

Aran’s voice was slow, measured. The tone and tempo of his words had been just right. Each one hit Gaia like the strike of a hammer, forcing home their message. Each cast out the image of Kali from her mind, destroying the anger and emotion. She placed her knife back into its sheath and stepped back.

Freya still lay with her face in the dirt, thick saliva running from her mouth, and mucus from her nose, both mixed with soil. She was shaking, face pale with shock and anger. Freya knew how close she had come, what Gaia was capable of. Freya stayed, not wanting to move and alarm Gaia. Aran would explain, calm the situation.

Gaia sat on the log. Clara and Yann both shared a look of apprehension and fear. If they had been in any doubt of Gaia’s capability, the danger she posed, those doubts had gone. The speed at which Gaia moved, the clinical way she had immobilised Freya, the precision of her attack. Gaia was someone they should fear. Any thoughts Clara had toyed with of escaping, of waiting for an opportunity to act were now gone. Clara knew that to act would be to die. Yann had looked to Aran as his leader, the dominant one who had developed this plan, the one he would defer to. Yann knew that no-one led Gaia.

Aran sat opposite Gaia who was staring forward, eyes distant, almost lifeless. Aran looked at the others, saw the fear in their eyes. Time was melting away, and their opportunity with it. All was not yet lost, but the key lay with Gaia. Aran had to get through to her. Gaia was a risk. Brilliant and unpredictable, but they needed her. Both Freya and Gaia were the key to this trip. Aran knew this better than anyone.

‘Gaia?’

Gaia looked up, eyes flickering into life. Something clicked and the blank expression lifted. She seemed to return again, to realise where she was, become aware of the others. Gaia nodded, her lips moved, not a smile, but an acknowledgement, a sign she was ready to listen. Aran’s voice was calm.

‘I know how Freya’s behaviour probably looked, but that was all part of our plan. Freya’s been in on this for a while. She’s been close to Kali for her own reasons, but there’s no love or loyalty there. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Wasn’t that one of the messages in the readings recently? You know Kali, she’s shrewd. When I knew Freya wanted to escape the island she was ideal to throw Kali off the scent. She’s close to her so that would give us any clues if Kali was onto us. Freya’s also been feeding Kali misinformation, leading her down blind alleys. When you saw her whispering to Kali today that was all part of it. We don’t think Kali has any idea about this. If she did, Freya would know.’

Gaia was confused. Logic told her this might be true, but it went against all she felt. She had become so used to thinking of Freya as an enemy, her hatred was so instinctive that this was difficult to accept.

‘Whatever you think you know of Freya, you’re wrong. We haven’t got time. We need to move. You need to get your head round this Gaia. Now!’

Gaia was trying to process everything. Logic and passion were still at odds inside. This was still the moment. Whatever happened Gaia was finished on the island. She had murdered a leader, and taken another member prisoner. Whatever line was in the sand, she had overstepped it. If Freya was working for Kali they would have been found and caught by now. If Aran was right there was still the chance of freedom. Now was not the time for doubt and indecision. Aran was right. They had to move. Gaia had to take control of her emotions, make the right move and go.

‘Let’s go. It’s too late to turn back now.’

Gaia stood and reached out a hand. Freya lifted her head from the ground and rolled over, grabbing Gaia’s hand and easing to her feet. They stood face to face, eyes locked. For a moment there was the old flash of hatred, of mistrust, but it faded. There was a touch of warmth in Gaia’s eyes, reaching out to Freya, their hands remained locked together. Gaia looked at Freya’s face still smothered in saliva and dirt. Her cheek was imprinted with the uneven pattern of the ground below, flecks of grass clung to her skin.

‘I’m sorry Freya.’

Freya was cautious, uneasy, but now was not the time to continue this. Freya wiped away some of the grime from her face with her sleeve and spat on the floor.

‘Let’s forget about it. We need to move or this’ll all have been a waste of time.’

Aran stepped forward patting them both on the shoulders.

‘That’s settled, now let’s get off this island!’

Freya looked across at Clara.

‘What’s she doing here?’

Aran frowned and thrust daggers at Gaia.

