Ruth Silver - Isaura

I wasnt good with waiting. I paced the length of the atrium. My feet bounced along the tiled floor. Every few moments, I glanced back at the closed doors. I wanted to be a part of the meeting, but I understood my place. I wasnt a representative of any of the cities. I had been there along with Joshua as an honorary member. Our work here had been done and we had been told we could leave.

Clearly, Craynor had entered the city of Torv and had known what was going on. Of course it hadnt been a secret! How could it have been? The entire nation of Cabal had known about the upcoming election and restructuring of the government.

I had hoped the bombing of the Governors Mansion had ended Craynors life, but Id been mistaken. I should have known he would come back into our lives. My life was never that simple. How had he known to escape? Was it sheer luck or had someone alerted him of our plan?

I didnt know what I could do. A madman had taken Joshua. There was no other way to describe Craynor, who no longer acted as Governor. Kidnapping Joshua wasnt about reinstating his position in the political system. He wanted to get even with me. I just wasnt sure if it was because I was aberrant or that hed figured out Id been Jacqueline in the mansion. He did this to hurt me, because Id caused him a great deal of trouble. My stomach tensed as Chancellor Collins opened the wooden doors. I jumped from the sound and came rushing in their direction to see Collins walking towards me. His face looked solemn, grave. His expression added to the anxiety I already faced. My fingers twitched and I opened my mouth to ask what would happen, when he spoke.

Theyve asked for you. Why didnt he relay me the information on his own? I followed him back inside and stood there awkwardly, wanting to know what they planned to do about Craynor and how wed find Joshua.

Olivia. Someone at the far end of the table spoke up: Isaura. Id briefly met her at the meeting a few days ago. She was one of the new delegates in Torv. She had dark green eyes, and jet-black hair against pale ivory skin. There is much for our new body of government to be involved in. So much of the current system has remained in shambles for centuries. We recognize Craynor is not the only enemy we must face. There are people who do not agree with our ways and we fear they will demonstrate against us. She sighed, tapping her fingers together. This doesnt come lightly in our decision. It was not unanimous. Many of us recognize the effort Joshua has played in the revolution. However, we cant afford to send any resources to look for him. There are factions rising as we speak. For each day we spend forming laws, they build stronger armies to retaliate. Not everyone believes in what we do, she explained to me. Some wish us to fall as quickly as we rose. If we do that, complete chaos will ensue. You understand that, dont you, Olivia?

I recognized what they said but I didnt understand what that meant for Joshua. Youre giving up, letting a mad man take refuge in the city and kidnap anyone he chooses? I was appalled. I refused to let Craynor win. If I had to find Joshua on my own, I would.

We understand youre upset, Olivia. Weve decided to let any law abiding citizens who volunteer aide in your search for Joshua, she explained. These citizens will be under your command, she informed me. You will be responsible for leading them. I take it you can handle a search and rescue mission. We cannot, however, demand anyone to help you, nor will we take away their free choice. Is that not what weve been fighting for? she reminded me harshly. I understand Craynor is more than a subtle nuisance. She glanced beside her at another representative. With time we will devise rules and consequences for such actions hes partaken. Until then, you must act on your own and do what you must to rescue Joshua.

Relieved they didnt forbid me from looking for him, the truth was they couldnt stop me. Even if they tried. I was disheartened that they wouldnt be assigning anyone to help, but I would go at it alone if that was the case. Nothing would stop me from finding him.

I wish we could offer you more, Olivia, but until weve had our own matters settled and in control, this is all we can provide you with. They hadnt provided me with anything except the mere permission to go. At least I wouldnt have them trying to stop me.

Itll be fine. I was better trained than most in Torv. Though it didnt mean I felt any less nervous. Joshua was out there, with a man out for revenge and I didnt even know where to start looking.

If Joshua was in Torv, I couldnt leave. Every moment I wasted traveling between Torv and Shadow for reinforcements could mean his death. I hated to think I had to wait for Craynor to make the next move, but I was at a loss for what else to do.

After having met with the representatives of the cities, I rushed back to Joshs room to make sure no other clues were left behind. I was told at three oclock, an hour and a half from now, additional members of Torv would be on-hand to help search for Joshua. I didnt know what to think. It wasnt going to be easy. At least in Shadow we had special talents, abilities that might help us find and track Craynor. I couldnt use them, not with anyone from Torv watching. Too much was at risk. Joshua wouldnt want me to, hed made it clear.

I walked through the small room, my fingers grazing over his clothes. The small space smelled of Joshua. The perfect scent of masculinity and warmth: of home even when I was far from it. I sat on his bed, wishing I knew how to find him. Joshua, please tell me where you are. I didnt expect him to answer. If he was capable of answering, hed have contacted me already. He could be anywhere.

I tried to think. Tried to reason where Craynor would go. Wed destroyed his home. He wouldnt be stupid enough to travel back to Genesis. I doubted he had a vehicle, unless he commandeered one in Torv. The nearest town to Torv was Haven. It had been destroyed months ago, and though I hadnt been back there, I couldnt fathom that anything remained standing. Maybe I should consider checking it out.

How? I shook my head in confusion. He wasnt one of the representatives of Torv. He was my father.

Youre asking for volunteers, right? Gavin raised an eyebrow. You want me to come along?

I didnt want him, but I also knew I needed all the help I could get. Craynor could be anywhere and Joshuas life was in danger. I am. I sighed. My fingers held one of his t-shirts. I swallowed the lump in my throat. I would not cry. Joshua could still be alive. He might be fine, just asleep. I was trying to reassure myself of the unknown. If he was awake, hed have communicated with me telepathically if he could.

So, whats the verdict? Gavin remarked watching me. You want my help or not?

I would take anyones help. Even if I didnt like Gavin, I trusted he wouldnt betray me. I didnt know why, but I knew he wouldnt. Just dont piss me off, okay? I said. I was on edge. I already felt so much emotion. Not only had Craynor taken my best friend but also my husband, the love of my life. I could not imagine the rest of my life without him there, beside me.

Ill do my best, Gavin agreed. Come on, Ive got some other people I know who want to help.

You do? I asked, feeling the slightest bit of hope as I took Joshuas shirt with me. I shoved it into my bag and tossed all of Joshuas clothes into his bag and zipped it. Carry this for me. I handed him Joshuas bag. When we found Josh, hed want his things returned to him. Id have them for him.

Gavin didnt object. He took the bag and slung it over his shoulder. Lets go. He gestured and walked towards the elevator. I didnt waste any time. Once we stepped outside I saw what Gavin had spoken about. Already two others stood nearby. I wasnt sure they looked the most capable of soldiers but this wasnt a war. We only had to deal with one man. I doubted Craynor had an army of his own. If I was lucky the fact Craynor was still alive, someone would see him, recognize him.