‘It’s a long story. I can’t explain now, but Clara’s coming with us. Just till we get off the island.’
           

10

They left the hideout, each with a rucksack, all except Clara who was gagged, bound and dragged by Gaia. They made their way through the woods, Aran leading the way. The terrain was tricky, especially in the darkness. The full moon cast little glow through the thick canopy above. Bushes and vines choked the earth and made their route hazardous and slow. They stumbled often, Clara most. Gaia was becoming annoyed, convinced it was a tactic to slow them down. They were at the back of the group, managing to keep pace despite Clara’s frequent falls. The branch of a vine caught Gaia’s cheek. She felt the thorns pierce and rip her cold skin. The pain was sharp, lingering, made all the worse by the biting temperatures of the clear night.

Aran pressed on at a strong pace. He knew the route and wanted to make up for lost time. Catching the timing of the tide was critical. They would cross the causeway at the latest possible moment, and if they were discovered before morning there would still be the protection of the incoming tide. The causeway was a lifeline to the island, its main artery, but it had taken many lives in the past. Foolish people who tried to cross despite the incoming tide.

They reached the edge of the woods. There was a field to cross before they reached the dunes and beach beyond. They were to follow the beach to the causeway. It was not the shortest route, but it was the safest and there was no chance of getting lost. Eventually the coastline would reach the causeway. There was also the rats. They roamed at night, but seldom scavenged near the beach as there was little food.

They crossed the field. The moon shone overhead casting a bright, pure light from the clear sky. As the glow panned out, and faded into the blackness a sea of stars could be seen. On a pitch black, clear night the sky was overwhelming. Millions of flickering dots of light, all of varying intensity speckled the blanket of darkness. Gaia would often gaze out of her bedside window and soak up the spectacle. Each a huge ball of blazing gas, each in its own private solar system, with its own planets, moons, and life. All so distant from where they stood. The light from some of the stars took so long to reach the eyes that they may no longer exist. They were ghosts, real and could be seen, but only echoes of something past. What chance was there of another Gaia somewhere she wondered. On another distant planet spinning around one of these flecks of light. Maybe there was someone staring back at her, looking at the same wondrous display, thinking the same thoughts. Such was the infinite nature of the universe anything was possible, anything and everything, a sea of infinite possibilities.

They moved near the end of the field, the dew from the soft grass seeping through their boots and trousers. Gaia noticed something. A shadow flashed across the grass illuminated by the moon. It was large, but fleeting. She looked up, but saw nothing. Perhaps she was mistaken. Maybe it was nothing, her paranoia yet again.

They climbed the dunes and Aran led them onto the beach, moving onto the firm, wet sand nearer the tidal stretch. The tide was still low, the shadows of the rocks and seaweed could be seen stretching out towards the calm silvery water in the distance. The calm was a deception. It would not be long before it turned. Aran stopped a moment, scanning the beach both ways, the golden sand stretching for miles. Aran pointed.

‘We’re heading north, following the beach until we reach the causeway. It’s safer and we can keep an eye on the tide. We’ve got to get a shift on. It won’t be long before it turns. We need to get onto the causeway before it does. We might just make it, but it’s going to be tight.’

Yann looked at Clara and Gaia. He spoke, loud enough to make the others uncomfortable.

‘Can’t you take the handkerchief out of her mouth now? No-one is going to hear her this far out. I’m sure she got the message about not trying anything stupid. We’ve all seen what you’re capable of.’

Gaia pressed the knife against Clara’s cheek. The cold steel blade burnt her skin. Clara’s eyes bulged with fear, begging Gaia to back off.

‘OK. I’ll take it out, but remember don’t be stupid. I won’t hesitate and no-one will hear you scream. Are we clear?’

Clara nodded. Gaia took the handkerchief from her mouth and put it in her rucksack. Clara gasped as though struggling for air. She bit her tongue, desperate to hurl insults at Gaia, but knowing it would be a mistake. Yann smiled at Gaia, and mouthed a thank you. Aran spoke, an anxious tone to his voice.

‘We’ll stick to the tidal stretch. The sand’s firmer and we can move faster.’

Aran set off jogging along the beach, as the others followed. Gaia and Clara struggled at the rear, Clara trying her best to appear to be keeping up, still dragging the pace as much as she could. Gaia kept tugging at her bound hands, warning her to get a move on. Clara remained silent, all the hatred bottled and simmering inside.

They made steady progress. Everyone was fit and the pace comfortable at first, but soon Aran began to step things up. The causeway was a few miles, the distance no problem, but he was becoming worried about the tide. They had delayed far too long and the timing was tight now.

After about a mile Gaia noticed the shadow again. Once more it was momentary, something flying across the light of the moon. There was another, a large black sheet sweeping along the sand. This time Gaia heard something, a whooshing sound. Something was in the air above them. It was large, and fast. It could only be the night birds. Gaia picked up her pace, pulling Clara along. They moved up through the group first passing Yann, then Freya and reaching Aran. Gaia ran alongside Aran with Clara close behind.

‘Aran, there’s something overhead. I’m sure it’s the night birds.’

‘I know, I’ve seen the shadows too. Let’s keep moving. We’ll be there soon. If they were going to attack us, I’m sure they would’ve by now.’

‘I hope you’re right.’

Gaia had let go of Clara, and let her slip back. Gaia turned and noticed Clara had stopped further back on the beach, crouched in the sand, face down. Gaia shouted.

‘Keep going I’ll get her.’

The others pushed on while Gaia made her way back to Clara.

‘Come on Clara. We can’t mess about. I know what you’re up to.’

‘Can I just rest for a couple of minutes? Please!’

Clara looked up at Gaia. For a moment the pleading dove eyes emerged, but soon disappeared knowing there was no point. Gaia was beyond her charm, if anything it would make her worse.

‘You’ll have plenty of time to rest once we cross the causeway. Move it.’

‘Can you not just tie me up on this side of the causeway? I won’t try to escape. I promise. I don’t want to be on the mainland alone. I’ve heard stories about what’s over there. I’m sure you have too.’

Gaia grabbed Clara’s bound hands and yanked her to her feet.

‘You’re crossing the causeway. We’re taking no more risks.’

Gaia tugged at Clara and they set off after the others, lifting the pace to gain ground, catching them step by step. Clara’s breathless charade had ceased. The pace was well within their comfort zone and she was getting nowhere with Gaia. Clara would just have to see it through. It would all be over in a few hours. If they kept their promise. Hopefully, they would all be caught before then anyway. Clara hoped the leaders had discovered they were gone and were waiting for them at the causeway. She longed to see Gaia get what she deserved.

They followed a long arching bend and soon the causeway came into view. The beginning of the long road cast a shadow on the sheen of the glistening sea. The tide had already started to move. The causeway was long, but straight and direct, leading them to the mainland and their freedom. The light of the moon was bright, its glow enough to see the end of the causeway. Aran pushed on until they reached the start of the road. They were alone. No-one was waiting. Their path was clear. They had made it to the first part of their journey. Now they had to make the crossing, and time was running out. Aran stopped at the beginning of the road, turned and spoke.

‘We’re cutting it a bit tight, but we should be OK as long as we keep up a good pace.’

Freya spoke, the first time she had uttered a word since they left the hideout.

‘Are you sure we’ll make it?’

‘Yes. Anyway, we’ve no choice now. We can’t go back. Stay here if you want, but I’m not going back. Anyone else want to stay?’

Aran looked around the group, the moon lighting their faces. No-one responded.

‘Good. Let’s go. Every minute is costing us.’

They stepped onto the causeway, and began to move along the road. It was narrow, only a few metres wide, protected by a line of large boulders. It was in a poor state of repair, crumbling and potholed. Some sections had gaping holes that were now pools of seawater filled with rocks and seaweed. They were easy to dodge, but their frequency hampered the group. About half a mile along the road they came across the remains of a wooden shed. It was on a raised platform with steps leading up to it. Gaia assumed it was some sort of stopping point, a safety area for anyone who had been caught by the waves and stranded. A rusting sign stood nearby, scarred with long forgotten words that could no longer be made out.

They kept on moving with no let up. From the corner of her eye Gaia could make out the lapping waves coming into view as they edged closer to the line of rocks. What Aran had not realised was the tide would be at its highest as they reached the centre of the causeway. They had no sense of this from the beach. After about ten minutes, they neared the halfway point and the high line of the encroaching waves. Though the road was not yet swamped, it was only minutes away, and there was still ten minutes at least before they reached the mainland. Gaia was worried, and sensed the others were too. Aran looked to his side more and more as he pushed on.

Aran lifted the pace. Soon the sea had broken through the boulders and was lapping onto the road. They kept moving, splashing through the shallow water. Clara stopped. She was exhausted. The mental strain of the night had drained her, taking much more from her physically than the others. Gaia could see Clara’s face in the moonlight, the weariness, the look of despair. Clara lifted her arms and thrust her bound hands towards Gaia, pleading.

‘Please cut my hands free. We might have to swim. I don’t want to drown. There’s no way I can make it back now. Please Gaia.’

Gaia could hear the pain and desperation in her cries. Clara was right. The threat of escape and raising the alarm was over. There was no point in putting lives at risk. Gaia placed the blade of her knife between Clara’s tied hands and cut the string. Clara rubbed her wrists.

‘Thanks.’

‘OK. Let’s get going. We’ve still got some distance to go.’

They ran as best they could through the rising water, each step more laboured than the last. The sea slowed their pace as it closed in on them. The water was just below Gaia’s knee, making running ever more difficult. The sea was freezing, Gaia’s legs numb. Aran was still out in front, pressing ahead, determined to get them to the mainland, not let them down. This was his mission, and they were all his responsibility. Freya was tucked in close behind Aran, Yann a metre back. All were pushing ahead now, as Gaia and Clara dropped further back. The mainland was not far, maybe half a mile and they would be there. They could feel it approaching, as its silhouette dominated the skyline before them. Gaia could make out the beach, a small building, a gatepost and a barrier. It was within their reach, but the water was rising fast, and was now above the knees.

Gaia heard a splash and looked behind. Clara had fallen, was on her knees, the water up to her chest. Gaia ran back. Clara was exhausted, close to finished, gasping for air, no longer wanting to carry on. The freezing water was paralysing them, and Clara was not sure if she could move any further. Gaia reached out her hand.

‘Come on Clara. We’ve got to keep moving. We’re nearly there.’

‘I’ve done something to my leg. I think I’ve snagged it on something. You go on. I just need a moment. I’ll catch you.’

‘No! I’m not leaving you. You’re only here because of me. Take my hand. We can do this together. Come on!’

Clara put her head back and inhaled a huge gasp of air. She sighed and grabbed Gaia’s arm, letting her take the weight as Clara struggled to her feet. Clara winced and cried as she felt a stabbing pain run through her leg. Her leg buckled as she put some weight on it. Clara stumbled, but Gaia caught her, and dragged her back to her feet. Gaia arched her body, and bent her knees so Clara could use her as a human crutch, taking as much of the pressure from the injured leg.

‘How bad is it?’

‘I should be OK. You may need to take most of the weight though.’

‘Does it feel broken?’

‘I don’t think so, but it stings like hell. I’m bleeding.’

‘Let’s just get to the mainland and we’ll patch you up there. You’re going to be OK. I’m sorry.’

Clara looked away, ignoring the apology. Gaia took Clara’s weight again as they edged forward. The others had stopped further ahead. Aran’s voice could be heard echoing in the distance. The others had almost reached the shore, and were now in the shallow waters of the final stretch onto the beach.

‘Is everything OK? There isn’t far to go. We’re nearly there.’

‘Keep going. We’ll be fine.’

Gaia and Clara battled on through the rising waters, edging onward step by step, almost falling several times. The water was so high now they could not make out the road at all. The route ahead was gone, all they could see was water well above waist high. Clara seemed to get heavier as she tired and the water deepened. Gaia was dragging her through the icy sea that now engulfed them. Walking was laboured, and they had reached the point where they could no longer go on foot.